Redesigned Diet Slideshow(YTH) : Diet & Fitness > Fitness at the Village: The No-Work Workout

Get Fit, No Sweat!

by Melissa F. Pheterson

Warm weather beckons—it's time to play. This month, we're making fitness fun by taking the "work" out of "workout." Jump rope without tripping, unwind with a relaxing run (yes, it's possible!), and move happy hour into the gym.

NEXT: Better than happy hour >>

Sweatin' with the Homies

Making plans with the gang? Try grabbing dumbbells instead of drinks. The new trend of "semi-personal" or "group" training, pairing pros with groups of two to five, drives down the cost and ups the fun factor. "It's an awesome way to stay social with friends," says Debra Strougo of Fitizens. Try it at your local Bally Total Fitness. Also check out small-group Pilates, yoga and dance—the perfect way to bond while blasting fat. Round up your pals, or ask your trainer to hook you up!

Would you sign up for "co-ed" group training?

NEXT: Get svelte—and save gas money >>

Walk it Off

What's the best way to help the earth, pad your wallet and shed some pounds? Ditch the car and go for a walk. Go to WalkScore.com to tally the number of walkable spots from your address. Scope out the markets, shops and restaurants within striding distance from your door—it's an easy way to boost your step-count and burn calories on errands.

What drives you crazy about driving?

NEXT: Get roped in >>

Roped In

If you love the calorie-blast of jump-rope— and want to klutz-proof your workout, you'll fall hard for the ropeless JumpSnap. It's already roped in Hilary Swank and Bob Greene, Oprah's trainer. A computer provides the "snap" sound for rhythm, and tracks calories burnt —a cool 100 every five minutes. Snag it in pink to support breast cancer research.

What blast-from-the-past activity do you miss most?

NEXT: Pain-free workouts >>

Find Your Chi

Don't let injuries sideline you from a great running workout. The methods of ChiRunning and ChiWalking combine the inner focus and flow of ancient Tai Chi with the energy of aerobic movement. Like yoga and Pilates, ChiRunning recruits core muscles to integrate mind and body, prevent injury and enhance the experience. "Fluidity of movement is key to prevent injuries and tight muscles," says Andrea Metcalf, host of Fit Today.

Where does your mind wander during a cardio workout?

NEXT: Lean, mean and green >>

Lean, Mean and Green

Want to blast calories in your sleep? Go green! Studies show that drinking caffeinated green tea three times per day can stimulate your body to burn more calories, boosting your resting metabolic rate. It's also a great substitute for your mid-day soda.

what gets you moving in the morning?

NEXT: More ways to get fit >>