Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine with @Bethenny on the Cover!!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 SELF: May 2012

 

 

 

SELF Cover Star for May: 

Bethenny Frankel:

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!

 

You can check out SELF online at: www.Self.com

 

Ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @Shape_Magazine with @MariahCarey on the Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Shape: May 2012

 

 

 

 

 

Shape Cover Star for May: 

Mariah Carey who lost 30 pounds after the birth of her twins (thanks to the Jenny Craig program) and now wants to promote the importance of healthy eating and exercise for lifelong health benefits. Mariah is a paid spokesperson for Jenny Craig and is also aligned with the American Heart Association to get out the good word out on how the rest of us can “live better and longer.”

Mariah has dealt multiple stresses lately including her husband’s (Nick Cannon’s) kidney issues (he has lupus nephritis) which caused him to be hospitalized earlier this year. In addition to worrying about Nick, she also endured the loss of her friend and mentor Whitney Houston which has left her “heartbroken.”

Here is photo of Mariah from inside Shape. (She was photographed by George Holz.)

 

 

 

So what else is inside the May Shape?

  

“Ride and Go Chic”

Of course because I am a cyclist—this is the first story I want to mention. National “Bike to Work Week” begins May 14^th!  (The Mott 50 Wrap Cardigan featured is adorable and has UPF 50 sun protection!)

 

 

 

 

“Bikini Body Countdown”

Most amazing trainer Abbie Appel of SPRI Products of Boca Raton, FL offers us this workout that will strengthen and tone you all over.

 

 

 

“Picnic Perfect”

Stories like this one (featuring adorable and genius picnic things) make me hungry!

 

 

 

"Fit in a Flash"

Here we get a series of short but effect cardio & strength moves from trainer Ashley Conrad. (I made me boot camp do the “Spiderman Crawl” seen below across a basketball court. They loved/hated me for it!)

 

 

 

Kerry Washington

The star of the much liked ABC TV political drama Scandal talks about her favorite exercise (Pilates,) her love of Twitter as well as past experience as a teacher (she would go back to teach in a heartbeat should the actress decided to drop out of show business for good.)

 

 

 

 

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

• "Secrets of the Super-Energetic" Five different women (some famous but not all thankfully) with busy schedules offer advice on how they keep their energy up.   
• "The Truth About Sex & Exercise" Page 36.
• “Screen Stars” Before worshiping the sun—try out these SPF products to protect your gorgeous skin.  
• “My Fresh Fiesta Fare” Chef Julietta Ballesteros of Los Feliz in New York (luv!) created these lighter recipes to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo. Yum!

 

Follow Shape magazine online at: www.Shape.com

 

Overall Grade: 

A          Excellent workout pages and beauty coverage plus several yummy recipes are in this excellent issue. Be sure to get this one!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @goodhealth Heath mag with Christina Applegate on the Cover @1capplegate

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: April 2012

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the April issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for April: 

Cristina Applegate graces the cover of the April Health and is wearing a lovely Roland Mouret for Neiman Marcus dress. Christina is one of my favorite comedic actresses of all time and though probably best known for playing “Kelly Bundy” from Married with Children I will forever be a fan of her work in the movie Don’t Mom the Babysitter is Dead (am I the only out there who LOVES that film?)

 

Christina keeps herself busy by starring in the ABC comedy Up All Night as well working with her foundation “Right Action for Women” which helps women obtain breast cancer screenings when their insurance does not cover it. (Do NOT get me started on the state of healthcare in the country!) The actress was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 and subsequently had a double mastectomy.

 

So far, Christina is healthy and cancer-free plus she became a mom to daughter Sadie over a year ago. Pick up the magazine if you want to find out her favorite workout song as well as her guilty TV pleasure.

 

For more information on “Right Action for Women” check out their website here: http://www.rightactionforwomen.org/

 

 

 

So what else is inside the April Health?

  

"Your Feet: A User’s Manual” 

Health has an excellent feature on how to everything from your ankles down in good shape. Seriously—I sold shoes during my college years and you do NOT want to mess up your feet for any reason. It isn’t pretty and it is very painful when things go wrong with your tootsies!

 

 

 
 
 

“Your Ultimate Allergy Survival Guide”

Oh boy—it’s that time of year again! Has someone found my nasal rinse? Here is an article to help all of us sinus sufferers out there.

 

 

 

 

“5 Minutes to Toned”

Mix & match these ab and back moves to get a strong core developed Maryanne Blake at the Sports Club/ LA-Boston.

 

 

 

 

 

"Eat More, Weigh Less!"

Have you heard of the Volumetrics plan? What it means is if you eat healthy foods then it doesn’t matter about portion size. So the fact I am eating a mixed green salad right now that is the size of a bathtub (just kidding—slightly) will not add inches to my waistline. Yeah for non-deprivation!

 

 

 

 "The Secret to Looking Great in Jeans"

Few things in life bring me more joy than shopping for jeans and this story what the next best thing to actually trying them on!

 

 

 

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

• "Firm Skin for Women” The best beauty products to make your skin glow.
• "5 Habits of Highly Successful Dieters" In case you are wondering why some folks are better at losing weight than others…
• "Kitchen Cured Doctors Swear By” Medicinal uses for item we all keep in our cupboards that can help everything from an upset stomach to sunburn.  
• "Yes You Can Eat Fat” One of my old roommates drove me nuts with her constant buying of nonfat versions of food. Now I tell her they truly are a waste of money. (And to enjoy an avocado once in a while—yum!)
• “Walk Your Way Slim” How to tone up by simply walking out the door.
• “3-Ingrediant Spring Pasta” Easy meals using simple ingredients featuring noodles—what’s not to love here?
• “10 Things You Must Know About Asian Takeout” Health found out from the experts on the healthiest options for Asian food.

 

 

Follow Heath online at: www.Health.com  

 

Overall Grade: 

A- Great articles on health, beauty, fitness, food but I want even more workout pages next time! Keep it up Health!

 

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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What Did We Learn This Month @WomensHealthMag with @IMKristenBell on the April Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: April 2012

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for April: 

Kristen Bell who from her interview with the magazine appears to not only funny, smart and kind but is also a big-time animal lover. She and her fiancée (actor Dax Sheppard) are avowed vegans and have taken in two rescue dogs plus a few sloths who needed a home. (Really!)

 

Bell is as obsessed with “cupcakes” as she is with animals and by that I mean she is really into butts. Her own (which she keeps in shape with the help of Physique 57 Ballet Barre classes) those of her House of Lies co-star Don Cheadlee who bares his “beautiful chocolate bun-cakes” on the show quite often. (Note to self—add House of Lies to DVR.)

 

The gorgeous actress is photographed by Jeff Lipsky and graces the back cover as well in the special Women’s Health “Beauty Bonus” where you will find tons of articles and advice on how you can become even more gorgeous than you already are. (As if THAT were possible!)

 

 

 

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

 

“Take Your Fitness in a New Direction”

Try out some of these twisty moves to get a leaner & stronger bod courtesy of Tony Gentilcore of Cressy Performance in Hudson, Massachusetts.

 

 

“A Silent Killer, Getting Louder”

Ovarian cancer is known as “the quiet threat” and this year as many approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with the disease (one in eight will be under 45 years-old.) Read this article (please!) and remember to get regular check-ups at the gynecologist!

 

 

“Get Your Kicks”

Are you looking for new sneakers? Well check out this special guide before dropping down your cash.

 

 

  

  
“Meal Appeal: Breasts vs. Legs”  

Get your mind out of the gutter people! We are talking about chicken here and these recipes are “nom nom”-worthy in my book.

 

 

 

“Sexy to the Core”

Get your core in top shape with this feature that is just a small portion of what you will find in The Women’s Health Big Book of Abs by Adam Bornstein and the editors of Women’s Health.

 

 

 

 

“14 Shape-Up Shortcuts”

New “tricks” to amp up your routine and sport new muscles.

 

 

 

“The Scary Rise in Adult Eating Disorders”

Here we get an excellent article about the rise of adults who are either revisiting eating disorders from their youth or are newly developing them. Among the disorders discussed in the piece:

• Orthorexia
• Binge Eating
• Anorexia Athletica
• Drunkorexia
• Pregorexia

 

 

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

• "A 30-Minute Run” Check out the progress of your body while on a 30-minute run.
• "Diggin’ Bulbs" How to use garlic, onions, shallots and more earthy veggies to get the most health benefits from them.
• "Married, 9-5" Are you lucky enough to have a “work husband”? I have been working on my own so long I forget how fun they can be!
• "Are You a Tech Sinner" Women’s Health has several ways to impart guilt on all of us who use electronics.
• “Lift More, Lose More” Muscular moves from Barry Jay, co-founder of Barry’s Bootcamp.  
• “See for Your Health” Your peepers can tell the real story of your inner body health. Really!

 

Overall Grade: 

A! A very strong issue with plenty of useful articles and advice.

 

You can check out Women’s Health online as well: www.WomensHealthMag.com 

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine with Carrie Underwood on the Cover

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

SELF: April 2012

 

SELF Cover Star for April:

Carrie Underwood is on the cover and she looks totally stunning! (If I were blonde—she would be my idol.) Carrie is a Vegan and lives with her equally gorgeous husband (Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators) and who prefers to cook for herself rather than dine out.

In the interview she explains this really complicated system for her daily workouts that includes a deck of cards with different exercises and body parts that she wrote on them. I had to turn off my music to read this section of the article twice because the description of it was complicated and took up my full attention. (Let’s just say this woman is dedicated to exercise!)

Obviously what she does is a winning combo because she is one great (and fit) looking woman. Carrie is photographed by Brian Bowen Smith for the cover.

 

So What Else is in the April SELF?

"DROP10"

This year SELF magazine has created a new yearly challenge called “DROP10” to help you get a newer, slimmer & fitter body in five weeks without starving. Not sure if I like this new title or not (it used to called The SELF Challenge) but I have to admit it is catchy and most folks who say they want to lose weight usually want to drop ten pounds. So here we go…

The program includes a diet & exercise program and you can register online at Self.com to win all kinds of prizes.

 

 

"SELF Sneaker Awards”

All of the magazines are including sneaker reviews right now but none of them had the brains to include a cute little doggie wearing sneaks in her picture. LUV!!

Readers of SELF tried out these sneakers in all kinds of situations and rated their favorites.

 

“Love Zumba”

Strange headline for a very helpful article featuring the top classes & fitness trends in top cities. Check out the hottest classes in your area!

 

“Veg Out”

I have recently committed to eating more vegetables and getting my protein intake from more places other than meat. These vegan dished look incredibly tasty and I plan to try them out soon!

 

 

“Feel as Happy as a Pig in Mud”

Did you know you can retrain your brain for happiness? Well now you do. And by the way—how cute is this pig?

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the April SELF:

· "Leaving the Old Me Behind” A very insightful essay from Cheryl Strayed who talks about life after her divorce.

· "Give Cellulite the Boot!" Tips for diminishing those annoying bumps.

· "Let’s Talk About (Safe) Sex” Great sex with proper birth control can be hot—just be sure to get the facts on your method.

· “Firm Up in a Flash” Really great toning moves from top trainers Katrina Hodgson and Karena Dawn.

· “Stand Up for Your Health” Did I tell you about my standing desk? I absolutely love it. SELF readers talk about their healthy alternatives to the regular “sit at your desk routine” including a woman who built her own treadmill desk!

Overall Grade:

A- I am really surprised at the lack of workouts in this issue but it is still well worth the read.

You can check out SELF online at: www.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”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? Recaps of @LuckyMagazine @MoreMag and @WholeLiving

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Lucky, More and Whole Living

 

 

Hello Gang!

 

Time for more magazine recaps and we have multiple options here based on your interests.

 

Let’s get to it shall we?

 

 

 

 

Lucky: April 2012

•  Rachel Bilson Help me out. For some reason I feel as, Rachel Bilson, doesn’t even look like herself on this cover. Do you see that? I could be insane, never mind. Anyhoo, the petite actress is apparently fashion mad and lists among her “favorite things” a pair of Chanel boots that are making me drool (and cost $1325!) Check them out on page 124 if you want to see them for yourself.
•  “City Guide: Austin” Lucky tell us they found the best shops in Austin but I want to ask Miz Fit her opinion as she is fortunate enough to live there!
• “How to Organize Your Stuff” Oh my god these pages are so beautiful! I seriously wish I could create something so beautiful yet useful in my apartment. (But I am broke, sigh.)
• “Boutiques on Wheels” Another “oh my god” for me—cute shops on wheels! Wee!
• “Find the Perfect Bra” Very useful advice on how to buy the best bra for your body as most of us are wearing the wrong size. (Truth.)
• “The Lucky Guide to Spring Bags” Nothing is putting a smile more than looking at these cute purses. So adorable! (And yet I remain too poor to shop. Moving on…)

 

Check out Lucky online here: www.luckymag.com

 

 

 

 

More: March 2012

• Julianne Moore I have been a huge fan of hers since The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (oh my god—luv!) so I was happy to see her fabulous self on the cover. Just get the magazine and read about Julianne Moore for yourself. She is too divine to ignore and very few actresses today even compare to her talent or grace.
• “The 13 Best Hair Tips You’ll Ever Read” I am a bit obsessed with my hair so these types of articles always win me over.
• “Second Acts” This feature really got to me. René Syler at one time was a co-host on the Early Show but her life changed dramatically when in one month she not only was fired from her job—but she found out she also had breast cancer as well. Shit! Check out she managed to get through her turmoil and move on. She is now co-founder of GoodEnoughMother.com.
• “Memoir: Dreams from my Father” An interesting essay from Apricot Irving whose father (a missionary) moved her family to Haiti when she was 13 years-old and her return visit in 2003.
• “The New Voice of The New York Times” Here we meet the Executive Editor (first female to hold this position) at The New York Times—Jill Abramson.
• “Anti-Aging Skin Care” I am a girl who loves, loves, loves beauty products and potions. This story made me want to run to Sephora!
• “Reinvent and Find a New Mission in Life” Inspirational stories of four women who managed to overcome really crappy circumstances and changed their lives for the better in the process.
• “Your Anti-Aging Arsenal” The nutrients you need  in your diet to stay healthy and fight off disease. 

Check out More online: www.more.com

 

 

 

 

Whole Living: March 2012

• "The Latest Wrinkle" For women who wish to live as healthy and natural as possible—getting any kind of beauty procedure can cause anxiety (and for good reason!)
• “Muscles in Slow Motion” Slowing down when doing repetition with weights may be THE secret to seeing results fast. Here we get a routine from Michael Mincieli of the Personal Training Institute in New York City.
• “Honorable Mentions” Super-cute underwear that is also eco-friendly—score!
• “Naturally Brilliant” Very inspiring recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner that use those bright fruits and vegetables we should all be eating more often.
• “The (Secret) Life of Beauty” Very cool photo essay from top photographers and writers who share their favorite (and secret until now) beautiful images.
• “Brain Teaser” Mind games are actually good for you and keep your brain sharp folks!
• “Power Plants” Nine plants that will help you feel good in your home and would not last a week in my apartment. (I have a black thumb being the point.)  

Check out Whole Living online www.wholeliving.com 

 

 

That’s all she wrote today folks.  Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time!

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine @PreventionMag @Yoga_Journal

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Oxygen, Prevention and Yoga Journal

 

 

Hello everyone! I have a few magazine recaps to get to so why don’t we just hit the ground running?

 

 

 

Oxygen: March 2012

•  Alicia Harris: Our cover model is from Wheaton, Illinois who was known for being lightning fast on the track at college (Eastern Illinois University) and is now on the International Fitness competition route. Look at those abs folks!
• “Sweep Up a Hot Bod!” Oxygen is a Canadian-based publication so imagine my delight when I saw an article about curling! You can get some serious abs with this workout and here we get some moves to get us in curling-ready shape. Seriously—I want to try curling! Who’s with me?
• “Sweat Relief” Seven “fast fixes” (beauty products you can get at the local drug store natch!) that will help you glow in a nice way after a visit to the gym.   
• "Your Strong Body Guide" One of the things I really love about this magazine is how strong the women featured are and this routine will produce sexy, sleek muscles.
• “Fuel Your Fitness” The best options for pre- and post-workout meals.
• “Your Strong, Sexy Back—Fast!” The best exercises to get your body “tank top ready.”
• “Lean Legumes” Five ways to eat legumes such as beans and lentils on your “active days.”
• “Stay Calm, Stay Strong” Surf-inspired yoga moves that will bring calm into your life while helping sculpt muscles.

 

You can check out Oxygen at this site: www.oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

 

Prevention: March 2012  

• Michelle Obama: Prevention has the first lady on the cover and inside she reveals the workout she follows to get her strong and healthy and the age of 48.
• “Back in Action” If you have any kind of back issues, here we get four moves that will help strengthen the area while building strength.  
• “7 Germiest Public Places” Yuck! Worth reading but now I am in fear of parking meters!
• “The New Naturals” A roundup of the latest in “natural cures” to see what works and what is just hype.
• “Walk this Way” Prevention shows how the “wrong” pair of shoes can throw your body off alignment which can actually cause injury and weight gain (look out for those flip flops, people!)
• “The Sugar Blockers Diet” If you are like me and need to get a handle on the sugars that can slip into your meals—these seven rules will help block those crazy things.
• “Blast Your Belly” A cool resistance-band workout that offers 3-in-1 toning moves.
• “Could it Happen Here?” Prevention looks into the preponderance of nuclear power plants that are near fault lines on the one-year anniversary of the meltdown in Japan. Try getting some sleep tonight after reading it! (Scary monsters here.)

 

Check out Prevention online: www.Prevention.com

 

 

 

 

Yoga Journal: March 2012

• "Easy on the Eyes" The best beauty products for around you eye area that are all natural and have “holistic practices.”
• “Go with the Grain” Yoga Journal talks about how to cook and flavor a whole slew of grains to make trying new ones easy and tasty including millet, faro and wheat berries.
• “Basics: Plank Pose” I teach this move constantly in my classes but love having new ways to describe how to perform one properly.   
• “Playing with Power” How to take your home practice to a whole new level with some help from Alexandra Crow that you can also view online at www.yogajournal.com/livemag.
• “Play it Forward” Key yoga poses that will help improve your athletic skills and decrease the chance of injuries.

 

Check out Yoga Journal online www.yogajournal.com

   

That's all she wrote for today folks. Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine with Rebecca Romijn

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness magazine: March 2012

 

 

 

Fitness Cover Star for March: 

Actress and former model Rebecca Romijn, mother of twin girls Dolly and Charlie (how cute are those names?) and will soon in appear in Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds is on the cover (she is photographed by Brian Bowen Smith.) Rebecca gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy over three years ago and had a very difficult time losing the weight afterwards.

To challenge herself mentally and physically she decided to try Bikram yoga which sounds like 90 minutes of hell to me (an hour-and-a half in a 105 degree room? No. Thank. You.) But you have to admit she looks pretty great on the cover!

Rebecca used a sensible meal plan and eliminated sugar from her diet to help get fit.  

Fitness asked Susan Antonaccio for Bikram Yoga in NYC to for five-asana moves we can try out at home for ourselves (see below.)

 

  

 

 

 So What Else is in the Latest Fitness?

 

"Survival of the Fittest: CrossFit" 

The one workout I really want to try is CrossFit. (Have you done it yet? Is it scary?) Here we get “yoga lover” Renee Chow’s take on it after giving it a shot at Brooklyn’s Virtuosity gym. I may need to check this out myself!

 

 

  

 

"Best New Workout DVDs" 

Recently my gym closed for a week for repairs and I had to rely on DVDs to keep on my schedule. Wow—they can be really tough! Anyhoo, Fitness asked over 100 women to “sweat-test” a whole slew of them and here are the best of the best for 2012. (Thinking of getting of few of these right away.)

 

 

“Be a Runner”

Fitness came to the rescue for four readers (ranging in ability) who needed help with their running abilities. I have to say, I found the advice very helpful here.

 

 

 

“Burn Mega Calories!”

Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak (ABC TV’s The Revolution) came up with this series of moves that should be combined with jump rope to get a good calorie burn (along with body conditioning.)

 

 

 

"App-solutely Fabulous" 

The best free apps on the market right now for health and fitness. (Personally, I LOVE the Nike Training Club app myself.)

 

 

"Breakthrough or Bust" 

Love me some beauty stories and this one is pretty darn cool. Fitness took a look at five products that were described as ‘innovations” and found out how well they really worked. Check this out before you drop cash at the mall!

 

 

 

 

 

"Fitness Body Lab Part 2: Strong, Sexy Legs" 

This is an in-depth look at the latest research in getting your gams in shape from whether or not you can actually “shrink” your thighs to answering the eternal question “Can cankles be cured?” (You read that correctly.)

 

I am a big fan of the workout from physiologist Brad Schoenfeld (author of Sculpting Her Body Perfect) included as it looks pretty damn challenging.

 

 

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

• “Give it a Twirl” “Nom nom”-worthy recipes that include those dreaded carbs (Yikes! Kidding, of course.) Planning on trying the “Lemony Carrot Risotto” this weekend as a matter of fact…
• "Losing It" Fitness” An excellent article here that dictates that drastically cutting calories is a bad idea no matter how you look at it.
• "Rehab Your Bad Habits" Feels funny just typing that sentence after this weekend’s events. (RIP Whitney!) But if your bad habits are more of the a little too lazy on the weekends or still smoking (cigarettes) variety—this feature will be of big help.
• "Skin-Sational” I told you I love my beauty stories and this one has lots of good advice to get your skin all purty-like.

 

Overall Grade: 

A-  Lots of good workout pages in this one for sure!

 

You can follow Fitness magazine at www.fitnessmagazine.com

 

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? @BicyclingMag @MoreMag @Allure_magazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Bicycling, More and Allure

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

How are you today? Me? I am fighting off some kind of a bug but I just had to get out my recaps for all of you because I care THAT MUCH!

 

So let’s get to getting’ shall we?

 

 

 

 

Bicycling: March 2012

•  “Reader’s Choice” Huzzah! All of us Bicycling fans out there weighed on the best in rides, food, bike gear plus why the readers ride in the first place (79% do it to stay healthy, yay!) plus their best “biking” advice. If you are a cyclist—you will love this issue.
• “Mass Appeal” Bicycling lists the best multiday rides you can take this year. Get your calendar ready!
• “Mini-Mart Madness” This has been my quandary many a time before—I am out on a longer than expected ride and then suddenly I am starving. So what on earth to eat when there are only convenience stores around? Check out page 28 to see for yourself. (I agree with Bicycling by the way.)
• "Hot Spots" If you are sick of the cold and looking for fun, sunny vacation ideas—check it out here. (Lafayette, Louisiana? Hmmm.)
• “Fixes at Your Fingertips” The best apps to help simplify your biking life.
• “Saddle to Table” A photo-filled essay about riding the Quebec Flavor Trail that made me want to head north and eat pastries.
• “The Perfect Ride” Expert advice for women on what gear to get out there on a bike already.

You can check out Bicycling: www.bicycling.com

 

 

 

More: February 2012

• Michelle Obama: More interviewed the First Lady about her early struggles with self-doubt and her desire to help girls everywhere gain confidence.
• “”How to Look Fab on the Weekends” If you are in a “yoga pants” rut like I am –this fashion guide will help both of us look presentable (and not sloppy!) on the weekends. (Though I do love my yoga pants so….)
• “Who Owns Your DNA Anyway?” Incredible story from legal advocate Lori Andrews who is fighting women’s health all the US Supreme Court and trying to keep potential drug costs low. (She found out the high price of being sick in the country after getting a bill for $3340 for a breast cancer test that could have cost as low as $300—holy crap!).
• “Find Your Best Hair Cut” More offers ideas on what your mane should look like during your 30s, 50s, 50 and 60s.
• “Against All Odds” Five incredible women are featured here to discuss how they overcame serious illnesses and regained their spirit in spite of tremendous odds. Inspiring stuff here.
• “Outsmart Belly Fat” A six-week plan that promises to help get rid of any extra weight around your middle (the kind of fat that can cause the biggest stresses on your health.) Comes with a very healthy eating plan that will not let you starve by Leah McLaughlin.  

Check out More online: www.More.com

 

 

 

 

Allure: February 2012

• Zooey Deschanel: Every time I think that Zooey Deschanel is just a little too twee—I remember her work in Elf and The Good Girl and like her all over again.
• "Lucky Star" There may just be something to having a lucky rabbit’s foot (though I doubt it.) Anyhoo, this feature talks about the power of positive thinking and creating positive energy in your life to get a little more luck your way.
• “Straight Story” If you are thinking of doing any kind of hair straightening—you should check out this article first.
• “Eating Amnesia” The phenomenon where people actually forget what they eat and happens more often than you think.

Check out Allure online www.Allure.com

 

 

That's all I have in me today.  Be sure to check back for more recaps soon.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine Feb Issue

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness magazine: February 2012

 

 

 

Fitness Cover Star for February: 

Model Danielle Van Graas of Ford models is on the cover of the February issue wearing a lovely Catherine Malandrino sweater. 

   

"We Dare You to…Go to Surf Camp" 

Editor Bethany Gumper checked out the Safari Surf School in Costa Rica (lucky duck!) and tells us wheat it is like to take surf lessons as a vacation. I am a little jealous I must admit.

 

 

 

  

"Ultimate Flab Fighter" 

Tae Bo Fitness founder Billy Blanks came up with this nifty routine that utilizes bands. (I have a feeling my friend Andrea {@goodgirlgonered} will love this!)

 

 

 

“Fitness Fix”

Fitness helped ER doctor Amy Walsh of Iowa City get healthy in spite of her 60-hour work week schedule. I think she looks great!

 

 

 

“Turn on the Power”

Love this! Fitness asked the top trainers in the business their favorite tips for taking your workout to the next level including the amazing Jeanette Jenkins (pictured below.) Also featured in the story are training superstars Joe Dowell, Elena Brower, Gunnar Peterson, Tony Horton and (my fave) Jackie "Motherf***in" Warner.

 

 

 

 

 

"Doctor Knows Best" 

Top physicians advise on how to maintain maximum health this year including managing stress, dealing with PMS and getting more sleep.

 

 

 

"What’s Your Diet Downfall?" 

If you are trying to lose weight sensibly (and not by going on a crazy juice-type cleanse or nutrient-deficient fast) these “no-fail” strategies to help you drop pounds.

 

 

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

• “The Eyes Have It” Lots of beauty pages to help you make your eyes “pop.”
• "Bases Covered" Fitness fashion & gear editors found the latest “techy layers” that will keep you warm while enjoying the snow.
• "Defying Gravity" If you are looking for exercises to lift your booty—this is the article for you!
• "Not Tonight Honey. I Feel Fat” If you ever feel self-conscious about your body around you SO, it can be a real turnoff to be so negative. Here we get advice on self-body love and getting the sexy back.

 

Overall Grade: 

A- Good workouts and health advice in this issue but I would love more gear reviews. Next time, mayne?

 

You can follow Fitness magazine at www.fitnessmagazine.com

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”