Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine Nov Issue with Julianne Hough

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? 

 

 SELF: November 2011

 

 

  

SELF Cover Star for November: 

From the current remake of Footloose and formerly of Dancing With the Stars—Julianne Hough who has a serious dancers bod rocking out here.

Julianne grew up in Utah with an active family including brother (and fellow Dancing With the Stars cast member Derek) with a love of skiing, snowboarding and skydiving. She still remains active in addition to dancing with running, Rollerblading, and a stair workout that is getting her in shape for the upcoming movie Rock of Ages.

 

There isn’t a formal interview going on here so let’s get to the rest of SELF shall we?

 

  

So What Else is in the November SELF?

  

"SELF Fragrance Awards"

I am a sweaty gal when I work out but like to smell sweet if possible so this story caught my eye. The staff at SELF went through 248 bottles of perfumes, lotions, colognes and body sprays to find the best scents in categories as varied as “best sexy-without-even-trying scent,” “best mood lifter,” “best smells-like-vacation scent,” and the oddly-named “scent you might steal” that I am not sure I understand.

 

 

 

"Burn Calories with Pals"

Training in small groups is catching on big time but if you can’t find a pro to teach you where you live—we get a “DIY routine” here from trainer Erin Kurdyla of M&E Fitness in Bridgewater, New Jersey. I like the “crab grab!”

 

  

 

 

“Dancing with a Star”

Fitness Director of SELF Meaghan Murphy and Kelly Monaco of the first season of Dancing with the Stars try out a trio of dance classes in Hollywood.

 

 

 

“Slim in the Gym”

Loved this story! SELF interviewed 123 personal trainers to find out what they say are the best pieces of equipment to use at the gym.

 

 

“25 Smart Snacking Secrets”

All about snacking from combating late-day munchies to the best snacks less than 100 calories and the “rules to snack by.”

 

 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the November SELF:

• "Welcome to Healthywood!” Lovely Jessica Capshaw of Grey’s Anatomy presents an eco-friendly menu including a “shrimp and grits cakes” recipe that sounds yummy. (The skirt she wears in the story is really cute too!)
• "The Stranger Reading Your X-Ray May be 8,000 Miles Away" Have you been sleeping too well lately? Well then, read this story about how your X-rays are often times not even reviewed by a doctor and could possibly be part of a scam. Yeesh!
•  "Feel Great, Celebrate” SELF offers their tips for fighting all kinds of annoying illnesses that can crop up this time of the year. (Can you believe it is THAT time of the year already?!)
• “When to Let Go of a Dream” Sometimes the best thing you can do for a long-term goal is to let it go and see what life really has in store for you.

 

 

Overall Grade: 

B+  An all-around good issue.

 

You can check out SELF online at: self.com.

 

Ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

  

The Latest "HealthBuzz" from @DietsInReview!

 

 

 HealthBuzz from Diets in Review

Hi all!

Here is the latest video clip from Diets in Review (www.dietsinreview.com)

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards and today & tomorrow are the final days to vote! If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

 

Now to find out how to have a healthy Halloween...click here.

 

 

Until next time…

 

BFC

(Brooklyn Fit Chick)

Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (note spelling)

Friend me on Facebook: Brooklyn FitChick

 

 

 

My Halloween Playlist--So Let's Party All You Ghosts & Zombies!

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S HALLOWEEN PLAYLIST

 

"Halloween" (45-minute Ride)

 

(Image courtesy of FOX Television)

Boo! Here is the playlist for my Halloween ride this year. I hope you find it fun & inspiring.

 

I tried to avoid anything too obvious or corny (Monster Mash <coughs, coughs.>) and disregarded my first crack at it which included a “hit from hell”—Hangin’ Tough by Boston bad boys The New Kids on the Block. The problem with that song is that it is funny to hear for the first 30 seconds and then the overall awfulness of it takes over and you want to gouge your eyes out by the time it is halfway through. I will dissect this below the “real list.”

 

Anyhoo—let’s say we try this out all you Goblins and Goblettes!

 

 

• Don’t Fear the Reaper: Blue Oyster Cult

Such a great song and who couldn’t use some more cowbell, really. This is also the song that opens the TV Miniseries The Stand and it is so damn perfect! (Have you heard that Ben Affleck is directing the big screen version? Weeee!)

 

 

 

 

• Disco Inferno: The Trammps

If only because I love the defiant way they spell their name.

  

 

 

 

• Psycho Killer: Talking Heads

Everyone loves this song and it has an excellent, consistent beat.

 

 

 

 

• Devil Inside: INXS

Remember how hot Michael Hutchence was? RIP Dude.  

 

   

 

 

• Dead Man’s Party: Oingo Boigo

This song always reminds me of the Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School. RIP Dude.

 

   

 

 

• Hell: Squirrel Nut Zippers

Back in the 90s there was a resurgence of swing music and this band did it pretty damn well.

 

 

 

 

• Spooky:  Dusty Springfield

A cool classic by a white lady form England who sounds like an African American chanteuse. RIP Dusty.

 

   

 

 

• People Are Strange: The Doors

For some reason I have been meeting people lately who tell me they are not fans of The Doors. Just as with Bowie last week I say-- “Well, you are just f***ing wrong!”

 

 

 

 

• The Time Warp: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Of course.

 

   

 

 

• Werewolves of London: Warren Zevon

Such a talented guy and he wrote so many great songs but he is mainly known for this one which I still think is pretty cool. RIP Dude.

 

 

 

 

• Thriller: Michael Jackson

The full video for your viewing pleasure (until they make me take it down at least!) A little trivia--Michael was raised as a Jehovah's Witness so he felt compelled to add the warning at the start of the video. He was under pressure from his church to not make anything too scary or offensive.  RIP MJ.

 

 

 

 

• Witchcraft: Frank Sinatra

Any chance to play ole Blue Eyes say I. (Wow, another deceased artist! This is a Halloween ride for sure!)

 

 

 

This piece of dung is just too bad to be fun. The lyrics are dumb. The music is ponderous. The chants are lame and the whistles make me cuckoo! But if you can stand it—here is your hit from hell!!!!

 

 

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick)

 

What Have the Internets Taught Us? @FitBottomedGirl @FitBottomedMama @DietsInReview @AllWomenStalk @KerriOlkjer

 

 

What Have the Internets Taught Us?

 

Featuring links from Fit Bottomed Girls, Fit Bottomed Mamas, Diets in Review,

All Women Stalk & Fit Views

 

Hello everyone! I have scoured the web for the best stories on health, fitness & nutrition and picked my favorite.

You’re welcome!

  

 

Fit Bottomed Girls: “Psyched Up or Psyched Out?”

FBG Kristen talks about how setting lower expectations on your workout goals can sometimes make you perform better. Really interesting stuff here.

• http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2011/10/psyched-up-or-psyched-out/

 

Fit Bottomed Mamas: “Announcing Pregnancy #2!”

Cograts to FBM Erin!

• http://fitbottomedmamas.com/2011/10/announcing-pregnancy-no-2/

 

 

Diets in Review: “Draw Halloween Costume Inspiration from 2001 Health & Fitness Trends”

Some really fun ideas for the whole family on what to wear this Halloween. The “Shake Weight User” made me crack up!

• http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/10/draw-halloween-costume-inspiration-from-2011s-health-and-fitness-trends/

 

All Women Stalk: “Is It a McMistake to Bring Back the McRib?” 

Seriously—people eat this crap? The picture alone gives me the shudders. What am I missing?

• http://allwomenstalk.com/is-it-a-mcmistake-to-bring-back-the-mcrib/

 

 

Fit Views:  Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti

I have been looking for a recipe for spaghetti squash and low and behold—my pal Kerri came through. (Follow her on Twitter @KerriOlkjer)

http://fitviews.blogspot.com/2011/10/recipe-spaghetti-squash-spaghetti.html

 

 

That’s all I have for today folks! Keep checking back with me as I plan to feature more of my favorite links and clips in the future.

 

Do me a favor? Let me know about your favorite Blogs, okay?

 

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @goodhealth Health magazine Nov Issue with Michelle Monaghan

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: November 2011

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the November issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for November: 

Actress Michelle Monoghan who is starring in the new flick Machine Gun Preacher.

Michelle is happily married to Australian graphic designer Peter White and is the mother of three year-old daughter Willow. These days she keeps busy with training for marathons and is hopeful her lungs are repairing themselves after quitting a yen year smoking habit.

Michelle is grateful to her observant husband who knows to bring home Snickers bars when she is PMS-ing and noticed a mole on the back of her calf a few years ago that turned out to be cancerous. Michelle is one lucky lady!

On the cover you will see the lovely actress photographed by Art Streiber in a Calvin Klein blouse and a Joie skirt & belt.  

  

So what else is inside the November Health?

  

"Gadgets Every Woman should Have” 

Health asked a whole slew of experts what gadgets and doohickeys women need to help achieve optimal health. Included are a body composition scale, a heart rate monitor and a totally groovy humidifier from Air-o-Swiss that I really, really want.

 

 
 
 

“7 Minute Shape-Up”

Health asked Omar Sandoval of Equinox NYC for some moves from his popular Titan Method class that you can do anywhere and get an excellent cardio & toning workout.

 

 

  

 

 

“No More Portion Distortion”

Here we get a really cool collection of kitchen wares that will help you keep your portions on track.

 

 

 

 

"Get Buff With Ballet"

Ballet-based workouts are gaining in popularity and the Pure Barre class by Carrie Rezabek is one of the hottest out there with celebs like Zooey Deschanel and Madonna counted as big fans. Here we get some barre moves to try out at home.

 

 

 "What I Love (Heart) About My Home"

Actress Robin Tunney (from TV's The Mentalist and one of my favorite movies of the '90s The Craft) offers a glimpse of her favorite items that remind her of home.

 

 

 

 
 And now the rest of the best of this issue of Health:

• "The Burning Question: Is Going Gluten-Free the Secret to Weight Loss?" So many of my friends are going gluten-free and claim it has changed their lives for the better. I am still trying to figure out if it is worth trying out. Any of you follow this diet?
• "Gear Gone Wild" We get a whole page of cool gear in animal prints that will make you go “roar!”
• "Stand Up for Your Health" Several months ago I gave up my office chair for a standing desk and I have not looked back since. Turns out sitting is absolutely one of the worst activities to engage in for most hours of the day yet most of us have office-based jobs. If you want to talk about standing desks and the ins/outs of it—let me know!
• "Secrets of Women Who Don’t Get Sick” I don’t want to jinx myself but I follow most of these rules and rarely get ill. So wash your hands, get fresh air and get more rest people!
• “Don’t Feel Bad About Your Skin” Writer Jancee Dunn stressed about the state of her skin for years until she found out that the stress itself caused the breakouts. Doh!
• “Are Your Shoes Killing You?” I put myself through college working at the Nine West store at the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, California for years (shout out!) and know for a fact that indeed yes—your shoes can mess up your entire body. Read this story!   

 

Follow Heath online at: Health magazine link.  

 

Overall Grade: 

A! A very good issue that head helpful advice and tidbits. More fashion/shopping next time please!

 

Keep it up and see you in December Health!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 
 
 
 

Playlist of the Month "British Invasion" Ride--Yeah Baby!!

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S FAVORITE PLAYLIST

(This Month...)

 

"British Invasion" (45-minute Ride)

 

 

Cheers everyone! This month I was inspired by the wedding of Paul McCartney to Nancy Shevell and decided to get my mod dress on and shimmy to some UK beats. I decided against sticking to the 1960s as most of those songs are only 2-3 minutes long and the “single era” sound can get really old for some people who aren’t fans.

 

Whether you teach or just like to try out new playlists on your iPod—I hope this inspires you to keep going and have fun while working out.

 

I mean if you can’t have fun with it—why even bother?!

 

 

• Magical Mystery Tour: The Beatles

From the loud beginning to the hard-driving middle to the kind of spooky piano playing at the end—it’s a quick way to set the mood and take your class on a journey.

 

 

 

 

• Come Dancing: The Kinks

I know there are a million, jillion Kinks songs to choose from but I always wanted to play Come Dancing in a class setting and people really seem to dig it.



 

 

 

• Bodysnatchers: Radiohead

Super-fast, heart pumping song that is perfect for sprints and intervals.

 

 

 

 

• You Can’t Always Get What You Want: The Rolling Stones

This is one of those songs that when it begins-- people will instantly sit up and clap with joy. Such a cute thing to see! (And I agree with their enthusiasm.) Perfect for a long, windy climb. Just keep adding resistance ‘til you can’t take it anymore.

 

   

 

 

• Say You’ll Be There: The Spice Girls

If loving The Spice Girls is wrong—I don’t want to be right.

 

 

 

 

• A Hard Days Night: The Bealtes

Normally I do not play the same artist two times in a set but this one just helps break the routine up perfectly. Use this as a break or to zoom along for two minutes

 

   

 

 

• Rehab:  Amy Whinehouse

Yes, she is gone and that is unbelievably sad. But, and this is important, Amy would have wanted us to remember her with fondness and joy. It’s okay to play this song!

 

 

 

 

• Rebel Rebel: David Bowie

Someone told me once that they were not a big fan of Bowie and I growled back “Well, you are just f***ing wrong!”

 

   

 

 

• She’s Electric: Oasis

Am I the only one who misses Oasis? I loved What’s the Story Morning Glory sooooo much.

 

   

 

 

• The Seeker: The Who

This one is good for your speed/strength intervals.

 

 

 

 

• Bohemian Rhapsody: Queen

The Wayne’s World song as my nephew calls it. The little scamp!

 

 

 

 

• Someone Like You: Adelle

A very beautiful and completely depressing love song.  

 

 

 

 

(Or if you prefer something less melancholy try…)

 

• Here’s Where The Story Ends: The Sundays

Because it’s just so darn sweet & pretty. (And very 90s sounding—no?)

 

 

 

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick)

 

Are You Ready for a Thursday Buzz? What About a "Health Buzz" from @DietsInReview

 

 

Ch...ch..check it out in the clip below...

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards. If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

 

Until next time…

 

BFC

(Brooklyn Fit Chick)

Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (note spelling)

Friend me on Facebook: Brooklyn FitChick

 

 

 

Video Funnies! Round Up Of My Fave You Tube "Gym" Clips Including Vintage Sofia Vergara!

 

 

Wednesday You Tube Funnies!

 

 
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

Yesterday I received this totally hilarious clip from a friend of mine (Shout out to Debster!) which features a row of French women on pink bikes and a light-show male stripper (see for yourself below!)

 

This got me searching for other funny “gym” videos that I have saved in my favorites from You Tube so I thought I would share them today. You’re welcome!

 

First clip:

 

 

 

Remember kids..."Fitness is Feeling Great!" (1987)

 

 

 

 

Get your leg warmers folks--Spa Fitness is here! (1985)

 

 

 

 

 

The YMCA says "Don't Put it Off!" (198?)

 

 

 

 

Finally, a commercial from Bally Total Fitness starring Sofia Vergara!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for checking in today. I will be back with more silliness soon!

 

By the way…

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards. If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

 

Until next time…

 

BFC

(Brooklyn Fit Chick)

Follow me on Twitter: BrooklynFitChik (note spelling)

Friend me on Facebook: Brooklyn FitChick

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @MoreMag with Naomi Watts on the cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 More: October 2011

 

 

 

 

More Cover Star for October: 

The gorgeous and talented Naomi Watts whom I always assumed was Australian but is actually an England native.

Naomi is just about as nice as person can be which might be due to her love of a normal family life. (She has two young boys with her partner Liev Schreiber.) Her childhood was spent being moved around the UK by her single parent mother with Naomi’s family eventually landing in Australia where she took her first stab at acting as a teenager with a tampon commercial. (Hey, we all begin somewhere!)

After a failing at a modeling career in Tokyo at 17 she came back to Sidney and worked as a fashion editor for a few years before jumping back onto the acting bandwagon.

Many movies have followed since then with J. Edgar set to arrive in theaters soon.

Peggy Sitora photographed Naomi for the magazine and here you can see her in a divine Zac Posen gown.

 

  

 

 

So what else is in the October issue of More? 

 

“Meet Our Beauty Search Winners”

More asked their readers to send their personal stories on beauty (both inner & outer) and asked them how they wish to inspire other women to see the beauty in themselves. Yeah More! Below is the Grand Prize Winner—Diana Pemberton. We meet the four incredible runner-ups as well.

 

 

  

  
“To Hell With Inner Beauty” 

I was all set to hate this essay from Amanda Robb who writes about becoming better looking with plastic surgery at the age of 44 and how this has made her life more worthwhile. But after finishing Amanda’s story, I could not help be charmed by her honesty and humility.

 

Tell me what you think!  link to More article here.

 

 

 

“200 Readers Choose Fall’s Best New Beauty Products”

Have I told you all how much I love beauty product stories? I get giddy learning about lotions & potions and what big breakthroughs are out on the market now and here we get that plus the bonus that mane featured here are under $25—score!

 

 

 

“Death and the Maidens”

This is a cleverly-titled article about women entering the mortuary world. Pictured here is Jasmyn Du Bois who has been an embalmer since 2006. I see a TNT network show based on her life in the future!

 

 

 

“Fat? Who Cares?”

More describes this story as “1600 words (that) could change your life.” I agree and think you should to the newsstand to buy a copy and read for yourself why.

Okay, I will give you a hint. Bring fat is not only not the worst thing in the world in general—it might not even make that much of a difference in your health.

 

  

“The Take-it-Easy Workout”

I love hard-charging spin classes and boot camps that kick my butt just as much as the next girl-but really—it ain’t all that necessary to stay in shape. Find out why with this article that I support whole heartedly.

 

 
  

And now the rest of the best of this issue of More:

• "Second Acts/Grape Escape" Gutsy Beth Lemke did what any plucky gal would do when laid off by the high-tech world—she opened a wine bar. Cheers!
• "Daughter Dearest" Controversial memoirist Kathryn Harrison, author of the newly reissued The Kiss (and who lives in my neighborhood!)  discusses how having her third child at the age of 39 brought up issues form her past.
• "Great Dane" Lovely actress Connie Nielsen models “fall’s luxe looks” and looks very pretty doing so.
• "The Joy of Playing it Unsafe" Five women (one of them a self-described “wuss”) talk about how making big, scary changes affected their lives for the better.

 

Overall Grade: 

A! A wonderful, smart & stylish read. I will be sure to read next month’s issue right away!

 

You can check out More online as well: www.more.com

 

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards. If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

(merci!)

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag with Anna Kournikova on the cover

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: November 2011

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for November: 

Anna Kournikova! Anna has taken over for Jillian Michaels as resident trainer babe on The Biggest Loser who uses her sunny looks and winsome personality to good measure on the show (though I miss Jillian’s disgust I must say.)

 

Anna moved to the States form Russia when she was ten and at one time was considered a serious contender as a tennis champion. At 21 she retired from the sport and in the meantime has taken a serious interest in fitness and health.

 

In fact, Anna is certified trainer who relates to the contestants on The Biggest Loser not because she struggled with weight (she hasn’t) but because she I used to being judged publicly. (Um, okaaaaay—I can accept that.)

 

Jeff Lipsky photographed Anna on the cover as well as inside the where she shows off some of her favorite “favorite strong & sexy moves.”

 

  

  

 

So what else is in the November issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“The Bar Exam”

I love my power bars before my workouts but I have made the mistake in the past of buying brands with too many calories for my own good. Here we get the “best of the bunch” which will satisfy you nationally and make your mouth happy as well.

 

 

  

 

  
“Reboot Your Work Health”  

This past spring I decided to make the switch from sitting at my desk to standing using a desk set that is not the most stable thing but does the job admirably. Why? Because a recent survey found that women who sat for 6 hours per day as the norm were 37% more likely to die from it. Yes, you can die from sitting people!

 

Anyhoo, Women’s Health magazine gives advice on how you too can make changes to get a little healthier at work.

 

 

 

“15 Minutes…”

Say you only have a quarter hour to get your workout in—well fear not. Women’s Health have a series of workouts that will fit your tight schedule.

 

 

 

“Young, Slim (and Diabetic)”

Here was a statistic that shocked me—15% of Type 2 diabetes patients are not overweight. Can your “skinny fat” cause health problems in your future?

 

 

 

“Fight Off the Flu”

I wash my hands regularly and get my flu shot every year but some of the advice here surprised me (in a good way.)

 

  

 
  

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

• "What Your Face Reveals about Your Health" Your beautiful face can reveal more about the state of your health than you think. For example; hormonal imbalance, allergies and stress can be revealed on your puss.
• "2 (x) the Results" Hybrid workouts (such as spin & yoga) are the latest craze for getting healthy and can help you break out of your workout rut. Go for it say I!
• "The Pill’s Secret Powers" Not only can they help you not get pregnant and fight off cramps but birth control pills have other health benefits as well.
• "Your Body on a Holiday Feast" Need inspiration to NOT overdo it on the holidays? Well read this hour-by-hour account of how your body metabolizes a 3,000 calorie meal. Yikes!
• "That’s the Spirit" Women’s Health gives us some recipes for autumn drinks that are under 200 calories—yes!
• “Your Gut or Your Brain” When it comes to making enormous decisions—sometimes you need to use your head and sometimes your pure instinct. Advice on when to use you “gut or your brain.”

 

Overall Grade: 

A-! A great issue which could maybe have used more fashion pages for me.  

 

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

 

By the way, I am a finalist with Shape magazine's "Best Blogger" awards. If you have a minute--please feel free to vote for me here:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/shape-best-blogger-awards-20-inspiring-weight-loss-blogs?page=13

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”