Whistler Creek Athletic Club

James Wendland of the Whistler Creek Athletic Club debunks the "Rocker Shoes"

2010-08-27T17:50:00.001-07:00

http://annaandkristina.com/?action=d7_article_viewer_view_article&Join_ID=398019&template=tp-test-lab-view-article.htm7

Fit Shoes: MBT Anti-Shoe test

Posted By: Anna & Kristina

Can a shoe really help you get in shape just by wearing it? A variety of muscle-toning shoes have come on the market in recent years. We put one popular shoe to the test to see if it really lives up to its claims.

The Basics

In general, "fit" shoes are designed based on a variety of theories that claim making you walk a certain way creates more work for your muscles, thereby helping to tone and sculpt your body.
The MBT "anti-shoes" (MBT=Masai Barefoot Technology) were created based on the gait of Masai tribe members in Kenya, who for centuries have walked on the semi-soft sand of the savanna, and who also have perfect posture. The technology behind the MBT anti-shoe design, with its extra thick soles, is meant to mimic the walking style and the walking surface in one.

The Claims

The result of wearing a "fit" shoe is meant to make your legs and body work harder, and thus burn more calories.
MBT claims the anti-shoe helps "solve knee and back problems, relieve tension in the neck, ease joint pains -- and more or less in passing helps to tone and shape firm buttocks [sic] and thighs. And burning [sic] more calories when standing and slow running compared to ordinary shoes."

The Opinions

There is a list of studies on the MBT website documenting the benefits of the shoe. However, all of these seem to be sponsored by the company.
We talked to Dr. Ian Yu, Podiatrist, about the shoes. Dr. Yu said he recognizes that the shoes have some benefits, but he also has concerns: "It's almost like walking on a wobble board. For the wrong patient, it could create a lot of instability and increase the risk of falling."

The Cost

MBT shoes cost around $275 (CAD) and are available in fitness stores across Canada as well as online. They come in a variety of running shoe styles, and are also recently available in sandal and boot styles.

The Competition

MBT claims to be the originator of this muscle-toning technology, however there are now many related products on the market, including: FitFlops, Skecher Shape Ups, Reebok Easy Tone, Nike, and Earth Exer Fit shoes.

TEST CRITERIA

Anna headed to the gym, and with the help of Excercise Physiologist James Wendland, they measured how hard her muscles were working while wearing regular running shoes vs. wearing the MBT shoes. With a prick (or four) of the finger, James tested Anna's blood lactate level after each workout. The higher the number, the harder her muscles are working.

Overall observations

As far as comfort goes, Anna said it felt like there was a big hunk of mud stuck to the sole of the shoe, but aside from that, they felt comfortable overall.

Regular fast walking (flat surface)

The lactate levels in Anna's blood after a session of walking on a flat plane showed a slight difference between the two shoes.

Running shoes: 1.6
MBT shoes: 1.9

Steep incline walking

But after a more difficult workout, the lactate levels were the same for each shoe. We were hoping to see a much larger difference.

Running shoes: 2.1
MBT shoes: 2.1

Do the MBT anti-shoes get the A&K Stamp of Approval?

No. The results in our tests weren't significant enough to warrant spending nearly $300 on these shoes. Fitness expert James Wendland says he would recommend increasing your workout, which is free, to get the same results.

http://annaandkristina.com/?action=d7_article_viewer_view_article&Join_ID=398019&template=tp-test-lab-view-article.htm7

Tanning Facilities in Whistler

2009-11-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

There isn't anything to warm your bones, heart and soul, like a relaxing lie-down on the Tanning Bed at the Whistler Creek Athletic Club. Each time I lie beneath the warm UVB rays, with the perfumed aroma of coconut oil filling the room, it feels as if I have been on a mini-vacation to the Bahamas or the Turks and Caicos.

I could stand in the high-spped tanning booth, but I'll leave that one for the guys. I like to relax and see myself on a warm, sandy beach. I drift off to sleep and when the session is over, I am rejuvenated, warm and ready for anything!

We all like a tan but we don't all like to tan the same way. At the Whistler Creek Athletic Club you have a choice of:
High Speed Tanning Booth
10 minute maximum
Stand-up tanning
Great all over tan with no pressure point marks

Lay-Down Tanning Bed
15 minute maximum
In-bed face tanner

Suntanning helps us produce Vitamin D, increase the body's ability to absorb calcium, stimulate the thyroid gland and boost metabolism, combat depression, build skin's resistance to over-exposure, helps in the treatment of acne, psoriasis and eczema and increases the sex drive.

Boxing Classes at the Whistler Creek Athletic Club

2009-11-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

There are four basic punches in boxing: the jab, straight right/left hand, hook and uppercut. If a boxer is right-handed (orthodox), his left hand is the lead hand and his right hand is the rear hand. For a left-handed boxer or southpaw, the hand positions are reversed. For clarity, the following discussion will assume a right-handed boxer.

Jab
Cross - (in counter-punch with a looping )
Hook
Uppercut
Short straight-punch – in short range and close range
Cross-counter (counter punch)
Half uppercut - a combination of a wide Uppercut/straight punch
Half hook - a combination of a wide Hook/straight punch

Jab - A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position. The jab is recognised as the most important punch in a boxer's arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counter punch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, harass an opponent, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power. Some notable boxers who have been able to develop relative power in their jabs and use it to punish or 'wear down' their opponents to some effect include Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko.

Cross - A powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated counter-clockwise as the cross is thrown. Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer is what gives the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counter punch a jab, aiming for the opponent's head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross can also follow a jab, creating the classic "one-two" combination. The cross is also called a "straight" or "right", especially if it does not cross the opponent's outstretched jab.

Hook - A semi-circular punch thrown with the lead hand to the side of the opponent's head. From the guard position, the elbow is drawn back with a horizontal fist (knuckles pointing forward) and the elbow bent. The rear hand is tucked firmly against the jaw to protect the chin. The torso and hips are rotated clockwise, propelling the fist through a tight, clockwise arc across the front of the body and connecting with the target. At the same time, the lead foot pivots clockwise, turning the left heel outwards. Upon contact, the hook's circular path ends abruptly and the lead hand is pulled quickly back into the guard position. A hook may also target the lower body and this technique is sometimes called the "rip" to distinguish it from the conventional hook to the head. The hook may also be thrown with the rear hand.

Uppercut - A vertical, rising punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the torso shifts slightly to the right, the rear hand drops below the level of the opponent's chest and the knees are bent slightly. From this position, the rear hand is thrust upwards in a rising arc towards the opponent's chin or torso. At the same time, the knees push upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotate anti-clockwise and the rear heel turns outward, mimicking the body movement of the cross. The strategic utility of the uppercut depends on its ability to "lift" the opponent's body, setting it off-balance for successive attacks. The right uppercut followed by a left hook is a deadly combination employing the uppercut to lift the opponent's chin into a vulnerable position, then the hook to knock the opponent out.
These different punch types can be thrown in rapid succession to form combinations or "combos". The most common is the jab and cross combination, nicknamed the "one-two combo". This is usually an effective combination, because the jab blocks the opponent's view of the cross, making it easier to land cleanly and forcefully.
A large, swinging circular punch starting from a cocked-back position with the arm at a longerextension than the hook and all of the fighter's weight behind it is sometimes referred to as a "roundhouse", "haymaker", or sucker-punch. Relying on body weight and centripetal force within a wide arc, the roundhouse can be a powerful blow, but it is often a wild and uncontrolled punch that leaves the fighter delivering it off balance and with an open guard. Wide, looping punches have the further disadvantage of taking more time to deliver, giving the opponent ample warning to react and counter. For this reason, the haymaker or roundhouse is not a conventional punch, and is regarded by trainers as a mark of poor technique or desperation. Sometimes it has been used, because of its immense potential power, to finish off an already staggering opponent who seems unable or unlikely to take advantage of the poor position it leaves the puncher in.

Another unconventional punch is the rarely used "bolo punch", in which the opponent swings an arm out several times in a wide arc, usually as a distraction, before delivering with either that or the other arm.

Whistler Gym owner gets up close with the Olympians

2009-11-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

James Wendland owns Whistler Creek Athletic Club where dozens of athletes are in training to be in peak condition for the Feb. 12 to 28 games.

While most British Columbians have to wait for the 2010 Winter Olympics to see the athletes at work, one Coquitlam businessman is already seeing them in action and the sight ain't pretty.
James Wendland owns Whistler Creek Athletic Club where dozens of athletes are in training to be in peak condition for the Feb. 12 to 28 games. This week they're in the Olympic host town to test the track and while there are working out at Wendland's gym.

Bobsled, luge and skeleton teams from Russia, Germany, Britain, France and Czechoslovakia have booked times at the 4,000-square foot facility with its cardio theatre, strength training and free-weights rooms, pool and hot tub and let's just say it's no United Nations.
"These guys are amazing athletes," said Wendland, who commutes to Whistler about once a week while also teaching kinesiology at Capilano University and managing another gym in Kitsilano he also owns. But they are also very competitive, and, in the case of Russia and Germany, both medal contenders, refuse to train at the same time.

"I got an earful," Wendland said of the call he got to request time slot changes at the gym. But for the most part, everyone is getting along even though it's not unusual for up to 20 bobsled, luge and skeleton athletes to be working out at the same time.

Because track sport athletes have to be so quick out of the starting gate, they have to train hard to develop muscles that can explode with power on demand. The heavier they are the quicker they are down the track, too, where every millisecond counts.
"They are absolutely massive," said Wendland, describing the hefty athletes who are almost as wide as they are tall and capable of lifting extremely heavy waits while still holding a conversation.

This is not the first time his gym has been overrun by Olympic athletes, many of them were in town last February for the World Cups at the Whistler Sliding Centre. They also trained at Wendland's gym and he's glad to have them back.
"It's the joy of having supported the Olympics in some capacity and more over you sort of get one shot to enjoy an experience like this."

When it comes to setting goals, Wendland is a bit of an Olympian himself.
He's only 32 years old but but through planning and a bit of good fortune has already achieved much of his heart's desire.

After finishing his degree in kinesiology at UBC, (he also has his Masters of Science) Wendland started kinesologists.ca, a mobile business where he booked space at community centres where he showed people how to exercise to heal injuries or to build strength and fitness. He wanted to own his own gym and in 2005, he opened his first studio in Kitsilano where he and 14 other kinesiologists work with ICBC clients helping them with their rehabilitation, as well as athletes for strength and conditioning and individuals seeking personal training.
"When people come to us we're teaching them how to build a house with rebar and concrete instead of on sand and pebbles, eventually it will wear away. It's teaching you to do it properly so you can do it on your own."

He had always set his sights on working in Whistler and was amazed when an opportunity presented itself. An old school friend saw him by chance at a coffee shop and said he had a Whistler gym for sale. Wendland bought it 2008, and now commutes there regularly from Coquitlam where he lives with his wife.

A teaching job at Capilano University keeps him extremely busy and Wendland is never far from his phone.

But he's happy.

"My passion is for the human body and the adaptation that it can do whether rehabilitating the body or improving for physical fitness."
And watching the Olympians in training in Whistler, he's seen just how strong and fast the human body can become.

dstrandberg@tricitynews.com

Winter is back!

2009-10-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Snow has begun to fall, darkness is coming earlier, temperature is slowly dropping......

Winter is coming! Winter is coming!

Time to get back into the gym to refresh the legs and body for what is sure to be a winter season to remember. This 2009/2010 season is sure to create many, many unique memories and we are ready to play a big part in those memories!

Some of those memories have already begun as the Whistler Creek Athletic Club already has Olympians training with us! The Germans, Russians, British, French and Czechs have invaded! Until November 7th you can train beside an Olympic athlete and see just how you stack up!

Let get ready for what is to be a season to remember!

Yours,

WCAC.

Weight training

2009-06-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

Weight training is a common type of strength training for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. It uses the force of gravity (in the form of weighted bars, dumbbells or weight stacks) to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentric contraction. Weight training uses a variety of specialized equipment to target specific muscle groups and types of movement.
Weight training differs from bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting, and strongman, which are sports rather than forms of exercise. Weight training, however, is often part of the athlete's training regimen.

Whistler Aussies - Awesome!

2009-06-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Shout-out to all the Whistler Aussies - you need to get your sweet tushies into the Whistler Creek Athletic Club for a work-out, Yo!

No more beaver-tails, stop with the Slurpees - this is summertime and we want to see those hard bods on the beach of Rainbow playing volley ball.

Come in and see our Manager, Chasely Turner - awesome Personal Trainer and Boxing Instructor. Chasely will set you up with a program designed to make the boys cry and get the girls breathing deeply.
See ya there!

Yoga Classes in Whistler!

2009-06-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Have you been searching for yoga in whistler?

Did you know the Whistler Creek Athletic Club (WCAC) offer yoga on Tuesday and Thursday nights for drop-in use?

We also offer free yoga for our loyal members on the weekends at 11 am!!!

"Jimmy Z. is an amazing instructor!" raves Carol, a regular to his classes.

Yoga offer you a chance to reconnect with yourself and focus on you for an hour. Why not pop in a get re-acquainted with yourself and your body?

Did you know that a lack of flexibility can be a strong indicator for injury? Ensuring your muscles are able to reach their full, natural rang of motion (ROM) is key to an injury free lifestyle.

Check us out at http://www.whistergym.com/ or call us 604-932-1984

The WCAC Team!

BOXING CLASSES AT WHISTLER CREEK ATHLETIC CLUB

2009-06-03T07:59:00.000-07:00

Our Boxing Classes are really packing punch! Chasely Turner, our instructor, leads a brilliant work-out for Guys and Dolls on Monday nights at 7.30pm and Friday nights at 5:30pm.

Boxing is one of the best ways to get into shape quickly, with a lean, mean workout routine and fun sparring with partners. Come join today!

Purchase a package or try a drop-in session.
10 session package - $100.00 or 20 session package - $160.00.
Single Session for Members - $12.00
Single Session for Non-members - $15.00

Whistler Creek Athletic Club
2021 Karen Crescent, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Photos of the finished renovations

2009-05-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hey there,

For those of you who remember the old club memories of dirty carpet and yellow walls would come flooding back......

I am happy to say we have changed! All 3 floors of the gym have been renovated and cleaned up! New equipment has been brought in with a feeling of pride when i say every piece is in top working order!

My wife and i took on this project a month before our wedding last August and to date had completed the work with our own loving hands. I am proud to have returned this facility to a respectable status and am constantly rewarded by the locals who love to train here. With 3 floors of quality equipment to offer we look forward to the upcoming Olympics and the teams that will be training with us. What more of a compliment can you get when Olympic teams choose your facility to train out of because of how it is laid out and the equipment we offer!

I look forward to offering my services as a Kines to the local market and helping to elevate the quality of training in the Whistler region.

Just look at our pictures at http://www.whistlergym.com/ ans see for yourself!

Sincerely,

James.

Launching Our Summer Promotion on Gym Memberships!

2009-05-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Whistlerites!

Hurry in and do not miss your chance to secure a training facility for the summer at the lowest rates in Whistler!

We are currently offering a 3 month gym pass plus 3 free tans for $150 plus tax! A good deal with all we have to offer!

Unlimited Tanning is only $45 per month for members, compare that to $1.50 per minute in the village for the same stand-up and we have the only lay-down in all of Whistler!

If program design is a need we also provide Trainers with 4 year university degrees in Kinesiology or Human Kinetics, not just 2 weekends of training as with BCRPA trainers.

Our outdoor pool is open and ready for you, hottub is always cooking with great jets, and the gym offers 2 full rooms of equipment to choose from.

With the added in tanning you cannot find a better deal!

Our competitors charge either $169 (The Core) or $160 (Meadow Park) just for the pass and neither have the selection of equipment we do.

Call us at 604-932-1984 or visit our webpage at http://www.whistlergym.com/ for more info!

The WCAC team!

The Role of Kinesiologists

2009-05-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Kinesiologists at Kinesiologists.ca and the Whistler Creek Athletic Club are so much more than your ordinary personal trainers. They have work experience and education from all over the world. Training professional rugby players in New Zealand, to rising Soccer stars in England, to conducting the dry land testing for the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks.

There is one thing that makes Kinesiologists.ca special, above and beyond our education and our experience, and that is the people on our team. We have great people. Our staff are inspiring, to us, and to you the client.

We hold expertise in the following areas:
Nutrition
Lifestyle management
Sport Specific Training
Personalized Programming
Depending on your personal health needs we will guide you towards:
Weight Loss
Postural Alignment
Increased Flexibility
Cardiovascular Fitness
Enhanced Event Performance
Muscular Power/Strength/Endurance

Personal Training in Whistler, B.C. Canada

2009-05-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

In need of active rehabilitation of any sort? Ranging from a sports injury to weight loss, the Personal Trainers at Whistler Creek Athletic Club are available to guide you to new health.
James Wendland -Kinesiologist, Trina Cooper - Kinesiologist, Jordan Furgeson - Kinesiologist, Chasley Turner-Assistant Manager-Personal Trainer-Class Instructor and Mandy Dobbs, a contracted Personal Trainer, will assist you in acquiring and maintaining optimum body strength and performance.

Sign up today for a Personal Training Program in order to lose weight or regain a high fitness level. The facilities at the WCAC allow for a holistic workout and you may even want to join the Yoga or Boxing classes for extra energy!

Call or visit us today: The Whistler Creek Athletic Club is located in the Whistler Creek Lodge in Creekside, Whistler. Tel: 604-907-2585. Email: wcacgeneral[at]gmail.com

Arm Workouts

2009-05-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

You can begin sculpting and building muscle by doing arm workouts regularly. These targeted workouts prevent sagging skin in the arms. The workouts are great for the bones and maintaining your posture.

Instructions
Step 1
Warm up your muscles in a good cardio workout, such as on the elliptical. This will speed up your heart rate and help to loosen your muscles. It will also reduce the chance of injury once you do your arm workouts. Activities that are good for getting your heart rate going include jogging in place, dancing, and aerobics. After you feel your muscles loosening up, you can start doing warm-ups that focus on your triceps, shoulder muscles, and biceps. Stand with your arms stretched out at your sides, parallel to the floor. Move your arms in a circular motion. Rotate your arms forward 50 times. Then rotate your arms backwards 50 times.

Step 2
Strengthen your triceps, biceps, shoulder muscles and upper back by doing boxing movements. Stand with your legs spread apart a little farther than shoulder width. Put your hands in front of your face as if you are about to box someone. Hold a dumbbell in each of your hands. The dumbbell should weigh 3-5 pounds. Move your left fist forward in a punching motion. Aim for the ear of an imaginary person. Then bring your arm back and lower your body as if you are trying to duck to avoid an oncoming punch. As you do this, you should be bending your knees and squatting. Go through the same process with your right arm. Do this 10 times on each side.

Step 3
Work the centers of your biceps to add definition. Stand with your feet together. Relax your knees. Put a dumbbell in your hands. Keep your elbows pressed against the sides of your body. Your arms should be bent in front of your body at a 90 degree angle. Slowly raise the weights up to the level of your shoulders. Then bring your arms back down. Do this 25 times.

Step 4
Strengthen your triceps with standing push-ups. Stand in front of a desk with your body facing the desk. Put your hands on top of the desk. Your hands should be a shoulder width distance from each other. Put your body in a position to begin doing push ups. Your body should be at a 45 degree angle. Hold your stomach in and support your weight with your heels. Keep your elbows at the sides of your body. Lower your body towards the desk by bending your arms. Let your chest come as close to the desk as possible. Breathe in as you lower your body. Then exhale as you gradually raise yourself back up. Do this about 20 times.

Step 5
Take some time for cooling down. Do some stretching with the muscles you used during your arm workouts. This will increase flexibility and prevent them from becoming sore. Raise your arms up in the air. Slightly raise your left hand higher than the right. Then do the same thing with your right hand. Repeat ten times.

NB: Always remember to consult a doctor, a qualified Kinesiologist or Personal Training before beginning any kind of physical workout or training program.

CORESHORTS!

2009-04-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Coreshorts are here!

The purpose and design of Coreshorts is what differentiates them from a general compression short and makes them unique. Coreshorts set a new industry standard and are a necessary component of any athlete's equipment. They are designed to mimic the functional anatomy of the core area (the body's anterior and posterior diagonal sling systems) while also providing compression.

Coreshorts' patented design (Core Activation System) utilizes a series of strategically angled elastics to produce the first anatomically correct compression short.

Benefits include:

Rehabilitation, Core protection, and a Reduction in the occurance of strains and sprains.

Find them at http://www.kinesiologists.ca/ or visit http://www.whistlergym.com/ for a link.

The key to an efficient recovery is an early, accurate diagnosis, a progressive rehabilitation program and sport specific retraining. Coreshorts were designed to aid in the recovery of core injuries by providing anatomical and functional support to the core area:

Lower abdominal
Hernia / sports hernia
Sacroiliac joint sprain
Lumbo-sacral sprain
Osteitis-pubis
Adductor strain (groin)
Hip flexor / quadriceps strain
Hip rotator strain
Hamstring strain
Hip ligament sprain

Please note: Coreshorts are classified as an undergarment therefore all sales are final due to hygienic reasons.

James Wendland, Kinesiologist in Whistler

2009-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

James Wendland is the Owner of the Whistler Creek Athletic Club in the Health,Wellness and Fitness Industry.

The WCAC was Whistler's first fitness facility! It first opened in 1984 as the "Pump House" in Creekside and has been running as a locals favorite for over 25 years. With the lowest rates in Whistler, rates a local can afford, James offers 3 levels of fitness and the largest variety of equipment. In the summer there is an outdoor pool to soak up the sun after a good, hard lift.

James is also an Instructor in Human Kinetics at Capilano College in Vancouver and the founder of Kinesiologists.ca
In fact, James is President and Founder of Western Canada's first Kinesiology specific clinic and brand. His focus is providing the vision and direction to a diverse staff of individuals helping to maximize their unique talents. Daily business development, marketing relationships, service implementation, and quality control are a large focus of his daily routine. James's emerging role is as the company's "Brand Ambassador" helping to educate the public about Kinesiologists and the services they offer.

James Wendland, MSc(c), BHK, PFLC-CSEP, RK
James completed his Human Kinetics degree at UBC and attained PFLC-CSEP status in 2002, after which he went on to pursue Graduate studies in Exercise Physiology. He has been providing rehab services for over 5 years dealing primarily with ICBC, WCB, Manulife One-to-One Exercise Therapy, Strength & Conditioning for Athletes, and Corporate Health & Wellness programs.
James has finished his Masters studies into Exercise Physiology where he researched the effects of respiratory muscle fatigue and gender differences in trained and untrained individuals. James has instructed 2nd year Anatomy labs at UBC for two years where he has fostered the education of many future Kinesiologists. For the last 5 seasons James has also been a senior fitness evaluator for the Vancouver Canucks, providing preseason testing through Buchanan Exercise Science Labs and helping determine the fitness status of every Canuck player and prospect.
James currently sits on the Technical Advisory Board of Pulse Tracer Technologies Ltd, was the Strength and Conditioning coach for Team Hockey for two years, as well as the Head Trainer for UBC Football (2003, 2004 seasons). James’ accomplishments include his involvement in "Bell Making the Cut" where he acted as a fitness evaluator during episode six of the reality show, as well as the launch of his own health and wellness studio specializing in Active Rehab, Lifestyle management and Personal Training.

Personal Trainer, Mandy Dobbs, in Whistler, B.C.

2009-03-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Mandy Dobbs, is a contracted Personal Trainer at the Whistler Creek Athletic Club in Whistler.
Mandy has over 20 years of knowledge and experience in all aspects of fitness with all age groups. She has an extra-ordinary personality and works well with her clients in a one-to-one and class format.
Certifications:
Mandy is a NSCA Certified Personal Trainer who specializing in Sports Rehabilitation.

Circuit Weight Training
This 10-12 week course runs every Tuesday and Thursday morning, between 8am and 9am, both in the spring and in the fall to prepare you for your favorite summer and winter sports. This is Whistler's longest running and most popular Circuit Class. Many of Mandy's clients have remained with her for at least ten years!

Girl Push Ups

2009-03-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yeah, sounds cutesy, but let's see the Boys do this one:

This is to help you develop the muscles in your chest. It also helps you build the muscles in the back of the upper arm.

Instructions
Step 1

Get down on the floor and place your hands with your palms on the ground. Your hands should be slightly wider than the width of your shoulders.

Step 2

Move your shoulders over your hand so your arm is perpendicular to the floor. Bend your knees so they're also on the floor. Keep your body straight during your entire push up workout for maximum impact.

Step 3

Bend your arms as much as you can as your body slowly drops towards the floor. You should feel strain in your chest and in your arms.

Step 4

Push your body back up. When you complete one modified push up, you should be back in your starting position.

Medicine Balls

2009-02-27T10:07:00.000-08:00

The medicine ball is the ideal apparatus for a complete body workout. In contrast to fixed resistance machines that give an isolated unnatural movement, workouts using a medicine ball provide weight-resistance through a full range of motion. Due to its diversity it can be used to strengthen shoulders, back, arms, legs and the core, as well as improving joint mobility. The medicine ball is a unique tool to learn and train sports specific and explosive motion exercises. Due to their sports nature and design, medicine balls are ideal for throwing, passing, bouncing and rolling in a multitude of directions and movements.

Get your supply of Medicine Balls here...

Weight Loss and Strength Training

2009-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

High-weight and low-rep exercises can be used to maintain or increase the body's muscle mass while dieting. They help to prevent the metabolic slowdown that otherwise often limits the effect of dieting and causes post-diet weight gain.

Weight loss also depends on the type of strength training used.

For a program that suits your specific needs, please consult one of the personal trainers at the Whistler Creek Athletic Club.

It is widely accepted that strength training must be matched by changes in diet in order to be effective. Adequate protein is generally believed to be required for building skeletal muscle with popular sources advising weight trainers to consume a high protein diet with from 1.4 to 3.3 g of protein per kg of body weight per day (0.6 to 1.5 g per pound). Protein that is neither needed for cell growth and repair nor consumed for energy is converted by the liver into fat, which is then stored in the body. Some people believe that a high protein diet entails risk of kidney damage, but studies have shown that kidney problems only occur in people with previous kidney disease.

Nonetheless, the deamination process creates urea, which places low, but consistent, strain on the nephrons. Failure to properly hydrate can result in an exaggeration of this effect. An adequate supply of carbohydrates (5-7g per kg) is also needed as a source of energy and for the body to restore glycogen levels in muscles.

A light, balanced meal prior to the workout (usually one to two hours beforehand) ensures that adequate energy and amino acids are available for the intense bout of exercise. Water is consumed throughout the course of the workout to prevent poor performance due to dehydration.

A protein shake is often consumed immediatelyfollowing the workout, because both protein uptake and protein usage are increased at this time. Glucose (or another simple sugar) is often consumed as well since this quickly replenishes any glycogen lost during the exercise period. To maximise muscle protein anabolism, recovery drink should contain glucose (dextrose), protein (usually whey) hydrosylate containing mainly dipeptides and tripeptides, and leucine.

Whistler Creek Athletic Club Renovations!

2009-01-01T07:30:00.000-08:00

In 2008, James Wendland acquired the Whistler Creek Athletic Club in Whistler, British Columbia, and transformed it from a ghetto-style relic into a "hip athletic club".

James and his wife, Cinzia, spent months directing renovations as a new coat of paint changed the entire atmosphere, wooden floors illuminated and warmed the Club, and new equipment dazzled members!

The Roman-style jacuzzi/hot tub for 8 people, is so inviting after a long workout and shower! The outdoor pool is now open for the summer and a lovely, private area for Club members only. The circuit room is enormous with Cybex Strength Training machines. The free-weight room has been renovated with new flooring andWhistler's largest free weight selection. 1 lb - 100 lb dumbbells, barbells and weight plates! The Cardio theatre room upstairs boasts new treadmills, spin bikes, ellipticals and Cable TV.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Yoga classes are led by Jimmy Zuzinjak. Monday and Friday evenings present Boxing Lessons with Chasely Turner, Personal Trainer and Assistant Manager at the Club.