· Running - Running is great for your heart and lungs and it improves your stamina. If you’re trying to lose weight, it can burn calories more quickly than walking and while it does put stress on the joints, the key is to start slowly. To help your joints and muscles acclimate, increase your time or distance by no more than 10% each week, otherwise your potential for injury will be high.

· Cycling – It’s an excellent cardiovascular exercise that allows you to travel further distances than running or walking alone. You won’t get bored finding new parks, neighborhoods and bike paths to discover. Cycling works a different muscle group than running so it’s good to combine the two exercises and get a total strengthening of your body’s lower half.

· Swimming – This conditioning activity also helps tones arms and legs and it’s very easy on the joints. Much like other workouts, swimming will increase your stamina and relieve stress. It’s really easy to incorporate variety into a swimming workout too – there are so many strokes that the combinations are endless.

· Hiking – Hiking uses a lot of up-and-down movement, so you get a tremendous leg workout along with the cardiovascular benefits. Not only that, but hiking provides a relaxing atmosphere for a workout that doesn’t seem like a workout at all. Listening to the birds and looking at flowers and trees provides a break from daily stresses. Hiking is also a great sport to do along with a friend.

· Kayaking – Kayaking is primarily an upper-body sport, but it also works the muscles of the center of your body, back, and stomach. In fact, many beginner kayakers fatigue early because they rely mostly on their arms rather than their core. Beginners should start by taking a class or clinic in a pool or flat-water location. You’ll learn how to roll the kayak, paddling technique and how to handle problems such as getting pinned against rocks.

Kirstie Alley
Mike Catherwood
Chelsea Kane
Ralph Macchio
Chris Jericho
Sugar Ray Leonard
Petra Nemcova
Romeo
Hines Ward
Kendra Wilkinson
Wendy Williams

Which “star” do you think will win?

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1. Chill Out
Usually when people think about spring break it’s: sun, beach and swimsuits. Lately, however, a growing trend is for vacationers to choose ski resorts instead of a beach resorts. Ideal destinations include Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Heavenly in Lake Tahoe, California, Canada’s wild Whistler and Big Sky in Montana among others. Click here to read more at About.com

2. Lend a Hand
Another trend that’s gaining momentum is volunteerism. Spending your vacation volunteering abroad or stateside can be a rewarding and life-changing experience. The travel, the opportunity to help someone else and the insights gained about yourself and your place in the world are priceless. Volunteering abroad is a big commitment and requires a lot of research and planning so spring break is a great time to try it out. See if a volunteering vacation is right for you and contact Projects Abroad, Habitat for Humanity and The United Way to find out about upcoming volunteer projects and locations. Click here to read more at About.com

3. Get Your Own Place
Round up 7 of your closest friends and rent a beach house somewhere tropical. You’ll save a ton of money, get some quality bonding time with your best buddies and you’ll get to experience your destination from the perspective of the locals. The only downside will be no room service but I’m sure the private 10 person hot tub will make up for that. Here are some tips to help you do it the right way:

o Start planning early – this will save you time, money and headaches later on
o Choose a timeframe and destination – this will help you narrow your search and avoid becoming overwhelmed
o Contact a real estate agent and use online resources like VacationRentals.com and VacationRealty.com to find local rental listings
o Finally, make sure you completely understand all of the terms within the rental contract before you commit

Click here to learn more at Investopedia.com