Though it may not seem like it when were drenched in sweat and our legs feel like lead, marathon running is as mental as physical. When were exhausted, continuing consists of mind over matter. This takes enormous mental power. Once developed, this skill can be transferred from the racetrack to the boardroom.

Running is an ideal symmetrical activity for keeping fit. However, it is common for people to blame running for injuries rather than accept that it may be how they run that is at fault. Is there more to running than just putting one foot in front of the other?

To many, that half-hour a day is the most enjoyable, most therapeutic part of your agenda. To others, its as dreadful as taking out the trash and doing the dishes. Yet, like your household chores, you know its something you simply must do.

Cardiovascular activity, referred to simply as cardio, should be as much a part of your body-sculpting endeavors as pulling and pushing those metal plates. As often as youre pumping the iron, you should also be pumping your heart.

Depending on your goals and body type, different amounts of cardio may be required. A lean hard-gainer trying to add mass may benefit from only one or two cardiovascular sessions per week. On the other hand, someone like myself who is extremely prone to storing fat and sensitive to carbohydrates may require 3 or more sessions in order to maintain peak physique.

There are so many elliptical trainer benefits to list that some would say it's the perfect way to exercise. Elliptical exercise trainers meet the overall need of any exercise program. They combine a weight bearing exercise that limits the impact on the body while optimizing the cardiovascular benefits creating a total body workout routine.

Rope skipping is an excellent cardiovascular exercise
according to the U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Medicine
Council. It is far less hard on the muscles and bones than
jogging.

While running or jogging, each foot absorbs up to 5 times
the body weight from the force of the impact as the foot
hits the ground. This force of hitting the ground can cause
damage to the feet, ankles, hips and knees. But in rope
skipping, the shock of hitting the ground is absorbed by
both feet allowing the calf muscles to control and absorb
the impact.

Elliptical workouts basically involve aerobic or cardiovascular exercise. Elliptical cross trainers can be intimidating at first glance but once you get familiar with them you will find them easy to use and a fun part of your routine.

To begin your elliptical workout, stand with your feet firmly planted in the movable footpads. The advantage of your feet being stationary makes this a smooth and non-jarring motion that is unique to the elliptical cross trainers. Grab the handles to add the upper body movement for a total body workout.

As I peruse the pages of various holiday issues of my favorite fitness/womens magazines I notice many articles about the benefits of practicing yoga at this stressful time of year. At the risk of sounding like a cardio snob, if I have 30 minutes a day (if Im lucky) and i have to get into a special outfit in about a month and a half. I am not spending that 30 minutes taking cleansing breaths and stretching.

Walking is the easiest way of exercise because it is accessible at anyplace, anywhere and anytime. Several studies show that walking can:

* reduce high cholesterol and improve blood lipid profile

* reduce body fat

* enhance mental well being

* increase bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis

* reduce the risk of cancer of the colon

* reduce the risk of non insulin dependant diabetes

* help to control body weight

* help osteoarthritis

* help flexibility and co-ordination hence reducing the risk of falls

A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle.

Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. The long row of gams seems endless. Theyre shaking, theyre baking, theyre working like jackhammers - together in harmony as if they were all drilling for oil.