A recent study showed that a consistent weight training program may help lower blood pressure. A group of men and women who participated in a strength-training program for six months noticed a decrease in their resting diastolic blood pressure readings.

Studies indicate that holding on to the handrails during exercise may not be the best way to workout. Using the handrails for support means that you burn about 8% fewer calories than when you do not use the handrails. Even light handrail holding lessens the amount of calories burned. Of course, if you need the handrails for balance use them.

Do you know when it is time to hang up your walking shoes and get a new pair?
It depends on how you use them. As a rule you should buy a new pair of walking shoes after about one year of regular wear (usually about 500 miles of walking). To find out whether your shoes are breaking down, put them side by side. If they are tilting to the left or right, or showing separation between the soles and the uppers, it is time.

Even if you don't do triathlons or marathons, attend as many as you can. e.g. I attend all of my husband’s triathlons and I became inspired to run my first marathon at age 50. Being around fit people inspires discipline. Find a friend who races and if you can’t, just go hang out at the starting line.