Hot Fitness Trends For New Year

(WebMD)  Ready to adopt a new workout program in the New Year?

A survey by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) predicts that fitness programs that are easy on the pocketbook will shine in 2009.

The group is out with its top 10 fitness trends for the upcoming year, after surveying personal trainers, group fitness professionals, and lifestyle and weight management consultants.

For the second year in a row, boot camp-style workouts are predicted to be the top fitness trend for 2009. Boot camps, group classes that aim to strengthen large muscle groups with pushups, squats, and lunges, can burn up to 600 calories during one session.

Another trend? Getting more for the money, says ACE Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, in a news release. The overarching theme for fitness in
2009 is getting more bang for the buck.

"Consumers will engage in workouts that provide multiple benefits due to time and economic limitations. We will also see continued trends from 2008 including boot-camp style workouts, technology-based workouts, out-of-the-box programming, and an increased interest in fitness for those who are over 50 years old," said Bryant

Here's the ACE's top trend rundown:

Boot camp-style fitness programs.

Workout plans that are less expensive.

Specialty classes like Zumba, Bollywood, Afro-Cuban, and ballroom dancing. These classes are set to rhythmic music and aim to increase cardiovascular fitness while folks have fun.

The basics. Fitness professionals believe that people will want to return to basic fitness programs.

Circuit training. Circuit training blends strength training and cardiovascular activity at different intensities. Another plus: gyms can set up their own circuit for members to follow.

Kettlebell training. These iron weights, traditionally used in Russia, aim to develop whole body fitness and core strength.

Boomer fitness. A focus on fitness led by people 50 and older.

Technology-based fitness. Using high-tech gadgets like iPods to help keep workouts engaging, plus an increase in interactive fitness video games.

Event or sports-specific exercises. A focus on the simple things, like basketball or volleyball games, or day bike rides.

Mixing it up. Low-intensity cardio or weight-training on one day, followed by a high-intensity workout on another day.

By Kelley Colihan
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario
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