Try The Rowing Machine

Looking for a different aerobic activity? Give the rowing machine a try.

Sometimes it's a little too warm or humid for our tastes to enjoy a run outdoors. There are times when you only have 30 to 45 minutes to get a quick aerobic workout accomplished. These present perfect opportunities to give the rowing machine a shot.

It's a solid upper and lower body workout with as vigorous of a level of aerobic output as you wish. It's also pretty low impact, but be careful if you're recovering from a knee injury. The consistent bend in on the exercise can push the knees a bit.

Check out this post from www.buzzle.com on the benefits of rowing machine workouts . This post from www.essortment.com offers some tips to help you get started with a workout on the rowing machine.

Rowing can be a great exercise.

The Six Grossest Things About Running

We take ourselves pretty seriously.

Yes, many of us who are committed to a healthy lifestyle are pretty serious about that -- sometimes TOO serious. With that in mind, I try to share a bit of humor from time to time. This take from Sasha Brown-Worsham was originally posted at Fit Pregnancy, but was also posted here at www.active.com.

"Snotty noses", "Runners' trots", etc. It's all here - read about it and laugh a little!

Have You Tried An Elliptical?

The elliptical trainer is a GREAT tool for fitness.

You need to check it out. An elliptical trainer is ideal for folks just getting started on a cardiovascular program. It’s also perfect for runners who are recovering from injury.

While the weather is nice, maybe the elliptical trainer isn’t the best option for everyone. However, having struggled with knee injuries, it can be a great alternative exercise to running.

Most of them have set programs you can run, so they are easy to use. Check it out the next time you visit the gym.

Tuning Up Your Bike

Chances are you have already taken your bike into the local bike shop to get your annual "spring tune-up".

I know I always take my bike in to ensure against any problems. However, I caught this post on www.sparkpeople.com that highlights seven steps to keeping your bike in tip-top riding condition. Check out this post from certified trainer Glenn Kent, Ph.D.

While some of the common-sense "check the brakes", "check the cables"-type tips are suggested here, it's a good checklist for maintaining a safe ride throughout the season.

Additionally, even though you may have recently had your bike into the shop for its yearly tune-up, keep this checklist handy. You may find it very helpful to refer back to in advance of your next major riding event.

Introduction To Tai Chi

I recently ran across an article about Tai Chi and thought it might be worth sharing information with you about this practice.

This article from www.motherearthnews.com offers a pretty detailed explanation of the origin, practices and benefits of Tai Chi.

If you are a fan of yoga, this is a great form of exercise with its low-impact moves and links to spirituality. There are a variety of other benefits, including improved balance, circulation and breathing. It can also provide for a tremendous release of stress and negative energy.

Check it out!

Health Tips For Serious Runners

This information came a bit out of the blue to me, but I thought it was worth passing along.

The post comes from Suzane Smith and her X-Ray Technicians Schools blog. A bit of an odd location for serious running tips, but check it out -- http://ow.ly/1tnH1.

Some of these tips will seem overly obvious or even a bit odd to many serious runners, but there are several valid pieces of information here. The post also features links to the source for each tip, which leads you to some really interesing places.

Want To Sleep Smarter?

We take sleep for granted so often. You can't underestimate the importance of a good night's sleep.

Check out this post from www.sparkpeople.com. There is a video, a quiz and links to other articles geared toward making you a smarter sleeper.

Take note, a good night's sleep is just as important as any workout you'll ever do!