NOTE: this article
was forwarded to me by a friend (thanks Randy!) and it confirms what we at
Kettlebells Maryland have been saying all along!
Group Say Boot Camp-Style Fitness Plans Expected to Hold Top
Spot
By Kelley Colihan - WebMD Health News
Dec. 12, 2008 – Ready to adopt a new workout program in the New
Year?
A survey by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) predicts
that fitness programs that are easy on the pocketbook will shine in 2009.
The group is out with its top 10 fitness trends for the
upcoming year, after surveying personal trainers, group fitness professionals,
and lifestyle and weight management consultants.
For the second year in a row, boot camp-style workouts are
predicted to be the top fitness trend for 2009. Boot camps, group classes that
aim to strengthen large muscle groups with pushups, squats, and lunges, can
burn up to 600 calories during one session.
Another trend? Getting more for the money, says ACE Chief Science
Officer Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, in a news release. “The overarching theme for
fitness in 2009 is getting more bang for the buck.”
Bryant says, “Consumers will engage in workouts that provide
multiple benefits due to time and economic limitations. We will also see continued trends from 2008
including boot-camp style workouts, technology-based workouts, out-of-the-box
programming, and an increased interest in fitness for those who are over 50
years old.”
Here’s the ACE’s top trend rundown:
- Boot camp-style
fitness programs.
- Workout plans
that are less expensive.
- Specialty Classes
- like Zumba, Bollywood, Afro-Cuban, and
ballroom dancing. These classes are set to rhythmic music and aim to increase
cardiovascular fitness while folks have fun.
- The Basics - Fitness
professionals believe that people will want to return to basic fitness
programs.
- Circuit Training
- Circuit training blends strength training and cardiovascular activity at
different intensities. Another plus: gyms can set up their own circuit for
members to follow.
- Kettlebell
Training - These iron weights, traditionally used in Russia, aim to
develop whole body fitness and core strength.
- Boomer Fitness
- A focus on fitness led by people 50 and older.
- Technology-based Fitness - Using high-tech gadgets like iPods to help
keep workouts engaging, plus an increase in interactive fitness video games.
- Event or Sports-specific
Exercises - A focus on the simple things, like basketball or volleyball games,
or day bike rides.
- Mixing It Up -
Low-intensity cardio or weight training on one day, followed by a
high-intensity workout on another day.
SOURCE: News release, American Council on Exercise.