By Ken Hunt
As we round the corner and look to 2012 !- Yes its almost here, I thought I would take a few moments and reflect on what 2011 was like. Although its not quite over, I think we can learn a few things as we prepare to face the new year together. And health wise, we can begin to take advantage of some of the hot new fitness trends that are on the horizon. There is no time like the present to begin factoring these trends into your workout routines.
I think you will agree, this year has been a tough one for us in many ways, but we saw some interest fitness trends emerge. We had a pretty good exercise year with circuit training, interval training, toning shoes, hot yoga and more. Looking towards 2012 it looks like we’ll spend more time focusing on health, stress-reduction and finding support for our health and weight loss goals.
Economy: Looking at the personal training business over the past year, I am finding that things are slowly getting better in the fitness industry. The economic improvement will motivate people to get back to fitness, whether it’s working with a trainer or just getting back to the gym
Focusing on Wellness: Wellness is the buzzword of 2011, an all-inclusive term that often refers to our well-being as a whole. We’re much more health-conscious these days and, because of that, I think that we’ll see a growing relationship between healthcare companies and health clubs to cover all of our needs, not just exercise and fitness. This might include things like nutritional counseling, physical therapy or other types of medical services. We are moving towards a more integrated system that takes care of everything – mind, body and spirit.
Stress: 2011 was a stressful year. I noticed that my clients were much more aware of stress and how it can affect everything from mood to weight gain. I believe that we will see more people turning to exercise to help manage stress and you may even see more fitness programming focusing on stress reduction. Maybe 2011 will be the least stressful year ever…or at least less stressful than 2010.
Social Networking: If you are a techno freak then chances you spent 2011 using all kinds of things like heart rate monitors fitness apps, and music players. I think we have just seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the integration of social networking into our everyday lives and even our fitness routines. I think sites like Face book, Twitter and YouTube will be a big part of fitness in the coming year. Fitness professionals will use it to stay in touch with clients and as a compliment personal training sessions. At Steel Gym we are using social networking sites—especially twitter — as online motivational support systems.
The Buddy System: — I think we’ll see more people relying working out with a buddy for both motivation and support. This support isn’t limited to just a workout buddy. We will see this manifest itself through peer groups and fitness classes at the gym.
Hot New Workouts: Boot camp came on strong in a big way in 2010, I think because it’s more pleasant to do crazy things like burpees and walking lunges when we have the support of equally challenged fellow exercisers. We will continue to see the popularity of boot camps in 2011, but we’ll also get our groove on with dance classes like Zumba – a fusion of Latin music and easy-to-follow dance moves that makes exercise far more fun Another popular type of training in 2011 will be TRX suspension training, an innovative system of straps that allows you to use your own body weight as leverage for a completely different kind of work out.
In addition there are some other hot new trends on the horizon:
Bellyfit
Alice Bracegirdle is the founder of the oh-so-popular Bellyfit exercise plan. As a complex plan it fuses various elements of different fitness domains. The workout session starts with a pleasant mediation then comes a warm-up sessions and some Cardio. Finally the most important phase includes different steps from belly dancing, Bhangra as well as African dance.
This mixture of these ingredients is further completed with Pilates movements and exercises as well as stretching workout which is inspired by Yoga. The whole workout is finished up with another healing meditation.
Aerojump
Aerojump is another exercise plan that launched a real craze in Hollywood as well as the various countries of the world. The professional boxer Michael Olajide’ Jr. came up with the idea of a similar plan which works in the tradition of jumping rope to workout songs that would boost your mood and energy on the spot. Boxers are familiarized with the important of jump ropes in their training sessions.
Aerojump offers an intense workout that works miracles with your calves, thighs, arms as well as the upper body. The program promises no less than 450 calorie burning in only 10 minutes.
Piloxing
This is another popular workout plan that as its name denotes combines some features of Pilates with boxing. The soft and relaxed moves of Pilates are combined with strength training that aims to tone our core and provide us with more flexibility and a spotless and dainty posture.
Kangaroo Jumps
The Kangaroo jump fitness trend for the next year which would offer you the privilege to loose weight and work on your muscles without being forced to stay at the gym or at home. These Pogo jogging shoes were invented in the 90s and still managed to convince celebs and great trainers of their efficiency when it comes of a well-defined exercise plan
Whether you decide to attend a Kangaroo jump class and do the classy exercise or would like top purchase the shoes and do the workout your own way all options are available which makes this exercise equipment even more fascinating and popular.
Small Group Training: When we workout, most of exercise alone, with a friend or in a large group fitness class. But, what about small group training? Small group training will grow in popularity, giving us more options for our workouts. It’s a great way to save money and add a social element to your workouts. In a small group, you get to know each other more and create a bond you often don’t have in larger classes. Look for more opportunities in the coming year through personal training studios or specialty fitness classes.
Focus on Youth Fitness: Do you remember being a kid and being told to go outside and play. These days, we actually worry that our kids aren’t being active enough. Childhood obesity is a big issue and we see it addressed on countless news programs I think there will be more youth-oriented fitness classes in schools and health clubs. Michelle Obama’s “Lets Move” is also focused on healthy kids with a variety of programs like Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools and Let’s Move Outside.
So there you have it, I have looked into my crystal ball and predicted what I think the big fitness trends will be in 2012. And for those of you who want more information and a chance to ask questions, I am delighted to tell you that I will be hosting my own radio talk show, The Hunt for Fitness. Tune in to WWRL 1600 AM radio at 10:00 PM. every Friday. I will be discussing tips and suggestions to help you achieve your fitness goals. There will be special guests and, of course, opportunities for you to call in and ask questions. I hope you will join me.
Thanks Ken
