Sport played a big role in Susan and Anthony's lives when they first met.

They used to swim, play tennis and go dancing on a regular basis.

Two decades on, both were well overweight.

Gaining pounds over the years had been a gradual process.

Realising the need for change they started to examine their lifestyle.

Physical activity seemed to have become a thing of the past. Most evenings were spent in front of the television or occasionally at the local pub.

It had become a habit to have late night suppers, going to bed on a full stomach.

Although devoted to each other, their relationship had also become sluggish.

Whereas in the past they might have gone to the theatre or swimming together, they rarely shared any pastimes now.

They decided they needed a drastic overhaul and joined a local gym.

They started getting up earlier so they could go when it wasn't too busy.

At first, it seemed like a chore but after a while they started enjoying their "outings".

Having at least a couple of television-free evenings a week released more time to take pleasure from forgotten recreation.

They experienced a renewed interest in each other.

Looking through some old holiday photographs and cringing, they appreciated their new-found figures.

They had achieved what they set to do, little realising that the greatest improvement would be to their relationship.