7 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Sculpt Your Abs

Looking for ways to lose belly fat and sculpt your abs without exhausting workouts and special equipment? Although an abdominal equipment can help you tone your abs faster, most of this equipment can be absolutely useless and it doesn’t bring the promised results. To get perfectly sculpted abs, you need a clean diet, lots of energy and the will to exercise each day. Consider using these 7 tips to lose belly fat and sculpt your abs. They do work!

1. Boost your cardio

You exercise every single day and you’re greatly disappointed because you’re not seeing any positive results. Don’t worry, just boost your cardio. Cardio can help you burn plenty of calories in a single workout as well as burn fat all over your body, including your belly.

2. Tighten your abs

One of the easiest ways to tighten your abs it to hold it for about 10-15 seconds, release and then relax. Do this easy tightening exercise at least 4 times a day and you will notice amazing results. The great news is that you can do this at work or when you are in line at the grocery store.

3. Drink 10-12 glasses of water daily

I know it can be hard to drink enough water each day, but you need to stay hydrated. Water hydrates you, flushes toxins out of your body and helps to reduce bloating. Make a habit of drinking 10-12 glasses of water each day so that you can get flat and sculpted abs without any abdominal equipment.

4. Give up sugar

Refined sugar which is usually found in cakes, cookies and most processed foods can cause bloating and it’s actually not good for your health. Well, sugar is very addictive and I know how it’s hard to give up it. However, if you want to improve your health and get sculpted abs, eliminate sugar from your diet.

5. Plank it out

The plank is one of the most effective exercises for total core strength and it can help you to sculpt your abs as well. Focus on right form, with the body in a straight line from head to toe. Start with 30-40 seconds and then work up to holding longer. You don’t need any expensive equipment to achieve sculpted abs. Just try out this tip and see the results!

6. Perform more abdominal exercises

The plank, crunches and side obliques are only a few of the most effective exercises that help lose belly fat and sculpt abs. To reach your goal, try to perform more abdominal exercises and make sure you stick to a clean diet and lead an active lifestyle.

7. Avoid late night snacking

Staying up late to browse the Internet or watch your favorite show can make you reach for unhealthy snacks. Even if you eat healthy snacks late at night, it can still increase your waistline. Go to bed earlier to avoid late night snacking and to lose belly fat. Late night snacking can ruin your diet and can even disturb your sleep throughout the night.

As you can see, it’s possible to tone your abs without any abdominal equipment. All you need to do is to make a few effective choices to reach your dream. Are you going to try any of these ways to lose belly fat and sculpt abs?

—http://womanitely.com

 

Nature Walks With Others May Keep Depression at Bay

Study found they lowered stress levels, lifted spirits after illness, job loss, divorce, death of loved one

Taking nature walks with other people may lower your stress levels and reduce your risk of depression, a new study suggests.

The study included nearly 2,000 participants from the Walking for Health program in England, which organizes nearly 3,000 group walks each week.

The researchers found that people who'd recently gone through a stressful event such as a serious illness, job loss, marriage breakup or death of a loved one had a significant mood boost after outdoor group walks.

"We hear people say they feel better after a walk or going outside but there haven't been many studies of this large size to support the conclusion that these behaviors actually improve your mental health and well-being," study senior author Dr. Sara Warber, an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, said in a university news release.

"Walking is an inexpensive, low risk and accessible form of exercise and it turns out that combined with nature and group settings, it may be a very powerful, under-utilized stress buster," Warber said.
"Our findings suggest that something as simple as joining an outdoor walking group may not only improve someone's daily positive emotions but may also contribute a non-pharmacological approach to serious conditions like depression," she explained.

The study was published online recently in the journal Ecopsychology.
"Given the increase in mental ill health and physical inactivity in the developed world, we are constantly exploring new, accessible ways to help people improve their long-term quality of life and well-being," Warber said.

"Group walks in local natural environments may make a potentially important contribution to public health and be beneficial in helping people cope with stress and experience improved emotions," she concluded.

—By Robert Preidt, HealthDay Reporter

Drinking sugary soda linked to cell aging

Regularly drinking high levels of sugar-sweetened soda could lead to the premature aging of immune cells, leaving the body vulnerable to chronic diseases in a similar manner to the effects of smoking, according to research.

In a new study, scientists from the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) observed that survey participants who drank larger amounts of sugary soda tended to have shorter telomeres - protective DNA that caps the ends of cell chromosomes - in their white blood cells. Their findings are published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Previous research has associated the length of telomeres within white blood cells with the human lifespan. In addition, short telomeres have been linked with tissue damage, inflammation and insulin resistance, along with chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes that are associated with aging.

"Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas might influence disease development," says Prof. Elissa Epel, senior author of the study. "Not only by straining the body's metabolic control of sugars, but also through accelerated cellular aging of tissues."
 
Every day, according to the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, MA, around 50% of Americans consume sugary drinks. About 1 in 4 consume at least 200 calories from sugary soda, and 5% consume at least 567 calories from them - equivalent to four cans of soda.

Sugary drinks have long been regarded as a major contributor to rising rates of obesity in the US. Many health experts, legislators and activists have been looking at ways to reduce public consumption of these beverages, and these findings could add further fuel to this fire.

Additional biological aging

The researchers assessed 5,309 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) who took part from 1999 to 2002. Participants were aged 20 to 65 years old, with no prior history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
The average sugar-sweetened soda consumption for the participants was 12 ounces, with 21% of the participants reporting drinking at least 20 ounces of sugary soda every day.
Stored DNA was obtained for the participants, and their telomeres were measured in the laboratory of Prof. Elizabeth Blackburn - previously a winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her research into telomeres - at UCSF.

The researchers found that the amount of sugar-sweetened soda the participants consumed was associated with the length of their telomeres. They calculated that consuming 20 ounces of soda every day was associated with around 4.6 years of additional biological aging, based on how telomere length shortens with chronological aging.
 
According to lead author Cindy Leung, the effect that sugar-sweetened soda appeared to have on telomere length was comparable to the same effect that smoking has on them. Regular exercise has been observed to have an opposite anti-aging effect.

Soda consumption 'could have same effect on children'

Prof. Epel says that the study is the first demonstration that soda is associated with telomere shortness, and that the findings from their nationally representative sample are strong:

"This finding held regardless of age, race, income and education level. Telomere shortening starts long before disease onset. Further, although we only studied adults here, it is possible that soda consumption is associated with telomere shortening in children, as well."

"It is critical to understand both dietary factors that may shorten telomeres, as well as dietary factors that may lengthen telomeres," adds Leung. "Here it appeared that the only beverage consumption that had a measurable negative association with telomere length was consumption of sugared soda."
The authors acknowledge that their findings were limited by only comparing telomere length and soda consumption at one particular point in time. In addition, the association observed does not confirm causation.

Future research will address these limitations; Prof. Epel will be co-leading a new study tracking participants for weeks in real-time, assessing what the effects of sugar-sweetened soda consumption are on the aging of cells.
 
Previously, Medical News Today reported on a study analyzing the potential impact that additional taxation or an advertising ban for sugar-sweetened drinks could have on obesity in adolescents. Researchers concluded that a soda tax would be "the best option" for reducing childhood obesity.

Written by James McIntosh

Testing the limits – MOD and Nuffield Health announce fitness testing partnership

Nuffield Health, the UKs largest healthcare charity, announces a three year partnership with the Ministry of Defence to undertake fitness tests of prospective new recruits for the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force.

The partnership, made effective from the 31 January 2013, will run about 13,300 tests per annum. With 36 of Nuffield Health’s Fitness and Wellbeing Centres, Hospitals and Medical Centres taking part, it is a widespread initiative. All Nuffield Health facilities* involved are in the area of the Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO).

The testing is administered by both Nuffield Health Wellbeing Advisers and Physiologists, they assess candidates for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines by asking them to complete a 2.4km treadmill run. While, candidates for the Royal Air Force also undergo a body strength test of press ups and sit ups. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the chance to increase their fitness, they will be given guest passes and a training programme to use the Fitness and Wellbeing Centres before a possible re-test.

Key statistics:

• To date 77 per cent of candidates have passed the fitness tests
• The average age of candidates is 22 years

Natalie Mumford, Fitness and Wellbeing Director, Nuffield Health, says:

“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to provide fitness testing. We have long believed in the importance of preventative health services and health and fitness testing offers a unique overview of a person’s health and fitness, allowing them to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. We recognise the highly specialised careers of those working in the Armed Forces and we are especially proud to help these would-be service men and women to achieve their goals.”

Physical fitness, through physical education, adventurous training and sport, remains an essential element of service life that directly impacts the Operational Effectiveness of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.

Commenting on the award of the new contract, Captain Naval Recruiting and Gp Capt Recruiting and Selection, Royal Air Force says:

“We are delighted to have entered into a partnership with Nuffield Health, which will provide the initial fitness testing for future Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force personnel whilst ensuring the best value for money for the taxpayer.  This testing is an important first step in promoting a life-long exercise habit and healthy lifestyle in individuals that will allow them to successfully pass training and then prepare them physically for the demands of operational employment worldwide during their subsequent Service careers.  We look forward to working with Nuffield Health and drawing upon the experience of their Wellbeing Advisors and Physiologists in improving the initial fitness of our civilian applicants.”

Nuffield Health offers a mix of health testing to customers, including the one hour health MOT, a 12 point test looking at measures of blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, waist to hip ratio and more, it is available at all of its 65 Fitness and Wellbeing Centres and administered by expert Wellbeing Advisers. In-depth Health Assessments, which offer a variety of health tests, including a dynamic exercise test – ECG, blood pressure during activity and cardiovascular fitness, are also available. The 360 and 360+ Health Assessments are administered by expert Physiologists.

*The following Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre locations will offer the fitness testing:

Aberdeen, Glasgow Central, Nottingham, St Albans, Bromley, Reading, Bristol, Birmingham, Crawley, Doncaster, Edinburgh, Farnham, Guiseley, Gosforth, Liverpool, Worcester, Chelmsford, Covent Garden, Chichester, Cambridge, Leicester, Norwich, Northampton, Aylesbury, Nuneaton, Hull, Chesterfield, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Stoke, Telford, Wakefield, Yeovil, and Barrow.

—By Nuffield Health

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant species. The species is frequently cited as being used in herbal medicine since the beginning of the first century AD. Extracts from A. vera are widely used in the cosmetics and alternative medicine industries, being marketed as variously having rejuvenating, healing, or soothing properties. There is, however, little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes, and what positive evidence is available is frequently contradicted by other studies.

Description

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.


Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as acetylated mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, anthraquinones, such as emodin, and various lectins.

Taxonomy and etymology

The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata L. var. vera and A. vulgaris Lam. Common names include Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant. The species epithet vera means "true" or "genuine". Some literature identifies the white-spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe vera var. chinensis;^[18][19] however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf spots and it has been suggested that the spotted form of Aloe vera may be conspecific with A. massawana. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera, and was described again in 1768 by Nicolaas Laurens Burman as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on 6 April and by Philip Miller as Aloe barbadensis some ten days after Burman in the Gardener's Dictionary.


Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe perryi, a species endemic to Yemen. Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence comparison and ISSR profiling have also suggested it is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana, and Aloe striata. With the exception of the South African species A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra (Yemen), Somalia, and Sudan. The lack of obvious natural populations of the species has led some authors to suggest Aloe vera may be of hybrid origin.

Distribution

The natural range of A. vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated throughout the world. Naturalised stands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula, through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt), as well as Sudan and neighbouring countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands. This distribution is somewhat similar to the one of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica, and a few others, suggesting that a dry sclerophyll forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated. Several closely related (or sometimes identical) species can be found on the two extreme sides of the Sahara: dragon trees (Dracaena) and Aeonium being two of the most representative examples.

The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century. The species is widely naturalised elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of Australia, Barbados, Belize, Nigeria, Paraguay, Mexico and the US States of Florida, Arizona and Texas. The actual species' distribution has been suggested to be the result of human cultivation.

Cultivation

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence. This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for rockeries and other low water-use gardens. The species is hardy in zones 8–11, although it is intolerant of very heavy frost or snow. The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests, though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant health. In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions; however, Aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain the rain. The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is recommended, as they allow good drainage. Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous. Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry prior to rewatering. When potted, aloes become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant", they should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations. During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses. Large-scale agricultural production of Aloe vera is undertaken in Australia, Bangladesh, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, along with the USA to supply the cosmetics industry with Aloe vera gel. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Uses

6000 year old stone carvings in Egypt contain images of the plant, which they referred to as the "plant of immortality". It was given as a burial gift to deceased pharaohs.


Preparations made from Aloe vera are often referred to as "aloe vera". Scientific evidence for the cosmetic and therapeutic effectiveness of aloe vera is limited and when present is frequently contradictory. Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims regarding the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera commercially advertised mainly for skin conditions such as sunburns, cold sores and frostbite. Aloe vera gel is also used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts; although at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or topically applied. The same is true for aloe latex, which was taken orally for conditions ranging from glaucoma to multiple sclerosis until the FDA required manufacturers to discontinue its use. Other uses for extracts of Aloe vera include the dilution of semen for the artificial fertilization of sheep, as a fresh food preservative, or for water conservation in small farms. It has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds. Aloe is also used as a food substance, possibly for its gelling properties.

Traditional medicine

Aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as a multipurpose skin treatment. In Ayurvedic medicine it is called kathalai, as are extracts from agave. Early records of Aloe vera use appear in the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BC, and in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and Pliny the Elder's Natural History - both written in the mid-first century AD. It is also written of in the Juliana Anicia Codex of 512 AD. The plant is used widely in the traditional herbal medicine of many countries.

Dietary supplement

Aloin, a compound found in the exudate of some Aloe species, was the common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products in the United States until 2002 when the Food and Drug Administration banned it because the companies manufacturing it failed to provide the necessary safety data. Aloe vera has potential toxicity, with side effects occurring at some dose levels both when ingested or applied topically. Although toxicity may be less when aloin is removed by processing, Aloe vera that contains aloin in excess amounts may induce side effects. A two-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral consumption of nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe vera found evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats. The NTP says more information is needed to determine the potential risks to humans.


Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system, but there is neither scientific evidence nor regulatory approval to support this claim. The extracts and quantities typically used for such purposes appear to be dose-dependent for toxic effects.

Commodities

Aloe vera is used on facial tissues where it is promoted as a moisturiser and anti-irritant to reduce chafing of the nose. Cosmetic companies commonly add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving cream, or shampoos. A review of academic literature notes that its inclusion in many hygiene products is due to its "moisturizing emollient effect".

Toxicity

In 2011, the NTP carried out a series of short- and long-term carcinogenicity studies of a nondecolorized whole leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera) in rats and mice, in which the extracts were fed to the rodents in drinking water. The studies found "clear evidence of carcinogenic activity" in the rats, but "no evidence of carcinogenic activity" in the mice. Both the mice and rats had increased amounts of noncancerous lesions in various tissues. The NTP believes further studies of oral preparations of aloe are important, as are studies of the oral exposure of humans to aloe; topical preparations are still considered safe.


Oral ingestion of Aloe vera may also cause diarrhea, which in turn can lead to electrolyte imbalance, kidney dysfunction, dry mouth, headache, and nausea, while topical application may induce contact dermatitis, erythema, or phototoxicity.

Research into medical uses

Two 2009 reviews of clinical studies determined that all were too small and faulty to allow strong conclusions to be drawn from them, but concluded, "there is some preliminary evidence to suggest that oral administration of aloe vera might be effective in reducing blood glucose in diabetic patients and in lowering blood lipid levels in hyperlipidaemia. The topical application of aloe vera does not seem to prevent radiation-induced skin damage. It might be useful as a treatment for genital herpes and psoriasis. The evidence regarding wound healing is contradictory. More and better trial data are needed to define the clinical effectiveness of this popular herbal remedy more precisely." One of the reviews found that Aloe has not been proven to offer protection for humans from sunburn, suntan, or other damage from the sun.


A 2007 review of aloe vera's use in burns concluded, "cumulative evidence tends to support that aloe vera might be an effective interventions used in burn wound healing for first- to second-degree burns. Further, well-designed trials with sufficient details of the contents of aloe vera products should be carried out to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera." Topical application of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. A 2014 Cochrane review found no strong evidence for the value of topical application of aloe vera to treat or prevent phlebitis caused by intravenous infusion.

—From Wikipedia

What’s Your Fitness Age?

You already know your chronological age, but do you know your fitness age?

A new study of fitness and lifespan suggests that a person’s so-called fitness age – determined primarily by a measure of cardiovascular endurance – is a better predictor of longevity than chronological age. The good news is that unlike your actual age, your fitness age can decrease.

The concept of fitness age has been developed by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, who have studied fitness and how it relates to wellness for years.

Fitness age is determined primarily by your VO2max, which is a measure of your body’s ability to take in and utilize oxygen. VO2max indicates your current cardiovascular endurance.

It also can be used to compare your fitness with that of other people of the same age, providing you, in the process, with a personal fitness age. If your VO2max is below average for your age group, then your fitness age is older than your actual age. But if you compare well, you can actually turn back the clock to a younger fitness age. That means a 50-year-old man conceivably could have a fitness age between 30 and 75, depending on his VO2max.

Knowing your fitness age could be instructive and perhaps sobering, but it also necessitates knowing your VO2max first, which few of us do. Precise measurement of aerobic capacity requires high-tech treadmill testing.

To work around that problem, the Norwegian scientists decided several years ago to develop an easy method for estimating VO2max. They recruited almost 5,000 Norwegians between the ages of 20 and 90, measured their aerobic capacity with treadmill testing and also checked a variety of health parameters, including waist circumference, heart rate and exercise habits.

They then determined that those parameters could, if plugged into an algorithm, provide a very close approximation of someone’s VO2max. 

But while fitness age may give you bragging rights about your youthful vigor, the real question is whether it is a meaningful measurement in terms of longevity. Will having a younger fitness age add years to your life? Does an advanced fitness age mean you will die sooner?

The original Norwegian data did not show any direct correlation between fitness age and a longer life.

But in a new study, which was published in June in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the scientists turned to a large trove of data about more than 55,000 Norwegian adults who had completed extensive health questionnaires beginning in the 1980s. The scientists used the volunteers’ answers to estimate each person’s VO2max and fitness age.

Then they checked death records.

It turned out that people whose calculated VO2max was 85 percent or more below the average for their age — meaning that their fitness age was significantly above their chronological years — had an 82 percent higher risk of dying prematurely than those whose fitness age was the same as or more youthful than their actual age. According to the study’s authors, the results suggest that fitness age may predict a person’s risk of early death better than some traditional risk factors like being overweight, having high cholesterol levels or blood pressure, and smoking.

Of perhaps even greater immediate interest, the scientists used the data from this new study to refine and expand an online calculator for determining fitness age. An updated version went live this month. it asks only a few simple questions, including your age, gender, waist size and exercise routine, before providing you with your current fitness age. (I discovered my own fitness age is 15 years younger than my chronological age — a good number but still not as low as I could wish.)

Thankfully, fitness age can be altered, said Ulrik Wisloff, a professor of exercise science at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, who led the study. His advice if your fitness age exceeds your chronological years or is not as low as you would like? “Just exercise.”

Dr. Wisloff and his colleagues offer free exercise suggestions on their website. But he said almost any type and amount of exercise should help to increase your VO2max and lower your fitness age, potentially increasing your lifespan.

In upcoming studies, he added, he and his colleagues will directly compare how well fitness age stacks up against other, more established measures of mortality risk, like the Framingham Risk Calculator (which does not include exercise habits among its variables). They also hope to expand their studies to include more types of participants, since adult Norwegians may not be representative of all of the world’s population.

But even in advance of this additional data, there is no harm in learning and lowering your fitness age, Dr. Wisloff advised. “There is a huge benefit,” he said, “larger than any known medical treatment, in improving your fitness level to what is expected for your age group or, even better, to above it.” 

—By Gretchen Reynolds

 The New York Times

Britain’s sporting legacy will help local talent

National health & fitness centres to provide free expert support and services for local athletes

Andy Murray beating off the expected winners at Wimbledon has seen the nation basking in sporting glory. With so much focus on the achievements of British sporting talent and athletes becoming the new modern role model it is time to invest in upcoming talent. The UK’s largest healthcare charity, Nuffield Health, is doing just that with its national Athlete in Residence programme. The free 12-month membership programme is available at all 65 Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres across the UK.

The last 18 months have been a victorious triumph for British sport and its many athletes. Having led a successful Olympic games- securing no less than 29 Gold Medals and witnessed Bradley Wiggins ride to triumph at the Tour de France the nation is on a sporting high. It is these achievements and the successes of the nation’s athletes that have created a legacy of support and encouragement for aspiring sports men and women across the nation.

After the success of the 2012 programme, each Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre will choose one local sports person to become their Athlete in Residence for the coming year. Selected participants will benefit from one year free membership including two free sessions with a personal trainer and regular health MOTs. The Health MOT is unique to Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centres and is delivered by trained wellbeing advisors who use the information gathered by the comprehensive health measurements to create individual exercise programmes which positively impact overall health and wellbeing.

The Athlete in Residence programme is open to anyone who regularly participates in sport, from rising stars to medal winners, aged 16 years and above.

Rick Crawford, fitness and wellbeing programme manager,
Nuffield Health, says:

“The legacy created by the 2012 Olympics and the nations continued sporting successes provides a fantastic opportunity to invest in local sporting talent. Our Athlete in Residence programme is a great way for us to share the expertise of our health and fitness professionals with local sports men and women whilst providing them with the resources they need to achieve their dreams. We’re really pleased to be able to offer this opportunity a second time and look forward to working with some of Britain’s up and coming local talent.” 

Entries are now open and people are invited to demonstrate their passion for their sport and how becoming a member of their local Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing Centre could help them to improve their performance. A series of short questions and an opportunity to describe your sporting interest are included in the application form, which can be collected from your Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre. 

Please contact your local Fitness and Wellbeing Centre direct for correct deadline information. A panel of health and fitness experts will select an Athlete in Residence in by  October 11 and the successful athlete will be announced later in October.

—Nuffield Health