Five Worth Finding: Workout gear, $2 subs, LGBTQ book

1. Lived Experience: Reflections on LGBTQ Life: “Lived Experience,” in this case, refers to 60 LGBTQ people in this country who are older than 50—those who especially have so much to offer. This is a generation that has witnessed incredible tragedy and triumph, a generation that has lived in fear of loving who they love and who has been ravaged by the AIDS epidemic, but who has also witnessed the extraordinary progress in LGBTQ rights, visibility and acceptance that has taken place over the past half-century.

2. TCM Essentials Collection (http://shop.tcm.com/tcm-essentials-collection/762184745626; at a discounted price of $45.95): When you think of TCM, you think of nothing but classic films. The collection features two great guides to must-see cinema (with such stars as Cary Grant, Sidney Poitier and Janet Leigh)—and the company will also include an official TCM mug.

3. Healthy Joe’s $2 subs: At least for the time being, Healthy Joe’s (800 W. Superior St.) is offering oven-toasted subs—through GrubHub—for $2 (yes, $2). Plus, they’re delicious. Varieties include honey bourbon steak (my fave); salmon BLT & ‘Cado; buffalo chicken ‘shroom; black bean steak & ‘Cado; and more. However, the salads and power bowls (which are all $9.99 each) are also worth ordering.

4. Wreck Beach Boozie Freezies (http://WreckBeachSpirits.com; $12.99 for a 12-pack): Some might feel it’s a bit cold for ice pops (even if they are flavored with spirits), but they are certainly worth a try from this LGBTQ-owned company. Flavors include Brisky Frisky Daiquiri, Glacier Margarita, Sunshine on the Rocks (a tropical fruit twist over vodka coconut creme) and VodkaBerry Snow.

5. Nucleus Central Core Pro ($129; http://NucCorePro.com): For those who made that resolution to get in shape, this item may be the key. The Core Pro utilizes Liquid Impact Force Technology and momentum to provide an intense ab workout in 15 minutes.

Windy City Times spoke with Nucleus co-founder Diego Calvo (a model/personal trainer/former soccer player who has a master’s degree in nutrition) about the Core Pro and exercise in general:

Windy City Times: What do you think is the biggest mistake people make while exercising?

Diego Calvo: There’s so much information online that some follow others who have lots of followers—and those people don’t [necessarily] do those workouts [they promote] to get those bodies. And you don’t need a lot of time for workouts; with the Nucleus, you just need about 15 to 20 minutes at a high intensity—and that will have a big impact on your muscles and your body. Intensity is very important.

WCT: And why is a strong core necessary?

DC: Having a core is good for stability, balance and good posture. Everything starts at the core, so having a good foundation is necessary.

WCT: How did you come up with Nucleus?

DC: I have had clients in Spain, France and here. A lot of them—and a lot of people, in general—don’t have much time to work out so I wanted to create something that was quick and effective. And I wanted to use the power of water to generate energy and intensity, but also to stimulate the muscles. We hired a team of engineers to help design the Nucleus project. Anyone can use it.

WCT: There are online workouts?

DC: We have online workouts, and we have two live workouts as well. We have 50 works available on Instagram, but we also have an app. In the app, you’ll find different workouts as well.

WCT: But it’s not all about exercise. What you eat is very important.

DC: Yes—extremely important. You can kill yourself working out, but if you eat more calories than you need then your body will store those calories for the future. Your body doesn’t know that you’re going to the supermarket to recover.

WCT: So are you telling me you never eat cake?

DC: [Laughs] Oh, I eat cake; I love panettone. But you have to have a balance between enjoying life and reaching your goals.