Cara Kempf is a certified personal trainer with the Fitness Zone in Carmel and a group fitness instructor with NIFS in downtown Indianapolis. She can be contacted at fitnessblog@theindychannel.com.

What's hot and what's not in the fitness industry for 2005? Here are a few old and new trends for the upcoming year:

• Low-carb diets are O-U-T!! Finally, people are realizing that the long-term benefits of the low-carb diet are not sufficient in maintaining weight loss. It is hard to completely ban carbs from your diet. Why do you think that is? Maybe because it isn't good for you.
• Red Bull is OUT. Once a phenomenon in energy drinks, Red Bull was seen everywhere, from celebs' houses to bars to grocery stores. Red Bull even tried to come out with a lighter version for those of us trying to watch our weight. However, people are starting to think about slowing down and being a little more natural and healthy.
• Vitamin water is IN. Because people want to eliminate less-healthy drinks like Red Bull from their diets, they are turning to drinks like Vitamin Water and Green Tea. Instead of trying to get a quick boost from a Red Bull, they want to get energy from a more natural source. Sounds good to me!
• iPods are still IN. These will be around for a while and thank goodness. Trying to work out in silence is not fun.
• Virtual Trainers are IN. If you can't afford the real thing, try the next best. From nutritional advice, to weight training, to fun cardio classes, a virtual trainer can assist you in becoming more healthy in 2005. BUT, be careful, because this trainer can't keep you motivated OR make sure you actually finish your workouts!
• Weight Training is IN. Even women are realizing that they must lift weights to maintain a healthy figure and strong bones. Exercises like yoga and pilates are great supplemental workouts, but people are no longer relying solely on them for strength training.

Let's try to make those New Year's resolutions last all year long. Stay motivated!