Fitness – Page 2

Holiday Gift Guide 2017 + Giveaway

December 20, 2017 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

The holidays are here! I love this time of year. I’m a huge gift giver, and I strive to make sure the gifts are as personal and awesome as I can. This Christmas (and all holidays!), I’ve put together a list of great gifts; for food, fitness, and beauty lovers!

Nuun Hydration Tablets: Nuun tabs create the perfect sports drink, without all the sugar. There are three categories: vitamins, electrolytes (my favorite), and Nuun performance.

Photo from nuunlife.com

Water enhancer includes:

better performance: the addition of non-gmo sourced dextrose helps the body to absorb fluids more efficiently while still containing 1g sugar or less.
clean ingredients: we used plant based sweeteners and ingredients to increase health benefits
gluten-free, dairy + soy free, safe for clean sport certifications

Each electrolyte tab contains:

sodium: 360 mg
potassium: 100 mg
magnesium: 25 mg
calcium: 13 mg
vitamin c: 38 mg
10 calories
1 g of sugar

2. Slim Clip Case (GIVEAWAY): The Slim Clip Case by Wonderful Things Factory is AMAZING for working out, especially running! I was sent two cases to try, and I don’t think I’ll ever get another case again. The back is able to clip onto your leggings, shorts, or jacket (or really anywhere that works!), and STAYS THERE. I am training for a half marathon, and I need my phone to be easily accessible. Plus, the case comes in different sizes (fits all phones) and colors. The Slim Clip Case is perfect!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**This giveaway runs from 12/21/17 – 1/1/18. Two people will win a Slim Clip Case shipped directly from Wonderful Things Factory. Winners will be selected randomly. Open to U.S. residents 18+.

3. Fuego Box: Fuego Box is perfect for the die hard hot sauce lover. The goal is to bring you emerging hot sauces that you most likely haven’t heard of. It opens up a world of heat! You can buy individual bottles, curated single boxes, and a monthly subscription delivered straight to your door. Plus, they offer great gift boxes! Enter your email on the site and receive $10 off your first box!

4. DERMA⋅E: DERMA⋅E skin care is my all-time favorite! I use their cleansers, lotions, toner, masks etc every day of my life. The products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free, and do not contain parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, or artificial colors. They’re gentle, yet effective! My favorite product is the Firming DMAE Moisturizer, which contains Alpha Lipoic Acid & C-Ester (affiliate link). Also, be sure to check out the holiday bundles they are offering right now, and at a discounted price!

I hope you enjoy the items I’ve recommended for this holiday season! What else would you like to see on the list?

Happy Holidays, & thank you for reading!

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Fitness Health Races

I’m Running My First Half Marathon for My 30th Birthday!

November 12, 2017 By lyndsinreallife 12 Comments

I’m turning 30 in 5 months.

Did I just say that out loud?! It seems unreal.

I had been thinking about how I want to celebrate. I live in Vegas, so I could go out and have a crazy night with partying, drinks, and terrible decisions. I could have a quiet night in with my boyfriend and dog. But then I realized: I want to be my healthiest at 30 years old. I want to start this chapter in my life feeling and looking good. So I’ve decided:

I’m going to run my first HALF MARATHON!

It’ll make me get back into working out and eating healthy, and it’s a really great goal to work toward. It’ll make my 30th memorable (& in a good way).

I’ve decided to run the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon on April 14, 2018 (my birthday is April 5). I love SD, so it’s the perfect half for me to do! I’m really excited to train over the next 5 months. I’m excited to get stronger and faster. To eat for my body and fuel, and to lose some weight in the process. To make my body feel ALIVE again!

I want to look and feel like this again ♥

Follow along on my journey through Instagram, Facebook, and this blog. Also, add me on Nike+! I greatly appreciate support and tips, and hope to connect with the running community!

Thank you for reading my blog! Subscribe below to follow my journey:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ambassador Fitness

BlogFest with #SweatPink at IDEA World Recap

July 26, 2017 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

Last week, I attended my 3rd BlogFest at IDEA World (hosted by Fit Approach/#SweatPink) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It was a health and fitness blogger’s dream! I had the best weekend with the best people, and I’m excited to share all about it here on Lynds in Real Life!

I made sure to rock my swag from past BlogFests, like my #sweatpink tanks, bags, jewelry, and the Reebok shoes I got the first year.

My boyfriend Tim went to the expo with me, and it was really fun! The expo had a ton of booths related to fitness, nutrition, health, and overall well-being. They gave out samples, hats, shirts, pens, etc. to people who stopped by. We tried some really great snacks, like Perfect Bar, Skinny Salamis, and California Figs. I got a chair massage from Soothe. There were soda alternatives (which is perfect, because I cut out soda 6 weeks ago, and it’s HARD) from companies like La Croix, TopoChico, and Pure LYFT (a caffeine alternative).

I learned so much in the BlogFest sessions. I’ve been blogging for almost 4 years, but things are always changing, and it’s important to keep up with that, and also adapt to stand out in the market. We heard from:

Katy Widrick (How to Make Old Content New Again)
Lindsay Valdez (The 5 Most Important SEO Elements on a Blog Post)
Amanda Vogel, MA (Guest Blogging- Everything You Need to Know to Make Money)
Todd Durkin, MA (Keynote Speaker)

Inside the BlogFest room, sponsors provided us with snacks, which were perfect to keep us fueled throughout the day. My favorite was Siggi’s, a company that makes icelandic skyr yogurt. It’s my favorite yogurt, not only because it tastes amazing, but it has high protein and low sugar. They came out with a new drinkable yogurt (filmjölk), and it’s definitely going to be a household staple.

I also really loved the fresh figs from California Figs. I had never had a fig before, and was nervous to try it; but I was pleasantly surprised! I’m not sure how to describe the texture, but it reminded me of eating an apricot. They’re very juicy, and in season right now.

We were able to schedule 1:1 sessions with brands (the ones who sponsored Blogfest), and this hadn’t been an option at the Blogfests I’d been to before (2014, 2015). Naturally, I was really excited about it! As a blogger, working with brands is almost essential (at least a few times). Especially if you want to be noticed, and have that extra exposure (+ if you want to make any money blogging). There was one brand in particular that I was really interested in working with: Takeya.

Takeya makes AMAZING water bottles. The lid is patented, that’s how awesome it is. It keeps drinks hot for 12 hours, and cold for 24 hours. Legitimately, even 12 hours later, the ice in your bottle will still be frozen. Mind blown!

Vooray was having a special: almost 50% off their gym bags. I really loved their Zen bag for yoga, the gym, and also a nanny bag (I’m a nanny for those who don’t know!). Sooo, I bought it! It looks really nice, and reminds me of a designer bag (which I’m all about). It’s functional, pretty, and totally worth the buy. I got the one on the left, but also really loved the pattern of the one on the right. I almost bought two!

Blogfest 2017 was such a hit, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. I’ve never enjoyed any other conference/convention as much as I do Blogfest and IDEA World! I’m really looking forward to next year in San Diego; I hope to see you there!

Did you attend BlogFest this year? Or any in the past?

What’s 1 or 2 things you’d like to learn about at a blogging conference?

Thank you so much for reading!

If you’d like to receive new posts by email, please subscribe below:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Fitness Las Vegas Lifestyle

My 29th Birthday; A Hike Through Red Rock Canyon

April 8, 2017 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

I turned 29 this past Wednesday (April 5); only one more year until 30! [eek!] I had the day off work and wanted to spend it doing something I haven’t done before. Last year was hard to top, because I spent it at the beach in Malibu (I lived in Los Angeles then). However, living in Las Vegas, we live really close to the infamous Red Rock Canyon (about 40 minutes from downtown Las Vegas; not to be confused with the one in the SaMo mountains). I love being outdoors and being active, so my boyfriend and I decided we were going to hike the Ice Box Canyon trail @ Red Rock Canyon!

These are the red rocks (created by sandstone peaks and walls called Keystone Thrust) that are seen when driving through the scenic 13 mile loop.

And don’t worry, we didn’t forget to bring our little poodle, Archie. 🙂

Archie loves to dig in dirt and sand.

We chose Ice Box Canyon because it’s mostly shaded, and it’s ideal for the summer, when the temperatures get above 100° F. It was about 76° on my birthday; perfect hiking weather! Tim (my boyfriend) had hiked this trail before, so he knew what to expect.

The trail was marked difficult, but I would rate it as moderate. On the way to, well, wherever our destination was, was a bit uphill. I definitely broke a pretty good sweat. There are a ton of big rocks to climb over. I was surprised at how well Archie could jump up and over the rocks! I’d rate it as moderate because I’m not in the best shape, but I was able to complete the hike without feeling like I was dying. Beginners can definitely do this hike, in my opinion.

I wanted to wear something that was going to provide compression, while not being too constricting. I wanted it to be moisture wicking for when I would inevitably sweat. I also wanted to look cute, because it was my birthday! So I chose to wear an outfit from Katie K Active, a company that makes all-inclusive women’s active wear (sizes S-3X).

I’ve been a brand ambassador with Katie K Active for 3 years; they’re hands down my favorite active wear brand. The cool thing about being an ambassador is I get to offer my readers a DISCOUNT! Go to KatieKActive.com, place your order in your cart, and use promo code LYNDSAY25 for 25% off your order plus free shipping!

We got to see so many cool things along the way, like cacti, wildflowers, and fun rock formations.

Tim and I were being silly, as we usually are. 😉

Oh, and we found a cute little pond!

The hike was so much fun, and I can’t wait to go back. 🙂

Later in the day, Tim picked up my surprise birthday cake from Freed’s Bakery. He knows I love when he gets me a cake as my birthday present. He even sat down with a cake specialist to design it! Freed’s Bakery has been voted Best Bakery in Las Vegas over 30 times; he did his research to get me the perfect cake.

Don’t you just love how Archie is looking at that beautiful cake? He knew it was going to be delicious! I did not feed Archie any of the cake

This particular cake was made with bavarian cream, vanilla cake, and buttercream frosting. It serves 6-8 people (but we definitely ate this just between the two of us, shhh).

I had such a great birthday, and if it’s any indication of how this next year will go, I am gladly looking forward to my 30th (but it can go slow!).

Have you ever hiked Red Rock Canyon?
What do you like to do on your birthday?

Thank you for reading! Please subscribe here if you’d like to receive new posts by email:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Archie Beauty Fitness Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

December 16, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until the last 2 weeks to get gifts for your loved ones. I’ve made it simple to shop with my holiday gift guide for 2016!

For Fitness Lovers:

Katie K Active Fitness Outfit.

There are a variety of options, with sizes ranging from S-3X. Katie K Active is all-inclusive, meaning there is something for everyone! Their clothes are also incredibly comfortable and functional. I own at least 5 complete outfits!

Use code LYNDSAY40 at checkout for 40% off your order plus FREE shipping!

For Pet Lovers:

One Fur All Pet Candle. Scent: Holidays Fur All

As any pet lover will know, animals can be very stinky. From the natural scent to urine stains, One Fur All pet candles neutralize the odor with their 100% soy wax. The Holidays Fur All scent is perfect for Christmas time. Imagine what Christmas smells like, and it’s captured perfectly in this candle! These pet candles are the only ones that have been successful in neutralizing the odors in our home. Plus, they burn for 70 hours!

Get free shipping on orders of $45 or more. Plus, right now, you can get a FREE mini candle with a purchase of a regular candle with code MYMINI!

For Friends Needing Happiness and Support:

Caring Crate Monthly Mental Health Box.

Caring Crate is a subscription box that sends you little goodies every month, all designed for wellness! It’s designed for those with mental health and/or chronic illness, plus anyone who needs a little happiness/wellness in their lives.

In one of my boxes, I received a No Worries Journal, locally made blondie bar (from Vancouver, B.C.), relaxing bath salts, and stitch art! They’re all quality, full-size products that are designed to make us feel happier.

Shop 1 month, 3 month, or 6 month subscriptions here, and order now to get the Winter Indulgence Bonus Box!

For Beauty Lovers:

Believe Organics 3 Steps / 3 Giant Steps Skincare Set.

Believe Organics creates all-natural, organic, and vegan beauty/skin care products. I’ve been using them for at least a year! The 3 Step Skincare Set comes with cleansing caviar, clarifying toner, & facial elixir. They come in glass bottles and a reusable linen pouch. Perfect!

Get free shipping on orders over $50 with code believe!

I hope this guide makes holiday shopping a little easier for you! I stand by all these products and your loved ones are sure to love them.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for reading! Subscribe below:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ambassador Fitness Reviews

How I’m #AwareWithPink with AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Pink Headphones

September 6, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

When I was an audiology student, we often talked about head/ear phones and how they’re pretty bad for your hearing. They often cause hearing loss (because the loud sound is too close to your ear drum). One rule of thumb is that you should always be able to hear the people around you. If you can’t, your headphones are too loud. So naturally, when I heard about AfterShokz bone conduction open ear headphones, I was pretty ecstatic to use them! Especially learning about their #AwareWithPink campaign (read below for more!).

Disclosure: As a #SweatPink ambassador with Fit Approach, in partnership with AfterShokz and its #AwareWithPink campaign, I received a pair of Trekz Titanium Pink headphones (and case). No monetary compensation was received. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Some images courtesy of AfterShokz.

AfterShokz’s Trekz Titanium Pink headphones, initially developed for military special operations and law enforcement company Voxtech in 2001, use bone conduction, meaning the ear pieces sit on the cheekbone right in front of the ear (the transducer), not IN your ear. The frame should loop over the ears, with the band resting behind the head, close to the neck. We are able to still hear the sound this way because all sound is are vibrations at different frequencies and wavelengths that travel through our ear to our brain. While the most popular way to hear sound is through our ears directly, bone conduction works just as well! #BeOpen #HearItAll

What’s really cool about using bone conduction headphones is that it leaves our ear canals completely open. This means we are still able to hear everything going on around us! I can have music playing through my headphones, and still have a conversation with my boyfriend. I can hear him clear as day. The most important aspect of this, however, is that when I’m outside walking or doing yoga, I can hear what’s happened around me. If someone is coming up behind me, I can hear them. If there are sirens, I can be aware. If someone is trying to get my attention, I’m not oblivious (and I don’t look like a jerk). Being able to hear what’s happening around us makes us, and using headphones, much safer! Pretty amazing, right?!

Trekz Titanium Pink are IP55 rated – which technically means you can hose them down and they’ll survive. Don’t go swimming with them, but rain and excessive sweat won’t do damage!

The headphones are wireless and work through Bluetooth®. Everything is controlled through the buttons on the headphones. The power, volume, play, pause, skipping songs, and phone calls. The sound is incredibly clear and sharp. Also, the battery stays charged for 6+ hours!

#AwareWithPink

The limited edition Trekz Titanium Pink not only help you be more aware of your surroundings, but also aware of breast and ovarian cancer. How, you ask? Well, for every unit sold through October 31st, AfterShokz will donate 25% of proceeds to Bright Pink – a non-profit that focuses on breast and ovarian cancer awareness and education! We’re making a difference by being #AwareWithPink. Every time #AwareWithPink is used on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, AfterShokz will donate an additional 25 cents to Bright Pink to extend the awareness.

I’m pretty passionate about women’s cancer awareness and education; I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009 (two days before my 21st birthday). While cervical cancer is not part of this campaign (it’s often non-fatal), I believe that awareness of any type of women’s cancer brings awareness to all cancers. That’s why being #AwareWithPink and spreading the word is really important to me.

Find out how you can help at awarewithpink,aftershokz.com.

Instagram Challenge

AfterShokz and Fit Approach are hosting an Instagram challenge during the month of October (the 1st through 31st). Follow AfterShokz, Fit Approach, and myself on Instagram for more details as we get closer!

Get A Free Trekz Titanium Case

AfterShokz will send a hard storage case as an additional gift for every purchase of Trekz Titanium Pink to my readers and followers (and everyone in the Fit Approach community). Add the small portable storage case to your cart, and use code PinkGift at checkout to grab yours for FREE!

$129.99 USD for Trekz Titanium Pink (& free shipping)
$11.95 USD for small storage case (but FREE for you guys using code PinkGift)

To get updates, deals, and follow along (& join!) the #AwareWithPink campaign, follow AfterShokz on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and their website.

Have you ever used bone conduction headphones?
What are the most important factors when purchasing headphones?

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more details about the #AwareWithPink Instagram challenge, starting October 1st!

Thank you so much for reading!

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Ambassador Fashion Fitness Reviews

How I Workout in the Summer Heat with Katie K Active + Discount Code

June 30, 2016 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

I recently moved to Las Vegas, NV, and if you don’t know, it is HOT here! It reached 122° earlier this week, no joke. When I lived in Los Angeles, Calif., I would wear leggings every day, and thick yoga/compression pants when I worked out. If I did that in Vegas, I’d probably pass out. Shorts are a necessity in the desert!

[Disclosure: As part of my ambassadorship with Katie K Active, I received a free outfit to wear and promote on my blog. I receive a percentage of purchases made using my unique discount code. All opinions are 100% my own.]

I’ve been an ambassador with Katie K Active for 2 years (going into my 3rd), and this summer is the first time they’ve had shorts in their active wear line. Talk about PERFECT TIMING! For years, the black pants (with pockets!) have been my go-to. Last year, the cobalt blue fleece-lined long sleeve shirt was my favorite piece. This year, my favorite are definitely the rush hour shorts in citrus!

Pictured: Rushhour Tunic Tee in Navy / Rushhour Short in Citrus Palm Print

A bit about Katie K Active:

Katie K Active is an all-inclusive active wear company/line. All-inclusive means they have sizes for everyone, ranging from S-3X. Most active wear lines only have sizes up to L or XL. How is that fair? Founder Katie Kozloff Banks recognized this and Katie K Active was born! The clothes are comfortable, functional, and stylish. KKA has been my favorite active wear line for over 2 years, and it no doubt will continue to be for years to come!

KKA’s new spring/summer 2016 line has tons of great pieces, ranging from pants to joggers (new!) to racerbacks. I’m super excited to wear the joggers, but knowing the desert heat, I wanted to try the shorts first. FYI- the shorts have built-in mesh underwear. I know some people don’t like it, and some do, so I wanted to give a heads up!

Along with the shorts and navy tee, I received a tunic tee in lime that matches the shorts very well.

The colors are amazing, the tees are soft, and the shorts stand out. The spring/summer 2016 line is on point!

As an ambassador, I have a unique discount code I give to my readers/followers. To receive 25% off your order + free shipping, visit KatieKActive.com and use promo code LYNDSAY25!

For more info on Katie K Active’s active wear line, workout tips, and KKA’s self-love/body positivity movement, visit www.KatieKActive.com, join the Women Who #DefineBrave Facebook group, and like/follow their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

What is your go-to summer exercise outfit?
What is your favorite workout routine?
How do you stay cool in the summer heat?

Thank you for reading Lynds in Real Life! To receive updates, subscribe here:

[subscribe2]

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Fitness Reviews

How I’m Getting Summertime Ready with Beets BLU Smart Scale

March 22, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 4 Comments

Summer is quickly approaching. As many of you know, summer season = wedding season. Wedding season = lots of dresses = time to really track my weight/body fat/water etc. There are already three weddings I’m attending: one is my ‘baby’ brother’s, another is for a good friend, and I’m the maid of honor in the last one. It’s incredibly exciting!

I’ve been in the market for a new scale, so when Beets BLU (a brand I’ve worked with in the past) offered me the opportunity to try their Bluetooth Smart Scale, I was in!

*Disclosure: I received a Beets BLU Smart Scale in the hopes I’d review it on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains affiliate links.

This is the best scale I’ve ever used! It’s accurate and easy to read. The blue LCD display is nice because it’s not blinding. The scale is sleek and modern, and it’s not bulky (like other scales). You step on it and align your feet with the grey bars. The scale displays only your weight, but turn your Bluetooth on and all your data will be sent to your phone!

When you get the scale, you’ll be able to download the Smart Scale app on your iPhone or Android phone/device. As long as your Bluetooth is on, all your info (body fat %, BMI, muscle percentage, and water percentage) will show up on your device. This info is saved to your device. At the bottom of the app, it’ll have your 7 day stats plus your 30 day stats. This is what it looks like on an Android phone:

If your Bluetooth isn’t on at the time, don’t worry- once you turn it on, the data will sync. All compatible devices are listed below:

Supports HealthKit App
Works with Apple iPhone (4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 plus)
iPad (mini, 3, 4, Air)
Samsung Galaxy (S4, S5, S6, S6 Edge)

I’ve used so many scales in the past (analog, digital, bulky, weight loss-oriented), and the Beets BLU Smart Scale is hands down the best scale I’ve ever used. My boyfriend is a health coach and trainer and really loves it, as well! This is the perfect scale to help me get summer/wedding season ready (and have overall good health). I love that it tracks my data, because I’m a very visual person. I’m able to look back at my data and keep track of my progress. It’s very motivating! I highly recommend this scale to anyone and everyone.

Note: The photos are of my boyfriend’s toes, not mine. 😉

The Beets BLU Bluetooth Smart Scale is available on Amazon for $79.95 USD.

Also, you can purchase the scale plus heart rate monitor as a bundle, and save 20%!

Find Beets BLU on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

Thank you so much for reading my blog!

Subscribe below if you’d like 🙂

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Fitness Reviews

My First Step to Becoming A Trainer: STOTT PILATES® Workshop with Quality MERRITHEW™ Equipment

February 11, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

This post is sponsored by MERRITHEW™.

Being a fitness fanatic, I’ve always entertained the idea of getting an instructor certification. One of the things that has held me back, though, is knowing where and who to get that certification from. It’s important to find a great studio with great instructors. I had the opportunity to take a one-hour Pilates trainer workshop using MERRITHEW‘s high-end equipment, at MERRITHEW licensed training center John Garey Fitness and Pilates in Long Beach, Calif. My instructor was Certified Personal Trainer (NASM) Jake Robinson, who’s also a Registered Yoga Teacher by the Yoga Alliance and is also SpinPOWER certified.

MERRITHEW provides equipment and educational materials to the fitness world. Their brands are STOTT PILATES®, ZEN•GA®, CORE™, and Total Barre™. John Garey Fitness and Pilates uses all MERRITHEW equipment in their studio, including reformers, stability chairs, and barrels. MERRITHEW offered me the chance to take a workshop; considering they’re considered the “Ivy League” of Pilates education, I couldn’t wait to give it a try!

I met with Jake: a chef-turned-Pilates instructor who trains at John Garey. He was informative, helpful, and positive. It was obvious Jake really loves Pilates!

First, we did some leg and ab work on the SPX Max® Plus Reformer:

[All photos taken by Tim Schneider]

Next, we added ropes/resistance:

We spent most our time on the reformer, because there’s seriously SO much you can do with it! It’s a magical piece of equipment. What’s great is that you don’t really have to work hard to get serious results. I mean sure, the more you put into it, the more you get out of it, but I was definitely feeling the burn without breaking too much of a sweat!

We moved from the reformer to the Split-Pedal Stability Chair™. Jake said this is his favorite piece of equipment. I say this is my least favorite (haha). Here’s why:

Jake had me step on the piece of wood that goes all the way to the floor. From there, I would use the handle bars to pull myself up (right photo). It’s an amazing core workout! I thought after a few tries, I’d be done. But nope! Jake had me try to pull myself up without the handle bars (left photo). If there is anything that’ll say, “you need to do more core work,” it’s this! Jake could pull himself up no problem, so it’s obviously a very effective piece of equipment.

After spending some time with the Stability Chair™, we moved on to the Ladder Barrel.

This was really fun! It really works the obliques. At first, I went side to side over the barrel. After that, I laid on the barrel (on my tummy) and did hundreds with my arms. Woo were my muscles feeling it!

The last piece of equipment was the Cadillac/Trapeze Table. Jake called it a “feel good” exercise. Here’s what it looks like:

It’s a great way to stretch your legs, hips, and obliques. After all the work we did, it felt really good to stretch those muscles! Stretching is a crucial part of any exercise routine. There’s so many things that can be done on the Cadillac/Trapeze Table; it’s amazing!

I learned so much about STOTT PILATES , MERRITHEW equipment, and tips for instruction during the one-hour session. I’ve always enjoyed Pilates, but I had never tried it using equipment (I’ve always done mat work). I cannot recommend John Garey Fitness and Pilates studio and MERRITHEW equipment enough!

Jake & I after our Pilates session

To learn more about becoming a STOTT PILATES® instructor, visit merrithew.com. From there, you’ll be able to contact an advisor.

To check out John Garey Fitness and Pilates, you can make an appointment/schedule a class by calling

(562) 598-8585 or visiting 6547 E. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, LONG BEACH, CA 90803.

Have you ever used MERRITHEW equipment? What do you think of it?
Do you have an instructor certification? Where is it from and what kind of fitness?

Thank you for reading my blog!

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Insta | Facebook

Fitness Reviews

Always Know Your Heart Rate with Beets Blu HRM

February 2, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

I like to be active, whether it’s yoga, walking, doing 5ks, stand up paddle boarding, whatever. There’s nothing quite like that endorphin rush. Am I right?! 😉

*Disclosure: I received a free heart rate monitor and wireless key finder in exchange for an honest review on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains some affiliate links.

However, I’ve never had a way to measure my heart rate, and it’s something that I think is important to monitor.

With that being said, the Beets Blu Bluetooth heart rate monitor is AWESOME! The readings are accurate and work up to 35 feet from your phone. I always carry my phone on a run, but have no way to monitor my heart rate (which is essential for someone with tachycardia, like myself), until now of course! The strap is thin and comfortable, unlike other HR monitors I’ve used. Obviously it’s not comfortable to have a thick, heavy strap when sweating!

There’s a QR code on the box; scan that and you can download the Beets Blu app. The app is where all your information is stored. You can also use it with apps such as MapMyFitness, Strava, RunKeeper, Runtastic, and many more!

[Photos courtesy of beetsblu.com]

You can find the Beets Blu heart rate monitor on Amazon.com (affiliate link) for $44.95.

I also had the opportunity to try the PaperTag wireless key finder.

I’m the type of person who tends to lose my keys in a pile of papers or clothes. Having this key finder is SO helpful, especially because it connects to my iPhone 6 via Bluetooth (Android too)! There’s a QR code on the box, which gives a lot of info on the product/Beets Blu when scanned. I tested it out on my dog for fun; it works really well (up to 33 feet). The device is small and portable. Great for traveling!

You can get one on Amazon.com (affiliate link) for $24.95.

Follow Beets Blu on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest. Visit their website at beetsblu.com.

Do you use a heart rate monitor?
If yes, what do you like about it? If no, what are you looking for in a heart rate monitor?

Share your answer in the comments below! 🙂

Thank you so much for reading my blog!

Subscribe to new posts here:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

« Previous Page

Photo from nuunlife.com

**This giveaway runs from 12/21/17 – 1/1/18. Two people will win a Slim Clip Case shipped directly from Wonderful Things Factory. Winners will be selected randomly. Open to U.S. residents 18+.

I’m going to run my first HALF MARATHON!

I want to look and feel like this again ♥

What’s 1 or 2 things you’d like to learn about at a blogging conference?

Thank you so much for reading!

If you’d like to receive new posts by email, please subscribe below:

[subscribe2]

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

These are the red rocks (created by sandstone peaks and walls called Keystone Thrust) that are seen when driving through the scenic 13 mile loop.

Archie loves to dig in dirt and sand.

Don’t you just love how Archie is looking at that beautiful cake? He knew it was going to be delicious! *I did not feed Archie any of the cake*

Happy Holidays!

#AwareWithPink

Instagram Challenge

Get A Free Trekz Titanium Case

Pictured: Rushhour Tunic Tee in Navy / Rushhour Short in Citrus Palm Print

A bit about Katie K Active:

As an ambassador, I have a unique discount code I give to my readers/followers. To receive 25% off your order + free shipping, visit KatieKActive.com and use promo code LYNDSAY25!

Thank you for reading Lynds in Real Life! To receive updates, subscribe here:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Thank you so much for reading my blog!

Subscribe below if you’d like 🙂

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

First, we did some leg and ab work on the SPX Max® Plus Reformer:

[All photos taken by Tim Schneider]

Next, we added ropes/resistance:

After spending some time with the Stability Chair™, we moved on to the Ladder Barrel.

The last piece of equipment was the Cadillac/Trapeze Table. Jake called it a “feel good” exercise. Here’s what it looks like:

Jake & I after our Pilates session

Thank you for reading my blog!

[subscribe2]

Twitter | Insta | Facebook

*Disclosure: I received a free heart rate monitor and wireless key finder in exchange for an honest review on my blog. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own. This post contains some affiliate links.

Thank you so much for reading my blog!

Subscribe to new posts here:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Don’t you just love how Archie is looking at that beautiful cake? He knew it was going to be delicious! I did not feed Archie any of the cake