Chronicle news editor Chris Longhurst is walking 60 miles from Putney to Henley in September to raise money for Hounslow Urban Farm and the Tropical Zoo. To sponsor Chris go to http://www.justgiving.com/Chris-Longhurst

IT’S excuses time this week I’m afraid.

Yes, what can be more familiar to staff at any gym the length and breadth of this country than the phrase ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t come but...’

Well my tale of woe starts with confessing that I haven’t been able to work out at all this week due to, what I hope, you will agree are two very good reasons.

Firstly an impromptu flight abroad saw me exposed to foreign bugs and recycled cabin air in equal measure, with the result I suffered a nasty chest infection upon returning to the UK.

So instead of spending my time running, pumping and toning I spent it wheezing, coughing and moaning!

Having got over the worst I was preparing to return to my training, when somehow with no explanation at all I managed to dislocate my finger.

Despite the minor nature of the incident, the pain was still sufficient enough that I knew I wouldn’t be able to lift anything at all - even running caused the bones to jar and sent electric bolts through my hand.

So anyway thanks for reading this week and I hope by next week to...

No, I can’t leave things like that; just confess I’ve been nowhere near a treadmill and say that’s the end of it.

Instead, I’d like to take the opportunity to share with you more of the delights of The Hogarth Health Club; the venue in Airedale Avenue, Chiswick, which has been generously allowing me to use its facilities to help prepare for the 60 miles walk I’m doing for charity this September.

Far from being only a simple gym, Hogarth is home to a variety of other activities and sports.

Outside there are several tennis courts (it’s not Wimbledon but even Andy Murray had to start somewhere), while indoors you can play squash.

Off the reception area is a delightful bar and cafe where you can read the paper over a coffee or grab a cold drink to enjoy with your workout buddies.

The staff are polite and great fun to share a laugh or a chat with, so even if you’re fitness is slow to improve your social life will quickly find itself in rude health.

Upstairs you will find the Health and Beauty Spa, where a variety of top-quality treatments are on offer, everything from facials to acupuncture.

It’s definitely worth a visit and if you keep an eye on their section of the website http://www.thehogarth.co.uk you may find offers which make the cost of pampering yourself easier to justify.

Finally for now a quick word to recommend the range of classes on offer inside the on-site Studios.
Already I have seen Pilates and Spinning taking place and I am aware others including Tai Chi, Step and Circuit are equally popular.

Next week I will be on a week’s leave, but I promise I shall be back to continue my training (didn’t Luke Skywalker say that in Empire Strikes Back?) and will update you on July 26.