The top fitness trends

July 8, 9:31 AMNew England Fitness ExaminerJo Levy

A new survey put out by the American College of Sports Medicine polled fitness and health experts. They were asked to identity the top trends. "The ACSM, a nonprofit sports medicine and exercise science organization, tracks trends for the fitness industry and gives the public a heads-up about what they are likely to face at the gym, the doctor's office and the workplace." Source

The survey polled over 1500 fitness professions from six continents (including the U.S.). They were asked to ignore what the fitness experts might see as fads.

• Personal training which came into vogue over 10 years ago was seen as the top trend. It is no longer seen as just for the rich and famous although it seems to me that in this economy that would be one of the first things people would cross off their list. However, if you are new to working out or need motivation a few sessions with a trainer makes a world of difference.
                              
• Children and obesity came in second in the poll. This Examiner has written widely about the epidemic which has finally moved from just an after thought to the forefront of problems with which we must deal. 
• Strength training now known to be effective in stopping all sorts of ills especially osteoporosis was number four.
• Core training which works the abdominal and back areas was seen as increasingly a big part of people's routines.
• The stability ball which didn't make the top 20 two years ago came in at number eight.
• Also new to the top ten were Yoga, Pilates, and Tai Chi.
• Promoting health at work was number 12. We now know that giving employees good health benefits, access to a gym, and even an exercise class at work increases productivity.

To read more about this survey go here.