- Out of the Box Workouts - Gyms are not for everyone we get that. The popularity of TV shows like, ABC's
Dancing with Stars has dance studios popping up all around the country. Hip
hop, ballroom, Latin and country line dancing combine high energy and
motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow participants to
get fit while dancing away their worries. Outdoor boot camps are gaining in
popularity and local boxing clubs have crowded rings and classes filled with
people of all ages. For some, these fun, recreational activities hide the fact
that they really are exercising which is a good thing!
- Body Weight and Equipment-Free Workouts - Equipment can intimidate some and others want to
add options and flexibility to their existing workout regimens. These full-body
workouts focus on movement patterns, repetitions, and plyometric work to target
multiple muscle groups. These types of workouts are perfect for traveling since
they require no equipment and, therefore, can be performed anywhere.
- Event or Sports-Specific Programming - Many Americans participate each year in charity
runs and walks. Many train up to a year in advance. For many it is a great
social event and an opportunity to take the focus off themselves and onto their
charity of choice. This trend doesn't stop there; clubs are offering training
for surfboarding, golf, football, etc. specific workouts; all while helping
participants build the strength, endurance, and stamina needed for real-life
activities and sports.
- Boomer Fitness Focus - Individuals age 50+ are redefining our expectations about age, vitality, and
life realizing the importance of physical activity as we age. For the aging
population, regular exercise is critical in keeping the body limber, injury
free, and more youthful. AARP, the noted advocacy group for individuals age
50+, launched a major fitness initiative in September of 2007 aimed at providing
a wide range of affordable fitness services to its 39 million members.
- Focused Express Workouts - Group classes lasting 30 minutes or less that focus on one component
of fitness or training a specific part of the body (e.g., core stabilization,
upper-body strength, balance and agility, aerobic training/fat burning).
Participants enjoy targeting a specific goal within a short time commitment.
Many clubs piggy-back these classes in their schedules for members to attend
two classes in a row.
- Total Wellness Programming - Prevention is the key for long-term health and optimal quality of
life. More and more people will focus on injury and disease prevention and
understand how food, exercise, weight and a healthier mindset must interact for
the body to achieve balance and total wellness. It is a focus on what the body
and mind need and how to encourage them to work in harmony. Maintaining a
healthy mind and body from the inside with less of a focus on physical
appearance is steadily becoming a new ideal.
- Hybrid Programming -
Fusion of mind-body techniques like breath work and meditation into traditional
modalities continues to be popular. Workouts like Spin-Yoga and Pilates Fusion
combine strength, flexibility and endurance and offer the equivalent of an all-in-one
exercise experience.
- Technology-Based Workouts - Consumers are choosing to use downloadable programs to iPods, PDAs
etc., which offer fitness programming with illustrations and/or streaming
video. In addition, technological advancements are making it possible to more
precisely measure a wide variety physiological responses and document-training
program results. Metabolic testing devices provide more accurate physiological
data to improve weight management and performance programming.
- Functional Strength Training - Whether it's walking, hiking or lifting, functional strength is
needed to successfully complete the task. Incorporating it into an existing
exercise program enhances strength, endurance, balance, and coordination in
everyday activities. Individuals will increasingly be searching for workout
programs that will help them more safely and effectively perform their
activities of daily living, work-related tasks, and recreational or
sports-specific activities.
