Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Return to Exercising and Sexy Sporting Wear


It's nearly midnight, and with nothing else to do, I thought I would write a short rambling, which is more or less an update on my weight loss journey. Well, thanks to many setbacks this year that I won't list here, I am currently back at square one. I haven't gained any weight over the last few months, but I haven't lost any weight either. I'm bouncing back and forth from 218 to 222. My diet is mostly healthy, minus the occasional diet soda, so that's not the problem. My main issue is finding the motivation to exercise, which I have been lacking. In the past, when I had exercised 30 minutes to an hour for 6 to 7 days a week, I dropped the pounds quickly, but I get distracted and fall off course. And jumping back into exercising isn't an easy thing to do. However, it's something that I'm going to have to force myself to do in the early mornings.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

I'm Going To Be Starting a Ketogenic Diet!





After recovering from having the flu for nearly two weeks, followed by a bad sore throat, I'm now wanting to kick-start my body back into shape. Or just lose several much needed pounds that I've gained since last Halloween. I'm been reading up on ketogenic diet, which is basically a low-carb diet, and I believe that's the prefect route for me. However, before I start the actually diet, I'm going to test out my body's ketones levels by going on a ketogenic fast. 

While I'm on this fast (which will probably be only 3 days), I'm going to be taking the Keto Fast Supplement Powder (retails for $56.95). The powder is mostly Beta-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB) Salts, which is used for fat burning and weight loss.

There are 10 servings (scoop) per container and each serving has only 35 calories. There are no sugars or fats in it. The powder contains 819mg of Calcium (from BHB Salt), 175mg of Sodium (from Sodium BHB Salt), 250mg of Stevia Extract, and 11,700mg of Ketone Fuel Intricate (Calcium  Beta-Hydroxybutyrate, Sodium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate). There are no caffeine or stimulants in it.



Final Thoughts

Saturday, September 23, 2017

Product Review: Dacian CrossFit Leather Gloves



Early during the week, I received a neat pair of CrossFit Leather Gloves in the mail to test out and review.

What exactly are CrossFit gloves?

CrossFit gloves cover the palm-side of your hands, protecting them from being scuffed up or injured when you're doing a Cross-Fit-style workout.

The CrossFit Leather Gloves that were sent to me are made by Dacian. The pair of gloves retails for $42.97, but are currently priced at $15.97 at: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073D3MK48/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B073D3MK48&linkCode=as2&tag=dacian-20&linkId=96b3a7956c8d0e445fd4893d4fa86487


The gloves are made from thin top genunine leather and high-quality, anti-sweat neoprene. It's wear resistant and has an anti-skid function. It also features Velcro wrist wraps, which will keep the gloves secure during your workouts.

While the gloves are made for CrossFit workouts, they can also be used for gymnastics, weightlifting, and other exercises.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Product Review: Super Mass Gainer: Chocolate Cake Batter


It seems protein mixes and shakes are becoming more and more popular, even in a small Midwest town. On countless occasions, I have seen men and women with big containers of protein mixes in their shopping carts.

Anyhow, in early October I was sent a 12 lbs bag of Super Mass Gainer: Chocolate Cake Batter from DYMATIZE Nutrition. The 12 lb bag retails for $51.44 on Amazon.com. It's also available in 6 lb bags, and a several different flavors (chocolate mint, cookie & cream, rich chocolate, sugar cookie, vanilla, gourmet vanilla, and strawberry.).

Each serving (2 heaping scoops) contains 1,900 calories, 83 grams of protein, 17 grams of BCAAs, and 7.7 grams of Leucine. You can either mix it with 24 to 32 ounces of water or milk.

It's basically meant to be a meal replacement, but you can decrease the serving amount to one scoop if the 1,900 calories are too much for you.


Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Product Review: VasogenXT Powder




Whether your bodybuilding, training for an athletic event, or if your just trying to get into shape, herbal supplements can come in handy, especially the ones that can help decrease recovery time and aid in muscle building.

Recently, I was sent a 7.25oz container of VasogenXT Powder from VMI Sports (retails at $38.99). It's currently available in three flavors: Tigers Blood, Hawaiian Pump, and Mali-Blu Berry Breeze.

Unlike other vasodilator products, VasogenXT doesn't contain Arginine, but instead it has clinically studied herbal compounds. It's meant to hydrate your muscles, give a Nitric Oxide boost, and make your muscles swell while you're pumping iron. It will also increase blood flow and increase strength and endurance.


Each serving (30 servings per container) contains:
  • Carbohydrates 1g
  • Vitamin B3 10mg
  • Chloride 61mg
  • Sodium 39mg
  • L-Taurine 2g
  • Vasogen Swell Matrix Blend 1.15g
    • Hawthrone Berry Powder
    • Schizandra Berry Powder
    • AgmaPure (Argmatine Sulfate) 
    • Pine Bark Extract
    • ViNitrox

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Product Review: BCAA Powder (Fruit Punch)




One of the reasons why people quit exercising is because there body just gets too sore from their workouts. What is happening is that they aren't giving their body the proper length of time for their muscles to heal before they exercise again. There are some dietary supplements that can reduce your recovery time.

Last month, I was sent a container of BCAA Powder from Vitality Max Labs to test out and review. The retail price for one #BCAAPOWDER container costs $99, but it is currently listed for $26.99 on Amazon.com. Each 5.6oz container contains 30 servings (1 scoop).


The ingredients include:

L-Leucine - a dietary amino acid that stimulates muscle protein synthesis.

L-IsoLeucine -  an amino acid that only works when it is combined with L-Leucine or L-Valine.

L-Valine - an essential amino acid.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Product Review: Hand Gripper Set




I had owned a pair hand grippers when I was teenager and I didn't get much use out of them. The pair had a 5-pound resistance each,and I thought of them as more of a novelty at time.

Last week, I was sent a Hand Gripper set, which contains a pair of wrist wraps and one adjustable hand grip.

The wrist wraps have a loop that your thumb will slip into; then you wrap the rest of the material around wrist and fasten down with the attached Velcro. The wraps are used to protect your wrists while you're lifting weights. You can also wear the wraps for cross fit, kickboxing, cardio and other workouts.

The Hand Gripper can be adjusted from 10 kg to 40 kg (2 lbs to 88 pounds). It is used to help gain (or regain) strength in your hands.


Sunday, March 13, 2016

Review - Sports Clothing Made From Water Bottles

*This is a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% mine.


I hate to admit this, but I know absolutely nothing about athletic clothing. When I exercise, I normally wear just pair of old sleep pants; which might not be stylish to some, but it works for me. However, one of my goals for this year is to either start walking or jogging around town; and I would rather not be wearing my old sleep pants.

While coming up with new products to review, I was approached by Infinite Clothing to test out one of their activewear clothes.

What makes their activewear different from other brands?

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

DanceCrazy Muscle Massage Roller Ball DVD Review



DanceCrazy, the creators of all those how to dance DVDs, now has out a Muscle Massage Roller Ball workout DVD, which uses their Deep Tissue Trigger Point Muscle & Massage Premium Roller Ball; though any type of massage ball would work just fine.


Muscle Massage Roller Ball starts out with a short introduction and quickly followed by a dynamic warm up, which the latter is basically just stretching like you do before any other workout.

The rest of the workout DVD is divided into sections/chapters, though you can play it straight through if you wanted to. In these sections, you'll learn how to massage your lower legs, quadriceps, upper traps, calves, hamstrings, glutes, spinal erectors and psoas muscles with the massage roller ball.


Sunday, February 14, 2016

The Return of Tae Bo


I almost forgot about writing this week's post, so I'm listening to the last half of the new "Castle" episode while I'm writing this. Then a little bit later tonight I'll have do my late night workout, which will be last day of week six of the "Master's Hammer & Chisel" workout program. The last two weeks of the program starts tomorrow. I'm not for sure what I'm going to do after the program; though I'm considering doing the "Beast Body" workout program, which I already own the DVDs. 

However, I need to add some more "cardio" into my weekly workouts as I'm not seeing any weight loss on the scales; though I have seen a little body fat loss around my chest and arms, but not so much around my love handles. 

I lost a lot of weight a few years ago when I was doing Tae Bo workouts. Yes, I know Tae Bo is considered "old" and out of style to many, but the exercises are very intense and an easy way to get into shape. Sadly, things came up in my life, which I will not name here, and I didn't have time to exercise; resulting in some weight gain. When I eventually went back to Tae Bo, I started having issues with my knees/legs and my back, which was probably caused by the lack of exercise and the weight gain. I did a few Beachbody workouts last year and lost about ten pounds, but I took around five months off from exercising last fall and gained all the weight back.

My plan is to slowly start adding Tae Bo back into my workouts; probably starting tomorrow. Yes, I do have an arsenal of Tae Bo DVDs. Starting around 2008 or 2009, I would buy almost every new Tae Bo title that came out. I got most of the older titles on eBay over the years. During the time I wasn't doing Tae Bo, I was still keeping an eye out for new releases, but for some reason Anchor Bay quit releasing new ones. Then, Tae Bo Fitness updated their website and began producing new titles through their BG Star Productions, where you could only buy the new DVDs on their website. I was aware of the new titles, but I didn't purchase them because the DVDs were more than twice the price of what they used to be. 

Friday, January 1, 2016

Go Sport-it Fitness Push Up Bars Review


  
If you're planning on doing your fitness training at home with a workout DVD/Blu-ray program, then you need to double check that you have the correct exercise equipment for it.

Many of the 90-minute programs recommend some sort of push up bar. You might be wondering why you can't just use your hands for the Push Ups? Well, there are so many reps in these programs that your best off using a Push Up bar so you won't injure your wrist.

Yes, these are the same Push Ups that we always dreaded during JH gym class, but there's no reason why we should hate this simple exercise as adults. Push Ups can easily help you tone muscles in your arms, back and chest, as well as strengthen your core.

A few days ago, I received the Go Sport-it Fitness Push Up Bars to test out and review. It retails for $24.99, but can currently be purchased on Amazon for $19.99.

I'll be starting Beachbody's Master's Hammer and Chisel on January 4th, so I was already looking into getting a new pair of Push Up bars right before I was sent the Go Sport-it Fitness Push Up Bars, which I received at a discounted price in exchange for unbiased thoughts.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

DanceCrazy Ultra Stretch Strap Review



Though I'm not the most flexible person in the world, I've been adding a bit of yoga mixed in with my regular workout routine a few days a week.

Yoga is great for body and mind. Actually, it's great for your back and legs. I have strains in both my back and legs, so it was no-brainier why I wanted to start doing yoga. Like I said, I'm not the most flexible person in the world, so some of the moves are a challenge for me.

About a month ago, I was sent the DanceCrazy Ultra Stretch Strap to test out and review. You might recall me reviewing a few of the company's dancing videos earlier this year.

Now I already own a yoga strap, but plastic buckle doesn't hold the strap very well, causing it to pop out while I try to use it. That being said, I was looking forward to trying out the Ultra Stretch Strap.


Saturday, June 27, 2015

RockNRoller Review




Some of my blog readers might recall me reviewing a massage roller a few weeks ago, so you might wondering why I'm reviewing a similar product.

Well, since I've started exercising regularly this month, I've learned how important it is to add stretching and yoga workouts that help relax my muscles. Exercising can put a strain on your body, so it's a good idea to add spend fifteen to thirty minutes (or longer) to workout any kinks your body might have.

A few weeks ago, I was sent the RockNRoller massage roller to test out and review. Now, most foam rollers are just made out of foam, but this roller is made out a heavy plastic pipe that has foam wrapped around it. The foam part features small circular textures that will help increase the pressure of your massage. What really makes this roller stand out from the rest is that the sides/ends can be twisted off, so you can store your gym towel, water bottle, protein bars, etc.


Saturday, June 20, 2015

Yoga Sweat: Powerful And Fun Yoga Weight Loss Review


*This is a sponsored review. All opinion are 100% mine.


I've never been very interested in Yoga in the past as I'm not very flexible and it just didn't look like fun to me. However, I started having lower-back problems a few years ago, so that's when I first gave Yoga a try. After a few weeks, my back felt almost 100% better. I now try to include at least one Yoga workout a week.

Last month, I was sent the Yoga Sweat: Powerful And Fun Yoga Weight Loss DVD to test out and review. The workout DVD is created by Yoga trainer Julia Schoen, author and founder of  Yoginiology.com. The DVD features two 30-minute workouts, along with a bonus warm-up and cool-down videos.

The two 30-minute workouts are called "Session 1" and "Session 2." "Session 1" focuses on helping you burn calories by building heat throughout your body through effective poses that will tone and strengthen your legs and glutes. "Session 2" challenges you with vigorous sequences of poses that will strengthen your arms, back and core. It also features balance moves and tummy toners.

Friday, June 12, 2015

YogaHands - Hand Strengthener & Exerciser Review





Spending a lot of time typing, writing reviews, blogging, etc., puts a lot of strain on my fingers. One of my hobbies is cross stitching (Yep, I know how to use a needle & thread.), but I haven't bee working on any projects lately as my fingers like to cramp up on me. 

That being said, I was eager to try out the YogaHands - Hand Strengthener & Exerciser that I received in the mail to review this month.

The creators of YogaToes®, YogaHands is made from a polycarbonate housing and articulating low-density foam wedges.

What are YogaHands for?

Well, YogaHands are meant to stretch out your fingers. It's very simple to use. All you have to do is to slip your fingers in between the foam wedges and leave them there for fifteen-minutes. It can help with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and chronic hand cramping.


Sunday, June 7, 2015

Muscle Mauler Max Review



I'm sure almost everyone has heard of a foam roller, which is used by physical therapists and athletes to massage overused muscles. The rollers can be purchased anywhere that carries fitness products.

Recently, I received the Muscle Mauler Max, a deep tissue foam roller, which is made by Master Of Muscle.

While most foam rollers are made from
100% foam, the Muscle Mauler Max has EVA foam built around a 24" x 5" long heavy plastic pipe. What makes this standout from other rollers is it's unique bumpy matrix design, which will reach greater dual pressure zones, giving your muscles the ultimate massage.

It can be used on your neck, knees, quads, lower and upper back, shoulders and hamstrings to help to get rid of any kinks you might have from exercising. It can also be used as way to stretch your body out before running, yoga, Pilates, cross fitness, P90X and any other workout program.



Monday, June 1, 2015

Review - Fit Evolution Steel Strong



I started out the beginning of the year with several "A New Me In 2015" posts, whichfeatured several health and fitness releated products reviews. I guess I must be procrastinating as I received the Fit Evolution program at the end of December and I'm just now getting around to writing a review for it.

It seems that everybody is on the go these days, so many people just don't have time to get a full hour workout at the gym. Fit Evolution is a six-week program with each workout lasting around 10 -12 minutes. There is no equipment or weights needed for any of the routines.

The workouts include:

Week 1 - Get Ready / Get Ripped
Week 2 - Tight N Toned / Firm N Fine
Week 3 - Serious Strength / Steel Strong
Week 4 - Get Ready II / Get Ripped II
Week 5 - Tight N Toned II / Firm N Fine II
Week 6 - Serious Strength II / Steel Strong


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Strength Stack 52 Complete Pack Review




Since I began my fitness craze earlier this year, I've the opportunity to review several different fitness related products. Last month, I received the Strength Stack 52 Complete Pack!

What exactly is a Strength Stack 52 Complete Pack?

Stack 52 is a fitness game that was created by scientist and military fitness expert Sergeant Michael Volkin, whom was awarded a medal for the diet and exercise programs he designed for the troops. The exercise games have been sold in over 24 countries.

I was sent the Complete Pack, which features the entire Strength Stack 52 Series, the Quick Sweat Dice, and the Weight Loss Stack 52 Deck, a total of 114 different body-weight exercises. The Quick Sweat Dice will help you keep score against your family and friends. The Weight Loss Stack 52 set will help you make better habits, like drinking 16 oz of water before eating a meal and help you stop eating snack foods directly from the package. 


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Garden of Life Non-GMO Verified Giveaway


Many products are now changing their ingredients to Non-GMOs, which means they no longer use genetically modified organisms. These organisms are used to modify crops and are featured in the foods that we eat, but they can be harmful to our body.

The Non-GMO Project is a non-profit organization that offers a third-party Non-GMO verification and labeling. There are currently over 27,000 products from 15,000 brands that uses the Non-GMO Project.

I'm proud to be participating with Garden of Life (a Non-GMO Project Verified) for an exciting giveaway. Garden of Life produces many vitamins, dietary supplements, protein shakes, meal replacements and other healthy products. 

Garden of Life
currently has 115 Non-GMO Project Verified products and was nice enough to sponsor a giveaway of one Non-GMO Project Verified product to five lucky winners! 

For information about Garden of Life products, please visit: www.gardenoflife.com

For more infomration about the Non-GMO Project, please visit:  www.nongmoproject.org/






Giveway Details: