Best Sites: Sports and Fitness

Excedrin Headache Resource Center

About this site: It's no secret that a major cause of headaches is stress. But did you know one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise? At this site, sponsored by Excedrin, you'll get the lowdown on the links between stress, exercise, and headaches. (http://www.excedrin.com/)

Pluses: Headache FAQs, advice on when to see a doctor, and no emphasis on aspirin use.

Minuses: Exercise advice is basic, for beginners only.

Best feature: If you've been putting off starting an exercise program, the exercises here will help you get moving.

The Internet's Fitness Resource Fitness Plan

About this site: Stop surfing the Web for fitness advice. Instead, come here for links to sites covering the basics of stretching, aerobics, cycling, running, weight training, and just about every other major exercise topic. (http://www.netsweat.com/fitplan.html)

Pluses: A "one-stop shop" for beginners.

Minuses: No graphics or interactivity; some suggested links don't work.

Best feature: Find out how to get "ripped" abs.

GORP

About this site: Heading for the great outdoors? Check out GORP (Great Outdoor Recreation Pages) for great hiking and biking trails, helpful information on national parks and reserves, and gear tips. Once you figure out where you're going, you can even book a room at an inn or B & B nearby.

Pluses: You can browse listings by activity, location, or type of attraction.

Minuses: The overwhelming amount of information can make navigation confusing.

Best feature: Find a biking partner, swap gear, or get some pointers for your next road trip on the bustling bulletin boards.

Bicycling Magazine

About this site: Whether you prefer singletrack or the open road, Bicycling Magazine.com has almost everything you need to keep your pedals turning. Learn how to repair your bent derailleur, start a new training program, even find out what to eat before your ride so you don't bonk. http://www.bicyclingmagazine.com/

Pluses: For the hardcore cyclist, there's plenty of gear info, maintenance tips, and race news.

Minuses: Some features are helpful to beginners, but if you aren't familiar with bike jargon this site isn't the place to start.

Best feature: Spend five minutes answering questions on the Bike Finder and get a list of bikes that will suit your lifestyle, skill level, and wallet.

eFit: Swimming Channel

About this site: You've probably heard that swimming is the "best overall exercise," but did you know that you devoting as little as an hour and a half per week yields health benefits like lowered blood pressure and cholesterol? Find out more about this great low-impact, cardiovascular workout at eFit.com. In addition to stroke tips and nutrition information, learn how to avoid pitfalls from swimmer's ear to swimmer's hair. (http://www.efit.com/servlet/article/swimming/)

Pluses: The section includes articles on proper pool "etiquette" when sharing a crowded lane.

Minuses: For the stroke pointers that have photo illustrations -- most do not -- you need to download RealPlayer to view them.

Best feature: After filling out a short registration form, you can get a customized exercise or nutrition program.

Bike to Work

About this site: Get your daily workout during your commute. This site has everything you need to know to make biking to work a breeze -- from safety tips to gear recommendations to practical hints on choosing a route and dealing with bad weather. (http://biketowork.itelcom.com/)

Pluses: Product evaluations and spotlights on bike-friendly towns are in the works.

Minuses: The bike maintenance section is a little thin. They left out instructions on how to change the inevitable flat tire.

Best feature: Hilarious advice on staying visible, warding off dogs, and dealing with rude drivers.

International Inline Skating Association's Home Page

About this site: Want to be an inline skater--or just look like one? This site has all the information you need to get rolling--from buying your skates to finding the top skating sites to getting certified as a skating instructor. (http://www.iisa.org/index.html)

Pluses: Helps you find a certified instructor for lessons.

Minuses: No information given on how to skate.

Best feature: A comprehensive purchasing guide that helps you select the perfect skate for you: (http://www.iisa.org/gear/sk8-buy-intro.html)

Runner's World Online

About this site: Whether you're a couch potato or a seasoned marathoner, you'll find something here to make your running workout easier--or more challenging. More than just a warmed-over version of the monthly magazine, Runner's World Online is the ultimate site for runners of all ages, experience levels, and agendas. (http://www.runnersworld.com)

Pluses: Sections on nutrition, injuries, and training. Forums allow registered visitors to swap advice and war stories.

Minuses: Spare site design makes it hard to tell one page from another.

Best feature: Beginner's section at (http://www.newrunner.com) provides valuable data on how to get started. Includes a training log and inspiring articles.

The Mining Co.'s Walking Page

About this site: Walking may seem pretty pedestrian until you learn how interesting the sport can be! Veteran powerwalker Wendy Bumgardner shares her experience and enthusiasm on this site, which offers walking tips and articles, chat rooms, bulletin boards, and a calendar of events. (http://walking.miningco.com/)

Pluses: Lots of opportunities to connect with other walkers.

Minuses: Information is not well organized and navigation is difficult.

Best feature: Bulletin boards give you a chance to ask--and answer--any walking question under the sun.

 American Council on Exercise: Fit Facts

About this site: For more than ten years, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been promoting the positive effects of an active, healthy lifestyle. Whether you're thinking of starting an exercise program or looking for fun alternatives to your usual workout, the ACE Web site has something to get you moving. There are even articles targeted specifically to kids, teens, and seniors. (http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts_list.cfm?CFID=118799&CFTOKEN=11120402)

Pluses: The site adresses uncommon topics like vegetarianism and athletes, as well as exercising with a disability or an illness.

Minuses: The articles aren't in any particular order.

Best feature: Use the registry to find an ACE-certified personal trainer or a weight-management consultant in your area. Profiles include the instructor's areas of expertise, years of experience, and hourly rates.

Getting Started and Staying Active

About this site: So you've made the big step toward a healthier lifestyle, but you've hit some roadblocks. Can't get motivated? Need exercises you can do at home? Want to know how to turn up the intensity on your workout? You'll find the answers here. (http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/activity/active.htm)

Pluses: Good troubleshooting guide for those who need detailed information about common fitness challenges.

Minuses: Limited interactivity; serves more as a clearinghouse for articles.

Best feature: Great ideas for increasing your activity level in other ways than heading to the gym: http://primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/activity/activity.htm

Health and Fitness Home Page

About this site: Lisa Balbach, a certified aerobics instructor and personal trainer, offers practical information on how to get in shape. The site includes easy-to-follow stretching exercises and aerobics choreography. (http://k2.kirtland.cc.mi.us/~balbachl/fitness.htm)

Pluses: Balbach avoids jargon and explains moves and exercises simply.

Minuses: No exercise graphics or pictures to follow.

Best feature: The calorie burning guide calculates how long you have to exercise to work off that chocolate chip cookie.