Boot Camp Bodies Still Going Strong

Who truly understands why certain trends become so trendy. Even more perplexing is the fact that even things we love and value sometimes go out of style... presumably to come back in a revamped form in the future.  The fitness industry is no exception to this rule.  Some of the best and most effective modes of exercise are no longer en vogue, such as Pilates.  It beats me why this 'smokin bod' core workout has been nudged out of the spotlight, but indeed it has.

In short, Pilates is out, boot camp is in. Perhaps this has something to do with the kind of focused and personalized attention you get in a boot camp environment.  Holding firmly at the top of the 'popular fitness' list is that very thing, concentrated attention from someone who will hold you accountable.... like a boot camp drill instructor!

The good news is youth fitness is on the rise; which should mean that soon we should hear that youth obesity is on the decline.

According to medicinenet.com, the areas that are gaining in popularity are:

• Back-to-basics exercise plans - the old school calisthenics using your own body weight such as push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks etc. 
• Functional fitness - the level of fitness you need to be able to get up the stairs at home, pick up your child, mow the lawn, that sort of thing
• Mind/body workouts - think anything that has yoga attached to it in some way and that reduces stress!
• The buddy system of working out - as with boot camp, it helps when it comes to accountability

So who exactly is responsible for setting these trends? As has been the case for more than half a century, we must look to the Baby Boomers... society's influential monolith. These days people are living longer, and Boomers tend to think 'younger', so it stands to reason that they would turn to fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle in order to get the most out of their many remaining years.  

Corporations have at last clued in to the fact that healthier employees mean fewer sick days and greater productivity, and so many firms now offer something fitness-related as part of their compensation package, be it an onsite gym or health club membership discounts. As for the gyms themselves, they are beginning to offer something of a one-stop-shopping experience by maintaining nutritionists and sports therapists on site. 

Classes like Zumba are definitely maintaining their faithful following, with an emphasis shifting from the hip hop dance approach to something a little gentler and more feminine. Class size too is a factor, with participants favoring small supportive (preferably private) groups to  jam-packed fishbowl workout rooms surrounded by windows and onlookers.  And that is the very reason for the advent of  Siren School - dance-based Camps where Fitness meets Fantasy and Glamour Getaways with everything from Dance Diva Booty Camp, aqua ballet Mermaid and bellydance Genie camps to Island Girl and Geisha getaways. There is even classic Burley-Q class complete with gloves, boas and bling.

Interestingly, despite the ease of use and connectivity provided by Skype and other real-time video-conferencing services, online workouts have yet to take off. Again, it goes back to the accountability and motivation you get when in a small group with others.  That said, social networking groups can still do much in the way of supporting and motivating their members. 

Regardless of what activities or equipment you choose for your own fitness regimen, as always, the key is consistency. Who knows, a year from now you may be the one setting the next trend.