Stats: Sizes XS-XL/100% Polyester

Colors: White, Odyssey Pink, Flamenco Blue, Black, Toffee Brown

Cost:  $25.00

Review:

I am in love with this shirt.  That is how strongly I feel about it!  It is made of North Face’s Vaporwick material which, as the name implies, is made to “wick” away moisture.  The great thing about it is the material doesn’t feel like typical moisturewicking fabric.  It is 100% polyester yet it feels like the softest cotton!  

The cut is flattering - fitted without being tight and yet still a little lose in the middle to give while working out.  It has princess seams down the front which adds to the slimming cut of the shirt.

Pro’s:

• Great fit
• Great feel
• Really does seem to “wick moisture”
• Not overly expensive (depending on how much you want to spend on a t-shirt)

Stats: Platform 21″x11.5″/Base 26.5″x15″/Skid-proof surface

Cost: $29.95-$69.99

Review:

While step aerobics may not be as popular as they once were, everyone can use a step for doing various exercises.  They are great for tricep dips or extensions and leg squats.  

This step by Reebok is a good product.  True to its word, it is skid-proof which comes in handy during high-impact exercises.  The step adjusts which is great for doing incline exercises.  Overall, it’s a versatile piece of equipment that is a staple for any home gym.

Pro’s:

• Adjusts to 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 inch heights
• Skid-proof surface
• Sturdy and durable
• Compact - can store easily under the bed

Stats:  Stride length .05 ft increments/Size 2″x1.5″x.75″

Cost: $30.00

Review:

I you’ve never used a pedometer, you should try one, just for a week.  I promise you that it will make a difference with the way you view exercise and the amount that you’re getting.  I wore this little gadget religiously for weeks and found that it motivated me to get in as many “steps” as possible.

That is how this works: it measures the number of steps that you take and also gives you the number of miles that your steps equal.  It is tiny and easy to hide on your pants or belt loop.  It flips open easily and allows you to look at the digital readout without taking it off.  There is even a clip that attaches the pedometer to your pants in case it slips off.

Pro’s:

• Highly accurate and consistent
• Offers a stop watch feature
• Can switch between miles and steps readout
• Displays a clock

Con’s:

• A little difficult to get it set up if it’s your first time
• Doesn’t have a light

Website: http://www.new-lifestyles.com/DIGIWALKER/sw651_more.html

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Stats: Calories 100/Fat 4g/Sugars 5g/Fiber 5g/Carb 14g/Protein 6g/Serving size 1 bar

Flavors:  Peanut Butter Crisp, Chocolate Caramel Crisp, Vanilla Crisp

Cost: $.99 - $1.58 each

Review:

A little piece of heaven.  That is seriously about the only thing I can say about these bars.  Well, that and “There’s no way these have only 100 calories!”

They seriously taste like candy bars.  They have 5 g of fiber which is nothing to joke about so they’re reasonably good for you.  The only downside is that it’s hard to stop at just one because they are not very large.  

Pro’s:

• Excellent taste
• Good source of fiber and protein
• 19 vitamins and minerals

Stats:  Online diet and fitness website

Plans Offered: eDiets Weight Loss Diet, Atkins Diet, Glycemic™ diet, Mediterranean Diet™, Slim Fast Optima™ Diet, and Bill Phillips’ Eating for Life™ 

Cost:  $4.49/week ($17.96/month)

Review:

I used eDiets® online website for several months.  And I have to say that I really liked it.  There are several diets to choose from and there are “living plans” such as the wheat-free plan, low-fat plan, heart smart plan, and high-fiber plan.  You are able to list foods that you cannot eat which is also helpful.  Once your profile is created, you are given a suggested shopping list and meal plan.  This plan is not fixed in stone however, if there is something you don’t like, can you substitute it for something else on the list.  

There is a meal tracker which is helpful to keep a record of what you actually eat and there is journal where you can write your thoughts and anything else you want.  eDiets also has a fitness plan which is included in the monthly cost.  Again you set up a profile and what kinds of exercises you want to do and you are presented with a weekly list.  There are even moving pictures to show you how to perform each exercise!

As with all online diet tools, it is important to be self-motivated or else it won’t work very well.  To help with this, eDiets offers communities and encourage you to reach out to other dieters.  

It does take a little bit of time to input information initially and it can be somewhat labor intensive.  But some people like that and enjoy being able to monitor all areas of progress.  Overall, it’s a great tool for those who are computer literate.  For those who aren’t, well, I would suggest using something other than an online diet tool! 

Pro’s:

• Several diets and plans from which to choose
• Meal plans and shopping lists included
• Fitness plans are available
• Offered articles and a help and support community
• Posted motivational success stories
• Free online newsletter
• Cost is minimal