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The New Fitness Mantra by Kiran Sawhney
Fitness Trends 2003
Pilates will continue to grow as one of the nation's most popular
fitness trends. Based on the century-old teachings of Joseph Pilates, this
artful discipline was originally designed to give dancers muscle strength
without added bulk. This form of exercise is ideal for individuals seeking
to improve strength, posture, flexibility and body awareness. Every Pilates
exercise movement requires control of the entire body and focuses on the
quality of movement, correct alignment and proper breathing.
More and more fitness classes will focus on core strength workouts. To
achieve balance, strength and stability of the core (i.e., the body's center
of power), exercise classes that utilize stability balls, medicine balls,
core boards, etc., will continue to gain popularity. Having a strong core is
essential because the body's core muscles serve as the foundation for all
other movement. The muscles of the hips and torso help stabilize the spine
and pelvis, and provide the foundation for safe and efficient movement in
the extremities. Training the muscles of the core may also help correct
postural imbalances that can lead to injuries.
"Active relaxation" is on the rise. Gentler forms of exercise that
promote better sleep, longevity, reduced stress, increased energy and an
overall sense of well being will continue to compete with traditional
strength, weight loss and other forms of exercise programs. The aging
population has realized that fitness is more than vanity, and that
flexibility, meditation/breathing, yoga and other holistic exercise routines
will provide long-lasting and meaningful benefits.
Sport-specific training will continue to guide athletes and the
general public into fitness facilities. As the number of marathon runners,
tennis players and other athletes increases, so does the importance of
sport-specific training. On today's playing fields, the athletes are bigger,
stronger and faster than ever before. A sport-specific training program
involves focusing on the specific skills associated with an activity (e.g.,
tennis players strengthening the rotator cuff muscles to improve their
serve), while improving cardio respiratory endurance, muscle strength and
flexibility.
Seniors' awareness of the importance of strength training will
increase. Osteoporosis weakens bones to the point where they break easily,
especially bones in the hip, spine and wrist. Approximately 25 million
Americans have osteoporosis - 80 percent are women. Weight bearing
exercises, done on a regular basis, are best for preventing it. Research
also reveals that strength training can help control cholesterol and blood
sugar levels, manage arthritis pain and reduce the risk of disabling falls.
On-line personal training will continue to gain popularity. Training
online saves money and time, overcomes barriers to facility access and helps
encourage individuals to stay active. Many of these programs offer practical
tips on exercise, one-on-one fitness consultations with certified fitness
professionals, coaching and training tools, and portable exercise tools that
help individuals incorporate fitness into their busy schedules. On-line
person training is valuable, but it typically is not as effective as having
one-on-one contact with a certified fitness professional.
The need for personal training will increase. It appears,
unfortunately, that most Americans lack the commitment, motivation, and/or
knowledge of fitness to stick with their exercise routines. In fact, it is
estimated that 50 percent of individuals who start an exercise program quit
within the first 6 months. Many individuals have found that just a few
sessions with a well-trained, certified fitness professional helps them
refine and recommit to their workout programs. The net effect is that they
are more likely to safely achieve the results they desire.
Circuit-training classes, which combine cardio with strength training,
will become more popular. The focus of these classes is to combine cardio
and strength training into one workout to meet the needs of so many
Americans who are "time starved" and want to get the greatest training
effect in the shortest amount of time. Combo classes also should help to
improve exercise adherence because they enable individuals to achieve more
in less time.
Exercises will increasingly become a family affair. Given the growing
epidemic of childhood obesity, there is a tremendous need to identify ways
to encourage kids to become more physically active. Fortunately, many
parents are not only telling their children about the benefits of being
physically active, but are also serving as fitness role models. The name of
the game is to choose activities that each member of the family can enjoy,
regardless of age, fitness level or athletic ability.
Corporations will continue to urge employees to participate in
wellness exercise programs. The "bottom line" is the bottom line for
companies. With the state of the economy and the increased pace of
technology, there is a growing epidemic of stress-related diseases among
Americans in the workforce costing companies billions each year. Corporate
wellness programs provide exercise equipment and "health advisers" to their
staff. Employers who offer such programs may benefit from reduced healthcare
costs, absenteeism, injury rates and turnover and improved job performance,
productivity and morale.
