Top fitness trends for 2008

MANILA, Philippines¡ªEvery year, new programs emerge as a response to growing needs of diverse populations and to attract more people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Over the years, fitness centers multiplied and personal training sessions were offered not just for body builders, but for the general population.

Programs for those with medical concerns like low back pain gained popularity since many physical therapists became fitness professionals. The trend convinced the public that personal trainers did not have to look like those in glossy fitness magazines.

From basic strength training, regimens moved to the use of resistance training machines like leg extension to compound body weight exercises like squats with upper body exercises.

The use of balls, bands and balance board were favored by trainers for a more sports-specific, functional and integrated workout session.

Pre-choreographed classes by Les Mills Body Training systems came to the Philippines in 2002. The six programs¡ªBody Balance, Body Pump, Body Combat and Body Jam, RPM, Body Attack and Body Step¡ªwere guided by the latest trends in music and latest developments in exercise science.

Last year, Bikram Yoga, a 90-minute class practiced in a room heated to 105¡ãF with 26 postures guided by an instructor became one of the hottest workouts.

Fitness survey results

Now the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has just released fitness predictions for 2008 based on its second annual fitness trend survey.

The top 10 fitness trends were ranked from highest to lowest based on opinions of health and fitness professionals worldwide:

1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals

The increasing involvement of educated and experienced fitness professionals tops the list mainly because the industry is giving much importance in offering large populations a wide variety of exercises that are safe and effective.

A certification from groups like the American Council on Exercise (ACE) requires individuals to remain updated on fitness trends and researches by earning continuing education credits through seminars and distance learning.

2. Programs to fight childhood obesity

The problem of obesity starts in childhood and can be attributed to family upbringing. Kids should be introduced to sports and parents should be role models for healthy eating and active lifestyle.

Sommerville school in Massachusetts operates cafeterias that offer fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy meals and baked snacks. Yoga and dance sessions became part of physical education classes.

More than one million kids are now working out in clubs, according to a joint survey by International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) and American Sports Data, Inc. Children account for 17 percent of all individuals purchasing training services.

3. Personal training

A one-on-one exercise session is recommended if you have special medical concerns, want to learn about fitness, or are having a hard time sticking to an exercise routine. Knowledge will save you time, money and effort.

4. Strength training

Incorporating strength training into a fitness routine will continue to be emphasized.

Eight to 10 strength training exercises should be done at least twice a week, according to the American Heart Association and ACSM¡¯s physical activity guidelines.

5. Core training

Core training strengthens muscles around the spine like the pelvis and abdominal muscles. Its popularity in fitness training is expected to continue with or without equipment.

6. Special fitness program for older adults

Special programs for older adults to improve strength and balance will be given more attention.

Les Mills¡¯ Body Vive, a low impact class integrating aerobic exercise, resistance training and stretching is especially suited to active adults in their 40s to 60s.

7. Pilates

A mind/body class that targets core muscles and improves overall strength and flexibility will continue to gain popularity.

8. Functional fitness

Functional training mimics movements involved in activities of daily living like climbing stairs or picking up things from the floor. It trains you to do an activity without getting injured. An exercise like step-ups while holding a medicine ball in front of you can train you to climb stairs while carrying books.

This type of training will help you exercise in less time to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Also, it is more practical and the benefits more evident since you can apply it to activities of daily living.

9. Swiss ball

The use of a rubber gym ball with variable diameter that allows for a wide range of activities to help improve core strength and balance will also become more popular.

10. Yoga

Various forms of yoga, like Power Yoga and Bikram Yoga, will continue to be explored as fitness activities.

Yoga trains you to be more aware of your body during movements by doing proper breathing and relaxation techniques.

Shirley Quejada, Fitness Network Philippines president, foresees the popularity of mind/body exercises like yoga in the Philippines due to the increasing stress levels of the adult population.

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