ClickGo Systems – to Help Your Phone Hold On

The most frequently asked question by my Mentorship Program participants is what do I use in my Indoor Cycling classes to have my playlist/notes in front of me? Because the bikes at the locations I teach at don’t have a really good place to keep my phone/notes I had to “re-invent the wheel” so ClickGo came along!

Continue Reading

MP45 Program Review: Training and Nutrition Plan

MP45 Program review: 45 day workout program and nutrition guide.

MP45 program review

This post has been sponsored by MP45 Program.Continue Reading

Thermos Connected Hydration Water Bottle Review

Hey guys! It’s Tasty Tuesday!

For my Tasty Tuesday post I’m talking about hydration here today.

Why you might ask? Because water is vitally important for our bodies just as food and to me – there’s no better and tastier drink than water. I’m not into sweet beverages or basically anything else other than water (maybe with a little bit of lemon or lime). With very few exceptions water is what I drink before/during/after my workouts also.

Now, gather round, my gadget heads and technology geeks. 🙂

thermos connected hydration water bottle Continue Reading

TV Without TV? Yes!

Hey guys! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope you’re having a wonderful time with your families out there and that Turkey Trot attire is all ready to perform, and Turkey is ready to go into that oven!

I am here today to talk about something different than my usual post subjects, but I hope you enjoy it. Before we dive in though, I wanted to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for another great year with Lean Lena. If it wasn’t for you, this blog wouldn’t have existed. It would have been stuck somewhere between a food journal and an exercise log.

THANK YOU for your ever inspiring comments, your support and dedication in making me a better blogger and making Lean Lena a better resource for indoor cycling instructors, TRX coaches and yoga enthusiasts.

TV without TV Continue Reading

Ninja Coffee Bar Review – All about the Coffee

Have you ever thought it’d be possible to make a perfect pumpkin spice latte in the comfort of your own home? It is now! Ninja Coffee Bar is a compact coffee maker that fits on your countertop and brings that latte right into your house without you having to change out of your PJ’s and go out.

NinjaCoffeeBar Continue Reading

Smoothies: 7 Recipes for 7 Days

Smoothies season is upon us! Start yours off with these 7 Smoothie Recipes for 7 Days. Fresh fruit, vegetables and other nutritious ingredients will give your body a boost of energy and health after the long winter months.

smoothies Continue Reading

Yoplait Whips! – Whipping Up Healthy Meals

Whipped Greek yogurt? 100 calories? Yes, please!  I’ll take these Yoplait Whips! as a healthy breakfast, snack, lunch and dinner 🙂

yoplait whips Continue Reading

Mezzetta Memories: Salami Pasta Salad Recipe

Hey guys! Happy Tasty Tuesday to you 🙂

Today, I’m cooking with Mezzetta as part of the Mezzetta Memories campaign.

mezetta memories

With another big holiday upon us, it’s time to start thinking about the holiday menu already!

Together with Mezzetta I’m sharing my family traditions when it comes to holiday cooking.Continue Reading

Skechers Motivation to Walk – Who Do You Walk For?

I don’t talk about my personal life on this blog a lot… But this occasion/opportunity really moved me to share a story with you today that’s personal.

It’s the most difficult post I’ve ever had to write, too…

Meet my grandma.

_DSC9368

Her name is Valentina and she’s my maternal grandmother’s sister actually. I grew up with my maternal grandma living with us – taking care of us kids like only a grandmother can, for which I will forever be grateful. Valentina lived away and would come to visit us occasionally. Those family get-togethers are one of the fondest memories I have from my childhood. My grandma’s sisters were all very loud, funny, witty, strong and powerful women. Growing up with these women around was amazing and contributed a lot into making me who I am today.Continue Reading

POPSUGAR Must Have Box Review – September

Hey guys! Just popping in quickly today to tell you about the September POPSUGAR Must Have Box.

popsugar must have box

If you remember, I reviewed this subscription before and I absolutely LOVE it.

So here are some of my favorite items from the September box:Continue Reading

FlipBelt Review

Hey guys!

Since this week started off so awesomely amazing and threw all my blogging schedule off, this is not your usual Workout Wednesday post, BUT – it is fitness related.

Gonna drop some knowledge on you today 🙂

Have you ever experienced the dilemma before going for a run/grocery shopping/picking up the kids/to the gym of whether or not you should bring your purse with you, or in case of workouts – what to do with all this stuff you need (car/house keys, phone, etc..) once you get to the gym?

Don’t answer, we all did. 🙂

Well, I got a solution for you – FlipBelt.

Continue Reading

Pro Compression Socks Review and Special Discount!

Hey guys! Happy Monday!

How was you weekend? Mine was busy and active, as always 🙂

Even though I am just training for my first 5K, you might remember me wondering about the benefits/lack thereof of running in compression socks. Well, shortly after I wrote that post I got an opportunity to review Pro Compression socks through my Sweat Pink Ambassadorship.

pro compression

I decided to see for myself if compression socks make any difference while training and recovering!

We were given the choice of reviewing Marathon Socks or Calf Sleeves. I opted for the socks.

I ordered the Marathon Socks in white and got them in the mail just a few days later.

pro compression

Well, I just couldn’t wait to try them in action!

That same day when I got them in the mail, hubby and I had our next run scheduled with the C25K, so I put my socks on about 15 minutes before the run, kept them on and off we went!

Ok, here’s what happened: I felt like my legs were running ahead of the rest of my body that day. One of the reasons why was that it was the first cool day after a few sweaty exhausting runs. Another reason was that we had a 2 day rest since last run, and 1 day rest since the leg-related activity (the cycling class I taught that Monday).

But I know my legs – it wasn’t just cooler weather and rest. Those socks worked, too! For the first time since I re-started running I felt like moving my feet was not hard work, but pleasure.

pro compression

I got home, took a shower and put them on that evening for a while for recovery.

pro compression

Added in some foam rolling and next day my legs felt like that run never happened! No. Tightness. At. All.

From that day forward, I’ve been running in those socks and leaving them on for 15-30 minutes after runs.

pro compression

Here are the Key Features of the Pro Compression products:

1. True Graduated Compression 
2. Arch support with just the right amount of compression 
3. Stabilization zone through the sides to mid foot. Helps provide foot bed comfort.   
4. Open toe box so it will not keep your toes to tight.  
5. Wide cuff for added comfort. 
6. Moisture wicking materials
7. No blisters!  

Testified: ALL TRUE! I have decided that I am definitely a compression socks kinda girl! 🙂

Approved Stamp

Best part?

You guys can use the discount code “PINK” to get 40% OFF an entire purchase at the PRO Compression online store.

Click on the link below to tell your twitter friends about this awesome chance to get high quality product at 40% OFF:
Tweet: I #KeepItTight w/ @PROCompression! Use the code PINK for 40% OFF your entire purchase! http://ctt.ec/W2UDL+ @fitapproach #sweatpink

Stay fit, friends, and #keepittight 🙂

Lean Lena

Pro Cakes Review and Tasty Tuesday Linkup

Good morning, Healthy Eaters 🙂 Happy Tasty Tuesday to ya!

As always, I am sharing my tasty finds with you today and hosting a linkup for you to share yours!

Don’t forget to check out other link up participants and there’s only one rule to the linkup – link back or grab the link up badge from the sidebar. Let’s spread the word so we can have more participants next week!

Tasty Tuesday Badge 200x200

So, let’s get down to the tasty business here. A while ago, I got an opportunity through FitFluential to review Pro Cakes.

pro cakes

Pro Cakes is a high protein pancake mix, which is also gluten free, wheat free, contains 14 net carbs and over 20 grams of protein per serving.

I received this single serving of pancake mix in the mail shortly after I signed up for the review with an information card and a thank you note from the Pro Cakes founder.

pro cakes

I have to say – pancakes are my guilty pleasure – I could eat them for breakfast every day. Making a batch from scratch is not always feasible with my busy schedule. Making a batch from the store bought mix is not always healthy. So we make pancakes very occasionally.

This mix is a great solution to both issues above – you get a mix that just needs 1/3 cup of milk and an egg added to it (substitute with almond milk and an egg white if you feel like it) and is healthy and packed with protein. (see the full list of ingredients here)

Another thing that I loved about Pro Cakes mix is that it comes both in 13 oz bags and in 1.6 oz singe serving bags (makes 3 medium size pancakes) that are super convenient if you’re making breakfast for one or two people on a busy morning when you just have no time to measure those ingredients.

I made 4 small pancakes from my single serving sample that I received.

pro cakes

The pancakes were fluffy and oh SO delicious! I have to say I was skeptical to begin with – mostly because I don’t like the artificial taste of pretty much any type of added protein.

I could not taste anything funky in these pancakes.

There was no artificial powder aftertaste whatsoever.

I punched in the numbers for just the pancakes into MyFitnessPal that morning and here’s what I got:

pro cakes

Of course that’s not everything I ate that day, but looks pretty balanced to me for one meal – especially taking into account that the meal was PANCAKES!

I loved these pancakes and the fact that they are packed with protein without the artificial aftertaste. I would definitely recommend them!

Now tell me all about your tasty finds, guys, and don’t forget to link up your tasty posts below. Please, share, link back or grab the linkup party badge from the sidebar.

Have a wonderful week!

Lean Lena

DISCLAIMER: Pro Cakes has provided me with the complementary product in exchange for this review. All the opinions above are my own.

This post was shared on Healthy Tuesday Blog Hop.

 Loading InLinkz ...

POPSUGAR Must Have June Box Review

Hey guys! How are you doing today? It is finally Friday!

I look forward to a nice relaxing weekend at home with hubby – some cycling, some swimming, some gardening – a little bit of everything.

Meanwhile, I am combining the two again – my Five on Friday and a review of a super box I received from POPSUGAR Must Have.

I love working with POPSUGAR – great people, very responsible, and you can be sure they won’t send you a bunch of crap when you get a box subscription from them – every experience I had with them (see the Must Have Snacks review) was extremely positive and pleasant.

Speaking of subscription – POPSUGAR Must Have was so kind to send me a $10 discount code to share with you guys, which applies to 3-month subscription:

  • Code: JUNESELECT10
  • Type: Save $10 on a 3-month subscription
  • Start Date: Today
  • End Date: 6/30/14

Click here to subscribe and get your $10 off today!

So here is the box I received in June and the review of some items in it.

popsugar must have box

{ONE} You Smell Wet Wipes

I am not a big fan of wet wipes in general. I hate the way they make your hands sticky and the way they smell.

I have to say, these wipes surprised me by being absolutely none of what you expect a regular wet wipe to be – they smell fresh and don’t make your skin feel like you just wiped it with honey.

We put this product to a good test when we went camping a couple weeks ago. They really helped out – especially for me as I was the “Fire Master” 🙂

popsugar must have box

Two thumbs up for these wipes!

{TWO} Turkish-T Beach Towel

If you’re like me, you like to be wrapped into something thin and light at the beach or by the pool when you get out of the water and had a little bit too much sun already.

This beach towel is just that – light and soft. That has been tested this past weekend by the pool by yours truly 🙂

popsugar must have box

{THREE} One Potato…Two Potato…Hawaiian BBQ Chips

popsugar must have box

I normally don’t buy/eat potato chips. VERY occasionally my husband would buy some and they would be gone before I get my hands on them thanks to the two baby alligators in the house chomping on anything edible 🙂

I had to hide these chips when I got them. Aha – you get the idea 🙂

Now look at the Nutrition Facts label for these:

These are not your regular potato chips, no sir. I actually felt OK about eating them as opposed to the usual guilt and “it’s not good for me” thoughts.

Still not a big fan of potato chips. But if you are – these are definitely a healthier version to go for.

{FOUR} The One and Only by Emily Giffin

Emily Giffin is the New York Times best selling author and The One and Only is her newest novel. I have just started it, and so far it looks like a perfect book to read at the swim club!

{FIVE} SACHAJUAN Body Lotion – Shiny Citrus

I’m in love with this lotion! When it comes to moisturizers, I am VERY picky. Hate the stuff that leaves my skin greasy and shiny. This is just perfect! Gets absorbed fast and leaves you with nice and silky skin.

I also got a pack of three Lollies Hair Ties.

popsugar must have box

Well, I am a little limited in the hair department as far as the use of hair ties goes 🙂

yeah, here's a picture of me NOT in workout clothes for once :)

yeah, here’s a picture of me NOT in workout clothes for once 🙂

I tried giving them to Carmen, but that girl has such thick hair those ties were not big enough for her 🙂 I ended up giving them to my co-worker’s daughter and she absolutely loved them!

So. Here’s the math for a POPSUGAR Must Have Box for you, guys:

Subscription cost: $39.95/month (use the discount code above to get a 3-month subscription and it comes out at $33.29/box!)

Retail value of the items in the June box:

  • You Smell wet wipes – $5
  • Turkish-T Beach Towel – $45
  • The One and Only by Emily Giffin – $16.52 on Amazon
  • One Potato, Two Potato chips – about $.99/bag
  • Hair ties – $8/pack of 3
  • Body lotion – at least $24

Total retail value: $99.51

Sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

And that’s that, friends! Have a great weekend!

Lean Lena

DISCLOSURE: POPSUGAR provided me with a complimentary POPSUGAR Must Have box. The opinions I have shared about the box are my own and POPSUGAR did not tell me what to say or how to say it.

This post has been shared on: Mar on the Run, Northeast Bloggers Network, Let’s Get Real Linkup

Vega Sport Hydrator Review by Lost and Found Blogger

Hey my lovelies! Have you missed me? 🙂

I sure missed you!

My office still pretty much looks like this – at least for the most part of the work week:

IMG_5766

And my office clothes – like this:

IMG_5767

I am exposed to the weather conditions (rain or shine) and having all other sorts of fun related to overseeing container loading 🙂

Good news: this is the last week I’m doing it. After that – back to being an office rat and sleeping in until 6:30 AM.

Even better news: I have a piece of hard earned wisdom to share with you today.

If you have to work outside in the heat, if you do 12000 steps between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm – support your body. Drink a lot of water!

I was lucky enough to get a pack of Vega Sport Hydrator as part of the Fuel Your Better campaign with Fit Approach before my adventure started.

vega sport

I have to tell you – when it comes to hydrating, I prefer pure water. I just can’t really deal with the aftertaste of a sports drink and the feeling of complete draught in my mouth after drinking them. But since it was a Vega product, I decided to give it a try. They already surprised me once with their no aftertaste protein powder as I mentioned before. So, I thought, why not give it a shot again with Vega?

You probably know from my social media pages that I am now an employee of the Carlisle Family YMCA and teach an indoor cycling class every Monday. Since I am a beginner-instructor, I put a profile together every Saturday, give it a trial “run” myself on Sunday, then teach it on Monday. So! Back to Vega Sport Hydrator. One Sunday I went for my trial ride in the cycling room alone and brought the Hydrator with me to check it out.

Vega Sport Hydrator

It is a powder that you add to your water so you can decide for yourself how concentrated you want it to be. I made mine pretty thin so the taste is subtle.

I rode 8.6 miles on pretty intense hilly terrain that day!

Vega Sport Hydrator

I fueled those miles with the Vega Sport Hydrator. I have to say, being used to hydrating with plain water the taste was a little distracting in the beginning. But I still enjoyed it on my ride!

Vega Sport Hydrator

For my next class I made sure I had a bottle of this goodness with me!

Vega Sport Hydrator

The second time around I just loved it! So glad I have a whole box that Vega Team sent me!

It does its job perfectly in my opinion – hydrates and gives you energy to goof around like this after you taught/took a tough cycling class:

IMG_5776

My super exhausting few weeks of working outside all day would not be so bearable without this product either! I used it to hydrate while being out there in the sun for the past few weeks and running around between the containers and Gators 🙂

BONUS: Vega Sport Hydrator does not contain sugar or artificial sweeteners! 0 Calories, too!

No guilt, great taste and benefits for your body all the way around – count me in! 🙂

Thank you, Vega Team and Fit Approach for this wonderful opportunity to try out Vega Sport Hydrator.

Disclaimer: even though I received complementary product from Vega and Fit approach, I was not compensated in any other way for this post and the opinions above are my own.