Lucky Vitamin is happy to introduce Hälsa products to our customers.

Hälsa offers a unique line of wellness acupressure products to help people increase their energy levels and enjoy life.  Acupressure is a form of touch therapy and is very much like acupuncture, although it relies on pressure rather than puncturing the skin. If you are stressed or if you are experiencing fatigue, low energy, muscle tension, headaches, back pain, or if you are simply looking for more complete rest, the Hälsa wellness mat could be right for you.

The Hälsa mat consists of 8,820 spikes that stimulate your body’s acupressure points, helping it to release natural pain relief hormones.  Much like massage and acupressure, the wellness mat is used to naturally stimulate the release of endorphins and oxytocin, the body’s own pain relief hormones.  Also released during exercise, touch, excitement and infatuation, these hormones can promote mental and physical well being.

Hälsa is an owned subsidiary of Infora Group. Infora believes that good products should be shared across borders and, therefore, the company focuses on bringing proven quality products to North America that have not been easily available previously.

The Hälsa mat and pillow are designed to apply pressure to specific points around your body that are known to promote overall well being. By stimulating these pressure points your body can release natural pain relief hormones. The Hälsa mat provides relaxation and natural pain relief.  If you experience back pain, insomnia, migraine headaches, or simply want to relax after a long or stressful day, the Hälsa mat might be able to help.

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	Halsa – Wellness Acupressure Mat Black
	Halsa – Wellness Acupressure Pillow Purple

You know exercise is good for your health, but you need to keep in mind that, just like everything else, too much exercise can be dangerous.

Dehydration is a frequent problem faced by people exercising. It normally happens when a person is trying to do more than the body can handle, best known as going “over the limit”. But what is dehydration and what are the best ways to prevent it?

Dehydration is a serious condition caused by the excessive loss of water from the body.

In the majority of cases, it can be prevented by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade and PowerAde. However, people with more intense workouts may consider taking electrolytes to prevent muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness or fainting.

An electrolyte is any substance such as acids, bases or salts that dissolves in water to give a solution an electric current, generating energy for the human body. Electrolyte drinks contains high levels of two key minerals: sodium and potassium. These drinks are the best way to replenish the body’s water and electrolyte levels after dehydration caused by extreme exercising conditions.

Most electrolyte products come in powder form and can be easily mixed with water and should be drunk before, during and after exercising. Tablets and products in liquid form (droppers) are also available.

Electrolytes products are generally not needed for light to moderate workouts but you may want to consider taking it if you experience diarrhea, vomiting, or intoxication. Electrolytes are highly recommended in serious cases of diarrhea or after stomach disorders such as food poising or vomiting, preventing headaches and dizziness caused due to the lack of minerals in the system.

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	Elete – All Natural Electrolyte Add-In Economy Refill Bottle – 18.3 oz.
	Elete – All Natural Electrolyte Add-In Pocket Bottle – 24.6 ml.
	Trace Minerals Research – Electrolyte Stamina Tablets – 300 Tablets

Jumping rope is not just for kids. In fact, this fun game normally played by children offer many health benefits and is considered a great physical activity. Jumping rope is an activity not only suited for competition or recreation, but also for a cardiovascular workout, similar to jogging or bicycle riding.

Recent studies have shown that children in the United States are far too sedentary, and child obesity is a major concern. Jump roping can be a great alternative to keep your kids active. On top of that, you use this fun exercise to stay in shape.

This aerobic exercise can achieve a “burn rate” of up to 1000 calories per hour of vigorous activity, with about 0.1 calories consumed per jump, and is one of the most efficient workouts possible.

Jumping rope can tone muscles in the entire body, developing long, lean muscles in all major muscle groups, both upper and lower. Jumping rope optimizes cardiovascular conditioning and maximizes athletic skills combining agility, balance, coordination, timing, and endurance.

Furthermore, jumping rope can avoid knee damage which may occur during running, since the impact of each jump or step is absorbed by both legs. It also helps strengthen the arms and shoulders. This combination of an aerobic workout and coordination-building footwork has made jumping rope a popular form of exercise for athletes, especially boxers, and professional wrestlers.

Additionally, jumping rope is very inexpensive if compared to many other popular fitness products. Accessible to everyone, all you need is a relatively small area (3’ x 4’) to jump rope and can be done in places such as living room, backyard, office, or sidewalks.

Lucky Vitamin offers a many different types of jump ropes. Just choose your favorite model and style and star jumping.

 1 Comment, latest by persni

	Valeo Inc. – Weighted Jump Rope – 2 lbs.
	Valeo Inc. – Speed Jump Rope
	Harbinger – Jump Rope Anti-Microbial Speed – 9 ft.

Running is one of the best ways to exercise for many reasons. Many people run to stay in shape and to reach an ideal body weight. Every year, thousands of people start a weight loss program and generally begin to run to burn calories.

Running, a rigorous cardiovascular exercise, allows a person to burn an average of 100 calories per mile. Other popular activities, such as biking and walking, only burn a fraction of those calories in the same amount of time. While the average human being burns about 2000-2500 calories a day by simply existing, running 5 miles a day can burn an additional 500 calories, making it a legitimate way to lose weight.

In addition, running is free, literally. You don’t need to sign up for a gym membership and it requires very little apparel: a pair of sneakers, light shorts and shirts and that’s pretty much all you need.

Some people use running as a psychological “getaway”. Get your mind out of the stress from work, heavy traffic, or hectic lifestyle, just run to free up your mind. In fact, running is often used to treat clinical depression and other psychological disorders.

However, running has its negative impacts as well. Running puts a lot of impact on your body, potentially cause problems for your joints, particularly knees and legs. Make sure to wear proper running shoes to minimize the impact of running in your body. Remember, the majority of shoes are only designed to last around 300 running miles before the cushioning wears out, increasing the impact to your legs and feet.

Moreover, running has its risks too, as you may be at risk for tripping and falling, exposure to the outdoor elements, getting hit by cars or other vehicles.  Parks, trails, public tracks and other open areas are recommended for a safe and enjoyable run.

 1 Comment, latest by Von Kunstlinger

	CamelBak – Better Bottle BPA Free Pink – 24 oz.
	Nathan – Steel Flip Straw Bottle- Swim, Bike, Run Bronze – 24 oz.
	Gaiam – Walk Away the Pounds Walk and Sculpt Kit featuring Leslie Sansone

Summer brings high temperatures and sometimes very uncomfortable conditions for exercise. You don’t have to completely stop your physical activities during the summer months but you should take some precautionary steps to prevent issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If you are exercising outdoors, you should start by checking temperature and humidity before starting your activity. In hot days, wear light clothing as you don’t want your clothes to block the heat from being transferred from our skin surface to the environment. Choose clothing made of light fabrics which will pull sweat away from the skin, instead of absorbing it like cotton.

Hydration is another very important factor for exercise in the summertime, or any other time of the year. Drink plenty of water before, during (if possible) and after your exercise. Taking short water breaks are ideal to rehydrate but try not to extend your break for long periods of time.

In addition, higher intensity exercise in short periods of time are preferred during the summer months as sprint events in hot weather are much less risky than endurance events, when you body loses significant amounts of water and essential minerals. Remember: the higher the heat-index, the slower your pace will be. So, take a step down if you feel it is necessary.

A few other factors may be considered to prevent risk of heat illness. If you had excessive amounts of alcohol prior exercising, inclining the night before, your body might be in need for more water, minerals and electrolytes to prevent issues. You may need to skip your exercise if you have experienced vomiting, diarrhea and any other dehydration process, including excessive sweat, prior your physical activity.

 2 Comments, latest by greasedupdeafguy

	Bobble – Filtered Water Bottle BPA Free Green – 18.5 oz.
	Country Life – Water Factors Maximized – 90 Tablets Formerly Diuretic Factors
	Trace Minerals Research – Electrolyte Stamina Tablets – 300 Tablets
	Nathan – 1 Bottle Triangle Hydration Pak Black

If you are planning to take your workout to the “next level”, you may want to consider wearing lifting belts for several reasons.

Professional weightlifters and people with intense weight lifting programs commonly wear lifting belts to help increase performance and prevent injury. Most belts are made of leather with additional padding added to make it perfectly comfortable while lifting. It’s important to choose the correct size for your belt in order to fit the natural shape of your back.

Wearing the proper belt may prevent injuries to the spine or the abdominal region. The abdominal muscles and lower back work as a natural belt and if the abdominal muscles are well conditioned, you have sufficient strength and power to make the effort and complete the exercise. However, when you don’t have enough power or if you are trying to lift more than your body can handle, injure may occur.

The majority of training programs do not require the use of a lifting belt but remember that the more intense your workout is, the more stress you’re are applying to your muscles. When you believe you have reached your limit, lifting belts can significantly help. Lifting belts are perfect to help performing heavy squats, dead-lifts, bench press and other exercises.

In addition, “Dip belts” are available for weight training. Named for the dip exercise, these belts are one of the best known methods of adding resistance and are commonly used for pull-ups.

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	Valeo Inc. – Leather Lifting Belt 6 Inch-Black- Medium
	Valeo Inc. – Competition Classic Lifting Belt 6 Inch Black Extra Large

Training gloves are “hands down” the best protection for your hands. Many people wear workout gloves to prevent calluses but often forget other several benefits from protecting your hands during your physical activity.

Training gloves enhance any training performance by protecting your hands and increasing bar traction during lifts. Gloves provide cushion for your fingers and palm from the knurling, the metal teeth of the lifting bar, which often creates skin abrasion.

Gloves also provide protection from residual bacteria left on the bars, a very important health concern, particularly if you work out in a gym or public facility.

Additionally, workout gloves can add support for your wrists, fingers and palms. Depending on the style, some gloves offer a traction pad on the palm that holds the bar safely in place during lifting, so you can lift longer and more comfortably.

People should wear training gloves for activities such lifting free weights, using training machines, using cardio vascular machines, kick boxing and biking.

Choosing the right glove is essential for a successful workout. Gloves are a very personal thing and it’s quite difficult to choose the right one. Make sure the glove fits your hand and you can flex your fingers naturally and comfortably. Check if there’s enough cushioning on the palm when you grasp a bar or a handle, to ensure a sure grip when lifting or training.

Lastly, choose a model from a reliable brand. Cheaper brands don’t offer extra stitching and padding, not providing proper protection and grip, and could wear quickly. Lucky Vitamin offers two of the top brands of training gloves, Valeo and Harbinger, at our discounted prices.

 2 Comments, latest by Yanira Gastel

	Valeo Inc. – Ocelot Lifting Glove- Black- Extra Large – 1 Pair
	Valeo Inc. – Competition Wrist Wrap Lifting Gloves- Black- Extra Large – 1 Pair
	Harbinger – Training Grip WristWrap Lifting Gloves – Medium Black/Brown – 1 Pair
	Harbinger – Power Lifting Gloves – Extra Large Black

Warmer weather is always a nice invitation for outdoor activities. Not a coincidence, many running events take place at the beginning of the spring season, often considered the ideal time for outdoor running: not too hot, not too cold, not too humid, just perfect.

With plenty of running events available across the country many people are encouraged to participate and compete in road races. Whether you are just jogging to get fit, running a 5K run, 10K run, half-marathon or a full 26 miles and 385 yards marathon, practice and proper preparation is key to your success.

So, let’s get ready to run with a few simple tips for healthy running.

First, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Proper running shoes can make a huge difference on your performance. If you don’t feel comfortable with your current shoes, don’t run with them as blisters can be very painful. Running shoes suitable for your running style, foot type, and level of experience will help you run comfortably and injury-free. For hot days, wear light clothing. When you sweat, clothes get heavier and can be uncomfortable at times, so choose light shirts and shorts. Finding the right sports bra is just as important for women.

Second tip: stretching. Perhaps the most important part of your running, stretching is vital for your body. Warming up before and cooling down after your runs can prevent injuries and keep you in healthy shape. The best time for stretching is after your run, when your muscles are warmed up.

Third, drink water. Hydration boosts endurance as the human body can lose over 96 ounces of water per hour during sustained high-intensity activity. Continual hydration optimizes body cooling and energy transport, resulting in peak performance during training and competition. A quick burst of water is generally better than lots of water at once. Running belts for small bottles of water are perfect for proper hydration during running. Sports drinks are also recommended to replace sodium lost through sweat.

Finally, know your limits. Trying to do more than your body can handle may result in injury and frustration. Be patient, accomplishing results gradually is better for your health. Staying motivated is essential as training can be extremely exhausting and running with a partner is often a good idea.

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	Fit & Fresh – Fit & Healthy Calorie Pedometer – formerly by Vitaminder
	Sportline – Solo 900 Heart Rate Watch (Men’s)
	Sportline – 345 Step, Distance and Calorie Pedometer – 1 Monitor(s)

Who said watching TV is always bad for you?

The label of watching TV as a “bad habit” is the result of millions of people who tend to eat or snack while watching TV for several hours. These people are known as “couch potato” and generally live a sedentary lifestyle.

Furthermore, the explanation for the term “bad for you” can also be associated with the content available on TV programming. Many people watch TV shows, news about celebrities, reality shows, sports and music. Nothing wrong with that, but if that’s all you watch on TV, then yes, television can be considered really bad for you.

People should really make an effort to watch the news and stay informed about what’s happening around the globe. Additionally, watching documentaries can be helpful as we can often learn something different about history, animals or general culture.

Most people think of the couch potato image when talking about watching television but not everyone sits down and eat in front of the TV set. For many people, the television is a workout buddy whether you are running on a treadmill, riding on a stationary bike, or doing sit ups. Even better, you can use the TV to improve your exercise routine using DVD and exercise guides.

An exercise routine on a regular basis is one of the best ways to get in shape or stay in shape but it does not have to be done on a daily basis. Everyone is different, and eat and exercise differently. Pace yourself based on what works best for you: five times a week, three times a week or weekends only.

Instructional exercise guides are extremely helpful to accomplish your workout goals. It doesn’t just help you to work out but most guides can actually help you to exercise properly and, consequently, get the most out of your workout.

 2 Comments, latest by bill

Have you ever noticed those heavy medicine balls sitting around your gym or fitness center? Not many people use them but medicine balls are a great way to improve your workout.

Medicine balls look like very heavy basketballs. Some people use medicine balls for specific workouts but many people wouldn’t even know how to use them. On the other hand, larger and inflated exercise balls are much more used for regular gym exercises including pilates and yoga.

Medicine balls are usually sold as 2 to 25 lb. balls and are used effectively in weight training to increase explosive power in athletes in all sports. In addition, medicine balls are often used for rehabilitation and strength training, and serve an important role in the field of sports medicine.

Professional athletes use medicine balls to enhance strength and endurance by helping isolate specific muscle groups during training. Also known as med ball or fitness ball, medicine balls are appropriate for every level of athlete and are used to work effectively for hands, biceps, triceps, shoulders, thighs, and abdominals.

Medicine balls are a very simple yet effective solution for your total body conditioning. This versatile fitness tool can help you build explosive strength, increase flexibility, agility, and balance. It is the perfect product to add the variety to your workout that you are looking for.

Generally made of rubber, medicine balls are affordable and extremely durable. It is a great product to change your workout routine and can help you get in shape at home or outdoors.

 2 Comments, latest by Xannon

	SPRI – Xerball 8lb- Rosewood – 1 Ball(s)
	Harbinger – Weighted Fitness Ball With Velcro Strap Blue – 10 lbs. CLEARANCE PRICED

Lucky Blog continues to publish a series of suggestions for gift ideas to make your holiday season a “Healthy One”.

Many people want to start 2011 with a New Year’s resolution. From eating healthy to quit smoking, from reading more books to watching less TV, most resolutions often mean a healthier lifestyle and Lucky Vitamin is ready to help you, whatever your 2011 resolution may be.

Every year, losing weight is one the most popular resolutions as many people wish to start a “new life” with a healthy well-balanced diet and exercising regularly. Gym memberships are commonly used for gifts, a pretty good way to help someone “get in shape”. But be careful, some people may not like the idea, so keep this “gift idea” for family members or close friends.

Exercise doesn’t necessarily need to take place at gyms. Outdoors activities are always fun, but you may have to wait until the end of the winter, depending on where you live. No time for waiting? No problem. Lucky Vitamin has plenty of exercise mats, resistance bands, jump ropes, exercise balls and pull-up bars, so you can do your workout indoors until the weather warms up.

If you need help to get started, Lucky Vitamin can help too. We offer many instructional workout DVD’s, with important information to ensure you can properly exercise. Get your workout gear and you’ll be all set to start your “new active lifestyle”.

Additionally, Lucky Vitamin offers an incredible selection of products for yoga and Pilates. Be sure to check out our exercise and fitness section.

Lucky Vitamin is the perfect place for your holiday shopping with thousands of fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers. Take advantage of our best gifts at the best prices and, as always, free shipping on most items for orders over $100.

Find the perfect gift at the best prices at luckyvitamin.com.

 4 Comments, latest by Motte

	Harbinger – Eco-Fit Training Mat 3/8″ Purple
	SPRI – Pumping Rubber with the Xertube and DVD

Developing strong abs and building core strength has become the most popular goal in the workout/fitness world these days. It’s almost impossible to decide which product is “the best” to build up “rock hard abs”, with so many television commercials claiming their products can get “the results you want”.

Most top-quality “abs” products are definitely helpful but may cost you a fortune.

Top abdominal exercise equipment can vary from $20 to hundreds of dollars. Remember: there are many exercises available for developing strong abs and each individual has different goals. So, there’s no “best product” as many companies claim.

A variety of efficient and helpful products are available to exercise your abs at your desired place and pace. Some simple products can help to strengthen your shoulders, arms, and back while helping you develop core muscles for the perfect abs.

Additionally, having the right product for you is only half of the work. Developing strong abs rely on the frequency of your exercise. You can have a fantastic product but will not get any results if you don’t exercise on a regular basis, right?

Instructional DVD/videos can be very helpful not only for beginners. Many people do not exercise properly and, as a result, struggle to tone their abdominal muscles. Proper exercising can also prevent injuries to your back or neck.

Lucky Vitamin offers a premium selection of exercise and fitness equipment, including affordable and efficient products to exercise your abs.

 1 Comment, latest by Sarah

	Valeo Inc. – Neoprene Waist Trimmer
	SPRI – Sit Up Bar
	Gaiam – CorePlus Reformer Kit Featuring Mari Winsor

Do not like the way the back of your arms look? Do not like the excess fat that that jiggles when you lift your arms. Well, I have created the perfect workout for you. Designed using free weights, resistance bands and body weight, these exercises are sure to help you tighten up that unwanted arm flab.

Workout:

Exercise 1: Triceps Pull-Downs with V-bar or Curl Bar

Face the machines/pulley. Take about 2 steps away. Grab the v-bar or curl with your palms facing down and closer together. Keep your arms by your side, knees slightly bent, and a straight back.  Begin to pull the bar down until your arms are locked. Hold at the bottom for 1-2 seconds. Bring the weight slowly back up, until your arms are a little past 90 degrees then perform next repetition.

Set 1: 12 reps
Set 2:12 reps
Set 3: 10 reps

Exercise 2: One-Arm Resistance Band Reverse Pull Downs

Hang the resistance band at the top of a bar or something high. You are going to perform the same type of motion you did in the above exercise. The only difference is you want a reverse grip on the handle of the band. This means you want to grip the handle with your palm facing up or “supinated.” As above, pull until extended and hold 1-2 seconds, feeling a nice, tight triceps. Bring slowly back to 90 degrees, let the tension in the resistance band pull you to the starting position.

Set 1: 12 reps
Set 2: 12 reps
Set 3: 10 reps

Exercise 3&4: Superset Dumbbell Triceps Kickback with Dips

Superset is a term in exercise meaning back-to- back. Your break will be after you complete the second exercise. Begin with a triceps kick-back. To perform, I find it is best used when doing on a bench long ways. Place your opposite hand and knee that is not performing the exercise on flat bench. This should make you be in a bent over position and give you proper support.

Start with your elbow in tight to your side and bent so your elbow is pointing to the ceiling. Begin by “kicking” or straighten your arm back, also towards the ceiling. Keep your elbow in as you perform this motion and kick back in a straight line. Once your arm is extend and you feel a nice pinch in the back of your arm, hold for 1-2 seconds, and begin to bend until your arm is bent and in the starting position with your dumbbell and elbow tight to your body.

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 1 Comment, latest by tyson

	SPRI – Xertube Medium Resistance Band Red
	SPRI – Xertube Heavy Resistance Band Blue

The CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Adults get at least  150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity (i.e., brisk walk)  aerobic activity every week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week. They also recommend weight training on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscles groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.)

Start with 25 minutes of cardio 5 days a week. You do not have to aim for the stars right away. Your goal will be to work up to recommended guidelines and then eventually surpass them. Each consecutive week, increase your time of cardio by 5 minutes a day, aiming to a total of up to 40-50 minutes.  Your cardio should make you break a sweat and increase your heart rate, but not make you feel out of breath.  A little trick that I like to use is:  if you cannot hold a conversation with a friend (or person next to you on the cardio machine) then you are going too fast. What does this mean? You should be able to talk the whole time comfortably while doing your cardio; you do not want to be gasping for air in the middle of each sentence, or after each word. Remember you burn fat when oxygen is present, if you’re having a hard time talking, then oxygen is not present.

Why do we want oxygen present? Remember we are doing Aerobics exercising. Aerobics means ‘with oxygen’ which means that oxygen is used in the process. Aerobic exercises are low intensity exercises which will burn fat over a period of time, i.e. walking.

I recommend starting off with a brisk walk. Walking is a great Aerobic exercise and keeps your heart rate at the correct level, but allows you to push yourself.  Your walking can be either outdoors or on a treadmill.  For outdoor walking, try and find a place that is somewhat level, with few hills. Hills are not bad though, as they will help to increase your heart rate and make you work harder. This does not mean you should go and walk up Mount Rushmore, but do not be scared of the hills in your neighborhood. Treadmills are not bad especially during the winter or on rainy days. They keep you at a constant pace, and most machines these days allow you the ability to control your incline. The most important fact to remember when walking on a treadmill is that you are NOT allowed to hold on, it’s cheating! Use your arms when walking. When starting out, keep your pace around 2.5 to 3.0 mph with an incline around 3.0 to 5.0 percent until you are comfortable to increase your speed. As you become more comfortable walking, start to increase your incline. Push yourself, but remember the key is not to hold on.

Remember you do not have to accomplish your 150 minutes at one time. Break it up through the week. Just make sure you are enjoying your start to a healthier you!

About LuckyFit: LuckyFit is LuckyBlog’s special section featuring fitness and training topics for overall health and physical fitness. LuckyFit blogs feature specialized workouts and health tips to help you achieve your fitness goals. LuckyFit exercises are designed by our certified Exercise Science staff journalists with several years of training and fitness education. These tips and routines are designed for people in good health; remember to always consult with your physician before participating in any physical activities.

 4 Comments, latest by Joseph

	Corey Everson – Manual Treadmill

We hear people saying some foods may increase your libido. We always wonder if it’s true or just another myth.

Never heard about peanuts? It’s actually true for men.

Studies indicate that nuts, particularly peanuts may raise testosterone better than other foods. Almonds may do the same trick as well.

How about foods to spark sex drive for women? Basil, avocados and asparagus may increase female libido levels, boosting your sexual stamina.

How about a root that may increase both female and male libido levels? We are talking about Maca.

Maca root is originally from the Andes Mountains of Peru and is a vegetable related to radishes and turnips. The “weird looking” maca contains high levels of protein, fat and minerals and it’s eaten baked, dried or mixed with vegetables. Several Peruvian dishes will have maca root in their recipes.

Native people in the Andes of Peru have been eating maca for over 2000 years. The root is believed to increase sex drive and improve fertility, increasing semen volume and sperm counts.

Studies have proved that maca can really increase libido in both men and women. Some other studies have showed that maca root may maintain a healthy prostate and reduce stress levels as well.

If you are looking for a natural sex enhancer, take a look at maca root. It may be a safe and natural solution to improve your sex life.

Photo: Chris Kilham

 4 Comments, latest by Tim

	Navitas Naturals – Raw Maca Powder – 16 oz.
	Enzymatic Therapy – Maca Tru Energizing Tablets – 30 Tablets