So what new trends in fitness are we going to see in the year 2012?  Knowing the answer to this important question will keep you on the cutting edge when implementing your fitness  program. In order to answer this all important question I have turned to the 2012 exercise trends report from the ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine).  A survey of over 2600 fitness professionals revealed what is hot in fitness in 2012, and what is not.

As a fitness consumer you must be aware that the top spot goes to educated, and experienced fitness professionals. This is good news because consumers are not just hiring any personal trainer, but prefer the ones that have an exercise physiology/kinesiology degree, and/or certification from an organization accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The top trend implies that health, and fitness consumers are getting smarter about what the industry has to offer. This means unqualified trainer Joe will soon be taking a backseat to qualified, and experienced Eddie.  As the exercise field becomes even more competitive the most qualified, and experienced pros will be the most sought after.

When looking for a personal trainer make sure the pro values continuing education. There are more opportunities available today than at any other time in history. Hire an educated, and experienced fitness professional. You will quickly realize the value.

Strength training is the number two trend on the list.  I don’t care what age you are, if you are not incorporating strength training into your workout program, then you are making a big mistake. Weight training, or resistance training is even more popular now than ever before. It is not just about bodybuilding, but functional strength. Fitness research comes out frequently addressing how important strength training is to all populations.  Is resistance training part of your workout program?

Fitness programs for older adults is the third largest exercise trend. As the baby boomers continue to age they value longevity, and quality of life. Yes, they want to stay young, and functional in their golden years.  Individuals in this age bracket are willing to invest in health maintenance fitness programs.  If you are 50+, then you should be on an exercise program. Personal trainers really should look as this niche in order to dominate in your area. Lots of opportunities are available.

Exercise, and weight loss score in the fourth spot. Are you surprised? Look at the obesity rate! Exercise coupled with a caloric deficit is the answer to long term fat loss. This trend will continue to be hot for many years to come.

Children with obesity is number five! Fitness professionals must help kids create some type of energy balance. Losing weight is important for the overall health of society.  Look for more workout programs to focus on helping children.

Personal training is still very popular, and will continue to be so. Qualified fitness trainers are needed for helping people achieve their goals. Fitness coaching is alive, and well. The newest trend is showing more people are group training than ever before.  Online personal training is starting to also catch on.  Consumers are looking for qualified, and experienced coaches at an affordable price in order to guide them.

Now is a great time to become a personal trainer! The U.S.  Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting that jobs for fitness workers will increase much faster than other occupations. Here is how to get started on your own personal training business. The time is now!

The rest of the trends in fitness include core training, functional exercise training, and Zumba.

For even more information on exercise trends in 2012 please refer to ACE’S (American Council on Exercise) Survey results. They pretty much match ACSM’S.

The field of exercise science has never been more advanced.  More, and more research is coming out daily.  Fitness pros are absorbing this information, and applying it to help consumers. The industry looks very bright. I am thrilled to be in this industry, and look forward to helping more people look better, feel better, and perform better.