As I waited for the Flamingo's Personal Trainer Bernie Doran to whip out the scales and the tape measure, I silently told myself that there was no point in breathing in, no point rushing off to the toilet for a last minute 'wee', no point kidding myself.

As it turned out, the results were much better than I'd dare hope for.
I've lost FIVE inches and have gone down from what was verging on a 16 to a comfortable 12-14. Oh, and I've also lost half a stone.

In the old days, I'd have been focusing on the weight.. and would probably have lost it all from what, for me as a classic 'pear' shape, are all the wrong places (face, shoulders, arms).

This time, I told Bernie exactly where I wanted to shift the inches (tummy, hips, thighs) and she tailored my workouts to target those specific areas.

I've been really pleased with the results.

I've lost two inches off each thigh (that'll be the disappearing saddle bags!), one inch off my hips, one inch off my waist and one inch off my chest.

My shape has changed for the better and trousers that hung in my wardrobe and wouldn't look at me before are now gliding on comfortably. Don't get me wrong - I feel like I've still work to do but I've never felt more positive or more encouraged about it.

That's the great thing about having the guidance of someone like Bernie, especially if you don't have a lot of time to spend in the gym. Bernie makes sure you get the most out of your hour at the Flamingo. If you want to see results, you have to put the work in and, being honest, I just don't have the willpower to push myself hard enough.

If I'm tired, I stop. If I don't feel like it, I don't go. Inevitably, I give up.

As a personal trainer Bernie gives you motivation, encouragement and advice.. but she also gives you results.

We're not talking magic wands here. Bernie can't do the work for you but if you are focused and know what you want from the gym, she will do everything she can to help you get there.

If I hadn't been seeing Bernie every week, I would probably still be a size 16 and thinking 'sure Christmas is coming, I'll sort it out in the New Year'. Now I've got a head start and will be able to enjoy my Christmas dinner without feeling depressed about it afterwards.

I've agreed with Bernie that I will continue doing my stomach crunches and stretches daily. I've no problem with that. They've become such a big part of my daily routine over the past 12 weeks that it would feel weird not to do them.

Although the 12-week programme designed for the purposes of this diary has ended, I've decided to keep seeing Bernie privately. I've come so far and would love to see what can be achieved in another three months.

I've already told Mr F. that I absolutely won't be offended if he wants to buy me vouchers for Christmas!