10 Hot Sports Medicine Trends

Attention to Personal Training, Core Strength and Overall Wellness

© Steven M. Cohen

Jan 17, 2009

According to a recent article in the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), these are the top sports medicine trends to look for in 2009:

Educated and Experienced Sports Medicine Professionals

• Individuals working in the fitness industry will continue to be better trained. There is an increasing trend toward official certification for trainers and other fitness professionals. More fitness facilities are offering “certified” programs from organizations like the ACSM, to ensure that clients receive a well rounded fitness experience.

Focus on Childhood Obesity

• More fitness programs will be available to combat the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. The ACSM states that this is the third consecutive year in which the number of programs geared toward obese children has increased.

Increased Access to Personal Training

• In the past personal training was available only to the affluent. With a proliferation of trainers, facilities and training certification programs, access to training is increasing. Also as the number of trainers increases, prices for training sessions have gone down.

Increased Emphasis on Strength Training

• In the past, aerobic, or cardiovascular types of training (walking, running, swimming) was emphasized as the key to better health. There has been a shift in conventional thinking as to the optimum exercise program for health maintenance. Now, recommendations favor resistance or strength training as the key to maintaining health and function as one ages.

Core Training

• Health and fitness professionals recognized that core training, or exercise that targets the midsection of the body, is a vital factor in preventing injury and maintaining long term health and fitness.

Fitness For Older Adults

• Research increasingly points to exercise as a means for older adults to stay healthier and remaining independent as they age. Strength and fitness training can help older adults better perform routine daily tasks. Additionally, there has been a proliferation of “Masters” athletic competitions for older adult athletes.

Balance Ball Training and Pilates

• Balance ball training, or exercises performed while sitting, standing or lying on a stability ball, are increasingly emphasized as a means to improve core strength. Pilates, performed on mats or with specialized equipment, emphasizes flexibility and posture, as well as strength.

Sports Specific Training

• In addition to overall strength and conditioning, athletes are turning to training routines specifically tailored to a single sport.

Group Personal Training

• Groups of individuals may hire a trainer to run small classes, often as home. This trends makes personal training even more affordable, and provides support to participants from other members of the group.

Wellness Coaching

• Going beyond personal trainers, wellness coaches advise clients on overall healthier living, including exercise programs, nutritional counseling and stress reduction.

Pilates For Core Strength

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