Moov to Get in Shape for Your Vacation (Review)

Spring Break and Summer Vacation are coming. If the prospect of putting on a swimsuit is making you twitch, then you need to Moov! There are a ton of fitness trackers out there, but how many actually show you which exercises to do and how to properly do them? If you need a coach to help you get in shape, like I do, then Moov should be on your shopping list. Not only that, but Moov can get you in shape in less than 10 minutes per day!

I’m in love with this, because I don’t have motivation to exercise for an hour every day, but even I’m willing to get moving for 7 minutes. That’s right! Purchase your Moov wristband and download the Moov 7 Minute + Workout to your iPhone or iPad and get started. Moov is quick and easy to set up, so you can get started right away. You aren’t spending half an hour inputting all your information and then over the whole thing by the time it’s time to start your workout. You know what I mean.

Your workout goes through three sets of six exercises: jumping jacks, squats, lunges, planks, push-ups and sit-ups. You don’t have a chance to get bored before you’re on to the next exercise. It asks if you’re ready to go and then shows you via a swirling counter how well you’re doing with each individual exercise, which helps you improve each time and do the exercises correctly. After each set, you get a quick 20-second cool down to catch your breath, drink some water and get ready to go again. It’s long enough to rest, but not too long that you want to sit down and give up early.

How much of a workout can you really get in 7 minutes? (About 8 ½ with rest periods) I hate to exercise, because it’s boring and I never know what I should be doing or for how long. Plus, without someone to motivate me to keep going, I often quit in the middle or just don’t do it. Moov made it easy for me to do the exercises, because I knew how long I would be doing them. They go quickly and, because you see the meter for how well you’re doing, it makes you want to do your best. The day after my workout, I could tell which muscles I was working and was sore the same way as if I’d done a longer workout of just a few of those same exercises, so knew it was working.

Keep up with your daily routines – changing levels when they get too easy – and you’ll find yourself ready for that swimsuit in no time. Because the only things you need for your workout is your phone or tablet and your wrist band, it’s easy to take it with you everywhere you go. Get your 7 minutes (or more) in even after a long day of sightseeing. Starting your day with a brisk workout can give you more energy and wake you up so you’re ready to do everything on your list.

Since the workouts are so short, and you can connect more than one wristband to your device, you and your partner can exercise when it’s convenient, whether it’s before you leave for the day, before you head out for dinner or any time you can fit it in. Challenge each other to be better and match each other’s workout levels. If you're just exercising on your own, it's okay. Moov encourages and coaches you via voice. Just turn up the volume on your phone or tablet to hear it.

So, if you are pressed for time, but still want to look your best, then find ten minutes in your day for a quick, but efficient workout. You’ll be glad you did when you get to the beach and put on that bathing suit you’ve been dreading. Plus, you know you’re going to be eating some high-calorie meals on your trip, so why not start losing them before you eat them? It’s a lot better to lose a few extra pounds that you know you’ll gain back than have trouble getting your pants on by the end of your vacation, right? It’s happened to me before and I’d much rather have little extra waistband room to spare at the start of my trip than have to go buy something a little looser before I head back.

Are you ready to start exercising in just minutes a day? If you are, then go get your Moov today!

Other information:

Where can I get it? On the Moov website

How much is it? $119, but only $89 for a limited time + just $69 each if you buy 2 or more

What colors does it come in? ice (white/clear) | black

Other specifications: Each Moov comes with 2 bands (so it fits everyone and can use the longer for your ankle) and a charger. Apps you can use: Moov 7 Minute+ Workout, Run & Walk, Cardio Punch and Swim. Yes, you can swim with your Moov!

Connect with Moov: Facebook | Twitter

Disclosure: I was provided a loaner Moov band for the purposes of this review, but all opinions are 100% mine.

Personal Freedome From Identity Thieves

You may feel pretty secure in your anonymity on the internet when you're in the safety of your own home, but what about on your phone, tablet or when you travel or go to the coffee shop and use the open Wi-Fi network? There are hackers everywhere that want to steal your personal information, no matter where you go or who you are. Having a VPN on your side can be the difference between safely using the internet wherever you are or having to spend your free time calling all your credit card companies and banks to straighten out problems that have arisen from identity thieves stealing your personal information.

As a frequent traveler and a brand ambassador for F-Secure Freedome, I feel compelled to let you know how important and convenient it is to sign up with a VPN. So, what exactly is a VPN? It stands for Virtual Personal Network, which gives you privacy on top of any security measures you have on your digital devices. It cloaks your location and everything you're doing from others on the internet. When you log onto the internet, your device is given an IP address that can be tracked. With a VPN, this is IP address is not shown, so you can surf anywhere you are on whatever device you've installed Freedome totally securely and anonymously.

Ever wonder why you can't access certain websites when you travel out of the country? I hate it when I want to watch something on my DVR or Netflix, but I can't because I'm not in the U.S. at the time. With a VPN, I can set my location to U.S. and resume using services I pay for.

Almost everyone owns a smartphone now and use it for everything from finding directions and phone numbers to checking email. Phones are hackable, especially as you're out and about using un-secure networks to check your bank accounts  or even just sending texts to family and friends. Keep everything in your phone and what you do online even on your phone away from prying eyes with Freedome. With a VPN, your personal info will never be leaked again, no matter how much you use your phone while you're on the go.

Do you ever read the terms and conditions when you sign on to a public network? Most of us don't. Did you know that a lot of these have terms that you probably wouldn't agree to if you did read them?  The video above shows what happens when a free Wi-Fi hotspot was set up in London and people blindly sign on in order to get online.

Know what else is creepy? Those sidebar and banner ads that seem to follow you while you surf, trying to sell you items and services you searched for recently? Buy that top. Buy that top. BUY THAT TOP! Block the advertisers with Freedome. As it blocks your data and surfing, it doesn't enable search engines to sell your info to those site that bombard you with ads for those things you may or may not have wanted in the first place. Freedome encrypts your data and masks your connection, making your virtually invisible online.

Anti-virus software is not 100% secure, so even if you have it installed on your laptop, it doesn't mean that you are protected. Freedome from F-Secure gives you an extra level of security by blocking viruses, malware and other bad things that can result from surfing the web. Can you imagine how inconvenient it would be for your computer to go down when you're hundreds or thousands of miles from home? Couple that with someone stealing all your personal info and emptying out your bank accounts and your vacation has now turned into a nightmare. Why wouldn't you protect yourself the best you can? 

Not sure if Freedome is right for you? Why not try it for free? 

Use Freedome for 90 days by using code qsf257.

When I travel, I'm always relying on Wi-Fi from hotels, timeshares, Starbucks and other networks to get online and do work, check email and look up directions to places I want to go. Aside from keeping all my passwords changing and hard to guess, it never occurred to me that I might still be at risk from identity thieves. With Freedome, I know I can feel safe and still have access to all my accounts and services. You know what's also cool? If I find sites that I love in other countries that are location-dependent (like streaming shows on BBC websites), I can use those when I'm back home just by using my VPN. 

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Have you ever had a computer or phone hacked, either at home or while traveling?

Disclosure: As a brand ambassador, I am receiving compensation from F-Secure, but all opinions are 100% my own and I never recommend products/services I wouldn't use myself.

Budget Spring Break Ideas

Spring Break is almost here and that means you have a whole week to think of how to entertain your children (if you have them) or worry about your college student (if you have one) or figure out how to fit your travel plans into your budget (if you have one). Spring is a great time to travel; however, it can get a bit dicey during the month of March, because Spring Break varies across the country, making it impossible to know when you will have to share your space with a bajillion hard-partying college kids – and sometimes those well out of their college days – or have to pay twice as much for hotels and airfare. Luckily, with the economy still kinda sucky, deals are easier than ever to find. You just have to pick one, pay for it and go. But where?

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Don't you wish, as an adult, that you din't have to pay holiday rates just because you wanted to travel during Spring Break? Yeah. Me too, but until someone figures out how that works, we will have to continue to avoid the crowds and search for discounts. I suppose if anyone shouldn’t have to pay holiday prices, it’s the poor parents that have just come off of Christmas and already dreading planning how to keep their kids out of trouble and entertained for the three months of summer that’s right around the corner, but I digress.

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What else is out there? Well, you can always do the old standby and plan a frugal trip to Vegas.  Southwest, JetBlue and many other airlines are offering deals to Sin City and BookIt has rooms from as low as $22 per night. If staying on the Strip, skip the car rental and book an airport shuttle instead. You could save $100+ on a week stay and can take the free tram from one end of the strip to the other instead. Your trip can be super budget if you need it to be. Here are some free and cheap Vegas activities to do while you’re there.

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Lake Tahoe - If you were thinking of maybe taking a trip to Vegas, consider a trip to Lake Tahoe instead. With the high stakes of Vegas, but with the added bonus of lakeside activities, hiking trails and skiing. Depending on where you stay around the actual lake, you can have totally different experiences. New and interesting shopping and dining, as well as the option of a fantastic day drive around Lake Tahoe. 

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New Orleans, LA - Here's another destination that no one really thinks about outside of Mardi Gras. With so much interesting history, architecture, music and delicious food, New Orleans should be a must for any culture junkie. For those that don't care about culture, take a walk on the dark side with ghost tours. Save on your trip to New Orleans with the Power Pass. Starting as low as $28 per day, gain entry to the must-see attractions of the city. Choose from places like the Musee Conti Wax Museum, Audubon Zoo, Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and much more! Available in 1- to 5-day durations. Add a 1-3 day MealTicket to eat at awesome restaurants for one low price.

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Visit State and National Parks. Hiking, running, jumping and climbing are great ways to entertain (and tire out) your kids for a very nominal cost. Sometimes it’s free and sometimes you pay per carload. You get to enjoy some nature and wildlife and your kids get fresh air and exercise. Turn it into a bit of an educational trip by giving them cameras and having them take pictures of the different things they see along the way (i.e. trees, flowers, animals) and then print them out later for identification. Many parks have education centers where they do talks and have exhibits that explain about the plants and animals of the region. Make time to stop in and have your kids ask the rangers questions about their visit.

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South America is always a great Spring Break destination, because not only is it not a destination college kids look at to par-tay, but it's also budget-friendly. If you are looking to spend about half the price for a vacation, then South America (and even Central America) is where you should look. You'll have a less traditional Spring Break, save some money and help a struggling economy. Brush up on your Spanish and pack your warm weather clothes!

Are you traveling for Spring Break? Where are you going?