BeFit All Year! (GIVEAWAY)

Oh, fat.  Without you, the entire fitness industry would crumble - and yet, the whole point of the industry is to eliminate the very thing that gives us job security!  It's ironic, but fortunately (or unfortunately) there's plenty of counter-productivity out there working to keep us employed.  We're constantly looking for better ways to burn fat and lose weight, and now BeFit has produced a 30-day Fat Burn program that is available FREE to anyone who wants to dedicate themselves to a better fitness regiment.

The BeFit 30-Day Fat Burn program has three major components: the 30-day workout calendar, a YouTube playlist full of 10 minute workouts to mix and match according to the calendar, and a series of nutritional supplements to augment the exercise routines.  I had the chance to try all three components of the program, and I have to say, I have mixed feelings about the program as a whole.

Disclaimer: While the workout program itself is free to all, I did receive my set of supplements at no additional charge in exchange for my review, and I will receive additional compensation for this post.  All opinions expressed here in are, as always, my own.

BeFit's YouTube playlist starts with an introductory video that sets the stage for what's to come.  As with many fat burning programs, the video features super-thin, super-fit, tall, lean women promising that you, too, can become Super Sexy in only 30 short days if you follow this program.  Let's be honest here: not everyone can have that kind of body in their lifetime, let alone in 30 days, but the fitness industry needs stereotypically "fit" bodies to sell product.  Since I couldn't care less about a standard intro video, I skipped through to the workouts, which are meant to follow the 30-day calendar, which starts by using only one video per day, then works you up to combining multiple videos as you build endurance and strength.

The workouts themselves are where the bulk of this program's positive experience lies.  Though there are many workout videos available on YouTube, I haven't seen too many comprehensive programs (and none that come with a calendar to guide you through a pre-planned workout routine).  Each video offers approximately 10 minutes of material based around a theme: arms and abs, legs and butt, dynamic strength, HIIT, and so on.  It's a surprisingly well-rounded system, and the exercises in each video are easy to follow while also working your body thoroughly.  My personal favorite is the Dynamic Strength Training workout - as a group exercise instructor, I love working dynamic training into my workouts because dynamic motion increases functional fitness rather than just pure strength.  Many of the workouts, though, include dynamic elements, which is probably why I liked so many of the workouts!

Every program has downsides, though.  For me, the biggest drawback to the 30-Day Fat Burn from BeFit is that none of the videos address proper form for most of the exercises.  I work with a lot of beginners in fitness, who are just starting to incorporate exercise into their lives to help them get healthier, and I know from experience that almost no one knows how to do a good, safe squat when they start!  Lunges and squats, if done incorrectly, can put serious strain on the knees, and exercises like planks or burpees can damage the back if not performed properly.  It's hard to work form correction into a series of workout videos like this, but a day-one intro video that explains form and alignment might be better served than a program overview intro, especially for programs that are marketed towards fitness newbies.

Finally, the BeFit program recommends using a series of nutritional supplements to maximize your workouts, aid in recovery, and enhance your fat-burning metabolism.  I've been posting individual reviews of the products I received as part of the BeFit trial program, so you can find my full review of BeFit's pre-workout supplement here, and my review of the BeFit whey protein powder here.  The final supplement I received is BeFit BURN, which is supposedly a fat-burning capsule that will help me lose weight.  I'll be writing a full review next Sunday on BURN, but I can tell you right now - it didn't do anything for my weight.  For the most part, I'm pretty fit and reasonably thin, but I still have some extra stomach pounds I could do without.  Neither the workout program nor the supplement actually helped me lose any weight - but again, I'm so used to a consistent workout program that I probably need to increase my weights during most of the exercises or do multiple videos every day.

In summary: the biggest pros of the BeFit 30-Day Burn program are easily the videos, and I also would recommend the BeFit whey protein powder.  I would not, however, recommend the other supplements offered by BeFit, and I would recommend that if you are new to fitness programs that you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the basic concepts of body movement.  Learning how to perform exercise motions properly is key to preventing injury and maximizing your strength and cardio results, far more so than popping a few "fat burning" pills.  Follow the workouts, challenge yourself with heavier weights or stacking more videos as your body strengthens and adapts to the program, and use good sense when choosing nutritional supplements.  Anyone can benefit from this program so long as they approach it with knowledge and enthusiasm!

Want to try some of these supplements for yourself as you work through the calendar and videos at home?  BeFit has generously offered to give away a set of Whey, Burn, and Pre supplements to one of my readers!  Use the Rafflecopter below to enter before the contest ends on Sunday, March 13, at midnight!  US winners only; if you have already won a BeFit prize pack from another blogger, I am sorry to say you are ineligible.

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Fun Run Box Unboxing - Cold Weather Challenge (GIVEAWAY)

As I dig myself deeper and deeper into various facets of the fitness industry, my quest to find the best and most interesting products in fitness and wellness has led me to some great discoveries, especially in the subscription box category.  I've already found a definite favorite for mental/spiritual wellness and have some great front runners I'm checking out for lifting and strength building, but my encounters with endurance and running boxes have been less than stellar.  Now, though, I think I have finally found a favorite running box!

Disclaimer: I received one Fun Run Box at no cost in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed herein are my own.

Fun Run Box is more than just a smattering of "healthy samples" - it's a long-term challenge series that helps runners of any level find new and interesting ways to push themselves towards their goals.  Whether those goals are new PRs or just greater dedication, the Fun Run Box offers gear and incentives to keep you motivated and working hard.  AND, if you stick with the series, you earn a finisher's shirt and medal at the end!

My box is the second in the current challenge series, and as a February box created by a fellow Clevelander, it appropriately addresses the weather!  In fact, the challenge is all about getting out during the winter and sticking with your running despite the cold weather.  Each of the eight challenges on the included card has options for three difficulty levels, allowing any runner from newbie to racing pro to benefit from the Fun Run Box.  All the gear included in the box is perfectly on-point with the theme, too, which always makes for a great subscription box experience.  There's a card included showing the value of the items included (and a description, in case you haven't used an item before) so you can be sure you're getting your money's worth out of each box.

This winter running set contained some really cool stuff!  I received UV resistant arm warmers that say "One More Mile" on them, which will help keep my arms better insulated while running and double as post-run recovery compression sleeves later.  I don't have any arm warmers yet, so this was an exciting addition to my collection.  A pair of gloves with "Find Your Happy Place" partner nicely with the arm warmers, especially since so many people do run to find their happy place!  When ordering the box, there were no sizing options for customization, so the gloves I received are a little big for my small hands, but they're still wearable and helpful in single-digit temperature.

One of my favorite items in the box is the head buff, a versatile and essential piece of winter running gear that can function as a headscarf, face cover, neck warmer, headband, or whatever position you can stretch it into while you're out and about!  I especially liked that this buff has the Fun Run Box logo on it, as so many boxes include items from other vendors but kinda leave out their own touch.

A pair of toe warmers and a full-size sample of Probar Bolt energy chews rounded out the box.  While the idea of toe warmers in a winter running box is awesome, they're one-time-use items, so I'll have to be picky about when I actually use them.  It's hard to know when your coldest run will be, and I'm the kind of person who worries about "wasting" this kind of item on anything less than the perfect day for it!  The energy chews have caffeine so I likely won't be trying them, but it's great to see a full size package included instead of a tiny little sample pouch.  These would be great on a long run!

Finally, the box also comes with a little award for finishing the previous challenge!  So not only do you receive something at the end of a full challenge series, but your accomplishments along the way earn you additional recognition and little prizes.  It's a total training program, complete with support system, all packed into a nice little box and delivered right to your doorstep every month!  How perfect is that?!

Well, you guys know how much I loooooove giveaways, so here's another one for ya!  Fun Run Box is giving away one March challenge box!  Enter below using the Rafflecopter to win; contest ends 3/1 at midnight.  If you're interested in signing up for the Fun Run Box challenge series, don't wait!  If you're picked as the winner, you'll be refunded for your first box - so get on it NOW!

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Nubreed Helix BCAA Review (GIVEAWAY!)

I've recently started using Nubreed Helix BCAAs as part of my recovery routine after tough workouts.  BCAA stands for branched chain amino acids, which includes essential amino acids the body needs for protein synthesis, while also decreasing the rate of protein breakdown.  Between the increased production and decreased breakdown, BCAAs can help your body maintain muscle mass or even help increase muscle mass - which is kinda the point of all this working out, right?

I noticed improvements in recovery time almost immediately after adding BCAAs to my supplement regimen. I've also found myself more capable of pushing hard in the next workout if I used BCAA recovery supplements previously.  In fact, there is some evidence that the direct absorption into the bloodstream from taking BCAA supplements might even be an effective way to increase the intensity of your workouts and fight off fatigue.  I haven't actually taken the supplement mid-workout, reserving it instead for post-workout as that was the primary reason I purchased it, but someday I'll have to give it a try when I need that extra boost without throwing caffeine into the fire!

Helix BCAA has actually been my favorite supplement of any I have tried so far!  The powder blends completely into water, and the blue raspberry flavor is delicious!  I've been tempted to mix up a second shakerful on many occasions, even though I don't necessarily need a bigger dose.  Helix BCAA has become an essential part of my fitness routine as I have been building into a more difficult and taxing program, and I'll most likely be sticking to this brand for a good while knowing how reliable it has been so far.

Did you know you can get Helix BCAA from Swanson Vitamins?  You can also get last week's MRM Driven pre-workout supplement, or dozens of other items, at a great discount!  I'm hoping to start searching for a new creatine brand soon, and Swanson will probably be the first place I look.  Wanna try something too?  Let me help!  Thanks to the generous people at Swanson Vitamins, I have a $50 gift card to give away to a reader!  As always, use the Rafflecopter below, contest ends 2/16 at 11:59pm.  Good luck!

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What are your go-to supplements right now?  Have you used BCAAs before?  What else do you do for recovery after hard workouts?

BiPro USA Protein Powder Review (GIVEAWAY)

Ahhhh protein powder, we meet again!  I've been learning more and more about the importance of protein in my diet, and with the atrocious diet I typically consume (working on it, I swear) the best way for me to consume enough protein is through supplements.  There are probably hundreds of protein powder brands on the market at this point, and it's hard to tell many of them apart!  Most of the basic brands offer similar protein content, with only the bodybuilder-level brands packing much more added benefit, but it's easy to tell which brands taste great and, with a little long-term attention, which brands are going to provide the best protein solution for your diet.

This week I'm reviewing my experiences with BiPro USA, a company that makes whey protein isolate powder in three flavors.  They just reformulated their product (replacing sucralose with all-natural sweeteners) and asked me to give their powders a try.  I was more than happy to oblige and share my thoughts with all of you!

Disclaimer: I received BiPro product at no cost in exchange for my review.  All opinions expressed herein are my own.

BiPro powders come in chocolate and French vanilla flavors, which are typically the most popular flavors in the protein supplement market.  In my experience, vanilla protein powders are very difficult to do well, as the flavor often falls very flat.  The BiPro powder was no different: in water, the French vanilla has almost no flavor at all, and in milk it actually tasted like the milk (which was fresh) had turned sour.  Both milk and water mixes had a very unpleasant odor, too.  NOT appealing!  I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the change of ingredients, but it was not what I wanted in a protein powder, and I didn't consume more than a couple packs.

The chocolate powder definitely had more flavor and less unpleasantness, but it was surprisingly thin for a protein shake.  Usually with other powders my shakes are rich and creamy, and I actually feel like I could consume them as meal replacement; the BiPro chocolate powder was too thin to satiate any hunger, and not very rich.  It'll do in a protein pinch, but wouldn't be my first choice.

Fortunately, chocolate and vanilla aren't the only powders BiPro offers.  I also received some of their unflavored powder, about which I was skeptical at first.  I've tried a couple "unflavored" powders in the past and they were AWFUL.  My desire for unflavored protein stems from my love of smoothies: I make a lot of fruit-based smoothies, so I'm consuming a lot of sugar, and like to try to offset that intake with protein supplements.  Previous powders made my normally delicious smoothies taste like chalk.  Very gritty, didn't blend well, weren't actually "unflavored" at all...  But the BiPro powder blended perfectly.  Smoothies I made with the unflavored powder were delicious and still tasted like fruit-only blends.  I didn't taste any grittiness, nor any additional flavoring.  BiPro's unflavored powder actually delivered, big time!

Don't want to take my word for it?  That's okay - BiPro has generously offered to give away a protein powder prize pack to a lucky reader!  The winner will receive two boxes of individual serving packets (one box each of chocolate and vanilla), as well as a one-pound tub of the unflavored powder that rocked my smoothie world!  You can enter using the Rafflecopter below before this giveaway ends on February 2nd at midnight.

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What's your go-to protein powder brand?  What other supplements do you use as part of your diet or exercise plan?

Sapphire Soul November Box GIVEAWAY

Previously, I've reviewed my first experience with the Sapphire Soul Mindful + Mystic subscription box - and I was incredibly impressed with the myriad Hamsa themed items I received!  I loved my box so much that I've kept in touch with the beautiful mind behind Sapphire Soul, and she has graciously offered to give away one of her November boxes to one of my lucky readers!  Use the Rafflecopter at the end of this post to enter - but be sure to stop along the way to read about the new features of the November box, and to grab some discount codes for the holidays! (This post contains affiliate links.)

While my October box was themed around the Hamsa protection amulet, the November box offers a special treat: the ability to customize what you will receive!  You'll be able to specify which types of crystals and scents you'd prefer, rank favorite (and least favorite) items, describe your visions for your sacred space and your self-care rituals, even specify clothing sizes and favorite colors to ensure the items you'll find in your box will be instant favorites!  Piggy-backing on the November customization options, Sapphire Soul has added a Wishlist feature for subscribers to bookmark and save their favorite gypsy, yoga, crystal, and mystical items - with the bonus of being able to share these lists with gift givers, just in time for the holidays.  But you have to act quickly to customize - orders after November 7th may not receive full customization options!

Photo credits to the following reviewers - check out their thoughts too!

Left: Ramblings of a Suburban Mom

Right Top: 2 Little Rosebuds

Right Bottom: That one's mine!

Every Mindful + Mystic box (or any other Sapphire Soul package, there are plenty of options to choose from to suit any holistic lifestyle) is chock-full of amazing.  Sign up for your own subscription, or send a gift that keeps on giving to someone special in your life - I'll even help you out with some promo codes!

• FALL2015: Receive a FREE gemstone bullet necklace with any Original or Large Mindful + Mystic box (Retail $33). The code expires 11/05/15.
• 2016SHINE: Save 10% off any 6- or 12-month subscription for any box option! The code expires 11/05/2015.
• PINKSHAKTI: Receive FREE shipping on the special edition Pink Shakti Warrior Breast Cancer Box. Items in this box are created and customized specifically to show support for the fight against breast cancer, and to help lift up and inspire women who are currently going through breast cancer treatment or have won the fight. A portion of the proceeds from this box will be used to create additional boxes to give to women who are going through treatment and breast cancer charities.

And onto the giveaway! Enter below - winner must be able to provide a valid shipping address. Giveaway ends 11/6 at 11:59pm.

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What great mystic/holistic items are on your holiday wishlist? What would be in your dream box? If you could pick a future Sapphire Soul theme, what would you want to see?

Product Review: The Drew Co. Bath and Body (Giveaway!)

Over the summer, and indeed throughout the evolution of my fitness lifestyle, I noticed the toll all this sweat, sun, and stress was taking on my skin.  And my hair, but that's a whole 'nuther story...  Anyways, I started keeping an eye out for better products to help me wash away the adverse dermatological issues generated by so much fitness.  In short, I wanted to clean up better!

Then I found Drew Co on Instagram.  It was love at first sight, and I just had to try some of their great-looking stuff.  A quick inquiry into the company uncovered two owners who both loved to run!  Conveniently they had been considering creating a Runner's Kit with a smattering of products to help sweaty folks like me keep up our healthy glow!  After asking a few questions about my specific skincare needs and worries, The Ginger and Lady Drew sent me a whole box of amazing goodies to treat myself right!

Disclaimer: Drew Co sent me my Runner's Kit free of charge in exchange for my review.  I received no additional compensation, and all thoughts and opinions in this post are my own, as always!

 Let's start with my favorite item, aka the Dirty Sailor, aka, the best salt soap on the planet!  I was told the scent was reminiscent of Captain Jack Sparrow, which I thought was a bold and untraceable claim at first, but then I started using my bar and YES, it really DOES smell like Jack Sparrow!  Not gonna lie, there have been times I've reached into the shower, grabbed my bar, and just inhaled for a quick shot of my new favorite scent.  The soap itself is silky smooth, scented (obviously) but not overpoweringly so, and my skin feels incredible every time I use it.  I've historically had an weird aversion to "girly skincare products" so trying Drew Co was a little outside my comfort zone in the first place - but after a months-long affair with a Dirty Sailor, I think it's fair to say I'm hooked!

Though it's not explicitly running-related and from what I have heard in the past more likely comes from my partially Italian heritage, I seem to have a problem with little bumps on the skin of my upper arms.  They itch a bit, and they make my skin, well, bumpy - which is icky.  I mentioned this when I was discussing Runner's Kit options, and Drew Co tucked in one of their grit products, delightfully called No Way To Treat A Lady.  Well Drew Co, I beg to differ - it is the PERFECT way to treat THIS lady, at least!  Grit is a dry scrub to help combat some of the toughest parts of skincare, and it has made quick work of my arm bumpies.  Now the skin is so soft, so smooth, and incredibly touchable, which has been great for showing off the new guns I've been working on in the gym!  Easily my second favorite product in the bunch, and something I'll probably exclusively buy from Drew Co in the future because no other scrub has ever worked on those bumpies!  Pro tip: use the lid to take just a small amount of the grit if you're using it in the shower, otherwise you risk getting the whole tin wet, especially if you're a klutz like me.

Of course I wanted to follow up my freshly scrubbed and deliciously clean skin with a little lotion, and Drew Co's Rose Colored Glasses was waiting for me.  I LOVE the way my skin feels after a few days of this lotion, but the scent is very rosy and very strong.  After a while I switched to only using this every couple days so as not to overpower the fresh clean scent of my Dirty Sailor (that sounds so contradictory but whatevs, he's amazing).  The lotion itself doesn't feel greasy or sticky, and it rubs right in so you can throw it on quick without leaving smudges over everything else you touch!  I think this scent and lotion base would be an amazing face cream if the scent could be toned down a little bit...

Drew Co also provided me with an alternative to tradition lotion: a block of body butter called Serendipity.  Basically a solid lotion, you rub the block directly onto your skin, and the warmth of your body heats it up just enough to leave a thin buttery residue.  This felt divine after a fresh shave or a grit scrub, but unlike the more traditional lotion, the Serendipity stayed greasy on my skin for a while, which made me hesitant to get dressed too soon after using for fear it would stain my clothes.  I used it on days when I had enough down time to give myself that full spa-treatment (and bonus, got to use my bridesmaid gift from my brother's wedding, the cutest  monogrammed blue bathrobe EVER) but couldn't use it as often as I would have liked once my schedule picked up.  Pro tip: use the lid as a "gripper" to hold the bar, otherwise the warmth of your hands will melt it and you'll end up sticky!  (I definitely think this product could use a better package and delivery system; something like a deodorant stick that would let you hold it without touching the actual product so you don't waste too much on your hands... )

Finally, I received a second bar of soap, one of their best sellers: The Ex.  I almost forgot I had this one in the box still, because I'd been so tied up with my Dirty Sailor (who needs the ex when you have the Captain, right?) but I hauled it out one day and plunked it in the shower so it would see some use.  I'm glad I did!  Though the first time I used it, I lathered up a washcloth for application, which left me a little confused.  I had enjoyed how incredibly smooth the soap felt, but I checked its description and realized it's supposed to be an exfoliating soap, which I didn't get at all!  Next time I was in the shower, I paid more attention to the feel of the bar and noticed the grit on the bar itself, which would have made for a much better exfoliant.  I've tried using a couple different types of loofa/shower poof, but the only way I feel the grit doing anything for my skin is if I use the bar directly.  Honestly, I like the smooth washcloth version MUCH better!  Still, it's great in a  pinch for a rough spot if I forgot to snag some of my grit before getting into the shower...

And there you have it!  Five AMAZING products from Drew Co, all of which are available for purchase on their website independently!  Or you can mix and match products to create your OWN runner's kit to meet your needs.  Plus, if you're luck enough to live up in the Pacific Northwest area where Drew Co makes its home, you might see The Ginger and Lady Drew out at a race selling their official Runner's Kits before/after the race OR on the course running alongside you in between!  Oh, and take some time to stop by their website and read the names and descriptions of their products - these gals are HILARIOUS, and most of their descriptions have me laughing my head off when I browse for new products!

Drew Co is also giving away a small prize pack to one lucky reader!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win some Drew Co delights of your own, including a bar of The Ex soap, the new Total Betty body butter, and The Clint lip balm!  Giveaway ends 10/27 at 11:59pm.  Winner must be willing to provide a valid shipping address.

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What types of skincare issues do you face?  Do you have favorite products to combat those issues?  What's your favorite Drew Co product description?

Product Review: Foxy Box Subscription Boxes

My quest for the perfect subscription box service has been ongoing since my first less-than-perfect experience with one of the most popular boxes a couple months ago.  These types of monthly sampler sets are becoming more and more popular - and for good reason!  It's an ideal way for consumers to be introduce to the VAST range of products available these days, especially if you're interested in a niche product or prefer to support smaller companies that can't afford the in-your-face advertising of the market dominators.

One of the more interesting box companies I found is Foxy Boxes.  They offer four different subscription options to meet the varied needs of healthly lifestyles.  You can choose from paleo, vegan, endurance, or gym-goer options; each category provides a different set of products, making the experience much more customized than other services that send the same items to all customers.  Since I have been spending so much more time in the gym while I've been building my boxing strength and teaching more boot camps, I opted to try the Gym Goer Foxy Box.

Disclaimer: I received one Foxy Box Gym Goer box free of charge in exchange for my review.  No additional compensation was provided.  All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

The first thing I noticed when I opened my box was how much stuff there was!  Other boxes send a few tiny samples, but Foxy Boxes send either larger sampler packs or full size products for just about everything included.  I had a full bottle of coconut water!  I also had a few non-consumables; it was nice to find that the box branched out from "snacks and supplements".  In fact, the Bondi Band headband and Popband hair tie were probably my favorite products out of this box!  I've always wanted to try Bondi Bands but never got around to ordering one - so Foxy Boxes definitely started out with a notch in the "win" column.

As I picked through my box and started using more of my products, I started to notice that about half the box was REALLY on-theme for a gym-goer box.  Besides the hair products, I received a few protein products (gel, chips, pudding, snack bar), joint health chews, pre-workout drink mix, and portable body wipes.  While things like the protein pudding and chips were a little odd, they were definitely products I wouldn't have found myself and offered the kinds of benefits for which I as a developing gym rat am searching.  The other half of the box seemed to be much more general-wellness-y.  Almond butter, anti-aging skincare and supplements, coconut water, a tea infuser...  Some of these products could probably fit any of the Foxy Boxes, which isn't unexpected when I think about it.  For an independent company to piece together four completely separate sets of items every month while retaining quality, there probably will end up being some crossovers.  Otherwise, they'd pack every possible gym-specific goody into one box, and have nothing new for next month!

In fact, I started thinking about what types of goodies the Foxy Box might include in the future, if I were to continue my Gym Goer box subscription, and I realized there are actually LOTS of box-able products out there I'd be curious to try!  Having received such a wide variety of products in this box, I have faith any following boxes would also offer the same plethora of items.  With a mix of brands I recognize and companies I've never heard of, there are endless possibilities for the future!

What it comes down to is price - Foxy Boxes are $30/month (less, if you commit to a subscription term) and claim to contain $50-$100 worth of product in each box.  Having seen the joint chews in stores for $25/bag, I definitely know I got far more than $30 worth of product in my box!  What I'd be curious to see is how often the products are repeated in subsequent months.  After seeing a couple other reviews posted about a month prior to when I received my box, I noticed there were quite a few similarities between my box and theirs - but I'm not sure exactly which month's box I actually received!  It's possible I got a leftover from a prior set since I'm new to the company, which would account for some of the overlap.  If Foxy Boxes can come up with totally unique boxes every month, it's going to be one of the best subscription sample services out there, especially for women since these boxes are designed for us!

As always, you know I love passing on discounts on products I enjoyed!  I think Foxy Boxes offers more than ample value for the cost of a subscription already, but it's even better when you get to use a discount code, right?  So now you can use FITNYX10 for 10% off your subscription to any of the Foxy Box options, and have exciting health, wellness, and fitness samples delivered right to your doorstep every month!  This code will only be active through October 31st, so don't wait!  Of course, the only thing better than getting something at a discount is getting something FREE - and thanks to the generosity of Foxy Boxes, I get to give away any one Foxy Box to a reader!  Enter using the Rafflecopter below.  Giveaway ends October 13th at 11:59pm.

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Have you tried a subscription box service yet?  What types of samples would you like to see in your box?

Product Review: YogaFlexCo Yoga Wheel (GIVEAWAY)

***UPDATE: YogaFlexCo has expanded and become Breathe Life Yoga!  You can still get the same fantastic product from YogaFlexCo, but if you're near Tom's River NJ, you can also stop in to the new Breathe Life Yoga studio and meet the beautiful mind behind this great company!***

This past month I joined the Move More Yoga challenge on Instagram, and thoroughly enjoyed finding ways to work yoga into all of the many adventures I've been blessed with throughout September.  Organized by weekly themes, this challenge dared me to try some new things and bend in ways I didn't know my body even could!  I was most intimidated by the week of backbends, though.  I've had chronic back pain from an injury years ago, and my flexibility leaves a lot to be desired; needless to say, backbends don't always sound incredibly appealing to me!

But as I started following more and more yogis on Instagram, I started seeing photos of people with an interesting prop: the yoga wheel.  There are several companies making these wheels on the market, but the YogaFlex wheel in particular caught my eye.  With a wide variety of colors and padding thicknesses, and some of the best pricing available, these wheels seemed to be a great investment for advancing my yoga practice and finally overcoming some of the hesitations and fears I had about my body's abilities.

Disclaimer: I received one YogaFlex wheel free of charge in exchange for my review.  No additional compensation was provided.  All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

I was surprised and grateful to have received a new style of wheel: this model not only has thick mat padding around the exterior, but also has two strips of material on the inside, to provide better grip if you're holding on to the wheel mid-pose.  I found this especially helpful with poses like camel and one-legged bridge.  The padding is plush and soft, so resting on the wheel is very comfortable and allowed me to actually relax into some of the poses that otherwise would have strained my back painfully.  Backbends ended up being my favorite week of the challenge, now that I finally have the right equipment to help me learn and grow!  You can even see my progression in the photos below - by the time I took the bottom photo at the end of the week, I was MUCH more comfortable with backbends and with my wheel.

The yoga wheel is helpful for more than just backbends, though!  Any pose that needs additional support can benefit from a yoga wheel: forward bends, low lunges, goddess squats...  You can even use the wheel to make a pose a little more challenging, helping you push yourself past a plateau in your practice!  Try sticking a wheel under your feet in plank pose, for a little extra core work, or in wheel pose to really work those arms!  And of course, you can use the wheel for a better stretch and range of motion in restorative poses such as child's pose.

Especially for beginners, the yoga wheel should be a go-to piece of equipment in your yoga practice.  My wheel bolstered not only my back but also my confidence, which has helped me grow in leaps and bounds.  As I broke down barriers within my mind and body, as yoga is meant to do, I found myself more and more willing to try new things and push my boundaries in other practices.  I would highly recommend a wheel to anyone who is looking to build more yoga into their lives, and couldn't imagine a better wheel than the YogaFlex grippy wheel to get started!

Wanna see for yourself?  YogaFlexCo has generously offered to give away a yoga wheel to one of my readers!  Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below!  Giveaway ends October 6th at 11:59pm; winner must be willing to provide valid shipping address.  And even if you're not the lucky winner (or you just can't wait to find out if you won) you can still get 15% off with promo code FITNYX15 on the YogaFlexCo website!  With the holiday season approaching, yoga wheels make great gifts for the yogis in your life - and they even make yoga wheel ornaments too!

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Do you use props in your yoga practice?  What poses intimidate you, and how have you overcome those fears?  What's your favorite yoga pose?

Need another great gift idea for your beloved yogi?  Snag a promo code for the Sapphire Soul Mindful + Mystic subscription box from my review earlier this week!

Freaking. Awesome. YOGA! (SoulPose GIVEAWAY!)

Life has been... a little rough lately.  My time in Chicago is drawing to a close, and I am still afraid I will be leaving my heart in Illinois when I finally complete my move.  Some days I don't think I'll be able to make it through to bedtime - and those nights I wonder if I'll be able to get out of bed the next morning.  I keep putting one foot in front of the other, despite withing I didn't have to walk this path, but eventually I'll get where I need to go.

Image source: She Knows.

In the meanwhile, I've once again found myself drawing deeper into the practice of yoga.  Breathing and sinking in to poses has been helping me find some bits of clarity in the mess that remains of my marriage.  Some poses bring more tears to my eyes, others take me to a quiet place inside myself where there's less turmoil.  I'm finding new ways to experience yoga, and finding a bit more balance within myself.  I've even started teaching more yoga classes, though I know I'll have to say goodbye to those classes next week.

I'm also trying to find ways to truly enjoy my last weekend in Chicago.  For example, on Saturday the 28th, I'll be getting dirty at the Dirty Girl mud run, volunteering in the morning then running the event myself later.  But for Sunday the 29th, my last full day in Chicago, I have an even bigger event planned: Soul Pose.

Image Source: Soul Pose

Soul Pose is a yoga festival inspired by The Color Run's new theme "SHINE."  Much like other yoga festivals, this event will bring together yogis from all over Chicagoland to roll out their mats, focus their breathing, and get their bend on!  UNlike other yoga festivals, Soul Pose will also feature an all-day block party, with glitter packets and tribal paint and music and more!  After a great experience with a color run last year, along with a growing passion for yoga practice, I'm pretty excited to see what this fusion festival can offer!

There are a few things I know will be great take-aways before I even attend the event.  Every Soul Pose registration comes with some amazing yoGifts: a beautiful blue yoga mat, a plush yoga towel to match, and after the yoga session, a Soul Pose charm bracelet!  I may save a ton of money by filling my closets with race swag, but these unique swag items are a welcome change to the popular t-shirt/waterbottle giveaways.  Also, I feel like it will encourage an even greater sense of communitas at the event to see so many other yogis and yoginis practicing on the same mat, as if we're all standing on just pieces of the same whole.

Image Source: Soul Pose

All in all, I'm pretty excited for Soul Pose.  The date on the calendar may mark the end of a very meaningful chapter of my life, but the day itself will be far more enjoyabled thanks to the many connections, both within myself and with my fellow participants, that I'll be making on my mat.

Sound like something you could use in your life too?  Then how about I send you a FREE ENTRY to the Soul Pose of your choice?!  Thanks to the wonderful people from The Color Run and Soul Pose, I have one free entry for a Soul Pose yoga festival to giveaway to a lovely reader.  You can come to Chicago's with me, or find a city a little closer to home - Soul Pose is in 14 cities across the US, and adding more constantly!  Use the Rafflecopter below to enter, contest will close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 24th.

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How do you handle rough times in your life?  How do you handle heartbreak?  Any advice?

The Good, The Bad, and the Sweaty (Oh, and a Giveaway)

I've been a little absent from the blogosphere lately because of a series of craziness, but I'm settling down and moving forward now.  Today's post is a quick breakdown of some of the things I've faced in the past two weeks, both good AND bad - though we're starting with the bad, to get that out of the way quick!


THE BAD

• I lost my job.  That crazy good job that was making it possible for me to follow my passions.  It was a layoff, just an unfortunate economic turn, but it was "last in, first out" for me.  The biggest frustration comes from knowing I was one of the top performers in the company, and that had the decision been anything other than economical I would have kept my job with no question.
• The lack of job means a new job hunt, and the worry that the next job will be a step backwards, in any of many ways.  Mostly, I'm worried the fitness career I've been working so hard to build may have to be sacrificed for a steady paycheck, and I'm especially worried I'll have to make that sacrifice due to another horrible commute.
• I still haven't fully recovered from being sick a few weeks ago.  Despite the company's poor overall performance, the two weeks after my illness were CRAZY busy, and I was often covering for several people who were out on vacation, so I was pushing pushing pushing all day at work, then teaching my classes in the evenings - and not easing back in as I should have been.  Even now, weeks later, I still have a rough cough that sometimes makes it hard to breathe...

THE GOOD

• I thought the job loss was totally Bad when I was told last Friday morning - but there are actually some potentially huge positives.  I've been afraid to quit my job (read: steady income) to make the risky leap into more full-time fitness, but with no job to quit, now might be exactly the time to start making that dream a reality.  I have the power to choose my direction in my job search, and if I keep an open mind and a positive attitude, the outcome of the job hunt may be fabulous!
• The free daytime hours make me available for picking up more fitness classes!  I also have some more time for designing classes and learning new Zumba choreography, which will enhance my current classes.  In two weeks, I'll be adding at least two more classes each week, and hopefully even more will follow, thanks to the amazing communities I belong to that are always so supportive.
• Hubby has been killing it (not literally) in his Brazilian Jiujitsu classes!  He's been going for about two months, and he just received his second white belt stripe.  And, he's up to five classes a week!  That's phenomenal for a guy who used to spend all his free time at his computer playing video games.  He's losing a little more weight, and he both looks and feels great.  I'm SO PROUD of him!

THE SWEATY - AND THE GIVEAWAY!

The skinny on the sweaty is that I'm back in running action - gearing up for my second half marathon: one of the Sunburst races in South Bend on June 6th!  I'm so excited to run around the beautiful Notre Dame campus, which coincidentally is my brother's alma mater!  Sunburst offers a race distance for every runner: 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon.  And guess what - YOU could be one of those runners!  I've got a race entry (distance of your choice) to give away, so hit up the Rafflecopter below to enter for YOUR chance to WIN!  Giveaway ends 4/24 at 11:59pm.

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Has anyone else taken that risky leap into a new career without much of a net?  What helped you find the confidence to try - and what helped you find success once you were out on that limb?

Product Review: STILLMOTION Yoga Mat by Sequence (GIVEAWAY!)

In February, I stepped outside of my comfort zone to lead a yoga challenge.  It was a major learning experience that challenged me in a lot of different ways (including testing my ability to commit to a daily exercise), and I came out of it with a new perspective on yoga's place in my life.  Not only am I incorporating yoga into daily practice whenever possible, but I'm actually looking into becoming a yoga instructor!  That journey will be longer and even more revealing when the time comes, but that's a story for later.  Meanwhile, it's time to tell you all about the STILLMOTION yoga mat I got to play with during the challenge last month!

Disclaimer: I was provided a STILLMOTION mat free of charge by Sequence in exchange for my review, but I did not receive any other compensation nor am I affiliated with Sequence.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The STILLMOTION mat is an interesting and uniquely designed bit of "technology" for the modern yogi.  Unlike other mats that have a layer (of varying thickness) of rubber or cloth to provide a place of practice, the STILLMOTION mat is composed of two layers: a soft, spongy outer layer for cushion and comfort, and a rubberized inner layer that provides additional cushion but also pokes through the top of the mat to provide additional gripping surfaces to increase stability.  Between the very plush outer layer and the thick but soft inner layer, this mat is incredibly comfortable!

Additionally, the rows of rubber grippies poking out have a secondary purpose: arranged in straight lines, this grid actually helps practitioners visualize better alignment in poses.  By providing a "ruler" of sorts, it is much easier to see where your hands and feet are in relation to each other when performing poses such as downward dog.  Proper alignment can help improve form - which not only multiplies the benefits of yoga, but also reduces the risk of injury from incorrect distribution of weight.

My experience with the STILLMOTION mat has been a little more diverse than intended.  Of course, I use it for yoga, and it's my go-to mat now.  I LOVE the cushion, especially for seated poses - I've broken my tailbone a couple times, and there's not much you can do to "reset" it, so seated exercises have been a unique challenge for many years.  This mat helps eliminate the pain from rolling over the injury; the cushion also helps my poor knees that have chronically struggled with less plush mats.

I also found the mat to stay put nicely.  My initial reaction was that since the rubber was on the TOP but not on the bottom of the mat, I'd have better stability in poses but the mat itself would slide all over the floor.  This was delightfully not so, even on slick gym floors.  The mat didn't slide, nor did it stretch out with tension.  As for the hand and foot grip - I'm not entirely sure it's much better than my old mat for stability until you get sweaty.  The rubber seems to be activated by moisture, at least in my experience with the mat.  Once my palms had a bit of a sheen worked up, I was much better able to feel the grip of the exposed rubber spots.  I definitely found the alignment grid useful, though my flexibility still has a long way to go before I'm actually "properly aligned"!

Beyond yoga, however, I found this mat to have even more benefits.  I teach boot camp classes, and we always end with ab exercises, which usually benefit from some cushioning between my students and the very hard, often dirty, gym floor - so I started bringing the STILLMOTION mat for demoing exercises.  I found the cushioning to be more than adequate for a wide variety of exercises, while also absorbing the sweat of a tough workout to minimize slipping.  Using a basic yoga mat cleaner, I've been able to keep away any noticeable odor (so far), but I have noticed I scuff the mat a lot more during boot camps than I do practicing yoga.  At home, we've had to pull up most of our carpeting while we house-break our puppy, so the STILLMOTION mat has been pulling extra duty for stretching and at-home exercises as well.

Overall, I find the thickness of the mat and the no-slip bottom to be the biggest pros of this yoga mat: having the cushion and the stability makes it even more versatile.  If I had to pick a con, it would have to be bulkiness!  Because of the rubberized core, the mat doesn't roll up as nicely as other mats; instead it has to be rolled more loosely to prevent creasing, so it doesn't fit into many standard yoga mat bags, and straps tend to be too tight (leaving imprints along the surface).  Fortunately, Sequence provides a mesh bag with every mat, which is more than ample to fit the rolled mat - but it still takes up a LOT of space!

Here's the best part: as always, I love being able to put products I enjoyed into the hands of my readers, and Sequence has agreed to give away a STILLMOTION yoga mat to a lucky reader!  You can enter using the Rafflecopter below.  Winner must be able to provide a valid shipping address and phone number.  Giveaway ends 4/10/2015 at 11:59PM.

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How has yoga helped change your life?  Do you practice daily?  What kinds of challenges have you faced during your practice?

Product Review: MealEnders (GIVEAWAY)

Overeating.  I used to think this word represented a mythical situation that simply couldn't exist in the real world - back when I was an athlete, playing soccer and lacrosse for anywhere from two to six hours daily, and every calorie I could consume barely registered before it was burned.  Now, I find that overeating has become a very real problem, and is the leading cause in my own personal weight gain.  Once you have set a pattern for upwards of 20 years, it's incredibly hard to break those habits, especially cold turkey.  And extra especially if that's dark-meat turkey.

Then I heard about MealEnders, a unique new product to help manage weight by curbing overeating.  In four flavors, these lozenges have some interesting science at work, and it's not just chemistry.  According to Tami Lyon, RD, MPH, and chief nutritionist for MealEnders:

"MealEnders' behavioral psychology approach is what sets it apart from other weight management products.  Instead of encouraging ‘quick fix’ dieting, deprivation, or including ingredients that trick you into thinking you’re full, MealEnders catalyze behavioral change by retraining the mind to stop eating with the eyes. By engaging the consumer both mentally and physically, the signaling lozenges heighten awareness of natural satiety signals, helping us regulate portion size and master the healthy habit of mindful eating."  

The premise of MealEnders is a two-fold attack on the reasons we overeat.  Each little lozenge has a sweet outer layer that mimics a dessert course, providing the taste sensation that in a regular meal would signal the final plate, and therefore indicate that it is time to stop eating.  Unlike a full dessert course, however, the MealEnders only have two measly grams of sugar per lozenge, and a mere 15 calories.  I must admit, this desserty layer was actually quite delicious!  Especially for the mocha and chocolate mint varieties, I truly felt like there was chocolate melting in my mouth - which reminded me of a disturbingly similar product...

Fortunately, I did NOT turn into a cocoa bean.

After the dessert layer dissolves, the lozenge starts to taste a lot more like a cough drop.  This is where this product did not work for me.  Designed to send particular signals to your brain, the inner core of the lozenge produces what is advertised as a "cooling sensation", that for me simply came across as unpleasant tingling, and in the case of the chocolate mint, the feeling of chemical burns on my inner gums.  I did not experience the same "afterburn" with other flavors.  I'm not sure if this is because I consumed the other flavors more carefully (and avoided chocolate mint like the plague), or if it's actually something in the mint flavor that doesn't react well with my body chemistry.  I did find that each flavor had a similarly unpleasant "tingling" after the soft outer layer, and asked my parents to give the lozenges a try to see if maybe I was making more out of it than was necessary.  Sadly, they had the same experience: delicious outer layer, not big fans of the taste sensations of the inner layer.

I used the lozenges in a variety of ways, and attempted to make a habit of their use despite my dislike of the sensations, hoping that establishing a routine would help me train myself out of the overeating habit.  Sometimes, when I finished a substantial meal but felt I hadn't eaten enough, I'd pop a MealEnder to keep me from going back for seconds.  Other times, I was craving a snack, and instead of rummaging for Nilla Wafers or some other unnecessary treat, I'd reach instead for a lozenge to try to curb that craving from the start.  My experience was constantly the same: the lozenge tasted great at first, which made me crave sweets even more, then the taste turned tingly and bothersome, and in the end - I was still hungry.  I did not have a single experience with a MealEnder that ended with my cravings extinguished, and I often ended up eating shortly after finishing the lozenge to both sate my hunger and to help get the "cooling sensation" out of my mouth.  My parents once again confirmed a similar result, and did not find the MealEnders to be helpful in reducing overeating urges.

Of course, when it's MealEnders vs Pequod's Pizza,

let's face it, MealEnders don't have a chance.

All this said, I must put this disclaimer down: this could easily be genetic.  I come from a family of hearty eaters, and both of my parents have been (and still are) athletes just like I am.  Runger is a very serious beast to overcome, and if we have a predisposition to some particular kind of taste issue (like those old PTC test strips you did in grade school science classes) on top of our athletic appetites, it's possible we're sabotaging the principles of the MealEnder philosophy before we even begin.  There is every likelihood that the next person to try one of these lozenges will have a fantastic experience with them!  For example, a fellow Chicago blogger also had the opportunity to try MealEnders for a review, and had a very different experience - so please take some time to stop by SuzLyfe and read up on a more positive MealEnders review, especially if you're interested in what MealEnders might be able to do for YOU.

Or, you could just try them yourself!  I have four packs - one of each flavor - to give away to my readers!  Use the Rafflecopter below to enter, giveaway runs through March 20th.  Winners will choose their flavors on a first-reply basis.  Must be willing to send me a mailing address and phone number if you win.  GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


AND don't forget to check out the weekly Giveaway Round-up, courtesy of Running with SD Mom and Erica Finds!  Tons of great prizes, all in one place!

Disclaimer: The company provided me with sample products to field-test at no cost to me, but I received no other compensation for this review, and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Any other tips on curbing overeating?  Do you suffer from runger?  Or better yet, do you ever get hangry?  I just love that word...

Product Review: Dr Cool Recovery Wraps (GIVEAWAY!)

All my life, I have been an athlete.  Soccer, lacrosse, running, dancing...  And all that time, I have been putting lots of wear and tear on my body.  I suffer from chronic pain thanks to hundreds of tiny little injuries racked up over a lifetime of pushing myself physically.  I'm always on the lookout for new solutions to an old problem.

A couple weeks ago I heard about a company called Dr Cool, makers of a new twist on the old ACE bandage.  The Dr Cool recovery wraps have a special inner layer that absorbs and holds water, which you then freeze before applying the wrap to your affected area.  The outer layer is soft Velcro, so your wrap stays in place, applying both compression and ice simultaneously, while still being flexible and comfortable enough for you to go about your life while you treat your injuries.

It seemed like an excellent idea, so I grabbed a medium-sized wrap (intended for areas like the knee, elbow, or shoulder) and gave it a try!  So far I have worn my wrap three times, each time on my body's worst joint: my knees.  To provide thorough basis for comparison, I have always wrapped ONLY my right knee, though both right and left experience the same pain.

At first, I wasn't entirely sure I believed this wrap could freeze and still be flexible enough to actually wrap.  Boy was I wrong!  I kept it in the freezer for a little under a half hour, and had a good consistency of freeze going on while still being able to twist the wrap every which way.  I think the trick is to keep the wrap rolled when you're freezing it, but I haven't tested freezing it folded or all stretched out yet.

Despite years of sore knees, I'd never actually applied an ACE bandage myself, so it took some trial and error to figure out how best to apply the right amount of compression while retaining flexibility.  After a few attempts, though, I had myself all wrapped up!  It was verrrrrrrrry cold!  But it stayed in place, moved fluidly when I needed to move around, and didn't cut into my leg no matter how I bent.

After my first use, I already noticed a big difference.  My knee, which hasn't been pain-free in probably at least a decade, didn't feel a thing - and the first test was after last Sunday's race, which was extra rough on my body thanks to a woeful lack of training.  I was even able to tackle stairs without any pain!  It was a revelation.  I've used the wrap after classes a few times now too, with similar results.  I'll have to get a second wrap now so both knees can experience the same relief!  Having ice and compression wrapped (literally) into one easy package will make caring for my aches so much easier, and will help me nurse myself to better health - and better performance!

And, thanks to the generous people at Dr Cool, YOU can take better care of yourself, too!  I have not one but TWO wraps to give away to my wonderful readers!  As always, enter using the Rafflecopter below.  The winners will get to select their size and color preferences; you can check out this handy chart to help you decide:

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Be sure to also check out my Current Promotions page for additional discounts and updates on my latest giveaways!  Check back soon - there are many more awesome products to be won!