Weight lifting shoes, do they work ?

Reebok have gone all out with their amazing range of crossfit gear. Ill be genuinely honest and say i am not much of a cross-fitter, but as a curious blogger these particular crossfit shoes caught my eye and my interest. I personally would label them more of a squatting/ Olympic lifting shoe rather than a crossfit specific runner. Obviously the first and most impressive thing about reebok's 'crossfit lifter plus' sneaker is their aesthetics. They are very striking and seriously slick, featuring a double Velcro strap and also no mid heel. These Crossfit lifter plus comes in a variety of colours both for men and women, black/blue or black/red for men and red,white, grey and black for women. I decided to give the trainers a couple of shots before i made a final judgement on them. 

 I found for such a bulky looking runner they were surprisingly light, they also offered a lot of support and grip especially to my ankles. I also felt very comfortable and that my form was of a very high standard when squatting and also for my deadlifts. The raised heel afford a lot more stability and balance than a standard runner. My only negative comment is that they didn't offer a lot of mobility or versatility. When it comes to Olympic lifting, deadlifts, squats, snatches or any type of training that involves restricted mobility and a focus on stability and balance, then the Crossfit lifer plus are perfect. I couldn't fault them in that area what so ever, they really improved my form and balance. I also found them to be quite small a fitting so keep that in mind when buying. I have also read up on many reviews about the crossfit plus runner by reebok, and the ongoing opinion is that they are extremely durable and last a very long time. So for 145 euro you are getting a pair of functional, stylish and long lasting weight lifting shoe.

To get your hands on a pair of Reebok Crossfit plus follow the links below to the Reebok Uk website 


Men : http://www.reebok.ie/Men%27s-CrossFit%C2%AE-Lifter-Plus/V47270_580,en_IE,pd.html?cgid=CrossFit-Shoes

Women : http://www.reebok.ie/Women%27s-CrossFit%C2%AE-Lifter-Plus/V60042_530,en_IE,pd.html?cgid=CrossFit-Shoes



Whats your verdict on weight lifting shoes, would you give them a try ?? 
Kelly D xxx

Roll it out

This cylindrical piece of foam may look insignificant it may also look like it has no place in a gym. The foam roller has gone from being a tool used by only professional athletes, coaches and chiropractors to appear as a common fitness essential. The technical term Self Myofascial release is when a person apply's pressure to a specific point, which will then stimulate the recovery of a muscle and assist in returning it to normality. Self Myofascial can be preformed using a foam roller, Lacrosse ball or even your own hands. Using these items will help smooth and lengthen your muscles it will also break up scar tissue and adhesion's. Foam rolling helps improve blood circulation which in turn speeds up recovery and will also boost performance.


Benefits 

- Boosts performance
- Speeds up recovery
- Increase in blood circulation
- Promotes cell growth and better organ function
- Better hair and skin from the increase in blood circulation
- Improve overall body function
- Inexpensive 
- Can be done at home 
- Improves brain function 
- Helps to reduce stress
- Improve flexibly and movement

How do i use a foam roller 

Ok so here is the tricky part. It is well known a short foam roller session can be quite painful, and sometimes uncomfortable. It is best done immediately after a workout and only a quick 5-10 roll is necessary. If you have been out for a long run, target your calves and quads. If you have done a weight training session targeting the back area then a 5-10 minute roll pinpointing this are is most beneficial. Also try incorporating stretching for maximum recovery. 

- Apply pressure to target / Sore area using bodyweight and the foam roller
- Always roll slowly
- When dealing with sore knots and areas, work the area slowly adding pressure for 5-30 seconds ( This may be sore ) and then releasing. Continue 2-3 times.
- Never roll on bones or joints
- For small fussy areas try using a tennis ball
- If the area is unworkable and unbearably painful, seek professional help


So for those of you are keen to get yourself a foam friend, i found a very cheap one here on Elvery sports online. It is also reduced from 16.99 to 12.74, but is only available online. 

Follow link below to purchase online :

http://www.elverys.ie/Product/Body-Sculpture-Foam-Roller-12/212908/0000000184

Happy rolling Bikinibrawn readers

Kelly D xx

Bikinibrawn reveals the 2014 Fitness trends

1 : So number one on the Bikinibrawn list is the hugely exciting Aerial fitness which is yet to take off here in Ireland. But as we know it usually takes a while for fitness trends to land on our shores. 2014 is set to be the year for exercising in the air. Celebs like Pink, Britney, Mariah Carey and of course Gwentyh Paltrow are huge fans of aerial fitness. Other alternatives including Cirque school which combines aerial fitness classes with more core work and the typical flexibity that is expected in aerial classes. For those of you who have never heard of it, Aerial workouts are high intensity cardio that is involved with the climbing, the classes also build strength and improve flexibility

2 : Flywheel aka Spin theaters. Spin has been around for a long time and it looks like this aint no trend, but instead has been improved. The high intensity spin theater class looks set to continue building momentum in 2014, the major difference between spin and flywheel is that the atmosphere and approach to the class is different. A more exciting atmosphere, dark lights and is also known to include weights.  A list celebs like Jessica Alba and Sofia Vergera are huge Flywheel fans.

3: Like i mentioned before 2014 is set to continue to be a big year for Juicing. The predictions are that juicing is not going anywhere, in fact we will be taking it home with us we like it that much! 2014 is going to be the year for DIY juicing, with celebs like Gwen Paltrow, Miranda Kerr and Nicole Richie all juicing at home. All you need to start is a juicer ! 

4 : The 22 day Vegan challenge is apparently going to be the new it thing of 2014. The ideology is that it takes 21 days to break a habit , so whether its for moral reasons or to shed pounds. The 22 day vegan challenge this is set to be a big one in 2014, especially after the huge publicity of Jay-Z and Beyonces challenge.  

5 : A new one to the Irish shores The Barre workout is set to grow in popularity in 2014. For those of you who have always wanted the body of a dancer, strong, lean and sleek well then this will be the class for you. Incorporating ballet, dance, yoga and Pilates. The class focuses on using your own body weight for resistance and the major moves in Barre challenge your core strength, stability and balance. Stars like Natalie Portman, Zooey Dechanel and Madonna are said to be Big fans of Barre. 

Bikinibrawn covers eating disorders !

I felt it was important to cover a story on eating disorders, after seeing a story earlier today online about an Irish girl suffering with anorexia. The 23 year old Irish girl has had anorexia for over ten years, her case is so severe she is not only fighting for her life but also has found her case in the high court. The young woman has been diagnosed as critical and has been told without nutritional supplements she will die. She has turned down four of seven attempts to help her, and now the high court has ordered her to be fed through a tube in the attempts to save her life. At only 23 years of ages, the girl weighs a tiny five stone and will no doubt have a sad ending to her story if she doesn't except the treatment. We here at Bikinibrawn wish her the best of luck and hope her journey ends on a positive note. We hope that she receives the help and support she needs to return to a normal healthy life. Sometimes it can be hard to comprehend why people fall into eating disorders whether its Anorexia or obesity. I personally try not to judge someone when you don't understand their story. For me the most important thing is highlighting the dangers of eating disorders and how destructive they can be, that their or so many misunderstandings about weight loss and food. I always have tried to push how healthy it is eat regularly and that there are options for everyone and can all be done in a healthy manor. It is important to keep your mind healthy in these situations and i think this is where people falter. Anorexia is not glamorous and being overweight is not curvy, there are genuinely so many options for what ever your goals are, and food does not need to turn into a negative thing. Everyone can achieve their ideal body in a healthy manor and that is a fact. Some of you Bikinibrawn readers might not even know what exactly an eating disorder is, It is basically described as a mental condition where an individual has an unhealthy relationship with a food. An individual who suffers with an eating disorder usually struggles with body image and it disrupts their everyday life. 
Check out some details below which you might find helpful and shocking.

- Over 200'000 people in Ireland have been affected by an eating disorder 
- 400 new people are added to the list every year
- Each year roughly 80 deaths accur in Ireland that are related to eating disorders 
- Eating disorders can lead to illnesses like Anorexia, bulimia
- Eating disorders in Ireland are highest with females between the age of 15-40 . Roughly 2% go on to have bullemia and 0.5% go on to have anorexia 
- Over 30% of people have been recorded to be affected by binge eating 
- 4% of Ireland's adult population have been affected by binge eating disorders like obesity
- There has been an increase of 67% in the number of recorded male eating disorders in the UK over the last 5 years.
- 71.4% of Irish teens feel adversely affected by media portrayal of body weight and shape 
- The mortality rate associated with anorexia is 200 times higher than the suicide rate of female in the general pollution 
- Roughly 20.8% of Anorexia Nervosa patients do not recover or improve but develop a long term or chronic form of the eating disorders .


The negative impacts of Anorexia and Bulimia 

• Muscle wasting
• Thinning hair
• Bone loss
• Tooth decay
• Delayed growth and development
• Anemia
• Digestive problems
• Heart problems
• Seizures
• Depression, which can spiral to suicidal thoughts or behavior

Reasons eating disorders may occur & Signs to look out for as a friend or family member !

• Stressful life situations, accompanied by a lack of adequate coping skills.
• Sensitivity to life changes
• Separation from family.
• Social or cultural factors, such as preoccupation about weight and appearance, especially influenced by magazines or television.
• Possible biological or genetic predispositions.
• Domestic problems
• Preoccupation with food and weight.
• Claims of feeling fat when weight is actually normal or even low.
• Body dismorphia ie. seeing a fat person in the mirror when the individual is actually painfully thin.
• Not wanting to eat in front of other people.
• Guilt and shame about eating.Evidence of binge eating or hoarding of food, followed by the use of laxatives, diuretics and emetics to rid the body of that food.A preoccupation with exercise, particularly exercising to lose weight rather than to get fit.
• Emotional changes and mood swings, depression, irritability and social withdrawal.

The most important factor is that all of these serious illnesses can be prevented. They can also be curable, especially if they are identified early. What to do ??
The first and most important step is visiting your local GP / Doctor. If it is possibly a friend or family member why not approach the individual in a relaxed environment and offer your support. If you do not see an improvement take the next step speak to a teacher, parents, guidance counselor and most importantly stick by them.  


Whats your views on eating disorders and do you think there is enough support for people ?

Kelly D x

My Visit to The Punnet Health store in Glasthuale

The juicing revolution doesn't seem to be dying down by any means, and the punnet health store in Glasthuale are out the door, with their three day juicing challenge and Juice range. Juicing exploded over the end of 2013, and with the January fit buzz well and truly upon us, i can guarantee the juicing buzz is not going anywhere. It is the 'IT' thing to do right now for many reasons, including helping to shift some unwanted holiday pounds, revitalize your body, refresh your skin and hair and many many others. The Punnet offer a three day challenge, at 75 euro, which seems to be the typical juicing cost. Having personally tried out their full range, i can guarantee a high quality product that will help you maximize your potential. Their juices are 100% natural and you know exactly what you are putting into your body, which i think is important. Remember juicing is not a quick fix to weight loss, Juicing is more about body cleansing and removing toxins, adding vitamins & minerals and to also help lead into a healthy lifestyle and diet. 

The Punnet is located just beside Dunlaoighre and is well worth a trip out, whether your local or not. The shop has a vibrant, young atmosphere that i found totally surprising for a health store. You will receive a warm friendly greeting with chats and of course a huge selection of products and help. For me the major difference with the Punnet and your average health store, is both the personal touch the team provide as well as their own personal passions for health and fitness, which really makes a difference. You are not just buying from a clinical health chain. Their products include everything from sports nutrition, vitamins, minerals, health & beauty products, food and of course their amazing juices.  

Facebook page The Punnet Health Store

Twitter page The Punnet Health Store

The Punnet Health Store Website

This juice menu is designed to be a perfect combination of essential vitamins, minerals and enzymes to sustain you for 3 days or longer if desired. This is a prefect receipt to provide your body with a full detox providing you with 2.5 liters of fresh juice every day, ideal for anyone with a demanding lifestyle and wants to stay healthy. All our ingredients are 100% fresh and contain no concentrated ingredients….EVER!!

1. Breakfast Boost: Orange, Strawberries, Apple, Banana, Granola, Almonds.

2. Brunch Bonanza; Apple, Ginger, Spinach, Lime, Beetroot, Orange, Carrot.

  3. Green Glasthule Remix: Celery, Cucumber, Ginger, Spinach, Lime, Kale, Avocado.

  4. Turbo Charge Smoothie: Cucumber, Pineapple, Apple, Avocado, Spirulina, Spinach.   

5. Dinner Delight Deas: Broccoli, Pineapple, Carrot, Apple, Orange, Lime, Wheatgrass

- See more at: http://thepunnethealthstore.com/product/3-day-detox-challange/#sthash.JjJkSx6Y.dpuf

Myself and the Punnet health store lads, James & Darragh

Have you visited the Punnet , would love to hear your views ??

Victoria secrets sportswear 2014

If you are a fan of both the Victoria's secret angels and the underwear collection, you will be just as impressed with their new sports wear. VS have been doing sportswear for over a year now, and it is a sure sign of the collections success, that they have followed up with a range for 2014. Woman's fitness just seems to be growing by the year, and VS have jumped on board ! Just like the rest of the VS collections, you can expect girly, fun, flirty pieces, that will no doubt motivate you to not only get in shape, but also support you with high quality clothing and sports bra's. With wild, bold and playful colours, and a variety of designs , you are sure to be impressed and rushing to get your hands on a couple of the pieces. Obviously the most important thing to note is VS sportswear is only available to buy online here in Ireland. The average price of an item is 40 euro, plus delivery .You can expect to be waiting between 3-10 days for your VS pieces to arrive, pending stock availability. There are also great discount options like two for 36.50 euro, they also have a selection of the VS sports range on sale, so there really are options for everyone. If you are looking for something a little bit different to everyone else, then this is the sportswear range for you. VS Sports bra's also offer the same high quality support that their underwear range offer, both for comfort and a boost. Like i mentioned before the range of colours and styles are endless, most people would be drawn to their sports bra's, but i am personally obsessed with their leggings ! 

Sport by Victoria's Secrets

Adriana and Erin at last years Victoria secrets launch for Sport VS

The 2014 collection 

Leggings 50 euro plus delivery

VS Crop tops start at 39 euro

Have you purchased any sportswear by Victoria secrets, if so get in touch. Let us know what you think ?

Kelly D xx

The quest to find the perfect protein bar

On one of my typical online searches for the latest fitness crazes, i came across a really cool brand of protein bar that claim to be the best in the world, as i am sure many brands do. In reality the majority of people are turned of by protein bars, because they are unsure of the contents and of course the benefits. I know myself my biggest concern was how much sugar are in these type of bars and carbohydrates. If i wanted to eat a bar full of sugar i would just buy a mars or Lion. Quest bars are not only low in carbohydrates, Low in sugar, Diabetic friendly Gluten free but they also come in a HUGE range of flavours including peanut butter, strawberry cheesecake, cookie dough and many many more. There is literally a flavour for everyone my personal favourite is Double chocolate chunk , beyond yummy. Quest really are the clean cheat meal, they promise to help you gain mass, loose weight and to have an amazing flavour .





















Here is why you should choose Quest 

- No trans fats
- High in fibre
- High quality taste
- Huge variation of flavours 
- Low carbs
- High protein 20g + per bar
- No Junk ingredients
- No glycerine
- No artificial sweeteners 



Here are their major ingredients 

Whey Protein Isolate
Milk Protein Isolate 
Natural Peanut and Almond butters
Stevia
Sea salt 
Peanuts,Almonds and Cashews
Natural flavourings 



** For all you Reese's peanut butter cup lovers , Quest has found your answer. Check me out with mine above. Quest nhave their own version of the peanut butter cup, with 20g protein and 4g of sugar and 4g active carbs. 

Quest are the bar for the busy person. The person who wants to stay in shape and want procust that fit into their lifestlye. Ideal after a workout or as a clean cheat meal. You can buy Quest bars online or you can purchase them in shops here in Ireland The punnet health store Glasthuale 
( ThePunnetHealthStore link )
or Discount supplement 
( httpdiscountsupplements link )

For more information on Quest Nutrtion and Quest bars check out their website questproteinbar.com or why not check them out on twitter Twitter QuestNutrition or Facebook facebook QuestNutrition


Have you tried quest ? Let me know your thoughts 

Kelly D xx