GIVEAWAY: Gymboss Timer Review & Giveaway

This is a SUPER Exciting giveaway! One winner will take home their very own Gymboss Timer! Perfect for running intervals, bootcamp drills, athletic circuits, run/ walk/ jog intervals, treadmill or eliptical circuits- you name it- the Gymboss times your workout!

My friend has a Gymboss that she uses for her walk/ run interval workouts and when I saw what it could do- I knew I had to have one! I am currently studying for my ACE Group Fitness exam so I am making up some fitness routines. I LOVE one minute interval workouts so I knew I needed a Gymboss. It works perfectly and is SO easy to use. I honestly do not know how I have lived without a Gymboss timer for this long. I love that I can set it for one minute intervals followed by a 30 second rest period. SO much better & easier to use than a stopwatch. No setting, stopping, pushing buttons, ans re-setting. Simply input your interval time(s) and you are good to go. Love that I am not limited to one setting as I want to incorporate a longer work period followed by the shorter rest period. Available in a wide variety of awesome colors:

GYMBOSS WILL MAKE ANY WORKOUT EASIER TO PLAN AND EXECUTE WITH MORE ACCURACY AND CONSISTENCY! Fantastic gymboss functions I Love:

• 1 or 2 intervals - 2 seconds to 99 minutes- so much variety
• Repeat up to 99 times
• Beep and/or Vibrate alarm
• Alarm duration 1, 5, or 10 seconds
• Stopwatch function
• Secure Belt clip-latches on and stays  on!
• Compact Size (1 ¾ x 2 ¼ x ½ inches)-small enough to keep on your belt on your top or on your shoe!
• Water and shock resist-perfect for hi impact and sweaty workouts!

Want to win a Gymboss of your very own? Enter here:

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Gymboss website & tell me something you learned along with your email address.

Optional Entries: After completing the mandatory entry above

• 1 Entry: Tell me what you would use your Gymboss for if you won
• 1 Entry: Like Gymboss on Facebook
• 1 Entry: Follow Gymboss on Twitter
• 2 Entries: Check out the Gymboss blog & tell me something you learned
• 1 Entry: Like Fitness For Us on Facebook
• 1 Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways.
• 1 Entry: Follow my blog via GFC
• 5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)
• 1 Entry:Vote in my poll (upper right corner)
• 1 Entry: Follow Fitness For the Rest of Us on twitter
• 1 Entry: Follow my blog via RSS
• 1 Entry: Like I Want a Freakin' Cupcake on Facebook (my cake company)
• 1 Per Tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X daily at least 1 hour apart

 #win @GYMBOSS @fitnessforus #giveaway http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-gymboss-timer-review-giveaway.html

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 12/9/11  and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 12/11. Contest open to US Residents! Good Luck!

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Two Belles Fitness Giveaway: Cool Lunch Sack & ToFutti Dairy Free

Enter on Two Belles Fitness for your chance to STAY COOL with  Cool Lunch Bags- the perfect way to keep your lunch cool and healthy! And what better to put in your Cool Lunch Bag but some delicious and nutritious Tofutti goods! Keep reading & enter below for your chance to win!

Cool Lunch Bags:
Cool Lunch Bags are a MUST have for every office worker, student, and active person on the go. Cool Lunch Bags are lead free and come with a handy inside pocket perfect for the included but removable freezer pack. They also have a nice adjustable strap for easy carrying. Super versitilie, cool when you need it and remove the freezer pack when you dont. Save the environment & save yourself money & quit using brown bags! Add some style and flair with a cute Cool Lunch Bag.

I seriously use mine all the time! I bring it to work every day and just this weekend- used it to lug around my snacks & water when I was running from appointment to appointment.  We all know that bringing our own lunch & snacks with us saves us money and saves us calories- so I highly recommend getting yourself a Cool Lunch Bag so you can keep your lunch, water, and healthy snacks fresh & safe for hours! Cool Lunch Bags come in a variety of sizes- so there really is something for everyone, every appetite, and every meal! And in a huge assortment of styles & colors- you are sure to find something you love. Check out the Cool Lunch Bags website to view their huge assortment of super economical lunch solutions.  The winner of this giveaway will win a Cool Lunch Bag of their very own!

Tofutti Dairy Free:

I dont even know where to begin with my Tofutti LOVE!!! Tofutti offeres a huge variety of dairy free products that are so incredibly delicious! Try one and we know youll love it! Some of my favorites: Vanilla Almond Bark frozen dessert, Garlic & Herb Better than Cream Cheese, Tofutti Pan Crust Pizza Pizzazz, and of course their Key Lime Tofuttie Cuties- just to name a few! All dairy free, all delicious. Perfect treats for all the non-dairy eaters in your life. Both DH really cant handle much dairy so we LOVE LOVE LOVE all things Tofutti! Such a life saver, when you really want that ice cream sandwich- all the flavor none of the dairy!

Tofutti's ice cream like pint size desserts have been available around the country for years- they are available at my local grocer even! Not only are the Tofutti products amazingly delcious they are also healthy and full of soy protein!  Soy protein is known to lower blood cholesterol and reduce the rates of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer – breast, colon, and prostate – and fewer menopausal symptoms. Several components of soybeans, including protein, fiber, calcium, essential fatty acids, and isoflavones, offer the potential to promote health and prevent diseases. Genistein, an isoflavone found in high concentrations in soy foods, is thought to play a key role in many of the potential health benefits. The daily recommending dose of isoflavones (the active ingredient in soy) is 40 milligrams. This equals 3/4 cup tofu or 11/2 cups of soy milk. The winner of this giveaway will take home some Tofutti coupons for free Tofutti products!

Want to stay cool by wining these fantasticly cool items? Enter on Two Belles Fitness!

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on  12/2/2011 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on  12/4/2011. Contest open to US Residents (No PO Boxes)! Good Luck!

We received samples of these products to review. We were in no other way compensated for our honest reviews. All thoughts and ideas expressed are oury own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. We can not be held responsible for user errors in entering this contest, shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

Dance Off the Inches: Hip Hop Body Blast Review

Today's Review: Dance off the Inches: Hip Hop Body Blast
Jennifer Galardi, 2011 **** (4 of 5 stars)

Jennifer leads this 42 minute workout w/ 2 backgrounders in a really cute set. The dvd includes a 21 minute learn the moves tutorial which really helps - I did it then the w/o and had no problems w/ the choreo (which is saying a lot as I have 2 left feet & cant dance). You wont need any equipment for this workout.

The w/o contains 3 separate routines ("to the club," "Groovin," and "Kick It Up") and Jen teaches a move, then adds on until you get a complete routine- while the routines are built add-on style I didnt find this overly TIFTy. Dance Moves include: strike, tap & sit, hip rolls, party arms, stomp, happy feet, hop scotch, bait & switch, wipers, shuffle, skat, chug, slap it, twist & tuck, etc. The workout assumes you have done the step guide- which like I said clearly taught the moves.

I rate this a high beginner workout in terms of cardio and intermediate in terms of choreo. I had no problem catching on after doing the tutorial. Jen cues wonderfully and does a great job of creating mini- routines, fun and great pace. No wasted time overly breaking down the moves during the workout, I like that the step guide is separate. Great energy & fun workout for days you just want to dance! If I were a fan of dance (at all) this would be a 5 star workout- fun & doable & love Jen! I received this dvd to review.


Today's Tip: Your workout routine is making you eat too much
Is your workout causing you to use the "I burned it, I earned it," excuse when it comes to your diet? "Studies show that people tend to eat more calories when they take up exercise,"  The solution: Make your workouts count by pairing them with a healthy diet that stays within the appropriate calorie range your body needs in order to lose or maintain your weight. Olson recommends writing down what you are eating to keep track of calories consumed, and then subtracting the calories you burned, for your true daily number. Read more on Shape. 

Thanksgiving: How did you all fare? We went to friends house for dinner and I did ok, considering Thanksgiving food is my all time favorite! I made fun cupcakes. Will post a pic later in the week.


Today's LOLz:

EdenFantasys: Dresses & Club Wear

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

WINNERS! ZONE Diet and Susan Chung DVD & Weighted Gloves

Congrats to the ZONE Diet winners: Kristen, J G, and Jill! 

Congrats to the lucky winner of Susan Chung's  RapidFire: Results: A Total Body Kickboxing Workout & Weighted gloves: Kimberly.


Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thanks to our sponsors! The winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond to claim their fabulous prizes!!!

Martial Fusion LIQUID LIVE - An Interactive Fitness Concert Experience - December 15th, Miami

For everyone in the Miami area- this is too good to miss! Mark your calenders & get your tickets now. This interactive fitness event sounds amazing! I WISH I could attend!!!

For the first time ever in Miami, Martial Fusion presents an interactive, fitness concert experience:

MARTIAL FUSION LIQUID LIVE
This powerful, energetic workout is set to a live electronic band, drummers and dancers, and led by martial arts fitness expert Sensei Guillermo Gomez.

Tickets are $15.00 per person and available at:
http://www.martialfusion.com/apps/webstore/products/show/1822962

Location: DAF Studio 1501 SW 8 ST 2nd Floor Miami FL, 33135.
Date: December 15th 2011
Time: 7:00pm
Parking: Street free parking
Phone: (305) 381-5200
Join us for this rejuvenating and re-energizing experience and prepare for 2012!

Sensei Guillermo Gomez is available for interviews before and after the event. All press welcome to attend.

To schedule an interview, or have Sensei appear in your publication or show, please contact: martialfusion@gmail.com

For More Information:
Check out the Martial Fusion website
Like Martial Fusion on Facebook

Smelly Towel Cleaner Review- GO GREEN!

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to get your towels clean & smelling fresh- espeically after they have not completely dried or an odor has penetrated them? Well I have! I have tried and nothing seemed to work- until now- introducing a fantastic washing aid: Smelly Towel Cleaner!!! Simple to use, works wonders on odors, and is all natural! Time to GO GREEN!

I admit, I probably (ok I do) know the reason our washer started to get that funny smell. I accidentally left a load of towels in the washing machine for an entire WEEK. Yes an entire week-doh! DH was back home visiting family and I apparently put washing on the back burner. Well we were having a heck of a time getting the smell out of the machine- until we started using Smelly Washer Cleaner!!! 

After washing and rewashing the entire load of towels (bath, face, hand, and kitchen towels) and the smell not coming out I ended up in a pile in the garage to be used for outdoor clean up. I decided to go grab them out of the garage and give the Smelly Towel Cleaner a try. I am SO happy to have had the opportunity to to try the Smelly Towel Cleaner and save my entire load of towels -yay!

Do your towels need a boost? Well then head on over to the Smelly Washer website to get more information or to pick yourself up some of their fabulous products! In addition to their awesome Smelly Towel cleaner, they also offer Smelly Washer Cleaner (check out my review here), they also offer Smelly Towel Cleaner, and Smelly Dishwasher & Disposal Cleaner. All are simple to use and work great! Stay tuned for full reviews of all the Smelly Washer products and an upcoming giveaway!

For more informaiton:

Visit the Smelly Washer website

Like Smelly Washer on Facebook

Follow Smelly Washer on Twitter

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

HOT DEALS: Spend Black Friday On-Line not IN LINE With The Crowds!

Here are some hot hot Black Friday deals that you can enjoy from the comfort of your warm home in your pajamas. No need to fight the crowds, get up early, and wait in long lines!!!!

For More Information & to score these great deals: 

Visit the geoGIRL website

Visit the VMV Hypoallergenics website

Visit the e.l.f. website

Visit the Borba website

Visit the Somme Institute website

Visit the Laura Gellar website

Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround Review (& Hello Kitty Surprise....)

Today's Review: Ageless with Kathy Smith: Total Body Turnaround 
Kathy Smith, 2011 **** (4 of 5 stars)

This dvd offers three 20 minute workouts: circuit, balance, and energy. Kathy works out alone but offers lots of modification options. The set is a really nice open living room type set. You will need dumbbells for the circuit workout and the dvd offers some bonus features such as other Acacia w/o clips & a Kathy Q&A.

Total Circuit: This segment alternates cardio and strength exercises. Kathy suggests 3-8 pound weights. I went heavier, but the pace doesnt allow for heavy weights. It is more of a moderate pace high rep. Exercises include: cardio lunge variations, bi curl variations, overhead press, squat hops, 1 leg floor touch squats, single leg deadlift, tri kickbacks, pushup variations, etc.

Total Balance: This segment focuses on balance but adds in some nice body weight exercises and is plenty active. She includes movement - stopping- and balancing -very functional. Exercises include: side step-balance leg up, 1st position pliet & hip circles, pliets add heel ups & big arms, balance knee up, balance leg extensions, oblique knee pulls, side squat knee ups, etc.

Total Energy: this is a unique segment that includes athletic stretching with dynamic movement. Exercises include: chair pose, table position hip circles & oblique crunches, loosening stretches, lower body floor stretches, posture exercises, rib & hip shifts & circles, ankle & wrist circles, superman & swimmer.

I would rate this workout a solid intermediate- I was expecting it be lighter, but was pleasantly surprised. Kathy looks FANTASTIC and is pretty mellow in this one in a good way. I enjoyed the workout and found it pretty unique. Like the 20 minute options and appreciate the balance segment as balance is not my strong suit. I received this dvd to review.

Last Weekend: Went to a step class with a friend- it was super complex choreo so I didnt too as well as Id hope choreo wise but did very good intensity wise. I actually ended up (only step left) with 2 sets of risers and no-one else did (so there!) yes Im a bit bitter about the choreo so Im taking what I can get LOL. And I added hops to my steps, and did my own thing when I couldnt follow the choreo so all in all guess Im happy :) got my hair done- more red this time. Will post pics eventually. I also got this Hello Kitty tattoo. I am done w tattoos, I swear, no more......for real....

Today's Tip: Fight Cancer & Eat at least 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables every single day. Include fruit in every breakfast and snack meal and veggies at each lunch and dinner meal. The World HealthOrganization (WHO) estimates that a low intake of fruits and vegetable contributes to five to 12 percent of all cancers and up to 30 percent of upper gastrointestinal cancers that are otherwise preventable. That's pretty powerful. Read more on Shape.


Today's LOLz:

GIVEAWAY: Kicking Horse Coffee

As you all know I am a huge coffee lover and am also a huge fan of all things organic! Meet Kicking Horse Coffee- a certified organic coffee company that offers a variety of delicious coffees!

Kicking Horse Coffee is available at retailers throughout Canada and US, on their Kicking Horse Coffee Online Store as well as on Amazon.com. 

The winner of this fantastic & delicious giveaway will take home their very own (super cute) aluminum Kicking Horse Coffee tin full of their yummy full bodied Kick Ass Coffee blend. This blend is an extreme bold and tastes like gourmet espresso-yay! The name says it all: carpe diem, play to win, no regrets. This roast is popular with athletes (and at home exercisers!!!) who'd rather enjoy a good cup of coffee than choke down and energy drink before their workout. A fantastic blend of Indonesian & Central American beans that is guaranteed to kick some sense into you! Delicious taste and smell. I have found a new love!

How do you know you are getting the best tasting, organic coffee from Kicking Horse Coffee? Heres how: They choose ONLY Organic Fair Trade Arabica beans! They love coffee! They love roasting coffee, they love packaging coffee! They source the beans, roast them, "cup" them to ensure quality, and package them for fresh delivery. Thats how! Showing their coffee love in each and every step of the process guarantees we get a delicious cup each and every time!

Kicking Horse Coffee has you covered for all your coffee & more needs:

Coffee

Teas

Gift Sets

Accessories

Chocolate

Mugs & Such

Their awesome gift sets and coffee brewing equipment are priced wonderfully and would make fabulous Christmas gifts! Perfect for the cold winter weather, Kicking Horse Coffee: teas, coffees, gift packs, mugs, and chocolates!

Want to win a super cute tin filled with super yummy Kicking Horse Kick Ass Coffee? Enter here:

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Kicking Horse Coffee website & tell me something you learned ALONG with your email address.

Optional Entries: After completing mandatory entry above

1 Entry: Visit the Kicking Horse Coffee website & tell me which product you most want to try

1 Entry: Like  Kicking Horse Coffee on Facebook

1 Entry: Follow Kicking Horse Coffee on Twitter

3 Entries: Sign up for the Kicking Horse Coffee newsletter

1 Entry: Like Fitness For Us on Facebook

1 Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other current giveaways.

1 Entry: Follow my blog via GFC

5 Entries: Re-blog about this giveaway and leave a link (leave 5 comments)

1 Entry: Vote in my poll (upper right corner)

1 Entry: Follow Fitness For the Rest of Us on twitter

1 Entry: Follow my blog via RSS

1 Entry: Like I Want a Freakin' Cupcake on Facebook (my cake company)

1 Per Tweet: Tweet the following up to 3X daily at least 1 hour apart:

#win @kcknghrsecoffee on @fitnessforus #giveaway http://lindseylu8.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-kicking-horse-coffee.html

Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm on 12/2 and the winner will be selected using random.org random number generator and annouced on 12/4. Remember 2 entries = 2 comments (so for blogging about this you would leave 5 separate comments). Contest open to US & Canada! Good Luck!

I received a sample of this product to review. I was in no other way compensated for my honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  I can not be held responsible for shipping errors, postage errors, damage in transit, or undelivered prizes.

P90X Review: P90X Ab Ripper X Review

Weekend Pic: Check out this super cute picture of my nephew!! I would love to use it for my cake business but even though it wasnt taken at my house or with my equipment Im sure people would think it was unsanitary LOL. Its cute though!!!! We made cake at my sisters house and then tried our hands at cake pops- which were semi-successful in the looks department. Very successful in the taste department. Failure in the diet department LOL.

Today's Tip: Coffee Alternative: Licorice Tea 

Even if you didn’t like licorice candy as a child, you’ll appreciate the benefits of sweet, spicy licorice tea. The bold-tasting brew is actually caffeine-free, but supports overburdened adrenal glands, which are organs that respond to stress. “Licorice is an adrenal tonic and increases energy. It adds a pleasant taste to tea blends and can also be taken in tincture form,” explain Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster, authors of The Herbal Drugstore. Read more on Shape

P90X: Ab Ripper X
Tony Horton, 2004 *** (3 of 5 stars)

This is a 16 minute floor ab routine led by Tony in a dim gym set w/ 3 backgrounders. One shows modifications. You wont need any equipment for this workout. There is a countdown timer for the workout & each exercise duration.

This is a nonstop ab/core workout. Each exercise Nothing fancy but it really works those abs- you could do half of this and get some great ab workout in in my opinion LOL. Exercises include: V extensions, bicycle legs, crunchy frog, sit up toe touches, scissor leg drops, frog hip lifts, heels to heaven, roll up C curve, side lying oblique crunch, 1 leg extended sit ups, and twists.

This is an advanced ab workout. My abs were fried! Tony moves right along though I didnt feel rushed. He provides plenty of options and encourages you to take breaks when needed. He is chatty but not overly so. While this is def a kick butt ab workout I dont see myself reaching for it often (ever) since its nothing too exciting.

Today's LOLz:

Bacon Hot Sauce Winner!

Congrats to the winner of the Bacon Hot Sauce giveaway: Kelynnma who said..."I liked Fitness for Us on FB - Kelynnma M.:

Thank you to everyone who entered and a HUGE thanks to Bacon Hot Sauce! The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond to claim her fabulous prize!!!