[Christina]

ACE has announced its top ten predictions for 2007.
http://www.acefitness.org
Source: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/061206/law030.html?.v=87

ACE's top ten fitness predictions for 2007:

1. Expanded specialized fitness programming for older adults. A
well-balanced fitness program offers many benefits for seniors. It
conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones to help fight
osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, keeping the body more limber and
stabilizing joints to lower the risk of everyday injury and enhance
overall quality of life.

2. Small-group training for all age groups. Small-group personal
training (usually less than five individuals) continues to grow.
Couples, families and friends will look to this option as a great way
to receive the technical instruction and close supervision of personal
training at a more economical cost. Specifically, this modified
approach offers parents the opportunity to show their children that
being active can be a fun and regular part of daily life. These
sessions can offer a safe exercise option while under the supervision
of a certified fitness professional.

3. A focus on youth programming. More and more kids are obese due to a
lack of exercise and/or a high intake of calories. The growing
waistlines of our nation's youth can best be fought with a minimum of
60 minutes of accumulated physical activity each day. Fitness
programs targeted toward children will grow as the impact of health
status reports regarding the nation's youth motivate community and
program leaders, schools and parents to take action.

4. Personal trainers taking a team approach. Medical doctors, trainer
and nutritionists will continue to make the connection that each
member of the healthcare continuum can play a vital role in helping to
prevent or reverse many of the disturbing health-related trends
affecting our society. With a team approach, the likelihood of
success is greatly improved.

5. Simple, affordable options and alternatives for workouts. Participants
are looking for variety in their workout regimens. Simple walking
programs or a "back-to-basics" approach can fit those needs.
Moderately intense, daily activity can help prevent illness and
prolong life. It is great way to meet people or include family and
friends in a fit and active lifestyle. Home gyms can also be a
comfortable and inexpensive place to work out. Many personal trainers
come directly to the home to offer expert guidance. This can be very
helpful to inexperienced exercisers.

6. Functional Fitness and Balance Training activities. Exercise
programming and equipment (e.g., foam rollers, wobble boards, Bosu
balls, etc.) aimed at improving individuals' performance capabilities
continue to be among the fastest growing and most popular exercise
options. Health clubs and trainers are offering balance training
programs and classes for virtually all levels and types of
participants. Functional strength training and/or core strengthening
activities enhance balance, coordination, strength and endurance in
everyday activities. Focusing on exercising several muscles and
joints together rather than working a particular muscle or group of
muscles better prepares the body for daily activities and recreational
pursuits.

7. The mind and body connect for a complete health and fitness
experience. Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi continue to provide an
opportunity and an alternative to higher impact activities. The key
elements of mind-body activities include proper posture, breathing and
body awareness. By incorporating elements of mental and spiritual
fitness, individuals will take better care of their entire being and
psychological self, not just their bodies.

8. The best in personal training from experts in the field holding an
accredited certification. Personal Training is frequently cited as
one of the fastest growing professions and consumers are demanding
competent practitioners. A certification accredited by the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) helps ensure that those
trainers have been certified by an organization that has established
high quality standards in certification. By earning a certification
from an NCCA-accredited organization, fitness professionals are
demonstrating to the public that they possess the knowledge to design
and supervise safe and effective workout programs.

9. Accountability and measurement-focused programming. Technological
advancements are making it possible to more precisely measure a wide
variety physiological responses and document training program results.
As an example, metabolic testing devices provide more accurate
physiological data to improve weight management and performance
programming. Such documentation will be necessary in order for
insurance reimbursement for fitness services to become at reality in
the near future. Consumers are also choosing to use downloadable
programs to iPods, PDAs etc., that offer fitness programming with
illustrations and/or streaming video.

10. Time-efficient workouts for those with tight schedules. A greater
demand for group fitness classes and training sessions that are
45 minutes or less. Workouts and exercise programs will continue to
respond to the critical need for time-starved Americans to get an
effective workout in a very short period of time.