Brooklyn Fit Chick

Meet a Blogger! @WorkoutNirvana Suzanne

 

 

“Meet a Blogger/Workout Nirvana/Suzanne”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

 

 

Today at “Meet a Blogger” I bring you Suzanne of Workout Nirvana who hails from Texas, is now based in Denver and sports some serious muscles on her lithe frame!  

 

Seriously, she is one cool chick and if you are a fan of smart women who wish to be strong as well-you will like Workout Nirvana.

 

Link to Suzanne’s Blog:  http://www.workoutnirvana.com/

 

Twitter Name:  @WorkoutNirvana

 

Facebook page: WorkoutNirvana

 

Here is photo of our fabulous gal: 

 

 

 

 

Questions from Brooklyn Fit Chick:

• What is the name of your Blog?
  Workout Nirvana

 

• How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?
  Workout Nirvana is about feeling empowered in the weight room and letting the strength you gain from weight lifting carry over to inner strength. I believe weights can not only transform your body but inspire killer self-confidence!

 

 

• How did you get interested in writing?
  I’ve always been a writer. Professionally, I’ve been a technical writer for the last 15 years working for software companies. Workout Nirvana is the perfect way to blend writing and my passion for weight lifting, especially now that I’m working on my personal training certification.

 

 

• What is your favorite workout?
  Weights! I love to lift heavy – it’s the best way to build lean body mass while also burning calories. Combined with a lean diet, weight lifting can truly transform your body - and your life.

 

 

• Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”
  My heroes are women who’ve made a commitment to weight lifting. You can easily identify them in the weight room – they’re the ones who exude confidence and “own it.”

 

 

• The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?
  I was in a car accident 11 years ago that gave me severe whiplash. I quit lifting weights for years because I was fearful of making it worse. I’d have to lay down several times a day and didn’t feel in the least bit strong. It was only when I joined a gym class and started with two-pound weights that I gradually worked my way back up to lifting heavy. My neck has only benefited from weight lifting and my whole body is strong again. It proved to me that weight lifting help with healing and need not be avoided.

 

• Besides your Blog—what are you favorite reads?
  I love Oxygen magazine because it has straight-forward, useful information about weight lifting. I also enjoy reading fitness blogs and anything else fitness-related.

 

 

 

• How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”
  When I first got back into working out consistently, I forced myself to go some days. I’d waffle and say I didn’t want to go, but I went anyway. I learned that working out makes me feel better in every way and I don’t want to miss out on that.

 

 

• Favorite place in the world to chill out.
  I love hanging out on the deck out back, but I don’t find myself chilling out too often – I’m an on-the-go person.

 

 

• Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?
  First and foremost my sister. I also have some incredibly funny friends. Humor is something I value highly, and anyone who can make me laugh is a fast friend.

 

Thank you Suzanne!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag July/August Issue

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: July/August 2011

 

 

  
 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for July/August: 

The new leading lady in the Transformers franchise, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who comes from a modeling background, is beautiful, young and dating actor Jason Statham. But let’s not hate her for being lucky and blessed—from the interview she seems to be a very nice British lass who does not take her good fortune for granted.

 

Rosie stars in Transformers: Dark of the Moon (there is no dark side of the moon—it’s all dark) and in order to get in shape for the 14-hour shooting days she employed “movement specialist” Jason Walsh. We are talking running, lunges, planks, Plyometrics and all kinds of craziness to  handle some of the stunt work that she had to handle during the filming.

 

Rosie was photographed James White for Women’s Health.

 

 

 

 

So what else is in the July/August issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“Gear Factory”

Here we have a full page of gear that comes with some high-tech features including an LED-equipped hat for night running and a pair of sunglasses with nose pads that will not tangle your hair if you rest it on the top of your head—genius.

 

 

  

 

  

  
Stephen Moyer:  

The star of HBO’s True Blood talks about his love for his feisty wife Anna Paquin and his ability bring orchids back from the brink of death—really!

 

 

 

 

“Kicking and Dreaming”

This is a terrific story! Women’s Health introduces us to a women’s soccer team in Afghanistan whose player fight for the right to play. The young players have to overcome objections from all directions including from family, friends and neighbors.

 

 

 

 

“Double Down on Results”

Grab your favorite workout buddy and try some of these moves to kick up your gym routine.

 

 

 

 

“Score a Bikini Body Now!”

While I think you can wear a bikini any old time you want—here we get some great ideas to get healthy for a day of lying around and reading magazines which is what I do at the beach!

 

 

 
 
 

And now the rest of the best of this issue of Women’s Health:

• "Build a Better Salad" Women’s Health encourages us to toss away the dull ingredients and try some fun stuff with these salad ideas.
• "East/West" I get very skeptical when people talk about “alternative medicine” but there have been some very interesting findings with some eastern practices including meditation and acupuncture.
• "Your Power Center" Your thyroid can really bring havoc on your health if it isn’t working properly. I have friends dealing with this right now and it is no joke.
• "Be a Beach Babe, Aussie Style" My brother moved to Australia a few years ago and has seem more than his fair share of hot babes Down Under. Women’s Health scores us some of their favorite beauty tips.   
• "Your Body on a Margarita" What happens physiologically when you sip one of these powerful drinks.  

 

Overall Grade: 

B A good summer read with a nice mix of beauty, health and world news.     

 

You can check out Women’s Health online as well: link here.

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

Meet a Blogger @poiseinparma Alicia

 

 

“Meet a Blogger/Poise in Parma/Alicia”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

 

Today’s Blogger makes me smile for many reasons but mainly because:

• She is just about one of the nicest people ever.
• She actually took my up on my offer to take my old ball chair! (see below)

 

 

• She was one of the first people I met at Fitbloggin’ and right away made plans with me to power walk when I first arrived. ((Look Mom! I made a friend right away!)

 

Anyhoo, this is where you can find my pal Alicia from Poise in Parma: http://poiseinparma.com

 

You can find her on Twitter: @poiseinparma

 

In case you didn’t know (and I sure didn’t!) Parma is a neighborhood in the Cleveland area which is where our gal is from.

 

Here is Alicia on her first day at Fitbloggin’:

 

 

 

So let’s get to meeting her shall we?

 

 

 

Questions from Brooklyn Fit Chick:

 

What is the name of your Blog?

Poise in Parma (http://poiseinparma.com)

 

 

How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?

My blog is a healthy balance blog for Clevelanders. It’s about embracing my hometown & my fit lifestyle here in Northeastern Ohio. The topics range from my half-marathon training, healthy recipes for entertaining, events in Cleveland and ramblings about my golden retriever Grady.

 

 

How did you get interested in writing?

My mom was instrumental in developing my skill as a writer. She noticed that it was one of my strengths when I was a child and she gave me confidence to write. It was her encouragement that inspired me to start my blog in 2009. I knew that with her, I would always have at least one reader!

 

 

What is your favorite workout?

While I’m currently on a runner’s high, it’s hard to pick between cardio kickboxing and a hot vinyasa yoga session. As long as I’m sweating buckets, I’m happy!

 

 

Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?

Two of my aunts – my Aunt Kathy and my Aunt Linda – were my inspiration to get moving. Growing up, I remembered my Aunt Kathy living an active lifestyle around our town: always going for rides on her bike and taking group fitness classes during her lunch breaks.  My Aunt Linda was one of my inspirations to take up running. She did all of her training for the Paris Marathon on a treadmill – including her longest run of 22 miles! After a chat we had while hiking last summer, her motivation sparked me to sign up for my first half-marathon.

 

 

The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?

While it doesn’t sounds like physical challenge, I consider mine to be overcoming my issues with anxiety and depression. While most would consider it a mental challenge, it takes a toll on you physically as well.  At my lowest points, I have zero interest in leaving my bed – and that’s no way to live your life.

 

 

What is favorite TV guilty pleasure?

I am a huge Top Chef nerd. I find a trained chef’s level of ability to be fascinating. They create some amazing cuisine in ridiculous situations some episodes! The insider’s look into their techniques and thought processes really inspires me to learn how to recreate versions of those dishes at home.

 

 
(Courtesy of Bravo TV) 

 

 

How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”

I leave little reminders of my fitness accomplishments and goals around my house. I keep my Walt Disney World Half Marathon medal hanging on my refrigerator to remind myself of that day & how happy I was. 

 

 
(Here is Alicia with her medal after the race!)

 

To keep me on my training plan for my next set of 13.1 miles, I put a postcard for the United States Air Force Half Marathon on my bedroom mirror. It’s the first thing I see when I wake up - it’s hard to ignore when I’m trying to talk myself out of an early morning training run.

 

 

Favorite place in the world to chill out.

On a regular basis, my yoga mat. But on a recent weekend getaway, I found that Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York is a close second. You can’t help but relax when surrounded in such a beautiful and peaceful setting.

 

 

Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?

The rest of “Team Poise in Parma”: my husband and my dog.  My dog – AKA the PIP VP of Fuzz – is the happiest golden retriever in the world. Grady’s fuzzy face always brings a smile to mine.  Hans – AKA the PIP Director of Husbandry – is my rock. We’ve been together since high school so he knows all the tricks to bring me back to a positive and happy mind set.

 

Thank you Alicia!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessRXWomen @MensHealthMag @MoreMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of FitnessRX, Men’s Health and More

 

 

Hi everyone! It’s hot, hot, hot outside and that makes me happy because when the heat it too much to be outside—I can just curl up indoors with some of my favorite magazines. So why don’t we dive into some fun summer issues shall we?

 

 

 

 
 

 

FitnessRX: August 2011 issue

•  “Nutrition RX Info-Bits” Excellent information here with my favorite piece about high-protein diets reduce stress of intense training.
• “Get Over it and Go!” Advice on how to let the little things go when you are trying to train.   
• "Ab, Thigh and Butt Blaster" Here we meet Canadian bikini pro Justine Munro gives her advice for getting your bottom half in top shape. (She’s on the cover too!)  
• "What’s the Single Best Exercise for Fitness & Fat Loss" The experts weigh in on what’s the best exercise for aerobics, walking, resistance training, squats and Plyometrics.
• "Eat More, lose More" FitnessRX offers an eating plan that will help you lose weight without starving yourself.
• “The 72-Hour Metabolic Booster Workout” A workout plan that will get your body in shape or kill you trying (just kidding!)
• “52 tips for a Knockout Body” The Biggest Loser coach Cara Castronuova gives her favorite tips for getting healthy and strong.
• “Piloxing” This is a workout from dancer/singer Heather Morris that combines Pilates, Boxing and Dancing and is supposed to be amazing. I just bought this DVD so I will review soon. Check back!

Check out FitnessRX online at this link.

 

 

 

 
 

 

Men’s Health: August 2011 issue

I just LOVE this magazine because there is actually useful advice for both men and women in regards to health, fitness and wellness.

• “Slay Your Workout Demons” Stephen Moyer of HBO’s True Blood is not only the nicest sounding guy in the world but he has a fantastic bod due to hard work and a strict diet. Anyone know if he has a brother?
• “Beat Your Chest Hair” If your fella (or if you are a fella that) has hair issues—this guide will help you.
• “Where Sit Happens” Men’s Health lists the Most Sedentary Cities in America. (Sorry Lexington, Kentucky!).  
• "How to Do Everything Better" In case you want to build the ultimate tree house, break in a Baseball hat or “score on the fast break.”
• "Ditch the Diet, Lose the Weight" A very sensible plan from Men’s Health to get you on the road to good health.
• “How to Support a Woman (in All the Right Ways)” 30 Rock actor John Lutz talks about learning to communicate his love and support for his wife Sue. Made me go “awwwwww.”
• “Spelunking My Colon” Writer Eric Adams discusses his mother’s death to colon cancer and his own search for his chances of getting the disease himself.
• “5 Fishy Food Claims” How food marketing created confusion on the store shelves and how the average consumer can make wise choices.

 You can check out Men’s Health site at this link.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More:  July/August 2011 issue

In the editor’s letter, Lesley Jane Seymour talks about a diet plan she follows created by a woman based in Harlem who runs a wellness nonprofit—Lyn-Genet Recitas. Any of your familiar with her? I am very curious!

• Helena Bonham Carter: The quirky and talented actress talks about her unusual upbringing as well as her love of using costumes as outerwear.
• "Sun Damage" Luckily most of us are being careful about sun exposure which is why ladies in their 30s and 40s are looking foxy and not all grizzly, sun-damaged.
• “America’s Favorite Pastime? Judging Women.” Loved, loved, loved this article. Journalist Deborah Copaken Kogan talks about the sexual violence against female journalists around the world. Smart stuff.
• “One Smart Kookie” Smart, funny and well-grounded actress Lisa Kudrow talks about how she keeps her life sane in a crazy business.
• “Swept Away” Yay! A summer reading guide guaranteed to keep all of us entertained this summer.
• “This Lady Talks Trash” Former Sea Captain Mary Crowley talks about her goal to rid the pacific ocean of trash.
• “America’s Next Diet Guru?” Lyn-Genet Recitas run Neighborhood Holistic in Harlem and has helped many people lose weight and relieve pain by following a rather unusual plan that does NOT include salmon, oatmeal, asparagus, mushrooms, Greek yogurt and more. Read this article and tell me what YOU think. I am skeptical but intrigued.

Check out More online at their link here.

  

That's all she wrote for now folks. Keep coming back and I will keep you updated on the latest news, reviews, silly videos, playlists, giveaways and all good things that make life worth living. Who can beat that?

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) 

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

Giveaway Time! @AllYou magazine & Mott's Garden Blend Review

 

 

Super-Fun Giveaway Time!

All You Magazine Giveaway

&

Mott’s Garden Blend Review

 

 

 

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

I have a fun giveaway for the first 25 people who ask me for it. All You magazine has a special health issue out right now (I received mine for free from them) and I have a few copies that want to get into your hands!

 

From the All You peeps:

ALL YOU Magazine Presents Third-annual Health and Fitness Issue

New York, NY – The editors of ALL YOU magazine reveal 12 inexpensive home essentials to help readers lose weight  in 2011 in their annual health and fitness-focused special issue, on newsstands at Walmart stores nationwide through April 15^th. Sticky notes, DVR remotes, and even picture frams can all help stave cravings and should all be consider part of your diet toolbox. 

ALL YOU magazine collaborated with sparkpeople.com, the Web’s leading weight-loss and fitness site, with 10 million members, to create this special.  The 112-page issue includes hundreds of ideas to help readers slim down, eat right and exercise. Readers can whip up one of 11 healthy recipes from SparkPeople’s Chef Meg; do a new strength-building workout; learn smart snacking strategies; dance off pounds to a workout DVD; and be inspired by the weight loss success stories of five SparkPeople members.  The issue is packed with tips on leading a healthier lifestyle in 2011.

12 Everyday Items to Achieve Weight-Loss Goals

• A premeasured serving bowl to control portions
• A small plate to make meals look bigger
• An oil mister to add taste without calories
• A food journal to track food intake
• Nail polish to calm cravings
• A tall, skinny glass to limit calories from drinks

 

To link or read the complete list of 12 items, go to http://www.allyou.com/diet-fitness/diet/help-weight-loss-00411000070894

Also in the issue:

TRIM AND TONE IN 10 MINUTES – SparkPeople Coach Nicole Nichols shares strength moves to build muscle and blast fat. http://www.allyou.com/diet-fitness/at-home-workouts/at-home-exercises-00411000070995/

60 SECONDS TO A HEALTHIER YOU - Learn how to be healthier in just about 60 seconds with these simple tips. http://www.allyou.com/diet-fitness/diet/how-to-be-healthier-00411000070923

12 SERIOUS REASONS TO LOSE WEIGHT - Forget fitting into smaller jeans, slimming down can save your life. http://www.allyou.com/diet-fitness/diet/weight-loss-for-health-00411000070873

 

Are you curious about this issue?

All you need to do is post here and/or contact me on Twitter @BrooklynFitChik and All You will send directly to the first 25 people who respond. (Continental U.S. only please!)

 

Easy peasy, right folks?

 

And what about Mott’s Garden Blend?

 

 

I was lucky to get a couple of bottles of Mott’s Garden Blend to my attention and it was so yummy!

 

Don’t know about you-but in the summertime I have such a yen for tomato juice and vegetable juice on a hot day.

 

Recently the folks at Mott’s sent me some samples and they were the perfect treat for late-afternoon sluggies plus (and this is just my opinion) they also make a Bloody Mary!

 

Here is some nutritional information about Mott’s Garden Blend:

• Key Information & Nutritional Facts (per serving):

–         100% Vegetable Juice:

• Made with Tomato, Celery, Carrot, Parsley juices.
• Mott’s differentiates Garden Blend’s taste by also using Green Pepper, Onion, and Dill juices.
• Lighter texture than other vegetable juices.

–         2 “MyPyramid” Vegetable Servings per 8 oz glass.

–         45 calories per 8 oz glass (Original).

–         Excellent Source of Vitamins A&C

–         Good Source of Potassium .

–         A Heart Healthy beverage.

 

Don’t take my word for it—go try it for yourself! It’s on sorts of store shelves.

   

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

Check me out! I am guesting posting on "Kat Does Diets" today. Check it out here:

http://katdoesdiets.blogspot.com/2011/06/brooklyn-fit-chick-guest-post-why-i.html

Meet a Blogger! @myfitcoach Jenn

 

 

Meet a Blogger/Personal Fit Coach/Jenn

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

 

I am really happy to bring you a new fitness buddy of mine—Jenn from Personal Fit Coach, Jenn is New England-based and has some really great arms she likes to show off (and should!)  Let’s learn some more about her shall we?

 

Where to find her:

Blog - PersonalFitCoach.com

Biz - CoachJennsFitness.net

Facebook: http://facebook.com/personalfitcoach

 

You can find her at Twitter: @myfitcoach

 

Here is a photo posing with her guns!

  

 

 

(Forgive me but I had margin troubles with this post for some reason today!)

  

 

Questions from Brooklyn Fit Chick:

• What is the name of your Blog?

            Personal Fit Coach

 

 

• How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?
  My goal is to help my readers make health and wellness a priority. I aim to provide my readers with the information to help make the choices that will work for them. I also love providing reviews and giveaways too.  This sounds so serious. Don’t worry, my posts are often fun and humorous too!

 

 

 

• How did you get interested in writing?
  I have been interested in journaling throughout my life so I decided to take this interest to blogging. Once I realized that people were actually following me, I wanted to branch out and share health and fitness information in addition to my own personal story.

 

 

 

• What is your favorite workout?
  That is a tough one to answer. I love so many different workouts. Right now, I am doing a blend of P90X, Insanity and Sports Performance workouts at the gym. I also try to get in at least one yoga session a week to relax and stretch my muscles from all that intense training.

 

 

 

• Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”

        Since I recently attended the Team Beachbody National Summit, I am so in love with all of the trainers. Shaun T. from Insanity and Hip Hop Abs is my new fitness crush. He is just too cute and so nice as well. I also Tony Horton. The man is the new Jack LaLanne. At 52, he is in amazing shape and continues to be an inspiration.

 

I also love Chalene Johnson. She has built quite a fitness empire while still balancing life and family. As a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom, she is truly inspiring to me.

Chalene’s link: http://www.turbokick.com/index.php?content=chalene ‘

 

 

• The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?
  After having my kids, I put on quite a bit of weight. In addition, I struggled with post partum anxiety and depression. I had to really push myself to make healthy choices in order to bring about change in my life. I started with just 10-15 minutes on my exercise bike and slowly built up to Turbo Jam, then P90X. I was so thrilled by my results that I decided to become a fitness coach and then a certified personal trainer. I want other moms in similar situations to know that they are not alone and that they can overcome challenges and obstacles as well.

 

 

• Besides your Blog—what are you favorite reads?
  I am a fitness magazine junkie. I read Health, Self, Fitness, Women’s Health, and many more. As for Blogs, I love The Fitness Cheerleader, Workout Mommy and MizFitOnline.

 

 

 

• What is favorite TV guilty pleasure?
  Right now, I am LOVING So You Think You Can Dance. I just love watching these amazing young people pursue their passions. “Young people” – jeez, I sound like a grandma, but many of them really seem like kids to me. Anyway, I also love watching what the human body is capable of. They are just inspiring and beautiful to watch!

 

 
(So You Think You Can Dance 2011 Contestants)

 

 

• If you could trade places with a specific person from any time in history (past or present) for one day—who would it be and why?
  I would love to know what it’s like to be Ellen DeGeneres. She just seems like the nicest person and is able to manage her fame and stay happy. It would be so much fun to host her show and meet some of her guest for a day. I’d also love to just dance through her audience like she does each day. What a thrill!

 

 

 

 

• How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”
  Surrounding myself with women who have similar goals helps so much. For example, when I was going through P90X for the first time, I joined a message boards with others going through the same stages as me. When Nelly in Alaska said she was working out even though she had been up all night with a sick child, that motivated me to get off my butt and do it to.

 

         I even enlist my family for help. If I say, “mommy does not feel like working out today,” my daughter will say, “common Mommy, it will make you strong and healthy.” I guess I’m training her well. LOL!

 

 

• Favorite place in the world to chill out.
  When I was on my honeymoon, there was a hammock right next to the ocean on the Big Island of Hawaii. That was pure BLISS! I’d love to chill out there every day.

 

 

• Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?
  My kids for sure. They crack me up. Of course they drive me nuts sometimes, but they usually just make me smile and lift my spirits.

 

Thank you Jenn!

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

Meet a Blogger! @MrsFatass (aka Sue)

 

 

“Meet a Blogger/Mrs. Fatass/Sue”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

  

 

 

Today we have a gal that cracked me up (along with @workoutmommy whom I am dying to interview as well, hint hint!) so much during lunch at Fitbloggn’ that I had ice tea coming through my nose! Sue is a super fun lady who Blogs about all sorts of health & fitness topics and it is my pleasure to introduce her to a few more folks.

 

Here is her Blog address: http://mrsfatass.com/

 

You can find her at Twitter: @MrsFatass

 

And finally, a picture of lovely Sue:

 

 

 

 

What is the name of your Blog?

My website is called MrsFatass.com. That’s also my Twitter handle - @MrsFatass. But a lot of people have trouble calling me that to my face. So, you can just call me Sue.

 

 

 

How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?

If you’ve never been to my blog, overall it’s about trying to live a healthier life. But being that I’m a wife, a mom, a student, and kind of a dork, there’s lots more than food journals or workout logs. In fact, you won’t find much of that on my blog at all.

 

Mostly I tell stories about my life as all those things. Sometimes they’re funny, sometimes they’re touching, but they’re always honest. This healthy living stuff isn’t always so easy.

 

 

How did you get interested in writing?

I’m a creative person. I was an actress most of my life, and when I decided to leave that life behind, I needed another outlet for that creative expression. I’ve always been a diary keeper, so the blog seemed a logical next step. I’ve been blogging since April of 2009.

 

 

What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout right now is Zumba. It’s been a lot of fun to put to use all those years and years of dance training I had as a girl and as an actress. I’m actually becoming a teacher, too. But I don’t want to mislead anyone; I work out because I HAVE to, not because it comes naturally to me or because I enjoy it. I really don’t.

 

Because of that, I change things up a lot to try to stay interested. I take a lot of advantage of the classes at my gym to keep things varied. After Zumba I think I enjoy spinning the most, if it’s possible to enjoy such torture.

 

 

Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”

My fitness heroes? Well, mostly I find heroic the regular everyday people who battle their own demons to get fit. My Dad began working out regularly 20 years ago, and since then has faced numerous health problems, some of them life threatening. Many doctors credit his ability to endure these things to his dedication to regular exercise.

 

Since becoming part of the health and fitness blogosphere, I’ve come to  know people like Sean from Learn Fitness, TJ from TJs Test Kitchen, and Ryan from NoMoreBacon. These people are fitness heroes to me because of their commitment to their goals, and their honesty about their own strengths and weaknesses. They are the people who inspire me to get up and moving every day.

 

 

The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?

I’ve accomplished some physical things I’m really proud of. Aside from making and having babies, which is a huge physical accomplishment, I also walked in an Avon 3-day walk. That’s 60 miles over the course of those 3 days, and I was pregnant with my son at the time, too.

 

 

Besides your Blog—what are you favorite reads?

I read lots and lots of blogs – I have well over a hundred on my blogroll - and I allow myself an hour every morning to read while I drink coffee. But because its summer and I’ve taken a semester off of school, I’m trying to read more books again. I just finished big girl small by Rachel DeWoskin. It was excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

What is the reality show you make sure to never miss?

My TV guilty pleasure is Bravo. I love that channel. ALL the Housewives, ALL the Top Chefs, and ohmygosh, Flipping Out! Love them all.

(Editor’s note; me too!)

 

   

(Sneak peak of new season of Flipping Out! courtesy of BravoTV.com)

 

 

Who would you love to trade places with for just one day?

I think I would want to be Meryl Streep winning an Oscar. I spent so much of my life as an actress, and she has always been one of my favorite performers. I’d love to know what it feels like to be surrounded by admiring peers, and WINNING.

 

 

How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”

When I need motivation I do lots of things. I text MizFit, who always makes me laugh and feel happy. I read blogs. I make a really delicious salad. I turn music on and play it loud and dance with my kids.

 

 

Favorite place in the world to chill out.

My chill out place is the beach. Really any body of water will do, even a bathtub. But my perfect happy place is on the beach late in the day. It’s good for my soul.

 

 

Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?

Joel McHale makes me laugh. When I need a boost I look for an episode of The Soup. That guy is funny.

 

 

Thanks so much Sue!

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @Allure_magazine @GQMagazine @OxygenMagazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Allure, GQ and Oxygen

 

I have a stack of magazines to get through and they won’t recap themselves—so let’s get to it shall we?

 

 

 
 

Allure: July 2011 issue

• Fergie: Finally they have someone on the cover I can get behind! Fergie herself is on the cover and she looks amazing. The busy singer talks about her Super Bowl performance (could have been better,) those plastic surgery rumors (nope,) and her strict diet and exercise routine that keeps her in stage-ready shape.
• Liz Taylor: A loving tribute to the feisty, violet-eyed actress who passed away in March at the age of 79 by Rebecca Mead. I always admired Taylor’s charity work but wish she had given up the fur coats decades ago. .
• "Secrets of the Drugstore" An excellent guide on how to get the best product for skin, nails and hair that won’t bust your budget. Plus celebrity drugstore favorites.
• "Insider’s Guide: How to Grill a Perfect Steak" This is a lifelong quest for me.
• "Diet Right" Dining strategies for your particular “food personality.”

  Check out Allure magazine online at: Allure magazine link.

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

GQ: July 2011 issue

There is a stunning young man on the cover, Chris Evans, who apparently plays “Captain America” in an upcoming film. Have zero idea who he is but don’t care. Seriously, he is HOT!

 

• “Oh My Heck, It’s Raining Mormons” Mitt Romney running for President and The Book of Mormon winning a Tony (got my ticket for August 13^th!)—looks like Mormons are gaining a foothold in popular culture according to this interesting essay from Tom Carson.
• "Blow-Up" Schlocky and extremely popular movie director Michael Bay is discussed and dissected by a bunch of folks who have worked for him and/or mentored him. Some of the quotes are interesting and others are unintentionally hilarious. You read it for yourself and see if you know what I am talking about.
• “Self-Evaluation: Are You a P*ssy?” GQ actually took the time to create a survey that ostensibly will let a dude know whether or not he is a wimp. Or sort of female-ish. Can’t think of one man in my life who would bother with it but what the hell do I know really? I am an alpha-female!
• “The Celebrity Rehab of Dr. Drew” Confession time, I used to watch Celebrity Rehab on VH-1. Then I realized it was a total crock and exploited frail and unlikeable (for the most part) narcissists. Natasha Vargas-Cooper tries to figure what makes Dr. Drew tick and how sincere he is about the recovery of the past celebrities featured on the show.
• “Graduation Day” This one really got to me. Chris Heath writes about a group of students who were caught in the tsunami in northeast Japan this past March.

 

Check out GQ’s web site here: GQ magazine link.  

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: July 2011 issue

• “Fitness Model Faves" I always love to find out what beauty products women who exercise frequently use to look fresh and not-so-sweaty. Well now I know courtesy of a few top fitness models.
• “Fat-Burning Taters” The often maligned vegetable by the “no carb” crew gets a makeover with these yummy recipes.
• “Fat-Proof Your Summer” What you should throw on the grill this summer that will be not only super-tasty but also good for you.
• Elisabeth Hasselback: The cover star talks about her personal fitness goals plus shares her favorite workout.
• “Shape Your Glutes” Tosca Reno offers her personal routine to get her rear end in shape.
• “Kick Up Your Cardio” How to include kickboxing into your workout to gain muscle tone and burn calories.
• “Oxygen’s 30 Ultimate Fitness Adventures” Excellent ideas to challenge your body this summer while having fun.

 

Check out Oxygen online: at Oxygenmag.com

 

That's all she wrote for now folks. Keep coming back and I will keep you updated on the latest news, reviews, silly videos, playlists, giveaways and all good things that make life worth living. Who can beat that?

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Follow Me On Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!) 

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

Meet a Blogger! @FITNESSkarla @karla522 "Healthful Bites" & "The Fit Stop"

 

 

“Meet a Blogger/Healthful Bites & The Fit Stop/Karla W.”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

 

Today I am bringing you a lovely gal I became friendly with last fall and is just about the nicest & coolest chick in the world—Karla W. from Healthful Bites and FITNESS magazine’s The Fit Stop.

Karla was nice enough to feature me on The Fit Stop and it is my absolute pleasure to return the favor.     

So let’s get to gettin’ shall we?

 

This is where you can find her on the web :

Healthful Bites link: http://healthfulbitesblog.com/

FITNESS link: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/

The Fit Stop Link: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/blogs/fitstop/

 

You can find her at Twitter: @FITNESSkarla and @karla522

 

And finally, a picture of lovely Karla:

 

 

 

 

What is the name of your magazine or Blog?

 Healthful Bites (my personal blog), FITNESS Magazine and The Fit Stop (the work blog that I edit)!

 

 

How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?

Healthful Bites takes a light-hearted view at the latest health news and research. I also enjoy sharing new workout ideas (via video!) and my experiments trying recipes—although they’re almost always recipes others wrote first that I tweak, since I’m not the most creative in the kitchen!

 

FITNESS Magazine motivates women to embrace small changes to improve their overall health, since these steps really add up! It offers beauty, fitness, health and nutrition tips in a fun, attractive package.

 

The Fit Stop is basically your daily dose of FITNESS. The editors share interviews with experts and celebrities, personal exercise tales and highlight other bloggers.

 

 

How did you get interested in writing?

I stumbled upon my love for journalism my senior year in high school when I joined the school newspaper staff. In college, I double majored in magazine journalism and kinesiology, and started my blog during my senior year of college to keep my skills sharp and learn more about the web!

 

 

What is your favorite workout?

You can’t beat how handy workout DVDs are. At the moment, I’m lovin’ Ripped in 30 by Jillian Michaels, Ultimate Cardio Body by Bob Harper and pretty much anything by Cathe Friedrich.

 

I’m also a HUGE SoulCycle fan. The pumpin’ beats and cardio/strength combo makes the time fly! Riders get their sweat on in a SoulCycle class. It’s intense!

 

Ripped in 30 link: http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-Ripped-30/dp/B004CRR9IS

Ultimate Cardio Body link: http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Harper-Ultimate-Cardio-Body/dp/B004FUYSUE/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1306962028&sr=1-1

Cathe link: http://cathe.com/

SoulCycle link: http://www.soul-cycle.com/

 

 

 

Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”

There are way too many to list them all, but Dara Torres, Jillian Michaels, the Williams sisters, Bethany Hamilton and Team Hoyt are certainly included.

 

Here is a picture of Karla with Jillian!

 

 

 

 

The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?

My struggle with anorexia during a few of my teen years was a big battle for me both physically and mentally.

Personal Story Link: http://healthfulbitesblog.com/post/3514910732/personal-story-national-eating-disorders-awareness

 

 

Besides your magazine/Blog—what are you favorite reads?

I’m an avid reader—and this has only increased due to my daily commute. I subscribe to FITNESS (of course), SELF, Shape, Health, Women’s Health, Ladies Home Journal, and People (my guilty pleasure). And books are always on the menu too! Memoirs and non-fiction humor tales are among recent reads (The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers, Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers and Lies That Chelsea Handler Told Me).

 

Bucolic Plague Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061997838/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=14ZPSC6MJBDWEXWH8V73&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Stiff Link: http://www.amazon.com/Stiff-Curious-Lives-Human-Cadavers/dp/0393050939

Chelsea Handler Link: http://www.amazon.com/Chelsea-Handler-Borderline-Amazing-Publishing/dp/0446584711

 

 

 

What is the reality show you make sure to never miss?

I’ve had a strong affinity for The Biggest Loser since it came on the air 11 seasons ago (in large part because of the amazing Bob Harper!).

 

 

 

 

 

How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”

A killer playlist! Music is my must-have when my motivation wanes. A cute outfit doesn’t hurt either

 

 

Favorite place in the world to chill out.

Anywhere with my family and friends in tow—ideally near a beach.

 

 

If you could enjoy any one food (or drink) as much as you like without ever gaining weight or suffering ill effects from it—what would it be?

Frozen yogurt loaded with toppings!

 

 

Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?

My mom. We have a wild connection in which we seem to think and say the same thing. It’s like we have one of those “telephone” strings linking us across the miles, and it never ceases to make me laugh when our thoughts overlap when chatting on the phone. (It doesn’t hurt that I can imagine how she literally almost turns purple when she laughs about this!)

 

If all else fails, I can always rely on this piece of awesomeness. Seriously, go watch it now!

 

Video link: http://neonlimelight.com/2011/05/22/video-justin-timberlake-and-lady-gaga-bring-it-to-liquorville-in-snl-skit/

 

Thanks Karla!

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik (note the spelling!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”