exercise Archives

Help Dad Work Towards His Goals This Father’s Day With The Vivofit Fitness Tracker

March 27, 2014 by Beeb 20 Comments

Vivofit Fitness Tracker provided for review.

Father’s Day is just around the corner – and if you’re looking for a great gift for the outdoorsman, athlete, or any dad with fitness goals, the Vivofit Fitness Tracker is a nice choice. Fitness trackers have been getting a lot of attention lately as a good way to both keep track of your progress and inspire your workouts. Jai and I have both been working our way towards more and more of our fitness goals in the last few years, and one of the things he loves to do is go jogging. There is an Android app that he used in the past for recording his progress running, but now that he has an iPhone, he can’t use it anymore. He’s been looking for a replacement for some time now, so I was curious to see what Vivofit had to offer!

Garmin’s Vivofit Fitness Tracker is worn around the wrist like a watch, and can be used to display time, the number of steps you’ve taken today, how far you’ve walked, and how many calories you’ve burned. Paired with their Garmin Connect website, the Vivofit generates customized fitness goals for you, so you can glance down at any time to see how far away you are from the day’s goals. What’s more, the fitness band detects when you have been inactive for an hour or longer and displays a red bar, which is your reminder to get up and move; the bar grows the longer you sit. As people with desk jobs, this made both Jai and I nervous. 😉

But the Vivofit isn’t just an exercise tool, it’s an all-around health monitor. The Vivofit Bundle comes with a heart rate monitor that you strap around your chest and pair with the band; you can also report your bedtime and wake time on Garmin Connect to keep track of how much sleep you’re getting. “Sleep mode” also ensures that the red bar is turned off during that time! The sleep tracking is purely self-reported; it does not track motion to gauge sleep quality. The Garmin Connect reports show you the number of steps taken, but it does not record information specific to running, such as distance, time, or location.

The Vivofit Fitness Tracker is water-resistant, so Jai was able to wear it with confidence down to the beach for a jog; you can even wear it in the shower. That, coupled with a battery that is meant to last for a year, means that you can effectively wear it all the time for a more accurate picture of how much exercise and rest you’re getting every day.

The fashion-minded can also buy extra Vivofit Bands to jazz up the tracker and coordinate with your outfits!

Yesterday night, I did hear Jai saying, “Oh, I have to walk around the house to meet my step goal for the day!” – so I do think it encourages you to be that much more active! In all, I’d say this is a great starter fitness tracker for any person who wants a way to record their progress as they go through their daily activities.

The Vivofit Fitness Tracker retails for $129.99 by itself and $169.99 when bundled with the heart rate monitor. Get one just in time for Father’s Day by visiting Garmin.com!

Using The FitBit Force The Pros And Cons #VZWBuzz

January 20, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I purchased the Fitbit Force (on Amazon, but you can purchase it at a Verizon store, online or at an AT&T store), or rather, my husband purchased the fitbit Force for me as a Christmas present. It’s been very insightful into why I do or do not lose weight. The fitbit Force is the newest in the fitbit line of products and that along with the fitbit aria (the fitbit scale) I’m keeping up with daily weightless and gain. And I need to try to make myself weigh in only once a week because my weight fluctuates a lot and when I have a higher day, I get a little depressed on myself. Now, let’s talk about the ins and outs of this fitbit Force.

I have found two negatives:

One, the fitbit Force is very difficult to put on your wrist until I had my husband put it on for me, I was losing it in bed every night and once, I lost it randomly in the house while I was cleaning. Ahhh, I thought I was going to have a total melt down if we didn’t find it. Luckily I found it.

Two, the fitbit Force doesn’t seem to track quick movements accurately or intense exercise very well. When I go to the gym, I feel like I get a good intense workout and it says I only did for half the time that I was actually there. Is it really accurate? And when I use the elliptical it doesn’t count all of my steps. I even tested it by going up and down the stairs at our house, I went up and down 10 times up and down all the way and it only counted four. Now either we don’t have a standard amount of steps or it’s just no accurate.

The Positives:

It makes me want to take more steps, and it connects with my fitness pal which more people I know actually use. So I can include my food, (the intake) and then see the outtake (the calories I burn) and know if I’m making any progress. Right now, I’m sort of stagnant at 150 pounds, one day I’m under another day I’m over, but last week I was on the couch almost every day without any exercise and I had some alcohol which my sister and I lovingly refer to as liquid fat. But starting today, I’m giving it up for the month. I really want to lose some weight and know that I can lose it if I give up all alcohol, drinks, wine and just stop.

It sends me an e-mail when it needs to be charged. I love that it tells me that I need to charge it. Cause that’s something I would forget to check.

I had my husband buy one for himself and he says it’s awful at tracking how much you sleep verses how much you wake up and just lay there awake. I know that if you’re breathing slows down enough it thinks you are sleeping when you are not. But he and I do love to compare notes on how we are doing through out the day. I’m jealous that men burn more calories with less work than women do.

A few other things:

Monitors how long and how well you sleep
Wakes you (not your partner) with a silent wake alarm
LED lights show how your day is stacking up against your goal
Set goals, view progress, and earn badges
Share and compete with friends throughout the day
Syncs automatically with select mobile devices and to your computer
Free iPhone and Android App
Instantly launch your Fitbit app by tapping your device with your NFC-enabled Android phone
Easy-to-wear, slim, comfortable wristband
Available in two stylish colors – black and slate
Accessory bands allow you to personalize your Flex
Wear all day and night – even in the shower
Rechargeable battery

Out of those things, I use the silent alarm to wake up we very day. But my husband does hear it. I look at my count all throughout the day. I love how it sinks over Bluetooth to my phone, wish it did the same with my computer. Those USB dongles are very easy to lose.

Flex syncs with popular fitness apps for an integrated fitness regiment. Apps include Sparkpeople, LoseIt!, MyFitnessPal, MapMyFitness, Runkeeper, and Endomondo.

Inspired To Work Out With Ellie #LoveEllie My Weightloss Update

October 2, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

Follow Ellie on Twitter and Facebook – Include #LoveEllie on twitter. I received a sample for this review.

It’s really hard for me to look at this photo and be happy with the way I look. It has nothing to do with the workout clothes, it has to do with all the extra curves, bumps and my face. I know, I’m being hard on myself but since I started trying to watch what I eat two weeks ago I expected to lose weight a whole lot faster. This week I’m down two more pounds so that’s five pounds in two weeks. I was hoping to unrealistically be down 10 to 15 pounds already. Last week, was my first week to start exercising and I’ve been sick so it’s been really hard to be consistent with anything. I’m still sick, and I’m traveling this week which is my Achilles heel when it comes to eating right. However, I have an antibiotic in my hand, an adorable workout outfit from Ellie and I’m going to kick butt!

I love the Ellie workout clothes. I love working out in long sleeves and I love having the thumb bands. The pants are lineless and I’m actually going to be wearing them as leggings with my dresses on my press trip this week. They wash well and don’t wrinkle. They are comfy and stretchy and I like wearing them to the buss stop. Everyone things I’ve been working out.

Weight 151 down 2 pounds

measurements the same as last week.

Goal for this week. Well, I’m making negative progress at Smucker’s because the food is just too good. But I’ll hit the Gym hard when I get home.

Get Moving Every 15 Minutes with Jawbone Up #VZWBuzz

July 9, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

I’m a Verizon Wireless Ambassador but we purchased this product

Sitting in the hospital waiting for more news on my grandmother was keeping kept my activity level quite low. I was sitting watching TV and trying to work but it was so hard to keep my mind on anything. Sigh…..

Well good news is my husband purchased me a Jawbone Up at the Verizon Store before I left. He read my post about the Fitbit Flex and how much I wanted it, well the Jawbone works just as well. The only thing that bothers me is that I have to tell it when I fall asleep and when I wake up so that it will properly chart my sleep. My stats are pretty darn low right now and I’m going to work to get it up.

I was checking out the programs that I can schedule with my Jawbone Up and I set up an alarm to wake me up. It took me a week to realize that the alarm only works when you remember to set your Jawbone Up to sleep mode. What does work for me every day is the 15 minute reminder to get up and walk around a little bit. You have to remember that every step is a step in the right direction to becoming a more active person. Every step you take helps you lose more weight and I’m on the move to lose 15 pounds this summer. That’s right I want to lose at least 15 pounds. I’ve been using it to track my activity and it’s been helping me to remember to jump up and run in place or walk around the house mostly I’ve just been making my family laugh as every 15 minutes I do something really silly. LOL, it’s needed with all the emotions currently going on around here.

Track Your Activity

Wearing UP captures a complete picture of your day, so you don’t have to guess how active you are. UP tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and time spent active vs. idle

I find the Jawbone Up to be a light bracelet that I can wear in the shower and sleep in. It’s comfortable and I only take it off when I have to charge it. Here is a sizing chart for you to decide which bracelet will fit you best.

Jawbone UP Sizing Chart

Step 1: Get a string, a marker and a ruler. Wrap the string snugly around your wrist. Mark the string where the two ends cross.

Step 2: Use a ruler to measure the string from one end to the marked place. Then see the size guide to the right to determine which wristband is right for you. If you’re between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size.

Product Features

Designed to be worn 24/7; up to 10 days of battery life
Track your sleep: total hours, light versus deep, length of time to fall asleep
Track your activity: steps, distance, calories burned, time spent active versus idle
Log what you eat & drink & track nutritional info, free iPhone app required
Use the provided USB cord to charge the Jawbone UP with your computer

Get Your Exercise Groove On With Radio Shack: Fitness Products To Keep You Going

January 31, 2013 by Momstart 2 Comments

Statistics show that 45 percent of Americans usually make New Year’s resolutions and of that 45 percent, 73 percent have infrequent or no success. RadioShack is here to help you succeed in your 2013 health resolutions with these recommended fitness products:

· Klipsch S4 ($79.99) – Fitness-geared headphone that include noise isolating, washable eartips and tangle-free cords.

The Klipsch S4 Headphones is the perfect companion for your MP3 player or smartphone. With three different sizes of washable eartips, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for you. And, it has unequaled comfort, noise isolation, musical accuracy and bass.

Precise comfortable fit for long-term wear
Superior noise-isolating design
Delivers smooth sound with enhanced bass
Angled nozzle for proper in-ear alignment
Durable built-in strain relief
Available in a sleek black or pristine white finish
Works with iPod, iPhone and other MP3 devices

· Skullcandy™ INK’d MIC’d ($24.99) – These soft-fitted sleeves fill your ear to help block out unwanted background noise.

Groove to the beat of your own drum while showing your `tude with Skullcandy INK’d MIC’d earbuds. Their soft-fitted sleeves fill your ear to help block out unwanted background noise. The powerful 11mm drivers and wide 20Hz-20kHz frequency range will make sure that your music, be it punk rock or Rachmaninov, sounds its best.

Ear-fitting design is comfortable and naturally isolates the inner ear from the outside world
They come with 3 earpiece sets, so you can customize your fit
Stylish skull icons for a unique look
Features an in-line mic and control switch with iPod play/pause/track control

· Philip’s Sport Clip Earbuds ($29.99) – The around-the-ear hooks keep these earbuds in place during the most intense workouts. Plus, they are sweatproof and washable.

The Philip’s Sport Clip Earbuds clip behind the ear and provide sound isolation. They’re washable, sweatproof and waterproof for intense workouts. And, bass-thumping stereo sound enhances your music for your workout.

Sport clips hook behind the ears
Sound isolation allows better sound than most headphones at lower level
Bass-thumping stereo sound enhances your music for your workout
Washable, sweatproof and waterproof
Features 3 sizes of ultrasoft silicon caps

· Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker ($59.99) – The new and improved Fitbit is rain, splash and sweatproof so you can take it to any workout. It captures all activity and automatically syncs stats to your mobile device or PC.

Get a kick out of fitness with the Fitbit Zip Wireless Activity Tracker. It tracks your steps, distance and calories burned and syncs those stats to your computer and select smartphones. In doing so, it celebrates how much more you do each day. Zip encourages you to set goals, challenge friends and go farther, one step at a time. That’s how you turn everyday life into a social, achievable, awesome path to fitness.

Powered by Fitbit’s leading-edge accelerometer, Zip accurately captures your activity all day
Discreet silicone clip lets you wear it almost anywhere
Rain, splash and sweatproof so you can take it on any workout
Automatically syncs your information to PCs, Macs and select iOS and Android™ devices
Fitbit’s free mobile App and free online dashboard gives you a snapshot of your progress
Stay motivated by earning Fitbit badges for daily, weekly, even lifetime achievements
Link with friends on Fitbit.com to compare stats, share progress and cheer each other on
Export your Fitbit data to popular fitness Apps such as SparkPeople, Lose It!, MyFitnessPal and more

· The One™ Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker ($99.99) – This device accurately tracks steps taken, stairs climbed, calories burned, hours slept, distance traveled and sleep quality.

If you want to turn fitness into a lifestyle, the One by Fitbit is for you. During the day, it tracks your steps, distance, calories burned and stairs climbed. Come nightfall, it measures your sleep cycle, helps you learn how to sleep better and wakes you in the morning. The One motivates you to reach your goals by bringing greater fitness into your life – seamlessly, socially, 24 hours a day.

Powered by Fitbit’s leading-edge accelerometer and altimeter
Accurately captures all-day activity that old-school pedometers can’t handle
Tracks steps taken, stairs climbed, calories burned, hours slept, distance traveled & sleep quality
Wakes you with a silent alarm so not to disturb your partner
Rain, splash and sweatproof, allowing you to brave the elements
Syncs your data to PCs, Macs, iOS device and – coming soon – select Android phones
Share and compete with friends
Log your food, water, workouts, weight, and more using Fitbit’s online tools
Export your Fitbit data to popular fitness Apps such as SparkPeople, Lose It!, MyFitnessPal and more

We received a sample

Shake it Up and Tone with The Shake Weight

March 29, 2012 by Momstart 17 Comments

After childbirth is a time when women are actively trying to get back in shape and lose the added weight. However, taking care of a newborn child doesn’t always allow the time. The Shake Weight, gives new mothers an easy way to get back in shape (and make it easier to tote around the new love of your life) without the added time of going to the gym.

Honestly, it took me two years to take off the weight or find the time to take off the baby weight. So don’t get discouraged for feel bad about not being able to lose the weight as quickly as all the stars in Hollywood do. Take your time and use small things like the Shake Weight to get a little fun movement in your life.

The Shake Weight is a mere 2.5 – 5 lbs and can be used anywhere, including at home and in the office. A product this simple and versatile makes it easy for anyone to work out (for just 6 mins a day) anywhere that’s convenient. The revolutionary product proves its legitimacy by utilizing new workout technology called dynamic inertia, which can increase muscle activity nearly 300% compared to a standard dumbbell.

I got this out when my friend and contributor Ashley was over a few days ago. She started laughing, I asked her if she wanted to try it and she said no, she didn’t think she could be serious. Not sure why, must be a commercial on TV that I haven’t seen. I’ve tried it and can feel it working on my abs in just a few shakes. My abs can use a lot of work so I’m excited to be able to use the Shake Weight for just a few minutes a day and feel like hey I did a little exercise today. And that’s exactly what I’m talking about. Just get a little more movement in your day every day and then your weight will start to come off. I’m not a big believer in dieting but a believer in lifestyle changes. So change your life and do something new even if you think it’s going to make you laugh or feel silly.

That’s the best kind of exercise right? Having fun, easy and getting fit!

We received samples for this review.

Exercise Equipment from Chin Ups to Hydration with Sport Line

August 9, 2011 by Momstart 15 Comments

Exercise isn’t a four letter word … don’t treat it like it is!!! By now the fad of the New Year have faded and if the summertime hasn’t brought you to fit, then you may have given up but don’t! Now is the time to get with the program of try a new ways to obtain your family’s goals that aren’t met yet.

Let me share with you some products from Sport Line to help you get fit and stay healthy from the summer into the fall so you can reach your fitness goals by the New Year and concentrate on other resolutions.

The HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle ($29.99):

Featured in Better Homes & Garden and on Ellen, The HydraCoach is the world’s first interactive water bottle as it calculates your personal hydration needs, tracks your real-time fluid consumption, paces you throughout the day and motivates you to achieve and maintain optimal hydration. Doctors, Nutritionists and Fitness Trainers all recommend that we drink water, yet until now there has never been a device to help individuals adhere to the expert’s recommendations. The HydraCoach is the only product of its kind and an evolutionary leap in personal hydration monitoring. Get your own at SportLine.com .

Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer ($34.99):

Studies say those who walk fewer than 5,000 steps a day are more likely to be overweight…people walking 9,000+ steps daily are more likely to be of normal weight. Pedometers like the Sportline Qlip are a great way to get and stay motivated in your walking routine. It’s an advanced digital pedometer that can be worn (clipped) anywhere on the body and provides real-time feedback for individuals pursuing fitness and walking goals, including accurately tracking steps, distance, and calories burned. This Qlip Pedometer is available on SportLine.com [http://www.sportline.com/310-qlip-pedometer.html].

Sportline Men’s DUO 1010 Heart Rate Monitor ($119.99):

The DUO 1060 offers the most advanced technology, allowing for both continuous (with included chest belt) and on-demand (with Any Touch Technology’s finger-activation) heart rate monitoring with zone and percentage of max indicators, ability to track speed, distance and strides with built-in accelerometer. This dual purpose water resistant (to 50 m) watch has a backlight, stopwatch, lap timer and countdown timer and tracks calories burned. It has a five year warranty and is available not only on SportLine.com but also at most sporting goods retailers.

Power Strip ($19.95):

Why spend money on an expensive gym membership when you can have a full body workout at home? As a parent that’s wasted time when you’re traveling to a gym when you could be focusing all of it on yourself working out at home. The Power Strip provides 30+ exercises to build muscle and burn fat in the comfort of your own home. No gym required. It offers quick and easy set-up and adjustment anywhere on the door and securely fits on doors up to 32 inches wide. Ideal for travel or home use with interchangeable handles and ankle straps. A workout poster, written by the fitness experts, is included. The Power Strip is available at in store at Target and Sports Authority, as well as online at SportLine.com.

The BodyFit Executive Fitness Kit ($29.99):

A total body strength and conditioning workout that chisels and strengthens abs, back and chest; and firms and tightens arms, shoulders and legs. The four piece equipment set engages core muscles while tightening and firming biceps and triceps. You can also build dexterity in hands, wrists and forearms. Perfect for home, travel and office, the set includes push up stands, sit-up strap, hand-grip resistance tube and travel bag. Available exclusively at Sports Authority in store or online.

The Everlast Multi-Function Chinning Bar ($29.99):

Will keep you fit by building a powerful physique with the tried-and-true cornerstone exercises of fitness. Use your body’s own resistance to create maximum impact where it counts: pecs, biceps, abs and obliques. The portable Multi-Function Chinning Bar goes anywhere and is a great foundation for any training regimen. It sets up in several locations, including doorway, against a wall, or on the ground. Multiple grasp positions let you work muscles from several different angles. Available in store at Sports Authority, Academy, Modell’s, Big 5 and Champs or online at Amazon.

Though I’m done with my Warrior Dash I still have some weight to lose. These are some hot products on the market today to help you are your partner attain your goals. I own The Everlast Multi-Function Chinning Bar and my goal is to be able to do ONE pull up. I’m almost there; then I’ll try for two. I also use the bar to save my wrists while doing push-ups and other floor exercises. Good luck in attaining your fitness goals; I hope this has been motivating and helpful!

Samples received in exchange for this post.

About Summer:

Summer is very active in our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Dear Healthy Choice

September 6, 2010 by Momstart 8 Comments

Dear Healthy Choice,

A few months ago you asked me to participate in a journey of learning how to live healthy again. The program in case you have forgotten was called Better For BlogHer. On this journey you sent me instructions on how to live better, what to eat, how much to eat and how to start moving. At first, I thought it was impossible and that even by eating your meals I would not succeed. I was unable to give up my chocolate addiction and snacking with the kids. After I met with you in person and listened, really listened to your tips, I started having success. All of these tips have been successful. I have lost weight, I can fit into my old clothing and I feel better about myself. I feel comfortable and find it easier to run around and play with my children. It is amazing that I am off the floor! We thank you as a family!!

I just wanted to thank you for all of your help!

Louise Bishop

If you want to start your journey in losing weight, try out some of Tara Gidus Healthy Eating Tips:

Don’t make excuses. Being too busy shouldn’t be an obstacle to healthy eating.
Eat light and eat often. Eat only what you need to sustain yourself for a few hours, then follow up with a light snack to tide you over until the next meal.
Shrink your plate and your waist will follow. Eating from a smaller plate will help you control portions, while your brain will still think you had a plate full of food.
S-L-O-W D-O-W-N. Food is meant to be enjoyed, so slow down and savor every bite. Take sips of water and put your fork down throughout your meal to remind yourself to slow down.
Save dough by eating at home. Restaurant meals can have high calories along with high prices. Cook at home to save time, money, and fuel, or bring lunch to work for even more savings.
Track your spending. Not dollars, but calories. People who keep a record of what they eat lose twice as much weight as those who don’t.
Don’t compromise on summer cravings. Instead of completely depriving yourself from foods you love, look for simple ways to make them healthier.
Color your plate. Fruits and veggies are colorful and add nutritional value to every meal without adding tons of extra calories.

Stay tuned, next week we’ll have a Healthy Choice Giveaway!

This is a sponsored post, I have received payment and products from Healthy Choice!

Fitness Friday One Week At Time

January 7, 2010 by Momstart 9 Comments

I set my goal really low so that I would be able to make it. I made it and I feel ok about it. I just can’t really do anything big to make any progress right now except starve myself and that’s out of the questions. I need to eat to help my body heal. I guess I just need more time to feel like I”m human again. Then I’ll be able to move around and stuff.

Then the fun will start and I’ll be able to lose some weight.

I’m eating healthier than I was and making changes and that’s the real goal here, is to change my overall eating to be more healthy. In the process I want to change the way my kids eat too. I’m really worried about my daughter. She’s only three but I’m still very concerned. My husband and I were talking about it tonight and we need to make changes for her.

Neither he or I are large people, we both could lose a few pounds but we both come from the potential genetics to be large. It’s those genes that I see in her. One side of my family, my mother’s side, struggles with weight more than my dad’s side, and for my husband his family seems to be the same. It’s harder for women to lose weight than it is for men too. So I know that if I can teach her to eat right now then she’ll be fine.

Mostly though, I think if we could just get the whole family moving more then it would be easier. I’m just at my wits end here blaming myself. The doctor didn’t seem to concerned, I mean do they anymore. Would my doctor tell me if I need to do something, I mean all she told me today was to make sure that Zoe is eating the low fat version of everything. That’s what we eat. I don’t give her cookies, you would think I’m an evil mom if you were at a play date with me. hmmm. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Andrew and I are both on the more slender side, I’m just hoping to make changes in my health and maybe through being a good example she’ll be fine.

So back to me, I weigh in at 152. All the moms in my MOMS club weighed in today and I missed it because I’m still taking it easy. Anyways, I felt that I should publicly announce my weight since they all did it in front of each other. I want to get down to at least 145, but would be really happy at 135. I have so many cute clothes that I can’t wear anymore and I would love to be able to wear.

Immediate goals for the next week.

Again, drink a ton of water

I’m going to up my walking goal to 5 times for next week. I know that I barely made my goal of three times last week, but even if I have to take the kids out in the rain, I’m going to drag them out at least five times. That’s the one thing I really HATE about WA. The rain, it does rain as often as people say it does. Guess I better just suck it up and get used to it. Ok, so that’s my rant for the week. Me and changing the health of my whole family so that my little girl will be healthy.