Home fitness trends

Fitness trends change with the times. What was once hot is now old news. A perfect example is Tae Bo and the Billy Blank Dynasty. In addition to the soreness and the injuries, people got bored with kicking and punching the air. Also in decline are the celebrity videos. When was the last time you saw Richard Simmons on the talk show circuit. Infomercial fitness products have seen their peak. A perfect example is the Ab gadgets. It seems that the only excess weight that is loss is from your wallet.

One trend that is consistent is the growth of home fitness and the use of exercise equipment. Health clubs offer certain advantages and their growth have been constant, but the trend toward the convenience of home exercise is growing at an exponential rate.

Based on studies done by the Fitness Products Council (FPC), the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) and the American Sports Data (ASD) the following are some of the current trends in home fitness and equipment.

Overall there has been a substantial increase in home exercise equipment. The FPC found that fitness equipment is owned and used in nearly one-third of American households. Americans have especially embraced cardiovascular equipment. According to the ASD, 41 percent of treadmill users exercised most often at home. The overall increase of treadmill use went from 4.4 million in 1987 to 45 million in 2,000.

Here is an overall breakdown of fitness equipment trends.

Not only has the quality of treadmills increased, but also the price has dropped substantially. Now serious runners can get a quality treadmill in the $1,500 - $2,000 range. This same treadmill several years ago would have cost considerably more. They are like the current breed of cars that require less maintenance and are more durable.

Elliptical trainers are growing in popularity. They appeal to aging baby boomers that are looking for a low-impact workout. The initial design consisted of only a lower body workout. New models provide exercise for both the upper and lower body. Prices range in the $500 - $3,000 range.

Because of the recognition of the importance of strength training, single-stack home gyms are becoming a popular home item. There has been particular growth among woman. The myth that resistance exercise will build bulky muscles is being dispelled. Instead, women are realizing that strength training offers the benefits of weight management, muscle tone and osteoporosis prevention. Manufacturers are offering multi-station, single-stack "entry level" home gyms starting around $1,000.

Smith Machines are a hot product for the home. They are being modified for home usage, and are transforming into a Smith "system" with bench, weight stack and stations for chest, arm, back and leg exercises. Fully equipped versions are available from $1,200 to $1,800.

Heart rate monitors and controls are becoming a common feature on most cardiovascular machines. Exercisers prefer to have their equipment maintain the resistance and pace of the machine within a prescribed heart rate zone.

Improved electronics for cardio equipment is offering two options. For those interested in simplicity, machines like treadmills are becoming more user-friendly and easier to use. For technophiles, cardio equipment is offering an array of programming bells and whistles. The current systems allow the user to create customized programs designed for specific goals.

There are two reasons for the increase in the popularity of home fitness. First, the time constraints created by work and family demands. People do not have the time to travel to health clubs. This is particularly true in urban areas where even a few mile drive can take forever. Second, the overwhelming need for weight loss and weight management. The abundant society we live in is creating an obesity epidemic. This is true for both children and adults.

The combination of convenience and fitness equipment that maximizes precious workout time is making the home an appealing private health club.

Author Notes:

Fred Waters contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.smoothfitness.com. We developed the "Best of Breed" in fitness equipment where you can buy online direct from the manufacturer.