Top 10 fitness trends of 2009 (and one bonus, just for fun)

When I started running this year, I never dreamed I'd be a part of a fitness trend. I thought the "it" exercises only involved dance-fusion classes with names I couldn't pronounce or required new technology I felt a little too intimidated to attempt. But with the economy still in a rut, people were not just rushing to try new, different, and snazzy-sounding classes. We were also getting back to some of the basics that could get us in shape on the cheap.

At the same time, reality television shows featuring dance competitions and participants who exercised off half their body weight continued to inspire us to get into studios and gyms, try out new equipment, and build skills and muscles we never dreamed we'd have.

Technology made a place for itself in fitness as well, turning our phones into essential exercise gear and taking video games out of the hands of the geeky and into the hands of athletes and the active.

All of it adds up to a diverse list of fitness trends we tried in 2009. Whether we loved or cursed during every minute of them, used them to sweat off the pounds or stress, or just wanted to shake up the way we worked out this year, these activities helped many of us get and stay healthier over the course of the year.

Who knows what the trends, inventions, and gizmos will be that will get our attention in 2010, or if any of this year's winners will be sustained in the year ahead. But I might just add some new classes to my "must try" list when my running pace and the economy pick up a bit.

Did you try any of these fitness trends this year? What did you think?






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