Trying to Conceive? Try Sperm Check Fertility

Planning to get pregnant soon and want to prepare? Trying to get pregnant and having issues? Introducing SpermCheck® Fertility, the fast, accurate, affordable, at-home sperm count test for men, now available online from Walgreens.com.

Whether you are trying to conceive or if you want to double check your vasectomy- SpermCheck Fertility is a great convenient option. 

Each year 11 million couples will try to have a baby, but about 7 million of those couples will have fertility issues and the most commonly accepted myth is that the woman is mostly to blame. The fact is that about 50% of all infertility problems are directly attributed to the male, and most of them are mainly due to low sperm count. Still many men are reluctant to get their sperm tested because up until now they had to go to their healthcare provider and perform the test in the doctor’s office or lab. Such laboratorysperm tests can be costly, as well as embarrassing.

Now with a new at-home test kit called SpermCheck® Fertility, men can test their sperm count in the privacy of their home. SpermCheck Fertility is the only FDA approved, 98% accurate home test for men – it’s as accurate as a lab test but more affordable and convenient. In just 10 minutes, the easy-to-read results indicate a normal or below normal spermcount.  The SpermCheck® Fertility test costs substantially less than a visit to the doctor without the embarrassment and indignities of providing a semen sample to a doctor or nurse.

Experts agree that a sperm count test should be the very first and essential step in fertility testing for couples – it’s non-invasive and can help eliminate or identify a potential stumbling block to conception.

Whether you are planning a pregnancy in the near future or have been trying to conceive, this inexpensive home test can help couples to save time, money and frustration.

Why SpermCheck® Fertility?

• SpermCheck® Fertility FDA approved 
• SpermCheck® Fertility is as accurate as lab testing – 98% accurate
• SpermCheck® Fertility is private and convenient – done in the privacy of your own home
• SpermCheck® Fertility is affordable —just $39.99
• SpermCheck® Fertility is fast and easy – provide easy to read results in 10 minutes

SpermCheck® Fertility is currently available online at www.Walgreens.com and www.CVS.com and will be available in Walgreens stores nationwide in April 2012. Suggested retail price is $39.99. for more information about SpermCheck® Fertility. 

For more information:

Visit the SpermCheck Fertility website 

For the latest information on store availability, news and special giveaway offers, like SpermCheck Fertility on Facebook community 

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.

Valerie Rogers’ ChogaFlow Review

Today's Review: Valerie Rogers’ ChogaFlow

Valerie Rogers, 2012

ChogaFlow a fifty-five minute unique yoga fusion workout that incorporates a chair into the yoga routine. The workout is done both seated and standing and integrates breath with the movement. This workout is ideal for all fitness levels. And because it incorporates the use of a chair, it is great for those with physical limitations that prevent them from getting up and down from the floor easily. 

It is also perfect for those new to exercise, returning to working out after an injury or those looking for a less strenuous workout. A sturdy chair and a yoga mat are required for the workout. In the workout, Valerie guides the exerciser through a fun and easy to follow routine. She offers clear instruction, form pointers and encouraging words. This is a great routine for young folks & older folks alike- she really offers something for everyone. I received this dvd to review. 

For More Information:

Visit the CHOGAFLOW website

Like CHOGAFLOW on Facebook

Follow CHOGAFLOW on Twitter

RAVE: Arnicare- Homeopathic Pain Relieving Gel

Introducing the exercisers best friend: Arnicare! I had the pleasure of reviewing their Arnicare pain relieving gel and just had to share! First let me say- Arnicare is homeopathic- making me love it even more! I hate putting additional chemicals into and on my body so I love that this is a homeopathic remedy that really works! 

Arnicare Gel is great for tired & sore muscles after a tough workout and is great for arthritis, falls, and stiff muscles. Another I found so great about Arnicare is that it reduces swelling and bruising! You know when you plan on wearing a cute skirt out then  hit your shin and really dont want to show off a nasty bruise? Well Arnicare to the rescue!

Arnicare Gel has a cooling effect for fast pain relief. This non-sticky, non-greasy gel is quickly absorbed by the skin. It temporarily relieves muscle pain and stiffness due to minor injuries, overexertion and falls and it reduces pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises! I have a bad knee that gets inflamed from some workouts and causes me neck & back pain so I am constantly searching for relief and am so happy to have discovered Arnicare! And Arnicare is from Boiron - the makers of Oscillococcinum- my GO-TO holistic remedy for colds & flus! Arnicare is available in gel, cream, pill and other convenient formats for ease of use. 

Be sure to check out the full line of products on the Arnicare and Boiron websites! And for more information:

Like Arnicare on Facebook

Follow Arnicare on Twitter

Check out the Boiron Blog

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.

JB Bern's Cardio Karate Review: Extreme Cardio Intervals with Gay Gasper

Today's Review: Cardio Karate Extreme Cardio Intervals 
Gay Gasper, 2011 **** (4 of 5 stars)

Gay leads this 57 min cardio workout in a martial arts studio with 3 b/g exercisers. You will only need your UR for this workout. The exercises are split into 6 pods (groups) of exercises which you learn and repeat and then are strung together at the end for a full cardio karate workout. Nice Asian-esque music. 

After an 8 min warmup, exercises include: palm strikes, kick combos, hammer strikes, X blocks, cardio lunge & sweeping blocks, elbow strike combos, plank jacks, lunge to horse stance w/ punches & blocks, lunge- throw down, roll back (burpee-esque), side lunge w/ blocks and finishes with 18 min of core & cooldown. The core work includes:  body toss in a V sit, sit up w/a kick, pushup -side plank, & side plank leg raise. 

I rate this an intermediate workout but you can easily modify up or down to suit your needs. I added weighted gloves & some more hops & got a good workout. I like Gay a lot more in this one than in her URX dvds- she does a great job in this one. The combos are shorter in this one than Amy's but the choreo is a tiny bit trickier IMO. Some of the exercises are slow & controlled (karate) and some are more intense (cardio) so there is a variety of intensity levels. There is a countdown bar that has occasional tips & reminders along side it. Love the functional work and felt my core working throughout. I received this dvd to review.

For More Information:

Visit the Cardio Karate Website

View the Cardio Karate clips on YouTube

Like Cardio Karate on Facebook

Vacation Pics:Our next port was Ensenada Mexico! We had all day there so we booked the longest excursion we did the blowhole + winery tour. The Blowhole (La Bufadoria) was super cool! There are only 3 in the world, 1 in Sydney - I wonder why I didnt go there when I was in Australia? Anyhoo. We saw that did some shopping there, had some authentic Mexican tacos and margaritas. Then went to a winery, sampled & bought some yummy wine and headed back to town.We thought we were going to hang out in Ensenada longer but it wasnt very exciting so we ended up hanging out on the ship-which was fine cuz theres tons to do on the ship. Heres some pics of Ensenada:

Us & the Pacific Ocean. Were from WA & I lived in Japan so I always like seeing the Pacific again!

Pacific Ocean

La Bufadoria

Hand blown glass set I bought in Ensenada

Today's Tip: Water Weight

Water can alter your weight by 10 pounds or more. Think you just lost a few pounds from that spin class? Don't get too excited—it's just water loss due to sweat. And the amount of water in your system has a heavy influence on the number on the scale. "Water makes up 65-90 percent of a person's weight, and variation in water content of the human body can move the scale by 10 pounds or more from day to day," says  Dolgan. This is one of the main reasons diuretics are so popular—they flush the water out of your system, resulting in only a short term weight "loss"—but they don't help to change your body composition in any way.  Read more on Shape.

Today's LOL: (sorry Im about the most impatient person in the world)

Tracie Long Fitness Giveaway on Two Belles

Here is your chance to win a copy of reBoot1 and Figure30 Hips? Great! Enter on Two Belles Fitness for your chance to win a copy of your choice courtesy of Tracie Long Fitness.

Tracie Long has long been a renowned trainer in the home workout market. She first hit the scene as a background exerciser in the original Firm workout videos. Making her way to the front of the class, Tracie Long made the shift to Master Instructor and began leading many of the workouts. Building on her roots from the FIRM and decades of experience in the fitness industry, Tracie Long founded Tracie Long Fitness. Teaming up with long-time friends who shared a passion for fitness, they each bring their unique talents to the business.

Tracie Long has created two new  unique series to add to her line of workout series: reBoot and Figure30. The reBoot series includes high intensity interval workouts to kickstart your metabolism and bring about changes and desired results. Check out our review of reBoot1: Real Evolution. The Figure30 series are short thirty minute workouts designed to focus in on trouble spots. The first workout in this series is Figure 30 Hips. Read our review here.

Other Tracie Long series includes: Longevity and Focus. The LONGevity series was designed to fit in the busy lives of people who place others’ needs before their own personal goals. The series is designed to help you look great and feel confident and focus on yourself. The LONGevity series includes five 50 minute workouts - Defining Shape, Staying Power, Step Forward, Back Up and Leaning Out. The Focus series is for the time-constrained, hustle-bustle days that make it a challenge to fit in more than thirty minutes of exercise in your day. These workouts provide a targeted, time-efficient and effective workout. The Focus series includes five 30 minute workouts – Lift Higher, Kick Back, Reach Further, Power Up and Break Through.

To learn more about Tracie Long, other workouts in her Longevity series or her Focus workouts, visit Tracie Long Fitness. You can also find Tracie on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Tracie Long Fitness Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of reBoot1 and Figure30 Hips? Great! Enter on Two Belles Fitness for your chance to win a copy of your choice courtesy of Tracie Long Fitness.

This giveaway begins 1/30/11 and will end on 2/10/11 @ 11:59p.m PST and is open to US residents only. Winner will be chosen randomly via random.org. An email notification will be sent to the email address provided by the winner with 48 hours to respond. Failure to do so will result in a new winner being selected. Please see Terms and conditions for full giveaway rules.

Disclaimer: Tracie Long Fitness provided me with a copy of Break Through and Leaning Out to review. I received no other compensation and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under obligation to provide a positive review in return for the free workout. Giveaway retail value is $19.99.

RAVE: Tommie Copper Compression Garments!

Introducing Tommie Copper: Compression sleeves & compression wear for joint & muscle pain relief. The most comfortable compression garments available! As you may know, I have an old knee injury and I must have some knee support while exercising or I will pay later so I was ecstatic to learn about their knee compression sleeves.

I am thrilled with my Tommie Copper (super comfortable) knee compression sleeve! In addition to the support it provides it has numerous other benefits including: helping relieve arthritis and other chronic joint and muscular pain, promoting muscle recovery, and aids performance! Available in a variety of sizes & colors- you can find the perfect compression sleeve for you! I love having a light weight WICKING option for my knee. I literally will not go a workout without one! I also plan to wear it on the next vacation we go on as vacation always means lots of walking for us and my knee almost always ends up paining me without proper support- no matter what shoes I wear! Some of my favorite Tommie Copper product details are:

• Highly wickable fabric keeps skin dry and pulls the sweat away from my skin
• Stimulates blood flow, decreases inflammation and increases mobility- this is the key to helping my knee pain and keeping me going day after day
• Gentle effective compression allows for 24 hour use, even while asleep- perfect for those days when the old knee is really acting up or days when I am doing a lot of walking
• Silicone under the bands help sleeve stay in place and is comfortable on your skin- no pinching!
• Comfortably and discreetly wear under pants or a nice dress
• Machine washable- thank goodness, who wants to hand wash!
• Sold individually, so if you only need one for one knee, you dont have to buy a pair

Another Tommie Copper Compression garment on my wishlist is their super cute Women's Compression Shirt. Available in a large assortment of colors and sizes you can find the perfect fit for you and your style. Or why not get a few colors to match all your cute workout shorts! 

This women's compression shirt helps relieve arthritis and other chronic joint and muscular pain, promotes muscle recovery and aids performance.

• Comfortable enough to be worn all day under your work clothes or when working out!
• Highly wickable fabric keeps skin dry- can't live without wicking fabric!!!
• Stimulates blood flow, decreases inflammation and increases mobility
• Gentle effective compression allows for 24 hour use, even while asleep
• Machine washable- the only way to go!
• Featuring Therapeutic Copper Compression

Check out all the fabulous COMFORTABLE Tommie Copper compression garments on the Tommie Copper website and for more information:

Like Tommie Copper on Facebook

Follow Tommie Copper on Twitter

Subscribe to the Tommie Copper YouTube Channel

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.

Tracie Long Fitness: reBoot: Volume 1 Real Evolution Review

Today's Review: reBoot: Volume 1 Real Evolution
Tracie Long, 2011 ***** (5 of 5 stars)

Tracie leads this 48 minute chaptered workout. Tracie works out alone on a podium in a nice brick gym. You will need dumbbells for this workout. The w/o format is 75 seconds of cardio or strength work, followed by 45 seconds of active recovery.

Exercises include: step & jump, mambo sache, triple step, dead lifts, rows, double side step w/ a  floor touch, lunge adding a diagonal overhead press, long jump, shuffle knew ups, plyo squats & lunges, kicks, jacks, side toe taps adding power, pushup & renegade row, French pres, side lunges, bridge & knee pulls, side plank, chest press reaches and concludes with a stretch.

I rate this a solid intermediate w/o that is pretty easy to modify to fit your needs. This is absolutely my favorite "new" Tracie Long workout- its a great format with tons of great combo moves, lots of variety, functional, and as always Tracies form & cuing are impeccable. This workout really accomplishes a lot in less than 50 minutes. Cant wait for more from the reBoot series!!!! I received this dvd to review.

For More Information:

Visit the  Tracie Long Fitness website

Follow Tracie Long on Twitter 

Like Tracie Long on Facebook

Subscribe to the Tracie Long YouTube Channel

Vacation Pics: Catalina pics today. This was our first port of call. We did a glass bottom boat which was ok, then we went kayaking which was awesome! We came right up on dolphins, porpoises, and sea lions- it was really amazing! The guide took pics & our email addys so hopefully he will send those over, but here are our other Catalina pics:

Thats our ship in the background

Proof we kayaked :)

Under the palms

Today's Tip: Try New Recipes

Who said healthy eating has to be boring or bland? Lisa Hubbard, star of the “Element: Total Body Pilates with Mini Ball” kit, recommends firing up your creative juices in the kitchen by investing in a new cookbook and trying new healthy recipes! "Pick-up a new cookbook and experiment," Hubbard recommends. "Gear towards weight-loss types of recipes."Read more on Shape

Today's LOL: