Hello official start of summer! Like you, I’ve been home way more than normal for these past few months — and this has had me on high alert for new fitness, healthy living and athlete-oriented food I can order and have delivered to keep me living MY BEST LIFE.
Hero Maker: 12 Weeks to Super Hero Fit: I’ll admit, as a lifelong competitive athlete, sometimes when I get a fitness book to review, I’m like “meh.” I like workouts that kick my own butt, leave me exhausted but with an awesome endorphin rush, and give me the results I want both to look good, but more importantly, perform GREAT! This guide of workouts and tips to “getting the body you always wanted” from former Marine sniper and ex-navy Seal Duffy Graver really delivered – there are no secret pills, must old-fashioned work and dedication. His collection of hero-making workouts can help get you where you want to me and are scalable along your fitness journey. And, razzle-dazzle, some of these workouts he’s used on clients he’s trained including Chris Pratt, Brad Pit, Scarlet Johansson, Toby McGuire, and more.
Here’s an example of one of the Hero Maker workouts I personally tried – it’s kind of a “baseline” workout that you can time yourself on and them come back in a month or so and see how you’ve improved:
- PULL-UPS X 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
- DIPS X 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10. 8, 6, 4, 2
- PUSH-UPS X 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 27, 24, 21, 18, 15, 12, 9, 6, 3,
- SQUATS X 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5
SWANK Sunglasses in Silver Shimmer from Tifosi Optics:I wear running, cycling and golf glasses from Tifosi all the time, so it was fun to try a pair of lifestyle glasses that are perfect for all my summer activities – BBQs, lounging at the lake, dog walks in the park and visiting with friends (socially distanced) on the porch. The update of this popular Swank model is shimmery, almost glittery, and available in four colors including sliver, gold, pink and turquoise. What I really love about ALL Tifosi sunglasses is the quality and price point intersection – everything is very affordable and the best quality (like shatterproof, UV protection, Rx available, etc). The Swank is only $25 which is a deal for so much coolness.
https://www.tifosioptics.com/product/swank-silver-shimmer-smoke/?ref=thefitfork
Zum Clean Laundry Soap (from Indigo Wild): It’s no surprise that I generate a lot of workout laundry and am always looking for effective products to get them clean – yet won’t be irritating to my skin. Zum Clean Laundry Soap isn’t specifically made for active wear, I figure if it can take the funk out of my sweaty running, bootcamp, gym and yoga clothing, it can clean just about anything! Even though it’s not a “detergent” with harsh chemicals or other ingredients (like parabens, phosphates, petrochemicals, cocomidopropyl betaine, or sulfates) it’s just as effective and lots gentler – yay, for my skin and for making those fussy fabrics used in workout clothes last longer. I’m even using in on my weight vest and workout mat! Coconut oil soap lifts stains and baking soda removes odors while essential oils adds a light, pleasant scent. You can also get it on Amazon or select stores.
Power Up Pre-Workout Gummies from Seattle Gummy Company: Almost guaranteed that you’ll find a pack of these performance gummies stashed in my shorts zipper pocket or shoved in my running bra during my endurance workouts. Power up gets me going and keeps me going with controlled-release carbohydrates and natural ingredients to prolong energy levels – the are easy to eat on the run and don’t get my stomach upset like gels. Controlled-release carbohydrates boost and prolong energy levels, and the blend of active ingredients (like Vitamin B complex and ginseng) helps jump-start your workout to keep you going stronger longer. These gummies are easily digestible and won’t upset your stomach like other chews and gels. Power Up and get more out of your training with the right fuel. Blus a BCAA blend in the gummie helps to reduce muscle soreness and speeds recovery. All natural, non-GMO, 100% vegan and made in the USA. You may have also seem me using their Mocca Shots, High Energy Gummies that equal 2 cups of coffee but work 5x as fast! SAVE:
Picky Oats Performance Oatmeal: In the winter I eat my oats warm! But, when it’s already piping hot outside, I eat them cold — just as yummy and nourishing! Just put in a jar with almond milk and let soak overnight, so easy! Sometimes when I’m super organized, I make my own DIY Oat Packets . . . but usually (okay almost always, I’m a little more frazzled. That’s when I rely on the nourishing convenience of oats from Picky Bars . . . they have amazing flavor combos and I’ve really been enjoying the Game, Set, Matcha! flavor. Save 20% with code Ambadassador-FF20 (note the unique spelling of Ambadassador !)
TENS from OMRON Healthcare: TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and it’s a new thing I’ve been adding before workouts or long runs and afterward for workout recovery. As a lifetime athlete and over 50 years old, I have put high demands on my body for DECADES. Unfortunately, my osteoarthritis is progressing, but I have been able to manage it through a variety of tactics including ice, supplements like collagen, workout modifications, and sometimes pain relievers. Honestly, I hate taking pain relievers and was very eager to review this non-drug approach to pain management approached to do so by OMRON Healthcare for Arthritis Awareness Month. You can read my Instagram posts on the experience HERE and HERE, but in a nutshell I can give this therapy a big thumbs up. How it works is that electrical impulses are sent to the body and overload your nervous system, who then downgrades the pain joint or muscle pain being experienced. Also, it increases blood flow to the area and triggers endorphin production, both of which are good things!
The sensation from the TENS unit doesn’t hurt, but I will say that it can sometimes feel weird or uncomfortable – but definitely tolerable and both devices can be adjusted up or down in intensity. Before workouts, I notice that using the OMRON Tens for Knee (which is conveniently wireless so you can walk around unfettered) before workouts helps my knee joint mobility tremendously. This fuller range of motion lets me put more hard work into my fitness session. Afterward, the TENS helps lessen and pain. The OMRON TENS Max is fashioned a little different and has wires that go from the unit to the electrical bats, but it’s super versatile as it can be applied to any joint or muscle group needing attention. If you are a more seasoned athlete, I highly recommend looking into a TENS unit for your recovery toolkit!
Daily Harvest: Also, I’d be remiss not pointing out it’s National Smoothie Day tomorrow and my favorite smoothie source (other than hubby treating me to homemade ones) is Daily Harvest. This frozen smoothie, snack and light meal delivery company sends pre-portioned cups to your front door – I keep a stash for those days when I need a wholesome, delicious refueling FAST. If you ask me what my favorite flavor is, it will be hard to pick between the 21 smoothie cups of wonder they have on the menu right now — I probably will say EVERY FLAVOR I’ve tried so far and I’m not even kidding! The Chocolate + Blueberry Smoothie, Mango + Papaya Smoothie (pictured), and Carrot + Cinnamon Smoothie are three confirmed delicious ones to start with! Save $25 on your first order with my daily harvest coupon code: THEFITFORK
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