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Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – Our Favorite Smartphone Fitness Apps

Written by Shannon, aka Cassandra. 

Sometimes you simply can’t avoid getting sick. This week I caught a cold which resulted in a husky alter-ego that Nick named “Cassandra.” So don’t mind the raspy co-host for today’s episode.

Ironically, we’re talking about health & fitness apps today! Specifically, Nick and I share our favorite apps that we use every day, then we go through apps from listeners and friends who submitted their picks.

Following up on our previous episode where I reviewed the Fitbit Charge 2, I dive into the user-friendly mobile app that serves as the real power behind any Fitbit. This free app is where you setup your actual Fitbit device, establish your goals, and even where you can track a few other handy health and fitness items.

The Fitbit app includes a very easy user interface, with a main screen that highlights some of your main daily metrics like: steps, floors climbed, miles covered, calories burned, activity and water consumed. You can also get info on your resting heart rate, calories consumed, sleep, etc.

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Picture courtesy of fitbit.com

The best part is the integration with other apps, including Nick’s food log app that he breaks down further, and the peloton app, which sends workout info from the bike to your Fitbit app.

Nick provides a review of the Lose it! app, which is a food journal. While neither of us are big on counting calories, we do like holding ourselves accountable and it’s easy to lose track of what you’re eating. This app is a great way to ensure you’re truly seeing how much macronutrients you’re taking in each day, your calories consumed and your calories burned.

The food catalog for Lose It! is truly impressive with millions of food items, ingredients and meals alike, already logged into the database. You can even scan barcodes with a built-in barcode scanner to make it easy to identify specific food items.

Snap it!, which is an extension of the Lose It app, even gives the option of identifying food by snapping a picture, which it then tries to match up to corresponding nutrition information. It’s just not incredibly accurate, so it’s more effective for simple items (e.g. piece of fruit, protein bar, etc.).

There is a premium version of the app, but the free version offers great options and even integrates with other fitness apps to provide information like steps and exercise.

Getting into the listener’s favorite fitness apps, we list them off for ya:

At the end of the day though, it doesn’t matter if you use fitness apps or not. Use whatever tools you need to hold yourself more accountable and help you to reach your fitness goals.

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We wrap up this episode getting amped up for the new Facebook Live workout that is now available on the ETT Facebook page. Perfect little 25-min workout video that includes a warmup, 15 min HIIT workout and an ab-centric cooldown.We’ve got exciting episodes coming up; please reach out at elementaltampa@gmail.com and let us know what topics you’d like us to discuss on a future episode. Thanks for listening!

Links for this week’s episode

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-favorite-smartphone-fitness/id1121420986?i=1000380559728&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/our-favorite-smartphone-fitness-apps

Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – Heart Rate Training & Fit Bit Breakdown

The first month of 2017 is nearly complete and some may be welcoming new habits after weeks of hard work setting new routines. On this week’s podcast, Nick and I kick-off by sharing the things we’ve added to our own fitness/health routines so far.

Nick started the year by doing a series of monthly challenges. For January, he’s given up an overindulgence – alcohol. In addition, he’s incorporating daily morning workouts to try and lose the pesky holiday pounds that almost all of us pack on.

I, on the other hand, finally started exploring a quest into a new topic of my health, which is also the topic of our podcast today – Heart Rate Monitoring and Training.

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Nick shares the formula for how to calculate your Zone 2 (fat burning zone):

180 – your age = your zone 2 beats per minute (BPM) OR being able to hold a conversation while exercising (e.g. if you’re 30 years old, you subtract that from 180 and your Zone 2 heart rate is 150 bpm, give or take a few beats)

In order to better understand my own heart rate efficiencies (or otherwise) I invested in the best monitor for the money I was looking to spend and bought the Fitbit Charge 2.

My motivations for wanting to better understand this element of fitness and how it contributes to my health comes after long battles with stress and poor sleep, two things many people are likely grappling with as well. The Peloton classes introduced me to how heart rate training can improve your fitness and I had read countless articles about how it benefits your overall health.

The Mayo Clinic states that a normal resting heart rate (RHR) for adults is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Fitbit compiled their substantial user data and estimated 50-90 BPM is average for an adult.

So what affects your resting heart rate? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot:

  • Activity level
  • Fitness level
  • Air temperature
  • Body position
  • Emotions
  • Body Mass Index (BMI)
  • Medications

You can impact your own heart rate in a number of ways:

  • Physical exercise (15-20 min/day will lower RHR)
  • Reduce body fat/increase muscle mass
  • Mindfulness

In terms of exercise, Zone 2 training is how many athletes build endurance. It’s all about low intensity for long periods of time – staying in that fat burning zone.

I’ve been experimenting with some of the Zone 2 training on the Peloton so far and have already seen some impact on my RHR.

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Much of what I’ve learned in the last few weeks is due to my Fitbit Charge 2. Costing a fairly reasonable $130 (to start) the Fitbit Charge 2 was highly rated by CNET, even more so since Fitbit launched a software upgrade late last year.

In the last part of the podcast I get into the details of my own review of the fitness monitor, including the ups and downs (because nothing is perfect, right?).

Pros:

  • Not bulky
  • Changeable bands
  • Useful mobile app/interface
  • Battery life is good (4-5 days before needing a charge)

Cons:

  • Absolutely can’t get wet
  • Charger is awkward

Some of the features I like most include a cardio fitness rating. It gives a rating based on its estimated VO2 Max and indicates your overall performance in endurance-based activities. Currently, mine is sitting around 38-42, which is “good – very good” for a female of my age (positive sign!).

The app is a whole other side of this product, which we’ll get into in a future episode, but as of now, I would recommend the Fitbit Charge 2. It holds me to new levels of accountability, further helping me stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Now all I need to work on is adding some friends to my Fitbit circle!

We’d love hear what goals you set or accomplished so far this year. Please feel free to share them with us in the comment section, on Facebook or email us at elementaltampa@gmail.com. Your feedback and support has helped us grow into a 5 star rated podcast and we are extremely grateful. Keep rating, reviewing and sharing the podcast and let’s stay healthy year.

Links for this week’s episode

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-fitness-podcast/id1121420986?mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/a-breakdown-of-heart-rate-training-the-fit-bit-charge-20

 

Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – 2016 Year in Review

Shannon here. I’m back!

The end of one year and the start of another prompts many traditions, including a look back at the year we’ve bid farewell to. 2016 was a pretty epic one for the podcast, being the inaugural year!

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We covered some great topics in the past year and picked out some special highlights for you in this week’s episode.

  • Interview Highlight – Vinnie Tortorich explaining the NSNG diet and how it could have a great impact on the country’s obesity epidemic.
  • Taste Test Highlight – Bone both review discussing the taste and benefits of this popular “new” food item.
  • Product Review Highlight – Peloton cycle review including an on-bike workout going through the features the bike has to offer.

Mostly, we want to thank all the listeners for your support which has helped keep us going through this first year and made Addicted to Fitness a 5-star rated podcast in the iTunes store. We are so appreciative for all your support. Don’t forget you can get in touch with us between podcasts and keep the feedback coming either on Facebook or by leaving a review in the iTunes store.

Thanks again for listening and Happy New Year!

Links to this week’s episode:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/addicted-to-fitness-2016-year/id1121420986?i=1000379513408&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/addicted-to-fitness-a-year-in-review

Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – Our Holiday Gift Guide

Notes by Shannon.

No doubt, all of you put a “new episode of the Addicted to Fitness podcast” on your holiday wishlist, but the good news is you don’t have to wait until the 25th to unwrap that particular present!

We have a special Holiday-themed episode which includes Nick and I sharing some of our favorite Christmas memories (the heartwarming and the funny). I’m sure you all can relate to one or the other!

Plus, you will get a sneak peek listen into a future podcast topic this week, as we visited a local cryotherapy center with a group of brave souls from ETT, and quite literally chilled out together.  Nick hosted an interview with the owner and got the group’s reaction post cryo-session, which we’ll be bringing to you after the new year.

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Shannon and I at US Cryo Tampa

If you’re interested in learning more about cryotherapy in the meantime, listen to our past episode which documents Nick’s first-ever experience with this innovative form of therapy.

The second part of our episode goes into our holiday gift guide for the fitness fanatic in your life. Don’t worry, we’re sharing gift ideas that are also perfect last minute finds – no need to fret about an item not shipping in time!

Nick’s gift suggestions:

  • Jump Rope – Inexpensive, easy-to-find and an amazing workout on the road or at home.
  • Resistance bands – Portable and challenging, but simple to use.
  • An Audible membership – Quick and extremely handy for those looking to learn new health info on-the-go.

Shannon’s gift picks:

  • Fabletics Gift Card – Who doesn’t always need new workout clothes, especially stylish ones?
  • Cryo session – Give the gift of recovery!
  • Socks – The best gift you never thought of, but everyone needs, especially for working out.

I share more ideas in a recent post over on my blog.

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Regardless of whether you’re traveling or staying home for the holiday, we’re going to be doing a little extra something special for you – the first ETT Facebook Live! Tune in on the ETT Facebook page on December 26th at 11:00 a.m. EST for a HIIT workout to kick your butt in gear after the holiday weekend.

That’s right! You’ll get a live-stream of Nick and I, plus an awesome workout all in one!

Mark your calendars.

Meanwhile, if you have a topic or interview that you want to hear us discuss in a future podcast,  send us an email – elementaltampa@gmail.com – or give us a shout on our social channels.

Addicted to Fitness is now a 5 star rated podcast in the iTunes store and it’s all thanks to you. We so appreciate all your support and don’t forget to keep the feedback coming either on Facebook or by leaving a review in the iTunes store. Thanks again for listening and have a happy and healthy holiday!

Links to this week’s episode

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-holiday-fitness-gift-guide/id1121420986?i=1000379106952&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/our-holiday-fitness-gift-guide

Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – Interview with Swerve Sweetener President & CEO Andress Blackwell

Notes by Shannon.

This week’s podcast is going to be sweet.

It all started with the discovery of Swerve Sweetener. Picked up on a whim, we tried this sugar alternative after seeing it in a blog recipe. After making one kick-butt pumpkin pie, our interest was piqued.

Could this product that tastes comparable to sugar (you can use it 1:1 in most recipes to substitute regular sugar), with zero effect on blood sugar & insulin response, be too good to be true?

We put the question out into the world (and social media) and got a response. A response from the folks at Swerve Sweetener no less, offering up an interview with their President and CEO Andress Blackwell!

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Picture courtesy of Shannon Palmer

The quest for more information about this sugar substitute, which we have previously chatted about in a past episode, is what led to this week’s interview. Nick got the chance to ask those questions that had been nagging at us for weeks:

  • Where did the development of this particular sugar alcohol – erythritol – come from?
  • How was it different from other sugar alcohols that can cause some… gastric issues?
  • Where has it been tested? Will there be more tests in the future?
  • What’s the mission for the Swerve Sweetener team?
  • Who could benefit the most from a sweetener like this?
  • Where can you find this product now?

Nick got the answers to these questions and more in the interview.

As for where you can find this product to try it out for yourself (just in time for the holidays no less!), you can use the store locator feature on their website to find a retailer near you.

We’re not the only podcast talking about sugar substitutes. Friend of the podcast, Vinnie Tortorich voiced his opinion in an episode of his podcast not too long ago. (If you know Vinnie, you might very well be able to guess what his vote on any sugar-like product would be.)

Our main takeaway, though? It’s easy to see how something like this could come in handy as an extra tool to battle the overwhelming amount of sugar in our diets around the holidays (and the rest of the year). There’s a good chance I’ve got a couple batches of favorite holiday cookies baking up in the oven right now. It’s tradition after all.

But don’t take our word for it! Listen to the interview and let us know if this is a product you might be using to sweeten up your life in the future.

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President & CEO of Swerve Sweetener, Andress Blackwell

Have a topic or interview you want to hear us discuss in a future podcast? Send us an email – elementaltampa@gmail.com – or give us a head’s up on our social channels. Thanks so much for all your support and don’t forget to tell us what you think either on Facebook or by leaving a review in the iTunes store. We love your feedback! Thanks for listening and stay healthy this week peeps!

Links to this week’s episode

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/interview-president-ceo-swerve/id1121420986?i=1000378846236&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/an-interview-with-the-president-ceo-of-swerve-sweetener-andress-blackwell

 

Addicted to Fitness Show Notes – From the Vault: Sleep Supplements & Biggest Loser

Guest post by Shannon.

As we draw closer to the holidays and the close of another year, it’s a great time for a flashback.

One of the great things about podcasting is that you have a store of regular discussions to look back on and relive. Thus, we bring you one of the Vault episode from the earlier rendition of the podcast known as the ETT Wrap Show.

In this podcast episode, Nick and I review his and the ETT race team’s performances in the Mud Endeavor 5k, how he avoided serious injury and how this race gives other obstacle course races, like Tough Mudder, a run for their money.

 

NOTE: The next ETT team competition is going to be the 2017 Gasparilla 5K on Feb. 25th in Tampa. Want to join the team? Register here and when you choose a team, look for Elemental Training Tampa.

We also get into my constant battle with getting back to a normal sleep routine after enjoying a total lack of sleep structure on vacation. Could simply getting out of an established routine be to blame or is work stress adding to the challenge? We reference a Primal Blueprint podcast and explain the cortisol effect and what supplements can help depleted adrenal glands.

Getting more into news, we chatted about a New York Times article describing former “The Biggest Loser” contestants’ post-show weight gain. A bit of friendly debate around whether a calorie deficit diet really is the best way to keep weight off, follows. It’s a common practice by celebrity trainers, but health experts don’t necessarily agree, opting for quality over quantity.

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We’ll be bringing you an all new podcast next week, so keep listening for more health and fitness information each week. Let us know if you have any topics you want to hear. Send us an email – elementaltampa@gmail.com – or give us a head’s up on social. As always, rate, review and share the podcast. We love and appreciate the support. Stay healthy this week peeps!

Links to this week’s episode

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/from-vault-mud-runs-sleep/id1121420986?i=1000378584024&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/from-the-vault-mud-runs-sleep-supplements-the-biggest-loser

 

 

Food Label Breakdown

Shannon and I start off this week’s episode reminiscing about our past week of training. Our workout recap got me thinking about a possible exercise experiment. We’ve talked about which exercises burn the most calories according to a Harvard medical school publication in a past episode, but I want to determine which of the following exercises burn the most calories in 10 minutes: jump rope, shadowbox or stationary bike. Not sure if I’d be able to podcast this experiment, but I’d certainly post the results in a future blog. Which of those exercise do you think would burn the most calories in 10 minutes?

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After our training recap, Shannon and I investigate the actual definitions for several commonly used food label terms. Thanks to an article written by Sheah Rarback, a registered dietician and nutritionist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, we discover what the terms natural, GMO, non-GMO, gluten-free and organic really mean. Make sure you listen to this episode because I think you’ll be surprised about what products are allowed to use these terms. I know I was. In addition to these terms, we also discuss the ever evolving concept of “grass-fed.” Shannon and I frequently purchase grass-fed products, but after reading an article about the USDA recently dropping their requirements for a product to be considered grass-fed, we’re definitely rethinking adding them to our weekly grocery list.

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We are constantly trying to provide you with the most up to date health and fitness information. That is why I am please to announce that next week’s episode will feature an interview with registered nurse and certified diabetes educator Nicole Recine. Nicole is full of information on a variety of health and fitness topics including how we can fight the current obesity epidemic. If you have a suggestion for a health and fitness professional we should interview on the podcast, please leave it in the comment section below. After you leave your suggestion, please give us a review on iTunes and when you share this episode, tell your friend to do the same. Thanks in advance and stay healthy this week peeps!

Links to this week’s podcast

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/food-label-breakdown/id1121420986?i=1000376118741&mt=2

Android: http://subscribeonandroid.com/addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/rss

Website: http://addictedtofitness.libsyn.com/food-label-breakdown

Rebranding

I’m sure all of you are saying to yourselves “Monday is almost over, and I haven’t seen a new ETT Wrap Show posted?!” I’m here to tell you that the podcast is currently undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts. Even though Shannon and I are doing a little tinkering with certain aspects of the show, the consistent subject matter of fitness & health will remain the same. Here’s a little teaser to hold you all over till the debut of the new and improved podcast.