Towie’s James Argent skips into a healthy new year as he works out in Essex

TOWIE'S James Argent proved he's skipping into a healthy new year as he was seen working out in Essex.

The reality star looked deep in concentration as he took part in the outdoor workout dressed head to toe in black gym wear.

James, nicknamed Arg, built up a serious sweat as he jumped up and down outside Romford's VIP HQ.

Trainers from the Essex gym were also seen giving the TOWIE favourite encouragement.

Arg, 33, has long battled with his weight and his highs and lows have been seen during his time on the ITVBe show and since his exit.

The pictures follow his recent vow to lose weight or die trying.

After two near-fatal drug overdoses last year, James has turned his life around and embarked on a new health and fitness regime.

Taking to Instagram, James shared a before and after snap showing his impressive transformation so far.

He captioned it: "Get Fit or Die Tryin’".

James' celebrity pals were quick to share words of encouragement, with Megan McKenna writing: "Yes Arg".

Fellow Towie star Liam Gatsby added: "Keep goin ! U got this bro."

Meanwhile former Towie star Harry Derbidge wrote: "Proud of you arg."

The reality star is determined to swim to Africa and it looked like he meant business ahead of battling the shark-infested waters, going on a three-hour workout in the English Channel.

James' latest transformation pictures come after he was seen diving into the freezing sea in Kent as he prepares for a challenge of a lifetime.

Arg was seen getting greased up to prevent chafing - a serious problem for distance swimmers - before clambering into the waves.

Arg is celebrating almost a year of sobriety after kicking drugs by taking on the perilous challenge.

It will see him dodge sharks, jellyfish - and vast ocean-going tankers - on the ten-mile international journey between Spain and Morocco.