Top 5 Fitness Trends for 2013

With a new year just beginning and all the holiday celebrations coming to an end, many of us are probably looking forward to getting back to or starting a new fitness routine.  The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Goodlife Fitness each survey fitness professionals to gauge what they feel will be the top fitness trends of the new year.

Looking over both reports, we've found where they coincide and have created a top 5 list for you.  

1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals - this is fast growing industry where clients are expecting more bang for their buck.  Many fitness professionals are now required to have a bachelor's degree in a wellness/exercise related field, have multiple certifications, and a wealth of experience through credible organizations. 

2. Small group training - with a lot of people trying to stretch their budget, many are opting for a group personal training experience.  Depending on the club or gym you belong to, many offer discounts to those wishing to experience exercising in a group setting. 

3. Body weight training - this is the big surprise of this year's list.  Body weight training is not a new concept and involves exercise that uses your own body weight to provide the resistance usually reserved for free weights or other equipment.

4. Core training - currently there isn't a fitness program available that does not include core training in some form.  Core training exercises obviously give you an attractive tummy, but also have the added benefit of improving your posture and balance, and decreases back pain. 

5. Fitness classes for older adults - this market is also growing fast with aging baby boomers wanting to remain healthy as they get older.  People over 55 now represent nearly a quarter of health club memberships so expect to see your gym offering up new classes for this age bracket.

New year's resolutions are fun, but the the best way to ensure you stick to your fitness goals is by incorporating exercise into the rest of your life by setting realistic goals and schedules.  For any of you wanting to take advantage of these new trends for 2013, it's good to note that there are many exciting opportunities to do so.
 
References from the SIRC Collection:

1. Body Weight Training: Emerging Trend in Annual ACSM Fitness Survey. Fitness Business Canada. November 2012;13(6):12.
2. Herek M. Boom time: the health and fitness segment is blasting off as Baby Boomers seek to get fit. Sgb. July 2002;35(7):48;50;52-54.
3. Milner C. 10 trends that are changing the face of the fitness industry. Active Living. September 2012;21(5):18-19.
4. Swan J, Friis R, Turner K. Getting Tougher for the Fourth Quarter: Boomers and Physical Activity. Journal Of Aging & Physical Activity. July 2008;16(3):261-279.
5. Thompson W. WORLDWIDE SURVEY OF FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2012. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. November 2011;15(6):9-18.
6. Thompson W. WORLDWIDE SURVEY OF FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2013. ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal. November 2012;16(6):8-17.
7. Twist P. DISCOVER BODY WEIGHT TRAINING. Fitness Business Canada. March 2010;11(2):32-35.