Sports reporter Tim Ashton joins Olympian Andy Turner and Anthony Nyman’s new fitness class

There are many things I have done off my own back that needed determination, such as running marathons and swimming the Solent.

But, last Thursday night, I joined the Antics fitness team on Overton Park in Sutton to partake in their new circuit training sessions.

After an hour of gruelling punishment, I had used up all my reserves of both determination and courage.

It is my fault – when you are invited to a training session run by the current Commonwealth and European 110m hurdles champion, you know it is not going to be a walk in the (Overton) park.

Olympian Andy Turner and his business partner, personal trainer and former Sutton United player Anthony Nyman, set up Antics two weeks ago.

Warm up: Not that it was needed in the early evening warmth of a summer's day on Overton Park    SP77765

Already their Saturday (10am) and Thursday (7.30pm) sessions are attracting up to 55 people – are they all mad? One thing is for certain, they will only get fitter.

Turner said: “The feedback we have had from the clients has been fantastic and people have seen great results too.

“The Saturday before last we had 47 participants of every standard – some very fit, some very unfit, but the beauty is you go at your own pace, and we will be there to motivate as much as possible.

“We are both very passionate about sport. “Anthony already ran a circuits class, but was looking to expand so I decided to join him and bring a few Olympic style training methods, including some static hurdle drills, into what was already a fantastic workout.”

Nyman said: “We like to keep it fun with music and some well choreographed drills. We also add a personal touch during the warm down, when Andy or I will talk briefly to the guys about various topics, from nutrition to recovery to mindset.”

The ring-leaders: Andy Turner and Anthony Nyman    SP77765

The workout is simple, to the point and, once you have got through the pain barrier, actually quite fun.

I consider myself relatively fit, albeit with scrawny arms and a litre bottle instead of a six-pack – and it was the lack of upper body strength that let me down.

There are 20 circuit stations with exercises ranging from press-ups, stomach crunches, shuttle runs and lunging jump squats at each.

You have a minute on each – not too bad, you would think. But, inbetween each exercise, either Turner or Nyman perform another exercise we have to copy.

The session lasts an hour and, apart from a two-minute break at halfway, it is full on.

After 25 minutes, I thought I was going to vomit. After 40 minutes, my stamina took over. After 50 minutes, I was praying for the end.

But, as is the same in all endurance sports, I took pride in an achievement completed, goals reached and hardship overcome.

As we stretched out at the end, Nyman talked through some nutrition tips and ways to prevent the storage of fat – one of which was to get at least seven to eight hours sleep a night.

Not a problem that night, lads, not a problem.

To get involved, check out @anticsfitness.

And I'm spent: Rejoice, for the circuit training is over and our goals have been realised      SP77765