Would it be likely to involve a healthy, well shaped, firm body, energy to spare, a quick step, good posture and a bearing that suggests confidence and enthusiasm?

One thing is for sure, a lifestyle that does not include proper exercise is not going to keep you youthful. If you are inactive you will lose muscle tone and strength as when muscles are not used and kept strong, diminish and become weak and flabby. The bones that muscles are attached too become brittle and lose density making them fragile and prone to the debilitating fractures of osteoporosis.

Muscle tissue and bone is just the beginning; inactivity affects the brain, blood vessels, liver, sleep, immune system, energy levels, self-esteem and your ability to use glucose. Your heart and lung system loses its ability to function efficiently and your joints will become stiff, painful and easily injured.

People who do not exercise often become overweight - adding up to 2? kilos of excess body fat per year adding stress to both the heart and skeletal support structure while increasing risk for coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, metabolic disorders and diabetes.

Modern research tells us that the real Fountain of Youth is regular vigorous physical activity which helps you to look young and be healthy and keeps your body in top shape.

Being stronger and fitter boosts energy and stamina so you can pack more into your day and ultimately your life.

Regular proper exercise that includes strength training re-builds lost muscle and restores bone strength which when they take up their support positions, the strain on your heart/lung and skeletal systems is decreased. The efficiency of your heart and lungs increases and the energy formerly used to simply maintain your body is now available for you to use in daily activities.

Proper exercise will help you control your weight, preserve a youthful shape and you will burn more body fat and, over time, bring your body fat percentage into a healthy range. With an increase in metabolism (the rate your body burns fuel) you will burn more calories both while you are exercising and when you are at rest.

When we restore muscle tone and strength, fatigue melts away as our energy level increases. Together, healthy bones and muscles help you to keep your balance, move with agility and grace, and maintain a healthy and youthful appearance.

Our bodies were designed to respond to physically demanding situations but our modern day lifestyles have removed all traces of "work" so our body has no way to stay healthy and fit. The vigorous activity is what stimulates the hormones that tell every cell, tissue, organ and body system to repair, rebuild and renew themselves.

When you add vigorous physical activity back into your life you are dipping into the Fountain of Youth and not only will you become trim and fit, you will reduce the risk of chronic disease, relieve stress and anxiety, minimize pain, and regain the youthful enthusiasm and energy you need to live your life to the fullest.

And as the Fountain of Youth promised, you will not only feel younger you will also look younger too.