fitness « Real Moms Real Views

Back In Black {Ellie #Review}

At the end of March I introduced you to Ellie, a company that creates high quality, luxurious fitness wear at affordable prices. Since then I have worn and worn and WORN my Ellie workout clothes. I love the super soft fabric, the fun color, and how sassy I feel while I get my sweat on. Ellie sent me two pieces from their Little Black Collection to add to my “favorite workout clothes” choices.

There are two ways to shop at Ellie.
#1 Check out their shop and pick what you want
OR
#2 Become a Fit FashionistaClub member and choose any two pieces each month for only $49.95. Any two! Two tops. Two bottoms. One top and one bottom. Two of the same thing!

When you sign up with a membership you get to pick out the pieces you want before they go on sale. This way you never get your heart crushed learning what you wanted was sold out. Also, you get free shipping on all orders, no matter how often you order per month. It is a month to month membership, so you don’t have to worry about a contract. Also if you don’t see something you are interesting in receiving or need to take month of you can skip a month! Now that is awesome customer service!!

The Little Black Collection is filled with all black pieces. The tops are just plain jane, as you can see. They are interesting and slimming. They are classy and won’t go out of style. The bottoms are sleek and flattering. Look at the pants above…look close. They aren’t just plain. They have cool stitch detail that enhance the tone and shape of your leg. They could even be paired with your favorite top for a hot look out on the town.

Ellie sent me the Pitch Perfect Keyhole Tank and the Little Black Capris.

I love love love this tank. It isn’t just plain and boring. The back has a great shape! There is a built in shelf bra for extra support. Not only is the look not blah, the fabric isn’t either. It is made from high-performance, microfiber fabric that is moisture wicking, UV protecting, anti-bacterial and high water and wind resistant. Fancy huh!? There is even a mesh overlay on the criss-cross straps! I also love the length of this tank. It doesn’t creep up during cardio. WHEW!

These capris are going to be amazing! I say “going to be” because they are just a little tight on me. Look on my hips. Can you tell!? I need to lose just a bit more to make these beauties a gym staple. The waist band is wide, with a seam at the top and one at the bottom. This keeps it laying nice and flat but unfortunately in my situation it also gives me a little squeeze. The squeeze causes all the extra baby chub to spill out of the top…not cute. They are a large which according to the size chart fits 8-10. I am more of a 12, so it isn’t Ellie, it is me. They are, however, super soft and won’t wrinkle, shrink, fade, or bag. No one likes saggy booty faded workout pants. YUCK! Like the Pitch Perfect Keyhole Tank the Little Black Capris are moisture wicking and water and wind resistant. They are also tear resistant! I can hardly wait until I can wear these over and over again…motivation!

Individually the tank sells for $39.95 and the capris are $44.95. As a Ellie Fit Fashionista Club Member this outfit would cost you $49.95 instead of $84.90!! Plus as a Fit Fashionista Club Member you get FREE SHIPPING! What a great deal!

Ellie’s new line is called Coral Crush. There are a bunch of cute pieces. I want this sports bra and these pants….and her body please!

Ellie is Real Moms approved!

Crissa May 8, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS clothing, exercise, fashion, fitness, mom, weight loss, workout clothes

Strong and Confident {Strong Confident You #Review & #Giveaway}

Losing weight and getting in shape isn’t easy. I will be the first to admit it. But, anything in life that is worth it isn’t easy. If it was, it wouldn’t be worth it!

I have been working my booty off, literally, this year. My weight loss goal is 50 lbs. It is a big goal but I am rockin’ it!!! I am determined to lose weight and start feeling better…for me, for my hubby, and for my family. Strong Confident YOU sent me a really awesome tank to wear during my journey!

My motto this year is “This is my year” It is! This is my year to get in shape. This is my year to get my daily diet under control. This is my year to be the kind of mom, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt that I want to be. This is my year!

Ilona, owner of Strong Confident YOU, creates workout shirts that inspire and motivate. Nothing helps you get to the gym more than something cute to wear. I love walking in to the gym feeling cute rather than frumpy. Believe me, I have had my fair share of frumpy gym days. Why do that to yourself when Strong Confident YOU can make you look good!?

Strong Confident YOU sent me a stunning tank with my motto on it! Isn’t it the most wonderful thing? The colors are bright, cheerful, and eye-catching. It is motivating and confidence boosting.

When I first received this tank I didn’t think I would like the fact that it was a burnout. (Burnout tanks have spots of the fabric that are a little thinner than others.) Don’t get me wrong, I like the burnout look but for the gym when I don’t really want to layer? I just didn’t know. BUT then I put it on and fell in love. It wasn’t super see through and it was SO soft. I love the color combination, the worn out look of the text, and how high quality it is. It quickly became one of my favorites to wear to the gym.

The first time I worn it an old man (70 or 80 year old) told me, “You are looking good today.” Kind of creepy but HEY! I will take it

Strong Confident YOU is giving one lucky reader a tank or tee of your choice!!

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

Go to Strong Confident YOU and tell us what you would choose if you won

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

1 entry- Do you have a motto for 2013? If so, what is it?

1 entry- Pin a picture from this review with the words “Win a tank or tee of your choice from Strong Confident YOU at Real Moms Real Views.” and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Favorite Strong Confident YOU on Etsy

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Pinterest and leave us your profile link

1 entry- “Like” Strong Confident YOU on Facebook—leave them a note on their wall for an additional entry!

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails

2 entries- Follow RMRV Google+

2 entries– Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url

1 entry for each- Enter one of our other current giveaways and let us know which one.

3 entries- Follow RMRV on BlogLovin’

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

10 entries- Make a purchase from Strong Confident YOU

You have until May 21st @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only

Crissa May 6, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS clothing, exercise, fashion, fitness, mom

Slimmer and Softer {Zaggora #Review} #hotinhotpants

Think back….remember when Audrey told you about Zaggora’s Hot Pants and Capri Flares? She got killer results! I wanted to see if it would work for me too and thankfully Zaggora did too! They sent me a pair of their Hot Pants 2.0!

Zaggora is a company from England who is working hard to help women shed the pounds and inches FASTER! Who wouldn’t want to see results faster? ME PLEASE! Zaggora has a 2 week challenge that I was dying to test out. Start by taking “your measurements (hips, stomach, butt, thighs…wherever you want to lose) and then wear your Zaggora product for a minimum of 30 minutes per day for 4-5 days per week, for two weeks total.” Easy peesy!

I wore mine on walks at the park, on my elliptical, and to the gym for weights and cardio. I love these pants. They are a little noisy because of the material and the fact that my thighs rub together, but I didn’t care! I was sweaty and not looking my cutest anyway. When I would take these little babies off I. was. soaked. It was pretty awesome! I love getting sweaty and these certainly did just that.

Here are my results:

Hips– down 1 1/4″
Thighs– down 2″ ON EACH THIGH
Waist– down 1 1/2″
Weight– down 6 lbs.

WHAT! Those are crazy! 6 3/4″ in 3 places and 6 lbs. All by doing what I was doing and simply wearing Zaggora! Now that ROCKS!!

The care instructions for these pants are hand wash in cold and air dry. I HATE hand washing. I would rather not wear the piece of clothing than hand wash it. I don’t know why….I don’t feel like I get all the detergent out, takes too long, me time is limited anyway….who knows. I stuck these in the washer on the gentle cycle and let them drip dry. They were ready to go the next day. Much better! I would like to get a Zaggora Wash Bag though just to make sure my new must-have stays perfect.

Not only did I get crazy inchloss (is that a word?) results, my skin became super soft. This is something I NEED in dry Utah weather. My thighs were smoooooth and my lower tummy (the gross baby damaged area) was soft. Zaggora also has products to increase results, Svelt Melt and Motion Lotion. These products will help you firm and tone as well as hydrate and smooth.

With results like these how can you not have a wish list like this:

Okay…I pretty much want everything.

I know what I will be asking for for Mother’s Day, Christmas, The 4th of July, Friday…anytime anyone asks! I want to LIVE in Zaggora!!

Check out the Zaggora store and get something for yourself! Take the two week challenge and brag about your results to us!

Zaggora is Real Moms approved!

Crissa April 29, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS clothing, exercise, fitness, Gifts, mom, weight loss

Fit and Fashionable {Ellie #Review}

Back in the day when I would hit the gym I showed up in men’s basketball shorts and a plain tank. I never ran outside if it wasn’t warm because all of my clothes with following the “I’m wearing my boyfriend’s clothes look.” What was I thinking? No wonder I was never hit on at the gym!

Then I went crazy and bought myself some black and grey workout pants and paired them with colorful tanks. Let me note, they weren’t cute tanks…just whatever was on clearance and in my size. Again…no one hit on me at the gym. Not that I need a beef cake to hit on me to make me feel good but it never hurts your ego to turn heads.

Now the trend is bright colors and tighter fitting pants and shorty shorts. I don’t know if I will ever have the legs to pull off shorty shorts but I thought I would give the bright colors and tighter pants a try. Also, since I am on a 5K race kick lately I wanted to make sure I was equipped for a cold day.

That is why I was beyond thrilled when I was asked to review Ellie’s adorable workout wear. Ellie is this bomb site that has fashionable workout clothing. I know I have said it before but I will say it again, “Nothing is better than looking cute while getting your sweat on.” (Yes I just quoted myself ) Ellie creates high quality fitness wear that isn’t high priced but it is luxurious! Each month they switch their products up and bring you more fashion forward, high quality pieces that will make you wonder why you ever paid more. Or in my case why you didn’t know about them sooner.

Check out what Ellie sent me!

Let’s start with the pants. These are the Electric Love Capri. They retail for $54.95, but remember if you are a member you only pay $49.95 and you get 2 Ellie pieces! These turquoise capris are freakin’ sweet! I have never owned a pair of colored workout pants and I LOVE these!! There is only two seams…on the waist band and the inside of the leg. This makes them SUPER comfy. I also love the contrast lines. They add interest, structure, and creates a slimming effect. They are complete with a reflective logo behind the right knee.

I also received the Catch Me If You Can Charcol top. This retails for $39.95, but again if you are a member you only pay $49.95 and you get 2 Ellie pieces! This is THE SOFTEST shirt I own. I could LIVE in this shirt!! It really is amazing. It has thumb holes to keep your sleeves in place while running. They can even roll over your fingers to keep your hands warm so you don’t need to haul around gloves until you get warmed up. It is light enough to wear in the cool spring or fall mornings but warm enough to wear during a winter run.

Last week I ran a 5K. Lucky for us, it snowed that morning. I threw on my Catch Me If You Can top, rolled the sleeves over my hands, and off I went! I was warm but not sweating like a pig. (Recognize RMRV’s blogger Erin? She is a beast at 5K’s! I am pretty sure she came in 10 minutes before me.)

If these pieces were bought separately they would retail for $94.49! Become an Ellie Fit FashionistaClub member and you get them for $49.95! What a killer deal!!!

Here are a few pieces I am eying from Ellie’s March collection, Little Black Collection:

Wouldn’t these be so cute mixed and matched with my Electric Love Capris and Catch Me If You Can top!? My birthday is coming up and I know what I am asking for, a monthly membership to Ellie!! I am addicted!

Ellie is Real Moms approved!!

Crissa March 29, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS clothing, exercise, fitness, mom, workout clothes

Let The Beat Control Your Body {X-1 Audio #Review & #Giveaway}

Music is a HUGE part of my life. My husband produces concerts. House chores get done faster with music. I sing to my son daily. Music makes the drive more enjoyable. Without music life would be boring.

Actually it is. Last week I ran a 5K and didn’t realize until the horn went off to start the race that I left my music in the car! NOOOOO! I thought I was going to die. I haven’t ever run without music before. I just knew I was going to struggle. Although I PRed, the race just wasn’t as enjoyable as it could have been. It was fun but boring at the same time. Music sets my pace, keeps my mind off my breathing, and gives me something to think about while I run.

X-1 Audio helps you put that music in your life by providing audio solutions for a broad spectrum of athletes across many disciplines. “Whether you’re a triathlete, swimmer, runner, kayaker, snowboarder, climber, weightlifter, or a gym goer, X-1 offers audio solutions that can withstand everything from trekking through the mud to running in the rain to diving 12 feet underwater.”

X-1 has waterproof armbands for your iPhone. You could take your iPhone swimming with you, use the touchscreen, and take a photo! Now THAT is freakin’ SWEET! Talk about taking your triathlon, surfing, swimming, or riding your bike in the rain to the next level.

When I first heard about X-1 I was BLOWN AWAY with the products they have and the technology they use. I have seen some pretty cool gear in my day but NOTHING like X-1. It really is ah.maze.ing!!

I received a pair of Women’s Momentum Ultra Light Headphones in Cyan. Finally I have a pair of headphones that don’t keep slipping out my my ears when I run. Also when the cord wiggles around, as it does when running, I don’t hear the noise. LOVE THESE LITTLE GUYS!! They are weatherproof and sweatproof and SUPER lightweight…if I didn’t have music playing I would forget that I am wearing them. They come with 5 different ear tips so they will fit all ears. I know this may sound funky but I use two different tips, one for each ear…guess my ears are different sizes or something. When I get done I can rinse so they are clean for each use!

They also feature a retro-reflective, tangle free cord that illuminates with light for extra visibility and safety while working out or running in low light. And just when I thought these headphones couldn’t get better, they have sn in-line remote that is iPod and iPhone compatible, allowing control of volume and playback, as well as placing or receiving calls and activating SIRI. I told you these ROCK!

Today X-1 is giving one lucky reader a pair of headphones just like mine!

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

Go to X-1 Audio and tell us another product you would love to have

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

1 entry- What is your favorite song…to workout to, sing in the shower, play air guitar to…whatever!

1 entry- Pin your favorite item from X-1 Audio and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Pin a picture from this post with the words “Win a pair of weatherproof, sweatproof headphones from X-1 Audio at Real Moms Real Views. ” and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Pinterest and leave us your profile link

1 entry- Follow X-1 Audio on Pinterest

1 entry- “Like” X-1 Audio on Facebook

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook

2 entries- Subscribe to X-1 Audio’s newsletter

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails

2 entries- Follow RMRV Google+

1 entry- Follow X-1 Audio on Google+

1 entry- Follow X-1 Audio on Twitter

2 entries– Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url

1 entry for each- Enter one of our other current giveaways and let us know which one.

3 entries- Follow RMRV on BlogLovin’

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

10 entries- Make a purchase from X-1 Audio

You have until April 11th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Crissa March 28, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS dad, exercise, fitness, Gifts, health, mom, music, technology

Up Close and Personal {Fitbit #Review}

This has been my motto since the clock struck 12 on Jan 1. This is MY YEAR! I am putting my health first. How do I expect to be around for my son and my husband if I don’t? How do I expect to ever enjoy shopping, being at the pool, or having confidence around my hubby (if you know what I mean) if I don’t? No one wants to grow up to be unhealthy, unhappy, and feeling depressed and tired all the time.

I have put a lot of time and effort into my health this year. So far, I have lost 26 lbs. I gone down 3 jean sizes!! I have gone from being winded while running for 90 seconds to running a 5K…tomorrow! It hasn’t been easy…hello, Valentine’s Day, ice cream, my favorite sugar cookie store, and now Cadbury Mini Eggs are out in full force. I am sticking with it though.

This year Biggest Loser challenged America to get fit. I am going along with that challenge and encouraging you to make a change in your life….big or little. Do something everyday that will help you get fit, stay healthy, and be happy. Fitbit is a great way to give you daily encouragement and help you measure how active you are being, how you are eating, and can even help you find some new friends to join you on your journey!

With the help of Fitbit I have daily motivation to stay active throughout the day. Remember how Fitbit sent me their new Fitbit One? Then I shared with you my love of Pinterest exercise tips and included a new favorite, “The World’s Fastest Workout” Have you tried it yet? If not, pause, do it (4 minutes is all it takes), and then come back. Well today I am going to show you my Fitbit up close and personal. I will even show you how simple the Fitbit website is. Check it out!

Fitbit is Real Moms recommended!

Crissa March 23, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS dad, exercise, fitness, health, mom, weight loss

Looking Fancy and Sweaty {Brady Bands #Review}

When I go to the gym I look pretty gross. That is why I rely on having cute clothes and cute accessories. With the help of these hopefully no one will notice that I am not wearing makeup, I have gross hair, and I smell bad.

Brady Bands are fantastic non-slip head bands. They will keep your hair out of your face and keep you looking good. Named after the founder’s late little man, Brayden, who lost a year long battle with brain cancer. As a memorial to Brayden, Brady Bands donates 10% of the sales CureSearch to promote research for childhood cancer.

They have something for everyone. There are headbands for moms to help them look good on the go or while you are getting your sweat on….well as good as you can look while sweaty

There are headbands for practically any sport you or your girls may play.

Don’t play sports? Just love to watch them and cheer for your teams? No fear! Brady Bands has you covered!

They even have headbands for younger girls.

Everything is so cute huh!?

Brady Bands sent me three headbands…the Bling It On in Silver, Animal Attraction in black and white, and Cobalt Passion. All are backed in a soft black velvet.

I love these headbands. The DON’T SLIP! Seriously! I workout in them, get nice and sweaty, and when I get home they are still right where I put them with I got ready to leave. I also love them because they go beyond the gym. They look cute just wearing them around town. They add a little extra something to your outfit. They make you look like you tried, even when you just threw yourself together to run and get milk. These should be one every mother’s must have list…especially new moms. (I don’t know about other new moms but sometimes I am lucky to brush my teeth. Showers are a luxury some days!)

Brady Bands are affordable and come in many different widths and styles. I am not joking when I say, “There is something for everyone.”

Hurry and grab some for Easter baskets! Wouldn’t that be fun to stuff in an egg!?
Get your walking group matching headbands.
Surprise your daughter’s softball, basketball, or cheer team with spirit headbands!

Remember, 10% of every sale is donated to CureSearch!

Crissa March 21, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS accessories, exercise, fashion, fitness, Gifts, girls, Hair accessories, mom

Orange You Glad You Worked Out? {Albion #Review and #Giveaway}

The last few months I have been working hard in the gym to get in shape so I can feel and look good…not to mention I told my hubby we weren’t having another baby until I lost 50 lbs. Going to the gym is my “me time”. I love running on a treadmill and catching up on Cupcake Wars and Country Malibu.

Now that is getting warmer outside I am itching to get out there and run around the town. I prefer running outside to the treadmill. I never look at the time to see how much more I have when I am out and about. It makes me feel like I can go further, run harder, jump higher…what?

Albion is an awesome place to pick up adorable workout clothes that you will want to show off at the gym or while you run around town. This Utah based, family owned company strives to provide women the most luxurious, flattering, and hassle-free fitness and leisure apparel. These clothes are designed by women and are fashionable and unique, but more importantly practical and technical. Their clothes “easily transition from work out gear to lounging gear”. Are you running to grab more milk or running a marathon? Whichever it is you can do it in Albion!

Albion sent me this killer Love Racer in Orange to get my ~~sweat~~ sparkle on in.

Isn’t it cute! It is bright orange with white accent stitching. I twisted a little so you could see the ruching on the sides. There is a built-in shelf bra with removable soft foam cups. This tank is great for low impact workouts like walking, weights, or pump or spin classes. It is also great for high impact sports like running, kickbox, crossfit, and interval training. It is an eye catching color and great slimming fit. It is $42 and available in orange, neon pink, sea foam, and silver.

I received an XL. I am 5’6″, 36DD, and weigh 196…that’s right, down 26 lbs so far this year!! I digress. I am telling you my measurements because I want you to understand how these tops fit. As you can tell by the picture of the back of the tank it is a little tight. I have a few more pounds to lose before I will feel comfortable wearing this top outside of my home. Right now I just wear it to do videos in. If I had received this at the beginning of the year there is NO WAY this would have fit me. (Side note: Why is it that there aren’t tons of companies that cater to the size of men and women that need to workout? What are they supposed to wear while they lose weight? I digress.) What I am trying to say is pay attention to Albion’s Fit Guide so you make sure to get the size that fits you.

Here a a few items on my Albion Wish List:

Albion is giving RMRV readers $15 off a $50 purchase. Just use the code realmoms15.
expires 3/29/13

Albion is giving one lucky reader a $25 gift card to their site!

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

Go to Albion and tell us what you would buy if you won

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

1 entry- What is your favorite way to get fit?

1 entry- Pin your favorite item from Albion and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Pin a picture from this post with the words “Win a $25 gift card to Albion at Real Moms Real Views. PLUS use this code code for $15 off!” and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Pinterest and leave us your profile link

1 entry- Follow Albion’s blog

1 entry- “Like” Albion on Facebook

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook

2 entries- Subscribe to Albion’s newsletter

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails

2 entries- Follow RMRV Google+

1 entry- Follow Albion on Twitter

2 entries– Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url

1 entry for each- Enter one of our other current giveaways and let us know which one.

3 entries- Follow RMRV on BlogLovin’

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

10 entries- Make a purchase from Albion (don’t forget to use the coupon code!)

You have until April 9th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Crissa March 20, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS clothing, exercise, fashion, fitness, mom, weight loss, workout clothes

What A Cut Up {Show Your Strength #Review & #Giveaway}

I have been working out 5-6 times a week since the beginning of the year. That is a lot of sweat and a lot of workout clothes! I am not the type of girl that likes to wear the same thing everyday…not with regular clothes, church clothes, or workout clothes. I like to switch it up, in other words, I can’t stay on top of laundry like I should.

Even if you are like me and like switching things up, you know you always have that one pair of pants, or that one white shirt, or that one workout tank that you like more than others. I have found mine.

Show Your Strength is a wonderful Etsy shop created by Trina. Her workout tanks will inspire you and those around you. They will make you feel empowered and special every time you wear it. Trina cuts, slices, shreds, and adds lace up grommets to her tank tops. Her vintage looking silk screen sayings are uplifting, funny, self loving, and full of girl power.

Like a lot of us, Trina has always had body image issues. Now that she is a mother of two she is working hard to not show those issues around her daughters…kids pick up on everything. One day she realized that she needed to change her way of thinking, for them and for herself. She wanted to get her priorities straight and she decided to concentrate on what REALLY matters. She decided to stop letting her real life pass her by because she was obsessing about trying to become an impossible version of herself. After all, why are we so critical about ourselves? That is why Trina donates a portion of each sale to the Dove “Love your body” campaign! Let’s stop the cycle!!! Let’s promote love, not self loathing!! GIRL POWER!!!

I received this awesome black tank. It says, “I wear black when I workout. It’s like a funeral for my fat.”

Isn’t it cute!!?? First, black is always flattering and although it shows sweat it doesn’t scream “LOOK! I am a sweaty pig!” like some colors (grey) do. I love the cut out back. It is so fun and unique. Plus, you can wear any color of tank or sports bra under it and change up your look! I have worn green, teal, purple, and pink with it. I love it!

Show Your Strength tanks range in price from $18-$28…depending on the style of the shirt. There are over 100 sayings and 7 cut styles to choose from. Mix and match to create something made just for you!

Here are a few of my favorite sayings from Show Your Strength:

Show Your Strength wants to see more empowered, strong women out there. They are offering 10% off anything in their store! Just use the code REALMOMS19 Get yourself something for your Easter basket, something to continue to encourage you to reach your fitness goals, or something to wear to start getting healthy in. Get something for your sister, mother, friend, neighbor, running group, spin instructor, hair stylist, sitter, teacher, co-worker, or random lady at the gym Plus, share the code with all the ladies you know!

Show Your Strength is giving one lucky reader the same tank I received!!

Want to win? Here is how to enter:

Mandatory 1st Entry:

Go to Show Your Strength and tell us your favorite tank

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

1 entry- What style of tank do you like better? Sliced or laced up the back?

1 entry- Pin your favorite tank from Show Your Strength and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Pin a picture from this post with the words “Win a workout tank from Show Your Strength at Real Moms Real Views. PLUS use this code code for 10% off!” and leave us the link to your pin

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Pinterest and leave us your profile link

1 entry- Follow @showyourstrength on Instagram

1 entry- “Like” Show Your Strength on Facebook

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook

2 entries- “Favorite” Show Your Strength on Etsy

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails

2 entries- Follow RMRV Google+

2 entries– Follow RMRV on Twitter

1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway and leave us your tweet url

1 entry for each- Enter one of our other current giveaways and let us know which one.

3 entries- Follow RMRV on BlogLovin’

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

10 entries- Make a purchase from Show Your Strength (don’t forget to use the coupon code!)

You have until April 3rd @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

Crissa March 19, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS WITH GIVEAWAYS clothing, fashion, fitness, mom, weight loss, workout clothes

Switch Things Up {Empower Kettlebell #Review}

I love the Biggest Loser! I feel like I can relate to the contestants. Sure I haven’t ever looked like them but my heaviest weight has been close to their starting weight. Okay…I will admit something to you. Right before I had my son I was 235 lbs. (I don’t think I have ever blogged that! GASP!) Now granted I was pregnant but Alex, a contestant this season weighed 240 lbs and Cate, another contestant started at 237 lbs. See what I mean? I can relate.

Their stories and their journeys touch a place in my heart. I am literally brought to tears every time I watch the show? Corney? Maybe. But Biggest Loser is a great motivator.

I love seeing what workouts they do. It is always great to mix up your workouts so your body is constantly guessing and so you never get board. One thing I have seen the contestants do a bunch of times are kettlebells. I used to think they were called kettleBALLS, nope kettleBELLS. I always wondered what was difference between kettlebells and dumbbells. It looked like they just made a little change so they could sell more workout equipment. That is why went I got the chance to review Empower’s Kettlebells I was all over it.

Empower offers fitness products designed exclusively for women by women. Their world-renowned trainers, nutritional expertise, and online communities will help you reach your goals and become active, healthy, and strong. They don’t just care about the outside…they care about mind, body, and spirit. They want you to look and FEEL great.

Empower’s 3-in-1 Adjustable Kettlebell is so easy to use. Made with a woman in mind, the kettlebell can be used at 5, 8, or 12 lbs. With a simple twist and click you can switch your weight to quickly move on to the next workout.

Ergonomically designed for a woman’s grip, these kettlebells are easy to hold. Plus, the soft plastic shell is easy on the hands and nails, unlike metal that leave your hands feeling like they are rubbed raw. The design is perfect for smooth, controlled moves.

Using the Swing Yourself Fit workout DVD by fitness expert Gun Miller you can work all your trouble zones. (Which, right now, is everywhere for me.) Switch up the kettlebells weight to blast fat, burn calories, and tone your muscles. With three different workouts you can get your sweat on!

I popped the DVD in, learned the basics, and was swinging and working out like a pro, like a Biggest Loser contestant even! I love these kettlebells. After the first day I was sore. One of those good sores where you know you got a great workout and can’t wait to do it again. I wasn’t sure if I was going to feel that soreness because I enjoyed the workout so much…I didn’t feel like I was WORKING. It is great!

Unlike dumbbells, kettlebells exercises are usually a bunch of repetitions and use many different muscle groups. You don’t just stand there and work one area. The swinging motion makes the workout partially high intensity aerobics. “Kettlebell enthusiasts performing a 20 minute snatch workout were measured to burn, on average, 13.6 calories/minute aerobically and 6.6 calories/minute anaerobically during the entire workout – ‘equivalent to running a 6-minute mile pace’ ” source

That means you can burn over 1000 calories an hour using kettlebells!!

Since receiving these kettlebells I have found tons of different workouts and moves I can do with them. This adds variety and keeps my body guessing. Here are 5 great workouts I use my Empower -in-1 Kettlebells for.

Empower is Real Moms Recommended!!

Crissa March 15, 2013 PRODUCT REVIEWS fitness, health, weight loss, workout

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Ellie is Real Moms approved!

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Ellie is Real Moms approved!!

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Fitbit is Real Moms recommended!

Albion is giving one lucky reader a $25 gift card to their site!

Show Your Strength is giving one lucky reader the same tank I received!!

That means you can burn over 1000 calories an hour using kettlebells!!

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