SPS is believed to be caused by the increasing temperatures in the summer months and the subsequent result of many people wearing less clothing, exposing more skin and hanging out at coastal locations, especially beaches. Independently these factors are quite harmless but when combined under the ‘right’ conditions they can give rise to the syndrome causing widespread anxiety and panic in vulnerable individuals.

Symptoms of SPS can present themselves as any one or combination of the following:
(Move your mouse over the dude to reveal the symptoms)
  


SPS is spread by various methods. Those known to us at this stage are:


  a) coming into contact with young, attractive people wearing skimpy clothing

  b) watching TV shows with scantily clad hotties such as Baywatch

  c) paging through summer editions of fashion magazines, especially swimsuit issues

  d) seeing new summer ranges in shop windows







If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you may have SPS.

Does the idea of wearing your swimsuit make little beads of sweat appear on your forehead?
Are the full-length mirrors in your house covered with bed sheets?
Have you ever placed a picture of your face on a model in a magazine?
Do shop assistants often come into your fitting room to check why it sounds like someone’s crying?
Have you ever faked convulsions to get out of skinny-dipping with your mates?
Are you always talking about that time you won that race when you were twelve?
Do you have a special section of your wardrobe for clothes that you promise yourself you will “still fit into one day”?
Do you pretend to go to the toilet every time someone whips out a camera?

• Couch potatoes
• Eataholics
• People with tropophobia
  (the fear of moving)




What should I do if I come into contact with someone with SPS?

It's important to keep a positive attitude. SPS sufferers are extremely vulnerable and need encouragement that it’s never too late to seek treatment.




Can I get SPS twice?

Once you've recovered from your bout of SPS by getting the appropriate treatment it is important to maintain a lifestyle of consistent exercise and correct eating habits. If not there is a strong chance that you could contract SPS again next summer. SPS can be similar to a flu virus in this way.




What will it take to permanently end SPS?

Until we have people of all ages living healthy lifestyles SPS will always be around to some extent. The best we can hope for is to manage the syndrome with the knowledge we have acquired to date.


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Weight training

Weight training is ideal to build muscle, gain strength, reduce fat and maintain a healthy metabolism. And because muscle fibre burns lots of calories, even at rest, hitting the beach after a workout is the perfect way to combat SPS.


Cardio

Give your heart and lungs a workout with some cardio exercises. You’ll increase your stamina and endurance to out step, out run or out cycle your symptoms of SPS. Recommended in combination with some weight training for best results.


Group exercise

This is like group therapy for SPS sufferers and probably the most fun you can have while working out. Get the motivation of a qualified instructor while tapping into some collective energy with an incredible variety of classes to suit all tastes.


Personal Trainer

If you feel like you need more one-on-one attention you may want to get a personal trainer to help you set goals and of course hold you accountable for sticking to your programme. You'll also see results a lot quicker than with a regular routine. It's like being referred to a specialist to treat your SPS.


Balanced diet

It’s what we've been hearing since we were kids - everything in moderation. And when you're exercising regularly you can reward yourself with a treat here and there without worrying about your SPS flaring up again.


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