OK-a poll on the exercise/ grew up with smokers issue:

[NoSheep]

Assuming you have no other health related issues that may explain your life-long loathing of exercise:

[Southsideirish]

1. Not so much that I like exercise but I LOVE the way I feel afterwards and

that fantastic feeling makes all the misery of doing it worthwhile. Also, I get a lot of complements for being in shape and looking somewhat younger than most folks my age. That inspires me to put on the shoes on a hot day like today and do my 5 miles - I feel great for the whole day and sleep better too!

[NoSheep]

2. When I do my pilates I feel I deserve a reward!!! I get the great feeling

one gets from exercise. I just cannot do anything strenuous and I never have. I thnk it comes from growing up with a house full of smoke.:-(

[Demeter]

3. Not Only Do I Love Physical and Mental Exercise

but once I got away from the smoke, my sinus infections and frequent colds went away.