THERE'S nothing good about the morning when it's dark and cold outside. Hedgehogs and tortoises have the right idea - hibernation is just the thing when winter draws in.

It's so easy to snuggle back down under the duvet. But you know you're just putting off the inevitable.

What you need is something to motivate you and make getting out of bed worthwhile. How about kick-starting your day with some lunges, a grapevine or two, a few leg lifts and some abs?

Early birds at Redworth Hall's Bodysense health club bounce into each morning, thanks to energetic instructor Karen Hepburn. Her good morning workout four days a week forms part of a full timetable of classes at the club that includes yoga, pilates, thighs, tums & bums and aerobics.

And for villagers in Heighington and Redworth, it means they have access to the type of activities normally only available at town centre leisure centres on their doorstep.

Starting at 9.15am or 9.30am, the good morning workout is ideal for people who work shifts or start work later in the day, and for parents on their way home from dropping the kids off at school.

The class is also popular with non-health club members (£2.50 per class) and hotel guests, but is rarely overcrowded.

The challenge for Karen is to devise a class that's suitable for everyone. "We don't have an advanced, intermediate or beginners' class so it has to be something that everyone can cope with," she explains.

That's not to say it's easy. The idea is to energise you for the day ahead and that means getting those feet off the floor, arms swinging and heart pumping.

After a brief warm-up, there's an aerobic section followed by Step. For those who've never done Step before it can take time to get used to the different movements, but at least you haven't time to concentrate on how much your legs are aching.

After that there are some upper body lifts and stretches, then it's on the floor for abdominal exercises.

For many working people, the only time they can fit in exercise is during the evening when they've already done a day's work.

If you can manage to crawl out of bed, starting the morning with some exercise wakes you up and clears your head for all those tasks that lie ahead. Mornings can be good after all.

l Bodysense is offering a 12 Days of Fitness pre-Christmas gift voucher which entitles the holder to use all the club's facilities from December 1-12. Each voucher costs £30 which can be redeemed against the cost of becoming a member.

l We have teamed up with Bodysense to offer readers the chance to spend a complimentary day at the health club, enjoying the facilities, which include the gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath. Visitors can also pay for beauty treatments at the Emmanais salon or hair appointments at Saks. To qualify, just collect FOUR different Bodysense articles, then contact the health club to book your free day on (01388) 770649.

l Next week: the Christmas survival guide