If you recall, I posted that I was sent the Zumba Fitness workout to review as a Shine from Yahoo! Get it Guide insider.  We talked about at home workouts and I mentioned that I would be doing the review in addition to a giveaway here on the blog.

It will be some time before I get to the full review as I have not had the chance to experience the entire program yet due to traveling.  But I do have good news….we are going to go ahead and get the giveaway started!

From what I have experienced so far with the Zumba Fitness workout program, I love!  I can’t wait to do more.

I CAN tell you that it has some GREAT music including Reggae which totally sold me.  If you want to burn some calories this is a fun workout to do it with.

CONTEST IS OVER

Congrats to Alexis who won the Zumba package!

So if you are ready for the chance to win the Zumba Fitness workout, let’s get started (U.S. residents only please).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

One of the best Polar heart rate monitors!

It’s one of the best in my opinion anyway ha ha.  The Polar FT60 that I’m giving away this time around is the same one that I own and is the woman’s black heart rate monitor (the one pictured above).  And I love it!  It does NOT come with the Polar FlowLink that helps you keep track of your training online so I highly recommend investing in that.

This heart rate monitor is perfect if you are committed to working out.  Learn more about the benefits of heart rate monitor training and here’s why you should use fitness training heart rate monitors!

And now for the giveaway (US residents only please).  With the new blog design comes a new way to enter for my giveaways. Here we go…

*I was NOT paid to write this post and all reviews of products mentioned are my own.

 

The winner of the Polar heart rate monitor giveaway is Missy!  CONGRATS!  I’ll be emailing you here in a bit and sending on your email address to Polar.

Thanks to everyone for entering and checking out the Polar products.  I sure hope you’ll try them sometime. We are very impressed with the company and their products.

Big thanks to Polar for this giveaway opportunity!

 

A few months ago, I told you about the benefits of heart rate monitor training. Polar is our go to heart rate monitor and I use mine almost every day. I’m able to see how my fitness training progresses and I love it.  When I see that I burned 800+ calories spinning, I always try to beat my last number and do better. Polar rocks my world!

One of my favorite things lately is that I can share my Polar training diary with anyone I want!  I have been posting my workouts to my personal Twitter profile via Polar Personal Trainer. So cool!  I also share my daily workouts over on Facebook.  Come join us for accountability.

I’ll let the video below do the rest of the talking about why it’s important to train with heart rate monitors…

Polar has awesome products, is an awesome company and that is why I am one of their ambassadors.  And with that comes awesome opportunities for everyone!  YOU my lucky and faithful readers now have the chance to enter to win one of  the FT4 Polar heart rate monitors (pictured above).  How cool is that?

*Giveaway has now ended*

So here’s what you need to do by , November 9, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern:

Go to Shop Polar and tell me what product you would put on your wishlist (mine would be the RS300X SD just because I love the look of the watch and the orange color)

Extra entries (separate comments for each)

1) Tweet this giveaway (you can use any fitness hashtag you like #fitblog #polarusa, #fitfluential #giveaway whatever fits)

2) “LIKE” Losing It and Loving It on Facebook (if you already do just comment letting me know, you can still get an extra entry)

Due to my travel schedule I will have to pick the winner on Monday, November 14, 2011 so thank you in advance for your patience.

**I was NOT paid to write this post and all reviews of Polar are my own.

 

I reviewed the Wasa flatbread crackers a while back and was sent the crispbreads to try this time.  AND you all get a chance to win some too!

Wasa crispbreads are the perfect snack for the health-conscious.  They are hearty, fiber rich and made with all natural ingredients. They come in many tasty varieties. My favorite is the sesame!

And like the Wasa flatbread crackers these can also be used in variety of ways. I like to spread goat cream cheese on them or add sliced tomato.  And I have replaced a slice of bread with the Wasa crackers at meals (great low fat alternative).  You can find more great ideas in their Recipe Gallery.

I have been really impressed with not only the products but also the connection with the company.  Wasa’s head offices are in Sweden and has flatbread production facilities in Sweden, Germany and Norway.  How cool would it be to visit them?  Keep an eye out on Newton’s Travels to see if we ever make it there *wink*

Giveaway:

Giveaway is for U.S. entries only

I like to keep it simple so all you need to do to enter is to tell us how you would dress up your crispbreads.

For a second entry, LIKE Wasa on Facebook.  Be sure to leave a separate comment here on the blog letting us know you did.

Winner will be sent the three boxes of Wasa crispbreads pictured above. Yum!  Have fun thinking of unique ideas for your crispbreads and please tell your friends and family about the giveaway too.

Giveaway ends Monday, October 3, 2011

*Disclaimer:  As stated above, Wasa has sent me these products for review/sampling purposes.

 

Happy National Running Day!

Many people today are celebrating the day by running races and just getting out there doing the sport they love most.  Here are 10 Ways to Celebrate National Running Day.  I give runners a TON of credit and maybe one day will be able to do it myself.

Of course you’ll need a really good pair of shoes and the ProSpeed Skechers running shoe is just what the doctor ordered.  ProSpeed Skechers is a highly sophisticated line that incorporates Smart Shoe (TM) technology, allowing you to run as nature intended.  The proprietary design enables a mid-foot strike which helps your foot get off the ground faster and minimizes injury.  The design stimulates barefoot running.  You can train like a pro with these shoes and the Smart Shoe (TM) technology helps to optimize each stride plus it’s lightweight so it’s a great training and racing shoe.

I’m actually just about ready for a couple pair of new shoes (running and cross trainers) so the info I’m sharing today comes at the right time.  The more I read about this shoe, the more I like it.  They have a channel on You Tube so you can learn more about them via video (You Tube is not playing friendly with me today, it keeps freezing my computer so I can’t link to it)  And I love the color options of these shoes.  I would be torn between the Blue/Green (shown above) and the Charcoal/Lt-Blue one.  There is also Black/White with some pink and Pink too.  Of course these are the women’s but they have some pretty cool color options for the guys as well.

Now for the REALLY COOL NEWS…..Skechers has graciously offered up one pair of their ProSpeed Skechers running shoes to giveaway at the end of the 30 Days to Better Healthy Living challenge here on the blog. How fun!  I just updated that post so take a peek.

How will you celebrate National Running Day?

 

Have you ever heard of the Bender Ball?  I had always been intrigued when I saw it on TV but never got around to purchasing it.  Just recently I was offered the Bender Ball free to review here on the blog and I jumped at the chance to try it out. I love to have a variety of workout options at home and I thought Bender Ball exercises might be a good addition to my home ‘gym’.

“The Bender Ball workout program is a great addition to your workout routine to keep things interesting and/or give you a good kick for the extra calories packed into the holiday season. It is a must-have for the home gym, but is small and convenient enough to be taken anywhere you go; the office, the gym, park or while traveling.”

I like the fact that it’s easy to take anywhere I need to.  I’ll most likely be taking it to the gym to show my trainer and add to our workouts and to possibly use in the weekly Pilates class hubby and I go to.  In Pilates, I have some hip issues so I tried a few Pilates moves at home using the Bender Ball.  Instead of lying flat on the floor, I put the Bender Ball under me and it relieved so much stress on my hips/back.  Cannot wait to take it to Pilates class. UPDATE: Took the Bender Ball to Pilates and it was awesome!  There was much less hip discomfort when I used it and boy does it give your abs a rockin’ burn.  I didn’t use it the whole class but rather for just a few moves.  I’m definitely taking it back to Pilates.   And of course, I’ll travel with it as well since it’s so easy to transport and can easily be deflated and inflated.

“The Bender Method of Core Training puts exercisers in the perfect position to sculpt and strengthen muscles.  Using the Bender Ball increases range of motion by adding an extension back with flexion forward while doing a standard crunch. The Bender Ball allows for changes in intensity by simply adjusting the leverage of your body or slightly inflating or deflating the ball. Made with a slip resistant surface to prevent slipping and the need for constant readjustment, it is available on www.benderball.com.”

My personal trainer, Scott has been adding more core work to our sessions and I love it.  I figured the Bender Ball exercises would be a great addition too.  You all know I love the stability ball and this is almost the same type of work it’s just a much smaller ball and harder to balance on.  You can inflate it to 6-9 inches around.  Boy does the core get engaged on this puppy ha ha  And I love that when you do crunches on it, you can lean back so it’s not like a normal crunch where you go all the way to the floor.  The DVD that came with the ball was quick and there were 3 intensity levels and the moves were explained very well.  I will probably only watch it one more time and will have the moves down so I won’t need to use it again where with most workout videos you need it to workout.  I look forward to spending more time using the Bender Ball to see if it will really make a difference.  Here is the video and although a bit corny OK a lot corny with the “I love my abs” ha ha, it really shows the moves you can do with the ball. There are a few more Pilates moves in there that I can’t wait to try in class.

You really never know with some of these “As Seen on TV” products but so far so good with the Bender Ball.  I like it!

And now for the exciting news……..

GIVEAWAY TIME (giveaway has now ended)

Congrats to Carrie, comment #3 was chosen via Random.org (I have the screen print of this but it won’t post on the blog so I can email it if needed)

One of my blog readers can win a Bender Ball package!  It’s really simple to enter.

Just leave a comment here on the blog telling me what your favorite core/ab workout is and you’ll be entered for a chance to win.

For extra entries (separate comment for each please)

*Tweet this giveaway

*Mention this giveaway on Facebook

*Follow Losing It and Loving It on Facebook

Giveaway ends and winner will be chosen on Thursday, November 4th, 2010.  I will update this blog post with the winner’s name next week.  Winner will have 2 days to respond or a new name will be drawn.

 

Hubby and I had the chance to try out some Subway breakfast options thanks to their PR company who sent me a $10 gift card.  Kev and I ordered 2 breakfast sandwiches and hash browns.  I had an egg white cheese sandwich with green peppers and onions and Kev had the Black Forest Ham, Egg and Cheese sandwich.  Both were delish and the service as usual was great.

The Subway breakfast items are affordable and provide fresh and healthier options that can be customized to YOUR taste that include veggies, sauces, cheese and meat toppings.  You can even choose your own bread, an english muffin, sub or flatbread.  You should really try a Subway breakfast!

And lucky for you, I have THREE Subway gift cards to give away!

Giveaway Time!

Giveaway is for U.S. entries only.

It’s simple to enter…just visit the Subway breakfast page and tell me what item(s) you would choose or if you have already had the chance to try out their breakfast, share your favorite Subway breakfast option.

Giveaway ends and winners will be chosen on Saturday, May 8th after noon Central time.  Winners will have 2 days to respond or a new winner(s) will be chosen.

For extra entries, you can follow Subway Fresh Buzz on Twitter and/or follow the Subway ‘fan’ page on Facebook.  Be sure to leave a separate comment here on the blog for each additional entry. Have fun and be sure to tell your friends about the giveaway too.

I heart Subway!

*Disclaimer: As stated above, Subway sent me a gift card so I could sample their breakfast menu.

 

So the winners are as follows and I have emailed you so please respond soon.

The Eat Clean Diet Recharged book winners

#5 Linda Robinson

#10 Tishia (No More Plus Size)

#9 Scorpio Woman

#3 Mari

#4 OOPS looks like Tishia won this book twice so I’ll have to draw another number (sorry it won’t be on video but you can trust me). OK, then I chose #8 Scorpio Woman who already won as well, so next pick is

#12 Danielle

The winner of the Eat Clean Diet for Family & Kids book is

#2 Terry Johnston

Fun giveaways!  Tosca’s PR company will be sending out the Recharged books and I’ll send out the Family & Kids.  I need to hear back from the winners within 2 days or I will have to do a re-draw.

I also wanted to be sure to update you on the rebounder/trampoline challenge I had mentioned a while back. I still want to do this but I’m just not prepared for it yet so you all have time to get yourselves prepared if you would like to take the challenge.  I’m looking at the middle of March as of right now and will definitely keep you updated.

Congrats to the book winners!

 

EXTENDED UNTIL Wednesday 2/17/10 at 8 AM Eastern

It was so wonderful having Tosca Reno, The Eat Clean Diet QUEEN answer questions for us this week.  I learned so much and hope to really start to focus more on eating more whole foods.  I truly have enjoyed reading and going through all of her Eat Clean Diet books and cookbooks and FIVE of you now have a chance to win her Eat Clean Diet Recharged book and ONE of you will have a chance to win the Eat Clean Diet for Family and Kids cookbook.  What a generous offer!

Tosca Reno’s The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged book is a larger, revised and fully updated edition that offers in-depth information on: non-threatening exercise – extending and improving your life – getting and staying motivated – getting rid of cellulite – tightening your skin and combating the harsh effects of menopause Plus! Nearly 100 new pages; Total redesign; 50 new recipes; Information on eating disorders; Menu plans for different diets; The Quick Eat-Clean Diet at a glance. (source Amazon)

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Today is Saturday and you have until Tuesday at 8 AM Eastern to enter to win.  It’s simple to enter!  All you need to do is visit the Eat Clean Diet review page on my website and tell me what Eat Clean Diet book YOU would choose and why.

For extra entries, head on over to Twitter and/or Facebook and share this giveaway.  You can use this shorter link on Twitter.  Leave a separate comment here on the blog for your additional entries.

You have a total of 3 chances to win (one comment, one tweet with comment and one Facebook mention with comment).

Winners will be chosen by random draw via VIDEO and contacted by email.  Winners will also need to contact me within 2 days or a new name(s) will be drawn.

Giveaway is for those in the U.S. and Canada.  No P.O. boxes please.

That’s all folks! Have fun and spread the word about EATING CLEAN