Three years ago I learnt that I was verging on osteoporosis and as well as prescribing calcium tablets my GP told me I must take some weight bearing exercise. Well, I'd never exercised before, it just wasn't for me. And it was several months before my lovely daughter persuaded me to go to the gym "just to take a look". Eventually I decided I would give it a try, joined, then won a competition after three months for the most improved beginner. Since then I've gone from strength to strength and now attend their circuit training classes twice a week. I'm usually the oldest one there (I'm in my fifties) but absolutely love it. It gets the endorphins going, helps me maintain my weight and gives me the necessary weight bearing exercise I need. I find I'm quite good at skipping at these classes, sometimes doing even better than the youngsters. I'm going camping at the end of January and know I could find space in my suitcase for this skipping rope which I know I would use when away. I would then be able to maintain my fitness ready to return to circuit training again in March. Apparently skipping is one of the best forms of exercise going.