APRIL: For me, working out is a HUGE stress reliever. I feel so much more relaxed when I'm done, and I also feel like I can treat myself to things like a big dinner, a dessert or a glass (or two) of wine. Running for me is also a great way to spend time thinking about my day. I get story ideas while I'm running and I even make mental lists of things to do that day.

LAURIE: Working out works for me in every way. My clothes fit better, I feel better and sleep better, I can have dessert or other treats without worrying. Also, as I get older, I look at exercise less as a fitness/appearance thing than as a basic requirement for continuing good health. If you don't use it...

JENICE: I started exercising because, for the first time in my life, my weight was starting to creep up. And along the way, I discovered that by moving more, I felt so much better. I used to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder during the gloomy winter months. All I would want to do is sleep. But running and working out releases feel-good hormones that keep your head clear. Also, working out makes you feel young and strong, and there's nothing better that you can do to fight the aging process - short of plastic surgery.

THERESA: I love how I feel when my workout is done. I love rewarding myself with a big bottle of cold water and then a hot, relaxing bath. I even love the fatique I feel after an especially tough workout-- kind of a healthy, righteous fatigue, you know what I mean? And I've been at it long enough to know how I feel whenever I get out of the exercise habit-- bloated, slow, worn out, tense. Who needs that?

APRIL: I agree with Theresa. In fact, I would call my whole day following a 5-mile-plus run a righteous day where I spoil myself!

WENDY: I can't believe someone hasn't said what I think is the biggest benefit: Seeing some definitition show up! My arms have always been scrawny, and when I started strength training they responded so quickly! That was motivation itself. Now, if my (NOT scrawny) hips would get with the picture, that would rock.

THERESA: You know, that's a great point. But for women just starting an exercise program, it can take awhile before those benefits are obvious. And after you've built some endurance and muscle tone AND even dropped a couple dress sizes, it's easy to hit a plateau and lose motivation, as we all now. We can just get too busy to keep up the good work. That's why I like to focus on all the ways I'm going to feel better right now, today, immediately if I run or lift weights.

One motivating tip--- every day, whether you think you'll have time for a workout or not, pack up your gym bag and take it with you when you leave for the office. That way you'll never be unprepared if you feel the urge to head for the gym!

YVETTE: The most rewarding part of working out for me is that it relieves stress, improves my mental attitude andoutlook and also calms me to the point where I can handle anything.

We'd love to hear from others on this topic! What do you find most rewarding about exercise?