I normally answer questions in this space, but with the new year almost here, I thought it proper to help everybody kick off 2002 with some advice.

        Fitness and physical activity is a much discussed and publicized topic. Think how often during a week you or someone you know is in a conversation about working out, eating right or getting in shape. Fitness has become small talk — but not really.

        With almost every top cause of death in the United States (heart disease being first with 724,859 deaths per year) being diet- and activity-related, fitness, nutrition and physical activity are by no means small talk. People dying from heart disease and other illnesses that can be prevented (except in rare cases) by proper nutrition and exercise is very serious stuff.

        I am trying to open your eyes to the fact that the human body was not designed for discussing physical activity, it was designed for performing physical activity.

        With that in mind, I am challenging readers to:

        1. Think about, plan for and participate in a physical activity of your choice.

        2. Use strength training, aerobic work, flexibility training and proper nutrition to support that activity.

        3. Get regular medical checkups.

        4. Have fun.

        Get out there, explore a bunch of activities or pick up ones that you used to do in the past and get that body moving. Don't use excuses — age, time, scheduling, etc. — they don't help you reach your goals.

        At the very least, try each week to get three days of aerobic work (20-60 minutes per session), two days of strength training (with at least one day of rest between sessions), regular stretching and lots of healthy foods. Open your mind to the possibility that you can do things you never thought possible.

        Happy New Year.

        E-mail certified personal trainer Dave Patania at davpatania@aol.com.

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