Fitness trends to follow in 2012
Like every year, the beginning of this one has us all excited about our new fitness training plans. 2012 will be no different when it comes to sparking our interest in health and fitness. For once, though, let’s stop and reconsider our resolutions and long-term health goals.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently surveyed more than 1,500 group fitness trainers, personal trainers, exercise physiologists, and other health experts to list the top fitness trends for 2012. trends identified for 2012 have one thing in common: a more holistic approach to fitness and health.
Let’s see what the experts are saying for 2012 and what health measures people are taking for 2012 so that we, too, can be more successful with our fitness plans.
The rapid rise in obesity in the nation is giving way to a healthier, more active lifestyle in which people are changing their behavior for long-term success. There is a change in mentality.
Whereas it used to be “all or nothing” when it came to a fitness training regimen, people are now realizing that even small changes in behavior can go a long way toward shedding pounds. For example, when you go to the mall, why not park your car a little further away and walk to the mall? It also includes healthy eating, such as drinking more water and having more servings of fresh produce.
Instead of thinking of exercise as an uninteresting and time-consuming activity, make your activities more physically challenging. Walking your dog or playing tag with your children are activities that you would enjoy while making your life more active. People also seek the guidance of lifestyle and weight management coaches to adopt healthier habits.
A 2012 trend is incorporating technology into your fitness program. You can download meal planners, exercise videos, read expert tips, and view new and healthier recipes. You can also keep digital records of your diet through forums like FoodCandy, Foodspotting, and Chowhound.
Workplace wellness initiatives in ACE cities are also a new shift geared toward employee wellness. From walk-ins to gym memberships to physically engaging activities in the workplace, they keep employees motivated and more productive.
Another new trend has been a refocus on functional training, designed to improve strength, balance, and spinal stability rather than just targeting our muscle groups. Functional exercises like planks, squats, lunges, and fitness balance exercises are done at home, which is great because they serve the basic purpose of exercise: to improve our daily functioning.