10 Fun Fitness Trends for 2012

One of the best ways to get and stay in shape is to find a fitness activity you enjoy. However, even doing something you love can get boring if you do it over and over. It’s important to keep your fitness activities interesting and fun. One great way to do that is to embrace new fitness trends. The new year is now getting underway, here are ten fun fitness trends to keep an eye out for. Some of these may be new to you, and some you may have already tried, but they're all great ways to mix things up with your fitness goals this year!

1. Forza– Forza is a fitness program that embraces the art of samurai sword fighting. It’s a full body workout that provides both strength training and cardio benefits. If you love the idea of swinging a large sword or wooden stick you can find classes and home workout DVDs to try it yourself.

Image via Wikipedia2. Dance Fitness – Zumba took the country by storm last year. All across the nation Zumba studios opened up and people began working out to a Latin beat. It’s spawned a whole new generation of dance fitness classes. They’re fun, much better than your mom’s jazzercise from the 80’s, and they’re a great way to get in shape.

3. Yogalates– Yogalates is a fusion of yoga and Pilates. The core moves of yoga are blended with the concepts of core strengthening and holding poses. Proper alignment is essential. If you love yoga or Pilates or cannot decide which class to take, consider a yogalates class.

4. CrossFit– CrossFit is a strengthening and conditioning program. It was originally created to help bodybuilders develop more flexibility and endurance as well as proper form. However, people and athletes from all walks of life have found that CrossFit is infinitely customizable to any level and fitness goal.

5. Cy-Yo – Cy-Yo stands for Cycle Yoga. Yes, you read that correctly. No, you’re not trying to do downward dog as you peddle. Instead, you warm up with a yoga class and then get on your indoor bike for a spinning class. It helps gym members get the best of both worlds.

6. Yogafit– Are you starting to notice a trend here? People are blending yoga with everything. Yogafit is a blend of yoga moves and basic fitness moves. A typical YogaFit class might move from downward dog to push ups, to get additional cardio and strengthening benefits in one fun workout that doesn't get boring.

7. Functional fitness. Using strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. Functional fitness focuses on teaching your body to perform daily movements instead of being able to lift a 100 pound barbell over your chest. It’s practical strength training that you can use in your everyday life to help prevent injury and stay in shape.

8. Hiring a personal trainer or group training. More and more people are discovering the benefit of personal trainers. In this setting, you receive focused attention from a specialist, which helps you reach your fitness goals more quickly.

Image via Wikipedia9. Golden oldies programs – More and more baby boomers are getting into the health and wellness trend. That’s opened up a market for senior programs. You can now find fitness courses dedicated specifically to the needs of older folks and retirees.

10. Fitness classes for children. As childhood obesity continues to increase, more and more fitness professionals are creating programs specifically to help motivate children to get healthy. If you have kids, keep an eye out for fun ways for them to get involved in more physical activities.

Fitness trends arise from demand. They help keep your workout interesting and fun, and motivate you to continue pursuing exercise and fitness throughout your life. If you're in a rut, check out one of these fun ideas to keep you on track with your fitness goals for the year!

Check Out DVDs Of These Trends You Can Do At Home: