Are you ready for the PLANK challenge?

Setting time aside each day for a home workout helps you feel you have some control over your life on top of the weight loss and health benefits you will reap.

‘ You’ll feel like you are in the driving seat of your day,’ is how WW head of programme Julia Westgarth puts it.

Set yourself a goal — like the WW 30-day plank challenge to perfect a key exercise for your core abdominal muscles. it involves holding a position similar to a press-up for as long as you can and not only tones your midriff but boosts your upper body strength and posture.

the challenge starts with 20 seconds of the basic ‘plank’ and builds up to a core workout which will help strengthen and pull in your mid-section in time for summer.

it’s worth reminding yourself of all the benefits of being more active. not only will it help you to lose any extra weight you’ve gained since the start of Covid-19, but scientific research shows it can help reduce your risk of serious illness including heart disease, developing type 2 diabetes and stroke.

exercise can also help you feel more energetic and upbeat too as moderate exercise causes the body to release endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals that lift your mood and help to keep stress at bay as well as aiding better sleep.

NOW you’re feeling motivated, take steps to make physical activity part of your daily life. the first step is to set a realistic schedule — and keep to it, says WW chief scientific officer Dr gary Foster.

‘in the same way you would create a schedule for eating, with a regular slot for mealtimes, draw up a simple routine of daily activity,’ he says.

But be realistic about how much time you have and what you want to achieve — it’s easier and more satisfying to start with something achievable and build up than feel a failure for not managing to hit unrealistic targets.

Some people may feel it’s not worth bothering if they can’t exercise for an hour at least, but experts say shorter workouts bring big benefits too.

So feel free to fit two 15-minute sessions into your day (one before lunch and one before dinner, for instance) if that works better for you than one half-hour workout.

Dr Foster adds: ‘Remember that any and all movement is good and brings health benefits — and it’s much better than doing nothing.’

See this as a chance to have fun experimenting with new forms of exercise. there are many workouts online — from yoga to high-intensity — that you can do at home without special equipment.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water before and during exercise, as you’ll lose water through sweat. Water carries nutrients around the body and plays a vital role in every bodily function. Being dehydrated makes you tire more easily.

it’s best not to eat before a workout, even if you feel peckish – although if desperate, eat a piece of ZeroPoint fresh fruit. You’ll find that activity soon drives away hunger pangs.

Make sure you warm up gently for five minutes before starting your routine to avoid pulling muscles. if you’re outside, run gently, or march on the spot if you’re indoors.

And put an extra spring in your step by playing your favourite tracks as you go.

With a little thought — as our special WW daily exercises on the previous page show — you can certainly create a satisfying home workout.

If you are on medication or have any concerns about your health, consult your GP before starting a new exercise regimen.