So, you're seriously considering some dedicated one-on-one personal training to finally get your fitness on the fast track. Well if you're about to sign up, this probably means you have have focus, clarity and single-minded determination, but don't forget, you still need to be armed with the right information.

In 'Getting ripped!' we looked at what abs are and also the benefits of working on your six-pack. It's not about vanity - although let's face it rippling abs look pretty good - but also about the body benefits strong abdominals bring, such as better breathing, flexibility, greater range of motion and movement, not to mention stability and core strength.

Whatever age you are, make 2014 the year when you really come into your own as the woman you've always wanted to be. This is the Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology and this symbolizes a relentless nature to improve yourself through positive, intelligent and energetic efforts.

Do you want to move forward with your fitness in 2014? It might be a case of carrying on from a positive 2013, or perhaps you want to put the excesses and fitness failings of the past year behind you? To get ready for the next chapter, look at where you've gone right as well as where you've gone wrong.

If you're a woman and you feel that you've been busy throughout 2013 with family, work and relationships, then the festive season is not going to lighten the load. It's little wonder that many women find that they have virtually no quality 'me' time.

Motivation and commitment count for a lot in achieving your fitness goals with a personal trainer. Dogged determination and an inspirational go-getting attitude are impressive and it is only the naive who believe that personal training requires no input from themselves at all.

It might still be November, just, but the New Year is fast approaching and rather than try and change your lifestyle for the better on the first day of January, why not plan ahead? In the final few weeks leading up to the end of 2013 make it the season to make positive change and get ready to start 2014 with some new, healthy improvements.

Tis the season to be merry and not morbidly obese at least. With trick and treat candies long gone and Thanksgiving feasting round the corner for some, not to mention the upcoming indulgence of the end-of-year party season, it's easy for this time of year to create a festive fallout over kids' health.

While much of the Western world might be getting fatter, there is definitely societal pressure to keep fit and stay in shape. If you fail then the result is feeling a failure and this can lead to a spiral effect down toward a bad diet and lack of activity.

Are you still partying like it's 1999? If you "get" this song reference then perhaps it's a sign that you've been enjoying the overindulgent side of life for quite some time now! Are you a graduate of the Class of '99, and still reserving your weekends for drinks and socialising?  Is the last of your youthful energy being spent on dancefloors rather than in gyms? Then perhaps it's time for a bit of a lifestyle change.