Living Smart: Top 10 fitness trends of 2007

After surveying hundreds of fitness professionals, the American Council on Exercise announced their top 10 fitness trend predictions for 2007.

The ACE is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.

1.Specialized fitness programming for older adults.

Green Valley demonstrates this need, as more of us are using the fitness centers and taking classes than ever before.

We have learned that a balanced fitness program incorporating not only aerobic exercise, but strength training, stretching and balance is better than any drug.

2.Small-group training for all age groups.

Small-group personal training from two to five individuals continues to grow.

Couples, families and friends see this option as a great way to get the technical instruction and close supervision of a fitness professional at a more economical cost.

3.A focus on youth programming.

Childhood obesity is growing in the U.S. due to a lack of exercise and a high-calorie intake.

Fitness programs aimed at children will grow as community, program leaders and parents recognize the problem and take action.

4.Personal trainers taking a team approach.

Medical doctors, therapists, trainers and nutritionists are coordinating their efforts for the benefit of their patients. With a team approach, the likelihood of success for the individual patient is greatly improved.

5.Accessible, simple, affordable workout options.

We are seeing a trend toward activities such as the 10,000 Steps or Walk Across Arizona programs as people look for simple, unstructured and accessible ways to exercise.

Home gyms can also be a comfortable and inexpensive place to work out.

6.Functional Fitness and Balance Training activities.

Health clubs and trainers are offering balance training, as well as functional strength training and core strengthening activities that enhance balance, coordination, strength and endurance.

Equipment such as foam rollers and BOSU balance platforms aim at improving an individuals’ balance and coordination.

7.The mind and body connection.

Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi continue to provide an opportunity and an alternative to higher impact activities.

The key elements of mind-body activities include proper posture, breathing and body awareness and incorporate elements of mental and spiritual fitness.

8. Personal trainers with accredited certification.

Personal Training is a rapidly growing profession and consumers are demanding competent practitioners.

A certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies helps ensure that those trainers have been certified by an organization, such as ACE, that has established high quality standards.

9.Accountability and measurement-focused programming.

Technological advancements now make it possible to measure a wide variety of physiological responses and document training program results (e.g. metabolic testing, body fat, etc.).

This type of documentation will be necessary in the future as insurance reimbursement for fitness services becomes at reality.

10.Time-efficient workouts for those with tight schedules.

There is a growing demand for group fitness classes and training sessions that are 45 minutes or less.

You might think that this would apply only to people that are working, but busy retirees want effective workouts that fit into their hectic schedules as well.

Two trends from 2006 should also be mentioned—sport-specific training, particularly for tennis and golf, and in-home personal training.

There will always be a demand for in-home training for individuals, especially home-bound, who are seeking convenience and privacy.

Green Valley resident Ann Sirianni is a certified trainer. Contact her at 465-1221 or gvfitness@cox.net.