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| Current and Emerging Fitness Trends |
Aerobic exercise has always been the backbone of the fitness industry. Running, step aerobics, dance-type aerobics, boxing, kickboxing and spinning, an indoor bike course set to music, have all become pillars of health and fitness facilities. Their popularity continues to grow.
Aquatic exercise has also grown in popularity. Water has the unique ability to provide cardiovascular and muscle improvements with little stress on the body's joints. Aquatic exercise is no longer just swimming laps; almost all of the classes that can be done on earth are now done in water. Running, spinning, step aerobics, and even strengthening can all be done in the water.
With the improvement of health care and the lengthening of the lifespan, the exercise of the elderly has developed and has also become a necessity to maintain a positive quality of life. Not only are older people exercising to maintain and improve their health, but they participate in competitive road races, bicycle races and bodybuilding competitions. Age-related barriers no longer exist and for this reason, fitness classes for the elderly are very common.
While grandparents and great-grandparents participate in sports and fitness, they set an example for younger generations. These younger generations have the benefit of improved technology and more abundant food, and with these things - and a more sedentary lifestyle - come the increased chances that they lead a a less healthy lifestyle than active members of their older family. The field of fitness combats this possibility of unhealthy living with sports and fitness programs intended for children and young adults. This fitness trend is now facing the challenge of improving the health of future generations and has the potential to encourage a lifetime of healthy habits.
But the biggest transformation in fitness has been the growth of mind and body exercises. There has been a move towards smoother, more introspective exercises that also help improve cardiovascular health while increasing flexibility and muscle strength. Yoga and Pilates fall into this category of exercise. Yoga has its roots in ancient India (around 2800 BCE) and focuses on breathing and mindfulness during the practice of held poses. Pilates, meanwhile, was developed by Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967) around 1926.
The Pilates method involved a unique series of stretches and strengthening exercises. Yoga and pilates use an individual's breath and self-awareness as the goal of exercise. Aside from the obvious benefits of strength and flexibility, these mind and body exercises are popular for their stress relieving qualities.