half marathon

9 Reasons Why Athletes Need Bio Skin Compression

September 13, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 2 Comments

Disclosure: I received a free pair of Bio Skin compression calf sleeves for review. All links in this post are affiliate links, and I will receive a portion of sales through these links. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

In 2007, I started working out regularly. Almost every night, I would wake up with mad cramps in my calves from tight muscles. I would take calcium supplements, and it would help, but it wasn’t until I tried Bio Skin compression calf sleeves that I found a way to get rid of the tightness! All I can say is, why didn’t I find this sooner?!

Image Source

Here are 9 reasons why athletes need Bio Skin compression calf sleeves:

“When running, your calf muscles help raise the heel and propel you forward, while your shins provide stability and support. Not surprisingly, the two most common running injuries are shin splints and calf strains. High-level compression allows athletes to prevent injuries, train longer and recover faster. Compression sleeves are commonly used during a run, but are also effective directly afterwards” (source).
After a run/workout, use Bio Skin compression sleeves along with stretching to help your legs recuperate better and faster.
The material allows for perspiration to evaporate, so it helps you to keep cool (which is perfect for hot summer days!).
“The unique SkinLok™ feature of the Bio Skin® material mean the sleeve won’t slide down the leg, even during vigorous activity” (source).
Forget KT Tape, ice baths, icy hot, etc., Bio Skin is enough to help get you through the pain of training. However, if you want to use all those forms of recovery, that’s okay too!
If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, you can wear compression sleeves to prevent pain, cramping, and maybe even spider veins!
Flying. Want to prevent the possibility of getting blood clots while sitting on a plane for hours? Wearing compression calf sleeves will help that. I’m not saying it entirely gets rid of the possibility, but it can certainly help!
Reduces muscle vibration.
Controls muscle movement to improve recovery time after injury.

Sounds amazing, right?! You can get your own pair of compression calf sleeves (also available in a single sleeve) on Bio Skin’s website. There’s a size chart to help you know which size is best for you (measure the widest part of your calf). There is other compression clothing on the site, along with bracing products! Look around and see what will work best for your workouts/recovery/injuries.

Keep up with the latest on Bio Skin on Twitter & Facebook! You can find me on Twitter & Instagram. 🙂

Have you used compression clothing before? What did you use it for specifically?
Have you heard of Bio Skin? Have you used it?

I want to thank Jake from Bio Skin for the amazing compression calf sleeves to review! I am definitely a forever-fan of compression clothing now!

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XO

Lyndsay

Technorati Tags: Bio Skin,compression,calf,sleeves,brace,runner,athlete,review,ambassador,affiliate,injury,half marathon,marathon,recovery

Ambassador Fitness Nutrition Reviews

Get More Energy With ENERGYbits + A Discount/Giveaway

August 23, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 6 Comments

Disclosure: I received two free samples of ENERGYbits in the hopes that I would review them on my blog. I did not receive any monetary compensation. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.

I’ll admit, when I first heard of spirulina algae as a form of energy, I was not interested. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, so plant-based isn’t necessarily important to me. But health and clean energy sources are. Especially as an athlete. And I found that with Boston based sports nutrition company, ENERGYbits!

Here’s a quick description of what ENERGYbits are, borrowed from their website:

“ENERGYbits® are tiny algae tabs so nutritionally dense, they eliminate fatigue and hunger instantly. Want a healthy, natural way to fuel your game or fire up your brain? ENERGYbits® are for you! NO caffeine, sugar, chemicals, gluten or soy, just pure, plant based nutrition, all for just ONE calorie per tab. ENERGYbits® have just ONE ingredient – organically grown NON GMO spirulina algae – a super food endorsed by the United Nations and NASA as the most nutritionally dense food in the world. Spirulina has been a favorite of gold medalists for decades. Now it’s your turn.”

They’re called bits because they are tiny tablets of spirulina algae. They’re not a supplement. They are a whole food source. One bit is 64% protein, contains 40 vitamins, antioxidants,, and nitric oxide. When you look at the percentage of protein in a bit, it’s higher than any other protein source. because of this, it’s great energy source! What’s awesome is that there is a no rush and no crash- just simple, smooth energy throughout your day (or workout).

Here’s the thing that tends to throw people off: one serving of ENERGYbits is 30 tablets. Yes, 30. At first, I didn’t want to try something that I needed to take 30 of. I don’t mind taking pills/supplements, but even then, I don’t take more than a few a day. Here’s what they look like:

Images Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest & Burpees for Breakfast

With that being said, I am actually a big fan of these little bits!! They’re algae, so I definitely recommend swallowing them (not chewing). I took 10 at a time, and had no issues. I took my first sample (30 bits) on the first day of BlogFest. I don’t usually wake up at 5:30am, and I definitely don’t stay awake for 20 hours, especially without crashing. I was in a conference all day long, and was really surprised I hadn’t fallen asleep by 5 pm. But then I remembered I took the bits, and I was really impressed! I used to take Adderall (prescription), so I was used to feeling a big rush of energy, and then an even bigger crash later on. I absolutely LOVE that I did not experience that with the bits! Taking the 30 bits (which by the way are VERY small) is totally worth it.

Image Courtesy of ENERGYbits Pinterest

Another thing that I was hesitant about was the pricing. ENERGYbits come in a bag of 1,000 bits for $115.00. Yes, one hundred & fifteen dollars. BUT, you’re getting 1,000 bits at a time (a little over 33 servings). So when you break it down, it’s actually very comparable to any other energy source. Per serving, it equates to about $3.50. If you look at the cost of energy drinks, ENERGYbits are similar, if not cheaper. Plus, bits are a clean energy and whole food source. In my book, ENERGYbits win by a landslide!

One bag of ENERGYbits One sample of bits

Discount Code + Giveaway!

Do you want to try ENERGYbits, & get a 25% discount off your purchase? Simply visit their website, and enter code TBB into the coupon box to receive your discount!

Also, I am offering one reader a free sample of ENERGYbits! Simply comment on this blog post about why you’d like to try ENERGYbits! One winner (US only) will be chosen & contacted by Tuesday, August 26, 2014. ENERGYbits are only available at ENERGYbits.com, and Jonathan (their Community Manager) has let me know that he’d be happy to share more info on their sample program – you can email him at jlevitt@energybits.com.

If you’re interested in the awesomeness of ENERGYbits like I am, you can participate in their health and fitness Twitter chat, held every Tuesday night at 8 pm (EST) using hashtag #PoweredByBits.

You can also follow ENERGYbits on their Pinterest and Facebook, and visit their website at www.energybits.com!

Don’t forget to follow me, too! I am most active on Instagram and Twitter.

I want to thank ENERGYbits for the samples and opportunity to review their amazing product!

XO, Lyndsay

Ambassador Events Fitness Races

Help Us Get To The Finish Line of Cures!

June 24, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 18 Comments

These next few months are incredibly exciting for me, as I am training for my very first half marathon (the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco on October 19). Not only am I training for it, but I am raising money to fund research to advance lifesaving blood cancer treatments for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as a part of Team In Training (TNT)!

Most people unfortunately have had some type of experience with cancer, whether it’s themselves or a loved one. While it was not leukemia or lymphoma, I had cervical cancer in 2009. I also lost my grandfather to prostate and bone cancer in 2000. Raising money for any type of cancer research is extremely important to me! The feeling of being told “you have cancer” is not easily explained. It’s like your heart stops, your stomach sinks, and you want to cry, but you’re in too much shock to let the tears flow. To have the chance to prevent someone from feeling like this and experiencing this pain is incredibly important to me, and I have that opportunity with TNT.

YOU can have an impact on cancer too!

Join Team In Training (TNT) and run the Nike Women’s Half Marathon (NWHM) in San Francisco on October 19. You’ll be helping The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) fund research to advance lifesaving blood cancer treatments.

TNT is the flagship fundraising campaign for LLS, and the NWHM in San Francisco is always sold out. At its 25th anniversary last year, TNT has trained more than 600,000 participants and raised more than $1.4 billion. With TNT, in exchange for raising funds, you’ll train for four months with world-class trainers, have access to clinics on nutrition and injury prevention and race through San Francisco’s iconic landmarks.

Learn More About Team in Training here and help TNT harness the power of physical activity to help LLS find cures and improve the quality of life for patients with blood cancer. Help patients feel better while you achieve your personal best (which is my goal!).

Join TNT and help us get closer to a world without blood cancers.
I’m running, won’t you join my team?

If you wish to donate without running or fundraising yourself, you can do so here at my personal fundraising page!

XO,

Lyndsay

Disclosure: I received a free entry to the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco and free registration with TNT in exchange for committed fundraising and social media posts. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you to Fit Approach and TNT for the wonderful opportunity!

Events Fitness Personal Races SoCal

My First 5K; Dedicated To My Father

June 15, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 11 Comments

I’m really excited because tomorrow morning (Sunday), I am running my first 5k! I’ve walked 5ks before, and I’ll probably walk a good amount of this one because I am doing it with a friend, but this is the beginning of a new chapter for me. I’m going into it with the mindset of a runner, and I notice that it is helping me to think of what I want to do to prepare for my half marathons coming up in the next six months.

My race schedule so far this year:

Culver City 5k/10k Run/Walk
San Diego Beer Run 5k on Aug. 23
San Francisco Nike Women’s Half Marathon on Oct. 19 (Thank you Fit Approach and Team In Training) #WeRunSF
Zion Half Marathon on March 14 (2015) #ZionHalf

I am dedicating the Culver City 5k to my dad. He lives in Ohio (where I am from), and we have always been very close. I live in Los Angeles now, and it’s difficult being away from him and my mom. Since the 5k is on Father’s Day, I’ve decided to participate as an independent woman/runner/mental health advocate/overall health advocate, because that’s who my father raised me to be. I’ve gone through a huge transition in my life this past year, and this is the very first Father’s Day I will not be able to see my dad.

So Dad, this one’s for you. <3

This is my dad & I saying our goodbyes at the airport in Cleveland before I boarded my one-way flight to Los Angeles in Feb. 2013. I love you Dad. Happy Father’s Day <3

xo, Lyndsay (or as he calls me, Lynz)

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Bipolar Disorder Fitness Nutrition Personal

After An Entire Year, My Mindset Is Finally In Alignment

May 28, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 40 Comments

I have so much excitement and happiness, I don’t even know where to begin! The past year has been wonderful, but very rough. I moved to Los Angeles from Cleveland in February 2013, and the life event threw me into the worst bipolar depression I have ever experienced. It hit me hard at the end of April/beginning of May 2013. I barely left my apartment for five months. I laid on our mattress.. in my living room.. on the floor.. in the AC.. with the blinds closed.. for FIVE MONTHS. I watched 14 seasons of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. That takes serious dedication (to my living room floor).

During this time, I didn’t care about my physical health. When my mental health is that messy, it’s hard for me to even shower (my boyfriend can vouch for this). As hard as it was to admit, I gained a lot of weight. I ate the worst possible foods, and my addiction to soda showed up again (I had given it up for good that past December).

Fast forward to today. I read somewhere that our mindset needs to be in alignment with our nutrition plan, or we won’t stick to it. Well, guess what? My mindset is finally in alignment with my goals! Oh my gosh, it feels SO good! I have had a serious sugar addiction that seemed almost impossible to get through. I’m currently detoxing and withdrawing from sugar, and these are the symptoms I am experiencing right now:

itchy ears (how weird, right?!)
itchy eyes
sinus congestion (immune system becomes suppressed)
severe migraine (withdrawal is no joke, I have no idea how I’m even looking at a computer screen lol)
hives

But it is worth it. Because these symptoms will eventually go away, and I am finally able to not have soda! I’m finally able to not have chocolate, or ice cream, or grains, or refined sugars/carbs. Yeah, it’s still challenging, but my mind is so clear on my goals that I am able to not have those things! I so badly want to be healthy. I want my digestive issues (candida, leaky gut, etc) to be better. I want to lose this weight (not necessarily to look better, but to feel better). I want to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) this year. I want to be able to somewhat control my moods and emotions.

I posted this status on Facebook yesterday:

“It’s an amazing thing, when you REALLY start to pay attention to how certain foods affect your body. Something that is healthy for one individual may not be as healthy for another individual. I always ate what I perceived to be “healthy” and never truly paid attention to how my body was affected by it. This is why one “diet” (diet meaning what you eat.. the actual meaning of the word) is not best for everyone. I follow mostly a paleo diet, however there are certain paleo-approved foods that I cannot have (and certain non-paleo foods I can have). Tailor your diet/nutrition to whatever fuels YOUR body best.”

Life is completely different when you learn to eat for your health, as opposed to weight loss. When you learn how to have a sustainable diet (again, diet meaning what we eat). I am even learning how to cook and enjoying it! I have never liked cooking haha.

cookbooks

I am loving my Practical Paleo and 21-Day Sugar Detox cookbooks from Balanced Bites! I used them to make dinner for my boyfriend yesterday (which he loved!). *Side note: the 21-Day Sugar Detox comes in two parts: the cookbook and the guide book.

I am learning to love my body and myself each and every day. People who say “I’ll be happy when I am this weight.. this size.. this wealthy..” and so on, those people will not find happiness. Not authentically, anyway. I used to be one of them. But we get to live in the moment, and love ourselves every single day, as we are.

Photo of me at a self-love yoga session with my friend & mentor Elyse

So my point of all this is that it feels so good to have my mindset on track after an entire year! I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice self-love and personal development (read books, go to therapy, join a support group, whatever it is for you), and also to really listen to your body. Pay attention to the foods that serve you and the foods that don’t. Eat for your health. Our bodies are so incredible, they fight so hard for us, don’t we want to fuel it properly?

xo, Lyndsay

How do you get your mindset in alignment with your goals?
Was it easy for you, or a struggle? Share below in the comments! 🙂

Bipolar Disorder Fitness Nutrition Personal SoCal

GetFitWithLynds is now The Balanced Brunette

May 19, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 13 Comments

I am sooo incredibly excited to announce that GetFitWithLynds is now The Balanced Brunette! I’m sure it has been a little confusing for some (even myself!), since the name change is so sudden and different, but I am beyond excited for this next chapter!

The reason behind the name change:

When my blog was GetFitWithLynds, it was geared toward fitness only (along with nutrition) and coaching. The more I wrote, the more I realized my passion isn’t only fitness, nutrition, and coaching. I am very passionate about sharing my experiences with bipolar disorder. I help myself by helping others know they are not alone. I am vulnerable and open for those who don’t yet have the strength. I also want to become more involved in the Los Angeles lifestyle, and share about that! There are so many amazing events that happen here, I would be silly not to get involved. 🙂

The meaning behind the name:

I chose The Balanced Brunette for a couple reasons. For one, it felt right. I kept thinking of other names, but this is the one I kept coming back to. For two, balance is the theme of my life (and many others, of course). I have always been attracted to the yin & yang symbol. Having a chemical imbalance, it’s only natural that I am attracted to balance. In my mind, body, and life. Mental, physical, and spiritual. For three, I’m a proud brunette! Haha, but seriously.

I’ve changed all my social media accounts to match my blog. I hope you will follow me on this amazing, exciting journey!

Twitter & Pinterest: @balancebrunette

Instagram: @thebalancedbrunette

Facebook: thebalancedbrunette

Blog: thebalancedbrunette.com

Xoxo,

Lyndsay

Fitness Nutrition

Energems Review + A Giveaway!

May 17, 2014 By lyndsinreallife 19 Comments

I had the wonderful opportunity of reviewing Energems and jumped at the chance! I have had issues with energy for as long as I can remember. I’ve tried (what feels like) everything, and wanted to see how Energems would work for me!

Not only are Energems effective, but they’re delicious! They are literally like big M&Ms®. And taste like it! There’s a bit of a weird aftertaste, but it only lasts a few seconds or so. There are three flavors: chocolate, mint, and peanut butter.

What I love about Energems is that they are convenient. I am always on the go (I nanny, dogsit, dogwalk, work at a wellness center, and more!), so convenience is perfect. Knowing I can wake up, eat some delicious chocolate, and get energy from that is perfect! Plus, they’re only 45 calories per serving (3 pieces). Love it! The energy burst comes from a proprietary energy blend of D-Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Caffeine, and Suntheanine® (L-Theanine), and also B-vitamins. Plus, it’s made with real milk chocolate!

I definitely recommend Energems for people who want an energy boost, especially on the go! With that, I am doing a GIVEAWAY for one winner! I tried all three flavors for myself, but saved the other three boxes for one lucky person!

To be eligible to win:

Comment below what you’ve tried for an energy boost
Follow The Balanced Brunette on Instagram
Like The Balanced Brunette on Facebook

Simple as that! The giveaway ends on Wednesday, May 21 at 9 p.m. PST. Good luck!!!

To check out Energems and purchase some of your own (you know you want to), visit their website here.

Thank you Energems for the opportunity to try and review your amazing product!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one the products mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.