Top fitness trend: Working with experienced professionals

Greater emphasis placed on working with experienced and educated fitness professionals in developing better health will be the top fitness trend of 2010, according to a recent American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) survey. Increased industry regulation and an influx of specialty certifications and educational programs available for fitness professionals probably are the main factors responsible for this trend, which remains the top predicted fitness trend for the third straight year, the ACSM noted. Because the number of organizations offering health and fitness certifications has increased, the ACSM recommends that exercisers choose professionals who are certified through programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

Other key fitness trends that the ACSM survey predicts for 2010 include the following:
•There will be a stronger focus on strength training. Although strength training once was viewed only as a training method for male bodybuilders, more typical exercisers and women are recognizing its importance for healthy bones, muscles, and aging, the ACSM noted, suggesting that it is an essential part of a complete physical activity program for persons of both sexes exercising at all physical activity levels.
•The problem of obesity in children will continue to grow. As a result, demand for fitness programs tailored to overweight and obese children will increase.
•Personal trainers will gain more recognition. The importance of education, training, and proper credentialing for health and fitness professionals who serve as personal trainers will continue to increase.
•More emphasis will be placed on core training. This type of training focuses on conditioning of the middle-body muscles, including those in the pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen, all of which help support the spine.
•There will be more fitness programs for older persons. Health and fitness professionals are designing age-appropriate fitness programs to meet this age-group's specific needs.
•Sport-specific training will increase. High school athletes are incorporating training into their off-seasons to increase their strength and endurance and stay in top shape for their sports activities.

The survey was published in the November/December issue of Health & Fitness Journal, an ACSM publication. The full list of top 20 trends is included. For more information, visit the ACSM Web site at http://www.acsm.org. Or, contact the ACSM at PO Box 1440, Indianapolis, IN 46206-1440; telephone: (317) 637-9200; fax: (317) 634-7817.