Sometimes I think I am part otter. I think I could live my entire life In the water. When I was young, i used to look forward every summer to romping every day in the city pool. So when it came time to get back on a regular exercise program, water aerobics seemed the best answer.

I'm not a big fan of sweating. When I work out on land I tend to get red-faced and swell up like a puffer fish -- yuck. I also tend to wheeze and gasp from having to carry all my weight around. In the water I work my muscles to a pleasant feeling of fatigue without getting short-breathed, sweaty or puffy.

I have been working out daily for the past four weeks and I can really feel the difference. I'm no longer short of breath all the time and I have worked out a good share of my aches and pains. When I first started, my workout took all of my energy and I was exhausted every day. But I worked through that and now have more energy. I am losing weight and starting to see more muscle definition.

But probably the best side effect is a reduction in stress. I have a job that can be very high- pressure, so being a little more relaxed at work makes a world of difference and makes me feel more equipped to deal with the pressures and problems that come along.

The water is the one place where I always feel graceful and strong. I'm glad to have found it again. It's funny, even though I look forward to spending time there every day, I still feel like every day that I go to work out is a personal triumph and worthy of a special pat on the back. I look forward to the day when it's just what I do, nothing more, nothing less. Because then I will know I have a habit to last a lifetime.