If you swear by curls, pull-ups, crunches, and other low-maintenance workout routines, consider yourself a trendsetter. Strength training and body-weight training will be among the most popular fitness trends of 2013, according to a new survey released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
In the seventh annual ACSM survey, 3,346 international health and fitness professional ranked thirty-seven emerging trends in fitness. Their votes culminated in a list of the top 20 fitness trends of 2013—and it included a few surprises:
Body-weight training made the top ten for the first time. Body-weight training involves minimal equipment, and includes classic exercises like pull-ups, pushups, and sit-ups.
Pilates and stability-ball training didn’t make the top twenty. “They’re fads, not trends,” says Walter Thompson, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology and health at Georgia State University and spokesperson for the ACSM American Fitness Index. True trends, like strength training, remain on the list for four or five years.
Spinning didn’t make the cut, either. “I have a theory that it’s tied to the economy,” says Thompson. “Club owners and their clients are getting back to the basics with programs that don’t require specialized training or equipment.” Spinning involves pricey equipment and specialized instructors—that’s a lot of cash to fork over just to work out.
Want to stay trendy while you sweat this year? Tone up with these strength training and body-weight workouts:
STRENGTH TRAINING WORKOUTS:
The Woman’s Guide to Weight Lifting
The Lift More, Lose More Dumbbell Workout
Power Pairs: Two-in-One Strength-Training Exercises
BODY-WEIGHT TRAINING WORKOUTS:
The Do-Anywhere, No-Equipment Workout
More from WH:
Best Strength-Training Playlist
Strength Training vs. Cardio
Look Better Naked Workout
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