Putting the fun back in the fundamentals of exercise

Reap the health benefits of gardening
Gardening can not only make your home look beautiful, but it's also provides a variety of exercises - and ones that you can do outdoors.

Think of all the activities you do when gardening. You dig, plant, rake, and weed. You kneel, stoop, and only occasionally sit. Gardening can offer cardiovascular and weight training workouts similar to what you'd get in a trip to the gym, especially if you garden at an energetic pace.

Aquacize your way to fitness
Aquacizing is aerobic exercise done in a pool. Because of water's unique properties, it is the ideal environment to exercise in. Water creates a resistance that tones the body while giving natural support to reduce the stress on joints, bones and muscles. With aqua aerobics, you get a complete, fun workout that can improve your fitness and increase your mobility.

You can take up aqua aerobics in a gym near you that offers this wonderful form of exercise.

Indoor cycling aspinning for fitness.
Who among us doesn't marvel at the incredible level of fitness of Lance Armstrong? Winner of six Tour de France competitions! It's easy to see the connection between cycling and health.

There's a type of exercise that keeps growing in popularity because people not only find it a great way to get more fit, but also because it's so much fun to do. It's called SPINNING^® and you use an indoor stationary bicycle to exercise at various speeds and intensity. The nice think about indoor cycling is that rain or shine you can still get a great workout. Indoor cycling is one of the exercises that may be appropriate for those of all fitness levels. Combining cycling, heart rate training, and motivational techniques, SPINNING^® is now taught in thousands of clubs throughout the country and around the world. Your local gym may have more information.

Dancing to the rhythm of life
It's not hard to admit that moving your body to the beat of a dance song feels great. Dancing not only burns calories but can also improve the way you look. Dancing can strengthen your legs and may even condition your heart and lungs (depending on how vigorously you dance). And dancing is an easy and natural way to meet and socialize with other people. There are many styles of dance to choose from and practice. Consider taking up ballroom dancing, ballet, jazz, or tap. Your local community center can let you know of any dance programs in your area or check the yellow pages for a group near you.

Tai chi chuan - moving your way (slowly) to better health.
It can be translated as "moving life force." The slow, graceful movements of tai chi chuan is a kind of meditation in motion. Mind and body focus on completing a sequence of moves that gives those who practice this art form a genuine sense of well being.

Combining deep breathing with structured movement, tai chi chuan offers a number of health benefits, from better balance and increased flexibility, to lowered blood pressure, and better cardiovascular health.

To learn tai chi chuan, you should be supervised by an instructor; you can then practice alone or in a group. Classes can be found at places all over the country, including health clubs and community centers.

Power walking to fitness
As you get into better and better shape, you might eventually want to try "power striding," where you walk at a fast pace, use light hand weights, and swing your arms. Power walking requires the use of a certain technique which will help maximize the benefits to you while minimizing the strain on your muscles.

Of course, people with retinopathy or other complications should check with their doctor first before starting an exercise program.

Remember, speak to your doctor first before staring an exercise program.