Guest Post - Caring for Your Health the Modern Way: Best Apps for Tracking Your Health

Hey NeverEver's!

Its Tuesday and that means Guest Post Day!!! Today I am having a return poster Virigina! Originally she created the Essential Crossfit Gear To Give, which is a great post for the Holidays ^_^.  We are extremely lucky as today is all about apps!

Yup those things that we love on our phone, and the best ones for a Healthy and Active Lifestyle!

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We’re living in a miracle age—technology drives much of what we do every day: from the digital alarm clock that wakes us so much more gently than the clanging silver bells or out-of-tune clock radios of our youth, to the electronic sonic toothbrush that scrubs our teeth to previously-unheard of levels of cleanliness. And if it’s true that all this technology has made some of us more sedentary (how many hours a day do we spend sitting in front of our computers?), it’s also true that more and more of us are actively pursuing new ways to get healthy.

                                                     Image Courtesy of ShutterStock

And, of course, for many of us these days, the most important tool in our wellness arsenal isn’t a treadmill or a food scale, but our cell phones. There are apps out there that do all sorts of awesome things: Track your daily steps, count your calories, record your goals, etc.

Below are 5 of our favorite (mostly) free apps for helping you get healthy and stay strong:

1. MAP MY FITNESS

Map my Fitness helps you to plan and track your workouts, using just the GPS on your phone.  You can create your own fitness route or find an existing one, join a group of workout buddies or log your speed and calories burned.

This app also allows you to track your nutrition, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and keep on top of fitness events in your neighborhood as well as around the country.

Price: FREE

2. RUN KEEPER

Run Keeper is a fitness app that allows you to track your progress as you train at the gym or when you go out into the world to do your running or biking. It will tell you the length of your workout, compare progress with previous workouts and log your heart rate. And you can set it to let you know when you’ve reached specific goals.

Price: FREE

3. WEIGHT WATCHERS MOBILE

Weight Watchers Mobile provides many of the benefits of the Weight Watchers program, right there in your pocket. The Weight Watchers app allows you to count your calories, track your activity levels, look up recipes and read success stories from fellow health-enthusiasts.

Price: FREE

4. EVEREST

Everest is a fun app, because it allows you to track any goal you like. Planning to quit smoking? Always dreamed of conquering your debt? Dying to lose 15 pounds? Everest helps you set small, achievable goals, all designed to lead you straight to your own personal mountain-top.

Price: FREE

5. FIG

Fig is more focused on overall wellness and holistic practices. It allows you to establish your own wellness guide with topics ranging over various categories (Eat, Move, Refresh, Connect, Feel, Go Further). You can connect with other people and measure your progress or create action plans to help you reach specific goals .

Price: FREE

6. ZOMBIES RUN! 2

Zombies Run! 2 is almost more a game than a running app. As you run for your life on the treadmill or through your local park, you feel more like a kid playing a fantastic game, than an out-of-shape adult trying desperately to get in shape. The app provides dozens of storylines, and lets you choose your own musical accompaniment to add to the mood.

Price: $3.99 (yeah, we know. This one’s not free. But. . . ZOMBIES!!!!!)

Who needs a personal trainer! With just your Smartphone and a selection of really great apps, you can easily take control of your fitness routine. And maybe, just maybe, enjoy yourself while you’re at it.

Virginia Cunningham is a freelance health writer and fitness enthusiast living in the Los Angeles area. While personal health and wellness is her speciality, her writing, in correlation with HostPapa, also covers the tech industry, including apps reviews, social media and web hosting. 

December...Really?!?!?

Hey NeverEver's!

Wow its December. Its seriously December 1st! What happened? Where has this year gone? I am not sure and if it wasn't for this blog I am pretty sure my internal calendar would be way worse then it is. 

Anyways, it is December and I am happy to say that most of my Christmas gifts have been gotten. Its now just the odds and ends that I still need to get. I won't be getting a tree until next weekend but I can't wait! And I just got some old Christmas favorites of mine...finally! 

Yes I got them on Groupon but it was such a great deal and I love these Christmas Classics. Now I just need to get the rest of them ^_~. Plus as today is officially December I get to watch one of these badboys! Not sure which one though, and since the Hubby is feeling sick I am thinking about letting him pick! 

How was your Thanksgiving? Mine went pretty darn good. All the cooking went well, I timed the Turkey being done w/ the family coming over perfectly. However, my dessert was a little to sour for me. Cranberries and I just don't get along. 

I would like to mention that the coke you see is not mine...I am still 5 months clean, that is my Father in Laws. We can't get him to stop -_-. 

This was my plate and my ONLY plate. Not sure if it was because I cooked all day and just wasn't that hungry or if I actually learned about portion control. Anyways, I filled my plate w/ my Spinach and Apple Salad, Roasted California Golden Potatoes w/ Pepper and Garlic, Roasted Carrots and Walnuts and my Turkey w/ Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce. 

I did have some of the dessert that was brought by my cousin. She brought home made flan and plain cheesecake. I did have 1 slice of each and they were delicious!

I hope that your Thanksgiving was guilt free, drama free, wonderful time w/ your family and friends!

Did anyone go shopping on Black Friday? Usually for me I don't go out, well not for a few years, but this year we just decided to go. But it wasn't for a gift for anyone else...it was for ourselves! 

Yup Hubby and I got ourselves a new T.V. This thing is a beauty and it is a wonder that it took us so long to get one! Its a Samsung 55 in 3D. Wonderful...I can't wait to watch the Christmas specials on this thing!!

So what are you plans this Holiday? The healthy plans that is. Mine is pretty simple with only 2 challenges that I am doing this month. (what thats small compared to last year!)

I found #Elf4Health last year and it was amazing! Lindsay and Ellie are doing it again and you can still join! Today's challenge is to do 100 burpees (yay -_-) but I will get it done. 

I am also doing a BeachBody Challenge Group as well. I have decided to take the Brazil Butt Lift Master Series for 30 Day challenge. And I am planning on doing the workout in the mornings...since my work schedule has changed and I don't have to be into work until 8am. So since I am used to waking up a little earlier then I need to for a 8am schedule I am going to be using that time to work out. 

Okay NeverEver's its time for me to take care of my sick hubby and enjoy my lazy Sunday! I hope you all have a wonderful one and may your Monday be light! 

Guest Post - How to Have a Happy & Healthy Holiday (Protein please, Hold the gluten!)

Hey NeverEver's!

It is now officially 2 days away from T-Day or otherwise known as Turkey Day. So of course this Tuesday I had to have a special Thanksgiving Guest Post and I found one! A special thanks to Amber from Eats & Exercise Amber for coming up with this post about having a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

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Thanksgiving.  The table is set, the turkey is cooling and everyone gathers together.  Around the table family and friends, one by one say what they are thankful for.  While everyone else is treasuring this moment, if you have Celiac Disease, food allergies, or intolerance's, you’re more concerned if whether your host is going to unintentionally poison you.  It’s hard to give thanks when you’re worried about the serious complications accidentally ingesting gluten could do to your insides…

Dealing with a diagnosis of Celiac or other food limiting conditions/intolerance's can be tough, especially when it comes to events that are revolved around food.  I was sure that my first gluten free Thanksgiving would be awful but it wasn't!  Instead, I survived, thrived even, with not an ounce of gluten accidentally ingested AND I educated my whole family on cross contamination and why we couldn't mix up the spoons for gravy and stuffing.

This year, I found out that I wouldn't be able to go home for Thanksgiving.  So instead, I would be spending it with my boyfriend and his family.  While most girls would be excited, I was at first anxious and uncomfortable.  The whole idea made me feel sick as if I had already been glutened!  His family doesn't know my dietary needs that well and often forget that in addition to gluten, I cannot have lactose.  So, after a few weeks of worrying and planning out possible what if scenarios, I decided that enough was enough and that it was time to take charge of the situation because if I wasn't going to ensure my health and safety then who was?

So, if you are experiencing your first gluten free Thanksgiving or spending the holiday with those who may not be familiar with your needs, here are my five tips on how to have a healthy and happy holiday!

ABOVE ALL ELSE-
Talk to your host about everything.  Whether you feel as if you are being annoying or not, you are your own best advocate and if you don’t speak up, it could result in you becoming sick.

1. Not all turkey’s are gluten free – tell your host this ASAP

Do your research and provide your host with a list of safe and unsafe turkeys.  For example, Butterball turkey is not gluten free, Wegmans’ brand is.  When broaching this subject, remember to be polite and courteous, do not demand they buy a certain brand, say something like, “I did a little research and found out that not all turkeys were gluten free.  This was something I wasn't aware of, so I found a list of safe and unsafe brands for you to keep in mind when you’re shopping please”

2. Ask your host what the menu/meal plan is. 
Most families have a typical menu for every year, so it should not be too difficult to ask this in advance.  If your host is unsure, then go over what ingredients that you cannot have, such as breadcrumbs in the stuffing, specific broths that are not gluten free for basting the turkey, gravy mixes that use wheat flour, etc.  You may need to write this down for your host or send them an email list.  If you think that they will forget, then write it down or email it to them whether they want you to or not.  Also, remind them closer to the day of about specifics you talked about!  Depending on your host, they may be willing to make some changes to their meal menu so you can enjoy as many side dishes as possible. 

3. Provide ingredients for the host to cook with. 
Most “normal” people do not keep lactose free butter, gluten free bread crumbs, xatham gum, rice flour, etc. in their house nor do they need to!  If your host is willing to cook with your ingredient substitutions, provide them with the ingredients.  For example: gluten free croutons/bread crumbs for the stuffing, lactaid milk, and lactose free butter for the mashed potatoes

4.  Offer to help cook
If your host is using your “special ingredients” or says that they are using naturally gluten free items, offer to help them cook.  I know it always makes me feel better when I have prepared or helped prepare the food I plan on eating.  This ensures that there has been no contamination because I have watched it like a hawk.  Plus, your offering to cook helps lessen the burden on the hosting chef, who probably is just as nervous about serving you, as you are about eating their food!

5. Don’t let yourself be deprived! Bring your own sides AND dessert!
Your host should be able to provide you with a gluten free turkey (since there are plenty of brand options out there) but as for side dishes, well that could be a whole different story, especially if it’s great great great grandma’s recipe that is a tradition to be made, as is.  If this is the case, make your own sides!  If you are traveling, pack a cooler with your pre-cooked sides and when you arrive on location, politely ask where you can store your own prepared sides.  Just before dinner, pop your own options into the microwave.  If you feel embarrassed or silly doing this, don’t.  You are being smart and allowing yourself to enjoy what YOU want to eat on this holiday!  If you are staying on location, bring your own ingredients to prepare your own sides.  For my gluten free, dairy free Thanksgiving feast this year, I know that I am going to have to make my own sides.  After talking to my boyfriend’s mom, I realized that although there would be some gluten free items for me, there would not be lactose free items.  I am extremely sensitive to whole milk and butter, so instead of having a bare plate, I plan on making my own sides!  I will be replacing milky mashed potatoes with a sweet potato, gluten filled biscuits with a few slices of cornbread I made already made a batch of and froze, and cream of mushroom gluten-filled green bean casserole with green beans and mushrooms sautéed with a little olive oil.  While it may not be the easiest thing to have to cook for myself and travel with my food, it also isn’t easy to sit at a table and watch everyone else eat what I cannot have.  In addition to side dishes, don’t forget about dessert!  If you’re an avid baker, bake something for everyone.  If you don’t feel like making enough for everyone, make a single portion of a sweet treat you would like to have while everyone else is eating dessert!

I hope that these tips helped!

Stay happy & healthy

Liked what you read?
Check out my website: http://www.eatsandexercisebyamber.com
for recipes, fitness tips, and positive body image promotion

Guest Post - Tabata Workout Post

Hey NeverEver's,

Sorry about not being here yesterday...my computer hates me. It was stuck doing those Windows updates for a day and a half and once I was ready to just get on the Hubby's computer, well that one thought it was a good idea for updates as well. So therefore computers hate me.

But that wont stop me from posting this amazing workout today. Which I did this morning. And man did it kick my behind. It really did, but it was just enough kicking where I wanted to complete it.

Those Mule Kicks may be making it hard to sit today...maybe. Anyways, I am proud to present this workout to all of you. I can do it....you can do it! I just know it!

You can find more of these workouts from Julie Auler and her blog Grace. Lace and Iron be sure to check it out!

Sunday Food Prep

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Sunday. Is it just me or did this weekend fly by? I swear that it was just Friday yesterday and now its Sunday.

Has anyone started planning for Thanksgiving yet? In my family it is me who does the Thanksgiving dinner. I don't mind its just a ton of planning for a family my size. I am thinking about doing a quinoa stuffing I saw on pinterest (if I can find it again). It seemed like a good alternative to bread. Also, I am going to try and make a pie (and to use Thanksgiving as a cheat day of course). But, since it will be my first pie ever made I am still considering it.

However, it is Sunday and that means Food Prep or at least for me getting my recipes ready so I know exactly what I am making on each day. Except for Tuesday as I am going to the dentist and will most likely be having left overs...or something.

So here is my week plan.

Monday - I am craving this one again - French Onion Soup

Tuesday - If I feel up to it w/ the dentist - Pasta and Broccoli

Wednesday - Grilled Steak Fajitas

Thursday - I have been wanting to try this - Oven Fried Chicken

Friday - Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sat and Sun I will be doing left overs. There should be more then enough for not only lunch but to survive until Sunday. If not I shall improvise ^_~.

Yup so this is my plan. Of course I will be loading up on veggies / fruit for snacks in between all of the dinners. I am really looking forward to this week and seeing what I can do for myself!

Okay NeverEver's, it is time to enjoy...well almost enjoy, my Saints beat the 49er's (please please please!). So I am leaving you all with my plans.

What is your Food Planning for this week?

Motivational Thursday

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Thursday! The week is almost done and the weekend is almost here. Not to mention that Thanksgiving is coming soon.

Seriously, its coming and I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. Cause I am the one in the family that cooks the dinner. Last year it wasn't a bad turkey if I do say so myself but this year I want to do even better. How?

I am thinking about making my first pie!

Yup a pie! I haven't made the decision if to do it or not but its there...in the back of my head...making me think about pies at random moments.

Anyways, on to my day so far and then...Motivational Thursday!!

So I started my day off right! Shakeology, Coffee and Water. Plus my Shakeology is in a Saints Cup!!

I killed my lunch workout for the #LBDWorkout! I even did 15 close squats and 15 wide leg squats at the end of my Thursday workout. Plus some left over soup from SkinnyTaste, a Broccoli, Cheese and Potato Soup

 

But I had almost forgot about my wallsit challenge. Well I am going to do it when I came home but I decided that it wasn't a good idea to wait. Especially since I am going to be doing my spin class tonight. So in comes the work wallsit! 

Now on to the Motivation!! 

Okay NeverEver's! It is time for me to get back to the grindstone! I will see you all late! Have a great Thursday and even better weekend! 

Guest Post - Easy Tips To Help Anyone With Kidney Disease Remain Super Positive

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Tuesday! I have to be honest with you all today the weekend can't come fast enough...or at least 4 pm so I can go home and take a nap. I have been feeling exhausted but I know that is just my cold leaving my body.

However, today is the day for Guest Posts and it is all about the Kidney! Now that little organ in our body is something I never really thought about too much before until about 3 years ago I got a Kidney Infection. And then suddenly everything I thought about was the Kidney. So when I was approached to have a Guest Post about Kidney Disease and how to be positive throughout it I jumped at it. Because, maybe if there was something like this before I got my infection it wouldn't have been so hard.

So without further ado I present the Guest Post ---

You've just been diagnosed with kidney disease and the news has just totally flipped your life upside down. You’re sitting there and you really don’t know what to do. What’s going to happen and will your life ever be the same again? 

Once the initial shock is over, you start to have a lot of talks with various different kidney disease specialists but no matter what advice they give you… deep down you just feel like nobody understands what you’re going through. You just want this whole mess to disappear and for your old life to come back to you.

In official terms an individual that goes through illness will actually experience 4 different phases which include denial, anger, depression and acceptance. These phases together are known as the Kubler Ross cycle.

But if you want to overcome kidney disease and move into good health you need to go from the denial phase to having an extremely positive outlook for your future. This will not only make it easier both mentally and emotionally but it will actually help you get into good health a lot faster too.

There are various research studies out there such as the work done by Dr Candace Pert which shows that the mind has an extremely powerful affect on the body.

This is why it’s so important that you make sure that you remain in a positive frame of mind at all times. Whether it be good times or bad times you have to stay positive at all times.

You also want to avoid being one of those people that keeps bouncing about from being happy one moment and sad the next. This will surely just leave you physically and emotionally distressed. Instead of this why not just follow the tips below to remain in a positive mental state at all times!

Work To Get Rid of All The Negative Labels You Have On Yourself!

The truth is that whenever anything goes wrong in people’s lives the first thing they usually do is start to mentally torture themselves over and over again.

Instead of just accepting the failure as part of life and moving on they keep thinking about it and keep telling themselves that it was because of them that everything seems to fail. But calling yourself a failure is not going to do anything but result in you getting sad and depressed. Stop doing this to yourself… focus on the positive and on moving towards good health.

Your Current Problems Are Your Greatest Assets

Take 5 minutes of your time and study the most successful people on this planet and you’ll realise that they all have one thing in common. That is that they all went through periods of extreme hardship and instead of letting the situation get them down they used it as motivation to move forward and get amazing results.

Your current situation with kidney disease is no different. You have the opportunity to actually move forward, overcome kidney disease and get into the best health of your life. Not only that but you actually have the chance to make some amazing discoveries about yourself.

I’ve found that every single person out there is different and so depending on who you are, you’ll make unique discoveries about yourself. I’ve known people who as a result of their experience with illness have gone on to really start paying attention to their loved ones… others have actually gone on to start appreciating their own lives on a whole new level!

So what discoveries are you going to end up making about yourself? Well, only you can really answer that! But keep in mind that this disease is merely a blessing in disguise!

Begin To View Every Problem As a Challenge You’ll Solve Step by Step

You see if you analyse the Great Pyramids of Giza then you’ll notice that it was the result of putting one brick on top of another, again and again until the whole pyramid was done. 

There was no shortcut, and it wasn’t done overnight. But if you take a look at people today then it’s really sad to see that most people end up giving up well before they even get started because they feel that the journey ahead of them is just going to be too hard or just impossible.

But I want to tell you right now that nothing on this planet is hard as long as you’re prepared to put in the work and stay committed to getting the job done.  Not even kidney disease will be able to stay around if you’re persistent and never give up!

But you must remember that the only way to achieve anything is to take it one step at a time until you have gotten to where you want to be.

Start To Really Appreciate All The Good Things in Your Life

You seriously need to develop a sense of gratitude because doing so will help you to constantly focus on the good things in your life rather than all the things that aren’t going so well. 

To make this a regular part of your life, I’d recommend that you start each day by writing a list of all the things that you are seriously grateful for. 

Whatever it is that you feel really grateful for, just write it down. Keep repeating this habit every single day and you’ll get to a point where you’re going to feel great all the time. Being at this point is really amazing because it’ll help you focus completely on the things you need to do in order to get into amazing health in record time… instead of just focusing on all the negative elements and end up getting nowhere.

So there you go folks, all the tips you need to implement to get into a really positive frame of mind. Remember it’s only when you’re in a positive state that you’ll be able to make all the best choices in regards to your health! So get out there and make sure that you are implementing the advice I’ve shared here.

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If you enjoyed reading this article then be sure to check out Jenny's blog over at kidneydietcure.com where she tries her best to help as many people as possible overcome kidney disease and live a healthy and meaningful life :) You can also find her over at Twitter.

Laryngitis How I Hate You

Hey NeverEver's!

I swear to you there is nothing worse then being sick but not feeling sick...unless you start doing something physical. That is how I am feeling with my Laryngitis. I feel fine. No fever, no headaches, no throat hurting, no coughing (ok some they don't come often) and no body aches. Yet when I am faced with climbing upstairs (like at work) by the top I am winded and dying. So this is why I am seriously hating on Laryngitis. It isn't fair. I hate being sick and I haven't had this particular cold since I was a kid and I remember my throat was hurting a lot more back then.

Anyways, the worst part is the whole 'I can't even go upstairs how am I to workout' deal. I want to workout. I have my barre, bikram and boot camp to finish this month. I wanted to finish strong, I wanted to show myself that I could do it. But nature had other plans for me. Nature (or at least my body) told me NO you are going to take a break. I have tried to fight it, with my 5k last Saturday, and at times I succeeded but for now I have to take it easy.

So what does all of this mean for me? Besides the fact that I can't work out or do anything more then just walk around? Well it means tons of

So admittedly this is my struggle. I mean I have given up Soda's for 2 1/2 months and counting! But beyond that I still have my sweets, I still eat out and although I am cooking more at home it just isn't enough. So while I was at lunch feeling sorry for myself (hey I can't talk and I can't work out I am allowed a moment of self pity) it hit me. Why not make the rest of this week all about clean eating. Do something that your body will appropriate even if you cant do anymore burpees (my boot camp instructor loves these horrible creations) currently.

But I know if I try to do to much at the same time (unlike too much working out) I am going to get over whelmed. However, it does seem to work, at least for me, that if I make 1 or 2 changes at a time with my eating clean that I can stick with it. For proof please look at the fact that I can't stand the taste of soda anymore and I do not even crave it. Oh and I have given up white sugars. Oh and plus no more splenda or white sugar cane. I either do Stevia (which I admit I am still getting used to the taste of it) or Brown sugar cane.

So here are my options.

Now to be completely honest I don't think I am ready for Paleo yet. I mean I still eat In-N-Out for lunch or go out on the weekends. That type of dedication to eating is something to be looked upon with awe but with the knowledge that I am just not there.

So that leaves clean eating. Which is nicely broken down here for me. So what exactly am I going to focus on?

• More Fruits and Veggies in my life. Which includes during lunch, dinner AND as Snacks
• More Water...Seriously I need at least 4 of my purple bottle (20 oz) a day
• Since I am not working out...cook but just for me. Don't want the family getting sick
• Stay away from processed foods. 

I have included a guide on here, for me and for you, on what basically clean eating food is. I am printing this out as I head to the grocery store tonight after work. 

Looking at my list of things that I want to change most of them are doable. Actually, they all are but the one I am probably going to have the most issue with is the 'Stay away from Processed Foods' one. I mean lets me honest it is so much easier getting processed foods even if you don't mean too. I tried getting corn off a cob and it was a pain. A real pain so I still buy canned goods. Maybe I should just stay away from corn...

Anyways, I am ready for this challenge. I am ready to do something else for my body that I have been neglecting. 

So that is my plan for the rest of the week. Or at least until I can go back up the stairs without being winded. Hopefully, that happens soon!

GuestPost - Essential CrossFit Gear to Put on Your Wish list

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Tuesday. I am sorry I wasn't there on Sunday (6 Flags I was exhausted by the time I got back home) and yesterday as you know I was in a bog battle with bite size candies...in which I lost. However, I may have lost yesterday but I am not losing today! But, that isn't what this post is all about. This post is about CrossFit and what you need to succeed at this amazing sport and workout.

So get out your pinterest and your wishlists Virginia is about to show us what we are going to be looking for under that Christmas tree this year ^_~

Essential CrossFit Gear to Put on Your Wish list

While it’s true that CrossFit is simpler in structure than a lot of other workout options, it does require some solid, reliable equipment.

The program involves aerobics, gymnastics and Olympic style weightlifting--combining all of them into a fast-paced, highly intense program that’s certainly not for the faint of heart. The equipment they use can be slim to none, and the idea is even based on getting away from the gym-style machines and equipment.

However, that doesn’t mean that you can forgo the gear to take full advantage of CrossFit, particularly if you want to implement a CrossFit-style workout routine at home.

Here are a few items that you’ll want to have on hand, whether you’re attending CrossFit classes, or doing the exercises on your own in the garage:

1. Lifting belt -- Since there is a lot of Olympic-style lifting in CrossFit, you’ll need a reliable lifting belt to use for cleans, deadlifts and some of the other movements that are hard on your spinal cord and lower back.

A lot of CrossFit members will even bring their own belts to class as opposed to using what is provided.

2. Jump rope -- A good jump rope is something that you'll need for both classes and the home-based routines. Not only that, but a jump rope is something that you will want to break-in and get used to. Having your own that’s the right length and weight for you is going to be a lot better than switching them up constantly.

3. Pull Up bar -- You can buy pull-up bars that can hitch onto a door frame and be taken down at a whim. They’re a simple alternative to more complicated pull-up bar systems that need to be installed in a garage or outdoors.

Since pull-ups are such an integral part of the CrossFit program, it doesn’t hurt to at least have one available to you at home.

4. Plyo box -- Plyometrics and jumping exercises are a big part of the aerobic segment of CrossFit, and all you really need to do most of the exercises is a sturdy plyometrics box. See if you can get one that you can adjust the height on.

5. Gymnast rings -- The gymnastics exercises are primarily done by using just your bodyweight and no props, although gymnast rings can really expand the amount of movements you can do, while still using just your body weight.

They’re a bit pricey in most cases, but they’re worth it, even if just a small segment of your workout is gymnastics focused.

6. Good shoes -- The intensity and quick pace of CrossFit is unforgiving, and if you don’t have a good pair of shoes to work out in, you’re going to be at somewhat of a disadvantage.

Spring for a good pair of workout shoes that fit your feet well, provide some cushion and give you that extra jump in your step. After a few weeks of CrossFit, you’ll be glad you spent the extra money to get the higher-quality kicks.

Getting the Most Out of CrossFit

This gear is simple, but it will help you get the most out of the time you spend in a CrossFit gym. Also consider the possibility of adding a multivitamin to your diet when doing CrossFit, since the program can be so physically demanding. At a minimum, it will help you to keep your energy up and be ready for the next workout.

Whether you want to take what you’ve learned to your home, or just bring your own gear for the familiarity factor, these items will all be useful and practical for the any and all CrossFit members.

Virginia Cunningham is a freelance writer and health enthusiast in Southern California. She loves being as active as she can to keep her body healthy and in shape, and enjoys trying different styles of workouts.

Guest Post - HIIT Workout!

Hey NeverEver's!

It is Tuesday and that means that it is Guest Post Day!! Today I am really excited for. Actually ecstatic is really the word for it. Today Nicole from A Wild Horse Blog created a Workout for all of us! So lets get our gym clothes on and get ready to workout!!

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Hello NeverEver readers! I’m Nicole and I blog at A Wild Hope. I am so thrilled to be guest posting today for Alicia. I love Alicia’s approach to living a healthy lifestyle. For me, living healthily is as much about feeling balanced as it is about looking my best. I discovered many years ago that I NEED exercise in my life daily in order to feel mentally balanced. As someone who battles anxiety, I’ve found that exercise is one of the most effective ways to keep my sanity.

Over the years, I have tried an array of fitness methods: dance class, traditional cardio, distance running, strength training, pilates, yoga. You name it; I have probably done it at least once. These days, I find that I feel best about myself when I do a combination of heavy lifting and yoga throughout the week. More than any other work out, these two activities have helped me to focus on what my body can do [squat an impressive amount of weight] as opposed to how it looks or how much it weighs.

 

In order to get my heart rate up without doing traditional steady state cardio, which I find mind-numbingly boring, I try
to incorporate high intensity interval training [HIIT]. HIIT training can be done in a variety of different ways, but I like to incorporate HIIT into my strength training. This way, my workouts are short, intense and incredibly effective.

The HIIT workout I’ve put together for you today is a total body circuit. Complete 10 reps of each exercise in the set successively, without rest. Rest for 30 seconds between each set. Complete each set of exercises 3 times. See the section below the workout for explanations of each exercise

Disclaimer: I am not a certified fitness instructor. I am just someone who likes to work out. This workout should be completed at your discretion.

Exercise Explanations:

• Surfer Jumps: Stand on you mat facing the right, sink into a squat, jump and twist 180 degree, land in a squat facing the left for 1 rep.

• Burpees: Stand at the top of your mat, crouch down until your hands touch the mat right in front of your feet. Jump back until you are in plank position, jump back in and return to standing for 1 rep. * You can add a push up while in plank if you really want a challenge.

• Jumping Lunges: Sink into a lunge with your right foot forward. Push off to a jump, switching your feet in air. Land with your left foot forward in a lunge for 1 rep.

• Bicep Curls: stand with feet shoulder width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing out. Curl your arm up until you hand is parallel to your shoulder, squeezing your bicep at the top. Repeat on the opposite arm for 1 rep.

• Tricep Kickback: Holding dumbbell in each hand, bend your knees and hinge forward at the hip, keeping your back flat. Bend your arms 90 degrees, and then straighten to squeeze your triceps for 1 rep.

• Military Shoulder Press: Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Bend your arms at a 90 degree angle at the elbow, with biceps facing the ceiling, palms facing out. Press weights up by straightening your arms parallel to your head. Return to start for 1 rep.

• Sumo Squats: Stand with legs spread wide, feet turned out, hold a weight with both hands in front of your body. Sink into a deep squat, lowering the weight to the floor. Return to start for 1 rep

• Single Leg Deadlift: Holding a dumbbell in each hand, bend 1 leg slightly, and extend the other behind you. Hinge forward so that dumbbells almost touch the floor at a 90 degree angle from your body and back leg extends parallel to the floor. Return to start without placing the back leg on the floor for 1 rep.




I hope you enjoy this workout! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at wildlyhopefulnicole@gmail.com

If you want to know more about me, or see more posts on living happily and healthily stop by A Wild Hope. You can also follow me on Twitter @wildlyhopeful for updates on my latest posts.

Motivational Thursday

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Thursday. I am so looking forward to tomorrow. I have the day off and it is going to be relaxing/pampering/heart pumping/epic all at the same time. Just know it! I have Barre Class in the morning. Then the Mani / Pedi that I couldn't get to last week in the afternoon. Followed by going to the Laugh Factory w/ the Hubby to just finish the night off right!

But before I can get into that I have to finish Thursday! And man did Thursday really make me workout at Boot Camp today. Geez!

I did more Burpee's but happily only 2 mins worth...not 50 like on Monday. Then kettlebell swings, tri dips, crunches, weighted curls, leg lifts, ropes (moving them up and down), push-ups and a lap between every 2 exercises.

It was a good day. Even if I looked like a zombie warmed over when it was done.

However, now I get to relax after knowing that I left it all at the bootcamp. At least for today. Tomorrow is barre and I am ready to leave it all again! 

But now its time for Motivational Thursday!! 

And this is exactly how I am feeling right now. Well that and that it is time for bed. Getting tired. Gonna finish up my water & chia seeds and all it a night.

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend!

Guest Post - Best Regimen for College Fitness

Hey NeverEver's!

Welcome to Friday. I know that I don't usually do a post on Fridays but today I have a Guest Post that I just couldn't turn away. Especially, since school just started and we all dread that Freshman 15. 

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Starting out at college is a time of excitement, anticipation, and oftentimes, extreme nervousness. There are a whole host of prospects that can leave any freshman filled with anxiety, from making friends to maintaining good grades to knowing which classes to take. One of the biggest sources of anxiety for students, however, is unrelated to academics: A large percentage of students greatly fear the famous and dreaded freshman 15. The truth is, this isn’t an irrational fear: Most college students will gain between 15 and 25 pounds by the end of their sophomore year. One of the main causes of the freshman 15? Lack of exercise: Not only do the majority of college students not get the recommended amount of exercise, one in three just don’t exercise at all. To be fair, finding time for exercise in the midst of busy college life can be challenging, but there are some great ways that that particular hurdle can be side-stepped. Today’s infographic takes a look at the best ways for college students to stay fit—even in the middle of a dorm room. From cardio to strength training to flexibility, there’s a myriad of ways in which even the biggest of couch potatoes can beat the freshman 15.

Susan Martin is currently finishing up her communications degree and spending her free time getting real world experience by helping out and contributing to TheBestColleges.org