Most of us exercise to keep our bodies trim, but in turn, we build a strong heart-lung system so that we deliver more oxygen into the bloodstream and more nutrients to the millions of cells that make us unique. We exercise, too, because the heart is a muscle, and that muscle just like any other component of our physical body, needs to be challenged.

At Michael's Body Scenes we certainly have our fair share of excellent exercisers who work out with a passion appropriate for St. Valentine's Day. Their love of staying in shape is obvious, as they pump iron or hop onto the cardio equipment.

These regular exercisers look forward to their workouts because MBS is a fun place to be, even when you're grunting with exertion and dripping with sweat! And we all know how good we feel after a good workout. Our skin is flushed with health and our stress level goes down a notch or two.

That good feeling we get when we take of ourselves often spills over to other areas of our lives. A good many of our members and staff take time to care about others, and have been selflessly giving of their time and expertise over the years show that our club DOES have heart.

"It's well known that helping others also benefits your health," says Michael Papamichael, co-owner of MBS. "Studies have shown that people who give of themselves live happier, longer lives."

Apart from the physical sense of well being that comes from giving, it's also a psychological fact that people who are involved in actively and happily giving to others are more content with their own lot.

The owners of Michael's Body Scenes, particularly Leslie Glickman and Michael P., are notorious for the generosity. The club regularly supports the American Heart Association, Hospice by the Sea, Food for the Poor, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies and the legendary St. Jude's Research Hospital that does such fabulous things for children. Several years ago, Michael became a prime sponsor for the Foster Children's Christmas Wish List, providing toys to hundreds of kids thank to the generosity of both staff and members alike.

"It makes me feel so good when I can support community effort," says Leslie. "Andy, my husband and I both feel we've been blessed and we believe we should give back some of our good fortunes."

Even some of the roughest, toughest and meanest (is that a word?) looking lifters have hearts of gold and spend their time and money helping those less fortunate.

"I'm a sucker for kids," says Tevvy Washington whose brawn belies a big heart. "I spread the word that these kids in third world countries can be sponsored. I sponsor a child myself."

So, in appreciation of our body buddies who are lending their well toned hands to the community, let's take a look and some of the benevolent folks at the gym.

Evelyn Normandy--At the top of my list is our delightful Evelyn, who is a long time MBS member and helps out with the nursery. Evelyn's smiling face and eager beaver attitude at the gym make her a favorite of members and staff alike. But what many don't know, is that Evelyn has volunteered at the Boca Rio animal shelter for the past 25 years! She's received countless awards for her efforts and has seldom misses a Saturday--after class of course--going to care for her "babies."

Susan Mintz, who also has been an MBS regular for years, lost her beloved husband to AIDS. Despite her grief, she went public with her story and now volunteers at Hospice, helping others come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Her dedication tinged with her ever-present humor is admirable. It's not an easy job dealing with death on a daily basis.

Linda Berman, shall we say one of the original MBS members instead of an old timer--is always involved in lending a hand whether is building homes for Habitat for Humanity or collecting sneakers to be recycled to underprivileged kids. Linda's holiday parties are not only gathering places for friends and families but collection depots for Toys for Tots. Plus, Linda simply does a lot for her friends in times of need--bringing cancer patients to chemotherapy so they won't be alone or delivering a batch of soup to home bound patients.

Gabriella Barta, a talented physical therapist at Advanced Physical Therapy Associates, and our own Queen of Fitness Andrea Contant will be riding in the Red Ribbon Ride for AIDS March 31-April 2. They will help to raise money and awareness for this devastating disease that claimed the life of a former MBS instructor, Jeff Leonard not too long ago.

"Gabby will be riding the full stint, from Orlando to Miami," Andrea says. "I'll be joining the group in Hollywood for the rest of the 55 miles into Miami.”

"For me, it is just one more step in helping my clients and the public in general appreciate what physical fitness is all about. Getting out there and sharing our strength builds self-confidence and self esteem. I'm proud to have been blessed with physical prowess so that I can help others discover their inner power."

To Join Andrea and Gabby, contact them or log on to www.redribbonride.com. Andrea teaches a Triathlon training course twice weekly at MBS. For those who want to extend their fitness horizons, this may be just the ticket.

Members Julie and Kevin Mahfood actively support their charity, Food For the Poor, founded by Ferdinand Mahfood, Kevin’s uncle. Family run for decades, Food For The Poor is a hands on help organization for the poor in Jamaica, Haiti and right here in America.

“Almost every penny goes to helping directly to helping the less fortunate,” says Julie, mother of two. “We do pilgrimage to Jamaica every month so that we stay in touch with the families we’re helping. We bring our kids so that they understand how blessed we are living in Boca.

“We’re determined to keep Ferdi’s vision alive and have over a million sponsors supporting our work. “To lend support visit their website at

www.foodforthepoor.org

Lisa Bright helps raise funds and awareness for the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes, a cause close to her heart since her daughter, Allison, 9, battles the disease.

"Allison's courage in the face of this incurable disease has taught me to respect her and others like her as people, not as children," Bright, a single mom says. "I will continue to fight for more awareness and funds to help others in our situation because I've personally suffered from the discrimination of her illness."

Bright says that MBS staff and members were extremely supportive during her struggles with Allison's diabetes and credits her workouts for giving her the strength to continue her battles.