LIVING

No one is ever happy with their body shape, but did you know you may be doing exercises that aren't in synch with your particular frame?

Unfortunately, women are pigeon-holed into four main types of shape; the pear, the apple, the hourglass and the tube.

One isn't better than the other, but if you adapt your fitness programme to suit your shape, you could be a whole lot happier with the finished article.

The Pear:

The Pear figure usually means 'bottom heavy', with wider hips than your shoulders or bust, so you should avoid heavy weights that will define the bum and thighs and start developing your shoulder width. Try lateral raises and shoulder presses, while jogging or walking for half an hour three times a week will help burn any bottom or thigh fat.

The Apple: You may be blessed with no bum but you carry weight around your middle. The best steps to take are aerobic exercises, such as swimming, to focus on your abdominal and back muscles. Avoid using weights when you work the upper-body though, as it will only highlight the area you want to minimise.

The Hourglass: If you've the classic curvy figure with a full bust, you may want to improve your posture. Work on your upper back and hamstrings, concentrating on exercises that will also tone your tummy. Try to avoid overdoing the front body as it will only make your posture worse.

The Tube: You're in proportion but it's all straight up and down, so aim for a workout that defines the shoulders, giving the impression that the waist is smaller than it is. Tone your arms with light weights and get to work shaping your bum and thighs. Avoid aerobic workouts as you'll start to shrink and you want to add shape, not lose it!

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