As I write this article, September is just around the corner. Every year, I find myself marveling at how quickly time flies—it’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the last quarter of the year. This year has been particularly eventful for the fitness industry, with activities ranging from spinning classes to Zumba, from kettlebell workouts to women’s strength training. There’s been a lot happening! In this article, I’d like to discuss what I consider to be the top four fitness trends of the year so far. Let’s dive in.
### Weight Loss Programs for Kids
It’s tough to admit, but obesity rates in the United States have more than tripled over the past 30 years, affecting both children and adults. Dianne Sykes Scope, the head exercise physiologist at Achieve Fitness, emphasizes this alarming trend. Recognizing the urgent need to address childhood obesity, many parents are enrolling their kids in specialized fitness programs found in local gyms and health clubs. “Many clubs now offer semi-private training to make it more affordable for kids to join in,” says Sykes. I anticipate that these programs will continue to grow in popularity throughout 2013, as they’ve already made a significant impact this year.
### Wellness Coaches
You’ve probably heard of fitness coaches and personal trainers, but what about wellness coaches? A wellness coach works with clients to foster lasting behavioral changes, helping them stay focused, motivated, and committed to their health goals. These coaches provide advice on various aspects, including weight management, health risk management, overcoming barriers to fitness, and stress reduction.
### Worker Incentive Programs
I’m particularly excited about the growing buzz around Worker Incentive Programs. Employers have a vested interest in their employees’ health—not only does it reduce sick days, but it also cuts the annual health care costs. To encourage healthy habits, many companies now offer bonuses, discounts, and other perks for employees who exercise regularly. We can expect to see more of these programs in 2013, as they benefit both employees and employers.
### Military Boot Camp Fitness
The final trend I want to highlight is the rise of military-style boot camp fitness programs. Unlike traditional fitness routines like running or weight training, boot camps offer a unique, high-intensity experience. Participants engage in obstacle courses, high-intensity drills, and calisthenics, including activities like climbing walls, scaling ropes, and crawling through tunnels. These challenging and fun workouts are attracting a growing number of fitness enthusiasts, and I believe we’ll see even more of them in the marketplace in the coming years.
These four trends—weight loss programs for kids, wellness coaches, worker incentive programs, and military boot camp fitness—are making waves in the fitness industry this year. Keep an eye out for these exciting developments as we move forward.