As a high school senior, Kimmarie Pond had never even considered cycling to get fit. That changed after she participated (参加) in Soul-Cycle’s program called Soul Scholarships.

The program teaches healthy lifestyle lessons to teens from New York’s suburbs, where healthy living isn’t always discussed in schools or the community.

The 17-year-old girl was asked if she thought she was too old to learn about living a healthy lifestyle. “I would say that you’re never too old to learn anything,” Pond replied. “I don’t think cycling is that hard,” she added.

Like Pond, Brown said his favorite part of the program came after they got off the bikes. “We take nutrition classes, where we learn about alternative (可供替代的) food choices, healthy options that encourage us to be more healthy,” he said.

“Adapting (适应) to change,” he added, “is not something I’d necessarily do, but I did it, and for me that means everything.”

Early results are positive, and not just for Brown. About one third of the participants did not exercise before joining the program. Now, 95 percent of the participants are working out regularly. The participants are also reported to have cut back on soda, which can have high sugar content, by 46 percent.

“We have never expected that the kids would be so energetic and devoted to the program,” said Ashley Mashihi, a cycling instructor.

Small steps can mean big change for these teens. Maria Caban says she feels different now. “When I walk out,” she says, “I walk with my head up. I feel a lot of pride in my participation.”

   "Keeping the body in good health is a duty，otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." This saying by Buddha is a life motto of highly healthy people. 【小题1】The following four habits will significantly improve your health.

They are organized and disciplined.

If you want to be healthy，you should try to become organized. 【小题2】It will help you succeed in everything and do things on time.

【小题3】

In our busy lives，it's very easy to ignore the healthy habits that keep us feeling great and eating right. Highly healthy people usually have a habit to prioritize（优先考虑）their health. They are particular about their nutrition. They always avoid fast food because they find it very harmful.

They have an exercise schedule.

Exercise and other physical activities are not only good for you，but they are also a fun way to spend time. 【小题4】That's why they set aside time for exercise in the mornings or evenings. Due to the high level of self-organization，they easily stick to the exercise schedule. They think that active lifestyle and regular sports will help them live longer.

They get enough sleep.

Sleep plays an important role in immune（有免疫力）function，memory，learning and other important functions. 【小题5】 It is very important to wake up and go to sleep at the same time，because your body works according to a certain rule.

   For many，running has never been their favorite activity. But running can certainly be a great way to get fit and stay healthy.

Getting started is difficult.【小题1】 Running can be boring at times，but the effect on your body and mind is well worth that struggle of just getting up and running.

【小题2】 Every major city and many smaller cities have running communities. They are quite organized and willing to help. They will help you see your running goals through.

Start with short distances. Though the running community would love to have a new long-distance runner tomorrow，the fact is that that will not happen overnight. Try running one mile every day for the next 3 weeks. After that，add it to two miles and so on.【小题3】

Take part in a race. By signing up for a race in the near future，you will focus on a goal and be motivated（激励）to keep practicing for that event. I suggest signing up for a 5-kilometer race that will take place within one month.【小题4】

【小题5】 Motivation is a major factor in running success. Bring a friend along to push you through the times and motivate you in his own way.

I used to have the same problem! _____________________________________________________________

Wish you success!

Yours,

Peter