In the not so distant past few people were using fitness apps, in fact they weren't even around to use. But with each passing year new fitness-related tech wizardry is designed to support our endeavors to lead a healthy life and connect with our own lifestyles.

Pain is subjective; each of us has a certain threshold at which point the intensity of a stimulus is at a level where we perceive pain. In fitness, people talk about pushing beyond the pain barrier and working out outside your comfort zone. Certainly to achieve results you need to challenge yourself physically and mentally.

Real men run marathons, compete in Ironman championships, and lift bicep bulging weights. Real men sweat it out with cardio and cross training and meet the challenge of suspension training full on. What they don't do is stretch. This somewhat macho and archaic attitude is what some men consider a manly way of working out.

It's a stereotype but it has to be said, that many men are not that hot when it comes to self-reflection, connecting with their inner core, and cherishing the essence of who they are. The problem is though that without this 'togetherness' you can easily end up on the wrong track in life, and that includes your health.

Fitness and exercise is part of the everyday lifestyle of so many people. However, with so many different ideas on what works and what doesn't it can be confusing to know what are fitness truths and which are not. What is true is that there are many fitness myths that simply won't go away regardless of science proving them to not have any weight.

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.