Peter Saul

I had always thought that I would never go to a gym – and keep on going. But three years ago I won four free visits to Personal Best at Neutral Bay and went along. I have kept going a number of reasons.

I really like the small size of the gym – there are only ever about 3-4 other people there when I go and so I always have a trainer making sure that I am doing the exercises correctly and pushing me (that is why I have a love-hate relationship with my trainers) to do just a few more reps. The trainers tailor your program to your particular goals and interests – and make sure that any existing injuries or muscle weaknesses are not exacerbated and are gradually and gently overcome.

There is camaraderie between the people who go to Personal Best because it is easy to get to know each other in such a small, personalised gym. This friendliness is also part of what makes me keep coming back.

I only come twice a week but in three years I can tell that I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been in my life – and I am 57. I particularly like the way that my stronger abdominal muscles improve my posture with very little conscious effort – I never expected that benefit.

I cannot imagine stopping my twice a week routine now as I like the way that I look and feel and I certainly do not want to slide back. I even keep doing my exercises when I go away on holidays. I never thought that I would be that committed to regular exercise!