Our high performance athletes have claimed victory in many sports, and New Zealand gymnast and coach, David Bishop, even ticked off his last competition ever as an athlete, sending off his career with a flip for the media as he arrived back in New Zealand!

Congratulate Team USANA New Zealand with us!

Brooke Neal – Women’s Hockey – Gold

Joelle King – Squash

– Women’s Singles – Gold

– Women’s Doubles – Gold

– Mixed Doubles – Bronze

David Bishop – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics–New Zealand team–6^th

Last competition as an athlete complete. What a way to see out my gym career. My highlight= hanging out with all of the other athletes, from all sorts of sports.

A post shared by David Bishop (@davidbishop111) on Apr 15, 2018 at 6:12pm PDT

Another Congratulation to Our Aussie Medalled Athletes Including:

• Dane Sampson –Shooting – Men’s 10m Air Rifle – GOLD
• Daniel Repacholi – Men’s 50m Pistol – GOLD
• Cameron Pillay – Squash – Mixed Double – GOLD
• Elena Galiabovitch –Shooting – Women’s 25m Pistol – SILVER, Women’s 10m Air Pistol – BRONZE
• Jason Whateley – Boxing – Men’s 91kg – SILVER
• Joshua Beaver – Swimming – Men’s 200m Backstroke – BRONZE

Let’s not forget about the below Aussie athletes who were talented enough to compete at the 2018 Commonwealth games!

• Brianna Beahan  – Hurdles -Women’s 100m Hurdles –  5^th
• Heming Hu – Table Tennis – Men’s Team 5^th, Men’s Single 9^th, Men’s Doubles 5^th, Mixed Doubles 9th
• Sawan Serasinghe – Badminton – Men’s Doubles 9^th, Mixed Doubles 5^th, Mixed Team Event 5^th
• Leeanne Choo – Badminton – Mixed team Event 5^th
• Luke Wadsworth – Gymnastics – Men’s Team 5^th
• David McKeon – Swimming – Men’s 400m Freestyle 6^th
• Paul Adams – Shooting – Men’s Skeet 7^th
• William Godward – Shooting – Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions 12^th
• James Willett – Shooting – Men’s Double Trap 6^th

We think you’ll also love…

Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 USANA Supplements

The post Team USANA New Zealand–Commonwealth Games Gold appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

Christy’s Recent BIG Results

3rd Place – Germany Big Air World Cup 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcS220-lSSj/?taken-by=christyprior

1^st Place – Snowmass Grand Prix

On Third and Final Run, Christy Prior Wins Back-To-Back in Aspen Snowmass

4th Place – X Games Aspen Slopestyle 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Belsgvdn2Yr/?taken-by=christyprior

5^th Place – X Games Aspen Big Air 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BegoHdCHb3I/?taken-by=christyprior

Next Up For Christy Prior

March 5-10, 2018: US Open in Vail, Colorado, USA

May 2018: Running a yoga retreat in Bali

August 2018: Air & Style Sydney

You might also like…

Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 USANA Supplements

Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 Supplements Part Two

Why Elite Athletes Choose USANA Supplements

The post Team USANA Update on Christy Prior! 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.

10 years ago today I stood on the summit of Everest… Life changed that day and I will be forever grateful. Looking back the most precious thing I took away from Everest wasn't the summit. It was the deep friendships with my fellow climbers and most importantly the Sherpas. I've been back to Nepal and the Himalaya 11 times since and I hold my friendships with my Sherpa and Nepalese friends the most dearest. Thank you Nepal#lovenepal #everest #mteverest #mounteverest #summit #friendship #grateful #icebreakernz #icebreaker #airnewzealand #flyairnz #inspiration #motivation #speaker #celebrityspeakersnz

A post shared by Adventurer | Pilot | Dad (@mikeallsopnz) on May 23, 2017 at 5:06pm PDT

“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.

I love riding in circles! #trackcycling #velodrome #SaintCycles #Usana @avantidrome @saintcycles @usana_nz @teamusana

A post shared by Byron Raubenheimer (@byronraubenheimer) on Oct 27, 2017 at 9:24pm PDT

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:

Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 USANA Supplements

Why Elite Athletes Choose USANA 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.

The post Team USANA’s Choice: Top 6 Supplements Part Two 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!

1. CellSentials®(multi-vitamins and minerals providing potent levels of B-Vitamins)
2. Biomega(Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids EPA and DHA from natural fish Oil)
3. Vitamin D
4. Proflavanol C 100(grape seed and Vitamin C)
5. Coquinone 100(Coenzyme Q10)
6. 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.

The post Why Elite Athletes Choose USANA Supplements 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

The post Britta Martin – Motherhood & Ultramarathons 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

The post Interview with Gymnast David Bishop appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

makes it even more special!

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

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 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.

The post David Bishop Update! appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

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.

The post Team USANA welcomes another top NZ athlete! appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.

How did you hear about USANA?

It was through my coach and his wife (Ivar & Marya Hopman) and it was from nicking some of there product when I was a litt le unhealthy, or travelling etc. I immediately saw the benefits, seeing me using USANA prducts daily now.

What’s your favourite USANA product and why (please send a selfie with the product)?

I think the best products are the supplements (Multi-mineral, Bio Mega, Antioxidants) as I constantly feel really good using these products. They have kept me healthy from the day I have used them.

What’s your tip to staying fit and healthy?

Riding your bike 20+ hours a week!

Who’s your sporting idol, and why?

I have many around me, not particularly current cyclists but cyclists/ex cyclists who are mentors to me. I could name a lot!

How did you get involved in Cycling?

My family has always been very cycling orientated, through my dad, uncle and cousins. My cousins (Westley & Fraser) played a pretty influential part getting me involved, passing on their experience and knowledge.

Tell us about your training schedule:

Training for me varies throughout different times of the year. As I am a road and track cyclist, they are almost like a different disciple meaning there are specifics for each. Track phase will include high intensity sessions, with a lot of time in the gym and on the track, and my road phase would consist of more miles on the road meaning my riding time a week would almost double. In saying that, I am consistently training 6/7 days a week, some days being ‘double days’.

What are some of your career highlights to date?

1. 2014 Junior Points Race World Champion
2. 2014 Junior Madison World Champion
3. 2015 Elite Team Pursuit World Champion

What’s coming up for you?

I am targeting on the World Cup being held in Cambridge in December. New Zealand’s first World Cup, and will be very humbling to be wearing the World Champ rainbows in New Zealand. From then continuation of form into the World Champs and beyond to try and gain selection to Rio.

The post Welcome to the team Regan Gough! appeared first on Usana Health Sciences Organization.