Indoor rowing machines have been recommended for toning and cardiovascular fitness training by a fitness expert.

Writing in the Telegraph's Life Coach section, Tony Gallagher advises anyone wishing to lose weight or just tone up and improve fitness to try indoor rowing.

"The Concept 2 indoor rowing machine is excellent and gives both cardiovascular and toning benefits," he said, adding that home gym equipment was worth considering for anyone not keen on going to the gym.

Other physical activity Mr Gallagher recommended for gym-ophobes was signing up to Parkrun, which organises free five kilometre timed runs every Saturday all around the country for all ages and fitness levels.

And for those who fancy a personal training regime without signing up with a personal trainer, Mr Gallagher recommends itrainer.com.au - a virtual personal training programme that can be downloaded to an iPod.

Personal trainer Rich Leigh says that with healthy eating and exercise people can expect to lose between two and four pounds a week.