Recently, I’ve found myself showing off my arm muscles to anyone who’ll pay attention, demanding glances of admiration.

Granted, this is slightly abnormal – and not entirely feminine - behaviour, but I can actually feel them getting bigger. And with all the pain that has come with said gain (we’re talking shaky arms lifting weights for many reps, press-ups, pull-ups, bench-presses – I could go on...) I want some praise.

I’ve been training with Karen from Matt Roberts for two months now and it really all starts coming together when you can see – and feel - the results.

We’re not talking Incredible Hulk-style muscles here – or even that Sarah Connor out of Terminator. But if you need a heavy suitcase lifting – or a big load of shopping carrying home – suddenly, I’m your (wo)man.

I’m training for the Royal Parks Half Marathon which is set to take place this October and am trying to see if I can do it in under two hours. So far I’ve been doing one gym session and one running session with Karen every week (if anyone has ever tried what are known as ‘intervals’ – that’s repeated short sprints, sometimes up hills – midway through a 10K run – you’ll understand my pain). Plus I’ve gone for a third run on my own most weeks for extra brownie points.

At first my appetite shot up and I was worried about whether I’d actually tone up given the amount of food I was putting away – but your metabolism soon speeds up and being able to eat cake when you want without a second thought for your hips is a most enjoyable bonus.

If you want to find out more about personal training, visit Matt Roberts.

You heard it here first. Gwyneth Paltrow has hooked up with French jersey brand ZOEtee’s to create a seven silhouette collection of easy dressing, ranging from basics to draped evening styles.

Launching for Autumn/Winter 2009, Paltrow has played an integral part in the collection, from choosing the fabrics, fitting and detailing - and even the packaging.

The range captures Paltrow’s laid back daytime style and her elegant evening look with a synthesis of masculine casual suiting, 70’s style glam and rock inspiration.

All proceeds from sales will go to the Kids Company, a charity of Gwynnie’s choice.

'ZOEtee’s LOVES Gwyneth Paltrow' also includes pieces which are comfortable enough for a busy morning and yet elegant for an evening out.

Mesh detailed tops, draped evening dresses, vintage style sweatshirts, jumpsuits and recycled cotton legging basics have all been specially selected by Paltrow to complement her style.

The fabrics used include recycled cotton and cashmere blends as well as wool mesh and stud details – and each piece is made from high quality Japanese knit to ensure exceptional quality.

ZOEtee’s LOVES Gwyneth Paltrow will be available from Matches and online at www.matchesfashion.com, from the end of August and beginning of September.

Prices ranging from £100 to £595.

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I've been sweating it out in the gym for five weeks now at Matt Roberts, in a bid to run this year's Royal Parks Half Marathon in under two hours.

I'm definitely feeling stronger and fitter for it (I'm up to EIGHT full press-ups now, having been unable to do a single one when I started) though I can't help grimacing with a touch of resentment when my long-legged, 6ft 2in husband laps me on a training session in Hyde Park on a Sunday morning.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is taking place this October 11th and teams of six or more can still enter for the Corporate Challenge, so why not persuade your company to get fit and enter? 

Training together is a great way to be healthy, meet people from different departments and foster team spirit.

And those who don't fancy running can get involved with supporting their colleagues, helping them fundraise and coming along to cheer them on during race day, while also enjoying the free Brakes Food & Fitness Festival.

Each runner will be supplied with an official number, bamboo race shirt and timing chip before the day – although Royal Parks love seeing teams in costume or company t-shirts too!

There will be a prize awarded to the fastest team, calculated on the average completion time of the runners. In addition, all corporate team runners will be eligible for the individual prizes on offer.

Details for how to apply can be found at www.royalparkshalf.com/corporate-challenge. Good luck!

Competitors must be 17 to apply.

Known as the ‘recessionista’s paradise’, the Cyvilian Hairstore has hundreds of top brands and products available at consistently low prices, including Tigi Bedhead, Jessica Nail Care, OSIS, KMS California, SexyHair and more.

Cyvilian also helps customers to achieve the best results for their hair with a top tips section, written and edited by top stylist and owner of CV Hair and Beauty, Ian Broderick. Here, beauty addicts will find advice on how to create the hottest Hollywood hair styles, as well as useful tips on how to tame your mane in all weather conditions.

For those who are looking for advice on skincare, the site’s all-new Dermalogica consultation form will ensure a professional therapist responds to a query within 48 hours.

The offers section is updated daily with great deals such as 3 for 2 on selected Tigi products, free gifts, and extra-large discounts on selected brands. In addition, all products across the site are discounted by at least 10%, meaning you’re guaranteed a bargain with every purchase.

Check out www.cyvilianhairstore.co.uk to find out more.