Try these

Learn this
Schoolchildren planning to monkey around in the games lesson are being given the perfect ammunition as the first-ever APE Tour hits Britain's schools this month. The Alternative Physical Education Tour, designed to demonstrate and teach BMX and skateboarding skills, will visit eight schools across the country. 'Phat' talent will be on hand to offer trick tips, and safety advisors include BMX freestyle king Zack Shaw and European champion skater Ali Cairns. For full tour itinerary: www.t2online.com.

Eat this
Diabetes may not have kept Sir Steve Redgrave from Olympic glory, but the onset of the disease in later life often means game over. To avoid falling off that rowing machine for ever, try upping your intake of foods high in carotenoids, plant pigments related to Vitamin A. In a study of moer than 1,500 people, researchers at the American Center for Disease Control found that subjects with normal glucose levels had carotenoid levels four times greater than adults with newly diagnosed diabetes. Foods rich in carotenoids include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and broccoli.

Run this
The only way is up on 28 October when runners in the annual Snowdonia marathon head for the hills in Britain's toughest long-distance race. With over 1,900ft of climbs, there is not much point turning up if you are built for speed rather than stamina. The scenic run starts from Llanberis, and organisers describe the likelihood of fast times as 'impossible'. Entries close on 30 September; entry forms are available through the National Trust at 01492 860 123.

Try this
For variety, it's the dogs' balaclavas. Originating in Scandinavia, the ancient art of skijoring combines high-speed cross-country skiing and dogsled racing and translates as, literally, 'ski-driving'. Skijorers are pulled by teams of up to three dogs attached to the skier's waist by a towline. Competitors race over a five-mile course, and after reaching close to 30mph out of the starting chute, top skijorers maintain average speeds of well over 20mph. For further information, visit www.skijornow.com.

Use this
Before changing that exercise plan, consider a little resistance. First developed by physiotherapists in the 1960s, resistance tubes are home workout toys with a difference. They work. The polyurethane tubes come with handles on each end and can be used for a vast range of weight-training exercises. Different tubes offer different levels of resistance, the heavier-duty kits providing the equivalent of 100kg. Reebok offer good kits; for stockists, call 01908 512 244.

Read this
The October issue of the snowboarders' magazine 'Onboard' (monthly, £3.10) has a family theme. The big interview features the Kratter brothers from Italy, both professional riders, and the Bubbel-poolen, one of Europe's most well-known snowboarding tribes, is infiltrated. And if you're feeling 'too fat to fly' as winter approaches, there's an exercise routine designed to help you slim down for action.