Stop exercise BECOMING A PAIN

About to embark on a new fitness regime? Our expert Annie Deadman reveals how to avoid any unwanted injuries as you begin to up the pressure

- Annie Deadman

This month, lovely readers, I want positivity to radiate out of this column and envelop you all. We've enjoyed (or endured) the past few weeks - and now we want to get on with our New Year to-do lists. Along with book a holiday or eat more broccoli, you might have written down 'get fitter'.

Hurrah! In the wake of too much party food and tighter skirts, it's great that motivation is high. And as it's my dream to help midlife women make the best of themselves physically and emotionally, the following words are about caring for that lovely body as you start to move it more.

Exercise benefits your health, sleep, mood, blood pressure, and defence against disease and cancers. It will tighten and strengthen muscles so your metabolic rate rises, and bones and joints are better T supported. But we need to make sure that your body can keep up with your positive mindset.