In summer 2006 I returned from a week long holiday in Alcudia - I spent the entire week in the pool and loved it.

I'm 24 years old and overweight, which thinking about it I'm sure I was born overweight. I've decided that this is the time to try and sort out my fitness, or lack of it.

I joined a slimming programme in June 2006. I had previously tried appointments at the dietician and slimming tablets but these proved unsuccessful.

I've been a member of the slimming programme for nearly 4 months now and managed to lose 26lb. With a little achievment under my belt I'm now ready to face my next challenge!

Monday 25th September

What a day! I was browsing the Newport Council website looking for ideas to get fit when I came across an article entitled "Let the BBC help you get fit". I couldn't believe my eyes, talk about being offered it on a plate!

I contacted the BBC and expressed an interest to Julie, (a Producer on the Jamie Owen Show). Julie wanted to know a little about me and after that we started looking at timetables of activities.

There were a few sports we discussed but it was eventually decided I would take part in Fencing, Trampolining and Pilates. The lessons would be taster sessions and then at the end of the campaign I can chose which sport I would like to take up - if any!

I'd like to lose half a stone this month and fingers crossed the exercise will help me.

Monday 2nd October

I'm really nervous today, I have a live interview with the fencing coach on the Jamie Owen show. I've never given a live interview before so I just hope they go easy on me. Is it too late to back out??????

I've just returned to work after my interview and I'm even more nervous about tonight. Tonight is my first fencing lesson with Colin Hyndman. Colin is the coach at the Gwent sword Club based in St Julians, Newport.

In the interview with Jamie, Colin said I'd be very tired and sweaty tonight but I would come away feeling great! I have such a knot in my stomach about this, what if they I have to wear the uniform! How will I fit!!??

Tuesday 3rd October

I'm so glad that's over with. I'm feeling good about it even though I'm aching all over. I arrived at the fencing club last night surrounded by the members in their fencing gear. My first thought was, oh no, they're going to make me wear the kit!

There were about 20 members in the sports hall and I wanted to sink into the background. All of a sudden the fitness coach shouted "all in a circle!" This was it, no turning back now!

We all lined up and starting running in circles, after that it was side steps and other general fitness exercises, concentrating on speed and being able to stop. I remember my heart beating so fast, like it was going to come through my chest. At one point I did think I can't do it, that I'm not cut out for it and I'll be big all my life.

After the fitness side we concentrated on some footwork. I enjoyed this as it was the basic steps in fencing and lokoing around the room everyone looked so professional and serious. I did let out a few giggles but as the old saying goes, laughing comes to crying.

Colin came over and explained that it was now time to get kitted out! My worst nightmare. I had to wear a half jacket on my fencing arm and then a further jacket over it. Colin then handed me two plastic cups which had to be slotted into the front of the jacket. (Now I know how the men feel playing cricket).

I had to wear a mask which was really heavy, I looked at myself and let out a shriek - I could sell tyres, I looked like the Michelin Man!!! Fencing was fun, I finally managed to hold the sword/ eppy correctly and carry out three moves and shout "En garde". Colin did say i wasn't hitting him hard enough but when I did I actually broke the blade.

I would recommend fencing to anyone. I was aching from the warm up but being a novice fencing alone at this stage wouldn't get you fit, however once you've had a few lessons and learn to be light on your feet you would have a serious workout.

Tuesday 10th October

Oh no! Today is trampolining. This is the sport I really don't want to do! I'm a big girl, surely the trampoline won't hold my weight. I arrived at the uni to be greeted by the trainers, there were two! Great! Not only did I have to embarass myself but I had to do it in front of two others. I was informed then that when you participate in trampolining you have to have two spotters, they need to stand either side of the trampoline to ensure you don't fall off. The only thing I'm glad about this week is not having to wear a kit!

I was told to take my trainers off and climb onto the trampoline. I never realised they were so high, I'm 5ft 10 tall and the trampoline was a bit of a struggle, I finally managed to get on it after two attempts. The coach Nia instructed me to stand on a big red cross in the middle of the trampoline and to slowly bounce up and down. I couldn't do it! I tried and tried but I was petrified of breaking the thing. Nia assured me that I wouldn't but it didn't help. After much deliberating I finally managed to bounce a little, the noise of the springs was horrid! the more I bounced the louder it got.

I've never had a phobia in my life but standing on the trampoline I knew how others had felt. Nia asked me to warm up slowly by jumping! JUMPING, can't do that. My feet felt glued to the netting. everytime I tried to jump my body wouldn't move. I was getting in such a panic having people watching me and I couldn't do it. I finally thought I'm here now, just jump if it breaks I can say I told you so! I bounced a little, moved my feet and jumped. I jumped !!!!! I couldn't believe it! Nia asked me to jump a few time and then try to land.

I was a natural, I jumped five times and landed correctly. I finally gained some confidence. After the initial warm up Nia asked me to try the three basic jumps, tuck, straddle and pike! I managed a tuck jump, I rememberd what it was like to jump in the pool on holidays. I did have difficulty with the others. A pike jump is arms and legs straight out in front and a straddle is an old fashioned star jump but out in front. Everytime I tried a straddle and a pike I fell. I did put on a brave face and refused to cry, but it hurt! At the end of the session I was shattered, I couldn't breathe properly but this was good, it showed it worked. After all the fears I quite enjoyed myself.

Wednesday 11th October

Fealing all the aches and pains today. My knees hurt and my ribs but it's obviously working - I'm using muscles I've not used before.

Tuesday 17th October

I'm quite excited today, I'm looking forward to Pilates. After the two weeks I've had it will be nice to do something relaxing. I arrived at the sports centre where I was greeted by Alison and Helen. It was a pleasant relaxing atmosphere as we had the entire sports hall to ourselves.

We started with a little introduction to Pilates and what I would be gaining from the session after that it was time to warm up. It was such a relaxing session, we concentrated on breathing techniques and trying to keep the pelvic muscles pulled in tight throughout - for Pilates fans a zip up and hole! We moved on to some floor work, I found it extremely difficult to try and hold my stomach in and breathe at the same time. These people obviously haven't seen me dance - I have no co-ordination!

I managed to work through a few balance exercises without falling over and a couple of half press ups. I found the session very calming and as if I hadn't done that much. alison assured me that after a few sessions I would be walking around with my shoulders pulled back and my stomach held in automatically - hey, I might walk like a lady after all!

Which activity will I take up???

November

Just to keep you up to date - I'm not doing any of the activities I tried but I have started aerobics twice a week instead, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Sarah Williams - Newport - November 2006