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American Council on Exercise (ACE) Makes Fitness Trend Predictions for 2005

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 December 2004, 09:00 CST

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's non-profit fitness advocate, today announced its top 10 fitness trend predictions for 2005. Through its research, "workout watchdog" studies and worldwide network of certified fitness professionals, ACE continues to accurately monitor America's growing interest in fitness. With 2005 right around the corner, ACE's predictions show a "back to the basics" approach that includes time-efficient workouts and core strengthening.

1. Balance training grows in popularity. Balance training activities

(e.g., Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, etc.) and equipment (e.g., foam

rollers, wobble boards, Bosu balls, etc.) are among the fastest

growing and most popular exercise options for adults. Health clubs

and trainers are offering balance training programs for virtually all

levels and types of participants.

2. A growing tendency to blend popular mind-body programs such as yoga

and Pilates with more traditional forms of exercise. These fusion

classes and programs will combine the traditional elements of a

fitness regimen with many of the key elements of mind-body activities

including proper posture, breathing and body awareness. By

incorporating elements of mental and spiritual fitness, individuals

will take better care of their entire being and psychological self,

not just their bodies.

3. Shorter duration workouts continue to become more widespread. Lack

of time continues to be the most frequently cited reason why

individuals do not exercise on a regular basis. Time-starved

Americans continue to seek out effective, yet time-efficient workouts

pushing health clubs and trainers to offer express circuits and

abbreviated routines.

4. Wellness coaching and nutritional counseling are drawing a larger

crowd. These services address a more holistic approach to health and

wellness. Wellness coaching helps individuals make healthy, positive

choices in all aspects of every day life. Nutritional counseling is

gaining popularity as many Americans continue to look for ways to

manage weight and maximize performance.

5. Clubs and trainers offering more flexible workout sessions. Small-

group personal training (usually less than five individuals) appears

to be on the rise. Such programming is a great way to receive the

technical instruction and close supervision of personal training at a

more economical cost. This modified approach offers participants

more social interaction which can have a very positive impact on

exercise adherence.

6. Employers are encouraging fitness and weight loss. A vast majority

of adult Americans are inactive and overweight, at times costing

their employers to lose revenue due to increased rates of

absenteeism, higher health and medical expenses, and reduced

productivity. Now a growing number of corporations are offering

wellness programming to its workers in an effort to encourage

physical activity, sensible nutrition habits, and an overall

healthier lifestyle.

7. Functional fitness and core strengthening have a strong presence in

personal training sessions and group fitness classes. Functional

strength training and/or core strengthening activities enhance

coordination, strength and endurance in everyday activities.

Focusing on exercising several muscles and joints together rather

than working a particular muscle or group of muscles better prepares

the body for daily activities and recreational pursuits.

8. Personal trainers and group fitness instructors share clients.

Personal trainers will work with group fitness instructors and vice

versa to encourage participants to diversify their workout routines.

Even the most dedicated exercisers occasionally get bored with their

routines. A new variation on activities such as a cardio-funk class

or a "boot camp" workout instead of traditional exercise machines or

working with free weights instead of step aerobics will help to

reinvigorate stale routines.

9. An increase in family participation in outdoor fitness activities.

More families will look for diverse and creative ways to be active

together such as outdoor adventure activities and various

recreational sports including soccer, softball, and touch football,

etc. It's important that parents show children that being active can

be a fun and regular part of daily life.

10. Participation in physical activities for socialization and motivation

will become more popular. Not everyone participates to compete.

Joining a training group just to finish a marathon, triathlon or

adventure race is a great way to meet people or include family and

friends in a fit and active lifestyle.

About ACE

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. As the nation's "workout watchdog," ACE sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends. ACE sets standards for fitness professionals and is the world's largest non-profit fitness certifying organization. For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site at http://www.acefitness.org/

American Council on Exercise

CONTACT: Kristie Spalding of American Council on Exercise,+1-800-546-7470, kristie.spalding@acefitness.org

Web site: http://www.acefitness.org/

Source: PRNewswire

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