Fitness trends could 
show shelf strength

Diet aids and meal replacement products aren’t the only categories subject to the whims of a supply-chain-busting weight-loss/dieting fad. The American College of Sports Medicine revealed the top trends in fitness and wellness for 2012 in its November/December issue of Health & Fitness Journal.


So relative to pharmacy retailing, following are some of the top fitness trends: 


Fitness programs for older adults. As the baby boom generation ages into retirement, it is assumed that people have greater discretionary money but have a tendency to spend it more wisely and have more time to engage in an exercise program;


Core training. This trend stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen, thorax and back. Core training continues to use stability balls, BOSU balls, wobble boards and foam rollers, among other pieces of equipment; and


Yoga. Instructional tapes and books are abundant, as are the growing numbers of certifications for the many Yoga formats. Yoga appeared in the top 10 in this survey in 2008 and seems to be making a comeback in 2010 (No. 14) and 2011 surveys (No. 11).

The article above is part of the DSN Category Review Series. For the complete Diet/Weight Loss Buy-In Report, including extensive charts, data and more analysis, click here.