The post Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 Supplements Part Two appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>In our last blog, we revealed three of the top 6 supplements taken by elite athletes: CellSentials ®, BiOmega
and Vitamin D. The wait is over, it’s time for the big reveal! We hear from our Team USANA Kiwis: adventurer, Mike Allsop, New Zealand’s top Freestyle Snowboarder, Christy Prior, and para-cyclist Byron Raubenheimer, as well as World Number One Track & Field Aussie, Deon Kenzie.
4. Proflavanol C100
Do you remember playing sport as a kid and your parents would be on the side lines feeding you oranges during half time? Well, Vitamin C does have amazing benefits. It aids in repairing and regenerating tissues, protects you against heart disease, assists in the absorption of iron and decrease your “bad” cholesterol.
Supplementation of vitamin C was found to improve components of the human immune system such as antimicrobial and natural killer cell activities and lymphocyte proliferation. Vitamin C contributes to maintaining the integrity of cells and protects them against reactive oxygen species generated during the respiratory burst and in the inflammatory response Proflavanol® C100 provides superior antioxidant protection with a synergistic blend of grape seed extract and Poly C.
The two layers of grape seed extract and Poly C are distinctly visible in ProflavanolC100. This technology also supports product stability. This technology is proprietary to the pharmaceutical industry, but USANA is the first nutritional supplement manufacturer to use this technology, to the best of our knowledge.
“Proflavanol C100 is one of my favourite USANA supplements. I use it all the time in my daily routine. There are times during my adventures at high altitude that I can physically feel the effects of taking it and have seen the difference it makes with people I am travelling with as well. It helps me keep a healthy immune function, which is critical on any adventure.”
– Mike Allsop, USANA Adventurer.
#lovenepal #everest #mteverest #mounteverest #summit #friendship #grateful #icebreakernz #icebreaker #airnewzealand #flyairnz #inspiration #motivation #speaker #celebrityspeakersnz“Naturally as athletes, we’re on a never ending quest to get stronger, faster and fitter! In the last few months I’ve found that I train and perform better when I feel like I am playing catch up with the rest of the world in my class. I push myself to train harder and longer to get to where I need to be. Having undergone two major surgeries this year and being set back to what seems like square one, I am in that mind set of catching up. I’m so fortunate to have the support of USANA and Proflavanol C100 to keep my immune system at 110%, keep me on the bike and get me back to where I need to be to compete against the best in the world.”
– Byron Raubenheimer, New Zealand Para-cyclist
“We never know what’s around the corner and we expect a lot out of our bodies in this day and age, so for me, keeping my immune system in tip top shape is one of my highest priorities. Proflavanol C 100 is packed with powerful antioxidants and is a staple for me while I’m travelling around on the Pro Tour, not to mention, it’s a huge help with my recovery and energy levels to meet the demands of my lifestyle. A must-have for anyone looking for that extra oomph!”
– Christy Prior, New Zealand’s top Freestyle Snowboarder
https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba47ololNvg/?taken-by=christyprior
5. CoQuinone 100
Coenzyme Q10 powers athletic performance. When athletes train, their bodies re on a high demand schedule, they are required to perform better and better each time. Intense training means the bodies Coenzyme is rapidly decrease and the body is aching for more Coq10! Also, as we age, the ability to absorb and synthesise CoQ10 diminishes and the amount of CoQ10 retained in tissues decreases.
USANA’s commitment to quality, using only the best ingredients in the right amounts and proper formulations for optimal bioavailability, can be seen at its best in CoQuinone 100. CoQuinone 100 contains a full 100mg of CoQ10 and 40mg of alpha lipoic acid per capsule. USANA’s unique formulation provides these important antioxidants in a natural mixture of lecithin and vegetable-derived glycerin monooleate in a base of medium chain triglycerides.
“I take CoQuinone100 every day. It supports my cardiovascular health and is a powerful anti-oxidant. I am also aware that as we age our bodies produce less CoQ10. So, CoQuinone 100 is imperative to ensure I have optimal health.”
– Mike Allsop.
“I train 6 days a week, work as a building apprentice 5 days a week, study 3 days a week… And I know about it if I miss a day taking my Coquinone 100! Trying to find that extra few watts in a training session after a day on a building site is made a lot easier with the boost of CoQ10!”
– Byron Raubenheimer.
6. Procosamine
Avoid chronic joint injuries and maintaining healthy joints is crucial for athletes of all stages and ages. Nothing can disrupt an athletes training ability as much as lingering joint injuries.
USANA’s Procosamine® helps to reduce joint inflammation, reduce swelling and increase joint mobility associated with arthritis not just because of the glucosamine it contains, but also due to its added blend of key joint-supporting minerals.
Meriva Bioavailable Curcumin. Curcuminoids in turmeric (the bright yellow spice that gives a golden glow to Indian curries and curry powder) contains potent anti-inflammatory antioxidants. Traditional curcumin from turmeric isn’t absorbed well (isn’t able to enter cells easily). So, in order to deliver any real benefits, you would have to consume very large amounts. Scientists suggest around 10 grams (around two teaspoons) daily to achieve blood concentrations that correspond to pre-clinical studies. USANA’s Procosamine contains patented Meriva®Bioavailable Curcumin to enhance curcumin’s health benefits. The curcunin is wrapped in a protective lecithin (fatty substance) layer which helps to prevent it from breaking down in the stomach allowing for better absorption in the small intestine. The Meriva Curcumin complex allows for 29-times better absorption than standard forms of curcumin.
“For me, good nutrition is the key to me performing at my best and when I don’t have it, I know I cannot perform at my optimum. USANA’s Procosamine has played such an important role in my growth and development as an athlete over the past few years really allowing me to train consistently without getting sick or run down.”
– Deon Kenzie, World Number One Track & Field
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKl9HzMgbRt/?taken-by=deon_kenzie
Read more about Team USANA and nutritional supplements:
References:
D’Ambrosio E, et al., Pharmatherapeutica, 1981; 1:504.
Stoner GD, Mukhtar H, J Cell Biochem, 1995; Suppl 22:168-80.
Sreejayan R, J Pharm Pharmacol, 1994; 46:1013-16.
Barnes MJ, Kodicek E. Biological hydroxylations and ascorbic acid with special regard to collagen metabolism. 1972. Vitam Horm 30:1-43.
Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the labels. Use only as directed.
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]]>The post Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 USANA Supplements appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>1. Fuel up with CellSentials
The CellSentials® (Vita-Antioxidant & Core Minerals) are designed to provide an essential foundation of optimal nourishment.
“Traveling around the world from event to event through different cultures and different foods, it can be hard to always get the right nutrients in my food to feel my best. This is why Cellsentials is the perfect traveling companion to help fill the nutritional gap that I sometimes might be missing. They give me piece of mind that I’m getting all my nutrients and am keeping healthy wherever I am in the world” – Paige Hareb, New Zealand Surfer
Vita-Antioxidant is an excellent source of vitamins B6 and B12, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, pantothenic acid and folate. The vitamins in Vita-Antioxidant are essential to many aspects of our health, including:
- Metabolising fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which plays a role in maintaining energy levels
- Supporting healthy immune function
- Supporting healthy brain and nerve function
- Supporting normal cardiovascular health
- Antioxidants help defend your cells against the oxidative stress caused by sunlight, pollution and stress, which can all prematurely age the skin.
“As An Elite International athlete travelling all over the world it is not always easy to access food with the best nutritional values and nutrients for my heavy workload, even stuff in the supermarket does not always live up to expectations and can harbour some harmful chemicals. This is why I take CellSentials to keep myself healthy and filled up with the good stuff my body needs to keep performing at the highest level possible” – Joelle King, New Zealand Squash Player
Core Minerals is an excellent source of magnesium. Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that control various natural physiological processes in the body, including:
- Metabolising glucose and protein synthesis;
- Supporting the production of cellular energy;
- Producing protein, and the synthesis of DNA and glutathione.
It is important for proper calcium utilisation, which contributes to the structural development of bones.
“Cellsentials is an all-round safety net. The food I consume sometimes isn’t of my choice, nor of my nutritional requirements (reality of racing in all sorts of countries). I find taking Cellsentials ensures I am acquiring the required nutritional values to keep performing and remaining healthy when my body is being pushed to the limit.” – Regan Gough, New Zealand Race Cyclist.
2. Team USANA Big on BiOmega
Omega–3 fatty acids are considered necessary as humans cannot produce these fatty acids; for that reason, it needs to be gained through supplementation or diet. Fish oils are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids that offer numerous health benefits for athletes, such as:
- Support healthy joints
- Support healthy cardiovascular function
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXGsFRMDOg4/?taken-by=regan_gough_athlete
“Omega 3 is a hard supplementary nutrient to acquire in your ever day diet. Taking the Bio Mega capsules ensures I am not deficient in this area and allows my body to perform and recover at its optimum rate.” – Regan Gough, New Zealand Cyclist
Recent studies have shown an unexpected prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in both Australia and New Zealand. Emerging evidence suggests many protective benefits of vitamin D, in addition to its role in bone health. For Australians to achieve optimal levels of vitamin D without putting themselves at greater risk from increased sun exposure, there would be an increased requirement for dietary sources of vitamin D. As vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, BiOmega provides an ideal delivery medium for vitamin D, to ensure a sufficient daily intake.
USANA’s BiOmegaTM is free of trans-fatty acids, and is guaranteed to be virtually free of heavy metals, organic contaminants and pesticides. Each capsule also contains mixed natural tocopherols to minimise oxidation of the omega-3 fatty acids.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaH3mNZhXcx/?taken-by=paigehareb
“Being a pro surfer, I can put a fair bit of stress on my joints, in particular my knees. With a long competitive season, it’s important for me to have my body as healthy as possible all year round. Taking USANA’s BiOmega supports my healthy joints.” – Paige Hareb, New Zealand Surfer
Thus of course leading into our third top USANA supplements for athletes:
3. Gain resilience with USANA’s Vitamin D
Vitamin D is involved in several physiological functions and helps maintain our health in various ways. Once you begin to list the benefits this fat-soluble vitamin does, you might begin to question if there is anything it doesn’t do. This amazing vitamin assists in the absorption of calcium. Calcium plays an important role in bone growth and development, immune function, and as we age, muscle mass and strength.
Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy functioning immune system. This is very significant for athletes with a deficiency in Vitamin D, as they have a tendency to be frequently sick, as they have an intense training schedule. Sick athletes are not winning athletes. Powerful and high quality training could be bettered by improving your immune and bone health.
Diet is a secondary source of vitamin D in that most foods contain only small amounts of this nutrient. It is estimated that average intake of vitamin D for most Australians is less than 100 IU per day from diet alone, leaving a gap in vitamin D nutrition for those with insufficient sun exposure. USANA’s Vitamin D is formulated with maximum strength to help you bridge the vitamin D deficiency gap in your dietary consumption. It provides you with 1000 IU per tablet to support optimal intake of vitamin D.
Stay tuned for our next blog and find out athletes should take the remaining 3 USANA products!
References:
Nutrition and Dietetics, 2006, Vol. 63(4)
Vitamin D and adult bone health in Australia and New Zealand: a position statement;
MJA 2005; 182 (6):281-285+
AR, et al. Lipoic acid as a potential therapy for chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.
- Curr Med Chem 11(9):1135-46.
Sreejayan, Rao MN. Curcuminoids as potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. 1994. J Pharm
Pharmacol. 46(12):1013-6.
Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the labels. Use only as directed.
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]]>The post Why Elite Athletes Choose USANA Supplements appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>Do Athletes Really Need to Take Supplements?
One question that commonly arises is, “If I eat a healthy diet, do I still need to take supplements?”. Let it be clearly indicated that a healthy diet is an essential foundation for any program of optimal nutrition. Realistically there is no substitute for eating healthy. In this perspective, USANA’s nutritional supplements are designed and calculated to complement a healthy diet rather than a replacement. USANA supplements are designed to provide advanced levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are challenging to gain from diet alone – levels that individuals can use every day to promote a lifetime of good health.
Secondly, inadequate vitamin levels may result in poor athletic performances. Athletes deficient in B-vitamins may perform worse during high-intensity exercise and have less ability to repair and build muscle than individuals with nutrient-rich diets. B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12, and folate, are required by the body for proper conversion of proteins and sugars into energy. B vitamins are also utilised during the production and repair of cells, including red blood cells.
In a US study (Woolf & Manore 2006, Even a marginal deficiency in these nutrients negatively influenced the ability of the athletes’ bodies to repair, operate efficiently, and fight disease. Exercise-induced stress, changes in body tissues resulting from training, increased loss of nutrients (in sweat, urine, and faeces), and the additional nutrients needed to repair and maintain higher levels of lean tissue mass may all affect an individual’s B-vitamin requirements.
Why Do Our Elite Athletes Choose USANA Supplements?
Brooke Neal, New Zealand Hockey Player
“In today’s world, I believe it’s extremely hard for me to get all of the nutrients needed to perform at my optimum from food alone. USANA gives me peace of mind that I’m fueling my body with the right nutrients 7 days a week, wherever in the world I am competing.”
– Brooke Neal, New Zealand Hockey
“Using USANA supplements provides great peace of mind that I am getting quality nutrition and therefore giving my body the best foundation to perform. At the top level it’s all about finding the 1% advantages over your opposition.”
– Katie Perkins, New Zealand Cricket
The sports world is consumed by energy drinks, protein bars, pills, powders, and to make things harder for the consumer there are thousands of marketing and research material out there on supplements. USANA’s supplements are easy to take, easy to read, and easy to understand! We aim to fuel the athletes body with the best supplements, after all we are the Cellular Nutrition Company! We understand supplements!
Katie Perkins, New Zealand White Fern
The Top 6 USANA Supplements Taken by Team USANA!
- CellSentials®(multi-vitamins and minerals providing potent levels of B-Vitamins)
- Biomega(Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids EPA and DHA from natural fish Oil)
- Vitamin D
- Proflavanol C 100(grape seed and Vitamin C)
- Coquinone 100(Coenzyme Q10)
- Procosamine®(glucosamine)
Stay tuned for our next blog to find out why these supplements have been picked as the top six!
Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Use only as directed. Always read the label.
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]]>The post Britta Martin – Motherhood & Ultramarathons appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>Little Jordy is just over seven months old now. It really isn’t that long, but, my life as it was before baby, now seems very distant as I settle more and more into motherhood.
It still amazes me how quickly they develop and respond and interact with you more and more every day. A friend of mine once told me, that since she has had kids, it seems like she has discovered a part of her heart that hadn’t existed before. I think this is also how I feel. The love you have for your own child is something unmatched by anything else.
Jordy tries so hard to crawl at the moment and it is so frustrating for him as he fails time and time again. He makes this really interesting, frog like, rocking back and forward motion on all fours, which results in a face plant as he is unable yet to coordinate his arms in time. Our boy is certainly a persistent and determined little fella though. Teeth are just starting to show. This is proving to be not much fun for Jordy or mum and dad. The routines that we were slowly starting to establish have now completely gone out the window.
“I needed to be an athlete again! So, I decided to set myself a goal.”
The euphoria of the first few months of having a baby has died down and we have settled into everyday life as parents with baby as our number one priority. However, a few weeks ago I found that I was really starting to struggle somewhat. The years of living to a strict day to day training plan of an athlete turned me into a real routine focused person. I found it difficult to adjust to my day being ordered entirely around the wants and needs of a baby and found that I really needed to change something a little bit so that I had something else important for me slotted into my daily routine. I felt like I needed just a little bit of that structure back, a bit of my old self back. I needed to be an athlete again! So, I decided to set myself a goal.
Ultra Running
For a long time, I have had the idea in my head that I would one day like to get into ‘Ultra Running’. This is an endurance sport that has always fascinated me. For those of you that don’t know, Ultra Running, also known as Ultra Marathon, is defined as any footrace longer than the traditional 42.2km marathon.
“The physical demands and time commitment of training up to three sessions a day for long distance triathlon no longer fits with my lifestyle.”
Running is much better ‘bang for your buck’, and I have really been enjoying running since getting back into it after having Jordy. With my endurance sport background, it just makes sense for me to give it a go.
I have reconnected with my coach, have a training plan, and am now on the path to tackling my first Ultra Marathon. I am really excited about this. The training and approach differs quite a lot from what I was used to doing as a professional triathlete, but I have regained a love for exercise and running.
Appreciation, Lightness & Balance
“…a mental therapy for me as well as a physical lift.”
We are fortunate to live in a wonderful area for running and trail running in particular. I find that every time I get out onto the trails, I appreciate the surroundings a bit more and I certainly value this time to myself more. It isn’t that I took these things for granted before, rather that the freedom of the surroundings and the time spent training, running the trails, is a mental therapy for me as well as a physical lift. And it also works well as a welcome break away from the routine tasks of the most important thing which is being a good mum.
With the running, I feel like I have gained a lightness back. It is amazing how much energy it gives me, even when I am wrecked from a rough night with a crying baby, which seems pretty regular right now. I still seem to come back from most of my runs feeling rejuvenated and happy. I am really lucky, and grateful, that I have a very supportive partner, Rob, and some very special friends who give their time to enable me to do this.
The Highs and Lows of an Athlete with The Challenges and Rewards of a Parent
I now have five months left to prepare myself as well as I can, despite the circumstances, for my first Ultra. I think it is a good decision for me. Since I have returned to training and have a focus on a sporting goal, I am happier and I feel like I am a much more balanced person who can better handle the stresses of parenting and as a result, be a better mum for Jordy.
So this is it, a year and a half after retiring from professional sport and I am back into training again. I definitely don’t call this a ‘comeback’, as things are so very different now, but rather see it as another sporting life opportunity that will combine some of the highs and lows of being an athlete with the challenges and rewards of being a parent. The training is different and the time spent training is much less.
Although sport is no longer my number one priority, the goal is the same; train as well as I can with the time and energy I have got and get the most out of myself in competition. Sleep deprivation and breastfeeding are not optimal components to include in my plan but they are part of it nonetheless, and I aim to make the most of this opportunity. My family is the most important thing in my life now, but being out on the trails following my passion and challenging myself is important to me and makes me complete.
Hopefully, all going well, by the end of the year you will be reading a blog about the challenges of the final preparation for an Ultra Marathon, race day, and recovery, all while juggling the needs of a toddler! I am looking forward to exciting times ahead.
Happy running everyone.
Want to check out more blogs from Britta? Read about her journeys with pregnancy, motherhood, and of course her athletic career by clicking here!
Written by Britta Martin
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]]>The post Interview with Gymnast David Bishop appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>This year it’s all about qualifying for the next Commonwealth Games for David. Plus, he’s really focusing on coaching this year.
Bonus tip: you can head along for an open day at David’s gym, Tri Star Gymnastics and test out your gymnastic skills! Get in contact with them to give it a go, or simply have a play around.
Your big goal for this year is qualifying for the Commonwealth Games, are you getting ready for this yet?
Yes, I’m getting ready for it now. I’m getting all my fitness and my skills ready for my routines. My big focus is on the floor apparatus, which is my best and the one that I want to make a final on at the Commonwealth Games if I go, and have another chance at a medal. That’s my big goal.
My first competition is in two months [22 July 2017], but I’m going to have to get an operation on my elbow because I have a fragment in the joint that’s getting in the way. Which is a quick surgery. Apparently it’s only a 2-4-week recovery.
What else are you focusing on this year?
I’ve got a big focus on my coaching. I want to be a coach for the New Zealand team eventually. I’m building up my foundation for that and doing a coaching course with New Zealand Sport. I’m learning so much. It works really well with my training and my coaching, because I can see it from the coaching perspective and athlete’s perspective too.
I’m hoping to coach at a competition in America, which is for people that are representing New Zealand, but not at an international level. It’s more like juniors. That’s the next step!
Are you coaching full-time?
My role here at TriStar is full-time. I coach just over 30 hours a week, and the rest of that is administration, looking after the men’s competitive program.
The other thing I love doing is getting away and going hiking, mountain biking and things like that. Getting out into the wilderness is my favourite thing to relax.
Not only did I get to interview David, but he taught me to do a back-flip too! Watch the video below:
Why do you trust USANA for your supplements?
Well, they work quite well! I’m obviously busy, and since I’ve been on them I find that I have more energy, for stuff that I would normally feel more tired with. The shakes and foods are really handy after training. The new protein bars are awesome for that too. They’re really good as a snack, because while I’m coaching I need the protein, and it’s just something really easy to have. They’re really useful.
What are your thoughts on USANA’s CellSentials?
I like them. I definitely like them. And this isn’t performance based, but they taste better!
What’s your favourite guilty pleasure food?
It’s always chocolate. When I was training intensely for the Commonwealth Games, I was trying to be really healthy and I would always come home and have a big craving for chocolate. I would eat a whole block of chocolate, and I used to feel so guilty for it. Now I realise that my body actually needed it, because I was training so much, I was probably not giving my body everything it needed, which in turn doesn’t help you. Now, I try to not eat chocolate, but instead have peanut butter, avocado, nuts or something like that to get my healthy fats.
What competitions can people look out for you in?
My first proper competition this year is here at my gym club on July 22. People can come watch. You can just walk in, but the door charge is around $5 to $10. It will have all the Commonwealth Games trialists there. I’m looking forward to it.
What’s the best way for people to keep up with what you’re doing?
I’ve been a bit MIA on social media recently, because I haven’t been training as much. But you can follow me on my Instagram and Facebook page. I will start to use and put information up about my competitions coming up and results now that I’m starting back into training.
Written by Monique Sparks
Marketing Assistant – USANA New Zealand
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]]>The post USANA Athletes Inside Scoop on Rio Olympics appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>Brooke Neal finished 4th overall in women’s field hockey. Para-cyclist Byron Raubenheimer finished 11th overall in the men’s pursuit C4. Lastly, cyclist Regan Gough was in the Men’s Team Pursuit which ranked 4th overall.
Here’s what our athletes had to say…
Brooke Neal
How did it feel to represent New Zealand for women’s hockey in Rio?
Words can’t really describe the feeling of representing my country on the world’s biggest stage. It was such a spine tingling, surreal moment stepping out on the turf for the first time, and every time since then! I absolutely loved every minute of it.
Ranking 4th overall in women’s field hockey is quite an achievement! What are your thoughts on the results?
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. We were so ecstatic beating Australia in the Quarter final, and then to lose a shot at the final, and again to lose the bronze medal match was heart breaking. I’m still processing it all, but it’s made me even more determined to work hard for the next 4 years to ensure we get gold at Tokyo.
Would you have done anything differently if you could have?
I believe we all prepared to the best we possibly could have. I don’t have any regrets or things I wish I had done differently. Sometimes it’s just the way the game goes and over there. It wasn’t our lucky day. Of course there are tactical things we will look at, but it’s no use dwelling on it for too long because you can’t change the past. It’s all good learning moving forward.
Anything else you want to add?
At the moment, I’m travelling around doing speeches at companies and schools about my experience at Rio, as well as the lessons learned throughout the journey. If anyone may be interested in having me in, please contact me! [email protected]
Byron Raubenheimer
What obstacles did you face leading up to and/or during the Paralympics? How did you overcome them?
I have been struggling with injuries to my foot and groin since March which had a huge impact on my lead into the games. My performance on the bike was greatly impacted by this and my goal of making it to the games were almost shattered by these. It just became a case of managing my injuries along with clever coaching to keep me strong without overloading my foot.
What kept you motivated to train your hardest?
It has been such a full on couple of years since I started cycling and the goal from day one was always to make it to the games. I was never prepared to make it to Rio and put in a lackluster performance so that is what drove me to train as hard as I could.
Biggest highlight from Rio?
Biggest highlight from Rio is definitely race day. Just the atmosphere in the Velodrome and the fact that I had reached my goal of making it to the games finally sunk it. It was a pretty awesome experience.
Anything else you want to add?
Obviously have to add a thank you to USANA for supporting me in the lead up to the games. And especially sorting me out with the Third Party Batch tested goods to take with me for my piece of mind.
Regan Gough
How do you feel about the results from Rio?
The result was obviously disappointing. Fourth is never a nice position. After having everything going well in training leading up to the event and not being able to execute on the day is frustrating. Lessons learnt, things to be changed and used going forward!
What was going through your head just before the races began?
Race day was a little different to how I was expecting. The hype did not phase me, nor did the pressure. It’s a pretty cliché saying, but I had a job, I was focussing on the process and delivering what I could to the team.
What are you working towards for the rest of the year?
I have had a good break after the games to allow me to revitalise and reset for the 2017 season. I am competing at the 60th running of the SBS Tour of Southland later this month before 2017 kicks off. I’m not entirely sure what the season has in store for me yet, but it will involve racing on both the road and track over in Europe at some stage.
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]]>The post THE ROAD TO RIO – BYRON RAUBENHEIMER appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>He was born with Paraxial Fibular Hemimelia. In other words he was born missing his fibula, three toes on his right foot, and his right leg was shorter than the left. At just twelve years old he made the difficult decision to have his leg amputated and says this was the best decision he’s made. From there he began mountain biking, rock climbing and snowboarding. He represented New Zealand in snowboarding for a number of years. Then two and a half years ago he began cycling and has been going at it since. He competed in the 1km Time Trial at the World Champs in Italy in March and placed 9th which he is hoping to build on at the Rio Games.
We thought we’d ask him a few questions leading up to the games…
What was it like when you found out you would represent NZ at the Rio Paralympic Games?
It was such an honour to be announced in the Rio games team. Six months ago Rio wasn’t on the cards for me at all until I broke through with some solid gains and managed to build on them through the track season over summer. It’s going to be an invaluable learning experience which will greatly benefit my career looking forward to the 2020 games in Tokyo.
How are you feeling about raising over $2000 so far for your ‘Help me get to Rio Paralympics 2016’ Givealittle cause?
I’m always overwhelmed by the support I get from those around me. I’m really fortunate to have friends, family and community around me that believe in me and what I’m trying to achieve. It’s quite a struggle being a full time athlete while trying to support a career as a full time cyclist so I definitely appreciate all the support I get.
What things do you currently do in your training that is your key to success?
Over the last few months I have learnt to listen to my body and respond when it’s telling me to slow down. Between this and a more balanced recovery regime I am able to push harder than I was before and gain more from my session.
If you’d like to make a contribution to help Byron on his journey to Rio, you can donate to his cause through this link: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/byronraubenheimerpara-cyclist
Written by Monique Sparks
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]]>The post WTA And USANA Kick Off Third Annual Aces for Humanity Campaign at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.
]]>
The third annual fundraising event with the WTA and Aces for Humanity has just kicked off. For those unaware, beginning at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, every ace served by the eight USANA Brand Ambassadors-Caroline Wozniaki, Eugenie Bouchard, Madison Keys, Monica Puig, Sloane Stephens, Samantha Stosur, Alize Cornet, Kristina Mladenovic and Zheng Saisai-the WTA contributes $10 to the campaign, while every ace served by any other WTA player translated into a $5 donation.
This year we have also teamed with the WTA to run a social media contest that includes prize packs of USANA product and a signed tennis ball from a WTA player at the end of each Premier-level event this season. For full contest rules visit www.wtatennis.com
Collectively, 430 aces were recorded by USANA Brand Ambassadors during last season’s campaign, with Madison Keys leading the group with 138 non-returnable serves. Through this program and other charitable efforts, the WTA has contributed over $115,000 to the USANA True Health Foundation since 2011.
Read more here – http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wta-and-usana-kick-off-third-annual-aces-for-humanity-campaign-at-bnp-paribas-open-in-indian-wells-300231202.html
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The last couple of months have been very busy for me! I have been competing in domestic competitions in Auckland and Christchurch trying to qualify for my two big international competitions for the year. With training being quite intense at the moment it has been great having the USANA nutrimeals straight after training, they are the best, especially that Dutch Chocolate! Yum.
My competitions went mostly really well and I got the qualification score on multiple events including my best apparatus, the floor. I even managed to upgrade my floor routine and hit it 2/2 in competition. I’ve made my training plan so that I am peaking at the World Champs therefore I wasn’t at my top fitness for these trials. It’s great knowing that I’ve still got room for improvement and hopefully even better scores are to come when I’m at the Worlds.
2 weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to the Prime Ministers Olympic Gala Dinner. This was such a great event to attend, the place was full of well-known retired and current NZ Olympians such as Beatrice Faumuina, Barbara Kendall, and Rob Waddell to name a few (all multiple Olympic gold medallists!) As the event name suggests, the Prime Minister, John Key was also there and I managed to have a quick talk with him about my sport and get a photo with him. The event was to fundraise for New Zealand’s Olympic campaign to Rio. Items were auctioned off at the dinner including a ‘Poutapatoru’ (Maori ornament) which all the medallists at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games had signed (including myself). It sold for $7000, a dinner with the Prime Minister sold for $32000!! Overall the event made $200,000 which will go directly towards costs associated with taking the New Zealand team to Rio in 2016. At this event the NZOC released their 2016 Olympics campaign ‘Be the Inspiration’. I had an amazing night and left feeling inspired myself, extra motivated to get on the New Zealand Olympic team to Rio.
I’m happy to say I have officially qualified to represent New Zealand at the World Cup 
competition in Croatia in September and I have also qualified for the World Championships in Scotland this October. Both of these competitions will have the world’s best gymnasts trying to prove their worth and trying to prepare/qualify for the Olympics in Rio next year. In order for me to have a chance at making the Olympics next year I must prove my value to NZOC at both of these competitions.
There is a long process to make it to the Olympics and two ways that I need to qualify. The first is to be selected by NZ to be sent to the Olympic Test Event in Rio next year in April where I need to achieve a qualifying score in the all-around competition. The second is to prove to NZOC that I can achieve a top 16 placing on an apparatus at the Olympics (this will be the harder of the two, but I think I’m capable of doing it!) NZ will select one person to send to the Test Event in based on their results at the World Cup and World Championships this year (between me and one other NZ gymnast). I need to use my 
results at all of my international competitions from now until the Olympic Test Event to prove that I can score a mark capable of placing top 16 at the Olympics. If I can’t prove this then NZOC won’t send me regardless of whether I qualify at the Test Event or not. I’m hoping to prove a top 16 placing on either Floor or Vault.
New Zealand has only ever had 2 male gymnasts ever be represented at the Olympics for gymnastics. I have a huge task ahead of me, but I plan to be the third.
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]]>How did you hear about USANA?
I’ve heard it around for the last few years but it wasn’t until an old school friend who works for USANA approached my about the product and its benefits that I got really interested in what USANA had to offer me as a full time athlete who also works full time. Having the support from USANA is invaluable as it allows me to work hard and train hard but still avoid illness and keep my body ticking correctly.
What’s your favourite USANA product and why?
The Dutch Choc Nutrimeal sachets are a delicious life saver for when I’m rushing out the door after training in my breaks from work!
What’s your tip to staying fit and healthy?
Love your training. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing there’s not a lot of point doing it. Find a comfortable balance in your training and all other aspects of your life and it will become more achievable and easy to sustain. There’s no better feeling than seeing progress. So keep at it even when you plateau, and you will get there.
Who’s your sporting idol, and why?
My partner Kerry Charlesworth. She’s a Pole-vaulter and the strongest athlete I know. She’s been out for over a year and hasn’t been able to vault but still finds herself in the gym five days a week. Her strength and determination is astounding and truly inspiring. She’s going to shoot straight back to the top when she’s healed up! She drives me like no one else.
Tell us about your training schedule:
I am currently training 6 days a week, which generally includes 5 sessions on the bike and two sessions in the gym. I am currently going through a strength phase in my program which is vital for success in my target event which is the 1Km time trial on the Velodrome, which is effectively the Powerlifting of the cycling world. Strength is key, so most of my training at present is done on an indoor trainer with short high intensity bursts over 1 to 1.5 hours a session. This will probably be followed by an endurance block which will see my training mileage go up but intensity will lower. This aids the last 250m of the kilo as its inevitable that your legs will stop working, it’s just a case of prolonging that as long as possible.
What are some of your career highlights to date?
Since I started cycling in 2014 I have since competed in 5 events (2 on the road and 3 on the track.)
2014 Paracycling Track Champs, Invercargill – Silver in the 1km TT, Bronze in the 4km Pursuit
2015 Paracycling c1 Event, Melbourne – Bronze in the 1km TT, Gold in the 4km Pursuit
2015 NZ Paracycling, Cambridge – Silver in the 1km TT
2015 Paracycling Road Nationals, Napier – Silver in the 25km Individual Pursuit
2015 Paracycling c1 Event, Cambridge – Gold in the 19km Individual Pursuit, Silver in the 72km road race
What’s coming up for you?
In the coming months I will be developing myself for the up and coming track season, which will include 2 track events and 2 road events in NZ as we scramble to scrape together qualifying points for Rio. Success in these events should hopefully see me selected for Track World Champs in March 2016, in Italy. However that and selection for Rio are based on my performance over the season and qualifying points earned by the team.
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