5 Weight Loss Excercises and where to do them in Blandford Forum

We're not going to tell you that any one of these excercises is a shortcut to weight loss or a toned up body, nor that any one is better than another - the best form of exercise is any exercise that you're going to do regularly, which means it's the one that you enjoy doing. Once pleasure (rather than weight loss) becomes the goal, it's much easier to exercise.

1. Walking

We are doubly fortunate. Firstly to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the UK and secondly to have public rights of way all over the place. So get an Ordnance Survey map of the area, find a pink dotted line and follow it! Walking 10,000 steps a day (get a pedometer from Blandford Sports or Boots) should be enough to keep you trim.

2. Swimming

When it comes to swimming, you've got two choices: wild swimming or pool. Wild swimming has been a bit of a fad lately enjoying some TV exposure. The Stour is swimmable, but you might want to head out to Pamphill for the best spots - the Stour Meadow stretch just isn't inviting! Alternatively, of course, the sea is always there and warm enough to swim without a wetsuit from June throughout summer. Lifeguards are on hand at Sandbanks, Poole if you're nervous.

Pool swimming is more controlled and a bit more comfortable temperature-wise, you just have to accept that you'll smell of chlorine for a while. It's easier to measure your progress if you're swimming lengths too. Blandford Leisure Centre has a 25m, four lane pool and a learner pool too. Visit www.everyoneactive.com for timetables.

3. Running

Running is great for weight loss but its very important not to overdo it when you start out - those extra pounds amplify the impact stress on your joints so its easy to pick up an injury. Listen to your body, get a good pair of running shoes (again Blandford Sports is your destination) or learn about barefoot running technique (you can buy 'barefoot' running shoes) for a lower impact run. Joining a group can do wonders for motivation, the Dorset Doddlers run on thursdays and are a friendly all-abilities group.

4. Gym

Perhaps the outdoors isn't your thing, in which case indoor gyms offer a full body workout with added TV. The Blandford Leisure Centre has recently refurbished its facilities including a full range of modern cardio vascular, resistance, free weights, boxing and core stability equipment. The bad news is that this is where it starts to get pricey. Unless you know what you're doing, you won't get the best out of a gym membership without some expert advice on top.

5.Cycling

Great exercise, and no impact at all to speak of, makes cycling a big favourite. Unless you just enjoy the feeling of being out on a bike, the best way to introduce cycling into your life is to make it park of the routine - i.e. cycle to work, to the shops, or anywhere you go regularly where you'd normally take the car. The North Dorset Trailway is great for cycling being largely flat and well surfaced, but its a work in progress so you can't cycle the full length just yet.