In my search for something that would help soothe my sore muscles (other than getting a professional massage each day,) I came across two neat hand-held massagers from HoMedics. The one I’m reviewing here is the HoMedics PM-30BX On-The-Go Battery Operated Mini 3 Node Massager, because it looked like something I could carry around to my races.

Actually it looks more like a UFO than anything, but it’s called a massager, so I’ll take their word for it.

This is just a cheap little massager that you hold in your hand and glide over your body, letting it do all the work. Or so I thought.

Functionality

It looks like a novelty item, so I wasn’t expecting a miracle… but I was expecting it to work. It does move, but it is more of a vibration than a massage. I couldn’t even feel it on my quads and calves. (There’s only one speed, so you can’t change it to a harder setting.)

Even worse, the vibration really wears out your hand. So your muscles get no relief and your hand gets sore.

It’s not very flexible either. For example, if you use it on your feet or forearms, it sucks because only one or two pods hit at one time. The three “pods” are only good on a surface like your back or hamstrings, but there is not enough power to do anything to those areas anyway.

It is quiet, though. A vibrating cell phone is louder than this.

Portability

As for transporting it, that’s not a problem. I can throw it in my car or gear bag and leave it there, ready to be used after I finish a race. It doesn’t take up much space, and it’s battery operated, so you can use it anywhere.

It’s not small enough that you can carry it in your pocket, though.

Price

I got mine at Amazon.com for $10, although some of my friends have seen it for $5 at discount retailers like Big Lots, Building 19, etc.

Possible uses

While you don’t feel much at all on your muscles, this thing does vibrate your head or face. Perhaps it would soothe a headache? And maybe it would work for children. Maybe.

My final verdict is…

This wasn’t worth the $10. I don’t think it would have been worth $5, as it isn’t even close to being a massage.

If you’re looking for a real massage for your sore muscles, try something else. Only buy this if you are looking for a scalp massager.

Official website: www.HoMedics.com

Buy online: at Amazon.com (somehow it is getting good user reviews at Amazon)

*UPDATE* Unfortunately, the Chi Running Report reviewed below turned out to be infringing on trademarks and copyrights of ChiRunning.com, the number one source for anything “chi running” related. I am leaving the review below for historical purposes, but please take a look at ChiRunning.com instead.

And of course, read my review of the real ChiRunning system!

———– Now on to the Originally Scheduled Review ———–

Chi Running - The Asian Approach to Running Healthily & Injury-Free. Now that sounds like my kind of running!

This past week I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this report, which discusses a Tai Chi approach to running - in other words, how to run with finesse instead of power. (And by doing so, run faster and with less chance of injury.)

This is the first I’ve heard of chi running, but just hearing the name conjured images of top runners floating across the pavement for hours on end, with perfect form the whole time. After reading the report, I think that makes a great “image” to describe the whole concept.

The Chi Running Report

Now to talk about the report itself… It’s best described as an introduction to Chi Running. It is 15 pages long with 12 pages of real content, so you can read it in just 20-30 minutes.

The first few pages give you a look at typical running, Tai Chi, and Chi Running, and then shows how Chi Running is superior to your typical “power running.” Then there are a few pages of running injuries and more benefits of Chi Running. Finally, the report ends with a section of tips to get started Chi Running.

Overall it served as a great introduction to Chi Running and saved me a lot of time researching. However, this is not a complete guide to Chi Running - you won’t read this and then go out and revolutionize your stride! This is more of a stepping stone for further research and training.

My Thoughts on Chi Running

I’ve been plagued with injuries when I run, whether I’m training for a marathon and doing too much too soon, or just because I have high arches and pound the pavement way too hard. So I’m highly interested in the chi running concept!

I plan to keep researching chi running through whatever I can find at ChiRunning.com which is full of chi running advice. Too bad I didn’t see that site years ago!

My final verdict is…

So here’s the deal. Chi Running is a very interesting concept and this report served as a great introduction. However, the majority of the report focused on why chi running is better than power running, with only a couple pages devoted to “simple steps to getting started with chi running.”

That focus on “why” instead of “how” made it seem almost like a sales pitch to get you hooked on the concept of chi running. (Now I am indeed hooked on chi running, although I can’t say I’d spend my money on this report when I can buy a 400 page training book for less.)

The big problem for me is that I already incorporate a lot of the techniques (relaxed muscles, deep breathing, etc.) into my running and bicycling form. If you are an elite racer or have trained with elite racers (in any endurance sport,) there’s a good chance you know these concepts already.

However, if you are a beginner looking for information on how to improve your running, and time is of the essence, this could be right for you. This report will give you an introduction to proper running in a short amount of time, thanks to the easy to read and comprehend format.

Official site: N/A

When it comes to healthy refreshment, one name that comes to mind is the Honest Tea company. They produce a variety of organic teas and other beverages, with one being Honest Ade (which is a great addition to their teas.)

The two flavors I’m testing today are Orange Mango and Limeade.

Both of these drinks are certified organic and contain just a few, all natural ingredients. You won’t find high fructose corn syrup, sucralose, or other garbage in these.

The ingredient selection also yields a mere 48 calories and 12g sugar per serving.

Honest Ade Orange Mango

The mango is such a delicious fruit and is probably one of the best flavors you can have for a fruit drink, and the Honest Ade Orange Mango does not disappoint.

This is a great compromise between something strong and sugary like Gatorade and the various flavored water drinks. It’s stronger than flavored water and tastes a heck of a lot better, too. The strong flavor is similar to Gatorade, although it’s definitely not as sugary. It just has a full, tasty flavor.

I’d recommend this to pretty much everyone!

But don’t forget the ingredients… take a look at this list and you’ll see that the great flavor is accompanied by great health benefits:

Ingredients: Purified water, organic cane sugar, organic white grape juice concentrate, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic orange flavor, natural mango flavor, mized carotene (for color), organic orange juice concentrate, organic mango blend, Vitamin C (asorbic acid.)

Plus it contains a small amount of Mangosteen for some antioxidants and a natural energy boost!

Honest Ade Limeade

“With twice the fresh-squeezed flavor and half the sugar, our organic limeade is sweetened the natural way.”

I’ve been drinking lemonade my entire life, and I know I’ve had limeade, but I don’t think I’ve had limeade that actually tastes like lime. Until now…

This Limeade from Honest Tea is the real deal - I could actually see the lime pulp settling at the bottom of the bottle!

But even then I wasn’t quite prepared for what I was about to taste. I don’t drink soda, but I am used to sports drinks like Gatorade while I’m riding, so I crave strong flavors. Limeade just didn’t have that strong flavor.

All the Honest Tea labels say “just a tad sweet,” but in this case, I’d say the limeade is “just a tad sour.” It certainly wasn’t bad, especially since I like limes, but it didn’t catch me as something I’d drink all the time.

So if you’re used to other fruit juices that aren’t actually fruit juice (but rather high fructose corn syrup with some added flavoring,) this flavor might seem odd. But have a few sips and you’ll probably like it, once your taste buds get past the lack of sugar.

If you’re an existing Honest Tea fan, though, this should be right up your alley. (Assuming you like lime.)

It seems like an acquired taste, because it grew on me as I drank more. By the end of the bottle, I was a full-fledged fan of Limeade! I’m sure I’ll drink it again, but I’ll still go for the mango most of the time.

As expected, the ingredients here are as simple as possible. It is basically water, organic cane sugar, and lime juice.

My final verdict is…

It’s a good bet that anything from Honest Tea will be healthy and taste good, and the Orange Mango and Limeade are certain winners.

I would recommend the Orange Mango (my personal favorite) to anyone. If you like the crispness of flavored water, this has it. If you like the robust flavor of Gatorade, this has that, too.

Hard-core fan of all-natural flavors? Try the Limeade - it’s as real as you can get.

Official website: HonestTea.com (or go direct to Honest Ade)

First, there was Gatorade. It contained sugar. But then there were dieters, and sucralose and aspartame took over. Then Propel was born.

Now… there’s Gatorade G2? Really, what’s up with that?

It turns out that G2 is virtually the same thing as regular Gatorade, except it has 50% fewer calories. That’s because it has 7 grams of carbs instead of 14, and they threw in some sucralose to make up for the lost sweetness. Otherwise, it’s exactly the same formula.

So what does it taste like? Watered-down Gatorade, of course.

It’s available in three flavors: Watered-down Orange, Watered-down Grape, and Watered-down Fruit Punch.

That’s a pretty dumb idea if you ask me. The dieters will stick with Propel because it’s much lower in calories than G2, and athletes will probably realize that G2 is just the same thing as regular Gatorade but more likely to cause brain cancer, so they’ll realize “why buy a watered down, artificial version for the same price?”

The thing is, that’s the best case scenario. Things could be worse - G2 could tarnish the Gatorade name, considering it makes no sense and it tastes like crap.

My final verdict is…

I don’t see a single reason to buy this. I make even take Propel over G2, but I’d recommend plain water or green tea over either one.

Personally, I drink regular Gatorade, or water. There is no need for an “in between” drink such as G2, especially if it contains artificial sweeteners.

To sum up Gatorade G2 in one word: Terrible.

Official Website: drinkg2.com

It has been a while since my initial ACT review, and I had probably been drinking this for a year before that - but my long term test of ACT Energy Drink is finally here!

At first I was extremely skeptical, considering that this product was a Red Bull competitor, and also because it was sold through network marketing (think Mary Kay cosmetics or a Tupperware party) rather than in health food stores. Since then, my views have changed considerably.

Now I actually drink ACT on occasion for the healthy energy boost, recovery benefits, and flavor. It’s much healthier than drinks like Red Bull and Monster, and it tastes better, too.

Here’s a quick summary from the website:

A.C.T. Energy balances highly-effective, all-natural ingredients that all work together on the cellular level. The resulting formulation creates a large, healthy, mental and physical boost that starts working in minutes, and lasts for hours!

Continue reading for more details…

ACT - Powders, Cans, and Bars

You can get ACT powder in single-serving packets for ease of use or big canisters for cost savings. The packets are supposedly good for use on the go, however, mixing up powders isn’t always easy, and you need scissors to open the pack. I mix my powder in advance (see the first review for instructions,) so I’m a fan of the canister.

I am really liking the mixed berry flavor now, but I’m still excited that they’re coming out with a new flavor, Tropical Blast. (At least for now, Tropical Blast is only available as a powder.)

At first I hated the idea of ACT in a can, especially since it was carbonated, but I got used to it… and now I love the cans! I actually love the light carbonation and flavor from the can, and I’ve been taking the cans over the powder any chance I get. (Except if I need to fill a water bottle… then it’s powder for sure. I wouldn’t want anything carbonated while riding or working out.)

This is where the health comparisons can really be made “can to can.” One 12oz can of ACT has just 24 calories and 5g sugar, which is surprisingly low for any flavored beverage, let alone energy drinks. It also contains 450mg of potassium citrate and is full of vitamins, especially B vitamins (100% DV of B6 and B12; 50% B3.)

It makes sense when you consider the proprietary blend: Fibersol-2 (Dietary Fiber), Guarana (seed), Juice Extracts (Cherry, Pineapple, Mango, Orange), Green Tea, Panax Ginseng (root), Stevia (leaf) extract, L-arginine, Taurine, L-camitine, Tyrosine, Maca (root).

It’s like health food that gives you a bonus energy boost!

You can also get ACT as a “berry blast” energy bar. I haven’t tried these yet, but they are on my shopping list.*

It makes sense to add the bar because you can’t survive a long bike ride with only 50 calories in your water bottle and nothing else. Now hard-core ACT fans can get their fix through a food or beverage.

*While I will probably try these, I doubt they will replace my regular Powerbars or Clif bars.

ACT for Energy

The obvious use for any energy drink is to drink it during physical activity (i.e. a ride or race) to keep your energy levels high. On occasion I’ll use ACT while riding, and it gives me enough energy to finish a ride without getting worn out. It doesn’t give me a one-time boost like GU energy gel; rather, it makes it so I don’t get that “oh man, I need an energy boost” feeling.

In other words, it gives me just enough energy that I don’t have to think about my energy levels. There’s never a big energy spike or crash.

Most of the time, though, I use ACT as a “pick me up” on days when I’m feeling tired or run down and still need to get some work done. It does the trick and perks me right up. It also comes in handy for long road trips because it keeps me awake and alert.

For example, let’s say you go for a ride during your lunch hour. It sure would be nice to do the ride, then lounge around and get a massage for the rest of the day, but some people have to actually do work after a ride… ACT is perfect, because you drink it after a ride for a recovery drink, then it also perks you up just enough to get through the day.

(FRS is much more powerful, though.)

ACT for Recovery

Speaking of recovery, that is the #1 reason I drink ACT.

I never thought of ACT as a recovery drink until I heard a certain success story… A guy I know that does masonry (which is serious hard work,) uses ACT to recover from a hard day. When he does, his legs aren’t sore the next day.

After hearing that story, I starting using ACT a lot (despite the cost.) It turns out that ACT actually works as a recovery drink! (Don’t ask me how, but it seems to work.)

How to Get ACT

There are two ways to buy ACT. First, you could sign-up to be an independent distributor, which would allow you to buy it by the case at a discounted price. Second, you could find someone that is already an independent distributor and buy ACT one packet at a time.

Unfortunately, you won’t find ACT in stores. (I wish you could, because I really hate the “downline” crap cluttering their site, and I despise having to join in their network marketing scheme just to order in bulk.)

My final verdict is…

I still feel that ACT is expensive, but it’s worth trying, if only for the recovery aspect. I use it after hard rides, races, or workouts, and I’m mostly recovered for the next day.

You might not need it every day, but I’d at least try it for something crazy like a double race weekend or a time when you absolutely have to be fully recovered the day after a hard workout.

Or, even if you’re not a competitive racer, ACT makes a healthy alternative to crap like Red Bull. ACT costs about the same (or slightly less when purchased in bulk,) provides just as much energy, and it’s healthy.

Website: www.RideWithACT.com

[Click here if you would like to get your product reviewed on CoachLevi.com.]