Find Your Place in the Race! By Mario Lopez I've been boxing for about 8 years now. It's pretty much my thing. I'm as comfortable in the ring as I am anywhere. I know my way around. But place me at the starting line of a marathon or drop me in the middle of a swimming pool and you might as well ask me to high jump the moon. (Although I can certainly run and swim, those aren’t my favorite things to do.) As I often say, when we make a commitment to both exercise and healthy eating, we have to realize one of the basics of changing the body . . . find something you enjoy doing. I'm constantly asked, “Mario, what's the best form of exercise to do to get into shape?” And my answer is always the same. Ready? Here it is: It's whatever you'll enjoy and repeat. I could easily tell you to do cross-country skiing, but if it's not practical nor enjoyable to you, it's the worst advice I could ever give. So just realize that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. We'll all be healthier, physically and mentally, if we enjoy what we're doing. So do your thing and find your sweet spot. Not sure what that is? Then it's time to challenge yourself to try something new. Always wanted to be a runner? Then chase down your dream. Have a passion for basketball? Then it's time to take your shot.   Mario's Fitness Tip #1 Find a good hill. Running a hill is an excellent way to get you into shape, fast! I work on hills every week. What I like to do is intervals on hills. I sprint up (taking 5-7 seconds worth of explosive strides) then I trot down or walk down. I do that for as long as I can. Try it everyday this week. Find a hill, attack it and start getting in the best shape in years. And like I always say: I'll see you at the top! But whatever you do, don't just go through the motions. Make something real out of your desire for optimum health. The last thing you want to do is regret not giving it everything you have. I know it's a tough battle to make a change, but just like I do in the ring, be sure to make it a good fight. Alumni Ambassador of Fitness Boys & Girls Clubs of America's President and CEO Roxanne Spillett named Mario Lopez as BGCA's first ever Alumni Ambassador of Fitness on April 3 during the organization's annual National Keystone Conference for teen leaders. As a child, Lopez attended a Club in Chula Vista, Calif., and is currently participating in BGCA's BE GREAT campaign. He is the host of television's Extra, entertainment and celebrity news show.