A bit busier than usual in Greens on Monday night after work so had to be a little more selective with my programme. Dismantled a wooden playhouse at the weekend with no ill-effects (re: back/rib injury) so thought I'd have a go at my original 'half-session' (the full programme can take up to two hours so I elect to run it over two sessions). It was a predominantly chest, shoulders and back session after a good warm-up and it was only towards the end of the session that I felt the first twinges of resentment from my ribs. Will give my back a couple of days to recover then get back in the gym before the end of the week. Seems I can finally put my back problems behind me.

Went for a cycle ride on Saturday morning. Nothing too strenuous as was out with daughter giving her new bike only its second post-Christmas outing. But all the tracks were ice-rutted and the ribs in my back took a real pounding. Not quite back to square one on the injury front, but definitely not happy about the set-back - it's been going on far too long. Still enjoyed the morning out with 'C' - blue skies, fresh air, glorious winter sun, good company, fab.

Warmed up with a 1000m row at the end of which my ribs were showing signs of discomfort but no significant increase in pain. So far, so good. Decided to try-out the resistance rooms. Light weights, not too many reps. Again, discomfort but no pain to speak of. A very steady Greens session followed by a good stint in the steam room and a nice bit of nosh in the restaurant with the missus afterwards. All-in-all a good night.

I'm aiming to take my first tentative steps towards a return to exercise this week. My ribs are still giving me plenty of jip (I can't lay on my side in bed; the pressure's too great) but I can see I'm starting to lose muscle tone. And, of course, sore ribs haven't prevented me exercising my arm (alcohol intake) so there's not so much give in the old waistband at the moment. The thing is: what to do once I get to Greens? Lifting anything is a problem, can't row cos can't bend, and can't run because the impact hurts. Might be as well just going for a walk...

Top tip: if you can't make it to the gym because of snow-bound roads, find a hill close to home covered in snow-encrusted ice and try walking up it. It's as good as a cross-trainer. Walked to and from work yesterday and today and so can speak from first-hand experience. Won't be hitting the cross-trainer upon my return to Greens though - I've found it's not the exercise vehicle for me, but when needs must...any exercise is better than none at all.

It's that time of year when your gym membership becomes a bit of a millstone around your neck. You're eating more and drinking more but going to the gym less and less. But this year I've got an excuse for not frequenting Greens as often as I'd like over the Christmas holiday: I slipped on the ice last week, went flying into the air off the pavement like some demented cartoon character and landed flat on my back. Thought I'd just pulled something or bruised the area from my shoulder blade to my waist but the pain's not diminished and (annoyingly) there's nothing to see. In fact the pain's become more intense as it's become centralised - and when I sneeze, well, I'll just say the language can be a bit colourful. And using the clutch in the car's not all that comfortable either. Ah well, c'est la vie...

Been ill for the best part of a week (best part of two full days in bed). No chance of getting to Greens. But on the up-side, did get to watch a lot of the televised snooker!

One thing about Greens that I haven't mentioned for a good while (probably going back to one of my very first fitness blogs come to think of it) is how friendly everyone is. It's one of those things you start to take for granted I suppose after a while. The staff are always polite and friendly, reception seem to genuinely appreciate you being there (unlike some doctor's surgery receptionists I could name!) and members always have a nod or a 'good morning' or a 'hiya' - and you never fail to receive a 'thank you' if you hold open a door for someone. Insignificant? I don't think so. Walk through the Ridings shopping centre and common courtesy seems to have bypassed far too many people (and don't get me on to people who just come to a standstill at the top of the escalator or half a metre inside a store). The other happy aspect about Greens (and it's probably true of other gyms since I'm a local lad) is bumping into old friends and acquaintances. A few weeks ago I had a catch-up with Jonesy, and just this morning I was able to have a good old gab in the steam room with RD who I haven't seen since the summer at Pugneys (he was running, I was walking). Always have a bit of a buzz when I've completed a good workout, but I must say that I had an extra spring in my step when I left Greens this morning.