News Column

What Are the Fitness Trends for 2013?

Nov. 6, 2012

Chuck Barney

man working out on fitness machine

Strength training is in. Pilates are out. Those are the findings of a survey by the American College of Sports Medicine that predicts major health and fitness trends for the coming year. A quick rundown:

1. Educated and certified fitness pros: More fitness programs tied to businesses and organizations mean more jobs for fitness experts.

2. Strength training: Yes, body builders pump iron, but regular folk, in increasing numbers. rely on weights to improve or maintain strength, and rehabilitate injuries.

3. Body weight training: This back-to-basics approach, which requires only a minimum amount of equipment, is all the rage in gyms everywhere.

4. Obesity programs for children: A chronic - and frightening - health issue demands more specialized physical activities for those in need.

5. Exercise and weight loss: More people are realizing that incorporating exercise and into their daily diet routine is essential for weight-loss maintenance.

Other major fitness trends listed near the top of the survey include:

Programs for older adults

Personal training

Functional fitness

Core training

Group personal training

Worksite health promotion

Zumba and other dance workouts

Source: (c)2012 Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.

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