What does Zumba, Piloxing, The Skinny Jeans Workout, Crunch, Cross Fit, The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, Yoga Bootie Ballet, and Madonna's Hard Candy Fitness have in common? They are all part of a fitness craze sweeping the globe with avid young fans enthusiastically working out to chisel their bodies and boomers working hard to earn a backstage pass to 'forever land'. Fitness programs have been around for a long time, promoted and/or marketed by celebrities. Jack Lalane pioneered the trend and fitness gurus like Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda long ago identified a niche market.
Zumba is a perfect example. There are 14 million people enrolled in classes worldwide in 140 locations across 185 countries with an unprecedented growth of nearly 800% from 2009-2012. Last year Zumba hosted an exercise fitness concert where 8,000 enthusiastic instructors from around the world (79 countries) joined to participate in their own version of dance party. No grunts and groans here . . . Zumba specializes in creating emotional connections through cheering, laughing, sweating, and having a good time, which they call electrifying joy.
Spas are not the only ones jumping on board. Airports are also banking on the fitness trend. Last January, Terminal 2 in the San Francisco International Airport opened its Yoga Room to travelers with longer-than-usual layovers who want to spend that time getting in a stress-busting yoga workout. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport added a 1.4 mile walking path in a few of their concourses. And of course, there is LA International Airport . . . now offering an 18 hole golf course, yoga classes or tai chi in the LAX Flag Courtyard. Only in California . . . with its over the top personality and endless pursuit of anything that keeps a person young and healthy.