She Strengthens

New Year, New Trends: Expert Insights on Health and Fitness in 2013

As we dive into a fresh year, the health and fitness landscape is poised for significant shifts. To get ahead of the curve, we tapped into the expertise of 12 thought leaders in the industry. From breathing techniques to disease detection, here’s what they predict will dominate the scene in 2013.

Breathing New Life into Fitness

Tony Gentilcore, co-owner of Cressey Performance, forecasts a greater emphasis on assessing breathing patterns in clients. Faulty breathing habits can have far-reaching consequences, affecting posture, performance, and overall well-being. By teaching clients proper diaphragmatic breathing, fitness professionals can set them up for success.

Tech Takes Center Stage

Dr. Douglas Kalman, a nutrition researcher, anticipates a surge in mobile technology for personal health and fitness tracking. Expect innovations in hand-held diagnostic equipment and corporate wellness initiatives to reduce insurance burdens. Additionally, sarcopenia may soon be recognized as a medical condition, paving the way for muscle-building drugs.

Supplements in the Spotlight

Kurtis Frank, head researcher at Examine.com, highlights three supplements poised to make waves in 2013: spirulina, berberine, and creatine. These natural compounds show remarkable therapeutic benefits, from reversing disease symptoms to promoting fat loss and intestinal health.

Making Healthy the New Normal

Dr. John Mandrola, a cardiologist, envisions a future where healthy lifestyle choices become the norm. With initiatives like corporate wellness programs and material rewards for exercise, he believes we’re on the cusp of a paradigm shift.

The End of Energy Drinks

Dr. James L. Hardeman predicts a decline in energy drink popularity as consumers wise up to their lack of nutritional value. Meanwhile, sleep will gain recognition as a performance-enhancer, and new protocols will reduce hospital-acquired infections.

Gymnastics-Inspired Training

Anthony Mychal, author and fitness journalist, foresees a rise in gymnastics-esque maneuvers in sports training. Expect to see more emphasis on balanced landings, gymnastics rings, and parallel bars to boost kinesthetic awareness and fun.

Female-Friendly Strength Training

Jordan Syatt, author and trainer, is excited about the growing trend of female strength training. With communities like Girls Gone Strong and Fitocracy leading the charge, women are becoming stronger, fitter, and more confident.

Early Disease Detection

Dr. Murdoc Khaleghi, physician and adviser to WellnessFX, expects better and cheaper diagnostics to emerge, enabling earlier disease detection. As healthcare shifts towards consumerization, individuals will take greater control of their health.

Kettlebell Breakthroughs

Chris Beardsley, biomechanics researcher, anticipates original research into kettlebells, leading to breakthroughs in our understanding of their biomechanics. Expect studies on interval routines, glute and hamstring training, and the effectiveness of kettlebells for strength and power gains.

Healthcare Confusion

Carolyn Engelhard, health policy analyst, predicts continued confusion surrounding the Affordable Care Act and health coverage expansions. Expect debate and posturing from opponents, while states and Americans prepare for the massive changes ahead.

Insight into Trauma

Mark Banschick, psychiatrist, believes complex trauma will become a more standard way to understand adult relationships. Innovative treatments like EMDR, DBT, and Somatic Experiencing will gain traction, and happiness will be found in the small things.

Bye Bye, Bacon

Elizabeth Jarrard, dietician, forecasts a rise in hot sauce popularity and a celebration of vegetables by renowned chefs. Meanwhile, bacon and cupcakes may finally fall out of favor.