The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently issued their 8th worldwide survey of fitness trends for 2014. They have been conducting surveys of professionals who work in commercial, clinical, community, and corporate sectors.
There were 38 possible trends in the 2014 survey. The top 25 trends from previous years were included in the survey, as were some potentially emerging trends identified by the staff and editors of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®. It was sent electronically to currently certified ACSM professionals as well as various members of ACSM. There were 3,815 responses that were received, which represents a return rate of 13%. Responses were received from just about every continent
Here is the 2014 list, as published by ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal:
- High intensity interval training
- Body weight training
- Educated, certified and experienced fitness professionals
- Strength training
- Exercise and weight loss
- Personal training
- Fitness programs for older adults
- Functional fitness
- Group personal training
- Yoga
- Children and exercise for the treatment/prevention of obesity
- Worksite health promotion
- Core Training
- Outdoor activities
- Circuit Training
- Outcome measurements
- Wellness coaching
- Sport specific training
- Worker incentive programs
- Boot camp
Here are some of my thoughts:
- The number one trend is high intensity interval training. This is the approach that I see mass marketed the most, so it’s no surprise that is has moved up the list.
- Body weight training broke into the top 20 last year and is now near the very top. It was considered a “new” trend but I don’t see it that way. This is something that has been around for as long as I know people have been exercising and used to be known as “calisthenics”.
- Zumba has dropped off completely. I have seen this more of a fad than a trend and am not surprised by this.
- Yoga is something that is never going to go away and something I encourage new professionals to consider regardless of whether they are working in an exercise science or wellness field. It holds such incredible potential for both mind and body and can be integrated into almost any allied health setting.
- This list should continue to be used as a benchmarking tool for new and emerging professionals, as well as seasoned. It serves as a means to look at what to possibly consider in regards to education and skill development in staff in addition to potential career growth and opportunity.
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