I've been thinking about trying Pilates for ages having heard so many good things about the benefits of it.

It's sometimes hard to try something new- to pluck up the courage to go into a new environment. I know I always worry about looking silly and having no idea what to do.

Purely by accident I found out that there was a Pilates class in the village hall, so I thought maybe it was meant to be. There was an e-mail address on the advert for the class, so I e-mailed Sarah- the lady who runs the class.

She replied really quickly and was very friendly and arranged to meet me a few minutes before the class started.

I needn't have worried. Sarah was lovely and the class a real mixture of abilities, sizes and ages- and both men and women. Sarah asked about any injuries and limitations and made sure that everyone worked to what was comfortable for them. No one was judging anyone else.

Pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility and is very good for strengthening your core muscles. It is low impact and quite gentle- but afterwards you still feel like you've worked your muscles.

The class finished with a lovely relaxation session- really setting me up for the rest of the day.

I am definitely hooked and will try and go every week.

Part of starting to be active is finding some exercise that you enjoy and will continue with. The thought of group exercise can be intimidating- but everyone has to start somewhere- and the vast majority of people are encouraging to newbies and a good teacher makes all the difference.