» A 10-point plan to prevent and reduce back pain

"1. Always warm up for at least five minutes before any activity, work or play. 2. Keep your core muscles strong with stomach, back, hip and pelvic muscle exercises. Do yoga, tai chi, or swimming to help stay limber. "

» A dozen fall activities to keep you moving

1. Explore a local park or historic district on foot. 2. Go back to school. Sign up to learn a new activity like dancing or yoga. 3. Walk the sidelines while your kids play soccer or football.

» Afternoon energizer

"Try a ""double hit"" of deep breathing instead of a double-shot latte. Take one short breath followed immediately by one long, deep breath. Hold the second breath for as long as possible while you tighten your fists and curl your toes. "

» Be trendy

Popular movements that aren't just a fad - They're actually good for you! Remember all the hype surrounding the vibrating tummy toner (your visualizing and laughing aren't you)?

» Can yoga keep you young?

"In addition to helping you relax and remain flexible, yoga may reduce inflammation in the body that normally increases with stress and aging. "

» Do what you love - The fitness will follow...

"To find an activity that you really enjoy, ask yourself these questions: Do you want to exercise alone or with other people? Dancing, aerobics classes, and team sports are good social outlets. Jogging, biking, swimming, and yoga offer more solitude. "

» Far from a fitness fad

"People throughout the world have practiced yoga for more than 5,000 years. It's estimated that more than 13 million people in this country use yoga. "

» Getting in shape for real-life situations

"Leg-pressing 500 pounds on a weight machine might give you bragging rights at the gym. But will it help you carry a child, sprint to meet a bus, or hoist a 40-pound water bottle onto its dispenser without wrenching your back? "

» Help for aching knees

"Tai Chi, a martial art that combines gentle mind and body exercises, may help relieve knee pain related to osteoarthritis. "

» Overcome obstacles that keep you from exercising

"Too busy, too little time - Schedule activity on your daily calendar. Work movement into your everyday routine -- carry your own grocery bags, take stairs not elevators, walk the dog. "

» Preventing falls

An often overlooked benefit of regular exercise is that it can help prevent falls. Yet many seniors don't get the activity they need because they are worried about falling.

» Slow and easy

"If you are looking for a gentle activity that offers health benefits, consider tai chi (pronounced tie chee). A Chinese martial art, tai chi uses slow, fluid movements based on energy that flows through the body. "

» Staying healthy at the gym

"Before you start your new year's weight-training or yoga class, remember that germs can thrive on exercise equipment in moist, sweaty environments. "

» Tai chi

"Gentle on the joints and great for strength and toning. If you've watched groups of people doing tai chi in public places you've probably been mesmerized by its flowing, gentle movements. "

» Variety is the spice of physical activity

"Just about any exercise is good for you, but when you combine activities into a well-rounded workout program, you can get even more benefits -- including preventing injuries and avoiding boredom. "

» Yoga - A positive alternative to weight-loss surgery

"After 30 years as a pioneer in weight-loss surgery, Dr. James Weber left the operating room to become a certified yoga instructor. "

» Yoga - far from a fitness fad

"People throughout the world have practiced yoga for more than 5,000 years. It's estimated that more than 13 million people in this country use yoga. "

» Yoga - Pick a style that fits your needs and capabilities

"Increased flexibility, better circulation, muscle tone, and reduced stress are some of the benefits of yoga. Not all forms of this ancient exercise are the same, however. Here's a glimpse of four of the most popular styles taught in the U.S. "

» Yoga and lower back pain

"Practicing yoga may help ease chronic lower back pain, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health. "

» Yoga for all ages -- From six to sixty-plus

"The amount of calories burned in a Hatha yoga class is about the same as the number burned in a slow walk. While that's not an aerobic workout, some forms of yoga are more strenuous, and all kinds can improve strength, and flexibility for all ages. "