Pilates has been in the news for the last week -- a new survey by the American College of Sports Medicine predicts the hot trends for 2011. In the new survey, Pilates is not among the top trends after several years in the top ten. Busy writers have been lamenting the demise of Pilates and saluting the rise of boot camps.
I don't think those writers read the survey results.
Here are the top 10 fitness trends for 2011, based on the ACSM Survey:
1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals
2. Fitness programs for older adults
3. Strength training
4. Children and obesity
5. Personal training
6. Core training
7. Exercise and weight loss
8. Boot camp
9. Functional fitness
10. Physician referrals
Classical Pilates is an excellent fitness program for older adults, provides strength and core training, aids in exercise and weight loss, and is a form of functional fitness. Many physicians recognize this and will refer patients to Pilates. In order to get the most benefit, clients need to work with experienced and educated Pilates instructors. The more personalized and focused the Pilates training, the greater the benefit. Most children who have been introduced to Pilates excel and enjoy it, and continuing would help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. So, while Pilates isn't listed specifically in the survey, 9 out of 10 of the top 2011 fitness trends are related.
Classical Pilates is an excellent fitness program for older adults, provides strength and core training, aids in exercise and weight loss, and is a form of functional fitness. Many physicians recognize this and will refer patients to Pilates. In order to get the most benefit, clients need to work with experienced and educated Pilates instructors. The more personalized and focused the Pilates training, the greater the benefit. Most children who have been introduced to Pilates excel and enjoy it, and continuing would help reduce the risk of childhood obesity. So, while Pilates isn't listed specifically in the survey, 9 out of 10 of the top 2011 fitness trends are related.
In my opinion, the trend that has lost steam is naming anything and everything "Pilates" for a quick buck. Hopefully, employing instructors who have little or no training in Pilates to teach "Pilates" classes that have no relationship to Mr. Pilates' Method will become a thing of the past as well.
In the last year or so, Pilates studios have jumped on the boot camp bandwagon and started boot camp style workouts to cash in on that craze. Unfortunately, the ACSM survey will likely cause that trend to increase. While it may be a lot of fun and seem like a quicker route to success, make sure the activity is safe and the instructor is properly trained (and the training is from an accredited source, not a 2 hour seminar, online demo or DVD).
I'm a big fan of boot camps. I've participated and taught them (including an outdoor Pilates Boot Camp). My concern with boot camps is that the coaches are often personal trainers unfamiliar with group fitness. These instructors don't do a good job providing modifications for the various fitness levels in the group (listing or demonstrating options isn't sufficient, particularly in a competitive environment). Because the coaches are trying to keep campers busy and moving from activity to activity, there is little discussion of proper form and even less individual coaching for improvement. Injuries are common.
Experiment with different workouts, but don't go with something just because it's popular, do what works for you. Make sure your instructor has proper training and experience. If you feel uncomfortable with what you're being asked to do, or experience pain beyond a little muscle soreness, be careful. Injuries are expensive, time-consuming, painful, and require a a great deal of time and energy to rehab.
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