Fitness: What's Hot for 2010

Hard to believe we are already talking year-end reviews, but here we are on the brink of a new decade. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has released its annual top ten fitness trends, based on its annual survey of personal trainers, group fitness experts, advanced health and fitness specialists and lifestyle and weight management consultants.

1. Boot Camp-Style Workouts: Boot camp workouts have retained their #1 title from last years survey. They are popular as they provide a total-body workout that's varied, fun and challenging. Up to 600 calories can be burned during a boot camp session - according to ACE.

My Comments: Boot camp style workouts can be a fantastic way to get into shape quickly and efficiently - provided the instructors are knowledgeable. I know first hand from Physiotherapists that they see a lot of Boot camp-related injuries.

2. Budget-Friendly Workouts: Gym membership continues to decline in 2009, with many people using the resources around them as their gym and equipment.

My Comments: It makes sense that discretionary expenses such as gym memberships are luxuries and people part with first.

3. Specialty Classes: While yoga and Pilates will remain strong, dance-based classes were all the rage this year. Zumba, a fitness program inspired by Latin dance, combines South American rhythms with cardiovascular exercise. Bollywood, ballroom, Afro-Cuban and other exotic dance styles grew in popularity thanks to shows such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance.

My Comments: More options are never a bad thing if they are safe, effective and get people up and moving.

4. Getting Back to Basics: Despite the fact that many exercises and equipment are becoming more advanced and trendy, trainers continued to focus on basic movements and techniques with their clients.

My Comments: I hope this isn't just a passing trend and bringing things "back to basics" is usually the most effective means of change.

5. Circuit Training: Studies have shown that interval training combining strength training and cardiovascular activity at different intensities provides a more time-efficient workout than participating in traditional aerobic and weight training sessions.

My Comments: Again, this should be a common type of workout for those who are looking for effective time-efficient workouts. A note of caution though that these intensities need to be worked up to.

6. Kettlebells: The reason for the surge in kettlebell training is that it gets back to basic training that requires functional, whole body fitness.

My Comments: Kettlebells provide and excellent adjunct to traditional free weight training and are more suited to certain exercises/movements.

7. Boomer Fitness: Individuals age 50+ have the means, motivation and desire to enhance their quality of life through physical activity - and this group is only going to increase in size in 2010.

My Comments:This trend should continue for a while as our population will continue to shift towards 3rd age as the next couple of decades unfold. Keeping functional in later years will help people remain independent and healthy as they age.

8. Technology-Based Fitness: From iPods to Cardio Cinema to exergaming (i.e., Wii Fit, Expresso Bikes) the latest in technology continued to infuse itself in all aspects of fitness.

My Comments: Technology-based implements are fine as long as they don't detract from more rudimentary and more effective exercise implements. Technology should complement, not replace sound fitness programs.

9. Event or Sport-Specific Exercises: Despite the emergence of new and trendy workouts, sports or recreational activities remained a popular way to stay in shape.

My Comments: Joining a team or club is a phenomenal way to keep fit. Joining a training group for a half-marathon or some other goal provides extra incentive.

10. Mixing It Up: Traditional programming has changed from what's called linear progression to undulating, as research shows similar if not better results. For example, mixing low-intensity cardio with intervals on different days, and mixing high-volume, low- intensity weight training with low-volume, high-intensity training on alternate days.

My Comments: Mixing it up is usually a sound idea but knowing how to manipulate intensities to optimize results may require some expertise.

Hopefully this list can provide some general ideas of different ways to get and maintain fitness. Trends come and go but staying active is for life - do things you enjoy and challenge yourself to stay with it!