fitness

Review: Handana- sweatbands for running, yoga, cycling, and more!

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Although I’ve slowed down my half-marathon training to running just twice a week during the holidays, I’ll be picking up the pace soon in the New Year.

One of the things I dislike most about running is the sweat on my face. A good headband keeps my head/hair sweat from trickling down my face, but won’t do anything about my forehead sweat, etc. It’s gross talking about sweat, I know, but that’s part of working out!

Sometimes I remember to bring a little towel with me that I toss in the jogging stroller, but it’s not the most convenient thing to reach for while I’m running. If I’m running without the stroller, then the towel’s just not an option, since I have no way to carry it.

The folks at MyHandana.com sent me one of their Handanas to review. Made of a soft, durable Supplex™ Lycra™ fabric, the handana is worn wrapped around your hand. Use both sides of the Handana to easily wipe sweat from your eyes, forehead, etc. You still have complete movement of your hand and fingers, which is important if you’re biking or want to use your water bottle or open snacks.

Use your Handana for running, yoga, tennis, Zumba, etc. Multiple size and colors are available, and Handanas retail from $13.99 (on sale) to $15.99. Best yet, Handanas are made right here in the USA! See the styles HERE.

Handanas are sweat bands that slip on and wrap around your hand. They're convenient and they work! Find out more on My Life: A Work in Progress

I received the True Red on White Handana in size medium. It’s stretchy and very comfortable to wear, and I got used to the feeling of having something on my hand in just a few minutes. It fits on either hand, which is convenient. I’ve also worn the Handana over my Nike tech running gloves on a cold day.

I haven’t used one of the wrist sweatbands, so I can’t compare the two, but the Handana does a great job of soaking up sweat from my face, and it’s easy to toss in the washing machine with my workout clothes. From looking at wrist sweatbands in the store, I’d say the Handana has a much larger surface area. I’d also assume it’s easier to reach areas of your neck and face with your hand than your wrist.

You can check out Handana and follow them at the links below:

MyHandana.com | Handana on Facebook | Handana on Twitter | Handana on Pinterest

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Body after Baby, fitness

Finish the year right!

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*Post contains sponsored content.*

It’s no secret to my friends and family that I gained too much weight while pregnant. I always said I wouldn’t be one of those women who blimped and gained 70 lbs. while pregnant. But I totally was! I have a few excuses why, but the biggest reason is that I just wasn’t active enough. I’d come home to an empty apartment after a long day at work (my husband was deployed), and all I’d want to do is eat and sleep or eat and watch TV. So that’s what I did.

Pregnancy

After I had my son, I made a point of walking several times a week. If the weather was nice, I went to a local park. In bad weather, I walked around inside the mall. I’d go months without seeing a lot of results, and I wanted to give up. But I always felt better after exercising, so I continued to do it. Eventually it paid off. After 18 months postpartum, I finally reached my pre-pregnancy weight. I attribute my weight loss to a healthy diet and frequent exercise.

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Running has never been my “thing.” Walking is enjoyable, but I’ve always claimed to hate running. This fall I finally got tired of my negative mentality and decided the only way to get over it was to train for a half marathon in the Spring! In just a couple of months, I went from barely being able to run 3/4 of a mile to running 10 miles!

Here are my two tips for making running a little less sucky for moms:

  1. Run with a buddy (or several!).
  2. Buy a quality jogging stroller.

I have another mom that I run with regularly, and occasionally, other women join us. That’s the only way I could’ve made this much progress in a few months. If you don’t know anyone who wants to run…well, first try to persuade them. Maybe bribe them with coffee afterwards or something! You could also check out local meet-up groups for moms. A quick Google search should help you find other mamas in the area.

Once in a while, I still do run by myself (and Baby J, of course), but it’s difficult. I usually run longer and faster than I would’ve this summer though, before I started my running journey.

Also, a good jogging stroller is very important! I’ve only run without Baby J a couple of times. Normally, I have him with me. If it’s a cold day, I bundle him up. He’s even worn his entire snow suit before, sitting in the stroller on a cold, windy day! Baby J loves to come with me on runs. He’ll fuss if I stop moving! And if you have a baby that struggles to nap, running with a jogging stroller could be a great way to soothe your little one to sleep.

We’re approaching the new year, but before starting your resolutions…why not finish this year the right way? You still have a week and a few days. Sure, enjoy the delicious holiday foods. But why not get out there and bump up your exercise routine before 2014!

PishPoshBaby.com is an online and brick & mortar store that I’ve recommended numerous times. They have an innovative showroom in New Jersey, and their online mom expert chat support is really helpful. The site has a huge inventory of strollers and stroller accessories. Whether you’re looking for a single, double, light weight, jogger, or more, you can probably find it at PishPoshBaby.com!

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Currently, PishPoshBaby.com has a great sale on Baby Jogger strollers. You can save up to 35 percent during this year end clearance event. You can also take a sneak peek at the 2014 Baby Jogger line and sign up to be notified when they’re available. All orders $75 and up ship free from PishPoshBaby.com. Click HERE to see the sale!

How do you stay active?

Note: I received monetary compensation to promote the Baby Jogger sale at PishPoshBaby.com. However, all opinions stated are my honest opinions. They may differ from yours. Get out there, walk, and run! 

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Body after Baby

Review: Road ID wrist identification band (Body after Baby)

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When preparing for the Body after Baby fitness event, I reached out to RoadID.com to see if I could feature their products in a review. I was thrilled when they said, Yes. They sent me an e-coupon to redeem on their website, and I eventually settled on the Wrist ID Elite.

Road ID- the Wrist ID Elite. Find the review on My Life: A Work in Progress
Yes, I marked out some of my personal info…Hubby would not like any prank calls to his cell!
About and My Experiences:

Road ID was founded by a father and son team for cyclists, runners, and really for anyone who wants to get out and be active. The identification products Road ID sells include wrist IDs, shoe ID, shoe pouch ID, ankle ID, and more. The ID plates on all of these are customizable to contain information you’d want EMS to know in an emergency.

Although I often run with a jogging stroller and my son in it, sometimes it’s just me. Last week while visiting relatives, I ran alone on a path I’d never been on before. I prefer to not carry anything while running, and I don’t have a special running belt/pack. Even if you do, in an emergency, you could easily be separated from your wallet if it’s in a bag or jacket.

My ID plate has the following information: First and last name, year of birth, nationality, blood type, health insurance provider, three emergency contact phone numbers, and a motivational phrase. Knowing this information was literally attached to my wrist really reassured me while I was running alone.

I’d originally thought about getting the Wrist ID Slim. Like the name says, it’s one of Road ID’s slimmer designs. I thought I’d find it more comfortable than the Wrist ID Elite, but Hubby really encouraged me to get the Elite, because he liked the concept of a watch-style buckle, so that’s what I chose. I paid a little extra to have an “Army” badge added to my Wrist ID (in case you didn’t know, I’m an Army reservist).

The Wrist ID Elite is a little bulky, but to be honest hasn’t bothered me at all. I started wearing it immediately after receiving it, because I figured I’d get used to it then before running. And I did! I actually don’t notice it now and have even been wearing it while sleeping. If you like the concept of a Wrist ID, but aren’t sure about the bulkiness (I’m not exactly a petite woman), then I’d recommend checking out the Wrist ID Slim.

Road ID has products appropriate for men, women, and even kids and dogs! I’ve been reading through the testimonials on their website, and have been really impressed with how these IDs have helped people in emergency situations. One couple had Road IDs on both their children, and it came in handy when their youngest child disappeared from their sight at a busy zoo. An employee called the number on their child’s Road ID, and the relieved parents were reunited with their child just a few minutes later. Having emergency information attached to your person just makes sense to me!

If you’d like to know more about how they got started as well as the different products they sell (it’s not just IDs!), click HERE to reach their website.

Want to win one? You can win a $35 e-coupon to RoadID.com during the Body after Baby Fitness Event Giveaway. The giveaway starts at 5pm EST today, so make sure to return and enter!

What ways do you think you could incorporate a RoadID product into your life?

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