GET FIT FOR 05: IT takes two to exercise at least that's true for Les and Brenda Craft.

Les, 66, has persuaded his wife Brenda, 60, to join him on the quest to Get Fit For '05.

So the couple, from Lower Stratton, are going to the gym together in a bid to lose their love handles for Valentine's Day.

Brenda said: "It's a tall order, but we're going for it.

"The workouts are very tiring but I'm definitely feeling fitter.

"Going together is great because we help motivate each other."

Until last month, Brenda and Les had never stepped foot in a gym before.

But they are now going to the Living Well gym, at the Hilton Hotel, in West Swindon, three times a week. Les said: "I used to walk and jog but this is my first time using special machines.

"We entered the gym in fear and trepidation and left feeling tired but on top of the world."

They are both following personal exercise programmes, which involve using exercise bikes, treadmills and dumbbells.

"We go at our own pace and are already feeling the benefits.

"I've lost 3lbs since last week and the muscles are definitely tightening," Les said.

The couple are also trying to be healthy at home.

They are cutting down on foods such as bread, meat and cheese and substituting it with more fruit and vegetables.

Brenda said: "I grow lots of fruit in the garden, so we're having more of that.

"I'm trying to resist the temptation of turning it into fruit crumbles we have it stewed instead."

Once they've settled into their gym routine, Les plans to try other forms of exercise.

He said: "The gym also offers aqua fit classes in the swimming pool, so we might give that a go too."

Les is one of 12 volunteers who has taken up the Advertiser's challenge to Get Fit For '05.

As part of the campaign, they have all been given 12 months free membership at the Living Well leisure club.

Its manager Colin Roberts is putting the candidates through their paces.

He said: "All of them are really giving it their all.

"They are already showing signs of reaching their goals."

The candidates are also receiving guidance on how to change their diet by nutritionist Esther Maxfield.

They are diaries of everything they eat to make sure fatty and sugary foods are occasional treats rather than daily snacks.

Victoria Tagg