Top 4 Fitness Trends So Far This Year

As of writing this article, September is creeping its way in. I seem to be saying this every year, but my god time is flying by! I can’t believe we’re almost closing in on the last quarter of the year. Its also been another busy year for the fitness industry. From spinning to Zumba dancing classes, kettlebell training to women’s strength training. It’s certainly been all go! In this article, I want to talk about what I believe to be the top four fitness trends of the year so far. Let’s take a look at them below.

Weight Loss Programs For Kids

I don’t like saying this, but unfortunately, Obesity has more than tripled during the last 30 years in the US. This includes both children and adults, according to Dianne Sykes Scope, head exercise physiologist of Achieve Fitness. With this scary fact in mind, parents understand the need to get their children involved in physical activity. These “Specialized Kids fitness programs” can be found at your local gym or health club. “Many clubs are now offering semi-private training to make it more cost-effective for kids to participate,” according to Sykes. I believe we are going to see more of these programs popping up in 2013, as they are already making an impact for 2012.

Wellness Coaches

I am sure you have heard of fitness coaches, personal trainers, etc. But do you know what a wellness coach is? A wellness coach will work with their clients to help make lasting behavior changes that can help you to stay focused, motivated, and determined on the goals you want to achieve with regards to your health. The wellness coach can offer advice and guidance on such things as – Weight management, health risk management, barriers to reaching fitness goals, and stress reduction.

Worker Incentive Programs

I think this program is a great idea, and I’m personally thrilled to hear more talk and buzz going on with Worker Incentive Programs. Employers need their employees to be in good health, because not only does that mean fewer sick days, but it also lowers the cost of their annual health care bill. So now, many corporations are offering bonuses, discounts, and other perks for employees who exercise regularly. This incentivizes employees to contribute to their health and its programs such as these that we’ll be seeing a lot more of in 2013!

Military Boot Camp Fitness

The last trend I want to mention is the Boot camp training style programs that are becoming ever more prevalent. If you don’t know what they are, let me explain. Instead of doing the traditional style of fitness training, ie. Running around a track, or weight training, the boot camps bring a new militant style to your practice. You get involved in obstacle courses and high-intensity drills and calisthenics. Climbing walls, Climbing ropes, or crawling through tunnels are just some of the fun activities you get to experience. Many fitness fanatics are now getting hooked on the idea of these Boot camps, and I believe we will also see more of them creep into the market over the coming years.