A couple of weeks ago I visited our newest member of thebestof Stroud, Personal Best Studios, just outside Nailsworth.

Now, a bit of background. I spent a number of years in the Armed Forces, so a lot of time doing organised exercise, in a very Regimented fashion, typically in a large gym, in a dated and somewhat tired building (albeit with good modern equipment) doing mass exercise classes in a generally uninspiring way. I'm not trying to do the PT Corps down, they do a great job, but when you have to exercise 600 people three times per week it can be difficult! And don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it - I love exercise and sports, but like most people I generally need to be enthused by it.

People are generally enthused by very different things. I know a lot of people who like the large Multiple activity membership gyms offering coffee shops and latex outlets, but it doesn't do anything for me! Lights, big facilities and posh coffee don't really float my boat, and neither does mass exercise classes or sharing the aerobic or weights room with another 50 people!

So I hear you all say, what am I driving at? Well, firstly, when I arrived at Personal Best, the first thing that struck me was the fact that it is a really beautiful place. Set in Frogmarsh Mill the whole studio has a really great feel about it, and my first impression on walking in was....well quite simply, wow! It's not massive, it's not over-flashy, but it is top quality, brilliantly laid out and really nicely finished - all geared around providing you a tailored, professional and personal experience.

This is about top quality, personal service! The clue is in the name - It's personal and it's the best! This is about individual or small group activity. Personal Best tailor that service to you or your group, ensuring that you get the best out of your sessions and that it is the right training for you, at the right pace and above all, that you enjoy it. You have a wide range of activities available, from personal training, Chiro, Physio, Golf specific, sports therapy, yoga, massage, chiropody, podiatry and circuits. On top of that, they have a whole host of modern and super technical equipment to help you with your desired activity. It's a real one stop fitness shop (but you'll have to get your posh coffee just down the road at Egypt Mill afterwards!).

To top it all off, the Personal Best team are set up to give you just the best and most personal service when you are there. They absolutely pride themselves on this - and I absolutely assure you that you'll love the place.