What are the big fitness trends for 2012?

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) got answers from 1,500 of its members and condensed them into 10 broad categories.

In short, the organization said, 2012 will see the nation focusing more on the obesity epidemic as well as a growing trend to marry traditional fitness programs with overall life coaching for improved total health. ACE, which is based in San Diego, Calif., is a leading provider of certification programs for health and fitness instructors.

Here is its top 10 list:

1. Obesity Awareness
Losing weight will continue to be the primary reason consumers seek personal training support. Research shows that three out of five Americans are overweight or obese. Look for the industry to focus even more on this growing epidemic in 2012.

2. Whole-life Training
Lifestyle coaching will become a bigger trend, with more personal trainers taking a holistic approach. Additionally, fitness facilities will hire nutritionists and other allied healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and psychologists, to serve the expanding needs of their health-conscious members by offering wellness, nutrition and stress-management programs.

3. Behavior Modification
Fad diets are out. Behavior modification is in. The most effective trainers will help their clients identify comprehensive strategies to reach their goals. These strategies will include motivation, adherence and rapport.

4. Community Collaboration
Access to fitness services and education will continue to expand in 2012. Local leaders will take a more active role to address health issues in their communities. These will include school-based education programs and engagement with low-income and at-risk families.

5. Influence of Technology
Social media and mobile-based apps will continue to revolutionize the industry, with fitness organizations creating more interactive and online-based programs and classes. Additionally, personal trainers will have more flexibility than to provide one-on-one or small-group fitness instruction to consumers anytime and anywhere in the world.

6. Senior and Youth Specialties
Aquatic and group fitness classes will be the most popular forms of exercise for older adults. And with first lady Michelle Obama advocating for active children, expect to see more physical fitness in schools, youth-based classes at fitness centers and families that work out or participate in outdoor activities together.

7. Advanced Professional Education
Fitness centers and health clubs will require more continuing education from the instructors they employ.

8. Workplace Support
Due in part to economics, employers will look to outsource wellness programs to local fitness facilities and health clubs, focusing on employee discounts and reduced membership fees to increase access for workers.

9. Popular Workouts
Zumba, boot camp–style workouts, TRX Suspension Training and interval training will continue to be popular workout trends. Balance and core training also will become more prevalent in 2012.

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