The top 10 fitness trends predicted for 2013 are:

1.Educated, certified and experienced fitness professionals: This claimed the top spot in 2013 for the sixth consecutive year. Fully accredited education and certification programs for health/fitness professionals are on the rise.

2.Strength training: Remaining in the No. 2 spot for the second year in a row, this trend is important for men, women, young and old to improve or maintain strength.

3.Body weight training: This is the first appearance of this trend in the survey. Body weight training uses minimal equipment, making it more affordable.

4.Children and obesity: With nearly 1 in 3 children ages 10-17 considered overweight or obese, childhood obesity continues to be a serious public health problem. A growing number of commercial and community-based programs are teaming up with schools to fight the obesity epidemic.

5.Exercise and weight loss: Incorporating diet and exercise is of growing interest among fitness professionals. More fitness programs are offering everything from meal planning to onsite nutritionists to regular lessons on nutrition.

6.Fitness programs for older adults: The baby boom generation is growing older and living longer. With this group typically having more discretionary money and time than others, fitness programs for older adults will remain a strong trend for 2013.

7.Personal training: As more professional personal trainers become certified, they are more accessible and available in a wide variety of settings from corporate wellness programs to community-based programs to medical fitness programs.

8.Functional fitness: Functional fitness uses strength training to improve balance, coordination and endurance so participants can do their daily activities without stress. Often, this program is created for older adults.

9.Core training: Core training stresses strength and conditioning of the stabilizing muscles of the abdomen, thorax and back. It typically includes exercises of the hips, lower back and abdomen, all of which provide support for the spine and thorax.

10.Group personal training: This trend, fueled by the economic downturn, allows the personal trainer to provide individualized service catered to groups of two to four people. This allows groups to have a discounted rate, while still giving the trainer a full schedule of clients.

SOURCE: American College of Sports Medicine annual survey completed by 3,346 health and fitness professionals worldwide.