by Nick Katsarelas | -
Recently, I did something I swore I'd never do again: I ran on a treadmill.
When it comes to running in crappy weather, I say "bring it on." I've run in blinding snow, driving rain, wind chills below zero, temps in the mid-90s. But last week, our slushy streets and sidewalks turned to ice, leaving treacherous ruts and iced-over surfaces So I grabbed a duffel bag, threw in my running stuff and water bottle, and headed to the gym.
I despise running on a treadmill. I don't like the boredom. I don't like those digital readouts. (As if they had a will of their own, my eyes wander to the numbers, and it's demoralizing to find out I've only run 1.73 miles when I'm sure I logged at least 3.) And I use treadmills so infrequently that last week, I had to ask another treadmiller how to turn it on.
But the biggest reason is that I think I get a better workout outdoors. For one, it's harder. I enjoy the changing scenery and sounds. I like the challenge of "toughing it out" against inclement weather. I put on my visor, strap on my watch, stuff some NUTRILITE Endurance Cubes into my pocket, and I'm good to go.
A story in The New York Times today supports my claim - sort of. The article says that on the treadmill, you're missing the uneven surfaces and wind resistance of outdoor running. Even cyclists are at a disadvantage, because when they ride stationary bikes or trainers (bike stands that attach to your normal bike) they're not exercising the muscles necessary for steering and stability. And a rowing machine (or "ergometer," as rowers refer to them) doesn't match the true experience of holding an oar in an unstable boat.
But the article also says there are plenty who find appeal and advantages in indoor exercise. My neighbor Maureen is one of them. Maureen loves running on a treadmill because she finds it's easier to do speed work than if she were running outside. Also, she's able to simulate hill workouts by using the incline function. Another detractor is Lisa, a co-worker. Although she uses her trainer in the winter, it doesn't seem to have hindered her fitness: Last summer, she rode 300 miles over three days. 
I guess the bottom line is: Do what works for you. The main point is moving that body.
As for me? I think now that temps are in the 30s and 40s here in Michigan, I don't see myself using a treadmill except for on the rarest of occasions. But if my neighbor starts beating me in the races we run together, then tell me again: How do you turn them on?
by Nick Katsarelas | -
Today's blog post is from Nick Katsarelas.
In yesterday's post, I offered up nine true-or-false statements about exercise, fitness, and nutrition. Today -- the answers.
But before we get to that, here's my disclaimer: The answers to some of the questions are irrefutable. Other answers are a matter of opinion. My answers reflect what I believe are the prevailing viewpoints on those topics. There are, no doubt, opinions to the contrary. You need to -- excuse the pun -- go with your gut.
1. Muscle weighs more than fat. FALSE.
The myth comes from those photos (like the one here) that show a big, ol' slab of fat next to a much smaller muscle. But a pound is a pound, so five pounds of muscle weighs as much as five pounds of fat. The difference is that muscle takes up more volume. So the next time some complains about gaining weight after working out for two weeks straight, you can't comfort them with that whole "muscle weighs more than fat" think. Maybe you should advise them to eat less.
2. You have to sweat to have a productive workout. FALSE.
Sweating is just a way for the body to cool itself. But you don't have to break into a sweat to have a good workout. Experts say that walking, light strength training, or swimming are good sweat-less activities.
3. As a rule, you should drink eight glasses of water a day. TRUE and FALSE.
This one is tricky. Figuring a glass is eight ounces, then eight glasses is 64 ounces, or half a gallon. Considering that other liquids count toward your total intake -- including soda, juice, lemonade, tea, and coffee (Coffee? Yes, coffee! Keep reading.) -- consuming 64 ounces may not be too hard. But it probably is not enough for those who work out. (Andy Gamm's post on hydration serves as an excellent guide for how much water to drink before and after a workout, and the importance of replenishing electrolytes and carbohydrates.) If you're not exercising, some experts say you should use your body's built-in trigger -- thirst -- to tell you when to drink. Other say you should be drinking half your body weight in ounces. (150 pounds = 75 ounces) Now, about coffee: Despite claims to the contrary, coffee in moderation won't lead to dehydration. Read this article in The New York Times.
4. Ab workouts, like crunches, are a good way to trim your waistline. FALSE.
No wonder I've grunted through thousands of crunches over the years, with no reduction in the size of my spare tire. According to Paige Waehner, a certified personal trainer, you can't "spot-treat" for weight loss, either for the abs or any other body part. "The only way to burn fat from your belly is to reduce overall body fat by creating a calorie deficit." But I'm not going to stop doing crunches. Even though I still have a paunch, my ab muscles aren't too shabby.
5. The proper exercise can convert fat into muscle. FALSE
According to Muscle & Fitness magazine, "Fat and muscle are two completely different body tissues. Fat simply can't transform into muscle ... . The physiological processes of building muscle and burning fat are completely unrelated. The combined effect of building muscle and losing fat may appear as though you're turning fat into muscle, but in actual fact, that's just an illusion."
6. Exercise enthusiasts should stay away from carbohydrates. FALSE.
Nothing could be further from the truth. We all need fats, protein, and carbs. Experts say between 50 and 70% of our daily caloric intake should be from carbs. (Carbs and proteins are each 4 calories per gram, while fats are 9 calories per gram.) Carbs -- fruits and vegetables, pasta, whole grains -- are the body's energy source. For energy you'll use right away, your body turns carbs into glucose. But your cells can only hold so much glucose. The rest is stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen. When you're exercising, your body starts using that glycogen for power and energy. For more on the importance of carbs, and a list of healthy sources of carbohydrates, check out an online article from the Harvard School of Public Health.
7. The faster you run, the quicker you get there. TRUE
I've always found this to be the case. 8. Peanut butter may give you energy, but it's bad for you. FALSE.
Actually, peanut butter is very nutritious. According to an article on RunnersWorld.com, it's a good source of protein and a primary building block in muscle growth and recovery. It also is a good source of niacin, folic acid, and vitamin E. And because it's an unsaturated fat, it's good for your heart.
9. It's OK not to stretch before you exercise. TRUE.
Used to be that runners would be doing all sorts of stretching before hitting the pavement. Some still do. But the prevailing view seems to be that you should warm up, first, and then do your stretching. According to Phil Tyne, director of the Baylor Tom Landry Health and Wellness Center, "Some studies have suggested that stretching actually makes muscles more susceptible to injury. They claim that by stretching, muscle fibers are lengthened and destabilized, making them less prepared for the strain of exercise." Think of it this way: Stretching a muscle that hasn't been warmed up is like stretching a rubber band you just took out of the freezer. Try to stretch it, and it will break.
So how'd you do? (You should have gotten at least two right!) I'd like to hear from you! Also, please share any debunked myths, or questions about whether something you've heard is myth or fact.
by Nick Katsarelas | Category: water, hyponatremia, exercise, carbohydrates, crunches, training, lactate threshold, muscle, abs, fitness, Nutrilitelite, nutrition, fartleks
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Today's post is from Nick Katsarelas, an Amway Global editor, Nutrilite fan, and fitness enthusiast.
When I began running in races a few years ago, I started reading a lot about training, eating right, hydration, and all things running related. I learned how to count the calories from carbs, proteins, and fats. I discovered something called "hyponatremia," a sometimes fatal condition caused by drinking too much water. I can now use "fartleks" and "lactate threshold" in a sentence.
But I also discovered that much of what I thought I knew about all of those headline topics weren't, in fact, true. It turned out there was a lot I didn't know. (My colleagues and family are probably nodding in agreement.)
So here are nine true and false statements to test your knowledge about exercising, what to eat and drink, and fitness in general. I'll supply the answers in tomorrow's post.
Have fun!
1. Muscle weighs more than fat.
2. You need to sweat to have a productive workout.
3. As a rule, you should drink eight glasses of water a day.
4. Ab workouts, like crunches, are a good way to trim your waistline.
5. The proper exercise can convert fat into muscle.
6. Exercise enthusiasts should stay away from carbohydrates.
7. The faster you run, the quicker you get there.
8. Peanut butter may give you energy, but it's bad for you.
9. It's OK not to stretch before you exercise.
by Nick Katsarelas | -
In yesterday's post, Nick Katsarelas, an editor at Amway Global, an avid runner, and a NUTRILITE consumer, wrote about the consequences of running, unprepared, in the dark. Today's post wraps up the two-part series.
Whether you're walking, walking a dog, running, cross-country skiing, or inline skating, don't take chances by exercising in the dark without the proper gear. Today I'll review the many tools, gadgets, and apparel that can help you see everything around you, and make sure you're seen by everyone around you.
Bike lights: If you're riding at night, your bike should have lights on the front and back of the bike, plus reflectors between the spokes and on the pedals. (Consider pulsating lights, as well.) LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are the light source of choice for many light manufacturers because of their high efficiency and longer battery life. These lights can be powered by solar cells, batteries, or generators. You can buy a decent light for less than $30, or spend as much as $640, the cost of the Nite Rider® Pro1200, which comes with a software screen and numerous programmable functions.
Headlamps: I've seen more and more runners wearing these headlamps. Most are simply headbands with a battery-operated light affixed to the front. Some models have an additional strap that runs from the lamp, over the skull, to the back of the band, for better fit. Others are of the plain-Jane variety: lights that clip onto the bill of a baseball cap. Many models feature adjustable lights, and some are water resistant or waterproof. (If you're an any-kind-of-weather runner, I'd choose a waterproof model.) You can spend as little as $10 for the clip-on models or as much as $70 for top-of-the-line headlamps. Frankly, I think these would be too confining. I'd just use a flashlight and aim it at the path in front of me.
Light-up jackets: How cool are these? StrideLite® + CycLite® make a line of Strob-Lite® jackets for runners and cyclists that feature strobe-light electroluminescent lamps that, the company says, are visible a quarter-of-a-mile away. The strobe and reflective stripes would make you hard to miss. (The companies also make a lighted umbrella and strobe light safety belt.) But expect to pay $175 for these jackets.
Reflective apparel: For years, running shoes have featured reflective strips for night time visibility. But now your whole running ensemble can glow, thanks to companies flooding the market with reflective apparel. And wearing reflective gear is a must.
You can spend a couple of hours online checking out all the reflective apparel available. Here's a partial list of reflective clothing and gear, and the prices you can expect to pay:
Hats, snow caps, and headbands: $14-$30
Gloves: $15-$30
Jackets: $50-$150
Shirts: $25-$80
Vests: $15-$60 
Pants: $30-$80
Shorts: $25-$35
Laces: $2-$10
Shoe pockets: $6
Socks: $10
Stick- and iron-on reflective tape and dots: You might also consider purchasing reflective stick-on or iron-on tape 
or dots, even sew-on reflective fabric. (At the risk of offending any of my readers, I can't imagine anyone spending the time to sew these things on.) $5-$15.
Miscellaneous: You can also find a bevy of snap-on bands, arm and leg bands, belts, and flashing strobe lights. $5-$15.
Pets: If they make it for people, you can find it for dogs: There are reflective 
pet collars, jackets, harnesses, and bandanas. There's a guy in my neighborhood who walks a dog with a light on his collar. That guy blends in nicely with the darkness, but you can't miss his dog. $10-$30.
Alarms: You might also consider a panic alarm. These devices come with both piercing alarms and flashing lights, and can be held in your hand, worn on your belt or jacket, or strapped to your arm. Not only could it repel a would-be attacker, it can be used to draw attention in case of a medical emergency. I've seen these at hardware stores, but most sporting goods stores will carry them, as well. $10-$20.
Epilogue: I no longer run on the bike path at night. Instead, I run half-mile loops in my neighborhood. (The streets are well lit.) I wear a jacket with reflective striping, and a reflective safety belt that criss-crosses my back and chest. The hardest thing about my nightly runs isn't the boredom; it's keeping track of the laps.
You think there's an app for that?
by Nick Katsarelas | -
Today's columnist is Nick Katsarelas, an Amway Global editor, an avid runner, and a consumer of six different NUTRILITE supplements.
In the fall of 2007, I went for a five-mile run along the bike path that runs near our house. Dusk was closing in, but my first half-marathon was two weeks away, and I wanted to rack up some more mileage.
Thinking I'd be back before dark, I declined the advice of my wife to "take a flashlight along, just in case." As it turned out, I was running in the dark for the last mile or so. The bike path isn't lit, and I relied on ambient light from houses or the occasional passing car to light my way. I could barely make out the path. I was concerned about stepping into an indenture. Since I was doing a "there and back" run, I was also wracking my brain to remember if there was anything on the way out that I might trip on.
I was only a quarter-mile from home when it happened: I stepped on a fallen tree limb. The full force of my 185 pounds came down on a right - and soon to be broken - ankle that was bent sideways. I thought it was a bad sprain. I limped-hopped the rest of the way home, hoping that the path in front of me was clear. 
I was so embarrassed at not taking Pam's advice that I quickly showered, put my ankle on ice, sat down with my foot elevated on an ottoman, covered it with a blanket ... and said nothing to my wife. One of my children, however, ratted me out. Pam was restrained, and insisted we pay a visit to the med clinic.
I spent the next 13 weeks with my right foot in a boot. I gained 13 pounds. And it was a full four months before I was able to run again.
Whether by choice, work schedules, or family obligations, many fitness enthusiasts can only get outside after dusk or before dawn. The risks are manifold, from unseen potholes to cars and cyclists who don't see you, to fallen tree limbs. In tomorrow's post, I'll review the many tools, apparel, and gadgets that can enable all of us to see, be seen, and, in the case of an emergency, be heard.
by Andy Gamm | -
So, how are you doing with keeping those resolutions? Are you setting aside enough time to chip away at your goals? Assuming you are hard at work with whatever those physical goals are, the next question is really important. Are you properly hydrating before, during and after your workouts?
Water is the most essential ingredient to life. Particular points of emphasis to those working out are:
- Water carries nutrients through your body.
- Water lubricates joints and tissues.
- Water helps regulate temperature through sweat.
Proper hydration is especially important during exercise. Getting the right amount of fluid for athletes is essential to comfort, performance and safety. The longer and more intense the activity, the more important it is to drink the right kind and amount of fluids.
According to an article by Elizabeth Quinn at SportsMedicine.About.com:
Adequate Fluid Intake for for Athletes
Because there is wide variability in sweat rates, losses and hydration levels of individuals, it is nearly impossible to provide specific recommendations or guidelines about the type or amount of fluids athletes should consume.
Finding the right amount of fluid to drink depends upon a variety of individual factors including the length and intensity of exercise and other individual differences. There are, however, two simple methods of estimating adequate hydration:
- Monitoring urine volume output and color. A large amount of light colored, diluted urine probably means you are hydrated; dark colored, concentrated urine probably means you are dehydrated.
- Weighing yourself before and after exercise. Any weight lost is likely from fluid, so try to drink enough to replenish those losses. Any weight gain could mean you are drinking more than you need.
It is important to know what contributes to fluid loss as well. High altitude, temperature (hot or cold), sweating and exercise intensity and duration all play roles in your body's hydration cycle.
To find the correct balance of fluids for exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that "individuals should develop customized fluid replacement programs that prevent excessive (greater than 2 percent body weight reductions from baseline body weight) dehydration. The routine measurement of pre- and post-exercise body weights is useful for determining sweat rates and customized fluid replacement programs. Consumption of beverages containing electrolytes and carbohydrates can help sustain fluid-electrolyte balance and exercise performance."
Sound complex? Maybe. But it is that important to maintain proper hydration.
I'll leave you with a bit more from Quinn's article before I sign off:
While specific fluid recommendations aren't possible due to individual variability, most athletes can use the following guidelines as a starting point, and modify their fluid needs accordingly.
Hydration Before Exercise
- Drink about 15-20 fl oz, 2-3 hours before exercise
- Drink 8-10 fl oz 10-15 min before exercise
Hydration During Exercise
- Drink 8-10 fl oz every 10-15 min during exercise
- If exercising longer than 90 minutes, drink 8-10 fl oz of a sports drink (with no more than 8 percent carbohydrate) every 15 - 30 minutes.
Hydration After Exercise
- Weigh yourself before and after exercise and replace fluid losses.
- Drink 20-24 fl oz water for every 1 lb lost.
- Consume a 4:1 ratio of carbohydrate to protein within the 2 hours after exercise to replenish glycogen stores.
The good news for you is that Nutrilite has you covered. From our low calorie, "Propel-like" option - ROC2O Antioxidant Enhanced Drink Mix, to our ROC2O Sports Drink Mix, ready-to-drink sports drinks and even some of our foods that contain that optimal carbs:protein ratio and electrolytes (Recovery Cookie, Endurance Cubes), proper hydration and an optimal workout should be right around the corner.
No excuses now! Keep hydrated and keep those resolutions going strong...
by Andy Gamm | -
Well, I've already broken my primary New Year's resolution. I resolved to not procrastinate as much this year. Here we are, 20 days into a new decade and I'm already one of the many who set out with a personal promise and fail!
Statistics say that 40-45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. Among the top personal promises are resolutions about weight loss, exercise, and stopping to smoke.
The trouble isn't setting them, it is sticking with them. There are always myriad reasons to bail out on a resolution, and that same study shows that over half of people do fall off of the proverbial wagon. After one week, 75% have maintained. That drops to 64% after a month and a less than stellar 46% after six months. In the end, 97% of resolutions go unmet.
So, what can you do to meet your goals?
First of all, make them to begin with. Research shows that while a lot of people who make New Year's resolutions do break them, making resolutions is useful. People who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't explicitly make resolutions.
Second, make it meaningful. Setting a goal alone is a great first step, making it something that means improvement in health, well-being, etc. will leave a greater impact and might keep you on course for the long haul.
Next, don't go it alone. I've often resolved to lose a certain amount of weight, or train for this or that. Inevitably, if I go it alone, I fail to meet my goals. Find someone with a similar goal. And work together to meet that goal. The push of a "competitor" can go a long way in helping keep your resolutions alive.
Another key? Set reasonable goals. Setting out to lose 25 pounds when 15 will be easier and a great start to a long term change automatically makes getting to the finish line tough. Start small, then push for bigger and better things. Think baby steps, not long jump leaps!
Finally, keep it fun. Working out with a partner, competing to lose that weight with a side bet, or just plain giving yourself a great reward at the end makes all the blood, sweat and tears that much more worthwhile.
Mark Twain put it succinctly: `"New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, friendly calls and humbug resolutions.''
Want to prove Twain wrong? Follow the simple steps outlined above. In the end, you'll be healthier, happier and best of all, no worse for the wear! Be sure to check in regularly over the next several weeks as I outline the products in our lineup that can also help drive you to your resolution destination.
Until then - happy resolution setting and achieving...
by Andy Gamm | -
More news from Ronaldinho this weekend -- a hat trick vs. Siena!
He's on a hot streak scoring his tenth, eleventh and twelfth goals of the season! That means we've raised another $30,000, reaching $120,000 for the "Goal by Goal" program by Nutrilite and the AC Milan Foundation. Ronaldinho has helped us surpass last year's $100,000 total. And that money is going to good use, helping children in the Italian area that was struck by an earthquake last April.
The AC Milan newsletter publicized the Goal by Goal program last week with a video featuring Ronaldinho's goals scored to raise the money. They'll need to produce an updated version, though. : ) He's almost doubled the $70,000 amount in just two weeks time.
Keep it up!
by Andy Gamm | -
Nutrilite proudly sponsors international soccer star Ronaldinho. He's an amazing spokesperson for our brand. And we're also the official nutrition supplement of his soccer team, AC Milan. Part of our relationship with Ronaldinho includes his participation in our "Goal by Goal" program which donates $10,000 to Amway's One by One campaign each time he scores a goal.
Well, this past Sunday was a big day. Ronaldinho scored his seventh and eighth goals of the season vs. Juventus. And in turn we raised another $20,000 in charitable funds for the One by One campaign.
So far this season Ronaldinho has contributed $90,000 - eight goals from play, plus one ceremonial half-time goal from the start of the campaign. And the season's not over yet. There are lots of opportunities left for Ronaldinho to score goals and continue raising money. We definitely want to beat last year's $100,000 donation total.
Keep hitting the back of the net, Ronaldinho! Good things happen every time you score!
by Andy Gamm | -
Don't worry, I'm not going to ask you for your resolutions or give you mine. I'll save that for a later post!
With the new year, comes more changes to the Team Nutrilite family. Specifically, with the end of a decade, we also see the end of a great, three year partnership with Jenn Stuczynski and Track & Field events in the U.S.
When Nutrilite decided to sponsor Jenn Stuczynski, her name wasn't synonymous with pole vaulting. We took a chance on each other. As partners, Jenn has gone on to set American records in both the indoor and outdoor pole vault for women, is the only American woman to ever clear 16 feet, is the second-best female pole vaulter of all time, is a four-time indoor and outdoor USA Champion, and an Olympic Silver Medalist.
It is with tremendous gratitude and respect that we announce the end of our relationship with Jenn. She was a tireless worker on behalf of Nutrilite, appearing in national television advertising for NUTRILITE Concentrated Fruits and Vegetables, and making countless appearances signing autographs at NUTRILITE-sponsored events for fans and IBOs alike, as well as attending IBO-only events during her time as a sponsored athlete. Her belief in and advocacy of the brand was evident whenever she made appearances on our behalf and for that, we thank her.
Nutrilite will also end our sponsorships of major track and field events, including the Boston Indoor Games, Tyson Invitational, adidas Track Classic, Reebok Grand Prix, and the Prefontaine Classic.
The 2010 focus is very firmly on our relationships with the Rock 'n Roll Marathons as well as the Phytonutrient Campaign that kicked off last October.
Please join us in a HUGE, heartfelt thank you to Jenn, her coach, her agent and the folks that put on these world-class events for their time and tireless support of Nutrilite's efforts in the sport.
by Andy Gamm | -
Well, it has been a little more than three weeks now and in that time, each of our new blogger friends has gotten the results back from their COH experience. Not all of them have shared but a few have, and I find it interesting to see what the overall sentiment is among these people.
Each of our bloggers has a different perspective. Some were weight war warriors, a few into sports and others into health in general. That's what was so great about the event. Nutrilite can reach and appeal to myriad people...
Evita from Evolving Wellness shares her views from the event.
Jennette - The Pasta Queen - gets into her test results and what they might mean for her going forward.
Sarah, our one and only "Pharmie" has the most recent post, and it offers great insight from a pharmacist and endurance athlete's point of view.
Remember, we paid for each of these folks to come out to visit Nutrilite and learn more. They are not required to say anything nice, or anything at all. But by now, most all have chosen to and what they are saying really helps us to understand how to best connect with our average, target customer.
Keep checking back as we expect each will probably continue to share thoughts on their experiences, results and life changes...
by Andy Gamm | -
Last weekend, I got a chance to meet eight bloggers with a keen interest in health. They came from all walks of life. Some seeking to lose weight. Some seeking to take the next step from weight loss to optimal health. Some who are crazy enough to run 50 kilometers at a time or do full Ironman Triathlons!
Each had interesting, unique stories and perspectives on their quest to be as healthy and fit as possible. There were varying degrees of difficulty for each in "walking the walk" but the commitment of each and every one of the participants is something to be commended.
That's the first, and often times, hardest step.
It's only been a few days since we all returned from that trip to COH but some of my new friends are talking a lot about their experiences. Check out what they have to say and look at the rest of their content. You might just find your next inspiration to take something in your quest for optimal health to the next level...
Steve Stenzel gives his account of the experience.
Fat Man Unleashed gives a quick recap with promise of more, including video, soon.
John is Fit talks about A Focus on Health & Fitness
Mark blogs about Optimal Health vs. Quick Weight Loss
Pasta Queen writes about her take on the weekend
by Andy Gamm | -
I'm back from a whirlwind weekend tour of southern California and a great blogger outreach event at Nutrilite's COH. It feels like 6:40am on my body, but that's what happens when you traverse three time zones out and back in a span of about 60 hours!
For those who checked in on my two posts while at the event, you'll see that we had a rather full slate. But all in all, I think it was a grand success. The bloggers who attended were very genuine, great people. They all had unique stories but are striving for one goal - Optimal Health. I appreciate that they were all open to this unique experience and think that it really opened eyes or in some cases - reaffirmed - what each is reaching for.
I know one of my big takeaways is that I want to read what each of them has to say on a regular basis. Not just the stuff about us, but about their trials and tribulations, successes and failures. The blogging community is a great way to reach out and touch people by cutting through the clutter. I appreciate each and every one of our attendees for taking the time to come to Nutrilite, ask great questions and soak it all in. And I wish them all well in their journeys.
Follow them along with me...
by Andy Gamm | -
The bloggers are getting a full education on how to optimize their health from Nutrilite's team of experts. Bob Tully's "Perfect Balance" presentation was followed by a very enlightening discussion on Optimal Health, led by Dr. Duke Johnson. Dr. Duke's book - The Optimal Health Revolution - was the centerpiece for his presentation and elicited great questions from the bloggers.
My favorite part - of course, I'm a little biased as the Sports Nutrition guy - was the 25 minute fitness chat given by Diane Paetz, followed by the overview of Nutrilite Sports Nutrition presented by Micheline Vargas. We may not have the awareness of EAS or GNC, but I would put our Sports Nutrition products up against any one of our competitors. We're that good.
I'm guessing the most entertaining part of the day for our guests has been the Q&A sessions with Jenn Stuczynski and Tom O'Rourke. Both have amazing stories. Just learning how they got into their sports is enough to drive questions galore, but they have so many fascinating stories. I'll have to ask both to share more here very soon.
Wondering who these bloggers are? Check them out in their on-line homes:
Jennette - Pasta Queen: a blog about her personal quest to lose weight.
Mark - My Fitness Hut: a blog by a former NCAA Division 1 athlete about fitness.
Veronica - Roni's Weigh: a blog by a mom and wife on a quest for Optimal Health.
Evita - Evolving Wellness: a blog about a holistic approach to health and wellness.
John - John is Fit: a blog about one man's journey from fat to fit.
Israel - Fat Man Unleashed: a blog about weight loss with a community of support.
Steve - I Wanna Get Physical: a blog about triathlons and other endurance sports.
Sarah - RX Ironman: a blog about a Pharmacist and her love for endurance sports.
Next up is an overview of the results of the bloggers' fitness and blood test results, then off to the beach for a group run/walk.
by Andy Gamm | -
I'm sitting here live at the Center for Optimal Health in Buena Park, California blogging about bloggers.
Yes, you read that right. I'm a blogger blogging about bloggers.
As a part of the Nutrilite Endurance Cube launch, we've invited a variety of health, fitness, sports nutrition, endurance sports participants and weight loss bloggers from around the United States and Canada to experience Nutrilite first hand. Sort of a Part II extension of the AC Milan blogger event from this past July.
At the moment, I am perched above the Center for Optimal Health Gardens, watching and listening to Bob Tully give a tour to our bloggers, as well as Jenn Stuczynski and Tom O'Rourke. The gardens are amazing. They bring to life the story of Nutrilite and the steps necessary to achieve optimal health.
Our bloggers went through personal health assessments first thing this morning, and after enjoying a healthy breakfast are touring the gardens. Also on tap are presentations by Bob Tully, Dr. Duke Johnson, Diane Paetz, Micheline Vargas, Jenn Stuczynski and Tom O'Rourke.
I'll be checking back in later today with an update on how things are going and where you can find these bloggers. Our goal is to introduce and educate with an eye on seeding the fantastic Nutrilite story with bloggers who can play an important role as key influencers with their regular followers.