What makes a woman strong? Both physically and mentally, exercise can play a big part in promoting strength; this benefit promotes health and fitness. Beyond this, exercise can help inspire a way of life and an approach to life, as well as impact your perspective and view of yourself.

Pushing yourself beyond what you think is possible means believing that you can achieve your goals. It means having the strength of character, motivation and determination to succeed. How you think is as important as what you do when it comes to women changing their lifestyles and keeping fit.

What influences you depends on what you surround yourself by, and that includes the people, their stories and positive tales of success. If you are looking for inspiration to give you a motivational boost to get fit or reach a fitness goal, then you could find power-up with the sporting feats of some amazing female athletes.

June 7, 1-3pm Striking Clinic with Mark "Diamond Heart" DeLuca 2004 USKBA World Championship tournament Gold medalist 2005 USMTA Certified Muay Thai Instructor 2006 USKBA Superlightweight US Muay Thai Champion 2007 IFMA World Championship A-class competitor for Team USA (Thailand) 2008 TBA-SA Superlightweight Muay Thai World Champion 2009 Fought and won in legendary Lumpinee Stadium (Thailand) 2012 Certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Coach, CMMACC REGISTER HERE

While we are constantly bombarded with the news that more people are struggling with weight issues than ever before and that far too many of us are living sedentary lifestyles,we know that such reports don't relate to everyone. There are many women who are living fit and healthy lives too.

How does exercise shape the quality of our cognitive functions? Does keeping in shape mean that you also keep your memory in a fit state too? If you struggle to retain information could it be directly related to your fitness levels? There's so much research yet to come in this area but one recent study adds to the growing opinion that sedentary lifestyles can affect people's minds.

While most women know that they ought to keep fit around two thirds feel too self-conscious to exercise in public, according to UK mental health charity Mind, with some women preferring to exercise at night even. And it is a feeling many women around the Western world can relate to.

Think about it, behind every successful athlete there is a solid team of supporters who rally around her when needed. While it is the sheer determination and commitment each of us shows in achieving our goals that counts, those around us can be a great help.

What does fitness mean to you? Is it just about statistics, measurements, and physical results? For many women fitness is about wellbeing. It's about taking a holistic approach to wellness to create a fit and healthy body and mind, and also a balanced lifestyle that complements your quest to feel great.

One in eight women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. A statistic that is shocking enough to propel women to make sure they get checked out. One study suggests that another weapon in the fight against this disease is sport.