9. DON'T keep doing the same thing

Doing the same exercise three times a week is quickly going to get dull and you’ll end up giving up. It may even be the reason you’re in this no-exercise rut now.

Try to have two or three pursuits or, if you just like running, have more than one route you take. If circuit-training is your thing, make sure you’re not just doing the same sets over and over. I also finds it helps me to know I have some routines that are easier than others, as well as those I can do full-whack when I’m really feeling it. If I plan to go running at 6.30am but wake up not really feeling it, it’s nice to know there’s a backup plan of, say, a slightly easier boxing workout. It’s still more exercise than going back to sleep.

Then, every now and then, add something daft in for good measure. In recent years, a trend for exercising while looking a bit silly has started to emerge. (Of course, I’ve been running like Phoebe for years; what can I say? I’m very fashion-forward.) You can do 5km runs jumping over obstacles, get powdered paint all over yourself or become a muddy mess. These are the sort of events where no one asks what time you did and you can just enjoy the daftness with a friend or two while adding an extra fitness session to your schedule that week. Have a look at therunningbug.co.uk for upcoming events in your area.

How to kickstart your fitness and exercise regime