Pages

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Book Review: FIT2FAT2FIT

Book Review: FIT2FAT2FIT

























This book title alone holds the reader captivated. The icon of a muscular build increasing in size and then toning out again, is a snapshot of what this book is a bout. Drew Manning, a personal trainer describes his frustrations with clients of his that would sign up to 'make a change,' in their life and after a few short sessions never return and give up. Manning describes a personal experience when he was training a family member of his. This client was doing well and at a family gathering Manning witnesses his client indulging a bit too much in the food, beginning a downward spiral of unhealthy eating soon leading to unhealthy living. One may read this book and see Manning as too hardcore, a tyrant against the food industry. But as the book continues and Manning decides for himself to gain weight and see IS it really THAT hard to start a workout program when you have distanced yourself from training and the gym. Mannine stops exercising and eating healthy and over the course of 6 months gains 75 lbs. He describes himself as tired, apathetic, and depressed. With gaining so much weight, Manning finds himself sabotages his healthy attempts throughout the day:

"I can't do it, it hurts."
"Food will make me feel better."
"I'm too tired to workout."
"I can't do it, it hurts."


My favorite part in the book is a chapter that is written by his wife. She not only sees how it affects Manning, her husband, but herself and their family.

"Don't judge me until you've walked  a mile in my shoes."




 photo signature.png

Monday, February 9, 2015

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










 photo signature.png

Friday, February 6, 2015

Friday Favorites

Friday Favorites






































1.Seamless Long Sleeve Tee by Victoria's Secret by (56.50)
2.Lululemon Wunder Under Pant Full-On Luon In Garden Party (59/00)
3.Stay Gold, Leggings by Albion Fit (78.00)
4.Wanderlove Hot Pant by Teeki (72.00)
5.Seamless Reversible Sport Bra by Victoria's Secret (39.50)
6.Goddess Ribbed Legging by Alo Yoga (94)
7.Flatter Me, Wine Hoodie by Albion Fit (68.00)
8.Knockout by Victoria Secret Capri (66.50)


Here are also some of my favorite posts this week:


Running
How to Run a Sub-30 min 5k or Sub 60 min 10k by Another Mother Runner
Key Nutrients for Marathon Training by Carrots N Cake
It's Scientifically Proven: Slow, Short Jogs Are Better For You by FitsSugar

Fitness
Staying On Track With An App by Dance, Flow, Lift
Flowing Bodyweight Workout Circuit by Pumps and Iron
Valentine's Workout Mix by Fitnessista
Lower Body Workout by Working Out &Eating In
Legs+ Arms+ Abs Bootcamp Workout by Peanut Butter Fingers

Health
The Easiest Raw Chocolate Pudding by Fitnessista
How Eating Red Can Help Your Heart by FitSugar




 photo signature.png

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Product Review: WIN Detergent


Product Review: WIN Detergent


 I've immersed myself into the health and fitness industry to find what are the best products. When looking for products to add to my household, fitness routine, or diet, I first look to see how organic or environmentally sound the product is. While this is the first thing I seire, price it what will make me make the purchase. Fitness doesn't have to be a luxury, however, it sometimes seems that way when you add up workout clothes, products, gym membership, and all the gadgets and gizmos. Luckily, WIN Detergent won't ruin your carbon footprint or put a dent in your wallet.

I  never wash my workout clothes separately from my casual wear because I don't typically sweat a ton, but there is that occasional odor that lingers from a sweaty run or overactive day. So I was eager to try this product and see it it stood up to their logo: Sweat Hard Smell Great. And I have to say, they are right. WIN detergent does a quality job creating a product for everyone, they have created two products. Their blue product is their general cleaner. It has a nice clean  scent, one that is not overpowering and cleans well. I saw no color fading when using this detergent and my clothes have held up well. Their WIN GREEN detergent is what  they should be known for, it has a yellow rating on the Whole Food Eco Scale , is septic safe and approved for HE (High Efficiency) washers. As I mentioned above, I try to be as environmentally safe as I can and often use EWG (Environmental Workers Group) or something similar to see their environmental rating. I find this especially important for items that will be put on your skin, like sunscreen, makeup, or detergents.

WIN detergent is also made in the USA and the bottles are made from recycled plastic.

Pros:
Good environmental rating
Affordable
Cleans products well
Not overly fragrant
Made in the USA
Two options
Colors stay bright

Cons:
None :)
 photo signature.png

I received these products compliments of WIN and SweatPink. All opinions are my own.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Book Review: SPARTAN UP!

Book Review: Spartan Up!


Spartan races were introduced to me while watching Extreme Weight Loss with Chris Powell. That show is so inspiring, especially an episode when a contestant went through a Spartan race. I felt a sense of pride and immediately wanted to know more about this Spartan lifestyle. Once Spartan UP! came out, I was expecting it to filled with intense dieting and exercise routine. but that is not what this book is about. Spartan UP! describes the unfolding of what is now known as the Spartan nation. De Sena talks about his desire for adventure and how we all have a sense of wanting to explore and challenge ourselves. The book is full of participant's inspiring stories and quotes, while also empowering the reader to challenge their current state of life.
(Borrowed from Spartan.com)

I highly recommend this book, it really has a great message of striving for and achieving greatness.





 photo signature.png



All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Friday, January 30, 2015

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 :)


 photo signature.png

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Taste Test: Skinnytaste Three Cheese Zucchini Stuffed Lasagna Rolls




 (Skinnytaste)                                                        (Mine)



I found this recipe on Pinterest and was so curious to try it. I had never made lasagna prior to this recipe. As a healthy eater myself, I imagined this would be the best recipe for my family, and it was a instant favorite. Even though it is vegetarian, it packs a lot of cheese which is filling enough and sure to satisfy those carnivores. There were many things that I enjoyed about this recipe. First, it allows you to makes things in steps and prepare ahead. As a momma of a toddler, it makes it easy to prepare the filling ahead of time as well as boiling the Lasagna noodles. Secondly, though this recipe has many steps they are very simple and easy. Lastly, you can make an additional batch to freeze (Directions found here).


I also made her Creamy Cauliflower Puree recipe for dinner as well. 


Pros:
Easy
Simple
Delicious
Vegetarian
Filling
Freezable

Cons:
No Meat


 photo signature.png