Although trouble spots vary from person to person, there are some common issues that affect women at specific times in their lives. We've generalised these problem zones so you can proactively avoid or tackle them straightaway.

In your 20s you might have: 'Office Bum'

This is a time when many of us enter the workforce and end up sitting in front of a computer for most of the day. Unfortunately, even when we're in a job that may stimulate the mind, our bottom muscles are bored by up to eight hours of daily inactivity. You can counteract this sedentary situation by doing regular vigorous exercise, and eating healthily. Your workouts should include all forms of cardiovascular training, but especially activities that target the gluteal region, like stepping classes, brisk walking, skipping and running. You can start by doing 20 minutes of each activity, three to four times a week, but build up slowly if you aren't used to this much exercise. As far as strength training, try doing two to three full body workouts a week in the gym, which include 2 sets of 12 lunges, squats, hamstring curls, adductor and abductor (inner and outer thigh) work. Follow this with a five to 10-minute cool down and stretch to keep office bum at bay.

In your 30s you might have: 'Baby Belly'

Many women think they can't ever have a strong, fit body - including a nice flat stomach - after having a baby. But luckily they are mistaken. It's important to realise that pregnancy itself is a form of progressive resistance training, whereby the pregnant woman's muscles and skeletal structure adjust over a 40-week period to added weight. So it is important to follow the advice of your GP or gynaecologist, and wait for their approval, before getting involved with a progressive fitness regime. First and foremost, it is crucial to strengthen and re-establish the connection between your pelvic floor and abdominals. Try this move: lie flat with a towel underneath your lower back for support and draw up the pelvic floor, while pulling your navel into your spine. Take 10 slow breaths, trying to hold and deepen the contraction each time, then release your pelvic floor and repeat twice.

Once this connection has been established, you can do abdominal exercises such as simple sit-ups. Aim to do 25 a day for the first few weeks, then progress up to 50 in a few months' time. Here's how: with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, hold a pillow between your inner thighs and gently lift your head and shoulders one inch off the floor. Exhale as you lift, then inhale as you return to starting position. Keep it slow, concentrate on form and don't tilt your hips. You can also work your abs, while doing strength training exercises, by keeping your tummy contracted and your pelvic floor muscles pulled in.

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Staying fit at different life stages