Small-group training, express workouts and demographic-specific fitness expected to be favourites this year
LONDON, ON, Dec. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Population-specific training programs, express workouts and 'functional fitness' will enable Canadians to make 2013 their fittest year ever.
Thirty of Canada's leading fitness experts weighed-in on the second annual, GoodLife Fitness Top 10 Canadian Fitness Trends for the New Year.
Experts with almost 450 years of combined experience in the fitness industry and backgrounds in physiotherapy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, health promotion, fitness and information technology, fitness facilities and equipment, report on what they see as the trends in health and fitness for the upcoming year.
"As the fitness, health and wellness industry grows and fitness experts become more knowledgeable and experienced, we're able to make recommendations about the most effective and cutting-edge ways to achieve your health, wellness and fitness goals," said David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans, GoodLife Founder & CEO. "With our diverse knowledge and expertise and our long-standing leadership in the fitness industry, GoodLife has an inside peek into what fitness trends are helping Canadians live the healthiest lives."
Small Group Training in the form of a coach/personal trainer leading a group of participants ranked number one overall in fitness trends for the second year in a row as the added benefits of group camaraderie, affordability, and access to a knowledgeable Fitness Professional translates into helping more Canadians achieve their goals.
Express workouts made significant gains going from the number 10 spot in 2012, to the number five trend for 2013. The experts agree that the fast-paced lives of Canadians mean that fitness programs must also be efficient and effective to help consumers stay active and healthy.
Demographic-specific programming moves up one spot from last year as specialized programs and unique collaborations between the fitness industry and traditional healthcare professionals seek to help large portions of the Canadian population improve their quality of life while striving to reduce illness and chronic diseases.
"By helping people be healthy and fit, fitness clubs like GoodLife play an integral role in the healthcare system," said Patch. "The fitness industry works to enhance Canadians' health status, helping to prevent illness and disease, while also making people stronger and more resilient when facing and recovering from injury, illness and disease. We are committed to working closely with our partners in the traditional healthcare system from hospitals to rehabilitation facilities to general practitioners in the community to create a sustainable and powerful continuum of care for Canadians."
Top 10 Canadian Fitness Trends predicted for 2013:
- Small Group Training. Many Canadians continue to seek economical ways to get a great workout while still enjoying the guidance and knowledge of a Fitness Professional. Exercising in small groups of three to 12, with a certified coach, personal trainer, or small group training instructor is the way to make this happen and provides an added mix of comfort and extra motivation as they are inspired by other participants' enthusiasm and achievements. Examples: CrossFit (www.crossfit.com), MYBootcamp www.goodlifefitness.com/TeamTraining/MYBootcamp and TRX® Suspension Training www.trxtraining.com)
- Demographic-specific programming. Fitness professionals are continuing to recognize the need and potential of targeting programs and training routines toward specific populations of Canadians. Older adult programming, child and youth programming like GoodLife's free Teen Fitness program (www.teenfitness.ca), sport-specific training, rehabilitation and cardiovascular health programs like GoodLife Fitness' collaboration with the Peter Munk Cardiac Care Centre (www.newswire.ca/en/story/1065185/goodlife-fitness-collaborates-with-peter-munk-cardiac-centre-to-improve-canadians-heart-health), are allowing more Canadians the opportunity to benefit from an active life.
- Zumba, SH'BAM™ and Dance-focused Group Exercise Classes. Taking the 'work' out of 'workout' is exactly what attracts millions of participants world-wide (Canadians included) to dance-focused group exercise classes. The continued popularity of classes like ZUMBA FITNESS® (www.zumba.com) and Les Mills SH'BAM™ and BODYJAM™ (www.lesmills.com/global/en/classes), is predicted because they provide an excellent cardio workout, high calorie burning, while increasing self-esteem and releasing stress, in a fun, inviting, and social atmosphere.
- Educated and experienced Fitness Professionals. Fitness Professionals are continuously specializing and expanding the services and programs they provide. Illustrating this growth, canfitpro states that certified membership has grown 25% since 2010, It is becoming increasingly important for consumers to choose a fitness professional that is certified through internationally recognized organizations like canfitpro (www.canfitpro.com). In 2012, canfitpro launched Repscanada (www.repscanada.com), the Canadian Register of Exercise and Fitness Professionals, an inclusive, ground breaking, on-line resource that will increase the integrity of the fitness profession by providing consumers and employers the ability to understand and identify a registered Fitness Professionals' credentials.
- Express or 'In and Out' Workouts. Life is busy and fast-paced for most Canadians. People are looking for an effective workout that fits their lifestyle. Many group exercise classes, like CXWORX and Jillian Michaels' BODY SHRED (www.jillianmichaelsbodyshred.com), and strength training circuits provide 30 minute express-style options which not only help you achieve your health and wellness goals, but are also great for the beginner exerciser. GoodLife Fitness suggests you try the Fit Fix Circuit two to three times per week to get a full body strength training workout that takes only 20 to 30 minutes each time. www.goodlifefitness.com/FAQ.aspx
- Functional Fitness and CORE Training. Functional Fitness and CORE training is all about exercising using movements that prepare you for the activities of life in Canada. Whether it's carrying groceries, shoveling snow or playing with your kids, the Experts agree that Canadians continue to recognize the value of functional fitness and core strength for preventing injury and illness. Newbody Muscle is a Group Exercise class that combines the best of functional strength moves to help build muscle strength, shape and stamina and train the body for performing life's daily activities with ease. www.goodlifefitness.com/GroupExercise/Cardio/Newbody
- Hot Yoga and more accessible Yoga. Hot Yoga continues to be a key trend for exercisers who are looking for the mind-body-spirit benefits of activity and enjoy the health benefits of the heated studios. With programming like YogaFit® and YogaFit® Sweat, Yoga's accessibility continues to expand to more Canadians. www.yogafit.com
- Weight Management/Lifestyle Coaching. As multiple studies indicate, (www.ihrsa.org/research, www.acefitness.org/getfit/research), weight-loss and/or weight management continues to be one of the most popular reasons people exercise. The role of the fitness professional has evolved to include lifestyle coaching, nutrition counselling and stress management. Each component contributes to the overall success rate of Canadians in achieving health and fitness goals. Allied health services like massage therapy and chiropractic care are also emerging to complement the programs and services provided by fitness clubs, personal trainers and group exercise instructors.
- Corporate Wellness Programs. Workplaces are making an increased investment in employee health and wellness and understanding the intrinsic benefit to their bottom line. Companies are also being recognized by their employees and leaders in the health, fitness and wellness industry for making this investment. The GoodLife Fitness Health & Wellness Leadership Summit and Award Program is a national series of events designed to empower Canadian organizations to excel in fitness, health and workplace wellness. With a healthy and active workforce, Canadian organizations will be able to increase productivity and morale while reducing financial losses associated with unhealthy employees and poor work related practices. www.glfwellness.com
- Influence of Technology. The ever-evolving technology of the fitness industry is emerging as a major factor in helping Canadians achieve their health and wellness goals. Tools like the adidas micoach (www.adidas.com/ca/micoach), provide users with a personalized tracking and coaching device that monitors their progress. Equipment manufacturers like Precor (http://www.precor.com and Life Fitness www.lifefitness.com) also recognize the consumer demand and have begun adding smart-phone and app integration capabilities, allowing users to have a more personalized and monitored experience on the elliptical, stationary bike, stepper, or treadmill. The influence of technology also benefits Fitness Professionals as technology platforms like Wexer (www.wexer.com) which represents a 21st century outreach for those who want to get in shape and need the flexibility, efficiency and motivational tools that only a digital platform can provide.
For more information on fitness trends, please visit www.goodlifefitness.com.
SOURCE: GoodLife Fitness
Media Contacts:
Adam Roberts, PR Specialist, GoodLife Fitness
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