Oh, the agony!

Agony aunt Mrs Hudson solves your dilemmas

Make a run for it

Q My doctor recently suggested that regular exercise would be a good idea, but I am struggling to overcome my embarrassment and sign up to my local gym. It is full of lithe young things strutting about in skin-tight lycra who put my middle-aged man’s physique to shame. How can I overcome my insecurities? P. M., Somerset A

One of the surest ways to overcome embarrassment about one’s body is by signing up to a gym and getting some exercise, thereby improving the general impression created upon walking into a room—so we’re in something of a pickle, aren’t we? Focus on the fact that there is an incredibly low chance any of these lithe young things will be looking at your middle-aged-man bod. If they do successfully drag their eyes away from their own reflection, rest assured that it will be to ogle each other, not you.

You should also know that, unless this is a fairly niche breed of gym, there is nothing written in the rules of membership stating that you are obliged to attend in skin-tight lycra. Don an oversized t-shirt and jogging bottoms (but never in grey—why do people insist on wearing the most easily sweat-stained colour during exercise? Revolting), hold your head high and jump on that running machine.

Alternatively, save yourself some money and go for an actual run. Or jog. Or brisk walk. Outside, where the air is fresh and no one gives runners a second glance, other than to think ‘Rather you than me’.

In need of advice? Email your problem to mrs.hudson@futurenet.com