Every fall the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) ACSM’s surveys thousands of fitness professionals around the world in order to assess what the most important fitness trends will be for the coming year. In the November/December issue of the Health and Fitness Journal they release their findings. For fitness trends 2015 it’s back to basics, and here’s one take on it.
1. Body Weight Training
In the ACSM top spot is old-fashioned body weight training—lunges, planks, pull-ups, push-ups, squats, whatever uses the weight of your body and gravity to work your muscles and get your heart pumping. You don’t need any equipment to do these kinds of exercises; they’re basic and effective.
Perspective: People may stick to their normal routines but will work more body weight training into what they do, and they should. Will people drop whatever else they do for all body weight training longterm? Doubtful. But for this aspect of fitness trends 2015 we’ll see body weight training used like seasoning, sprinkled into other kinds of training.
2. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
HIIT programs like P90X are fast and intense. They alternate short bursts of frenetic activity and recovery periods. They are intense and popular.
Perspective: Last year’s number one fell, but not by much. People are going to keep HIIT as part of their fitness trends 2015 because it’s effective, and because the ability to get a good workout in a short time is a big deal for a lot of people.
3. Going With Pros
Educated and experienced fitness professionals and personal trainers are both hot on the ACSM list. More and more people are seeking out the services of not just someone who works out a lot, but someone who understands the science behind the sports and has the experience to back them up.
Perspective: This trend isn’t going anywhere, and certifications are going to continue to be very important to many in the profession. Fitness consumers want someone who can answer their questions with authority!
4. Strength Training
Strength training is still high on the list, and it’s no surprise; any complete exercise program offers a tripartite approach featuring strength training along with aerobic exercise and flexibility. A back to basics approach is definitely going to focus on strength training.
Perspective: Anyone worth their salt is going to focus on strength no matter which fitness trends 2015 appeal to them, and if you design your strength training properly you’ll find you’re getting aerobic and flexibility benefits as well.
5. Weight Loss Supported By Exercise
Exercise, along with proper nutrition, is crucial to a healthful weight loss program. Part of this trend is the provision of complete packages by health and fitness professionals; not just exercise or weight loss programs alone, but holistic caloric restriction and exercise programs designed to work together for better management of weight in their clients.
Perspective: The more holistic approach is the better one. Lasting weight loss comes with a lifestyle change that includes exercise and nutrition, not a narrow focus.
Our overall assessment of the fitness trends 2015? They’re pretty positive, and right on track with what we’re already doing!
ACE Certification for Personal Trainers. http://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/personal-trainer-certification/
Mayo Clinic. “Exercise for Weight Loss.” http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/weight-loss/in-depth/exercise/art-20050999
November/December issue Health Fitness Journal: http://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2014/11000/WORLDWIDE_SURVEY_OF_FITNESS_TRENDS_FOR_2015_.5.aspx
WebMD. Fitness and Exercise Basics. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/health-fitness-get-strong
