It has been a long time since I was last in a gym, we are talking years, so you can imagine my delight when our editor suggested I try out a post-Christmas workout in Swindon.

Like many over the festive season, I was lucky enough to eat turkey, chocolates and more, as well as have plenty of cups of festive cheer in the guise of alcohol.

Cutting to the chase, I was not prepared for what awaited me at Swindon’s The Unit gym when I arrived this week.

The Unit was started by Hannah Coates, 31, back in September and has become a great local spot for Swindonians to get back to fitness in the trying winter months.

I was greeted with a hug from Hannah as she laid out the exercise mats and chuckled, knowing what I was in for.

Swindon Advertiser: We started the workout with some press-ups.We started the workout with some press-ups. (Image: Newsquest)

We started with press-ups which I was remarkably okay with but we soon moved onto harder exercises such as the plank.

For those fortunate to be unfamiliar with this particular exercise, it requires you to lay as flat as possible on your front, being supported only by your forearms and feet.

This left my stomach feeling like it had been thrown into a highspeed washing machine and after a month of living off Quality Street, I was starting to feel the effects.

“Whether it be press-ups, fire hydrants, donkey kicks or the plank, all these exercises are important for different areas of the body and are basic exercises that you can progress to all abilities,” informed Hannah.

Despite the pain I was suffering, I could not deny that it felt good to work out again, albeit for only a short period of time.

It acted as a staunch reminder that it is important that we take care of ourselves especially over the winter period.

Swindon Advertiser: I then switched onto my back for the next exercises.I then switched onto my back for the next exercises. (Image: Newsquest)

“It is important all year round but especially at the start of the new year,” added Hannah.

“Your body is your home so you need to look after it. The fitter and healthier your body is, the more positive and happier your mind will be, releasing endorphins and allowing you to do more in general.”

After catching my breath back, I was given a glowing report following my workout by Hannah who seemed to be more pleased than I was with my physical performance.

“Ed’s form was great and he didn’t need much explaining as to what some of the exercises were,” she said.

“You do need to work on your flexibility though and that isn’t a bad thing as a lot of people need to work on this area.”

There goes my dream of playing Mr Fantastic in the next Fantastic Four film.

Swindon Advertiser: I then threw in the proverbial towel and literal headband.I then threw in the proverbial towel and literal headband. (Image: Newsquest)

Hannah was also quick to encourage others to get up and go to the gym if they are contemplating it as exercise helped her through a difficult time in her past.

“Fitness saved my life as I was in a very dark place and my mental health wasn’t great,” she revealed.

“My advice now is just do it. Get your trainers on, get off your butt and push aside the negative thoughts and get on with it.

“Additionally, don’t go in headfirst. You can always progress and make an exercise more difficult but when starting out you should master the basics and then you can’t go wrong.”

2023 marks an exciting time for The Unit with daily classes being held along with monthly events and new membership options coming throughout the year.

You can locate the gym on Cricklade Road, SN2 8AH.