The latest Worldwide Fitness Trends Survey for 2010 compiled by Walter R. Thompson, regents professor of exercise science in the Department of Kinesiology and Health, Georgia State University, Georgia, USA, were published recently. Here are some of the trends in the commercial, corporate, clinical, and community health and fitness industries of interest to our readers:
A SELECTION OF THE TOP 20 FITNESS TRENDS FOR 2010
1. Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals
2. Strength Training
3. Children and Obesity
6. Special Fitness Programs for Older Adults
7. Functional Fitness (such as balance, coordination, strength)
9. Pilates
13. Wellness Coaching
14. Yoga
18. Stability Ball
19. Balance Training (activities including Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates)
This year's article also lists the top 10 trends from previous years. In the 2007 rankings, Mind/Body exercise was #8. Yoga made the top 10 list in only one of the last 4 years (#10 in 2008). Pilates was listed as #7 in both 2008 and 2009, slipping to #9 in 2010. For 2008, 2009 and 2010 the top trend remained: Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals. The complete report: ASCM Health and Fitness Journal [113 (6), November /December 2009, pp.9-16]
