Woman – September 2005

Fitness – Fight the Flab at Home

Can’t afford the time (or money) to join a gym? Here’s some new ways to get fit at home, compiled by top personal trainer Laura Williams…

2 workout DVDs: Nel McAndrew’s Ultimate Challenge, Ultimate Results (£17.99). You start off gently and progress as you improve - there’s also a ‘bail out’ option when it gets tough. Done regularly you’ll see a tighter bum and more sculpted arms.
Matt Roberts’ Fit For Your Shape (Dorling Kindersley, £12.99). Good for whittling body types into shape (you can’t spot reduce, but you can target certain muscles to help change your shape). Great for pear shapes.

2 websites: www.nickiwaterman.com This site offers great value for money at £24.99 for a year. For this, you get an exercise plan based on answers to a questionnaire. There’s a big emphasis on walking – you even get a free pedometer.
www.onlinepersonaltrainer.co.uk You’ll get a named personal trainer who creates a tailor-made programme, and with whom you can have unlimited ‘chats’ via an online journal. It costs £97 for a month, but you can get a running plan for a one-off fee of £7.50.

2 home fitness tools: Reebok’s Resistance Tube (£9.99 at Boots) is a brilliant strength-training tool. The stretchy plastic tube with handles comes in three different intensities, depending on your strength. The instruction booklet explains the main moves – it’s especially good for the backs of your arms and chest.
The Boots Massage Gym Ball, £12, looks funny but do sit-ups on it and it’s your fast track to a flat tum! It can also be used for a total body workout while giving a therapeutic massage.

…OR Hire a real-life personal trainer. Team up with three friends and it’s much more affordable. Future Perfect sends a qualified personal trainer to your home for just £15 per person. www.fperfect.com; 020 7515 7630.

To book a session or to find out how Laura can help you get into shape, email her at laura@laurawilliamsonline.co.uk

Or call her on 07712 001525.