Helpful fitness websites

Surfing a wave - an exercise. Surfing the web - an exercise in futility. Most of the time, anyway. I'll be the first to admit that I spend far too much time jumping from page-to-page, never really having a destination in mind. Fortunately, there are some cool websites that can help you turn your exercise in futility into exercise utility (I'm not sure that even makes sense, but I'm keeping it).

If you're looking for some inspiration, or just want a few new fitness ideas, the internet may not be such a bad place after all. Here are a few suggestions I found in Fitness Magazine:

Google Earth. Aside from finding your own house on this amazing Google feature, you can also use it to locate and plot hiking trails. To use it, click the Layers list -- which will then bring up Featured Content. Select the Trimble Outdoors Trips Finder. Lastly, type in the city in which you wish to go hiking. You can even download the trail info. into your cell phone or GPS.

GoRunEasy.com. If you're an avid runner, you either already know about this site or will be sure to visit it often from here on in. Site visitors can plot their running paths, post photos of sites to seen on those paths, share iPod playlists, and even connect with local running clubs.

YouTube.com. Yes, yes, yes ... you can find some of the most asinine videos imaginable on YouTube, but you can also find some pretty useful workout videos. If you're ever wondering how to perform a certain exercise, chances are there is a video on this site that will show you. In addition, there are entire exercise videos that you can watch, such as 8 Minute Abs, entire pilates routines, and cardio-boxing lessons.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to wasting time online.