INDIANAPOLIS -- In 2010, consumers will seek out educated, experienced fitness professionals, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s (ACSM) top fitness trends survey.

A down economy, coupled with the increase in organizations offering accreditation for fitness professionals, was credited for making this the top trend for next year.

“Consumers are more conscious of their finances than ever,” Walter Thompson, lead author of the fitness trends survey, said in a statement. “If they’re going to work with a fitness professional to improve their health, they’re going to do their homework and find someone who’s educated, experienced and certified by a reputable organization such as ACSM.”

The fourth-annual ACSM survey was based on feedback from 1,500 respondents. Some 37 potential trends were given as survey choices, with the top 20 ranked and published by ACSM.

Strength training was listed second in the rankings, which is an indicator of the increased focus on strength training for various populations, survey authors noted.

ACSM’s top 10 fitness trends for 2010 are:

1. Educated and experienced fitness professionals

2. Strength training

3. Children and obesity

4. Personal training

5. Core training

6. Special fitness programs for older adults

7. Functional fitness

8. Sport-specific training

9. Pilates

10. Group personal training

The full list of ACSM’s top 20 trends is available as a PDF download.

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