Are you a morning person or an evening person? When it comes to working out, people have different preferences. While some would not mind waking up at five in the morning to start exercising, some would much rather sleep in and just train after work.

If you visualize women at the gym or working out what do you see in your mind's eye? Chances are you see a slim, fit, and toned woman who already looks in peak physical condition. Magazines are filled with pictures of celebrities working out with their personal trainers, just to lose a few pounds on their already size 0 frames for an award ceremony.

Do you really believe that if there's no pain there's no gain when it comes to exercise? What's true is that really challenging yourself with a workout that's going to test you to the limit can be incredibly rewarding. However, pain can lead to injury, whether from overstretching yourself or from overtraining.

Women engaged in the battle of the belly fat bulge will understand just how difficult this abdominal bulk is to budge. Of course, having some fat around the hips is natural for a woman, as emphasized by super size-zero celebrities with hip bones that jut out and concave rather than toned and flat stomachs.

Even if you absolutely love everything to do with keeping fit and working out, everybody needs a touch of inspiration to fuel their motivation levels. What gets you going and what keeps you going? Or are you still stuck in the stalls planning ahead but never quite starting? Whether you feel you can't, have come to a standstill on a fitness plateau or are lacking the gumption in the first place, you need to feel inspired!

The best fitness motivation you can find is to set goals and follow a clear strategy which is manageable, achievable and enjoyable.

Trotting along like a horse; hitting an imaginary ball on an imaginary court in your own home; moving your hips hula style while sitting down; risking injury with dangerous physical challenges; and walking to the next bar; it seems there is no end to the interesting, strange and downright weird trends some people follow in the name of fitness.

A sense of camaraderie and community is what really sets a fitness centre apart from the standard traditional style gym environment. Today, fitness is not just about having fun but being around like-minded, supportive individuals too. And who better to work out with than your friends? Recent reports suggest there is an emerging trend, in the US at least, for fitness parties, where during birthday and other celebratory events you include some type of enjoyable working out session, where everyone can join in.