You will often hear people talking about how they are on some new magical pills which will melt away their fat and give them the slim figure they have always hoped for. But unfortunately, there is no quick cure for losing weight.

However, the most effective way of burning fat and keeping it off is with regular exercise. And that doesn’t mean that you have to run 50 times around the block. Exercise comes in many forms and you may even be burning the calories without even knowing it. For example, 60 minutes of gardening can burn 300 calories.

So next time you’re complaining that you’ve put on some weight; put down those running shoes and pull on the gardening boots.

If you want to get fit, then one of the most effective ways is by running. But it can be difficult to get going and people often take it too fast and end up with injuries.

The best way to ensure that you get the most out of your run is by warming up. Start walking at a quick pace and gradually build it up to a slow jog. Ensure that you are always able to breathe comfortably. If your breathing starts to get uneasy, then slow down to regain control.

Do this for about ten minutes in total and then gradually build your time up every few days.

The news that Emile Heskey, suffered groin strain earlier this month, served as a warning to us all. If a fit, professional athlete such as Heskey can succumb to injury, then us mere mortals are certainly at risk.

It just goes to prove that you do have to be really careful when you are taking exercise; particularly if you haven’t exercised for a while. Your muscles will not respond well if you suddenly start running a marathon every night when you have done nothing for the past six months.

Always warm up thoroughly, take a rest when needed and consult an expert for advice.

It’s that time of year again, when everyone is signing up for various races in order to raise money for charity.

There are plenty of events all around the country ranging from marathons to 5k runs in aid of cancer.

When you sign up for one of these races, it may seem as though that day of dread is really far off and that there’s plenty of time to train. But of course, that’s not the case.

That day will soon be here and it would be embarrassing if you were left staggering, breathless at the side of the race track because you have done no training. Make life easy for yourself and start training now. You will be thankful that you did when that day finally arrives.

Mel B has reportedly launched a new fitness campaign. The former Spice Girl has been known in the past for releasing fitness DVDs guiding women on how to achieve a similar physique to hers and now she has launched International Fitness Week.

The former popstar has said that she wants to promote fitness in a way that makes everyone see what works best for them.

As well as this campaign, Mel B has also been lined up to host the second series of Dance Your Ass Off which is a US lifestyle programme where contestants jive with professional partners in order to lose weight.