Now, we all know that exercise is good for us.

But it can be hard to seamlessly incorporate it into everyday life. There’s usually something else a lot more fun to do. I’ve struggled with my weight for over 15 years (cheese, wine, curries and crisps are a few of my favourite things) and I hadn’t exercised seriously since my school days.

But something had to change & for me that was Boxing Day last year.  Enough.  No more wibbles, no more dressing around my size. Now, for some people, their goal is to be thin.  Mine is different, I want to be strong and toned (not a body builder physique, but definition and strength).  Thinner is the bonus that comes with both of those things.  At school I used to swim, a lot.  And I was strong, ridiculously strong for my size.  I hanker back to those days – so I asked Mr ShoeThatAlwaysFits to help devise a good programme for me, part cardio weight loss, part help me get the body that could monkey bar my way out of trouble.  7 months later I’m doing well, there have been a few slips (read these as nights out) and maybe one too many packets of crisps along the way, but I am in much better shape and am so much happier in myself than I was 7 months ago.

There have been laughs, and if I’m honest, tears and tantrums along the way.  I can exercise easily enough by myself, but it’s hard and it’s boring – so for me, it’s so much more fun to have my gym buddy helping me.  He reminds me to breathe, corrects my position when I’m doing something wrong and is a constant source of either encouragement or motivation.

My body shape is changing, I have muscle tone (which I love) – but by far the best aspect is spending time on improving your wellbeing with the person that you love.  It may be corny, it may be twee, but I treasure these times.  I only wish that I had started 10 years ago, but it’s good to know that I have a better body at 40 than I did at 30.  It’s all about balance and I’m starting to get that balance right.