A new era starts now for out-of-shape Mail head of features Chris Cordner.

He's two weeks into his fitness drive with a helping hand from personal trainer Chris I'Anson.

It's all been monitoring of diets and health charts so far. Now comes the hard part. Exercising.

IT'S 5pm on a Friday afternoon and every part of me is aching. IT FEELS GOOD!

I have just completed an hour in the gym at Springs under the instruction of personal trainer Chris I'Anson.

And do you know, I may be aching but I feel better than I have done in years.

I'm not sure how Chris did it, but after years of slobbery, my first session of exercising wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Sure, Chris went easy on me. It was my first fitness session for more than 20 years after all.

But he made sure I still worked hard. And he made sure each step was perfectly explained.

So here's my top five reasons why everyone should start getting fit.

First, You're never in danger of endangering your health.

I had to strap a heart monitor to my chest and wear a watch which monitored my heart rate.

It meant I was never in danger of doing anything which would put me in jeopardy healthwise.

Secondly, no one is expected to go hell for leather from the get-go. As soon as you begin exercising, it becomes clear that the target is to avoid burning out the body. Stretching it yes, burning it out no.

Thirdly, getting fit is fun because you get to try out a fantastic range of modern, computerised equipment.

I began the day thinking how out of my depth I was going to be. I ended it thinking I want more of this.

Fourthly, you have goals to aim for from the day you set foot in the gym. I got to row 1,000 metres on a rowing machine and set a time which became my target for my next session.

I was so excited by the thought of beating my time, I rearranged my whole weekend so I could fit in another gym session.

Fifthly, everyone you meet is friendly and encouraging. I half expected a few accusing glares the first time I went into the gym. After all, I am so out of shape.

Think again. All I got was encouraging looks and plenty of people willing to give a helping hand if I needed it.

As he pushed me for one last set of ten leg pushes, Chris commented on how my body would start changing its shape. Goodbye beer belly. A new me beckons and I can't wait!

Next week. An astonishing personal best.