When the festive season draws to a close, taking with it the chance to wear pyjamas during the day and eat cold roast potatoes for breakfast, people across the country will inevitably make New Year's resolutions to join gyms and get in shape.
With this in mind, HuffPost UK Lifestyle thought we'd share the top fitness trends for next year as predicted by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), to help inspire a healthy start to 2013.
This is the ACSM's seventh worldwide annual survey, which includes feedback from 3,346 health and fitness professionals.
According to the findings, Zumba, yoga and strength training will be hot among the fitness crowd next year, whereas spinning (indoor cycling) and sport-specific training are predicted to be less popular than in previous years.
Interestingly, while perennial favourites, such as Pilates and balance training, continue to be popular, they do not feature in the top 20.
Here are the commercial targets for the fitness industry next year, according to the report..
Top 20 Fitness Industry Trends For 2013
Wellness Coaching(01 of20)
Wellness coaching often uses a one-on-one approach similar to a personal trainer, with the coach providing support, guidance, and encouragement. The wellness coach focuses on the client’s values, needs, vision, and goals.According to this trend survey (and results from past surveys), it seems as though wellness coaching and its principled techniques of behavior change have been adopted by personal trainers and other health and fitness professionals. (credit:Alamy)
Reaching New Markets(02 of20)
This is a trend that identifies new markets in all aspects of the health and fitness industry. With many people not having a regular exercise program or a place to exercise, commercial, clinical, corporate, and community programs will reach out to tap into this huge market. (credit:Alamy)
Circuit Training(03 of20)
Circuit training is a group of 6 to 10 exercises that are completed one after another and in a predetermined sequence. Each exercise is performed for a specified number of repetitions or for a set period before having a quick rest and moving on to the next exercise. (credit:Alamy)
Outcome Measurements(04 of20)
This is a trend toward accountability. There will be efforts to define and track outcomes to prove that a selected program actually works. Measurements are necessary to determine the benefits of health and fitness programs in disease management and to document success in changing negative lifestyle habits. The proliferation of technology will aid in data collection to support these efforts. Accountability to owners and operators of health and fitness facilities will provide important metrics to determine if new programs are cost-effective and if old programs are actually working. (credit:Alamy)
Boot Camp(05 of20)
Boot camp is a high-intensity structured activity patterned after military-style training. Boot camp includes cardiovascular, strength, endurance, and flexibility drills and usually involves both indoor and outdoor exercises typically led by an enthusiastic instructor. Boot camps also can combine sport-type drills and calisthenics. (credit:Alamy)
Worker Incentive Programs(06 of20)
This is a trend toward creating incentive programs to stimulate positive healthy behavior change as part of employer-based health promotion programming and health care benefits. This trend represents a resurgence of corporate health promotion programs as a result of rising health care costs experienced by both small and large companies and corporations. Worker incentive programs also are associated with the trend to provide worksite health promotion programs in an attempt to reduce health care costs. (credit:Alamy)
Yoga(07 of20)
Yoga now comes in a variety of forms, including Power Yoga, Yogalates, and yoga done in hot and humid environments.Other forms of yoga include Iyengar Yoga, Ashtanga, Bikram Yoga (the hot and humid one), Vinyasa Yoga, Kripalu Yoga, Anuara Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, and Sivananda Yoga. Instructional tapes and books are abundant, as are the growing numbers of certifications for the many yoga formats. (credit:Alamy)
Outdoor Activities(08 of20)
This is a trend for health and fitness professionals to offer more outdoor activities to their clients. Outdoor activities can be done with family and with friends, with a group or by yourself. Outdoor activities typically include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and games or sports. Outdoor activities also can include high-adventure programs such as overnight camping trips. (credit:Alamy)
Zumba and Other Dance Workouts(09 of20)
Zumba requires energy and enthusiasm from the instructor and the participants. It appeared as though the popularity of Zumba was growing, with a rapid escalation between 2010 and 2012. Future surveys will determine if this is a trend or a fad. (credit:Alamy)
Worksite Health Promotion(10 of20)
This is a trend for a range of programs and services designed to improve the health of workers and incorporate systems to evaluate their impact on health, health care costs, and worker productivity. Many of these programs are physically housed within the company or corporation building or on campus, whereas other programs may contract with independent commercial- or community-based programs. Within the context of health care reform in the United States and rising health care costs, health promotion programs may take on additional importance in the future. (credit:Alamy)
Group Personal Training(11 of20)
This trend allows the personal trainer to continue providing the personal service clients expect but now in a small group of two to four, offering potentially deep discounts to each member of the group. In these continuing challenging economic times when true personal income may be decreasing (and almost certainly discretionary spending), personal trainers must be more creative in the way they package personal training sessions. Training two or three people at the same time in a small group seems to make good economic sense for both the trainer and the client. Group personal training will continue to be popular in 2013. (credit:Alamy)
Core Training(12 of20)
Core training stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen, thorax, and back. It typically includes exercises of the hips, lower back, and abdomen, all of which provide support for the spine and thorax. Exercising the core muscles improves overall stability of the trunk and transfers that to the extremities, enabling the individual to meet the demands of activities of daily living and for the performance of various sports that require strength, speed, and agility. Core training often uses stability balls, BOSU balls, wobble boards, foam rollers, and other pieces of equipment. Some respondents argued that core training may be losing some of its popularity as new forms of exercise are developed. This will be an interesting trend to watch in the next few years. (credit:Alamy)
Functional Fitness(13 of20)
Functional fitness may be defined as using strength training to improve balance, coordination, force, power, and endurance to improve one’s ability to perform activities of daily living. Functional fitness programs reflect actual activities one might do as a function of daily living. (credit:Alamy)
Personal Training(14 of20)
As more professional personal trainers are educated and become certified, they become more accessible to more people in all sectors of the health and fitness industry. Personal trainers are employed by community-based programs, in commercial settings, in corporate wellness programs, and in medical fitness programs. (credit:Alamy)
Fitness Programs for Older Adults(15 of20)
The baby boom generation is now aging into retirement, and because they may have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts, fitness clubs should capitalize on this exponentially growing market. It is assumed that people who are retired not only typically have greater sums of discretionary money but they also have a tendency to spend it more wisely and may have more time to engage in an exercise program. Health and fitness professionals can take advantage of this growing population of retired persons by providing age-appropriate exercise programs. (credit:Alamy)
Exercise and Weight Loss(16 of20)
For many years, weight loss programs have been trying to infuse a regular exercise program into the caloric restriction diets of many popular commercial programs. Most well-publicised diet plans incorporate exercise into their daily routine of providing meals to their clients. The combination of exercise and weight loss is a trend toward incorporating all weight loss programs with a sensible exercise program. (credit:Alamy)
Children and Obesity(17 of20)
The problem with childhood and adolescent obesity continues to be a major health issue in most developed and developing nations. As public school systems continue to face the reality of cutting programs such as physical education and recess to spend more time preparing for standardised testing in a challenging economy, this is a trend toward more programs and a potential new market for commercial and community-based organisations. Health and fitness practitioners see the problem of childhood obesity and its associated comorbidities as an opportunity to positively influence a health issue that not only immediately impacts the health care industry but has an even greater effect on the health of these children as they mature into adults and have families of their own. The health and fitness industry should recognise this chronic health issue and start new programs targeted specifically at these children. Corporate and clinical programs also may see this as an opportunity to develop specialised physical activity programs for children of their staff and clients. Commercial- and community-based programs may find a receptive partner in schools. (credit:Alamy)
Body Weight Training(18 of20)
Body weight training did not appear as an option in previous surveys because it has only now become popular (as a defined trend) in gyms around the world; this is not to say that body weight training has not been used previously. On the contrary, people have been using their own body weights for centuries as a form of resistance training. Packaging it as an exercise program has now made it popular in all kinds of gyms. Body weight training often uses minimal equipment, which makes it an inexpensive way to exercise effectively. Most people think of body weight training as being limited to push-ups and pull-ups, but it can be much more than that. Body weight training may be a trend to watch as more people get “back to the basics.” (credit:Alamy)
Strength Training(19 of20)
This trend calls for both men and women to incorporate strength training into their exercise routines or to use it as the primary form of exercise. Historically, many clients of both community-based programs and commercial clubs trained exclusively using weights, and there are still those who lift weights for body building. However, today, there are many other individuals (both men and women, young and old, and children) whose main focus is on using weight training to improve or maintain strength. Most health and fitness professionals today incorporate some form of strength training into a comprehensive exercise routine for their clients and for patients with stable diseases. It is not uncommon for cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, or metabolic disease management programs to include weight training in the exercise prescription. Strength training remains popular in commercial, community, clinical, and corporate health fitness facilities for many different kinds of clients. (credit:Alamy)
Educated, Certified, and Experienced Fitness Professionals(20 of20)
Holding on to the no. 1 spot for the last 6 years, this is a trend that continues and drives the need for education and certification programs that are fully accredited by national third-party accrediting organisations for health and fitness and clinical exercise program professionals. (credit:Alamy)
When the ACSM survey results were revealed, HuffPost UK Lifestyle also conducted a little research of our own to find out what other exciting exercise classes are going to hit the UK next year.
Those we are looking forward to trying include hot Pilates (think Bikram yoga for your core) and Aqua Zumba (available in Virgin Active health clubs).
See what else is tipped to get our hearts racing in the UK in 2013
UK Fitness Trends For 2013
Ugi Class(01 of09)
Ugi is a challenging 30-minute class set to music, combining strength, cardio and core training into the most fun, challenging, stylish way of becoming functionally fit. All exercises focus on a fifteen inch diameter ball (weighted to suit individual needs) which has the squish of a beanbag and the bounce-back of a stress ball. The Ugi ball is a tool you can stand on, kneel on, sit on or plank on, pick up, throw, or use as a weight.The class comprises of a series of one-minute exercises efficient enough to change your body completely — from warm up, cardio, strength conditioning, balance and flexibility to cool down. There are several variations of the exercises meaning that members will never get bored, stay motivated and continue to see results from Ugi.Ugi will be available at Virgin Active health centres across the country and has already launched at Virgin Active Kensington. For more information click here (credit:Virgin Active)
Hot Pilates(02 of09)
Think Bikram yoga, but for Pilates.The hot Pilates class (pictured) was offered by Boutique Sport is a London based concept which provides free bi-monthly fitness events for women in and around London in addition to larger annual events such as Boutique Run.
Steelish Ciclotte (03 of09)
Whether a fan of innovative design, hardy equipment or cycling and fitness, the new stylishly sleek Steelish Ciclotte is the ultimate, luxury must-have designed to reproduce the dynamics and performance of road cycling, and perfect for high intensity aerobic workouts. The new Ciclotte Steelish colours are also available in white and grey, and are the standard available versions, completed by a wide palette of shades customisable on demand, RRP. £7,400 plus VAT. For further information or to buy click here. (credit:Ciclotte )
Aqua Zumba(04 of09)
Zumba Fitness’ revolutionary pool based class, Aqua Zumba, takes the high energy and fun of a traditional studio Zumba® class to the water. The international and Latin music combined with high energy moves led by a charismatic Zumba® instructor creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a Miami pool party. Known as the Zumba® “pool party,” Aqua Zumba gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting and laughing are all common characteristics of an Aqua Zumba class.Aqua Zumba will be available at Virgin Active health centres across the country and has already launched at Virgin Active Kensington. For more information click here
Cardio Tennis(05 of09)
Cardio Tennis, which can burn up to 600 calories in one hour, provides a unique take on the traditional game; featuring high energy moves on a tennis court against a soundtrack of fun filled, fast tempo music and adding a party atmosphere to a fantastic all-body workout.Cardio Tennis will be available at Virgin Active health centres across the country. For more information click here (credit:Virgin Active)
Gravity HIIT(06 of09)
david@actionpr.co.uk>GRAVITY HIIT is one of the first fitness classes to offer huge health benefits found by high intensity interval training research. The class uses your own bodyweight as resistance, and covers five out ten 2013 fitness trends identified by the American College of Sports Medicine survey – strength training, body weight training, functional fitness, core training and group personal training. Burn fat, gain strength, tone up, increase stamina, raise VO2 max and Resting Metabolic Rate, reduce body fat, lower risk of diabetes and heart disease in one quick, enjoyable class appropriate for any fitness level, from totally inactive to elite athlete. See Gravity HIIT in action. (credit:Gravity HIIT)
AB-MXR and total core workout DVD(07 of09)
As the dark nights draw closer and a trip to the gym doesn’t seem quite so enticing, don’t let your summer beach body go to waste. Continue the good work at home with the AB-MXR and 30-minute total core workout DVD, to blast your abs and tone your body to perfection. To optimize your workout, use the total core workout DVD, which includes hundreds of different full-body exercises plus training tips from creator and renowned celebrity personal trainer and lifestyle coach Joanna Kabbani. Available in five weights, ranging from 1kg to 5kg, the AB-MXR allows for progression as your strength and fitness increase. The AB-MXR is available in five weights: 1kg (suitable for beginners and injury rehabilitation) - £60.002kg (suitable for all levels) - £65.003kg (suitable for advanced abs, muscle sculpting and fast body fat burn) - £68.004kg (suitable for fitness professionals)- £70.005kg (suitable for the super fit and fitness professionals)- £75.00 www.AB-MXR.com (credit:AB-MXR )
CXWORX(08 of09)
Waistlines may vary and whatever the size being toned and trim can make all the difference. Not just on how clothes fit, but to long-term health. The new CXWORX™ fitness class will help to tighten and tone core muscles and provide a challenging workout.CXWORX™ is a core strengthening express class from Les Mills. Formulated with a carefully structured, scientific approach it tightens and tones, improves functional strength and assists injury prevention. The workout consists of exercises that both isolate (for example crunches or leg extensions) and integrate (for example standing balance or hovers) various key muscle groups. It is a quick, efficient, but challenging workout, in just 30 minutes.The CXWORX™ class will help:To tighten and tone core musclesTo improve functional strength for balance, mobility and injury preventionTo provide a better understanding of how the core works and its importance in overall physical healthTo motivate and encourage to try something newFind out more here (credit:CXWORX)
Fitness FX DVDs(09 of09)
The DVDs feature leading health and fitness experts, who have created a range of modern and dynamic workouts that aim to get you fit and athletic using current, effective training methods.They’ve listened to the public and know that we would rather be taught by exercise professionals than celebrities; that whilst music to motivate us is important, we don’t necessarily want to perform choreographed dance moves to it. They know, as Jessica Ennis recently being voted ‘best female body’ shows, athletic bodies are now top of the agenda rather than ‘skinny’; that we’re busy and want something that is effective and doesn’t waste what little spare time we have; that men watch workout DVDs too and that people want a choice over what style of workout they do.The range includes: jump fx - no-nonsense aerobic and interval training designed toaccelerate fat loss and maximise fitness gains.fight fx - punch and kick your way into knockout shape with theultimate martial arts-inspired workout.stomp fx - basic, athletic step routines designed for maximum calorie burn and fitness improvements.groove fx - dance yourself into shape with hip hop, Latin, disco and club routinespump fx- a complete resistance training workout featuring a bar andweight plates set to the latest chart and club anthemsblast fx - bodyweight-only conditioning routines that promise to shred fat and boost fitness...fastFind out more here (credit:Fitness FX)