Achievemint Evolution (Achievement)

What IS Achievement? It's a health/fitness rewards program. 

Earn $$ for exercise, eating right, tracking sleep, weight, water ...

I saw this image pop up on my Instagram feed August 1st.  As I follow fitness/health bloggers and my favorite programs and brands,  "Transformation Tuesday" posts are not uncommon. This is a twist on transformation though ... Achievemint has evolved into AchievemEnt. In addition to the name re-brand, they've increased their presence in social media (you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter and on Instagram). I'm excited to see what other enhancements this update brings.  Ironically, 2013 is when I re-committed to my personal "journey" and started this blog. It's also when I originally discovered and joined Achievemint. I guess I've been with them since the beginning!

So... Throwback Thursday.

Looking back on Achievemint's updates and evolution.
Reflecting on MY Achievemint experience along the way.

I joined Achievemint in June 2013, linking it to my Fitbit. August 2013 was the first time Achievemint was mentioned on my blog. It was a general post, outlining several different reward programs I was participating in (Reaping the Rewards ... only Achievement and Walgreens are still active at this time). 

In January 2014 I received my first payout, and did my first dedicated post (Achievemint Update). Back then it took 25,000 points for a $25 payout (with an incentivized option roll over points toward a larger payout).

Just as I'd recommended Fitbit (I'm a fan) to all my friends and family ... I also encouraged everyone to give Achievemint a try. I got my husband and my older son enrolled, set up both my parents ... but by the time my sister tried to get on board, immediate enrollment was halted (there was a waiting list).

Then, in July 2015 ...

After successfully earning and redeeming another award ... I also received this notice. I'd hit the threshold for the program. As I stated in that blog post (Another Achivemint Update), I was disappointed, but I understood. If there was a waiting list, hopefully this would open up a spot for someone else to be able to benefit from this program (my sister was able to join not long afterward). At that point, other than helping Hubs and my folks check their accounts, I figured MY Achievemint journey was done. 

Then ... big news in May 2016 (Achievemint Update ... Update). The program was changing. No more limits on rewards. I could start earning again. In fact, as I'd never disconnected my Fitbit, it had continued counting and crediting my steps and such.  I had enough points to redeem a $10 award right then. There were some additional updates as well. The goal switched to a 10,000 point $10 redemption, a new payout system (I can vouch that recent award payments have been FAST) and a revised points system. There were also new offers (referral program, surveys and such) to help augment the points balance.

Another addition to this update was the introduction of an Achievemint App. Previously, I'd simply logged in on my computer to check my balance (I'd also signed up to receive weekly email updates). The app was a handy way to do quick check-ins on my Achievemint account. 

... and the app options you can use to connect to Achievemint are constantly updating too. If you don't have a Fitbit, most other fitness trackers can connect, as well as fitness apps. When Hubs switched from the Fitbit to the Apple Watch, he stopped earning on Achievemint. But now I look and see that he could be connecting with Apple Health. Yea! Other health apps too, that track food, water intake, sleep, weight. So many different options to earn.

As I reflect, there have been other shifts over the years. My original payment came as a prepaid Visa card. Later, an Amazon gift card was an option. As of this post, rewards are paid via Paypal or GiftRocket (which has a few redemption possibilities, I had my award deposited directly to my checking account).

So now, new look, "new" name... new possibilities! If you haven’t already checked out Achievement, visit Achievement on the web at myachievement.com or as an iOS or Android app.

What can YOU Achieve?

Fitstudio Finds

I've mentioned the Fitstudio program before. I just haven't heard that many other people talk about it! I think it's one of the greatest, little known fitness reward programs out there. At least $5 in credit at Sears or Kmart every week ... a reward for working out.

School is just around the corner. With five boys, I don't really do a big back to school clothes shopping trip. My boys are basic "basketball shorts and t-shirts" kind of kids. That's why I was super surprised when my 15-year old told me he needed some back to school clothes. Some cargo shorts. I don't think I've seen him in any shorts other than basketball ones in YEARS. I went ahead and told him we could swing by Kmart, as I had some Fitstudio points to spend.

Now on the ShopYourWayRewards information page, it encourages people to have their own accounts. So I have one, I set one up for hubs, and for my oldest son (the Fitstudio did seem to indicate an age limit of 18 or over). As they all have Fitbits, I set up Fitstudio accounts. So I had three different sets of Fitstudio rewards. The kid found two pairs of shorts (on clearance at this point in the year, lucky to find them at all!) and a belt. I did have to have the cashier ring up each item separately, putting the different Fitstudio points toward each purchase. I ended up paying about six dollars. For two cargo shorts and a reversible belt. Not bad!

In the collage above, you can see on my account, I had earned 8325 points for the week. That's $8.32 credit ... that is a pretty normal week. Simply logging in, accepting a friend request, posting a status (and sharing that status of Facebook) all augment the 5000 points I earn for clocking a distance of 14 miles, which isn't very hard for me to do.

Prior to this summer, I can't remember when I hit Kmart last. I mean I did, once or twice a year. Now I go every week. I'm sure the program producers would rather me spend more on every visit ... I've gotten good at picking up a purchase that my points cover completely. Sometimes I do find such good deals that I will pay out of pocket, but it's pretty rare at this point.

It was a "slip on shoe" summer ... I picked up these inexpensive slip-on shoes for the boys (and ended up getting them for the oldest too). The Protoge basketball shorts are now the boys favorite, and they all have a few pair (shhh, I have three pair set aside for #3, his birthday is coming up). I've grabbed me some cute camis and t-shirts.  As #1 son is "earning" credit, I'll pick up things for him that I wouldn't normally pay for (muscle milk and Gatorade).

If you haven't checked out the Fitstudio program, you should! It's super easy with a Fitbit, or one of the other partners listed below ... or I believe you can even log things manually (stay honest!)

Get moving ... then get shopping! 

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop. 

Bugged!

I've got some bananas going bad ... because that's what bananas do. It seems like they are only good for a day or so! I do like to keep bananas around, as they are one of the few fruits I actually like (and the family likes them too). I wish they lasted longer. I know, you can freeze them. I don't do smoothies, but the boys do. I will sometimes turn the over-ripe ones into banana bread ... but then I eat banana bread, and mine is NOT a low fat/low calorie recipe (but it is good!) While I'm debating whether or not to make bread ... the bananas sit on the counter.

With this last batch of bad bananas, we've had fruit flies. Arrrrggg! I hate them. I know there are little cups of stuff you can set out to trap them, but my boys have had more fun zapping them. I'd purchased a couple of these electric rackets for the boys to take on their camping trip last month. I think they've gotten more use here at home.

I HATE flies! Fruit flies are bad enough, but the bigger house flies ... they drive me crazy! The bug zapper above works on them too, but as I was purchasing it, I happened to look at the other recommendations, similar products ...

Which led me to the Bug-A-Salt.

This looks a lot like a Nerf gun (we have a LOT of those at our house) ... although this is a bit more expensive at $40. Because I dislike flies in the house SO much, I did go ahead and order this, knowing my boys would happily hunt any offending flies down (and any fly IN my house is offensive!). They have LOVED this gun, and even go outdoors to track down additional prey.

The Bug-a-Salt wasn't in immediate stock at Amazon (I ended up buying off e-bay), 

but I saw another, less expensive option to try ...

#3 actually prefers this one, although you have to be close, and it can't get in corners like the Bug-a-Salt can. Poor #3, he had a horrible fly experience some years ago, where a fly flew into his ear. He can be a bit of a hypochondriac, so as he was freaking out a bit, the rest of us didn't really believe him. Then I took a closer look, with a flashlight pulling on his earlobe and ... there was a fly in his ear canal. The hub poured water into the ear and the fly backed out. It was like a scene from "Alien" ... I still shiver when I think about the little legs appearing, followed by the rest of the body. Is it any wonder we hate flies at our house?!

Just thought I'd share some of our gadgets with you, just in case you hate flies as much as we do! Thinking Out Loud this Thursday. The fly must die! 

Pin It Party #5

Time for a Pin It Party, hosted by Lindsey over at The Lean Green Bean. I don't know about you, but some blog posts are just day to day stuff, recording personal insights and such. Other posts are more informational, things that maybe deserve a wider audience. Pinnable posts if you will. This link up gives bloggers a chance to look through their previous posts and spotlight a few and give those posts a little extra exposure.

If you have some posts you would like to feature ... come join the party! If you need a little extra reading material, but sure to check out the party and some of the proffered posts. I'm sure you'll find something of interest.

You can find ME on Pinterest (JenB'sJourney), and see the previous Pin It Parties I've participated in ... (PIP#4, PIP#3).  Here's my shares this go round ... and I hope to get some reading and pinning in soon (gotta get to Zumba this morning!)

Library Love

Just a quick reminder of all your local library has to offer. Books, magazines, DVDs, music and even stream services. If you haven't checked out your library lately, you might be surprised and all you can find there!  I ♥ my library!

Fit Studio/Earning Points Through Activity

If you follow my blog at all, you know I'm into fitness AND frugality! I love the programs out there that reward a healthy lifestyle. The latest one I've discovered is with Kmart/Sears "Shop Your Way Rewards" ... set up a FitStudio account and earn points for your activity. I get about $8 in instant store credit a week. I've had a bump here and there (trying to use both my points and surprise points, not getting all my points) but overall ... it's some extra easy "income".

PACT and Paydays

Another reward program. I've earned over $50 since starting in January. Admittedly, getting in my workouts and logging my food are second nature to me. I only commit to six days (out of seven) just to give me a little leeway (I have taken a rest day here and there, but haven't missed a day logging food in over a year). There is also a "Veggie" pact ... I can't quite commit to that. Both the actual eating is an issue, and then it isn't an instant-sync like the other two. Still thinking about that one ...

Blog Hops

If you are participating in the Pin it Party, there is a good chance YOU are a hopper. In this blog post I talk about some of the things I think are important (as a host) and love to hear others experiences as well. There is also a list of the many health/fitness blog hops that are available (in case you wanted to do a little more hopping yourself!)

I've been sharing some of my favorite jogging songs. Music that has 160 beats per minute ... which is perfect for me on my treadmill, set to 5mph. My foot falls match the beat of the music exactly. I'm a little OCD like that. I've shared three (sets of 5) so far ... "PopularPlaylist", "Motivate&Inspire" and my "Pissed Off Playlist" (which is pictured above). 

I hope you found something that interested you! Thanks for visiting!

Library Love ♥

I've been an avid reader since I was a little girl. But I love my local library even more now as an adult. What does my local library have to do with fitness? Why am I bringing it up here on my blog? There are so many things that a good library offers that I'm not sure everyone is aware of ...

• Books: I think everyone knows libraries carry books. Whether it's novels (I read while working out on my stationary bike... Riding and Reading) or non-fiction (health and exercise or other interests), my library has a huge selection. I am a convert to digital reading.  Most libraries have adapted to the times. I can hold, download, read and return books without even stepping foot in the actual building.
• Magazines: My library has subscriptions to almost every magazine ... including all the health and fitness ones. Personally, I subscribe to many of them (Mucho Magazines), but when my subscriptions have lapsed, I've turned to the library to catch up on anything I might have missed. Like books, many magazines are also available in digital format too.
• Music: Many libraries all across the country participate in a music download service called "Freegal" ... it's a completely legal music offering sponsored by the library service. You can download and keep three songs a week. While not every song is available, there have been many top 10 songs I've been able to snag from my library instead of having to purchase myself. I've added many a workout song to my playlists this way. Of course there are still plenty of CDs to check out and try too ...
• DVDs: Libraries carry a wide range of DVDs. I use the service to grab TV programs to keep me entertained while I workout (TV Time = Exercise Time). I'm content to wait on shows, then watch all the episodes back to back. No waiting between weeks, or commercial breaks (I like subtitles too). There are health and fitness finds too. I'm pretty picky with fitness workouts. I really like to borrow and try before I commit and buy. In my last trip to the library, I grabbed a few workouts...

Another great thing about my library, is that I can look at the catalog online, and request something from ANY of the libraries it is associated with. I can request books or DVDs be transferred to my branch, and held there. I just go in and pick them up. Now I realize, that not every library offers everything MY library does ... but if you haven't checked out YOUR local library lately, you might be surprised at what is available for you!  That's my tip and trick offer for today *Ü* Linking up with Kristen and Lisa and their Tuesday Tips!

Saturday Spotlight #14 ...Customer Service Experiences

When it comes to blogs ... I think I'm a fairly recreational reader. When I see other bloggers with huge lists of great articles and favorite blog posts (see Saturday Spotlight #13 for a list a several bloggers who do) I'm realizing I'm not getting in quite the quantity or quality reviews they are. My list is pretty small this week, but I'm also shining the spotlight on a couple of companies and my recent experiences with them.

• ABCDK or E, What Will Make A Healthy Me? I was reading in our local paper and came across this article, it, and the two articles it references had some interesting points. Are you a "pill popper"  hoping to augment your health with vitamins and supplements?
• Keeping Your Cool: Another article about turning down the heat. I just posted several other articles on this topic too (Baby It's Cold Downstairs). I definitely like it cool when I sleep!
• Just Don't Go:  This is a funny video for those of you still stuck in bad weather (our snow has all melted and it was a lovely day yesterday, around 45° and with the sun and blue skies it felt wonderful!) ... or those who love the song "Let it Go" from Frozen (I have yet to see the movie ... I have five BOYS, no girls, so ...)

The Force Is No Longer With Fitbit

I was really sad to hear about the hit Fitbit has been taking on their new Force tracker.  My brother has the Force and hasn't had any issues. It is being voluntarily recalled and stripped from shelves.

You know I'm a Fitbit Fan. I've been meaning to mention some experiences I've had with them recently. I am quite lucky, in that I managed to hold on to my original Ultra for over two years without losing (or washing) it. Others have not been as lucky as I, yet I had heard so many stories about people getting their Fitbit's replaced by the company, even when the fault was not at all with Fitbit. I finally had a chance to test out the customer service I had heard so much about when my son's Flex wristband started to split. I sent them a picture of the band (not yet a year old) and they immediately sent out a replacement. My mother had some struggles with her One not working properly and again ... they sent out a replacement. I have nothing but good things to say about Fitbit!

As I've mentioned in previous posts (Reaping the Rewards, Everymove Update) I link said Fitbit to several reward sites and earn some kickbacks for the my activity. Everymove had an award come up for a free women's workout top. I signed up to earn the reward and it didn't take me too long to reach the number of points required. As I am rather suspicious by nature, I wondered if there was some fine print. I was anticipating my "reward" to end up as a discount (requiring a purchase) or sudden shipping charges to be added. That didn't happen. I contacted the company in question (Mondetta Performance Gear or MPG) and received an immediate email back asking me which top I wanted.

There were no surprises or shipping fees. It was FREE (regular price over $30). I selected THIS top (see the picture at right). I did have to wait a bit for it to come. I did have to recontact the company and inquire ... but I did receive my women's top. I'm wearing it right now in fact. *Ü* It really is a nice quality. Soft and comfortable, but very sturdy and well made.  The little ties from the hoodie do bounce around a bit while I'm working out ... they are somewhat distracting.

Anyway ... another thumbs up for both Everymove, and for MPG, for rewarding people for their activity! Since I posted my Achievemint Update a bit ago, I added several apps (MFP, Facebook, Instagram) and they have really increased my earnings there! I hit my 25,000 points, but this time did select the roll-over option (going for 50,000 and a $50 payout. A 5,000 point bonus for rolling it over).  I'm currently at 39,300 points ...

What have you been reading?

Do you have any recent experiences (good or bad) with companies to share?

The FitSnap App

Browsing blogs, I came across a recommendation for the FitSnap app. It is a fun way to create photo recaps of your workouts (so many people do the "selfie" shots anyway, it's an easy way to add a little to them and make them more meaningful with documented stats).  I thought this would be a good companion piece to my post yesterday (Favorite Cardio) as I feature my three favorite cardio workouts with FitSnap photos *Ü*

There are different presentations of your stats, and you can personalize, adding text or additional information if you like.

The app itself is free, and there are two in-app purchases for additional themes (running/yoga). I haven't upgraded, as I don't do yoga, and don't run too much (the basic "free" running themes more than meet my needs).  But if you were big on either of those, the $.99 upgrade might be worth looking into.

I'm new to the whole Instagram, hashtag aspect of sharing, but I did post my picture on Instagram, and followed the hashtag to find oodles of other users Fitsnap Photos. It was fun to look through all the great activity others are up to, and I couldn't help but be inspired by it all! If you're not into the whole "selfie" shot, many people used the Fitsnap app without featuring themselves in the photo.

I've really enjoyed the Fitsnap app. I'm sure you'll see it appear here and there in my blog, on my Facebook page or on my Instagram feed. Have you heard of Fitsnap before? Is it something you think you would use? Sometimes a fun new way to feature your workouts is enough to give you some added incentive to actually get that workout in!

That's MY tip this Tuesday.

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin.

Check them out for more tips, and link up your own!

Walking with Walgreens

Do you have a Walgreens near you? As part of their balance rewards program, you can earn $$ rewards just for walking! A while back, I did a Reaping the Rewards post, mentioning the various programs out there that offer incentives for activity (if you wanted a little something more than weight loss and better health *Ü*). Since then I've been updating with my experiences with the different programs (Everymove Update, Achievemint Update). I originally signed up for the Walgreens balance rewards and linked up my Fitbit last summer, so I've had a bit of time to work with it.

Unlike some of the other programs, the Walgreens rewards are fairly limited. They only sync with Fitbit, BodyMedia, Wirthings and Omron. You can input activity and weigh-ins manually ... but it's SO much easier when it links and syncs automatically. You can just set it up and forget about it and start earning.

There are limitations to the Walgreens walking program. You can only earn 1000 points per month from your steps. I usually hit it a few days into the month. That's equal to $1. You do need to get to 5000 points ($5) before you can redeem anything. If you hang onto your points though, they do gain additional value ...

So ... it's not a HUGE reward. You can earn about $12 credit through steps each year. This does need to be used toward a Walgreens purchase. I can see why Walgreens is offering this return. Before I heard about the walking rewards, I didn't really pay any attention to their balance rewards program. Now, being linked up, I do check out their ad and have made some purchases, earning additional rewards that way. Just before Christmas, I redeemed 30,000 points (9000 of those had been earned through walking and weigh-ins) and got $35 off my purchase. I was pretty happy with that.

So if you have a Walgreens nearby (they have decent online deals often with free shipping over $25 if you don't) and you have a Fitbit/BodyMedia/Wirthings/Omron, or are willing to enter your activity yourself, it's a rewards program worth checking out. Walgreens Balance Rewards (I'm in no way associated with Walgreens other than simply shopping there occasionally and earning my rewards).

Linking up with Lisa and Kristin for Tips and Tricks Tuesday! I also stumbled up another Walgreens Rewards Walking article. Check it out for even more info and another recommendation. Then go get off the computer and get walking! *Ü*

Do A Little Good

What if you could give back, just by working out? I mean, I'm going to work out anyway ... if my exertion and sweat can serve more than myself, that would be great!  I've found that there are many different programs that will give back based on your activity. 

You know I'm a Fitbit fan ... one of the things I've really liked about the Fitbit, is that it is has been around long enough and is well-respected enough in the fitness community, that it links/syncs with so many programs. It makes it SO easy to link up with sites that will take my stats and credit different charities for my steps. 

One program I heard about recently is WeightlessProject.Org - I simply linked my Fitbit to it and I've already "earned" almost $45 to feed the hungry. Currently, it looks like this program ONLY links with Fitbit or Jawbone Up at present. But if you have either of those, why not link up and help out a little? 

I already posted about Earndit in my Reaping the Rewards post. I've never found any "rewards" I wanted for myself on this site, but they usually have a few charity options. Again, I just linked my Fitbit with the site and so my points pile up until I remember to go in and redeem them toward my charity of choice.  

  

If you do not have a Fitbit, 

Earndit does have MANY apps that it will accept information from. 

Check them out.

Everymove is another reward site. I have found a few rewards I've selfishly wanted to earn to keep for me, but they are few and far between. Most of the time, my points are going toward a $5 donation to the "Make a Wish Foundation".  I've earned that eight times so far ... Everymove also links up with MANY different apps. I'm sure you probably use at least one of them!

I know there are other apps out there as well. I have the Charity Miles app, I WISH it linked to Fitbit. It requires me to start/stop my iphone with my workouts ... I never remember to do that, dang it! But giving back a little ... it gives me a little extra reason to workout out. I'll call that an NSV!

Do you participate in any of these programs? 

Any others I don't have listed here?

As I started my post with weightlessproject.org ... I'm going to link up with Weigh-In Wednesday *Ü* (totally on topic, right?)  Losing weight and having a healthier life is YOUR reward. Think about giving a little back while you work at it!  For MY actual weigh-in, check back on Friday. Right now it's not looking good for a loss this week, but I've been in this position before and still made it, so who knows? The cookies I made on Sunday and have been nibbling on each day are now gone, so that will help me control my calories a bit better today and tomorrow!

*** Out of the U.S. peeps ... I keep forgetting that some of these programs (Everymove for one I believe) are limited to US residents. I believe Earndit is not, and I don't believe I saw any restrictions on Weightloss.org.  Comment if you have anything to add!

AchieveMint Update

(Be sure to check out the most recent Achievemint Update too)

Join Achievemint now ... get 250 points for simply signing up!

A while back, I did a post about the various reward sites out there (Reaping the Rewards). Programs I could simply link my Fitbit and forget about it. I am going to be exercising anyway, I might as well earn a little something if it's being offered. I did a review of my experience with Everymove (EveryMove Update), and now it's time for my AchieveMint Update.

Honestly, I've been putting this one off for a bit, because I wasn't sure which way the review was going to go. I'll admit to some frustration with this company. The other program's rewards were often simply discounts in disguise, so I could see how they worked, receiving sponsor ships and such from participating companies. THIS program however promised a cash reward! $25 for 25,000 points.

Now granted, it does take a while to achieve that many points. But I'm pretty active, and with  my Fitbit and Aria scale, I was also getting points for tracking sleep and weighing in, in addition to my exercise. I joined back in May or June, and by the end of August, I had hit my goal. I could cash in, or roll over, earning and extra 5000 points if I continued on toward 50,000 points and a $50 payout.

I chose to get my reward ... because I wanted to see if I would actually get my reward.

I didn't get my reward.

I emailed customer service and they said they would look into it. I got an email asking me to update my name and address so they could process it. Still waiting. I posted on their Facebook page that I was still waiting (weeks after)  and again got the response that they were looking into it. 

At this point ... I kind of gave up. I mean, I hadn't invested anything. I hadn't paid anything out, my activity had been for me, not for this reward. But it would have been nice. I anticipated doing this update and telling people it just wasn't paying out.

I didn't disconnect my account, and every once in a while I'd get email updates, and what do you know... I earned the $25 reward AGAIN. I hadn't received the first award earned back in August, but yea! I did it again.  Again I was offered the roll-over or the reward. Again I chose the reward.

Is my reward on it's way?

Is it really?

I decided to follow up one more time ... I may or may not have mentioned I was going to review my experience on my blog. I got an email back apologizing for the delay/mixup/what not and an assurance that all rewards to others had been paid out without a problem.

I did receive my reward. $50, plus they threw in an extra $25 for my trouble. A $75 payout ... not too bad for simply linking up my Fitbit account several months ago. That's almost what I paid for the Fitbit!  Now a couple extra notes on the payment. It wasn't a check, it was a "Virtual Visa" debit card. Being the skeptical person I am, I HAVE made a couple purchases online and they went through fine. There was some fine print (you have to be 18 years of age, which I don't believe I read before ... my 14 year old has an Achievemint account, and has hit his first 25,000 points but we did go ahead and roll his over, but now I'm wondering about his payout). The Visa has a limitation that you can't apply it to anything over the credit amount (I mean that is obvious, but it seem you should be able to pay with it then with another form of payment), so it's probably a bit tricky using it up entirely. It must be used only for online/phone orders, not where an actual card is required. Rewards are limited to residents of the United States (sorry my peeps out of the country!)

I was wondering if there was a limit to the rewards (one per person, etc.) but I can't see that being the case. I'm not sure HOW this program is funded ... but I'll stay connected and see how it goes. 

**  I included my recent experiences with this program in my Fitness Rewards Update (06/2014) and Another Achievemint Update (07/2015) so check those out for more recent information *Ü* At one point they had a waiting list for people wanting to join, and did limit rewards ... once you earned it once you were done.

**As of May 13, 2016 ... Achievemint revised it's points plan (earning is a little slower now) but also removed the threshold limits (which had vacillated between as much as $100, which I earned, and $25 for recent members).  I had some points piled up, so I've hit the "redeem" button on my account and I'll update again when/if I receive my latest reward.  Check out my Achievemint Update ... Update post *Ü*

I do absolutely give Achievemint a thumbs up recommendation at this point!

Follow this link to join and receive 250 points to start you off!

My Biggest Fan

I wanted to dedicate this post to my biggest fan ... pictured above. No, I'm not my own biggest fan, I'm referring to my actual FAN. He blows me away.  Seriously, it makes such a huge difference in how I feel during my workout. I usually don't start with the fan on, but after about 10 minutes in ... I need it. Just that little bit of air movement can cool down my heated up face and give me the energy to keep on going.

My BIG fan is positioned to where I turn it toward me while I'm on the bike. I can turn it toward me while I'm on the treadmill (but I also have a fan on the treadmill which hits my face a little better). When I'm doing a weight workout or one of Jillian's programs, I'll turn the fan so it blows in that direction.

I have a smaller clip fan attached to my elliptical as well.

Again ... I'm totally spoiled with my home gym. I guess if you GO to a gym, you don't have as many FANtastic options (although I'm sure some of the equipment has a built-in fan, like my treadmill). When I'm jogging the track at the rec center (Two Tracks) ... they have a couple fans positioned strategically along the track and I love that small breeze as I jog by.  

So just my little Tip and Trick for the day ... if you can, invest in a fan!

Check out Tips and Tricks Tuesday for more ideas, and share something of your own!

The Meal Snap App

I was reading on of my many magazines when I was drawn to a  recommendation for a new app called Meal Snap. The premise sounded interesting ... take a picture of your meal, and get a calorie estimate from the picture itself. It does sound a little too good to be true. The app was only $3, so I decided it was worth looking into. 

So I've had the app for several weeks now ... I mentioned it originally in my Photos of Food post last month. I must admit, I haven't used it as much as I should have. Not that I regret the purchase (all three dollars of it). I really like the organization, having all your meals saved chronologically in a calendar form. The estimates are off, I would not recommend trusting them, but I don't plan on stopping my food diary in My Fitness Pal anytime soon. Sometimes it's nice (especially when out and about) to just quickly snap a picture of my plate, then fill in the food on MFP at home ... it's nice to have the photo for reference as it is so easy to forget. 

What I love about apps, is that one purchase can be used by multiple family members. I mentioned that hubby recently signed up for MFP (The Hubs is on Board) and I encouraged him too add the app to his iphone as well. #1 son decided MFP sounded interesting and set himself up as well. He asked me "what was the picture taking calorie counter app you had?" ... so I think we'll be having some additional experimentation with our family.

Here's three "meals" from the past few weeks. I didn't go in and adjust the calorie count, although that is an option. This way you can see the Meal Snap estimates (wouldn't it be nice if my chicken and rice was that low? I did have trouble estimating it on MFP, because I don't eat the sauce that comes with it, which is included in the online counts. I estimated about 600 calories based just on white rice and battered chicken). I do need to go in and calculate the final picture... that was my boy's lunch today.

Capturing the pictures of food is also a fun way to lock a no-cal version in your memory (mmmm, Tepanyaki). You can see there are social media sharing options in the app as well. Sharing what you eat seems to be a popular trend (look around for all the "What I Ate Wednesday" posts). 

I do find it funny that I try to get an attractive staging for my food when taking a picture, even if it's just a little snapshot only for myself. But that extra moment you take to grab your phone and snap a picture does give you a moment to pause and think "Is this something I should be eating?" ... "Is this something I want picture proof that I consumed?" ... on the days I try to commit to taking pictures, I find myself a little more in control. Less mindless eating because I can't just snack ... I need to take a picture first! Ok, I do admit to forgetting to take a picture and pulling out an identical item to photograph after the fact.

   I even took a picture of just the wrappers once ... (ok, maybe more than once).

With Thanksgiving coming, this little app could be a helpful item in controlling and counting your calories. Providing you with a picture record, an estimate (however inaccurate), and a moment's pause before eating your holiday meal.  Linking Up with Tips and Tricks Tuesday. Check out the link for more tips and share some of your own! 

Amazon & Exercise

I've been an Amazon Prime member for a couple of years now. Admittedly, I do like the convenience of shopping online, and I've been impressed with Amazon's prices and customer service. So our Prime membership was mainly to get the free two-day shipping. 

The streaming services Amazon offered were just an extra. Our family had converted to Netflix a few years ago and we were finding plenty to keep us busy. I did eventually start looking through Amazon's offerings and watching some of the programming that they stocked that Netflix did not.  It wasn't until recently that I stumbled upon all the exercise and fitness videos available (and what is pictured above is just a small sampling, there were a lot more!) 

I'm not sure if this is a recent change  (I know I purchased Jillian Michael's No More Trouble Zones on DVD just a month or so ago ... something I wouldn't have done if I had realized it was available to stream for free) or if I just hadn't noticed it was one of the "prime" titles.  I do know that Netflix (and I assume Amazon) is constantly changing their streaming library as contracts come and go, with with my PlayLater service, I can actually copy any available title to my home computer to keep on hand, even if it is removed from the Prime library. 

Linking up with Kristen and Kristen 

for Tips and Tricks Tuesday.

If you already have Amazon Prime, be sure to check out the fitness titles they have available for free streaming. If you don't have Amazon Prime, they offer a 2-week free trial to try it out (you do have to cancel if you don't want to be charged, and they do auto-renew ... but I love my Amazon Prime so I don't think we'll be cancelling anytime soon).  I hope to be trying out some of these many exercise offerings and letting you know which ones I like.  Have you tried any of the titles listed above? What did you think? 

Everymove Update

A while ago, I did a post about some of the various reward sites out there (Reaping the Rewards). Organizations that allow you to connect to your exercise trackers (Fitbit, BodyMedia, Runkeeper, even MFP) and earn rewards for your activity. I thought I'd do some follow up posts about my experience with these various organizations, starting with the one I have been most impressed with ... Everymove.

Everymove has the largest selection of "connections" of any of the reward sites.

Do you see something you use? There are even more than what is pictured here above ...  I connect with my Fitbit  and it auto syncs all my data. I get a weekly email update (pictured above), I can check in on the webpage, or they have an app as well.   I choose my reward and earn points based on my daily activity. Now granted, most of the "rewards" are really just discounts in disguise. I haven't signed up to earn anything I'd have to pay out of pocket for. Usually I just select a $5 donation to the Make-a-Wish foundation as my reward.  Here's a quick recap of what I've "earned" these last few months...

Of course I adore the Amazon gift cards ... they don't come up as a reward very often, but I was happy to snag them a couple times. I was very impressed with how quickly I received an email with my Amazon code once I earned my reward. Make-a-Wish is a good organization (did you see the Bat Boy story in the news?  It was one of my links in my last Saturday Spotlight) and I'm happy there is a charity option to choose.  I went ahead and signed up to earn a t-shirt/water bottle for my last reward... I admit, it was partially a test to see how quickly I would get my reward when it required actual work on their part (shipping and mailing) and again, SO impressed! I got my t-shirt and water bottle this past weekend. 

Ok - so it's orange (not blue, like in the picture) and I ordered it too big (I said extra large, I do still need that in some shirts, although in others I can wear a large or a medium ... maybe it will shrink).  I had to laugh when my son walked in and saw my swag. He burst out "You got a t-shirt? And a water bottle?" I asked if he would like me to switch HIM to earning such a reward and he said ... "no." 

Last week, I mentioned how several family members have a Fitbit (A Fitbit Family). Since then, we've added another (my SIL) and another SIL was also asking about it. We're all friends on Fitbit, and also on Everymove. One benefit of being friends on Everymove, is that you can earn bonus points for an active day, and you can give points away to your friends.

So if Everymove is new to you, I do think it is worth looking into. 

I don't know that it motivates me to move more than I would be already, 

but I'm glad to be part of the program.

Check out my Saturday Spotlight #14, 

where I spotlight the cute shirt I earned with Everymove.

Streaming vs DVDs

I don't SIT and watch TV anymore (ok, there is some snuggle time with hubby some evenings, we watched "The Walking Dead" last night). But if it's just me ... I only allow myself to watch while working out. There is a television in my home gym. It's not actually connected to cable, I can't watch live programming on it. I am hooked up to a DVD player and a Roku (so Netflix and Amazon). Another great product is PlayOn/PlayLater (also accessible though my Roku box), which allows me to watch anything available on the computer (YouTube, what the networks put online, which is actually almost everything if you are willing to wait a day) on my television in my gym. This has allowed me to keep current on some shows that in the past, I had to wait on (until they hit Netflix or DVD). Wanting to watch my shows is not only a nice distraction while working out, but it's also a big motivator ... I want to see what happens next!  I keep track of What I'm Watching, and I did a Let's Talk About TV link up post featuring some favorites. What are YOU watching?

I must admit ... we are a techno family and I've been converted to the convenience of streaming. It is SO nice to be able to easily switch between shows, not having to find, load and go through the pages of copyright warnings and slow start menu. If I'm in the middle of a movie, and I want to do me some Jillian ... I can quickly and easily move between the two in moments. When making a purchase ... streaming offers instant gratification (no waiting!) and often has lower prices.

Now ... DVD can have it's advantages as well. Originally one of these advantages was captions. I must have captions if I'm on the treadmill, as it's quite noisy. The elliptical isn't loud, but I still prefer having the subtitles as otherwise it is so hard for me to catch everything (I think my hearing is fine, there's just a lot of "low" talking on television!). Netflix and Amazon are doing much better now at offering captions on many of their streamed offerings. While new products are generally a bit more expensive, you can often find used DVDs at low prices. DVDs are also lendable.  But DVDs can get damaged and/or lost.

The other advantage to DVDs is they do NOT depend on your wireless signal. I did have struggles a couple weeks ago, TRYING to get in a 30DS workout, and my internet was on the fritz, which was beyond frustrating!

So when I wanted to invest in Jillian's Ripped in 30 program ... I was torn. DVD? Streaming? It was slightly less expensive as an instant download from Amazon ... BUT the four different workouts didn't have separate chapter headings (as 30DS does). For something like this, where you are watching a portion over and over, that was unacceptable.  I actually asked for a refund (and good ol' Amazon did give it to me).  So I've got this on DVD now, which is ok, but not as convenient as streaming if I'm able to access the workouts individually. 

Linking up with Tips and Tricks Tuesday

with Kristen and Kristen

Do you watch during your workouts?

Are you aware of all the streaming options available?

Do you think streaming will ever replace DVDs?

Which do you prefer?