美国2012年健身趋势

jacky

Top 5 Health Trends for 2012
Date:  Jan. 24, 2012


The Values Institute at DGWB (a social science research entity based in Santa Ana, CA) used observational studies to identify the top five health and wellness trends among Americans in 2012. The agency’s Balanced Healthy practice teamed up with Iconoculture of Minneapolis (international research firm) in early 2011 to study the behavior of Americans who actively attempt to maintain or improve their health (currently considered about 74% of the population). A total of 2,800 adults participated in the national online study which developed a statistical connection between personal values and health actions. “By looking at shared values instead of the more traditional metrics, we’re able to connect people at a deeper level on the basis of their common emotional and philosophical beliefs about health and wellness,” said Mark Weinfeld, director of The Values Institute. He explains that the study provides for a unique method by which to accurately identify, follow, and predict consumer trends.
The top five consumer health trends for 2012 according to the DGWB research are:
1. An Infatuation with Natural Energy-Boosting Supplements
It is no surprise that liquid energy shots such as 5-Hour Energy and larger energy drinks such as the Rockstar© or Monster© series are anticipated to retain their popularity in 2012. These products are even becoming increasingly popular among seniors as illustrated by 5-Hour’s partnership with John Ratzenberger (Cliff Clavin in Cheers). Many health-seeking consumers with rigorous schedules are now looking for the same benefits from 100% natural sources with ingredients they quickly recognize such as green tea extract, vitamins and minerals, and raw foods (e.g. bananas). This is seen in specifically designed products such as Jamba Juice or V8 Energy Shots.
2. Attempting to Get More Sleep
Sleep deprivation appears to be one of the prominent health-related issues of the current decade. As updated evidence links inadequate sleep with weight gain, high blood pressure, depression, and lowered immunity, more consumers are connecting shut-eye with optimal health than ever before. According to the research data, 76% of Americans want to improve the quality and quantity of the sleep they get. The National Sleep Foundation states that 2/3 of all women have regular sleep problems while globally, according to the World Association of Sleep Medicine, sleep deprivation affects the quality of life of 45% of the world’s population.
3. An Increase in the Prevalence of “Flexitarians”
Being a “flexitarian” refers to a pattern of consciously reducing meat intake for health reasons while still occasionally enjoying animal protein. One of the best evidences of this movement is the social media following the Meatless Monday initiative, developed in association with John Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health.
4. An Increase in Digital Accountability
Many Americans obviously lack the motivation and accountability to remain consistent with an exercise routine, even if they understand the importance of it. Based on this fact, many new social media platforms offer encouragement and accountability through digital means. Stikk.com allows consumers to create “Commitment Contracts” to lose weight, exercise regularly, or quit smoking while the Reebok Promise Keeper awards users with a “call-out” on Facebook or Twitter when they complete a scheduled workout. Essentially, products and services which allow participants to track their physical activity and progress online are anticipated to increase in popularity in 2012.
5. An Increase in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Health Movement
The DIY health movement began as a backlash of a kind to increasing medical costs and lack of personalized service in general by health care professionals. This movement is predicted to thrive in 2012 by means of smartphone applications that enable consumers to monitor various aspects of their health and wellness without an appointment. Interesting examples of this include Withering’s Blood Pressure Monitor which takes the user’s blood pressure and sends it to their healthcare provider and Skin Scan which scans and monitors moles over time to check for the progressive signs of cancer. The current 9,000+ health-related apps available in the Apple app Store is expected to expand to 13,000 by the end of 2012.
As stated by Mike Weisman, president of the Values Institute at DGWB, “These trends are consistent with the growing importance of health in America – if not yet as a daily routine than certainly as a primary goal in 2012 for three out of four consumers.” He goes on to explain that health is the new “prestige barometer” in the US as most Americans would prefer to be healthy rather than wealthy. “Certainly, this trend will have major implications for marketers and retailers looking to sway consumer opinion in the New Year and beyond.”



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