Jumping rope is one of the most simple and effective ways to start working the weight off. Holiday time is here and it is easy to pack on a quick 10lbs just between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Years parties. That said, I have uploaded a quick 10 minute workout that you can follow along with. All you need is a jump rope but if you don't have one you can do jumping jacks and still reap the benefits of this workout. I have broken it down into ten 30 second rounds of work, with 30 seconds recovery between each round. This is a simple beginner to intermediate level workout.
If you want to crank up the intensity then change up the type of jumping you are doing. I will record a more intense jump rope workout in the very near future. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
Thanksgiving is over but the left overs are still here. I'm sure everyone ate and ate and ate but now it's time to get back on track atleast until Christmas is here! That said, Here is my video on the top 10 detox foods.
I have workouts almost 7 days a week so if you want to break a sweat feel free to contact me as well.
As you guys know, I do product reviews here and there. This is another example of such. Today's review is for the Guideline Pro Beard Liner Template. I'll keep this one short and simple.
Price- 12.99
Ease of use- Not too bad, but it is pretty awkard to hold a razor to your face and shave while holding the template in perfect position to keep your line straight. I did think it worked better with my electric razor though.
Quality of product- The template is made of a light flexible plastic. I did have an issue with the ink on the template disappearing though, probably from the oil or shaving cream dissolving it.
Would I buy it if it wasn't free- Hmm, it serves a purpose. Probably not though. Just being honest, I already free hand my beard and I feel like I still have to free hand at times even with the template. However, I've only used it about 3 times, maybe with more practice I will get better at it and appreciate it a bit more. If that is the case, I will update this statement.
Here is the product description per the company
Product Description
BEARD SHAPING TOOL - THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOUR BEARD SINCE YOU GREW IT!
GuideLine Pro is a beard grooming template. Which allows a razor or beard trimmer, to command the level of precision and symmetry, you could expect from a professional barber.
EXTREMELY SIMPLE Although the design looks simplistic. Each element. Such as GuideLines unique non-slip shape. Or it's easy to follow numbering system. Was designed to perform a specific function. Resulting in an unbelievably natural beard shaping template.
*I received this product at a reduce rate in return for my honest unbiased opinion
First let me start off by saying, I received this product at a discounted price in return for my review.
Initially when I saw this concept I thought it was the coolest thing ever. Then I saw it was selling for under 9.99 and I thought man you can't beat that. However once I received the product I wished the plastic would have been of a better thickness. It feels like one wrong move while trying to assemble it and you could probably snap the blade from the plastic backing.
I do feel like the design is pretty cool though and for light use I think it does the trick. I have noticed however that there are other variations of this credit card knife concept that are a bit more durable.
For example the Boker Plus credit card knife, however this one is going to run you closer to $30.00.
Like I said, it comes down to what are your plans for it. If you want a knife that you can use everyday or maybe in a self defense situation then I don't think this is the one you want. However, if you want something you can use for opening letters/packages then this is will do the job.
Below are more details of the product. And be sure to click the video above for my full review.
Foldable
Knife | Letter Opener | Envelope Opener, Ever plus Stainless Steel
Multifunctional Credit Card Folding Knife: Lifetime Warranty: Nice-tool
outdoor tool Card knife FLEXIBILITY - Perfect for the outdoors,
kitchen use, or disaster situation. COMFORT - The folding knife
handle plan optimizes the user's hand position for INCREASED hold AND
relieves providing you with better results. EXPEDIENCY - Regarding
the similar size as a credit card, it can robust completely in your
WALLET so that it's ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO USE everywhere you go.
PROTECTION - Obtains a VERY useful lock designed to hold the blade down
to avoid ACCIDENTS when not in use. The slight lock location prevents
little children from unlocking it and getting cut. WARRANTY -
LIGHTWEIGHT among a smooth and modest design that includes a LIFETIME
warranty!
DISCLAIMER: Please keep away from children This important
folding card knife has flexibility and soothes for a useful and better
cutting experience. Among its glossy design, you'll not be capable of
gripping yourself from showing off the SnR Star. Folding Card knife to
your friends! The SnR Star Folding Card knife is great for outdoor use!
Whether it's camping, climbing, backpacking, fishing, etc, its
performance would not fail you! Its light weight and small size will
build you forget that you even have it with you! Make sure to use it
from time to time so that you know it is there, especially when it
matters most. The best gift you can ever give to someone.
Specifications:
Length 87 x width 55 x thickness 2mm (overall size of
the card) Weight: 15 g Material: blade / blade: cutting tool with a
martensitic stainless steel; shank: Polypropylene Total l length: 14.3CM
Blade length: 7.0CM handle length: 7.3CM Package:1*Credit Card Knife
Lightweight, Durable, and Ready for Anything A truly unique travel
knife, this is one piece of multipurpose survival gear you can’t live
without. About the size of your standard credit card, it unfolds to
reveal a sharp blade and comfortable, non-slip gripping handle that lets
you slice, cut or chop your way through even the toughest materials.
Product Details: Rust-Resistant Stainless Steel Credit Card Size
(Folding) Durable, Lightweight and Compact Multipurpose Indoor/Outdoor
Use Discrete (Fits in Men’s Wallet, Ladies Purse) Lifetime Warranty
The first thing I hear from most people when they hire me to train them is that they want to lose weight. While this is good, I find a more ideal goal is to decrease body fat and to increase muscle mass. I say this because two people can weigh the same weight but have body compositions that are completely different. And though you can't control the height you were born with you can affect your body fat percentage.
That being said, let's talk a little about body fat. Above is a chart of the agreed upon standards for bodyfat according to age, and gender. There are a number of ways to calculate your body fat but for the lay person all we really care about is the eye ball test. How do I look with my clothes on or with my clothes off, especially if it is SUMMERTIME AKA BIKINI SEASON! Below are some figures are various body fat levels so you can compare yourself to the different figures to get a rough estimate into which group you below.
It is important to note that while being 3-4% B.F seems like a good goal if you are a man or 15% or below if you are a woman, it is extremely hard on the body to stay still lean for any extended period of time. Body builders and fitness models typically peak to these levels for their photoshoot/competition and even this is achieved by limiting water intake and manipulating their bodies through carb depletion. Hormonal levels can be negatively affected and multiple health issues may arise as well. So back to the Majority of Society: I just want to look better than I do now!
There are two ways to achieve that better body: Diet and Exercise
I'll start with exercise. If you are not exercising START! It doesn't have to be Insanity for you to start seeing results. Start at 10-15minutes of activity and gradually increase until you can do a half hour to an hour. Not everyone can go balls to the wall like I do so you have to know your lane and stay in it. But with time and consistency you will get better. I recommend not just CARDIO but WEIGHTLIFTING AS WELL. Afterall, you want to increase the lean muscle on your body. And carrying more muscle makes your metabolism work harder to sustain it thus aiding in fat loss. We have all seen those marathon runners who are in great shape but look like if you pluck them too hard they will fall apart. Though they don't have the body fat some look fragile which I do not feel is an ideal look either. Or you see the runners who do cardio cardio cardio but still appear skinny fat.
Again, the goal is to strive for balance. So as I said, make sure you are doing both and when I say weightlifting, bodyweight exercises qualify as well. Pushups, Bodysquats, Burpees, Mountain climbers are all great.
Now we dive into the hard part. Diet! If you are like me you can workout and workout but it is fighting the cookies, cakes, and pies which is the hard part. Here is where good habits come in. My 1st recommendation is to get it out of the house. You will not win over your temptation. No matter how long you deny it, the second you stay up past 11pm, those cravings will attack you and you will give in. Start loading the house with healthy substitutes. Fresh in season fruit are great options. Frozen fruit can be a good candy deterant as well. If you like chips and crackers try substituting with nuts, air pop popcorn and/or rice cakes. Is soda your weakness, try mineral water mixed with agave nectar. I address this first because most people know to avoid the fast food, but it is the snack cravings that bring them down.
As far as healthy eating...there are so many ways to skin that cat. Try to avoid starchy foods as much as possible instead indulge on protein, healthy fat, and fiberous carbs.
Better eating habits mixed with increase workload will definitely lead you to lower body fat percentages. Just remember, it takes time and consistency. You didn't gain weight overnight so you won't become beachbody ready overnight.