It happens to all of us — even to fit, healthy exercise professionals. Sometimes we just need a little extra push to get moving. Fitness instructor Beverly Spence shares her love of exercise and her tips for making activity a part of your lifestyle — no matter where you are now.

I began exercising in 1986. It all started with a college PE course, which required me to attend aerobics classes twice a week.

RIGHT: In addition to her cardio workouts, Spence does weight training several days a week. The 47-year-old loves working out. “I just love the way it makes me feel when I’m finished.”

Molly Bartels / Courier & PressBeverly Spence teaches a spin class at the Central City Convention Center in Central City, Ky.

ABOVE: Beverly Spence gets an ab workout in before teaching a spin class. she believes exercise is not an option.

I enjoyed it so much that I picked up another class day on my own.

In the 25 years since, I’ve done a variety of fitness activities like walking, riding a stationary bike and even joining a gym.

Why do I keep at it? Because I’m 47 years old, and I still can! I just love the way it makes me feel when I’m finished.

I grew up in Jasper, Ind., and now live in Central City, Ky., where I work full-time at a pharmacy. my love of exercise led me to become a fitness instructor, and I’ve taught classes in aerobics, step and spinning through the years. I’m also a personal trainer. I love trying to inspire others to push themselves past what they think they can do.

The main goal of my fitness classes is to keep people moving. I am continuously telling my class to do what works for them.

The hardest part of the whole thing is just getting there. It truly is. Keeping your commitment to exercise is harder than the exercise itself. Remember: Take baby steps.

Everyone is at different fitness levels. Some are competitive; some like to show off what they can do; some want a healthier lifestyle; some want to challenge themselves to see what they are capable of.

That’s kind of the way it is for me. I am consistently amazed at the body and how one can push and push, and the body responds by becoming stronger.

To this day, I talk to my classes about the 86-year-old who ran the Evansville half Marathon in two hours and 34 minutes. that just totally blows me away.

I have talked with people who tell me they will try my class when they lose a few more pounds.

Or they will try a triathlon (an endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling and running) when they lose a few pounds. Or “I can’t do a half marathon because I’m too fat.” If you improve your fitness, your body will follow.

I know a girl who did an Ironman competition (an extremely demanding event that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, followed by a full 26-mile marathon), and by looking at her, you would think there’s no way she was going to finish the race.

She had to have been at least 35 to 40 pounds overweight. she finished that Ironman in an impressive 12½ hours.

That is awesome. that time is even faster than my husband’s. If that woman would have waited to challenge herself when she looked the way people “think” an athlete should look, she may never have done it.

Set yourself a goal and work toward it. You don’t have to run a complete road race. just set a goal to finish it.

Don’t let your negative thoughts get in the way.

One thing I can say about the importance of exercise is that physical activity strengthens our internal body functions.

I’ve also found that exercise is a great stress reliever. about a month ago, I came home from work one day literally in tears.

What did I want to do? Eat! but what did I do? I went for a run.

But do I have days when I just don’t feel like exercising? Absolutely.

But I have somewhat of an advantage being a fitness instructor. When I have to teach a class, I don’t have a choice, and once I’m there and get started, I totally forget that I didn’t feel like it.

That is similar to the buddy system and making the commitment to exercise with someone.

Staying strong and healthy is something I want to do, and exercise helps make that happen. I always tell people, “the more you exercise, the easier it is to keep up with it.”

For me, exercise is not an option; it’s about living life.