How to lose 7 stone and fall in love with exercise.

After many years of business lunches and self abuse I decided it was time to sort my self out. I took the plunge and turned up at The Hogarth early one morning.

That was about three and a half years ago. I was 19 stone with a 40" waist, and one particular morning I'd seen this infomercial about getting fit in 90 days... now was the time to do it.

Feeling rather nervous, I went in and a trainer called Jackie Babington greeted me at reception and immediately put me at ease. We bonded straight away... Jackie took me in hand and kick-started my life-style change with lots of valuable exercise and nutrition advice.

I found that exercise was actually fun and Jackie became a great mentor and friend. She has since returned to Australia but before she left, she introduced me to her trainer... saying "even personal trainers have personal trainers you know".

So, I met a guy called Alex Cobian, who to this day keeps me in check physically and emotionally. A good trainer becomes more than the person who puts you through your paces and makes you work hard. They become your friend and someone you trust. Alex is certainly carrying on the good work Jackie started and he doesn't suffer fools lightly.

I regularly go to the Hogarth, usually five times a week. I see Alex once or twice a week, and have worked my daily schedule around my training at the club. I even continue to train when I have to work abroad.

I continually set new goals so that I carry on achieving and I’m happy to say that over the past few years I've lost nearly 7 stone and 8" from around my waist. As I head towards my 50th birthday I have never felt as fit as this in all my life!

I enjoy the friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the Hogarth. It’s such a great place to de-stress, unwind, meet friends, and most importantly to get fit.

In case you haven’t gathered yet – I’m a big fan.

Thank you to the Hogarth team.

Alan before

Alan now