muscle

Designer Whey Product Review & Giveaway

Sponsored Post/Product Review: Although this post is sponsored by Designer Whey, all opinions are my own.

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Hey guys! I had the opportunity to try some new product which I wanted to share with you all. I have dabbled in all sorts of protein powders but have yet to find a favorite. Designer whey is definitely at the top of my list, along with Optimum Nutrition and Cellucor. Here is what I tried from Designer Whey:

French Vanilla powder: (mixed with almond milk) This is my favorite. It’s not too thick and the vanilla flavoring is super tasty. Each scoop is 100 calories and 18 grams of protein. Most other powders are more calories, and also more protein content, but this is a great lighter shake. If you are in the “cutting phase” or lower calories fit into your macros, this is the way to go. Still has enough protein, but only at 100 cals.

Gourmet Chocolate powder: Same 100 cals/18g protein. The chocolate isnt over powering, but a subtle flavor. Also very light. The powder mixes better than any other whey powders I’ve tried.

Luscious strawberry powder: I’m not a big strawberry fan, but this wasn’t too bad. I definitely recommend mixing all with milk as they are lighter shakes and are much more filling with milk rather than water.

Also a huge fan of the ready to drink shakes. Same calorie and protein content as the powder. I love the fact that I can just throw them in my bag and go. For someone who’s always on the go like myself, this is ideal.

Triple Chocolate crunch and peanut butter crunch protein bars: These are both equally delish. Not bad on the calorie front, at about 160 calories per bar. These are much healthier than others I’ve seen on the market. Such a yummy replacement for a chocolate bar or piece of candy. I will be buying these again.

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So why drink whey?

With so much information and so many different protein sources, it can be hard to determine what is accurate and what you should take.

It all starts with you.  Your body has different needs for different situations.  With a regular, well-balanced diet, you are already getting a good amount of protein from many of the foods you eat.  But with our multitasking, hectic schedules, and workouts, your body needs additional protein to recover and, depending on your workouts, build muscle.

That’s where whey comes in:
• Whey is pure so your body quickly absorbs it for maximum post-workout recovery and nutrition.
• Whey is a “complete” lean protein with the right balance of amino acids and protein to help your immune system. (source)

Whey is a VERY important factor when trying to reach any fitness goal. Whey is a powerful muscle builder, and also aids in weight loss. It’s one of the first supplements you should consider when starting a muscle-building or fat-loss goal. Here is a great article if you’d like to read more about the benefits of whey.

Another really cool thing about Designer Whey is that they have a long list of protein recipes on their website. You know me, I love trying new protein recipes. Protein powder isnt just for drinking these days, but can be put in pretty much any recipe!

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Designer Whey was gracious enough to give away 5 cans of protein powder to a lucky Fitness & the City reader!

To enter the giveaway please complete the following:

  1. Follow Designer Whey on Instagram: @designer_whey
  2. Follow Fitness & the City on Instagram: @fitnessandthecity
  3. Tweet about the giveaway and tag @designerwhey and @jennapardini
  4. Leave a comment letting me know that you have completed the above and if you were to win, which flavors you would like to try.

Winner will be announced April 14th.

Good luck!

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Keep up with Designer Whey: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

FITzee Meals Arrived / Chest & Tris Workout

Woohooo it was a good week! My workouts have been on point and my FITzee meals came in the mail! (THANK YOU SO MUCH FITzee!) I’m seriously obsessed with FITzee foods. If you don’t have time to meal prep, you just throw one of their meals on the stove and bam there it is, a healthy and delicious meal. FITzee is gluten-free, non-processed food with extra attention given to fitness peeps and their nutritional needs. Tons of protein, veggies, and complex carbs. NO JUNK! They are so engaged with the fitness community and even host yoga classes near their store in San Diego.

Here’s what my box consisted of this time:

  • Black bean breakfast bowl (LOVE)
  • Breakfast pita pizza (can’t wait to try)
  • Paleo Thai Coconut Curry Chicken (delish)
  • Red Mole Chicken (yum)
  • Paleo BBQ Salmon with steamed brocoli and carrots (can’t wait to try)
  • Red Chicken Enchiladas (one of my faves)
  • Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Bake (another fave)
  • Shredded Chicken mac n’ cheese (can’t wait to try)
  • (and I’m missing a bunch because they have already been eaten!)

If you order anything from www.fitzeefoods.com make sure to tell them Jenna sent you!! 🙂

Now for my chest and triceps workout:

Remember to lift heavy! I am using 15lbs in the pic, but the weight depends on your strength. Some days I do more, some less. You can also use more weight, less reps on the last set to give you an extra pump. But don’t compare, set your own goals!

Enjoy your week!

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home gym must-haves

Lately I have been dreaming about moving into a 2 bedroom apartment so I can use one room as a designated gym (as well as a second closet which I am in dire need of). So until I have room for a treadmill, elliptical or a bike, I have put together a few smaller must-have items for my home gym.

home gym

1. Stability Ball: an inexpensive way to give your workout a little something extra. Use for core work, sit on it for shoulder work, use for wall sits or prop your feet on it for push ups. Theres a million things you can do with a stability ball.

2. Jump rope: cardio, cardio, cardio. Use a jump rope if you’re looking for an easy and simple cardio warmup.

3. Kettlebell: I am loving kettlebell exercises! Use them for cardio or strength training and work every muscle in the body.

4. Yoga mat: stretching, yoga, ab exercises, a yoga mat can be used for anything and everything.

5. Bosu Ball: instead of standing flat on the ground, stand on a bosu ball when doing shoulder or arm exercises, squats or killer crunches. This will give you an added core bonus.

6. Dumbbells: these are essential for any home gym. I like these specifically because the material will protect the hardwood from getting scratched. Also, be sure to get heavier weights. I usually use 8-15 pounds.

7. TRX resistance band (not pictured): this allows you to do hundreds of exercises using your own bodyweight. You can anchor it to your door at home. I have been loving TRX and bodyweight training lately!

Leg Workout

Ok, my legs are KILLING me today! This was what has brought me to such misery today, but let me tell ya…it is SO worth it. If you are not getting sore, you need to find that fire inside of you. It was not until I started to lift weights that I saw a huge change in a short amount of time. Instead of just going through the motions, I have been increasing the weights and conquering my mind. I am realizing while typing this,  that I need to start posting progress photos! (My apologies, I’m not too fond of taking selfies!) I know a lot of women don’t know what to do the second they walk into a gym. I have been there myself, and I’m sure we all have. It can be very intimidating at first!  I thought this layout of a workout can help “guide” you through your gym routine. Follow these exercises and you will soon get in the groove and feel your way around. Get inside your head, think positive, keep working hard and be patient. You will get there. I love this saying…”Sweat today, smile tomorrow.”

Try this leg workout and let me know what you think!

1. Lunge with dumbbells

2. Lunge with barbell

3. Squat with barbell

squat

4. Deadlift

 5. Seated Leg Extension

6. Laying Leg Curl

7. Leg Press

8. Seated Leg Curl

9. Seated Calf Raise

10.Box Jumps

boxjump2

[Photos compliments of bodybuilding.com]

I am so excited to announce that I am doing a GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page as soon as I hit 800 “likes”! Only a couple more to go. Please help me get there! Share, share, share Fitness and the City on Facebook so we can do this thing! The giveaway just might have something to do with my favorite brand below….!!! Thanks guys, and happy almost weekend! =)

Fit Gal: Brittany!

I have been DYING to introduce you to this amazing woman and fitness guru! She has come a long way and I am so impressed with her dedication and committment to fitness. So here she is…

 Fit Gal: Brittany!

1. Tell us about yourself and your fitness lifestyle.

Hi! my name is Brittany and I am a 23-year-old student studying Business Administration.  I made my lifestyle change almost 3 years ago now.  I had a free membership to the gym on campus and decided to take advantage of it.  Starting out, I had no idea what I was doing.  I would follow my boyfriend around in the gym and watch what he did.  I was very self-conscious because I had no clue what to do with any of the equipment – I felt like everyone was staring at me.  I started  to follow fitness pages on Facebook and read up on some articles online to get the basics.  One day I picked up a copy of Oxygen Magazine at the grocery store while I was waiting in line and thought wow, this girl looks amazing! I bought it, read it cover to cover and felt more motivated than ever.  Not long after I was giving my boyfriend tips in the gym! It’s been a great journey so far and I’m so proud of myself for making this lifestyle change. I am continuously learning and loving every minute of it!

2) What are your goals and how are you working towards them?

My original goal was to lose some weight and tone up.  In the beginning I did lose weight – but I pretty much gained it all back in MUSCLE.  This was kind of discouraging at first but looking back at where I was and to now, I definitely look and feel smaller, more toned, fit and have a lot more shape.  I think it’s important for women to realize that they shouldn’t be scared of lifting weights because all the muscle you build burns more calories and keeps your metabolism revved!!  My goal recently was to compete in a fitness competition. I am excited to say that I will be doing that in April 2013!! I joined a local team that does coaching for athletes and fitness competitors and am so excited and proud at the progress I’ve been making so far.

3) Do you “eat clean”?

Yes! I believe it’s impossible to make progress in the gym if you do not eat clean.  I did pretty well at eating clean before I joined my team but obviously still enjoyed treats..I have a terrible sweet tooth 🙂 Now that I have a deadline I’m kicking my butt into gear! Lots of protein – chicken, lean beef, salmon, haddock tuna etc, good nutritious veggies like kale, swiss chard, broccoli and good sources of carbs – sweet potato, oats, quinoa, & brown rice.  I still have an occasional treat but keep it small in moderation.

4) In what ways do you stay active?

I am in the gym 3 days on, one day off then repeat. I work all muscle groups twice a week.  Right now I am doing little cardio as I’m in the muscle building phase of my prep.  I’m also doing some group yoga classes when I can.

5) What inspires you to live this lifestyle?

Those moments when your mind is telling you to stop because it hurts but you keep going and push past that weakness..those are the most important moments because it means growth.  Seeing changes in myself no matter how small they may be makes the difference and keeps me inspired to work hard and stay motivated!

 Lots of love!
Brittany
“Fit Brit”

brit

Thank you so much Brittany for joining the Fitness and the City fam as a Fit Gal! You are so inspirational and I personally cannot wait to follow your journey to your first fitness competition!! Good luck girl!

Oh and by the way, she has an awesome fitness Facebook page as well, so be sure to go check it out!

—> www.facebook.com/fit.brit08

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