Fitness Forecast: 2012's Hottest Trends

By Bari Lieberman, SELF magazine

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has announced its top fitness trends to watch in 2012, can you guess what made the cut? (If you're a loyal SELF reader, most of these trends should already sound familiar!)

Related: 21 Good-For-You Snacks

1. Whole-Life Training: Being fit and healthy isn't just about training the body. Expect to see a streamlined approach to health that incorporates the entire body including a nutritious diet and stress management.

2. Community Collaboration: Your new trainer might just be your mayor! ACE believes that local communities will continue to expand their health programs through activities and services just like this program in New Jersey high schools! Think your city is fit? See how it ranks next to other towns.

See more: 3 High Tech Tools That Will Change Your Workouts

3. High-Tech Fitness: From video games to gadgets (and even SELF on your iPad) technology is the new aid in your journey to be fit. ACE expects 2012 to be the breakout year of fitness mobile-based apps, social media and online/remote fitness classes.

4. Workplace Support: Companies are realizing that employees who work out aren't only healthier and happier, they're also more productive (Bonus: get rid of your office butt) and while a declining economy has put pressure on what businesses can offer, ACE believes employers will outsource their wellness programs, partnering with local gyms to offer employee discounts and reduced membership fees.

5. Popular Workouts: The hottest fitness classes in 2012 will be ones that incorporate balance and core training like TRX Suspension Training as well as Zumba, boot camps and interval workouts.

More from SELF:

• 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss
• Yoga Moves for Flat Abs
• 38 Antiaging Foods
• Gwyneth Paltrow's Arm and Ab Workout

Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio