The weight loss industry is huge. No pun intended! However, while many women lament their excess pounds and obesity is a real issue in the world of modern, sedentary lifestyles, diet and weight can become too much of a focal point for some women. This can lead to women not working out in the right way because they are only aiming to weigh less.

It's nearly the end of January 2014 and let's face it, a lot of us have yet to start our planned new fitness regimes. But it's challenging to be a self-starter if you lack exercise experience or have been out of the fitness game for a while.

There's lots of advice out there on how to improve your fitness levels and how to really make the most of different training styles. However, what if you are an absolute beginner and need some solid tips on how to get off the starting blocks? If you want to set out on a fitness journey that's going to take you down the right track for the rest of the year, rather than be an uphill struggle, then you just need to follow some simple ideas.

2014 might be the Year of the Horse in Chinese astrology but there's no reason why it cannot be the Year of the Man too. For any man who wants to lead a fit and healthy lifestyle, the start of 2014 might be just the catalyst to get you going.

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.

While you might have made and broken resolutions in the past, let's face it, if you don't make them in the first place then you definitely are not going to be able to see them through. New Year resolutions are not about rolling out the same old ideas but taking the opportunity to set the tone for the year ahead, especially when it comes to your health, fitness and lifestyle.

With the best will in the world, it's a challenge to create a healthy end of year season for adults and kids alike. However, after a sugary festive time, why not add some balance to children's diets by focusing on health and diet awareness this January.

It's that time of year when people start to look at what changes they want to make in the year ahead. So, what are your plans for 2014? You no doubt have some resolutions ready that relate to your health, diet and perhaps your lifestyle in general. It's positive to have a sense of a new chapter and New Year is a good time to really take stock.

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.

Does a sound mind really relate to you having a sound body? Does a flexible body equal a flexible mind? According to a recent study there may be some real truth in this, with findings suggesting that exercise may enhance your creative thought processes.