We’re often told healthy eating and exercise are key to a good lifestyle. But when you put in as much time to enjoying yourself at restaurants and bars as I do, not to mention travelling, sometimes you’ve got to put a little more effort in to stay fit. I’m taking part in a triathlon later this year, along with an adventure sports weekend, so for Mr D, the time to get in shape is now.

Usually I stay in shape by playing sports and exercising. But I’ve recently upped the ante by using some new exercise equipment. Was there some minor public humiliation in the park? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Read on and I’ll tell you. Not to mention also where to buy it, how to use it and why you should try it too.

Why exercise isn’t just for health freaks

The health freaks know exercise is basically good for you. They’re the ones tackling the world’s best running marathons. Us socialisers know that if you enjoy a drink and a good meal with friends, along with an active social life, you’ve got to pay your dues. If you want to look your best, exercise does your chances no harm at all. Not to mention when your favourite team takes a whipping on the pitch, exercise can really help take the edge off.

Trial and error

So I joined a gym. Hated it. Everyone does. Expensive and overcrowded, you spend more time queuing than exercising. Started cycling. It gets quite sore after a while. You know, down there. Then I started travelling and team sports went out of the window. That’s why I started looking for a new way of training – on the go, independently, indoors and outdoors.

I bought a lot of health magazines, including Men’s Health and Men's Fitness but they weren’t clicking with me. Then a chat with a friend got me onto TRX. I like to think of it as walking the T-Rex.

What is the TRX system?

• It has two loops – for either your arms or wrists, with a third loop attached to a fixed spot.
• Still with me? You then perform repetitions using your own weight and the fixed point as resistance.
• It uses your own bodyweight as resistance to stretch, tone and build muscles, so the heavier you are, the better. Probably the only time that’s a good thing, by the way.

What are the benefits?

The TRX system is pretty simple and I’m enjoying using it in my local park suspended from a tree. It gets me out and about. It also works. I’ve been using it a few months now and I’ll be honest, it hurt at first. But over time I’ve improved, remembered the exercises and cranked the difficulty up. You can easily change the routine, exercise and resistance to make it harder, so it’s grown with me.

What should you get?

• TRX comes in lots of ‘pack’ combinations, but the key elements are the system itself and, in my opinion, the door anchor sold separately. It means you can convert it for use indoors, either at home or when you’re on the road.
• You could add a FitDeck of cards with lots of suggested exercise routines, great when you first start.
• Helpful, but not essential, are the DVD guide and instruction booklet, which features more routines.

What else do you need?

• You’ll also need some sports kit, the most important of which is shoes. ASICS make well-respected running shoes. Both they and Nike provide foot mapping, matching shoe support to the shape of your foot, and your running style. It can make a big difference.
• Lightweight, breathable clothes come next. Assorted t-shirts, shorts and full-length trousers for colder days. Buy enough to rotate while some are in the wash.
• Next up, a water bottle backpack from Camelbak - combining hydration with pockets for your house keys and wallet, they’re expensive but worth the investment.

What you’ll also get, if my experience is anything to go by, is lots of attention in the park. Some of it’s pretty welcome too. That’s why I think of it as walking the T-Rex. Attention and the odd phone number without the hassle of having a dog.