A sexy pair of legs moseys its way down a soft, vacuumed carpet, around a bend, and through a long, narrow aisle.

Suddenly, these shapely stems, which are encased in bright spandex, dissolve into a jungle of many others, instantly blending into the vibrant surroundings like chameleons. The long row of gams seems endless. They’re shaking, they’re baking, they’re working like jackhammers - together in harmony – as if they were all drilling for oil.

The machines drown out the booming disco racket from the overhead speakers. All you hear, aside from the constant hum of machinery, is metal on metal, minus the smear of grease.

Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.

The stunning blonde attached to these legs peers down at a dark screen. At first, it looks like she’s about to indulge in a game of Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, but in actuality, her ensuing fun is of a much different variety. This woman is about to work out.

After punching in a few keys as if it were tax time, her hips slowly begin to grind, and just like that, the fun has begun.

Needless to say, the year is 2008 and what once was accomplished with such basic simplicity has now entered the world of hi-tech devices and advanced microchips.

To a new patron, who just wandered through the door, it all seems a bit pretentious as he peers over the motoring array of Stairmasters, steppers, treadmills, and stationary bikes.

The observer smirks and chuckles, knowing well that, not so long ago, for the goal at hand, two legs and an old pair of Nikes were all that was required.

However, the art of running seems a forgotten trade, not just for the random observer, but for the fitness public in general. For the mainstream crowd looking to foil the flab (and perhaps partake in the social aspects), a nice, honest jog through the park loses out to a sweat-session on the stairs any corporate day of the week.

Yet, one fact remains, the same fact that has survived both the tests of time and the endless evolution of technology. Nothing will whip you into shape faster and more effectively than a good, primitive run.

Aside from the fresh air that expands your lung capacity, something you can’t get at an indoor gym, running continues to stand as the leader in conditioning, fat burning, and keeping your heart rate up. Just compare the three miles down Main Street with the same distance on the rubbery conveyor belt of a treadmill. The difference in the way you feel is astounding.

But one such concept factoring in the demise of running is the belief that it is a muscle man’s worst enemy. Reports that running will chisel away on that hard-earned beef have been relentless. Thus, the running fad has come to heel a bit, almost seemingly limited to the hard-core crowd.

The experts say that the ideal method, however, to avoiding such a tragedy is to jog lightly for the first twenty minutes and then upgrade to a more vigorous pace thereafter. After the twenty-minute segment, the body generally kicks into the fat-burning business as opposed to the muscle-consuming business. Remaining at a steady, moderate pace (say 70 percent), and ditching any hopes of becoming the next Jesse Owens would seem the most logical approach, especially for new runners.

Besides, doesn’t a nice stroll along a quiet country road amid the birds and the tress sound somewhat appealing? Doesn’t it beat gaping at the sweat-drenched back of the guy on the Stairmaster in front of you?

If this is you, then perhaps it’s finally time to leave those noisy treadmills and squeaky stationary bikes behind … far enough behind to choke on your dust.

"It ain't over til it's over."

Wait a minute, that was Yogi. Not yoga.

Nonetheless, that six-word sentiment applies to those hour-long sessions at your local health club, the classes where it would appear the involved members are twisting their bodies into some excruciating positions - or perhaps we should say 'pretzels'.

But the next time you scuffle past the aerobics room and peek an eye through the window, asking yourself, "What in the world are they doing in there," perhaps it's time to learn a thing or two about the fastest-growing phase in American fitness.

Yoga classes are becoming as common in American health clubs as sweat and testosterone, a timeless exercise regimen that is in the midst of a serious revamping phase.

While the common conception of yoga is that it is a meditation-type exercise, designed specifically for women, this couldn't be further from the truth. Yoga is a growing, widespread fad, an exercise aimed at increasing flexibility, toning and shaping the muscles, improving posture, and giving an overall better sense of self being for both men and women alike. In fact, take a peek into the aerobics room next time a yoga class is commencing. The proof is with all the men who are turning out for these intriguing sessions.

Check out these yoga forms and see which ones are offered at your health club:

HATHA YOGA: This is the one that's offered at most places, the standard style that blends stretching and toning of the muscles with extensive breathing exercises. In other words, this is a perfect blend of various yoga concepts, focusing on both the mind and the body and helping you get the two in synch with one another.

IYENGAR YOGA: This is the style of yoga that focuses on the body's alignment, helping you to achieve proper posture good overall balance in your body. This is a great yoga form for runners and serious athletes, a form that is more geared for the physical elements.

ASHTANGA YOGA: This is also commonly referred to as "power yoga," a growing style of yoga that is considered far more rigorous than the other forms. In ashtanga yoga, you a quickly delving from one posture to another, and it can be so physically demanding at times, many people consider it an effective form of cardio. This style of yoga is becoming extremely popular among Hollywood celebrities.

KUNDALINI: Whereas ashtanga and iyengar styles of yoga are more geared for the physical challenges, this is the more "relaxing" form of yoga. In kundalini classes, participants are focusing on meditation, breathing exercises, and stress reduction.

Aside from providing all the great benefits (flexibility, balance, muscle tone, stress relief, etc.), yoga can also spree another grand treasure, one that can be strongly enhanced with the right instructor: Yes, yoga can be a blast.

But remember, many yoga classes offered at your gym may charge you a fee of around $10 for an hour-long session.

Getting motivated to work out is sometimes the greatest obstacle in your path. It’s not so much lifting the barbell or lifting those heavy weights that’s the problem. The real challenge is lifting your spirits just to get to the gym.

So here are a few ways to get pumped for pumping up:

- Set goals. How can you score the physique you’re looking for when you don’t even know what you’re aiming at? It is important to set standards for yourself, otherwise you will drift aimlessly until the boredom and fatigue set in. Have something to shoot for. Set a date and a target and take the appropriate measures to achieve success.

- Make a Fitness Plan. Start by noting changes that you would like to make. Prioritize them, then go! Ex. Changes I would like to make: go to the gym 3 days per week, skip soda at work and drink water instead, take a multi-vitamin each morning with breakfast, eat 5 small meals per day, incorporate a health shake for my mid afternoon meal, have my last meal by 9 p.m. etc... Once you have brought forward specific changes you want to make, make a plan how to incorporate them into your life!

- Buy a new article of clothing. It could be anything – new jeans, a dress, a bathing suit-–a goal piece of clothing that you really like and would really like to fit into to (being realistic is important)!! Hang it in your closet where you can see it everyday--a subtle reminder of your goals!

-Play some music! Some studies show that listening to your favorite workout music can actually motivate you for a better workout! Grab your walkman and hit the gym! There’s nothing that can get your heart pumping and your feet grooving the way a funky tune will.

- Plan a trip. Vacation plans always seem to spark a new incentive in your workout regimen. Walking onto the Bahama beach in your dazzling new body is certainly worth the hours and hours of effort in the gym. Pick a goal date (say... 3 months away) and plan it! There's no better motivation than that!

- Try a new gym. Sometimes, the change of scenery is what you need to spurt a new attitude. Too many days of looking at the same walls, the same mirrors, the same machinery, and the same old people will leave you with the same old body and the same old empty feeling.