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Over the next month, you'll see dozens of articles on the new fitness trends of 2009. They'll tell you about new routines, new ab-doohicky machines, and so on. But this article's different.

You see, despite what "hot new weight-loss" program is released, the fundamentals remain the same-like millions of Americans, you want to lose weight, get in shape, and tone up, as quickly and healthily as possible.

But with the gloomy economy causing folks to hold onto their money longer, Americans are pickier about what and how much they'll spend on fitness. So some of the trends below represent thrifty, more economically-sensible spending habits. This is for certain-more and more people will become interested in fitness, especially since obesity shows no signs of slowing down. So here's my top 8 fitness trends of 2009.

1. More 30-minute personal training programs. With American's time-availability continually becoming limited, expect more consumers to buy 30-minute personal training sessions over 60-minute sessions.

2. Small group personal training. Due to the economy, consumers are motivated to spend less discretionary income. One way to use a trainer and save a few bucks is to do small group personal training. Typically, small group training ranges between 2-8 people per workout, running 30% to 60% less than private training.

3. "Anti-Diet" diets. Most people still struggle to lose weight. And most have tried every mainstream diet program available-like Atkins, South Beach, and Body For Life. Most people are tired of not losing weight and restraining themselves from eating normal, sensible foods. So, many are taking a less restrictive, more balanced approach to weight-loss nutrition. Expect to see more consumers following open-ended nutrition programs to meet their needs.

4. Organic foods. Along with chucking fad diets to the wayside, more Americans are gradually introducing organic food into their diet. Why? Not only do organic foods provide more nutrients, they just taste better than conventional food. So much that regular folks are willing to pay a 25% to 40% premium for organic products.

5. Brief workouts. Everybody knows they need to exercise. But time is a precious commodity. So personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and gyms are designing brief, results-oriented workouts. Using a combination of free weights and cardio, these exercise programs promise noticeable results in half the time of a normal workout. Expect to see more people commit time to these types of programs.

6. Women lifting weights. Dumbbells and barbells. They're not just for bodybuilders anymore. With osteoporosis on the rise, more and more women are lifting weights to increase bone density. Studies show proper weight-lifting can decrease and even reverse osteoporosis. In addition, lifting weights is effective at increasing fat-burning metabolism and increasing flexibility and strength.

7. Kettlebell Training. Used in Russia for decades, kettlebells are a relatively new exercise tool that's making waves in American gyms. Similar to a dumbbell, kettlebells allow users to perform old exercises in new, fun ways. Gyms and fitness businesses are quickly capitalizing on the trend with new kettlebell group exercise programs and kettlebell books and equipment.

8. "Fusion Fitness". Pilates. Yoga. Weight-Lifting. Jogging. With all the programs available to get in shape, many consumers are unsure which program is best suited for their goals. Smart personal trainers and gyms are combining all the elements from each fitness philosophy to create a "fusion fitness program." That way, consumers get the best of everything-abdominal strengthening, endurance, total-body strength, flexibility-without missing out on anything important.

David Duford
Owner, BodyElite Personal Training
http://www.Chattanooga-Personal-Trainer.com