Pinjian Suspension Strap System

I have always wanted to try TRX. The gym that I used to go to actually offered it, but at an extra $25 per month. I just couldn't afford that much money on top of my membership. Plus, the class was only offered a couple of times per week when I was unavailable.

I finally got to try it though! And I LOVED it! It is quite the strenuous workout though. It's not a bad thing. I'm just warning you that you are most likely going to be sore the next day. You can get a killer full-body workout in along with your cardio.

If you're worried that you won't know what to do, don't worry. It comes with a manual that shows a couple of basic workouts. And if you do better with a program that you can follow then there are plenty of resources on the web. Here's a good one for beginners:

And this one explains a lot:

But there are way more out there. Just find one that fits your style and follow along. You can also find articles, pictures, and more out there. Google it and you'll be glued to your computer for awhile. 

I have looked at the TRX straps online for a couple of years now, but I never purchased them because I really didn't want to spend $180+

That's why I jumped at the opportunity to do a review for a similar system. I have been trying out the Pinjian Suspension Strap System. It's on Amazon and quite comparable to the TRX System, but a whole lot cheaper. 

It's way easy to setup. It only took me a few minutes to read over the manual and set up my door system. No need to bolt anything into your walls. If you use the door anchor then it just hangs over a closed door. Easy peasy. You can also set it up outside with the extra strap that comes in the kit. I love that I can do it outside while my kids are playing or inside when it's cold. You can also buy metal anchors to fasten into your wall or ceiling if you want a permanent fixture. I have one of those as well and it's way heavy duty!

The best part about this system is that it transports super easy. You just toss it in the mesh bag and can put it in your suitcase. You can do it at a hotel or while camping. It's the best workout system for someone on the go. 

The straps seem to be of good quality with nice stitching. I haven't had any tearing or fraying yet. The handles have held up well so far, and are pretty comfortable to use. The carabiner is definitely strong. However, it does require the tool (included) to open and close. Don't lose that! It is really small and could possibly fall through one of the holes in the mesh. Be sure to keep it in a ziploc bag or something. The foot cradles are comfortable and big enough. The door anchor has held up really well. If it ever starts to wear down stop using it though! It could end badly. I see that happening in my distant future. Jkjk.

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. This system is fantastic and will be getting tons of use! I just need to start building some more muscle so that I can do it better. I really didn't think I was as weak as I was until I tried to workout with my suspension system. Aaagghhh! Hope you enjoy! Once I get better at it maybe I'll make a workout video of my own!???

If you want to try the same one that I used then you can find it HERE.

Adios friends!

I received a discount on my purchase of this product in exchange for an honest trial and review. These are my personal opinions and experiences. Thanks for reading.

Think Fun Yoga Spinner Game

Ok, so I have been wanting to start yoga. Actually, it's one of my New Year's Resolutions. I just feel like there are so many health benefits that I'm missing out on. It is good for your emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual well-being. And when you do it as a game it even helps your social dimension. That's 5 out of the 7 Dimensions of Wellness. It's a lot of goodness.

The only problem with yoga is that I'm not good at it. I am a beginner and I have no idea what I'm doing. I have always loved health and fitness. I've been exercising since I was in elementary school. This is one of the categories in which I feel like a fish out of water though. I just don't know where to start.

That is why I love the Yoga Spinner Game by Think Fun. It is designed for kids. It is meant for the youngest of beginners - which includes me. It's not a routine that you have to memorize. It doesn't include any mantras, meditations, or transitions. It is simply a fun way to introduce you to the positions and names while increasing your flexibility.

There are 54 different cards each with a different position or movement. Some are extremely simple while others a little more challenging. They are simple enough that my almost 4 year old can complete the majority of them, but challenging enough that there is plenty of room for improvement. I like it because we can learn the basics together.

The game play is also very simple. The spinner adds a fun Russian Roulette feel to your yoga routine. It actually makes it possible for anyone to win the game. You don't have to be a yoga rockstar to win. The newbie can actually trump the pro in this game.

Plus, they have spots on the spinning board that add a little oomph to the game. The different choices are: Color Match, Steal a Card, Partner Up, Opponent's Choice, Lose a Card, and Player's Choice. This adds a lot more uncertainty, competition, and possibilities for teamwork. It is so much fun to see where this game takes you.

The objective of the game is to earn at least one card of every color. The first person to collect all four colors wins. The twist is added when you land on one of the options besides Color Match. You can steal cards from the other players, choose any color for yourself, or everyone else can choose which color you have to pick. And you only have to hold the pose for 10 seconds to complete it!

However, I think that as we progress and my children are a little older I will add the rule that you have to hold the pose until your next turn. Muah hahaha! That will give me a couple of years to practice though. Jkjk.

Overall, I am absolutely in love with this game! I think that it is brilliant fun. It's the perfect way to introduce my kids to exercise. It's a great way to turn off the television and get their minds and bodies working. Which is so vital nowadays. This is the perfect introduction to yoga so that we can focus on becoming more well-rounded.

If you would like to check it out for yourself, you can find it on Amazon HERE.

Or on their website HERE.

I received a sample of this product complimentary in exchange for an honest trial and review. These are my personal experiences and opinions. Please use caution and discretion when performing yoga with your kids. Thanks for reading!

Stability Exercise Ball by Peak Win Athletics

I remember when stability balls became the hottest new thing for exercising. Everyone wanted them and every exercise video used them. Somewhere along the way they kind of got tossed to the side though. Why?

I love using stability balls. I always felt like I was the only one that ever used them at the gym though. Is it because they aren't made of metal? Do people think they belong on the playground? Is it awkward and embarrassing to use in front of others? If so, then people need to grow up... err umm... find their inner child.

My favorite ab exercises include stability balls. I mean it is right there in the name. Stability requires a center of balance and a strong core most of all. If you want abs then I suggest using a bright pink bouncing ball.

Okay, it doesn't have to be pink, but my new one is and I LOVE it! Pink is my absolute favorite color, and this is the perfect hue. I know it is completely ridiculous, but I am much more prone to work out if I feel cute and I like my equipment. I just enjoy WAY more than if I am feeling blah.

This is actually the third stability ball that I've owned. I had a large blue one and a smaller gold one. This is the first one that has come with a measuring tape however. They always posted the intended size on the box, but I always pumped them up until I assumed they were full and called it good. I now realize that I could've been 10+ inches off! What??!! Yeah.

I started pumping this one up until I thought it was firm. I then pulled out my measuring tape and it was nowhere near the 81 inches it was supposed to fill to. I was only at 66 inches. So, I kept pumping. I got it to 73 and I thought for sure it was going to burst! Nope. I got it to 77 inches and put the plug in and called it good. I didn't want to ruin my pretty ball. Then I decided it wouldn't be a true review unless I put it to its limits. So, I made my daughter leave the room just in case it exploded and killed us all. I removed the plug (they actually give you a tool to do this) and I kept pumping. I pumped until the circles lined up on the measuring tape at 81 inches. WHOA!!! How did it grow another 14 inches??? I was kind of nervous about sitting on it. How embarrassing would it be if I popped it? Nope. It held me just fine. And it has suffered tons of abuse ever since. My kids love to play with it. It has been pressed up against our rocky fireplace, thrown down the stairs, kicked, and sumo-smashed. It is way tougher than I thought it would be!

I also love this ball because they give you 2 plugs! My other balls only came with one each. If you lost the plug while it was deflated and being stored then you were screwed. As I mentioned before, it actually comes with a tool to remove the plug. It is super easy to do. No more gnawing at your ball or whipping out the butter knife and praying that you don't cut your ball. They also give you an instruction guide that directs proper inflation and deflation. And a manual of suggested exercises and proper form with recommend repetitions. Not to mention, the LIFETIME guarantee.

Ok, so I put together a short routine for you to try out. I am extremely out of shape right now, so my form kind of sucks so please forgive me. Plus, my house is a disaster zone. After two weeks of sickness it looks like we live in our own filth. I am so sorry. P.s ignore my lovely husband's Dr. Pepper. That is not mine. Just remember that you should hold your abs in tight and keep your back straight. Try to keep a straight line from the top of your head down then entire length of your spine. Try to point your toes as well and keep your legs straight. Good Luck!

Try to do each move 15x (reps)

And complete the workout 4x (sets)

I got my Peak Win Athletics Stability Ball off of Amazon. You can find it HERE.

I received this product complimentary in exchange for an honest trial and review. These are my personal opinions and experiences. Thank you for reading!

Battle Rope Burn Workout Routine

I have always wanted to try Battle Ropes. They always look so Bad-A. Now I know why - because they are. It's a simple piece of equipment, but it gives you a killer workout.

If you have knee issues and need to get some cardio in and you don't want to hit the pavement then these are a great alternative (if you're not combining lunges, squats, etc. into your routine). It will get your heart rate up in no time. Plus, it will give you the shoulders you've been dreaming about.

And did you know that there are tons of variations that you can do with ropes? Here is a good video I found that demonstrates how many different moves that you can do.

Ok, so I know that he makes it look easy, BUT IT'S NOT!

If you want a good video with names to each move so that you can reference them then I recommend this one-

And here is a link to a great free 9-minute workout video - Beginner Battle Rope Workout

I finally got some battle ropes for working out and I can't wait for the snow to melt! I don't have my dream at-home gym built yet, so I have to use mine outside. I tried taking them to the gym, but they said that we can't bring outside equipment. Lame!!! However, we did sneak in a short session before we got the boot. 

I got my ropes from Fitness Answered Training Products on Amazon. 

You can find them HERE.

I've also put together a short 10-minute routine that you can blast some calories with.

Battle Rope Burn

0:00 - 0:30 jog in place

0:30 - 1:00 Battle Rope Jumping Jacks

1:00 - 1:30 Push-ups

1:30 - 2:00 Squat and Double Wave with Battle Ropes

2:00 - 2:30 High Knees

2:30 - 3:00 Rainbows with Battle Ropes

3:00 - 3:30 Sit-ups

3:30 - 4:00 Battle Rope Alternating Arms with Side Shuffle

4:00 - 4:30 Butt-Kicks

4:30 - 5:00 Battle Rope Russian Twists

5:00 - 5:30 Wall Sit

5:30 - 6:00 Sidewinders with Battle Ropes

6:00 - 6:30 Skaters

6:30 - 7:00 Outward Circles with Battle Ropes

7:00 - 7:30 Plank

7:30 - 8:00 Stage Coach with Alternating Reverse Lunge

8:00 - 8:30 Mountain Climbers

8:30 - 9:00 Battle Rope Sidewinders with Forwards/Backwards Walk

9:00 - 9:30 Toe Touches

9:30 - 10:00 Battle Rope Rainbow with Lunge

Now take a DEEEEP breath. You're done. Go hydrate!

I received this product at a discount in exchange for an honest trial and review. You perform this workout routine at your own risk. I am not a licensed fitness professional.

30-Minute Jump Rope Full-Body Burn

If you're stuck in a fitness rut then it is time to switch it up!

Most people give up on their New Year's Resolutions by March. Don't be one of them! If your goal was to lose weight then try this routine and get back to torching those calories and dropping the pounds.

A combination of cardiovascular exercise and resistance training has proven to produce some of the best results. That is why this workout will include both. You will alternate between the two forms of exercise to create the most work for your heart while providing the opportunity to catch your breath without stopping the exercise.

Of course, if you need to take a break then please do so. As always, please consult with your physician to see if this program is right for you. You participate in this workout at your own risk. Neither I or any of the social media networks I post to are responsible or liable for anything that happens during your workout. Listen to your body! Please be sure to warm up and cool down properly.

30-Minute Jump Rope Full-Body Burn

0:00 - 1:00 Jump rope - feet together 

1:00 - 2:00 Sumo Squat with Side Bend (Hold sumo squat. Place hands behind head and bring the same elbow towards the same knee.) 

2:00 - 3:00 Jump rope - skip with right leg in front 

3:00 - 4:00 Up & Down Plank (Hold the push-up position and lower yourself one arm at a time to plank position and then one arm at a time return to push-up position) 

4:00 - 5:00 Jump rope - skip with left leg in front 

5:00 - 6:00 Alternating Lunges 

6:00 - 7:00 Jump rope - both feet side to side 

7:00 - 8:00 Spider-Man Push-ups (Start in push-up position, lower body until arms are 90 degrees and then bring right knee out to the side up to the right elbow. Return to push-up. Repeat same movement with left side.) 

8:00 - 9:00 Jump rope - both feet front to back 

9:00 - 10:00 Wall Sit 

10:00 - 11:00 Jump rope - lift knees as high as possible 

11:00 - 12:00 Inchworm Sit-ups (sit on your butt cheeks and place the palms of your hands on the floor next to them. Bring knees to chest and raise toes off the floor. Extend legs completely while lowering torso to a 45 degree angle to the floor. Do not let feet or back touch the ground. Return to start.) 

12:00 - 13:00 Jump rope - alternately hold one foot in the air as the rope goes around 

13:00 - 14:00 Crab-walk 

14:00 - 15:00 Jump rope - feet together

REPEAT!
YOU'RE DONE!

For this routine I used my EverlastingFit jump rope. I love it! It is pink, fast, and super light. If you are struggling with your jump rope then you need to check out a wire rope. They are so much easier than any other kind that I have used. The bearings make them spin smoothly. I have never had an issue with them kinking, catching, or stopping me mid-jump. If you don't have a jump-rope then I seriously suggest you try adding them to your routine.

If you want one like the one that I used for this workout then you can find more info about them HERE. 

I received my sample complimentary in exchange for an honest trial and review. These are my unbiased opinions and experiences. If you want to know more, just ask!

Iron Chest Master

I have had the painful pleasure of trying out the Iron Chest Master for the past month. I say painful pleasure because it made me sore and happy. I LOVE fitness gadgets and this has quickly become a favorite.

The bands are removable to adjust the position and resistance

I was like a little kid on Christmas when it arrived. I jumped with joy when I saw the package and tore it from the box as quickly as I could. Luckily, there are Quick Start instructions included and it takes only seconds to adjust it to your level. I skimmed through the instructions as fast as I could and put it to use.

Whoa!

I could definitely tell it had been a long time since I had worked out my chest. If you're looking for a device to target your chest muscles specifically then this is it. I could feel the muscles desperately contracting. A few moments later, my husband walked in and his curiosity sparked. He fiddled with it for a moment and then tried it out himself. He was a little shocked that it really worked and was a workout for him.

You can adjust the arm span.

But it really shouldn't have surprised us. The Iron Chest Master was created by Ron Williams. He is one of the most decorated Natural Bodybuilders in the world. He has won over 250 titles in his career, including Mr. Natural World, Natural Olympia, and Mr. Natural Universe. Ron has been a Master Fitness Trainer for the Army, a Professor of Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, and a Regional Chairman for the NGA. So, I am fairly certain that he knows what he is talking about when it comes to fitness.

The Iron Chest Master has 5 different levels. It can accommodate any fitness level from beginner to the elite user. It was designed by integrating six of the most popular and effective chest exercises. It combines the

• power position(TM) and strength of the Bench Press
• indivduality of each side of the body carrying its own weight or resistance like the Dumbbell Press
• ability to concave the chest allowing you to capitalize on the pectoral deltoid tie-ins like the Push-Up
• peak contraction using the Arc Movement(TM) - without the excess strain on the biceps that you get from doing Cable-Crossovers
• arc like what you get when using the Pec Deck, but without the pressure and strain that is placed on the elbow joint 
• movement of the Dumbbell Fly without the instability, plus a continuous increase in resistance throughout the entire range of motion; whereas the Fly has decreased resistance at the top of the repetition. This makes the Iron Chest Master(TM) safer and more productive for the body. (Williams, Ron. Fitness and Instruction Guide. 2013. Page 11)

 Alright, so how does it work? I can't explain it all in one blog post. So here is a little preview of what it's all about...

That was a really brief explanation, I know. This contraption is so in depth though. 

If you really want to know more then you can check out their site http://ironchestmaster.com/

Each Iron Chest Master comes with a DVD Program, Bands, Exercise Chart, Fitness & Instruction Guide, Quick Start Guide, and Nutrition Guide.

I love The Iron Chest Master. It has helped me so much. I know that I am going to continue to get tons of use from it. 

If you would like to check them out for yourself, you can find them on Amazon HERE.

I received this product complimentary in return for my honest review. These are my own personal opinions.

Inspired Fitness Gear Speed Jump Rope

It's that time of year again....

Dun. Dun. Dunnnn!!!

Bikini Season

Cue the shrieks of terror. Is this as scary for you as it is for me? I was already forced to hop in a bathing suit twice this month. Once because family was visiting and once for a 3-year-old's birthday party. You never know when one of these horrific events will attack. These both snuck up on me out of the blue. I barely had time to shave before I was victimized. 

Don't let this happen to you!

If you are like me then finding the time to exercise isn't your only battle. Trying to find money in the budget to pay for the gym... finding a babysitter to watch the kiddos while you workout... searching for a safe running route... buying new tennis shoes... obtaining all of the necessary home equipment... figuring out which at-home- video series you'll actually like... fitting into your exercise clothes....

These are only a few of the hurdles you have to leap over before you can even begin to get in shape.

Well, not exactly. Have you tried jumping rope?

• You can do it at home.
• You can do it inside or outside.
• You can do it in your pj's.
• You can do it naked! (Not recommended. If you mess up as much as I do then you don't want welts in the clothing optional areas...)
• Your kids can do it with you.
• You can do it barefoot. 
• You can do it without anyone knowing you're doing it.
• You can add variety to your workout.
• You have a lifetime subscription that costs less than a water bottle!

To participate at the local gym near me you have to pay start up fees ($49-$99), annual fees ($39), monthly dues ($9.99-$79.95), and daycare fees ($20 per child). That adds up! I cannot afford to be a stay-at-home mom and a gym-rat. That is why I have fallen in LOVE with jumping rope. 

I am not a pro by any means, but I hope to get better. And while I'm practicing I'm having fun.

It's a full body workout and one of the best cardiovascular exercises you can do. You can do a killer workout in just 10 minutes! And there are tons of free routines online. Here is one of my favorites:

Do you feel the burn?

K, if you're still sitting down and staring at your screen then probably not. But try this one out and you definitely will! 

Don't have a jump rope? 

No problem!

Here is an awesome one:

Inspired Fitness Gear

and you can get it for $9.97 on Amazon. And if you have a Prime Membership then it's also free 2-day shipping.

If you really want to start jumping rope then you need a good jump-rope. Trust me, some are better than others. These aren't your old macaroni noodle ropes from elementary. They are legit. 

They have specialized double ball bearings. These are meant for speed. But if you're a beginner don't worry because they'll just make it easier for you to spin. They don't catch or snag like plastic jump ropes.

And the rope is actually a lightweight wire. It makes it so that this baby can whip around as fast as you want it to go. Please don't whip your husband or children with it. Plus, it makes it kink-resistant. No funky bends in your rope.

And it is one of the easiest jump-ropes to adjust. You don't need pliers, screwdrivers, or scissors like some other types of jump-ropes require. You can just use your fingers to twist and change the length. That means you and your partner in crime can share a rope instead of having to buy multiples. 

It's a rope. You can wind it up smaller than your makeup bag. That means you can take it on vacation! And it won't add extra weight to your luggage. Amazing! 

You also get 2 Ebooks with your rope. One is a 15 Minute Fat Blasting Skipping Routine. Just in case you need something to follow. And the other is 13 Yummy Paleo Dessert Recipes. 

Healthy sweets? Heck yes!

Hopefully I didn't sound too much like a salesman there. If not, then I will now. They also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you don't like your new jump rope then they will refund your money. 

What's there to lose? Except, those love handles...

I'll be posting a few routines of my own in the future. So stick around!

Now time to go bikini shopping...

I received this product in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.