January is full of the best of intentions, it is the time of the year when we are determined to get healthy and fit, but usually gym membership and exercise classes fall by the wayside. I know a lot of the time the effort to leave the house is what really gets me so it is exercise DVDs and books all the way.

My first thoughts of Strength Training Exercises For Women: Tone, Sculpt, and Stay Strong For Life by Joan Pagano is that it is knowledgeable and easy-to-use. It starts by testing your fitness and checking your BMI with a handy table. The introduction and chapter on why lift weights? highlights the importance of weight lifting for women. It then goes into your training programme, which includes information on equipment, muscles and exercise, posture and alignment. I learn a lot.

There are a variety of programmes in the book. One of my favourites is the 15-minute Workouts- perfect for the time starved. When I have more time, the focused exercises are brilliant. You can choose the lower body, upper body or core body programme.

The book is easy-to-use; each exercise has lots of pictures and tips. I was very impressed with this book. I think it is great for any women who wants to reach her physical peak, or has wanted to do weights but needed a dedicated programme. Highly recommended.