And yet another Energy Bar (kind of) Review

Since all my reviews thus far have been positive, I feel like I need to also mention a product I didn't like.  But not wanting to bash anyone, I'm going to comment on two products here, both by the same brand.  One good, one not so much.

So first, the good...

These PowerBar Energy Gel Blasts were also a pleasant surprise.  I can remember eating Power Bars back in the day, with their taffy like consistency and their mediocre at best flavors.  Honestly, I haven't had anything "PowerBar" in years, and still can't comment on the bars.

These were part of the goodie bag at Spin Odyssey also.  My bike-neighbor ate hers during the ride and told me to give them a try as they were "really good".

I didn't try them until a few weeks after the event but she was right, I was pleasantly surprised.  They taste like candy.  I ate them on a day where I was scheduled to teach 4 classes (only 3 happened).  While they definitely tasted good, I can't say they did anything to improve my performance or my energy.  But then again, I'm not really sure how one would test something like that.  Even if i'm tired, I usually wake up the moment I get on the bike.  But if you're looking for something that tastes good and "claims" to give you energy, I'd give these a try.

What I didn't love however, was that they contain 24g of sugar in six pieces.

And now the product I didn't like.....drum roll please....

PowerBar Gel

This product was handed out during the first hour of our six hour ride.  Knowing I had a lot in front of me, I figured I'd give it a try.

I'm not a fan of orange-type flavored things to begin with, but there wasn't a choice of flavor.  I knew these things were popular.

I ripped open the top and took some in my mouth.  If you had seen my face you probably would have laughed.  Warm goo that tasted horrible and felt just plain old gross in my mouth.  I tried it one more time and then discarded the almost full packet.  Disgusting!

Maybe serious athletes can overlook the taste to reap the benefits, but I'm clearly not one of them.

Have you tried this product or something similar?  If so, what did you think?

Ode to the Gym

I felt like it was time to say thank you to the gym.

Over the years, you have helped get me through some tough times.  Whether it was extreme job dissatisfaction, fights with friends/family, breakups, sadness or just a rough day, you were always there.  Your door was always open and even if I walked in feeling like crap, I always walked out feeling better.

You are my drug of choice, there is no mood booster like you.  It is truly amazing how you are always able to improve my mood.

When I moved to a new state, you kept me busy and prevented me from feeling like a loner.  You gave me a purpose and eventually led me to meet some wonderful people who are now my friends and a vital part of my life.  You made me feel like I had a home, even in a new area.

Without you, things would be very different.  So for you, my gym membership, I am grateful and appreciative.

Amen!  :)

Another Energy Bar

Here's another product I tried thanks to my Spin Odyssey experience.

Lara Bars!  Have you had them?

OK, so I only tried one flavor, but I was so impressed with it that I wanted to share my experience.

I tried the Cherry Pie flavor and was blown away by just how flavorful it was.  With 200 calories and 5 grams of fiber it's a great afternoon snack or pick me up.

I've also heard that the Peanut Butter and Jelly flavor is great.

What do you think?

Energy Bar

Spin Odyssey had some AMAZING sponsors and as a result our goodie bags and snacks during the ride were impressive.  I really enjoyed being able to try products that I might not have bought on my own.

One that I loved was these Raw Rev 100 bars.  (OK, the picture isn't of the 100 version, but they're the same, just smaller.)

Given that they're pitched as an "organic live food bar" I'd probably never have purchased them.  However they were part of the goodie bag so I gave them a go.  I was pleasantly surprised.

I'd almost say i'm now addicted to these bars.  I've tried every flavor but the raspberry.  I was also surprised to enjoy the Spirulina flavor.  Again, not something I would have ever gone for on my own.

They're definitely different and probably not for everyone, but they're a good 100 calorie snack.  The consistency is moist, and the bars themselves are actually a little slippery, which is obviously due to some of the ingredients.

They are sweetened only with agave nectar and are certified organic.

If you haven't already, I'd say to give them a try, they impressed me and maybe they'll do the same for you.

Kudos to my sister!!

My sister ran the NYC Half Marathon yesterday in 1:41!! 

Congrats to her!

Obsessed with Exercise?

I just read a great article in Fitness magazine.  It was about, as you may have guessed, people who are obsessed with exercise, specifically cardio.

I will admit, I've referred to myself as obsessed with the gym, but the comment was really made in jest as I don't see the gym or working out getting in the way of my life.

The article talked about people who get addicted to the endorphins as well as the results.  It said how frequently these people were athletes when they were younger and were always pushed to do more/go faster/last longer.  However this isn't always the case.

This made me think of the Biggest Loser.  I feel like past contestants on this show fall in to one of two categories:  those who are now "obsessed" with exercise and those who completely fell off the wagon.  Maybe that's a bit black and white but for this post it makes a point.  Once you start working out and seeing the (amazing) results, how could you not want to continue this.  Ok, as I'm writing I'm realizing that perhaps this isn't necessarily true, but you get the idea.

The article asked a few key questions in order to determine if YOU are obsessed.

1. Do you feel a constant obligation to work out?
2. Do you feel guilty when you can't exercise?
3. Compromise your safety to work out (for example running along at night because "you have to")?
4. Exercise even when you're sick or fatigued?
5. Do you find yourself constantly nursing an injury?
6. Experience irregular or absent periods?
7. Need more exercise to get the same benefits as before?
8. Put exercise before family, friends or work?
9. Hear family and friends expressing concerns about your exercising habits?

So how do you stack up?  Me?  I think I'm probably a YES to questions 1 and 2, but that's pretty much where it ends.  I will admit that in the past I have sacrificed elements of my social life to work out, but I'm working on managing that balance.

I think that as the list goes on, the questions get a bit more serious and are more indicative of a possible problem.  Do you agree?

Oh yeah, one crazy story from the article....a woman ran a marathon distance (26.2miles) then went and took a kickboxing class.  (CRAZY!)  She actually fainted after class, and experienced a heart arrhythmia.  Scary stuff!

Abs of Steel

I couldn't resist using Abs of Steel as the title of this post.  Do you remember that series of videos?  Or rather tapes, as that's what they were called at the time.

This post is really just about a couple of abs exercises that I try to work in to my abs routine.

Doing the same abdominal exercises time and time again is BORING!

And the winner is....PLANKS!

I used to take a few bootcamp classes and while I thought I was in decent shape I could never hold the plank for as long as the instructor wanted.  Obviously this was something I needed to work on.

I highly recommend working on the plank as well as the side plank.  For this post I'm going to focus on the standard plank.

What I like about the standard plank is that my increased strength is measurable.  Time yourself and work towards increasing that time every week. (this is the same aspect that I like about push-ups)
Form is key when doing planks so make sure that your abs are up and in, your belly button is being pulled towards your spine and your back is not arching.

Here are some basic instructions, courtesy of http://www.abs-exercise-advice.com/.

Your Position

Start by lying face down on the ground or use an exercise mat. Place your elbows and forearms underneath your chest.
Prop yourself up to form a bridge using your toes and forearms
Maintain a flat back and do not allow your hips to sag towards the ground.

Target Muscles
The Core - Abdominals, Hips, Back

Step By Step Instructions
Hold this position *focusing on tightening your abs* until you can no longer maintain a flat bridge. For beginners, start with 10 seconds
Return to start position

Remember to not let your hips and back sag. This exercise will only be effective if you work to maintain a flat line from your shoulders to your feet. You might want to start in front of a mirror to learn the technique.