How I Stay Fit An inside look at the healthier side of life. T C/D LU (i) LU CC F- LU 1=1 U_I H- here's a true story about a 70-year-old Jewish woman from Minneapo- lis who started jogging at age 55 and who has since en- tered several marathons, iron- man competitions, triathlons and even a team event that had her jogging, cycling, swimming and mountain climbing. She was featured recently on a prime-time reality show, and reaction from television viewers was one of deep admiration. On the flip side, there's a ra- dio talk-show host in the Unit- ed States who, for an hour each week, opens his show to people who want to sell exercise equip- ment. The phones are blinking for hours before the show goes on. They stay lighted until the show is over. Question is: Once consumers unpack those mail-order fitness "miracles," how many really use them enough to keep in shape? And, how many of those pay-by-the-month contraptions wind up in the corner collecting dust? Somewhere between work- out fanatic and couch potato is where most people fmd them- selves. For many, exercise is a matter of taking a walk before dawn. For others, it's circuit training. Almost everyone would agree that staying fit is not just about cardiovascular exercise. It's also about eating right, sleeping right and using one's body and soul to seek a level of spirituality. With that in mind, we asked several Detroiters the simple question: How do you stay fit? • "I do some sort of cardio-exer- cise six days a week," said Suzette Krol, 27, of West Bloomfield. "I lift weights three times a week. Typically, I do aerobics, the Stairmaster, the bike or the treadmill." walking on a treadmill, says she "works out at something at least five times a week." • Cherie Zahler, 29, of Water- ford, says the No. 1 priority is "a healthy diet," and a regular exercise program. She also uses the bike, the Stairmaster, and she runs. • Irene Stein, a speech pathol- ogist from West Bloomfield, who was interviewed while • Arline Rein, 55, of West Bloomfield, swims two days a week, and trains two days a week with personal trainer Mike Minielly. She also works out twice a week at home on a ski trainer and a treadmill. • Sanford Stacey of West Bloomfield said, "I exercise as much as I can and I try to watch my diet. • Lauren Victor, a 16-year-old ILLUSTRATI ON BY DAVE WHAM ON D PHIL JACOBS EDITOR Bloomfield Hills resident, runs six miles a day as part of a fit- ness program. She also said that she "eats right and lifts weights." • Jared Starbuck, 9, from Wixom, plays tennis and rides his bike "whenever possible. It makes me feel good," he said. • Dave Potter, an adaptive physical education teacher for the Royal Oak school system, says he does a great deal of weightlifting, swimming and running to keep fit. • • "I work with seniors and I run up and down stairs all day," said Wendy Gach of the Jew- ish Vocational Service. • Herschel and Annette Fink have a Sunday morning ritu- al. When the weather is cold, Herschel uses his stationary bike and Annette walks on her treadmill while watching the news program of their choice. When-the weather is warm, they'll typically take a walk to a nearby bagel shop. • "I run eight miles every day, six times a week," said Stacy Carmen, a Southfield mother of four." She also has run and completed a marathon. • Not everyone runs or pumps; some see staying fit different- ly. Elyssa Berg of West Bloomfield said, "I think about staying fit. I exercise my mind with ways to do it." • Rox Anne Novak of Sterling c_/ Heights said that she stays fit -` by working. At one time, she worked two jobs. 'There's noth- ing like working two jobs to keep you fit," she said.