Top Fitness Trends For 2009

    2008 is grinding to a halt.  It’s been a good year for the fitness industry; If these predictions are correct, 2009 is going to be a very different year.  Here is what ACE (American Counsel of Exercise) is predicting for 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.

Here’s the ACE’s top trend rundown:

1. Boot camp-style fitness programs.
2. Workout plans that are less expensive.
3. 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.
4. The basics. Fitness professionals believe that people will want to return to basic fitness programs.
5. 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.
6. Kettlebell training. These iron weights, traditionally used in Russia, aim to develop whole body fitness and core strength.
7. Boomer fitness. A focus on fitness led by people 50 and older.
8. Technology-based fitness.Using high-tech gadgets like iPods to help keep workouts engaging, plus an increase in interactive fitness video games.
9. Event or sports-specific exercises. A focus on the simple things, like basketball or volleyball games, or day bike rides.
10. Mixing it up.Low-intensity cardio or weight training on one day, followed by a high-intensity workout on another day (source).