I got a treadmill for my basement. It's amazing how much more sore my back and hamstrings get after a treadmill run as opposed to outside. The treadmill really forces me to have good running form I guess.

So I'm running to shed some pounds and BMI and also feel less fatigued throughout the day. This last week has felt great, especially since I've cut down on beer and sugary juices and sodas.

I have a couple of questions for those of you who also run short distances for the aforementioned reasons: What kind of workouts are you doing on non-running days? I've been going on walks or riding commuter bikes, but I'd like to start adding some actual workouts to my routine. Not looking to get into serious weight lifting or anything like that. Just cardio to improve my heart rate and shape and strengthen me. Me and my better half are considering going to some spin classes or joining a gym. Worth it?

Highly recommend some combination of the rowing machine, jumping rope, and swimming. All offer some level of resistance, albeit minimal. All are much less tedious than running or spin. I'm loving jumping rope in particular; an added benefit is the opportunity to improve balance and coordination. The $25 I spent on a decent weighted speed rope has been a solid investment.

My personal routine is lifting/strength training two or three days a week, and 15 minutes each of rowing, jumping, and swimming on non-lift days, with the intensity of the total 45 minutes depending on my general energy level that day.