2008 Perdictions

Dec. 22.

"Health is not just the absence of sickness"

H. Green

WOD "Joshie" (Solder killed in Afghanishan May 15,2007)

• three rounds for time.





• 21-20kg kettlebell snatch rt hand





• 21 L-ring pullups





• 21-20 kg kettlebell snatch left hand





• 21 L-ring pullups




• 18:32 Did the pullups on rings with feet hanging straight. I don't see me doing that many L pullups ever unless I shed 20 lbs, which is not a bad idea. The snatches were easy today so I spent most of the time trying to get reps out of the rings.




• Did 100 Janda situps for punishment for not doing the L-pullups.

I predict the following is possible in the fitness world for 2008.

1. There will be a call for more higher intensity group training classes and replace the old Jane Fonda style step aerobics. Group classes will be a steady growth as a means to motivate people, however getting good trainers will not be easy. More types of equipment will be utilized in an effort to keep members interested.



2. web sites and blogs will keep members informed and connected to the programs of fitness organizations. However, the sites has to show members in action,success stories instead of professional models promotional defecation.




3. There will be more call for new programs that involve activity not normally promoted as fitness, such as dance classes, boot camp sessions. To me this sucks personally but if it keep a few active instead of sitting watching TV its OK.




4. People will continue to jog, cycle outside but there will not be much of an increase in its numbers that has been steady for many years. Most of the participants of cycling, running, triathlons, hiking is done by the baby boomer generation.



5. "Big Box gyms" will continue to expand due to the low price of memberships and long hours. Price is more of an issue as people have less disposable income for fitness. The services offered are more than sufficient for those who just want to some level of general fitness. its better than watching TV or videos.




6. People will have less time to train and continue fitness efforts do to a sagging economy. Yes the economy is slowing heading toward the sewer. People will sign up for gym membership at the first of the year when they realize there waist line resembles a barrel, but will not have the time to participate. People will be looking for a means to get a workout in a short period as their lives become more hectic.




7. There will be an increase of "Key/swipe card clubs" in areas that will not support a "big box" gyms. This is for the 200-500 membership facilities who want to offer fitness self service style and lower staff costs.




8. Lots more Crossfit gyms being set up all over the county due to low cost and Internet support; you can get so much support in terms of training, advice, routines, videos. Its not unusual to see more than one crossfit gym in one town. You see with the low start up cost and overhead, you can make money will a very low membership. Membership for this type of gym services is not cheap.




9. As a result of the success of Crossfit organization, more people will be setting up their own "Small box" or garage gyms. Certifications seminars are sold out as soon as it is posted. Almost ever day you see a small box gyms set up, in store front, repair shops, factories and basements. There is even no cover gyms out side where weather is favorable. All thought the numbers of people who follow this style of fitness is small as compared to those involved in a big box system, this is going to increase, but will not put them out of business. I believe it is "20-30 something" age bracket generated and may be too aggressive for the middle aged and baby boomer generation.



10. Kettlebells will continue to expend as a viable resistance system. However, there will be a lot of competition by the main promoters of kettlebells for market share of the rice bowel. It going to be interesting who becomes the most successful big dog in the market, which is already showing signs of war like attitudes. There is lot more equipment suppliers making kettlebell available so the price is coming down. There will be a backlash by many in the fitness business as they see this trend increasing as it is too "free style" and available for their liking.
    



11. Personal training will be done is small groups more to save costs and the better way to market package programs. A package program with defined goals and time line will be more marketable. getting good quality personal training will be as hard as always as you have to do this full time to be successful and make a good income. Most trainers now are starting to specialize in one area due to the high cost of certification's and advanced training.




12. Obesity programs will be promoted for the youth, but it will be unsuccessful as it is not youth generated. when our youth them self's determine they need to change, then things will move in the right direction. Adults will lament and continue to be concerned with the ever increasing BMI's, but nothing is going to change as our society becomes more preoccupied with making a living and surviving. However, diet centers will continue to make money for those who want a quick fix to their ever increasing waist lines.




13. seniors programs will be offered but the membership numbers will not change that much as one would think with the baby boomer generation entering retirement. The "baby boomers" generation is already doing what they do, so it will not change much. The WWII generation is dying off rapidly and they are the ones who were not that fitness oriented anyway.




14. The largest participating fitness group is females 35-55 years. They will be requesting more strength training and less aerobics to combat the aging process.




15. Because of the steroid exposure of baseball and law enforcement efforts, body building will not be less popular due to the backlash. However, there will always be a small following just like powerlifting, pro wrestling and strong man competitions who also use the "juice". Steroids will continue to be used, it will just go much deepen underground to avoid the law.




16. DVD training tapes will be used more often as seminars and training certifications become more expensive. most major certifications seminars are 1000 to 2500 dollars for two days of seminar sessions. Unless you are going to be a principle in the business, why do you need a certification in the first place? Anyway they are slowing pricing themselves out of the business. Just stop and think about it, I am certified to train kettlebells many times, but have no certification for dumbells. go figure!