Motivation

Fitness Trends for 2011

Wondering what you’ll be seeing at the fitness center this year?

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) announced its top 10 fitness trends for 2011. Well Community asked Maki B. Uechi-Brooker, a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at Galter LifeCenter, to explain what these trends entail and what they mean for North siders. 
 
1. Personal training.
Clients who sign up for one-on-one personal training in the new year will get custom workouts based on their current health status, fitness level and goals – whether those are losing weight or finishing a 10k.

At Galter LifeCenter, trainers measure clients’ body composition, strength, endurance, flexibility and other baseline measurements so they can be compared later to see if goals are being met.

“People who stay with one-on-one personal training tend to really like that individual attention,” Maki says.

Small group training is also on the rise, Maki says. Four to six people in a group make the experience more economical but slightly less customized than one-on-one.

“You’re getting an efficient, effective workout and what’s wonderful is that it’s got a social component to it,” says Maki.

2. Strength training.
There has been a renewed emphasis on strength training because research has found that it is beneficial for everyone from athletes and bodybuilders to cardiac rehab patients and those wanting to lose weight. It’s an essential part of a complete physical activity program for all physical activity levels and genders.

“This will always be in the top 10,” Maki says.

3. Educated and experienced fitness professionals.
With so many organizations and individuals offering quick fitness solutions, it’s more important than ever to go with trainers certified by ACSM, ACE (American Council on Exercise), NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association) and/or NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine).

“Clients have become more educated on how to pick a trainer,” says Maki, “They understand the importance of certified, educated trainers.”

If you are going through physical therapy or rehabilitation for an injury, it is also important to look for facilities recognized by the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). Galter LifeCenter is the only gym in Illinois and one of only 14 in the nation to receive MFA certification for leadership and excellence in medical fitness.

4. Fitness programs for older adults.
Aging baby boomers see the value in living an active life, Maki says, and gyms are catering to their health and fitness needs.

“A lot of programs for older adults are now being designed to improve balance, coordination, strength training (to increase bone density) and flexibility.”

These are critical fitness keys for older adults, who are facing issues such as heart disease, arthritis and increased risk of falling. (See Functional fitness below.)

5. Children and obesity.
 “Childhood and adolescent obesity are a national epidemic,” Maki says. “These are kids who will become obese adults unless they get help now to reduce their weight.”

Scary fact: This generation of kids is the first whose lifespans are predicted to be shorter than their parents.

“In the future we’ll be seeing more youth programming in communities and schools. There’s a tremendous need for this population to be addressed,” Maki says. 

6. Core training.
Core training emphasizes conditioning the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen – all of which provide needed support for the spine.

“It’s really important to develop core strength because it’s good for a healthy back and improves overall stability,” says Maki. “A strong core improves balance and coordination and really helps with daily living activities.”

There are lots of way to improve your core, including bosu balls, wobble boards, body weight and Pilates.

7. Exercise and weight loss.
It has become increasingly recognized that in addition to nutrition, exercise is a key component of a proper weight loss program.

With this trend in mind, Galter LifeCenter offers Nutrifitness, a 12-week group weight loss program that includes twice-weekly workouts with a certified personal trainer, weekly nutrition lectures by a registered dietitian, behavioral sessions with a clinical psychologist, a stress test, lab work, measurement of resting metabolic rate and pre and post-class fitness assessments.

8. Boot camp.
One of Maki’s favorite classes, boot camp classes are a high-intensity workout  incorporating 30- to 60-second drills of plyometrics (jumps), agility training, speed, power, strength, pushups and sprints on the track.

“It’s fun because it creates a team spirit feel and people get tremendous fitness results,” Maki says. “People really go above and beyond where they think they can go.”

It’s also great because when the weather gets warm, classes often move outside.

9. Functional fitness.
Functional fitness courses use activities and strength training exercises to improve balance, coordination, strength and endurance to help with daily living activities, like lifting groceries or having the endurance and coordination to play with children and grandchildren.

Functional fitness applies to all ages but it’s especially targeted toward older adults, who are more at risk of falling and are dealing with health issues like arthritis and reduced strength and flexibility.

10. Physician referrals.
The ACSM initiative ‘Exercise is Medicine’ encourages doctors to work with health and fitness professionals to bring exercise into patients’ daily lives.

Galter LifeCenter has brought this initiative to life with Fundamental Fitness, a partnership between the medical fitness center and Swedish Covenant Hospital.

The 9-week class introduces users to healthy lifestyle basics. Topics covered are flexibility, cardiovascular exercise, strength training, nutrition and risk factors, balance and core training, tools and strategies, goal setting, and mind-body connection. Swedish Covenant doctors prescribe the class to patients, although clients don’t need to be referred to join.

“It’s specifically designed for people who can’t afford or are intimidated by the gym, or who don’t know where to begin,” Maki says.

• Login
• Comment