Since the early 80's and Olivia Newton John's disco hit 'Physical', the idea of female fitness has largely been restricted to group earobics and step class sessions.
Receently, however, female fitness has taken on a whole new perspective.
The rise of women's cricket. women's soccer and high profile female swim teams have taken female fitness out of its legwarmers and onto the TV screen.
Gyms are now catering for their growing number of female fitness fanatics. As well as providing the popular aerobics classes, sports that were previously just for the men are opening up to an enthusiastic female membership.
Weight training and boxing are now key elements in any female fitness program. Building muscle tone, improving agility and stamina, these classes are increasingly popular. Smart gym owners are even adding extra women-only classes to encourage attendance and women-only gyms are now a thriving industry.
Outside the gym sports clubs are setting up all-female teams for traditionally male-dominated sports. Driven by a growing female fitness industry, girls are starting to feel more confident about becoming involved in a vast range of different sports - previously considered 'boys only'.
Such inclusion must be a positive influence on young girls. Ongoing support for the development of a thriving female fitness industry will ensure a generation of healthy, happy women - who aren't afriad to compete against the boys!