fitness « Real Moms Real Views

Cool Those Aches & Pains {Bengay review}

Who out there has aches and pains from… from what? Sitting at a desk all day that results in a neck and shoulders that are as tight as rocks and feel as hot as coals? Lifting kiddos and then having said kiddo glued to that hip that results in a lower back that is screaming by the end of a day and spasms when you finally lay down? Maybe even getting some exercise in and having your knees sore and tender from running? How about all of the above? If that sounds like you… you are in luck! I recently had the opportunity to try Bengay’s new line of cold therapy. I was generously sent the cold therapy gel and also the pain relief + massage gel to try.

I am a licensed massage therapist. I still see clients out of my home, so I see my share of aches and pains coming through my door. I have this pain relieving gel that is professional strength and I was very curious to see how the Bengay compared to it! I was super impressed!!!! It was so similar I may not have been able to tell if I had put them both on at the same time!

The cold therapy and pain relief + massage are both super cooling, thanks to Bengay’s pro- cool technology, which includes menthol, the secret ingredient! I have been struggling with some knee pain related to exercise, and let me tell you, both of these hit the spot. I felt the cooling sensation kick in within about 5 or so minutes and after that felt relief.

The pain relief + massage gel is perfect to keep by the bed. Perhaps a “willing” hubby or significant other would be up for rubbing some on your shoulders and neck before bed?? The little massage head is perfect for that!! ( As I’m typing I’m fantasizing about how good that would feel! I’ll be asking my hubby for sure tonight!!) How about even returning the favor as well to sweeten the deal!!

I am so excited to have discovered these little gems! These gels come REAL Mom Recommended and I will definitely be referring them to my massage clients in the future as well! Thanks Bengay! Be sure to visit them online for coupons! The full line of Bengay products are available at retailers nationwide.

Audrey

Audrey has one very sweet baby boy & has been married for 5 years. She is a licensed massage therapist and enjoys being a SAHM with her little munchkin! She loves working out…especially running, cooking, shopping, makeup, reading, playing the piano, traveling, & spending time with family!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Audrey January 23, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS dad, exercise, fitness, health, mom

Dynamic Duo. {Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra & Purex CrystalsTropical Splash Review & Giveaway}

Well, we are in the new year and I have been reading and chatting a lot with friends about resolutions and goals for the new year. It seems each year I am struggling to lose a few pounds and this year is no different. In an attempt to not go along with the crowd, instead of making losing weight a New Year’s resolution, one of my resolutions is to be healthier and work exercise in daily. Hopefully all those other benefits, like losing weight, will just be a result of a few positive changes! Jockey and Purex were so generous and sent me a Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and a bottle of Purex Crystals Tropical Splash Fabric Softeners to help me along my way to a healthier new year!

For more than 130 years, Jockey’s mission has been to satisfy the human need for comfort, so everything we do at Jockey, we do with you in mind. We hope you like our stuff, but more importantly, we hope you like how you feel when you wear our stuff.

I love workout clothing and sports bras can be so tricky. You want a sports bra that is breathable, comfortable, & supportive. It can be a challenge to find a well fitting sports bra with all these details, but Jockey has created a contender! I was sent a Jockey Tech Terry Sports bra in Black and have been loving wearing it

during my new years workouts! The soft material is moisture wicking, keeping me cool and dry throughout my daily workouts! It has breathable mesh panels and even a convenient hidden key pocket! This sports bra is super comfortable, with it’s soft material and soft bottom band for comfortable support, I could really wear it all day long.

Purex Crystals Tropical Splash fabric softeners have been a fantastic addition to our laundry routine, especially when washing my workout clothes and my husbands work clothes. We all know how stinky workout clothes can get and my husband is a mechanic; I’m sure you can imagine how smelly and dirty his clothes get at work. Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that go in at the start of the wash, so they spend more time with your laundry infusing them with long-lasting freshness! Sounds amazing, right?! Smells amazing, too! Your laundry will smell fresh and feel incredibly soft! Even Bo noticed a difference in how his clothes felt! Those are some powerful little crystals! I have been keeping my Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra in beautiful shape by washing it with detergent and the Purex Crystals fabric softeners! The innovative Purex Crystals formula does not impact the sweat wicking of the sports bra, so I know washing with this fabric softener is keeping my sports bra in perfect condition!

The Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and Purex Crystals are both Real Mom approved!!

Today, Enter to win both the Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and the Purex Crystals; a wonderful combo!!

Want to enter to win? Here’s how!

Mandatory 1st entry:

1) Visit Jockey and check out their variety of products! Come back and tell us something you would love to have from their collection!!

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Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries: Head over and sign up for a 20% off coupon from Purex Crystals for Jockey products!

3 entries: Subscribe to RMRV emails or RSS feed.

5 entries: Follow RMRV Google+.

1 entry: “Like” RMRV on Facebook!

1 entry: “Like” Jockey on Facebook . {you can leave them a little love, if you wish!}

1 entry: “Like” Purex on Facebook. {you can leave them a little love, if you wish!}

2 entries: Follow RMRV on Twitter.

2 entries: Follow Jockey on Twitter.

2 entrie: Follow Purex on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#WIN a Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and Purex Crystals from @jockey & @purex @agiveawaydaily!

2 entries: Comment on any non-giveaway post on RMRV!

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

5 entries: Make a purchase from Jockey.

{Jockey and Purex provided free samples of their products so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own. {You have until January 24th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.}

Amanda

Amanda is a southern gal that loves coffee shop chit chat with dear friends, daydreaming, and an obsession with with polka dots, scarves, funky jewelry, children’s books, and anything vintage. She has two of the sweetest children that fill her heart and days with happiness.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Amanda January 10, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS clothing, exercise, fitness, mom, style

Raising the Bar! {The Bar Method Workout DVD Review}

Yep. It’s true. This mama is on a mission to get back that pre-pre baby bod…yes, the one I had before I found out I was pregnant with Ava {that would be my first baby} and decided to loosen the reigns on the workout and become less strict on the diet. Yes, those choices did not work in my favor and gradually, I just kind of let things go as I got busy with the kids and life and put myself on the back burner! But that’s okay, I know I can get back to where I want to be, taking care of myself, and The Bar Method generously sent me several of their workout DVD’s to keep me challenged and motivated on my way back to a strong and healthy body! I had heard several positive things from friends about The Bar Method and after my first workout it was very clear as to why! These workouts are challenging, effective, and had muscles burning in places I didn’t even know had muscles!

The Bar Method is a unique workout that utilizes ballet bar fitness techniques and draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training and physical therapy. It is the only bar workout that was designed under the guidance of physical therapists to ensure joint safety. The unique, non-impact exercises target all major muslce groups, improves posture ad increases physical grace. The result is a recognizable “Bar Method Body” that features sculpted arms, flat abs, a lifted seat and firm thighs.

Now fitness buffs can bring the bar home with them, thanks to three all new home DVD’s from Bar Method founder and creator Burr Leonard. According to Burr, “The Bar Method empowers you to push the limits of your potential for coordination, strength , beauty and mental toughness. It was my goal, while creating these at-home workouts, to give students and opportunity to have The Bar Method experience in their own home.”

The new Bar Method DVDs have been created for students of all fitness levels; one can choose from the beginner, advanced, or special pregnancy workout options. A bonus section featured on all three DVDs includes a how-to section on classic Bar Method exercises presented by Bar Method founder Burr Leonard. Users also have the option to select specific sections of the workout which focus on different target areas of the body. Each Bar Method DVD features some of the BAr method’s best master instructors forma round the country.

The Bar Method generously sent me five of their workout DVDs; Super Sculpting, Super Sculpting II, Beginners Workout, Dancer’s Body Advanced Workout, & Pregnancy Workout. All are designed to work your muscles using isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training and physical therapy resulting in a dancer’s body. I know I have always wanted to be a dancer, so I definitely won’t mind looking like one! I decided to start at square one with the Beginners Workout. This DVD features the Bar Method’s Basic Body Sculpting exercises and help beginners and more advanced students to brush up on their form. All you need is a bar or piece of furniture to act as your bar and a couple weights. If you don’t have weights, you can easily find items around your house to use as weights. {water bottles, water jugs, canned goods, anything that will add a little resistance will do the trick!} I must say, this workout was a challenge, but as it is low impact and I was determined to make it through, completing each set, I made it through to the end successfully! The instructor was motivating and really explained each exercise and it’s purpose well throughout the DVD. I felt so good when I finished and was excited to to it again a couple days later! Of course, the next morning I woke up sore, which feels so good and lets me know I did something fabulous for my body! I also worked in the Body Sculpting DVD and the Body Sculpting II DVD; I was totally blown away with both sculpting workouts! These workouts had my body burning and shaking and with the encouragement of the instructor I hung in there and made it through both of them. I worked every muscle and with dedication, I know this DVD will have a major part in getting me amazing results and the body I am working for. You can really feel each exercise and I couldn’t get enough! I am loving these workouts and am beyond thrilled to have them in my home workout library! I am even going to get my mom started with the beginners workout. I have told her all about it and she is ready to give it a go! So perfect as it is low impact and offers many modifications for all levels! The Bar Method DVds offer a wonderful selection of workouts for beginners to advanced, even a DVD for pregnant women! You are sure to find your perfect match, and your body will thank you!

the bar method — integrates the fat burning format of interval training, the muscle shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning, and the science of physical therapy to create a revolutionary new workout that quickly and safely reshapes your entire body. Here are just a few benefits you will achieve by using The Bar Method:

firm, elongated muscles

reduced body fat

high muscle definition in the chest

improved posture

long, narrow thighs

a lifted seat and defined hamstrings

strong, flat abdominals

increased stamina and energy

extended youthfulness

Make sure to follow the Bar Method on Twitter, and Like them on Facebook to keep up news and updates!

The Bar Method is Real Mom Approved!!

Amanda

Amanda January 9, 2012 PRODUCT REVIEWS dad, dvd, exercise, fitness, health, mom

Zero in on your fitness goals {Zero scale review}

Christmas is right around the corner. The holiday goodies have started piling up. At my parents house, we have what we fondly refer to as “the table of sin!” It is where all the yummies from neighbors and my parents clients get piled for everyone to enjoy. Add to that the fact that my family has an absolute killer fudge recipe that we make every year which gets added to the holiday goodness. Along with the goodies also come the wonderful festive meals and parties too! It’s enough to make a girl want to just throw up her hands and say “To heck with it all! I’ll live in stretchy pants until new years!” Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury this year. We are planning a trip to Mexico in January, so I need to be able to get into my swimsuit and not feel like a whale at the beach. I have a game plan for how I’m going to navigate all the “food landmines” this year. One includes making sure I keep exercising regularly while I’m on vacation. Oh… We’ll be spending the 2 weeks before Mexico at my parents house, out of town, which adds to the challenge of exercising away from home. I’m either going to just cave and spend too much $$ on a pass to the local gym or I’m going to tote all my stuff with me and do it at the parents house. I’m quite determined! The other thing I’m going to be packing is my ZERO SCALE!! It is a revolutionary new way to track your fitness goals! I was generously sent one to try out and I am happy to say I love the concept! Who out there gets discouraged every time they step on the scale. All you see is that big number!! Even if you have lost a few ounces each day, which really is the best way to go about it anyway, it can still be hard to see little progress when you weigh yourself! Well, the ZERO scale takes care of that! It is a scale that takes your weight the first time you get on. From there on out, when you weigh yourself, you only see how much you have either lost….or gained! Brilliant right?? It allows you to focus on small steps rather than getting caught up, or hung up on the big picture!

The original and unique scale designed to help you achieve your fitness goals whether it’s to lose, gain, or maintain your weight. The advantage is that you NEVER have to see your weight again! Our scale shows small increments of gain or loss, plus the number of days since your last check and your very first check so it does all the tracking for you!

All you need to see is your “Results without the weight”! As you may have experienced, seeing your weight can derail the best of intentions to get in shape. In the past you might have worked hard on your diet or exercise programs but you still had a big number facing you. Our clients have discovered that when you ONLY see small manageable numbers of gain or loss, it’s easier to stay motivated and on-track!

With the easy-to-use ZERO Scale, you can forget what you weigh (who wants to know anyways?) and start focusing on looking and feeling great.

4 User settings, plus a Guest Mode (if you must peek at your actual weight) make this the perfect scale to replace your old or overly complicated scales.

I love the fact that I can focus on small numbers, which eventually add up to big results! I was also lucky enough to receive the ZERO pedometer, which is a fantastic, sturdy pedometer which helps you track your daily steps.

The perfect companion to help you track your progress! Our digital pedometer simply clips on to your belt, or slips into your pocket, to give you a readout of how many steps you’re actually taking during your day. It can also tell you how many calories you’ve burned based on your number of steps throughout the day.

I know that this is the time of year most people just give up on their diets, but won’t you feel better come January 1st of you have a head start on your fitness goals! Trip or no trip, I know I would. Every year I always vow to not overdo it over the holidays. The ZERO scale helps you see just how you are doing! It would make a great gift for the fitness enthusiast or anyone who is being conscientious of their weight…. yes…I’m advocating giving a scale as a gift! NO… it doesn’t mean you are sending someone “a message!” (Although maybe do a little asking before you just get them one!!) I received a scale a number of years ago from my Hubby for… Valentines Day! And I loved it because he knew I was trying to get back in shape! So there ya go! Happy holidays and here’s to everyone surviving the holidays with a little less jelly in their belly!

The ZERO scale is available exclusively online! For more information and cool stuff, follow them on Facebook!

Take advantage of 15% off by entering “zero” at the time of checkout when purchasing The Zero Scale!

Audrey

Audrey December 15, 2011 Holiday 2011, PRODUCT REVIEWS dad, discount code, exercise, fitness, health, mom, weight loss

Work it this holiday season! {Dustin Maher Review & Giveaway!}

The holidays are full of fun…& temptation! All those yummy treats lurking about , quietly calling to you at oodles of holiday parties. Or does that only happen to me?! Yes, I have a weakness for sweets. There is one thing I love more than sweets though and that is looking and feeling good, especially during the holiday season! I have been trying to get myself back to pre-baby form for a while now and although it is slow going, it is going in the right direction and that is really what matters, right?! I was thrilled when I was introduced to Dustin Maher Fitness and sent his Fit Moms for Life Workout DVD; the first in the monthly program; and his new book just in time to keep me going down the right path and get things looking hot for the holidays!

I love helping everyone I come in contact with get in better shape. I especially enjoy helping moms to look even better than before having kids. The first question I get asked a lot is, why a 28 year old single guy loves working with moms. Well the answer to that question goes back many years to when my mom raised my 3 younger siblings and me, along with my dad. She was a stay-at-home mom and did so much for her 4 children. Looking back, I realized that she spent so much time taking care of her kids that she didn’t take time for herself. I also realized that she didn’t have a good support group of other mothers who were motivated to get in shape and lose the baby fat. I was very blessed to have a mom that was health conscious and cooked very healthy. I learned a lot from her as she taught me what it meant to eat well. I have also realized that when I can help a mom change the foods that she buys for her family and begins to exercise, her kids want to do what she is doing! So not only do I get to help the mother out, but I get to help out the kids and maybe the husband (once in awhile) out as well. ~ Dustin Maher

Dustin Maher Fitness generously sent me the Fit Mom’s for Life Workout DVD (#1 in a series of 12) and I was so excited to get started! The first thing I noticed and instantly loved about the DVD is that the hour long workout is broken up into 4 individual segments! Perfect for motherhood, as sometimes you just don’t have a full hour or you just never know when there may be an interruption and you have to stop and then come back to it later! Dustin has a great intro detailing his program, materials needed, and also shows you how to take your measurements and explains why this is important in tracking progress. {as well as taking before photos…eeekkk!} I also like that Dustin chose to include a testimonial from Fit Mom for Life participant, Jody {also the Fit Mom Featured during the workout}. It was inspiring hearing her story and she definitely got me excited about the whole program from nutrition to exercise!

The workout begins with a nice warm up to get your body ready for the workout! Dustin starts his workout with Strength Training & I LOVE Strength Training. Before having children it was my favorite class at the gym! I love that he has included a tough workout and encourages mom’s to use a challenging dumbbell weight. He really takes the time to show correct form as well as specific modifications in order to make sure you are doing each exercise safely and correctly. This Strength Training segment is a challenge and I can see why women have such success with this program; It is most definitely like having your own personal trainer right in your own home! After Strength Training, Dustin moves into a 10 minute cardio segment; a challenging and intense 10 minutes; but definitely created to get amazing results. You will be sweating and sucking air, but wow, when I make it through I feel so strong and tough! After Cardio Dustin will guide you through a bit of Core Training. I love the “Top Secret” exercise Dustin shares! I feel like my core definitely needs some work and taking time to fit this workout into my routine should help make some changes for the better! Dustin closes out Fit Moms for Life with a stretching segment, which is important and always feel so good after a hard workout. I would highly recommend this DVD program to moms as well as all women. I can only imagine how a new DVD from Dustin each month will keep your workouts fresh and when done consistently will get amazing results; all for about the cost of a gym membership. The fact that Dustin featured a Fit Mom demonstrating each exercise is so inspiring. So many workout videos feature athletes, whose job is to be fit and they make the workout seem so simple; as a result making me feel like a failure when I have a hard time making it through to the end. Throughout the Fit Moms for Life workout DVD you see Jody, who is in fabulous shape, get winded, you see her muscles start to fatigue and sweat on her brow. This is a real woman; leading a similar life to mine, she can do it and it makes me feel like I can, too! The first time I made it through this workout, I was exhausted. I had to take several breaks throughout and it was difficult to get through it…but I did. I got through it. Each time I finish working out with Dustin, I feel better, more confident and stronger.

Dustin Maher’s Fit Moms for Life: How to have Endless Energy to Outplay your Kids! Book is such an inspiring read! Complete with all the major components of Dustin’s workout program, from eating to exercise to mindset; you will be armed with everything you need to be successful! The information he gives throughout this book is priceless and really made me evaluate the choices I’ve been making when it comes to my health and the health of my little family. The Fit Moms for Life Transformation testimonies are a great addition which I found to be so motivational. Throughout the book, Dustin features testimonies from moms who have been working through his fitness program. They talk about everything from where they started, personal tips, and personal advice. I found myself relating to several of the moms featured for so many different reasons. It is always motivating to read about real women, with similar everyday obligations of work, children, the home, and family and see how they have changed their life in a positive way! I am so excited to put the knowledge I have gained from Dustin’s book to good use and start making healthy changes in my lifestyle! If you are ready to change your life and get fit, this book can definitely take you there! Dustin clearly lays out a plan and gets your head in the right place for change and success!

Today, Dustin Maher Fitness is giving away one Fit Moms for Life DVD (#1 of series of 12).

Want to enter to win it? Here’s how:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

1) Visit Dustin Maher Fitness and take a look around! Come back and tell us a product you would love to have!

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Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries: Subscribe to RMRV emails or RSS feed.

2 entries: Share with us what makes you motivated {& keeps you motivated} to make healthy choices!

3 entries: Sign up for the Dustin Maher Fitness Newsletter!

5 entries: Follow Real Moms Real Views by Google Friends Connect.

1 entry: “Like” RMRV on Facebook!

2 entries: “Like” Fit Moms for Life Home Workout DVDs on Facebook!

2 entries: “Like” Dustin Maher on Facebook. {you can leave them a little love, if you wish!}

2 entries: “Like” I Love Being a Mom on Facebook!

2 entries: Follow RMRV on Twitter.

2 entries: Follow Dustin Maher Fitness on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#WIN a a Fit Moms for Life DVD from @fitmomsforlife @agiveawaydaily Holiday Event!

2 entries: Comment on any non-giveaway post on RMRV!

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

The Dustin Maher Fit Moms for Life DVD & the Fit Moms for Life Book are BOTH Real Mom Approved!

{You have until December 19th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.}

Amanda

Amanda December 5, 2011 Holiday 2011, PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS beauty, fitness, health, mom

Hot Mama!! {Hotpants review} #hotinhotpants

WARNING!!! This review is not for ~~the faint of heart~~ those easily grossed out! This is review is going to be down and dirty and honest, so if you have issues reading about sweat, then you may want to skip this one!! (But you’ll be sorry you did! )

Ok, that being said, I have to say this review is perhaps one of my favorites!! I cannot REAL Mom Recommend these enough!! Had to get that out at the beginning because I love them so much! Holiday season is fast approaching us… and with that comes family gatherings, pictures, holiday parties, and seeing people we don’t often see… aka… wanting to look as good as possible! I have recently been on a great workout kick and have finally lost all the weight I gained with my baby. HOORAY!!!…. only took a year to do it! I haven’t been counting calories, but I have been trying to eat in moderation. I have been working out at the gym and at home between 3-6 days per week. I am finally getting back to all of my pre-pregnancy jeans and pants. The problem is, I have a whole other collection of jeans/pants that I wasn’t able to wear before I got preggers. A little story about me. Before I got PG, I was finishing school, during which I gained 20!!! pounds over the course of 2.5 years. So, all the cute things I had before school I could no longer wear. My goal has definitely been to get back to pre-baby weight/size, but also to really get back to pre-school size too! Right during all of this, I was generously given the opportunity to try a pair of revolutionary, brand new pants called HOTPANTS from Zaggora. (They are really shorts!) These shorts were designed by a company in England and hit the market this past July. They are designed to help you loose inches and also to decrease the appearance of cellulite. There is a 2 week challenge that the company issues to all who get these. Lose 2 jean sizes in 2 weeks, doing the same routine, eating the same diet but wearing the product while you work out. For real??? I was super skeptical, but of course agreed to try the Hot Pants. It took quite a little bit for them to arrive… They were coming from overseas after all!! When I got them, there was actually a clever little tag that said something about: “sorry for the wait, we think it was worth it and hope you will too!” The pants are made out of what looks similar to a wet suit material. I was instructed to wear them for two weeks during all my normal activities and also during exercise. I couldn’t wait to get started! (This is me below in my hotpants!)

I have been doing resistance training along with the stair mill recently at the gym, which by itself always gets me really hot and sweaty. Well, the next day I wore these babies on the stairs. I wore them under my usual gym pants because my legs are super white and I don’t show fluorescent legs off! Back to the stairs. When I was done, I was completely soaked, including two big spots on my upper thighs where the shorts end, the lower part of my tank and also a rather embarrassing one on the bum! (see disclaimer above!) I kept my chin up and hoped no one noticed the latter one! When I got home, I immediately threw everything I was wearing in the washer on the hand wash cycle. These shorts are not to be washed regularly and are to be dried without heat as well, so I air dried them for 1.5 hours in the dryer on air fluff only. Once they were dried I put them back on and went about my business for the rest of the day.

The rest of the two weeks went very similarly. I worked out 3 days the first week and 5 days the second week. I put them on when I got up in the morning and took them off before bed. There was a 2 hour block where they were in the wash on workout days. They fit just great under my jeans too, so I could wear them out and about as well. I measured myself before I started wearing them and then again at the end of two weeks, which was today! I have to say I was completely shocked!! I have lost 1 inch on my hips, 1 inch on my stomach and 3/4 inch on each thigh, and 1 pound. There may be a little error on where the tape was placed, but not only that, I can totally tell in my pants too! I had just bought some skinny jeans for the first time right before I started this, and when I bought them it took a few minutes to actually get into them… ya know what I’m talking about!! Well, now they slide right up! I’m thinking I could actually go down a size! And, on top of that, I just tried on a pair of pants I wore before I got married, (which is the smallest I’ve ever been) and they actually fit, although they are a little tight still. But this is incredible!!! I never would have thought this would be possible in two weeks!! I haven’t changed my eating at all either! I promise what I’m telling you is my honest opinion. I wasn’t paid for this review, although I did get the Hot Pants in exchange for it. The company says that results vary from person to person, but I am insanely happy! I am taking a trip to Mexico in January and will definitely be wearing these through the holiday season and beyond! They are like my own secret weapon against the battle of the bulge! If you are daring enough to try them, you won’t be sorry you did! Be prepared to sweat though! Not all day every day like I did on the stairs, but just running around each day I got pretty sweaty in the pants…. but to me it was well worth it!! Once again… Hot Pants come REAL Mom Recommended! Every woman who cares about her appearance should have a pair! Happy Sweating!! Thanks Zaggora!!

Hot Pants can be purchased online. For more infomation and to check out testimonials from other real women who’ve been wearing hotpants, follow them on facebook and twitter!

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

Audrey

Audrey November 22, 2011 PRODUCT REVIEWS exercise, fitness, mom, weight loss

Work It! {Harbinger Fitness Review & Giveaway}

Like so many mamas out there in the world, I am trying so hard to get myself healthy and fit again! I was so excited when Harbinger Fitness very generously sent me a few of their amazing products to integrate into my workouts and keep me on the right track!

Harbinger Fitness, leader in fitness accessories since 1988. Manufacturing and supplying fitness pro shops, specialty fitness retailers, body builders, personal trainers, juice bars, sporting good stores, and the rehabilitation market with functional training tools.

I couldn’t wait to get a Balance Trainer and Women’s Pro Gloves from Harbinger Fitness!

I have always wanted to try a balance trainer as I have seen personal trainers using them in the gym quite a bit with their trainees! I learned from the Harbinger Fitness page that the Balance Trainer is “A safe and versatile Core Training tool, that helps develop core muscle groups while improving posture and balance.” My core is most definitely in need of some whipping into shape, so I just knew this would be a great addition to the little home gym I am slowly creating! This one little tool can be used in so many different ways; use standing, sitting, kneeling, laying down and in tandem with exercise equipment such as balls, resistance cables or two Balance Trainers at a time.” I really LOVE using it during my Lunges. I place one foot on the balance trainer and it makes my challenging lunge workout even more intense! Wowza! One of my close friends uses her balance trainer at the park during her boot camp workouts! Yep, this little guy is a great size and easy to transport wherever you are going to be working out!

The Women’s Pro Gloves I received are so well made and cute, to-boot! They are most definitely a high quality glove with some nice pink detailing! This glove has so many wonderful features; “The palm design features abrasion resistant double leather construction surrounding a foam padding system to enhance comfort and increase durability. Adjustable wrist closure for customized fit.” Although these gloves are pretty thick, they are made from a stretchy ventilator mesh, allowing your hands and fingers to bend naturally while staying cool! I know these Women’s Pro Gloves are going to save my hands big time from calluses, and strain as I slowly get myself back into a good weight lifting routine!

Today, Harbinger Fitness is generously giving away a Balance Trainer and Women’s Pro Glove!

Want to win? Here’s how to enter!

Mandatory 1st Entry:

1)Visit Harbinger Fitness and take a look around! Come back and tell us your favorite item!

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Once the mandatory entry is completed you can gain additional entries from the following:

3 entries-Subscribe to RMRV emails or RSS feed.

5 entries- Follow Real Moms Real Views by Google Friends Connect.

1 entry: “Like” RMRV on Facebook!

1 entry: “Like” Harbinger Fitness on Facebook. {you can leave them a little love, if you wish!}

2 entries: Follow Harbinger Fitness on Twitter.

1 entry per day-Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#WIN a Balance Trainer and Women’s Pro Glove from @HarbingerFit at @agiveawaydaily

2 entries: Comment on any non-giveaway post on RMRV!

5 entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

Harbinger Fitness has an amazing variety of Fitness Gear & is Real Mom Approved!!

{You have until November 2nd @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.}

Amanda

Amanda October 19, 2011 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS dad, exercise, fitness, mom

Playing it Safe {BikeGlow Review}

Do you remember the freedom you felt as a kid when you were allowed to have a “late night” outside? Remember night games like kick the can and ghost in the grave yard? I loved catching lightening bugs, too. But here is new fantastic activity for your kids to do at night, and be safe while doing it!

Meet BikeGlow! This is an genius invention that is fun, convenient, and safe! “The BikeGlow™ Safety Light provides 360 degree biking visibility. Running on 2-AA batteries, the BikeGlow™ frame light is a 10′ waterproof light tube that securely attaches to your bike’s frame. It features three lighting modes: Steady, Slow Flash, Fast Flash. So whether cars are behind you, in front of you, or coming from the side, you remain highly visible and much safer!”

This couldn’t have come at a better time. Our mail was being delivered right as we were pulling away for a week long camping trip. Low and behold, there was the BikeGlow waiting in the box for 4 anxious children to fight over it! When I opened it, I was impressed that this simple little thing had so many conveniences, they really thought this one through! Look at the pic and I will tell you what it is…the box at the top holds 2 AA batteries and is waterproof! There is a special velcro piece that comes with it to attach it to the bike frame. Then there is that light tube, itself. it is 10 feet long and pretty skinny. I honestly thought it would be a dull glow, but it is much brighter than I expected it would be! You wrap the light tube around the frame of the bike and attach it with the included ties. Next, you can chose from the light always on, slow flashing, or a fast flash. It has an easy on and off button located on the back of the battery pack. My kids couldn’t wait for it to get dark enough to turn on the lights, they all think they need on now, too! Hailee wants Pink, April wants Purple, Austin wants Red, and little Mia “lubs” the Aqua. (they come in Red, Green, Blue, Aqua, Pink, Purple, Yellow, White) I was pretty thrilled with the yellow we got. It is so easy to see the bike and rider from quite a distance away. We used it to have fun and make the bike look cool, but in all actuality, they are a great safety feature! I hate pulling up on biker at night in the car and not seeing them til you are right on their tail. Help your little bikers be safe with BikeGLow!

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

Erin

Erin is a mommy to 4 fab kiddos! She serves as their maid, cook, and taxi driver. She has been married to the “man of her dreams” for 11 years now. They love spending every free minute together enjoying activities such as camping, swimming, playing games and having movie night.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Erin August 30, 2011 PRODUCT REVIEWS children, exercise, Family, fitness, kids

Never To Early To Start {Hop-N-Healthy Review}

Hop-N-Healthy is a program designed to provide structured activities to keep your children active rather than turning into a couch potato. Their services are located in daycares and preschools all over Dutchess County.

This program teaches children healthy eating and exercise habits. In today’s world these are two of the toughest habits to make….but think how much easier they would be to have it we all had started at an early age.

In a 30-40 minute age-appropriate P.E. class trained instructors will teach non-stop movement, singing, and dancing with colorful equipment and fun kid-friendly music. Kids will use a variety of equipment including hoops, balls, soccer balls, basketballs, golf, bean bags, balloons, rhythm sticks, and parachutes. Wish there were classes like that for adults! These classes will build balance, coordination, motor skills, and physical and social skills. Kids, be sure to wear your sneakers because you are going to get funky!!

How awesome does this program sound!? I think it is so important to help our kids stay healthy and to teach them the importance of a healthy and happy body. Too many kids just sit at home and watch cartoons or play video games. Too many children are eating fast food and too many desserts. It is time to bring back the days where kids play all day, where kids wanted to be physically active all day long, and where kids snacked on fruits and veggies.

Ginny Leake is the Program Director/Owner of HOP-N-HEALTHY, Inc. She is a nationally certified AFPA Children’s Fitness Specialist and a Physical Activity Consultant for Head Start. Ginny has been working with children for over 20 years as a gymnastics coach, choreographer, dance instructor, and children’s fitness professional. She has also worked in the Ossining School District and at The Child Abuse Prevention Center in Poughkeepsie. Ginny strives to inspire children to adopt life-long healthy habits, from the excitement of moving their bodies to the rewards of choosing nutritious foods.

Ginny says, “I finally found a way to combine my two passions, working with children and exercise! My hope is to teach children that daily physical activity is just as important as brushing their teeth! As a mother of 3 small children I share the same struggles of wanting my boys to experience fun programs but not always having the money to do so! My goal was to create a program that doesn’t break the bank!!! We are so proud to join in the fight against childhood obesity, and get kids moving in innovative ways to help them adopt the mindset of Fitness for Life!”

Hop-N-Healthy
4 Partners Rd
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Call Us For A Free Demonstration!

845-392-5996
Ask For Ginny

Ginny@hopNhealthy.com

{All opinions are 100% mine. I was compensated for this review. Thank you Ginny for helping our children create healthy eating and exercise habits.}

Crissa

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Crissa January 10, 2011 CHIT CHAT children, exercise, fitness

A Tearfree Scale {EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale Giveaway}

One thing I hate is scales! Every time I step on one I end up wishing I hadn’t. Wouldn’t it be great to find a scale that doesn’t make you cry?! Well…we have!

EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale is one scale that will never make you cry…unless of course you are weighing diced onions Okay seriously though, this scale is awesome!

I use a food scale at least 2 times a day. Using a food scale helps me with my portion control. Until I started weighing my food I had no clue that I was totally over eating. When a serving size said 2 oz. I didn’t really understand what 2 oz. looked like. Ever since I started to weigh out my meats and have been able to see some major weightloss results.

Before I received the EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale I was using an “old school” scale. I would put my food on it and it looked like about the weight I was going for. There is no way the thing could have been accurate. Have you ever tried to do a diet where you about follow it? Doesn’t really work huh!?

The other thing I didn’t like about my old scale was I had to put the food in the tray provided. If I didn’t I had to turn the little dial until the scale tared to zero. That only worked for paper plates and plastic containers–even at that it took forever to do. There was no way I could put the food on the plate and weigh it.

With EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale all my kitchen scale dreams have come true. The abouts are gone! It has a digital LCD screen that tells me exactly how much food there is. It is precise to the .05 oz/ 1 gram. I CAN put a plate on the scale, hit the tare button, bring the scale to zero and begin to weigh my food. What a time saver and waist trimmer.

“Weigh items up to 11 lbs quickly and accurately, with results displayed in four different units: grams / ounces / pounds / kilograms.” “Additionally the three minute auto-turnoff feature ensures that you will never again lose your measurement in the middle of your recipe prep!”

New Years resolutions are coming up and at the top of a lot of list’s will be weight loss. This kitchen scale is going to help you love your bathroom scale.

It is available on Amazon.com for $25 and is available in white, silver, red, black chrome or white chrome. It is rated a 5 star product by 1,463 people! See! I am not the only one who loves it!

Today, EatSmart is giving one lucky winner…

an EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale!!

Want to win? Here is how to enter…leave one comment for each eligible entry.

1st entry-MANDATORY-Have you ever used a food scale?

1 entry per day-Follow AGE and EatSmart and tweet the following:

Win an EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale! Giveaway from @EatSmartScale @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/eatsmartscale

1 entry for each–Follow RMRV via Google friend connect, in a reader, or subscribe to RMRV emails

3 entries–Blog about this giveaway and tell us where we can find it.

5 entries–Purchase an EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale

{You have until December 22nd @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter this giveaway. Giveaway is open to the USA only. I was not compensated for this review other than a product sample provided by EatSmart. All opinions are 100% mine.}

EatSmart Preision Digital Kitchen Scale

Crissa

Crissa December 9, 2010 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2010, PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS fitness, food, kitchen

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A Tearfree Scale {EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale Giveaway}

Today, EatSmart is giving one lucky winner…

an EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale!!

GRAB OUR BUTTONS

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WHAT’S NEW

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For more than 130 years, Jockey’s mission has been to satisfy the human need for comfort, so everything we do at Jockey, we do with you in mind. We hope you like our stuff, but more importantly, we hope you like how you feel when you wear our stuff.

The Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and Purex Crystals are both Real Mom approved!!

Today, Enter to win both the Jockey Tech Terry Sports Bra and the Purex Crystals; a wonderful combo!!

Make sure to follow the Bar Method on Twitter, and Like them on Facebook to keep up news and updates!

The Bar Method is Real Mom Approved!!

The Dustin Maher Fit Moms for Life DVD & the Fit Moms for Life Book are BOTH Real Mom Approved!

{You have until December 19th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.}

Today, EatSmart is giving one lucky winner…

an EatSmart Precision Digital Kitchen Scale!!

GRAB OUR BUTTONS

RMRV BLOG BFF’S

WHAT’S NEW

SEARCH RMRV

ARCHIVES