Photo: JY7929/Flickr

You probably already know that, around these parts, we highly recommend triathlons. After all, regardless of your athletic ability, there's a race that will suit you -- and when a great workout is as much fun as an event like this, what's stopping you?

Oh, right, the training. No worries -- Aflac Iron Girl has lots of tips for triathlon training. Whether you're hoping for a faster swim, bike or run, these suggestions will help you cross the finish line well before your goal time.

Swim
Fix foggy goggles by leaving a bit of water in them. And, drink up! Many swimmers get dehydrated because they don't think to drink water while they're in the water. Get your fluids both before and while you swim.

Summer may not officially be here yet, but it certainly feels like it. Long, sunny days can motivate you to visit a local park, work in the garden or invite family and friends over for a cookout. But don't let the change in season change your fitness schedule.

You might think people get more exercise during summer, but that's not always the case. For some, summer is a fitness slow down. "Everybody wants to be out in the weather and they don't want to be inside like they were all winter," explains Benji Radach, corporate trainer for L.A. Boxing. Even if your gym routine has gone to the wayside, summer opens up a whole new world of fitness opportunities.

While it's important to maintain a consistent exercise routine, you can also slip some additional fitness moves in while enjoying favorite summer activities. Try these poolside exercise tips from the fitness gurus at L.A. Boxing:

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor sports and fitness activities. Beaches, pools, lakes and riding trails all set a brilliant scene for fun in the sun. All of this summer sport does come with a handful of hazards though, so it's time to gather some essentials and make the best out of the months ahead.

• Sunblock: Plan to wear it all the time, so you can worship without paying the price. For active days, wear at least 15+ UVA/UVB waterproof protection.
• Hat: You work so hard to keep a healthy and youthful body, don't let your face grow old before you do. A visor is great for sports, and a big floppy straw hat works wonderfully for strolling on the beach.
• Swimsuit: Take advantage of the warm water while you can. Swim, surf, ski and spend as much active time in the water as you can. It's so much fun, you'll forget you're burning tons of calories.
• Aqua Shoes: They'll protect your feet from icky things on the ocean floor, hot sand at the beach and will keep you running blister-free in the pool.

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Mark Allen Church

Age: 42

Occupation: IT Project Manager

How often do you exercise? Most of the time, I train four times a week.

What type of exercise do you do? Cardio and weights twice a week. I also play racquetball and mountain hike once each week.

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? Knowing I can avoid the energy drop that comes from missing exercise.

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That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Jared Seymour

Age: 32

Occupation: National Account Rep for Oakley

What type of exercise do you do? Running, Bike, Swimming, Basketball

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? My wife. She is a great motivator when I won't get off the couch.

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Triathlon season is around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited. Not only did I just have a fantastic swim (the first in a while), but I have the right gear, thanks to Danskin's new triathlon collection.

It makes sense that they'd launch a line of triathlon gear -- after all, the Danskin Women's Triathlon Series is the longest running women's triathlon series in the U.S., and they've now joined forces with the super popular SheROX Triathlon series. The Danskin SheROX Triathlon Series is taking place in cities all over the country (check out the website to find a location near you).

Anyway, Danskin's triathlon collection combines quality, style, and -- bum bum bum -- femininity. Because, I don't know about you, but although I like looking tough and athletic, I still like looking like a girl. Sue me, but it's the truth. I can kick butt just as well wearing a pink top with flowers on it as I can wearing all black.

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In case this video compels you to book a fit vacation, I thought I'd include these links for my favorite healthy vacation spots!

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That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader! We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other! That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Everlast and Everlast Woman are giving gorgeous workout T-shirts to each featured member! To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Diane Strong

Age: 33

Occupation: Mostly a stay-at-home mom (two kids ages 2 and 4) with an occasional gig in a research lab.

How often do you exercise? Five times a week

What type of exercise do you do? I run about 25 miles, swim a mile, do 30 minutes of weights three to five times a week and cross train with a class called "Boot Camp" every week.

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What does it feel like to race Michael Phelps? Anderson Cooper can't tell you because even though he took to the pool with the Olympic swimmer, the dolphin-moving Phelps blew right by the journalist. If there is such a thing as dust in a swimming pool, Cooper was left in it.

Cooper told Kelly Ripa on Friday's Live with Regis and Kelly that Phelps claims he is currently not in very good shape. A perfect time to challenge him in the water, then, thought Cooper, who gave the swimming great a few conditions -- Cooper could swim as usual, but Phelps had to swim under water and wasn't permitted to breathe or use his hands.

This video shows quite a spectacle -- and I'm not just talking about Cooper's display of swimwear, which he happens to admit is not near as sexy as the suit sported by Phelps. Ripa expects a Speedo for the next swim-off.

So much for fashion. Let the contest begin.

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Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Want to know the secrets of the stars? Bi-weekly, our That's Fit fitness expert Fitz sits down with the celebs we want to know more about, and digs out their great and not-so-great methods to staying healthy.

James Tupper plays "Owen", the hunky new rich guy getting busy with Christina Applegate's character on Samantha Who? He's a rising star who spent two years working opposite Ann Heche (his girlfriend in real-life) in Men in Trees and has also worked on hit shows like CSI:New York, Gilmore Girls and many others. James greeted me with a super cheery "Hi Fitz!" for this interview and was really sarcastic and fun throughout. He's an easy guy who loves carpentry, outdoor exercise and playing with Anne's 6-year-old son Homer.

Want to know how he prepares to show skin on camera? Read on!

Fitz: I love Samantha Who? It's such a cute show. What's it like working with the lovely Miss Christina Applegate?

James: It's amazing. She is a fantastic comedian. We work 14-hour days, and she is awesome from beginning to end. I really enjoy working with her. She's also really smart; she blows through crossword puzzles on the set.

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Sabrina Bryan, one-third of The Cheetah Girls recording act, really sets a positive, healthy role example for young girls. She's fit, toned, and at an appropriate weight. What's more, she clearly enjoys staying fit -- especially through one of her first loves ... dancing.

Bryan previously released a fitness DVD titled BYou. She shared a video of her top five fit tips with People Magazine:

• Do cardio. Bryan loves to dance, but any form of cardio you enjoy will do.
• Hit the dance floor. Even if it isn't your first choice of cardio, hit the dance floor and try different styles of dance, like Bryan did while on Dancing With the Stars.
• Try Pilates. Bryan does Pilates for strength and toning.
• Start swimming. Bryan recommends finding a pool or beach where you can swim outside in the sun.
• Eat healthy snacks. Her favorites include string cheese, apples, and almonds.

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There is something simple you can do to ease osteoarthritis if you already have it, and reduce your risk if you don't.

A recent study shows that nearly two in three obese people will develop osteoarthritis. It's a painful, degenerative condition and can result in reduced mobility, knee replacement surgery, even disability. Losing weight can be the single most important thing you do for your knees -- every pound you lose reduces four pounds of pressure on your knees.

Exercise is also vital. If your joints are sore, try swimming or water walking. Other low impact activities such as walking may also be helpful. You can also ask your doctor for advice on appropriate physical activity.

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Do you have a fitness role model? Maybe a professional athlete that you look up to? I know I have a fitness role model, but it isn't anyone famous. My fitness role model is one of my best friends. She's a dedicated athlete who, for many years now, has participated in at least one Ironman competition a year.

I'll never forget the time I asked her how her trip to Florida was and after commenting on the weather and things her family did she casually said "Oh, and I placed well." I asked what she meant and she told me that she had run a marathon. I congratulated her and expressed my surprise because I hadn't known she was going to run a marathon while there. She nonchalantly said "It was only a marathon." Oh, to be so fit that a marathon is a non-event ... mere training for the real competition.

Elastic Waist posted about finding inspiration in these iron athletes. [via FitSugar] The author summed up the allure of the Ironman well: "It's about making a promise to yourself and then making it happen. It's about being, for one minute, something more than you are during your every day."

Who is your fitness role model?

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Recent research shows -- believe it or not -- that sweat and airway secretion are linked. For people who have exercise-induced asthma, dryness in their airways can trigger asthma symptoms. Increased airway secretions can minimize or prevent symptoms during exercise.

Study participants were given medications to induce asthma symptoms and/or sweating. Obviously, the average Joe can't pop a pill to increase sweat production. And honestly, who would want to? So while researchers still work out the practical applications of this knowledge, follow these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:

• Try swimming -- the warm, humid atmosphere reduces the risk of symptoms.
• If you want to play team sports, opt for those -- like baseball -- that have short bursts of intense activity rather than continuous movement.
• In cold weather, wear a scarf or mask over your mouth and nose to warm the inhaled air.

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So what are your plans for Labor Day? Frankly, the holiday sneaked up on me this year. What with back-to-school and work deadlines and other things I have on my mind, I completely forgot about it. My son and I will find something fun to do, though. We'll probably visit with family and maybe go to the BMX track (my son's favorite activity).

When making your Labor Day plans, keep health in mind. Some ideas:

• When grilling for your Labor Day BBQ, choose leaner cuts of meat and grill plenty of vegetables. You can also grill some fruits (peaches, plums, pineapple) for dessert. Remember to keep grilling safety in mind, too.
  
• Skip the chips and mayo-laden salads. Instead offer more healthful choices like veggie trays, yummy mixed green salads, and fruit salad.
• Plan some active time with family and friends. You can set up a volleyball net in the backyard, hold a basketball competition, or swim. Kids would also enjoy relay races and active games like red light, green light.
  
• Go on a Labor Day outing. Hike along a nature trail, bike on a rail trail, or visit a nearby beach (and don't just lay around -- swim and be active).