Fitmas Gift Guide

If you, like me are not terribly organised then you are in the right place!

With all the "New Year, New Me" Facebook updates and tweets that swamp us shortly after Chrimbo it's not a bad idea giving your nearest and dearest a Fitmas gift alongside  the mountain of selection boxes and rivers of booze that we will be gifted over the festive period.

Some of the gift ideas I am going list I have written reviews on and others I haven't yet gotten my hands on but I will include links to any reviews I have written or the website for the gift.

Promixx

Promix is to put it simply a shaker bottle/ blender hybrid but there is a bit more to it than that. Promixx uses blunt blades that are designed to emulate a vortex to help mix your supplement without damaging it's micro nutrients whilst also creating a smooth drink with no lumps and here I am mixing my shakes by hand like a chump!

The Promixx is powered by two triple A batteries with a more expensive rechargeable option available.

I have not yet got  my mitts on a Promixx but I am looking to get one in the New Year to write a review on in the mean time feel free to check out their website by clicking here or follow them on twitter where they often run competitions, I am yet to win one and I promise you I am not bitter....click here for their twitter account.

U Fit or Twist Protein Coffee

Yes, I have given two options to chose from here with both being really great brands that make delicious protein coffees. Now I have giving both as a suggestion because I feel that U Fit is more of a coffee lovers drink with a much stronger flavour than Twist, however Twist is much sweeter. It's a bit like Coffee Nero and Starbucks, both great but marketed more towards a certain kind of coffee lover!

I have reviewed both so click here for U Fit and here for Twist.

Muscle Moose and Muscle Juice  

I am a massive fan of Muscle Moose and Muscle Juice, in fact Muscle Moose was one of the first companies to reach out to me to write a review, I couldn't believe my luck getting to work with a brand I love fairly fast after starting to work on my blog properly.

Muscle Moose  is a high protein dessert which can be made easily if you have access to water and a fridge, not only that it is a versatile baking ingredient, if you check out my recipe section you can have a gander at my experiments with it.

Muscle Juice is BCAA pre workout drink that tastes great, has zero sugar and available in two flavours, Berry and Blue Raspberry.

I have reviewed both so click here for the moose and here for the juice and of course have a peak at my recipe section or go to the Mousse Kitchen by clicking here

If you are in Leeds then pop down to Hi Def Supplements and pick some up for the best price in town. They were caught up in the floods on Kirkstall Road last Boxing Day and are back on their feet and I am sure they will appreciate all the support.

Meggings by Kapow

Why settle for some socks for Christmas when you can grab some super funky Meggings?

Yes, you probably guessed it, Meggings are leggings for men!

With bold, eye catching designs and excellent mobility in them you can boss your workout then hop on a train to the nearest festival and boss that too! 

You can check out my own review by clicking here or head straight to their website to see all of Kapow's designs in all their glory on much more attractive models than myself by clicking here

Anything from Fresh Naturals!

Muscles need to recover from the brutal workout I am sure you treat yourself to so stock up on the vegan and vegetarian bath products  and aromas from Fresh Naturals.

They are a start ups based in Leeds with Fresh Naturals being based online so you don't need to leave your house to buy a touch of luxury.

Fresh Naturals have everything that Lush would without the price tag and without compromising on quality.

I have experienced amazing customer service from them and highly recommend them to anyone click here for my review on Fresh Naturals Vegan Soaps or here to check out their website.

I have bought their products and used them myself and heard nothing but great things so treat yo self but don't forget your friends and family too!

Muscle Crate

There are loads of subscriptions available nowadays and are not just limited to just magazines.

If you so desire you can get make up, fragrances, cheese, meat or pretty much anything you can imagine delivered straight to your door.

 Muscle Crate is of interest because you can get a selection of supplements delivered to you so you can discover new products without throwing £60 plus on something you are not sure you will like or if it will deliver on it's lofty promises.

I used the discount code FIRSTBOX02 and got my first box order for just £5 with it only going up to £15 after that, both prices an absolute bargain in my book so click here to order your first box with the choice to cancel at any time with no contract.

I will hopefully being making a video of my reaction to the products that come in my first crates so keep your eyes out for that, I am sure it will be a delight for everyone involved.

I could go on and on, there are so many great products and brands out there but I will have to stick with this lot!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

Fit Shaming

No you didn't misread the title, since I wrote a post on Fat Shaming I thought it would only be fair to write about Fit Shaming.

I am sure I am not the only one who has encountered this.

 Basically the negative reaction people give you when you want to do something "fit" and no I am not talking about that fine little thing at the other end the bar!

The other day me and a friend went off for a run but before we set off one of my neighbours asked what we were up to and once we had said we were off for a run her face turned to that of almost disgust!

When I was trying to get people get people to join me on my first Tough Mudder people would give me negative reactions like " why would you want to do that"?

Not  said with a tone of curiosity but with an air of bewilderment and again almost disgust.

Well Shannon why do you want to snort a line of coke off a bouncer's cock every Saturday night? 

I don't actually ask her, that would be rude and if that's how she wants to get her trills that's up to her.

This seems to be acceptable than if anyone says they are going to spend their Saturday night in the gym, you get looked at like you are possessed by the devil.

A Devil with rock hard abs and glutes you could crack an egg on!

The fact is that 67% of men and 57% of women in England are classed as obese, people should be exercising more.

Not only will you be more likely to live longer, healthier lives but you won't be left wondering if this is the cream cake that will cost you your vision from your self induced diabetes.

If the #Fitfam isn't for you doesn't mean that you should discourage anyone who is trying to make positive changes in their life style, consciously or subconsciously.

OK so it's not so much shaming, when you are rocking your summer body while poor flabby Shannon sits in her over sized tee shirt you are fairly going to feel ashamed.

But this negativity toward people who want to be healthier isn't helping anyone, I know loads of people that like the idea of getting fitter but lack the confidence and need a boost.

They do not need to hear "why would you want to go for a run"? 

Yes you can justify yourself by saying I want to get fitter, I want to lose my belly, I want to look like a goddess when I am naked but some people just do not have the fight or the drive and will give up.

Next time you hear someone say I am off for a run, remember coke head Shannon and wish them a good time.

What I HATE about the gym.

There are loads of things that annoy me about the gym but I am only to try and limit this post to just 11 just because everyone sticks to just 10.

Personal Trainers:

There are some really amazing personal trainers out there but they are so hard to find.

I constantly see personal trainers being too busy texting on their phones, taking selfies,  and eating to notice dangerous technique or boost their clients effort. 

They are your employee if they are not giving you their full attention then don't give them their full hourly rate!

Hygiene:

If anyone didn't get the memo using deodorant, soap and washing your gym gear has been a pretty widely accepted practise for a while a now, so you know jump on that band waggon.

Loud Grunting:

I will admit grunting does help push yourself more but when you make such a noise I think a pig is being penetrated by an elephant then you should probably turn it down a notch.

Have a go personal trainers:

Stick to your own workout and leave me the funk alone. Yes it's great that you  friendly but if I wanted or needed your advise I would probably consult someone in the profession.

Broken Equipment:

Yes things break and you can't expect Harry Potter to stop all that Leviosa business to fix them in an instant.

However when the same bench has being broken week on week my understanding does fade.

A messy weights room: 

If you play with it them put it back! 

I am sure that has been drilled into most people in their childhood, please remember this important life lesson when you join the gym.

Bad customer service:

I am not asking staff members to bow down and worship the ground I walk on as I pass, although maybe they should, I mean I write a blog and that makes me a big deal ;)

A polite smile, some eye, contact a hello and to deal with complaints in a professional manner is all that I ask.

A dirty gym:

A clean gym is a happy gym, I don't think there is much worse then sitting on a bench then having to sit back up again, your back damp from some other person's sweat or doing a press up and bring your face within a cm of a stranger's spit!

Yes the members should be considerate of each other but news flash they are not.

Either police your members or hire some to one to give the gym floor some TLC.

Posers:

People that are just at the gym so they can up date their instagram, full make up, perfect hair and pristine gym gear that looks like it has never known the touch of sweat.

Group workouts:

Don't worry I am not going to say anything bad about you Zumba ladies or you Saturday morning spinners!

The group workouts I am on about are the 4 lads that read a Men's Health workout and are not going to spend the next hour monopolising equipment and leaving their stink everywhere.

Terrible Music:

I love Lana Del Rey as much as the next person but she doesn't exactly get me pumped!

We can't all remember our MP3s or Ipods every time but when you do you will regret it almost immediately.

Jogging at Kirkstall Abbey

The suns out so I strapped on my trainers and heading out to Kirkstall Abbey in, yes you have guessed it, Kirkstall!

The abbey its self is a ruined monastery and there is still enough of if left standing for you to have a snoop about in when the museum is open, which also has free toilets, open until at least 3pm throughout the year.

The back drop of the river Aire, trees and the abbey make for a more enjoyable and relaxing run then just pounding the streets like some sort of jogging hooker.

The land is pretty much all flat so it's great for beginners and great for me since I have not ran outside all year and have a 5k coming up this Saturday, I guess I'll just turn up and boss it!

If you are nervous about people seeing you jogging then Kirkstall Abbey is ideal, there are not masses of people there in the morning although in the hotter months it is very popular spot midday onwards.

A side from Kirkstall Abbey being a great play to go for a run it's also a great play just sit down and take in some nature and there are often events held from movie screenings to the annual Kirkstall Festival.

If you are ever in Leeds pop down and have a look and why not? It's free after all!

Picking a gym.

Not quite as easy as picking your snout but can be just as satisfying!

There are a few things you should consider when window shopping for your home away from home, the main ones that come to mind are location, price and facilities.

Location, nice and easy one to go into.

Can you get there easily, that means can YOU get there!
If you have to rely on your mate Dave to give you a lift then it's no good, you must minimise potential excuses you can use to skive the gym.

Price. Are you going to use the gym enough to get value for money? 

There is no point blowing £50 a month on a gym you will only go to twice in your entire life.

 You may want an exclusive gym for the bragging rights but let's be serious, you can pay £9.99 now a days for a budget.

Facilities. This covers a wide range of things, from the staff levels to swimming pools and tennis courts!

Are you a novice or seasoned gym veteran? 

A lot of the cheaper gyms have minimal staff, well apart from personal trainers sharking about.

If you don't know your foam rolls from your sausage rolls maybe invest in a slightly more expensive gym where there are gym instructor on hand that will ease you in without taking more money out of you pocket.

If you are willing to pay the extra you could look for a personal trainer who does home visits, it's hard to ignore your workout if it's knocking at your door!

What are you wanting from the gym?

Do you just want some heavy weights and a treadmill? 

So why pay for more that? Don't pay for all the bells and whistles then you only want a nice shiny whistle.

Do you just want to swim?

See what local swimming pool has on offer!

Are you just wanting to get the girls together and hit some classes?

Check out if there any local classes run by independent trainers, there are some in my area that are as little as £3 a class, no contract or admin fee needed.

The only other advice I would give is to be honest with yourself!

You know if you are likely to give up then don't get yourself locked into an expensive 12 month contract!

Take each month as it comes, set and smash goals, remind yourself you can do it and  surround yourself with people that will encourage you to achieve your goals rather than vegetate on the sofa like a manatee.

If you are worried about walking in alone then check out my picking a gym buddy post!

How to spot a gym virgin!

I love January at the gym!

 Everyone is pumped with renewed vigour and motivation to get hench and look great naked the thing that really brings a smile to myself is the trickle of gym virgins that can't tell a dumbbell from their elbow!

They tend to travel in packs of 2 or 3, with a "leader" who read a men's fitness magazine upon a time.

Go on every resistance machine in the order they are lined up rather due to some master plan and either blast out 20 reps at high speed with virtually no weight or with so much weight that even their collective strength can't eek out a single rep.

Avoids the free weights section other than to do the mandatory bicep curl.

Puts clicks on the bar when using the smith machine, unless the entire gym topples onto it's side those weights are staying put.

Gets flustered when anyone asks if they are alright or need a hand, give an unconvincing "Yeah mate" then sheepishly slink off.

Just because you have entered Beast Mode that doesn't mean that you shouldn't look at help these Bambi's of the gym out, they are shy creatures but if you are a gym veteran and have a body most would die for then they are more like to take your advice more seriously.

It takes a lot for someone to walk into a gym for the first time, especially when there are so many people who have been worshipping at the gym church for years and look like Greek gods.

 Build people up don't tear them down.

Check out my beginner gym guide if you too are a gym virgin!

Christmas Fitness Game!

I am sure you will rush downstairs tomorrow morning, eager as a beaver ready to savage the lovely wrapped presents under your pine or plastic tree if you can't deal with the needles like me!

But we all know some gifts are just a bit predictable so in order for you to get a head start on those Christmas calories here's a game for you to play.

Squats for socks:

I love getting new socks but let's face it they are a Christmas cliche and for that you go to squat.

5 Squats for every pair guys!

Burpees for selection boxes:

Half panic buying half stocking filling desperation, you have to earn these treats and what more of an enjoyable way than a good old fashioned Burpee?

1 Burpee for every chocolate bar in the selection box

Make a stink for Lynx :

This is a bit more of a blanket one, if you get some sort of deodorant/ shower gel set then you better work up a sweat!

10 press ups per set

Alcohol:

Everything alcoholic that gets opened means you could probably do with some self reflection before downing it  all come New Years Eve and ruining some lives!

Plank for 30 seconds.

Tin of Chocolates:

If you unwrap a tin or box of chocolates then you are in trouble!

2 Burpees followed by 5 Squats followed by 2 Press ups

Thanks to my loved ones kindness I have to blast out 7 burpees, 5 squats, 12 press ups and a 1 minute plank!

If you feel this is too easy or too hard for you than give it a tweak and if you plan on playing again next year getting planning your gifts now!

I would like to say Merry Christmas to you all and thank you for checking out my blog and sharing it, I do this in my spare time as a hobby and it's great to see so many people have taken an interest.

Have a cracking Christmas!

Rate your press up power!

Press ups to impress! 

The press up,in my opinion is the second manliest body weight exercise,after a pull up, you can do to test of upper body strength!

 Working your pecs,anterior and posterior,triceps,lats,abs,rhomboids,rotator cuffs and even your quads so it is a great,challenging fitness test!

It's a simple test although you may need someone to ensure you are bringing yourself low enough for it to count using their fist under either your chin or chest,if you,like me are a billy no mates you can find a shoe or something fist sized to use as marker.

If you are a lady with a pervy friend who insists in marking your press ups with your supple breasts then give him a swift karate chop! 

The other perk of being a social butterfly is your legion of friends can also keep track of how many you have accomplished,since the complex task of counting may be beyond you while you try not to eat the dirt!

So the aim is to do as many press ups as you can until you are unable to do any more without rest,now to give you an idea of where you stand fitness wise!

Lower than 10 Needs improvement.

10-20 Average,but who wants to be just average when you be be so much more?

 20-30 Good! Keep going!

30-40 Excellent! I feel sorry for your tee shirts seams!

 40 and above and you are most likely a Super Saiyan!

Compete a with your friends to see who can do the most,remember competition is a great motivator so the first mission is to find which of your friends has the biggest hands!