Describe a place where you do exercise or sport

I usually do exercise at a gym called Fit Zone, which is about ten minutes' walk from my flat. I joined it about a year and a half ago after a doctor told me that I needed to be more active, because I spent most of my day sitting in front of a computer.

The gym is not large, but it has everything I need. There is a cardio area with treadmills and bikes, a weights section, a stretching room and a small studio where group classes take place. The staff are young, friendly and extremely helpful. When I first joined, one of the trainers showed me how to use the equipment properly and prepared a simple programme for me. Now I go three times a week, usually early in the morning before work. I begin with twenty minutes on the treadmill, then I do some weights, and I finish with stretches. On Fridays, I like to attend a yoga class, which is a good way to calm down at the end of the week.

It helps me stay healthy in various ways. Physically, I feel stronger and have more energy, and my back pain has almost disappeared. I have also lost a few kilos, though that was never my main goal. Mentally, the gym has become an important part of my routine. When I train, I switch off from work stress, and afterwards I feel more positive and focused. I think the fact that I go at fixed times has helped me to stay disciplined, because I would feel guilty if I skipped a session. I cannot imagine going back to my previous lifestyle.