FitStudio By Sears Debuts Fit 15 List

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Dec. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sears, America's No. 1 fitness equipment retailer, announced today the 2013 Fit 15 list of must-have fitness gear and trends from a panel* of 15 certified fitness professionals with more than 150 years of combined experience. The first-ever list features the New Year's hottest fitness apparel, accessories, gear and equipment from top brands, including Everlast^®, NordicTrack, Sole, STOTT Pilates and more. 

"Our FitStudio advisory board members selected the items on our Fit 15 list based on the biggest fitness trends we expect to see in 2013, like an increase in Boomers working out at home and the use of technology to get and stay fit," said Hugo Malan, senior vice president and president, Fitness, Sporting Goods and Toys at Sears Holdings Corp. "We are pleased to share this trend list to help individuals create and accomplish their 2013 fitness goals."

From running shoes and kettlebells to treadmills and weights, the Fit 15 list includes:

1. FitStudio.com
2. Masala Bhangra Hollywood Bollywood Dance Workout DVD
3. Weider Kettlebell Set
4. NordicTrack Deluxe Speed Jump Rope
5. Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
6. NordicTrack C1750 Pro Treadmill
7. LifeSpan Fitness Desktop Treadmill
8. NordicTrack Folding Mini Trampoline
9. Everlast^® Women's Streamline Fitness Hoodie
10. New Balance Women's Athletic Shoes
11. Sole E35 Elliptical
12. SPRI Xertube Resistance Bands
13. STOTT PILATES® SPX™ Reformer Package
14. NordicTrack E 14.5 Elliptical Machine
15. Weider PowerSwitch 100 lb. Weight Set

2013 Fitness Trend: Your Next Personal Trainer will be Online
Customized, in-person fitness guidance is no longer a must-have. Expert advice is now available with the touch of a button. Apps, social media channels and specialized websites like FitStudio.com offer workout programs, diet and nutrition advice and community forums to arm people with the tools they need to live a fit life.

2013 Fitness Trend: What's New is Now
In 2012, dancing as part of a cardiovascular exercise exploded onto the fitness scene in the form of Zumba. This year's new moves come from Masala Bhangra, a high energy Indian-style dance workout. Ethnic dance workouts are flirty, fun and different than standard cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, kettlebells are making a comeback and quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of gear because they activate dozens of muscles at once during use. They are extremely versatile, deliver results and take up minimal space.

2013 Fitness Trend: Beat Boredom, Stay Motivated with Technology
Traditionally treadmills have cup holders and cooling fans, but now many come complete with touchscreens, Internet browsing capabilities and options to adjust the firmness of the walking/running surface to simulate the feel of running outside. This type of technology is motivating more people to get on the treadmill or elliptical, according to Andrea Metcalf, author of "Naked Fitness" and FitStudio advisory board member.

"Our goal is to avoid having your treadmill or elliptical be used for hanging laundry rather than working out. Some treadmills have iFit^® technology built-in so you can workout with elite trainers, or draw your own route with Google Maps™ and take on the terrain as your incline and decline adjust automatically to any route in the world," said Metcalf.

Fitness gadgets are also something people are continuing to utilize as part of a workout to help navigate, monitor heart rate and calculate speed and distance traveled.

2013 Fitness Trend: Multi-Task to Stay on Track
It is tough to fit a workout into a busy schedule and easy to make excuses to skip a workout when other obligations fill the day. Desk treadmills are being utilized more in the workplace and at home, allowing working professionals to walk while they work. Kids are also spending more time than ever playing on computers or with video games, which does not keep them very active at home, according to Alejandro Chaban, Univision and Telemundo personality, and author of "From Fatty to Hottie." By incorporating a workout into playtime with gear like a mini trampoline, kids and adults can have fun and exercise at the same time.

2013 Fitness Trend: Look the Part
There is an increasing trend for wearing brightly colored fitness apparel that can be worn to the gym, out to lunch and even to work, according to Lisa Johnson, Pilates instructor and FitStudio advisory board member.

"More and more I am seeing my clients integrate their athletic apparel into what they wear to work. I call it athletic chic and I think we will continue to see this trend throughout 2013," said Johnson.

2013 Fitness Trend: Bring the Gym Home, Space Optional
There are plenty of alternatives to staying fit at home when larger pieces of fitness equipment are not an option because of space constraints. Resistance bands and dumbbells are easy to store and are perfect for building muscle. Jump ropes are making a comeback with the increased interest in mixed martial arts-inspired workouts and they can be stored nearly anywhere.  

With the popularity of specialty workouts and the lean results they produce, people are now bringing commercial-grade equipment like Pilates reformers home, according to Rie Sakamoto, instructor trainer, Merrithew Health & Fitness.

For more information on the Fit 15, visit www.sears.com/fit15, and to become a FitStudio member, visit www.fitstudio.com. To browse the eFitness digital catalog, visit www.sears.com/GetFit. For the latest Sears fitness news and tips, "Like" the brand on Facebook and "Follow" it on Twitter.

Members of the Shop Your Way program can join the conversation about Fit 15 on www.shopyourway.com. From the Fit 15 page on Shop Your Way, members can add their own hot products and trends and participate in exclusive sweepstakes.

Before beginning an exercise program, always consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner and be sure to be tested for or report your current level of activity, any chest pains, joint problems, medical conditions (such as diabetes or pregnancy), breathlessness, dizziness, or heart conditions. If you experience any discomfort or pain during an exercise routine, immediately cease the activity and seek the assistance of a qualified physician or health care provider.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading integrated retailer with over 2,600 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of SHOP YOUR WAY, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 15 million service and installation calls made annually and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2012 ENERGY STAR® "Corporate Commitment Award" for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers.

*FitStudio by Sears panel members are compensated for their contributions.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation