The experts have surveyed, polled and weighed in on what they think will be the next great trends in fitness in 2012. Here are our picks from the lists.
Hire a pro
Getting your very own professional to guide you every step of the way is unanimously the top trend for this year, and has been for the past few. Seems folks are getting more serious about their workout sessions, and demands on time means getting the most out of every moment. A personal trainer can keep you motivated, provide one-on-one instruction and a program tailored to your individual fitness needs and goals.
Try it Check out organizations like canfitpro: canfitpro.com; and Certified Professional Trainers Network for guidelines: cptn.com
Buddy system
There is no denying the motivation that comes along with workouts in a group setting. Joining a group for a professionally led activity or class will continue to be popular in 2012. Cross fit and boot camp programs have led the field for the past few years, but anything in a group setting will add the same effect to your routine. Want the benefits of working out with a personal trainer without the steep cost? Small-group training was ranked by both the American College of Sports Medicine and GoodLife Fitness as a trend to watch in 2012. People work out alongside a certified coach in small groups of three to 12. CrossFit, Boot Camps and TRX Suspension Training are examples of small-group training.
Try it Check out Booty Camp Fitness for women only classes: bootycampfitness.com
For a focus on overall conditioning try CardioCoreFitness: cardiocorefitness.com
Dance like nobody's watching
If you're looking for fun with your fitness routine, try one of a number of popular dance-based fitness programs. Zumba is Latin-inspired and easy to follow, combining Latin rhythms with interval-type exercise and resistance training. People keep coming back for these classes that are low impact, tone and sculpt, and burn and impressive 500 to 1,000 calories an hour.
Try it Find Zumba classes at zumba.com; also check out zumbaburlington.com; feeltheparty.com; positivemotion.ca
Core training
As the Canadian population ages, people understand the great value of fitness and core strength for preventing injury and illness and being able to do everyday activities with ease, like climbing stairs and playing with children. Core training is designed to strengthen muscles in your torso and trunk and improve overall stability to make it easier to do everyday tasks. The use of BOSU balls, wobble boards and foam rollers are common for core training.
Yoga, in all forms
This ancient form of exercise remains hot, whether you are literally practicing your poses in a hot room, or hanging from slings. Hot Yoga continues to be a key trend for exercisers who are looking for the mind-body-spirit benefits of activity and enjoy the health benefits of the heated studios. Some of these forms are known as Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga, Bikram Yoga (the hot and humid one), Vinyasa Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Anuara Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Sivananda Yoga.
Try it There are yoga studios galore in our region, check out The Canadian Yoga Alliance for a list of professionals: canadianyogicalliance.com
Listen to coach
This is a trend that incorporates behavioral change science into health promotion and disease prevention programs. Wellness coaching often uses a one-on-one approach similar to a personal trainer with the coach providing support, guidance, and encouragement. The wellness coach focuses on the client's values, needs, vision, and goals. Allied health services like massage therapy, chiropractic care, and services like one-on-one yoga are also emerging to compliment the programs and services provided by fitness clubs, personal trainers and group exercise instructors.
Try it Check out Certified Coaches Federation for guidelines: certifiedcoachesfederation.com