HEX Performance Products: Samples, Coupons, and Demos -- Oh, My!

It's not always pleasant on the nose to have an athlete in the house.

I believe we've reached the point at which it would be better for my son's room to smell like Axe body spray.

— Lori Lavender Luz (@LavLuz) March 31, 2014

My husband and daughter do their share of sweating for their activities, as well, and even I sometimes glisten while practicing yoga. The clothes, our shoes, their equipment, my mat -- STINKEEEEEEE.

So I'm excited to try HEX Performance products. HEX Performance has...

"developed the first and only system designed specifically to clean and protect today’s performance gear and apparel. We’re proud to announce our Ultra+Dual Action Gear Wash, Power+ Laundry Detergent, and On Demand+ Spray and Go."

A sample set is on its way to me. 

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by HEX Performance in exchange for spreading the word about tomorrow's demo at Target stores in CO and GA.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 16), HEX Performance products will be demo-ed in ALL Target stores in Colorado and Georgia from 11 am – 4 pm. Free samples and $1 off coupons will be given out in store on Saturday.

More on these three products, from the HEX Performance site:

• Ultra+ Dual Action Gear Wash: HEX Ultra+ Dual Action Gear Wash is the first and only product guaranteed to clean and protect today’s high performance gear. HEX chemists have created a powerful formula designed specifically for high performance gear and apparel. HEX tech will ensure your gear stays clean, protected, and odor free, giving you clean performance.
• Power+ Laundry Detergent: Is your performance apparel really clean? Ours wasn’t. Wash after wash,that funky smell remained. There had to be a way to restore high-performance fabrics. So we broke down the science behind sweat and created the first high performance detergent with a long-lasting odor eliminating technology, all while staying gentle on fabric and skin. HEX Power+ Laundry Detergent is also free of dyes, perfumes, and optical brighteners.....And if that wasn’t enough, HEX patent-pending technology is naturally antistatic and restores fabric wickability. This eliminates the need for dryer sheets and fabric softeners, which saves you even more time and money.
• On Demand+ Spray and Go. It’s the perfect on-the-go solution for protecting and maintaining your gear and footwear. With all of the amazing benefits of HEX tech crammed into a spray that you can take anywhere, from your shoes to your yoga mat, you’ll never have to worry about odor again!

My nose is quite excited at the prospect HEX Performance offers.

Do you have any STINKEEEEEE clothes/shoes/equipment in your home or car? Get to a CO or GA Target tomorrow!

PowerExtra Yoga Mat: Great Value for Price

Help -- I need a new yoga mat!

About every 3 years, I need to replace my yoga mat. I set out on a quest to find something that is:

• Affordable
• Nice to look at
• The right size
• The right squishiness
• Sticky
• Not noxious
• Earth-friendly

This is my year.

I did some research but kept getting hung up on that first criteria above, "affordable." Yoga mats can be flipping expensive! Finally via Amazon I found the PowerExtra Yoga Mat for only $30 (at press time).

How does the PowerExtra Yoga Mat perform against other criteria?

Nice to look at: Check. Love the two-tone colors. I chose the violet/light purple. The textures are different on each side, and I like the patterns on both. (And if you don't like the logo at the back of the mat? No worries. It rubs off within a few weeks.)

The right size and squishiness: Check. The mat is 72" long, which is great for tall yogis. The width is standard, and the depth (thickness) is 1/4", which strikes the perfect balance between cushy on the knees but not too unstable for balance poses.

A photo posted by Lori Lavender Luz (@lavluz) on Apr 11, 2015 at 11:38am PDT

 
Sticky: Not yet a check. The mat is not slippery, but it's not quite as sticky as my old yoga mat, just a typical mat. I am hoping I'll eventually adapt to the mat, perhaps requiring me to have better form.

Not noxious: Unchecked for the first 2 weeks. After the mat had time to air out, though, I no longer detect a chemical smell. Check.

Earth-friendly: Unknown. I did a bit of research on TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), and while much of the chemistry is over my head, there are may clues (smell being one of them) this is not a naturally occurring substance. It required significant processing (unlike the cotton mat I tried during my last search), yet it has "the potential to be recyclable."

Thumbs Up for PowerExtra Yoga Mat

Overall I'm pleased with my new PowerExtra yoga mat. Upward thumbs, upward dog.

 

Do Shape Ups make you shapely?

Shape Ups by Skechers have not, as far as I can tell, shrunk my thighs or my butt, improved my postured, tightened my abdomen, toned my muscles, or cleaned my kitchen.

And yet?

I. Love. My. Skechers Shape Ups.

Why do I love them? It's that simple thing you want from shoes: THEY ARE COMFORTABLE. When I researched them online before buying ($100 at Zappos.com) I read that wearing Shape Ups was comparable to walking on mattresses. Which it is.

Plus, Shape Ups are high. They make me taller.

Zappos reviewers say the sizes run a bit small, so I got a half-size bigger than I usually wear. There are dozens of styles and colors and are made for both women and men. I have begun to see women wearing them, but Joe Montana (in the commercial) is the only man I've seen in ShapeUps.

Caveats: Shape Ups are good for walking and standing, but I would not recommend wearing them for any activity that uses lateral movement. Shape Ups are designed to be unstable so that your muscles have to work harder to maintain stability. That instability plus the height make the shoes precarious for activities other than walking and just wearing around. These are not athletic shoes in the pure sense.

As Tami says, any toning that comes from wearing them will be because you feel like walking more.

I have heard others say that there is an adjustment period with these shoes, where knee and hip joints can ache as the body realigns. I did not experience this.

Since the time my Shape Ups arrived 3 months ago, these have been my go-to shoes. I give Shape Ups ten toes up.

I found a $10 off coupon for you, good until July 1. So if you've been considering Shape Ups (or any Skechers product), now you can save a little. Just follow the link and directions below.

Save $10 OFF your purchase of $50 or more on Skechers.com with Coupon Code: "SPRBONW"

Walk on!

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Yoga Accessories: Reviews & Giveaway

Seems I placed so many orders at YogaAccessories.com that the company decided to send me some samples to try out.

(Be sure to read to the bottom to for giveaway and discount information.)

First I'll review some of the items I ordered and paid for.

Round Yoga Mat: We sent a pair of these 6 foot diameter mats to our friends as a wedding present. I had originally gotten one for myself but it was just too heavy to lug around so I sent it back. Then, while looking for a gift for a couple who has everything, Roger and I realized that these mats would be perfect. The bride practices yoga and the groom is a yoga instructor. AND they have a yoga studio in their home, meaning they won't have the lugging around problem I had.

Bride and groom give a thumbs up. $65.

Yoga Stick-e Gloves: Previously, I reviewed competing product Yoga-Paws, which cost $35. At half the price I can solve the problem of slipping hands with Stick-e Gloves. I like Stick-e Gloves also because they are not as bulky as the Yoga-Paws. However, I predict that they will also prove to be not as sturdy.

Thumbs up at $18.

Now for reviews of the complimentary items.

Disclaimer: I received free samples (value $87) for purposes of sharing my honest opinions.

Dragonfly Printed Yoga Mat: These gorgeous nature-inspired mats are double-thickness (1/4 inch) and extra long (74"). They come in purples, greens, blue and red. I had to scrub off the initial slickness from mine, but otherwise it's a beautifully serene mat to practice on. $25, with optional matching bag for $11.

5'' Big Foam Yoga Block: This was a move up from my 3" yoga block (measured on the shortest side). I do find this bigger sized block helpful on poses such as Half Moon, in which I need to raise the floor to stay long in both side bodies. $20. (Please note, in the photo by my daughter, Tessa, that this is a pose in progress.)


Deluxe Silk Eye Pillow: This soft flax-filled pouch is lightly perfumed with one of my favorite scents, lavender. It smells and feels relaxing when I place the pillow over my eyes for meditation or rejuvenation. $11.

~~~~

Bruce, the owner of YogaAccessories.com,is giving away an entire Nature Inspired mat set, valued at $47 (printed mat and bag, as above, plus a matching water bottle), to one All Thumbs Reviews reader. Just leave a comment below with the color of your choice (click over to see your choices) by April 5 and we'll randomly draw a winner. The mat set will be sent to the winner directly.

In addition, should you wish to buy any of the hundreds of YogaAccessories on the site, you can get a 10% discount by May 31 by entering this discount code: next 2476

Namaste, every One.

**UPDATE**

Random.org selected #3, which means my partner Tami was drawn. Considering she's ineligible, I drew again, and #4 was chosen. So Flying Monkeys wins her olive/dark green bamboo mat set. Congrats to her, and thanks to everyone for entering!

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Vibrams FiveFinger for yoga and for running

Shortly before my husband's accident last summer, he had gotten into Chi Running, which champions trotting about in bare feet. My fitness activity, yoga, also tends to be done barefooted. So when we heard about Vibram Five Finger shoes, which provide the benefits of bare feet along with protection, we inquired about trying them out.


As a blogger and reviewer, I qualified for a $25 discount off the $85 retail price. We carefully followed the ordering instructions (women's sizes run 34-42) because precise fit is imperative.

One thing to note about feet and Five Fingers is that "if the foot length varies more than 1/6 in. it will be difficult to get a precise fit for both feet." And "if your second toe is more than 1/6 in. longer than your big toe it will be difficult to get a precise fit."

After checking and double checking our sizes, I emailed our order sheets for his and her pairs. Last July.

Three months later (!), I received my pair, a KSO style in grey/fuchsia. What is KSO? The Vibram's website says "KSO IS BEST FOR: Running, Fitness Training, CrossFit, Light Trekking, Bouldering, Water Sports, & Travel."

And here is a description: ...our most versatile style for women. Featuring a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot to “Keep Stuff Out.” A single hook-and-loop closure helps secure the fit. A non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber outsole is razor-siped for a sure grip, and a 2mm EVA midsole enhances plating protection and comfort.

I've had several months now to try out my Five Fingers while doing various activities. If it's not too cold, I enjoy wearing my Five Fingers out and about. But because there's no insulation I do not wear them when the terrain is icy. Not for the slip factor but for the brrrrrr factor.

While they ARE the first pair of shoes I've ever owned that required instructions on how to put on, and while they DO take a little extra time to wriggle in to, I DO enjoy the feeling of having my toes separated. Others have told me that such a sensation would drive them nuts.

And people have told me that the color scheme I chose makes me look like I have the feet of a cadaver. Perhaps I would have done better with the camouflage blue.

Photo by Aimee Greeblemonkey, taken at a WiiFit Plus party

These shoes have worked perfectly for me walking around and practicing yoga. And I wore them recently during a TurboKick class. All went well until the last few minutes when the underside of my big toe began to hurt. I made it to the end of class and drove home. When I removed the shoe, a small piece of grit? lint? something ordinary -- had gotten past that breathable mesh and had worn quite a blister. Youch.

Verdict? For yoga and for be-bopping around, I give Vibrams Five Fingers one thumb toe up.

And here is a review of my husband's experience with Five Fingers as a running shoe:
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Know why that's blank? Because in spite of the 7 months, the 7 follow up emails and 4 followup voicemail messages, I CANNOT GET VIBRAMS FIVE FINGERS TO TAKE AND FULFILL THIS ORDER. Or even let me know why they won't.

For running? Big toes down. Both of them.

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Wave a Magic Wand, Get the Perfect Stroller

A shopping we will go. A shopping we will go!

Now that we are planning on life with a new baby, one of the things on my mind is figuring out how to get back into shape after the baby is born. My husband and I just returned from stroller shopping. I'm not sure if I'm thrilled or disappointed, but I think the decision we made five years ago will be the same decision we make again.

The first time around at registering for baby gifts, we furiously waved that magic shopping wand around. Friends advised us to register for everything we could imagine because we might just get what we want.

When seeking strollers, we chose the smart, lightweight "normal" stroller that everyone else got. It came with the car-seat and it probably folded up teeny-tiny enough to fit into a Mini Cooper with room to spare.

But I knew this stroller would be too awkward and bumpy for my daily runs around the nearby lake. So the magic wand also captured the Jeep Liberty Limited 3 Wheel All Terrain Stroller by Kolcraft (currently $140 through Amazon). From my naive viewpoint, what impressed me most was that it had speakers near the top of the stroller so that I could enjoy good music without wearing earphones, which would prevent me from hearing if the baby had burst into tears. Or choked on a Cheerio.

This was cool.

Then one day we went to the zoo with the stroller that didn't tout the ability for the car-seat to snap in. A long day it would be with nowhere for the baby to fall asleep, then stay asleep when transferred from the stroller to the car. So we attempted to snap the car-seat into the Jeep Liberty Stroller and (insert drum-roll) it fit! The stroller I thought would only work for running quickly took over all stroller duties.

At 35.7 pounds, the Jeep Liberty Stroller is heavier than "lightweight" strollers that weigh around 23.5 pounds. But it still fits easily into the back of my Jeep Liberty SUV. (And let's face it. It's just plain cool to have a Jeep Liberty SUV and a Jeep Liberty Stroller!) As advertised, it folds easily with one hand, since the other hand is often holding the baby. Not only does the car-seat fit into it, the regular seat reclines so my son can enjoy the scenery while sitting up, or enjoy a rare nap while laying down. Both positions (and any position in-between) are protected by a safe 5-point harness. Changing positions seat positions is smooth, even with baby in the seat -- important when you want to slyly recline a baby who has fallen asleep.

A recent trip to a sporting goods store revealed that many high-end jog strollers feature a fixed front wheel, which prevents the front wheel from swiveling. Some people prefer this stability for jogging. This stroller features my choice. I can choose the fixed-wheel option when desired, but can unlock the wheel so it swivels for maneuverability. (Even as a jogger, I've never, ever liked the wheel in the fixed position.)

The Jeep Liberty Stroller has lots of cargo space. For at least three years the stroller replaced the car as our means to get to and from the grocery store. We asked the checkers at many stores if we could gather our groceries in our stroller instead of a cart. No problem! Several days worth of groceries fit, with extra room for diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, toys, etc. On excursions with others, it easily fits shopping bags, coats, purses, toys, etc.

Not only is the baby entertained by music (my son knows Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire and ABBA's Mamma Mia word-for-word), he can pretend he is driving via his own, animated steering wheel that makes car noises like a revving engine and honking horn. He also has his own perfect-sized places for snacks and drinks. (Both parents each have their own drink holders, too.)

Downsides?

• Some strollers have tubeless tires, which I think I would like to try. More than once I've found goat-heads in tires that I had to replace. Tires were quickly, easily and inexpensively replaced by bike shops. (The stroller has a small hand-pump on board.)
  
• This model does not have a handbrake like some more expensive ones do. But I've gotta say, I've never been in a position where I felt so out of control that I needed a handbrake. Likewise, it doesn't have the safety rope that connects the stroller to the runner's wrist in the event of a run-away stroller. We improvised with a short dog leash.
• The foot brake wore out after about 1 year and 750 miles, but one email to Kolcraft had me a new brake system in a few short days, along with a new seat that wasn't coffee stained (I mentioned the drink holders, right?) -- all for free.

After test-driving 17 different models at 5 different stores, I'm sticking with the Jeep Liberty Limited 3 Wheel All Terrain Stroller by Kolcraft. Now the biggest question is whether to overhaul the 5 year old stroller with nearly 2,000 miles on it, or wave the magic wand and hope for a new one.

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The Wishpot Roundup

It's been awhile since we did a roundup, so I thought it was about time to PILE up a bunch of gift-giving ideas, and give you a quick little snippet on why *I* think they're great gifts. Whether you're already thinking about Christmas (ugh!), or you're still stuck on Halloween costumes, the pile's explained below. It's also neatly piled up (with a few extras NOT mentioned here) over at Wishpot where I'm now lucky enough to be featured as a Mom Expert, and will be regularly adding MORE ideas for gift-giving!

1. Plush Robes from Restoration Hardware. Yea, you'd probably think they're ridiculously priced just because they're from RH, but at $80, they're similar in price to most other robes I'd buy - but THESE robes? They're the softest robes I've ever ever EVER had the pleasure of wearing.
2. The Nike+iPod system. If you're a runner, or you KNOW a runner, you or they MUST own this device. For an appealing price of $30-50 (depending where you look), it has changed my running for the better, it's given me knowledge I didn't have about my speed and distance, and it helps me create and manage my running goals.
3. Hardy's Whiskers Blake Port. If you're into port, but NOT into spending the money port usually costs, this port's a ton of fun at an affordable price of roughly $15-20.
4. The Thudguard. If you've got a toddler, and you really really REALLY want to laugh, you MUST buy them a Thudguard. While yea, this thing is SUPPOSED to be meant for safety, and I, as a soon-to-be-parent should probably take that safety thing much more seriously, for $40, I'd buy this thing just to laugh my ass off on a regular basis.
5. Personalized Christmas Stamp. For a lot of people, Christmas means sending out a lot of cards. For SOME people, it means putting extra special CARE and ATTENTION into making their cards AND gifts, into something to BEHOLD - cuz they're so damned beautiful just wrapped up! If you've got someone like that in your life, I think they'd love their own personalized Christmas stamp. And for about $25, YOU could be the one to give it to them.

Wanna know where to purchase any, all, or even some other ideas I'd suggest? Check it out over at Wishpot.

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Got uni-boob? Run instead with two thumbs (and two ta-tas) up

Lori, here. I got SO sick and tired of hearing my sister rave about her sports bra that I forced asked her to write it up. It may be of special interest to those of you who are more buxom than I.

*****

From Tami DePalma:

If you've gotten this far, you must know what uni-boob is. That sad, stuffy, sticky situation to which sports bras subject your ta-tas.

Have you ever sported a sports bra that smashes the living daylights out of you, making it hard to breathe? Alone, this malady wouldn't be so bad. But sports bras don't do what they are supposed to do. While they bring the girls very close together, they do nothing to keep them from going up and down. Up and down. Up and down.

I'm a runner. I play soccer. I do yoga. Further, I coach gymnastics, basketball and soccer. With a saggy sports bra, every up and down is followed by a lot of "Ouch!"

My situation got so bad that I resorted to double-teaming the double-team. I'd wear a regular bra to keep them separated. Then I'd top that with a sports bra to hold them in, tight. It worked. But you'd never see me change my jersey in front of the team for fear I'd get laughed off the field for how low I'd stooped to strap up the siblings.

Help is on the way!

On my last visit to Victoria's Secret I saw a typical sports bra, just my size, in the $12.99 bin. Any time I can get a bra for less than the cost of a yoga session, I'm all for it. As I proceeded to buy my bra and claim my free panty, I noticed the associate couldn't take her eyes off my chest.

Um, Hello? Am I back in the bar scene? My eyes are up here!

Quietly she asked, "Are you a runner?" Hopefully she could tell by my clothing, not my sweaty smell. I nodded uncomfortably, still wishing I could get her eye contact.

"I don't think you want that bra." She led me toward the back of the store.

"You're a C cup, right?" she asked. "Not to talk down about our products, but this is going to do to you what every other sports bra does. You know what I'm talking about..." She allowed me a moment to recall the last time performed a tuck jump on the vault in my double decker bra contraption.

"Try this one." She held up a sturdy, yet still feminine bra. Flexible wires, strong cups, thick yet attractive straps. It had hooks in the back, looking more like a regular bra than a sports bra. I doubted this pretty thang would "support" my athleticism. But as she finally made eye contact, and didn't even blink, I believed her when she said, "It will be the only sports bra you will ever wear."

I didn't even have time to try the thing on because my son was tired of hanging around the bra shop (4-year-olds have no patience!). Even though it was not from the sale bin, I snatched it up and headed home.

I pulled the VSX Sport Body-wick Adjustable Sculpt Bra ($42) out of the pretty pink gift bag. "Cushy cushy cool," stated the tag. "Go ahead and baby your body. Our soft, smooth and stretchy sculpt bra was designed for comfort."

Baby my body. We'll see . . .

The VSX felt good running. I swear I even felt lighter on my feet as I held my head high.

But the true test was on the soccer field. If this bra came in flying colors, it would earn a rainbow. Not once did I cross my arm over my front as I shot, just to keep any "obstacles" from blocking my view. I don't even remember whether we won or lost. I just knew by new bra got two thumbs (and a few other things) up!

If your cup size is bigger than a B, you've probably never worn a sports bra that did its job. As extroverted as I am, I've never been one to talk about my mammaries at parties. But this new bra has me telling everyone I know. Well, I try to limit my enthusiastic endorsement to well-endowed women who do some kind of cardio exercise on a regular basis.

I try. But sometimes I just cannot contain myself.

So maybe this will serve as therapy. The next time I get the urge to blurt about bras, I'll just send my friends to All Thumbs Review and save my embarrassment.

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Pregnant Runners - This is For You!

Pregnant? Currently a runner? Worried you won't be ABLE to run when you're FIVE months, SIX months, or even SEVEN months pregnant? Well have no fear, the Mom-EZ is here! And it works!

As someone who has been running on and off (mostly on) for the last 10 years, and someone who did her VERY FIRST half marathon at 12 weeks pregnant, I'm someone who quite obviously, would like to maintain my running habits while pregnant. Running is an extremely important part of my life I JUST got back, and I'm not ready to throw it away just because I'm pregnant.

While I understand there will be limits, and I understand the health of this kid is THE most important thing in the world to me, I also know that running has a TON of benefits - particularly while pregnant. There's the obvious mental health part (running keeps me sane, it gives me an outlet), there's the "fit women have easier labours" (which is awesome for both me AND the baby!), and there's a whole lotta research that shows that exercise like running can build a stronger placenta, deliver more oxygen to your baby making them smarter, and on and on and on.

However, for me, while all of that is AWESOME, it's also about having some ME time, something that is completely MINE, and something that still makes me feel like ME. And while I struggled through weeks 8-11 with a fair amount of nausea and exhaustion, and I struggled through weeks 14-16 with EVERYTHING hurting EVERY TIME I RAN, I kept going - because running matters to me. And as long as this kid kept on growing and moving, I was going to KEEP trying to run.

But after week 16, things weren't so easy anymore. It wasn't just that I tired more easily, or that my joints hurt sooner, it was now that my pelvis HURT - like hurt a LOT when I ran, it was now that my belly felt like it was BOUNCING unless I held my hand on it, and it was now that my knees were starting to REALLY kill me in ways they really shouldn't.

To deal with the knees, I switched to the treadmill, and voila, it worked! I still have more knee pain than I did BEFORE I was pregnant, but meh, it's nothing that doesn't go away with rest, so I'm going to keep going. To deal with the belly though, I went on a hunt for the elusive MATERNITY BELT. And no, I'm not talking regular old belly band, I'm talking FULL-ON BELT. I wanted something MADE for extremes and not just the regular old backaches those lycra belly bands are made for. And lucky me, a good friend who ran until 8 months pregnant with BOTH her kids (thanks to this belt), found me her little piece of magic - the Mom-EZ.

The first thing I'll say is that this thing is NOT easy to find. Specialty running stores? Never heard of it. Lady-specific sports stores? Never heard of it. Maternity stores? Wanted to sell me a belly band. So after a lot of digging and begging, my friend who'd worn one of these herself, found me one where she got hers. But if YOU'RE looking, your best bet is probably to order online, if anything just to save yourself the calls/trips to the many stores.

The second thing I'll say, is that this thing is HIDEOUS. It's like a girdle, but BIGGER and BOLDER and THICKER. But I personally have been stuffing it underneath my workout gear, and this thing works like a FREAKING CHARM!!!! Not only does it have adjustable straps, but it also has velcro in lengths that allow you to adjust it even further. Not only does it wrap around you, but it wraps around your belly in a way that CRADLES it and ACTUALLY holds it in place. Not only does it do up nice and tight, but it's COMFORTABLE - and it DOESN'T loosen but it DOES stay in place - for my whole run, every run.

While I obviously haven't made it to 8 months with this thing yet, at 23 weeks, I have a VERY good feeling about the Mom-EZ. So far I couldn't be happier with it, and I couldn't recommend it more highly to pregnant runners. It also probably works pretty damn good for general back support if you're suffering, but so far I've been fortunate enough not to have to try it for that.

An obvious two big thumbs up for the Mom-EZ.

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The Dreaded Pregnancy Books

Yes, you read that correct - dreaded. That's what I said, and that's what I meant. While yes, those books are something I've COVETED for a very very VERY long time, those books are also something I wasn't really sure I wanted to own because really - don't they just list a bunch of things you CAN'T do? And really, who wants to read about stuff you CAN'T do?

Well, apparently *I* do. Because I'm pregnant. Only 7 weeks, (and a veteran infertile so while hopeful, I'm also very aware I have a LONG ways to go before I'm really celebrating), but 7 weeks none-the-less. And as a veteran infertile who'd never ever before seen a POSITIVE pee stick, I felt I EARNED these books. I had a RIGHT to own these books. So I went out and bought a couple.

First and foremost, I bought What to Expect When You're Expecting, because, well, even if I thought it'd be filled with hooey, as I noted above, I EARNED these books, and what book is more deserving of the pregnant MERIT BADGE than this one?

Next, I bought Pregnancy Fitness (by the editors of Fitness Magazine), because, well, I'm a runner. I've been a runner for almost 10 years now, and while I understand there may be adjustments I need to make in my exercise regime now that I'm pregnant, I had a lull awhile back there where I didn't run, and now that I have it back, I'm not willing to give it up (or at least exercise up) full-fledge just yet so this book fit the bill of teaching me what I wanted.

Last, I bought The Runner's World Guide to Running & Pregnancy, because, as I noted above, I'm a runner. Running is what I do, running is what I want to KEEP doing, and if I'm going to be doing it, I want to have the best information possible while I do because while I may be a little selfish, I'm also not stupid.

As for the actual CONTENT of the books, well I may have set What to Expect When You're Expecting to be what it now is (ie. I pre-judged and didn't let that go) but really, the book is TRULY a bunch of hooey. It uses cheesy phrases like "While that may get your heart soaring" (thinking of your baby), it doesn't organize the information very well (organized by pregnancy month rather than facts), and it's really hard to find the ACTUAL information you are looking for in simple terms. Meaning, while the first page of every chapter is actually kinda interesting (it lays out your baby's growth week by week), that's about all that works in this book. The rest of it just drove me crazy. I wanted to learn about eating fish, or about the nutrients I need to get daily and how much of those I need, and instead of breaking it down into a chart or simple sections with clear headers, this book just dumps it all into endless paragraphs that for someone like me (with little patience) is really frustrating. This book gets two thumbs down from me.

Pregnancy Fitness on the other hand was everything I wanted and more. It not only gave me statistics on reduced miscarriages for runners, but it broke the information down into logical sections about food consumption (calories), nutrition, types of things I can and can't eat, and of course, exercise trimester by trimester. While it didn't have ALL the details the "expecting" book had on the baby's development, it did have a ton of information on which foods you should be eating, when, and why (for the baby's development at that stage) - and it laid it out into an easy-to-rip-out chart I could paste on my fridge. It also not only laid out exercises I can and can't do, but it provided me tips for each of the exercises in each stage of pregnancy because exercise SHOULD change in each stage. And it even provided diagrams of OTHER exercises I could do, and how they'd benefit me during each stage, or even during labour. This book is full of EXTREMELY practical information written in a no-nonsense fashion and I absolutely would recommend this book to anyone. Other than the weird cover photo (I just don't see anyone pulling their exercise pants up that high, EVER), this book gets a BLAZING two thumbs up.

Last but not least, The Runner's World Guide to Running & Pregnancy. Unfortunately, this book is taking a lot longer to ship than I wanted, but when I do get it, I think I'll be returning back to All Thumbs to let you know if it was worth the wait.

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WeightWatchers to the Rescue Again

No, I have NOT joined Weight Watchers - not that there's anything wrong with that - but what I HAVE done is bought their fancy schmancy scale to help me with the weight loss I'm taking on on my own.

The thing for me though, is I know how MY particular brain works. I know that in MY brain, if I don't have a way to measure and TRACK my success (or lack thereof), my brain will get quite bored, my brain will convince myself I'm doing just fine, and my brain will tell me I can get as lazy as I want because it doesn't really matter. Then a few months from now, I'll beat myself up yet AGAIN, that the weight is STILL not off.

So this year - THIS will be the year I return to my pre-infertility weight. The year I fit into my SKINNY clothes again. The year I run a half marathon (in an effort to get to both those previous two goals, and to just feel DAMN GOOD about myself again). And to do all that, I paired up the best birthday gift ever with the coolest home scale I could find in the price range I wanted.

For roughly $40, the Weight Watchers Glass Precision Electronic Scale (uh, mouthful of a name?) has so far given me exactly what I wanted.

First, I wanted a scale that wasn't horridly ugly. While it also isn't the sleekest looking thing you can find out there (you know, the stainless steel funky kind), I like that it's super simple with its glass top, and really could match any bathroom we ever owned. It's also really easy to clean - a little Windex, and poof, it's like brand new again.

Second, I wanted a scale that was digital. I wanted accurate readings to the decimal point so when I felt my weight was fluctuating, and I was feeling all nasty and bloated, I could see that it really WAS only a difference of 0.4 or 0.8, and it was a difference that returned as soon as I DIDN'T feel all nasty and bloated. I also wanted to see even the littlest drops in weight, because motivation and reward can be KEY in keeping up the good habits.

And third, I wanted a scale that also included my Body Mass Index (BMI) so that as I ran farther and farther in my training, if my weight went up or was only maintained, then at least I could see if it was because I was eating BAD FOOD (ie. my BMI stayed high), or if it was because I was GAINING MUSCLE (ie. my BMI went down). Because with muscle weighing more than fat, if my BMI was decreasing but my weight wasn't, I knew I could live with that and not obsess so much about my actual weight.

And so far, this scale has been great. It's super easy to program (you can't get your BMI without saving your user's age, height, and sex - but you only have to do that once) for up to 4 people. It tucks away neatly beside my toilet. And it's been a real motivator watching the weight drop, even when sometimes it is only dropping in the decimal ranges. All in all, the Weight Watchers scale gets two thumbs up from me!

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One less excuse to sit on the couch eating Twinkies

I've had a post in my head I was planning for January about how to time an inquiry to a health club and get a great discounted rate.

But I got a Costco flier in the mail today, which requires I bring up this topic NOW.

If you meet these three requirements, I have just the thing for you.

1. You are a member or are ready to become a member of Costco.
2. You want to get into better shape.
3. You live near one of the 400 24 Hour Fitness centers in the US.

Costco is currently selling 24-month memberships to 24 Hour Fitness for the amazing price of $290. That's just $12 a month. TWELVE DOLLARS A MONTH, PEOPLE!

I can't tell you what a good deal this is. I've been a member at my local 24 Hour Fitness for 3 years, and here area few of the things I love about my club.

• It offers fitness classes, including 5 yoga classes a week. At no extra charge.
  
• It's clean and well-maintained.
• It's not just for muscle-heads and gym rats. Lots of "normal" people are there, too, each pursuing his/her own goals.
• It has a Kids Club. During certain hours, I can take my kids there while I work out or take a yoga class. Mine charges less than $2/kid/hour. (Not all clubs have this.)
  

I'm a cheapskate so I have to get my money's worth from membership dues. This works in my favor by making me put down the Twinkie, get off the couch and milk my membership 3 times a week. I actually like to go now. Three years ago I was at war with my body. Now I like it and want to treat it well.

Product reviews on the Costco website point out that you can only get this price through Costco online (not at the gym and not in a Costco store) and that you may be approached at the by club to buy personal training session (but you are under no obligation). Feedback seems overwhelmingly positive, with thumbs up from all 23 commenters I read.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal. So drop the Twinkie.

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The ArmBand That Wasn't

Last week, while you were all in love with Soap Nuts, I personally, was still in love with my Nike+. Not only did Lance Armstrong congratulate me TWO MORE TIMES on my longest runs ever, but I created me a fun little running avatar, and set myself some goals that Nike's tracking online for me.

However, the problem with this fun little device is there's no GOOD way to carry it yet. To be clear, the SHOE part of the device is brilliant. It attaches to my shoelace, and that's it - I'm done. Easy peasy. It's the iPod attachment that's a bit tougher. Because when it comes to regular iPod cases, well they all have tops AND bottoms, which means you can't leave your Nike+ attachment attached to the iPod [in the case]. Cuz THIS attachment? It hangs off the BOTTOM of your iPod, so with a sealable case the size of an iPod - no room for the attachment.

The logical option? The option I hate? The dreaded armband. While the husband was super sweet in his picking up of the armband FOR me, the problem is I'm just soooooo not a fan of the armband - they drive me CRAZY. But to give my poor husband the benefit of the doubt, and save myself an ADVENTURE trying to find a carrying case that is NOT an armband, I tried OUT the InCase Sports Armband. Heard the word armband enough yet???

Anyway, run one? It worked... well, it worked in that it stayed where it was supposed to. But actually USING my iPod? Nope, not possible, because the plastic on this thing? It's just way too unwieldy and thick, so scrolling through your menu - particularly while running - just doesn't work.

Run two? Yes... there WAS a run two - well, it started to bug me sitting on my arm. That combined with the inability to actually SCROLL through my menu, midway through my run I wrapped the armband around my camelback so my iPod could hang at chest-level instead. The result? Easier to get at cuz it's on my chest and I could use both hands, but still JUST as unwieldy with its thick plastic.

Third run? I scrapped the armband and threw my iPod in my coat pocket. While it's not the IDEAL situation, for winter, this'll work. However, by spring next year, I'm going to find me some other kind of case to carry this in. Cuz as I said in the Nike+ post, I'm in love with this thing. It has forever CHANGED running for me. My armband however, not so much. Two thumbs down for the InCase Sports Armband.

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Running Made Fun

For at least the last 10 years, I've been a runner. Not a FAST runner, not an ATHLETIC runner, but a runner none-the-less. Problem is, in the last 3 years, the running's been really on and off for me. Some months I go 4 or 5x a week. Other months? Uh, 4 times the whole month.

When I'm training for something, I'm IN, I'm DEDICATED, and NOTHING (including chronic runner's knee) is gonna stop me. When I'm just trying to get off my fat ass though? Well, pretty much EVERYTHING can stop me. Tired? Oh, I can make it up TOMORROW! Bad day at work? That MUST mean it's time to go out with friends and gripe! Good hair day? Well, why would I want to waste THAT on a run - I must be OUT and be SEEN! Hello? Have you seen my hair today??!!

And therein, lies the problem. While I really DON'T want to be this 5-10lbs heavy that I am, I seem more UNmotivated than motivated. So to help with that, and to make running FUN for me again, the husband bought me the COOLEST birthday gift ever. The Nike+iPod. Seriously, if I could SLEEP with this thing, and it could make me feel AS good as it has the last couple days, the husband and I would be in SERIOUS trouble.

Cuz the Nike+iPod rocks. This thing? Where do I begin?!

First, assuming you already have an iPod with a screen, this little gadget is CHEAP. For $30-50 depending where you look, you TOO can feel the love *I* feel for my new toy.

Second, the only setup required was clicking in a little square piece of magic to my iPod Nano, selecting the Nike+iPod menu item, and whammo, they found each other! There were also some options to add my weight and age, and pick my "power song" (giving me QUICK access to the song that gives me a boost), but none of those were mandatory - just things that makes the data the Nike+iPod gathers even MORE useful.

Data it gathers? What's THAT you say? Well, let me TELL you! This thing, without even MEASURING my stride (something I HATE about pedometers), tracks EVERYTHING I do on my run. It tells me the PACE I'm running at, the length of TIME I've been running, as well as gives me a verbal SUMMARY and a "congratulations" (from a dood who I personally, think sounds VERY hot) of my average pace, kilometres/miles run, and total time out. Have I MENTIONED I want to sleep with this thing?!

But here's where it gets even BETTER. When I get home, if I want to, I can plug my Nike+iPod into my computer and UPLOAD all that information to the Nike+ website. While the site itself has some drawbacks (all Flash, so spins and spins sometimes), the fact that this little gadget will track ALL my data, and measure it against my "resolutions" (should I so choose to set some up in the site), all with a few simple clicks, well it's just freakin' AMAZING to me. The site also offers such fun things as my own Nike+ mini (a running avatar), the opportunity to borrow OTHER runner's routes (found just by entering my postal code), and map out my own routes that I can keep private OR make public. It also lets me join competitions, encourage others, or have others encourage me. While the latter bit ain't really MY thing - I'm more of a solitary runner - the fact that I could join groups anywhere in the WORLD is pretty cool.

Last but not least, the gotcha that ISN'T a gotcha - the Nike shoe requirement. Last year when they first offered the Nike+iPod around Christmas time, it still meant you had to wear NIKE shoes - something *I* don't do. However, thanks to some brainiac, the Nike shoe requirement is NO MORE. For a measly $9, the SwitchEasy RunAway Shoe Adapter lets you wear ANY shoe you like.

So... not that I even need to WRITE this, but two thumbs way way WAAAAAAYYYYY up for the Nike+iPod.

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Giveaway -- esp for pregnant moms and pregnant moms-to-be

Can you stand it if I mention BlogHer08 just one more time? It sets the stage for our very first All Thumbs GIVEAWAY!

By the third day of the conference, I was feeling pretty cocky. First of all, we'd been treated to tons of swag (episodes of The Closer, t-shirts, premium access at CafePress, not to mention food and drink and Wii time). In addition, I'd been basking in the glow of Lollipop, Pamela Jeanne, Luna and others, and we'd just finished our bridge-building panel. So you can see why I was feeling like I was something special.

I stopped at the massage room (more swag! that I didn't have to carry home!) to see if there was an available table. There wasn't, but a book display caught my eye. I told the woman if she'd give me the book I'd review it here (I told you I was feeling cocky). It's called Fit Mama, and it has a drawing on the cover of a mom in Downward Dog over her baby.

Stacy Denney, who also happens to be one of the authors, handed me the book and her card and said, "Sure!"

So I brought the book home and started reading it. I quickly realized I should have paid attention to the subtitle.

But lucky for you pregnant and soon-to-be pregnant ladies, I didn't pay attention to the subtitle, which is A Real Life Fitness Guide for the New Mom.

If I needed to know about what birth would do to my perineum, or what I could expect from my linea negra, this would be a terrific book for me.

But my children are now 7 and 5. And I did not give birth to them. I don't know a linea negra from a Negra Modelo. I remain blissfully ignorant about my perineum.

But I know many of you might really WANT this book. Are in the MARKET for exactly what this book offers -- an effective, holistic approach to postpartum fitness. This is very much a girlfriend's guide, written as if your best friend or slightly older sister is helping ease your way from your newly maternal body back to your old self (as much as possible).

So, one of you will benefit from my cockiness. I am giving this book away to one of the commenters on this post. Comment by 8:08 am (MDT) on August 8, 2008, up to 3 times per person, preferably with details on why you'd like this book. After the deadline, my daughter will pick a random number from 1 to X (number of comments). That commenter will be the winner, I'll notify her/him by email, and send the book by mail.

By commenting on this post you agree to the terms and rules of this give-away and you consent to letting us use your name (bloggy or otherwise) when we announce the winner. Anonymous comments and comments without a valid email address will be disqualified.

Now. Wouldn't you like to win Fit Mama? Tell us why.

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Toga, toga! Oops. I mean yoga, yoga.

Confession time. See that ad on the lower-right sidebar for Yoga Accessories?

I picked that ad because I liked the colors. (And, of course, because I had interest in the product.) Yes, colors totally manipulate motivate me.

I finally got around to ordering some merchandise from that company. The package was waiting for me when I got home from our trip to visit my in-laws.

So here's a review of three products I ordered.

1. Double-thickness yoga mat. $17
I was ready to replace my old mat, since it had begun to shred in the places where my heels dig in on Downward Dog. I was about to get the usual 1/8" mat ($15) until I saw that it also comes in 1/4" thickness.

As a bonus, the thicker mat is 4" longer -- 72" as opposed to 68" (sorry to all you metric folks.) That should keep me off the naked floor during Corpse Pose.

I got the purple one, naturally.

Thumbs up: it is nice to have a thicker mat, especially for the on-the-knee poses. And I love having that extra 4 inches in length. I didn't have to keep repositioning myself to avoid falling off.

Thumbs not up: as you would expect, it's a heavier mat to carry (but, after all, isn't exercise the point?).

2. Hand-size yoga towel. $20
Because my hands get sweaty during yoga, and to keep myself from slipping around the mat, I have always practiced yoga with a hand towel at the front of the mat. So I was very excited to find this skid-free hand towel (which also comes in two larger sizes).

Again, I ordered purple.

Thumbs up: the towel works great as a hand wiper. My hands slip less on the towel than on the mat.

Thumbs not up: why did they ruin a perfectly good purple towel with an obnoxious orange border? (No offense to you orange lovers.) And even though I love this towel, I think $20 is overpriced by about $5.

3. Magnetic yoga set. $12.
I often have the intent to do yoga at home on my own. But in my novice state, being mindful during my practice means I need the poses fed to me. So, my thinking is that I can build a workout ahead of time with my magnets.

And I have another reason. I would like to have a visual representation of the poses I know vs the poses I don't know. I think I might be motivated by moving the pieces around as I master -- or even dare to attempt -- certain asanas.

Thumbs up: I love the rainbow colors, and I appreciate seeing how poses should look. I currently have all the pieces on my refrigerator.

Thumbs down: I had expected the 63 pieces to show 63 poses. Instead, there are 60 poses, with 3 pieces being repeats. Small point, but I did notice.

Overall rating? Two thumbs up. The flaws are minor, and I am very pleased with my purchases from Yoga Accessories.
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I'm off to the BlogHer conference in San Francisco. On Saturday afternoon, I'll be speaking with Melissa and Pamela Jeanne on the Adoption, Infertility and Loss panel. I'll post on Weebles Wobblog if we find a way for you to follow along through live blogging, a podcast, or Second Life.

Ciao! And ommmm.

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