These are the findings of the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual survey of health and fitness professionals’ views on the top fitness trends of 2016.

1. Wearable technology: includes fitness trackers, smartwatches, heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking devices.

2. Bodyweight training: a “back to basics” training style that uses minimal equipment, thereby making it more affordable.

3. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): involves short bursts of activity followed by a short period of rest or recovery, for a total workout that usually takes under 30 minutes.

4. Strength training: a central emphasis for many health clubs, strength training is an essential part of a complete exercise programme - along with aerobic exercise and flexibility - for all physical activity levels and genders.

5. Educated and experienced fitness professionals: it’s important that consumers choose professionals certified through programmes that are accredited by bodies such as the US National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

6. Personal training: education, training and proper credentialling for personal trainers have become increasingly important to the health and fitness facilities that employ them.

7. Functional fitness: uses strength training to improve balance and ease of daily living. It’s closely related to the next trend.

8. Fitness programmes for older adults: as the baby boom generation ages into retirement, some of these people have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts to spend on fitness programmes.

9. Exercise and weight loss: health and fitness professionals who provide weight loss programmes are increasingly incorporating regular exercise and caloric restriction for better weight control in their clients.

10. Yoga: yoga seems to reinvent and refresh itself every year, making it a more attractive form of exercise.

11 Group personal training

12 Worksite health promotion

13 Wellness coaching