Frozen Peaz Review

Disclaimer: Frozen Peaz provided me with a discount code for 30 percent off to purchase this product for review.

As someone who has struggled with shin splints and stress fractures, I’m always constantly icing my legs after any type of activity (running, ballet, etc.) as part of my regular recovery routine. Your typical ice pack makes it difficult to target a specific area (especially on my legs) and tends to lose its cool pretty quickly.

So when I first heard of Frozen Peaz, I knew I had to try them out. They’re flexible hot and cold wraps that come in all sorts of shapes and sizes depending on what your need is. They’re a bit on the pricey side, but totally worth it.

Here’s a little bit of information about them via their website:

The secret to the performance of FrozenPeaz® packs is the unique Clear Ice™ Solution. Unlike gel based beads and pearls, the VirtualPeaz™ in FrozenPeaz packs won’t break down with frequent usage. And unlike colored gel packs, the VirtualPeaz are floating in a non-toxic Clear Ice Solution that is free of preservatives, petroleum-based products, and animal by-products. The ingredients in the Clear Ice Solution are 100% natural! So natural that they are certified by the Natural Products Association (NPA).

Frozen Peaz

My Frozen Peaz arrived super quickly (they ship via Amazon Prime, too, if you’ve got it) and I was surprised to find that they were pretty heavy–a lot heavier than I expected, and a fair amount heavier than your typical ice pack. I ordered a single large wrap for my shins/calves.

I’ve been using the Frozen Peaz ice pack for about a month now and its the only ice pack I’ll use now. It stays colder than most other packs (I can get at least 20 minutes in on each leg at a time) and conforms to my legs really well (ignore my messy bedroom, I had just gotten home from class):

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The only cons I really have are a) they are heavy and therefore tend to fall down if I try to get up and move around and b) they don’t conform to my calves (from underneath) as much as a would like. They still work better than anything else I’ve tried.

Frozen Peaz has been nice enough to offer 15% to all my readers if they use the code “Ballet.”

How do you deal with ballet-related injuries?

Listen While You Workout Campaign

I was given a MacMillan Audio book in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own, not MacMillan’s. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

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Getting motivated to workout this spring can be difficult. I’ve struggled getting back into running and ballet because of the harsh and cold winters we’ve suffered here. We’ve also had about 15 snowstorms which can make running outside and getting class anything but a walk in the park.

MacMillan Audio recently launched their second annual LISTEN WHILE YOU WORK OUT CAMPAIGNwhich seemed like the perfect way to motivate me to get back into running, stretching and ballet.

I have to admit, I’m not much of an audio book listener. I often find myself distracted by looking at or reading something (or even my own thoughts) while trying to listen to them.  But the audio book I’ve been listening to (Runner by Patrick Lee) has been perfect for holding my attention.  It’s perfect for helping me stretch a little longer (you have to wait until the end of the chapter before you can stop!) and motivating me to do a couple more reps of strength training. As a bonus, it’s been great to keep myself entertained during my 30+ minute commute–I walk and take a train.

Users can participate in MacMillan’s program  by signing up on the website and logging in the amount of minutes that they spent listening to audiobooks that week (there’s samples of audiobooks available, including Runner). Five users will be featured each week and you can join in at anytime until June. (There’s also a contest going on to win a Fitbit Flex if you visit their website.)

I can’t wait until it’s a little bit warmer and I can try running and listening to Runner.

Learn more by visiting http://page.macmillan.com/audio/workout.

Have you ever tried listening to an audio book while working out? 

I was given a MacMillan Audio book in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own, not MacMillan’s. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Sponsored: Core Power Fit Kit Review and Giveaway

I was given a Core Power Fit Kit in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own, not Core Power’s. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.banana_family_350

I’ve tried a lot of different protein powders–ranging from whey protein powder to collagen-added powder to plant-based powder–and I’ve never been able to stick with any of them. I can’t get over the grainy texture. Core Power is super smooth and contains 26g of protein–perfect for those days I struggle to get enough of it.

Via their website:

“A delicious post workout recovery drink for your active lifestyle, Core Power is a real milk protein drink made from fresh, lowfat, lactose-free milk and real honey. Its optimum protein to carb ratio and nutrient-rich profile make for the perfect last stage of every workout. From endurance sports and bodybuilding to running, yoga and cross-fit, Core Power helps you recover faster, build lean muscle and stay at the top of your game. No matter which game you happen to play.”

I’ve only had a chance to try the banana, and although it’s flavor was a little bit strong for me, it worked really well as a liquid base for one of my smoothies. I’m looking forward to trying the chocolate and vanilla as more of a stand alone flavor (although it’ll be tough to resist mixing the chocolate in a milkshake).

The team at Core Power also sent me an awesome Fit Kit:

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It included a fitness ball, a sweat-wicking towel, a water bottle, a yoga mat (and bag) and a fitness bag. I love how big and roomy the bag is–it worked perfectly to haul a lot of stuff on the train. Good news is–I’m giving away a free fit kit to one of my readers!

Can’t wait? Amazon is offering $5 off a case (but you better hurry–it ends at the end of the month!)

Use Rafflecopter to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What flavor of Core Power would you want to try?

I was given a Core Power Fit Kit in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own, not Core Power’s. I was not otherwise compensated for this review.

Blogtember: My Favorite Dancing and Running Fuel

Juggling work, ballet, running and more often means that I don’t have time to eat a meal before heading to ballet class or heading out for a run–plus my stomach doesn’t tolerate exercise well if there’s any significant amount of food in it. So here’s a few of my favorite snacks and running fuels that I use to give me some energy when I don’t have time for a full meal:

Clif Shot Bloks

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These are my favorite to munch on before a run (and sometimes before dance class) especially in the morning when my stomach can’t tolerate a whole lot of food. I usually just munch on 2-3 before heading out the door for ballet class or 30 minutes before a run. I love that these usually run me about $2 for 2-3 uses.

 Real Food Barre

Real-Food-Barre

Although these are on the pricier side ($2.50 a piece), I still pick some up occasionally at my local Whole Foods. Cinnamon pecan is my favorite flavor. Check out the interview I did with the creators, Julia and Aaron to learn more about how they created this bar specifically for dancers.

LaraBars

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These have become my cheaper alternative to Real Food Barres, although I haven’t quite found a replacement flavor for the Cinnamon Pecan that I love so much.

Luna Bars

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Blueberry Luna Bars are my absolute favorite (although they can sometimes be a little bit tricky to find). These often end up serving as my breakfast on the go even if I’m not running or going to ballet class that day. I also love their cookie dough protein bar.

 What snacks do you eat before ballet  class or a run?

 

Progress on the Studio Website!

Things are coming along on ABP’s Studio Guide website slowly, but surely. I’m very excited to have this be a database for all of those who are looking for a studio but aren’t sure where to find them or to find a new fit.

UntitledIt’s pretty straightforward with basic information about the studios, where it’s located, classes offered, a brief description, and then any user submitted reviews. (Don’t worry if you submitted a studio and don’t see it yet–I’m getting to it, I promise!). All reviews that were once up on ABP will be moved from here onto the correct studio listing (contact me if for whatever reason you don’t want yours moved). Pictures will be added eventually as well as I reach out to the studios for permission.

Reviews play a huge role in this process and I need my readers help to get those up and rolling. Submit your review via this form or to info@adultballerinaproject.com. If you just want to submit a studio, use this form (don’t worry about submitting a studio to the second form if you’ve written a review, I’ll automatically create the page when I get to your review).

Thank you guys, again, for all of your support!