The American Council on Exercise (a nonprofit workout watchdog group) Fitness Trends for 2004. These trends reflect an increased demand for quick and intensive workouts by time-starved Americans as well as making exercise a part of preventive care.

• Workouts and exercise programs will respond to the critical need for busy Americans to get an efficient workout in a very short period of time (hence the rapid growth of health club chains that offer a 30-minute routine).
• Functional fitness will become more important. Rather than working on muscle groups in isolation, functional fitness will focus on exercising and strengthening several muscles and joints together.
• Healthcare providers and companies will provide and partially subsidize preventive lifestyle programs, such as providing web sites for wellness information, risk assessment, fitness calculators, how to contact a fitness professional, and other services.
• Fitness equipment will get smarter. Manufacturers will offer machines that provide feedback on everything from lactic acid production to preparing for a marathon.