What the future holds for fitness

Wow, what a 2011 for the fitness industry. New brands, expanding brands, closing brands and weird things happening all around the fitness biz. You might have experienced some of these changes firsthand with the down economy forcing many fitness clubs to change the way they do business to stay in business.

I've taken out my crystal ball, and have seen the next year in fitness. Some of the things I've seen are surprising, some not so much. Check it out, Here are my fitness predictions for 2012.


 1. People will begin to eat better food. This has been bubbling under the surface for a long time, and is now finally creating a stir above ground. Obesity in the USA is an largely foodborne illness. As are many of the ailments that are packaged in with it.

According to published medical research conducted by renown physicians like Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, Type-2 diabetes, heart disease and arthritis can largely be prevented and reversed through drastic changes in nutrition. Local produce delivery services are popping up all over the country, and more Americans are learning how to eat better as the sale of books about nutrition are on the rise. I suggest you start with "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan.

2. There will be more collaboration. You will begin to see more partnerships between the fitness and medical communities in 2012. In the past, these two parties haven't communicated well, and theirs was an often adversarial relationship.

More fitness experts, and medical experts are realizing that if obesity is really going to end in this country, it's going to take a concerted effort from both. Personal trainers, nutritionists, behavioral therapists and medical practitioners need to work well together, because the forces that profit from a fat America do. Look for nonprofits to have a big impact on local levels with not just education, but massive action.

 3. Group exercise will dominate the club. Joining popular group exercise programs like Zumba, Body Pump, Indo-Row, etc., will be a leading reason why people start a gym membership in 2012. These programs are fun, consistent, and have a low intimidation factor. The most successful clubs in the country often attribute their success to having a strong group exercise program. Many clubs will even make a workout schedule for you based on the group exercise programming. Providing this kind of path to new members is key to ensuring they stick around past March, when membership usual drop-offs begin.

4. People will get techno-fit. Technology is heavily influencing many Americans' fitness habits already. Look for this to increase in 2012. Fitness apps on the iPhone, virtual fitness training, online weight loss clubs and the like allow you to get fit and get the accountability you need right from the comfort of your own home. This is significant, because it helps make the old "I don't have time to go to the gym" obsolete. With the power of the Internet, you have the ability to train whenever and wherever, especially with a Wi-Fi enabled device. Fitness is now more convenient than ever, and will become even more so in the coming years. Check out www.streamfit.com to see the future today.

 So there we are. My 2012 New Year's fitness predictions. This is an exciting time to be in the fitness industry, and an exciting time to pursue your fitness dreams. It's never been easier with all of the research, tools and experts available to you today. Make 2012 the year you finally get into your best shape, and live the life you're meant to.  



Chad Smith is a Hagerstown personal trainer. Find him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hometeamfitness.