And the menu of alternatives became even longer this year. If you've suffered a minor injury or have a temporary medical condition that keeps you from your favorite sport, you can cross-train with a different activity. If you enjoy variety or are easily bored, you can stay motivated by trying something else every so many weeks or months. Best of all, you can round out your fitness more than ever. Train your core.
Core training focuses on a person's center - the midsection, including the back.
The goal is to make it strong, stable, yet flexible. The inflated ball is the most affordable tool for core training and is the rage in better health clubs. Personal trainers are training their clients on the ball with abdominal exercises, pushups and balance drills. Balls come in several sizes and colors. Pilates is another format that fortifies our midsection.