I get fit by watching Wycombe Wanderers

8:23pm Thursday 1st May 2008

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I MUST own to a reluctance to engage in physical exercise for its own sake.

I am also fond of my food, which combined with the fact that I have a wife who is a good cook, results in my having a far from sylph-like figure, in a culture where the sylph is considered desirable.

Sport and cycling got me into my thirties looking reasonably fit.

I did neither of those things because I thought they were good for me but because I enjoyed the former and saved money on buses and trains by engaging in the latter.

As a student, I regularly cycled from Balham to my Drama School in Earls Court. Yes, I know it seems unthinkable now.

Cycling in any of our cities is now fraught with danger both from other road users and the fumes they excrete. This is why cyclists now use the footpaths and ignore the Highway Code with seeming impunity.

A couple of decades later, I realised that, although I had never exactly boasted a six-pack, I was carrying around a one-pack that well exceeded my "carry-on" allowance.

This was the first time that I attempted to join a gym.

Each time I have done this, I have been put off quite soon by the other people around me. They seem to be either the super-fit wishing to strut their stuff, or slobs like me. I have never seen anyone "in between" which leads me to the conclusion that the slobs all give up under the contemptuous gaze of the Adonises.

Anyway, now that I have finished my theatre tour which necessitated my skipping around eight times a week doing two Restoration dances, I am resolved to keep the cardiovasculars 'vasculing', or whatever it is they do, by walking the dogs every day and jumping up and down a lot watching Wycombe Wanderers progress through the play-offs. Well. It's a start.

For those fitter than me and with roadworthy bicycles, you can still demonstrate your fitness, or indeed acquire some, by taking part in Wycombe Rotary Club's Annual Pedal Push event on Sunday 18th May. There two rides, all properly marshalled and meticulously organised, one of 25 miles and one of 50, both starting in Saunderton; and you can support your favourite charity as well as Rotary 's chosen charity - High Wycombe Hospital's Scannappeal. Details and entry forms on www.pedalpush.org.uk. Get those tyres (and yourselves) pumped up.