by Sandra Quevedo

Created on: May 15, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

The answer is ABSOLUTELY. At 5' 1" (185lbs) I have no other recourse but to be perceived as being fat. Lovingly I like to think of myself as being under-height! BUT I am definately FIT.

Even at my heaviest I ran marathons, worked out every day, and have more stamina, endurance that many other female counter athletes. Even at a couple of pounds heavier, I can jump on a bicycle and for an "advanced" spinning class. I will go the entire class, keep up with all the variations and finish the class in much better condition than someone who weighs 100lbs. Thanks to a continuous exercise routine throughout my life, (and a very active athletic life partner) getting fit for me is rather easy - - all I need is someone to challenge me (my mate usually does - - by making me feel guilty)

I have practiced an array of forms of exercises. To name a few: Pilates, step aerobics, aerobics, jazzercise, spinning, yoga, zumba, all more fun than the next. I consider myself sort of athletic; however, I do not practice any kind of organized sports. I did swim as a teenager, I was quite good and certainly a competitor to be reckoned with.

I have been overweight my entire life, and in my constant struggle to become thin, I managed to become fit, and stay that way. At age 45, I do not have the body of a supermodel, but I look younger than most of my female friends who are the same age or younger. Because of my "obsessive" compulsive life long excercise routine, I managed to plant the seed of activity in my body's memory bank, and it is a fact that - - the body remembers! If I stop for long periods of time - - not matter how lazy I get, my body screams for it, and it is hard to ignore it.

You should test this logic, do a simple exercise such as dirking a glass of water for 3 days in a row. Do this as soon as you wake up in the morning - - even before brushing your teeth. On the 4th and 5th day stop drinking the water and your body will crave it by pure instinct and it will prompt you to want to drink the water!

I guess this holds true too not only for for exercise. - - the same applies for foods, eat healthy, crave healthy foods.

Now, I only work out every three weeks (I stop every three weeks, for three weeks and then I go back again) to be perfectly honest. I have a hectic job that keeps me at the office later than what I would want. Having become used to exercising in the early morning - - and I mean "early" You can find me at the gym between 4:45 am - 5:30 am. ; it is hard for me as I get older to embark on a routine that consistently requires me at the gym that early, so in order to continue doing it I give myself some flexibility. Also, these days I struggle with the natural swing of my hormones (I think I am pre-menopausal) and exercising too late at night causes me to stay up all night. Exercise releases "Endorphins," which create a sensation of excitement, but this is not a welcomed feeling (if I am ready to go to sleep) as it causes me to toss and turn all night long.

In the end, exercise and staying fit all throughout my life has led me to a much better quality of life. Health wise, I am rather healthy and have escaped ailments such as cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes (present in my family through both of my parents) due to my "constant" exercise routine.

No matter what your weight or your body size (I wear a size 14) the truth of the matter is that you can be in much better shape and health condition than others smaller - - as a result of having "continuos" exercise routine. Everyone should make exercise a part of their life routine.

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