Finally, the end of the year is near! We can look forward to new beginnings, a new year, and a new decade!
What is to happen in the fitness industry in the year to come? What horrible, ineffective trends will finally die off, what new ones are here to stay? Hmmm . . . let me look into my crystal ball . . .
TRENDS THAT BETTER GO AWAY!
1. Tracy Anderson –
She has single-handedly set women back by telling them they should not lift more than 3lb weights and go on super low calorie diets. Her information was touted as truth by so many women just because she trained Madonna, and Gwenyth Paltrow (thin, and thinner?). All she brought to the industry was a super expensive gym membership, and more pink dumbells.
2. Stupid Ab Devices –
Please, no more of these, I kind of want stab myself in the eye repeatedly with a hot fork every time I see one of these commercials. This is just wishful thinking, I doubt they are ever going away. I swear, I believe that an angel loses its wings everytime someones places a huge Ab Lounge, or Ab Blaster 2000 in the middle of their living room.
The Ab Circle, the Ab Bender, the Ab Rocker . . .I could go on forever! People always want the easy way out, the only way to get results that last is good old fashioned hard work.
Get rid of the Ab Circle . . . but uh . . . keep the model!
3. Fad Diets –
These have been around forever, Atkins, Zone, Warrior, etc. I think that this year people will start learning how to keep it simple. It seems that there is a big push toward cooking healthier at home which is evidenced by many food network stars promoting eating healthier. According to a recent time magazine article, several food network stars have recognized their responsibility to helping keep America healthy.
I hope that this is the year that people learn to keep it simple. Like what I wrote here- 3-Page Nutrition Book
NEW PREDICTIONS for 2010 –
1. Men will FINALLY start training like MEN!
This is the big one, this is the year that men get off the damn machines and pick up some iron. I am tired of seeing guys pump away on machines for dear life as if they are really putting up weight. There is nothing impressive about “racking” a chest press machine. There is nothing impressive about putting all the plates on a leg press and then doing like 10 reps . . . and only going halfway down!
Pick up some big iron and move it around – stop being a pansy, machines are for really deconditioned beginners. If you have been using them your ENTIRE workout carreer, there is something wrong. Work on getting stronger, work on becoming powerful, work on being better!
And of course . . .
2. Vibram Five Fingers
There will be a huge push towards barefoot training. As soon as the weather gets better in NY you will start to see plenty of my favorite shoes around town – dont get freaked out by them! Check out what I wrote when I first got my hands on them – My Funky New Kicks!!!
3. Full Body Training
With the rising popularity of kettlebells and the TRX coming into the mainstream, people now have more options to train. I think we will finally see a movement toward full body training for the average gym goer. There are more tools available that can stimulate many more muscles than the average machine.
I also predict that most machine training will start to decline as people start to realize that their own bodies are the best machines in the world to use. You were born with all the tools to keep yourself healthy, you just have to tap into your abilities.
4. Kettlebell Training
I think that kettlebell training will increase even more so and definitely become way more popular. The TRX comes in as a very close second, but the kettlebell is an old tool that seriously needed to make a comeback. It can be compared to how the old heavier hammers are better than the new lightweight crappy ones. They dont make them like that any more.
One reason kettlebells will grow is their convenience. I have referred to them as the Swiss Army Knife of strength training. They are convenient to carry around, and it will get the job done. I mean if I am looking to get to a 400 lb deadlift, then KBs might not be the best tool to do that with, however heavy KB swings will help me maintain my strength when I cannot use a barbell.
In 2010 we will see a definite increase in KB use, on the other hand, we will also see an increase in KB misuse. There are going to be many out there who claim to be experts in KB training. You must know that the only guys who are doing it right with the PROVEN track record are the RKC’s. I plan to go for my cert later this year, as soon as they come back to the east coast. Pavel is at the top of the game and because he is known as “The Evil Russian” – you just nod and agree.
Those are my predictions for 2010 – may this be the best year EVER!
Stay strong and may 2010 get you stronger,
Joey
