ON THE JOB

Q: Where is the fitness industry headed?
A: With advancements in technology, the fitness industry is learning more about the human body. Functional training continues to be a focus, with an emphasis on tools that promote greater mobility, as well as strength gains. 
This creates an exciting opportunity for most consumers in the fitness market due to the convenience of exercise within the environment that they choose, whether at the gym, home, park or on the road. Most importantly, it provides ownership of their fitness goals.

Q: What are the latest trends for fitness? A: The latest trends relate to enhancing mobility and strength. If you think about it, when entering the gym, you either have lifters or movers.  The lifters are on the weights with little to no motion other than the movement used to target their desired muscle group.  The movers are on the cardio equipment or in class, burning as many calories as possible.  New trends will lead to this question: Why not do both? Why can’t we move with weight?  Tools such as ViPR, Hyperwear SandBells and others are beginning to promote greater movement training while using loads or weights. This trend will continue to be dominant across the fitness industry.  Organizations such as MoveFree, CrossFit, Tough Mudder and many others promote the functional aspects of exercise and this growing trend of combining strength training with movement training.
Q: What are the most effective ways to reach fitness goals? A: Choose an exercise program you can be passionate about.  Don’t like exercise? Don’t do it.  Finding ways to move and become engaged in an active lifestyle is not only healthy, but you might find that you reach your fitness goals faster. The more enjoyable your movement, the more likely you will be to stay consistent with it.  A great way to track your progress and gain some ownership is through use of a heart rate monitor.  This will provide you with some guidance toward your fitness goals and open up some avenues to keep you moving in and out of the gym.   Q: Why is movement so important? A: Movement is a part of every person’s daily routine, and we are required to do it well in order to function at our best. Unfortunately, technology combats our ability to move with the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles.  If you move a lot, you’ll be good at moving. If you sit a lot, you’ll be good at sitting.  For our bodies to grow, adapt and stay healthy, we must continue to provide it with some challenges. These can be simple or difficult challenges depending upon your fitness goal.  Simply moving provides our tissues with lubrication, creates greater circulation and even enhances our mood. Try to make it a point to stay moving throughout the day and see if you notice a difference.  

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NAME: Jake Duhon BUSINESS: MoveFree, 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands EXPERIENCE: More than 12 years in the fitness industry, including personal training and fitness management. He’s a faculty member for Personal Training Academy Global and master trainer for various fitness companies and products, including ViPR, Technogym, Hyperwear and Marpo Kinetics. He’s the creator and director of MoveFree, the adult recreation director of The Woodlands United Methodist Church and a consultant for various fitness companies, as well as a published author with PT on the Net. PTA Global faculty member; NASM performance enhancement specialist and corrective exercise specialist EDUCATION: California University of Pennsylvania, sports management