With the New Year come plans for a new you. Topping many lists of New Year's resolutions is improved personal fitness. Maintaining a fitness program can be difficult and it helps to add some variety to your workout routine. This year, there are some new trends in personal fitness that can help you stay on top of your fitness program and have fun doing it. Here is a summary of the top fitness trends for 2009.
* Back-to-basics workouts
Time-efficient workouts are growing in popularity, with more and more people working out at home rather than at a gym. Exercise DVDs and websites are great tools for home-based workouts.
Among time-efficient workouts, boot camp-style workouts were among the most popular in 2008, and that trend will continue. These workouts provide both strength training and a cardiovascular workout with a minimum amount of equipment, and can burn a significant number of calories.
Basic workout equipment such as kettlebells and stability balls will continue to grow in popularity. Kettlebells, which are iron weights from Russia, are a simple piece of equipment which can provide whole-body conditioning and core strength. Stability balls are large inflated balls used for sit-ups, push-ups and other exercises.
* Specialized fitness classes
Another trend which ties in with back-to-basics workouts and with the slowing economy is a desire to economize while getting fit. Individual fitness classes may increase in popularity compared to gym memberships, and group sessions with personal trainers may begin to gain on private sessions.
Yoga and Pilates classes are predicted to remain strong, especially since they appeal to the growing segment of population which is over 50. The success of shows such as Dancing with the Stars will make dance-based classes a hot fitness alternative. Ballroom, Brazilian and hip-hop dance classes are current trends. Small yoga, Pilates and dance studios will probably be more popular for these classes than large fitness clubs.
* Interval training
There has been a lot of focus recently on incorporating different intensities of cardiovascular activity and strength training into fitness workouts. Reports of increased weight loss when using an interval approach have been widely publicized. Gyms will probably incorporate interval training into their fitness programs, and books and articles on interval training should be popular.
* Technology and Fitness
Society's fascination with technology and personal electronics will continue to influence the fitness market. The iPod has become a necessary component of many workouts, providing a motivating musical soundtrack. From heart rate monitors which provide up-to-the minute data about the quality of a workout, to video games with a fitness slant (like Wii Fit), to high end treadmills and exercyles, technology will play a key role in fitness equipment.
For 2009, the main theme for personal fitness will be getting the most from your time and money. According to Anne Wilkinson, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise (ACE), "I think it's really important going into 2009 for people to focus back on basics. I think that they need to take a look at where in their life they can fit in the exercise classes or their visits to the gym or how about just a walk outside."
In other words, get out there and get moving. Introduce some variety into your workout and don't forget to have some fun getting fit.