A pioneering new study conducted at the University of Exeter has found that drinking beetroot juice can help athletes shave vital seconds off their finishing time. The research builds on a previous study which showed for the first time that drinking beetroot juice can boost stamina, allowing an individual to exercise for 16% longer.

The findings of the new study have had a clear global impact, with beetroot juice being adopted by major sports teams including the England, Scotland and Wales rugby teams, Premiership England and Scotland Football teams, as well as in Team GB across the Olympic disciplines. The scientific implications of the study are also being developed by leading research teams throughout the world; including The US, Canada, Australia, Sweden, New Zealand and France.

This August sees the official start of the road to 2012 for Team GB marathon runner Helen Decker, with exactly a year to go before the big event. In the midst of her training, Helen is looking for things that can give her the edge over her competitors, and hopefully enable her to go for gold next year. Research has revealed that 51% of adults would like to do more sport and recreational physical activity, with swimming the most preferred sport (7%) followed by cycling (2.5%). With the Olympics just around the corner, perhaps this is inspiration Britain needs to get fit!