If your New Year’s resolutions included getting in shape or improving the shape you’re already in, you might be interested in what’s trending in the fitness world for 2019. For the thirteenth year in a row, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) sent out queries to more than 2,038 fitness professionals employed by commercial gyms, medical facilities, non-profits, and corporate health programs. ACSM’s goal was to rank 39 possible fitness trends. There were some surprises, circuit weight training and core training did not make the top 20. However, any fitness training is better than none at all. So remember, according to the experts the following are what’s trending.
The top five
Wearable Technology. According to Walter Thompson, ACSM president, “The wearables, even the low-end ones, have gotten more accurate. That may help explain why they’re back at the top.” Wearable tech came in third last year and didn’t even appear on the list until 2016. But as more people make a conscious effort to move more and sit less, they find tracking their efforts gives them incentive to get up and move. The various smartwatches and fitness trackers allow advocates to track various biometrics like heart rate, cadence, calories burned, recovery time, speed, distance, and much more.
Group Fitness. Devon Maier, managing director of Balance Gym, based in Washington, D.C., says, “Group exercise is the future. It definitely delivers on the community aspect, but you also have the instructor who motivates and pushes you harder.” Even though the technology has improved, vis-à-vis fitness trackers, people still want to be part of a community. What groups offer is an accountability factor. If you do a good job or hit a certain milestone, the group will acknowledge it and reward you somehow. Conversely, if you’re not doing as well as you should, negative feedback is sure to come your way. It appears exercise is often more fun and effective when done in a group. Despite all our technology, social media, and virtual reality, we still like getting together with others who enjoy exercising like we do.
High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Want to hit your maximum heart rate? HIIT is the way to go. Formerly the domain of elite athletes, the common man has recently embraced the concept. Sessions usually run 30 minutes or less and consist of short, yet intense intervals, that drive your heart rate to the max. Thompson opined that, “… we were all afraid that HIIT would lead to increased injuries in the general public, but that has not proven to be true. There is no more risk of injury than any other exercise.” The big advantage HIIT offers is being able to fit in an intense workout somewhere in a busy schedule. Most successful HIIT workouts are done in a group setting.
Fitness For Boomers. Baby boomers are retiring in record numbers, but none seem to be sitting on their couch all day. The fitness industry has tapped into this huge segment of potential customers and created programs geared especially for them. Many gyms experience a lull in attendance during parts of the late morning and mid-afternoon. These times fit well in the retirees’ daily schedules. Some gyms even change music and lighting during these times to make the seniors feel more at home.
Bodyweight Exercises. Ten years ago, the country was suffering with a depression. Gym owners looked for ways to save money, and one of their methods was to cut down on buying expensive equipment. However, they had to find a replacement and decided that developing programs using bodyweight exercises was just the ticket. Movements like planks, lunges, squats, pullups, dips, and sit-ups were perfect for what they had in mind. Thompson said managers were looking for sustainable programs for fitness buffs and developed programs including an assortment of movements that didn’t require expensive, hard to maintain equipment. The added value is these types of functional exercises mimic everyday reality.
The rest of the top ten trends.
Employing Certified Fitness Professionals. Make sure your trainer is certified by a fully accredited program.
Yoga. Has a variety of forms, including Power Yoga, Yogilates, yoga in hot environments, and others.
Personal Training. More people are hiring trainers in clubs, at worksites that have fitness facilities, at home, and even online. The advantage trainers offer is fitness testing, goal setting, and a one on one relationship.
Functional Fitness Training. Utilizes strength training and other activities and movements to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. Great for training older adults.
Exercise is Medicine. This is a global health initiative focused on encouraging primary care physicians and other health care professionals to include physical activity assessment as part of every patient visit. Patients are then referred to exercise professionals.
One sad takeaway.
Given that 18.5 percent of American kids ages 2—19 are obese, fitness programs for children did not even make the top 20. Sad.
STAY SAFE, BROTHERS AND SISTERS!
John Wills
John M. Wills is a former Chicago police officer and retired FBI agent. He is a freelance writer and award-winning author in a variety of genres, including novels, short stories and poetry. John also writes book reviews for the New York Journal of Books, and is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. His new book, The Year Without Christmas, is available now. Visit John at: www.johnmwills.com.
