#SupplementSwag

As you can tell from my tweet, I love going to the gym. Over time training has become one of my favorite things to do. I love lifting hard and I love lifting heavy. To help me do both of those things, especially when prepping for shows, I will look to supplements to help me handle my business in the gym. This is where Jacked in a Box from Muscle and Fitness comes in.

*cue the choir*

I've talked about the monthly supplement sample boxes I've received in the past (see my "Muscle and Fitness Goodies Giveaway" & "It Does My Body Good" posts) and my experience with the program has been nothing but positive. I can't always use the samples right when I receive them but trust me, they do get used! I thought I would highlight some of the samples I've received over the past few months.

I was beyond excited when I opened one of my sample boxes and it contained a sample of Jack3d  in it. I have been wanting to try this particular supplement for a very long time. There had some issues in the past with this particular supplement and the end result was USP Labs changing the formula. Tom is of the opinion that the new formula is not a powerful as the original. I never tried the original formula so I can't give an opinion on it but I can say the new formula was just "meh" to me. I didn't do cartwheels over it but it gave me a slight boost of energy before my workout. I'm not eager to buy a full-size container of this stuff but if I was given another free sample, I would definitely use it.

If you're concerned that all you'll get each month is samples of pre-workout supplements and protein powders, there...there...stop worrying :) In the box pictured above, I did receive pre-workout supplements but I also received two protein bars, one of which was a Questbar. Now, if you have been living under a rock for the past year or so, Questbars are the current craze in protein bars. I know lots of competitors love them, especially after warming them up for a few seconds in the microwave. When we were in Chicago, Genie was stocking up on the free full-size samples they were giving out at Junior Nationals.

The sample I received from Muscle & Fitness was the first time I had ever tried the bar. I am not a huge fan of protein bars. They all taste artificial and chalky to me and I'm sorry to say, this one was no exception. As I sat there chewing each bite, I thought to myself "I don't get it". I'm not even sure the added step of microwaving the bar would have changed my mind. I'm just not a fan.

Now, you're probably thinking "if the sample box is so awesome, why have you only talked about what you didn't like?" Be patient...I'm gettin' to the good stuff! :)

Apparently, I expect a lot from my pre-workout supplements. Tom's theory is that I have a high tolerance for pretty much everything so something that might have a normal person bouncing off of the walls (like Jack3d) just gives me a teeny tiny boost. When I find something that gives me the physical and mental effects I'm looking for, I snatch it up. Nano Vapor from MuscleTech is on my "Get Your Grubby Hands On It" list. From the Muscletech website:

"NANO VAPOR® helps ignite the energy you need to train with extreme intensity and prime your body for rapid and massive muscle pumps, which is a key component of a true musclebuilding workout."

This stuff does exactly what it claims to do! I feel insanely focused and strong when I'm in the gym after taking Nano Vapor. I don't feel hyper or jittery but I definitely have a heightened level of energy. The taste and smell are amazing (because you guys know how I feel about taking things that smell or taste funny!). The first time I used the supplement, I had to force myself to stop my workout. I had put myself through a brutal shoulder workout and 75 minutes in, I still felt like I could keep going.

I know have a full container of Nano Vapor in my supplement cabinet and I use it on my heavy back & shoulders days (gotta grow baby!). It really helps me push myself to lift heavier and harder. I've started telling everyone that it's my #SheHulkSmash weapon :)

Before!

After!

Have any of you used Beast Sports Nutrition products? This company has some really great stuff out that you should try.  I have "discovered" many of their products through Jacked in a Box and I'm really starting to fall in love with them! Products that I have tried, liked, and have ordered include Amphetalean, Beast Mode, and Aminolytes. I like that this company creates products that they call "multi-purpose" - they want to create products that fulfill the multiple needs of the person taking them in order to save them from having to order a ridiculous amount of different products.

Other samples that I have received and have given two thumbs up to are:

MHP Iso Fast (whey isolate protein) 

BSN Hyper FX

BSN AminoX

Gaspari Superdrive

Gaspari Aminolast

I really enjoy receiving these monthly boxes because it helps satisfy my curiosity about products while helping me save money (imagine if I had purchased a full-size container of Jack3d or a box of Questbars?!?). Plus, who doesn't like getting boxes in the mail when it's not your birthday or Christmas?? :)

Disclaimer:

I received these products free of charge and was given no compensation for this review.

All opinions expressed are my own.

Gym Swag...

I don't have any. Gym swag, that is. What is "swag" anyway? I guess I could look it up in the Urban Dictionary (because really, the Merriam-Webster dictionary just isn't as fun...lol) but I think I'll skip it for now....anywhooooo.....

I have been asked about where I shop for my workout clothes, what brands I like, and the such. Here's the bottom line, I kinda (or not really "kinda") hate to spend a lot of money on workout clothes! I would rather spend $90 on a pair of Steve Madden shoes than a pair of workout leggings I know I'm going to sweat like a pig in. Is that sad? I also know that it's possible to buy cute, great fitting workout clothes without spending all of my allowance - you just have to keep your eyes open and consider stores you haven't in the past!

I didn't always consider Old Navy a store that I would buy my workout clothes from. I love their dresses and shirts but their workout clothes....ehhh....I was a bit leery. But...and a big BUT here...they have really stepped up their game over the last year or two. The quality of their workout clothes is so much better than it has been in the past and the selection is great. Their options are reasonably priced but I love when I find their workout clothes in the clearance section. I found the above Women's Active compression capris on the clearance rack for $9!!! P.S. In case you're wondering, my top in the above pic is from JC Penny and I got it for $7...holla!

A brand that I recently discovered in the past year and really like is X2X Training Gear. While the women's selection isn't as large as the men's, it is slowly growing. I purchased their Ladies Burnout Tank (in black & purple) while I was at last year's Olympia Expo and I love it. The cut is flattering and the fit is amazing. I highly recommend following them on Facebook and/or Twitter - they use both to share info about sales, giveaways, etc.

Lucy Activewear is another brand that makes my heart...and wallet happy! I stumbled upon their clothing about 5 years ago when I was in Richmond, VA visiting family. We were at an outdoor outlet mall and I walked into their store just to browse for things I might be able to wear to bikram yoga. That day, I left with a bag full of clothes and have been shopping with them ever since! I don't normally wear shorter, tight fitting workout shorts but there's something about Lucy's Perfect Booty shorts (in both pictures above) that make me feel like my bottom half is bangin'. Now Lucy's prices are a bit high but they have phenomenal sales so consider them the next time you need need gear.

Other stores that I have success finding clothing at include Walmart (I love Danskin Now!!), Forever 21 (make sure to try their clothes on before you buy - it can run small), and Ross (be prepared to really look through each rack. This store requires time & patience).

There you have it...some of the brands and stores I like. Remember, you can find awesome clothes at reasonable prices - you just have to look!

Now, if I could just find a brand that would help me not look like a hot mess while at the gym.... ;)

Puttin' It Down at the 99 Cent Store!

If you would have told me 3 years ago that I would be shopping at the 99 Cent Store more frequently than the MAC store, I would have given you the stank eye. Me? The 99 Cent Store? Ain't no one got time for that! ;)

The truth is, I do! The 99 Cent store is just one of the resources I use to help me save money. I figure if I save money on food items, hygiene products, & cleaning supplies, then that's more money I have to spend on MAC products books shoes necessities!!

Tom & I decided to take you along with us on today's field trip to the 99 Cent only store. Warning - I'm a complete dork & no, it's not because I'm being filmed! lol!

Enjoy!