Running, walking, gardening – it’s all good. Regardless of what you do, regular exercise and physical activity is the path to health and well-being. Exercise burns fat, builds muscle, lowers cholesterol, eases stress and anxiety, lets us sleep restfully. In this guide, we match resources to your exercise needs -- at every fitness level.
The right personal trainer can educate you, motivate you, inspire you. And they're really not just for celebrities anymore. The personal training business is booming because highly-skilled guidance and individual attention can mean the difference between an activity program that fades out after six weeks and one that lasts a lifetime.
Exercisers want the convenience of working out at home and the fun of the Great Outdoors. More people will opt to have it all - buying home equipment for efficiency and planning outdoor walks, hikes and climbs when schedules (and weather) permit. Speaking of convenience, shorter workouts and classes are becoming increasingly popular. More fitness classes these days are coming in 30-minute formats, and more experts are advising 20-minute strength training sessions.
Indoor cycling, boxing-based classes, and stretching and flexibility programs are all on the fitness "hot" list. Water fitness, programs for mature exercisers and non-intimidating classes for the underactive are also growing.