Staying Hydrated Matters

Are you an athlete who likes to push your body to its limits? Spend a lot of time outdoors, working hard, or on summer adventures? Check out this blog post taken from CamelBak about the importance of hydrating – something most of us could do better. There are some startling facts below!

We stock Nalgene & CamelBak water bottles as well as CamelBak’s hydration packs. Take this part of your health seriously and get the gear & water you need before you head out on adventures this summer.

Hydrating for Sport Performance

Water is the most abundant (and overlooked) element in the body. In fact, experts rank water second only to oxygen as essential for life and say most of us aren’t getting enough water. Whether you’re just starting out with an exercise plan or you’re a highly trained athlete, we’ve got some quick tips to help you understand the importance of hydration on your performance.

The importance of pre-hydration before your workout or event:

  • The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 14-20 ounces of fluid 2 hours before exercise to make sure you’re adequately hydrated.
  • Athletes who are dehydrated when they start competing don’t perform as well. Why? Starting your workout dehydrated reduces the amount of fluid circulating in your bloodstream and bathing your body’s cells. Less circulating fluid makes your heart work harder during exercise, drives up your heat production, and limits your body’s ability to cool itself. Increased body temperature also affects your mental performance.
  • According to the ACSM, being dehydrated by more than 2% of body weight can significantly affect performance.
  • Drinking water regulates your body temperature. That means you’ll feel more energetic when exercising. Water also helps fuel your muscles.

Why you need to stay hydrated during exercise:

  • In a dehydrated state, your muscles fatigue and may develop cramps.
  • Hydration keeps your heart rate lower, longer.
  • Both aerobic and endurance activities are affected, performance worsens in a hot environment and as dehydration increases.
  • Hydration keeps you from overheating. As you exercise, your muscles generate heat. The body dissipates this heat through sweat, and as the sweat evaporates, it cools the tissues beneath. Since sweat is made up of about 95% water, you need water in order to sweat normally.
  • Water acts as a lubricant for muscles and joints and it helps cushion joints to keep muscles working properly.
  • Approximately 70-75% of muscle is made up of water, so maintaining the right water balance is necessary for peak muscle performance.
  • Athlete studies show a 1% loss in body fluid will slow you down 2%.

Don’t stop there! Be sure to stay hydrated after, too!

  • Proper hydration has been shown to relieve back and joint pain for as many as 80% of sufferers.
  • Wake up! Dehydration is the #1 cause for afternoon fatigue.
  • By the time you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
  • Hydrated skin looks younger: Your skin is the first place to lose water.
  • Water delivers the nutrients your body needs – never run on empty.

It’s Personal

Since 1949, it’s been personal.

Our family-owned shop is a place full of nostalgia and pride and we’re here to serve you.  With our team of outdoor enthusiasts we personally select the equipment, clothes and shoes we offer. The coolest gear, engineered to perform and inspire.  And we understand your hard-earned money and valuable time matter.  We get it.

1949, Our first storefront at 212 Scott Street.
1970’s store front, 324 Scott Street The events we host and support make a difference in our community.  We do business in a historic building in a charming downtown in the beautiful North Woods.

Leaders of the most respected outdoor brands from around the world are our friends.  Their brands are transparent.  Committed to the environment and fair trade.  These relationships help us to know the ins and outs of the outdoor industry like no one else you might shop with.

Robb and Steve Poulin, President and CEO of Swix Sport USA
Theresa and Klaus Obermeyer, founder of Obermeyer Sports.

We feel fortunate to have 70+ years experience to guide us as we serve you, personally.

Spring at Shep’s – Freshen Up with New Sportswear!

At Shep’s, we’re not just about winter! Come spring, we flip the store and offer you the greatest summer outdoor equipment, performance & trending apparel and accessories to get you set for the fun months ahead. Whether you like to wake surf or sunbathe, kayak or disc golf, we’ve got you covered.

Customers come in and rave about the sportswear we have for men and women. Here are some highlights of things we know you won’t want to miss.

PrAna – apparel, yoga mats, purses & accessories – styles for the yoga mat and styles for the streets (think denim, skirts, lace trimmed tops, and more!) Men, we didn’t forget about you. Soft, quick drying tees & shorts, lightweight jackets & plaid tops will have you looking good for your summer outings too. (We do have yoga specific pieces for men who participate!)

Kavu – apparel for men and women who appreciate laid back style, organic fabrics and fun fashion.

Teva Footwear – men and women have been asking for it, so we brought it in. You’ll find their classic Mush II flip flops (everyone needs a pair… or two), women’s Owowahu flips, as well as supportive sandals for summer adventures, and lightweight multi-sport shoes that are great for water activities!

Salomon Footwear – we’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about our new trail running collection from Salomon shoes – brights colors and solid sole construction bring our friends back for more. These door-to-trail shoes can be worn casually or on your spring hikes & runs. Stop in and check out their technical features and try a pair on for yourself.

Patagonia Sportswear – women, we have pieces to make you melt, as well as rainwear to keep you dry & ready wherever this summer takes you. Looking for a new go-to casual dress for hitting the farmers market, or something a little classier for a wedding in July? Maybe some skinny denim to pair with a cute tank? Stop in – we think you’ll find it here. Men will find fresh new takes on summer weight tops, plaids, tee’s, board shorts, bright rainwear, and more!

Kuhl Sportswear – They never fail with their classic, lovable styles. If you’ve liked it before, you’ll like it now. Sporty and fashionable looks are on our walls from Kuhl. (Never forget their bottoms – it’s what they’re known for. We have shorts in multiple lengths, convertible pants, and their classic pants.) No more sacrificing comfort for looks – they do both.

Swimwear – it’s here, and it’s not just for swimming laps! We have a variety of cuts for women; from sporty racerback, classic bikini, or tankini tops, with bottoms in shapes that will work for you. Patagonia and PrAna have patterns & colors you ladies will love. Men will be comfortable in stretch board shorts from Patagonia, too!

Dakine Handbags – classic styles, quilted fronts, artist collections, laptop bags, and more! Find the right purse for you in our variety of shapes & styles. Complete your outfit or be ready for your summer trip with the best accessories for looks and function.

Buff Headbands –  If you’ve worn em you’ve loved em. The original multifunction headwear can be worn in 16 different ways. Not just for winter – our lightweight UV protective bands are perfect for summer sports & activities. Worn as bike helmet liners, sweat bands, or hair bands, these Buffs will help you perform to your max.

And this is just a sample! As always, our summer store is stocked with:

Bikes, helmets & accessories
Kayaks, paddles & vests
Wakeboard & waterskis, wake surfs, knee boards, tubes, vests, ropes & gloves
Tennis racquets, shoes, bags, accessories & apparel
Tents, sleeping bags, hiking packs, camping accessories & food
Disc Golf discs, baskets, bags, and frisbees
Sun protection lotions and sprays for every activity
Water bottles & hydration packs
Summer games & toys, sunglasses, jewelry and gadgets
… and there’s always something extra. 🙂

A Wheel of a Deal for Your Graduate

Do you have a high school, college or other graduate on your shopping list this Spring?  How about a new Bike for the road to their new adventure?

Buy a Bike at Shep’s sale price and get *$25 in free bike accessories, a FREE 30-day Check up and FREE 1-year Tune-up!  Road bikes, Mountain Bikes, Comfort and BMX bikes are all included.  Of course we’ll install the computer, basket, rack, lights or other gear you select for free.

Want more than $25 in accessories? We’ll give you 20% off the additional items you select (beyond the $25 items).

Choose from our extensive selection of locks, computers, lights, baskets, pumps, saddles, bags, fenders, helmets and much, much more.  Shep’s is Wausau’s bike shop, and we think graduation is worth celebrating.  You’ve earned it!

Is your graduate off to new locals? We can pack and ship your new bike too.  Just ask.

Bring your graduation announcement or invitation to qualify for this special offer and we’ll help you choose the perfect bike for your graduate.

Offer ends June 30, 2014

*$25 free bike accessories must be selected from in-stock inventory and will be calculated at retail price.  Does not include special-order items.  Sorry, children’s bicycles are not included.

And hey, be sure your younger graduates are ready for the season too.   Have them attend Bicycle Wausau Rodeo & Safety Day, Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Marathon County Public Library

Snow Sports Gear, Outdoor Clothing and Your Spring Cleaning List

Sad as it may make you, the snow will eventually melt here in Wausau (Wisconsin’s winter wonderland) and it will be time to put your technical outerwear and ski equipment into storage. Prepare your gear properly and you’ll reap the benefits of long life and premium performance.

Washing your jacket, pants or other outdoor apparel is important to the long life of your garment and is just as easy as washing your other laundry.  Just follow the care label on your outerwear which is specific to your garment (and related to any warranty that may be in

Care labels are fun to read. No, really!

place), avoiding common detergents like Tide, Cheer, Gain, All, etc. which are too harsh for your technical outerwear. They’re great at getting stains out, but just as ruthless in their treatment of waterproofing materials.

You can get your favorite clothing clean at home without disturbing the DWR (durable water repellent) coating or clogging the waterproof/breathable membrane (commonly referred to as Goretex), which can be destroyed by dry cleaning, by using non-detergent soaps made specifically for technical gear.  And you can do it with confidence that the environment won’t be a casualty of your spring cleaning efforts.  Pick a liquid, free-rinsing soap to use on your garment. Do not use powder detergents which will clog the pores of your waterproof breathable membrane in your jacket or pant, and steer clear of products with surfactants, detergents, bleaches, softeners, conditioners, or perfumes which can contain waxes or oils or can be hydrophilic, or water-absorbing, which is the opposite of what you paid for when you bought your outerwear.

Our favorite is Tech Wash, which maintains the breathability and original water repellency of your outdoor clothing and can be used in your washing machine or sink. ( Another great choice is Granger’s G-Wash Cleaner.)

Nikwax, the maker of Tech Wash, also makes waterproofing products for any garments that have lost their water repellency or never had it in the first place.

Nikwax TX-Direct restores waterproof/breathable coatings on clothing and gear.
Nikwax Tech Wash can be used in your machine or when washing by hand.

You’ll find spray-on or wash-in waterproofing solutions, treatments for fabric, leather and shoes, and more.  Shep’s carries Nikwax year round for your snow clothing, fleece garments, bags, raingear, tents, and more. Remember to read the label on your gear!

 

Now, what to do with your skis or snowboard when the chairlifts stop turning?  Proper storage is easy and will make a difference in the performance you see and feel next season.

It starts with a professional tune-up, like the 10-step stone grind and storage hand-wax we offer at Shep’s.  But if you tune your own equipment or can’t get to a local shop consider doing the following:

  1. Make sure all rust is removed from the edges of your skis or board.  (This can be avoided if you wipe the edges off when you come off the hill each day.)
  2. Once your edges are clean, remove the wax from your bases.  Shep’s stocks Swix base cleaner for this purpose.
  3. With a clean base and smooth edges, and using a hot iron made especially for this purpose, generously apply storage wax, covering the edges.  When the wax is cool and set, leave it alone.  It will protect your edges and bases during the off-season.  The storage wax should be scraped off and removed again when your next ski season begins.
  4. Visually inspect your bindings.  Snowboard bindings are full of parts that like to work loose over time and are notorious for causing missed runs during the season due to missing straps.  Check that you are not missing any screws, washers, nuts or straps and replace them.  (Hint: check these before or after each outing during the season too!)  For their safety skiers are urged to leave all binding work to a certified technician who is trained and tested by the binding manufacturer each season.
  5. Store your board and skis in a well-ventilated space, away from direct light.  Avoid the garage.
  6. If you must keep your skis or board in a garage, hand them on a wall or place a carpet square or even cardboard underneath to reduce the growth of rust due to moisture moving up from the cement.

    You may not have drool-worthy storage like this, but try to keep your gear in a well ventilated space and take care to avoid rust and damage from UV light.

Shepherd & Schaller Sporting Goods offers free summer ski and board storage when you purchase a complete tune-up.  We will treat your edges and bases to a new finish, store them in “winter wax” which to them is like a month at the spa, and have them freshly waxed, scraped and ready for you come fall.  In addition, we can set your bindings for the new season, all while leaving you room in your closet for your water skis and wakeboard!  It is good practice to have your ski and snowboard bindings inspected by a certified tech at the beginning of each season.  Any time your equipment is not used for a stretch of time there is risk that moving parts become unhealthy.  You also need your ski bindings adjusted each season because even if your height, weight, ability and boot sole length stay the same, your age changes, and all are calculated together to arrive at the proper setting formula.  

We’d love to help you select brand new equipment each season, but a little TLC and proper cleaning and storage will keep your gear healthy and money in your pocket for that special purchase when the time is right, instead of replacing gear you ruined accidentally.

Call us if you’re not sure how to care for any of your sporting equipment.  We’re here to help! 715-845-5432