My imaginary country music star best friend is on the cover for June and I could not be more delighted about this. Miranda Lambert is about as “real” and relatable as a woman can be and I just not just her music and gutsy stage presence but also her commitment to help women in abused relationships. (She was one of the very few stars who spoke out against Chris Brown’s participation at the Grammys. 9Good on you Miranda!”
According to her SELF interview—here are reasons you should love her as well.
She doesn’t care about being “stick thin” and would rather be a healthy example to her young fans.
She and her husband Blake Shelton own several rescue dogs.
She actually likes her big butt (and she can’t deny!)
My favorite song by Miranda is called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and for some reason she did NOT record a video for it. So, I will leave you with this You Tube version created by a fan.
So What Else is in the June SELF?
"2012 Healthy Food Awards"
Did you know 10,000 new foods and drinks were introduced to the public this past year? Wow! SELF had 135 readers to try out over 300 products in 71 categories to find the best of the healthiest in the bunch.
"Hot Like Stacy”
Stacy Kiebler has legs up to HERE and gets to date George Clooney so I am guessing she pretty much has nothing to complain about but if you are interested in how she gets those sexy gams—this is the article for you.
“Body Bonus”
Here is the thing, learning to do proper squats and incorporating them to your workouts can help you years later as an older person. Let me explain... by making your core stronger and having the ability to bend up and down properly—you will be more likely to get up and around on your own later on in life.
Here we have celebrity trainer (and coauthor of Your Body, Your Life) Kim Lyons demonstrating lower body moves that will make you look good now and feel good later.
“Rediscovering Life—and Love”
Marie Tillman writes this essay on love and loss. She is the widow of Pat Tillman who famously left a career in the NFL to enlist in the Army after the attacks of 9/11. He was killed in action (most likely by “friendly fire”) in 2004 and Marie discusses how she worked through her grief and eventually found the strength to move on with her life.
“Want to Get Lean? Eat Your Protein!”
The newest research on how protein can help you feel full and lose weight.
“Nice Catch!”
I am learning to love fish but have NO idea how to cook it properly. This feature has me inspired to try some new summery recipes!
The Rest of the Best of the June SELF:
"Fire Your Hired Guns!” As I am typing this post my hair wants to frizz out and go insane from the humidity. This story about how to make your locks behave in the heat is working for me!
"Diagnosis: Skin Cancer" Three women share their scary stories on dealing with skin cancer. (Note to self, make appointment with dermatologist NOW!)
"Your Best Body Ever Starts Now” SELF challenged readers to hit their fitness goals. See how well they did here!
“It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” Do we ever really need an excuse to enjoy a fruity drink? I am personally going to try the Watermelon-Lavender Martini right away.
Overall Grade:
B+ Overall, this is a great issue but I wish it had more workouts featured. Great read to take along pool side and get in the mood for summer.
Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (be sure to note the spelling!)
“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”
05/28/2012
In the meantime..I need "summer song" ideas for a new playlist. What tunes say "summer" to you?
I will back to blogging starting tomorrow. Reviews to come from @WomensHealthMag @goodhealth @SELFmagazine and giveaway from @BootyBarre so get ready!!
Fitness has the adorable model Hollie Witchey of the Marilyn Agency on their June cover wearing a cute TIBI bikini.
So What Else is in the Latest Fitness?
"Just Beachy"
Fitness has a fun shopping page full of cool things to take to the beach including an adorable, portable (and pink!) iPod boom box that I am coveting.
"Great Urban Race"
I have never heard of the Great Urban Race (wwww.greaturbanrace.com) but apparently they take place in over 20 cities in the U.S. and involve running with being on a scavenger hunt. Readers Chelsey Alexander and Christina Goldsmith try out one in Scottsdale, Arizona that involved pink tutus and tossing popcorn. Fun!
“SUNday School”
Summer is right around the corner (yeah!) which means most of us will try to stay outdoors as much as possible. Here we get tips on how to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
“Banish Every Bulge”
Fitness asked Michele Olsen, Ph.D. (who created the Perfect, Legs, Glutes & Abs DVD) to come up with a few all-around body toners you can do at home.
"Sore No More"
If you are like me and tend to use repetitive motions in your workouts (especially runners and cyclists) this page will be most helpful as it shows how to heal common lower body sore spots.
"Can’t Get Enough"
I love my shopping pages and here we get tons of summertime gear that give me the “I wants.” (Especially the Timex Cycle Trainer 2.0 GPS bike computer and heart rate monitor!)
"The Beach Body You Want"
Part 1 of this feature is a workout developed by Holly Rilinger who runs the “superpopular” Training Camp in New York City.
"Size Matters"
In case you are wondering about proper portion sizes for potato chips, pasta, steak, ice cream and more—this is the article you need to read now.
And now the rest of the best of this issue of Fitness:
“Turn Over a New Leaf” Fitness shows us the difference between seven “produce powerhouses.”
"Don’t Sweat It!" Hot summer days can mean sweating like a pig—but not so much if you follow the tips in this article.
"Escape Plan" Not to get too personal here but I am in desperate need for a vacation and this feature talks about some fun & fit places to get away. (Who’s coming with me?)
"Prescription for Danger” Health shortcuts can happen when our lives feel too busy to bother with the details but they can have terrible consequences. (Who else is guilty of eating lunch at your desk?) Fitness offers suggestions on changing these bad habits.
“Girl Meets Grill” Lots of “nom nom”-worthy recipes perfect for summer grilling (Summer grilling—had me a blast. Summer grilling—happened so fast…)
Overall Grade:
A! All right gang, the first summer beach read is on newsstands now!
Today’s giveaway was offered in my goodie bag at the recent Fitness magazine “Meet & Tweet” event—Element: AM & PM YOGA FOR BEGINNERS. It looked pretty cool so I thought it would make for the perfect treat for one lucky winner—you’re welcome!
Here is the official press release for the DVD:
Newest “ELEMENT: Mind & Body” DVDs Star the Nation’s Most Sought-After Pilates and Yoga Experts!
BURBANK, CA –Best-selling author and Pilates pro Brooke Siler has created “Element: Pilates Weight Loss for Beginners,” her first ever DVD. Siler has trained Madonna, Kirsten Dunst, Amber Valletta, and others at her re:AB Pilates studio. Yoga master and Virayoga founder Elena Brower returns to make her second “Element” DVD, “Element: AM & PM Yoga for Beginners.” Brower’s clients include Christy Turlington Burns, Naomi Watts and Gwyneth Paltrow. The DVDs carry a suggested retail price of $14.98 each and will be sold in stores and on www.amazon.com.
Shot in a beautifully serene location overlooking the Pacific Ocean with soothing voiceovers, each “Element” DVD offers anyone a chance to find that moment in the day to strengthen and stretch the body while creating energy, peace and focus within.
As with the first two “Element” DVDs, Anchor Bay will continue as a corporate sponsor of the Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org). For every four DVDs that are purchased, the Foundation plants one tree in a national forest. The “Element” packaging is printed on recycled paper. In 2008 alone, Anchor Bay customers have helped fund the planting of more than 20,000 trees through this partnership.
In Brower’s new “Element: AM & PM Yoga for Beginners” DVD, one can choose from either of two complete 30-minute programs. The AM practice brings focus to the day while invigorating and streamlining the body. The PM practice is designed to melt away stress and bring balance between the mind, body and breath. No props are required beyond a yoga mat.
Brower is the owner of Virayoga, an Anusara yoga studio in New York’s Soho neighborhood. She has been practicing for over 15 years; studying Anusara yoga with John Friend since 2000. Brower is also certified in OM yoga and is currently exploring self-mastery with Hugo Cory.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.
About Anchor Bay Entertainment
Anchor Bay Entertainment is a division of Starz Media, LLC. Starz Media is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Film Roman, Anchor Bay Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming – including theatrical films – and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters, broadcasters, ad supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the U.S. and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Capital Group.
Here is a clip of the workout so you can get an idea of it for yourself:
You can follow the makers of this DVD, Anchor Bay Entertainment, on Facebook at “Anchor Bay Entertainment Fitness” and on Twitter @AnchorBayEntFit
If you are interested in getting a copy of this DVD-- all you have to do is just hit me up either by posting on this Blog or reaching out to me via Twitter @BrooklynFitChik (Continental U.S. only please.)
I will randomly pick the lucky winner next Tuesday, May 22ndat Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!
Ox Ox,
BFC
Brooklyn Fit Chick
Follow me on Twitter: “BrooklynFitChik” (note the spelling!)
I love my Bravo TV so seeing Bethenny Frankel on the cover made me smile. She has come a looong way from being a contestant on Martha Stewart’s reality to running an empire. Now she can add novelist to her list of accomplishments (Skinnydipping is on sale now.)
Anyhoo, Bethenny has a few pieces of solid advice to offer from this interview and here are my favorite things she said:
Eat Good Stuff
Send thank-you cards
Never wear culottes, balloon pants or acid wash
Bethenny was photographed by Robert Erdmann and wears a cute striped dress by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel on the cover.
So What Else is in the May SELF?
"Drop 10"
This month’s “DROP10” workout was developed by the very for gals from www.ToneItUp.com, Katrina Hodgson and Karena Dawn and features some very easy-to-follow moves that will you get “firmer with every rep.”
"2012 Healthy Beauty Awards”
SELF decided to give over 1200 of their readers over 1300 new products to try out and then pick the best of the bunch. Here get everything including the top notch products for skin, hair, makeup, sun protection and nails.
“Cute Suits for Every Body”
That would be bathing suits and indeed they have some super-cute options for whatever your body type.
“Breathe Easy!”
My allergies have ne in absolute misery this season (Carla at Miz Fit Online can relate!) so these types of articles that offer good advice on clearing up the air around me are especially welcome. Do any of you have allergies? How do you handle them? I am in agony here!
“Jillian from the Heart”
Jillian Michaels is a Momma! This essay details the famous trainer’s first few days with her newly adopted two-year old daughter who was born in Haiti. Congratulations Jillian! (I am typing this on Mother’s Day which makes this story really sweet in my opinion.)
Cat Deeley
The star of TV’s So You Think You Can Dance has some pretty amazing abs and in this article shows us some moves developed by Toronto-based trainer Joshua Lipsey who created the “TransCoremation” program. (C2Coreconcept.com)
The Rest of the Best of the May SELF:
"Staying on Point” I really enjoyed this essay by Katherine B. Weissman who had always enjoyed dance but could never go “on toe.” After being laid off from her job she found the time and determination to tackle the barre. Good for you Katherine!
"Get Off the Deathbed!" I have a terrible confession—I enjoy indoor tanning. Shocking for a fitness Blogger but there you go. I won a few sessions at an office holiday party a few years ago and kind of got hooked on having a little color on my pale legs. But I know I need to quit and maybe this article will finally make me.
"Wanna be a Big Shot?” Tips from FOS’s (friends of SELF) that teach us how to live the life we dream.
“You Call This Breakfast?” Skipping breakfast can cause havoc on your health. Really! Here get ideas on what to grab on the go that will actually nourish you in the morning.
“Clear Your Skin” A friend of mine once told me that good hair and good skin will carry you through any social situation with confidence. SELF beauty editors offer us advice on how to clear up any skin issues with this article.
Overall Grade:
A-This month's issue is fun & informative. Me likey!