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Wilderness Athlete - Company Profile
By Tim Fisher - Wilderness Athlete COO/Sales Manager
Huntin’ Fool Magazine September 2007
Huntin’ Fool Editor’s Notes
Finally, high energy stuff that tastes good! You gotta love the guys at Wilderness Athlete for producing a variety of products from granolatype bars to drink mixes that provide the energy, minerals, and vitamins you need on physically demanding hunts. Jason and I just returned from a Dall sheep hunt in the Yukon and Wilderness Athlete products kept us going on a 17 hour trek out of the bush on only 3 hours of sleep! Wilderness Athlete products may be the edge you need on your next demanding hunt.
—Garth
If you are ever hunting elk in the Gila or southern Rockies don’t be surprised if you hear stories of a “Mountain of a Man” that travels those same beautiful ranges. His name is Mark Paulsen. He stands 6' 5" and weighs 260 pounds, but moves with the strength and grace of a person half his age and size. Mark will say to those who truly want to hunt until they are 100 years old, “The most important piece of equipment you own…is you!”
Mark Paulsen is the strength and fitness coach at the University of New Mexico. Mark graduated from the University of Kansas in 1981 with a B.S. degree in Education. While at K.U. Mark was a discus thrower and captain of the track team which captured the Big Eight Conference Title. He also played as a tight end on the Jayhawks’ Hall of Fame Bowl football team. Despite playing only 1 year of college football, Mark signed with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League.
Mark was named National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the year in 1997, as awarded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Mark was one of the first 16 inductees to receive the honor and title of Master Strength and Conditioning Coach as awarded by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association. Currently there are only 38 coaches worldwide designated as Master Strength coaches.
In 1987 Mark left the sandy shores of Long Beach, California where he was employed at Long Beach State and moved to the mountains of New Mexico. Mark has always had a passion for hunting and fishing so New Mexico seemed like a nice stopover on his way to becoming a strength and conditioning coach in the NFL. But, something happened the fall of 1987 that would impact his life forever.
Along with a friend he had met earlier that summer, Mark went into the Gila to bow hunt and heard his first screaming bull. It stood less than 60 yards away thrashing, snorting, and screaming at a decibel Mark never imagined possible. On that fateful October day, Mark got hooked on the Gila. Twenty years, one gorgeous wife, and four children later, he still gets butterflies in his stomach just thinking about his next hunt.
Mark released his first Wilderness Athlete fitness video in 1993 by the request of many hunters who spent thousands of dollars to come out and kill an elk, sheep, antelope, or deer but found out the hard way that they weren’t in good enough shape when they were on the hunt. Mark continues his pioneering work with outdoor athletes’ physical, mental, and nutritional needs.
In 2005, while hunting with a group from the Midwest, Mark pulled out a nutrient bar and started to fuel his tank. One of the visiting members asked him where he got the “candy bars.” Mark gave them a taste. “Where can we get these?” asked one person from the hunting party. Mark’s response, “Well, you really can’t get them. These are specifically made for world class and professional athletes.”
The light came on in Mark’s nourished brain and he asked himself, “Why hasn't the science of mainstream sports nutrition been applied to the specific needs of the outdoor athlete? After all, there are no locker rooms or timeouts in the backcountry.” Mark’s relationships with top performance nutritionists enabled him to answer his own question by launching Wilderness Athlete™, the nutritional authority for enhancing the outdoor experience.
Mark’s Team
Mark put together a management team that consists of renowned strength, fitness, and rehabilitation coaches, knowledgeable product formulators, and experienced suppliers. Further, each owner is an avid outdoorsmen and former competitive mainstream athlete.
WA’s product development team also consists of experienced national and international formulators and biochemists who work with world-class amateur athletes, professional athletes, Olympic athletes, top hunters, tournament fishermen, and extreme adventure race teams. This elite group has more than 90 years of combined expertise in nutrition, energy, and dietary supplementation.
Harry Preuss, M.D., M.A.C.N., C.N.S.
Dr. Preuss is a Professor of Physiology, Medicine & Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, ninth Master of the American College of Nutrition (MACN), a former Established Investigator of the American Heart Association, and a member of the Board of Directors American Association for Health Freedom (AAHF). He is a Past President of the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CNS), Past President of the American College of Nutrition, past member three NIH councils, and a member National Cholesterol Education Program. Dr. Preuss has authored or edited more than 375 medical publications: the nutrition section of the Encyclopedia Americana, and ten books including “The Prostate Cure,” “Maitake Magic”, “and “The Natural Fat Loss Pharmacy.” His degree in Medicine is from Cornell Medical College with special research and clinical training at Vanderbilt University, Georgetown University, and the NIH. He is the recipient of the James Lind Award for excellence in nutritional research, the William B. Peck Award for excellence in medical research, the Bieber Award, and the Ragus Award for the best research article of 2006 in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
High Energy Bars
Wilderness Athlete’s Performance Bars are unquestionably the best tasting and healthiest energy bars ever made. These chewy, high protein bars are made entirely with natural, organic ingredients providing both immediate and time released energy. Performance bars are available individually or in 15 count boxes and come in Peanut Butter Crunch, Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl, Mountain Berry Granola, and Chocolate Almond Crunch.
WA Performance Bars use a unique organic agave syrup which contains naturally nutritious monosaccharides and complex carbohydrates for quick gastric emptying with immediate and sustained energy. WA uses an organic peanut butter which is high in monounsaturated fats for a healthy, long-acting energy source.
WA uses premium whey protein isolates for superior amino acid profiles and easy digestibility. Oxygen enhancers are included to increase oxygen uptake and utilization thereby assisting in cellular energy production. This is a unique feature of WA, not found in any other bar in the marketplace.
WA Performance Bars are a complete meal fortified with pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals to ensure maximum metabolic function. They work great as a quick “pick-me up” or as a meal replacement for those “on the run.” Each bar contains a complete array of nutrients needed for human physiology.
For added nutritional and consumer value, every WA Performance Bar contains a full 1,000mg of the natural anti-inflammatory nutrient glucosamine. Glucosamine helps hold moisture in joints and is involved in the production and maintenance of cartilage. This makes for smooth movement of joints and helps reduce friction in these tissues that could otherwise cause inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.
Antioxidant nutrients, provided by Oolong Tea extract, Vitamin C, natural Vitamin E, and beta-carotene, help protect the body from free-radical damage induced from prolonged physical activity.
With the best quality whey protein containing key amino acids for muscle integrity and immune function, and 240 gluten-free calories to fuel outdoor activities, the Wilderness Athlete Energy Bar is the healthiest and most convenient way to get what your body needs. It “Gets you to the Game and Keeps you in the Game.”
Bars are packaged in the industry’s highest quality wrapping material, insuring the best seal and longest shelf life.
Energy Gels
Wilderness Athlete Energy Gels are specifically formulated to give an immediate shot of energy when it’s needed most. These are a pure form of fast-combustion, “high-octane” fuel. Long-chain maltodextrin carbohydrates in the gel are quickly broken down and absorbed in the digestive tract, and are then utilized to give peak energy for up to 1 hour.
Wilderness Athlete Energy Gels also provide three essential branched chain amino acids – leucine, valine, and isoleucine – which are used both in energy production and in muscle repair. Golden Root extract is included in the formula to assist in the uptake and transport of oxygen, which in turn, supports the efficient production of cellular energy. The gels further contain Energy Smart™, a delicious and healthy all-natural blend of fruit juice and complex carbohydrates. Wilderness Athlete Energy Gels are specially formulated with oxygen enhancers, complex carbohydrates, natural energy blend, and three essential amino acids are quickly digested to enhance physical endurance and capabilities. Convenient to carry and consume, Wilderness Athlete Energy Gels come in two distinct flavors Mountain Berry and Mountain Mocha, both in a 12 count box.
With over 85% of all studies focusing on the use of caffeine among athletes demonstrating that this naturally-occurring compound offers significant contributions to energy, the Mountain Mocha Energy Gel helps provide the “caffeine advantage.” In controlled amounts, natural caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increases the release of noradrenaline, and facilitates the use of body fat as fuel. The amount of caffeine in each packet of Mountain Mocha Energy Gel is equal to about a 1⁄2 cup of coffee.
Mountain Berry has all the powerful characteristics of Mountain Mocha except that it is caffeine-free. A Mountain Berry puree gives the gel a sweet, satisfying natural flavor without the processed sugars found in many other energy gels
Energy & Focus Drink
Wilderness Athlete Energy & Focus Mango Bango Energy Drink is a cutting edge formulation that contains an essential mixture of ingredients which increase mental and physical energy. This scientifically-formulated drink provides a precise blend of natural neuroactive compounds, metabolic coenzymes, vitamins (featuring Vitamin B6 and B12), minerals, amino acids, and botanical phytonutrients for keen mental activity and clarity. This proprietary formulation effectively supports cellular energy production while initiating and sustaining mental focus. Formulated for the U.S. Olympic Archery Team and Olympic Biathletes, it is now used by thousands of professional and world-class athletes. The family of nutrients in the Wilderness Athlete Energy & Focus drink mix function in concert to provide a healthy, balanced and effective source of energy that won't overburden, overstimulate, or deplete your metabolism like most energy drinks on the market. Wilderness Athlete Energy & Focus Mango Bango is available in a 30 serving value tub or 12 pocket-sized pouches per box.
Hydrate & Recover Drink
Wilderness Athlete Hydrate & Recover Berry Blast Drink is formulated to optimal isotonic strength for quick gastric emptying and fast and effective rehydration. Exclusive Citriquin™ and Hydralose™ components actually speed up absorption of fluids, effectively rehydrating tissues faster than drinking just plain water. These unique ingredients contain a sequential carbohydrate profile of citrates, glucose polymers, and fructose for sustained energy to assist in recovery.
Fluids are generally one of the most overlooked nutrients in the diet. Lack of adequate fluid consumption is common and leads to varying degrees of dehydration. This is especially prevalent during prolonged or strenuous activity and causes premature fatigue, restlessness, and a loss of mental focus. Adding to the problem is the fact that thirst is a poor indicator of the body’s need for fluids, occurring only after dehydration has already set in. Consequently, one must be proactive in their consumption of fluids. It quickly rehydrates and optimizes oxygen uptake while providing advanced electrolyte replacement for fast recovery and optimal metabolic efficiency.
Hydrate & Recover drink mix also contains a full 1,000mg of Vitamin C, 250mg of the anti-inflammatory glucosamine and antioxidant, ingredients that are particularly needed by physically active individuals. It further provides metabolic cofactors essential for optimum energy production. These nutrients are simply not found in other rehydration drinks such as Gatorade™ or Powerade™. It provides a precisely balanced mineral and electrolyte composition to replenish vital nutrients and maintain peak metabolism during prolonged activities such as hiking, carrying decoys, hauling game, climbing in and out of a stand, or casting for long periods of time. When the body is losing fluids, it not only hydrates but also helps maintain tissue hydration for the next outing helping maintain the highest metabolic efficiency. Take before, during, and after activity or exposure to heat and sun. Wilderness Athlete Hydrate & Recover Berry Blast is available in a 60 serving value tub or 16 pocket-sized pouches per box.
Multi-Vitamin
WA Multi-Vitamin's are pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals help protect your body each and every day from the inside out. The multi-vitamin's help form an internal metabolic shield by supplying vital micronutrients necessary for optimum physiologic energy. They provide a daily arsenal of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants specially formulated for the needs of the outdoor athlete, such as increased vision, hearing, and overall body function.
A recent study, published in the Western Journal of Medicine, showed a correlation between vitamin intake, prevention, and health care costs. The research team studied the effect of vitamin intake on the relative risk estimates for birth defects, premature birth, and coronary heart disease to estimate potential annual cost reductions in U.S. hospitalization charges. Amazingly, nearly $20 billion in hospital charges were potentially avoidable with daily use of folic acid and zinc-containing multivitamins by all women of childbearing age and daily Vitamin E supplementation by those over the age of 50.
A good multi-vitamin with pharmaceutical grade vitamins and minerals accompanied with high quality herbs can give you reassurance that you are obtaining the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals needed for good health. Whatever your specific nutritional needs are, WA Multi-vitamin should be the foundation of any nutritional supplement or vitamin regimen and will significantly increase the effectiveness of the other supplements you take. Protect yourself from the inside out with Wilderness Athlete Multi-Vitamins.
Altitude Advantage™
Altitude Advantage™ helps alleviate the uncomfortable and sometimes life-threatening symptoms that result from your body and brain not being acclimated to higher altitudes. If you're visiting a high altitude environment Altitude Advantage™ can help you maintain normal oxygen levels while maximizing energy, endurance, and athletic performance. Altitude Advantage’s™ unique herbal formulation combines ancient herbal remedies with modern nutritional science creating a powerful supplement designed specifically for high altitude and oxygen challenged environments. Altitude Advantage™ improves circulation, reduces body swelling, lessens lactic acid build up, and lessens fatigue. We have learned from the ancient Himalayan Sherpa’s as well as modern herbal science. Ingredients Vitamin C & E, Ginkgo biloba extract, Altimate™ Complex (Reishi Extract, Golden Root Extract, Schizandra Extract, Grape Seed Extract).
Wilderness Athlete is dedicated not only to the preservation of hunting and fishing habitat but also to the preservation of human health and wellness. This is a company that donates 10% to wildlife. You can get more information on Wilderness Athlete at www.WildernessAthlete.com or call 800-752-0133.
As Mark says, “You may have the best bow, best camo, best calls, best arrows, best optics, but, if you can’t make it up the hill what good are they?”
Remember, “The most important piece of equipment you own... is you!”
