GEORGE Chapman has a gladiatorial physique and looks 10 years younger than his 46 years.

I went along to one of his circuit training classes hoping to find out the key to his enviable energy and fitness.

And I wasn't alone -- with 60 people in the class this was one of the biggest exercise classes I'd ever seen.

It seems that George's Circuit classes are always well-attended.

The genial scouser has an easy charm and an infectious smile.

Tough

As an ex-PTI instructor with the TA he lives up to his tough man image, barking out commands to his mixed class of housewives, executives and professional sportsmen -- I spotted Lancashire cricketer Mike Watkinson and a couple of fellow cricketers in George's ranks.

But for all George's macho rantings -- this is all a bit of fun to spice up the class.

At intervals he sends half a dozen miscreants to the Sin Bin to do extra press-ups. No one objects.

I know I'm right about the "act" when I spot George's sidekick, and fellow fitness instructor, Tony Finnigan, who is the first to go to the Sin Bin.

These two are the Little and Large of the fitness circuit.

I didn't escape George's friendly taunts.

Shuttle

"You could always cut your hair Angelina," he teased as I wobbled through another shuttle race.

At other times, more quietly, he praised me for working hard while urging me to take it easy when I began to look a little red-faced.

But while this is a fun and relaxed class everyone there, with the possible exception of George, is putting in 100 per cent effort.

Whether you're a total novice or professional sportsman, you'll find this is a demanding class.

There's an element of friendly competition and I found I worked harder than I would in other classes.

I was first reminded of my PE lessons at secondary school as we began jogging around the large sports hall to warm up. And as we formed teams of three to complete shuttle runs/exercises against other teams there it was again.

Everyone worked at their own level but there was an extra incentive to work hard with the encouragement of team mates.

And for the ultra-competitive there was the goal of finishing first.

But there were no losers -- there was a round of applause as I finished off my last burpee when everyone else had finished. All effort is acknowledged and everyone is inspired to do their best.

Your natural instincts and personal pride will ensure you raise the level at which you work, week by week, as you get fitter.

For those readers who don't know, circuit training involves moving quickly from one exercise to the other with very little rest in-between.

Superb

When it comes to weight loss, building endurance and cardiovascular fitness, circuits are superb.

And this class included static work alongside explosive work.

It also helps you develop footwork, co-ordination and balance.

You'll incinerate calories, work all major muscle groups and gain strength.

And you'll do this faster than with traditional weight-training or cardiovascular fitness training alone.

There is one more benefit.

Because of the number of repetitions involved, you'll improve muscular definition.

In essence, you'll develop a well-toned, fitter, stronger body.

Functional fitness is about achieving and maintaining an all-round fitness that, with the minimum of specialist equipment or skills, is available to everyone.

George seems to have found the secret with just a couple of skipping ropes, a bench and exercise mats, and lots of fun.

He has stuck to the same blueprint for nearly 20 years and his packed classes speak for themselves.

But that's not to say he doesn't vary the routine. He just sticks to the same principles -- because they work.

The drop-out rate for these classes is very low and some of George's victims have been coming for years. You won't hear George getting all scientific about exercise but his formula of circuit training punctuated with recovery jogging and walking, is a winner.

Exercise scientists have shown, for example, that doing hard sets of repetitions followed by short rest periods produces dramatic results and fitness benefits.

George's class is a heady mix of effort and fun -- the ultimate fitness blitz .

Bending

And the real secret of his success is that these classes are a hit with everyone.

So if your idea of exercise is bending over to tie your shoe laces in the morning these classes will transform you from couch potato to fit in a matter of weeks.

And whatever sport you play -- at whatever level -- you'll raise your game and play better if you're in good condition.

Bolton's own Mr Motivator will ensure you push yourself towards your physical limits.

And despite my puffing and panting I loved this simple but effective approach.

This class will hit all your major muscle groups . . . and most of the minor ones.

If you decide to give it a go make sure you take a water bottle along.

Before the class George had said: "I try to make it as much fun as possible." He did.

George teaches at Lostock Leisure on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8pm, and on Sunday mornings from 11am to noon. Sessions cost just £2.75. Telephone 01204-669673 for more details. He also takes classes at David Lloyd Leisure Club and Bolton Excel Centre. RATINGS Cardiovascular *****

Endurance ****

Strength ***

Flexibility **

Calorie Burning *****

Fun ****

Feelgood *****