November 16, 2013

Fave Fix: Opedix CORE-Tec Shorts

Runners are no strangers to the occasional aches and pains, but during my marathon training this fall I found myself struggling with nagging lower back pain on longer runs.

More often than not, I’d have to pull over mid-way through to stretch for some relief. Case in point: This was me about 14 miles into one of my weekend runs (thanks to Hubby for capturing this oh-so-flattering moment).

In comparison, here’s another shot of me about 11 miles into the marathon — with no back pain whatsoever.

So…what gives?

Source: MarathonFoto.com

Well, in a word: Opedix.

Never heard of ’em? Me neither, until I started doing some research on support gear that would allow me to run longer, stronger.

I’m already a big fan of compression socks, and I’ve had success with CW-X tights, but Opedix technology is scientifically designed to aid the recovery of back, leg and knee injuries, which can improve performance for runners, as well as athletes across other disciplines.

The company makes what they call “Kinetic Health” gear to enhance performance, recovery and rehabilitation by improving joint alignment and promoting proper movement.

Bottom line: They make shorts that could possibly let me say “sayonara” to back pain, so I decided to put them to the ultimate test — marathon training.

Here’s the lowdown on how they work: Think of the joints in your body as being connected structurally and functionally in a kinetic chain (meaning, it’s dynamic). Most of your joints have a three-dimensional range of motion, and the concurrent motion of these joints produces movement.

Since most of us are a little off-kilter in one way or another (due to imbalances, previous injury, etc.), athletic performance is reduced when your body can’t move optimally.

When this happens, your muscles fatigue more quickly and your body is exposed to unnecessary stress that causes the progressive destruction of your joints.

The result? A chain reaction that can range from annoying…to downright nasty.

But Opedix’s CORE-Tec Shorts are designed to work like an extra layer of muscle and use a combination of fabric tensions to anatomically direct the body’s inside forces and reconnect the joints to harmoniously function in that kinetic chain.

Source: Opedix

We could all use a little extra support (that’s putting it mildly!), and Opedix claims to deliver just that — and in just the right spots.

But do they really work?

Yes; I tested them on several different types of training runs (speed, tempo and long) before using them in my actual race, and they performed beautifully every time.

Full disclosure — they are a bit snug and the waist sits high — but once you get used to the feel of this fit and realize that it’s in the name of function, you all but forget you’ve got ’em on.

The fabric is also breathable, moisture-wicking and anti-stink, which also comes in handy on those mega-long runs and vigorous workouts.

And they’re well-made, too. Not only is the design top-notch (there’s a strategic 29-panel construction with a combination of stretch and non-stretch fabrics), but Opedix also pays special attention to the small details, such as silicon elastic binding at the leg-openings to help keep the shorts properly anchored.

Now, if you’re plagued with poor form or an existing injury, these shorts won’t rid you of either — let’s be realistic — but they can help delay the effects of fatigue, keep you better aligned and give you that extra boost to keep doing what you love with less bodily wear and tear.

Now that’s gear that’s gear that’s good for you for long runs…and in the long run.

Thanks to the folks at Opedix for providing a sample for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Gear, marathon, Nike Women's Marathon, Running
4 Comments

November 4, 2013

Fave Fix: Corazonas heart-healthy tortilla chips

Think chips have to be a guilty pleasure reserved only for cheat days? Think again.

I was in search of a healthier option to pair with my favorite guacamole recipe when the folks at Corazonas reached out to see if I’d like to check out their line of cholesterol-lowering crisps (wait, isn’t that an oxymoron?!).

Well, as it turns out, these puppies are infused with something called plant sterols, which have been shown in more than 140 clinical studies to help fight heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol.

In fact, researchers from The University of Canada recently published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showing that people who followed a “Portfolio Diet” consisting of foods like oatmeal, almonds, soy protein, eggplant and plant sterols lowered their LDL levels by almost 13 percent over a six-month period (as compared to those who followed a low-fat diet and experienced only a three percent reduction).

But how do they taste?

Great, actually. They’ve got the same crispness of your usual tortilla chips, but without the usual grease that hits your gut (and your waistline) after the fact. And they’re available in three flavors – Lightly Salted, Squeeze of Lime and (my personal favorite), the zesty Black Bean & Cheese pictured here.

Now this doesn’t mean you can eat the entire bag in one sitting (everything in moderation, people!), but Corazonas tortilla chips do fall into the Portfolio eating plan and offer an impressive 18g of whole grain and 3g of fiber in each serving.

Now that’s some smarter snacking you can really take to heart!

Thanks to the folks at Corazonas for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Healthy Eating, Snacks
2 Comments

October 26, 2013

Fave Fix: Snikiddy’s smart snack swaps

Football season is in full swing, Halloween is nearly here, and holiday parties are just around the corner…let the mindless munching commence!

Ok, ok – so it’s not necessarily bad news for nibblers: Savvy snacking can actually help you lose weight by staving off hunger and preventing overeating. That is, as long as you keep your wits about you when staring down a gauntlet of goodies.

A few tips:

1. Plan ahead. When hunger hits and you’re unprepared, you can get into some real trouble. Have something light and healthy (fruit and cheese, or even a handful of nuts and crackers) before you set foot into the party. That way, you can relax and enjoy yourself instead of making a beeline for the buffet.

2. Practice portion control. As with many things in life, bigger is not better. So say ‘no’ to supersizing, whether it’s your plate, your serving or (like me, often) your eyes in proportion to your stomach. Start with small tastes, eat slowly and savor every bite.

3. Pick replacements. Choose flavor-packed snacks that contribute to the feeling of fullness and satisfaction. And when you’ve got a favorite food that you just can’t pass up, find a healthier replacement to satisfy that craving…otherwise you’ll keep eating other stuff in an attempt to fill the void.

Case in point: Chips. Sometimes you just need that hit of salty crunchiness. But all the grease, artificial ingredients and extra calories? Not so much.

Well, that very same dilemma inspired Mary Owings Schulman, a mother concerned about her kids eating healthy, to create a company called Snikiddy, which makes snacks that promote good health.

Snikiddy’s all-natural snacks are made from non-GMO ingredients, are certified wheat- and gluten-free and come in three varieties – Cheese Puffs, Baked Fries and an eight-veggie crisp, Eat Your Vegetables.

These are some seriously good snacks. I even ran an unofficial taste-test among a group of friends and the consensus was that they are…delicious. If you like Pirate’s Booty, you’ll love the cheese puffs, and the fries packed a big punch of flavor in a crunchy little straw.

But the crowd favorite, by far, was the veggie crisps. Not only are they tasty and filling (one tester described them as “surprisingly substantial”), but they’re also super crunchy and flavorful, almost like pita chips. Plus there’s a full serving of veggies in every ounce.

But the best part? Finally, a great chip for scooping guac… you know, just in case you want a little extra-veggie credit next time you get a snack attack.

Thanks to the folks at Snikiddy for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Fall, Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Healthy Eating, Healthy Habits, Holidays, Nutrition, Snacks
2 Comments

October 25, 2013

Say hello to Namatse, goodbye to stinky yoga mats

Source: Namatse

Riddle me this, yogis: We wouldn’t dare re-wear clothing we’ve sweated in over and over, but why are we ok doing the equivalent with our yoga mats?

Just like leaving your stinky gym socks crumpled on the floor for weeks on end, storing a rolled up, dirty, sweaty mat can breed mildew, funky smells – or worse, according to this article in The New York Times.

So when my pal Jamie Walker, founder of SweatGuru and FitApproach (also an avid ultramarathoner and yogi), told me about a new company that had come up with a solution, I was intrigued and had to check it out.

Enter Namatse (cute, huh?), the first yoga mat hanging solution. I sat down with company founder and co-creator Neal Margulis to talk about his latest business venture, as well as why we should be showing our mats some more love.

KineticFix: Clever name! Tell us a little more about what Namatse is.

Neal Margulis: Thanks; we’d like to think so! Namatse is our solution for rumpled, still-damp-from-your-last-class yoga mats. Instead of stashing your mat in the closet or trying to hang it over the staircase, we have created a sleek, durable and space-efficient clip that you can hang your mat from, keeping it flat and dry. Whether it be from a wall or in the shower, the Namatse clip makes cleaning, storing and drying your mat as simple as a child’s pose. Namatse reminds us to show our mats some love, saying “namaste” to longer-lasting, fresher-looking yoga mats for our favorite practice.

KF: Your sites says, “Be good to your mat and it will be good to you, too.” Why do we need better mat storage?

NM: Who wants to do yoga on a wrinkled and smelly mat? Yoga is a practice of compassion and gratitude, so why not show that same compassion and thanks to your mat? It’s much easier to stay focused and balanced when the ground beneath you (your mat) is flat and happy.

Source: Namatse

KF: Agreed! So how does it work?

NM: Namatse is super easy to use. There are three ways to hang your Namatse clip:

First, Namatse easily mounts to your wall using the peel-and-stick 3M Command Strips, which are non-marking, extra-durable 100 percent-removable adhesives.
Next, we include a set of screws if you’d like to permanently attach your Namatse clip to a wall.
Finally, we also include a traditional hanger loop that attaches to the clip so the mat can be hung from a closet rod, over a door or even in the shower.

Then all you have to do is prop open the clamp, place your yoga mat how you’d like it to hang, and close the clip with it’s smooth, crafted edges over your mat…and voila! Your mat will appreciate it immediately.

KF: What was your inspiration for it?

NM: Once six year-old Arden [Neal’s son] found out the Yoga poses had animal names like ‘cat’ and ‘cow,’ it wasn’t long before he was making animal sounds and developing his own style of yoga. Having a clean, dry yoga mat accessible became a priority. Unable to find a commercially available solution, we started coming up with ideas, and Namatse was born.

Source: Namatse

KF: What was the development process like?

NM: I was very lucky to have the help of my dear friend, Greg Hayes, who has decades of experience turning smart ideas into sleek, highly-functional objects.

Together, we set out to make the ideal clip: one that was not just lightweight and sturdy, but also attractive and easy to use. We used advanced 3D printing to prototype a clip that can hold the heaviest mat made, but that is also easy to operate and doesn’t harm your mat.

The clamp easily props open for simple placement of the mat. The clasps are effective, but have edges that are gentle on your mat. To make sure Namatse fits any yogi’s lifestyle, we created the three options for hanging Namatse: mounted with screws, non-marking, removable adhesives, and a shower hanger. Then we chose high-quality, recyclable ABS plastic to tread lightly on our planet.

KF: And why the campaign through Kickstarter?

NM: We decided to run a Kickstarter campaign to help create awareness for our product, get real market feedback and, of course, help fund it. We’re a small, family business and really want this product to help solve people’s problems.

KF: Have people noticed any additional benefits as a result of using Namatse?

NM: Yes! Your yoga mat becomes a beautiful piece of art in your home that provides a daily reminder of how great your practice makes you feel and provides you an invitation to practice more!

Source: Namatse

KF: How long have you been practicing yoga & how’d you get into it?

NM: I’ve been practicing yoga for a little over one year. I started my love for yoga and practiced at the 2012 Wanderlust Festival in North Lake Tahoe.

KF: Got a proudest moment & toughest move you’re still trying to master?

NM: Although I can’t hold it for long, using brute force, I can push up from crow into a handstand. Even after a year of yoga, its still a challenge just to sit up straight.

KF: Any final words on why people should back Namatse?

NM: It’s time to show your mat a little compassion for all that it has given you!

Thanks to Neal for sitting down to chat; for more information and to help make Namatse a reality, visit the Kickstarter page here.

Posted in Favorite Products, Gear, Interview, Yoga
10 Comments

September 15, 2013

Fave Fix: Tieks ballet flats

If you’ve ever lived in (or visited) San Francisco, you know that the hills here can wreak havoc on feet.

Combine that with the fact that it’s nearly impossible to find a comfortable pair of walking shoes that doesn’t look orthopedic, and it’s no wonder we’re known here for our yoga-pants-wearing ways (i.e. an attempt to dress up while clinging to sneakers for dear life).

Well, the folks at Tieks have proposed a solution: Their Italian leather flats offer the comfort of a slipper and the support of an athletic shoe, all wrapped up in a fashionable, ballet-flat package.

They’re good enough for Oprah, but I wanted to see how they’d hold up during my massive walks around the city – running errands, between workouts, shopping with friends, etc. – so I ordered a pair to put to the test.

Now these puppies aren’t cheap; they range from $165-$295 a pop, but from their buttery Italian leather and hand-stitched craftsmanship to the attention to detail in their packaging and accessories, you do really get what you pay for.

I bought a pair of the Fuchsia flats, and they arrived in a sturdy blue box with a flower on top. Inside were the shoes, folded up in their little carrying pouch. There was also a larger reusable tote (for your purse when you want to swap out heels – how smart!), plus a hand-written thank-you note, which was a nice touch.

The purpose of the foldable, split-sole design is to keep Tieks compact and lightweight. I was concerned it might make for a flimsy shoe, but it’s quite the opposite, in fact.

Between the foam cushioning in the sole and the non-skid rubber soles (in the signature Tiek blue, of course), they feel more substantial than any other ballet flat I’ve worn.

But the real test was wearing them out and about on my usual city escapades – topped off with a date I made for happy hour that was a two-mile walk away.

Aside from a little rubbing on the balls of my feet (I got a nine, but next time I think I’ll order a size down), I was really pleased with the results.

Not only did my feet benefit (didn’t feel as tired as they get in other flats), but my ego did, as well (received a few compliments)! One girl even stopped to ask me how I liked my Tieks, so I was all too happy to take one off and give her the rundown.

But the real verdict? Well, despite the price tag, I’m saving up for another pair down the road. My only dilemma is which color to go with next…

If you’re a city-dweller or just a walk-everywhere fiend like me, definitely check ’em out. After all, ladies, it’s about time we save our poor soles!

For more information, take a peek at the Tieks website at Tieks.com.

Posted in Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Gear
7 Comments

September 9, 2013

Hydration 101: What to drink – and when – for optimal fitness

Photo credit: Fitday.com

If your usual routine of gels, powders, bars and chews isn’t helping you power through tough workouts, you may be missing a critical component of a successful exercise regimen: Water.

Not only does it help your body efficiently convert food into energy, but it also wards off dehydration, which can accelerate the onset of fatigue.

Contrary to popular belief, however, thirst is not a good indicator of hydration; by the time your brain senses it, you’ve already lost about one percent of your body weight in water.

That doesn’t sound like much, but exercise performance decreases with as little as a two percent loss (or less than three pounds in a 150-pound athlete).

Factor in the statistic that some athletes can lose up to five pounds of sweat (or more!) during practice and competition, and it’s a no-brainer to start all exercise sessions in a hydrated state.

Photo credit: Lifefactory

Here’s a good rule of thumb for ensuring proper hydration:

Drink about 16 ounces of water two hours before any endurance event
Consume a cup or two 10 to 15 minutes immediately prior to activity
Aim for four to six ounces of fluid every 15 minutes during the event
Remember that it’s just as important to re-hydrate afterward, as well

If your sweat session will last more than 90 minutes, consider swapping in a sports drink or electrolyte tablets, which help bring your system into balance more quickly by helping you to retain more liquid.

And now that I’m in the throes of marathon training, my must-have accessory is a reusable water bottle. I’m loving this new straw-cap glass bottle with silicon sleeve ($25) from Lifefactory. Isn’t the design great? And now I can keep track of exactly how much I’m drinking throughout the day, thanks to the helpful marks on the grip.

My dog clearly wanted in on the photo shoot

My dog clearly wanted in on the action here

It’s the first glass water bottle I’ve tried, and I’ll gladly take a little extra weight in exchange for peace of mind (it contains no BPA, BPS, PVC or phthalates). After all, we work so hard on the outside of our bodies, we may as well keep them healthy on the inside, too, right?

Handy built-in straw and pivoting handle

For mid-run hydration, I recently bought this QuickDraw Plus ($25) hand-held water bottle from Nathan.

Photo credit: Nathan

I’ve tried hydration belts without much success (ugh, they ride up), so I figured I’d give this style a shot. It’s also BPA-free, but I was more excited about the iPhone pocket and thumb hole for grip-free running.

It worked just ok on my recent 10-mile trial run, but I’m going to give it a few more tries before I make my final judgment.

How do you stay hydrated during those intense workouts?

Thanks to the folks at Lifefactory for providing a sample for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Favorite Products, Healthy Habits, Hydration, Reference
4 Comments

September 1, 2013

Get your fix: New fall collection from Moving Comfort

Comfortable workout wear is usually something I take for granted, but now that I’m in the thick of marathon training and logging lots of mileage, it’s a non-negotiable.

That’s why when Moving Comfort contacted me to test out some of the pieces from their new fall collection, I jumped at the chance.

I’ve been a longtime fan of the brand for its fit and quality, but it wasn’t one of the first I’d consider for fashion-forward tops and bottoms…until now.

Case in point: The new Foxie tank ($56), which is made to layer over a racer-back sports bra (especially if you’re looking for more support).

It’s got a mesh panel at the upper back for added breathability, plus an envelope pocket at the lower back with a handy media port so you can stash your tunes and run hands-free.

But the real test was when I wore it to a boot camp and had friends come up with compliments and to ask what I was wearing. That’s how you know it’s a great top; when other people see it and want one of their own!

But my absolute favorite piece, hands down, is the new Urban Gym Capri ($60), which is made of this amazing fabric that’s so soft and feels good against your skin (i.e. no chafing!).

The best part, though, is that these capris feature Moving Comfort’s signature PowerFit waistband, which slims and stays put.

Translation: This is some seriously flattering compression support that helps flatten the tummy and prevent any type of muffin-top situation from happening.

The verdict? I didn’t just take these pieces for a spin; I really put them through the paces – from tempo runs and boot camp class to track practice and long training runs – and can vouch that this is some seriously workout-worthy gear!

Thanks to the folks at Moving Comfort for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Fave Fix, Favorite Products, Gear, Training
2 Comments

June 15, 2013

Father’s Day gift guide for the fit-minded

Photo credit: Michele Westmorland / Getty Images

His days of piggyback rides and playing catch may be over now that you’re all grown up, but here’s your chance to put some ‘play’ back into Dad’s day with some fun gadgets and gear designed to keep him moving.

For the Stat-Obsessed Runner

The masterminds behind Nike’s sport watch series ventured out on their own, launching Soleus, the only watch, GPS and heart rate monitor company that has its roots in running and athletics. Their GPS Fit model ($99) accurately tracks speed, pace and distance, provides auto lap splits at every mile, and the “always on” night-light mode will help him see better during late night (or early morning) runs and training.

For the Time-Crunched Multitasker

Fitness guru Tony Horton (of P90X fame) has created the ultimate get-fit-quick program with his new 10-Minute Trainer workout. By taking a specific series of ultra-effective moves and condensing them into bite-sized segments that can be done at home in the span of a few commercial breaks, Horton will have Dad whipped into shape in no time. For more info, check out my full review here.

For the Weekend-Warrior Adventurer

Airdrop some awesomeness on Dad’s doorstep with the Performance Sports Crate ($75) from Man Crates. Stuffed to the brim with cool training gear (think ultraspeed jump rope and push up bars), plus high-energy performance fuel (nutrition in the form of bars, chews and nut butters), each rough wooden crate comes complete with a crowbar to give Dad a bonus workout just trying to pry the darn thing open.

For the High-Pressure Executive

Finally, a BPM as easy as ABC to help keep Dad’s health in check. Simply wrap the Withings Blood Pressure Monitor ($130) around his arm, and plug it into his iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone to get instant visibility of systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. The free corresponding app displays results in easy-to-read graphs, which can be emailed to his doctor with a simple tap on the screen.

For the Health-Fad Foodie

A universal tool for family meals and entertaining, the Vitamix 5200 Super – Healthy Lifestyle Blender ($549) has been on my personal wish list for quite some time. Not only can Dad create every course of his home-cooked meals—from frozen drinks to creamy desserts—in minutes, but in addition to the usual smoothies and soups, he can also create gluten-free breads, cereals and baked goods with a 32-ounce container specifically designed to grind whole grains.

Got any other great Father’s Day gift ideas for the Fit Dad in your life?

Posted in Favorite Products, Holidays
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June 9, 2013

Beat the heat: Gear for surviving summer workouts

Photo credit: ThrivePortland.com

I have a love/hate relationship with summer workouts.

Love? Longer days, runs at dusk with the smell of fresh-cut grass and dressing without fear of the wind chill factor.

Hate? Sunburns, jogging at a snail’s pace under the beating sun, dehydration, heat cramps and humidity.

Luckily, some of those things can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions (aka getting my butt out of bed earlier and slathering myself head-to-toe with sunscreen).

The others? Well, there’s no better excuse to get some fun, new gear to keep you from suffering through some strenuous outdoor activities in the summertime.

Here are a few of my recent favorites!

Dress to Impress

I love a good pair of yoga pants as much as the next gal, but sometimes summer just calls for bare legs. Keep your cool (without losing your dignity in some of those, ahem, ‘barely-there’ shorts) with Moving Comfort’s Sprint Tech Skort ($56), which comes complete with motivational quotes inside the lining to really get you going.

Peek-a-boo! Love the fun colors

–

Go with the Flow

For up top, I’m a big fan of their Flow Crossback Tank ($58). As comfortable as it is cute, Moving Comfort really knocked it out of the park with this one. From the fun pop of color to the feminine ruching at the bust, this tank is not only done well design-wise, but it also has a built-in bra for support during both low- and high-impact activities.

Keep a Cool Head

When I want to get out and feel the burn (the good kind) while going pseudo-incognito, I grab my trusty Lululemon Run Hat ($32). The lightweight, moisture-wicking and adjustable cap makes it easy to shield your eyes from the sun and keep hair from going haywire.

Photo credit: Lululemon.com

Hydrate, Hands-free

Between hydration, energy gels, keys, cash, phone, music and whatever else you need, packing for a long run can spiral out of control quickly. Contain the madness with a Nathan Hydration Belt ($45). Equipped with easy-squeeze flasks, these belts offer lightweight storage, a chafe-free ride, and easy one-handed access to hydration and other running essentials.

Photo credit: NathanSports.com

Keep Your Balance

Finally, smart sports hydration takes more than just H2O. Keep from knocking your system too far out of whack by consistently sipping an electrolyte replacement, such as Nuun Active Hydration Tablets ($24 for a four-pack), which contain a quick-absorbing mix of salts and sugars that can alleviate cramps and help muscles function, communicate and burn energy efficiently. Stay cool out there!

Photo credit: REI.com

Thanks to the folks at Moving Comfort for providing samples for review; all opinions are my own.

Posted in Exercise, Favorite Products, Hydration, Running, seasonal fitness, Summer, Training
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May 22, 2013

Pressed for time? Get fit in a flash with 10-Minute Trainer

What you’ll get with the 10-Minute Trainer box set

No time to work out?

No excuse, according to 10-Minute Trainer program creator Tony Horton, who has single-handedly revolutionized the world of weight loss.

After successfully molding weekend warriors into athletes with his P90X series, Horton has turned his focus to people who simply want to get off the couch, get moving and establish a healthier routine.

“There’s a lot of this one-size-fits-all philosophy out there; you’ve got folks who have never exercised in their entire life maybe, and they’ve got 100 pounds to lose,” he said recently on the Dr. Oz Show. “You can’t ask them to do Bikram yoga and eat raw the very next day, so the idea here is, how do you stay focused, how do you create a plan, how do you stay accountable – and what is that plan, based on who you are as an individual.”

Horton’s solution was to take his popular, ultra-effective moves and condense them into bite-sized segments that can be done at home in the span of a few commercial breaks.

“I’ve turbo-charged the routines so your muscles become these fat-burning machines to get the best results in the shorted period of time,” he said. “You don’t need a gym, you don’t need fancy equipment. You just need to give me 10 minutes a day, and I will transform your life.”

A sneak peek at Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer moves

But while the notion of getting more for less is always appealing, can you really revamp your body in just a few minutes a day?

“It really comes down to focus,” Horton assured. “You know, the 10 minutes are hard – it’s not an easy 10 minutes. We call it stacking – or muscle confusion; you’re doing several things at once, and that’s the reason why those 10 minutes work.”

But I’d argue that there’s another reason why those 10 minutes a day work: People will actually do them.

By removing the “lack of time” excuse by creating workouts in small segments that can be done at home, plus making exercises both fun and able to be adjusted for all experience levels, Horton achieves his goal of getting people up, moving and started on a routine.

Sure, it’s a little dialed down from Horton’s other programs, such as P90X2, but after trying the program myself, I still found it to be quite challenging. Horton has designed each move with a range of modifications to keep anyone, regardless fitness level, from resting on their laurels.

And on days where I wanted to up the intensity, I was able to stack a few segments together for a great full-body workout that had me sweating buckets and left me sore a few days later…which is always the mark of a great workout in my book!