Powerbar: Better Together and Evolving Mindsets

There is a worldwide change and future thinking of the way forward to produce more sustainable and environmental friendly products. Powerbar is choosing to evolve their thinking to create something new and better for our community, for you and for the environment! You will notice a new logo, the sustainability, combustible wrapping, no palm oils, and some new products when you visit Powerbar's new updated website page.

THE WORLD WE LIVE IN IS CHANGING

And Powerbar is not standing still and just watching it go by. Powerbar is committing to evolve despite the challenges and change the way they think and thrive. The world is in worrying unrest, from climate crisis, social injustice to lack of equal treatment, these are just a few of the many acute hotspots of obstacles we face today as a society and environment.

STEP BY STEP TO REACH A GOAL

Sustainable changes takes time and is not always linear. There will be ups and downs, success and failures along the way. The brand chooses to operate with integrity and transparency in the process of working towards their long-term goals and vision. Powerbar's mission is to combine maximum quality with responsible action.

POWERBAR'S DNA IS STILL THE SAME

The brand will still remain loyal to its values and its customers. It is still the same brand and products you have grown to love - only better!

THE PROMISE

Powerbar promises to support all performers who are willing to push their own personal limits - whether that be in training, competition or everyday life - Powerbar still promises to deliver the same high quality products. All the products are manufactured in their own production locations or selected European partners. The products strives to provide a perfect balance of healthy, local nutrition which allows the Powerbar community to perform to their full physical and mental potential. Powerbar have made the claim of increasingly optimizing their products in a sustainable way.

TIME TO REDEFINE PERFORMANCE

When seeking answers and reacting in a sustainable it is key to have creativity, unity and mental strength. Research has developed, we have more knowledge and are able to make better educated choices for our own health, but also the environment around us. Powerbar is still and will always remain a performance brand - but they are also evolving their mindsets in the sport nutrition space to establish a new understanding of performance.

NEW CHANGES TO REACH THE GOAL

Here are some of the new changes that you will see in the products you buy:

I feel proud, excited and thankful to be supported by a brand like Powerbar that is willing to make changes to keep up with the ever changing world around us. It is cool to be part of a community that has an open-mindset and evolving the way they think to ensure a better more sustainable future not only for me, and the people I care about, but also for the planet and everything in it. I care about what I put into my body, not only because I am a competitive athlete that wants to perform at my best and require enough calories and nutrients to achieve that goal, but also because I care about my health and the world around me. I want products that are free of banded substances, healthy for my body and taste good - Powerbar meets all three these requirements. It is great to now know that I can consume their products with a free conscious, knowing that Powerbar is making an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Keep a look out for some new products on the selves and website that will be launching soon. You can use my code ANNIEPB15 to get 15% off your next order!

SEE MORE AT

https://www.powerbarsa.co.za/

Revolutionize your fitness with ElliptoGO

Over the next month, I will have the privilege to test out an ElliptiGO trainer to supplement and mix up my training a bit. I would love to spread the word about how beneficial the ElliptiGO can be to people struggling with chronic or acute injuries, as well as to those who want to reduce the impact associated with running, add more mileage or cross-training to their program in a safe way, or just want a new, fun way to stay fit and active.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN ElliptoGO?

Traditionally cross-training inside can be very boring, especially for runners who love being outside in nature. To me, the ElliptiGO is like an elliptical that got an upgrade and is able to go outside for a ride. It is also better than a bicycle since it doesn't involve sitting hunched over on an uncomfortable saddle for hours. The ElliptiGo uses a Stand-Up cycling movement that combines the best of running, cycling and the elliptical trainer to give you a fun and effective way to exercise outdoors. It is a low-impact exercise, thus, elliptical cycling allows you to build cardio fitness while being easy on your joints. This makes it a great option for anyone who wants to improve their fitness - young or old, health-conscious to elite.

SOME BENEFITS OF THE ELLIPTIGO INCLUDE:

• LOW-IMPACT: The smooth motion provides a great workout that’s gentle on your knees, hips, ankles and back. It can be a great option for those struggling with joint pain, arthritis or osteoporosis.

• FUN TO RIDE: It is a unique and fun way to exercise. The speed, handling and motion feel like “running on air,” giving you a carefree exercise experience at any age.

• COMFORTABLE & NATURAL: The natural “stand up” riding position reduces stress on your neck and back while completely eliminating seat pain. It feels more natural and free than sitting down on a traditional bike.

• INJURY-RECOVERY OR PREVENTION: The Elliptigo offers a great cross-training option for those recovering from injury or those trying to prevent future injuries by substituting some of their mileage pounding the pavement with a low-impact alternative.

• VERSATILITY: Meant to ride freely outdoors on the same paths that you walk, jog, run or bike, but compatible with indoor stationary trainers (3C, 8C and 11R only), so you can train year-round no matter the weather.

• HEART HEALTHY & TIME-EFFICIENT: You can burn 33% more calories than a traditional bicycle, providing a better workout in less time. It is truly an awesome cardio workout!

• GREAT FULL-BODY WORKOUT: Your heart and lungs will not be the only thing working hard on the ElliptiGO. The stand-up position of elliptical bikes engages your core and upper body in addition to your legs, providing a full-body workout.

I am trying out the 8C ElliptiGO trainer and loving it so far. They have standup bikes and other options as well to choose from, visit https://www.elliptigo.co.za/products/ to check out their full range of products.

SOME COOL FEATURES OF THE 8C INCLUDE:

• 8-SPEED INTERNAL HUB: The 8 internal gears reduce maintenance and provide a large range of resistance, allowing you to conquer the steepest of hills and sprint at speeds of 25mph+.

• TELESCOPING STEERING COLUMN: A simple quick-release lever makes it fast and easy to adjust the height for any rider or to transport the 8C in a vehicle.

• ERGONOMIC BAR-ENDS: Adjustable bar-end extensions offer greater versatility in adjusting your riding position on the fly for climbing hills, sprinting flats or cruising descents.

• CUSTOMIZABLE SETUP: Compatibility with a variety of traditional bike and ElliptiGO-specific accessories allows you to deck out your bike with the gear you need to tackle any situation on any ride.

WHO USES IT?

RUNNERS

Current, former and injured runners all use ElliptiGO stand up bikes to experience the joy of running, but without the negative effects of impact on their joints. Athletes of all ages and abilities use elliptical cycling to stay healthy, avoid injuries and improve endurance.

• SAME WORKOUT, SAME RESULTS: A study at the University of California – San Diego EPARC centre found ElliptiGO bikes elicited a similar HR and metabolic (caloric) response, making it easy to translate running workouts using just time and intensity.

• PATENTED RUNNING-LIKE MOTION: The stand-up riding position and patented motion of ElliptiGO bikes provide a running-like experience – giving you all the benefits of weight-bearing exercise without additional impact or stress on joints, bones and soft tissue. Proven research shows that you can use this machine as an effective way to supplement or replace some of your running mileage.

CYCLISTS

Both recreational and competitive cyclists benefit from the gentle joint angles and 33% higher caloric burn of ElliptiGO bikes, making them perfect for any rider looking for a more comfortable, time-efficient or effective workout than a traditional bike provides.

• MORE COMFORTABLE RIDING POSITION: Riding an ElliptiGO bike is not like simply standing up and riding a traditional bike. The fully supported foot platforms of ElliptiGO bikes provide a stable, more comfortable ride. The upright riding position also improves visibility with a level, elevated line of sight.

• BETTER CARDIO EFFICIENCY: The vertical, weight-bearing riding position helps to rev your cardiovascular system and build a more efficient blood-pumping “engine.”

• IMPROVED MUSCLE ACTIVATION: The unique architecture of elliptical bikes develops the muscles of your legs, glutes and core more effectively – and in a more balanced manner than traditional bikes.

• NO PAIN POINTS: The ergonomic, neutral position of riding an elliptical bike removes neck, back and seat pain that can stem from sitting hunched over on the saddle of a traditional bike.

GENERAL HEALTH & FITNESS

Outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics alike use stand up cycling to get all the benefits of an elliptical workout, but without being stuck indoors. Whether it is to improve health, lose weight or increase fitness, ElliptiGO bikes can get the job done.

ELLIPTIGO VS A TRADITIONAL ELLIPTICAL

• ENJOY THE OUTDOORS: ElliptiGO bikes allow you to take the workout outside, where you can enjoy the same streets, routes and paths that you typically walk, jog, run or bike.

• GREAT CORE WORKOUT: To maintain balance and adjust to ever-changing conditions (road, wind, other riders, etc.), riding an ElliptiGO bike constantly works your core in ways a stationary machine can’t.

• MORE COMFORTABLE, NATURAL STRIDE: The patented motion and narrower stance of ElliptiGO bikes reduce stress on the feet, ankles and knees, while also more closely resembling traditional walking, jogging and running motion.

• LONGER, MORE ADJUSTABLE RANGE OF MOTION: ElliptiGO bikes provide a variety of stride-length settings to match your comfort level and range of motion needs, while also providing a range of motion nearly a half-foot larger than the industry standard for indoor elliptical trainers.

USED BY SOME OF THE THE BEST ATHLETES IN THE WORLD

Below is an example of a couple of top athletes who competed at the past Tokyo Games in 2021 who uses ElliptiGO trainers to supplement their training.

ElliptiGO ELITE ATHLETES:

• Bashir Abdi – Belgium – Marathon

• Abdi Abdirahman – United States – Marathon

• Andrea Deelstra – Netherlands – Marathon

• Allyson Felix – United States – 400 Meters and 4 x 400m Relay

• Mason Ferlic – United States – 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

• Elliot Giles – Great Britain – 800 Meters

• Genevieve Gregson – Australia – 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

• Jill Holterman – Netherlands – Marathon

• Dieter Kersten – Belgium – Marathon

• Gesa Krause – Germany – 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

• Susan Krumins – Netherlands – 10,000 Meters

• Heather MacLean – United States – 1,500 Meters

• Cory McGee – United States – 1,500 Meters

• Koen Naert – Belgium – Marathon

• Aisha Praught Leer – Jamaica – 5,000 Meters

• Rachel Schneider – United States – 5,000 Meters

• Dom Scott Efurd – South Africa – 10,000 Meters

• Molly Seidel – United States – Marathon

• Emily Sisson – United States – 10,000 Meters

• Guusje Steenhuis – Netherlands – Judo

• Aliphine Tuliamuk – United States – Marathon

• Hanne Verbruggen – Belgium – Marathon

READ MORE AT:

https://www.elliptigo.com/23-elliptigo-athletes-to-compete-in-tokyo-olympic-games/

At the end of the month, I will make a follow-up post to reflect and share how I benefitted from using an ElliptiGO trainer. I will also explain how I used it to supplement my training program, as well as share some fun workouts I did.

CONTACT ME if you are interested in giving this product a go by simply sending me a DM or an email @anniebothmarunningblog.com 📥

FOR MORE INFO VISIT:

https://www.elliptigo.co.za

ADDING POWER TO THE TEAM: NEW POWERBAR PARTNERSHIP

While training for a marathon, you need a lot of fuel to power you through all the long and hard miles on the road. If you want to perform at a high level you have to fuel with good food, and quality products, that offer the nutrients needed to recover from the hard training and optimize your performance in workouts, long runs and ultimately on the big day when the race arrives.

I am looking forward to going into 2022 with a new nutrition sponsor and feel ecstatic to announce my partnership with PowerBar.

In September 2021, I was diagnosed with Central Diabetes Insipidus, an illness where the body does not secrete sufficient amounts of ADH to regulate the fluid and water retention in the body. This illness is in no way related to Type 1 or 2 Diabetes Mellitus and is a direct result of my Hypopituitarism. Before starting treatment I was always dehydrated since it was almost impossible to replace the fluids and electrolytes at the rate my body was losing them. Since I have started treatment and we have figured out the correct dosage in November of last year I have seen significant improvements in my health, life quality, and athletic performance. However, managing this illness takes a lot of work and I constantly have to make sure my electrolyte balance is correct. The new medication may help reduce the number of fluids I am losing, but it also pulls crucial electrolytes, such as sodium, out of my blood. Therefore, swapping most of my water or fluid intake with electrolytes has been a key part of figuring out this balance. I experimented with a few different products to see what works best and which flavours I like most, but I can now say I have found one that not only helps me better manage this chronic condition but also tastes better and more natural compared to similar products. It has allowed me to stay hydrated during training and to maintain a better electrolyte balance over the past two months. I know it will be a key part of my battle against Diabetes Insipidus.

PowerBar does not only offer a product that tastes great - it is also made of high-quality ingredients and is clean for athletes to use (safe sport approved), something which is paramount to me as an elite athlete. They also offer a large variety of products and flavours to choose from, meaning you will most likely find something to suit your individual taste and dietary needs.

I have been using their products during training over the last few months and have been loving them so far! During my first marathon in 2019, at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, I really learned the hard way how important it is to fuel during a marathon. That is, if you want to achieve your full potential on the day. I hit the dreaded marathon wall at 32km (or 20 miles) into the race after missing my first two gels. It was a hard lesson, but afterwards I started practising more during training by fuelling during my long runs, long marathon workouts, and race-pace tempo runs. I have experimented with many different products up to now, but I can honestly testify that PowerBar is the best.

I have been struggling with my digestive system since my childhood. At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, which is an autoimmune condition where the body reacts adversely when gluten is digested. As a result, I have suffered from many gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, such as cramping, nausea, bloatedness, and diarrhoea or constipation. Distance running also comes with its fair share of GI problems, due to the constant jumping movement. When you exercise the body prioritizes blood flow to the muscles over the GI tract and as the distance, or time on feet, increases it will also become harder for the body to digest and absorb fluids and nutrients. Factors such as warm weather or humidity, as well as the intensity at which you are running, may further prevent the body from absorbing the products you ingest to keep up with the demands of endurance exercise.

The body will prefer carbohydrates, especially as the intensity of the exercise increases. However, taking in many concentrated forms of sugar can lead to GI adversities in some people. Everyone is different and it is important to experiment in training to figure out a race day fueling strategy that works for you.

You have to train your gut to tolerate fuel during training, just like you train your legs to cover the distance and run at a certain pace. You can read more on PowerBar's website and see their recommendations on how to use their products to fuel optimally, both for training and on race day: NUTRITION GUIDE FOR RUNNING

Personally, I find that water-based hydrogels work better than traditional gels. I also use an electrolyte drink instead of plain water as my body absorbs it better and it prevents that uncomfortable water-belly feeling of fluid sloshing around in your stomach. It might also save you from an unwanted pit-stop mid-race. PowerBar offers both these options and perform much better than anything else I have tried. I encourage you to give their products a go if you are also someone who has a sensitive stomach or if you struggle to take in fluids and fuel while running.

So far a couple of my favourite products are:

LONG RUNS: I like their HYDROGEL, orange flavour, on long runs since its liquid texture is easy to get down and it doesn't cause any of the GI problems such as nausea, cramping or bloating that I have experienced while using other gels. I take it alongside the 5 ELECTROLYTE TABLET in the grapefruit flavour with added electrolytes.

The other option I find works great for long runs is their ISOACTIVE carb-electrolyte drink mix or the ISOMAX, which has some added caffeine. They provide both hydration and carbohydrates, as well as the essential electrolytes, all in one bottle!

ELECTROLYTES: My favourite two so far is definitely the grapefruit with caffeine or the mango-passionfruit without caffeine.

GELS: The Orange HYDROGEL as I mentioned for the long runs. They also offer a more natural, fruit based SMOOTHIEGEL, which I love taking before a run if I need something simple and easily digestible.

BARS: I really enjoyed their REAL 5 BAR, which is only made out of 5 simple ingredients!

I am excited to try out their whole range and will continue to share my recommendations on social and on my blog. You can get a 15% discount on all their products online if you head over to PowerBarSA and use my code ANNIEPB15 at check-out.

Head over to my PowerBar Page.

My mantra when it comes to nutrition is Fuel for the Work Required. Powerbar makes it easier, more convenient and sustainable to do this while training hard. I am thankful to have them as part of my team for this new year, which will be filled with many miles, gigantic goals and daring dreams!