A Fitness Evolution

Yoga, tai chi, kick boxing, strength training and personal-fitness training are steadily gaining converts at the gym over mainstays like step aerobics, according to trend watchers at the International Dance Exercise Assn.

Results from a new study list the top 10 types of fitness programs and the percentage of facilities offering them, based on a broad sample of private health clubs, YMCAs, college campuses, hospitals and corporations in the United States. *--*

Program 1999 1998 1997 Personal Training (one to one/small group) 87% 80% 82% Group strength training 77% 80% 75% Stretching/flexibility 73% 72% 79% Step aerobics 71% 82% 86% Abdominal classes 71% 73% 76% Circuit training 70% 70% 75% Boxing-based classes 69% 44% 34% Low-impact aerobics 66% 77% 85% Interval training 64% 73% 75% Yoga 64% 53% 54%

*--*