Exercising. Isn t it funny how one word can mean so many different things to different people? For some, the word exercising conjures up thoughts of pain, maybe even torture, and always work, right?

For the enthusiast it means freedom from work, the chance to get the endorphins flowing and experience the thrill of seeing what our body is capable of. Luckily for me, I fall into the later category, and the older I become the more enthralled I am with things like competitive bicycle racing, downhill ski racing and the training it takes to be involved.

As with many things in life, it is often how you approach exercising. For me it is sport

related, but it didn t start out that way, and it probably won t for you either.

The initial draw was purely social. I ve been divorced for a number of years and finding attractive, athletic and outgoing women wasn t going to happen in bars or nightclubs; I knew I d have a better chance meeting someone of similar interests at a health club.

Over the years health clubs went from bare bones equipment for body builders to the high tech, high-energy super-sized exercise arenas they are today. Now you can get classes in yoga, aerobics, step aerobics, kick boxing, tai chi, spin classes and personal trainers who will put you through your paces several days a

week or what ever your budget will allow.

I use my health club in the cooler and wetter months, otherwise I m outside riding or running you can still meet nice people that way too.

The key to a healthy lifestyle is to make it yours by:

Reading magazines that will give you a leg up on the types of things you can try or particular training regimes, sports or activities that interest you.

Visiting several of the national chains like Bally s or 24 hour Fitness and see what the different levels of membership offer.

Visiting the smaller independent local gyms and get the programs available there.

Join a club like

I did for bicycle racing. There you can be specific in the sport your after, meet new people, pick up training at the same time as enjoyment.

Don t be surprised that after you start a program that you become either very attached or hate it. Finding and getting started in anything isn t always smooth or easy. To over come this, find a training partner, a friend who is seeking the same outlet with similar goals. Try many programs to find your niche.

For seniors it is very important to start slowly, work up to high-level workouts over a year s time frame. Chart your progress and initially lay out game plan for the

next three months, the next six months and finally over a year. This way, you have a plan to follow, and won t get lost along the way.

The fun of accomplishing a new program is infectious, the new people you ll meet will make the whole experience more interesting, and the positive changes in your health and outlook on life will amaze you.

In the end, it s one man s opinion mine.

Keith Edwin Renninson is co-owner, along with Jeffrey Forman, of Golden Years Videos, LLC a production company dedicated to offering exercise videos for those over 50 or of any age who are rehabilitating from an accident or illness.

Renninson is an avid exercise and yoga

enthusiast. Now in his late 50 s, he still races bicycles and regularly skis the black diamond runs in Colorado where he lives. For many years, a bona fide gym rat, Renninson still loves to lift free weights and use exercise machines.

You can contact Renninson or read more about his company and the videos they have available at: http://www.goldenyearsvideos.com