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
New favourite thing…
March 22, 2010 by Alison · Leave a Comment
Every time I travel and go on training camps where I have to prepare all my own meals I always pick up new tips and discover new things. I was recently down in very sunny Tucson Arizona for a three week, intense training camp. The things that elite athletes always need to watch out for during these crazy training blocks is enough healthy nutrition to keep them fuelled up to recovery properly and get ready for the next workout. Well this training camp I discovered coconut oil! Yes you may think that it’s high in fat and wouldn’t strike you as “healthy” but it actually has many health benefits and tastes amazing. I am not really a person who uses a lot of butter, margarine or even olive oil but I think coconut oil is worth adding to stir-fry’s and eggs simply because of the great taste. I don’t use a lot and the flavour really adds to my meals, enough I would suggest buying some at an organic food store. I also used it for my skin because I got so dry when I was training in the desert.
Long, Hard fight.
As training becomes more intense leading into race season I am on a constant battle with my body to stay healthy and injury free. I have tried many things to avoid a reoccurring injury and the secret is massage, stretching, physiotherapy and rest… all the time. Love your body and treat it with respect is the basic motto I stick by. Even if you are not an elite athlete, your body can get over-tired and you can get injured. Doing that extra ten minutes of running or those extra two push ups might not be worth it, believe me, I would know. I felt a little pain in my hip and kept running, and running and running and then had to take 6 week s off. Had I stopped when I first felt pain maybe would’ve only had to take a week off and I have learned from that mistake.
I have been told my famous coaching from across the country that recovery is just as important as training hard. No normal person can be on and training hard all the time, it is impossible! Good sleep, nutrition (elevate me bars!) and proper recovery for your body (stretching) is key.
First race is in a month in Mexico…I’m sticking by my coconut oil, elevate me bars and recovery regimens!
Alison Hooper, Athlete Ambassador
Spring is closing in fast and what that means is LONGER DAYS!!!! Yipeee…
March 5, 2010 by Nicola · 1 Comment
I wrote a blog a while ago about how to stay motivated during the dark winter months. Today, I will talk about all the amazing things you can do OUTSIDE! Really, nothing is better than getting some exercise in the fresh air, rain or shine (it’s still Vancouver after all).
I have found myself more motivated than ever and perhaps that is because it isn’t dark out when I wake up and when I get off work. I feel like I have more energy as well as time. There are a lot of activities you can do outdoors, for example, hiking, biking, running, walking, skipping, roller blading, and the numerous team sports that exist out there (soccer, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, tennis).
For those of you who want to strength train but have been hesitant because you don’t like being inside, take your workout to the streets. Here is a simple beginner workout which can be done in less than 45 minutes. All you need is yourself, a band, and the great outdoors. Always warm-up/cool-down with some light cardio (5 min) and dynamic (before) and static (after) stretching.
Circuit 1: repeat 2-3 times
- Push-ups (modified- bench push-up), as many as you can or 10-15 reps
- Tubing row (wrap tubing around a pole, fence post etc), 10-15 reps
- High Knee’s, 30 seconds
- Front bridge (modified on bench), hold as long as possible
Circuit 2: repeat 2-3 times
- Squats, 10-15 reps
- Tubing shoulder press, 10-15 reps
- Step up’s on bench or high step side walk, 10-15 reps
- Side bridge (modified from bench), 10-45 sec/side
Circuit 3:
- Walking lunges, 10-15 reps
- Tricep push-ups (modified: on bench) narrow arms, 10-15 reps
- Stair run or sprint, 30 sec-1 min
- Bird Dog, quadruped opposing limb raise, 1 minute.
Working out can be fun, especially when you are in your natural environment.
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
PART 2- Nutritional benefits of Elevate Me!
February 5, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
I hope you enjoyed part 1 of the nutrition health benefits of all the wonderful foods that make up our favorite all natural energy bars by Elevate Me. I introduce to you part 2, enjoy!
I must admit, the first time I ingested Matcha Green Tea it was in my Elevate Me nutrition bar. The health benefits of matcha tea exceed those of green tea because when you drink matcha you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water. One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of its nutritional value and antioxidant content. It is rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll and is shown to enhance mood. Another benefit is that it has a rating of zero on the glycemic index; therefore it will not raise your insulin levels.
I cannot even begin to list off the thousands of health benefits there are to this next fruit, but it truly is Bananas (pun intended)! This yellow, half moon shaped super food, has been shown to reduce depression by improving mood. Bananas are relatively high in iron, which helps the body’s hemoglobin function. Due to their content in fibre, they help restore a normal bowel function. Banana’s help with eyesight protection, aid in bone and kidney health, and the absorption of calcium. Lastly, bananas are extremely high in potassium, yet very low in sodium (1mg), thus having a perfect ratio for preventing high blood pressure.
I’ll be honest and tell you that Papaya is not on my weekly shopping list, but I am starting to reconsider that because it is an amazingly rich source of the proteolytic enzymes. These are the chemicals that enable the digestion of protein. Thank goodness I can get a source of Papaya in my Elevate Me energy bar! Papaya is also a great source of magnesium, and potassium.
This next fruit I often use to make a quick Salsa to put on fish. Mango! This amazingly delicious fruit is high in Iron, helps relieve clogged pores, combats poor digestion, helps protect against heart disease, and contains phenols which have a powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
Nothing taste better than a good old fashioned Blueberry pie! That must be because Blueberries have the highest antioxidant capacity of all fresh fruit. These berries neutralize free radicals in the body which can affect disease and aging in the body. They also aid in reducing belly fat, brain health, promote urinary tract health, preserve vision, help cure heart disease, helps constipation and digestion, and reduce the risk of cancers!
If you have never heard of Goji Berry, listen up! The Goji contains more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, and more vitamin C than an orange. Goji has a long history of treating eye problems, skin rashes, allergies, chronic liver disease and tuberculosis. Who knew?
Last but certainly not least, I give you one of my absolute favorites, Cocoa! Chocolate and cocoa derive their health benefits from flavonoids, which are plant pigments capable of acting as antioxidants to counteract some of the cellular damage that can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Cocoa powder has also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow in humans.
I hope you found my last two blogs very informative! Now we just need to educate the rest of the world because there are way too many processed foods out there. Until next time,
Nicola Gildersleeve
Athlete Ambassador/ Trail Runner
Vancouver company must meet Matt Lauer during Olympics
January 26, 2010 by prosnack · Leave a Comment
Vancouver’s own “Elevate Me!” protein and fruit bars (www.elevateme.com) is on a mission to meet Matt Lauer when he is in Vancouver to shoot the Today Show during the Olympics this February.
Says company founder Earl Ellingson, “We know Matt Lauer is an avid cyclist and the Today Show is shooting at Grouse Mountain. Since we make our bars at the base of the mountain we would be crazy not to try and meet Matt and get on the Today Show!”
Already “Elevate Me!” has sent a gift pack to Matt and offered him useful advice on how to avoid a repeat of his unfortunate run-in with a deer while cycling (click to see cartoon reenactment here: http://www.prosnack.com/mattlauer
They have also offered Matt a years’ supply of fresh bars and a matching years supply donated to his charity choice.
Starting February 1st “Elevate Me!” is running a twitter contest, rewarding our followers for Matt Lauer sightings and hiding limited edition gift packs throughout Vancouver stuffed with Elevate Me! bars and other goodies.
Each day starting Feb 1st through the Olympics they will send coded hint tweets to “Elevate Me!” followers.
During the Olympics “Elevate Me!” ambassadors will be handing out free bars and trying to meet Matt and welcome the rest of the Today Show team.
“Elevate Me!” energy bars are made fresh daily by a dedicated family business in North Vancouver and selling across Canada, and soon into Whole Foods Northwest USA. The success of Elevate Me bars is due to the 7 unique and delicious flavors, the high whey protein amount and whole fruits. The bars are called “the world’s simplest protein and fruit energy bars” because all they contain is real simple food. Gluten-free, soy-free, cold formed = Simple. Clean. Fruit. Protein.
For more information contact the company directly:
Trish and Earl Ellingson
Founders/Owners/Devoted Bar Makers
PROsnack Natural Foods Inc.
p 604 980 6160
f 604 980 6170
info@prosnack.com
www.prosnack.com
Elevate Me: The Golden Ticket of Health
January 22, 2010 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Every time I am in a jam and need something to eat, I always reach for an Elevate Me bar. I stash them everywhere and I always make sure I have one in my car. The other day I caught myself thinking about the ingredients that form these delicious bars of goodness. Not only does each bar consist of no more than 8 wholesome ingredients, each ingredient has multiple health benefits. I spent a little time researching on the internet exactly what those health benefits were.
I am going to do this blog in two parts. I introduce to you, part 1. The second is to be continued…
Let’s start this party off with Dates. Not only are they loaded with fiber (helps us stay regular), they are an excellent source of potassium.
Cranberries are one of my favorite dried fruits to eat in salads and are now my favorite turkey topper. They have long been valued for their ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections. Now, recent studies suggest that cranberries may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health and prevent the formation of kidney stones. The party doesn’t stop there, they also lower LDL (bad) and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in the recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.
Acai berry has existed for a very long time but this powerful berry has only been main stream for a short while. Acai has a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging. It also consists of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health.
Almonds are definitely on my list of daily eats. They are a great source of vitamin E and have good amounts of magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and fiber. This tear shaped nut is also a great source of healthy monounsaturated fat and they contain more calcium than any other nut which makes them great for vegetarians who do not eat any dairy products.
A few months back I was looking to increase my protein consumption by adding protein powder to my shakes. With so many different varieties on the market, it was hard to know which one to purchase. I consulted my naturopath and she suggested whey protein. Whey Protein is a main ingredient in all the Elevate Me Protein Bars as it helps to increase lean muscle mass. It is useful for weight loss, specifically fat loss. Our brain function relies on appropriate protein and it has also been shown to enhance immune function.
Raisins are a dried fruit I have everyday in my morning bowl of oatmeal. The health benefits of raisins include relief from constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, and sexual weakness. Raisins also help in eye care, dental care, and bone health. Especially as a female athlete, keeping our bones healthy is a top priority!
You know the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Apples offer bone protection, helps asthma, lowers cholesterol, assists in the prevention of Alzheimer’s/lung/colon/liver and breast cancer, helps with weight loss, and diabetes management.
WOW!
All these foods are great to eat on their own, but, if you don’t have the time to shop, need healthy food fast that will keep you going for hours, or need to fuel up before or after exercise, reach for an Elevate Me Bar. Will all these wonderful health benefits, you would be silly not to!
Enjoy the day!
Nicola Gildersleeve
Resolutions… Really?
January 12, 2010 by Alison · Leave a Comment
So this time of year many people are trying to follow new “fads” to quickly reach their new-year resolutions. I find with resolutions you have to be very careful because many people do crazy diets or workout regimens that are so out of the ordinary. If your new workout plan is so far from your regular schedule it makes in close to impossible to stick with it because life will get in the way!
What works best for me is changing the little things in my daily routine to reach my ultimate goal. If you want to lose weight try not to have ice cream in your freezer all the time or make sure that you eat small portions every two hours- none of this crazy dieting! This year I really want to become more flexible. It will help me with racing and training and be another defence against injuries! What I have planned is to go to workouts 10 minutes early 3 times a week to get in a little extra stretching. I am also looking into another yoga class that is scheduled on my day off so no conflicts will happen. The more conflicts this resolution causes within your life means the harder it will be to accomplish.
Baby steps in changing over time will work better than huge change all at once. Plus your body or lifestyle won’t have to go on a roller-coaster ride some resolutions can send you on!
So one thing I love doing is having smoothies after my workouts. My favourite is banana, 1/3cup milk, chocolate protein powder (I use Genisoy) and 1 and 1/2 tablespoons almond butter. Or if you’re not a chocolate person- vanilla powder and then instead of almond butter add different types of berries and orange juice. This seems to gets me through the morning and provides me with the protein and fruit I need for my routine.
I have also come across these new microwave egg cookers- you can find them as freebies at most Running Rooms. It is really simple and takes about a minute to cook an egg! Tastes great and is perfect for a good addition of protein to your breakfast even if your in a hurry like myself.
Here is a link about the egg cookers-
http://blog.getcracking.ca/microwave-egg-cookers-cooking-tips-and-recipes
To sum up this post: SIMPLE=ACHIEVE.
Thanks,
Alison Hooper – Canadian Junior Elite Triathlete
How to jump start your fall workout plan and stay motivated
October 13, 2009 by Nicola · Leave a Comment
Summer is officially over, which means, the wonderful season of fall has arrived. It takes longer to get daylight in the morning and it’s almost pitched black by the time you get home from work. The weather starts to cool down and the pants, jackets, tuques, and gloves come back out of the closet. We are all back into the routine of daily life. Wake up, make the kids breakfast, get kids to school, go to work, come home, cook dinner, relax, and go to sleep.
Wait a minute…we missed something there…OH YA…EXERCISE!!!!!!!
Where the heck are we going to make room for that? The darkness and cool temperatures make it a lot harder to get ourselves out of bed in the morning for our daily walks, runs, gym sessions, or bike rides. So, you tell yourself you will do it after work, but by then its dark and cold outside and your tired from a long day at the office.
I have heard every excuse in the book about what’s preventing people from exercising and eating right. I really have. But, I also know first hand what it takes to get around those excuses. Here are a few examples of the most common excuses I get when it comes to lack of exercise and poor eating habits.
Excuse # 1: It’s too cold outside.
If your one of those people, who hates the cold weather, try an indoor spin class, bootcamp, yoga, circuit, or core class. There are a lot of options out there for the price of a Starbucks Venti latte and a pastry.
Excuse #2: I lack motivation.
Try working out with a buddy or going to a group class. It’s a lot easier to motivate yourself to get out the door when you know you have someone else waiting for you. You won’t let them down. Another good way to stay motivated is to write your goals down on a piece of paper and put them on the fridge and at your work desk. If you constantly see what it is you ultimately want, you are more likely keep focused and make it happen.
Excuse # 3: I am so tired after work.
If you are one of those people who lack energy after work, I’ll pay you $100 if you go exercise and don’t feel energized afterwards. No matter how tired I am, if I just get out the door and start moving, I am instantaneously filled with energy. You will come home and your kids won’t know what hit them. Also, if I am tired after work, I am less likely to make something healthy for dinner. I am more likely to order out. If I have exercised, I have more patience to cook. Furthermore, I am more likely to cook up something healthy for all that hard work I just did.
Don’t let your energy slip during the day. Keep snacks on hand and eat at least once every 4 hours and try to have a snack in between. A good example of things to keep on hand: a handful of nuts, dried fruit, crackers and peanut butter, or an Elevate Me protein Bar!
Excuse # 4: There is no food in the house.
I get this one all the time. Write down 6-7 healthy and nutritious meals you are going to cook that week. Post them on the fridge so that they are in clear view. When you go to the grocery store at the beginning of the week, buy everything you need to make those meals. Then when you come home, all the ingredients will be on hand. If your children are old enough, get them to help with dinner. They can start preparing food while you are on your way home from work or your workout. One of the best things to do is take a couple hours on one of your days off to cook. Prepare a few meals you can put in the freezer. Pull it out in the morning or when you get home from work. Make a nice salad or steamed veggies to go along with it and presto, you have yourself/family a nice healthy meal.
Excuse # 5: Someone has to look after the kids.
Set up a plan with your partner. Maybe you do your exercise in the morning while he gets the kids ready for school, and he can do his exercise after work. Better yet, get the family together for some exercise. Take them for a nice walk, run, or bike ride.
There you have it, a list of excuses and the solutions to help you work around them. The best thing you can do is set a goal(s), identify barriers, and implement strategies to avoid those barriers. Set short and long term goals. A long term goal might be to train and finish a 10 km running event. A short term goal would be to run 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Remind yourself of your goals everyday because you are more likely to see them through to fruition.
Until next time,
Nicola Gildersleeve
Personal Trainer/ Endurance Coach
Elevate Me Ambassador/Athlete
http://www.ngildersleeve.blogspot.com
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