FitSugar

Powerhouse Hit the Deck Workout System

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:00:17 -0800

Powerhouse Hit the Deck ($20) is a new workout system that you can do "anywhere, anytime, with no fitness equipment needed." It's made up of 35 color-coded cards and an interval timer. Each card has a strength/cardio exercise on it, and its color denotes the exercise's level of difficulty. The levels are broken down in a cute way - no sweat (easy), I'm glistening (medium), and sweating buckets (hard) - and there are five warmup/cooldown cards too.

Using the Powerhouse deck is pretty simple:

Set the interval timer to how long you want to do an individual exercise - I set mine to 30-second intervals.
Always start each workout by drawing the yellow cards; these are the warmup exercises.
Read over the first card, hit the timer, and do as many repetitions of the exercise on the card as possible until the timer beeps.
Stop the timer, draw the next card and repeat.
After getting through the warmup exercises, draw from the rest of the deck and continue the process for as long as you like.

To see what I thought of the system, read more.

I liked the Powerhouse deck and thought it was a great cross-training workout. There are all sorts of variations you can do to change it up: go totally random and draw cards regardless of difficulty, keep your workout limited to one difficulty level, or build on difficulty as the workout progresses. You can also decide how much time you want to spend on your workout by pulling a certain number of cards before you begin. I liked shuffling the cards I pulled before starting so that my workout would always be a complete surprise.

The pace of the workout is a lot like the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD, but the drawback is you don't have Jillian's motivation or anyone there to explain proper form. Given that it's just you and a deck of cards, you really have to rely on yourself for motivation. Also, you have to make sure you're following the cards as closely as possible so you don't injure yourself.

Though I wouldn't use the deck in place of my gym or even a workout DVD, this is a great set to have for traveling or if you need a quick way to relieve some stress.

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Review: Danskin X-Training Jacket

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 12:45:13 -0700

The weather is starting cool, considerably in some parts, and that means wearing more layers - sometimes even indoors. I don't like feeling cold, but so many sweaters, jackets, and hoodies are just too bulky, so I have been looking for something form-fitting, cozy, and thin. I put on my new Danskin X-Training Jacket ($76) a couple of days ago and have yet to take it off.

It meets all my requirements and then some. It's perfect for typing in my shady house and walking the dog. The fabric is super soft: The jacket feels good on, and my husband loves hugging me when I am wearing it. Since I am wearing it all the time, that is a good thing.

For more details on the jacket, just read more.

The jacket is form-fitting without being tight, and it has a dual zipper so you can unzip at both ends. The side pockets are zippered, too, which makes this a great outer layer if you are on the go. I also love the back stash pocket, which fastens with Velcro, it's very helpful for carrying bags when hiking to clean up anything my dog Bonnie might leave on the trail. I also like the iPod port that goes from the front left pocket inside the jacket and out the collar - this feature would be handy for a run. Although there is a bit of reflective detailing on the jacket, it's not enough make you super visible if you are running at night. But I appreciate that the jacket is long and covers most of my bum. I am definitely wearing this under my ski jacket on cold mountain days once ski season starts.

Since I am trying not to buy black clothing - I have so much of it already - I got the jacket in purple, aka "prism." It also comes in pink (snapdragon), black, and pale green (arctic). You can order directly from Danskin.

If $75 seems like a lot for a jacket, I rationalized my purchase this way: Since I can wear it inside, I won't have to turn on the heat for a while, and when I do, I won't have to crank it because I will be so cozy in my Danskin jacket. Check out the other colors and the collar iPod port below.

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Luna Sport Moons: For Long Workouts

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

If any of you are training for a marathon, or you just love running long distances for fun, you're going to need more than your trusty sneakers and your tunes to keep you going. To move you need energy and fuel, and if you're on the move for over an hour you'll start to run out of juice. Carrying around food will just weigh you down, and you most likely won't have the appetite for it anyway. So Luna, the makers of those energy bars we all love, has created the first organic energy electrolyte chew designed for women, called Luna Sport Moons. These chews were designed for female endurance athletes: cyclists, runners, skiers, mountain bikers, triathletes, and hikers.

To hear more about Luna Sport Moons, read more.

Luna Sport Moons are like the fruit snacks you ate as a kid. They're an easy source of quick carbohydrates, and each flavor offers different functional benefits. Watermelon Moons are full of B vitamins. The Blueberry Moons contain antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and the Pomegranate Moons are loaded with half your daily value of vitamin C. They can be eaten 15 to 20 minutes before an activity to increase blood sugar levels, and then every 20 to 30 minutes during your workout to maintain your energy levels. They affect blood sugar levels slower than those gooey gels because they're semi-solid. Each packet of chews contains 100 calories, so it's easy to keep track of your caloric intake.

Fit's Tip: Most gear shops sell Luna Moons for about $1.30 each, but REI has them on sale right now for $0.89 per packet.

Review: iStik iPod Holder

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Having not upgraded my armband iPod holder when I upgraded my iPod, my workout wear has been limited to pants, shorts and running skirts with pockets to hold my beloved music player. Heading out for a run shouldn't be a fashion dilemma, so I tried the new iStik ($27). Using powerful magnets embedded in a hard plastic face plate, you can put your music wherever you want it. I found the best spot for the iStik to be on the top of my pants, but you can really stick your iPod anywhere with this simple product.

The iStik is made of three pieces: a clear face plate and a backing with magnets, these two pieces encase your generation two or generation three iPod, and a magnetic fastener. All you do is place your encased iPod where you want it, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes at the same spot. Voila, your iPod is stuck in place by the magnets. Work out hands free, and the magnets don't interfere with the function of the iPod. You can purchase an iStik directly from the iStik website.

Review: Secret Clinical Strength Sport Antiperspirant

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Products marketed toward female athletes always pique my interest. Plus it is great to know that somebody out there knows we exist and like gear! When I saw a new antiperspirant by Secret with the word "sport" as well as the phrase "designed for athletes" on the front of the package, I was curious to try it. It was really the name of the sport fresh scent "marathon" that hooked me. Maybe if I wore this clinical strength formula I could run a marathon - only kidding.

I wore Clinical Strength Secret ($8) on a couple of runs and experienced absolutely no underarm sweating, and received no post-run comments about my stink factor from my 3-year-old. Then I read the fine print: this deodorant isn't really for female athletes. It was designed for women who suffer from excessive sweating, know as hyperhidrosis in medical speak. Secret recommends applying this clinical strength antiperspirant at bedtime, to allow for the active ingredient aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex Gly to dissolve into your pores effectively plugging the sweat ducts for 24 hours. Honestly, the formation of "plugs" in my armpits while I sleep creeps me out a bit. I don't need 24-hour protection from sweating.

Although this product has a girly "sport fresh scent," its "prescription strength wetness protection" is overkill for me. However, it is truly effective and if you sweat regularly due to stress or physical exercise this could be the underarm protection you need. You can find it at DrugStore.com.

Have any of you tried Clinical Strength Secret? Tell me what you thought in the comments section below.

Review: Hawaiian Island Creation Suncare SPF 50

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you're planning on swimming and sweating in the Summer sun, then you need to make sure your sunscreen that is up to the task of protecting you in those harsh conditions. I think I have found the ultimate sunscreen for the job. Hawaiian Island Creation SPF 50 Sunscreen ($11.99) is waterproof, sweatproof, and kept me from burning during my very sunny, very hot first sprint distance triathlon. Created by a biochemist who just happens to be an avid surfer, this sunscreen stays put in adverse conditions – it won't run into your eyes.

Virtually odorless, HIC sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It also doesn't feel greasy and won't affect your grip or make you slip. It is, however, not considered noncomedogenic. But a clogged pore is fleeting and a wrinkle is forever.

Pick up some HIC at DrugStore.com before you head to the beach.

Review: Cinda B Overnighter Bag

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I needed a new gym bag desperately. I had been lugging around an extra backpack – swag my hubbie received at some random computer convention. Essentially, the bag wasn't that functional and had no personality either. After looking around at many uninspired classic gym bags, I went a little unconventional and chose a quilted bag by Cinda B. The Overnighter ($114) bag, the smallest in the Cinda B line of quilted luggage, is the perfect size for a gym bag. Aside from being totally cute, this bag is machine washable. Since I carry both my sneakers and post-workout clothes (read: sweaty) around in my gym bag, I am pleased that I can wash it when it starts to smell of sports funk. Plus the fabric is water and stain resistant. Two big pluses in my book.

The straps on the Overnighter bag are the perfect size for slipping over my shoulder, and they are lined with just a bit of ultra suede so the straps don't slide off my shoulder. The bag features a "big mouth" that opens wide and also expands the bag if you need extra room. The only downside is the bag has no extra internal pockets, but the two external pockets are helpful. They hold my goggles just fine. The bag is great for the beach, too.

Now I want to go to the gym so I have an excuse to tote around my new bag with me wherever I go. You can buy one online here or find a store close to you here.

Review: Smartwool Glove Liners for Spring Exercise

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

This slightly warmer weather definitely inspires me to exercise outside. Since the air is still a little chilly, my hands always get so cold at the beginning of my run, but now I found some gloves to keep them warm. These Smartwool Glove Liners ($15) are perfect to wear on their own. They're made of lightweight merino wool that's oh-so soft (really, I swear it's not itchy). Why merino wool? After my hands begin to warm up, they can get a little sweaty, and the wool wicks moisture away from my skin. If my hands stayed wet, they'd get even colder than they were when I started on my run. I also use them to wipe sweat off my forehead, so they do double duty.

Since they're really thin, if my hands get too hot then I can slip them off and sneak them in the waistband of my pants and I don't even feel that they're there. I'm a huge fan of these liners since I can also use them in the Winter under my gloves on super-cold days. If you're looking for a way to keep your hands toasty on your early Spring runs, I'd give these a try.

Review: Run Don't Walk Pants

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:45:00 -0700

Are you looking for some pre- or postgym pants that you can pull on over your workout gear? I'm always looking for a flattering yet comfy fit and that's what I found in these Run Don't Walk Pants ($110) made by Cloudveil.

I know that may seem like a lot of moolah, but you've got to feel this amazing material. It's super-soft, light-weight microfiber that's smooth on the outside and lightly brushed velour on the inside. They are perfect for slipping on over my workout gear to head to the gym and I also wear them after my workout (since I'd rather not head to the grocery store in tight spandex shorts). Since this fabric wicks moisture and dries super fast, I've also worn them while strength training or doing yoga. My favorite part is that the material is thick enough to keep its shape, so they never look really baggy. Plus I've washed them at least 10 times and they still look like when I first got them (making them worth the price). Might I add that I wear them all the time while lounging at home? I live in the chocolate ones, but they also come in black and kiwi. If you're interested in checking them out (and I suggest you do) you can order them here.

Review: Get the Funk Out With Win Sport Detergent

FitSugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:45:00 -0700

Have you ever noticed that even after washing your workout gear in hot water, after a few sweaty workouts, a musty odor can inevitably develop. This odor is caused by bacteria attracted to sweat soaked fabric. A new sport detergent, Win ($13.99 for two 21 oz. bottles), which claims to take care of smelly gym clothes, works like this:

This powerful oxy cleaning technology eliminates the embedded sweat molecules and odors that overwhelm the fabric. Simultaneously, these same ingredients also react with soil and organic materials causing them to either decolorize or disintegrate. Once in a soluble form after oxidization, dirt and odors easily wash away.

Interesting, right? I tried it out recently so to see what I thought, just read more.

Win does have a nice fragrance and it left my not so fresh gym clothes feeling fresh, especially when I was wearing them the next day at the gym, which is when I usually start to think it's time to replace the old tank top. My only issue with it is that I typically wash my gym clothes with the rest of my laundry. To do a separate load on top of my whites, mediums and colors was a bit cumbersome and not something I realistically see happening all that frequently. However if you simply can't get the funk out of your old gym clothes, then it's definitely worth the extra load - I threw in some old rags and questionable socks to knock some more things out. If you're interested then buy it here.