Tag: wellness

At Home Workout Apps
Gear Review, Running

At Home Workout Apps

Hollie

At Home Workout Apps:

With the Coronavirus and social distancing, many people have requested that I write a post about At Home Workouts and workout apps.

There are probably hundreds, if not thousands of workout apps out there. Not just workout apps, but now there is a rise in live Instagram classes in real-time or even Youtube videos. If you are looking to sweat in your home, it’s probably the easiest time to find a workout app for you.

Continue reading “At Home Workout Apps” →

Advertisements
Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy me
Gear Review, Running, Running Reads

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy

Hollie

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy Marlton

Recently I went to the new Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy in Marlton. The company, Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy is a franchise and there are plenty of locations, including Marlton and my hometown of Virginia Beach. I popped in because I was interested in some of the services they provide. Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy in Marlton also offers discounts for military, veterans, firefighters, police, high school athletes & persons aged 60+.

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy me

A few serviced the Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy provide:

  • CryotherapyCyroskin
  • Compression with Normatec
  • Photobiomodulation
  • Hyperbaric
  • Stretch base
  • Infrared

There are a lot of things at Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy that were new to me. In fact, I’ve only ever tried Cryotherapy. As someone who doesn’t love the cold, I can’t say it’s for me, but I know a lot of athletes swear by it. My body responds better to active release and heat!

Recovery Services:

Cryotherapy:

Cryotherapy is a 3-minute treatment that reduces inflammation and releases endorphins. Cryotherapy can help alleviate pain and increase the body’s natural healing abilities.  It gets colder than an actual ice bath and for a shorter amount of time. With cryotherapy, your body is exposed to temperatures colder than -200 degrees F for about 3 minutes.

They also do isolated cryotherapy that can be good for individual spots like feet or Achilles. This is a good option if you have an isolated issue or don’t want to get your whole body cold.

Stretch Base:

Restore Hyper Wellness is known for its stretch base and therapy. You can get professionally stretched, which who knew that was possible. As one of the least flexible people I know (I’m working on it), stretching is something I’ve actively worked on. With my Achilles, I’ve been focusing on stretching my calves to get more blood flow to the Achilles.

At Restore Hyper Wellness in Marlton, each stretching session begins with vibrational therapy using a percussion therapy (IE message gun) to increase blood circulation and relieve muscle tension. Then based on your needs, they’ll help stretch you as appropriate. The employees that work there, like Krista, have a college degree in sports medicine so they are interested in helping you towards your goal.

Compression with Normatec:

Normatec has become the latest and greatest in sports recovery.

What are NormaTec Recovery Boots? Using sequential pulse technology, NormaTec synergistically combines three massage techniques to speed the body’s normal recovery process. It allows helps your body to get more circulation.  I’ve used NormaTec in the past, and I find the best use for them is on my calves. I don’t think they take the place of getting active release or a deep tissue massage, but I do believe they allow you to recover faster (like compression socks).

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy

Photobiomodulation (PBM):

I had no idea what Photobiomodulation was before visiting Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy, just that I wanted to try it. What is Photobiomodulation?  Photobiomodulation was once known as Low-Level Laser Therapy. It is the use of near infra-red light to improve soft tissue healing and reduce inflammation. It works at a cellular level by stimulating repair. In fact, Photobiomodulation has been studied for nearly 40 years.

Photobiomodulation doesn’t heat tissue; it increases circulation. One reason I wanted to try Photobiomodulation was because it has is used for experimental treatment of both depression and anxiety. I’ve had both and I’ve responded well to light therapy. Photobiomodulation has been linked to increased cerebral blood flow, which can help lead to reduce symptoms of some neurological disorders. It’s never a bad idea to consult with your doctor to figure out what’s right for you.

Going inside the Photobiomodulation Room at Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy was fun. It’s a small room with infrared lights. You stand for about 12 minutes. I will say, I did feel good after coming out.  Even if its placebo, my mood felt better and there aren’t many substitutions for that.

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy

Infrared Sauna:

The infrared Sauna is like a traditional sauna but infrared light to heat you directly instead of heating the air. The result is a much more comfortable experience.

The Infrared Sauna at Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy in Marlton also has a chromotherapy light. Chromotherapy is often used to help manage SAD (or Seasonal Affective Disorder). Something I dealt with more when living in Northern New York.

Hyperbaric Chamber:

I had never heard nor seen a hyperbaric chamber before visiting Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy. In fact, there are very few in the country.

The Hyperbaric Chamber is a noninvasive therapy method that has users lie in a pressurized chamber while breathing between 90% – 95% pure oxygen. The chamber expands to over twice it’s size!

What does this do? The excess pressure causes all of your cells, tissues and fluids to hold up to 10 times more oxygen than normal concentration. Research has shown it helps heal traumatic brain injuries, help fight off cancer, and heal tissue that is slower to recover.  While it sounded interesting, I’m slightly squirly in enclosed spaces, so I decided not to try. 

Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy

 

Skin and Beauty Services:

I don’t have great skin and even with annual visits to the dermatologist, I’m never going to have flawless blogger skin.

Cryoskin:

While I haven’t tried it yet, one of the features I’m most interested in at Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy is the Cryoskin.  Cyroskin uses cold temperature, which causes the widening of the blood vessels in the face.

This extra blood flow helps collagen production which is important for skin health. I wrote about how collagen has helped me here. Cryoskin reduces pore size and improves the elasticity of the skin.  I already take a collagen supplement at home.

In all, Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy in Marlton is a fun and unique spot. I know I’ll be back for Photobiomodulation and Infrared Sauna as I do feel like those are great resources for me personally. I do want to try the Cryoskin as well and see how my skin responds to that.

They have a lot going on. The important thing about Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy is they aren’t diagnosing you with problems or issues, but they are helping you recover. If you find yourself with a serious injury or issue, it’s important to go to your doctor.

Questions for you:

Have you tried Cryotherapy?

Have you been to Restore Hyper Wellness and Cryotherapy?

Naked nutrition collagen
Food, Gear Review

Naked Nutrition Collagen

Hollie

Naked Nutrition Collagen

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with different types of collagen.  I’ve written a dozen posts about the uses and benefits of collagen, but it’s been a few months.

Naked nutrition collagen

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.  It’s a major component of connective tissues in muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin.  Consuming collagen will provide benefits, whether you are an athlete or not.

For runners, collagen can help bone and joint health, plus it can aid in workout recovery.

For nonrunners, collagen also helps skin and healthy hair and nails. I notice the difference of both my hair and skin when I consume collagen.

Naked nutrition collagen
My cay appreciates Naked nutrition collagen too 😉

Why Take a Collagen Supplement?

It’s hard to get hydrolyzed collagen from food sources. You can do it by drinking bone broth every day, but taking a collagen supplement like Naked Collagen is going to make it easier to get the appropriate amount. Like whey protein powder, Naked Nutrition Collagen can help rebuild muscles post-workout.

So What is Naked Nutrition?

As the brand suggests, Naked Nutrition doesn’t contain any extra “stuff.” It’s flavorless and tasteless and so far the most tasteless collagen I’ve found to date. Naked Nutrition Collagen is highly soluble and tasteless.

The Naked Nutrition Collagen only has 35 calories per serving because it contains no extra filler. Just hydrolyzed collagen.  Personally, I’ve been using it in coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.  During the warmer months, I’ll probably add it so cold drinks and smoothies. You can add Naked Nutrition Collagen Peptide Powder in almost anything because you don’t taste it.

Naked nutrition collagen

So What Does Naked Nutrition Collagen Contain (or not contain)?

  • One Ingredient: Collagen Peptides
  • Collagen Contains 9 out of 18 Essential Amino Acids
  • Hydrolyzed Collagen Comes From Pasture-Raised and Grass-Fed Bovine Hides
  • No Artificial Sweeteners, Flavors, or Colors
  • 9 Grams of Protein and 0.6 Grams of BCAA’s Per Serving**
  • GMO-Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, and Gluten-Free
  • Growth Hormone Free, no rBGH or rBs

Naked nutrition collagen

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried Naked Nutrition Collagen?

Do you take a Collagen Peptide Supplement? 

 

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte
vital proteins

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte

Hollie

As most people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador, and in exchange for a post a month, Vital Proteins will send me new products to try.

I’ve written about the health benefits of Vital Proteins and Collagen before as well as how Collagen protein has helped me recover from workouts. 

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte

Vital Proteins just came out with a new product: The Collagen Lattes

There are four different flavors:

  • Madagascar Vanilla
  • Cocoa Caramel
  • Golden Milk
  • Hot Cocoa

I am lucky enough to try The Golden Milk.

The ingredient list of Vital Proteins Golden Milk is small. It’s made with chicken bone broth collagen, coconut milk, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper extract.

Like the Collagen Creamer, the Collagen Latte goes well into coffee, hot cocoa, and other frothy drinks. Since it’s the summer, I prefer something colder so tried my hand at making a cold beverage.

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte

So What is the difference between the Collagen Lattes and Collagen Creamers?

Both have a creamy consistency as well as collagen. The difference is their purpose and how to use them.

Collagen Creamer:

I’ve written about the collagen creamer before. It’s an excellent creamer. It is free of added sugars, dairy, and gluten. It’s not as creamy as full-fat milk, and I like it in hot cocoa the best. Vital Protein Collagen Creamers contain MCT, a healthy fat, in coconut milk. Each coconut creamer also contains  10 grams of collagen and protein. Finally, one of my favorite parts of any Vital Proteins Collagen product is the ingredients list. Each Vital Protein product is made with real food.  There are no artificial sweeteners or refined sugars.  Plus, the Collagen Creamer is also Dairy and Gluten-Free (it’s not critical for me, but I do know it is for many).

Collagen Lattes:

The Collagen Lattes are all dairy-free and have 10g of bone broth collagen. Like the Collagen Creamers, the Collagen Lattes also contain MCTs and are dairy and gluten-free. There are no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or additives.

Two flavors Madagascar Vanilla and Golden Milk flavors contain no caffeine.  The Cocoa Caramel and Hot Cocoa flavors each have 5 mg of caffeine.

Vital Proteins Collagen Creamer vs Collagen Latte

So which is “better”?

The answer is neither!

Looking strictly at ingredients and nutrition facts both contain coconut milk powder, which means they are dairy-free. I’m not lactose intolerant, but my husband is, and they work well for him.

The creamer is best added to a drink like coffee or smoothie while the latte flavors can be drunk as a stand-alone drink.

The other main difference is the sourcing of the collagen. The creamer is sourced from collagen peptides.  Also known as collagen peptides creamer. What are peptides? Collagen peptides act as building blocks for the body and help build stronger hair, nails, and joints.

The Collagen Lattes contains bone broth collagen. Bone broth is bones and cartilage and is better for bone health.  As a runner, I like the added benefit of bone health.

You won’t go wrong for either, and it comes down to your preference. If you are looking for a healthier alternative for creamer, I would choose the creamer. If you want to substitute your coffee or morning drink altogether, the latte is a good place to start.

Right now I’m drinking Golden Milk which I like and highly recommend.

Thank you to Vital Proteins for sending the new Collagen Latte Golden Milk to try.

Questions for you:

Have you tried Collagen Lattes or Collagen Creamer?

What is your favorite type of creamer? 

 

Vital proteins collagen
vital proteins

Does Collagen Help Post Workout Recovery?

Hollie

As many people know, I’m a Vital Proteins Ambassador and have been using Vital Proteins Collagen for over a year now.

Each month, Vital Proteins sends me products to try, and I share my favorites or answer questions people have.

I’ve already been using Vital Proteins for over a year, and I find I genuinely recover faster and feel better than if I don’t.  Usually, I have one serving twice a day.

Since this is primarily, a “workout blog,” many people have asked how it helps with recovery. Keep in mind these statements are not evaluated by the food and drug administration and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Vital proteins collagen

What Makes Collagen Peptides Different?

Vital Protein Collagen Peptides have the added benefit of providing 18 g of collagen protein.  I’ve personally found my body recovers much better when I have protein after a run or workout. Vital Proteins are also dairy free.

Why Take Collagen?

Until I learned more about collagen, I had no idea it was the second most abundant substance in the human body. (after water).

Collagen is found everywhere in the body. The purpose is to provide the body with strength, structure, and elasticity.

With the natural process of aging, our bodies become less efficient, producing collagen.  This leads to slower workout recovery time. By adding collagen, you can help speed up the process.

One of the essential jobs of collagen is to keep our bones and connective tissue in optimal working conditions. For runners and people that work out, this is imperative. Like rest, you cannot train hard without recovering hard.

How Can Collagen Help Running Performance? 

New research shows collagen can help decrease joint pain often associated with high impact exercise.

Long-term strenuous exercise, like running, leads to collagen degradation in the body. We naturally lose collagen as we age but running and other high impact sports can quicken this.  It’s not an overnight occurrence, and the degradation of collagen is a slow process.  It usually takes years.  Like a stress fracture, it takes time and isn’t an issue that just ‘pops up”.  That is why anyone running for years may have the same collagen issues.

Collagens Promotes a Healthy Response to Natural Inflammation:

Running stresses your body, which causes inflammation. Taking Collagen or any protein directly after a workout helps to promote inflammation and speed up the repair of connective tissues that are damaged.  I feel and recover better on days I do have collagen within 30 minutes of working out.

Promoting Joint Health:

In the running world, it’s not uncommon to hear runners and athletes talk about “bone on bone.”  This means they’ve lost the cartilage in their knees.  Losing all of the cartilage in your knees is from years of wear and tear on your body and joints.

How does Collagen Help Joints?
  • Increases lubrication around joints to make more mobile
  • Helps to increase bone density (A BIG ONE FOR RUNNERS!)
  • Reduces inflammation around joints and improves healing of connective tissues

Which Collagen Products are Best for Recovery?

While products like “the beauty glow,” have collagen and protein, they aren’t the best if your goal is to recover faster.

A Few of my Favorite Vital Proteins Products for Recovery are:

The Original Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides:

The Orginal Collagen Peptides are unflavored and can be added to anything. The collagen peptides are digested and absorbed by the body quickly for maximum benefits. Besides helping recover, they also help improve joints and ligaments, and tendon health. Of any collagen product, they are the most versatile and can be added into almost anything with no extra flavor, including hot or cold liquids, coffee, smoothies, and baked goods.

Vital Proteins Bone Broth:

Bone broth was one of the first products I started taking from Vital Proteins. Bone broth is filled with amino acids.  These amino acids prevent the breakdown of muscle tissue, repair leaky gut, improve sleep quality, and help regenerate cartilage.  Important for runners, bone broth also contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Vital Proteins Collagen Whey:

The Collagen whey is my favorite product, and I try and have a serving most days. In addition to the collagen, the Vital Proteins Collagen whey contains 26g of grass fed whey protein concentrate and 5,105mg of BCAA.  If you are looking for a protein powder, the Vital Proteins Collagen Whey supports recovery and mixes well into smoothies.

Vital proteins collagen

Vital Proteins Collagen Water:

It’s one of the newer products, and I wrote about Vital Proteins Collagen Water last month. I like how many different flavors of collagen water there are, plus it’s portable. If I’m running from somewhere other than my house, it’s easy and packed. Of any of the products, the collagen water is the easiest to pack and bring with you.

Vital Proteins Collagen water

In summary, I’ve found I’ve recovered faster and stronger after hard workouts by taking Collagen. Thank you Vital Proteins for allowing me to continue to be an ambassador.

Questions for you:

What do you eat or drink after working out? 

Have you tried collagen before?