A couple of weeks ago I turned 56.

Yikes! I've never been THIS old in my life!

But I'm determined to stay active as long as I possibly can.

And one of my favorite ways to get some regular exercise is to attend a turbo kickboxing class a few times a week.

I've been going to turbo kickboxing for almost 10 years now.

I love it!

Never mind that I'm usually the OLDEST person in the class these days.

Never mind that I can't really do ALL the moves.

Never mind that my best sidekick is only high enough to hit someone in the ankles, and the really bouncy moves hurt my knees so I avoid those altogether.

Nope. None of those things matter.

What does matter is that when I'm punching, kicking, and jumping around to the music with everyone else in class, I feel strong and powerful.

And, if I don't glance at myself in any of the mirrors that line the walls, I'm sure that people watching us from the sidelines are just as impressed by my moves as they are by the young girls alongside me who make it all look more like "hip" boxing than "kick" boxing, anyway.

I just love it when one of the girls I've never seen in class before sizes me up, giving me a stiff grin that lets me know she's thinking - What's this old lady doing in here? She won't last 10 minutes once the music starts.

Yet, once the music does start, I'm the one who keeps on kickin', while this young newbie has to sit it out after the first 15 minutes.

Yep. Staying fit after fifty might not be as easy as it used to be.

But it's a lot more fun now.

Never mind that this turbo kickboxing newbie was bouncing around at twice the speed I was before she had to sit down and get her heart rate back to normal.

Never mind that she's never, ever been to a turbo kickboxing class before.

Never mind that she jogged on the treadmill for an HOUR right before class.

Nope. None of those things matter.

What does matter is that while she had to sit it out, I hung in there.

I punched and kicked and bounced around with the best of 'em till the very end.

And now, even at 56, I can limp out of class with my head held high, one more time!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suzanne_Lieurance

Treadmill belts are one of the most important parts of your treadmill. Whether it is a manual treadmill or motorized one, good treadmill belt allows you to enjoy your workout for days together without any trouble. It is a good idea to spend some time on the quality of these belts before zeroing in on your purchase of the treadmill.

The quality and life of treadmill belts depends upon its texture and layers. For a long life, 4 layers belts with good synthetic material is an ideal choice. The length and breadth of these belts is also an important factor while choosing treadmill. Always go for a minimum of 50 X 18 inches of belt in your treadmill.

This will ensure that you can take long strides while working out without any fear of tripping over. As you change gears while exercising, the importance of these belts starts to be realized by fitness experts.

Treadmill belts do not require a great deal of maintenance or care. Frequent lubricating is all they need after persistent use. However, you should take care to have a look at the condition of these belts, especially if you are a heavy user of treadmill.

As soon your treadmill belts starts showing signs of wear and tear, it's better to show it to experts or refer to the instructions manual. Once it becomes uncomfortable to workout on or becomes thin, it is a good idea to replace it. It may not cost you a fortune but if you ignore it, it may cause damage to the deck of your treadmill, entailing heavy expenditure.

The first signs of wear and tear of your treadmill belt are when it looks torn or worn. Sometimes it also starts curving up on the edges. If you see any such indications, it is the time to replace the belts.

Always go in for the standard treadmill belts as per the specification mentioned. It may cost a bit more, yet would do wonders for the life and performance of your treadmill. that is really a small price to pay for ensuring your health and well being over a period of time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Neumann

For fans of yoga, pilates - and its new incarnation, "yogalates" - foam rollers are probably the second best exercise equipment for them to take to class (the first is the exercise mat, of course). These versatile foams can be used for stretching, flexibility, back stabilization, balance training and other exercises. Foam rollers are also used by physical therapists during patient rehabilitation, and even in relaxation - specifically to rest and soothe tired muscles and body aches. They come in standard lengths of 12 to 36 inches and widths of two to six inches.

Two versions of foam rollers

The half round type is shaped like a tube roller that's cut lengthwise along their profile, so that the other side is round and while the other one is flat. They are recommended for beginners of balance training exercises. The full round type, on the other hand, is cylindrical with a round cross section and an even diameter all throughout. They are much more difficult to balance and are primarily used by intermediate and expert users with the help of a fitness trainer.

How to buy foam rollers

Choose a foam roller with a consistent texture and thickness all around. Check for some perforations or large gaps in the foam. Smaller gaps are fine but large holes can make the roller less effective, less firm and lumpy. Also select rollers with a smooth exterior.

Also make sure your roller is firm and flexible that it will return to its original shape even when bent or compressed. It should provide the right amount of firmness to be effective. As a basic rules, first time users of rollers should stick to softer rolls then move on to denser and harder ones as they improve their fitness levels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen

Are you an avid gym goer? Then you are certainly familiar with the feeling of exercising on a cold, hardwood gym floor. It's not very comfortable, isn't it? But things could be worse. Without an exercise mat, you might even slip on someone's else sweat (yikes!). To avoid this painful and humiliating experience, get yourself an exercise mat.

The 101 on exercise mats

A good gym mat is a flat sheet of rubber or fabric used during exercise to provide a barrier between you and the floor. This is to maintain the cleanliness of the space where you are working out and also to provide you comfort while you make your ‘moves.’ More importantly, a mat can improve your traction and balance especially when you are doing pilates or yoga exercises. They are portable and can easily be folded or rolled up.

Which exercise mat is best?

Different types of exercises require different kinds of mats. Here are some of them:

Travel mats are made from lightweight material for portability. They are perfect to bring in a fitness center.

Yoga mats are made for low-impact floor exercises. They are slightly longer and thicker than the regular travel mats. They are also sticky to prevent the user from slipping while doing the poses.

Pilates mats are similar to yoga mats, however this type is much thicker and has more padding.

Deluxe-type mats are made of higher quality materials than the others. They are also more durable, larger and thinner.

How to buy
Choose an exercise mat that provides adequate cushioning and support against the floor. Look for mats that are well-padded, light, and breathable. To prevent sweat buildup and skin irritation, look for mats made out of highly absorbent but quick-drying materials. Yous should also take time to visit exercise equipment websites or sports shows to compare brands and prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ilse_Hagen