Burn off your Easter Egg Calories with USN’s ‘How To’ Series

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Easter is fast approaching and can prove to be a nightmare for those chocoholics who are trying to adhere to a strict diet. With the temptation of delicious eggs stocked on every shelf of every supermarket, it’s one of the easiest times of the year to fall off the wagon.

The average Easter egg contains around 530 calories, and when you include the delicious treats often found in the middle, you are looking at closer to 1000.

Approximately 90 million chocolate eggs are sold at Easter time annually in the UK and dieticians are warning that eating just three eggs over the Easter period could put you at risk of gaining several pounds within days. What’s more, families often get together and eat meals that will rival Christmas in size and calories, so there is a real chance that your waistband is at risk.

If you simply cannot avoid the chocolate then be sensible and break up an egg and eat it over several days. An even better alternative, which would still give you the chocolate fix you will crave, is USN’s Protein Dessert. The thick, creamy mousse is a guilt free indulgence with a high protein, low carb, low fat content. It has the same texture and delicious taste as a regular dessert but without the sugar and fat, keeping you satisfied and trim!

With the bikini season on the way, USN will show you how to banish that Easter induced fat and have a beach body to be proud of.

The Next Installation of USN’s ‘How To’ Series

Model and fitness expert Jenny Pacey may have a body to die for, but credits a strict yet simple daily workout for giving her a fab figure.

Pacey, best known as TV Gladiator Enigma, is an advocate of the perfect squat and lunge. These simple exercises can transform flabby bums and thighs into toned A-lister pins and behinds.

Follow the USN guide below, and give your post-Easter bottom half the tone up it needs. Our simple step by step guides will make sure that the exercises are carried out correctly and won’t turn out to be a pain in the knees.

USN’s Guide To The Perfect Squat

The squat is the King of leg exercises and will ensure you give your quads, gluts and hamstrings and good workout. It is important to perfect squatting without weights first, otherwise you could end up causing serious damage to your back or knees.

1) Stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart. This will give you a good sturdy stance for when you dip into your squat. This is important as lack of balance can lead to injury.

2) Keep your back straight. Leaning too far forward can hurt your lower back and leaning too far back will cause you to become unbalanced. Picture your back as if you were sitting upright in a chair to maintain proper form.

3) Lower yourself into the squat position. Keep your feet planted and your back straight whilst lowering your buttocks towards the floor. Make sure your knees are over your feet but not extending past them. Put your hands on your hips or behind your head. Lower yourself as far as your body will allow. Over time and with practice you will be able to go yourself all the way down.

4) Lift yourself into your original standing position. Don’t stay in your squat position for too long as it will make it harder to push yourself back into a standing position. Repeat this process until you feel you are ready to add in weights to create a more intense work-out. Do three sets of 10.

USN’s Guide To The Perfect Lunge

Lunges are equally as beneficial for your legs and will help you tone as well as build up muscles and strength.

1) Start with your feet about six inches apart with your hands down by your side. Make sure you pelvis is in a neutral position with your abdominals pulled gently in.

2) Step forward approximately two feet with your right leg with both knees bent until the back knee is around six inches from the floor. Keep your weight evenly distributed and make sure your back is kept straight.

3) Push-off with your right leg and lift yourself back into your starting position.

4) Repeat this on the other side. Do three sets of 10. Once you feel comfortable with the exercise then you can hold dumbbells for a more challenging exercise.

Take USN CLA 1000. An advanced full potency body toner that supports your toning goals, these soft gel capsules contain conjugated linoleic acid rich oil, which inhibits the body’s mechanism for storing fat and causes the body to burn stored fat for energy.

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MSS COLCHESTER KAWASAKI ENERGISE RIDERS AND BIKES WITH NEW PARTNERS FOR BRITISH SUPERBIKE CAMPAIGN

Posted on February 9, 2012 by usnuk

MSS Colchester Kawasaki are pleased to welcome two important new partners that will add energy to both machines and riders for 2012; leading oil supplier Petronas Lubricants and a company making their first foray into motorcycle sport; Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN).

The two companies joined new riders Michael Rutter and Peter Hickman to help launch the 2012 campaign at the London Motorcycle Show last week both on the Kawasaki stand (based out of the MSS Hospitality unit) and Feridax, the UK distributors of Petronas.

It is an important year for Petronas as the Malaysian petro-chemical giant celebrates its centenary and will be looking to showcase its products to the motorcycle industry and customers on the racetrack and beyond.

Simon Shuck, Business Development Manager for Petronas Lubricants said, “We are proud to be associated with the MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team with top riders Michael Rutter and Peter Hickman and are confident that the team will benefit from the excellent performance results obtained using the fully synthetic Petronas Syntium Moto 4SP. We feel that it is very important for Petronas Lubricants to have a major involvement with a team such as MSS Colchester Kawasaki in the nation’s most important motorcycle racing series. We had great success last year with Syntium Moto 4SP and are excited to be showcasing our company in the 2012 BSB race series with the MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team.”

Ultimate Sports Nutrition has expanded internationally with innovative product development and pride itself on providing a range of great tasting high performance products at an affordable price. USN is involved in professional sport across multiple disciplines with a range designed to suit a variety of needs and is helping fuel elite athletes competing in power and endurance sports around the world.

As part of this partnership USN is looking to directly improve the education of riders and fans at the British Superbike Championship on fitness levels, dedication and the lifestyle commitments a rider needs to adopt to be successful in the world of elite motorcycle sport.

Karl Bickley, Athlete and Sponsorship Liaison for USN (UK) Ltd said: “USN is proud to become an official partner of MSS Kawasaki for their 2012 championship challenge. We are looking forward to working closely with the team and their riders to maximise their performance and recovery in training and crucially during race weekends, whilst showcasing our brand in a completely new and exciting marketplace.”

MSS Colchester Kawasaki Team Manager Nick Morgan summed up, “We’ve been working hard over the winter to develop new partnerships and we’re really pleased to welcome both Petronas and USN to our garage and hospitality.
Petronas need no introduction as such a global player in motorsport and it’s also great to see a new name in the paddock in the shape of USN. Both brands are highly relevant to our team as they effectively add power and reliability to our bikes and riders, so it’s a great synergy!”

History made as Widnes Vikings set to kick off 2012 Super League season on artificial turf!

Posted on February 6, 2012 by usnuk

The 2012 Super League season will kick off in style this year as USN’s nutrition partners, the Widnes Vikings take on the Wakefield Wildcats on Friday at the Stobart Stadium Halton, Widnes. Kick off is at 8PM and the whole of the Super League fraternity is waiting to see how the i-pitch performs.

The game will be the first to be played on the latest generation of artificial grass and vice captain Shaun Briscoe believes will give them a real advantage in their first season back in Super League. The Vikings were awarded a Super League license by the Rugby Football League on 31 March 2011 for the 2012-14 seasons.

Briscoe, one of the 16 new signings to the Vikings said of the new pitch, “ we’ve trained quite often on it and we’ve had two games against our Under-20s so we’re getting used to it and how it reacts. Hopefully it will give us a bit of an advantage.”

Steve O’Connor, Vikings Chairman said: “Our members and visitors will be able to see more games, it will create a pathway for our young players and it will be utilised as a community resource. We are working with our partners at Halton Borough Council and have exciting plans to transform the i-pitch into a 7-a-side football sports facility throughout the week. This will generate income for the club and the stadium.”

The Vikings are determined to use this expected advantage to prove the bookies wrong who return to Super League action after a six year absence.

“We’re not under any illusions. We’re not talking about winning Grand Finals. We’re quietly going about our business. It’s a season of progression, of stepping stones. I went through it at Hull KR and hopefully I can be part of getting Widnes back to where they belong. It’s a club with a big history and the fans are rugby mad,” Briscoe continued.

Performance Partners

USN (Ultimate Sports Nutrition) and the Vikings joined forces in November 2011 to ensure that the players reach the ultimate in fitness levels and at the same time enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. For the past few months USN have been working closely with the club’s Strength and Conditioning coach Clive Brewer, helping to maximise the team’s performance in training and on the pitch.

The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Friday.

Tri Something New in 2012!

Posted on February 1, 2012 by usnuk

Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and USN will be exhibiting their impressive range of endurance products at the Triathlon show on 2-4 March. Available for purchase or sampling, the USN team will be on hand to advise you on which supplements will satisfy all your nutritional needs at Sandown Park in Surrey.

Triathlon booming in UK!

There are 350 affiliated triathlon clubs in Great Britain
In 2011 an estimated 18% of all participants in triathlons in the UK were first-timers
Adults of 50 years of age and older make up 13.5 percent of total triathlon participants, with some athletes competing well into their 70s
Participation by gender: Male 59% / Female 41%
Most active age category: 35-44 (41%)
Regional highest levels of triathlon participation: South East England
In 2009 1.2 million people competed in on-road triathlons, an 11% increase over 2008 and an amazing 51.4% increase from 2007
Approximately 666,000 people competed in off-road triathlons in 2009. This was a 10.6% increase from 2008 and a very respectable 37.9% increase over 2007

Get Involved!

Consisting of three grueling continuous and sequential endurance events, varying in length from the “super-sprint” to the punishing “iron man” – a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run – triathlons are no mean feat; and the season is fast approaching.
A survey revealed that 77% of fans of triathlons are active sports participants – if this applies to you then why not train for a marathon yourself? Starting now will give you enough time to prepare for many events around the country.
Your age should never be a deterrent from competing – one study has shown that adults of 50 years of age and older make up 13.5 percent of total triathlon participants, with some athletes competing well into their 70s .
You can never be too young either, as 19 year old USN athlete Emily McLoughlin proves. The teenage triathlon sensation manages to combine studying for a degree in mechanical engineering at Birmingham University with a rigorous triathlon training plan. She says that building 2 – 3 hours a day training schedule around her working and studying is tough but also a way of life. Emily states, “I started triathlon when I was 9. I was already a member of East Grinstead swimming club and enjoyed running, so went along to local chidren’s triathlon club, Triton. I really enjoyed it and I’ve competed ever since.”

Triathlon training the USN way

Don’t be put off by freezing water: Conditions permitting, use the opportunity to practice in open water – natural bodies of water that don’t provide the navigational cues of lane separators or markers. Use on-shore landmarks or buoys as visual reference points.
Take USN Diet Fuel Ultralean to stay in shape: This weight control nutrition shake contains added chromium and glucomannon for the fast reduction of body fat and maintenance of lean muscle tissue.
Experiment with your training kit: Test out and wear-in any new equipment for fit, feel and reliability. Surprises are the last thing you want on race day. This also makes your training interesting.
Vary your training: Do hill or power workouts, enjoy group runs and rides and look for ways to vary your training, including different sports (even something like cross-country skiing or in-line skating). Remember, keeping active and sporty in general is important.
Hit the gym if it’s too cold outside: Work out with weights to increase your power and improve lean mass, but continue to include your other training workouts, as weights are mostly an anaerobic activity and don’t build aerobic endurance.

Picton’s Plan

Another USN Ambassador, Lisa Picton, is an accomplished triathlete and one of the UK’s leading Ironman competitors. She has a dedicated off-season training plan that gets her out and about when the cold weather descends.
“I think the cold months are a great time to work on, and improve, your technique in each of the triathlon disciplines. I tend to spend more of my time in the pool doing drills and I will also do more off-road mountain biking to work on my bike-handling skills.
“It is also a good time to do some focused gym workouts to improve your strength and conditioning ready for the race season training.
“My training mix in the cold months is roughly 40% running, 30% cycling, 20% swimming and 10% gym work. This sets me up nicely for the start of the season.
“I am a very dedicated person and, if I have a plan to follow, I will stick to it rigidly, even if it means going out to train in the wind and rain. I will still go and do what I have to do, so I see my dedication as a strength.”

USN’s upcoming Tri Events

Why not enter one of the USN sponsored Votwo Events? The Dorney Lake Duathlons are aimed at all abilities and are perfect for pre season race sessions, especially for novices who are looking to get some race experience.

USN Dorney Lake Duathlon: Race 1 5 February 2012
USN Dorney Lake Duathlon: Race 2 4 March 2012
USN Dorney Lake Duathlon: Race 3 1 April 2012

Ab De Villiers Embarks on Nutritional Improvement Quest

Posted on January 27, 2012 by usnuk

Star South African batsman/wicketkeeper, AB de Villiers, has joined a growing number of professional sportsmen in recognising the benefits of scientifically formulated sports nutrition. This was confirmed on Wednesday when he became an ambassador for USN, South Africa’s leading sports nutrition company.

The 27-year-old De Villiers, captain of the South African One Day International and Twenty20 teams, will undergo nutritional analysis with USN’s nutrition experts to determine areas of weakness that can be improved through better nutrition and supplementation.

“The difference between winning and losing in professional sport is often minimal. But the consequences between the two can be significant. I don’t want to leave any stone unturned in my quest to be my best and my nutrition is one area that I can definitely improve on,” said De Villiers.

“I’m proud to be associated with USN, which is a successful international nutrition supplement company that works closely with professional athletes and sportsmen. In addition to my general diet, I’m looking forward improving my energy, recovery and concentration through the use of USN’s supplements”

“It’s important to make it clear that USN isn’t just a supplement brand for fitness fanatics, rugby players and body builders. USN is a sports and healthy lifestyle brand that transcends explosive sports. USN develops high quality products to help all individuals achieve their goals faster and easier,” said Albe Geldenhuys, USN founder and CEO.

“Cricket has it’s own challenges from a physical and mental perspective and we look forward to working with AB, who, as batsman, wicketkeeper and captain, has a big responsibility on the field. He needs to succeed personally and set an example. Our products are scientifically formulated and will fit in well in a sport that has become extremely high-tech over the past few years.”

De Villiers joins Springbok and Blue Bulls captain, Pierre Spies, reigning Absa Cape Epic mountain bike race champion, Burry Stander, ace South African men’s hockey team striker, Justin Reid-Ross and international adventure sport hero, Martin Dreyer, among others, as a USN ambassador.

Beat the Mid January Blues with Indoor Exercise

Posted on January 16, 2012 by usnuk

Christmas and New Year is now over and the mid January blues are beginning to creep up on us. Not only are we left feeling bloated and unfit after the festive period with serious holes in our pockets, but the prospect of getting out and exercising in the cold is perhaps the most daunting thought of all.

The answer to combating this problem and avoiding the ‘big freeze’ is simple – start training at home. This way you can stay clear of the bitter mornings, burn off that unwanted Christmas weight and all while not spending a penny. Exercise will also inadvertently help you beat the winter blues; endorphins – those chemicals in your brain that make you happy – are released into your body during strenuous exercise, giving you a natural high.

Reports show that the average person will gain a staggering 7-10lbs during the holidays, and with over 140 million work days lost per year due to sickness , we can expect many of these to be attributed to the January blues!

The key to getting back your fitness is by adapting your training programmes to the current climate and also staying healthy to avoid winter colds and flus.

One easy way to ensure that you are on top of your game, in good health and ready to start your new exercise regime is to take USN’s MultiPlex. Multiplex is a popular supplement that boosts immune systems and also keeps unwanted ailments away. As well as being a mega potency formula it also serves as a complete daily multi vitamin and mineral supplement for all active individuals.
Make sure that your new regime is fresh and exciting to ensure your indoor activity doesn’t become tedious. Circuit training is the easiest and most effective way to get fit in the comfort of your home. A high intensity 20-minute circuit will actually burn more calories than a low intensity jog outdoors.

USN’s top indoor circuit training tips

Cross train: Cross training means completing different types of exercises. To cross train, you should avoid repeating the same movements again and again. Because the body is very good at adapting to imposed demands, in order to force the body to change, the imposed demands need to continually change.

Interval train: You should switch between high, medium and low heart rate exercises throughout a routine. This type of interval training maximises the body’s ability to burn fat even after exercise is completed.

Limit your rest: Rest periods allow the heart rate to decelerate to a resting, or almost resting, rate. When the heart rate lowers to its resting stage, you are no longer working at a productive level. In order to keep the heart rate up, and to potentially lose weight, resistance training exercises need to be performed back to back.

Create a system: A good combination of resistance exercises could involve one to three sets of an exercise for one body part, followed by a short rest period, followed by one to three sets of an exercise for a different body part.

Make it fun: Create games and competitions with friends and family, by seeing who is the most productive.
Alternatively you can always push that little bit harder and embrace the winter weather – exercising in the cold does burn more calories after all!

Dynamic Dieting for 2012

Posted on January 3, 2012 by usnuk

The festive season is upon us, and with it comes the temptation to indulge in plenty of diet debauchery.
However, why not start 2012 with a new year’s resolution that will provide you with a challenge that involves shedding the pounds, maintaining discipline and feeling great about your body?
Follow these simple dieting tips, brought to you by USN, and shed any excess festive flab.

The USN Guide to New Year Dieting
Take USN Xedra-Cut Ultra XT. This weight loss supplement is scientifically formulated to control body fat, act as an appetite suppressant and suppress constant cravings in the form of easy to swallow weight loss capsules.
Drink plenty of water or other calorie-free beverages. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. So you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really what you need. If you don’t like plain water, try adding a slice of citrus fruit or a splash of juice. Brew infused teas like mango or peach, which have lots of flavour but no calories.
Take USN CLA 1000. This weight control supplement promotes a toned physique. Conjugated linoleic acid inhibits the body’s mechanism for storing fat and causes the body to burn stored fat for energy.
Think about what you can add to your diet, not what you should take away. Start by focusing on getting the recommended five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. It sounds like a lot, but it is well worth it, because at the same time you are meeting your fibre goals and feeling more satisfied from the volume of food. You’re also less likely to overeat because fruit and vegetables displace fat in the diet. To get more vegetables into your diet work them into meals instead of just serving them as sides on a plate.
Take USN Appetite Block. This is a clinically proven appetite suppressant designed to promote the feeling of satiety. It consists of Pinno Thin, which contains active ingredients derived from pine nut oil.

Need some extra motivation - Why not consider taking the USN Body & Life Style Challenge?

The hugely successful Body & Lifestyle Challenge is launching in the UK in 2012 – ideal for fresh starts the 12 week challenge is all about self-improvement and there are some great prizes to reward the people we think have made the biggest transformations!
The competition is judged on three core aspects: your ‘BEFORE’ and ‘AFTER’ photos, your key measurements and your report on how your lifestyle has changed (tips for writing this will be included when the full website goes live). To register your interest click here!

Embark on this challenge and you could change your life!

Winning in the Rain!

Posted on November 30, 2011 by usnuk

With winter now upon us, athletes of all levels are facing up to one of the more unpleasant parts of their sport – running in the rain.
Make your wet weather training as comfortable and worthwhile as possible with these simple training tips, brought to you by USN.

USN’s Running in the Rain Training Tips

- Wear lightweight, breathable layers and add a water-resistant jacket. Avoid garments such as cotton, which retain water and become heavy and soggy.
- Wear a hat to keep the rain out of your eyes and off your face.
- Apply a body lubricant or jelly to your chest, inner thighs and neck to avoid chaffing, which occurs when wearing wet clothes.
- Try to warm up indoors, maybe by running on the spot or around your home. That way, you’ll be primed for running by the time you get outside and won’t need as much time to get into your stride.
- Dry your shoes after a rain run by loosening the laces, removing the insole and stuffing your shoes with newspaper to soak up the moisture.
- Stay healthy and keep the threat of colds and flu away by taking USN MultiPlex. MultiPlex is a mega potency formula, and serves as a complete daily multi vitamin and mineral supplement for all active individuals.

Feel fit, not fat, this Christmas

Posted on November 29, 2011 by usnuk

What do you want for Christmas? Socks? Ties? A chocolate Santa?

How about the dream physique you’ve always wanted?

This Christmas, why not use the festive period to crack on with a few simple exercises to improve your physique? There are plenty of reasons to give your body a thorough workout at this time of year – giving yourself a challenge, using the quieter days off to work out, while feeling good about yourself and maybe giving your partner a treat!

Now is the time to get in shape, or get back in shape, and what better way to start than by getting to grips with a simple training plan over the holiday period? You can transform your body in the comfort of your own home, without the worry of gyms, personal trainers or fitness classes.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Christmas is a notorious time for weight gain. Diet debauchery, TV marathons and a general lack of movement during those cosy days off mean there is a serious danger of piling on the pounds.
A recent survey found that, out of 100 volunteers, most put on about 5lbs during the holiday period. It takes just 3,500 extra calories to put on a single pound in weight, and this is easily done when there are so many traditional treats on offer. A simple solution could be to replace some of those delicious treats with an equally tasty Protein Dessert. USN Protein Dessert offers a guilt free indulgence with a high protein, low carb low fat dessert. Available in three mouth watering flavours, Banana Toffee Mouse, Vanilla custard Mouse and Chocolate Brownie Mouse – the true way to be naught but nice!

Enter Wayne’s World

Wayne Gordon

USN ambassador Wayne Gordon, also known as Doom from television show Gladiators, is adamant that a simple Christmas workout will fend off the festive flab.
A former Great Britain bobsleigh star, Gordon now works as a fitness consultant and is all too familiar with the dangers of weight gain at Christmas.
He said: “As we fast approach the festive season we revert back to our annual comments – no time to train due to the over time I have to put in. I’ve eaten and drunk too much. I need to rain in on what I spend with Christmas just around the corner.
“This is all nonsense. You need to stop making excuses and start working on the physique your partner wishes you had or could achieve.
“These are simple exercises that challenge the whole body. Do as many rounds of 20 reps as you can in 20 minutes. Then see the difference it makes to your body.”

Try the following to stay in shape

Decline Push-up (to get rid of turkey wings): Adopt the press-up position with your feet on a sturdy chair or sofa. Maintain a strong body position with your arms straight, and your hands slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Without allowing your hips to sag, lower your chest as close as possible to the floor. Pause for one second, then quickly push yourself back to the start.

Bent Over Towel Row: Stand on the centre of the towel holding either end in each hand. Bend forward at the waist until you’re at about a 45-degree angle. Keep the shoulders back, the knees slightly bent and the abs tight and look straight forward. To begin the movement, pull against the resistance by bending the elbows and contract the upper back muscles. Be sure your abs are engaged.

Single leg squats (for turkey legs): Stand on one leg, with the other leg out in front and parallel to the floor. Hands are kept to the side or in front of you. Sit back and down, as if sitting in a very low chair. At the bottom of the position, your support foot is flat and your hamstring is resting on your calf. Now stand back up to the starting position to complete one rep.

Visit the USN website for Training Demonstrations from Wayne Gordon and Jenny Pacey

University student Emily is top of the class at USN

Posted on November 28, 2011 by usnuk

Teenage triathlon sensation Emily McLoughlin has been signed up by USN as their latest brand ambassador.
The 19-year-old student is one of the most exciting prospects in the country, and is already being touted as a future Great Britain star.
Sussex-based Emily has already achieved some impressive results, and finished third in the Youth National Series 2008 and fourth in the Blenheim Triathlon 2008.

On joining USN, she said: “USN are really good for me. They are bringing out loads of products that appeal to me, and I going to start a nutrition plan with them, that will guide me on which products to take and when.
“I am very happy to join USN. They have lots of triathletes as ambassadors. I have never met any of them, but am looking forward to it – I may even end up racing against some of them next year!
“I didn’t know much about USN before I first met them, but since coming on board I have been very impressed.”

Emily is currently studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Birmingham University, but finds plenty of time to train as she aims to make an impact in the triathlon world.
She added: “I started triathlon when I was nine. I was already a member of East Grinstead Swimming Club and enjoyed running so went along to a local children’s triathlon club, Triton. I really enjoyed it and I have competed since.
“I train around university and studying. I roughly train twice a day, which is about 2-3 hours a day, but it varies every week depending on whether I’m tapering for races or not.”

Emily McLoughlin’s USN supplement diet
Energy Drink: “It tastes amazing and is really easy to drink. It helps me in training.”
Recovery Drink: “I like this because it is more fruit-based, and is not milky. I love the tropical taste.”
Protein Shake: “It’s really tasty, and I use it regularly, always after training sessions.”