Exercise Options

Exercise Options Go Global:

Try These At Home

It's fairly routine for Americans to sweat it out at aerobics class or on the stairmaster to improve their health. But in many other countries, exercise is more a way of life. This article gives examples of workouts popular the world over that are also easy to practice at home.

The World of Walking

Walking and hiking are extremely popular pastimes in countries like Norway, Germany and Italy, where residents can take advantage of highly developed public walking trails. "They tend to appreciate, enjoy and use recreational trails more than Americans do," says Lynn Clark, chair of the board of the American Hiking Society and President of the American Volkssport Association, an international walking organization.

Moderate-intensity exercise like walking can help ward off heart disease, osteoporosis and some types of cancer. It can even help shed some unwanted pounds. Walking and hiking require no equipment except a good pair of sneakers or hiking boots. To find a walking club in your area, call the American Volkssport Association at 1-800-830-WALK or visit their website at http://ava.org/. [This link will open a new browser window]

Nordic Facts

In many European countries, walking and hiking paths are transformed into cross country ski trails in winter. Cross country skiing is popular anywhere there's a lot of snow -- in Norway, Finland, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Russia, as well as Michigan, Vermont and New York State.

It's a safe sport that's easy to learn regardless of age or experience. "This is the kind of activity you can do for your entire life, because you can pick your own pace and your terrain," says Chris Frado, president of the Cross Country Ski Areas Association. It's also one of the most effective cardiovascular workouts because it works all major muscle groups, says Peter Dorsen, M.D., sports medicine editor of Cross Country Skier magazine.

Start-up costs include renting or buying skis -- then you just wait for the first snowfall. To learn more about how and where to cross country ski, you can contact the Cross Country Ski Areas Association at (603) 239 4341 or visit their web site at http://xcski.org/. [This link will open a new browser window]

The Less-Stress Exercise

An ancient practice thought to have begun in India, yoga is now a popular form of exercise all over the world. Yoga combines stretching, breathing and relaxation methods. Yoga workouts may be beneficial for several reasons: they are extremely gentle on the body, so virtually anyone can participate; you don't do the same exercises every day, which helps lessen boredom; and the exercises require just 30 minutes a day and no special equipment, so you can do them anywhere and any time. "Yoga doesn't take over your life, it enhances it," says Alice Cristensen, founder and executive director of the American Yoga Association.

American Institute for Cancer Research, Newsletter 53, Fall 1996