CLAIRE

Claire Machin, 31, from Nottingham, is an NHS rehabilitation support worker. She's married to Jon and has two sons, Harrison, five, and Jackson, two.

"I never have time to use my exercise bike or play on our Wii Fit. It's hard finding the motivation to exercise once I've got home from work. As I'm on my feet on the wards most of the day, doing more activity doesn't appeal. After sorting out the evening meal and doing the housework, I just want to flop.

"I'd like to try aqua aerobics and I love swimming with the boys, but with children you're often just standing while they're splashing about. In December we're going to Center Parcs so I'll swim a lot and it would be nice to look toned in my costume. This time I feel more ready to go for it."

STEVE SAYS:

"Claire walks miles at work but her body's so used to it, it no longer regards this as exercise. It's great she has an exercise bike - now she just needs to use it! Moving it to a room where she can't avoid it would help. If she loves X Factor, she should pedal away in front of the TV during the show. Making exercise fun will change her attitude from negative to positive."

Claire's exercises

Single-leg lunges

Steve says: "This is a brilliant exercise for everything below the waist and your abdominal muscles. They're great for your inner thighs, buttocks and hamstrings. Spread your feet apart then go down slowly and push back up again, keeping your ribs lifted. Keep your front foot flat and your back heel off the floor and keep going until you feel fatigued - as with all of these exercises."

Source: Daily Mirror

Pic: Jos van Galen