Category Archives: Going Reviews

Fasted Training with Legion Forge + Squatting Update

Disclosure: I was provided a bottle of their pre-workout Legion Athletics Forge supplement at no charge. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions are my own.

Remember how I committed to following Cory Gregory’s Squat Every Day Program? I’m still going strong and squatting daily, but had to improvise while out of town at the At-Home Dad Convention. All it took was a little creativity and motivation to use the dumbbells in the hotel gym. Sumo squats, goblet squats, and, my favorite leg killer, rear foot elevated split squats.

Once I returned, I got back on track and am currently nearing completion of the program. Once finished, I’ll have gone for more than the 30 consistent squatting days in the program and will be sure to update you then. I’ve already increased my max on front and back squat by 10 pounds, which is great for me!

Since starting the program, I was fortunate enough to have the awesome folks at Legion Athletics agree to send me a bottle of their pre-work supplement, Forge, to use and review.

Legion Athletics, fat burner, pre-workout, fasted training, supplement
It’s here!!

I’m not a fan of using most supplements since they tend to have a lot of non-functional fillers and most are made from the same place in China then shipped overseas to have a brand label slapped on. But not Legion, they make their high quality supps right here in the U.S.A. with the following standards:

– All ingredients backed by published scientific literature
– All dosages at clinically effective levels
– No artificial sweeteners, dyes, or unnecessary fillers
– No banned substances or analogs of potentially harmful drugs
– Good taste
– Good value per serving

If you have any supplements in your home, go check the bottle and see if you can check off all of these. Don’t feel bad if not, I did the same thing and failed miserably.

Forge is Legion’s pre-workout supplement made specifically for those who train in a fasted state. It has 3 quality ingredients clinically dosed to work together with 3 goals:

  1. To maximize the amount of fat you lose while training on an empty stomach
  2. To minimize the amount of muscle you lose while training in this state
  3. To help you maintain intensity and focus in your workouts, which can wane when “training on empty”

The 3 ingredients are:

  • Calcium Beta-hydroxy-beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB) – a metabolite of Leucine which prevents muscle-breakdown and is thought to be roughly 20 times more potent than Leucine in this regard
  • Citicoline (CDP Choline) – Highly bioavailable source of Choline which provides cognitive benefits.
  • Yohimbine HCL – A potent fat-burning compound which can significantly increase the amount of fat burned during a workout.

What?! A pre-workout fat-burner without caffeine?! Yep, and that means jitter-free workouts that just make it hard for me to hold heavy weights without, well, jittering. Plus, now I can enjoy a cup or five of coffee without worrying about overdosing on the stimulant.

I could geek out on you and dive into the scientific side of Forge even further, but they have all you need to know on their site, so I highly suggest clicking over there (once you’re done here of course) to learn about how and why they created this wonderful supplement.

What I will do is tell you how much I appreciate having Forge as part of my daily regimen. Squatting every day is not easy, mentally or physically, but Forge helps me clear my mind of negative thoughts and just get to work with whatever squat variation I have for the day. Not to mention how well it enables me to regain focus after having to take an unplanned diaper changing break. At least most of the time…

Ummm, Dad, I think I strained too hard.
Ummm, Dad, I think I strained too hard.

While I don’t have a need to lose fat, I have noticed my stomach getting a little more definition as well as my skin feeling tighter all over. I have been taking 4 capsules a day which is right between the “First Use” and “Full Dosage” recommendations with my 160 lb frame.

Again, no jitters or any crazy pump, just better mental clarity and feeling recharged and ready to go the next day. I’ve had plenty of days where I was running severely low and not motivated in the slightest sense, but after a couple weeks of taking Forge, that has not been the case.

Click here to order Forge.

My workouts last anywhere from 45 minutes to a little over an hour (depending a lot on Avery’s mood and need for diaper changing) and I have yet to feel beat up by the end. In fact, once finished, Avery and I go for a 2+ mile walk and/or run most days.

I still have a bit more to go until the bottle is finished, but I’m sure I’ll be ordering more once it’s out. Actually, Legion has a whole line of supplements I’d love to order. It’s hard to find a company that’s passionate about their products, especially supplements, and I simply love that they don’t go overseas to make their supps.

If you’re just getting into training or have been in the game for a while, consider adding a quality supplement from Legion. They have done their homework on what’s actually effective and put it all together at the right dosage to take the guess work out for us. From pre to post workout and everything in between, you’re sure to find something to give your training a big boost.

Thank you, Legion Team, for allowing me the opportunity to review your Forge supplement! If you ever need another active dad’s review for another product, you know where to find me! 🙂

Do you currently use any supplements in your training routine?

Interested in trying if not?

Pictli: Gift Your Memories With This Photo App + Discount Code

How many pictures do you have posted on Facebook and/or Instagram that you wish you could print and frame to place in your home or give as a gift? If you’re like me, the parent taking pictures of every little move your kid makes, then most likely the answer is “A lot.”

Well, lucky for you (and me), there’s an app for that! Did you see it coming? 🙂

pictli, app, memories, custom, frame, print, gift

 

Pictli is a photo printing/framing app for the iPhone or service for Android/PC users (such as myself) that allows you to easily upload a picture from Facebook, Instagram, or your computer, select one of many beautiful frame options they have, and have your framed photo sent to you or someone else as a gift.

pictli, app, memories, custom, frame, print, gift

Thanks to Frank, founder / Chief Memory Maker of Pictli, I was given the opportunity to try their service myself. I was hesitant at first because I’ve messed with other online photo printing services that work okay, but end up taking longer than I’d like. Plus, the frame choices were never that impressive to me.

Because of this, I started the process not expecting much, but just five minutes later and I was searching for more pictures to print and frame! Guys, forget flowers for the lady in your life, Pictli delivers something they’ll cherish for years (it won’t die the next day) and is easily the same price as the basic flower arrangement. And jewlery? Most (yes, some simply just want the bling) ladies would absolutely love a moment captured and framed over something flashy that can seriously lighten the load on your wallet.

The fact that you can do it all from your phone (if you download on iTunes) or computer and choose from all of your amazing photos on Facebook, Instagram, or saved on your computer makes it even better. The process is quick, simple, and even a little fun.

Once you pic from the thousands of photos we all have (I’m not the only one, right?) selecting a frame to compliment your memory and design taste is made easy as you scroll through seeing what your pic will look like in each frame. You can even adjust the size, rotate, and zoom in/out to your liking.

Not my picture…or phone, but this is the app on an iPhone

Before I began, I knew the picture I wanted to frame. It’s my background on Facebook, and one I recently shared on a #MySundayPhoto post. Picking a frame took the longest, but mainly because I just liked looking at each one and messing with the settings. Then I selected the recipient which was just me because I’m selfish I guess, and presto, my framed memory was on its way!

And talk about customer service, Pictli is outstanding with their friendly responses and order update to let you know when to expect your treasured gift. It quickly arrived securely packed in bubble wrap, safe from any delivery drivers’ lack of handling care.

pictli, app, memories, custom, frame, print, gift

I loved the neatly tied string with personalized note you can add.

pictli, app, memories, custom, frame, print, gift

Since it was just for our home, I only put the date the picture was taken. Avery’s growing so fast, I figured having a date will prove quite handy years down the road. And the finished product was an absolute masterpiece!

pictli, app, memories, custom, frame, print, gift

I went with The Rawls wood frame and think it matches the picture wonderfully. I never told my wife, Kelley, about the service or the picture until it arrived, and she was in love with the quality and detail. We now have the frame setup above the kitchen sink, where I spend a lot of time, so we can see our beautiful girl staring back at us with that cute smirk that never grows old.

I have zero complaints about the whole process and am scrolling through my pictures to find what I’ll frame next. Anyone looking for a great gift or just a simple way to frame a cherished memory, Pictli has what you’re looking for. Download their app on iTunes or access their site on your Android/computer to get started now!

But wait! Before you check out, you can save 20% off their already super awesome prices by using discount code RC1509. The code is good through the end of September and can be used for as many framed memories as you’d like.

So skip the flowers next time you need to get a gift, and give something with true, lasting meaning, a framed memory you can have on its way in 5 minutes by just using your phone. Remember, tell them R.C. sent you, but in the form of a 20% off discount code RC1509, they probably won’t care about the former. 😉

Disclosure: I received a gift code to purchase a Pictli print. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad: Fear No Diaper Change!

I’ve come to terms with the fact that our little girl is not quite ready for serious potty training. Any parent, I’m sure, understands the allure of not having to change diapers anymore, but it’s something we all must accept. Thanks to the Clean Hands Changing Pad from SnoofyBee, accepting this fundamental part of parenting is much easier!

SnoofyBee Changing Pad, Diaper change, poop, easy, babies, toddlers, kids, portable

SnoofyBee recently sent me one of their Clean Hands Changing Pads to use and review, and I must say, diaper changes have become quite pleasant less messy. At first glance, it looked like a modern day sun reflector used to tan your face years ago.

facetanner

But, this changing pad actually helps parents keep their cool by keeping their kids’ and their own hands free of pee or poo. I don’t know about your kids, but Avery’s curious little grabby hands seem to gravitate directly to the mess before us when changing her diaper. This leads to to us quickly trying to correct her movement only to end up with both of our hands tainted by poo.

Unless you’re one of the lucky ones with a kid that patiently remains idle as you clean and change them, you know what I’m talking about. I was skeptical of the Clean Hands Changing Pad at first, so I just kept it in the car to use when on the go. Well, one day as we were on the go, she went, meaning t it was time to put the SnoofyBee to the test.

The result? Easy-peasy! The velcro attachment for the barrier to keep her hands mess-free was simply to put on and worked like a charm. Plus, the high quality material folds up easily after using and conveniently holds diapers and wipes inside.

SnoofyBee Changing Pad_Folding Demo

 

Just toss it in a purse or diaper bag and you’re good to go! SnoofyBee’s instructions help ease any reservations you have about how to use their changing pad, and even have a video to watch.

Easy, right? My only issue was the concern that Avery would absolutely hate having a cone around her head, but, with the exception of the first two times, this was not a problem. We even play peek-a-boo during changes where I hide behind the cone which yields sweet giggles every time. Raise your hand if you’d like to hear your adorable child’s giggles instead of whines as you clean their behinds?

I was going for a semi-rhyme there, just work with me. And I hope you raised your hands!

Now I confidently go out to run errands or to a trampoline park with the SnoofyBee in tow for any diaper changes. Before, I used to fear having to use whatever was available to the public for changing her, but now we have a safe, clean, and dependable changing pad. Here are the key features:

  • Sides attach to create a barrier that keeps your baby’s hands away from diaper mess
  • Waterproof wipe-clean surface
  • Portable hassle-free diaper changing anywhere
  • Folds small for parents on the go
  • Fits diapers, wipes and a change of clothes inside folded pad
  • Padding keeps baby comfortable on any surface
  • Baby’s hands remain free to play
  • Barrier adjusts to fit growing baby
  • Certified safe and PVC free

I wish we had the SnoofyBee many months ago when Avery learned to squirm and wriggle about, but even now, at almost 2 years old, it’s an awesome investment in a parent’s mental state and everyone’s hygiene.

Fear no poo or pee with the SnoofyBee!

SnoofyBee started with a goal of $15,000 on Kickstarter and now have almost $119k pledged as a result of happy parents all over. They will be funded today, 09/06/15 and you can get your own or give one as a gift (or both) now!

Check them out and see what’s “changing” on Facebook, Twitter, and their website.

Have you tried the SnoofyBee Clean Hands Changing Pad?

Have you heard of or want to try?

How would you like to keep everyone’s hands free of poo when changing?