Although this article was written in 2010 it is still very relevant to 2011. Have a look at some insight in the industry as well as some pointers on how, when and where you should be heading.

Increased demand for quality services at an affordable rate
With the recession gripping most of the worlds economy, as a nation, we are starting not only cut costs but also ensure that when we do decide to part with our hard earned cash we receive the best quality/value for money possible. The past 5 years has see a steady rise in public demand for better Educated and Experienced Fitness Professionals who are able to offer more than an ability to count repetitions and hold a conversation at the same time. In 2010, due the continued research and education in the health and fitness industry Personal Training and fee based group training will continue to grow in demand offering specialized classes and one on one training catering to all our needs, physically and mentally and at an affordable rate that will fit into most South Africans budget. Gym memberships like at The Zone fitness clubs offer quality products and services at a price that is affordable in most people’s income bracket. 

Strength training for body sculpting and fat loss
Losing body fat is great for your health and makes you look and feel better about yourselves, it is the driving force behind most people’s health and fitness goals, to achieve this people have tended to focus on cardio and aerobic exercise running, cycling etc. The past few years has seen a dramatic rise in both males and females incorporating strength training into their exercise routines and in 2010 this will continue to gain momentum as we realize our results will be improved with strength training. There are many South Africans who train exclusively using weights, the bodybuilding community has been increasing and so has in its following. Within this  a new niche group of fitness enthusiasts  has develop and in 2010 we will see an increase in this group as the interest in strength training for  body sculpting, with its main focus being  weight training to simply increase or maintain strength and tone their bodies and improve their health and wellbeing as they age. The result - bodies that will look shapelier and toned, bones and muscles will become stronger, and as a direct result you will have less back pain and be able to do everyday activities with greater ease and efficiency.

Group Personal Training
Boot Camps are already causing a buzz in the fitness community and in 2010 get ready for an explosion in these group fitness format programs, from boxing and Mixed martial arts based classes all the way to sports conditioning, the group training classes of old are giving way to more of these structured and specialist classes incorporating cardiovascular, strength, endurance, and flexibility drills within a format that keeps it fun and motivating. Whether you are a Secret Spartan in training to the next Fight Night champion not to mention the GI Jane’s out there gyms have embraced this trend and are offering a wide variety of classes to cater to your needs. So be on the look out for new and innovative classes popping up on the group training time tables at your local gym.

Children and Obesity, Programs for Older Adults
Exercise professionals, nutritionists and clinical specialists are at last uniting in developing exercise and weight loss programs that can be readily implemented to combat a fapidly growing epidemic, childhood obesity. It comes as no surprise that the problem of childhood obesity has had a significant impact on a growing health problem. The obese kids of today will become the obese adults of tomorrow and this has already had far reaching effects worldwide.

On the other end of the spectrum, Health clubs have seen a huge increase in memberships in an ever increasing population of retired individuals and are realizing the need for age-appropriate exercise programs to assist in improving their ability to perform activities of daily living as well as improve their golf swing or strengthen that bowling arm! We work hard our entire lives and all live in the hope that we can enjoy the fruits of our labor when we retire. In 2010 we will see a definite rise in these programs within the gym environment to meet this growing demand.

Core Training and beyond to get the balance right
South Africans have an ongoing a love affair with core. A strong core keeps you stable and reduces the risk of back pain and lets not forget it will also help you get that six-pack you’ve always wanted, but remember, you won’t be able to see that six pack if it is covered under a keg of fat,  that will only come through exercise and a clean diet. In 2010 this devotion will continue to grow. From one on one personal training, specific to improving this area, to classes that have evolved over many years the common denominator -“attention to the core”. As with any exercise the body responds the demands we impose o, it, the core is no different and with the focus on stability to challenge  and improve the core it makes sense that we need to find new and innovative ways to challenge this stability, its balance. From one on one personal training to classes  specific to improving this area This trend will continue to evolve over many years to come Yoga, Pilates, Capoeira, Thai chi, Stability ball and bosu ball training……. the list is endless.

Weight Loss /Wellness Coaching with more focus and a better understanding of the importance of nutrition.
Weight loss /Weight management -  every time you open a magazine or scan the best sellers list this topic is sure to be found – the latest trend that guarantees results. Diets don’t work there are no quick fixes if there were we would have found them by now. Why? If the human body could list its top 10 most efficient processes adaptation would probably rank NO 1, “We will survive” The human race has survived periods of famine, drought and more hardship than any restrictive diet or hardcore training regime we would ever impose on it. Unfortunately the bodies response is simply to kick into survival mode, The process is no different from any other the body performs when encountering change – IT ADAPTS. With the uniting of many health and fitness professionals in the answer lying not with one component but a culmination of mind body soul and the correct fuel for a healthy diet and normal lifestyle. Simply put if you give your body what it needs, when it needs it, your body will respond with its own goodwill gesture by shedding unnecessary fat stores. There has and will continue to be a significant rise in the availability of Nutrition consultations with a professional specializing in Nutritional sciences, in conjunction with personal training and incorporating all weight loss programs with a balanced nutritional and  exercise regimen. As a third-world country, we are constantly facing inadequate food resources which are compounded by the fast food hype. We need to go back to the basics and give our body what it really needs. Without correct nutrition even the most hard core exercise programs will not help us shed those unwanted kilos.

Incorporated into this is a rise in popularity of wellness coaching which provides support and guidance to each client as it focuses on their values, needs, vision, and goals. It is a vital component in today’s modern society and something that is growing in popularity.

Corporate Health and Wellness
With the economy as it is even more employers are realizing the effect that health and fitness has on productivity and are now more than ever willing to support their workers in health and disease prevention (i.e. obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes) through corporate gym memberships that are either sponsored by the company in full or by negotiating corporate deals that see a huge reduction in monthly memberships. This has seen a dramatic rise in co – workers training together before, during and after working hours. Gyms have started developing 30-45 minute group training classes specifically designed to assist with the serial postural distortions that develop through repetitive movements or body positioning at your specific workplace that easily fits into your lunch hour. Healthy body – healthy mind.

Dance, dance and more dance!
Worldwide people have embraced every form of dance you could possibly imagine! Some of the largest numbers attending group training classes are dance-based. From  Hip-Hop to belly dancing or the hugely popular Latin music based dance classes. Themed lasses are also very popular giving us all a chance to dress up and perhaps learn a new step or two. We all remember the ‘Thriller” dance!!!!! Its never to late to learn.

High Intensity Workouts
People have less and less time to workout due to family and work commitments. High intensity workouts involve full body power and interval training and at an average of 15-30 minutes from start to finish there are no more excuses of not having time to workout!  This form of training has been growing in popularity and is proven to be one best forms of exercise to improve both fitness and fat loss. Interval training alternates between shorts bursts of all out high-intensity exercise and active recovery periods, for a much quicker and more focused work out. This form of exercise has been scientifically proven to burn nine times more fat AND leads to faster results.

In a society that barely has time to breathe this form of training fits perfectly in to our already time restricted lives.

Functional Fitness/full body movements
Functional training was designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to improve your ability to do activities of daily living, how? By having the exercises mimic the actual activities you might do during the day. Its all well and good to be able to bench press 50Kg or do a pull up but will that really help strengthen your muscles in readiness for the demands of your every day lifestyle. There is a growing trend towards people becoming more aware of the benefits of functional training in their fitness programs and this area has developed to meet those demands. For many people its not about the aesthetic gain alone they want to be able improve their quality of life through health and fitness. It follows that this ties in nicely with programs for children and older adults however the commitment to functional training spans all age groups and is worthy of its place in the top 10.

Author: Nicci van der Walt