With obesity on the increase, it has never been more important to exercise. While many people break into a sweat at the very thought of hitting the gym, there is now a fun, interesting way to keep fit and learn a bit of self defence at the same time. Marie Madden reports.

Pete Foley.

Former security consultant Pete Foley has been involved in martial arts for more than 30 years and is well known in Ireland and abroad. Since setting up the Black Dragon Kickboxing Gym in Galway in 1996, Pete has trained many successful kick-boxers, including many World and European champions.

While in the past most of Pete's expertise has been passed on through the Black Dragon Gym, those wishing to get fit through boxing now have an opportunity to take part in a one-on-one intensive training regime, which promises to get them 'fighting fit without getting hit'. Pete's 'Fighting Fit' personal training service offers a serious workout incorporating bag work, pad work, controlled sparring, as well as stretching and conditioning in a fun-filled yet competitive environment.

According to Pete, lack of motivation is one of the main obstacles to overcome when trying to get fit. Having the constant encouragement and support of a personal trainer eliminates this worry and provides focus for those of us who are too lazy to get off the couch and into the gym.

"Staying motivated on an ongoing basis is tough. Everyone needs that extra push; even great boxers like Muhammad Ali had a coach there to keep them focused. The personal training is one hour long, constant and high tempo because that is the only way to get results. First and foremost, I am your coach, not your friend but we do have a laugh as well. Generally we work with resistance bands, punch bags and do some pad work. It is a different approach to more traditional personal training; there is no body fat measurements or anything like that. I do give some dietary advice but the focus is really on the workout," he says.

Pete's approach has proved quite popular, with many TV personalities, professional athletes and sports teams now training at the gym. Martial arts has also become more recognised in recent years, due to its cult celebrity following.

"It is very fashionable to be involved in martial arts at the moment. People are really starting to see the benefits. Julia Roberts and Samantha Fox have both been using martial arts for years to stay in shape, as did Princess Diana. It is a workout for the whole body and is a great stress reliever as well. Sometimes there can be a fear factor, but we are not in the business of hurting people. It's all about getting fit and getting a good body shape in a fun energetic environment."

The personal training service is particularly suited to people with a busy lifestyle. Training can be arranged at a time that suits you, either at home or in the fully equipped gym in Ballybane.