EnlightenedStateApparel Burnout Tanks {review + GIVEAWAY!}

 

Do you love to work out? (I know some of you may be laughing at that question, like, how on earth can somebody /love/ working out... well, hey, before you start rolling your eyes, take my word for it: it's totally possible!) Looking for lightweight, comfortable clothes to wear during your training sessions? Tired of looking bleh while you work up a sweat?

 

Okay, so whether you love working out or not, Enlightened State Apparel is an awesome Etsy shop. Not to mention, it will totally give what you're looking for if you answered yes to the above questions.  

 

Basically, ESA is a line of fun, sporty racer back tanks that are both lightweight and cute. They come in bright, pop-y colors that make you think energetic thoughts just looking at them. Oh, and they have motivational saying on the front. Nice, right?

 

 I was sent the Train the Same or Remain the Same Tank. Love that saying! And I really liked the color combo. Sadly, my pictures don't really capture the blue very well. Blegh. I apologize for the picture quality in general because it is so evidently lousyyy. Fact is, I've been ridiculously busy as of late and haven't had the time for writing up product reviews even though I'm very behind on them. But, please, don't mind my excuses.

 

 I ordered a bit bigger than necessary, anticipating something more form-fitting, which it wasn't. (If you buy something, just make sure you order your natural size, don't go a size higher in fear of it being too tight.) So it hangs a bit lower on my chest than I'd like, and is pretty baggy everywhere else. I can live with that though. It's not like it's something I'm going to wear to the conservatory or when teaching. It's a work-out shirt, and supposed to be comfortable for that reason. (The one condition here being that you can't really wear a regular bra with it and have it still be 'modest'. Time to whip out that sports bra!)

 

Well it definitely is comfortable!

Overall, I like this shirt, and in the Florida summer months it's truly perfect for a good long run in the sun.

Now for the exciting part.......what do we have next? You guessed it - a giveaway! That's right, it's no illusion!
 You can enter to win your very own ESA tank! You even get to pick which tank!

How nifty is that!? If I were you peeps, I'd be putting in as many entries as I could right now. So get hopping!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Health Benefits of Running {FabHealthFriday}

 

 

So, in the past, I wrote on the importance of getting enough exercise, and also, runners' highs.

 

Today, I wanted to expound on why exactly running is so beneficial as a means of exercise.

First of all. I know I'm not the only runner here...surely somebody reading this blog also likes to run, be it sprinting or long distance? (By the way, this post relates primarily to distance running just for clarification)

Running has become a very popular way to work out, especially in the last two decades. Really, I think it is the most efficient way to burn calories and maintain fitness and endurance. Not to mention, it's fun (for the most part anyways, haha!) and satisfying, with visible signs of progress along the way.

 

 

According to The Runners' Guide,

 

"There are a number of different benefits which an individual can gain from running on a regular basis. There are some runners who run simply for the joy of running but there are others who run because they realize there are a great deal of benefits which can be gained from rigorous such as running. Some of these benefits may include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health, improved mood and better coordination. 

Those who are looking to lose a few pounds often find running to be one of the most effective forms of exercise for helping them to achieve their ideal body weight. Running is an excellent form of exercise for losing weight because it requires a great deal of energy. This energy requirement means the body burns a large number of calories while running. The number of calories burned while running is typically significantly more than would be burned during less taxing forms of exercise such as walking or doing yoga. The simplest formula for weight loss includes burning off more calories than the individual consumes. When this type of calorie deficit is created, the body begins to shed excess weight in the form of fat. In order to lose one pound of body weight, the body must create a calorie deficit of 3500 calories. This is equal to burning 500 calories per day. Most runners can easily burn off this many calories in less than one hour of exercise. The number of calories burned while running depends on a number of factors including the individual’s weight, the intensity of the workout and the efficiency of the runner."

 

 Another of the health benefits of running is: much improved sleep. Millions of people suffer from insomnia, sleep apnea and various other sleep related problems and disorders. Several studies have been able to successfully link a positive relationship between running and getting a better nights sleep. (source)

As I wrote about in the my runners' highs post, another great benefit of running is the awesome chemicals which are released into your brain after a good-sized run. What are these chemicals? Endorphins, of course! And, in case you didn't know, they are the very thing which runners' highs come from.

So, not only does running help in assisting in physical health, but also with mental health, by causing you to feel more energetic, happier and overall, in a much better mood. When I run, most of the time I end up feeling like a superhero. Yes, endorphins are that epic.

 

 

Oh, and this little graphic above? It totally relates to me on days when I don't get a chance to run. I'm serious! Once you start running, you literally can't stop. And if you happen to miss a day...you're miserable. Isn't that crazy?

 

One last benefit before I sign off - Running is said to slow the body's aging process.

 

"Running benefits your health by giving you strong bones and muscles, which means you'll be able to retain your youthful grace and your figure, and with that, your enthusiasm for life and continued endurance and stamina for many years to come." Taken from Health Stories.

 

This is just a vague covering of the many great things about running. Hopefully, however, it will spur you to either a., preferably start running, so you can experience the awesomeness of it yourself! Or, b., research it further, to gain more knowledge on your own.

 

I hope this post was beneficial to you and that you learned something new!

 

Have a blessed day!

 

Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Runner's High... Real or Not Real? {FabHealthFriday}

 

Runner's High.

 

That euphoric feeling that long distance runners (and anybody who exercises on extreme levels) experience, sometimes after their work-out. Is it a myth? Fairy tale? Simply an idealistic bit of imagination? Real or not real?

 

I am a distance runner. Personally I can testify to getting the 'runner's high'. Usually, it comes after a run. At least 5-6 miles worth. I have yet to get it while dancing, biking, walking or weight-lifting.

 

It's hard to explain, what it feels like. I've never used drugs so I have NO clue what it's like to be on a "high". (I don't plan to find out, either!) But multiple people have claimed that runner's high is like the high acquired when taking cocaine.

 

In an article from the NY Times, Bill Fox, a recreational bicyclist and an I.B.M. research lab technician, says his exercise highs do not come easily.

 

-

''You've really got to work for this high,'' Mr. Fox explained, saying he usually needed two hours or more of sweaty, intense, vigorous exercise. But when the feeling comes, he said, it is just like cocaine, a drug he knows from his days as an addict. ''It has that well-being kind of feeling, that Superman kind of feeling,'' said Mr. Fox of Middletown, N.Y.

-

 

"That Superman kind of feeling."

 

Exactly how I would describe it. People who follow me on Facebook can tell you that I've posted numerous "running raves" about feeling like Superman at the end of a run.  It truly is an incredible sensation, and, personally, I only get it when I push myself to the limits.

 

It isn't predictable.

 

I don't get it after every run or exercise session.

 

Some people claim that this high is the result of endorphins being released, in the brain.

I read these three articles and found them to be very fascinating resources on the topic.

 

Runner's High? Endorphins? Fiction, Some Scientists Say

Yes, Running Can Make You High

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphins

 

If endorphins truly are the cause of the "runner's high", and runner's high isn't merely a delusion, is it possible to get addicted to it?

 I don't know, but let me tell you, I don't plan on quitting running any time soon. *winks*

 

What do you think? Runner's high...real, or not real?

 

P.S. I apologize that this post is a day late - hopefully you will still find it useful and informative!