The Top 10 Health and Fitness Trends of 2011

The results are in! Here are The American College of Sports Medicine's Top 10 Fitness Trends of 2011...

1. Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals
2. Fitness Programs for Older Adults
3. Strength Training
4. Children and Obesity
5. Personal Training
6. Core Training
7. Exercise and Weight Loss
8. Boot Camp
9. Functional Fitness
10. Physician Referrals

Related: Step up to your best body with the help of SELF

So what does all this mean to you?

Top Notch Trainers: Education is still #1. It's always been important, but more so now than ever with many sources offering various certifications. That's why fitness professional should have proper education and quality certifications from accredited sources such as the ACSM. And with the growing rate of individuals entering the personal training field, you can expect the best at your fitness centers!!

HOT Workouts:
Boot Camp style workouts continue to rank high in the fitness industry, while spinning, yoga, strength training/sculpting, and sport-specific workouts hit the list. And while you won't see Pilates (a fad?) core training ranks, that means you'll probably be seeing Bosu Balls, exerdiscs, or foam rollers being used to target and strengthen that middle area.

Specialized Programming: Expect to see the continued growth of youth specific fitness programs in schools and communities which will address the alarming rate of childhood obesity. As well as the continuation of programs aimed at the older adult population.

All-in-One Gyms: Look for gyms to have it all! Doctors, nutritionists, and trainers all working together to promote health and fitness.

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Corporate Wellness: Employers get it, a healthy staff=better business! That's why more and more companies (if not already) will be offering health/wellness programs at work or working with local gyms to provide discounts. Lunchtime Zumba anyone?

Don't wait till 2011 to get started! Drop 8 (2 ways!) starting today, build your own booty-sculpting workout at home, and win cool fit gear so you look great while your exercising! *For the complete list and further details of each go to the ACSM November/December Journal.

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