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interaction, try dancing and hiking. Researchers at Stanfor University have found that if you select a style of dancing that is led and followed, as opposed to learning memorized routines, dancing is also good for combating memory loss in old age. When designing your schedule, the best strategy is to pick 2 or 3 different types of aerobic exercise each week. This combats boredom with your exercise routine, maximizes the different number of muscle groups you target with your exercise, and keeps you from becoming too sore when you work out hard.

For the strength training, weight training machines are the easiest way to systematically strengthen each muscle group. Free-weights are a little trickier, but they cultivate muscle control as well as sheer strength. If you have never taken a weight training class to learn to use these machines and weights properly, make sure to schedule a session or two with a trainer or take a group class. This is important because if you aren't in the correct position to lift the weights, you can easily pull or tear your muscles, and your workout regimen will have to be postponed a few weeks or months until you can heal. A good way to begin learning to use weights properly is to participate in a strength training classes or circuit training at the gym. However, if you don't have a gym membership, dumbbells will take you far; many repetitions at low weight will nicely tone your muscles. Invest in a video that takes you through a series of exercises with dumbbells. Some videos even come with a different routine for each day of the week. Another excellent strength training option is yoga, or pilates. Yoga is particularly helpful because it quiets your mind as well as toning your body. Try to pick 1 or two strength training exercises per week. A little known fact is that when your muscles are toned and strong, you burn more calories when you engage in aerobic exercise, so strength training is an important aspect of losing weight and becoming physically fit.

Finally, make sure you don't dive into your new routine too quickly, work up to your goals slowly to avoid too much soreness or injury. Remember to ahve fun. Within around a month, you can implement an excellent workout routine that will be just as effective as running, without necessarily the same impact or intensity as running.

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