First of all, I want to wish my baby sister, Christell, a happy 50th birthday. Birthdays mean a lot to everyone but especially to her. She was diagnosed with breast cancer that had gone in her lymph nodes at the age of 36. Fourteen years later, she is celebrating her 50th birthday and is still cancer-free.

She will also be helping with the Buck Hurley Triathlon. She wanted to do something special so she is coming to see me and help with the triathlon on May 5.

One of the reasons she conquered breast cancer is because she stays in great shape by exercising and eating healthy.

With the new year being in its second month, I am so excited to see all the people who are dedicated to their health. Exercise does so many wonderful things for you, but besides keeping you strong and healthy, I absolutely believe exercise is also the fountain of youth.

No matter how old, most of us stay young at heart and mind. Our older active adults at the YMCA inspire me. They continue to exercise, stay involved and keep moving. There are people in their 70s, 80s and even 90s who run circles around a much younger generation because they choose to stay strong and keep moving.

It’s a choice, isn’t it? Too many times people give in too quickly. If you think injury or age is a hindrance to you exercising, come on and check out the YMCA. There are people of all ages and health levels exercising. You might not be able to do what you used to do, but there is something you can do.

If health, exercise and staying at a healthy weight were easy, everyone would be healthy and exercise. But it isn’t; it’s a choice that you need to make and only you can do it. We trainers and exercise instructors can assist you with this, but you are the one having to do it.

There is no excuse not to exercise. I see many people who actually have an “excuse” that still continue their exercise routine. Whether it is multiple sclerosis, being in a wheelchair, a bad back, old age or arthritis, exercise will help you deal with it. It’s the mindset that will make you succeed or fail.

I call them my poster “children” — the ones who have their personal challenges, whether it’s health or age related and continue to stay fit and strive to grow old youthfully and independently.

Exercise helps your brain function; it keeps your muscles and bones strong and gives you that sense of power and control of your body. A strong body, mind and spirit, positive thoughts, staying independent — you would think everyone would want that, right?

Unfortunately, there are the ones who will find a reason why they can’t do it.

To feel good and reach the goals you set for yourself, you have to work to get there. You need to set them for a suitable time frame and just do it.

You can be 30 years old and feel like 80 and you can be 90 years old and feel and move as a 40-year-old. You are as old as you feel but most of us are in control of what age we want to feel.

Many people are looking for the “fountain of youth.” I believe growing old independently, healthy and happy, strong and energetic through exercise is the fountain of youth.

Ester H. Marsh is health and fitness director of J.F. Hurley Family YMCA.