Still searching for the perfect workout for 2010 (which starts tomorrow, btw)?

Here are the top 10 fitness trends for 2010, according to a survey by the American Council on Exercise. Time and money appear to play a key role in how we’ll be exercising in the year ahead.

“Consumers will really look to maximize their workout results while maintaining a close eye on their budgets this year,” ACE Chief Science Officer Cedric X. Bryant, said in a press release.  “Along with financial constraints, we understand that people are busier than ever and will look for workouts that offer the results they seek while fitting within their already jam-packed schedules.”

In addition, says ACE, look for more “alternative fitness programming and classes,” as well as more classes aimed at Baby Boomers trying to stay active. We’ll share five on the list today, five tomorrow.

1. Cost-conscious workouts at fitness clubs and at home “The impact of the economy continues to affect the choices of fitness enthusiasts and health clubs alike. Gyms will alter programming and training to better serve the needs of the cost-conscious member, while in-home workouts utilizing small, portable fitness equipment will be popular among individuals watching their budget.”

Evidence: Witness the abundance of cable TV ads for the likes of the Ab Rocket, the Ab Circle Pro and the Ab Coaster. Look for more gyms to drop their enrollment fees (Gold’s) or to offer gift cards applicable to gym services when you join (Lifestyle Family Fitness offers a $150 gift card to new members).

2. Personal training in small groups “Individuals will scale back on personal training sessions to take advantage of small-group training and group class participation as another way to save on expenses. Health clubs may alter some programs to better suit the needs of larger groups. Likewise, individuals may find that the group setting offers additional motivation and support of their fitness efforts.”

Evidence: During a recent training session with the TRX suspension training system at Seaboard Fitness, personal trainer Larisa Lotz said she’s seeing more demand — and supply — for group personal training. She suggested two ways to approach this: Call a local gym and see if they offer the service, or, find two or three people who are in similar shape (though you don’t necessarily need similar goals) and hire a trainer to work with you. With three people there’s sufficient time for personal attention in a 45- or 50-minute session, she says, and the cost savings in significant.

3. Time-Efficient Workouts “Shorter yet higher-intensity workouts will be more appealing to those with busy schedules because they can reap significant fitness rewards with relatively minimal time investment.  Boot-camp style workouts will continue to be one of the most popular of these trends in 2010, offering the ability to burn sufficiently large number of calories while simultaneously improving muscular fitness.  Circuit training will also be a time-efficient workout of choice due to its combined strength and endurance activities.”

Evidence: Over the past 10 years, the medical and fitness community has continued to re-evalutate how much exercise you need on daily. First, they said you only needed 30 minutes a day. Then they said you didn’t even need to do all 30 minutes at once, that three 10-minute workouts would do. Now, there’s a cottage industry in 10-minute workouts. “Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer,” The “10-Minute Workouts,” Kathy Kaehler’s “Total Body Workout: 6 Ten Minute Workouts”. Sean Foy’s “The 10-Minute Total Body Breakthrough” is based on the principal that you need 4 minutes of aerobics, 3 minutes of resistance exercise, 2 minutes of core work, 1 minute of stretching and deep breathing a day. That’s one jam-packed 10 minutes.

4. Exergaming “Exergames will continue to climb in popularity and be taken to the next level: fitness clubs.  By integrating fitness-based video games into their programming, clubs will offer unique exercise sessions for game-lovers and those looking for variety within their workouts.  Studies conducted by ACE on exergaming-type systems, including Nintendo’s Wii Sports and Wii Fit and the PC-based Dancetown, offer insight into the true fitness benefits associated with these alternative fitness options.”

Evidence: The jury is still deliberating on the effectiveness of exergames such as the Wii Fit, but their popularity continues to grow: Witness EA Sports introduction of its Active program, which runs on the Wii Fit platform.   Watch for GetGoingNC’s occasional reports on whether we find the Wii Fit a helpful training aid.

5. Boomer-specific programs “Special fitness programming for aging adults will remain a strong trend next year.  Growing numbers of boomers recognize the multitude of benefits that come along with regular exercise participation, from lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to maintaining one’s functional independence and overall wellbeing.”

Evidence: Check your local parks and rec catalog for winter and you’ll see that the number of class options for “Seniors” — and yes, fellow Baby Boomers, we’ve nearly all passed into this 50-plus classification — is growing. The Raleigh Parks & Rec Leisure Ledger for winter 2010, for instance, includes: Chair Yoga, Kripalu Yoga for Seniors, Horseshoes, group walking clubs, Senior Weight Training, Seniorcise and a host of exercise programs at seniors centers.

Tomorrow: functional training workouts, health and fitness awareness, importance of proper professional credentials, specialty classes, fitness training tools.

Photo: You can’t get much trendier for 2010 than an action-packed 45-minute TRX workout with your personal training group at a gym that’s waived its enrollment fee. Photo from fitnessanywhere.com