Over-indulging on an excess of fattening foods, lack of activity, and grazing on snacks; it is little wonder that so many women come out the other side of the festive season feeling bloated and in need of some TLE - some tender loving exercise! However, different eating patterns and a less healthy lifestyle over the holidays do not just affect weight-gain and can have a greater impact on women than just a few extra pounds.

Why do some women put on weight after starting an exercise program? That's the question posed by an Arizona State University study which highlights the reality that whilst exercise definitely makes you fit, other factors do play a part in your weight.

With Thanksgiving out the way, we are all reminded of just how waist-expanding the upcoming festive season can be. So what's your strategy to make sure you don't see in the New Year in 2015 with an increase in your weight, as so many women do? While you want to enjoy the end of year celebrations and all the get-togethers in between it is worthwhile deciding on a plan of action as we are already in December.

Incontinence and sexual issues can be the consequence of a weak pelvic floor, both problems affecting quality of life for women. The causes of this weakening can range from childbirth to aging, and also lack of exercise. As part of your exercise regime it is worthwhile focusing in on strengthening and tightening the muscles that support the lower organs and, along with the abdominals, make up our core muscles.

Love may make the world go round but negative actions and thoughts can make your world spin on its axis, to the point where you lose your footing and any sense of time or space. This may sound extreme, but the fact is that situations, experiences, people and our own minds have a huge influence on our lives.

Lack of exercise and also childbirth can all weaken the pelvic floor muscles in women. This can lead to problems which affect your quality of life. It's estimated that around one in three women have a weak pelvic floor and in the over 55s this number rises to half.

To really feel the benefit of a good workout you don't need to invest heavily in expensive equipment, if you join our fitness center. However, like many other women who get involved in regular exercise, you may need to check out your workout wardrobe first.

Women really are doing it for themselves! Whilst there is a preoccupation in magazines and in the media with what women should, could and would look like, there are many women who are focused on achieving happiness through living a balanced life and a healthy lifestyle.

While we are all so similar in so many ways, we also have different needs when it comes to looking after our health. Women have different dietary requirements than men, for example, and it's important for women to recognize and respond to these nutritional differences.

Negativity can get you down and when you are making a valiant attempt to make healthy changes to your life, it can also slow you down and create an uphill struggle. Of course, you can simply try and battle your way through the negative obstacles in your way but you might save energy and get further if you confidently and proactively find ways to deflect negativity successfully!

You don't have to bounce around with a big grin on your face every time you work out - although with us we wouldn't blame you! - but you do need to keep motivation levels up and this means feeling positive about what you can achieve and how you are going about it.