Dr. Prescott’s Journal
Last week, you asked me to predict what’s in store for health and fitness in the New Year. And I did. But you’re the marathon runner who keeps his finger on the pulse of exercise. I mean, your Christmas list was topped by a GPS running watch.
So, my fleet-footed friend, what do you foresee for 2012?
Adam Answers
People will spend less time in front of screens and more time exercising. Locally grown fruits and vegetables will replace processed foods on our plates. Fad diets will finally go the way of mullets and leg warmers.
Okay, that’s what I’d like to write. Still, a desire to do better by our bodies springs eternal, and this year will be no different. I’ll be looking for:
1. Fit(ter) kids
With obesity reaching epic proportions, schools are trying to get to the root of the problem with healthier cafeteria and vending machine options and by educating students about nutrition. Meanwhile, gyms, parks and community centers are increasingly offering fitness classes designed specifically for children.
2. Fit(ter) employees
Employers have realized that healthier workers are more productive. That’s why you can expect to see corporate wellness programs—like the one at my very own workplace, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation—continue to expand. Yes, subsidizing onsite fitness facilities, membership at local gyms, vaccinations, Weight Watchers classes and annual physicals costs money, but keeping workers healthy is cheaper than paying for serious illnesses.
3. Sweatworking
Schmoozing starting to take a toll on your waistline? Instead of taking clients out for steaks and martinis, bring them to a spin or kick-boxing class. It’s healthy, cheap and lets you network and get in a workout at the same time.
4. Half-marathons
Led by women, who make up nearly 60 percent of participants, 1.4 million people finished 13.1-mile races in 2010 (the statistics for 2011 aren’t yet in). The races are wildly popular, with the number of finishers tripling over the last decade and even increasing by a whopping 24 percent from 2009 to 2010. With growth expected to continue, you’ll want to register soon for the April 29, 2012 Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon—the event sold out early last year.
5. Broga
Yoga for ‘bros—get it? Yes, men may be self-conscious about walking into a room filled with women decked out in Lululemon workout attire. But yoga’s popularity and benefits, primarily increased strength and flexibility, are indisputable. As studios find ways to expand their offerings (and client bases), expect to see a growth in classes directed at men.
6. Zumba
In the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey, the dance workout debuted on the list of top 10 predicted fitness trends for 2012. With classes offered in more than 110,000 gyms, it shouldn’t be tough to find a Zumba session whenever or wherever the mood strikes you.
7. Concussion awareness
It started in the National Football League, but now an understanding of the potential danger that head injuries pose has spread all the way to youth sports. And that’s a very good thing. Don’t be surprised if onsite physicians soon become as common a sight at high-school football games as referees and cheerleaders.
8. Get some zzz’s
Research has fingered sleep deprivation as a culprit behind everything from automobile accidents to obesity to increased susceptibility to cancer. Getting at least seven (and, preferably, eight) hours of sleep is one of the easiest, most enjoyable ways you can help your body.
Also on my list for the New Year are the continued popularity of:
9. Locally grown produce
Yay!
10. The Paleo and other high-protein diets
Don’t we eat enough meat already?
11. Video games to help us get fit
Just step away from the controller and head outside.
But the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what’s on my list. If you’ve found something that keeps you and your loved ones fit and healthy, keep doing it in 2012!
