The Best Fat-Burner food is Bananas!

Bananas are the ultimate weight loss food! If they made you fat then she should be OBESE instead of leaner and healthier than ever have been. Time to Go FRUIT...(but maybe not 50 a day!)

Top 10 Firm Belly Exercises for Abs

You have to check this out... Get the tight abs you've always wanted from an experienced fitness  editor and exercise physiologist.... 

What Works Best for My Abs

I love my butt -- and my tummy's not too shabby either. I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. I'm 42, I had a baby this year, and my lower half is basically cellulite free. No, it's not just good genes: I've been a fitness editor and exercise physiologist for 17 years, and I just wrote my 34th get-a-better-butt story. I've also written 29 features on getting fab abs. I've gotten some great advice, and I took it to heart; now I want to share it with you. Here are my favorite strategies, culled from interviews with top trainers, instructors, and sports-medicine doctors.

1. Choose Variety Over Reps

I try to mix up my ab-toning moves each workout, and I change my routine every three to four weeks. "Alternating your workout is more important than cranking out 100 crunches every day," says Michele Olson, PhD, professor of exercise science at Auburn University Montgomery. "Perform 15 to 20 reps of each exercise, then move on."

2. Forget the "Upper Vs. Lower Abs" Idea

It's all one sheath of muscle: the rectus abdominus. "If you feel the upper abs working, it doesn't mean the lower abs aren't engaged," says Alycea Ungaro, owner of Real Pilates in New York City and author of The Pilates Promise. Where you feel it depends on the move's anchor point. For example, leg lifts engage more of the lower section since your upper body is against the floor. To truly tone, try a mix of ab-sculpting moves that vary positions.

3. Engage Your Pelvic Floor

To target your abs more effectively, strengthen your pelvic-floor muscles. "These muscles assist your deepest abs in doing exercises correctly," says Olson. Actively engage them by gently pulling your belly button toward your back. Place one hand on your abdomen; if you feel your stomach pushing out while you do sit-ups, you're pushing the pelvis down rather than pulling muscles up and in, cheating your abs of the full workout. Keep muscles contracted when working abs. Strong pelvic-floor muscles also help tone your abs post-pregnancy (it helped me after my son was born).

4. Work Your Abs, Not Your Neck

I can do 50 crunches without my abs aching, but if my neck starts killing me after 10, I'm done. I often pretend I have an orange tucked under my chin to release the tension. Or I press my fingertips into the base of my neck and give myself a nice neck massage while curling up. Another strategy: To stop neck muscles from tensing, place your tongue firmly on the roof of your mouth as you crunch.

5. Fight Flab with Cardio

One thing I've learned for sure: All the exercises for abs in the world mean nothing if there's a layer of fat over my abs. So I do about 45 minutes of calorie-blasting cardio, three to five times a week. "You need to burn body fat through regular aerobic exercise to see strong abs," says Olson.

6. Make Abs Your Transition Workout

On those rare occasions when I have time to do strength training and cardio in one workout, I sandwich 10 minutes of ab work in between. After I cool down from cardio, I hit the mat for stretches, reverse curls, and crunches. This is a great way to shift my focus from cardio to strength training; it helps me zero in on my abs and core strength as I lift.

7. Know When to Rest

I can tell I've worked my abs well when they're sore the next day. Like other muscles, the abs respond best to intense training every two days. Work them too hard, too often, and you'll see minimal progress, says Holland.

8. Plank Pull-In

My no-fail stability-ball exercise targets the deep (transverse) and "six-pack" (rectus abdominus) abs as well as the obliques. Begin in a full push-up position, with shins pressing into the ball. Pull knees into chest, then roll back to start; repeat for 1 minute. Pull both knees up to right elbow, back to center and to left elbow. Continue for 1 minute.

9. External Oblique Crunch

My must-do move for slimmer sides? The external oblique crunch: Lie face up on the floor, knees bent, abs engaged, fingertips behind your head and elbows out to sides. Walk legs out a few inches. Curl torso up, bringing right elbow toward right toes, then cross over toward left knee. Slowly return to start. Do 20 reps on one side, then switch.

10. Pilates Corkscrew

Pilates is one of the best methods for all-around toning. My favorite move is the modified Corkscrew, which zeroes in on the abs, obliques, thighs, and hips. Lie back with arms at sides and straight legs perpendicular to floor, with either a Pilates Flex Circle or a stability ball (anything that adds resistance will work) between your ankles. Without lifting your hips, bring both legs to the right, turning your head to the left. Take a breath, then return to start; switch sides. Do 3 sets of 6 to 8 reps, squeezing the ring with your thighs.

 http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/abs/exercises/top-10-firm-belly-tips-of-all-time/ Exercise Abs

Learn Salsa Dancing in 2 minutes !

This video teaches you the basic steps of salsa dancing, nice and easy....

12 Good Reasons to Bring Skipping into your Workout Routine

Skipping is one of the cheapest, most effective, fat burning workouts you can do. And it's fun too. What's stopping you?

1.       The effort it takes to jump rope for 10 minutes is the equivalent of running a mile in

      eight minutes.

2.      One hour of rope skipping will burn 1,300 calories.

3.      According to the British Rope Skipping Association, 10 minutes of skipping can have

      the same health benefits as a 45 minute run.

4.     Skipping is a full body workout which uses your abdominal's to stabilize the body, legs

      for jumping, shoulders and arms for turning the rope.

5.      Skipping is less jolting on your joints than running.

6.     Once you've bought your rope, skipping is a zero-cost workout.

7.      Skipping helps to improve heart rate and blood pressure.

8.     It's a good workout for all fitness levels as you can do it at a pace that suits you.

9.     Skipping regularly improves flexibility.

10.  It also aids your coordination and balance.

11.    A regular skipping session improves muscle tone in both the lower and upper body.

12.  Skipping is a weight bearing exercise so can help in improving bone density,

                thus helping stave off osteoporosis.

http://www.zest.co.uk/at-home/12-reasons-to-do-a-skipping-workout/2467.html

Food Before and After Exercise

Quick Simple Tips on What to Eat Before and After a Workout..

Sunscreen is Only Half the Secret to Avoiding Sunburns

The overwhelming number and variety of sunscreens available can make choosing the right skin protection for your family a bit daunting. But the right choices could be the difference between a healthy summer and a skin cancer diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 82,770 new cases of skin cancer (including 170,000 from indoor tanning) will be diagnosed and more than 12,000 people will die from the disease this year. Rates of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, have been increasing for the past 30 years. (One in four melanoma survivors never wears sunscreen.)

 

How Do I Pick the Right Sunscreen?

Last summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changes the guidelines for sunscreen packaging to make it easier for consumers to choose the most effective products. (Educate yourself on which brands have been pulled from the marketplace.) For instance, companies are no longer allowed to claim that their products have an SPF (sun protection factor) of 100 because there’s no adequate test to support the claim. Similarly, sunscreens with SPF higher than 50 are required to label the product as “SPF 50+.”

But what should consumers consider when purchasing their next bottle of sunscreen?

“Broad Spectrum” should be on the list. This label means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. (UVB rays cause sunburn; UVA rays penetrate deeper levels of the skin, causing premature aging.)

SPF Rating is still important. 30 or higher is recommended by most dermatologists.

Consider “water resistant” brands. FDA guidelines allow manufacturers to use the term “water resistant” on packaging, but the label must indicate if the sunscreen is effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while sweating or swimming. Choose options with the higher number if you plan to be doing either of those activities.

Decide whether you want a lotion or a spray. Lotion and spray sunscreens offer similar protection from the sun, but sprays can be more convenient for squirming children. Apply sprays heavily to the body until the product is dripping, then allow it to dry for best sun protection.

Choosing the right sunscreen offers little protection if it isn't used properly. It’s important to reapply sunscreen often—at least every hour or two during regular sun exposure and immediately after swimming or sweating. The average person should use one ounce of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover their entire body. People with darker skin should adhere to the same sunscreen recommendations as those with fairer skin.

Sun Protection doesn't end with Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is just the first step towards reducing your skin cancer risk. In order to minimize your risk of melanoma and other deadly skin cancers the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends:

Seeking shade whenever possible, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Protecting eyes from UVA and UVB rays with wrap-around sunglasses.

Avoiding indoor tanning. (Indoor tanning causes 170,000 skin cancer cases annually.)

Staying out of the sun as much as possible is the best sun protection!

http://www.bs757.com/2013/06/sunscreen-is-only-half-the-secret-to-avoiding-sunburns/

Fitness Program for Weight Loss - How to Hula Hoop for Total Beginners

A great quick and simple tutorial for Hula Hooping beginners which is a great fitness program for weight loss. This has to be an absolutely fabulous form of exercise for all ages. I highly recommend it..




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0visc3p6uAA Fitness Program for Weight Loss

Hidden Symptoms of Hay Fever

Common hay fever symptoms including sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion but hay fever can also cause other symptoms that are less well known. In some people they cause sleep problems, poor concentration and even depression and asthma.

If you're suffering from unpleasant hay fever symptoms, it's time to take action. Here, Dr Mike Smith has put together his hay fever symptoms hit list, which includes the lesser known symptoms and how you can make sure they don't disturb your fun in the sun this year.

Sore throats

One of the most forgotten, yet painful, hay fever symptoms is the sore throat. There are a few reasons for this problem developing.

Dr Mike Smith says: 'Firstly, as hay fever blocks the nose and sinus, sufferers are forced to breathe through their mouth constantly, which leaves the throat sore, red, dry and irritated.

'Secondly hay fever causes sinus drainage, or 'post nasal drip'. This is a build up of mucus at the back of the nose which then 'drips' down to the throat and can result in chronic pain and infection.

'Sore throats also can be made much worse by being dehydrated, especially on a hot day. It's a good idea to carry an antiseptic throat spray at all times to provide fast and effective relief when needed.

Asthma

Hay fever is much more likely if there's a family history of allergies, particularly asthma. Hay fever sufferers are more likely to develop asthma than those who don't suffer from hay fever.

Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms: tight chest, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. If this happens to you, speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. They will give you medicines to help you control these symptoms.

Headaches

Dr Smith says: 'There are many disorders of the ear, nose and throat which can cause recurring headaches. A common one sinus problems. Hay fever causes swelling in the nose which can result in sinusitis.

'It also brings on headaches when the immune system overreacts to irritants, such as pollen. The best way to avoid or get rid of a sinus headache is to treat the underlying sinus inflammation.

'Using a humidifier during hay fever season could help, as could a saline nose spray. If your symptoms persist, speak to your doctor.'

Depression

Dr Smith says: 'Research indicates that if you have a mood disorder and are also allergic to tree or ragweed pollen, your depression will likely worsen during hay fever season.

'Research has found that 53 per cent of people diagnosed with either depression or bipolar disorder tested positive for ragweed or tree pollen allergies.

'If you suffer from low mood during hay fever season, treating the symptoms of hay fever could help, otherwise visit your GP for further advice.'

Skin rash

Hay fever skin rashes can be caused by pollen falling on the skin, by direct contact with leaves of offending plants, or by droplets of moisture from plants which can often carry pollen.

Dr Smith says: 'Activities in the garden during peak hay fever season such as mowing the lawn or trimming bushes can aggravate pollen in plants, particularly the common ragweed (one of the worst offenders for hay fever suffers), causing skin irritation.

'The best advice is to check the pollen count first thing in the morning and avoid doing gardening on days when it is likely to be high. Antihistamine products are also very effective for rashes'.

Sleep problems

Many sufferers report their hay fever symptoms being worse at night, particularly in the summer months, which can cause sleep problems.

Dr Smith says: 'When the air cools after sunset, the pollen can slowly descend, creating an invisible pollen shower. A top tip is to wash your hair before bed and regularly change your pillow case - this will help to get rid of any pollen particles which could be the cause of your night time hay fever attacks.'

5 quick tips for handling hay fever

Don't let hay fever spoil your summer! Follow these 5 tips from Dr Mike Smith to handle your hay fever symptoms:

·         Avoiding exposure to pollen is the best way to reduce the allergic symptoms of hay fever, so stay indoors when you can on 'high-pollen-count' days (when the count is between 50 - 150)

·         If you wear glasses, fine. If you're not, it's best to wear wraparound sunglasses on high pollen days

·         Take a non-sedating anti-histamine to dampen symptoms

·         Drink at least an extra 500ml of water on pollen days to make sure that you remain hydrated

·         Take your holidays by the sea. The land being warmer than the sea, attracts pollen-free air for the sufferer to breath and with it some natural relief for the hay fever symptoms. 

  

http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/wellbeing/522049/hidden-symptoms-of-hay-fever

Skin Care Tips

Like everything else on our body our skin changes and requires a lot of attention. It is important to keep up with your skin regimen and treat your skin accordingly to what it is needing. What works for some won't work for others but you never know, this could work for you.....

Maca Almond Butter Banana Boats

This easy-to-prep raw vegan recipe is the perfect pre-workout meal. It's loaded with protein, antioxidants and energy boosting superfoods like maca that will keep you full and empowered during your workout...

Classic Smokey Eye Tutorial

The classic smokey eye never goes out of style and suits everyone. Its a great makeup look for a party or everyday, dress it up or down to suit. Great Tutorial !!

12 of the Best Smoothie Ingredients

You can boost your brain, build muscle, burn fat, and help your heart in less than one minute: Just mix up a smoothie and slurp. It's that simple—if you include these twelve ingredients they not only pack health benefits, but also make your shake taste even better.

Peanut Butter

Packed with protein, manganese, and niacin, peanuts can help stave of heart disease and, when eaten in moderation, promote weight loss.

 

Fat-Free Milk

All the calcium and protein but none of the fat.

Blueberries

The huge amounts of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, in blueberries have been shown to slow brain decline and reverse memory loss.

Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt

A cache of calcium and digestion-aiding probiotics in every scoop.

Raspberries

An antioxidant powerhouse bursting with fiber, manganese, and vitamin C, these berries will keep your heart and brain in top shape.

Fat-Free Chocolate Frozen Yogurt

Calcium, phosphorus, and none of the guilt.

 

Pineapple-Orange Juice

OJ has vitamin C, and pineapples contain bromelain, a cancer-inhibiting, inflammation-reducing enzyme.

 

Cherries

In addition to their vitamin C and fiber content, cherries have been linked to reducing arthritis pain.

Bananas

Heavy on potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, bananas do wonders for your heart and provide good carbs to keep you full and energized.

Whey Protein

It’s essential amino acids help pack on the muscle—making whey the best friend of athletes and gym rats.

 

Frozen Mangoes

To their stock of vitamins A and C, mangoes add a healthy dose of beta-carotene, which helps prevent cancer and promotes healthy skin.

Ice

A little H2O never hurt anyone.

http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/best-smoothie-ingredients/

Great Quality Pilates Class

This video is a great introduction to Pilates and the Instructor is high quality.. can you fit 30 minutes into your busy schedule ?

Upper Back and Shoulder Exercises

Great simple exercises to strengthen your upper back and shoulders to relieve pain..

5 Tips on How to Improve Your Concentration

Like most things in life, it's possible to improve your concentration if you decide that's what you want to do. Indeed, the mere act of focussing on your concentration could be enough to shift the balance but often you need to do more. Check out these tips to help improve your concentration.

1. Decide what to concentrate on

You can't spread your attention too thin which means that if you haven't got a focus, you simply won't be able to concentrate on the most important item whatever that is at any moment in time.

So set a few moments aside to work out precisely what it is that you want to place your full concentration on for the time being.

2. Set a time limit

You've probably got a good idea of your current attention span.

Obviously if it's measured in seconds like a teenager then you'll have to increase the time limit before it can be effective. But regardless of that, set yourself a time limit.

This has a couple of advantages. Firstly it means that there is an end already in sight, which can stave off your desire to focus on the next shiny penny. Secondly it means that you can set aside that amount of time to concentrate on the important task that you've homed in on.

3. Reward yourself

Allow yourself a small reward when you actually achieve the task of concentrating on something for the amount of time you've decided.

It could be a quick video game, it could be an edible treat (but careful that doesn't wreak havoc with any diet you're on). You'll know what will incentivize you to complete your chosen task without straying from it and whatever the outcome, deliver the reward if and only if you've concentrated on the task for your allocated time. No cheating!

4. Do it now

Quite often we'll put off a task at the slightest provocation.

So long as it's appropriate, start concentrating on your task now. If it's not appropriate, take the necessary steps to get yourself in the right place.

Don't allow yourself time to procrastinate and make up excuses as to why you can't do the task.

You probably already know which one of your stock excuses you're likely to apply - it's too late in the day, I'm not a morning person, and so on. It’s a bit like the plane in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy that was put into suspended animation because they hadn't got any refreshing tissues. Don't let yourself use petty excuses!

5. Take a break

This may sound like the opposite of concentrating but actually you will find that taking a short break every now and then will give you chance to assimilate the things you've been concentrating on and will actually make the task easier and maybe even enjoyable.

So maybe take a brisk walk before you start then a coffee or water break about an hour into the project or go for another walk or something else to help you break state after another hour. Work out a routine that allows you to be at your best mental ability as much as possible. You'll find that it helps you to improve your concentration almost without effort.

http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Tips-on-How-to-Improve-Your-Concentration&id=7301887

Beauty Products 2012

Although this comprehensive review was given at the beginning of this year it still holds some valid tips....

Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits

Take a look at how the use of Apple Cider Vinegar can benefit you..

6 Tips to Better Personal Well Being

1) Drink up: It is as simple as H2O. Drink as many as six to eight glasses of water every day. Water helps transport nutrients in the body, eliminates waste products, regulates temperature and all these benefits for a zero caloric intake.

Do not bother yourself with ionizing machines that convert tap water into alkaline water. The makers claim these wonder machines reduce acidity in the body, hence warding off degenerative diseases. But doctors say the human body already maintains a healthy pH range without external help.

2) Eat mostly plants and unprocessed foods (and a little meat): That is, according to American food journalist Michael Pollan's famous rule. He advocates eating whole foods instead of processed food, and suggests stopping when you are about to feel full.

Meat should be a side dish. By eating less meat, it means a lower intake of saturated fat, one of the major risk factors for heart diseases and other types of cancer. As a rule, you need only two palm-size servings of meat a day. Mix that with a range of different foods with varying nutrients to have a healthy and balanced diet.

3) You need eight hours of sleep daily: Studies have linked inadequate sleep to weight-related issues and diseases. To ensure a good night's rest, establish a routine sleep pattern, keep the bedroom solely for sleep and not other stimulating activities such as exercising, and avoid a heavy meal or exercising close to bedtime.

4) Stub out: The risk of smoking is clear enough. It has been found that smokers are seven times more likely than non-smokers to get lung cancer. Smoking also causes heart diseases such as coronary artery diseases, a common heart disease where the arteries are clogged and may possibly trigger a heart attack, not to mention the amount of savings you can get from stubbing it out.

5) Exercise regularly: Do it as often as three times weekly, each session a minimum of 30 minutes. A combination of resistance training and cardiovascular workouts can build strong bones, heart, lungs and blood circulatory system. You may wish to incorporate active elements into your lifestyle by taking the stairs or getting off a stop earlier than your destination and walking the rest of the way.

6) Calm your mind: When your body experiences emotional stress such as anxiety, anger and sorrow, it will release chemicals such as adrenaline that will drive your blood pressure up, make your heart beat faster and put a strain on your health. It will lower your immune responses, making you susceptible to diseases.

Do the following to achieve emotional health: connect with people who love you, and get affirmation and emotional support from them. Love yourself by exercising, relaxing and having a balanced diet. Finally, learn to reframe your problems through self-talk to turn negative thinking into positive ones. If you want to flex any muscles, as in a confrontational situation, just put your facial muscles in place and smile.

http://ezinearticles.com/?8-Short-Tips-to-Better-Personal-Well-Being&id=6103868

Bokwa Fitness

Bokwa is a great form of exercise even if you aren't a great dancer, suitable for all levels.. it's really good fun

How To Make Oatmeal Bars On The Go

A healthy nutritious snack to prepare in advance, for when there's just no time !

5 Tips for Motivation to Start Running

Start the Countdown

It should be easy to start running for fitness. After all, it's something you've done since you were a little kid, and you already have the most important equipment: a working pair of legs. But somehow, for many of us, the call of the open road or that scenic trail through the local park inevitably gets shouted down by the open refrigerator or a scenic documentary on TV.

Fear not -- we're here to offer you five wise ways to not only start a running routine, but to stick with it as well.

For initial inspiration, regular aerobic activity reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, certain kinds of cancer, gallstones, osteoporosis and other serious illness. Plus, every mile you run burns 100 calories, and every step you take helps leave the stress of the office behind.

Combine all that with the knowledge that running is a relatively cheap pursuit that you can do on your own time and at your own pace, and the joys of jogging become even clearer. Still not convinced? Then read on, and you should be pounding the pavement in no time...

Start Small

Just because you've decided to begin a running regimen doesn't mean you have to be ready for a marathon your first day out. In fact, if you've never run before or are getting back into the sport after some time away, pushing yourself too hard can lead to injury, which is guaranteed to bruise your motivation.

Stay injury-free and eager to run by taking it easy at first. Make it a goal to run to the end of the block and back. Or try setting a time limit. Run for 2 minutes your first day, and add an extra minute a day until you're up to about 30 minutes. When all you need to do is jog at an easy pace for 2 minutes on your first day, how can you say no? If running for 2 minutes straight is too much, do as much as you can, and walk the rest -- the important thing is to keep moving.

Once you're jogging 30 minutes per day, consider upping your pace so you can cover more ground in the same period of time. You'll be surprised at how easy it is to compete with your personal best and how good it'll feel every time you reach a new goal.

Set a Goal

Goal setting may sound like a boring task done with corporate HR consultants in airless hotel meeting rooms. But we're not talking about those kind of goals -- we're talking about goals to make your exercise program fun. 

For example, why not choose a destination somewhere in the country and slowly rack up the miles until you get there. Say you live in Chicago and want to run to Key West. That's 1,241 miles. So, start keeping a record of every mile you run on the very first day you head out. Imagine how you'll feel when you realize you've covered the distance of about half the United States. It wouldn't hurt to reward yourself with an actual trip to your motivational mecca when you've achieved your goal, too.

Let the Music Move You

Whether Pink pumps you up or Lady Ga Ga gets you going, knowing what beats move your feet can be the key to running success.

To use music to motivate your workout, think about creating a playlist that truly energizes you. This could be a beat-heavy dance mix or a high-powered blend of rock anthems. Or keep things fresh by loading up your MP3 player with a variety of sounds, push play, and let the music move you.

One of the most effective ways to lose weight while exercising is to do intervals -- high intensity bursts of activity alternated with a less intense pace. So, you could consider choosing songs that carry you along at a steady flow and let you go all out during the chorus.

Music not your thing? Then consider an audiobook or a podcast about a topic that interests you. Both can take your mind off of the effort of exercise, and you get to work your brain as well as your body.

Put Some Tech in Your Step

While it doesn't take a big gear investment to begin running, there are certainly plenty of toys out there to help you stay motivated. From shirts that practically sponge the sweat from your skin to sneakers that have as much research and development behind them as the space shuttle, why not consider buying yourself a little gift for getting going?

If you're science-minded, you can check out the wide range of heart rate monitors on offer. These measure your pulse while you exercise and help you stay in your target heart rate zone, which means you're working at 50 to 80 percent of your recommended heart rate max. Choices range from basic monitors to those that practically act as electronic personal trainers by tracking calories, calculating new targets based on your current level of fitness, and urging you to speed up or slow down when needed.

Want to use tech to help you get fit, but have a wallet that's already a little lean? No problem. Check out iTunes or the Android store and search for running podcasts or applications. There are loads of choices, and many are free or hardly cost anything.

Use the Buddy System

When you're ready to start jogging, bringing a friend along for the ride can help keep your motivation high. Let's face it: It's easy for you to slap that snooze button on a chilly morning and skip your run if it's just yourself you're letting off the hook. But when there's someone waiting for you, chances are good you'll get up and gear up.

If you don't have a neighbour you can run with, check community Web sites for running groups. Who knows -- you just might find a new friend to go with your new, healthier self. If you're feeling a bit shy about asking someone to join you, why not get an online workout friend? Simply search for "online training log" and you'll find dozens of Web sites that let you track your progress, share it with others and get cheered on by a virtual community.

And speaking of friends, don't forget man's best one -- a dog. Taking Scout along for a run not only keeps you company, but it helps him burn off all of that kibble, too.

http://www.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/running/training/5-tips-for-motivation-to-start-running.htm#page=0