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Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

October 13, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Nature’s Rite promotes Muscle Honey as The Pro-Athlete’s Secret which, at first blush, might make sedentary me seem like an unlikely candidate to use and benefit from this product. But my daughter Courtney suggested I give it a try, and from the first use I became a fan.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

The honey is a light gel with nine herbal ingredients including comfrey for tissue mending, Witch Hazel for increased muscle fiber lubricity, Arnica Montana to support healing, Juniper Berry to flush lactic acid, Sweet Marjoram for cramp relief, White Willow Bark for pain relief, Peppermint leaf for circulation and physical support, Devil’s Claw for joint support and Ginseng for energy enhancement. Additionally, there is carbomer for gelling, Optiphen as a preservative, and TEA for pH adjustment.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

The directions for use is to rub liberally on the body over areas you will exercise and also post workout for enhanced recovery.

My interest in using the product stems from experiencing ongoing muscle pain and soreness associated with injuries sustained in two motor vehicle accidents occurring during the past two and a half years. The road towards achieving the maximum recovery possible has involved much treatment and physical therapy, where this former couch potato became a conscientious exerciser.

Over the course of these last 30+ months I’ve tried many over-the-counter and two prescription topical medications to try to ease both inherent (to the injuries) pain and post-physical therapy sore muscles. Additionally, joint pain from the auto accidents is a daily problem I’ve tried to alleviate with creams and gels. And, while I did experience minor relief with some of those preparations, the degree of help was not sufficient for me to tolerate over time the objectionable aspects such as burning, odor, greasiness and even staining of my clothes and sheets.

For me, Muscle Honey proved to be superior to the preparations formerly used in both results and ease of use. The gel is relatively thin which makes it easy to spread, not runny or difficult to control. It dries very quickly and is not sticky, nor does it leave any residue. When applying it has a very subtle herbal fragrance, the combination of which is most pleasant. When dry you would not notice the fragrance unless you were right up to the applied area and made a point to try to detect it.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

There is no burn or sting such as one might experience in other topical products whose ingredient lists contain menthol or capsaicin. Though made for use with exercise, you don’t have to worry that it will sweat off.

I make a point to wash my hands after applying any topical, having been (literally) burned by accidentally rubbing my eye with fingers that had residue from creams, gels or ointments containing menthol or capsaicin. It seems to me a good practice even with this product, although the risk of any untoward effect would seem much less with Muscle Honey due to the lack of those ingredients or other common irritants in the formula.

As mentioned at the top, each of the herbal ingredients has a particular benefit for helping muscle tissue. Combined, the effect seems more than the sum of the parts. Since it doesn’t have any ingredients that work by irritating the muscles and overlying skin, you won’t notice an instant response, but after a few minutes, I sensed what might be termed a relaxation of the muscle. Joints also seem calmed by the formula.

I use Muscle Honey on my right-sided injuries from neck to toe, and it has helped them feel more like my less affected left side. It’s especially useful on areas where the injury is primarily muscular but has even provided some temporary relief of a pressing problem, muscular involvement and referred pain due to a shoulder tear. While, of course, no topical preparation or even ingested meds can replace the need for surgical repair, there is no question that, by addressing the muscular component of the problem, my daily function of the area is improved for a time.

I apply Muscle Honey to most of the affected areas once a day, but if there is a reemergence of pain or soreness in any area I apply to that spot again.

Even using the Muscle Honey on five to six areas one or more times a day for awhile now, the 6.8-ounce container still seems at least half full. I’m not sure how my usage would compare to that of an avid athlete, but the 6.8 ounces would probably last a reasonable length of time for many users. I intend to continue using the product I’ve checked and see if from about fourteen dollars up to twenty dollars for this 6.8-ounce container, similar to what I’ve paid for other drugstore products marketed for the same use.

Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey

Of course, it is always wise to check symptoms with your doctor to avoid masking a serious underlying issue, but, if yours is the muscular pain and soreness associated with exercise or other common causes, you might find this product a good alternative to many others whose negatives outweigh their positives. Before using any product, read over the ingredient list and make sure that there are no conflicts with any medications or conditions you have.

I truly am thrilled to have found this amazing gel! Find Nature’s Rite Muscle Honey at MyNaturesRite.com .

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I received this product in exchange for my unbiased review and received compensation for my time and effort. However, my experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine.

Exercise: Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

September 25, 2016 · Leave a Comment

If you go to a Yoga studio, you may have seen or used Yoga Blocks and straps before. If you are trying Yoga or Pilates or some simple stretching exercises at home by yourself or with an instructional DVD for the first time, a block and a strap are a worthwhile investment for keeping proper form and reducing the risk of injury. Using at-home exercise tutorial videos at great but it is easy to unknowingly develop bad form. Recently I tried a Cielo Yoga Block and Strap that help me retain good posture.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

WHAT IT DOES
The Cielo Yoga Block and Strap is an excellent set to modify poses, provide support, stability or balance during yoga and pilates. If you can’t reach far enough or you have difficulty holding form or retaining balance, a block or strap can help. Cielo blocks and straps are made from waterproof and eco-friendly materials.

WHO IT IS FOR
They are ideal for:

Beginners
Those with weak posture or alignment, weak core strength
Those with an injury
Those with balancing problems
Those undertaking a challenging new pose and want to make sure to retain proper form and alignment
Women at all stages of a pregnancy and post pregnancy as the body needs more support, and the center of balance is constantly changing.
Those with hypermobility who have difficulty getting a good stretch

THE CIELO YOGA BLOCK

QUALITY
Two issues concern me when selecting a yoga block: sizing of the block and the whether the material is suitable for comfortable, yet grounded use.

SIZING: The block is 9x6x4 inches. By positioning the block, there are three height options for customized support. Laying flat on the thinner side I find useful for sitting on, placed upright lengthwise gives support to the hands when stretching from above, and I want to retain the ability to balance.

COMFORTABLE GROUNDING: My ideal yoga block is comfortable enough to use but not so soft that it has too much give to be stable. This Cielo Yoga block is durable non-slip, hard foam material that has some cushion without being too soft. Gentle on the hands, it is comfortable to use to bear weight upon with just the right amount of give to be comfortable for the wrist when grounding down yet hard enough to still maintaining proper positioning.

USE
The Cielo block is helpful to sit on during exercises that typically one sits on their feet. I find the block gives me a better alignment. I like to use the block between my knees or thighs to hold proper alignment of my legs for Wheel or Bridge pose. The Cielo block stayed steady and provided some lengthening balance for my lowered hand on the block during Revolved Triangle; it creates the longer line of the intended triangle shape and gives better opening when I can hold the pose longer.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

THE CIELO YOGA STRAP

QUALITY
It is well made and durable, no wear and tear from my pulling, tugging or bearing weight on it. It is comfortable and easy to grasp. It is long enough to use for arms or legs or to wrap around the core and shoulders to maintain posture, especially for beginners or after sustaining an injury.

USE
The 1.5” x 8-foot strap is a very useful tool for keeping the core in place or ensuring proper form for beginner poses or difficult poses. If you are working on improving posture, this strap is very helpful. For beginners or those with posture issues, the wrapping the strap around the waist and shoulders provides a reminder of keeping proper alignment.

I find the strap particularly helpful in my stretches when I am very tight as well as when attempting new poses and positions, or when I just can’t reach far enough for stretches like Cow Face Pose. The strap helps me keep even posture, form, and alignment. I get a deeper stretch in my hamstrings and back and keep better form when I use the strap during a forward bend. If you are unsure of your posture and alignment during a Downward Dog pose, a strap is very helpful. And a Hammock Pose can be enhanced with the use of a strap to keep the tension out of a stretch. My favorite stretch with a strap is the Legs Up in the Air Pose, after a long day this releases tension in the back after just a few minutes. I like to do that one before bed for better sleep at night.

I also find the strap useful to wear while sitting at the computer in my home office; I tend to slump and this helps me keep proper posture when sitting.

Cielo Yoga Block and Strap

CONCLUSION: Straps and blocks are not just for Yoga newbies, they can help make your body feel better and maintain form longer. Cielo Yoga straps and blocks are eco-friendly, waterproof material with comfortable give that is still firm enough to ground down and maintain stability, the block and strap provide stability and balance to aid my alignment for deeper poses and stretches.

Friday Fitness: Sela Fitness Total Core Ab Workout Machine

June 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment

Sela Fitness Total Core Ab Workout Machine

OVERVIEW: This machine is sturdy but easy to lift. There are several exercises that are possible with this unit. Workout program videos available on the website and YouTube. The resistance level is adjustable. Easy to store. Good value.

WHY I NEED A HOME EXERCISE MACHINE
When I am in Grad School, I have ready access to my amazing college gym and keep up a good exercise schedule. When I am home on break, not so much. I have my share of home equipment and contraptions that I don’t use much because they are somewhat flimsy and limited in what I can do with them, so I lost interest in them over time. I also have a treadmill and stationary bike, but nothing for upper body except some hand weights.

ASSEMBLY
It comes mostly assembled except for screwing in the coil that controls the tension, adding a pin, and placing on the arm grip pieces. All the pieces are included. It does come with instructions, but I found the video on their website to be more helpful. I was confused at first with how to get the coil to fit into the slot. Move the handle forward to release the tension and it will be long enough to fit in easily. After that piece is in place, the rest is simple.

The second item that comes with this machine is a rotating disc that can be used with or without the machine. If you place it on the seat base of the machine, you can add a twisting dimension to your core workout.

USING THE MACHINE
A series of exercises video demonstrations and entire suggested 20 minute and quick workouts are available on the website that also give verbal instructions and tips about the machine exercise options. You can also find them on YouTube if you search “Sela Fitness.” Some example exercises are the assisted abdominal crunch (sit on the base of the machine, lean back into the two arm handles, do partial sit-ups with back support) and triceps workouts. The videos incorporate some non-machine based cardio with the machine exercises to get the most out of a home workout.

I like this Sela machine because it is sturdy, but it is easy to lift and move. It is useful for arm and leg exercises. When I did the leg exercises, I was sitting in a chair, which is very convenient. A few times the base tipped a bit which was not a big deal, I prefer that the machine is easy to lift and move than be heavier. For most exercises, one sits on the base of the machine for arm and ab exercises and lays in front of the machine for leg workouts.

STORAGE
The Sela machine can slide underneath a desk, bed, or couch for easy storage when not in use.

EFFECTIVENESS
This Sela machine is worthwhile for someone looking to add to their home workout equipment or someone who has some level of fitness but has not developed core strength. If you are a bodybuilder, you probably won’t get much use from this machine. But if you are getting more serious about fitness but are not ready to join a gym, this is a good starting machine. If you have just finished physical therapy and need to start a home exercise program, this will be a suitable machine. A semi-sedentary lifestyle person could benefit from this machine as it is easy to lift and move and does give some resistance while exercising but it is not too difficult. But it is a solid machine for stay at home Moms; college students home from school who want to keep up their workout, or for days you just can’t get to the gym, or you are short on time and want to find a way to work out at home while watching TV. It is suitable for several days a week use and is easy to use. I like using the machine for doing partial sit-ups because it provides some stability for my back, so I keep good form, and it also provides some resistance, so I get a better core workout. Keeping good form is something I find difficult to do with many of these home exercise machines, so I am happy to find a machine that helps to retain form on a basic core exercise.

CONCLUSION: I would recommend this machine, it is a great price for what you get and is easy to assemble and store. I wish I had watched the assembly video on their website before trying to figure out the written instructions; the video is much easier to follow. No complaints, happy to have a machine that is easy to use and a home workout that is easy to do daily.

Find this great machine at Amazon.com.

I received this item for testing and unbiased review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below, and Iâ€™ll do my best to answer it!