As World Class says, a fitness program isn't just about what you do in the gym - it requires changes to what you do outside it too. So I'll be going to bed earlier, and dieting, for starters. World Class has shown me how and what to eat, in what quantities and when. Turning conventional wisdom on its head, I'll be eating six small meals a day rather than three 'square' ones and if a large one is unavoidable, it should be as early as possible in the day, and certainly not in the evening, as that is when most of what we eat is transformed into fat.

I've never been really fit, but I'm not a complete duffer. The fact that I play tennis quite regularly did not impress World Class as I hoped it might. ''You can do that on your rest days,'' was the response. Having volunteered my complete medical history and dietary habits I have to curtail my pizza and pasta intake. I've been given a soy protein supplement by World Class, in the form of a powder that can be blended with water or juice and fruit. They are particularly mindful of wanting to put some strength into my lower back, as that has been an area of chronic pain in the past.

I've been assigned to Gabriel, a professional trainer who was one of the original World Class staff when it opened in 2001 but who then left and spent three years in Qatar , and is now back again. He will be my mentor over the next twelve weeks and looks like he could have a sadistic streak in him. Anyway watch this space.