Women are placing too much pressure on themselves to don their gym wear and exercise themselves thin to look like celebrities, a medical expert has suggested.

Dr Dawn Harper, from Channel 4's Embarassing Bodies programme, said that it is "not practical" for women to try and replicate celeb perfection because they have work-life commitments that simply will not allow them spend hours on exercise and preening.

"Women are bombarded with images of beautiful celebrities who not only have personal trainers and a makeup artist and a hairdresser and a stylist, but also they have the benefit of the best photographers and the odd airbrush," she added.

Research released by TENA Lady this week reveals that over half of women feel they are judged on their appearance when they meet someone new.

Dr Harper conceded that there is nothing wrong with women wanting to look and feel their best, as long as they are not aspiring to something that will leave them feeling deflated for not achieving it.

Posted by Martin Sebborn ADNFCR-2569-ID-19653774-ADNFCR

Sport & Fitness Clothing News - Latest Stories

Danger of exercise to hypertensive people 'blocked'

Posted on 06-Apr-11

Scientists have found a way of preventing a greater increase in the blood pressure of women with hypertension when they exercise in their ladies running clothing.

Sport for all initiative hailed a success

Posted on 06-Apr-11

People of all ages, abilities and walks of life donned their gym clothing recently to take part in free sports sessions at the University of Nottingham.

Exercise 'keeps the heart young'

Posted on 05-Apr-11

Women who exercise regularly throughout their lives have stronger, healthier hearts than those who do not don their ladies fitness clothing often, a study has suggested.

Using own body mass 'is helpful in resistance exercise'

Posted on 04-Apr-11

Older women can benefit from donning their gym clothing and taking part in resistance exercises that include using their own body weight.

Progressive resistance training 'is good for seniors'

Posted on 01-Apr-11

Progressive resistance training can help elderly women to improve their strength in their ladies fitness clothing.