Salt vital for intense competitions

I've long been intrigued by the effects of salt on the body, and whether the reality is in line with official recommendations.

The NHS Choices website states that adults should eat no more than 6g of salt a day (about a teaspoon) or it could dangerously raise the blood pressure.

Personal trainers get a register

Athletes, both at the top of their game and on their way up, will be pleased to learn of a new register of experts in lifestyle guidance.

After the huge success of the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia, many British athletes are experiencing more public interest than ever before. But navigating press exposure, financial commitments, career decisions, education and welfare can be overwhelming.

Top athletes need access to qualified, professional guidance to balance their time-consuming fitness schedules with many other commitments.

Christian's Circle Support

British 200m sprinter Christian Malcolm says his mother has helped him get to where  he is today with her support.

 Role Models are a massive part of an athletes life, and are extremely important to achieve what we are capable of according to psychiatrist Dr Rob Yeung. He believes that the role of the five people in the Links of London's (a London jewelry shop backing the British athletes) 'Circle of 5' campaign fall into particular categories.

• Someone who inspires you.
• Someone who supports you.
• Someone who mentors you.
• Someone you can escape with.
• Someone you can confide in.

Athletics Advice from the NHS

 The NHS is advising Olympic onlookers to make sure they prepare thoroughly for the sporting confrontation. With the games around the corner, more and more people are participating in physical activity,  in order to emulate the sports in which they witness, inspired by some of Britain's top athletes.

The Olympics are inspiring more and more people
to participate in physical activity.

 However, many people doing so are unaware of what is required of their favourite athletes, making them prone to injury. Debbie Wright - an NHS public health consultant in Lancashire - stated “It's very important to warm up properly for a minimum of 10 minutes. Start with a few minutes of gentle exercise, such as walking or jogging, to get the blood flowing to your muscles. Gradually increase the pace
until you are running briskly.

 “Once your muscles are warm, do some gentle stretching exercises, paying particular attention to the muscle groups that you will be using, for example, legs for running and arms and shoulders for racquet sports.

 “A gentle cool-down after exercise will mean less muscle stiffness and soreness afterwards.”