The only thing I love more than working out is getting new workout-related stuff.
And food. Obviously.
To start this 3rd week of the #MoveHappy movement out right, I thought I’d share with you some of the marvelous new fitness-related items I’ve been loving lately.
1. Mizuno
Recently I was given the chance to try out Mizuno’s new Wave Kazan trail shoes for a FitfFluential campaign. Let me tell you – I have never in my life put on a pair of shoes that felt like they were made for my foot. Until now. I have worn these just bumming around! This shoe cradles the heel perfectly, preventing unwanted sliding.
Trial running is their intended use, and I used them for that too. Even since my trip to Switzerland I’ve been obsessed with trails, both for hiking and running. There’s something so freeing about running through the woods. And it’s cooler in the shade of the trees.
I really love the color of these shoes. They’re darker, which is perfect for trails. There’s no need to worry about ruining a pretty white shoe! At 8 oz, they’re also really light. This is important to me for trial running because I like bouncing off of rocks and logs. Some of the trails out here demand bunny hopping!
Mizuno is all about ensuring the design of their shoes, and this new trail shoe is no different! They use the newest technology which provides flexibility without sacrificing stability. The midfoot “X” groove allows the heel and forefoot to move independently and adapt to uneven terrain. In English, the Krazen has the right amount of grip for more uncertain terrain, but it doesn’t impede the ability to bounce around, change direction, and dodge random artifacts on the trail.
Maybe I need to call up my ultra runner friend…
2. Moving Happy
I love this #MoveHappy campaign. Last week you guys commented on the posts I hosted all week long – it was really motivating for me to read all the fun ways people were getting their happy move on! You guys inspired a hot little jog after my softball game Sunday. I love playing ball, and was feeling my fitness groove after a fun morning on the field!
This week’s prize is Heather’s favorite protein powder, Vega. (Mine is next week. 😉 ) One of the things I appreciate about Vega is that , like my go-to, Vega is a high-quality plant-based protein option. It’s is often featured in Heather’s delicious protein recipes, and she was even recently shared ways she uses the products on their blog!
Check out a few of Heather’s fun protein recipes: Peanut Butter Cup Protein Pudding, vanilla frosted protein donut, double chocolate protein pudding, and chia pudding.
To help you #fuelyourbetter in all your #MoveHappy adventures, Vega will be sending this week’s winner a package filled with Heather’s personal favorites: Pre-Workout Energizer, Electrolyte Hydrator, Performance Protein, Protein Smoothie, and a t-shirt!
She hand-picked these items, so bop on over to her blog and tell us how you #MoveHappy this week for chances to win!
3. Quest Bars
Quest bars are again included in this week’s #MoveHappy prize. You want to win these. I eat at least 5 a week. I bake them. I let them melt in my car and get my steering wheel sticky eating it post-workout. I cut the cookie dough into little squares, broil it, and eat it like cereal (that tastes like Cookie Crisps cereal!). I got my boss hooked too; he showed up last Monday with a box of Cookie Dough and a box of Peanut Butter. Which I ate.
In conclusion, Quest bars are like crack. But less whack.
4. Surpahs Body Fat Scale
I never had a problem with scales. I can take them or leave them; how much I weigh isn’t as big of a deal to be as how my clothes fit. That said, when I was offered a chance review the Surpahs Body Fat Scale scale I got excited. This is like the luxury car of scales. It uses Bio Impedance Analysis to measure body fat, hydration levels, bone mass, and muscle mass.
Like similar scales, you can select your gender, age, and height… but this is the first one I’ve seen that allows you to choose an activity level too! I really geeked out on that part because my trainer was having me set my old scale to a 25 year old male to get a more accurate measure. Since I’m taking this year off of competing to build muscle, I’m super excited to have a way to monitor my muscle mass.
Yes, these things are never 100% accurate, but it gives a good estimation in my opinion. It’s only $40 on Amazon; to me that’s a steal for what it can do. Bonus: it’s small and pretty – the black is modern-looking and fits right in with my decor.
5. Fabletics
I am NOT stylish in the gym (or in general, but that’s another post). It’s not that I don’t appreciate a nice outfit… it’s just not something I make time to acquire. This is why I’m loving Fabletics.
I’ve tried mail order clothing before and it has never, ever fit correctly. I was weary of Fabletics, but after it was a #MoveHappy prize they offered me a free shipment for review so why not? Since receiving my review order, I’ve placed a second order. I LOVE it! The clothes fit exactly as advertised, they’re stylish, and there’s something for every body type and sporting activity.
The first outfit I tried was the one below, but with black shorts. I wore it to the gym and people immediate commented that I looked nice. I only thought no one paid attention to the fact that I wear the same 2 outfits over and over…
The second outfit I ordered myself was this, but with the top in black. I’m especially pumped about these blue pants. They are super soft and it’s fun to have a little color pop.
Totally wore them to work. Twice.
Winner, winner chicken dinner!
You didn’t think I forgot, did you? The winner of last week’s #MoveHappy prizes – a Nutrex Hawaii Hawaiian Health Kit and a box of Quest bars – is….
Cassie! Send me an email with your mailing address and phone number so we can get your prizes to you ASAP!
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We have another winner… Click here to see if you won the Emergen-C 3 month supply!
What fitness items are you loving lately? It’s my birthday tomorrow. Feel free to send them my way. 😉
Do you like running trails?
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says
I’d love to try those Mizunos. I do most of my running on the trails. And your outfits look really cute! Be careful or you may just become stylish 🙂
Laura says
Haha – I’m trying hard to resist.
Khushboo says
Great prizes this week! Lately I’ve been really into HIIT machine-free workouts…dare I say that I’ve actually grown rather fond of burpees ;)!
Laura says
*insert look of horror*
Choc Chip Uru says
You have great workout fashion, I am super lazy and just go for the whole baggy t-shirt and leggings 😛
And Heather’s recipes look fantastic!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura says
That’s been my standard! It’s fun to shake it up a bit.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I love the color of the Mizuno’s! I definitely love trails but don’t get on dirt nearly as much as I’d like. It makes me feel like a kid again!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life says
I’m obssesed with Fabletics — and Quest since we got so many at Blend. I had never had them before but the Cookies n’ Cream has me hooked!
Laura says
Aren’t they the best??? I’m on a bender.
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
I love those blue pants girl!! I could totally see you rocking those at work!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
i’ve been loving my walks outdoors with my babe 🙂 and i’ve never been a trail runner – not to say i wouldn’t like it though!
Laura says
You have the best workout partner. 🙂
lindsay says
i totally agree!! love the shoes. they were made for my foot too! BROTHER!
Laura says
*foot bump*
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
that scale sounds pretty sweet! Might have to check it out after baby comes!
Laura says
It is cool! I love geeky workout accessories. 🙂
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
I haven’t been trail running in forever, but I do like it! My high school gym class would always run a trail near the school, so I basically did trail running before road running. I like the trails better 😉
Laura says
Same here – it’s easier on the knees too!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
The only time I did trail running was during a Turkey Trot fun run. OMG it was awful LOL. Of course my husband keeps reminding me that it was cold and damp so the trail was really slippery and I was not wearing trail shoes.
Laura says
That surprises me that you haven’t done more! Slippery trails are the worst!
Alysia @ Slim Sanity says
I’m still (forever) in love with my Fitbit. 🙂
Laura says
I lost mine in Switzerland! Maybe one day I’ll get another… I just realized my iPhone will do it too though!
Court Star @ StarSystemzFitness says
Love running and hiking out in nature! That is ONE thing I really miss about Los Angeles, I used to hike at least once a week and it was what yoga is to most, freeing! I am not a yoga girl whatsoever but being on a trail connected my mind and body and made me feel so alive. Seeing your photos makes me miss it even more but I am so happy that you get to experience it! All my love xo C
Laura says
California is one of my favorite places to run. Especially San Fran!
Deborah says
Happy Birthday! Right now I’m just loving my Fuel belt with 2 big bottles. It’s been hot out here! Today I’m doing a weights workout-inside!
Laura says
Thank you! 🙂
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I’ve always been curious to try those body fat scales – do you think it provides a relatively good estimation of body fat? Happy birthday for tomorrow!!
Laura says
I think it’s in the ball park… but I am guessing its 1-2% off.
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy says
I’m really loving my running shoes lately. They’re Nike!
Betsy says
I loved the scale too!
Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says
Mizunos are my favorite!
Layne says
I was extra happy for me #movehappy workout this AM as I was sick yesterday!!
Laura says
Glad you’re feeling better!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I’m on a mission to find the trails around us here- I know there are many more than the ones I know about. Love the workout gear! I’m wearing the same two outfits these days because they’re the only ones that fit around my belly. 🙂
Audrey @ In Shape Cupcake says
I NEEEEED those trail running shoes! A couple weeks ago, I finally got back to trail running. But, haven’t got any trail shoes. Afraid I might buy them and then stop trail running like I’ve done before. But really hoping I don’t. Because like you said, its so freeing! I love the constant change with the hills, downhills, rocks, dirt, gravel, grass, streams, etc….its so much fun and kind of therapeutic at the same time. Nature <3
Laura says
I think they’re totally worth it – even if you stop running trails for a bit, it’s not like they’ll go bad. 🙂
Rachel @RunningRachel says
Great list of fitness things! I love my Mizuno trail shoes also! 🙂
That scale looks interesting! I wonder if I were to use it if ‘it’ would be nice adn tell me nice things. 🙂
Laura says
Haha – I think that’s a million dollar idea.
Megan (The Lyons' Share) says
Go Cassie Go! Love seeing all the running action … I wish there were better trails around Dallas! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Laura says
You’re welcome to come to ATL and run trails with me anytime! 🙂
Cassie @ Rural Running Redhead says
Yay! I won! Thanks so much! This challenge is the most fun.
Laura says
I can’t wait to hear how you like everything!
Dietitian Jess says
Happy early birthday, I’m sure you will celebrate fabulously 🙂 I like trail running for cross training/fun, but last year I did two half marathons in the fall one on pavement, and one on trails and I was 30 seconds/mile slower on the trail!! However that being said I did not do any trail practice runs but I definitely didnt realize how different/harder it was! Mizunos are my running shoe of choice though, perfect fit.
Laura says
Thank you!!! The sam thing surprised me when I first started running trails. Definitely helps to have the right footwear.
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
Well you know my obsession for clothes. I mean, I have one big closet only for workout stuff – not that I think I have enough.
Laura says
Clearly you need more clothes. Especially running shoes.
Allyssa says
I love the outfits (especially the one you picked out)! Wish I could wear those blue pants to work!
Laura says
It’s the best part about my job. 🙂
Heather @ FITaspire says
I’m so excited that you like Fabletics too – such great stuff!!
Hannah says
I just did some serious pilates and I am whupped–feeling those #MoveHappy endorphins right now 😀
Laura says
I want to try pilates!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
What a fun campaign!! How cool 🙂 I’ve been trying to get movement in whenever I can!
Layne says
my #move happy today was bootcamp in the AM and bringing in my birthday cake to avoid the temptation at home! accountability!
Laura says
You know this week you enter workouts on Heather’s blog, right? 😉
Allyssa says
My second #movehappy move of the day was a nice (but slightly chilly) walk outside this morning!
Sarah Pie says
Love those blue capris, they look pretty stylish to me 🙂 I love the sound of that scale, I’ll have to investigate when we’re ready to buy one!
Laura says
Thanks! I feel stylin’. 🙂
Layne says
Got my am #movehappy workout in early- reward post workout coffee!
Layne says
Used a living social deal for a kickboxing class #movehappy #2adays 7/15
Layne says
AM bootcamps workout on 7/15 was awesome! #movehappy
Layne says
despite my HR monitor not working i had an extra happy #movehappy workout last night! kickboxing gets me going!
Layne says
this AM was a struggle but TGIF #movehappy i got my workout in, then COFFEE!!
Layne says
wasn’t feeling working #2 today but got great accountability partners! #movehappy