A fit bit (or some sort of heart rate monitor) : I originally had the flex. But, I really needed to track my calories. My coach gave me a calorie goal and it was my job to hit it. It was hard to do not knowing what I did each day. This also has a great app to see treads, monitor calories burned and weight loss. And, I like it because I can find out my heart rate without having to wear a heart monitor strap. http://amzn.to/1MT7oXV
Sweet Sweat : Normally I burn 400 calories with a 4 mile run. When I wear this, I almost always burn over 500. Worth the money in my opinion, but I warn you, you'll sweat a LOT. http://amzn.to/1MT7lv6
A food scale : It really doesn't matter on what you get. Just get something that does both grams and ounces. This is a must have! You need to know exactly what you are eating if you expect to do a competition. If you aren't using one, start. This helps you stay accountable http://amzn.to/1MT96bH
Fat Burner : you don't need these all the time. Or even at all. I use them when I am doing a competition. No more than 8 weeks. http://amzn.to/1Td9v7V or http://amzn.to/1Mgezt6
Nike Frees : I love these shoes. I have quite a few of their colors http://amzn.to/1KVxTZI
P28 breads and peanut butter spreads. - I can't say enough about this brand. Love love love it. I order most of my stuff through their online website, but amazon does carry their stuff. https://www.p28foods.com/ or http://amzn.to/1EfJcHh
Muscle Egg : I know this seems weird, but they are so so so so good. I have had chocolate and cake batter. it really just takes like flavored milk. You can bake with this, drink it normal, or fry it like eggs. Worth a shot. http://www.muscleegg.com
Protein : So I like all sorts of proteins. Cellucor is my fave http://amzn.to/1KPmb5w they have loads of flavor and minimal carbs. Sometimes bodybuilding.com has better deals, but you have to watch their site. Amazon seems to be the best deal I can find in them. I have so many recipes with protein powder....my protein pancakes are amazingI also like Oh Yeah! http://amzn.to/1TdaNzB and Lean Body http://amzn.to/1MXda9Y
BCAAs and Amino Acid : http://amzn.to/1eYYdXh I freaking love these. I have every flavor and add them to my water when I get bored with water. I have soem samples if you guys want to try. I've made Popsicle and the occasional drink with aminos and vodka. http://amzn.to/1Tdb1Xo they are great - especially if you have a sweet tooth.
Water Depletion : You should really only use this stuff a few days out from your show. I have used this when I am mega bloated (say from a vacation), but will only do it for one day. Drink a TON of water too... http://amzn.to/1KVwKBt
Most vitamins I will say just buy the generic, but there are a few that I've done enough research to realize you have to buy quality...
Spend your money here :
Multi Vitamin : Essential. Everyone should be taking a multi.
Womens : http://amzn.to/1MgfolY - actually use the amazon.com subscribe and save. they often have good coupons on their site and if you order 5 or more things you'll get an additional 15% off.
Men : http://amzn.to/1T2MvxF
Omega 3 : Buy the best you can / needs to be at least >500mg in EPA/DHA
Brand I recommend : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJDJGIM?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00DJDJGIM&linkCode=xm2&tag=intranow-20
Probiotic : BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD. When I am in competition training, I spend 50/month on these. they help in digestion and overall good health. I recommend probiotics to anyone and everyone. Best single thing you can take (IMO). It adds good bacteria back into your system and you need that to fight off illness, recover from workouts, have more engergy, any bathroom issues....the list goes on and one. Now, I know not everyone is going to spend 50 dollars so I recommend this brand : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S1U7RU?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002S1U7RU&linkCode=xm2&tag=intranow-20
This is the generic. I would aim for something at LEAST 25 Billion. More if you can afford it. Here is teh 50 billion strain : http://amzn.to/1MgfvxG
This is the brand I use : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001LIW11Q?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B001LIW11Q&linkCode=xm2&tag=intranow-20
Squeem : Yep. I wore this - its weird, but it does help tighten my middle section. and after two kiddos, I needed help. I don't need it anymore, and who the heck knows if it really worked. http://amzn.to/1OWrAFR
Brands to be less picky about
Glutamine : Adam and I both take 1tlbs each day. Essential when you are lifting weights. This is NOT creatine. This is essential for helping you recover faster, preventing soreness, keeping your muscles 'less stressed' when you have a hard workout. This brand is the generic. I am a HUGE fan of NOW Sports. They are a great generic line that undergoes lots of testing.
http://amzn.to/1MT7T4k
Protein Bars: This one is the best : ) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKVZJQY?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B00FKVZJQY&linkCode=xm2&tag=intranow-20 (but they sell them in tons of flavors!) good to keep at your desk if you know you need to "cheat" off your plan.
Fitness Equipment :
Bench : Not at ALL necessary. But very handy if you plan to do this long term. You can get hit muscles from more angels and will have more stability than a chair. however, Adam and I worked out for years without one, so only get one if you think you really need it. We have the bench with the extra foot bars and it was a waste of money to spend on it. I recommend the bowtech brand as they have a great warranty and it is sturdy enough to lean on and not feel like it's going to be wobbly (we had another brand and I was nervous I was going to topple over!) HERE
Weights : Adam uses these. Very VERY well built and take up minimal space. We used them for years at our old house that was under 1800 square feet and we got a great workout in. I do not recommend these for people who are under say 5'3. I am 5' and they are just too wide. everyone else I know LOVES them, but I get that they are expensive.....so this might be a good reward to buy yourself when you hit your goal weights :) HERE
Bands : Depending on how strong y'all are from the get go, you might need a few more workout bands, but I would just try them out and then see if you need to go up. We have everything from the 20lb to the 100lb band. This brand is the best, because i've had others snap in half...not great when it comes flying at your face! these are well built. http://amzn.to/1MbjQ3G
Pull Up Bar : you can use this for assisted pull ups, lat pull down, rows, tricep press down, tricep extension. And the greatest thing is you can use your bands with it! I haven't been do a gym in quite a while and it hasn't held me back. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ND04U4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001ND04U4&linkCode=as2&tag=intranow-20&linkId=RV5IEPOC4SBQT76L
Workouts : It really just comes down to diet. But, if you need some recommendations on what/how/when to workout; i suggest these :
P90X : http://amzn.to/1Tdf7Pj
Body Beast : http://amzn.to/1MggWMz
21 Day Fix : http://amzn.to/1T2U07E
Insanity :http://amzn.to/1PchXDI
Insanity Max : http://amzn.to/1Pci16E
Staying Organized : I plan out my meals and workouts. I schedule them like I would any other meeting for work. Having them in my organizer keeps me from over committing to things because I know I have to get them done. I use this organizer https://www.erincondren.com/referral/invite/monikamackie there are tons of other things out there. I just like this one. If you want me to show you how I keep it all in there, just ask.
What do when you are traveling on amacro plan / flexible dieting / IIFYM for Competition training.
Quest Chips : http://amzn.to/1KPm0aw
Lenny and Larry Cookies : http://amzn.to/1IWFZDJ
Tuna Packets : http://amzn.to/1SLkTwJ
Cellucor Protein : http://amzn.to/1KPmb5w
Blender Bottle : http://amzn.to/1gJ2GPv
Luggage : http://amzn.to/1IWGaPt
White Chocolate Wonder : http://amzn.to/1JL6bQI
Lemonade : http://amzn.to/1eRJRry
Go Stack : http://amzn.to/1OP6RUk
P28 : https://www.p28foods.com/
Oatmeal packets (assuming you can eat carbs)
Stuff I buy when I get to my destination :
Bottled Water (1 case)
Peanut Butterth their PB is a great high protein meal. http://amzn.to/1PccJYF or https://www.p28foods.com
I am not a trainer. I am not a coach. Hire a real one if you want that sort of information. I'm happy to recommend some people.
