Fitbit Alta Replacement Bands Review

Recently I received a brand new Fitbit Alta for my birthday.  It came with the basic black band, which is fine, but I wanted something fun for an option on occasion, so, I purchased this pack of two bands.

 This pack comes with 8 pieces: a left and right band strap, clasp and silicon securing strips.

 Patterned in an owl print and a floral print, they are bold and fun.

 My original band did not come with the securing strap.  When I put the one included with these bands on, I wasn't really sure what the point of it is.  Since the band secures from the top and pins the bottom strap in place, it is kind of awkward to actually secure the bands together.  It also seemed un-necessary since I have yet to have the bands move around when wearing it without the securing strap, and I wear my Alta almost as tight as the band will allow because I have small wrists.  Therefore, this piece seems pointless to me and I will not be using it.

 These replacement bands attach just as any branded bands do.  They simply snap into place over the Alta's tabs.  I did not hear the tell tale click with these like I do with my original band, but they are securely in place when I try to wiggle them loose.

 I noted that these replacement bands are a bit shorter than the Fitbit branded bands you can buy.  It doesn't make much difference when wearing them except that it adjusts where the holes sit for securing it and might make it a little tighter or looser than the branded ones, but it is not of much consequence.

Overall, these bands are just fine and work as well as the Fitbit branded bands.  If you are looking for a fun print alternative, these will do the job.

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Muscle Roller Stick Review

Ever since my runner friend told me about her muscle roller stick, I was intrigued and wanted one for myself for the days when my large muscles are sore after exercise or a day of hard physical labor.  I had the opportunity to purchase this 18 inch muscle roller stick recently and have enjoyed having it in my home.

The Muscle Stick comes simply packaged in a slim cardboard box.  

The stick is very sturdily built.  The black rubber handles have grip to them to aid in muscle rolling without slipping hands.  The central rolling discs are a hard plastic and each rolls separately along an internal rod.  They roll quietly, no squeaking, only the sound of the plastic discs rolling.  They also roll very smoothly.  This muscle rolling stick is adjustable for more or less friction by pulling the handle grips out a little along the internal rod, which allows for easier rolling or more friction.  Doing so is easier said than done, and I gave up on adjusting it, figuring it worked just fine as is and doubting I will ever need to adjust it.  

For large muscle groups like calves, thighs, and even arms, this is a great tool.  It does not work well for backs as it can be painful along the spine.  Easy enough to roll by yourself and get relief quickly, this roller massages and presses muscles to release knots after extensive work and strain.

You can get one here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Reflective Running Vest Review

I recently acquired this new reflective running vest and reflective arm band combo in my search for safety gear that will get me noticed.  Though I am not a runner, I am active in the view of traffic regularly as a crossing guard for employment and walking for enjoyment.    The more I stand out, the better!

I was able to choose the size I desired for this set, and I went with a medium planning to wear it over my coat when weather is cold.  It comes packaged in a plastic bag, nothing fancy.

 The arm bands are quite large and have a Velcro strip that makes them adjustable.  They easily fit over my biceps in a fleece shirt, with room to spare, so I have no doubt they will work over a winter coat with some adjustment.  They are a full yellow band with plenty of flex to them, a plastic feel and look that stands up to moisture easily.

 The vest is not a full jacket style vest, but more of an x-shaped vest that covers shoulders, chest and back, and then the waist.

 It is made of a fine mesh, which makes it breathable and lightweight.  There are a few gray reflective panels on the chest, back and shoulder fronts and backs, but otherwise this is mostly yellow.

 The vest slips over the head and fastens at the waist, opening on either side with adjustable Velcro strips.  It is not a full length vest, but more of a short, above the waist type deal.

 The main gray panel in the front sits just above a large mesh zippered pocket that could be used for holding a phone or keys, though I wouldn't think I would want either of those in such a position banging against me constantly for running.  Since the vest is not a full abdomen length vest, the pocket sat right a stomach height for me.

 When the vest is on, it fit me securely, but I had plenty of wiggle room in my fleece jacket and extra room to adjust on either side as I had the Velcro secured as close as I could.

Once worn for my daily use, I did note that the vest tended to ride up with my arm and upper body movements, and I had to keep tugging it down as it tended to hang up on my coat or shirt.  It is OK, but more bulk than I imagine a runner would want.  For walking or hiking visibility, I would imagine it would suit someone just fine.

You can find this product here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Fleece Ponytail Headband Review

My job as a crossing guard puts me outside a lot in the winter.  The cold winds, chilly temps and snow leave me needing something to protect my ears.  I typically wear a basic fleece headband, but with really long hair that I often wear up, I was intrigued by the ponytail headband I came across, so I bought it.

This headband has a cut out in the back specifically for ponytails to fit through, making it easier for women to use, and more convenient as the headband stays in place instead of slipping around hair.

The headband is made of soft fleece with a binding around the edges to give it a finished look and hold it all together.  This binding also criss-crosses in the back around the hole for the ponytail.

I love the concept of this headband.  It is well constructed and of quality materials.  Sadly, it is much too large for my head.  I got it in a medium, the only option offered to me, and it is quite loose on my head.

It is so loose that it slides all around, even with my ponytail in place, and the cold air just sneaks right around the gaps.  So, unfortunately, it will not be of any use to me.

I also feel like the fleece is pretty thin in comparison to my basic fleece headband.  It has dual layers, while this is just a single layer of fleece, so it is not nearly as warm or protecting.  I can't add this one to my list of recommended products at this time.

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review.

Reflective Running Belt with Reflective Arm Bands Review

High visibility is important when exercising outside. A secure place to put valuables such as keys and a phone or MP3 player is also important to me.  So, this combo I just purchased is a perfect pairing of visibility and function.

This reflective running belt and arm bands are well constructed, bright, reflective and functional.

The arm bands Velcro with a wide, strong patch to make a loop for wearing around one's arm.

They are plenty big enough to go over heavier clothes.

The belt appears to have a small compartment, however, this is not the case.

Once unzipped, the belt opens up to create quite a large capacity pocket that will easily hold a phone, keys and more!

The pocket zips open along a secure, well constructed zipper that does not grab other materials or snag up.  Along one side of the pocket is a reflective loop for holding keys or whatever else you want to clip to it.

The belt itself is very flexible, made of a soft material that is smooth and soft against skin.  The buckle is plenty large to clip the belt closed, easy to manipulate without being seen, such as when the belt is buckled behind the back.

The belt is comfortable to wear, stays put when active and offers a great solution for holding important items.

You can find it here

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and un-biased review