Walter R. Thompson, PhD, the spokesperson for American College of Sports Medicine American Fitness Index, says that there is a growing need for regulation of health and fitness certification guidelines within the industry, which makes certification the top trend in sports medicine for next year. ACSM received more than 2,200 completed surveys from around the world, asking respondents to rank the 20 trends out of 31 potential options, according to an ACSM news release.
1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals. A recent influx in the number of organizations offering fitness and health certifications means that consumers should begin searching for the facilities and organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
2. Fitness programs for older adults. An increase in the retired population means that older adults who have the financial means to enroll in fitness programs will be seeking professionals to lead age-appropriate activities in the future.
3. Strength training. As the central emphasis for many health clubs, strength training will continue to be an essential element to physical activity programs for people of all demographics.
4. Children and obesity. Over the past few years, childhood obesity has risen, meaning the need for programs tailored to overweight and obese children will continue in the future.
5. Personal training. Many students are majoring in kinesiology, which means they are preparing themselves for careers in allied health fields such as personal training.
6. Core training. Core training emphasizes conditioning of the middle-body muscles to support the spine, a training area that has gained in popularity and will continue to be a key factor in health services.
7. Exercise and weight loss. Health and fitness professionals providing weight loss programs are now incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction into the programs for better weight control.
8. Boot camp. High-intensity programs referred to as "boot camp" are modeled after military style training and incorporate cardiovascular, strength, endurance and flexibility through indoor and outdoor drills.
9. Functional fitness. Many facilities are including programs in functional fitness, especially for older adults, which are designed to improve balance and ease of daily living.
10. Physician referrals. An important part of the Exercise is Medicine initiative includes partnering medical professionals with health and fitness professionals to integrate exercise into the patient's life.
Read the American College of Sports Medicine release on sports medicine trends.
Read other coverage on sports medicine:
- 7 Things Orthopedic Surgeons Should Know About Platelet Rich Plasma
- 10 Stories for Team Physicians About Concussion Awareness
- 3 Tips for Communicating With Parents of Young Athletes
1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals. A recent influx in the number of organizations offering fitness and health certifications means that consumers should begin searching for the facilities and organizations accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
2. Fitness programs for older adults. An increase in the retired population means that older adults who have the financial means to enroll in fitness programs will be seeking professionals to lead age-appropriate activities in the future.
3. Strength training. As the central emphasis for many health clubs, strength training will continue to be an essential element to physical activity programs for people of all demographics.
4. Children and obesity. Over the past few years, childhood obesity has risen, meaning the need for programs tailored to overweight and obese children will continue in the future.
5. Personal training. Many students are majoring in kinesiology, which means they are preparing themselves for careers in allied health fields such as personal training.
6. Core training. Core training emphasizes conditioning of the middle-body muscles to support the spine, a training area that has gained in popularity and will continue to be a key factor in health services.
7. Exercise and weight loss. Health and fitness professionals providing weight loss programs are now incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction into the programs for better weight control.
8. Boot camp. High-intensity programs referred to as "boot camp" are modeled after military style training and incorporate cardiovascular, strength, endurance and flexibility through indoor and outdoor drills.
9. Functional fitness. Many facilities are including programs in functional fitness, especially for older adults, which are designed to improve balance and ease of daily living.
10. Physician referrals. An important part of the Exercise is Medicine initiative includes partnering medical professionals with health and fitness professionals to integrate exercise into the patient's life.
Read the American College of Sports Medicine release on sports medicine trends.
Read other coverage on sports medicine:
- 7 Things Orthopedic Surgeons Should Know About Platelet Rich Plasma
- 10 Stories for Team Physicians About Concussion Awareness
- 3 Tips for Communicating With Parents of Young Athletes