So, I decided I wanted to get fit but I'm not one of those always-in-the-gym-pumping-iron type people as you'll come to understand...

The decision was made to be more active when I started to gain a few pounds, only a few, but a few more than I've ever had before. I've always been very slim and had no trouble with weight at all, but as I approach 30 there's the odd tell-tale sign here and there that I won't be young and slender forever. But it's not just about maintaining my figure... getting out of breath from walking up the stairs is a sad state of affairs for someone my age! So time to act I thought.

My first idea was the gym. So I went to a couple of local gyms to check out facilities and prices, and was mildly impressed. So much so that I nearly signed up on the day, but I'm glad I didn't... as the hype wore off, I realised that I wouldn't stick to it, not least because the gym is so boring! It would just have become another chunk of money disappearing into oblivion each month that I couldn't afford. I know this from experience - I've been here before!

So the challenge was to find something that would help get me fit, that wouldn't actually appear to be exercise. You know, so I could trick myself into action. And here's what I did...

Firstly, I bought walking boots. I've wanted some for years. I had some when I was younger and used to go rambling with my Dad, but when I hit my teenage years, they were suddenly very uncool and got ditched. But now, I wish I'd kept this up. I used to be able to do 15 mile walks and enjoy it. Back to the point... I've just starting camping regularly and I thought walking would fit in well with this new activity. This coupled with the fact I had wanted them for years - and it therefore wasn't a whim - made me feel confident that I would actually keep this up. And not only would hiking be exercise, it would also solve the problem of me missing my garden (I've just moved into a flat), as it would get me into the outdoors - the counrtyside would be my back yard. And this is going well so far. I've abandoned the car a number of times in favour of the boots, and been for two hikes in the country. I'm even wearing them today, in case my car doesn't come back from the garage, in which case I will walk home.

Secondly, and this is the most exciting part... I got a Wii. Now on days when I think about exercise, but really can't find the motivation to leave the flat and would rather be 'playing', I can plug this genius invention in and get going. It arrived yesterday, and I got 3 hours of activity from it last night... my back is reminding me of this, this morning. It was a lot of fun - exercise cunningly disguised. I hope that I will keep this up, and I won't lose interest as I would have done the gym.

Overall, I'm hoping that combining exercise with things I enjoy doing will help me find the motivation and give me the staying power!

Watch this space...