Opinion: Motivation, planning and stubborn determination will be key - Kilkenny Live

I am in pretty bad shape physically - slowly along with the years the weight has crept up and while there were good intentions along the way I have fallen by the wayside when it comes to fitness.

September for me is always a good time to reassess and prepare for the months ahead. Summer is wonderful - long bright days, holidays and plenty of time spent outdoors but as winter looms I often feel a sense of trepidation.

Dark mornings and evenings are only a month away and while I can still bask in autumnal sunshine I know that I need to create good and healthy habits that will see me through the winter and into the new year.

Festival fun: Savour art and food at Butler Gallery in Kilkenny

I have bitten the bullet and joined a gym and have committed to training at least three times a week. The staff at the Ormonde Leisure Club couldn’t be more helpful and friendly as they talk me through my application and assessment.

There is no hiding hard facts, I am overweight, far too heavy to have a healthy BMI and while my blood pressure is on the high side of normal it would be more preferable if it was leaning the other way. There is no easy way to lose weight and get in shape and I am under no illusions that at this stage of life (early middle age) getting the weighing scales moving in the right direction will be challenging.

However I am determined and motivated - it is now or never so I get busy with beginning my training. Thankfully fitness trainer, Calvin Brophy is on hand to have a chat, devise a programme that has three separate ‘training plans’ and to patiently show me how the use the various machines and weights.

Day one is tough, there is no denying it - my body is not used to this but as time goes on it gets easier - largely due to Calvin’s encouragement and willingness to adjust certain exercises to suit my ability. It will take time to get used to it but I leave my first cardio and muscle training session feeling good. A bit sore but good.

Calvin will be on hand to guide me through the programme and already I am looking forward to my next session and seeing what body burning training will entail. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it in the long run!