Top 10 Fitness Trends for 2014

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recently revealed the Top 10 2014 fitness trends in the United States as a result of surveying more than 3,800 fitness professionals. Here's what's trending this year.
- High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT consists of short bursts of high-intensity exercise followed by short periods of recovery. This form of exercise is great if you are short of time, but still want to get a good workout. For some examples of HIIT workouts, check out this article from our contributor Tom Holland.
- Body Weight Training: Using your own body to strengthen your muscles is not only efficient, but also inexpensive. You can start by learning to perform the perfect pushup.
- Educated, Certified and Experienced Fitness Professionals: This trend is on the rise since there are many national third-party accrediting organizations for health and fitness.
- Strength Training: Weight loss isn't the only reason why Americans practice weight training; individuals of all ages are focusing on strength training because they want to improve or maintain physical endurance. If you are looking for a challenge, you should check out this total body kettlebell workout, provided by fitness trainer Joe Vennare.
- Exercise and Weight Loss: A healthy weight-loss program consists of a combination of exercise and a healthy diet. For some guidance and inspiration, you can check out our recent interview with Olympic athlete, Lindsey Jacobellis, and learn how she keeps a healthy diet and good exercise regime.
- Personal Training: One-on-one personal training is a great way to target and achieve your specific fitness goals.
- Fitness Programs: More age-appropriate and safe exercise programs tailored for older adults are in the rise.
- Functional Fitness: Functional fitness focuses on teaching all your muscles to work together rather than isolating them to work independently. By doing so, people are training their bodies to handle real-life situations.
- Group Personal Training: Personal trainers can still provide the expected necessary one-on-one service, but with a small group of two to four persons. Group personal training can be very beneficial because working out with your peers will keep you motivated.
- Yoga: There is an abundance of instructional yoga videos and books, leading to more Americans practicing yoga and/or getting certified to teach yoga. You can learn how to practice "Soft Yoga" from our yogi contributor Dove Rose.