Editors' Choice: Our Favorite Things for September 2019

The Art of Mental Learning, DC Gonzalez

Recommended by Kailan Kalina, Content Editor

You have probably heard that your mind is a muscle that needs to be worked out, like other muscles. Your mental game can really affect your success, whether it is achieving weight loss goals, squatting PR or a technical lift, such as push and jerk (my current project).

In “The Art of Mental Learning”, DC Gonzalez, a peak performance trainer, tells you about scientifically sound bite-sized mental learning components, including how to channel desired results into your presentation, realize visualization capabilities, and practice. Positive thinking reflect Debbie Downer in your head, to name a few.

I liked reading this because it gave me practical methods for solving stupid thoughts that make me reevaluate myself on big climbs or doubt my ability to learn a new skill in the gym. Because – let's face it – if you believe you cannot, you probably won't.

After you read the wisdom of Gonzalez, you must put these methods into practice. (The book is very short, so even “I hate reading” people can go through it.) Don't let your hard work go to waste!

MetaBurn90

Recommended by Tyler McGlasson, MK, CISSN, Senior Compliance and Science Specialist

My gym style of exercise has always been the same: do a little run to keep warm, and then go straight to the scales. I lift heavy weights and use much longer periods of rest than anyone should.

It has always been difficult for me to do cardio-oriented weightlifting. However, this summer I turned this mindset over with one program: MetaBurn90 with Scott Herman!

This program focuses on large volumes of intense exercise and very short breaks between them. Expect that you will run triset after triset with the help of the press, shoulders and other screams at you at each stage of the journey. MetaBurn90 changed my mindset on morning exercises and completely changed my fitness goals.

I am 4 weeks out of 12 and already see excellent results in terms of weight loss, as well as how many repetitions I can fit in one AMRAP set. The program is only getting more complicated, so I can't wait to see how I feel on Day 90!

Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen

Recommended by Shoshanna Cohen, Content Editor

Dog summer days can end, but the sun does not care. And the last thing I want to do when I'm ready to go jogging is to spend precious daytime minutes lubricating myself with a thick nasty sunscreen.

Fortunately, I will never do it again, now that I have discovered this terrific sunscreen spray. In a matter of seconds, I can cover myself with an ultralight, but powerful fog, and then forget that I wear it.

The spray mist even feels cool and refreshing – two words that I never thought to use to describe sunscreen – and does not leave a strong smell. In addition, my boyfriend can use it on his face without pre-whitening it.

This is by far the least intrusive sun protection I have ever used (as far as I remember so as not to inhale it), but it still gives this white pasty girl reliable protection from the sunburn of a scary bra.

Revel Multivitamin

Recommended by Frida Johnson, Copy Editor

I have tried many different multivitamins over the years, and Revel multivitamins are my favorite at the moment. Its combination of vitamins was developed specifically for active women and includes several additional ingredients, such as a mixture of antioxidants, a highly digestible form of iron and biotin to improve the health of hair, skin and nails.

Honestly, my favorite thing is the vanilla coating. This may seem like a weird detail, but for those who, like me, absolutely dislike swallowing pills, it matters a lot! There is no strange, unpleasant aftertaste left in your throat, only a pleasant, soft vanilla aroma.

Straight Rectangular Yoga Roller

Recommended by Heather Eastman, Senior Editor

Fitness accessories must adapt to any type of fitness that I am in the mood for, so I love these yoga videos from Yoga Direct. If you are new to the practice, need a little extra support during meditation, or just want a comfortable surface to sit during meditation, these graceful little cushions provide extra height and comfort to keep your mind and body in the center of the entire asana. ,

The removable cover is easy to clean, and the rectangular design provides enough support for balance during difficult postures, while being soft enough and comfortable for sitting and meditation – I would like my old yoga blocks to do all this! And since the roller comes in 15 colors, you can mask it on the couch when not working.

If you're looking for something in common with the Yoga Direct rectangular roller, check out our 12-week Mind Body Fit health, fitness and beauty conversion program. Including weights, yoga and meditation, it has a video with training, meditation with a guide and yoga exercises at any time of the day – the perfect combination for this versatile fitness accessory.