Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs has revealed that extra gym work and yoga sessions are helping him keep fit and firing this season.

Gibbs has played every game for the Gunners early in the campaign, finding form to hold off Spanish international Nacho Monreal and become manager Arsene Wenger's first choice at left-back.

The 23-year-old's early Arsenal career has been blighted by persistent injury problems, with thigh and calf strains regular occurrences in recent years.

After taking up yoga 12 months ago as part of a new fitness regime, Gibbs has declared that he finally feels ready to kick on and reach the next level in his career.

He told The Mirror: "It's the best I've felt physically. I have always felt that when I am able to get a run of games, that is what I needed to kick on. I have always felt sure I could do that. Now I feel I am kicking on.

"I need to keep that going and stay fit. That is my main target. Since my thigh strain at the end of last year, I met someone new who has taken a good look at me physically, and I owe him credit because he has kept me fit for the last eight to 10 months.

"The work he asks me to do is not easy, but as long as it keeps me fit, I'm happy."

Since making his debut in 2007, Gibbs has played more than 100 times for Arsenal in all competitions and has earned two England caps.