Dr Mark Porter's charity challenge
Start the year as you mean to go on – sign up for a fitness challenge and raise money for a good cause while toning up those muscles.
Cotswold Care Hospice, based in Minchinhampton, near Stroud, has a calendar full of challenge events, whether you cycle, run or walk.
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Broadcaster and GP Dr Mark Porter in training
"Choosing a challenge event is a great way to get fit," said Carl Benton, who runs Personal Best Studio in Nailsworth. "It gives you something to work towards and focus on."
Broadcaster and GP Dr Mark Porter, who lives in Minchinhampton, trains twice a week at Personal Best. The 50-year-old says a charity challenge gives him a focus.
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"I try to do one charity event a year so that I have something to aim towards," he said. "It gives me a goal and keeps me focused. It started 10 years ago with the London Marathon and this year I hope to do something for Cotswold Care Hospice – possibly Race the Train.
"I'm not a natural gym-goer and don't have much willpower so need to commit to a good cause to keep me on track.
"I also have a hectic work schedule, which involves a lot of travelling and it's all too easy to allow exercise to get squeezed out.
"But the rewards of making time for regular workouts make it so worthwhile – both from a mental as well as a physical perspective."
Trainer Carl says it is crucial to have a real connection with the charity you are raising money for.
"This will prove to be a really useful tool when you are finding regular training difficult to fit in – the 'emotional' connection will help keep you on track," he said.
Get in training for these events in aid of Cotswold Care Hospice:
March 23. Men's Walk. The 10km route starts and finishes at Kingsholm, home of Gloucester Rugby. Enjoy a pie and a pint and a live match of Gloucester playing London Welsh. Entry is £25 adult and £10 for under 12s. www.menswalk.com
June 21. Solstice Walk. 10km family walk at Cotswold Care Hospice, Minchinhampton, near Stroud. Balloon launch at 10pm. Entry is £15.
September 1. Cotswold Crunch. Choose between a 25-mile, 50-mile and 100-mile route which includes challenging climbs throughout the Stroud Valleys.
October 12. Race the Train. Pit yourself against a steam locomotive at Cheltenham racecourse. Complete the 14-mile route in pairs or on your own.
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