SINGAPORE TRENDS
(According to popular fitness chains here)

1. Martial arts-based workouts

Fitness First's muay thai classes have been very popular thanks to the TV show The Contender Asia, said national fitness manager, Tommy Yau. At California Fitness, Body Combat - a mix of karate, boxing, taekwondo, tai chi and muay thai moves to music - and one-on-one KickFit boxing classes will still be in vogue.

2. Yoga

'There has been increased awareness of this exercise and its different styles,' said Fitness First's national group exercise manager, Andrew Tierney. Popular classes include Body Balance (a mix of yoga, tai chi and Pilates moves to music) and Hot Flow Yoga (done in a 37-deg C heated room).

3. Dance-based workouts

Jazz, BalletFlow and Zumba (Latin dance moves combining South American rhythms and cardio) will be hot, hot, hot, predicted California Fitness' country Group X manager, David Velez.

4. Functional training

These are exercises that work your body in multiple dimensions and mimic the activity that you are trying to do. For a popular training tool, Fitness First's Tommy Yau recommended the Bosu ball - a semi-spherical, versatile training aid for stability and balance.

5. Strength and cardiovascular training

'The way to being fitter and healthier lies in consistent cardiovascular and resistance training,' said California Fitness' master trainer, Vanan Govindasamy.

Fitness First's top class for 2009 is expected to be Body Pump, a 60-minute barbell workout to music that strengthens the entire body through weight-room exercises like squats, presses, lifts and curls.

6. Sports performance training

'People who play a particular sport may require emphasis on specific conditioning, so there will be demand for a customised training programme,' said Yau.

7. Cycling/Spinning classes

Tierney predicted that these simple, calorie-zapping classes for people of all fitness levels will continue to be hot.

8. Step aerobics

It's been around since 1989, but will still remain a firm favourite.

WORLDWIDE TRENDS
(According to a survey by the American Council on Exercise)

1. Boot camp-style workouts

A military-inspired outdoor workout that incorporates exercises inspired by those used to whip army recruits into shape, like push-ups, squats, kicks and sprints.

2. Budget-friendly workouts

With the economic crisis, nearly half - 48 per cent - of the fitness professionals polled said gym memberships will decrease this year and 52 per cent said fewer people will hire personal trainers.

3. Specialty classes

Dance-based classes, thanks to the popularity of TV shows like So You Think You Can Dance, are all the rage this year.

4. Getting back to basics

Training using basic movements and techniques will be key.

5. Circuit training

These interval training classes combine strength training and cardio at different intensities for a more time-efficient workout.

6. Kettlebells (top pic)

Lifting and controlling these traditional Russian cast-iron weights work the entire body, particularly the core, simultaneously developing strength and stability.

7. Boomer fitness

The 50-plus-year-olds will be a fitness-crazed bunch, with the means and motivation to enhance their quality of life.

8. Technology-based fitness

High-tech fitness gadgets and equipment, from iPods to the Wii Fit, will continue to proliferate in the fitness industry.

9. Event or sport-specific exercises

Sports or recreational activities, like a game of basketball or training for a marathon, will remain popular despite other new and trendy workouts.

10. Mixing it up

Undulating training progression - alternating low- and high-intensity cardio and/or weight training on different days - has been shown to provide better results.

This story was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 10, 2009.

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