Think triathlon is only for elite athletes and endurance junkies? Think again.

According to USA Triathlon, participation in triathlons in the United States is at an all-time high. The group’s membership has grown exponentially from around 100,000 in 1998 to 550,446 when last reported in 2012.

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association also estimates that the total number of triathlon participants rose 59 percent from 2008 (1,251,000) to 2011 (1,992,000), thanks to the rise in popularity of endurance sports.

And — let’s face it — if I can do it, anyone can!

Why Tri?

• Beat boredom by switching focus between swim/bike/run
• Get in shape from head to toe with weekly full-body workouts
• Reduce risk of overuse injury in one sport, thanks to cross-training
• Develop a lean, mean body with endurance & resistance training
• Fall into a more healthy, balanced lifestyle (nutrition & sleep are necessities!)
• Reap the benefits of being highly organized around training
• Reduce stress on the body with swimming & cycling, which are non-impact
• Drop pounds, thanks to high-intensity cardiovascular training
• Give more purpose and motivation to your workouts by setting a goal event
• Lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease & diabetes, reduce risk of osteoporosis
• Choose from a variety of distances for an individualized challenge

How to Get Started: 

1. Pick a distance.
2. Choose an event.
3. Find a training plan.
4. Prepare for the big day.
5. Enjoy your first race.

So why not ‘tri’ something new this summer? You just may like it!