Top trends for 2018

Each year the American College of Sports Medicine — which includes 50,000 members and certified sports medicine professionals from 90 countries — presents the latest fitness trends. Here are the top 10 for 2018: 1. High-Intensity Interval

Training. HIIT involves short bursts of activity followed by a rest or recovery. These programs are usually performed in fewer than 30 minutes.

2. Group training. Group exercise instructors teach, lead and motivate individuals though intentionally designed group exercise classes. 3. Wearable technology. Use of fitness trackers, smart watches, heart rate monitors and GPS tracking devices is growing. 4. Body weight training. Body weight training uses minimal equipment. Not limited to just pushups and pullups, this trend allows people to get “back to the basics” with fitness. 5. Strength training. This remains a central emphasis for many health clubs. Incorporating strength training is an essential part of a complete exercise program for all physical activity levels and genders. 6. Use of educated and experienced professionals. It’s important that consumers choose fitness professionals certified through programs that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, such as those offered by ACSM.

7. Yoga. This includes Power Yoga, Yogalates, Bikram, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Kripalu, Anurara, Kundalini, Sivananda and others. 8. Personal training. More students are majoring in kinesiology to prepare for careers in personal training. 9. Programs for older adults: Many health and fitness professionals are creating age-appropriate programs to keep older adults healthy and active. 10. Functional fitness: This uses strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness and special fitness programs for older adults are closely related.