Fitness

CoverSports Gym Mat

March 8, 2013 By Virginia 2 Comments

Since we installed the hardwood floors throughout the house, it’s been a bit harder for the kids to tumble like they like to. I can’t tell you how many skinned knees, bumped foreheads, and bloody noses we’ve incurred when they try to dance or tumble! Who knew there were such hazards to hardwood floors?

What do you do when you have preschoolers that love to tumble and you have hardwood floors? You get a folding gym mat, of course.

We received a 4’x8’x2” gym mat for review.

I’m not going to lie. It was NOT easy getting pictures of the gym mat without the kids on it. As soon as I opened the box, they started bouncing around like jumping beans. I kept trying to get pictures of it without them peering over it to no avail. LOL. Talk about excitement!

They have summersaulted, attempted cart wheels, done crash landings, jumped, hopped, and rolled all over this mat! Only one bloody nose so far, and it was when they crash landed into each other. No worries, though, because the mat wipes clean easily!

The gym mat is made with 100% recyclable polyester fiber that is mold and mildew proof, toxin-free, fire-retardant. It has 2″ Velcro on 2 sides, so I can fold it up and put it away. It can fold into half and close with the Velcro, as shown in the top picture, or it can fold accordion style, as it was shipped. When folded accordion style, it is best to keep it lying, as opposed to standing upright, because you can’t Velcro it to stay folded that way. If you choose to store it upright while folded accordion style, you just have to make sure it’s stored where it won’t fall open or fall over.

Right now the gym mat is behind our couch. I fold it up, accordion style, every day and keep it lying down. Every afternoon, I unfold it and let the kids tumble away. They are really happy campers with it!

Thanks to CoverSports who manufactures custom banners, mats and baseball field equipment for providing us with a gym mat. The retail price for a mat is $132.00

Filed Under: Fitness, Health, Homeschool, Parenting, Reviews Tagged With: coversports, gymmat

Posts May Contain Compensated or Affiliate Links All Opinions are My Own

Don’t Sweat It Walk 2012 Follow Up

July 11, 2012 By Virginia 8 Comments

On June 30th, my family of four loaded up the van and headed to Mascoutah, Illinois for our first annual Don’t Sweat It Walk 2012, to benefit the NFED.

As you all know, Mister and I are both affected by a syndrome of the Ectodermal Dysplasias, which results in our inability to sweat properly. As a child, I didn’t tolerate the heat very well because on my inability to sweat properly. My Sister and I often ran around outside in the summer with wet clothing on. Just as Mom knew the importance of keeping us cool, she also knew the importance of letting us set our own limits and even let me run track– though the doctor said it was ill-advised.

It goes without saying that our family knows full well the benefit of the NFED, so we couldn’t resist the opportunity to do whatever we could to help raise funds and awareness for this organization.

Mister enjoyed meeting the clowns, who were there to entertain the kiddos before the walk got underway. He was officially dubbed Mister the Clown. LOL.

Before we set off, I soaked my cami and custom rhinestone t-shirt, which was embellished with “Don’t Sweat It” and a star, as well as Mister’s shirt. Hubs carried a backpack that also had Mister’s cooling vest and plenty of water in it, just in case we needed it.

About halfway into the 5K, I used some of the water we had on hand to rewet Mister’s shirt and scalp. Often times, cooling techniques like that are popular even with those who can sweat, and Sister was soon begging to have water poured over her head. Of course, I obliged her.

With only a mile left to finish, Mister’s ears started turning as bright red as my Don’t Sweat It Star shirt, so I put his cooling vest on him (we use a swim flotation trainer with the foam removed and ice packs inserted as a cooling vest).

The NFED had two air conditioned rest stops and cold water stations set up along the way, for those who wanted or needed them. Not that we used them. Oh no! Mister needed the shirt that I was wearing, because he was the real Don’t Sweat It Star!

He insisted on running part of the 5K… which meant that I had to run part of the 5K… in 104 degree heat. When I asked him why he was running, Mister said that he wanted “to win this race.” So as long as he wanted to run, I ran. Hubs agreed to stay behind and tag with Sister, as she is our observant one (read pokey). Mister and I finished the 5K in roughly an hour and twenty minutes. Hubs and Sister were fourteen minutes behind us.

After the walk, I needed to cool off, so Mister returned the favor and sprayed my scalp. Of course, he was THRILLED to be giving Mommy a dose of her own medicine.

Overall, our first Don’t Sweat It Walk went better than I even expected, considering the heat wave. Our family raised close to $700 for the NFED, and had a blast doing it. In fact, we had so much fun, we are registering to walk in another Don’t Sweat It Walk for September.

***Custom shirt provided by Just Jen***

Filed Under: Charity, Fitness, Fundraiser Tagged With: charity, Fitness, fundraiser, NFED, walk

Posts May Contain Compensated or Affiliate Links All Opinions are My Own

Protein Packed Scramble

June 18, 2012 By Virginia 9 Comments

As you all know, I have lost sixty some odd pounds. In the process of losing weight, I have discovered that one of the things that is absolutely essential to curbing cravings throughout the day is a protein packed breakfast.

Short of drinking a protein shake every morning (which some mornings I do, just to save time and energy), I’ve had to come up with some creative ways to protein load my breakfast. One of my current favorites is a protein packed scramble. I keep veggies cut up in the fridge, which makes this delicious breakfast a snap to make.

Protein Packed Scramble

Rating: 51

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 1 serving

Calories per serving: 115

Fat per serving: 0.2

Protein Packed Scramble

This protein packed scramble is the perfect way to start your day.

***Also excellent with a slice of American Cheese or with other vegetable mix-ins. I really enjoy sauteed mushrooms and onions, as well.***

Ingredients

3/4 cup Fat Free Egg Beaters
1/8 cup onion slices (I used Vidalia)
1/8 cup broccoli florettes
1/8 cup bell pepper slices
5 cherry tomatoes, halved
Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Spray saute pan with non-stick cooking spray and add vegetables over medium heat.
Saute vegetables until onions are slightly tender.
Add Fat Free Egg Beaters and cook through.

Notes

Calories 115 Fat 0.2g Saturated Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 383.7mg Carbohydrates 8.4g Fiber 1.7g Sugars 6.1g Protein 19.3g

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http://thatbaldchick.com/2012/06/18/protein-packed-scramble/

Nom, nom!

What is your favorite protein packed breakfast recipe?

Filed Under: Fitness, Food, Health, On the Menu Tagged With: breakfast, Fitness, Food, weightloss

Posts May Contain Compensated or Affiliate Links All Opinions are My Own

Seeking Sponsors NFED #walk

June 15, 2012 By Virginia 4 Comments

My family of four is registered to walk in the first annual National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Don’t Sweat It Walk on June 30th.

NFED Don't Sweat It Walk 2012

We are asking everyone to consider sponsoring us for the walk, as we are trying to raise $1000 for the NFED. $500 air conditions a room for a child who cannot sweat. I set the goal of $1000 for our family because I KNOW first hand what it is like to have a child who cannot sweat. Mister overheats very easily, and we can’t allow the temperature in our home to go over 73 degrees. If it does, he starts overheating. We have to put ice packs in his car seat when he isn’t in it, because the foam of the carseat absorbs heat and a ten minute car ride can result in a body temp of 104 if we haven’t iced his carseat beforehand. We are fortunate that our cooling bills are within our budget. I know families that aren’t as fortunate.

We are nearly at the halfway mark to our goal of $1000.

The NFED is a 501c3 and donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to donate $5, $10, $25, or even $100 to sponsor my family in the walk, let me know and I can email you the details on where to send the check.

We would also appreciate your prayers. The walk is on June 30th. Mister doesn’t sweat, and I barely sweat, so we will be using our cooling gear to get us through the 5K!

Filed Under: Charity, Family, Fitness Tagged With: charity, dontsweatit, Fitness, NFED

Posts May Contain Compensated or Affiliate Links All Opinions are My Own

1st Step PRO-WELLNESS

June 13, 2012 By Virginia 17 Comments

I’ve never been one to take a lot of vitamins and supplements. Not because I don’t think they are beneficial, but because I am forgetful. I will buy a bottle of calcium supplements, and take them faithfully for about six days. The next time I remember to take them, they are expired. For real!

Since I am still on my fitness journey, I have found that some supplements are absolutely necessary. Protein, for example. Some days I struggle to meet my protein goal while staying within my calorie budget. And B-12. Let’s face it, I need energy. So, I’ve started testing out some supplements.

The trouble is, supplements are NOT cheap. I don’t want to buy a supplement only to discover that it doesn’t work, has unwelcome side effects, or that I don’t like it. I am not a fan of throwing my money down the drain (or flushing it down the commode). So, when I received an opportunity through Family Review Network to sample 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS supplements, developed by High Performance Fitness, Inc, I said, “Yes, PLEASE.”

Since 2001 High Performance Fitness, Inc. has been one of the sports world’s premier providers of high-quality, safe and effective athletic supplements. High Performance Fitness has applied this success to develop 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS™ with the goal of helping women achieve lasting energy, strong bone and joints, toned muscles, healthy hydration and healthy weight. After years of development, the 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS™ line is launching nationwide at Food, Drug and Mass Merchandise stores.

For review, I received the Liquid Vitamin B12 Complex, the Chromium Picolinate and Chromium Picolinate plus Green Tea, and the Pure Whey Protein Powder in Triple Chocolate and French Vanilla.

The Liquid Vitamin B12 Complex is supposed to give you natural energy without the unpleasant side effects from stimulants or caffeine. I am finding that the more weight I lose, and the more water I drink, the less satisfying my coffee is. PERISH THE NOTION! I love the taste of my coffee, don’t get me wrong, and am certain I will always enjoy a cup of joe daily. It just isn’t giving me the same kick in the pants that it used to. So, if caffeine isn’t going to kick me in the pants, I need something that will. And it better be something that won’t cause me to crash and burn afterwards. I did feel like I had more energy after using the Liquid Vitamin B12 Complex, and it wasn’t as nasty tasting as I expected it to be. It was actually okay. Not my favorite beverage, by any stretch of the imagination, but okay. I also didn’t have the after-energy-drink-let-down that I have gotten in the past from other energy shots. It didn’t give me as much energy as I had hoped, though.

I read an article about Dr. Oz touting the benefits of Chromium Picolinate and how it is supposed to reduce sugar cravings when taken routinely. I was excited to take it just based on what he said. I struggle with being a carb junkie. And when I say carb, I mean sugar. If I don’t touch the stuff, I do well. However, if I eat one jelly bean you can bet I will eat thirty. Of course, that does not bode well for one trying to shed the last twenty some odd pounds! So, I started taking the Chromium Picolinate as instructed, once a day. As long as I take it, I do well avoiding all the sweet junk. Whether that is a response to the supplement, or a psychosomatic side effect, I cannot be sure. Whatever, I don’t care if it’s a placebo if it helps keep me from licking the cheesecake platter clean or eating a second slice of key lime pie! Now, if I can just remember to take it every day!!

Of the three products I received, my favorite is the Pure Whey Protein Powder. I feel better when I make my protein goal daily, and the protein powder helps me do that while staying in calorie budget. The first protein shake I made with it, I used skim milk. It was delish. I have also made protein shakes with it using plain water or aloe juice. Both are yummy. My favorite way to use it, though, is in a Greek yogurt smoothie. One scoop of the protein powder, half a cup of Greek yogurt, aloe juice, and enough ice to make it smooth. Oh my yum. By adding the Greek yogurt, there is even more protein punch to it, and I make protein goal every time I have one! Oh, and I love to just mix a tablespoon of it into plain Greek yogurt, too, to make it CHOCOLATE Greek yogurt. Now, that is serious YUM factor.

Save with a $2 off coupon for 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS™ products, which are available at Bi-Lo, Kroger, and Walgreens as well as online at www.walgreens.com. You can also order direct by calling 1-866-HPF-9010.

***I received complimentary product samples to facilitate an honest review. All opinions are my own.***