I have exercised daily since I was 16. Of course in college I let it go one year and gained the freshman 20 (haha). Then I realized the importance of working out daily. Thus I worked out at 6 a.m. every day even in college at Texas Tech University.

Two years ago we lived in Houston, Texas, and I would leave my house at 3:45 a.m. (even while I was pregnant) to work out at 24-Hour Fitness (which I joined because it was open 24 hours). I did this because I had to work out and be home before my husband left for work at 5:30 a.m.

We moved to Corvallis and I joined WOW! Fitness. I am always the one standing at the door when they unlock it. But my husband travels just enough that I could not bear the days I could not work out. So I have slowly acquired equipment and work out at home. Now I can go early in the morning on my time and when my husband is out of town. I don't have to worry about child care, etc.

I either run, bike or work out on the stair machine for 45 minutes (each day) and then I do about 20 minutes of a weight routine (six days a week). I work out inside because it is dark outside and I try to be safe. In the winter I look ridiculous because I wear a scarf, knitted hat, two sweatshirts and a special workout shirt to generate a sweat. Coming from Houston, Texas, I don't feel like it is a good workout without a good sweat.

Now that I have equipment at home I work out very early. There is no better way to start your day. I get a cup of coffee, check my e-mails and immediately work out. It is essential for my physical well-being but even more for my mental well-being.

Amy Bourne lives in Corvallis.