The Exercise Trend

There are trends in fitness and exercise just as there are in everything else. Some are passing fads and other reflect larger changes in society in general.

Exercise programs for improved health, appearance and well-being have been popular for many years. Some are timeless. Yoga has been around for centuries. It has booms in popularity every few years, but it's always there. It's not unusual to meet people in their 60s and 70s who've been practicing yoga since they were teens. Most gyms today offer a variety of yoga classes, from power yoga to more meditative sessions, so you can select the one that best suits your needs.

Sometimes we see new takes on old favorites. Remember aerobics classes? You don't see many of those offered anymore, but since many people like the motivation and energy that comes from group exercise, things like step, cardio dance, and Zumba are popular now.

Gym membership is another perennial that changes with the times. There was a time when gym membership focused on bodybuilding and weight training. Many gyms were geared towards attracting people who were already very serious about fitness. Now the trend has changed.

Realizing that the largest untapped market for fitness might be people who are intimidated by the idea of going to the gym, some gyms have started specifically seeking out people looking to get in shape and making them feel welcome.

At one time a person looking to start an active lifestyle might invest in some kind of a home fitness equipment setup. These were heavily pushed on late night infomercials, promising convenience and privacy. As it turns out, the privacy part is a mixed blessing. Without someone else to keep an eye out, many people find that motivation flags and before they know it, the expensive home gym is a clothes rack.

Now more and more people are using either a buddy system or a personal trainer to help them stay on track. A little helpful social pressure from a workout buddy can be a good thing. Also, with a personal trainer you have someone to offer guidance as your workouts become more intense.

One old favorite that may be coming back around are calisthenics, as promoted for years by fitness gurus. These are exercises that emphasize use of the body, rather than exercise equipment, to get in shape.

Regardless of whether someone decides to get a gym membership and take classes or use the exercise equipment, they generally are hoping for the same results. Of course, looking good is part of it, but more and more people say they want "real world" fitness. They want flexibility and strength to move around, pick things up, romp with their kids, and generally lead an active life.