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MiR Weighted Vest Review Short Adjustable 20-60 lbs: Training for Running, Workouts, and Fat Loss

The weighted vest could be the absolute best fitness investment, but ARE YOU READY for the hard work ahead?

I have had weighted vests in my arsenal for plenty of years now and they work. They absolutely work well and are effective by helping you overcome new levels of discomfort and become whatever you want to be whether fitter, faster, stronger, leaner, ripped, shredded, athletic, muscular, toned, or you just want to burn some serious body fat.

This article was written so that you can make the best buying decisions when it comes to complicated world of fitness. I’m also extremely passionate about exercise and helping others. The links are Amazon.com affiliated.

MiR Weighted Vest Review: Short Style for Workouts, Running, Fat Loss.

The benefit of short style weighted vests is that they keep the weight in a more centered area and your core does get stronger this way. The longer vests are for people who want to distribute the weight all around and perhaps the longer vests are better for people who are using it for walks.

MiR Adjustable Short Weighted Vest on Amazon.com

Even so, in most cases, the short style will be more suited to your needs. There are great options for women as well, though women can wear either based on their anatomy.

MiR Ajudstable Weighted Vest for Women on Amazon.com

I have heard really good feedback about this one as women are becoming increasingly interested in strength and health.

Weighted Vests have what scientific support?

When I dig through the research, I find some interesting articles about muscle activation and energy use from the military of multiple countries studying loaded carriage. What has been known for a long time is that the heavier the weight, the greater the energy use. It’s a way to burn more fat in a shorter time frame.

This is a video capture of Rich Froning in a MiR weighted vest. He is one of the fittest people of all time.

MiR Weighted Vest Cons:

Let’s start with some possible drawbacks:

  • Shoulder straps can become uncomfortable especially in longer workouts.
  • Can be challenging to put on the weighted vest (best to do it while laying on the ground).
  • Fits most people, but not all.

MiR Weighted Vest BENEFITS:

This list covers some of the features that help it stand above other weighted vest brands.

  • Very compact as it is designed for max mobility.
  • Lining is doubled throughout the shoulder with contoured padding for comfort.
  • Increments of smaller weights allow you to adjust to resistance to your needs.
  • The mid-chest belt will prevent the shifting or bouncing.
  • Adjustable straps help give it the perfect fit.
  • Handles usage well and could last a lifetime.

Weighted Vests are great for men and women.

 

Science Says: Weighted Vests Burn a Ton of Calories!

 

Most body types benefit from a weighted vest training program. The key is to start light and gradually build up. Let me repeat that, the key is the start light and gradually build up. That’s why MiR offers adjustable weights so that can take them out and put them back in as needed.

Weighted vests tone the body in a way that nothing else does. I’m not saying that weighted vests are necessary for an aesthetic look, but I seriously believe that working with vests can strengthen those deep core muscles and just make you a finer physical being.

Furthermore, a larger person who trains with the vest will notice their fitness has improved in everyday life when they take off the vest. Meanwhile, an athlete or recreational fitness person can gain respectable lean muscle by increasing strength against resistance and recovering from that process.

Weighted Vest FAQ:

Is the MiR vest good for running? Yes, because of the short style the vest will work well. Make sure to start with light weights, maybe 10% of your body weight or less loaded on the vest to start initially.

Will it help build lean muscle? I have no doubt that with enough consistency, you can gain lean muscle, yes for sure. I also really feel the muscles around the lungs!

Who is a weighted vest best for? Tactical athletes such as firefighters, people who lift weights, runners love weighted vests, yoga enthusiasts, and even people who play basketball, football, and soccer.

Weighted Vest Caution Safety and Prevention Tips:

Common injuries associated are associated with prolonged load carriage so make sure to progressively build up your efforts instead of over-doing it.Some things to be aware of are foot blisters, stress fractures, back strains, metatarsalgia (foot pain), and knee pain.

Preventative action is key, such as maintaining good posture and improving load distribution. Staying hydrated is another injury-prevention method.

For the foot comfort, closed-cell neoprene insoles and use of an acrylic or nylon sock, combined with a wool sock, reduce blister incidence.

Become who you were meant to be!

There is a good chance that a weighted vest would be an incredibly valuable tool for you — particularly the MiR Weighted Vest.

The question remains though, do YOU have what it takes?

Follow the blog to stay tuned for updates!

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Top 5 Favorite Antioxidants for Gut Health, Fatty Acid Metabolism, and Fitness

Antioxidants are like the prisms of life.

The symbolism of the antioxidant is that of protection.

Antioxidants protect us from volatile oxygen molecules. With the protection of antioxidants, our body can filter the chemical reaction from oxygen consumption in a positive way. We become more efficient in our environment.

There is one secret that I haven’t talked enough about. I will share this with you today.

Human Power Runs on Short Chain Fatty Acids.

The basic cellular functions appreciate short chain fatty acids that are metabolized by a variety of bacteria all combining to form a significant part of the human ecosystem and microbiome. Fortunately, there is evidence of plasticity with changes of microbiome related to changes in diet.

One example of a strategy would be a simple focused plan to consume foods that increase diversity within in the gut. I’ll give you reasons why antioxidants are crucial in gut health evolution.

The ecosystem of the microbiome changes like waves in athletes.

This picture is an example of how easily it is to notice quick alterations in an athlete.

It isn’t a far guess to assume that the function and health status of the immune system is also highly related to this.

Antioxidants have effect on DNA/RNA relationships

I believe that antioxidants represent some vital life force in the world. I have many favorite antioxidants. Things like polyphenols or proanthocyanidins may balance the adrenals, supporting cognitive function.

My favorite antioxidants:

This is the first list. More lists coming soon so please click the follow the blog button.

1. Acai

acaiyummy

I have so many good memories on great beaches with wonderful people. It is from the Amazon rainforest and the pure unsweetened pulp is a highly valuable item in my opinion. This is an Amazon affiliate link that supports the future of the blog.

Me years ago on a beach far away.

When I was in Brazil, my thought specifically to get more acai was the benefit for my skin while in the hot sun. I know I needed protection and I believed this helped keep me healthy.

2. Wild Alaskan Salmon or also natural astaxanthin.

This is one of the SLAMMERS in the antioxidant world! It’s the reason why salmon and many marine life forms, and things that eat marine life forms, often have a pink hue.

This is an extremely valuable antioxidant with effects throughout the body because it crosses the blood-brain barrier. Aside from reaching your brain, it can also reach into your eyeballs and impart its DNA supporting wisdom upon the optical lens.

If you are not a fish eater, then a great alternative may be an algae like chlorella.

3. Chlorella

Okay, I had to give it a category of its own here. I bring chlorella everywhere that I travel, when I traveled. I mix it with matcha powder to start every day.

lookslikelittlepeas

Chlorella was green before being green was even a thing.

The reason I love it when traveling is because when traveling the food can be unpredictable. I know that if I have it with me, I am guaranteed some awesome antioxidants to start the day. This, I believe can offset less beneficial food that I may consume later on because lets have some fun right.

By the way, I have been consuming chlorella for almost 12 years now. Korea seems to produce most of the top quality chlorella, while there are other niche or naturally occurring areas that provide chlorella.

4. Matcha

I think I might overuse matcha a little bit because I love it so much. I am just hoping that the L-Theanine will protect my central nervous system in the meanwhile.

5. Berries

This was just the next thing that came to mind and the last one of the list for now. Berries can be so refreshing and sweet.

I love the way that berries can help with normal hydration because they contain water.

I love the way that berries feel in my mouth and all over my tongue.

Make sure to hit the Follow Blog button

Sometimes we need other people to reflect light on to us and that gives us more balance.

I hope that some positive light was reflected upon you while reading this article.

May your gut bacteria reside in harmony with the world.

Sources
Puertollano E, Kolida S, Yaqoob P. Biological significance of short-chain fatty acid metabolism by the intestinal microbiome. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2014;17(2):139‐144. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000025
Pandey KB, Rizvi SI. Plant polyphenols as dietary antioxidants in human health and disease. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2009;2(5):270‐278. doi:10.4161/oxim.2.5.9498
Cires María José, Wong Ximena, Carrasco-Pozo Catalina, Gotteland Martin. The Gastrointestinal Tract as a Key Target Organ for the Health-Promoting Effects of Dietary Proanthocyanidins. Frontiers in Nutrition.
VOLUME 3, 2017, PG 57
Grosicki GJ, Durk RP, Bagley JR. Rapid gut microbiome changes in a world-class ultramarathon runner. Physiol Rep. 2019;7(24):e14313. doi:10.14814/phy2.14313
Kanakis CD, Tarantilis PA, Polissiou MG, Diamantoglou S, Tajmir-Riahi HA. An overview of DNA and RNA bindings to antioxidant flavonoids. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2007;49(1):29‐36. doi:10.1007/s12013-007-0037-2
Trosvik P, Rueness EK, de Muinck EJ, Moges A, Mekonnen A. Ecological plasticity in the gastrointestinal microbiomes of Ethiopian Chlorocebus monkeys. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):20. Published 2018 Jan 8. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-18435-2

 

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5 Mindsets of Elite Runners

Running is extremely important right now.

There are so many excuses to quit.

Heavy breathing, burning quads and the possibility for injury?

Please, explain the importance of running so that I can go out and expose myself to these uncomfortable forces for the greater good.

1. Running is freedom.

Take a moment to appreciate that you have the capacity to bipedal your way through this life as many others have not been offered such privilege or have had it taken away from them.

orangetheory fitness class in 2013

Arizona. OTF class, 2013.

While running, there is freedom to express one’s authentic spirit and to traverse the gravitational vibes of Earth’s divine presence. I seek unlimited. With this comes the mindset that allows for inclusion and transformation of any and all things.

2. Running expands the mind, not just the body.

It is a mistake to try and think less while running, unless that’s working for you now.

I think it is better to open the mind to the possibility of greater rhythm and flow.

You can really feel the energy flowing through your body this way, especially as you run tall, elbows back and behind, engaging the core, lifting knees high off the ground, and kick back with excellent glute activation.

3. Realize that the question is more important than the answer.

Maybe, let go of telling your body what to do and do more about asking about what it can do.

For example, instead of saying, “I need to run faster, I can’t do this, it hurts,” perhaps it should be more like, “what is the deeper motivational reason to keep going?” “how centered or heart-focused am I right now, can I lift my chest a little higher? “does this effort bring me genuine, healthy pride?”

I don’t mean to be rude here, but the only reason average runners stay average is because they aren’t willing to go deeper. Going deeper means confronting vulnerable areas of your psyche. While we are all vulnerable, nobody is truly average so keep reading on.

4. Energy intake must have meaning.

When I speak of energy in this case, I am referring to the type of energy you put in your mouth.

Yes, food. Elite runners understand the importance of good nutrition.

Everything has a symbolic and spiritual nature.

First, let us expand on the idea of, to have meaning. This word has been used for over 700 years and it relates strongly to, “sense.” Additionally,  “the act of remembering,” and, “that which is intended to be expressed.”

Energy that is devoid of meaning has been stripped of its essence. It can be argued that it has lost some vital force that once gave it more meaning. The isolation of energy from purpose has stripped too many people of their health. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many gut issues may arise because the foundational pillars of healthy normal function have crumbled.

Meaningless food example: refined sugar.

Refined sugar has been stripped of its original meaning which it was once symbolized by its plant form.

Now, take me back to my trip in Colombia, where I sipped on fresh raw sugarcane juice. Here, you have a different nutritional reality because the enzymes and other vital forces remain active in a fresh juice form. That’s not to say it was without a, “con,” as I’m sure it still raised my blood sugar more than needed.

Colombia trip The Rock of Guatape

Colombia inspired my nutritional adventures by offering me fresh raw sugarcane juice on this scenic lake.

Rule of thumb: food should be recognizable to its original form.

I will go on much deeper into the DNA of healthy nutrition later, so stay tuned for that.

5. Recover.

I have a belief that survival is a deeper value than longevity. That is perhaps one reason why some people keep running day in, day out, even with nagging pains that they’re neglecting. Caution: even though pain often comes from a nagging area in the body, there are likely deeper imbalances that must be addressed.

Furthermore, boundaries must be set with relationships to yourself and others. I have been guilty of prioritizing my exercise and offering less time for other people in my life. This is an area that I am trying to improve upon.

You can be extraordinary if your mindset allows for freedom.

Thank you, person on the internet. Please follow the blog and interact with me in the comments.

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3 New Ways to Deal with Injuries

Why do injuries happen?

Minor injuries like light muscular strains might actually be a good thing. If you can recover from a little something in 7-10 days, it’s certainly not the worst thing that could happen. I can think of way worse things.

There are worse things! We might just need to learn new ways.

So here is a short list of things that might help you in the process of recovery and wellness.

1. Muscular imbalances become apparent

It can be valuable to look for the root cause of a recurring concern. Often times we do need to strengthen the glutes more and get hip flexors feeling better.

2. Consider the neural component.

Our brain sends the signal that moves us. How we move is important, so it is important to be mindful of our movement.

Good to know about this.

Focus on posture, core, glutes.

3. Ankle and calf health shouldn’t be ignored.

It might be beneficial to perform barefoot exercises, especially including a balance component.

Apparently human ancestors have only been standing upright for 5 million years or less and the sun is several billions of years old.

It’s interesting to note that the human foot seems to have flattened out. The animals shown here appear to have hand-like function with their feet in some ways.

We did spend a lot of time barefoot which we certainly do less of in modern times.

Opportunity to Learn about the Self.

Mindfulness and mind-body connection support you in the process.

So long as you use it an opportunity to learn, then I think that you can heal from this.

Meanwhile, the cure may just be apparent in the process itself.

Follow the blog so that you can learn more about fitness related topics.

In case you are looking for something a bit more natural that might work with the body, I am a long time customer of this brand on Amazon and also Amazon associate:

Antioxidants are F** awesome!

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Transforming your 2020 Body through Global Fitness Science

Recently, our studio launched the OTF transformation challenge 2020.

The challenge is in its second of eight weeks and it encourages healthy behavior through workout frequency and recovery.

Throwback pic at the studio after a sweaty workout

I am always interested in what Orangetheory shares with people.

Just the other day, Dr. Rachelle Reed, Director of Global Fitness Science at Orangetheory Fitness, had some responses related to the Orangetheory Fitness Transformation Challenge 2020.

Five Quotes about Fitness Science from OTF Director:

  • “Starting on the floor (rower) can be beneficial if your main goal is improving strength; that way, you can prioritize great form with a heavier load during the floor block!”

Prioritize great form with heavier loads. Develop that high quality, long-lasting, balanced muscle tone to give you opportunities for freedom.

  • “Helping members improve their health behaviors is the main point of the Transformation Challenge.”

We invite people to consume foods in the colors of a rainbow and post pictures of beautiful nutrient rich meals for the other supportive people in the Facebook group.

  • “Check into your nutrition pre- and post-workout to make sure you are fueling your body properly!”

If you are struggling with energy and recovery, you should definitely consider pre and post-workout. I almost take it for granted myself since I experimented with so many supplements through vendor gifts. In case you’re wondering, my favorite energizer for coaching and for morning and working out has to be Matcha + Chlorella. I just love the smooth energy and how it impacts my cognitive and metabolic function.

  • “We expect our members to lose 1-3% body fat over an 8-12 week period! Of course, this depends on so many factors – like what you eat, how active you are, your sleep quality and quantity, etc.”

Okay, let me share my honest opinion here while supporting OTF at the same time. I think she is referring to the average of members, they will lose 1-3% body fat over an 8-12 week period.

This may be true for average. Average, you are not!

May you transform magnificently! If you really need something, you will find the way. The truth is that recovery is the key to transformation. Workouts need to be challenging and varied, while recovery is the other 23 hours.

If you aren’t getting the result, believe that something might need to change.

With nutrition and rest, seven weeks is plenty of time to make a difference.

Besides, even if you lose 0% body fat, but you still did high intensity workouts 3x per week consistently, that still counts for some success as it benefits health, fitness, and longevity!

  • “The American College of Sports Medicine, recommend that adults participate in at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity each week plus at least 2 days of strength training on all major muscle groups, in order to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. But, there is a dose response relationship, so a bit more (like 300 minutes and 3 days of strength training) can have slightly better benefits associated. This translates to about 3 classes of OTF a week, plus [everyday active movement]”

I think, “3 days of strength training,” would represent nearly three hours of strength training. Most people can agree that Orangetheory does not provide that amount of strength training per three Orange 60’s. Therefore, it could be beneficial to perform more strength exercises at home or a convenient location.

Maybe you could do some slow and controlled push-ups at home just before you eat a meal. Try to get a nice pump in your chest, shoulders, and triceps with a slow and controlled push up where you actually feel each and every muscle fiber contracting. Even two or three sets of 5-15 push ups a few times a week can make a big difference.

A lot of people have random weights or implements at home that they can use for bicep curls or exercise bands for glute bridges and deep burn in the glute muscles.

I love great workouts!

I often want to give people heavier loads just by putting weight in their area.

I do think the key to gaining strength at OTF is to be pro-active about your own challenges.

Try to eliminate as many muscular imbalances as possible.

Hope you found this useful.

Make sure to follow the blog for updates.

Shoutout to all of the OTF people that I’ve come in contact with over the years and to the people reading now!

Nourish up!

 

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