Most of the exercises were not especially hard by themselves. Almost all were basic moves, the kinds of things anyone who lifts weights does regularly on his own.  Full story »

For all its surrealism, the indoor rowing race genuinely captured my fancy, revealing an activity that's not only healthful, but also seriously competitive and wildly entertaining.  Full story »

A local trainer finds a link between speed and strength.  Full story »

The effort still has to come from within. But if you're looking to take your running up a notch and leave inferior machines in the dust, these machines are the way to go.  Full story »

This yoga approach is different. The body's weight is used as a force for stretching. Exercises draw from the principles of Pilates and use walls as surfaces for stability and resistence. And it's not a journey. There's a beginning and an end. You show up, improve and leave. No wonder athletes and other yoga newbies love it Full story »

Like all indoor cycling programs, this one boils down to sitting and pedaling. Yet with specialized equipment and a detail-oriented mindset, CycleOps adds up to a workout that's both serious and unique. Full story »

Chalk it up to the additional training or changes in venue, but with certain fitness activities, at least, I seem to be doing better the second time around.  Full story »

Obsessed with fitness, you'll want to know your VO2 max to see how you stack up against the likes of athletes like Lance Armstrong. Or, maybe you"ll want to know it so you can decide how best to train, given your current aerobic potential.  Full story »

Once the province of those suffering severe pain or immobility, ART now caters to athletes as well. Practitioners routinely appear at Ironman triathlons, and Olympians figure among its supporters. My tip came from an accomplished ultra-runner.  Full story »

"Stretching Out" columnist Zachary Lewis picks his favorite fitness experiences of the year. Full story »

Until last week, when I followed the lead of first lady Michelle Obama and stepped inside a hoop for the first time in my last 20 years, I'd only hooped for fun. Now, I can say I've done it for fitness. Gentle, easy fitness. Full story »

If you follow a principle known as Tabata Protocol, you can squeeze in an effective workout just about anytime. Be forewarned, though. Tabata is tough. The concept saves time, but it doesn't cut corners.  Full story »

Mountain biking is an anaerobic activity; you pedal hard in spurts. Throw in steady shots of adrenaline and the constant upper-body effort required to hold yourself steady, and you're talking seriously good exercise. Full story »

Think you are strong enough to row across the ocean? Try to keep up with local adventurer Katie Spotz.  Full story »

All the weights are heavy, all the equipment is austere and the difficulty level of every workout is far above average Full story »