Knowledge is power. Spartan fitness will keep you up to date with current health and fitness related issues and will also discuss issues that are relevant to you.

BRITAIN IS FAT- OFFICIAL

Officiallliy Great britain is the junk food capital of all Europe with the highest obesity levels. Britain's teenagers consume 3 times that of their Italian counterparts. This extends into adult life where britain is Europe's fattest country. By 2020 a third of adults and half our children will be overweight and on the road to an early death. Those who are overweight have an increase risk in disorders in all areas of the body.

BRAIN:  A higher risk in a stroke due to limited oxygen reaching the brain.

BREASTS:  Being overweight doubles your chances of getting breast cancer

EYES:  Being overweight dramatically increase your risk to diabetes which in-turn can make you blind.

                       SHIN SPLINTS

At this time of year most of us look to outside activities to incorporate in to our fitness regime. And running is the most convenient form. But sudden changes that you ask of the body can result in injury and the most common form of this is shin splints. Most people aren't even aware that there are different kinds of shin splints. Through training they falll under 2 catagory's. (1) bone related shin splints  (2) tendon related. People with flat feet and those who have high arches are also at greater risk. So what can you do?

1. Firstly stop running. for at least 3-4 weeks. This will reduce the stress on the legs and may cure the shin splints.

2. Do low impact exercise i.e swimming, cycling etc. You can maintain your fitness without aggravating your condition.

3. Ice the inflamed area 3 times a day for 10 minutes. This reduces swelling and eases the pain.

4. Work on the tendons, i.e. sit on a table or chair and wrap an ankle weight around your foot. Or place a weighted object between your feet. Without bending the knee, move the foot up and down from the ankle. Ideally ask a partner to grab your foot for added resistance.

5. Strengthen your calf muscles, by raising the body up and down on the balls of the feet.

6. Replace worn-out trainers. They should be replaced after 500-600 miles.