I love Twitter.  I learn so much from it.  I just ask a question and BOOM – quick, wonderful responses come flying back.  Recently we reviewed Sensei  (as low as $15 per month) which is is a weight loss program that includes a virtual dietitian with menu planning, grocery lists, recipes, workout scheduling and support.  I was curious which other iPhone apps are popular so I asked my Twitter friends which  ones they like to slim down and stay trim so they can fit into their skinny jeans.

The six below were by far the most popular weight loss resources.  Here’s a quick overview of each:

LOSE it! (free)

You enter your daily food intake and exercise information and LOSE it! will reveal the date you will reach your goal weight

Dietician ($9.99)

A food diary lets you track your calorie intake and create meal plans, recipes and grocery lists

Nutrition Menu Calorie Counter ($2.99)

This provides information for 79,000 food items at 377 US and Canada restuarants

iSteps ($2.99)

This actually turns your phone into a pedometer, just plug in your weight and height and tuck it in your pocket and it will calculate the distance you cover in a day

Fitness Builder($19.99)

Choose from a list of more than 400 different workouts that come complete with video

Gym Buddy (free)

Gym Buddy is a completely customizable workout journal. You can not only keep track of every workout that you do(both reps and weight) but you can also setup your own individual workout schedules.

What i-applications are you using on your iPhone for weight loss?  Did we miss any?

A Yoga mat has two basic purposes.  It needs to keep you from slipping and sliding while you go through your Asanas postures.  It also needs to provide padding between you and the floor if you are very thin and/or do hard fast workouts like Ashtanga Yoga. There are so many different yoga mats available and finding the right yoga mat depends on what type of yoga you prefer to practice and how many times you do yoga a week.

Lets talk about some of the different yoga mats out there:

Sticky Yoga Mat: This mat is great for people who practice Ashtanga yoga.  This fast-paced type of yoga favored by athletes requires a sticky yoga mat at least four millimeters thick.  This mat would also be good for someone that is very thin or frail and needs extra padding.

Manduka Yoga Mats: This mat costs a staggering $70 – $90 and this type of mat is known as the “Mercedes” of yoga mats.  The Manduka yoga mat has a top and a bottom side.  The top side keeps the Yogi from slipping and sliding, the bottom side stays flat against the surface of the floor and doesn’t bunch up during exercise.  The extra thickness makes it ideal for those who practice Ashtanga yoga.  If you are a serious Yogi who works on the Asana (postures) daily or almost daily, this mat is probably a good choice, despite its high cost.

Gaiam Yoga Mats: There are different types of Gaiam yoga mats. Lets start with the Gaiam rubber fitness mat.  This mat is intended for higher impact workouts, like Ashtanga or Power yoga.

Next is the Essentials Gaiam yoga mat.  This standard, non-latex mat is available in a rainbow of colours and several different styles.  This mat probably wouldn’t provide the cushioning needed for thin or frail Yogis, senior citizens, or Yogis who practice Ashtanga.

The Envirofit Jute Gaiam yoga mat is made from Jute plants and PER plastic, which is more environment friendly than substances used in standard yoga mats.

Finally, Gaiam offers the Premuim Bene-Fit Eco-friendly mat.  This mat is thicker than the Envirofit Jute mat, therefore more appropriate for Ashtanga Yogis.

Prana Yoga Mats: The deluxe sticky Prana yoga mat was designed by Yogis for Yogis, as the adhesive properties of the textured Dura grip surface provides confidence in any pose while allowing free flow of movement.  There is a stretch – resistant membrane in this Prana yoga mat, which allows to keep its shape in any pose and provide ultimate in comfort, support,and cushioning.

Now that you have found the right mat.  How do you take care of it?  There are several ways to clean your mat:

Spray Bottle Method: If your mat is lightly soiled, you can use a spray bottle or a damp cloth.  Wet the soiled surface with warm water then wipe it dry with a clean terry cloth towel.

Bath Tub Method: For heavier soiling,wash your mat in a tub of cool water and mild detergent.  Use only a small amount of detergent because any residue may cause your mat to become slippery when it’s wet with perspiration.  Rub the mat with a soft cloth or let it soak.  Rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.

Laundry Machine Method:   Most experts advise against this as it can put a lot of wear and tear on your mat, causing it to degenerate at a faster rate.  Also, there is a small risk of the mat getting stuck in the turbine with this method.  If you do wash your mat in the machine, make sure you use a small amount of mild detergent.  Hang to dry.

New mats feel slippery when you first buy them.  They will become sticky after 10-15 sessions.  You can wash them with mild detergent to get the mat sticky right away.

Winner: Angie B-Congrats!

Do you ever wear a running skirt to work out/ run in?  If not, would you like to?  Well, now is your chance to add one to your collection or to give a running skirt a try.  The GGS crew and Shabby Apple have teamed up for a great giveaway!   A Firefly Pose Running!  Here is Shabby Apple’s description of their skirt:

Supplex, Supplex, Supplex!  You will love the look and feel of this nylon/spandex blend fabric.   Your butt and legs never looked so good!  All Albion bottoms feature a special 3″ waistband that can be folded over to show off your awesome abs, or pulled up to tuck in your mom pouches, leaving your tummy flat!  With a fitted top and vents at side, a slight A-Line makes this skirt flattering yet perfect for your run.  This skirt also features built in fitted shorts that tighten up your tush and don’t ride up like most other skirts, because they are slightly longer than other leading brands.  Graphic at bottom of skirt keeps it feminine and practical for any athlete.

How cool does that sound??

To enter, just leave a comment in this post answering:

Go to Shabby Apple’s site and tell us what you would love to have on your wish list!  It does not need to be from their fitness section only.  They have a huge selection of dresses, swim suites, shoes and more…pick your favorite!

Really wanna win this cute little skirt?    

• Tweet it out using #girlgetstrong for extra entries(you can use the tweet button above)
• Follow Shabby Apple on twitter ~@shabbyapple
• Become a Facebook Fan of Girlgetstrong (right hand side)
• Become a Facebook Fan of Shabby Apple
• Make sure to tell us in the comments on what you did for the extra entries for them to count

Good Luck! Contest ends May 31, 2010.  

All items offered for a giveaway are non-transferable and have no cash value.

The love my iPhone!  I just don’t know what I did without it before.  But, finding out about all the different Apps can be over whelming!

There are  over 1,700 apps to choose from in the iTunes store, you can virtually find a download for every need.  I found that by far the most popular ones were on health and fitness. From a tool that tracks your calorie intake to a GPS-powered app that maps your cycling route, you’re sure to find something here to help you achieve a fitter, healthier you. 

These are my fav Apps that  I use and love!

Gym Buddy

Do you often find yourself motivated to hit the weights at the gym, only to realize that you can’t quite remember what weight and number of repetitions you did the last time you were there? To solve that problem once and for all, download the Gym Buddy, which allows you to log that information for each exercise you complete. Other fun features include a three-second timer for your rest periods, as well as a calendar option that lets you view your completed workouts for the entire month. $2.99; Apple.com/iTunes

Couch to 5K iPhone App

The Couch To 5K (C25K) program was designed by Josh Clark and was created for people who are beginning the running process. The program consists of a nine week plan that alternates between walking and running. Each week is designed to contain a three day workout while allowing off days between each workout day. Each workout session is 30 to 40 minutes long, including a five minute warm up and cool down. To make the program even more accessible, you can use the C25K iPhone app, which also has Facebook integration. For each day and week of your workouts with the Couch to 5K program it will explain what you need to do and keep track of your progress. Get the App

Daily Burn iPhone App

If you count calories, food journal, or are simply concerned with keeping track of what exactly you’re consuming each day, then you must try the Daily Burn iPhone app. Using the camera in your iPhone (any model), you can scan the UPC code on packaged foods and within seconds have the complete food label in front of you. The best part, it will also log all of those nutrition facts for you. Tracking and counting calories has never been easier, as Daily Burn’s Food Scanner app has more than 200,000 foods in its database. You’re not just limited to scanning packaged, processed foods, you can also log fresh, whole foods – like fruits, vegetables, or meat. While you can’t scan these items’ UPC, you can access their complete nutrition information. Get the App

iBody

Recently honored with a Mobie Award for best app in the Healthcare and Fitness category, iBody allows you to record and keep on top of the most important health factors for your body: weight, blood pressure, pulse rate and BMI. Use it to track your weight loss or maintain a healthy blood pressure level to ensure you stay in the best shape possible. $9.99; Apple.com/iTunes

Don’t Eat That iPhone App

As we all become more conscientious of the foods we’re eating and thus the ingredients that make up those foods, it certainly helps to have an ally, and the Don’t Eat That iPhone app aims to be that for consumers. The Don’t Eat That iPhone app simplifies the process of understanding food labels by providing a database of more than 1,500 food ingredients and additives to help you identify the good from the bad. Listed alphabetically in a number of categories, the food additives and ingredients are searchable and clearly identify the “safe” ingredients in black and the “harmful” ingredients in red. Even better, you can select each of the ingredients to read a definition of what it is, how it is used and what the problem is. Get the App

iCore Fitness iPhone App

Using the iCore Fitness program for the iPhone is like having your own personal trainer without the expense. With six different applications offered, the entire iCore program is a vital and energetic use of your iPhone in an exercise setting. All narrated by personal trainer and acclaimed kinesiologist Alexandra Laws, there are separate iCore apps suited for beginners or the advanced and for men and women. Each app guides the user through step-by-step workouts using video demonstration and vocal instructions that break down each motion to ensure proper form, and thus beneficial gain. With the iCore applications, you can maximize your workouts, utilize your time effectively, and be certain that you are executing the exercises correctly. Get the App

Lose It!

Set your daily calorie goal and stick to it with this helpful program that allows you to track your caloric intake and burn rate. Using the searchable database, you can log the foods you eat throughout the day and subtract calories burned during exercise. Users love that they can tally and save nutritional info for recipes they make most often. Free; Apple.com/iTunes

Anyone more I should know about?  Please do share your favorite!

My first Garmin - the quirky 301

I’ve been a runner for five years now and ever since I started, I’ve had a Garmin watch.  My first watch – which I still have and occasionally use – was the Garmin Forerunner 301.  It’s big, clunky and every time I look at it, I’m tempted to ask it to ‘Beam me up, Scotty’.  Despite Scotty’s (yup, I named it) awkward looks, I’m still extremely fond of it.

With its GPS system it served me well for years, as long as I wasn’t running in a big city (tall buildings blocked the signals) or in the trees (ditto).  In fact, I never would have given up on it except that one day on a run – around mile twelve – it started to count back down.

Yup, down.  As in, counting backwards.  The further I ran, the less mileage it displayed.

Crazy.

I looked in disbelief when I got back to our summer cabin and the final distance it displayed was eight odd miles.  I was  99% sure that I’d done over sixteen miles, but I actually had to get in the car and drive, checking my odometer to prove it to myself.

After that, I caught it counting backwards every once in a while.

It had Star Trek personality and it’s own sardonic humor. It was – is – a good friend.

But then my husband received the Garmin Forerunner 405 as a present.

Woo, this baby is sleek!  Guiltily, I put my old Scotty to rest and borrowed my hubbie’s newer model.  It too is GPS based and this new version works very well everywhere – big cities and forest included.  It also has not, to my knowledge, ever counted backwards. At least not yet.

I miss my 301′s quirky personality, but the 405 stole my heart anyway.

So when I was asked to review the Garmin FR60 Sport Watch I was interested to see how it compares to my other two watches.  I’m quite fond of Garmin as a brand, seeing as it has traveled many, many miles with me and measured my journey from couch potato to reluctant 10k runner to half marathon addict.

The FR60 Sport Watch

The sleek FR60 W / photo courtesy Garmin

One of the things I like about the FR60 is its sleek style and the colour options (typical girl, I like things to match!).  The model I was sent is pink, which receives my thumbs up.  The watch face is oval and is easy to read without being too big.

Unlike the Garmin 405 which is touch-based instead of using buttons (the 405 only has two buttons), the FR60 has six buttons.  Therein lies my biggest complaint, I did find the buttons are a little awkward to maneuver.  When the watch is on, it is a bit of a challenge getting your other hand over to the right angle to properly push some of the buttons.  That having been said, I think some of the awkwardness was due to my unfamiliarity with which button does what.  Over time, I’d probably find it easier.

The FR60 is not a GPS-based sport watch. Instead, it uses a wireless foot pod to track speed and distance, indoors or out.  It also sends workout data wirelessly to your computer for later analysis.

So why use the FR60 if it doesn’t use the super-handy GPS technology?  The FR60 is more versatile for athletes who perhaps want to track indoor workouts as well as outdoor.

In the gym or on the road, the FR60 tracks all your workout data, including time, heart rate, calories burned, lap times and averages. FR60 boasts advanced training tools, such as training alarms and Virtual Partner™, which lets you race against a virtual training partner to improve your performance.

“At the heart of its success is FR60′s wireless ANT+™ technology, which allows it to connect to other ANT+ compatible devices, like the included heart rate monitor, optional foot pod, or even ANT+ compatible fitness equipment.”

Another feature I like is that you can also track weight, body fat, body water and six other measurements when using the FR60 with the Tanita BC-1000 body composition scale. The readings are stored on FR60, then automatically sent to Garmin Connect when in range of your computer.

Test Runs

Now, I’m an outdoor runner and not much of an indoor athlete. So I was curious how the FR60′s wireless foot pod stands up to the Garmin 405′s GPS unit to measure my runs outdoors.

I strapped my 405 (I should say my husband’s 405, but you know what I mean ) on one wrist and the FR60 on the other wrist.  I slipped the wireless foot pod onto my shoelace ( you don’t have to unlace your shoes, yay!).

I took them both on several runs and the verdict was… they were very similar in measuring distance. Within a few yards.  As a matter of fact, there was more variation between my 405 and my girlfriend’s 405 than there was from the FR60 – when we used all three watches, the FR60 gave the distance smack dab in the middle of what our two GPS watches did.

Verdict: the wireless foot pod seems to work just fine with regard to measuring.

FR60 also connects wirelessly to a lightweight, flexible digital heart rate monitor, providing instant feedback. FR60 continuously tracks heart beats per minute and displays your heart rate zone, so you can monitor and improve your fitness level.  The heart rate monitor is a strap you place around your chest/back.  I found it easy to put on, comfortable and once adjusted it did not slip down or chafe at all.

The half marathon training program I’m following uses heartrate feedback for recovery between training sets so I found having the heart rate monitor really handy.

Pros:

• Sleek appearance with color options
• Well designed and performs as promised
• Great for measuring indoor workouts as well as outdoor workouts
• The watch is easy to put on, the heart rate monitor is easy to put on and the wireless foot pod is easy to put on.
• Reliable
• Options?…too many too list

Cons:

• I found the buttons a bit awkward to access
• I found my 405 is a bit more intuitive – I did need to read the manual for the FR60

Final thoughts:  I won’t be giving up the Garmin Forerunner 405, it is definitely my favourite. But if I did indoor activities as well as outdoor, I would have no hesitation using the FR60.