Getting fit

I'm not sure if you're the same as me, but sometimes there are important things that you just keep putting off: paying the TV license, changing your address, writing your coursework...

I've been meaning to get fit for some time (pretty much since a drunken new year's eve - two years ago) but for some reason I just didn't see the huge building that I walked past everyday on my way into Uni that had "Tom Husband Leisure Centre" written above the door.

Maybe I just didn't want to admit that getting fit should be easy - I'm a PhD student, so time isn't an issue and it isn't like I'd have to go far out of my way to get to the gym.

So, three weeks ago I decided to join the gym.

I was amazed at what I had been missing out on for the past year and a half. They have a fitness room with all the bikes and treadmills, they have a very large weights room with all the machines you would expect and the free weights. There is a 25 metre swimming pool and (perhaps strangely) two full size snooker tables.

I couldn't decide what to use first but now I have been a good few times and tried everything out I have to say that the pool is my favourite. I go between 9 and 10 and I am usually the only person in there - most people go at lunchtimes or after they have finished for the day. It feels kind of strange to be the only person in a full-size swimming pool with two life-guards but I guess I'm pretty safe if my swimming isn't up to the standard it should be.

There is also a sauna and a jacuzzi, which I have been making full use of - maybe not quite part of the keeping fit regime but it does help to destress.

My beer belly hasn't quite left me yet but I'm hoping if I keep it up then maybe one day, in the distant future I may consider myself fit.