Exercise Longer with Music - Jaybird BlueBuds X Bluetooth Earbuds Ear Phones

Jaybird Bluebuds X Bluetooth Ear Buds
I picked up a set of these ear buds at The Women's Story Media Event this past summer at Crystal Springs Resort. Hailed as the best Bluetooth ear buds on the market today, you will enjoy the incredible freedom and long 8 hour battery life these have to offer. Comfortable to wear, there's no worries over getting tangled in wires or cables. Remote control is on the strap.  These are the perfect ear buds for those who like to bicycle, walk or run with  music. In fact studies show that people exercise LONGER when they have their favorite music to accompany them. I know personally that having the right beats along invigorates me to run that extra mile before packing it in!
These Jaybirds are the official training headphones for the USA Triathelon team due in part to their lifetime guarantee against sweat.

Here's What They Are Saying at the Jaybird Sport Website:

Micro-sized sweat-proof sport Bluetooth buds delivering superior audio performance (music & calls) rivaling the best in wired headphones. Patented Secure fit for ultra comfort, ready for anything you can dish out on the trail, in the gym or on the slopes. Breakthrough exclusive super-capacity Battery HD technology doubles Jaybird BlueBuds X playtime to a solid 8 hours, offering a full week of workouts, or a full day of listening. Use your music device on your left or right side, above or below the waist, it doesn’t matter with SignalPlus, for skip-free music outdoors.

These stay in your ears very well and also have interchangeable pieces for a perfect fit. I do notice that they will skip when I bend completely over to tie my shoes though but not when I'm running. The sound quality is excellent and you get a high tech "On Star" sounding voice telling you when your power is on, off or low. Comes in a protective black magnetic closure case with recharging USB cable. Easily pairs with any Bluetooth capable device. It works great with my iPod and Android cellphone. I simply connect and go. Check them out at the Jaybird Bluebuds website!

Hobie Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding at The Women's Story

Stand Up Paddle boarding and Kayaking at The Women's Story 2014

Crystal Springs Resort, NJ As many of you may already know, I've been stoked about The Women's Story event since I first heard about it last month. In fact my previous post showed just what I packed for the event itself!

Water World
Crystal Springs Resort (as the name implies) has the reputation of having some of the most gorgeous water-ways, pools and aqua parks in the NY/NJ area. So it was a real treat to get in some sit on top kayaking and stand up paddle boarding in such a beautiful setting.

Hobie Mirage Kayaks

Hobie Mirage Kayaks
We've taken canoeing lessons and were taught sit on top kayaking but the Hobie Mirage Adventure Kayak was a whole new experience...and a good one! Similar to sit on top kayaks, there is a paddle attached to the craft but the steering is done via a lever controlled rudder on the port side. You propel yourself by pedaling as if you were on a recumbent bicycle. It was so easy to pick up that literally within seconds were were steering around the lagoon like pros. Paddling was very easy, in fact much easier than a paddle boat, which we've also done. Ingrid Niehaus (demonstrating them in the photo below) said the inventor got the idea from watching penguins paddle with their webbed feet.

Hobie Mirage's Unique Pedal Paddle System

These would really be great for a vacation or expedition as there is ample storage in the stern area of the kayak for supplies. See more styles of Hobie Kayaks online at HobieCat.com or HobieKayaks.com

Stand Up Paddle Boarding
I didn't realize that some paddle boards were inflatable. The ones we've seen looked like a super-wide solid surf board. Still, being able to inflate and deflate your paddle board definitely helps in transporting them and buoyancy on the water. My photographer, Gina, was a quick study, having taken canoeing (and swimming) lessons before.
It appeared the basics were getting your balance over the board before actually attempting to stand up. She did this bare footed as the paddle board surface was quite grippy.

Gina gets into kneeling position and balances the board.

Keep in mind that it was raining, so that added to the slick conditions. All the same, Gina kept her grip as you can see. The entire surface of the Hobie Paddle Board has a non-slip texture. She started out paddling on her knees and riding bare footed is recommended vs the Sperry Topsiders we brought for the event.

She's got it! Notice the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island in the background

Now understand that we have had a fair share of on-the-water training and sports. Other than a few waterfalls, there was no wind or currents which we would normally encounter on open water. That having been said, I still believe anyone can easily master these sports and use this gear effectively in short order. I would recommend taking along an Adventure Medical Kit, especially the Marine Series 250. Also read up on Kayaking (Sea Kayaking by Dan Henderson) in general before you head out. Check out what you'll need to prep for a canoeing/kayaking trip here.

Hobie Eye Wear 
If you are going to spend time outdoors, make sure you have the proper eye protection as UV rays bounce off and are intensified by the water's surface. Hobie has some very fashionable eye wear that I plan to feature this summer at Best Picks Magazine and my Lucky Magazine contributor page. I wore a pair of the matte tortoise shell framed ones for my morning walk the other day and they are very effective yet lightweight. Sweeeet! Check out all Hobie has to offer by visiting them online at HobieCat.com or HobieKayaks.com

Hobie Polarized Lenses - totally fashionable yet funtional!

Eye wear c/o Hobie Kayaks

What's In My Gym Bag?

Essentials I pack for the health club.

I used to be an active Gold's Gym member primarily because it was on my way home from work. I would stop in every day during the week and get in a few reps and maybe an aerobics class before going home to dinner. Now I have a home gym and prefer getting my aerobic exercise by walking, running and cycling.
This week I'm on my way to The Women's Story at Crystal Springs Resort and am packing things I would usually take to the gym as this is a fitness event at a resort. Keeping in mind that most health clubs have pools, hot tubs, saunas and showers, I've also included a bath/shampoo kit.

Supplements for my workout

Supplements
These have to be easy to digest and take along. I take Rainbow Light's Certified Organics Women's Multivitamins daily so I like to bring them along so I can have them with lunch. Made with Organic Fruits and Vegetables, they are perfect with an equally healthy meal and I've never had an upset stomach taking them either with or without food. Same thing for the individually packaged Gummy Omegalicious chews. These include Omega 3 fatty acids with Vitamin C and can really help with post-workout inflammation.

Inflammation busters: Topricin Topical Pain Creme and Turmeric Supreme

Speaking of inflammation, there are things you can use prophylactically to help deal with soreness before it strikes. I use a small amount of Topricin on my knees and back and take Gaia Herbs Turmeric Supreme. Both will make a HUGE difference in your recovery time while lessening post workout soreness.

Molton Brown Women's Carry On Flight Collection

Travel Set
I'm really enjoying this complete set of body/ hair shampoos, conditioner and body/hand lotions from Molton Brown, London. Crystal Springs Resort & Spa provides Molton Brown bath products for your stay at the Grand Cascades Hotel. Be sure to take them with you! Otherwise, you can get their cool TSA flight ready travel set with everything you'll need for a shower after your workout.  This Women's Carry On Flight Collection contains: Pink Pepperpod Body Wash, Replenishing Hand Creme & Nourishing Body Lotion, Cress Purifying Shampoo, Mer-rouge Deep Conditioning Mask and Ambrusca Wash and Scrub.
Tip: Apply the Deep Conditioning Mask to your hair, wrap with a warm towel and sit in the sauna. The heat will give your hair a super penetrating moisturizing treat while you relax.

Post Workout & Recovery

After the Gym
If you've worked your muscles, it's best to get some protein in you within about 30 minutes of finishing up. Why? Well, protein is the building block of muscle tissue which has basically been torn apart to allow for new growth. I like the Garden of Life Raw Fit packets as they are easy to take with my Klean Kanteen. Just add water or even a bit of almond or rice milk and you have an instant High Protein Shake. Garden of Life is a bit different as it is made with raw, organic spouted grains like: brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, garbanzo bean and amaranth grain. The Marley Coffee is really delicious, has a low glycemic index and helps burn fat.
Raw Protein to Go
The packets make it easy to take and make on the road as it mixes completely with no lumps. It also has probiotics and enzymes for superior gut health.

Basil's New Market Bag clips onto your rear rack.

My New Bag 
I'm taking this for The Women's Story because there will be some cycling involved and this new bag clips easily onto a rear rack or front of the handlebars. Holds A LOT and has both an outer and inner zippered pocket. Get a bicycle workout en route to the gym with this bag! NEW from Basil.NL