Metaphorically, whether running long distances might slow down sprinters can be compared to entering the same car in an endurance race and a drag race. The two types of racing require different engine setups and gearing. Long-distance running and sprinting require a different type of human engine and gearing as well.

Your pedometer is a helpful tool for increasing your physical activity. Wearing your pedometer daily will motivate you to increase the number of steps you take. You may find yourself parking further away from the entrance to stores in order to reach your daily steps goal.

The most effective volleyball players have a powerful arm swing, hitting the ball with more force and gaining greater thrust on jumps. During the course of a game, you use your arms to serve, set, hit, spike and block -- fundamental maneuvers for successful play.

For many people, playing basketball is a fun and effective form of exercise. While other vigorous aerobic activities offer some of the same benefits, the additional advantages basketball offers makes it an enjoyable and even important part of their lifestyles.

If a long bike ride is quite literally a pain in the rear, your bike seat may be to blame. Excess pressure on the tailbone, which is usually caused by a lack of support or poor distribution of weight, can leave you with a sore coccyx after a ride.

With no opportunity to use your hands as a field player in soccer, kicking provides your means of advancing the ball for a dribble, pass or shot. The more types of kicks you master, the more weapons you have during a game.

In every gymnastics facility, a large tub of powdered chalk is as common as bars, beams and mats. During practices and meets, gymnasts liberally dust their hands and legs with chalk to absorb sweat and improve their grip strength during events.

The batter takes his stance and the tension in the stands rises as the pitcher throws the first pitch of the game. Then the crowd goes wild as the batter races around the bases, as fast as his little legs can carry him.

While you will need your basketball to be inflated to play with, several reasons might account for wanting to take the air out of the ball.

Moving from general gym goer to powerlifter can feel like a big leap. You may be the strongest guy or girl in your gym, but when you step onto the platform with other competitors in front of hundreds of spectators, it can be a daunting experience. This needn't be the case if you're properly prepared though.

Bike riding is a low-impact activity that can help you burn calories. Although the bike works the major muscles of your lower body, that doesn't mean that your legs will get big. In fact, you may actually lose weight and gain a lean appearance by adding biking to your fitness routine.

There are three primary types of gymnastic competitions: artistic, rhythmic and acrobatic. Each is a separate sport. Artistic gymnastics are generally known as just "gymnastics." Men's and women's gymnastics include two common events, the floor exercise and the vault.