My experience with exercise

I want to share my personal experience with exercise. Hopefully I can encourage somebody or get some helpful feedback.

Growing up, I was not athletic in any way. I usually read books, played the piano, etc. My first experience was in college. I took the required course exercise course. We first learned facts and info, and then we began exercise. It was combining walking/jogging with weights. I loved it! I didn't get carried away at that point, but I was impressed with the idea that even I could exercise.
The next year I came back from christmas break and realized that I weighed more than EVER before. Roughly 15 pounds over the norm (and the norm was no stick). People weren't really aware (thanks to sweatshirts) but I knew it was time for CHANGE. I switched to stuff like carrot sticks, bran cereal, chicken breast whole wheat sandwiches (instead of the dessert cart and pizza). Also a friend got me to join a local gym. I began attending regularly and got more and more into it. I would combine cardio (elliptical, treadmill, bike) with weighs. It was a great way to de-stress, and by the end of the semester I had lost the weight and was feeling good!
Then I moved to another country (with my family). The pounds started to gradually sneak back up on me, what with trying out all the delicious local foods. My clothes weren't fitting nicely, and some people even pointed it out to me (how nice of them).
I switched back to healthy eating, this time utilizing lots of raw leafy greens. I managed, through healthy eating, to get back to a reasonable weight. The problem was, I was weak! Puffy! Out of shape!
Last November was the beginning of a 6-week break. Everyone else was busy, which meant I had a lot of free time. I decided to start exercising! Our apartment has a work-out room. I went there almost every day (4-5 days a week). I would be in there several hours, using the treadmill, doing workout videos, and beginning weight training. I learned that I really enjoyed exercising, and I also loved seeing results. By the time school started again, I had the habit established, so I continued going as often as I could, at least 3 days a week. I plan on it and MAKE time for it. Now that it's May, I am roughly at the 6-month point. Now people are commenting to me that I've lost weight! Well, I did lose a little more, but mostly my figure is transforming.

I have eaten more healthily than most people for all of my adult life. I have definitely spent long periods of time eating extremely healthfully (although I have gotten off the rails at times). I can feel the difference that nutritious food makes, and how badly other foods can zap your energy.
But what I want to say about exercise is that it has taken me to the next level! I truly feel more energetic and vitalized with exercise. I love the rush of endorphins while I'm exercising. I love the way my body is showing definition and looks more fit.
From what I have read, the body really releases toxins while exercising. I am convinced it's true because my sweat is not clear like normal, it's thick and milky when exercising. Also it burns up the stored glycogen in the liver after about 20 minutes. It lets each body part do its job fully (Heart pumping to the max, muscles contracting, stretching, skin, lymph, internal organs).
Cleanses do clean the body and I think they are great! Exercise also cleanses the body, and strengthens it for the future - I think it is great as well! I am one of the last people anybody would imagine exercising, if I am doing it, you can too. There are so many benefits, and I want to encourage everyone to consider adding exercise to a healthy lifestyle, if not already doing so. Hope everybody can taste and see for themselves! Tweet