How do you stay in shape? How has exercise impacted your quality of life?

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I've only had positive experiences with exercising. The most important things I've learned are to be patient, consistent, and finding exercises that truly interest you. Consistency will yield desired results much more quickly than exercise done infrequently. This is important to note since the faster one notices results, the less impatient they become, and the more likely they are to "stick with the program". If the exercises become routine or mundane, one should continue challenging themselves by increasing the intensity level incrementally. Without challenges or goals, staying consistent will become difficult. Everyone is unique in their level of fitness, goals, and likes/dislikes when it comes to exercising. When I attempted to get back in shape in my early-thirties, I ran three miles every other day and cut out all the "junk" I ate. While modifying my dietary intake was relatively easy, running started to bore me after several months. The results were starting to show, but I just couldn't get excited to run consistently. As a result, I started brainstorming a list of sporting activities I enjoyed participating in while growing up and then narrowed the list down to two activities that interested me most - basketball and mountain biking. Roughly seven years has passed since I've come to this realization and I've never looked back. Staying consistent is never a problem now since I enjoy these two activities immensely. I've been at my current weight of 165 lbs for quite some time and I'm still medication free, with the exception of a multi-vitamin and an occasional allergy pill. I credit exercising and changes made to my diet as the two most important reasons that I've remained in good health. I was 190 lbs ten years ago, always tired, and couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without my heart beating dangerously fast. I was also on the verge of having to start taking medications for hypertension and high cholesterol. I believe that today's society has become to reliant on drug companies to solve all our health issues. A "pill popping" nation in other words. There's a lot we can do to help counter this disturbing trend and it starts with our dietary intake and exercise levels. Everything in life is more enjoyable while experiencing it in good health. Don't take it for granted and work consistently at it.