How might you be working out in 2012? Will it be under the guidance of a personal trainer? Will you be doing strength training? Alone or with a group?
The American College of Sports Medicine recently published an article that makes looking into the future a little easier.
In “Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2012,” (published in the November/December issue of American College of Sports Medicine Health & Fitness Journal) Walter R. Thompson, professor of exercise science at Georgia State University, outlines the 20 most popular trends in the fitness industry for 2012.
Based on the predictions of more than 2,600 fitness industry professionals, the top-20 list reveals a wealth of information about what forms of exercise people enjoy, what types of programs work, and what fitness professionals consider important for individuals and communities.
Knowledge is power
In the No. 1 spot for the last five years: educated and experienced fitness professionals who take the guesswork out of exercise. The growing need for accredited educational programs in the fitness industry, Thompson writes, is a good indicator that there is a growing need for professionals in the fitness industry. Consumers should look for professionals who are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
Gaining strength
The second-most popular trend: strength training. It is an especially important activity for women, says Cindy Kropid, exercise coordinator at the Springfield, Ill., YMCA.
“It’s very important because most women … need weights. Women have a tendency to do cardiovascular work, but they need weights to combat osteoporosis,” Kropid said.
Strength training is being incorporated in comprehensive exercise programs by most health and fitness professionals, Thompson wrote in his article, and in rehabilitative and disease-control programs.
Fighting childhood obesity
Strength training is also used in programs that address childhood obesity, he said in a recent interview. With children and obesity taking the No. 5 spot on the list of trends, it’s apparently a concern for families and fitness professionals.
“In this country, the obesity rate is increasing. Forty percent of our kids in the Atlanta area are obese … and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has predicted that our kids will not live as long as us — primarily because of this obesity problem,” he said.
Thompson said there are many causes. The biggest has to do with a lack of physical activity. Fewer and shorter school recess periods, more use of video games and low-quality food are the main culprits.
