Fitness Trends for 2009

As 2009 approaches, it's time to make those New Year's Resolutions. Start now and ring in the New Year with the latest workout trends.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has just released its top ten projected fitness trends for the upcoming year. Survey groups indicate that bootcamp-style workouts, which topped the list in 2008, will retain their number one spot as the most popular trend for 2009. Also look for consumers to be tightening their wallets due to the recent economic downturn. “The overarching theme for fitness in 2009 is getting more bang for the buck,” says ACE’s Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D. “Consumers will engage in workouts that provide multiple benefits due to time and economic limitations”.

The 2009 list is a mix of old and new, with several 2008 trends remaining on the list. Expect technology-based workouts and Baby Boomer fitness to continue to thrive in popularity.

Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2009

1. Bootcamp-Style Workouts. Top of the list for the second year in a row, bootcamp-style workouts will continue to dominate the fitness world in 2009 because “they give you a total-body workout that’s varied, fun and challenging”. The extreme cardiovascular factor leads to a high caloric burn, resulting in a greater weight-loss potential. As an added bonus, high-and low-intensity exercises are included, such as pushups, squats and lunges, which work to strengthen muscles.
2. Budget-Friendly Workouts. The economic slowdown will cause consumers to cut corners in their fitness regime. Gym memberships are expected to decrease in 2009, and fewer people are likely to hire personal trainers.
3. Specialty Classes. While Yoga and Pilates remain popular, look for dance-based classes to be livening up workouts this year. In particular, Zumba--a Latin-inspired fitness/dance workout--is one of the hottest upcoming exercise trends. Reality-based TV shows, such as Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have sparked the dance-fitness craze, with ballroom and other dance styles also popular.
4. Getting Back to Basics. Despite the trendiness of today’s modern exercise classes and equipment, expect many trainers to re-focus on the basics of staying in shape, gearing in on simple movements and techniques.
5. Circuit Training. Considered more time-efficient than standard weight-training and aerobic exercises, circuit training equipment is appearing in more gyms and fitness clubs.
6. Kettlebells. A Kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight, resembling a cannonball with a handle. Kettlebells satisfy the “getting back to the basics urge”, providing a workout for the entire body. They work by engaging multiple muscles as a group, developing core strength and stability.
7. Boomer Fitness. The growing 50+ population is a major consumer for the fitness market, as Baby Boomers have the time and financial means to stay healthy. As the aging process continues, the motivation to remain fit and improve quality of life becomes more relevant. Affordable and targeted fitness services aimed at this group will only continue to grow.
8. Technology-Based Fitness. High-tech gadgets like the I-pod, Wii-Fit, and the growth of Cardio Cinema in many fitness clubs are some of the ways technology has infiltrated modern workouts. Expect new fitness-based games in 2009, as well as continued technological inventions to heighten the exercise experience.
9. Event or Sport-Specific Exercises. Getting in shape the old-fashioned way by a participating in a neighbourhood basketball game, going for a bike ride in the country, or marathon training remain fun and popular ways to stay fit.
10. Mixing It Up. Variety is key, and changing things up a bit prevents workouts from becoming stale, as well as providing better results. Low-intensity cardio or weight-training one day, followed by a high-intensity workout the next keeps one’s fitness routine interesting and effective.