New Developments in Fitness for 2009
Lots of people aspire to get in shape and stay that way, and this is a great idea for several reasons. Being in shape helps you keep stress under control, slows the aging process, and helps us feel better about ourselves. This spring, looking and feeling good are still in style, and while there is the usual assortment of new work-out programs to choose from, basic cardio and strength training programs are gaining popularity. Fast-fix diets and weight loss pills appear to be a thing of the past. What will Spring 2009 bring to the fitness front?
Help for Overweight Children
Obesity, or being severely overweight, is a problem that is increasing at an alarming rate. It is particularly worrisome in children, and in 2009 the issue of obese kids is getting a lot of attention. People are looking at ways to keep kids from reaching the point of obesity in the first place and devising ways to help those who are already there. This issue is vital to the well-being of our society because kids who are obese have a statistically higher chance of becoming obese adults.
Skilled and Certified Personal Trainers and Fitness Experts
One of todays popular fitness moves is to hire a fitness expert, and even as these individuals are becoming more popular and prolific, people are becoming more selective about who they hire. Making sure that your fitness professional has a solid resume with real certifications and credentials lets you know that theyre the real thing. Being healthy is a serious business, so treat it like one.
Pilates
Pilates is as popular as ever since it addresses so many areas of physical fitness. Pilates improves strength and flexibility, reduces your chances of injury, and helps with stress. It is an all-around success.
Employers Get On Board
Corporations continue to extend the benefits that they provide to their employees in the form of a well-devised wellness scheme, and why not? Studies show that wellness programs can increase employee productivity, which in the long run spells benefits for companies as well.
Focused Workout Regimens
Strength training, indoor cycling, core training ” these are just some of the programs designed to strengthen your body and get the most activity out of you. There are also workouts designed to improve stability such as balance training and the use of stability balls.
Workouts for Elderly Fitness Enthusiasts
Staying fit is no longer a young persons game. A growing number of seniors are recognizing the benefits of working out well into their old age. Most gyms offer workout programs aimed at seniors. These workouts feature low-impact activities like walking or water aerobics, and they focus on issues specific to seniors.
New Workouts Focus on Everyday Activities
This is a great way to make your life easier all-around. Known as Functional Fitness, these regimens are designed around the household chores and activities like raking leaves, sweeping, or working in your vegetable garden. Sometimes, the movements you would use to do these chores are actually replicated as part of the routine.
A Better Way to Lose Weight
This year sees a shift toward a more holistic style of fitness program. Weight loss and overall fitness routines are focusing more on your overall health, instead of fixating on dropping pounds fast. Todays programs work on eating healthy and working exercise into your everyday life.
Other trends to watch out for this year are the:
1. Partner training or buddy systems 2. Activity-based programs that focus on a particular sport 3. Trainers who focus on total health; wellness coaches