First Step Box is a fitness box curated by a personal trainer who also has a degree in kinesiology. There are quite a few variations on First Step Box; these are designed for people with different fitness goals. This is a review of the “Busy Bee” version, which is a 4-day home workout plan for busy parents.
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: First Step Box
The Cost: The variation I received runs $45 on a month to month basis (that *might* be in Canadian dollars, since this subscription is based out of Canada; this would make the box a little over $30. You can save with longer subscriptions. Shipping is $5 to Canada and $10 to the US.
COUPON: Save 20% off your fist box with code MSA20!
The Products: Gym essentials, healthy snacks, and goal-oriented workouts.
Ships to: US, Canada
Check out more fitness subscriptions in the Fitness Subscription Box Directory and make sure to add First Step Box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Workout and Eating Plan
Instead of an information card, there was a four page workout and eating plan. This is one of the items promised in each box; the “Busy Bee” plan is for parents who don’t have a lot of extra time for exercise and incorporates four days of working out for about 20 minutes each time.
I don’t know how to put a value on this but the information seems well thought out and I like that it is tailored to a specific group of people. Yes, you can find workouts online for free, but they’re not “one size fits all.”
Also included were some cards with advice on how to succeed with a fitness program.
Earbuds (2 pairs) – Value $30
These are promotional items with the First Step Box logo on them so obviously I couldn’t find them online. I took the price from the customs form on the outside of the box (but converted it to US dollars since I think it was in Canadian dollars). I actually don’t have earbuds from any other subscription boxes, believe it or not. I am probably going to put one pair in my office and one in my purse. (Since I work out in my basement, there is not a problem with me blasting music to the whole room…)
BPI Sports Iso HD Cookies & Cream Protein Powder (1.16 oz) – Value $2.50
BPI Sports Iso HD Chocolate Brownie Protein Powder (1.16 oz) – Value $2.50
I actually like getting protein powder samples. I only use about ½ a tablespoon per day in my smoothies so sample packets can last me a week or more. I’ve had this brand before and I’m a fan.
Eflow Enrage Preworkout Supplement (0.29 oz) – Value $1
I have to wait until the weekend to test this out. I have banned myself from taking preworkout supplements on weeknights because I work out after work and all the caffeine keeps me up. But on the weekend, I can exercise earlier in the day so I am saving this until then. Word to the wise: start out with products like this at half strength. Sometimes the flavor can be too much to handle!
Eflow Endure BCAA Supplement (0.34 oz x 2) – Value $2.67
I had a BCAA (branched chain amino acid) supplement from another box. Maybe this is just psychological, but I consumed that one a day or two after a hard strength training workout when I was having some pretty bad delayed onset muscle soreness from the workout. And I think the BCAA supplement really helped me feel better by providing amino acids that my muscles needed to rebuild. Anyway, I’m saving this for the next time I have delayed onset muscle soreness in the hopes that it will help again.
Verdict: I went back and forth on this but didn’t calculate a final value for the March 2016 “Busy Bee” version of First Step Box. The merchandise was worth around $40, give or take, so I think you have to ask yourself if the fitness plan is worth $5 to you. I know a session with a personal trainer would cost a lot more than $5! I am interested to see some of the other plans from First Step Box, which I think will give me a sense of how well tailored these are to their target groups.
What did you think of the March First Step Box?
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