The start of 2006 seems a long time ago but it appears many of us are keeping up our New Year resolution to keep fit and healthy.

Many of us pledged to exercise regularly and that has certainly been the case at Torquay’s Riviera International Centre’s Lifestyle Health and Fitness Suite, which saw a record number of new members for January.

In fact, so many new enthusiasts joined that this week Lifestyle manager Colin Pemberton and duty managers Fletch Larkin and Danielle Cook were able to officially welcome their 1200th member.

The occasion did not go unnoticed because Denise Tideswell, owner of the Riviera Lodge was given a special bonus as the 1200th member….an additional three months to her 12 month membership. She joined as a gold member in January and since has been visiting the gym and wet facilities a minimum of 3 times a week.

Colin explained: “We have been inundated with new members who are determined to keep fit and healthy and we are delighted they all appear to be committed to their workouts.

“One of the most popular membership schemes is the ‘early riser and weekend membership’ that includes unlimited use of the faculties 7am – 9am Monday to Friday and all day at weekends. Over the past few years, we have seen more and more people wishing to start the day with a light workout rather than at the end of a weary day copping out from their excursive routine.

“This particular time of the day and weekends seems to suit those who wish to tone up and keep fit as opposed to those who want to build big muscles by pumping iron,” Colin added.

As part of the Lifestyle personal care approach, Colin and the team have introduced free inductions for all new members and free fitness assessment with selected memberships, but the personal touch doesn’t end there. One of the directors telephones all new members to check up on how they are settling in and reports back to Colin so that the team can respond to any help they may need.

Our picture shows Fitness instructor Fletch Larkin, congratulating their 1200th member Denise Tideswell.