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Fitness Trends in the New Year

© Mindy Herzog

This is it. The year you try something new. Start exercising. Write friends more. Visit with family. All of the above. Well if health and total wellness is on your mind for the new year here's what the results of a survey published by the International, Dance and Exercise Association is saying about the health and fitness trends.

The top five trends are:

1) Older Adults. As our aging population continues to grow so does the request for older adult programs. Older adults are realizing that it's not too late to gain muscle, increase daily living functions, increase balance and more. If you're in this group I say kudos to you. Get in and start moving!

2) Strength Based Programs are widely offered. Whether it's personal training, group strength programs, or personal instruction on machines, strength training is on the rise. The minimum requirement by the American College of Sports Medicine for strength training is two times a week separated by at least 48 hours for rebuilding. Strength is such an important component as we lose strength as we age leading to a decrease in functional ability. An increase in strength also leads to an increase in daily caloric expenditure, bonus.

3) Mindful, low key activities. These include activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates. More and more individuals are turning to enhancing the mind as well as the physical being. Taking a course in any of the activities listing above will help you become more in tune with yourself and help you deal more with stressful situations on a day to day basis.

4) Equipment is almost universally used. In other words, people are using exercise equipment whether it be cardiovascular or strength training equipment to achieve their daily workout goals. If you are interested in home exercise equipment check out my lastest article on Purchasing the Right Home Exercise Equipment.

5) Programs and formats keep increasing. If you are looking to increase your financial health there may be a workshop out there for you. More and more health club sites are offering workshops and programs to enhance your understanding and benefit you. I strongly recommend attending workshops related to your interests. And if you can't find one ask if they would consider your topic...they may not have even thought about it yet.

These are the top five trends that fitness/health clubs are experiencing across the states. If you are wanting to try something new for the new year your chances are high that you'll find any of the above to participate in. And remember, if you enjoy what you are doing, it works for you, and you don't follow the trends then keep doing what works best for you. For others looking for something new, enjoy the journey.

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