2013 Fitness trends

Ten fitness trends for 2013.

2013 Fitness TrendsIncreasing your physical activity has many health benefits, such as maintaining ideal body weight and having good cardiovascular health. Current physical fitness recommendations advised by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommend that adults engage in moderate to intense exercise, 150 minutes per week.

Based on a recent survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, here are some 2013 fitness trends that Michigan State University Extension encourages you to pay attention to:

1. Fully accredited education and certification programs for health/fitness professionals are on the rise. You may want to work with a trainer who is an educated, certified and an experienced fitness professional that can assist you in achieving your personal fitness goals.

2. Strength training: This trend is important for men, women, young adults and seniors, to improve or maintain muscle strength. Working out and exercising your body muscles on regular basis can help you can avoid muscle weakness and atrophy.

3. Body weight training: Body weight training using minimal equipment fits into anyone’s budget.

4. Children and obesity: Childhood obesity continues to be a serious public health problem. A growing number of commercial and community-based programs are teaming up with schools to fight the obesity epidemic. Learn more about your local schools nutrition and physical activity programs.

5. Exercise and weight loss: A growing number of fitness programs are offering everything from meal planning to onsite nutritionists to regularly teach nutrition lessons. Research what  programs are available in your community and take advantage.

6. Fitness programs for older adults: Baby boomers are growing older and living longer. With many in this category having more discretionary money and time than others, fitness programs for older adults will remain a strong trend for 2013.

7. Personal training: People are using the services of professional personal trainers, which are becoming more accessible and available in a wide variety of settings from corporate wellness programs, to community-based programs, to medical fitness programs.

8. Functional fitness: Functional fitness uses strength training to improve balance, coordination and endurance to improve your ability to perform daily activities. Often, this program is created for older adults.

9. Core training: Core training stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen, thorax and back. It typically includes exercises of the hips, lower back and abdomen, all of which provide support for the spine and thorax.

10. Group personal training: This trend, fueled by the economic downturn, allows the personal trainer to provide individualized service catered to small groups of two to four people. This allows groups to have a discounted rate, while still giving the trainer a full schedule of clients.

It is recommended that you first check with your physician before engaging in any physical activity. For more tips on incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, visit the MSU Extension physical activity page. MSU Extension offers nutrition and physical activity support to encourage healthy weight management.

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