Big Al hits the treadmill

HE only signed up for the Get Moving To Health programme to stop his wife nagging but radio presenter Big Al is already starting to see results.

The father of three, who can be heard on 96.2 The Revolution on weekdays from 10am to 2pm, admits he was 'sick of being the fat bloke on the radio' and knew the time had come to sort himself out.

Despite his love of kebabs and curry, the 40-year-old has thrown himself into every challenge head on and has already started shedding the pounds.

After just one week Big Al - a member of Team Wide Load - had gone down a notch on his belt and had become a regular in the gym.

His initial moaning about having to soak his aching muscles in early morning baths soon faded when he started to see real results and took full advantage of his free weekly treatments at Oldham College.

He said: ''I've had to drastically change my eating habits and drastically increase my exercise.

''My old form of exercise consisted of walking to the car, I'm now out walking my dog each day, instead of leaaving it to the kids and in the gym three times a week.

''I've also started playing badminton again. I've got loads more energy and I get a free massage every week.

I'm missing meat pie, chips and gravy but I'm getting there.''

When he does hit the gym Big Al favours the treadmill where he can zone out and listen to his colleagues at The Revolution but he's not a big fan of the bike as it hurts his bottom!

Big Al is determined to keep up the good work when the 10 weeks are up and he believes he can achieve long-lasting success with a little help from his friends and family. He said: ''At the end of the programme I want a figure that puts a smile on my face rather than a smirk on everyone else's.

''If there is anyone out there thinking of starting a healthy eating and exercise programme I would say to them ''don't think for one second that you're alone.

''Get along to your nearest health and fitness centre and watch yourself change.''