Being physically fit means that I am mentally and emotionally prepared to make the most of every day and every opportunity that presents itself. I am able to make quick decisions, respond well to any challenges and keep on top of my ever-increasing workload.

To me, health and fitness are both as absolutely imperative as each other because without good health, day to day accomplishments seem tedious but when feeling great, things tend to go your way.

I left school at 16, totally adored sports and was fortunate enough to be selected by the Lawn Tennis Association to go on a YTS scheme based at Queens Club, London and West Hants, Bournemouth. I achieved national and international standard as a junior, but did not quite have what it took to pursue a professional tennis career.   I developed my coaching career and awards, became Head Pro very quickly at a local tennis club, gained international experience playing in France, Spain and Team tennis in Germany. I got offered a job in the Middle East as Head Pro at the Intercontinental Hotel, Oman working with all standards of players.

I returned to the UK in1994 and got the position of County Performance Officer. I created a network of coaches running municipal sites and local schools, as well as working for top racket brands as a promoter at the weekends.

Because of my background, eating relatively healthily and doing daily exercise has become an enjoyable routine in my life. I have played sports at a county level and above from hockey, rugby, cricket, skiing, athletics as well as tennis, with a major focus on tennis and skiing in my older years. I do tend to drop in the occasional marathon, half marathon or endurance bike ride into the mix to keep me on my toes.

My personal ethical stance on animal cruelty has led me to a vegetarian lifestyle of late, with views and tendencies towards veganism. I am hopeful that this lifestyle will keep me healthier and fitter and will see me well into old age!

We are now living in a 24/7, 365-day world, and we have to be highly tuned and functioning on all cylinders to keep up with a hectic lifestyle. That means taking our health and fitness seriously.

Some people enjoy doing fitness at 4.30am, as it sets them up for the day ahead or they can’t possibly fit it into their daily schedule. Some can go after the school run, others sacrifice their lunch hour, and finally there are others who use their exercise to chillax and wind down at the end of a stressful day. Just be ONE of these people!!