The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has finished its ninth annual survey for 2015 worldwide fitness trends.

It included inputs by some 3,000 fitness professionals from Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States and United Kingdom.

Body weight training

Sedentary individuals are more likely to embrace a healthy lifestyle if they can do a fitness program at a convenient time and place.

Body weight training is one of the best ways to motivate them.

They can use their body weight as the resistance to strengthen major muscle groups, engage the core and to burn more calories by doing the simplest exercises like push-ups, squats, sit-ups and planks.

Progress by increasing the repetitions, modifying the position and adding other body weight cardio exercises to increase heart rate.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

The survey shows fitness experts still believe that HIIT as a training method can motivate more people because it can produce greater results in fitness level and weight loss for less than 30 minutes.

Keywords here are short duration and faster results. However, most people think that HIIT workouts might not suit their fitness levels and should be done only by athletes or serious exercisers.

Interval training can be as simple as doing jog/run-walk interval training or a simple home workout.

The goal is to reach 85 percent or more of your maximum heart rate (220 minus age) for the work period (30 seconds) and for as low as 60 percent of the maximum heart rate for the rest period.

Professional trainers

Fitness buffs should choose a responsible, credible and experienced fitness professional who can help reach their full potential.

Some exercises that were the trend 10 years ago might not be safe today. Always consult with a certified fitness professional.

Everyone can benefit from getting a personal trainer because, aside from guiding your exercise program, an experienced and qualified personal trainer has the skills to help improve your overall health and lifestyle.

World-class certifications accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) include American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and American Council on Exercise (ACE).

Strength training

Strength training is an integral part of a complete fitness program. A full-body strength program done twice or thrice a week can produce significant results such as improved metabolism, strength and muscle tone.

It can also help prevent or rehabilitate injuries; it is very important in body shaping and weight management.

Strength or resistance training can be done using your body or with different strength equipment like resistance training machines, hand weights or dumbbells, body leverage equipment, kettlebells, resistance bands or exercise tubing and medicine ball.

Exercise and weight loss

Weight loss can only be sustained with exercise.

Fitness and health experts will always encourage clients or patients to incorporate exercise in their eating program to achieve quality results.

Majority of fitness professionals now incorporate behavioral eating strategies in their weight loss programs to give clients the results that they need.

Dieticians and doctors will always encourage their patients to engage in regular physical activities.

Yoga

The popularity of yoga can be attributed to its mental, emotional, spiritual and physical benefits.

The atmosphere in a yoga studio and attributes of a yoga teacher have powerful effects when it comes to getting participants to be consistent in their practice.

Aside from physical benefits such as total body and core strength, balance and flexibility, there are also other gains such as improved concentration and self-discipline.

Functional training

Fitness experts apply functional training to clients to make their exercise program more complete and effective.

This training method improves balance, coordination and functional strength.

Most fitness programs focus on full body training, imitating activities of daily living to make clients become more functional in their usual activities such as going up and down the stairs, lifting, pushing and pulling activities.

Group training

Most exercisers are exploring the benefits of training in a small group instead of joining big classes or signing up for a one-on-one personal training session.

Group personal training is more fun and affordable as compared to a private session. You can also get inspired or challenged by other clients who signed up for the same session.

Fun

On a personal note as a fitness professional, our regular clients are older adults. This shows how committed the older population can get once they realize the importance of fitness in their day-to-day lives.

They see results in weight management, they feel younger and stronger and, most of all, they are having fun.

Next fitness trends

These are the next fitness trends which we hope to discuss soon.

Worksite health promotion

Outdoor activities

Wellness coaching

Circuit training

Core training

Sport-specific training

Exercise for the treatment and prevention of obesity

Outcome measurements

Worker incentive programs