Fitness Trends for 2010

No sooner has 2009 passed than The American Council on Exercise has offered its predictions for what the fitness trends of 2010 will be. It's clear that saving money and time will continue to be guiding forces in people's fitness choices.

Time-Efficient Workouts

The constraints of time will lead people to seek out shorter but higher intensity workouts like boot camps and circuit training.

Cost-Conscious Workouts

Though the recession is over, its impact will still affect how people decide to get fit. Gyms will create and promote discount programs for budget-conscious consumers, and many individuals will opt to work out at home.

Exergaming

Fitness video games like Wii Fit will continue to grow in popularity. Besides home use, many gyms will begin to offer exergaming sessions.

Group Training

Instead of doling out on personal training sessions, more people will turn to group exercise classes for guided fitness instruction. To meet this demand, gyms will expand or alter group programs.

Baby Boomer Programs

Growing numbers of the baby boomer generation will begin to recognize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle — from lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to overall health. Special fitness programs will be created for this large group of adults.

Governmental Health and Fitness Awareness

An ever-growing number of government and community agencies will get involved in the fight against obesity and the promotion of physical activity.

Specialty Exercise Classes

Thanks in large part to the success of dance programs like Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance, exercise classes like Zumba, pole dancing, and hooping will remain popular. Gyms will also expand their schedules to offer new fusion type classes.

Fitness Tech Tools

Using technology as a means to track health and fitness will see a boom in the upcoming year. People will look for tools, apps, and websites to plan meals, monitor progress, develop workouts, and more.