ACSM releases fitness trend survey

Let the second-guessing begin.

The American College of Sports Medicine has released its survey in which 2,600 fitness professionals were asked what they thought were going tob e the hot trends in exercise for the coming year. And while tennis isn't mentined specifically, the signs are good for our great sport.

Sports-specific training (one prime example is Cardio Tennis) continues to be int eh top 20, as are fitness programs for older adults. Tennis, as a life sport, certainly fits the bill. Something else making an entry into the top 20 this year is outdoor exercise. Hello, public tennis facilities. Sounds like people who are seeking inexpensive options for working out, or who travel on business, might be headed your way.

A few programs also debuted on the top 20. Zumba and dance workout programs were big. What does that tell us? That people are looking for fun ways to exercise. Cardio Tennis, with its catchy and music and fun games, might just be able to latch onto this as well.

In almost all cases, correctly using a survey has to do with analyzing trends in it, and seeing how we can make them work for ourselves. Tennis industry officials can look at the survey and take from it what is relevant -- quite a lot, it seems.

Further information can be found at http://www.acsm.org/