by Kavita Krishnan

Created on: December 15, 2006   Last Updated: November 16, 2010

While selecting a particular form of exercise you should make sure it is abreast with your lifestyle, age appropriate and sex appropriate. Fitness age is also a major consideration. A 34 year old woman may have a fitness age of a 54 or maybe 24. It all depends on the physical condition of your body or overall health.Personal likes and interest can become a form of exercise too.

My most recent interest to stay fit is to work out using Thera- Bands. These are elastic bands available at sports stores and outlets in various colours and resistances.They work on the concept of Progressive Resistance. They can be used for variety of applications , particularly lower body exercises to increase strength and balance.When merged with power yoga they give marvelous results.

Yoga is something that I would vouch for anytime.Yoga not only tones your body and helps you to loose weight but it also has some great breathing techniques which help you to calm the mind.So Yoga is a great exercise and also an ideal way to relax your body and mind.

Power Yoga is a more rigorous form wherein the asanas (exercises) are performed in rapid succession making it faster and effective to weight loss and body toning.

Another way of exercising and at the same time having a good time is indulging in a favourite sport like tennis, basket ball, squash, volley ball or soccer.

If you enjoy riding a bicycle stop using your car and go green! You can go shopping for small articles or just window shopping, a visit to the nearby library or just for plain fun. If you have company, biking can  become a lot more adventurous. Biking can also be a family activity for the weekend.

You can join a spinning class as it is a very effective workout with varied routines and depending on ability levels.You can join  a spinning class during any time of the year without having to bother about the weather or wearing a helmet.

Swimming is a very good alternative as it burns a good amount of calories and makes you feel fresh and relaxed. If you like water you could try water gym or exercising with the aqua noodle.

Other options to explore are rowing, hiking and kick boxing.

Make exercise a way of life. Shopping is a wonderful exercise; going window shopping and make sure you walk it down instead of opting for car or bus.
Try taking your child(in a stroller if very small) or pet for a walk.
Also try playing with your child and just see how many calories you have burnt!

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