Exercise

There are other more deep-seated reasons, related to either nature or nurture, that motivate us to make fitness exercise a regular routine.

For instance, according to some psychologists, a sizable percentage of us are athletically inclined because we're basically competitive types. That is to say, we automatically set up external or internal competition for ourselves either against other people - as in a two or more person sporting activity, like tennis and basketball - or the triumphant accomplishment of personal goals we've set for ourselves - such as finishing a 26-mile 385-yard marathon run or a triathlon (a triple-stage event consisting of swimming, bicycling and running done one after the other).

We do this, although we may not be aware of it on a conscious level, in order to enhance our sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and even superiority. To know that we've attained our goals or defeated tough opponents makes us feel good about ourselves, plus heightens our mental concept of our tenuous physical capabilities and skills.

Now most of us have been taught, at one time or another, not to flaunt our achievements, not to be arrogant, gloating, pompous winners who exhibit disrespect for the opposition. We've been told to be humble victors, to be

deferential to a defeated adversary and, moreover, to be cognizant of the "fickle finger of fate." Tomorrow just might be our opponent's turn to be king or queen of the mountain.

Nevertheless, no one enjoys losing. We all prefer to win and to be winners.

Psychologists further state that a large number of us feel almost superhuman when we know that we can swim so many laps, jog so many miles, or bench press so many pounds. The successful completion of these athletic tasks tends to give us a feeling of having mastered some of the uncertainties of life in combination with a feeling of protection against those uncertainties. We feel more in control of ourselves and our respective surroundings.

Yet some, such as recreational dancers, are physically active simply for the sheer enjoyment of having their bodies in motion, demonstrating abilities of coordination, flexibility and stamina. While others, such as competitive bodybuilders, want to display themselves. In other words, they're somewhat narcissistic.

Though frankly speaking, most of us have some degree of narcissism. We like and admire ourselves, particularly if we have a positive self-image. If we're overweight, it distresses us. And if we're out of shape, it concerns us. We wish to possess a body that is well-conditioned, well-proportioned and overall aesthetically pleasing to ourselves as well as to others.

We desire a certain amount of muscle tone, strength and cardiovascular fitness for better health, greater happiness and higher productivity.

Fitness body shape and control

But a few of us become obsessed with exercising. We believe that if we miss one or two workout sessions in a row, we're rapidly atrophying, failing to realize that rest is an important component of maintaining a sound and strong body. We stubbornly try not to listen to our bodies when they say: "Forget it! Don't train today!" We have to use a little common sense and remember that anything, even seemingly good things, when done to excess can eventually be harmful to us. To avoid injuries, which could have us laid up and in pain for days or weeks, to avoid "burnout" and to recover from hard workouts, we need to take time off to recharge ourselves mentally and physically, to give our minds and bodies a chance to rest and recuperate. Psychologists also state that we exercise because it's a social affair. Operating from the premise that man (i.e., generically speaking) is a social being, then athletic participation is a fabulous way to meet new and diverse people with similar interests or objectives. As a rule, an

emotional closeness and intimacy develops when people play the same sport or take part in a conditioning program together.

More often than not, they meet in an atmosphere of camaraderie, friendship, affection and "brotherly love" for one another, even if they're fierce competitors. There is typically the formation of a good and healthy bond between kindred spirits. Try a elliptical trainer workout

Some go to a gym or spa, however, not only do exercise and be with workout buddies but also to make business contacts, conduct informal business meetings, or entertain clients.

And scores of young, educated, active singles in search of companionship and romance have found the athletic environment to be ideal for coming into contact with individuals of the opposite sex whe that exercise is conducive to good health and take care of their bodies.

Still others exercise to discharge feelings of aggression. For in our society, it's a faux pas to be openly physically aggressive.

We can't shout or yell out in the street like barbarians. We can't throw temper tantrums at the office like immature children. We can't punch someone in the face merely because he or she has made us angry. We can't jump up and take off running just because we're upset.

- We have to keep our mouths shut, our noses clean and stay out of trouble.

After a vigorous workout, we often find ourselves in a kind of state of nirvana: a relaxed and peaceful state that usually transcends our inner selves and allows us to be more tolerant and understanding of others, besides enabling us to deal with stressful situations in a composed, clear-headed manner.

You could also include some jogging fitness training into your daily routine, jogging is a excellent fitness training for endurance.

Lastly, a number of us believe that there's some sort of magical protection that comes along with being physically fit.

In truth, there's no refuting the fact that frequent exercise has many tangible physical and physiological benefits. It has been well-documented by doctors and other health-care specialists that through proper exercise and the eating of nutritious meals, we have fewer colds, a lessening of anxiety and a reduced chance of experiencing a heart attack. Even a little bit of exercise done fairly often, in conjunction with monitoring our fat and cholesterol intake, can considerably decrease our likelihood of suffering an untimely death as a result

It has also been proven that keeping ourselves physically fit can prevent some minor injuries and maladies from occurring or, if the damage has already been done, assist in the cure. However, exercising and dieting are not absolute safeguards against all illnesses. We still should consult with a physician regularly, or whenever the need arises. Visit Web site http://hometown.aol.com/buffalofox/joggingandrunning.html  About the Author, La Rue is a nationally certified fitness instructor and conducted exercise and bodybuilding classes for the YMCA and other organizations.

- Niche exercise accessories

Americans' desire to lose weight and get fit isn't slowing down. In fact, calorie-burners present a healthy opportunity for entrepreneurs. Whether they're hitting treadmills, health clubs or the local biking path, you can bet they want equipment, apparel, multimedia products and other aftermarket accessories to help them achieve a better workout. The secret lies in finding the right niche. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi have all reached mainstream status--boasting nearly 23 million enthusiasts in the U.S. in 2004, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. Lance Camisasca, trade-show director for the Health & Fitness Business Expo and Conference, says opportunity abounds in creating and selling related products such as mats, resistance bands, instructional videos and clothing: "It takes very little space in retail stores, but is very profitable."

Summer beauty skin care - Because running and jogging involves much more pounding than walking, jogger have a significantly higher rate of injury to muscles, tendons and joints. To lessen their chance of getting hurt, new runners should alternate running and walking days, resisting the temptation to quickly increase weekly mileage, Humphrey says. If you gradually work up you fitness plan to 15 miles a week (five miles, three times a week, for instance)--certainly sufficient for weight loss, assuming you're also watching your calorie intake--then you have a good chance of running injury-free.

Companies pay a small fee based on employee population (as low as $1.00 each for the biggest) and have a choice of discounted memberships in more than 2,600 health clubs in 40 countries. And a network called GlobalFit (215-320-4216) is smaller with 1,147 U.S. clubs.

Employers sign up but pay nothing, employees get a discounted membership and the network handles all the health clubs' paperwork. They allow employees to "freeze" their membership (drop out for as long as s ix months), and transfer from one member club to another. Says Dr. LaMonte, "We're talking about being active on a regular basis; a good benchmark is to be able to walk a mile-and-a-half in about 30 or 35 minutes."