We often notice that most guides, hints and tips regarding to exercise generally apply to both men and women. However when it comes to maximising workouts routines there are certain issues that are particularly relevant to women.

Here are 5 tips or pointers to look out for if you are a woman and getting started on exercising or a fitness regime :

1. Check Your Iron Levels

One study found that women with low levels of iron in their blood but somehow not low enough to be classified as anaemic would find it harder to maintain an exercise regime than women with normal levels.

If you suspect that this applies to you, consult your doctor, who may recommend a daily supplement of 100mg of iron, which can double the exercise endurance level of women who are slightly deficient in iron.

But it is important to note that iron supplements should be taken only on medical advice (other than iron in a multivitamin and mineral supplement).

Other than taking iron supplements, good sources of dietary iron include red meat and eggs. Drinking citrus juice with meals will improve absorption from iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables.

2. Time Your Exercise To Your Menstrual Cycle

If you are in the latter part of your menstrual cycle, that is an excellent reason for an energetic workout on the step machine. A study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia found that women who exercise at this time of the month, when levels of oestrogen and proestrogen are at their highest, burning far more fat for energy, which in turn leads to weight loss and less exercise related fatique.

3. Ignore The Mirror At Gyms

The designers of fitness clubs often install mirrors in exercise rooms. While these may be useful to monitor your technique, sometimes looking at yourself too often can have a negative effect. One study found that women who exercised in front of a mirror felt less calm and more tired after 30 minutes of working out than those who exercised without mirrors! So lose the mirror ya!

4. You Can Be Both Healthy And Heavy

Many women think they are too heavy to benefit from exercising and there are others who get discouraged when they do not see significant weight loss after weeks of exercise.

But we have to remind ourselves that the most important benefit of exercise is keeping your heart healthy.

And research shows that the amount of activity you get, not your weight, is the chief predictor of heart disease.

5. Find The Right Teacher

This might seem simple advice but really, if you want a motivating exercise class, find a teacher with whom you feel relaxed, someone, who, like most of us, looks as though they need to exercise to look their best.