Reviews
UNDER ARMOR MASK
THE SCOOP
The global pandemic has meant that masks are now required in many places, including gyms. A new industry has quickly emerged, and it is hard to find masks that are great for working out in.
THE GOOD
This is the best mask I have used for working out. I have worn the mask for mountain hiking, boxing and running. The thing with this mask is that it maintains its structure as you breath so it allows for air flow without obstructing your breathing.
THE BAD
The masks are expensive ($30) and took a long time to arrive.
THE VERDICT
I will continue to use this mask as mandated - I have not found anything better (and have used several filtered masks that have fallen apart quickly)
RATING: 6/10
ADIDAS TERREX
THE SCOOP
I could not love the Adidas Terrex range any more than I do. So far I have bought the and the Terrex Free Hiker and the Terrex Speed LD Trail Running Shoes.
THE GOOD
These shoes have it all - comfortable, light weight, amazing Continental tire grip on the soles
THE BAD
They are pricey
THE VERDICT
The costs aside, these shoes give me incredible confidence when hiking or trail running. I would recommend then to anyone serious about hiking.
RATING: 10/10
BOXING GLOVES
THE SCOOP
My favorite work out by far is boxing.
THE GOOD
The gloves are great - light yet durable, they are comfortable to wear but also give you the feeling of protection.
THE BAD
As ever, you pay for quality. I am boxing at least once a week so feel they are worth the investment. If you are boxing only sporadically or mainly using a bag, you may want to consider something less expensive.
THE VERDICT
If you are serious about boxing, there is no better name than Everlast.
RATING: 8/10
RM3
THE SCOOP
RM3 is a diet plan devised by Red Mountain Weight Loss. It consists of a meal plan, prescription grade HCG, and optional appetite suppressants, fat burning and vitamin shots
THE GOOD
IT WORKS!! I dropped 60lbs in 3 months - is there anything better? I actually wish I had done one more month.
THE BAD
I did a lot of research prior to starting this program. I advise you to do the same. There are a lot of articles saying it does not work, that rapid weight loss is bad for your health etc.
THE VERDICT
I can tell you it does work. In terms of health, I have never been healthier - I have dropped not only weight but the need for medication, I no longer snore and have countless other benefits.
I am not a doctor so you should consult one if you wish
RATING: 10/10
LOSE IT
THE SCOOP
Lose It is an App that tracks (in the free version) calories and several other nutritional elements.
THE GOOD
Lose It creates accountability, helps educate and is a tremendous tool to keep you on track. I am closing in on 150 days of tracking. Seeing what is in food makes you think, tracking that additional cookie makes you think more about it next time. But, having a cheeseburger after burning 1,000 calories is extremely gratifying.
The tool itself is super easy to use, and the bar code scan feature makes it simple to do. Weighing and measuring helps with accuracy before you enter data.
THE BAD
Not much bad to say - although it is user reliant! In the past when I have failed, it is one of the first things I drop.
THE VERDICT
As an avid user I highly recommend. I just updated to the paid version so expect a review of that in a few months.
RATING: 9/10
POLAR
THE SCOOP
Polar is an app with monitoring tools to help track workouts. This review is specific to the heart rate monitor (details in link)
THE GOOD
Aside from accountability, my other big key to success is motivation. There is little that is more motivating than seeing results!! Polar let's you see them live. From heart rate to calories burned, the app records all your effort and results, and presents back in an easy to use digest.
I used to use an Apple Watch, but lost one (when I took it off to box). With the Polar heart rate monitor, it can be always with you - I wear it for workouts, you can wear in the pool and I have ever worn to golf (amazing how much a round burns)
THE BAD
Is there a Lose It integration? That would be awesome!
Only minor gripe is that more programs would be great - for example on Golf setting a non-GPS option would be ideal - my app thought I was going 13.7 mph, but it was the cart.
It can sometimes be a little persnickety to synch to the app.
THE VERDICT
Awesome device backed with a data rich app.
RATING: 9/10
