I write a regular health and fitness column for the Sun Times Group, Naperville Sun. It’s a great opportunity for me to hop on my health and fitness soapbox as well as interview people that have expanded my knowledge about “closet fitness enthusiasts.”

This past week I had the opportunity to interview a 76 year old exercise instructor, that’s right, 76. She’s been teaching for close to 40 years and told me, “I feel better now than I did at 16!” She emits energy through the phone during our interview and points to exercise as her source of strength, good health and great life.

After speaking with her, I found myself thinking about the people that come in to my studio. There are those that fear they may be too old to exercise, while others believe that they’re too far gone to start now. One is never too old or too far gone to exercise. Physical activity is an equal opportunity endeavor. There is no reason not to exercise other than simply opting out.

The truth of the matter is that your body is your best teacher. In other words, if you move more, you will feel better. If you eat well, you will feel better. Never exercise and you’ll experience the aches, pains and illnesses that follow inactivity and if you eat poorly you’ll experience the multitude of negative side affects that result from too much processed food.

The interesting thing with your body is if you’re willing to listen, it will tell you what it needs. More sleep, more stretching, more cardio, more strength, more fun, etc. Unfortunately, so many disconnect from their body early in life, because like a car they feel if they just fuel it up, it will run forever. The reality is that fuel alone isn’t enough, it needs maintenance and regular check ups and to be taken care of in order to perform optimally.

So what does your body tell you? Are you a Ferrari F-40 or a Chevy Vega? Listen closely, pay attention to your body’s needs. Lethargy may simply mean you’re dehydrated. Dry skin and hair may mean you’re not getting enough healthy fat in your diet, etc. The body is an amazing machine and designed to run efficiently, if again, it’s being fueled and maintained properly.

As I tip in to the second half of my 40’s (but that’s the new 30’s, right?) I realize more than ever the wisdom of my body. I need to respect it’s incoming messages both mentally and physically. I need to silence my mind long enough to see what the lesson of the day is. If nothing else, each day reminds me that movement is a gift and it’s mine for the taking. Food is our source of good health if we’re willing to eat well and cast aside the “carbage” food.

People have a tendency, self included, to go the “all or nothing” approach.