Healthy Fitness features

Ski Fitness
The signs that winter is creeping in are everywhere and this change in weather historically prompts a mass exodus from the treadmills of your local health club to the ski slopes of Europe! In this little offering I would like to discuss the dynamics of skiing and the physiology of balance in order for us to better condition our often under-prepared bodies for the unpredictable mountain that lies ahead.

Get motivated to get fit with a summer of sport!
We’ll all be admiring the skill, dedication and fitness levels of the world’s leading athletes as they compete at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. But let’s not be passive observers, says personal trainer Jonathan Owen: we can all get motivated to get – and stay! – fit this summer.

The burning question...
We've all been told for years about the dangers of too much tanning. But now experts are saying that too little sun can cause serious problems.

Have fun, get fit, feel free - it's Bike Week 2008!
On June 15, around 27,000 people will set off for the UK's largest charity bike ride from London to Brighton – a gruelling 54 miles. The rest of us, though, can join one of the many shorter rides on offer during Bike Week, and take up the challenge to ‘Have fun, get fit and feel free’!

The virtual gym: the future of fitness?
Exergaming may be a lot more fun than a session in the gym or running round the block on a cold winters morning, but is the eagerly awaited Wii Fit a substitute for our normal exercise regime – or just an entertaining add-on?

On your bikes, kids!
As well as improving their fitness, cycling boosts children’s confidence, independence and self-esteem, say the campaign’s organisers.

Running back to fitness
Has your New Year's resolution to lose weight or exercise more begun to lose momentum? If so, don't lose heart: our fitness and nutrition experts have devised a simple running programme to get you back on track to a healthier lifestyle!

Boost your bone power!
It is an alarming fact that one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer a broken bone as a result of osteoporosis at some point in their lives, yet there is much that we can do to build strong bones.

Animal Magic
Want to get fitter, healthier and more emotionally resilient? Get a pet. A growing body of studies confirms the health-boosting power of furry, scaly or feathered friends

3 treatments that make a difference
Millions of people visit complementary therapists for a variety of pains and problems, but can they really help? We weigh up the evidence for three of the most popular 'alternative' treatments

Living a normal life with Asthma
GP Martin Bell takes an in-depth look at asthma. Living a normal life is an achievable aim for most people with the condition, stresses Dr Bell - the secret lies in getting it under control.

How to get fit for summer
Fitness exercises advice adapted to you and to your specific needs

Living with high blood pressure
GP Martin Bell takes an in-depth look at high blood pressure or hypertension, a potentially life-threatening condition affecting many adults.

Fitness for life - exercise regimes for all ages
Exercise advice for all age groups, from children to older adults.

Overweight and inactive. Avoiding the negative spiral.
Lucy looks at some of the reasons for the obesity epidemic.