Do you want to be fitter and healthier, and feel more energetic and confident? Well, you can. And now is the time to start – by following the advice I will be providing in this brand new column.

My name is Lisa Cuerden. I am a local fitness expert and I have been working in the industry for more than ten years. Today I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge to you.

This column will bring you all the up-to-date information on anything and everything fitness-related and will be aimed at everyone – from stay-at-home mums to busy professionals.

I have my own Oxford-based business, Life Changing Fitness, and have had great success in helping clients achieve their fitness and weight loss goals. I started exercising at the age of 16 by just going along to the gym with my mum as she was on a fitness mission.

I fell in love with training and the way it made me feel. I loved how great I felt after the sessions and the changes it made to my body. I also enjoyed the social side of it: chatting to the guys made the time fly by, if you know what I mean...

When I was 18 I attempted a career as an accident and emergency nurse but the hours got in the way of my gym sessions so, when I turned 21, I made the decision to learn to be a personal trainer. It was, quite simply, the best decision I’ve ever made.

My days now consist of a mixture of training clients and teaching fitness classes to large numbers of people – as well as doing my own training. As an instructor, it’s important I look trim too. About 12 months ago I took up powerlifting.

This includes three lifts – back squat, deadlift and bench. The aim is to lift as much weight as you can. I found I was very strong and within five months broke the British deadlift record and was crowned UK Deadlift Champion 2013. I have achieved this through following the correct training plan and eating the appropriate diet. I am now in training for the British Championships in October.

I love every aspect of this industry, and the knowledge I now have can make huge changes to people’s lives. I can’t wait to pass this on to you. Please feel free to e-mail me with any health and fitness questions, so I can then make sure my articles are based around your needs, challenges and ambitions.

You can contact Lisa Cuerden at lisa@lisacuerden.com or via her website at lisacuerden.com