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Judo – Judo is a martial arts (I think it qualifies as an art at least) that involves a lot of ground work and taking people to the ground and exerting control over them.  You’ll be struggling against someone’s else strength for most of the time and this builds a lot of muscle and reflex/reaction.

Swimming – Swimming is really great aerobic and muscle building exercise.  This really gives you a charge.

Rock Climbing – I’ve only done this a few times, but talk about a burn.  Lifting weights is just a different type of muscle building that really can’t prepare you for rock climbing.

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Adding to Your Full Body Workout

Hiking

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If you are headed to the mountains for vacation this summer, enjoy your time outdoors and get fit by hiking. Be sure to take a lot of water with you on your hike and only stay on designated trails, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Biking
Enjoy the summer sun by biking. Whether you are riding on the city streets or through the hills, you can get in a get in a good workout by biking. Consider joining a riding group in your area. Most major cities have a bicycle association or bike riding groups.

Swimming
As I mentioned in a previous post, swimming is a popular exercise, particularly in the summer. Head to the pool at your local YMCA or health club. Swimming laps every day is a great alternative for a low-impact, full body aerobic workout.

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Summer Workouts

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Another benefit of swimming is that it can provide an allover total body workout. If you are overweight or haven’t exercised in a while, ease yourself into a swimming routine by starting out slowly.

Start by swimming two days a week and break often. Slowly increase your weekly distance, adding 5-10% each week.

Use a variety of different strokes to avoid getting bored and work out different sets of muscles. Take lessons at your local gym or YMCA to help improve your technique.

Time yourself every workout. Like with other exercise programs, set short-term and long-term goals for speed.

Consider joining a U.S. Masters Swimming group in your area for camaraderie and competition.

Enjoy swimming and get fit!

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Swimming for Fitness

Saari, who become an attorney, real estate agent, and planning commissioner for his hometown of Mammoth Lake, California, was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1976. He is particularly noted for his unique kick and for being the first man to break the 17 minute barrier in the 1500m freestyle event. He is survived by his wife, two children, and several grandchildren.

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Former US Olympic Swimmer Dies

Image details: XII FINA World Championships – Swimming served by picapp.com

US swimmer, Eric Shanteau, who won the compassion of millions of Olympic viewers this summer in Beijing when it became known that he had been diagnosed with cancer just weeks before the Games and elected to delay the necessary surgery in order to compete in the men’s 200m breast stroke event.

Now, the good news is that Shateau is recovered and competing again–most recently at the US National Short Course competition at Georgia Tech this week, where he finished second to fellow Olympian Ryan Lochte in the 200m individual medley.

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Shanteau Back in the Pool after Surgery

“Sports Illustrated” announced their Sportsman of the Year this morning and it’s, who else but, Olympian Michael Phelps. The 23-year-old winner of eight Gold Medals in Beijing is the first swimmer to be so honored by the venerable magazine. “Sports Illustrated” editor, Terry McDonell called the selection of Phelps “the easiest choice I have made.”

Last year’s winner was more traditional, former Green Bay Packers quarterback, Brett Favre. Congrats to Michael.

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Michael Phelps Named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year

Katie Hoff, who failed to live up to the hype surrounding her at the Beijing Olympic Games, has announced that she will be training under Michael Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman in the future. The 19-year-old fellow Baltimore native earned two Bronze Medals and one Silver Medal in Beijing–no small achievment, but was overshadowed by her teammates, especially Phelps.

Hoff holds the American record in the 200m freestyle and is the world champion in the 400m and 4×200m events. It’s clear that she has a lot of swimming (and winning) ahead of her.

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Hoff Switches to Phelps Coach

Australian Olympic, long-distance swimmer, Grant Hackett is announcing his retirement from swimming at Australia’s Swimmer of the Year awards banquet this evening. The 28-year-old has seven Olympic Medals to his name, including three Golds. Hackett competed in the Sydney, Athens, and Beijing Games. He is best known for winning the 1500m freestyle in 2000 and 2004. He finished second in that event in Beijing.

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Grant Hackett Retiring

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Natalie Coughlin on Rachel Ray

South Africa’s Natalie du Toit continues to excel at the Beijing Paralympic Games. The 24-year-old, who lost her leg in a 2001 motorcycle accident, won her fourth Paralympic Gold Medal on Friday in the 400m freestyle event, setting a world record time of 4:43.81 for her disability class.

Du Toit has also won Gold in the 100m butterfly, 200m individual relay, and 100m freestyle events. She has one more event–the 50m freestyle–in which to compete.

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Natalie du Toit Wins 4th Paralympic Gold