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Leading the World to Better Balance in 2005

by Allison Barry
Fitter International Inc.
January, 2005

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) predicts Balance Training will be the #1 fitness trend in 2005

Based on a survey of over 3000 ACE Certified Fitness Professionals, ACE concluded: "Balance training activities (e.g. Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates etc.) and balance equipment (e.g. foam rollers, Wobble Boards, BOSU balls etc.) are among the fastest growing and most popular exercise options for adults". ACE expects Health Clubs will continue to offer balance training programs for participants of all ages and abilities in 2005.

The New Year inevitably brings with it an abundance of resolutions. What better time to set new goals, explore new ideas and, most importantly, make new commitments to improve health and wellness. As the paradigm shift toward balance maintenance for health, longevity and performance becomes widespread, the prevalence of 'improved balance' among the many resolutions has increased. Whatever your health and fitness goals for 2005, Fitterfirst products will prove essential to your meeting and exceeding them.

Similarly, a recent survey conducted by IDEA Health & Fitness Association reported that the use of balance equipment; including Wobble Boards, Balance Boards, Discs and BOSU?, is projected to grow the most of all equipment used in the personal training profession. The survey also found that stability balls were the most-offered piece of training equipment. Fortunately for those uncomfortable with the gym environment but looking to incorporate balance training into their daily routine, Balance Boards and Balls can easily be used in the home and even at the office.

And unlike many fitness trends of the past, balance training is also prevalent in the older adult population. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), the world's leading seniors fitness association, recommends balance exercises as one of 30 tips to help older adults become and stay active in 2005. Balance is critical to maintaining mobility, living independently and to age gracefully with a high quality of life.

It comes as no surprise that balance is poised to be a trend-setter in 2005 as balance forms the foundation of all functional exercise. Louis Stack, President of Fitter, sums it up best: "Balance is the essence of Movement. Movement is the essence of Life". It's as simple as that.

In the early 1900s, training naturally encompassed the concept of functional exercise; active living resulted from the physical demands of daily life and work. Through years of innovation, fitness training developed into a high-tech, structured pursuit that neglected the importance of balance and stability. Fortunately, the paradigm has progressively shifted back to it's roots. Balance training is again forming the foundation of exercise regimes and fitness is again FUNctional - easily incorporated into daily life and having lasting benefits.