Tales from the Fitness Camp with Dan Sheridan

By the time this fine paper is out, I'll be three weeks in to my 10-week fitness camp – clearly no time for a lecture on the benefits of training well and eating your greens, but not a bad moment to look back at a few things I've learned so far.

I'm not a runner: This will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me, and my first few runs cemented what I already suspected.

In the words of ‘Englishman in New York' by my fellow Geordie Sting, 'a gentleman will walk, but never run”. I'm that guy.

I feel lighter on my feet: The most surprising aspect so far has been how quickly the initial chunk of weight dropped off.

Though perhaps not noticeable to the naked eye, the simple fact that I feel lighter is a huge plus. I don't even mind that my trousers don't fit me anymore.

I don't like broccoli: I get the whole ‘superfood' label that's bestowed on this particular veg, but there's not an ounce of me that finds these bonsai trees appealing.

Our brief relationship was over before it really began, and for all the vegetables I do like, broccoli definitely isn't one of them.

Group training is essential: While seasoned fitness freaks get ‘in the zone' as they glide up the Mount, for a beginner like me the group sessions are crucial.

The level of support from the team has helped immeasurably as I've hacked and wheezed my way through the first three weeks.

For more information on LIFE Personal Fitness, visit: www.your-life.co.nz

LIFE Personal Fitness director Dawn Kiddie walks me through the art of planking. Photo: Tracy Hardy.