What is HIIT???

HIIT is the acronym for “High-Intensity Interval Training” and it serves as a great workout option for someone who wants to burn a serious amount of calories in a small amount of time.  Basically, HIIT workouts consist of periods of max or sub-max effort exercise utilizing the larger muscle groups (legs, chest, back, etc.) combined with shorter rests or low activity phases.

The goal of HIIT is to fatigue the muscle group quickly without allowing enough time for the muscle to fully recover during the rest period.  This will cause the pexels-photo-209968muscle to lack oxygen and enter the anaerobic phase, essentially burning more calories.  These exercises can be done with or without external weights, depending on your level of fitness.

A good example of a HIIT exercise program is Tabata, which entails doing an exercise, such as Mountain Climbers, at your highest intensity for 20 seconds then resting for 10 seconds and repeating 8 times for one set.   One full set should equal exactly 4 minutes, which may sound easy…until you try it!  Depending on how much time you have will determine how many “sets” to do.  Only have 20 minutes to squeeze in a workout?  Then go for 1 set of 4 different exercises, leaving 4 minutes for a cool down/stretch at the end (you WILL need it!).

pexels-photo-175708Studies have shown that HIIT exercise is a great way to increase muscular strength as well as improve cardiovascular performance.  This type of training can be a fun way to spice up a mundane workout schedule and will continuously challenge your muscles in new ways.  So give it a try the next time you’re pressed for time but want to get it a quick, yet effective, calorie burner in…you’ll thank me!

Remember…go at your own pace, small progress IS progress just the same!  Love yourself.  Love your body and ALL that it does for you.  YOU are beautiful!

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Athlete Spotlight

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We are looking for inspiring athletes to spotlight each week.  Tell us your story:

  • What made you decide to start your fitness journey?
  • What are some of your biggest successes?
  • How do you stay motivated?
  • What have you learned along your fitness journey?
  • Who inspires you?

Each week we will showcase a new athlete and their fitness story.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: SMARTSHAKE

What is it?

Smartshake is a stackable “smart” container for food or drinks or both.  The original series includes 3 levels of storage.  The largest layer at the top holds 20 or 27 oz, depending on the size, and has a twist on lid with a flip top cover over the opening that seals it air tight.  In lieu of a traditional wire shaker ball, the Smartshake utilizes a snap on “power” mixer screen.  The smallest section in the middle comes with a removable organizer.  The third, bottom section is a little larger and can also be used for storage.

Photo courtesy of Smartshake.com
Photo courtesy of Smartshake.com

The Smart shake is made from a recycleable BPA free material, is dishwasher and microwave safe and food grade approved.  It currently comes in 9 interchangeable colors.

Where can I get it?

The Smartshake is available in over 90 countries and can be found at most major health stores.  You can also purchase your  SmartShake Original 27 oz. Gunsmoke Black Shaker Bottle on Amazon for around $10 + shipping.

Overall:  I am obsessed with my Smartshake.  I literally use it EVERY day!  I can pack my pre-workout, BCAA’s and protein powder all in one place to take to the gym.  Not to mention the fact that it comes apart for easy cleaning alone, makes it my go-to shaker bottle. Check out my sweet stacking technique right HERE.

I’ll admit I was really doubtful at first about the snap-on power mixer since I am one of those people with a dozen or so wire shaker balls in various shapes and sizes floating around my cabinets.  But I will say that I am pleasantly surprised how nicely the mixer…well, mixes. Bonus:  It is really nice not to hear that annoying shaker ball clanging around with every step I take around the gym, at least no clanging ball sounds from me anyway;)

Another great feature about this shaker is that this thing is durable.  I cannot tell you how man times I have dropped it or dropped something on it and it still looks brand new.   I go through shaker bottles pretty fast and I’m picky about durability.

I’ve thrown the Smartshake in the microwave with no issues to heat up soup.  I haven’t, however, tested it in the freezer because I simply haven’t had a reason to freeze anything in it, but I’m pretty sure it would be ok as well.

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed my review…keep on, Smart-shakin!

 

 

This is an honest review.  I am in no way endorsed or affiliated with Smartshake.

 

 

PRODUCT REVIEW: MTS VASKY

 

What is it?

Vasky is a non-stimulant pre-workout pump inducer that can be taken alone or stacked with another stimulant-based pre-workout.

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Photo courtesy tigerfitness.com

What is in it?

  • Taurine, an amino acid that pulls H20 into muscle and promotes muscle strength and endurance
  • HydroMax, MTS’s exclusive formula blend of glycerol and silica that increases endurance
  • Nitrosigine, increases nitric oxide and silicon blood levels, patented and accepted by the Food and Drug Administration
  • Vitamin C
vaskyfacts
Photo couresy of tigerfitness.com

Where can I get it?

Vasky, and all other MTS products, can be found at Tigerfitness.com

Overall:  When founder and CEO of MTS Nutrition, Marc Lobliner, created MTS Vasky he strived for a non-stim pump enhancer with little to no flavor.  And that is exactly what Vasky is!  A refreshing, smooth burst of power that doesn’t leave you jittery long after your workout.

This stuff is awesome!  You can take it alone or stacked with your favorite stimulant pump enhancer for an even higher burst of energy for those heavy lifting sessions.  I’ve personally used it both ways and saw a huge difference in my energy level and endurance.

I’m not sure if this is even an intentional perk of MTS Vasky, but I definitely noticed an increase in mental focus and memory.

With 30 servings per container and a price point of just $19.99 +shipping, Vasky is a home-run pre-workout for beginner/moderate athletes looking to take their program to the next level!

 

This is an honest review.  I am not endorsed by nor do I have any  affiliation with MTS or Tigerfitness.com.