-- N.C.

A. The makers of the water-filled dumbbells called AquaBells also make ankle weights that hold up to 8 pounds of water (the dumbbells hold up to 16 pounds). The ankle weights are $24.95 a pair, the dumbbells $49.95, and both sets are $65. For more information: www.aquabells.com; 800-987-6892.

Q. My fairly active sister, who has a one-year-old and just ran her first 3K race, has challenged me, a mom of a five-month-old, to participate in a 5K walk. This would get me exercising with a reachable goal in mind. I'm hoping it will be the motivation I need to get this body in shape! I have been online searching for a walk I can participate in but I have been unsuccessful in finding one. Do you know of a source where I can find a race?

-- W.O.

A. You can start with Monday Sports Datebook each week in The Times. Another helpful site, though it was under construction recently, is Sports Etc. magazine (www.sportsetc.com), and Northwest Runner magazine's site (www.runningnetwork.com) has extensive listings. You can also search by state and Zip code at www.active.com, a national hub. You might try Volksport (www.ava.org), an international walking association. Offline you can check with stores such as Super Jock 'n Jill and the Foot Zone.

Fitness news you can use Spa escapes Ten top U.S. healthy escapes, as chosen by the travel-information Web site www.fodors.com: Cal-a-Vie Spa & Health Resort, Vista, Calif. (760-945-2055) Canyon Ranch in the Berkshires, Lenox, Mass. (800-742-9000) The Cloister on Sea Island, Georgia (800-732-4752) Fisher Island Club, Fla. (800-537-3708) Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (800-332-3442) Golden Door, San Marcos, Calif. (800-424-0777) The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. (800-624-6070) The Greenhouse, Arlington, Texas (817-640-4000) Miraval, Catalina, Ariz. (800-825-4000) Two Bunch Palms, Desert Hot Springs, Calif. (800-472-4334) The research front Green tea may not prevent stomach cancer after all, say Japanese scientists. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers studied more than 26,000 people in northern Japan to test that popular belief, and didn't find a connection between cups of green tea consumed and rates of stomach cancer, the most common cancer in Japan. Adding soy products to your diet may improve your cholesterol counts even if they're normal. A clinical trial in China by Tulane University researchers, presented at an American Heart Association conference in March, found that when 40 grams of soy protein were added to subjects' daily diet, their levels of "good" cholesterol (HDL) rose. Soy protein earlier had been shown to have similar benefits for those with high total cholesterol.

If you're interested in training advice, try www.asimba.com/lifestyle/training/, where by signing up for one of five walking programs you'll receive daily e-mails outlining that day's workout. This free service also offers routines for running, bicycling, swimming, triathlons, the health club, heart-rate training, outdoor fitness and even something called "sexercise."

Q. I know there are plenty of gymnastics schools for kids but I would be interested in a gymnastic workout for adults. I live in the Renton area but anything in the Seattle or Eastside area would be fine.

-- R.C.

A. Most full-scale gyms in this area have some adult programs; they're in the yellow pages under "Gymnastics Instruction." Options nearest you include Auburn Gymnastic Center (4208 Auburn Way N.; 253-854-2838), which has an adult tumbling/gymnastics class Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Metropolitan Gymnastics in Tukwila (1041 Industry Drive; 206-575-4138; www.metropolitangym.com). Both offer a free trial visit.

Q. I am interested in developing a personal program of resistance training that relies on stretchy rubber bands or cords rather than weights. I have been unsuccessful in finding information on these exercise systems. Can you refer me to any sources - books, Web sites or your own articles? Also, do you have any opinion as to the usefulness of such training, compared with weights?

-- M.C.

A. The Fitness Shop chain (Redmond, Lynnwood, Federal Way) carries a booklet ($8.95) and poster pack ($18.95) of rubber-tubing exercises, which can be effective for general strength training. You can see a preview and also order from www.productivefitness.com. SPRI Products offers a 398-page book, "The Complete Guide to Rubberized Resistance Exercises," for $34.95 (800-222-7744). Amazon.com lists one book called "Get Stronger by Stretching" by Noa Spector-Flock ($24.95 for book and Thera-Band) and I've also seen there used copies of "The Dyna-Band Challenge" by Hilary Atkinson and Andree Deane. Videos utilizing such bands include Kari Anderson's "Tone It Up" ($14.95), Denise Austin's "Flexband Workout" ($19.95) and Stott Pilates' "Flex-Band Workout" ($19.95; all from 800-433-6769).

Q. I saw a wonderful performance of the Brazilian dance troupe Grupo Corpo recently and I was inspired. I am a 73-year-old woman and I do not like aerobics classes. By the time I learn the steps they change them. I would love to learn how to dance just by myself for the flexibility and somewhat for the aerobics. I doubt if I am the only one who would find such a thing lots of fun. If there is no such thing maybe we should go into business and have one made and make a million dollars on the side. I got this idea partly from reading the book you reviewed ("The Spark") where the author talks about little bursts of activity.

-- D.R.

A. We might have missed our chance - dance videos already are big business. Active Videos (www.activevideos.com; 800-342-4320) has a large selection of dance instructional videos. Other specialists include www.bobrizzo.com, www.dancevideos.bigstep.com and www.dancevision.com.

Molly Martin is assistant editor of Pacific Northwest magazine. You can phone her at 206-464-8243, e-mail mmartin@seattletimes.com or write P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111.