Interval Training
April 6, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
I was reading an article that a client of mine sent me today- “High-Intensity Interval Training Is Time-Efficient and Effective, Study Suggests” (ScienceDaily (Mar. 12, 2010)).
Here is a little snippet of the article:
“The study, from scientists at Canada’s McMaster University, adds to the growing evidence for the benefits of short term high-intensity interval training (HIT) as a time-efficient but safe alternative to traditional types of moderate long term exercise. Astonishingly, it is possible to get more by doing less!
“We have shown that interval training does not have to be ‘all out’ in order to be effective,” says Professor Martin Gibala. “Doing 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works as well in improving muscle as many hours of conventional long-term biking less strenuously.”
HIT means doing a number of short bursts of intense exercise with short recovery breaks in between. The authors have already shown with young healthy college students that this produces the same physical benefits as conventional long duration endurance training despite taking much less time (and amazingly, actually doing less exercise!) However, their previous work used a relatively extreme set-up that involved “all out” pedaling on a specialized laboratory bicycle. The new study used a standard stationary bicycle and a workload which was still above most people’s comfort zone -about 95% of maximal heart rate — but only about half of what can be achieved when people sprint at an all-out pace.”
This less extreme HIT method may work well for people (the older, less fit, and slightly overweight among us) whose doctors might have worries about them exercising “all-out.” We have known for years that repeated moderate long-term exercise tunes up fuel and oxygen delivery to muscles and aids the removal of waste products. Exercise also improves the way muscles use the oxygen to burn the fuel in mitochondria, the microscopic power station of cells.
The “secret” to why HIT is so effective is unclear. However, the study by Gibala and co-workers also provides insight into the molecular signals that regulate muscle adaptation to interval training. It appears that HIT stimulates many of the same cellular pathways that are responsible for the beneficial effects we associate with endurance training.
From what I have read and learned, interval training will show huge gains in fitness over the short term. The question that no one seems to be able to answer is, what does it show over the long term? Most scientists do not conduct these kinds of studies for more than a few months. From my own experience, the more high intensity exercise one performs, the more likely they are to get injured. As well, constant high intensity exercise over time will cause a plateau in training. You will get better and better over weeks and months, but eventually fitness gains will slow down.
When you see articles such as these, I urge you to err on the side of caution and do a little bit of research yourself before you dive into a high intensity interval training program such as the one described above. There is no doubt a time and place for HIT, especially in training, but it may not be something to do all year round. If you do choose to hit the gym for a HIT, remember to pack your favorite Elevate Me recovery protein energy bar!
Until next time,
Nicola Gildersleeve, Athlete/Ambassador
Top 10 things to do in B.C
February 25, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
When I was a child I remember complaining to my parents about how “there was nothing to do”. A decade later and a little bit older and wiser, I am in awe at my words. How could I have spoken those words? I find myself overwhelmed most of time deciding what to do because there are so many options. We can only do so much in a day and sometimes I wish I could do it all. Here are my top 10 things to do in and around B.C:
1. Hike up Grouse Mountain: I often have people ask me if I have ever done the Grouse Grind. Yes, I have and it is part of my weekly training schedule. A lot of the time I will hike the BCMC which parallels the Grind. It takes about 10 minutes longer but it is less crowded and doesn’t resemble a giant Stairmaster. However, if I am looking for a quick ‘get it over and done with’ workout, I’ll hike the Grind. The view at the top will not disappoint.
2. Kayak in Deep Cove: Now, this may not be the right season to partake in this activity but in a few months time, the weather will be perfect to get out onto the ocean. You can rent kayaks for as little as an hour or as long as a week. They come in singles and doubles. Being on the ocean is a very liberating experience and it is one of the best ways to connect with yourself and your surroundings. For more information check out this website: www.deepcovekayak.com
3. Bike around Stanley Park: This is one of B.C’s largest tourist attractions and with good reason! The park is simply stunning and you get such a beautiful view of the ocean and mountains. Take a break and visit the Aquarium and have lunch at one of the many restaurants located in the park. If you are really feeling frisky, try renting a tandem bike, 2 is always better than 1!
4. Shop the local Market at Granville Island: This is one of my favorite places to shop for local delicious foods. They have everything including, fresh made Terra Breads, organic local produce, fresh seafood (live lobster), incredible deli’s, and local venders selling unique art work and fine foods. Besides food, there are dozens of shops to browse through. Bring your kids as they have one of the best toy shops around.
5. Grab a coffee on Commercial Street: Also known as “The Drive” , Commercial Drive has a large number of local ethnic stores and community groups, European-style cafes, bars, and alternative shops and entertainment venues. There are 93 restaurants on Commercial Drive, of which 19 are coffee bars. Come hungry and come thirsty to enjoy what this area has to offer.
6. Bungee jump in Whistler: Just over a year ago I accompanied some friends who were going to bungee jump. I came along without knowing whether or not I was going to jump but my fears got the best of me and I decided to cheer on from the sidelines. I regretted it immediately and decided that at some point in my life I was going to do that. Hopefully it will be sooner than later. For more information check out this website: http://www.whistlerbungee.com/home.php
7. Rock Climbing ‘The Chief’ in Squamish: Becoming a rock climber was almost mandatory when I started dating my boyfriend “climbing guru” Peter. Alright, that was a lie but once I started climbing, I got the bug. Squamish is one of the most popular places in the world to climb and for good reason. The Chief is located in the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park. This park has opportunities for camping, hiking, rock climbing and scenic viewing atop the Chief.
8. Mountain Bike Whistler/North Shore/ Squamish: There are many places to ride depending on where your interest lies. The North Shore Mountains are famous for their wicked downhill mountain bike trails, whereas in Whistler and Squamish you will find a wide variety of cross country trails. Whistler also has a pretty stellar mountain bike park. Check out this link to find out more about Mountain Biking in whistler: http://www.whistlerbike.com/index.htm.
9. Hop on the B.C Ferry over to the Sunshine Coast: I have always loved taking the ferry over to the island. Things to go: The Sunshine Coast is riddled with remote logging roads and trails that make for fantastic mountain biking. The view is always worth the effort it takes to get up those hills! Sechelt Inlet, also known as the Inland Sea, offers miles of protected sea kayaking including two large inlets reaching back into the BC mainland (Narrows and Salmon Inlets). There are four kayaking companies operating out of the inlet this year, offering rentals, excursions and great lessons for beginners. If you want to go further you can take another ferry over to Powell River.
10. Surfing in Tofino: The area around Tofino is fully exposed to the Pacific Ocean and believe it or not you can actually surf everyday year round. The water may be a little chilly, but in the last 10 years wetsuit technology has come a long way making surfing and other watersports a lot warmer and more comfortable. Tofino’s beaches and coves are balancing between majestic mountains and a very powerful body of water, making for a genuine wilderness surfing experience. Mix that with a laid back lifestyle and it’s no wonder this area has developed its own unique surf culture.
Have fun exploring!
Nicola Gildersleeve, Athlete Ambassador
Winter Cross-Training: An Ode to Snowshoe running
December 4, 2009 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
It’s hard trying to find the motivation to exercise outdoors when the weather is less than optimal and the skies say goodnight by 5pm (A.K.A- its dark!). It’s a good thing we have activities like swimming, killer gym sessions, spin classes, yoga, snowboarding, skiing, and snowshoeing…just to name a few! The options are literally endless.
This winter I am making it my mission to get up the mountain at least once a week to go snowshoe running. Not only does it billed a wicked running base and increase cardiovascular endurance, you can get a killer workout in less than an hour. Warning: snowshoe running is hard, it gets the heart rate up and you will be tired at the end of it. Perfect! Snowshoe running also uses all of the same muscles as running on dry land: the quads, hamstrings, calf muscles and the smaller muscle groups of the feet and ankles. Depending on how much you weigh, you can burn approximately 11 calories per minute, which is over 600 calories an hour!
If you have never been snowshoeing, there are a lot of different options out there to get yourself introduced to the sport. Most of the local mountains have nightly snowshoe clinics, where you can rent snowshoes and get a semi-private tour of the mountain. If you want to have some fun and be a little more competitive, you can sign yourself up for two of the Yeti Snowshoe running races. The first one takes place on Mt. Washington and the second is a local race on Mt. Seymour. They are loads of fun and a great way to spend time outdoors with like minded individuals. You can race solo or as a team of 5 or more people. Just make sure to recover properly and eat an Elevate Me! protein bar directly after the race.
See you in the trails…or in the snow!!!!
Nicola Gildersleeve
Ambassador Athlete
Elevate Me Hits the VIP swag bag at the Whistler Film Fest!
November 27, 2009 by prosnack · Leave a Comment
North Vancouver’s own protein bar Elevate Me! was invited to participate in this year’s gift lounge at the Whistler Film Fest Dec 3rd to 6th. With all eyes on Whistler, this event should prove to be exciting exposure for Vancouver’s own protein bar.
“Elevate Me! will be such a good fit at this event! Perfect crowd, perfect venue,” commented CEO of The Uptown GiftBox Company and producer of the VIP Lounge, Gabrielle Durning.
Company owners’ Trish and Earl Ellingson, who have been making Elevate Me! bars since 2003, are very excited to be selected to participate in this event. “We love our bars and we love our customers who love our bars,” say the Ellingsons. “So anytime we can get more people to try Elevate Me, the better!”
With the Olympics coming to our proud city, people will be heading up to Whistler. This is the perfect bar to take up the hill or to have handy at 3 p.m. It’s pre-portioned into 3 easy to eat pieces and doesn’t melt or isn’t coated with chocolate. “The world simplest protein and fruit energy bar”
Elevate Me! bars are gluten free whey protein bars that are made with all natural ingredients. Trish and Earl grew this family business out of a vision and mom’s recipe and have turned it into one of Vancouver’s most successful small businesses. Check out their website for updates, contests and athlete sponsorship opportunities. www.prosnack.com.
If you would like more information on this topic or to schedule an interview with Trish and Earl Ellingson please contact Coreylee Essig at 604-980-6160.
Check out what is going on at Elevate Me! Partnership with Canadians Sports Center Pacific (CSC)
September 29, 2009 by admin · Leave a Comment
Canadian Sport Centre Pacific (CSC Pacific) is proud to announce a new partnership with ELEVATE ME!®, a local company based out of North Vancouver. With no added colours, flavours or sweeteners and containing only premium whey protein and unsulphured, organic dried fruit, athletes can feel good about including these all-natural bars in their nutrition plan.
CSC Pacific dietitians agree that ELEVATE ME!® bars are one of the highest nutritional quality sport bars on the market today.
- ELEVATE ME!® bars deliver an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates to replenish fuel stores, build muscle and promote recovery after training.
- ELEVATE ME!® bars are also a great source of antioxidants to boost the immune system.
- ELEVATE ME!® offers 7 flavours: Chocolate Acai Berry Brownie, Matcha Green Tea with Cranberries, Banana Nut Bread, All Fruit Original, Blueberry Cranberry Gojiberry Boost, Espresso Cocoa Crunch and Cocoa Coconut Cluster.
ElevateME Protein Bars – Update
August 4, 2009 by admin · 1 Comment
It’s been awhile, so busy my apologies. Let’s see, we hired a great new Marketing Manager, Coreylee has joined the team and we’re thrilled and excited to welcome her to the team. She has a pretty big job ahead, helping us grow our Elevate Me! bars to feed more hungry athletes, students, employees, employers, kids, teens and well you get the idea. We’re going to be launching some swag so I’ve had a few emails for stuff like t-shirts but keep ‘em coming and if we do it you get the first one produced.
We just signed on with Canadian Sports Centre Pacific so we will be working closely with hundreds of professional and Olympic caliber athletes to fuel their incredibly arduous training, with the Olympics here in a few months the timing is perfect. We’ve already sold tons of bars to the snowboarders, speedskaters, lugers, ski jumpers etc., Now we just need to share our bars with all the pro sports teams out there, once they try them they’re hooked, so that helps.
We’re offering some guerrilla freebies away so let’s start now: the first 3 people to email me at info@prosnack.com and mention the codephrase “Flumoxed by Calamity” will get a free mix box sent in the mail, no strings…offer good now until Aug 7th 2009….keep on enjoying the ridiculous summer heat.
in GOOD health,
Earl Ellingson
Chief ELEVATE ME! Officer
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