From SB Today

Daily Dish
Get Moving!
Tomorrow is National Women's Health & Fitness Day, the nation's largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. This health observance is a great reminder for people following the South Beach Diet to complement their healthy eating with some healthy activity.

Exercise is a fundamental part of the South Beach Diet lifestyle, so why not take this opportunity to participate in one of the hundreds of women's health and fitness events sponsored by local organizations at hospitals, health clubs, park and recreational districts, and other community locations?

If you can't make it to one of these events, resolve to begin a fitness routine, or try a new form of exercise if you're already active. Remember, Dr. Agatston recommends selecting an activity that you enjoy so you're more likely to continue doing it. He also advises easing into a routine rather than overdoing it and then abandoning the program because it was too hard. Here are a few activities you may want to try:

Take a coworker for a "talk walk." Instead of a coffee break at your desk, grab a coworker and take a walk outside. The conversation will make the time fly by, while the exercise will raise your energy level (so you'll be less likely to get sluggish by midafternoon).

Play tag with your kids. When was the last time you participated in a simple game of tag? Rediscover your inner child while spending quality time with your kids. They'll get a kick out of having you join their game, and it's a great way to reconnect with your little ones while enjoying some exercise.

Take a loved one to a salsa club or social dance. It's always more fun to exercise with a partner than doing it alone. Find a dance club that offers swing, salsa, or line country dancing and you'll learn some new moves with this enjoyable form of exercise. And for those who have two left feet, try a less-crowded, early evening lesson to help get you up to speed.

Consider martial arts. This is another activity that you can participate in with your child. Find a class that offers instruction for both of you, or go to separate classes and practice your moves together at home.

Go for a ride. September's beautiful weather is perfect for an afternoon bike ride. Bring your bike in for a tune-up and then take it for a spin around your neighborhood. Don't have a bike? Try an indoor spinning class instead.

Take a dip in the pool. Many community centers offer great pool-based fitness classes, so check your local listings for a class that suits you.

A fun activity to add to your exercise routine.

Dance Away the Pounds
Dr. Agatston recommends getting at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity most days of the week. The good news? You can work up to it if you're not there yet — or do it in smaller sessions (say, ten minutes each). He's also a fan of finding something you enjoy doing so that you look forward to your workout. Simply put, your fitness routine should become a part of your lifestyle, just like the South Beach Diet. That's why dancing is such a great activity — it gets your heart pumping while you have fun with your family and friends.

Dancing has come a long way since the days of discos. Dance studios across the country now offer classes suitable for adults, from swing to salsa to tap. Plus, many community and religious centers sponsor weekly dances where people gather to socialize and participate in a joyful release of stress.

Here are some suggestions for incorporating this enjoyable activity into your exercise routine:

Take your spouse or a friend to a swing club or community dance. A lot of clubs offer free 30-minute lessons.
Try a class at a local dance studio. Ballet can be great for increasing your flexibility and improving your balance. Tap requires an investment in shoes but offers an intense cardio workout.
Go out for a night of line dancing. Line dancing is most popular with country-music fans.
Afraid to dance in public? Put on your favorite album, turn up the volume, and take a spin around your house! Get your kids and spouse to join in for a fun family activity.
It's worth repeating that exercise shouldn't be a chore. One of the keys to creating a fitness routine you can maintain is to find things you actually enjoy doing.