Fitness Trends for 2009
Wednesday January 7, 2009
So far, 2009 looks a lot like 2008 - cold and snowy. But my husband tells me this is called winter and a new year doesn't necessarily bring new weather. Darn it. What we can expect from the new year, however, are some new fitness trends to try.
According to the American Council on Exercise's predictions, a lot of people will try dance-type workouts like Zumba and Jazzercise, mostly because of the popularity of shows like "Dancing With the Stars." For those of you with two left feet, there are kettlebells, bootcamp workouts and circuit training, all things I'm looking forward to.
You can get the details in my latest article about 2009 fitness trends and be sure to leave a comment to tell us what you'll be doing this year. Will you be trying something new or going back to your old favorites?
Comments
I really think that incorporating activities such as dance into an exercise regime is a wonderful way to stay engaged, learn a skill, and become healthy all rolled into one. Great trend!
jh
bodaweightloss
I haven’t heard of any new trends for the new year and I think it’s silly to pick up something just because you see it on t.v. It will be just like every other year where people make an effort at the beginning but then will slack off. I’d expect more change if our President-elect were a body-builder.
I’m starting out the year with kettlebells. I’ve done mostly heavy lifting in the past from New Rules of Lifting. I found Pavel randomly in a book store with Enter the Kettlebell and decided to give it a go. So far, less than a week into my program (started on the 5th) I have no regrets changing the iron plates to an iron ball instead.
Since I didn’t slack off much last year, I don’t expect I’ll slack of this year.
I’ve been lifting weights for 35 years and started kettlebells a year ago. Hands down the best type of lifting I’ve ever done. It’s cardio and functional strength rolled into one ’system’. Find a class with a good instructor to learn how to properly perform the exercises and you won’t be sorry!
FYI (possible trends and more)
1) Costco Wholesale (membership discount retail outlet) – first advertiser for 2009, “Resolution 2009” – an exception to the usual advertiser, only fitness equipment; no other consumer products such as furniture and kitchen appliances.
2) Who would’ve thought? Southern California (Santa Monica): local residents complain about other residents using the neighborhood as their personal outdoor gym – walking, jogging, etc. There is a local ordinance restricting the use of public thoroughfares. Legitimate complaint: some joggers run in the streets and block the passage of vehicles, refusing to relinquish the right-of-way. Common sense has left the room.
3) In 2008, Kaiser Permanente (health insurance provider): their mantra is “Thrive”. Kaiser has reduced health coverage premiums in northern California because a significant percentage of the population are actively eating healthy and exercising. Kaiser TV commercials emphasize that ordinary daily activities are a significant contributor to fitness. Go, Kaiser!
4) Prominent figures promoting health and fitness: celebrity host Oprah Winfrey, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and president-elect Barack Obama. Go, team!
5) Other contributions to health – we are on the cusp of some monumental medical breakthroughs: cell regeneration and gene therapy as the result of stem-cell research and other innovative procedures.
6) Fitness and workout information and reader feedback comments, available at our fingertips 24/7: Paige’s fitness blog. Go, Paige!
Exercise is as much a state of mind as it is an activity. That should be the new trend. . . Doesn’t matter what you do, you just need to keep doing it, whether you are in the mood or not, and do encouraging self-talk. If you miss a day, get up and go at it again the next day, even if it’s not as much as previously.
I am an old fashioned gym rat. Love to sweat, love weight workouts. Saying that, I have gravitated to Les Mills group exercise classes. I love Body Attack and Body Pump – they do the research and updating of choreography, I enjoy the results! Doing each of these three times a week keeps my middle-aged body looking at least 20 years younger.
Me going for weight loss this time.