Feeling fine in 2009

In the 1990s came the Thigh Master and face yoga.

Then there was The Zone and the return of the bacon-touting Atkins Diet.

Over the years, we've seen health trends come, go -- and come back again. So what does the world of diet and fitness have to offer us in the new year?

It appears that we're getting less outlandish -- and more tame in our diet and fitness tastes.

Here are my predictions of the top health trends for 2009:

BRAIN FITNESS

The idea of exercising the brain rather than the body will continue its momentum in 2009. Attribute the trend to the aging population or the desire of younger go-getters to keep their minds and memories sharp in the workplace. Look for more brain fitness puzzles, books and electronic games to hit the marketplace. Want to train your brain? Try Daniel G. Amen's book Magnificent Mind At Any Age, the 1980s pop phenomenon Rubik's Cube, Nintendo's Brain Age or Luminosity, an online brain game available at www.luminosity.com

FITNESS IN THE WORKPLACE

More employers will realize that exercise isn't just an extra-curricular activity but an essential ingredient in creating healthy, happy, energetic and more productive workers. In fact, studies show that employees who exercise regularly are less likely to be absent from work. Look for workplaces to offer fitness centres, personal trainers, discounts at local gyms, employee weight-loss contests and fun runs. Great-West Life is known for its fitness program. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the firm offers a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week gym that's free to employees. Want to encourage more exercise in your workplace? Initiate an exercise program such as a lunch-hour group walk.

STRENGTH TRAINING FOR WOMEN

For years, women tended to head straight for the treadmill at the gym while they would avoid the weight-training area for fear that lifting weights will result in big, bulky and unflattering muscles. In 2009, more women will take on consistent strength-training programs. The growth in weight training for women comes as we realize that women don't have the hormonal makeup to build manly muscles. More importantly, experts have driven home the point that weight training strengthens bones, prevents osteoporosis and helps the body burn fat at rest. That means more efficient weight control that just cardio exercise alone.

EXERCISE BALLS

Gym-goers will embrace all kinds of exercise balls, including stability balls, kettle balls and BOSU balls. The stability ball -- which looks like a giant, inflated beach ball -- will continue to be the most popular for its availability and ease of use in the home, office and gym. Look for more people to use stability balls as core-strengthening, balance-boosting desk chairs (the gym floor staff use them as desk chairs at the Reh-Fit Centre) and to help with basic exercises such as crunches. The balls are proven to help increase abdominal strength. BOSU balls, which are really half-balls, increase balance while kettle balls -- which look like cannon balls with handles -- are heavy and work as alternatives to free weights.

MORE DEMAND FOR QUALIFIED PERSONAL TRAINERS

In 2009, people looking to enlist the services of personal fitness trainers will be more discerning about whom they hire. Currently, there are no laws in Canada about who can call themselves personal trainers. Regardless, more consumers make sure that the trainers they choose have the appropriate experience, references, accreditation and, if desired, university degrees in exercise science. This increased awareness about qualified personal trainers comes because of a push by trainers themselves to regulate their profession. As well, more physicians are working with qualified personal trainers--referring their patients to them. To find personal trainers in Manitoba with university degrees, log onto the Manitoba Exercise Professionals Association (MEPA) website at www.mepa.ca.

GROUP PERSONAL TRAINING

A full-blown recession in 2009 means that people will look to save money whenever they can -- even with their personal training sessions. More and more trainers will offer discounted rates for groups of two or more. Such offerings could work well for people who want to use their exercise sessions to bond with friends and for those who need the added support of working out with others.

SMALLER FOOD PORTIONS

In 2009, we'll move away from thinking the bigger the meal, the better. Instead, consumers will be more aware that quality rules over quantity. That means eating more like the French and the Spanish, who graze on small meals that are full of flavour and fat. Rather than deprivation, this style of eating focuses on savouring everything you want -- just slowly and in small quantities. For encouragement, read Mireille Guiliano's 2004 book, French Women Don't Get Fat. Look for smaller portions of more luxurious foods at local restaurants.

DIET-FREE EATING

So far on the 2009 horizon, there is no breakthrough diet on the menu. Instead, nutrition experts promote eating sensibly. That means eating balanced meals that contain healthy starches (think whole grains), colourful vegetables, healthy fats such as olive oil and salmon and lean protein.

Have an interesting story idea you'd like Shamona to write about? Contact her at shamona.harnett@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition January 5, 2009 D1