A number of years ago I reached a milestone birthday having never enjoyed sport. I knew that due to my age and years of sitting behind a desk that I should have been investing in some form of exercise, but I couldn’t see where I would find the time or the motivation.

Then in 2006, news came to me that a new Healthy Living Centre was to be built in our small town and would be open to the public by March 2008.  Even this exciting development didn’t raise my interest in exercise.  I considered myself knowledgeable where healthy eating was concerned I thought I was doing enough to safeguard my health through diet alone. Until I realised it would have a spa!

I started swimming once or twice a week followed up by a relaxing Spa session.  I soon took relaxation a step further by joining a Yoga class.  I was exercising and I enjoyed it!  I added an aerobics session to challenge myself and see if I could keep up with the rest of the class.  I can’t really, but our trainer is really supportive and she makes the class enjoyable for everyone regardless of their age or ability.

After a few months along came the NHS 30-minute challenge, advertised at the Centre. Receiving email updates and keeping a diary seemed a good way to monitor my activity levels.  I now aim to swim four times a week before heading into work – a great way to start the day.

I haven’t lost weight but have increased levels of motivation and energy which is no bad thing.  I have also gained a circle of new ‘sporty’ friends by joining the Centre in addition to meeting up with old friends who also use the facilities.

I never thought I would say it but exercise has now become part of my everyday life – I exercised every day while I was on a holiday in the Caribbean, so I must have caught the bug!

Today I am still enjoying exercising at the centre - swimming four or five times a week before work and at weekends plus weekly yoga and aerobics classes.  I’d really recommend it to others; it’s fantastic for your health and great for your social life too!