6 Fun Fitness Activities...

Writen by Kathy Burns-Millyard

Exercising and staying fit doesn't have to mean hard work. Simply being active will help you get or stay in good shape. So with that said, here are some enjoyable activities that can help with your fitness goals too.

Bicycling

When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.

Jogging or Walking

Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness activities.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.

Tennis Anyone?

Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a Venice Williams to play; in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.

Tip: Raquetball is sort of a "one person tennis". If you don't have someone to play tennis with, or you aren't feeling sociable, try raquetball instead.

Dancing

Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.

Tip: Belly Dancing is an excellent workout for your stomach, waist and hips ladies!

VCR

If you have a VCR or DVD, rather than just using it for your favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to work out will get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference, you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.

And one of my personal favorites... Yardwork!

Whether you're pulling weeds, planting flowers, mowing the grass or chopping wood: All of these activities can help you get into better shape. Don't cheat yourself though. Using a riding mower to cut the grass won't help you use the muscles or get your blood pumping ;)

So go out and get active, have fun, and work on getting or staying fit too!

ฉ 2004 Kathy Burns-Millyard and The Health and Fitness Information Network - A large and growing health portal featuring quality health and fitness articles, tips, news, advice and resources. This article may be republished as long as it remains completely intact and you link to our website.

7 Tips for Great Skin At Any Age

Writen by Dianne Daniels

1. Cleanse your face twice a day - Did you know that every time you don't wash off accumulated dirt and environmental ‘stuff’ at night, you age your skin 27 days? You can help prevent some premature signs of aging by making sure you cleanse your face every morning and night. In the morning, you are washing off the residue of the cell renewal process, which occurs primarily at night. In the evening, you're cleansing off the day's effects on your skin, including exposure to pollution, sun, wind and office building air.

2. Use a skin care system - Putting together a cleanser, toner and moisturizer from what's on sale at the chain drugstore down the street is a recipe for disaster where your skin is concerned. Use a skin care system with products that are designed and formulated to work together, and you'll get much better results. Even you die-hard soap and water users could benefit from use of a skin care system. No more guess work about which product is the best for your particular type of skin, or wondering what to do when you run out and your drugstore no longer carries your "favorite" product. Gentlemen, this means you as well!

3. Eat a balanced diet - Yes, we all know that a balanced diet is the healthy thing to do, but did you also realize that a balanced diet helps with the moisture balance and the condition of your skin? Start with a minimum of 8 - 12 glasses of water each and every day, and follow up with lots of fruits and vegetables. Continue with a basic low-fat diet (but don't starve yourself!) and good-quality protein, and you'll have a recipe for not only good health, but also great skin!

4. Be gentle - Use a very light touch on your facial skin at all times. If you're used to rubbing your face or eyes vigorously (if you have allergies, itchy eyes or sensitive skin) you could be aggravating the condition. The skin on your face is very delicate, and the skin under your eyes is the most delicate of all! Never rub under your eyes. If they itch, try a cold compress or washcloth, or a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel. Aggressive rubbing during your cleaning routine can also cause damage. Use a gentle touch on your face at all times.

5. Moderation in alcohol consumption - Alcoholic drinks tend to enlarge the blood vessels near the surface of your facial skin, and prolonged alcohol consumption or abuse can damage your skin. The overall health effects can be very negative, and they'll show up first in your face!

6. Get your ZZZZ's – The majority of cell repair and generation performed by your body's systems happens when you are at rest. If you're not getting enough sleep, your skin can't renew itself. Find the right sleep balance for you by tracking how you feel when you sleep 6 - 8 hours versus 4 - 6 hours over a 7 to 10 day period. When you feel your best for an extended period, that may be the right sleep level and amount for you. Try to ensure proper rest by winding down from the day's stressful activities so that you can fall asleep easily and rest completely.

7. Watch out for nature! - Blustery days with lots of wind can cause your skin to become dry and tight. We often protect our skin from winter's chill winds, ice and snow, but windy days in any season can cause skin damage. If you're riding in a fast-moving vehicle, or with the window down, make sure to moisturize your skin before and after the ride, especially if you notice any tightness. In fact, don't wait for the tightness to appear, take extra care with your skin every single day!

Follow these tips to help give you great skin at any age!

About the Author: Dianne M. Daniels is an Image & Color Coach, Consultant and Professional Speaker, and the author/publisher of "Polish & Presence: 31 Days to a New Image". She has helped individuals refine and define their personal and professional image, along with corporations and organizations. Learn how to create your Personal Climate for Personal and Professional Success at http://www.imageandcolor.com