Get Energy! by Denise Austin Review and Giveaway

Product: Get Energy!
Author: Denise Austin

Category: Health and Fitness

Price: $16.99

"With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, even when time is short. Now fifty years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows you how to super-charge your life using her innovative lifestyle plan. Eating the right foods at the right time of day, harnessing the power of stretching and breathing to feed your body with energy-enhancing oxygen, and participating in mini workouts all help to increase energy even on your busiest days." --excerpt taken from back cover. 

When thinking about gaining energy, most of us probably think in terms of physical energy. Denise Austin address how to gain physical energy, as well as mental energy and emotional energy, in her new book, Get Energy! The book is divided into three sections:

Part one: Energy 101 

Part Two: Energy Prescriptions

Part Three: High-Energy Living

In part one, there is a checklist to help you determine what is zapping your energy. You simply check the statements that apply to you. There are five different sections that cover lifestyle habits, state of mind relationships job and personal time and sense of purpose. For an example: Section A, I checked the following:

• I skip breakfast most of the time, or have only coffee before noon. 
• I typically eat only one large meal a day, usually dinner.
• I cut back on sleep at night to do housework or meet other personal or job-related obligations
• and so forth...

At the end, you simply tally your check marks in each section to see what part of your life is causing you the most energy drain. 

In section two, Denise shows some simple stretching that can help you to start your day. Don't worry, these are simple exercises that are meant to get your blood flowing. She emphasizes proper posture, and explains how your diet affects your energy level, as well as the importance of a good night's sleep (my main problem being a chronic night owl).  My favorite chapter in this section is Chapter 5: Change Your Outlook, Recharge Your Life. In this chapter, Denise encourages you to laugh!!! She talks about the power of positive thinking  and how helping others can give emotional energy!  She gives some tips for an "attitude makeover" and plenty of ideas on how to reduce the stressors in your life. She has great insight and when reading this with an open-mind, it is easy to see areas in your life that you can change so that you are not overloading yourself with stress. She gives a formula for a balanced life:

B - Be flexible

A - Accept a less-than-tidy house

L - Learn to manage your time

A - Ask for help

N - NO! (just say it, it's okay)

C - carve out family and "me" time

E - Enjoy life!

In part three, you develop a personal energy plan worksheet. It's purpose is to help you to consider your habits, schedule and gives you the tools to devise a 14 day pep plan. It includes many checklists and words of wisdom to help you through your day with more energy, including a 20 minute workout illustrated with photos of proper technique.

I would not read this book as an exercise book, but more as a tool toward developing an understanding about how you can reduce the stress in your life and make your life easier so that you are more physically, mentally and emotionally able to handle the stressors of life. It is a great little self-help book and you will find that once you start reading it, it is hard to put down. Not all the information will be new to you. Some of it will be common sense, but some of the ideas presented will allow you to think outside the box a little. I would think of it as a feel-good book, because by the time you finish it, it leaves you motivated to make some changes in your life. 

How to Connect:

DeniseAustin.com

Denise Austin on Twitter

Denise Austin on Facebook

For iPhone users, download the free iPhone application 

Where to Purchase: Amazon.com

---

One winner will receive a copy of this book for their very own!! Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents aged 18 years or older.  No P.O. Boxes. Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule, meaning if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will only receive one copy of the book in the mail.  This is per sponsor's request.

Giveaway ends on March 10, 2011, Midnight Central Time.

---

Read More

Jane Fonda's WORKOUT review

Product: Jane Fonda's Workout
Category: Health & Fitness
Price: $9.99-$14.99

Ready for a workout? Want to shed some pound and get in shape? Not a problem with the Jane Fonda Workout series!

30 years after the original launch of Jane Fonda's bestselling fitness book and award-winning workout video, Jane Fonda has teamed up with GoFit to relaunch Jane Fonda's WORKOUT.  Each workout is led by a new generation of expert trainers handpicked by Jane Fonda herself.


"I originally created WORKOUT thirty years ago, and I am excited to bring it to the next generation. What I started then, can now be continued by the best of today's rising fitness stars. My hope is that through these new faces, handpicked by me for their individuality and unique styles, I can continue to make the pursuit of fitness relevant for years to come" --Jane Fonda

Let me stress up front that I am totally out-of-shape. It was no wonder that when I first started these workouts that the warm-up was near all I could make it through without being completely out of air. I started with the DVD  that I felt would be more my pace--Daily Yoga.

Daily Yoga is led by Tara Stiles, and supplies approximately 60 minutes of invigorating yoga into your daily life. It allows you to learn how to do authentic yoga stretches and reaches that will improve your balance, flexibility, strength and help to reduce your stress.

Even though Tara makes yoga accessible to everyone, it is still quite a challenge if you haven't ever done yoga and I can promise you that you will work muscles that you didn't even know you had. The pace is good and Tara explains thoroughly how to do the moves. However, as the workout continues, the pace gets faster and the moves a little more difficult. Even under Tara's guiding voice, it often became difficult to keep up! I have done a little bit of yoga, but not enough to feel comfortable with some of the poses, but it does get easier with repetition. If it gets too hard, just tone it down to a level that you feel comfortable. Surprisingly, after a few weeks of doing this one, I looked forward to it!

The next video in the series is Sculpt + Tone. It is led by Karena Dawn and Katrina Hodgson. It is a little over 45 minutes long, but is very challenging! It is described as a "high energy, cardio and strength training routine, guaranteed to scorch thigh, bums, waistlines and upper bodies! Super challenging, and so much fun!"

Trust that guarantee! It's definitely a workout that will make you sweat! When I first started this I thought I was going to D.I.E. Karena and Katrina are fit and they make the moves look easy, but they kicked my butt. The routines are varied and include weights and circuit training that you will most likely have already done as some point in your life. They aren't difficult moves, but they are repetitive which really gives your body a great workout! Like the other workout, just do as many as you can and when it becomes too difficult, simply tone it down to the level you are comfortable.

The last video I was sent to review was the Ultra Bootcamp led by Jeanette Jenkins. This workout is over an hour long, but if I am being honest, I haven't made it through to the end. It's a riveting and high energy cardio workout. It leaves no muscle un-worked and will certainly get your heart pumping. It's full of stretches and kicks and at a fast pace that will help you to get that aerobic exercise needed to help you lose those extra pounds!

The GoFit line includes a multitude of Jane Fonda products from the WORKOUT dvds to stretch bands, sliders, stability balls, hoops and mats.


Where to Purchase: GoFit.com, and Target

---

Read More

PhitGrips Review and Giveaway

Product: PhitGrips
Category: Health and Fitness
Price: $9.99 per pair

"PhitGrip was invented by a gymaholic germaphobe. Sick and tired of getting sick (and then tired) from frequent gym visits our plucky entrepreneur decided to do something about it."  --excerpt from PhitGrips website.

This semester at college, I had to fulfill my physical education credits. One of the classes I am taking is more of a sit down kind of class that teaches health and nutrition, but the other is a basic physical fitness course where I actually have access to a gym with treadmills, weights and other gym equipment. This was the perfect opportunity for me to try PhitGrips, which are designed to create a barrier between you and the millions of germs commonly found on gym weights and workout equipment.

PhitGrips are made with liquefied rubber that has been injected with oxygen, which creates a very light and cushioned feel. The logo printed on the PhitGrips is infused with an antimicrobial agent that helps inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria. To use, simply rub your hands together occasionally to spread the microbial agent over the entire surface of the palm. When the logo wears off, it's time for new PhitGrips.

Germs are everywhere and they are mostly spread by contact and are often left behind on objects that people share with other people. This means the risk of contaminating yourself is high, especially in humid gyms and sweaty palms.

"In Good Morning America's tests, microbiologist Dr. Philip Teirno found the most germs are on equipment used by "multiple people in quick sequence, such as dumbbells". Germs found in the doctor's tests included staph aureus, klebsiella, enterobacter and E. coli, which can cause various ailments."


PhitGrips fit snuggly around dumbbell bars, handrails and other type workout equipment. When I first go to the gym, I start my warm-up by walking on the treadmill, and these grips fit nicely around the hand grips, although the heart rate could not be read when using the PhitGrips (not a big deal to me as I stop and take it manually throughout my workout anyhow). I also used them when lifting weights and using other circuit type exercise equipment. They go off and on very quickly, as one side is open, which allows you to simply slap them on and go. With some of the circuit equipment, the grips were wider than the equipment bars, but it didn't seem to matter as my hands held them in place nicely. I am not a power lifter, but even with the light use, I loved how the PhitGrips prevented my hands from callouses from the dumbbells. No need for gloves! I like that they are lightweight and flexible, so I could easily slip them into my pockets until needed.

PhitGrips are just one tool to utilize in the gym to reduce the risk of contracting harmful bacteria. Other ways of reducing your risks is to bring workout clothes to change into and a special pair of shoes specifically for gym wear. Clean these off and disinfect before packing into your gym bag to take home. Shoes from the street will bring in whatever germs you have picked up wherever you have been in them. Bring your own towels. A hand towel is perfect for wiping sweat from your body. Use footwear in the shower and always bring your own hand sanitizer for places where you can't use your PhitGrips.

How to Connect: 
PhitGrips on Facebook
PhitGrips on Twitter

Where to Purchase: PhitGrips website

---

One winner will win a pair of PhitGrips for their own! Simply fill the form out below to be entered! Giveaway open to United States residents aged 18 years or older. Void where prohibited by law. Winner will be selected using random.org and will have five business days to respond to winning email before win will be forfeited and a new winner chosen. For complete rules and regulations, disclaimer and disclosure, please visit the "legal" page.

---

Prize: One pair of PhitGrips
Contest ends: March 15, 2011, Midnight central standard time

---

---

Read More

Ortholite Fusion Insoles Review

Product: Ortholite Fusion Insoles
Category: Health and Fitness
Price: $19.99

Sometimes, slipping on a new pair of shoes is like slipping your feet into a portable cloud!! Ever get that feeling?! It's usually because a new shoe gives your foot a new insole to rest upon, creating an immediate improvement over your old shoes! Sure, there are after-market insoles that you can put in your shoes, but not all insoles are the same. Not all insoles offer you moisture management, anti-microbial agents, long term cushioning or breath-ability, but the new Ortholite Fushion insoles do just that and so much more!  I call them new, but these insoles have been on the market for some time, hiding out in some of your favorite brand shoes such as Reebok, Adidas, Nike, New Balance, Timberland, Fila, Prada, Puma and many more. It is simply the first time that these insoles have been available to the general public as a separate entity from your favorite shoe! Now you can make any brand of shoe as comfortable as some of the more popular brands seen on the market!!

My greatest downfall with shoes is that I hate to wear socks. I know...how disgusting right? I agree with you! Trust me, no one wants to be near me when I take my shoes off in the summer time. Yes, it's that bad. I hate throwing away my shoes simply because they get that funky odor to them, so  I try to mask it with foot powders. Yep, you guessed it...just makes it smell like smelly feet and powder. I decided to try the Ortho Lite Fushion insoles in one of my most comfortable walking shoes. I tore out that old stinky insole and measured it against the OrthoLite insole. I had ordered a size 8 for myself, and I didn't even have to trim at all. Perfect fit. I was a bit hesitant about wearing the insoles. I've used insoles in the past that have done nothing but make my feet sweat even more, but the OrthoLite insoles use a moisture managment system that helps to keep moisture away from the foot, due to the open cell structure design. Any moisture dries up fast as the airflow through the open cell network is much greater than any insoles I've used in the past. Best of all, even if the Ortholite did cause some sweating, all I have to do is take them out, toss them in the wash, and viola, good as new!! Plus, the EPA/FDA approved anti-microbial formulation helps to fight fungus, bacteria and odor!

My husband ordered a pair for himself as well. He uses big heavy work boots all day long, and his feet are often wet. His old insoles had to be rolled out as they had gotten so thin, it was hard to grab hold. He loves his Ortholite insoles. Not only do they provide him the extra cushioning, but the Ortholite insoles have a spring-back technology that helps them to retain over 95% of their thickness over time, meaning they won't flatten out like his old insoles did!

Overall, we were both very pleased with the Ortholite Fushion Insoles and I will be purchasing several of these to replace the insoles in my daughter's shoes. She is pigeon-toed, like her mother, so she wears down her insoles quickly on one side. My hope is that these will help to keep her shoe from forming so much to the inward turn of her foot, and provide her more support until she is able to train her feet to the proper position. She wears the same size shoe as me, so I feel confident that this will at least make her shoes fit more comfortable.

Important Facts: These insoles are not made to go over existing insoles, but are instead made to replace existing insoles, so be certain that you can remove the insoles for the shoes you intend to use the Ortholite insoles in.

Giving Back: I love companies that give back to the community. For every pair of Fushion Insoles purchased, Ortholite will donate $1 to the Level Field Fund, a grant-giving program that strives to bridge gaps in funding to uniquely talented atheletes.

Where to Buy: Amazon.com



Discount: Save $5.00 on a pair of Fusion insoles when you order from Amazon.com. Simply use the code
"INSOLES$5"

---

Read More

CInch! by Cynthia Sass Review and Giveaway

Product: Cinch!
Author: Cynthia Sass
Category: Health and Fitness, Books
Price: $25.99

Did your waistline expand after all that Thanksgiving turkey and Christmas ham? If so, then Cynthia Sass's book Cinch! will help you to get back into those favorite pair of jeans! Cinch! is the new book just released by Cynthia Sass, the coauthor of the Flat Belly Diet which became one of the New York Times bestselling books. Cinch! will help to conquer your cravings, drop those pounds and lose inches!

The Cinch! plan that Cynthia has devised is based on a twenty-five day plan. You have the option to start with the 5-Day 5-Food Fast Forward plan that helps to jump start your weight loss by eating a combination of  five delicious ingredients including spinach, raspberries, almonds, eggs and yogurt. I know it doesn't sound like much food, but don't worry, you will have plenty to eat as you will use these five ingredients to plan four great meals a day!  She gives you some basic rules:

• Eat Like Clockwork
• Think "Five Pieces Four Times a Day"
• Make Flavor Your Focus

just remember:

• Eat your first meal within one hour of waking up
• Eat one of each meal per day, in any order, but be sure to space them out evenly throughout the course of the day
• You can only eat the foods, beverages and seasonings listed 

The 5-Day Fast Forward is designed to help you lose up to seven pounds in one week, giving you the motivation and the confidence to embark on the journey to cinch that waistline! During this time, Cynthia encourages you to keep a diary that helps you to record the changes that are going to occur within your body,  such as if you are experiencing more energy, as well as other physical signs that the diet is having a positive effect. She also encourages you to record the emotional challenges that you might be facing at the start of this diet. Change is hard and so often we use food to help us quell our personal grievances and daily stressors, and this opportunity allows you to identify the emotions felt while you are omitting some of the foods that you have been accustomed to eating. 

After the 5-Day Fast Forward, then you are ready to begin the Cinch! plan. During this time, Cynthia shares with your the best choices for foods to eat, beverages to drink and spices to use to help you on your journey toward losing the pounds. She gives you great clues toward learning portion sizes at a glance, such as:

• 1 cup = a baseball
• 1/4 cup = a golf ball
• 3 ounces = a deck of cards
• 1 tablespoon = your thumb, from where it bends to the tip

These are quick and easy tricks to help you identify proper portion sizes! She urges you to use organic foods whenever possible, but gives the okay to substitute non-organic food selections if you are not able to find organic in your area. In Cinch!, you will find out why processed foods are not healthy, the role digestion plays in your health and foods that are actually considered "super foods" as they help to increase your metabolism, which in turn helps you lose weight even faster!

My thoughts: This book is good start for someone wanting to make a lifestyle change, as often starting a diet is the hardest thing. However, I found the book a little hard to navigate as it seemed as if the chapters jumped around too much and the organization was not the best. Cynthia Sass does have a lot of information to anyone who has never dieted prior, but I don't feel there is enough new information in her book for anyone who has been in a dieting situation in the past. The foods for the plan do not fit my tastes, and even though some substitutions are allowed, I don't feel I could stick with the choices available. I am not crazy about nuts, raspberries, or eggs and only eat them in slight moderation. Therefore, the quick 5-Day Fast Forward would not be an option for me. There were plenty of recipes included for the month long plan  that actually sounded good....such as the Citrus Salmon Salad, the Mediterranean Shrimp Pizza, and the Chilled Lentil and Wild Rice Salad. Therefore, some of the combinations are feasible and even desirable to eat, and I especially loved that she encourages you to eat chocolate everyday!!  The concept is that denying yourself of a little guilty pleasure will make you more apt to abandon your diet, so allowing yourself a portion controlled dessert is the best way to keep the motivation to maintain the diet. 

What I loved about the book is that Cynthia provides grocery lists to make shopping for the recipes a cinch! It does allow you to remove the unhealthy options from your diet, which in return will allow your body to detox from the unhealthy diet you have been used to, and for this reason alone, this book could help prepare yourself toward a healthier eating plan.  I like that it included options for vegetarians and vegans as well. It's a great starting point, and if you like the main ingredient types listed in the plan, then you will indeed see some result from this diet, especially if you combine it with proper rest and exercise. 

Where to Purchase: Amazon.com

---

I was able to do this review due to my membership with the One2One Network.

---

WIN A COPY!!! One lucky winner will receive a copy of Cinch! for themselves. Simply fill out the form below for a chance to win. Please fill the form out only once and include the information for the bonus entries altogether on one form. 

---

Read More

Montrail Feather Peak GTX Boot Review

Product: Montrail Footwear
Category: Women, Men
Price: $190.00 MSRP

I have the worst time purchasing shoes as I am one of those "half-sized", "wide-width", "pigeon-toed" kind of persons and I have come to despise the whole process of shoe shopping. But, I need shoes...so I don't have a choice but to venture out to buy a pair every now and then. Usually I purchase off the clearance aisle as I hate wasting money on shoes, but there are two types of shoes that I make sure to splurge on: hiking shoes and walking shoes. The walking shoes are what I wear when I am working on the floor as a nurse, and I will spend some high $$ for a good pair of walking shoes. The same with a good hiking boot or shoe; If I am going to be on my feet all day, I want to be without blisters or discomfort and have enough support to save my ankles from twisting. That is why I was so glad to discover the Montrail line of footwear.

Montrail not only offers hiking boots, but also running shoes, recovery shoes and insoles. In order to help you decide which shoe is best fit for your needs, it is important to figure out what you will be using them for and then see which shoe offers the best support for such needs. In my case, I needed a shoe that was good for hiking in conditions that are often muddy, slippery and wet! In Arkansas, every place is uphill and so I also needed a shoe that could support the rocky terrain and stress on my ankles. After talking with a Montrail representative, the boot that I ended up choosing was the Feather Peak GTX boot. This boot is the holy grail of hiking boots!!

First and foremost, it has a roomy toebox, meaning I didn't have to stress on getting a wide width as the extra space meant my toes did not rub against the shoe. Here are some of the specs on this shoe:

---

Features and Benefits:

• Vibram® rubber compound with aggressive lug pattern for traction on a variety of surfaces.
• Full length polyurethane midsole with TPU footbed and shank for superior support.
• Nubuk with high-abrasion leather overlays and scratch leather toe cap for toe protection.
• Quick pull features ball-bearing design for friction resistant lacing.
• Details: 1 lb, 7 oz, 20 mm heel, 8 mm forefoot, Vibram Trek outsole, 

What is Vibram Trek: These soles provide an ideal mix of abrasion resistance, grip, and stability for your adventures. Tenacious grip on wet and dry surfaces inspires confidence on the trail and off. Super Trek's amazing durability will give you thousands of miles of enjoyment.

 --excerpt from the Montrail website

---

My experience: When I first put the boots on, the boots were stiff and tight and I wasn't used to the height of the boot. It rode the middle of my ankles and my foot was in shock...literally. I thought "this isn't going to work" and I was almost tempted to just take them off and put them back in the box, but I resisted. I decided to wear them around the house for a day or two before attempting to wear them on a hike. I am so glad I did!! When the boots loosened up a bit, I couldn't wait to wear them on a hike. The first opportunity I had for a hike involved taking the kids to a gulf that had hills and caves--it was more of a leisurely hike but one where I could spend time with the kiddos. I was LOVING these boots by the end of the hike. We spent about three hours going up and down hills and since it had recently rained, the hillsides were very hard to navigate. The ground was a little soft, making the hills somewhat slippery, but I was able to pull them quite well and the only time I fell was when I was helping my daughter make her way up one of the slipperiest of the hills. We had a lot of fun and were definitely worn out by the end!! The high ankle of the boot saved me several times and the feature I wasn't sure I'd love, was one of the best things about the boot!!

How do they hold up: I have really gave these boots a good workout, wearing them off and on over a period of months and they have held up great!! I was really worried they would stain, so did scotch guard protect them and they still look wonderful!! Highly recommend!

Where to Purchase: Store Locator

---

Read More

SOMbands Review

Product: SOMbands
Age Range: All ages
Price: $6.99




Like so many of the products I review, often times the story behind the product is what makes the product remarkable. SOMbands is definitely one of those products that learning the reason it was created can help to appreciate the message the bands evoke.

SOM= "State of Mind"

These inspirational bands were created by Lauren Jones. Following is an excerpt from the website that explains the premise behind the product line.

What is SOMbands?

SOMbands is not the bands or t-shirts or even the messages on the products. SOMbands is an ideology.

It is all of those people out there who, despite disease, disabilities and setbacks, have accomplished things that many of us would deem impossible.

It's doing your best in everything, in every way, no matter what life throws at you because there are others who, through their sweat and tears and raw determination, have blazed the path and shown us what the human spirit is capable of accomplishing.

SOMbands, with its simple messages, tries to remind people of these things. Our purpose is to enlighten, empower and encourage people to do more, to be more and to realize that no matter how hard something seems, someone out there has always done more with less.

Why did I create SOMbands?

Because there are so many reasons to not do things. There are too many excuses to stop doing something once it becomes difficult.  And there are so many stories out there about people who have overcome pain or defied age to accomplish amazing things. I kept reading these stories, about 80-year-olds completing Ironman triathlons and others with prosthetics or going through chemotherapy for cancer and doing things I thought my body could never handle.

I would read these stories and think, “If they can do these things, and my body is young and healthy, the only thing holding me back is my mind, or rather my state of mind.”

So, SOMbands was born.  To give you the constant reminder that you really can do anything you set your mind to.

 -----Lauren Jones, SOMbands creator

(excerpt from website)

When I learned of these bands, it piqued my curiosity. I am one that fears life on so many levels. I often stop myself from doing things that will make my life better, simply because I let the fear of the unknown get the best of me. It's hard to overcome such obstacles, when the reason you cannot do something is because your state of mind refuses to allow you the freedom to do so. That is why I love the philosophy of SOMbands and their motto of "It's time to get out of your head and start living" simply by changing your state of mind! 

The bands come in a variety of styles and colors. The colors are based on color psychology and takes into consideration the mood each color will evoke when worn. 

• RED: Increases circulation, stimulates the body and mind, is associated with strength, vitality, activity, passion, and energy.
• GREEN: Relieves stress, stimulates healing, symbolizes nature, and offers tranquility, good luck, health and has a calming effect.
• BLUE: Soothes pain, lowers pulse rate and body temp, gives feelings of calmness, peace, tranquility, and security.
• YELLOW: Stimulates the nerves and purifies the body, promotes happiness, optimism, joy and imagination.  

The bands come in four sizes ranging from small to x-large, assuring the perfect fit! They are also reflective, making them great for wearing while walking or biking after dark. 

I received the following bands:

"AGE is just a state of mind"

HAPPINESS is a state of mind

After snapping into place, these inspirational bands give a constant reminder that we simply need to allow ourselves equal opportunity toward accomplishing our goals simply by having the proper state of mind. If you have ever failed in the past or allowed fear or age or anything to stand in your way of becoming the person you want to be...these bands are for you!! 

The power of the mind is remarkable! My brother in law has recently been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. Each day, he gets up with a positive state of mind! His doctors tell him that this attitude will contribute to his healing and I truly believe it has!! Set your mind to it and DO IT!

The SOMbands website has also expanded their line to include inspirational t-shirts as well. You can also connect with SOMbands at the following social networks:

• SOMbands on Facebook
• SOMbands on Twitter
• SOMbands blog

Where to Purchase: SOMbands website

---

Read More