Grab your gear, throw on your shoes, and kick off the New Year with a bang! There is a lot going on in the fitness industry as it continues to grow. Just like clothing, there’s always something new and trendy that’s around the corner. Whether you are a returning resolution-er that’s looking for the shortcut (no offense), or a current exerciser trying to spice things up, I got the list for you! I am not going to hit all of the top 20. Instead, I will run through the new trends and those that have dropped down the list from last year.

Circuit Training

This trend has popped into the top twenty for the first time. I was actually surprised to see this on the list since it requires the use of multiple machines in a short duration. Very hard to do in a crowded gym, but if empty, it’s a great way to accomplish a quick and meaningful workout. This training should not take any longer than 30 minutes, but be careful because it’s quite easy to lose your form during this workout.

Body Weight

Back to the resistance we know best! Body weight is ranked #3 and is trending for the first time! Even though we have been using our own body weight for centuries, the popularity has gained some traction due to the use of the TRX and low impact training. Also, the idea that a person is placing less stress on their joints adds to the craze. I do not have much to say about the body weight trend, but just remember you can still hurt yourself during these exercises, so take them as serious as any resistance training.

Outcome Measurements

Say what?! I didn’t know what this was until I read it. Outcome measurement is just a fancy way of finding out if a fitness program works. This trend is mostly for fitness owners who are trying to find the “one size fits all” program. There are programs that will work for the majority of the people that participate, but there isn’t a program that works for every single last person on God’s green earth! That said, it’s always worth a try if you trust the person writing the program.

Dance workouts/ fitness certification

Dance workouts first popped up on the trending list in 2010 at 31 of the 37 popular trends. Between 2010 and 2012 it climbed to the #9 position. Now for 2013 dance workouts have dropped to #12 on the list. The big dance craze on this list is ZUMBA! I am sure you have all seen the infomercials of those crazy people contorting their bodies in all types of positions. I would have to say it looks fun and appears to be a safe workout (by the way I have never done it or plan too) as long as you have rhythm.

Taking the number one spot for the sixth year in a row is…. Fitness certification. This has been a big trend over half a decade now due to the influx of health information on the internet, television, and in schools. Also, insurance companies rebating insurance based on health preventative measures add to this trend. The combination of these factors increases the demand for more personal trainers/fitness instructors. I would have to say this is probably the best trend since it shows that we are taking control and our health seriously.

So, that’s it, the fitness trends of 2013. If you try any of them, let me know so I can get some feedback. Have a safe and blissful NEW YEAR!

-Phil