Last Minute Valentine's Gift Guide

Friday Favorites

It's almost Valentine's Day. Here are a few of my favorites!

























1.GU Chomps in Strawberry w/ Caffeine by GU Energy Labs ($
2.S'well Bottle in Cabana ($35)
3.Women's UA Shimmer Tote by Under Armour ($39.99)
4.Hidden Dry 2 in Pink by Balega ($11.00)
5.Garmin Forerunner 10 GPS Watch in Pink ($95)
6.Grid Foam Roller in Pink by TriggerPoint Therapy ($40)
7.Headband in Undersea Crystals  by Victoria's Secret ($12.50)

8.Be Mine by Sticky Be Socks ($15.00)

9.Plus Bar in Energy Chocolate by Greens Plus ($31.95/12 bars)

31.75/ box of 16)

Favorite Posts of the Week

Fitness
When Intuitive Exercise Doesn't Feel Good by Nutrition Nut On The Run
12 minute workout to tone you up by Purely Twins
Write a Manifesto by Jill Conyers
Valentine's Day Total Body Partner Workout by Fitness and Feta

Health
The Benefits of Coffee by Fitness On Toast
How Much Coffee Is Too Much by FitSugar
The Best Plant Based Proteins by FitSugar

Running
What Do You Need To Run For Your First Marathon by NYCRunningMama

Gaiam TV Review

Gaiam TV Review

Gaiam is well known for their association with yoga as well as the myraid of workout products they sell. They are a trusted brand and one that I am familiar with. Gaiam was one of the first yoga videos I watched and fell in love with the flow. So I decided to try their 10 day free trial. The website is set up similar to Netflix. There are different categories: Most Popular, Recently Added, and such. It was easy to navigate around the website. I used the search bar to help me find what I was looking for. After searching for 'yoga,' it allowed you to also advance your search by choosing a length of time, style of yoga, and instructor. I found this to be helpful after I began to find instructors that I enjoyed. There were 1141 videos on yoga, so this feature was very helpful. Gaiam TV also has inspirational videos, spiritual videos, dance and ballet, as well as meditation guides. It provides a great selection for all stages of yoga, whether you are brand new or a spiritual guru. After your 10 day free trial, it costs just $9.95 a month.

You also have the ability to save videos on your playlist. This was a wonderful feature because then I didn't have to keep looking and searching for something I might like. I would spend a few minutes before each video and find a few more I liked, it also helped me stay accountable to finishing their videos. These were the videos that I tried and LOVED:

Kathryn Budig's Aim True Yoga: Authentic Flow

Rachel Wainwright: Ballet Pilates, Pilates Booty, Yoga Pilates Morning Mix

Faith Hunter: Shiva Flow

Kate Kendall Flow Barre: Spicy Buns, Total Body Bliss

Ashley Turner: Strength and Stamina

Pros:

Lots to search from

Great instructors and Sequences

A whole zen experience

My Playlist feature

App accessible from iPhone or Android Tablets

Reasonable price (9.95/mo.)

Cons:

Search Bar was helpful, but could be simplified

Product Review: Portable Pilates Studio

Product Review: Portable Pilates Studio

I was able to try out the Portable Pilates Studio. I was so excited when the brown box was awaiting at my door. I opened it up and assembled it quickly and easily. That night I put in the DVD and completed all three workouts.

What I loved about it was how versatile it was. Sure, its a little big and I probably won't take it to the park, but I can use it standing, sitting, or lying down.

What I really liked about Empower Fitness is the support they have for women. After having a baby, I have been eager to get back into shape. It's not easy, day after day, to find the motivation to stay fit and well. I appreciate their ability to provide products and quick workouts for those of us with little to no time. Even though my love for running can dominate my workout schedule, I love to throw in new things. When I got to try out the Portable Pilates studio, I went online and  found that they have other fun exercise tools.

The other great thing about Empower Fitness is that they have a site for workouts that are available here on their website.

I found that there was a lot this piece of equipment could do. The videos guide you in a routine that has you put the feet in the hoops. The routine was both fun and challenging (I struggled when it came to my hip flexors and my arms were burning.).

It's a little big, but not bulky. I found it to be slimmer than my yoga mat and fit nicely in my mat carrier. It runs for 29.99 plus it comes with a DVD I thought it was pretty reasonable for how much it accomplishes!!

I have used it a few time on my own, and also as a balance bar. It is easy to slip the bands off the ends of the bar. 

Pros:
Great workout
Versatile
Easy to assemble and use
Workouts fun

Cons
Bulky
Can't take it anywhere (like a yoga mat or running shoes)

Sponsored by Empower Fitness. These opinions are my own :)