For me, I began noticing extra weight at the age of 29. Obviously our metabolism slows down as we age, so its a natural thing for the weight to creep up on us. But I was determined to somehow fight the extra pounds. 

I joined a local gym and started to take exercise classes. In a few weeks,not only did I feel better but I spiritually felt better. I learned that exercise not only tunes the body to work better but also is a cleansing of the body as well. Purifying and releasing all the antioxidants and/or impurities of the body thus resulting in a healthier form and state of mind. Spiritually - exercise has embraced the gift(s) of releasing stress, having more endurance/stamina, composure, cleansing the soul, and peace within oneself. The benefits of exercise are limitless. 

Cooking has also played a great part in a spiritual sense. Cooking for me is almost like enjoyable therapy. Doing something you love with patience and care and of course passion. When I cook for long periods of time, I feel spiritually better within. It actually relaxes my soul and my whole being. Feeling at ease with a sense of happiness doing something I love makes me spiritually happy. 

I refuse to give up food to look like skin and bones. I exercise to feel better and to feel stronger. Moderation is the key to excerise and eating. I indulge in everything I love with respect to food. Exercise has given me that right to do that. Burning those extra calories from that delicious cake or cookies I ate. I learned that if we burn half of what we eat by exercising at least 3 or 4 times a week; there is no need to diet. I love food too much to diet. I actually believe that dieting is not healthy for you. 

I have discovered the many wonders of exercise at the age of 29 and have found that exercise will always be a part of my life. During my 16 years of marriage, we have been members of various gyms and we still practice our belief of exercise in our home. Its part of our every day lives to stay healthy, live longer and feel better. Exercise is our precious tool in life to tune our bodies- preserving our bodies to stay healthy, strong and acts as a defense to the aging process. Exercise - Its a beautiful Thing! 

Submitted by Eleanora Scarpetta Copyright © 2001