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ACSM Survey Predicts 2009 Fitness Trends

October 28, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS – The importance of experienced and educated fitness professionals remains the top predicted fitness trend for a second straight year, says an American College of Sports Medicine informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzcxNDEmcD0xJnU9MjM2OTcwMzI0JmxpPTI2MzY4ODA/index.html (ACSM) survey published in the November/December issue of ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal®.

The survey, now in its third year, was distributed to ACSM-certified health and fitness professionals worldwide and was designed to reveal trends in various fitness environments. More than 1,500 completed surveys were received from respondents in six continents. Thirty-five potential trends were given as choices, with the top 20 ranked and published by ACSM. Consistent with 2008 results, experienced and educated fitness professionals was identified as the top trend to watch in 2009, likely due to increased industry regulations and an influx of specialty certifications and educational programs available for these professionals. This trend has moved up the list since the survey’s inception in 2007, when it ranked third. Also holding their spots on the list were trends related to children and obesity and personal training, which again ranked second and third, respectively. Lead author of the survey, Walter R. Thompson, Ph.D., FACSM, says this is indicative of true industry trends, not fads, taking hold. “When predictions become consistent, we view it as an opportunity for education and action,” he said. “These developing themes will help health and fitness professionals give the best possible service to the public, and also help the public understand the quality of service they should be receiving as clients. The forecast for 2009 not only suggests active people will have good and safe options when choosing a trainer to complement their fitness routines, but there’s also an enhanced appreciation for the education and training of these professionals, which we see expanding each year. Reading through the survey results, the innovation in training, public health issues and wellness is evident for the year ahead in health and fitness.” The top 10 fitness trends predicted for 2009 are:

The full list (Top 20 trends) is available in the article “Worldwide Survey Reveals Fitness Trends for 2009 (informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzcxNDEmcD0xJnU9MjM2OTcwMzI0JmxpPTI2MzY4ODE/index.html).