1. Obesity Awareness--Losing weight will continue to be the primary reason consumers
seek personal-training support as the public responds to the expanded messaging
concerning the dangers of physical inactivity and obesity. The recently released
Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index report showed a modest improvement in the nation’s
obesity rates for the first time in more than three years. However, the fact remains
that three out of five Americans are still overweight or obese, which means there
is more work to be done. ACE remains committed to its 25-year vision to reverse
the obesity trend plaguing the nation by facilitating involvement by communities,
businesses and government.
2. Whole-life Training--Lifestyle coaching will become a bigger trend, with more
personal trainers expanding their education and training to be able to holistically
improve their clients’ lifestyles. Additionally, fitness facilities will hire nutritionists
and other allied healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and psychologists,
to serve the expanding needs of their health-conscious members by offering wellness,
nutrition and stress-management programs.
3. Behavior Modification--While great strides have been made
in health education, the average consumer still believes the best way to lose weight
is by following a restrictive or fad diet. The recently introduced ACE Integrated
Fitness Training® (ACE IFT®) Model incorporates tools personal trainers can use
to help them identify appropriate strategies for working with each client to enhance
goal-setting, motivation, adherence and rapport. Educational campaigns and programs
such as the ACE IFT Model, “Personal Training. Reinvented™”, and the ACE Lifestyle
& Weight Management Coach certification will prepare fitness professionals to
help consumers better understand that there are no shortcuts to lasting results.
4. Community Collaboration--Access to fitness services and education
will continue to expand in local communities, including activities in gyms, parks
and recreation centers. In line with the key objectives ACE presented in its 2011
Vision, local leaders are taking a more active role to address health issues in
their communities. This includes proactive measures through school-based education
programs and engagement with low-income and at-risk families. ACE supports national
initiatives such as Joining Forces, which provides fitness resources for military
families, and Lets Move!, which aims to encourage young people and their families
to be more physically active to help them avoid becoming part of the nation’s disturbing
obesity trend.
5. Influence of Technology--The 2011 ACE trend report showed technology
is starting to play a role in complementing in-person fitness services by providing
additional motivational support. In the coming year, social media and mobile-based
apps will continue to revolutionize the industry, with fitness organizations creating
more interactive and online-based programs and classes. Additionally, personal trainers
will have more flexibility than ever before to provide one-on-one or small-group
fitness instruction to consumers anytime and anywhere in the world.
6. Senior and Youth Specialties--Aquatic and group fitness classes
will be the most popular forms of exercise for older adults. ACE’s Trainer Program
for AARP includes a number of benefits to address the specific needs of the 50+
community, which makes up 41 percent of the population. And with First Lady Michelle
Obama advocating for active children, expect to see more physical fitness in schools,
youth-based classes at fitness centers, and families who work out or participate
in outdoor activities together. ACE offers its Operation FitKids™ curriculum at
no cost to educators looking to integrate health and fitness into classroom learning.
7. Advanced Professional Education
More than ever, fitness professionals will view continuing
education as an integral action item in further developing their fitness-training
knowledge, skills and abilities. Because of the valuable education tools and resources
offered by certifying organizations such as ACE throughout a professional’s career,
fitness and health clubs will continue to recognize the importance of hiring skilled
employees who hold NCAA-accredited fitness credentials.
8. Workplace Support
Due in part to several years of declining economic conditions
for business owners, employers will look to outsource wellness programs to local
fitness facilities and health clubs that can provide total health management, while
seeking out employee discounts and reduced membership fees to increase access for
workers.
9. Popular Workouts
Zumba, "Boot camp–style workouts", TRX
Suspension Training and interval training will continue to be popular workout trends.
Balance and core training also will become more prevalent in 2012
