MID-JANUARY JOURNEY BEGINS

Mid-January — the journey's begun. Feels like we've been slowly cranked to the top of the roller coaster's first big drop. Gravity pulls us down with ever increasing momentum and we are inextricably, unpredictably propelled into 1999.

Hanging on for dear life requires a mighty grip. Wild bouncing about is best sustained by a well muscled body. And with each 90 mph hairpin turn only a vigorous heart and lungs will endure. This wonderful and mad ride we call life has an ever-present, underlying stress that is both exhausting and stimulating ...and without a hearty physical expression and release we may very well falter and fold.

Only The Strong Shall Survive exclaims a weathered bumper sticker. The challenges are ongoing, aren't they? Surprising and often perilous. Yet, the miracle is they are all good. They strengthen us and add to our worth as we meet them with courage and mettle.

Fortify, build, prepare yourself. Harden, strengthen and quicken yourself at your favorite gym training grounds where survivors are molded everyday, where life is hailed and embraced.

Or just drop in for a casual and invigorating workout. Lighten up, after all, life's short.