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Although running is a very efficient form of exercise, it is certainly not the only way to get fit. There are many healthy alternatives that provide a lower impact or lower intensity workout. Since running exercises almost every muscle group, it's important to include a variety of exercises when designing an alternative workout regimen. To strike a balance between aerobic training and strength training, combine time at the gym with time spent cultivating a more active lifestyle to nurture both your body and your mind.

For the aerobic portion of your new exercise routine, there are lots of options available. At a gym there are elliptical trainers, stationary bikes, and stair machines. Many modern gyms have several television programs playing at once to give you options for entertainment while you pedal or stride, so if you enjoy TV be sure to take a set of headphones along. Another great strategy is to take an MP3 player or CD player and listen to music to combat boredom. In either case, for maximum comfort make sure the headphones are not the variety that covers your head and ears, so you won't sweat too much. Music can also spice up a long walk in the woods, or even a brisk turn around the neighborhood on your bicycle, but make sure there is not alot of traffic if you do this in public spaces, because loud music could compromise your safety. Music can be a key component to maintaining a steady pace, or continuing to exercise for a specific length of time. Just create a mix of songs at the right tempo to stride along with, and keep going until your workout mix is over. You can even make the tempo of the songs slowly increase, thereby upping hte intensity of the workout over an extended period of time.

If machines at the gym are just not your thing, swimming is also an enjoyable aerobic option. When you swim, plan out a varied workout, for example, 4 laps freestyle, 4 laps breast stroke, 2 with a kick board or backstroke, and repeat the cycle 3 or 4 times. This will help you to keep track of how many laps you;ve done. When working out, if you have a hard time pushing yourself hard enough to break a sweat, or if you tend to peter out after just ten or fifteen minutes, try out some organized fitness classes like kick-boxing or step aerobics. They cost a little money but they definitely keep you going for around an hour, and are usually challenging or distracting enough that you concentrate and don't get bored. For recreational options that allow for more social

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