1. Sytropin – We have used this product, taken a break from it and returned to it. We have definitely found that overall it has made the biggest difference in performance, especially from an aerobic capacity and endurance standpoint. We have also found benefits in weight management and lower body fat. Sytropin is our top pick for 2009. It is a homeopathic spray with a comprehensive array of amino acids and growth factors that stimulates the body’s own production of human growth hormone.

2. Immunocal Platinum – Best new discovery of 2009. If you haven’t already heard of glutathione, you will. Glutathione occurs naturally in the body. It is the body’s major anti-oxidant, immune system optimizer and detoxifier. It exists in virtually every cell in the body. It is produced within the cell by glycine, glutamine and cysteine. In the average North American diet, cysteine is either non-existent or scarce. An additional challenge is getting cysteine into the cells in a biologically active state. Immunocal Platinum is the result of decades of research conducted primarily at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. It is the only natural product that is both clinically and scientifically proven to optimize the immune system by raising glutathione levels. It is an undenatured whey protein isolate that is backed by over 70 worldwide patents. Coincidentally, it has also been clinically proven to enhance muscle performance.

3. Primorye Stress Relief Plus – Best stress reduction product. Named after the region in Russia from which most of its herbs are derived, this product is the result of billions of dollars of research over decades, spearheaded by the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Oxyfresh combined the herbal extract with aloe from Costa Rica and other micronutrients to formulate a truly remarkable product. Its benefits are many, not the least of which are the regulation of excess cortisol, a reduction in overall stress, increased focus and an immune system booster. Use it daily and use its partner product Primorye Gold before and after workouts.

4. Montmorency Concentrated Cherry Juice – This product is also a new discovery for us. It is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and contains naturally occurring melatonin, which helps with sleep and is a brain anti-oxidant.

5. Vega Health Optimizer – Our favorite protein powder. Developed by Brendon Brazier, a vegan triathlete, this product contains the correct amount and balance of the various proteins required to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. It is available in a variety of flavors.

6. Oxyfresh Foundation Formula – This is our favorite comprehensive daily multivitamin and mineral packet. It not only contains 3 multivitamin capsules, but omega-3, vitamin E, antioxidant and digestive enzyme capsules as well. It contains the best types of nutrients and the most optimal amounts and combination of nutrients for athletes. For endurance and elite athletes, we recommend 2 packets a day. Capsules are packaged in very convenient packets for easy transport while on the road.

7. Vega Sport Performance Optimizer – Fantastic electrolyte and energy powder easily added to water. Comes in a variety of flavors.

8. Oxyfresh Joint Formula – Best new product of 2009. This product was introduced by Oxyfresh last year and is the best joint formula we have come across to date. This scientifically proven formula is formulated to start repairing joints and relieving pain within 30 days. It reduces joint discomfort, restores mobility and flexibility and protects joints from deterioration. Joint Formula contains the patented UC-II, an undenatured  type-II collagen, derived from chicken sternum cartilage.

Shayne states that Budokon is really a “living art.”  He goes on to say that it includes the complete being, “It is your waking and your sleeping, your walking and your sitting, your living and your dying.” Shayne promises that there are no gimmicks with Budokon, there exists only something he calls “The Way.” Despite the fact that “The Way” sounds like an association to a religion or another structured principle, Shayne highlights that it is just a zen way of getting close to your life and is not meant to be taken as enlightenment.

There is a unique philosophy attached to practicing Budokon as a means of connecting spirituality to the physical and mental levels of the art, but it mostly centers on the individual and letting go of attachments and being true to oneself.

There’s three steps to Budokon. Number one, study the practices and do them regularly, keeping a fluid motion within your body and an open communication with your mind.

Second, learn the ten cultivations of Budokon and study the food recommendations in order to attain the highest level of success and to completely bring balance to your health. The cultivations are basic and consist of going from simple and direct to the more complex. Food guidelines are also straightforward and simple to follow by advising against eating or drinking much before practice and sticking with light foods, maintaining a diet of leafy vegetables during the day, eating meat sparingly, staying away from dense foods, and trying to consume only natural sweeteners like honey, agave and stevia.

The third and last step to acquiring full Budokon is to keep a flow going from the relaxing yoga poses to fast moving cardio kicks to the sitting meditation as the final section of a class. Of course, the steps are aquired over time and inexperienced persons aren’t obliged to be graceful immediately.

Try out a class or two and challenge your body to work outside of its comfort zone. Budokon may end up being another fad exercise trend that celebrities will wear out soon, but it is very much gaining strength for now. As long as it makes you feel good, makes your body attain a higher level of fitness, and brings you in closer connection to your spirit, more power to founder Cameron Shayne and the refreshing style called Budokon.

Budokon: Flow & Flexibility Yoga
Budokon: Power & Agility Yoga
Budokon: Strength & Balance Yoga

So I started my investigation and was intrigued with a few of the products I studied. I was looking for products that were homeopathic and safe. The first one I tried showed no noticeable difference. However, the latest one I have been using has had noticeable positive affects which I am happy to share with you.

On only day 3, I went for a run on the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver, British Columbia. It was my first time doing “The Grind” this year. Since keeping track in 2002, I have run the Grind 22 times. I only ran it once last year (in 49:30). For those of you unfamiliar with the Grind, it is a straight ascent with no breaks 853 meters up Grouse Mountain. Its distance of 2.8 kilometers is deceptive as it is a straight vertical climb to the top. It is a fabulous cardio workout which is akin to being on a stair climber at a very difficult setting.

In any case, I couldn’t remember what my previous times were, but I finished it on this day in 43:30. The interesting part to me was that it felt relatively easy. I didn’t feel tired at all. Sure enough, when I returned home and input the times in my computer, I discovered that this was the third fastest time I’ve had since 2002. But it doesn’t end there. When my 3 buddies and I got to the top, we ran down the backside on the old Grouse Mountain Highway Road and I just couldn’t stop running. I was in a zone and it felt like I could run forever. In the end, the total run took me 1:45:00 and I still felt refreshed afterwards.

I can only attribute this to the HGH product which I had started using 3 days prior, since it was the only thing I had changed in my routine.

The product I use is the top recommended product at an hgh review website I visited.

I sure hope my experience continues to be this positive.

1. Exercise. This is a must at all times. During the winter, we’re much more likely to cut back or cut out exercise altogether. Take time at least three to four times a week to get your heart rate up through some form of aerobic exercise. We tend to spend less time outdoors as the weather makes it more difficult to brave the elements. Go to the gym, play hockey or skate, ski or snowboard, or even just walk stairs at lunch.

2. Get more light. It gets dark much earlier in the evening and stays dark much later in the morning. Studies have shown that this can lead to mild to severe depression during the winter. One of the best ways to combat this is to get more sunlight. If you can’t take a vacation to warmer, brighter climates, sit in front of a high watt bulb (250w is good) for 10-20 minutes several times a day if possible.

3. Protect yourself from the cold. If you do need to venture outside, be sure to bundle up. Dress in several layers and always protect yourself with a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf. When coming back inside, allow yourself to warm slowly and wait a few minutes before you remove layers. Have a hearty soup in the evening and oatmeal in the morning to warm your innards. You will find several great recipes on this site.

4. Protect against carbon monoxide. Do you have a carbon monoxide monitor in the house? Be sure to have your fireplace cleaned and your heater checked by a professional (especially if it’s older). This will help protect you against carbon monoxide poisoning, which can make you sick or even kill you.

5. Cut the stress. Holidays can leave us burnt out and more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses. Be sure to keep taking your daily vitamins and include Primorye in your regimen. It will help boost your immune system and relieve stress at the same time. Set some time aside each day for relaxing. Take a warm bath, read your favorite book, or take up yoga.

6. Control your portions. Many of us use eating as a way to combat seasonal depression and the temptation of holiday goodies can help us pack on unhealthy unwanted pounds. Control your portions. Eat a small snack before large meals and bring a healthy snack with you to work or school. Be sure to get some protein and fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal.

7. Visit a naturopath or homeopathic practitioner. Make sure everything is in order physically. The cold winter months provide an indoor breeding ground for the flu and other illnesses. Protect yourself.

8. Wash you hands. Diseases like colds and flu are much more prevalent in the winter because everyone stays inside where they’re more likely to pass around germs. Protect yourself by regularly washing your hands with a natural soap.

9. Everything in moderation. Whether you’re going out for a run, shoveling the driveway, or even going to the gym, don’t push yourself too hard physically. Exercise is good, but you don’t need to do it in excess. Too much activity stresses your body and can pose serious health risks.

10. Take your supplements. Be rigorous and disciplined about taking the big 3: Foundation Formula for overall health insurance & protection, Primorye® for stress relief and immune system support and Lifeshots™ for complete antioxidant protection.