Health and Wellness



photo by Juan Miranda, Chivas USA

 Zach Thornton, founder of the ‘Smart Guy’ Movement knows that taking good care of your body is part of being a ‘smart guy’.  He also knows that his health is crucial to his ability to perform his job as a professional athlete, and so he takes his health and fitness very seriously.  Zach has been playing professional soccer since being drafted in the MLS’s inaugural draft in 1996. You can find Zach’s name on almost every ‘All-Time’ accomplishments list associated with goalkeepers in the MLS.  Prior to playing professionally, he played soccer and lacrosse at Loyola-Maryland where he was an All-American in lacrosse and earned entrance into the school’s Hall of Fame.

Regular physical activity provides enormous health benefits. Research shows that regular exercise helps reduce heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes as well as improve brain chemistry to help reduce depressions.  Consistent exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight which has many benefits of its own. On the other end of the spectrum, health studies that have monitored the health of populations over many years clearly show that inactivity-the lack of exercise, significantly increases the risk of overweight, obesity and chronic diseases.

In addition to the team practices and workouts, Zach rides his bike or goes running two to three times a week and lifts weights.  Zach is quick to recognize his trainer in helping him reach his performance goals.  “Jim Liston with Catz Sports is a great fitness coach. He is incredibly knowledgeable and has really increased my quickness and agility.”

There are many benefits to healthy eating and good nutrition as well. Besides helping to control your body weight, good nutrition gives you extra energy, supports your body while it grows and develops and positively affects your mood. Additionally, there are vitamins and minerals in healthy foods which can boost your immune system and shield you from many common illnesses.  A proper diet is key, but nutritional supplements can help round out a healthy living routine. 

At the end of the 2010 season, Zach began to research nutritional supplements and supports to help him optimize his pre-season training regimen and achieve new personal fitness goals. “I’ve always know that putting the right things in your body was important, but I think it plays an even more crucial role as you get older and are asking your body to do more.”  Zach learned about All Pro Science (APS), an all natural supplement company started by Tony Gonzalez, a 14 year veteran of the NFL, who continues to excel in his sport, earning recognition from his team, peers and the league for being an exception athlete and record breaking tight end.  Zach was impressed with Tony’s accomplishments and longevity and his simple, yet effective plan for optimal health. Zach became an All Pro Science athlete and immediately recognized a difference during his workouts. “I’m using a combination of All Pro Science products. I take three vitamins, the Complete Immune, Complete Daily Vitamin and Complete Omega 3.  All Pro Science’s Recovery, Glutamine and Whey Protein have helped me get stronger by allowing me to recover quickly and continue to push my body to the next level.”

Part of being a ‘Smart Guy’ is making good choices about who you associate with and collaborate with in your life.  “Being an All Pro Science athlete fits right in with my goals for being a good role model.  Being a professional athlete is not just about talent, but a commitment to making good choices for your body so that you can perform on the job.  With the help of APS and my trainer Jim Liston, I’m able to have my body answer the demands I put on it.”

A 'Strong' Smart Guy,

Zach

You can follow Zach's season with Chivas USA at:


 www.cdchivasusa.com

For more information about All Pro Science and their product line go to:


 www.allproscience.com