Well, I’m still LOVING them. I love them so much I wanted to make a nice little acrostic poem about them.

Why I love my Treadall Mats – an Acrostic Poem by Elizabeth Perez

T is for their terrific Texture and how nice they feel under my bare feet

R is for the Really awesome way the Treadall mats have made my home gym look

E is for Every time I see them, I get really happy

A is for the Amazing quality of the Treadall mats

D is for the fact that I Don’t have to sweep my garage every time I want to work out

A is for their Awesome color (but you can pick a different color when you buy yours)

L is for the List of exercises I can now do without hurting my spinal cord and vital joints

L is for the Love I have for Treadall mats

In all seriousness guys, I highly recommend these mats. If you have some spare change floating around and are looking for an update for your gym (residential or commercial), these mats are going to meet and exceed all your needs.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Eight Reasons to Love Treadall Mats

Take a look at the before pictures of our garage. Nothing special, right? We had all our equipment on the concrete which was not very functional. The barbells always rolled around, the free weights were always clanking onto the floor and it was always dusty and dirty. On top of that, when I wanted to jump rope or use the medicine ball for ab workouts, I had to leave the garage and go into the spare bedroom. No fun.

Now look at our garage now. The flooring from Treadall is down and looks great. Installation was extremely easy, but the mats are not light by any sense of the word. Laying the flooring was for sure a two man job. My husband did all the heavy lifting and helped when I could. Once you get the mats positioned where you want them, you simply fit the ends together like puzzle pieces. That’s pretty much it.

I noticed that after we got the flooring down, there was a lot of sand and leaves on top of the mats from us having our garage door open and moving the mats around. I wondered how cleaning the surface of the Treadall flooring would go, and I literally took a broom and swept the mess away. Love that! I can already see a huge cut back on dust and dirt in the area where the flooring was put down.

We chose the mats from Treadall in a teal color, which I really like. There are other color options available for you if you are looking for something other than teal.

As I said earlier, I am totally impressed with the final product of these mats. I wasn’t sure what I would be getting, but I could not have asked for a better material for our home gym. I highly recommend Treadall to anyone who is looking to purchase and install gym mats.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

I Think I’m in Love…

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not an uptight, purse-lipped, no-time-for-fun, all work, no play kind of gal. There were many times when Ugel’s wit and sense of dealing with his situation had me laughing out loud. There is no denying he is funny. I like the way his mind works. He starts off with one innocent thought and that thought quickly evolves into a whole mess of ideas. It’s entertaining. But, I will say that hearing the details of how he ever-so-sweetly tried to rest his testicles on his sleeping friend’s head (who turned out to be a total stranger, mind you) was just a bit too much. But who I am to judge.

After finding out that he suffers from Sleep Apnea – a condition in which you stop breathing while sleeping – and being doomed to wearing a CPAP mask (much to his own disgust and his wife’s as well) for the rest of his life, Ugel decides to change some things about himself. Ugel, who is both self-proclaimed and medically proclaimed to be a food addict and compulsive eater, embarked on a journey to lose “50 pounds in 50 miserable weeks” (as the cover of the book cleverly states). While he didn’t quite reach his goal, he came pretty darn close. Ugel lost 46 pounds in 50 weeks.

For anyone who is struggling with weight loss or finds comfort in food, Ugel’s book offers some great insight and advice for overcoming these issues. And for Ugel, it’s not just about giving up foods he loves and rearranging his life to fit in visits with trainers and nutritionists, it’s about finding out why he finds comfort in food and why he is a compulsive eater.

As he begins to tackle the issues and see why he is the way he is, he also discovers he has a love for playing racquetball, and enjoys being at the gym. It’s a definite positive step in the right direction, and he even begins to lose some serious weight.

About three quarters of the way through the book, just when you think he has beaten the odds, Ugel’s wife and two daughters go on vacation to Maine, and Ugel goes on a week-long binge of fatty, processed foods and pints (yes, I said pints with an s) of ice cream. I was so mad at him. He had been doing so well. He’d even gone as far as to do a cleanse (nothing but juices for a week) and get a colonic. Yikes. Talk about dedication. As I sat there reading about the $40 worth of Chinese take-out, Filets-O-Fish and walnut Danish rings, I wanted to grab him by his shoulders and shake him.

With the binge behind him, and his family back home, Ugel gets back on track and focuses on meeting his goal. Although he falls short in the end, he pulled of an amazing feat and truly changed his life. Those 46 pounds – and the unsightly CPAP machine – are a thing of the past.

I definitely think I’m with Fatty is worth reading, but keep in mind that it isn’t for the faint of heart, and I most certainly would not give the book to a kid or even young teen to read. But, if you’re looking for something to keep you laughing and even make you a bit uncomfortable, grab a copy and check it out. At the very least, you’ll get an up close and personal look at what it’s like to get your colon cleansed.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Review: I’m with Fatty: Loosing 50 Pounds in 50 Miserable Weeks by Ed Ugel

I am not a morning person so early morning workouts are not an option. I like sleeping too much to even consider the idea. I actually prefer to workout at night, but because the endorphins kick in and I get a big rush of energy, it keeps me up late and then I am even worse in the morning (yes, honey, it is possible for me to be an even worse morning person than I already am). The only option left is for me to workout after I get home from my job. And it ain’t easy.

Getting home from a stressful, eight hour workday and being motivated to workout is about as fun as going to the dentist. Sometimes getting over that hill of laziness and exhaustion is downright impossible. I usually rely on a hot cup of green tea to lift my level of energy, but as I live in Florida and it is summertime, I wanted something cold that could be made quickly. I began searching for something to give me that extra umph I needed to get me through my workouts.

I came across a fairly new product called EBOOST and decided I’d give it a try. EBOOST comes in small, individual packets that you add to water and drink. I sampled the pink lemonade flavor and was pleasantly surprised. It has a nice taste, and the effervescent crystals feel like they work the second they hit your taste buds. It was very easy to drink.

A few minutes went by and I noticed an increased energy level and was ready – almost excited – to workout. I was shocked. EBOOST even gave me the vigor I needed to get through the entire workout. Pretty good stuff.

Upon doing research of the ingredients, I did come across an issue with one of the listed products called 5-HTP. According to WebMD, it seems as though there may have been an issue with a contamination of 5-HTP which causes eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, a very serious medical condition. Before I freaked out and called an ambulance, I researched further and found that chemical contamination from one single producer in the late 80s was the cause of the scare. Since then, there has not be one related medical problem for consumers of 5-HTP. And with its continued use and popularity, many people are using and researching the ingredient. Shwew. Instantly relieved.

Other ingredients for EBOOST include 1000 milligrams of Vitamin C (1,667 percent of your daily value), green tea extract, grape seed extract and various other vitamins. Serving suggestion is one packet in eight ounces of water every 12 hours or as needed. It states not to exceed more than four packets a day.

I will say that after my workout I did feel a bit of a crash, but nothing like what I feel after chugging an energy drink or even drinking a cup of coffee. And the crash may have been related to the hardcore workout I had just done.

Overall, I think EBOOST is a good way to give yourself an extra kick before a workout. For me, I don’t think it is something I would want to get into the habit of taking as an everyday supplement, as I prefer to get vitamins from a women’s multi and my energy from green tea. But this is definitely something I will keep in my pantry for those days when working out seems like it just won’t happen.

Special thanks to Savannah from EBOOST for answering a few questions for my review.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Jumpstart your workout with EBOOST

Lady's Anti Monkey Butt Powder

Yes. An anti friction powder. And what is the name of the said powder, you ask? Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder.

I’ll admit I was skeptical at first. Although the name is catchy and the bottle is too cute for words (I love the strand of pearls around Ms. Monkey’s neck and her hot pink fingernails and toenails), I thought, ‘it is probably no different than any other moisture-absorbing powder on the market.’ But it is different.

The powder has a much nicer smell than normal powders, almost reminding me of that fresh cleaned laundry smell. It is also extremely silky and smooth.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Maybe the secret is in the ingredients list. It boasts a “patented microparticle polymer” and “calamine powder.” Now, I am no moisture-absorbing-powder-expert, but I do not recall seeing the above mentioned ingredients in similar powders. This may call for a little research.

But not to worry boys. Don’t feel left out. If you tend to get extra sweaty during a hardcore workout, fear not; Anti Monkey Butt Powder is available for men (and babies), too.

According to the label on the Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder bottle, it “minimizes the frictional discomfort that women often experience when using exercise equipment, running, driving, cycling or just walking.” The label states that it can be used to absorb sweat and cool areas prone to rubbing such as the inner thighs. Although I wanted to test this theory for myself, I am not a person who sweats a lot when I work out. I had to consult other sources.

My husband works out almost everyday in our home gym and when he is finished, he is drenched in sweat. His face, armpits, back, legs: soaked. So, naturally, I consulted him to be my guinea pig and try the powder out for its intended purpose. He applied the powder prior to working out and when he completed his routine, I asked him what he thought.

“It’s nice,” he said. Being a man of few words, I had to press him for a bit more information. “I didn’t feel as sweaty and it smells good.”

I knew I had extracted all the information from him that I was going to get. But I also knew that Anti Monkey Butt Powder most be pretty good for him to say that much about it.

Overall, I am impressed. I am athletic and have various pieces of sports equipment (softball gloves, workout gloves, shoes, bags) and I will be applying Anti Monkey Butt Powder to it all.

And, like the bottle states, “indoors or outdoors, work or play, or on occasions when you’re on your butt all day. Don’t let your buns get red. Use Anti Monkey Butt Powder instead.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

What the Heck is Anti Monkey Butt Powder?

I’ve been meaning to post this review for a few months now. I’ve been wearing athletic compression shirts since before Under Armour made it cool. I used to wear these Lycra material shirts that were originally designed to go out clubbing at night. They were tight fitting and made for muscle bound guys. One day during football practice in 40 degree weather I decided to wear one instead of a T-Shirt, since T-shirts would hold sweat and stink.

MSRP: $20, Comfortable, Flexible, Durable.

That was then, this is now. I’ve been through just about every type of compression shirt that’s made. I have several brands: Champion, Reebok, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, and the list goes on. All are neatly folded in my clothes drawer, unused for many months. Why? Because of my KAOS Komfort Level 2 LS Top. That’s why!

This thing has got to be one of the most comfortable shirts, not just compression shirt, that I’ve worn in a long time. I’ve worn this thing for just about everything! And that is not an exaggeration. I’ve ran in my KAOS Komfort. I’ve done burpees. I’ve walked. I’ve lifted weights. I’ve just worn it to wear it. I’ve worn it to Wal-Mart. My KAOS has even been to play paintball with me. It’s truly a comfortable piece of clothing.

The type of KAOS I have is not the super type form fitting one, it’s a more loose fit. It’s extremely breathable. Ridiculously almost. It allows me to sweat as much as I want without overheating or feeling discomfort from a sweat-soaked shirt. There was one day when I wore my KAOS underneath a sweatshirt. I still felt comfort. When I received it I put it on right away and felt as if I was wearing some type of baby soft material. It’s almost unexplainable how it feels. It’s so soft and smooth that my 5 year old kid put it on and didn’t want to give it back because “it feels so comfy.” Her words, not mine. I’ve since washed the shirt several times and it continues to feel as smooth and comfortable as it did on day one.

One of the best things about it is that it doesn’t hold the funk. I purposely wore it for a week worth of workouts without washing it in-between sessions. Guess what? It didn’t get that sweat induced funk that other compression shirts are prone to getting after just one workout. That is a thumbs up for me. There is one thing that I found weird, but it’s nothing bad. When I first received the shirt, the new clothing smell it had was weird, nothing bad. Just weird. You can easily machine-wash it to get rid of the new shirt smell if it bothers you too much. I didn’t have to, since at the time I figured my sweat would stink up the shirt and mask the original weird scent. Which, as I described above, it didn’t.

The company was founded by former NFL wide receiver Bert Emanuel and his wife Teri. I think that his training experience lends itself very well to creating such a great product. I see this company as one of the top-tier compression clothing companies around. If they aren’t bought-out and absorbed by one of the other big name companies, I expect to see their name hit the mainstream soon.

You can pick up some KAOS Komfort Shirts ($20) at KAOS Komfort‘s website. Be sure to read more about their company too. Pretty interesting stuff.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

KAOS Komfort Kompression Shirts Review

This is going to be a simple, straight forward review of the Sony W Series Walkman MP3. Let me start off by saying that I own an 80 GB Ipod. Working out with that thing is a pain in the butt. Having to continuously make sure it’s secure in my pocket or that the wires aren’t tangled can get old, fast. This wireless MP3 player is the best MP3 player I’ve ever used for working out. Period.

I could easily end my review right there, but I won’t.

Okay, so let’s start. I’m not the kind of person that reads instruction manuals so I bypassed all of that. It is included in the packaging if that’s your thing, though. Included in the package is the MP3 player, USB wire, extra earbuds, a plastic clip for storing, and the usual paperwork that accompanies electronics of this sort.

So I open this thing and am just looking at it in amazement. It’s a pretty. I almost wanted to put it on a mantle and admire it’s design. Very elegant and slick. Reminds me of something a secret agent the caliber of James Bond would wear during a workout or special ops training session. I read the back cover of the package and it says something about easy music transferring. That’s music to my ears, pun intended, since I do not like reading instructions. So I plug the USB wire into the Walkman and into my computer. As soon as my computer picked up the new device I simply transferred over some music files by dragging and dropping them into the Walkman’s folder. Simple. It was almost too easy. So within 5 minutes of opening the package I had music on my new wireless Walkman that was charged up and ready to go within that time.

After transferring the files I immediately unplugged it and put it on. The earbuds fit comfortably inside my ears. It was a good fit. The entire MP3 player sits comfortably around the back of your neck too. I walked around and then shook my head violently but the device did not fall off. So it’s perfect for working out whether you are jogging, sprinting, lifting weights or just taking a leisurely stroll. The fact that it’s wireless makes it one of the best workout MP3 players I’ve ever come across.

The controls are super simple. You can adjust the volume and change tracks with the easy push of a button located on one of the ear pieces. There’s a pause, shuffle, and Zappin feature as well. The sound quality is top notch. You can also transfer music from your Itunes library. The USB doubles as a charger for the device. There is an indicator light that lets you know if your battery is low. All this is covered in the instruction manual, but I figured I’d let you know.

I find myself wearing this even when I’m not working out. Is that weird? I hope not. I think I look like a secret agent when I’m wearing it. Either that or a complete dummy. Did I mention it’s water-resistant? How cool is that? Its especially cool for us profuse perspirers and those that workout rain, snow, sleet or hail. When you aren’t wearing it you can just connect the magnetic ends and it forms a cool heart shape. Pairing the magnetic ends also shuts off the MP3 player for battery saving. Pretty slick.

And last but not least, it’s heart shaped when not in use. You just gotta love it (conscientiously or sub-conscientiously)!

You can pick up the Sony W Series Walkman MP3 Player at Sony Style, Sony Style retail stores, and other authorized retailers nationwide.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Sony W Series Walkman Wireless MP3 Player Review

One bonehead mistake though… I should have been smart enough to print out the online coupon available at Champssports.com that offers a $10.00 in store discount on any purchase over $75. The experience at Champs Sports was top of the line overall. Well trained and experienced floor teams guide you to the right product and make useful suggestions. Champs Sports could very well be the Best Buy of sports foot wear. Back to the shoes and my trial results, I really put this model through its paces. To earn a $179.99 price tag the shoes must bleed!

Asics Gel-Kinsei 2
Total trial hours: 270 hours

Grades, the Report Card
Coolest Feature: Asymmetrical Lacing System- Suppossed to Enhance the Biomorphic Fit by conforming to the bony architecture of the foot.

Lackluster Feature: Do you like the smell of cow dung? Then boy do I have the sneakers for you! Read on please, don’t judge me.

Sure to Fit: 3 The model runs a full size too large a definite draw back. In addition a nasty heel slippage issue in which the shoe does not remain on your heel during aggressive movement is a disappointing performance hindrance.

Washability: 7 Four washes in the rough cycle and the model kept its form and even gained a desirable worn softness in toe mesh and leather grain that added a flexible feel. The model brightened up to a crisp white without yellowing even after muddy trails.

Comfort: 5 Good heel strike feel with Gel technology. But then again that feature is negated with the heel slippage crisis. Not fitting to your foot within the realm of normalcy is a downer as well.

Ruggedness: 7 A tough pair of sneakers no doubt. The model proved its mettle on trails and pavement, heat and snow. Two quirks though: A horrible smell and loud sound. The model omits a pungent odor following wear. The smell must be a combination of glue and the usage of unorthodox materials in the mesh and leather. The model is also very loud on pavement which can be annoying. The model is too heavy. The weights contributes to its ruggedness but extra ounces can be a liability for long distance trainers. One last blemish to the model is the deterioration of the Gel sole component. I noticed chipping in Gel heel by the 16th day of the trial.

Cushion: 6 Good cushion, not great. The shoe is a little stiff and hard at the heel for most runners.

Looks/Style: 8 Stylish and cutting Edge they are.

Speed: 7 You can tear up the track in the Gel-Kinsei 2 and catch up to a cab in the middle of New York City as well, obviously I speak from experience.

Innovation Design: 8 An “Asymmetrical Lacing System” enhancing my Biomorphic Fit while conforming to the bony architecture of my foot…oh goody-goody I love tech savvy shoes! Where do I plug in my Ipod? Not to mention all the Gel and gooey goodness in the heel and forefoot.

Over all Grade and Final Analysis
Grade: 6.38

The Gel-Kinsei 2 is a shoe that will be great…but for now it is a definite pass. Asics has to step it up and drop the odor, weight and heel issues with this model. The model has strengths in innovation and Asics will most likely incorporate these advances in cousin models such as the Gel-Nimbus and Gel-Kayano. By the way, I am holding off on the all too easy smell related jokes I can make in reference to the most unusual odors emitted by the shoes.

The true value of this shoe is: $60.38 U.S. dollars

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Asics Gel-Kinsei 2 Running Shoe Review

Up for grabs is my Nautilus squat/bench/pulldown machine combo rack. I don’t really know the name of it, but it’s made by Nautilus. Ever since my wife bought me a power rack, I have not utilized the Nautilus. I’ve tried selling it on craigslist and giving it away to family, but no one comes to pick it up. Come and it get, and it’s free!

It’s a very sturdy built aparatus and is perfect for squating, benching, and doing other multi-joint exercises. It also comes with a built-in lat pulldown which is cool. It holds plates of all sizes, which makes it even sturdier. What comes with the machine? I will give you the rack, the lat pulldown bar and a helping hand to load it on your truck. We can disassemble it, but I don’t have the instructions. I would suggest you come in a pick up truck if possible. I am located in Tampa, FL. If this sounds close to you then it’s perfect!

You will still need a bench, bar, and weights. But this is still a great tool for you to get started. It fits perfectly in any garage.

So, if you want it come and get it. Shoot me an email via the contact form and I will respond right away. Help me get this thing out of my Shack so that I can have more room.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Take My Nautilus Free-Weight Squat/Bench/Pulldown Rack

Whether you’re a man or woman, LivingXL has everything you’re looking for to start your summer comfortable (and fit). They have a wide selection of clothing for you to choose from, including loungewear, pajamas, and even swimwear for those of you looking to make a splash this summer. Personally, extra large towels are hard for me to find, so I’m glad I came across the site. No more tiny towels barely covering one thigh!

LivingXL is pretty much a one-stop shop for us biggies, they not only have clothing and accessories, but personal care and health products like lotions, scales, heating pads, and back scratchers. If that’s not enough, LivingXL has a wide selection of home furnishings and bedroom accessories from specially designed comfort pillows to living room recliner chairs.

Overall, LivingXL is incredible and makes a great place to start off to a comfortable and healthy summer. If you hate shopping online, request a copy of their latest catalog and if you have a friend you think will love the store, why not get them a gift card? Don’t leave without checking their On-Sale section to see if you can scrounge up a few deals.

Their other awesome features includes an amazing online virtual catalog, a sizing and measurement guide and a FAQs section for quick answers to those common questions. Be sure to check their shipping and return policies (they ship to all 50 states, including other U.S. territories).

Happy shopping and here’s to a fit summer!

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Living XL: Shopping, with Large Fat People in Mind

The EatSmart Nutrition Scale is a revolutionary nutrient calculator that instantly informs you of the exact values of 12 different important nutrients. It uses data stored into the digital food scale to find the value of those nutrients and has hundreds of different foods programmed into it. The scale is not only used to weigh nutrients, but to inform you of healthy food and eating decisions to allow you to become a better dieter.

For people with medical conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, the Eat Smart Scale can be a great tool in keeping your disease under control. It calculates the exact values of the following nutrients:

• Calories
• Carbohydrates
• Fiber
• Total Fats
• Saturated Fats
• Cholesterol
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Protein
• Vitamin K

The scale keeps you informed on what you eat throughout the day and the amount of nutrients you are consuming. It doesn’t cut down the “serving size” educated guess, it lets you know straight up. It is safe to use under most doctor recommended diets and if you are truly committed can help you reach your goal of keeping a healthy weight and diet under control.

The Eat Smart Product’s site is a great resource of information not only for inquiring information on their nutrient scale. It contains a links section that has resources to dietary information, healthy eating guides, and food pyramids.

Overall, Israel and I absolutely love this product and hope you all do to. If you plan to purchase the product, don’t forget to type in the “UNLEASHED” code for 11% off the purchase price. If you already own an Eat Smart Scale, please share your experience with it by commenting below. Israel will be doing a follow-up article on this nutritional and digital food scale after he purchases his own model.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Eat Smart’s Nutrition and Digital Food Scale

Back in New York I was a lot more active throughout the day. My day consisted of walking everywhere I had to go, which is a healthy habit. But here in Florida, everything is far which requires that you drive. If I want to buy a gallon of milk, I need to hop in the car. If I need to buy some protein, I need to hop in the car. Catch my drift? The number of steps I take each day has dramatically decreased because of this.

I am interested in learning how many steps I take each day as I go through my normal, everyday activities. I haven’t done much research into purchasing a digital pedometer yet though. Mostly because I am trying to win one from John. John is giving away an Omron Digital Pedometer over at John is Fit. I wouldn’t mind winning that one. It’s a top of the line digital pedometer and it would save me a few bucks.

So, do I need a digital pedometer? I would say yes. John, I hope you’re reading this…Poppa needs a new Omron Digital Pedometer.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Do I Really Need A Digital Pedometer?

After years of research, the Jumpstart Energy team has looked into specific properties of hundreds of plants and herbs to find the perfect combination for healthy energy optimization. Jumpstart Energy has been proven to reduce the appetite, burn energy efficiently, and fortify health by using essential vitamins, amino acids, and herbal mood enhancers for an overwhelming feeling of well-being and optimal health.

It is also excellent for stress relief and for boosting one’s self-confidence. It’s not an ordinary diet pill filled with outrageous claims; it is the result of strong research backed by handfuls of testimonials as proof of its effectiveness.

There has been a lot of recent talk about the dangers of certain health stimulants and diet formulas…and for good reason: over-stimulation of the body puts an incredible strain on the adrenal glands and stresses the body to warrant harmful long-term effects of supplementation. The scientists behind Jumpstart Energy have carefully and thoroughly examined each approach to natural and health stimulation. They know how to avoid common mistakes made by diet and supplement manufacturing companies.

The Jumpstart Energy formula puts together powerful and natural ingredients that support the body while at the same time energizing and being careful never to over-stimulate.

Rhodiola Rosea, a key ingredient in Jumpstart Energy, supports the adrenal glands while also working with the body to reduce stress and increase energy.

The vitamins B3, B5, B12, and C increase the body’s natural ability to handle additional stress while at the same time increase energy and the metabolism.

Other ingredients, such as L-Tyrosene and DL-Phenylalanine, are amino acids that produce dopamine to increase mood, focus, and attention.

The overall value of Jumpstart Energy originates from its perfect balance between stimulation and bodily support. Some other diet and energy pills may produce more of an immediate boosting effect, but will also cause jitters and quickly let the user down after consumption.

This amazing approach to health stimulation combines all the right amounts of stimulants, vitamins, and herbs to create a balanced and sustainable increase in energy and metabolism that the body can digest and handle without the unstable consequences the majority of other supplements harmfully supply.

Jumpstart Energy is more effective and more healthy than the cheaper energy pills out there and in addition it is not addictive (low caffeine) but safe with the proper recommended use.

Actual customer letters can be found at:
http://www.JumpStartEnergy.com/testimonials.htm

Its supposed effectiveness in many areas makes it an energy supplement and weight loss product that will seriously improve your everyday life.

Try a free sample to see if it really makes you feel capable of accomplishing anything, with the enthusiasm and vitality to get going every time:
http://www.JumpStartEnergy.com/success.htm

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Jumpstart Energy Formula – Does it Work?

I call these typed of machines squat racks. It gets the job done for me. It’s Friday and I don’t want to be online too long so I put together a little video of it. I plan on getting into more detail on this smith machine some other day, but for now enjoy the short video.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

My Brand New Smith Machine Squat Rack

My first impression was, “Cool, this may work for me.” Some quick facts about it: It holds 10 ounces of water, costs $10.95, and straps on to your arm using Velcro. The cool part about it is that it helps keep your hands free while you are running, which may be more beneficial to some athletes more than others.

Being that I weigh over 300 lbs, it was pretty tough getting the strap to fit around my fat arm, elastic and all. I finally got it on with my wifes help but it was way too tight. I tried wearing it while I ran and felt like the circulation in my arm was being cut off. I eventually took it off. It fit comfortably on my wifes arm, so maybe if the strap was made a bit longer it would work for bigger folks. I like how the bottle is curved and flask-like, fitting the natural curvature of the arm. I also like the texture on the bottle, it helps with gripping. I didn’t like the twist-off cap, but John has stated on the Body Bottle blog that he is working on a new cap. The Velcro was really tough and held the bottle full of water on my bouncing frame with no sign of letting it fall. I did notice that I had to tug on it with some strength to get it off, but that’s just a sign of the strong Velcro.

I like the overall idea of the Body Bottle, but I think it needs a few tweaks. The size of the bottle is good for short distance runners, but 10 ounces may not be enough for some. I am not a long distance runner, the most I run is three miles and it’s enough for me. But then again a big bottle may not be sensible to have on your arm since the increased size may cause excessive bouncing. The strap could be made a bit longer for bigger arms as well. I was left wanting to add ice to my water but couldn’t since the size of the spout was so small. I didn’t remember to leave it in the fridge so my water was warmer than I like. It would also be cool if you could put it on your forearm, but that’s up to the user.

For now I am going to use the bottle, but not on my arm. Once I lose some more fat in my arm I will be able to strap it on without any discomfort. I am also only running on my treadmill for now, but once I am ready to go for runs outside I will be wearing my Body Bottle. Overall, I think the Body Bottle is a cool product. It is useful and sort of a no-brainer. I hate holding stuff in my hands when I run and this helps with that. This is a fine solution for joggers that don’t like carrying stuff on their backs or waists either. I will definitely be using it for going on walks and to the park with the family, especially since my two year old loves using it. She likes twisting the cap and the removable Velcro logo that came with it.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

A Flask For Runners: The Body Bottle

It was a cardio day and we had just gotten back from our family time at the park. We tried running around on the grass but we both felt awkward and stiff so we just continued to play with the baby until she decided to come home. I didn’t feel like running on the treadmill so we opted to get some aerobics work in by way of Billy Blanks. Man was it tough. I wanted to stop mid way, especially when he had us doing round house kicks and donkey kicks. I was sweating tremendously within a few minutes and my legs and arms were burning. My wife on the other hand was getting through it with ease which made me look like a chump.

A side not on Mr. Blanks: I recall seeing him in some martial arts movies and along side Jean Claude Van Damme when I was a kid. I guess he never really took off as an action star. Oh well. LOL.

My wife has had the original Billy Blanks Tae Bo video cassette for years, since 1998. I recall buying her a more recent DVD edition a couple of years ago but she only does that one on weekends. She wakes up every morning at 6 AM and pops in the Tae Bo and gets her aerobics in before heading off to work. I admire the fact that she is tough enough, both mentally and physically, to get up each day and do that.

We both recently began trying to get back into shape and it is definitely paying off. She has lost about 8 lbs and is almost at her goal of 125. But aside from the weight loss she has reduced the size of her waist, belly, hips and thighs. It’s so amazing how the human body works when you workout and eat right. At first glance it doesn’t seem like she has done much to change her lifestyle, but when you think about it the small changes are what’s causing such a big effect on her body. We have both cut back on over eating, drinking unnecessary “juices” and carbonated beverages, and indulging on sugar packed snacks. She isn’t a saint but she does a lot better now. She has more wiggle room than I do as far as what she can eat since she didn’t have to drop over 80 lbs.

I was glad to have shared some workout bounding time with my wife. It was cool to incorporate something new into my routine so that I could get my workout in for the day. I was also glad to finally face my Tae Bo fears. I was afraid of pulling another muscle but I got through it. Victory!

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Tae Bo Aerobics Kicked My Butt

I just purchased a recumbent bike from Wal-Mart. It’s the a Stamina Model # 4755. I know it’s not the best quality but I think it will fulfill its purpose for now. Plus it was only $108 bucks. It’s pretty cool and gets the job done for now. I just felt like I needed to have a back up machine for when I couldn’t run on the treadmill. There are days when I just can’t go all out on the treadmill. Now I can perform some HIIT on the bike. It’s supposed to only hold up to 250 lbs. Ha! It held me up good (300+ lbs). It makes no noise and actually gives me a good workout. I know that I will be getting a good workout from it. So will my wife.

My Sunday was a good one. It was a nice day outside: Sunny and windy. So the family went to the park and it was great. We ran around, we played tennis, and we enjoyed ourselves. I managed to work my abs out too. When we got back home my wife made a delicious egg, chicken, and vegetable omelet for dinner that satisfied every craving I had today. My mouth just watered a little thinking of it. It’s late and I need to sleep. That’s all I got in me for today.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

I Bought a Recumbent Bike

New Balance: One of the Best Running Shoes Ever Made

My favorite pair are my New Balance 8505′s. I came across them while at Dick’s sporting goods store one day. That day I was looking for a pair of everyday walking sneakers to buy. As soon as I put these on I was in love. They have excellent shock absorption and aren’t too heavy. The mesh lets my feet breathe and the soft material conforms with my feet. I wear them for most of my walking. I actually wear these even when I don’t workout. I would say these are my everyday shoe.

I also own a pair of black New Balance 574′s. I wear these for light activities such as playing tennis or going to the park to run around with the family. This version is the old school, classic New Balance. They aren’t too heavy and have a perfect fit. I like the fact that they aren’t too flexible. Why? Because I have been known to twist an ankle or two and having sturdy shoes are great when you are making quick shifts and changes of direction.

I didn’t start wearing New Balances for exercising purposes until I got back home from the military. I was first put on to New Balance when I was in boot camp. I was extremely shocked to find out that the running shoe of choice at Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot was New Balance. I wore those to the ground, but damn did they take the punishment.

Nike Shox: A Comfortable Cross Training Shoe

The other pair of workout sneakers I have are Nike Shox, version TL 4. I have always been a fan of the Shox line of cross trainers. I purchased a pair of the $140 variety when they first came out. I used to love Nike’s Boing-Boing commercials. I affectionately refer to my Shox as Boing-Boings. One thing I dislike about them is that they were made sorta flimsy. After much wear and tear, they would tear. I did notice that Nike is making them a bit more sturdy. My latest pair have been with me for 2 years. They have those Shox absorber thingies all throughout the sole. It’s mostly mental, but I feel like they help with my weight. I wear these for my running and weight lifting. When I wear them I feel as though I have a pep in my step. So they serve as morale boosters too.

I believe that having the right pair of shoes is essential. For me, it directly correlates with my progress. I remember one time when I was at Marshall’s. I had seen a pair of the basketball version of the Nike Shox. I bought them right away, no questions asked. That same day I wore them for a session on my treadmill. What was that for…I experienced what I think are shin splints. It was a terrible decision. I had an excruciating pain in my shins as I ran. I have never felt anything so painful in my shins before. I tried running for a few more minutes but I couldn’t. I returned them the following week.

Now that I think about it, I have always been picky with my footwear selection. In high school I would choose to wear a raggedy pair of worn out sneakers over a pair of brand new sneakers that our coaches would give us. I guess it’s because I had broken them in. I have been told stories of players getting turf toe and other foot pains when wearing new sneakers during rigorous exercises.

Anyway, those are my sneakers and I am sticking to them. What do you wear?

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

A 300 Pounders Workout Sneakers

It all started when I was a kid. A fat kid. I have always wanted to have my very own gym. I grew up in a low income household in the project buildings in New York City. Having your own room was hard to come by, so you can imagine that my dreams of having my own workout facility were slim to none. Around the time I was in high school I started working out with my cousin at home. We had a couple of dumbbells and did some push ups in my bed room. That was as close as I had ever come to having my own gym. I then joined the football team and opted to make that “my” gym. I would be the first guy in the weight room and the last guy out. It was my home away from home.

Then I moved to Florida and bought a house. Better said, started renting a house from the mortgage company for 30 years. One of the main reasons I got the house was because of the little shack in the back. It was perfect. It had plenty of room for a weight bench and a treadmill. And best of all, it was my very own personal home workout facility that I had always dreamed of.

This is my backyard and a look at The Shack. We had just gotten some pavers installed so the backyard was demolished. I am happy to say that it is back to normal now. I took all of these pictures when I first started the blog. I had meant to post about The Shack, but I guess it slipped my mind. Sorry for that Shack, sorry.

This is a close up of the outside.

While The Shack is awesome and is helping me achieve my goals, it wasn’t complete until I got my equipment in there. The treadmill was purchased at Wal Mart for about $200. It is only supposed to sustain a weight of 275 lbs, but it manages to hold me up. The bench set is a Nautilus. It allows for various exercises. I can bench, squat, incline bench, decline bench, lat pull down, seated row, tricep extension, bicep curl, military press, and a couple more exercises that I can’t remember. My best bud Lukas gave it to me as a gift. He knew that it meant a lot to me. He even helped me put it together. It also serves as a weight rack for the extra plates I have. I purchased the olympic bar at The Sports Authority. It came with 300 lbs worth of weights.

The Shack’s carpet was already installed when I got the house. The walls on the other hand were not there. I put the walls in with my uncle’s help and painted them with my sister’s help. I have been meaning to buy some large mirrors and some motivational posters but I haven’t gotten around to it. The space isn’t too large but it gets the job done. I have the Nautilus set in there, the treadmill, large speakers and a radio system, some loose dumbells and I still have room to move around.

One thing that I definitely want to add real soon is an air conditioner since it gets extremely humid and hot in there. There are times when I can hardly breathe. It feels as if I am suffocating. I used to workout with the door closed, but now I leave them wide open.

I wake up everyday with no reason to not workout, I have my own gym. This is something that I prefer since I really dislike going to public gyms like Bally’s Total Fitness. Ugh, just thinking about it annoys me. It is not my type of environment. I like dingy, dirty personal dungeon gyms. So those clean, prissy public gyms aren’t for me. I think that started back in high school. We used to call our team workout room the Torture Chamber. It used to get so crazy in there that the walls would sweat with water.

I have built an emotional attachment to The Shack. It has become part of my life and will always be a part of me. The Shack doesn’t need to be a physical entity. For me it was mostly in my head at first. It’s my personal place to think, reflect, and better myself. I would just treat wherever I worked out as my Shack. It didn’t get fully realized until I moved here a couple of years ago. Everyone should have their own “Shack.” Whether it’s a small room in your house, your living room, a local gym, the garage, the park or in your head. Everyone should have a shack to escape to.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

The Shack – A Workout Haven

What did I do for my second workout? I played Wii. The Nintendo Wii has a bunch of sports games and they are awesome. I had my cousins over and we played Wii boxing, Wii golf, Wii tennis and Wii bowling. By the end of it all I was so drenched in sweat that I figured I didn’t need to get on the treadmill again. Even my abs were hurting me at one point during the boxing matches. It was one of the best gaming experiences I ever had. I actually managed to workout while playing video games. It reminds me of the running mat Nintendo used to have years ago for their track and field sports game on the original console.

I feel weird because I didn’t have the “typical” type of workout for my second session but a sweat is a sweat and I am happy to have gotten in a second workout. I may even play some more boxing just to break a quick sweat again.

Off to play.

This is an article from FatManUnleashed.com's Healthy Weight Loss and Fitness Blog.

Weird Day, Wii Day