Aldon's Exclusive Access with Virtual Trainer
By Tim Crytser
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Virtual Trainer: Talk a little about the Virtual Trainer exclusive access that you will be doing?
Aldon Baker: Well, you and I have been talking for a few years now about training and I think that what you are trying to do with the Virtual Trainer website is really important for the sport. Bottom line is it’s a dangerous sport and if people aren’t preparing properly it can be even more dangerous. The last thing you want to do is go out on the track unprepared even if you are just going out to have fun. Nothing like ending the fun with a silly injury because you are out of shape. This sport has been very good to me and I just want to give back a little. I know that a lot of people think that what I am doing with my athletes is secret and stuff, and really it’s nothing that everyone doesn’t already has the access too. I mean I have my methods and I think they are somewhat unique, but the bottom line is that I could divulge everything I do and not be out of a job. It’s not so much about the actual information, but the implementation of that information that makes one trainer better than another. The Virtual Trainer website is so important for the guy that doesn’t have access to a personal trainer by obtaining good solid information and providing validation to things that they may already be doing. I can’t think of any other website in the industry that offers free access to as many fitness professionals and doctors that you provide through the expert panel. That is huge to anyone who rides a bike. You and I have been talking on and off since you started the website, and when you asked me to be involved, I thought it would be fun and a nice way to contribute.
Aldon Baker: Well, you and I have been talking for a few years now about training and I think that what you are trying to do with the Virtual Trainer website is really important for the sport. Bottom line is it’s a dangerous sport and if people aren’t preparing properly it can be even more dangerous. The last thing you want to do is go out on the track unprepared even if you are just going out to have fun. Nothing like ending the fun with a silly injury because you are out of shape. This sport has been very good to me and I just want to give back a little. I know that a lot of people think that what I am doing with my athletes is secret and stuff, and really it’s nothing that everyone doesn’t already has the access too. I mean I have my methods and I think they are somewhat unique, but the bottom line is that I could divulge everything I do and not be out of a job. It’s not so much about the actual information, but the implementation of that information that makes one trainer better than another. The Virtual Trainer website is so important for the guy that doesn’t have access to a personal trainer by obtaining good solid information and providing validation to things that they may already be doing. I can’t think of any other website in the industry that offers free access to as many fitness professionals and doctors that you provide through the expert panel. That is huge to anyone who rides a bike. You and I have been talking on and off since you started the website, and when you asked me to be involved, I thought it would be fun and a nice way to contribute.
What type of things are you going to be talking about?
Anything and everything related to MX fitness, training and nutrition. We are going to try and post something new each month and it might be a new workout for the off-season or some advice on road cycling or anything else related to training. Like this month, I want to talk about this new product called MonaVie which is a nutritional drink that I think is going to be great for everyone not just people who ride. It’s a great product and I want to make sure everyone knows about it. I am so excited about MonaVie that I am even going to be wearing some MonaVie shirts at the Supercrosses this year to make sure everyone understands my level of commitment. But in general on the website I will just be talking about training and nutrition and hopefully helping the weekend warrior out a bit.
Well, I for one am extremely excited to have you onboard with Virtual Trainer. The insight, knowledge, and experience that you bring to the table is huge. It’s not everyday that the weekend warrior gets exclusive access to such an elite trainer.
Well, I don’t know about elite. I have been lucky so far to be involved with riders that are dedicated to being successful and that makes my job easier. As far as the website, I have never done anything like this before. It is going to be new and different but I am excited to get started and if I can help someone train a little better by introducing them to a new exercise or changing their thinking toward nutrition, then it will all be worth it.
Ok, let’s get started and talk a little about this new product MonaVie. What is it and why are you so excited about it?
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Talk about the science behind MonaVie, particularly the ORAC score?
Well, they measure a foods antioxidant potency on what is a called the ORAC scale which is a measure of the rate at which the antioxidant eats up free radicals. And like I said, the acai berry is the highest ever tested and when you compare it to any other fruit or vegetable out there the acai berry comes out on top of all other foods. I think with health and nutrition, everyone is headed towards super foods and all the doctors and researchers are looking for foods that provide the highest nutrients in the natural state and the acai berry has come into the big picture recently. Especially now that the scientific tests are coming back to support the claims that a lot of people have been making with regard to the antioxidant capabilities of the acai berry. [ Check out the study ]
So this isn’t a product that will take the place of something like Cytomax?
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No, certainly not. Cyto is for electrolyte replacement and stuff like that where MonaVie falls into the food and nutrition category. It doesn’t take the place, it is basically adding to your nutritional sum and I think everyone could use a little more when it comes to eating right. I mean we are all probably not getting enough vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. Life is hectic and we all need a little help. Only the people that have full time nutritionist are probably getting everything they need. The rest of us need a little help and this product is perfect for that. It’s easy to use, quick to prepare, and only takes about 4 ounces a day to be effective. Each 2 ounce serving delivers 13 servings of fruits and vegetables. So when you look at the potency of that that speaks volumes right there. Trying to eat 13 servings of fruits and vegetables each day is tough. But with this product, taking a 2 ounce shot in the morning and a 2 ounce shot in the evening is easy.
Yea, no doubt. Most people can clearly understand the benefits of a product like this for a professional athlete, but talk a little about why the person who trains casually should be using MonaVie?
Well, I think that for the casual trainer, a product like this is even more beneficial. Most professional athletes are more focused on nutrition and training so they are less likely to miss something. So they tend to have better nutrition starting out of the gate. In comparison the average person is probably not as in tune because their lifestyle doesn’t allow them to be specific on what they eat and everything isn’t centered around training and nutrition for a sport. So, I think that a product like this with regard to the general public becoming a little more in tune with better nutrition and recovery these days, I think it is a huge investment for the average person. Plus, not only that, but look at kids. There is definitely no argument that kids these days are really over weight and most likely not getting proper nutrition. That is a whole other subject, but a product like this that is able to deliver such a punch in such a small serving is great for kids. So I think that MonaVie will actually benefit the average person out there who is looking to improve their nutrition and make an investment in their life more than a top level athlete.
How did you discover MonaVie and how long have you and your riders been using it?
Well, like I said earlier one part of my job is to always be looking for better ways to not only train but to have better nutrition as well. I also get contacted by a lot of people telling me I should try this or that, so I am always evaluating new things. As far as this product goes, I had been looking into the acai berry for a while now because of its high antioxidant value. About 6 months ago my wife and I bought some regular acai that you can get at the store. The problem I saw was with the taste. I wasn’t sure how we were going to keep on the stuff because the taste of the berry by itself is a little bitter. But when the MonaVie product came out and we found out that they actually mix it with several other fruits and the taste was good, we decided to try it. Also, with MonaVie, they are the only company using acai that is patent pending as far as obtaining the berry directly from the source [the Amazon]. I started using the product for a month and then introduced it to my athletes. At first it was a little hard to convince them to use the stuff so we did a little unscientific test by going on and off the stuff and seeing how they felt. By doing that, they noticed some real positive effects that wasn’t just in their head. So after that it was an easy decision for me and my guys.
What are the direct benefits?
Well, you know good nutrition is one of those things that isn’t immediately felt if you miss a day and it takes a few weeks to start to notice a difference. So this product is the same. Where you will notice, at least I have, is when you run your body down a bit. Like I said earlier, I can really feel a difference when I am traveling and have to adjust to different time changes. That’s when good nutrition really pays off. It helps keep your immune system strong also which is really important when you get tired. But direct benefits for me have been a definite increase in energy levels, even though my energy levels weren’t really low to begin with. But I could feel energy dips when I would travel to Europe, deal with the time change, travel back home and then have to train with my athletes straight away. Man, before MonaVie, those were the days I really dreaded because I hadn’t adapted to the time change and I would be really tired. After being on MonaVie those are the areas where I can really see a difference. Where in the past I would be expecting a low, now I don’t feel those lows being quite as much or feel the low for as long. My energy levels are definitely higher.
Is there science backing MonaVie?
Oh, absolutely. There are several professors involved and I have quit a few CD’s with scientific facts and there are several independent studies going on now that the acai berry is getting so much attention lately. The company is only 2 years old so there are more and more studies going on all the time. I have a study here from the University of Florida and the results from that are all very positive. They reported that the acai berry is one of the richest sources of antioxidants and stated that the study was an important step in learning what people may gain by using beverages, dietary supplements, and other products made with berries. I have a copy of that study if anyone wants to read that. Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a guru on super foods, has a book called the Perricone Promise and rates the acai berry as the best super food known to man. Steve O’Brian from CBS radio as well as NBC’s The Today Show reported that what the Indians have known for centuries is actually true with regards to the health benefits of the acai berry. The London Times reported on the benefits and Men’s Journal states that the acai berry is a food that packs a punch. Even Vogue magazine did an article and said that it is the next big workout cocktail. Opera even did a whole show on the acai berry. If Opera is talking about it it must be huge (laughs). But seriously, I have not seen a single negative study on the product or talked to someone who has had a negative experience. It’s pretty obvious to me that the acai berry is the next big thing. I mean they are even trying to figure out a way to add it to drinks that you can by in a convenience store. So everybody wants a part of it. There are several Doctors and scientist that endorse the product and anyone can find out the information by going to the MonaVie website or doing a Google search.
Well, Aldon I know I have been using MonaVie for the past month and am real excited to be using it. I have a few of my athletes and friends using it and even my wife decided to give it a try once she discovered the high levels of antioxidants that the drink has. She is pretty particular about taste and food texture and actually likes the juice straight from the bottle. We both are usually skeptical about products like this, but once we reviewed the research and literature on MonaVie, we were sold. I am proud and excited to be able to offer MonaVie directly from the Virtual Trainer website and to have the backing from someone of you experience and expertise is just awesome.
Well, Tim like I said, I am just glad to have the opportunity to share this with people. Hopefully people will try it and like the benefits that it provides.
Thanks Aldon, and I look forward to working with you on the VT website
No problem Tim. I look forward to it as well.
That's it from Aldon for now, so until next time, good luck with your training and, as always, VT can be reached anytime at crytset@comcast.net . In addition, be sure and check out the Racer X Virtual Trainer archive section , your complete one-stop information zone for motocross fitness.
