Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month @SELFmagazine with @Miranda_Lambert on the Cover

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 SELF: June 2012

 

 

SELF Cover Star for June: 

Miranda Lambert:

My imaginary country music star best friend is on the cover for June and I could not be more delighted about this. Miranda Lambert is about as “real” and relatable as a woman can be and I just not just her music and gutsy stage presence but also her commitment to help women in abused relationships. (She was one of the very few stars who spoke out against Chris Brown’s participation at the Grammys. 9Good on you Miranda!”

 

According to her SELF interview—here are reasons you should love her as well.

• She doesn’t care about being “stick thin” and would rather be a healthy example to her young fans.
• She and her husband Blake Shelton own several rescue dogs.
• She actually likes her big butt (and she can’t deny!)

 

My favorite song by Miranda is called Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and for some reason she did NOT record a video for it. So, I will leave you with this You Tube version created by a fan.

 

 

 

 

So What Else is in the June SELF?

 

"2012 Healthy Food Awards"

Did you know 10,000 new foods and drinks were introduced to the public this past year? Wow! SELF had 135 readers to try out over 300 products in 71 categories to find the best of the healthiest in the bunch.

 

 

"Hot Like Stacy”

Stacy Kiebler has legs up to HERE and gets to date George Clooney so I am guessing she pretty much has nothing to complain about but if you are interested in how she gets those sexy gams—this is the article for you.

 

 

 

 

“Body Bonus”

Here is the thing, learning to do proper squats and incorporating them to your workouts can help you years later as an older person. Let me explain... by making your core stronger and having the ability to bend up and down properly—you will be more likely to get up and around on your own later on in life.

Here we have celebrity trainer (and coauthor of Your Body, Your Life) Kim Lyons demonstrating lower body moves that will make you look good now and feel good later.

 

 

 

“Rediscovering Life—and Love”

Marie Tillman writes this essay on love and loss. She is the widow of Pat Tillman who famously left a career in the NFL to enlist in the Army after the attacks of 9/11. He was killed in action (most likely by “friendly fire”) in 2004 and Marie discusses how she worked through her grief and eventually found the strength to move on with her life.

 

 

“Want to Get Lean? Eat Your Protein!”

The newest research on how protein can help you feel full and lose weight.

 

 

 

“Nice Catch!”

I am learning to love fish but have NO idea how to cook it properly. This feature has me inspired to try some new summery recipes!

 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the June SELF:

• "Fire Your Hired Guns!” As I am typing this post my hair wants to frizz out and go insane from the humidity. This story about how to make your locks behave in the heat is working for me!
• "Diagnosis: Skin Cancer" Three women share their scary stories on dealing with skin cancer. (Note to self, make appointment with dermatologist NOW!)
•  "Your Best Body Ever Starts Now” SELF challenged readers to hit their fitness goals. See how well they did here!
• “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” Do we ever really need an excuse to enjoy a fruity drink? I am personally going to try the Watermelon-Lavender Martini right away.

 

Overall Grade: 

B+  Overall, this is a great issue but I wish it had more workouts featured. Great read to take along pool side and get in the mood for summer.

 

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? @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!)

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Are the "Mens" Teaching Us This Month? @MensFitness @MenHealthMag @MensJournal

 

 

What Are the “Men’s” Teaching Us This Month?

 

Recaps of Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal

 

Hey there!

 

Last month I decided to start a new feature—“What Are the ‘Mens’ Teaching Us This Month?” wherein I recap the top “men’s” magazines and it has become something of a hit. In fact, I was asked via Twitter (@BrooklynFitChik) by one of the publications which one was the “winner” last month which is something I have never even considered before. (Can you imagine Prevention asking me that question? LOL!)

 

So here have Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal May issues and at the end of my recaps—I will declare a winner. Feel free to debate my choice in the comment section below.

 

Game on!

 

 

Men’s Fitness: May 2012

•  Beto Perez: I have yet to try Zumba though I keep meaning to so I was really surprised to hear the inventor of the dance sensation is a male who travels the world teaching the world to shake its collective groove thing. I love the fact the Beto instills the idea of lessening the ego and being inclusive with classes as a teacher.  
• “Stone Cold Truth” Steve Austin talks about the last time he was in an actual fistfight, the desperation of opening a bottle of wine with a Sharpie and his love of manual labor.
• “American Kidd” Jason Kidd has been playing been a pro athlete since 1992 and he sees no reason to stop now.
• "Fuel the Grind" Tips for avoiding midday energy crashes by eating the proper food, keeping hydrated and getting sleep among other ideas.
• “The Men's Fitness Guide to Supplements” I am not big on supplements myself, but if you need more information about them—this is as good a place to check as any.

 

You can check out Men’s Fitness: www.mensfitness.com  

 

 

 

 

Men’s Health: May 2012

• Zac Efron: Really pretty to look at for sure but Zac has become a man after years of being a Disney teen start and he added 30 pounds of muscle to show for it.
• “Swing Big” The Dodgers’ Matt Kemp offers his secrets for staying in top shape. The dude signed $160 million deal so I am guessing he is taking care of himself properly!
• “You Call This Clean?” Try not to get skeeved out reading this page on secret germy places in your home—yuck!
• “The Smut Census” This month’s poll features the top cities for porn-buyers. (Congrats Orlando!)
• “Warrior Abs” UFC champ Jon Jones has an insane workout routine that you too can follow to get in bad-ass shape.
• “How to Do Everything Better” Good advice on how to handle a bee sting, buddy up to a bartender (cleavage works—trust me,) rolling sushi and more.
• “Why She’ll Cheat On You” Let the paranoia begin…
• “Bump Up Your Biceps” Six new exercises to get your guns a poppin’.
• “Is This Your Addiction?” Food addiction is a serious thing and scientists are just learning now the affect different types of food have on our brain.  
• “The Men’s Health Guide to Running Faster” The latest research on becoming faster and what moves you should do three times per week to prevent injury.

Check out Men’s Health online: www.MensHealth.com

 

 

 

 

Men’s Journal: May 2012

• Travis Pastrama: The former “X Games” wild man is trying his “second act” in the crazy world of NASCAR.
• “Unfortunate Son” Justin Townes Earle is the son of rock legend Steve Earle has done a lot of hard living in his 30 years and his new album pretty much kicks ass. (In my humble opinion.) Try it out yourself—the title is Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.  
• “Summer in the High Country” The best “ski towns” in the States are just as much fun in the summer as when the temperature is freezing including my own personal favorite mentioned—Truckee, California.
• “Farther, Deeper, More Dangerous” The search for oil deep, deep into the oceans continues and the rigs being created for it look like they ready to land on Mars.
• “Live Longer, Perform Better” Health and fitness advice for your 30s, 40s and 50s.
• “Climbing Mount Impossible” Climber Conrad Anker (one the team members who helped find the body of THE George Mallory on Mount Everest in 1999) takes his chances with The Shark’s Fin. I think people who climb mountains are insane and they must think I am the biggest wimp alive.
• “Wandering Spirit” Explorer Wade Davis has lived a rather exciting life. His research on voodoo was the basis for that creepy movie The Serpent and the Rainbow. Really!
• “8 Epic Trips” If you have a bucket list for fun trips to beautiful destinations with exciting physical activities to boot (think paddle boarding in Baja) then this is the guide for you.
• “Road Bikes 2012” I am a cycling kind of gal so this is MY kind of story.
• Barney Frank: An excellent interview with the soon-to-retire out congressman from Massachusetts.

Check out Men’s Journal online www.MensJournal.com

 

And the winner this month is…Men's Journal! Why? Because they retweeted me first (take note Men's Fitness and Men's Health!)

 

That's all she wrote for today folks. Be sure to check back for more recaps soon. Don’t worry—I will be back to my all-girly self 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? @goodhealth Health magazine with @GDeLaurentiis

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: May 2012

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the May issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for May: 

Giada De Laurentiis is featured both on the cover and inside the magazine and I just can’t get over how beautiful she is (I don’t watch The Food Network.) The multiple show host and chef has a new book out which talks about how she prepares meals for her family Weeknights with Giada. The family including Giada’s husband (Todd Thompson) and four year-old daughter Jade.

Some of her tips for keeping a healthy fridge include stocking up on nonperishables and then only needing to buy fresh veggies and meat when at the supermarket. Giada also keeps her potions in check makes sure to practice yoga at least three times per week to keep in shape.

Another fun fact about Giada is apparently she curses like a sailor (I like her more already!) and is trying to curb that before her daughter picks up the bad habit. (Good luck with that Giada!)

 

Andrew Macpherson is the photographer for this interview. Check how gorgeous our cover gal looks inside!

 

 

 

So what else is inside the May Health?

  

"Your New Pantry Essentials” 

Health picks the food we should all keep in stock including my new obsession—broccoli slaw (love!)

 

 
 
 

“Summer Shape-Up Special”

Are you working to get into “bathing suit” shape? Well then why don’t you try some of moves developed by Lashaun Dale of Equinox (plus a diet plan from Health as well.)

 

 

 

“Your Breasts: An Owner’s Manual”

I am really impressed with Health for creating this exceptionally comprehensive guide for breast health now and not just in October when most magazines write about the topic. Good on you, Health!

 

 

 

"Get Wise About Your Eyes"

My peepers have all kinds of issues since I was kid so I could relate to this article.

 

 

 

"Eat Safe All Summer"

Did someone say picnic season? Huzzah! I can’t wait for outdoor eating and this excellent feature will help keep me safe.

 

 

 

"The Top Beauty Buys of 2012"

Health beauty editors picked the best in all things that make us feel beautiful and do NOT burst our collective budgets. (How much do I love beauty product? THIS much!)

 

 

 

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

• "New Ways to Conquer Cravings” The latest research on how to “rewire” your brain when you cravings begin to happen.
• "Stay Wired and Still Feel Great" Like many of you; I love my tech gadgets but sometimes feel overwhelmed by constantly being wired into the Internets. Here we get advice on how to keep stay plugged in without coming unglued.
• "Power Up Your Playlist” Loved these suggestions for different songs that work for different types of workouts. Good stuff here!
• "Breathe Easier at Home” Lately my sinuses have been making me a miserable cow but I checked out this article in Health and will try some of their suggestions. (Wipe my cat’s paws? Oh yeah, that will go over well! LOL!)

 

 

Follow Heath online at: www.Health.com  

 

Overall Grade: 

A- A really good issue that will keep me motivated now that summer is upon us. (Yeah summer!)

 

 

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? @Shape_Magazine with @Ali_Sweeney on the Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Shape: April 2012

 

 

 (Cover Photographer: Nino Munoz)

 

 

Shape Cover Star for April: 

Alison “Ali” Sweeney (The Biggest Loser) is showing off her hot bikini body on the April and the mother of two discusses her “Ali-isms” for balancing health & fitness with family time.  Just so you know—Ali is the mother of two kids (Ben, 7 and Megan, 3), her husband is a California Highway Patrolman (they have been married for 11 years) and she not only hosts The Biggest Loser and appears on Days of Our Lives—but she also has a new show on the TV Guide Channel called Hollywood Girls Night. Whew!

 

In spite of a crazy schedule and multiple obligations—Ali makes times to work out most days of the week and is now completing marathons in her “free time.” How does she do it all you ask? Well just check out a few of her “Ali-isms”

 

• “When You Get a Wake-Up Call, Answer It.”

 

• “If You Nibble It, Scribble It.”

 

• “Keeping You Own Pace Wins the Race”

 

Ali trained for the L.A. Marathon with the help of trainer Steve Lee and inside the magazine we get a look at some of her workout. See!

 

 

 

So what else is inside the April Shape?

  

“Sneak Attack”

The “Shape Shoe Awards 2012” is featured in this issue. Check out the latest sneakers here as they are all bright and fun-looking this season.

 

 

 

 

“Sexier by Summer”

Not that any of you need help being sexy; but if you are looking for a kick-butt routine to try out at the beach—try this one developed by master trainer Abbie Appel of SPRI Products of Boca Raton, FL.

 

 

 

“Get in Fighting Shape”

Have you seen The Hunger Games? (I am dying to!) Actress Leven Rambin shows us the workout that got her ready to play the part of tribute “Glimmer” in the blockbuster film. 87eleven Action Design in Inglewood, CA and stunt coordinator Chad Stahelski created this program.

 

 

 

"Green Your Fitness Routine"

Love this story! Being eco-conscious is oh-so-hip and these gym items will help you work out without bothering the planet we all love so much. The REI Lookout 40 Backpack (www.rei.com) looks particularly awesome to moi!

 

 

 

Elisabeth Moss

Are any of you as obsessed with Mad Men as I am? (Swoon!) Check out lovely Elisabeth Moss and her favorite ways to relax, the workout she never misses and being a “girly girl.”

 

 

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

• "Feel No Pain!" Whether your problem is lower back pain, runner’s knee or blisters—this page shows natural antidotes to help you feel better.   
• "Is it Worth it?" We have all been there—rabidly hungry and in front of a snack machine deciding what to get. (Shall it be gummy snacks or mixed nuts today?) Shape picks 10 popular snack items and lets us know their caloric content and the exact type of workout to burn them off.
• “The No-Hunger, No Hassle Diet” A no counting of anything meal plan to get healthy & lean without deprivation.  
• “My Boyfriend Almost Killed Me” Writer Stephanie Booth offers us this chilling & true account of a woman who fell in love with the wrong man and endured an abusive relationship. A “must read” for sure.

 

Follow Shape magazine online at: www.Shape.com

 

Overall Grade: 

A          Loved the workout pages and Ali Sweeney is an excellent example of a woman who works hard to make sure she is healthy for everyone in her family.   

 

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? @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!)

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

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

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Fitness RX for Women, Oxygen and Prevention

 

 

Hello everyone!

 

Spring is in the air and I have a stack of magazines to review & recap for you. So let’s not waste any time and get right into it, shall we?

 

 

 

 

Fitness RX for Women: April 2012

•  “Whey Past Excellence” Whey protein is now considered “the gold standard in which all other proteins are judged” and are examined in this piece by George Redmon, Ph.D., N.D.
• “Jamie Eason’s Flat Abs” Fitness diva Jamie Eason stays in shape with the five secrets she shares here.
• Juliana Daniell: The cover model gives us an exclusive glute-shaping routine plus her diet which includes several, small protein meals per day.
• “Barbie Breaks Arms” Really fun interview with MMA champion “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey.
• “Healthiest Weight Loss” Marie Spano,  MS, RD, CSCS, CSSSD writes about the amount of protein needed to not only lose weight but also keep it off for good.
• Jackie Warner: The divine trainer talks about her new book 10 POUNDS IN TEN DAYS plus we get a sample menu for one day. (It’s a low calorie menu so please consult your doctor first!)
• “Firm Your Thighs and Butt with Squat Jumps” Tips for performing the tough yet totally amazing squat jumps (which I have a love/hate relationship with.)
• “Working Out at Work” Studies show that just plain old sitting all day will bring enormous health problems in the future. Tips for sneaking in some exercise if you are stuck at your desk for long hours.

 

You can check out Fitness RX for Women at this site: www.fitnessrxmag.com  

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: April 2012

• Felicia Romero: Oxygen’s April cover gal at one time was so stressed from competing in the sport of Figure that she wanted to quit the whole thing forever. However, Felicia Romero of Gilbert, Arizona is back and ready to take on the Figure world again.  The fit twenty nine-year old gives us her favorite meals to get into competition shape.
• “Switch Gears” Spring has sprung and it is finally time to get the bike back out on the road—yeah! Here we get tips for riding safely.
• “Clean Chinese” If you love Chinese food but could use less salt & fat in the recipe—try out these ideas.
• “You’ve Gotta Sweat for This” Examples of “simple sugars” that you can not only (in proper amounts, of course) enjoy but can actualy help boost your workouts as well.
• “Your Booty Shape-Up Guide” Oxygen has a 15-minute routine to get your derriere in tip top shape.
• “High-Five Your Day!” I know most of you are not “morning people” but trust me—working out first thing in the am will really help you reach your fitness goals and stay there as a routine.  Here we get tips on how to become more enamored of early day workouts.  
• “Clean Eating Done Right” Get advice from the experts on how to eat cleaner (and not make mushy veggies, for example.)

 

Check out Oxygen online: www.oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

 

Prevention: April 2012

• Katie Couric: You have to admire Katie Couric’s devotion to cancer prevention (her husband, Jay Monahan died of colon cancer at the age of 42.) In fact she is hoping that “cancer advocate” will be in her first sentence of her obituary according to Couric’s interview with Prevention. With a new talk show in the works Couric talks about keeping healthy, raising two daughters as a widow and dealing with different cancer charities among other topics. Great interview!

• "Get Your Green Gear" Earth Day appears in April so many magazines will feature “green” stories this month. This page features eco-friendly gear with a tank top by Omama Kimber that I LOVE.
• “Reasons Your Diet is Not Working” Are you having trouble getting rid of those few extra pounds? Here we get unexpected reasons why your diet might be failing you.
• “Sneak Peak” I want new sneakers and these pages are giving me inspiration.
• “Raising the Barre” Are you ready for a “Ballet Boot Camp Challenge?” These moves make look frilly but they will make your body tone up for sure!
• “Safe Passage” If you know of anyone facing end-of-life issues, you will want to read this article about a doctor helping his patients (and their families) face mortality.
• “As Nature Made Them” Genetically Modified Foods (or GMOs) are taking over our food shelves and we are not always told when and where they exist. Prevention looks at the struggle between the governmental agencies and the food lobbyists to find out how safe they really are.

 

Check out Prevention online at www.prevention.com

 

 

That’s all I have for today. Check back soon for reviews, recaps, giveaways, playlists and even more.

 

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 @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!)

Friend me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

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 Are the "Mens" Teaching Us This Month? @MensFitness @MensHealthMag @MensJournal

 

 

What Are the “Men’s” Teaching Us This Month?

 

Recaps of Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal

 

 

Hello everyone! I am checking out all of the health & fitness men’s pubs so you don’t have to—you’re welcome! Let’s take a gander…

 

Just to set the mood—let’s take a look at this clip from Men’s Journal cover dude Woody Harrelson in one of my favorite sitcom moments ever. Love to all of the “Kellys” out there!

 

  

 

 

 

 

Men’s Fitness: April 2012

•  Maksim Chmerkovsky: The Dancing with the Stars “ballroom badass” shows us how being an amazing dancer means being an incredible athlete. He offers us his tips for training and claims that even though he trashed his co-stars last season he still loves the dancing reality competition and is not planning to leave. (Personally, I love how he inspired Kirstie Alley!)
• Manu Bennett Check out page 20 to meet the ripped star of Spartacus (an awesomely dirty show on Starz—luv!) and learn his “gladiator workout.”
• “Speed Demons” The hottest looking sneakers for the upcoming season in really bright colors. Love this trend!
• "Tough Love" If you know anyone into the UFC, this interview with Urjah Faber will make them very happy.
• “The Meat Manifesto” If you are an unapologetic meat eater (raising her hands) then this feature on how to cook, grill and roast your way to good health (really!)
• “The CrossFit 5 Workout” The hottest exercise trend on the market I have yet to try is CrossFit and this article could be the very introduction I need.
• “Ice Hockey Training” I have a thing for hockey movies and have always wanted to try the game out for myself (weak ankles hold me back.) If you are looking for ways to increase your speed and stability—these tips could work for you.

 

You can check out Men’s Fitness: www.mensfitness.com  

 

 

 

 

Men’s Health: April 2012

• Taylor Kitsch: Yes, Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights is on the cover and offers his “5 Rules of Fitness.” He just plain makes me swoon.
• “Cure Curriculum” Loved these moves for a quick workout you can do anywhere and strengthen the core.
• “You Can Crash Here” This month’s list of American cities gives us details on which places have the most (and least) dangerous drivers.
• “Is She the One?” I enjoyed this story about a couple who decided to try out online dating matchmaking in order to see if they were truly compatible. (Not as kinky as it sounds!)
• “The Sweat 16” NBA drills you can try out for yourself to increase your strength and agility.  
• “How to Do Everything Better” If you want to be better at poker, clean out your garage, make the most money from your next yard sale and/or get an upgrade on your next hotel room—get the April issue.
• “Smash Your Stress” Tips for dealing with life’s stresses.
• “Why the PSA Test is DOA” Oh boy! The leading test used to check men for prostate cancer might be deeply flawed and dangerous.  
• “On a Mission to Save You” Techniques from the Special Operations Command (SOCOM.)
• Amy Schumer: The acerbic (meaning filthy) comic makes me laugh on Comedy Central’s roasts and her essay on dating funny guys in this issue made me giggle.
• “Pain-Free for Life” The author of the Athlete’s Book of Home Remedies (Jordan D. Metzl, M.D.) offers advice on healing faster and creating an “injury-proof body.”

 

Check out Men’s Health online: www.MensHealth.com

 

 

 

 

Men’s Journal: April 2012

• Woody Harrelson: One of the most underrated actors in the business (seriously, this guy is extremely talented) talks about life in Hawaii, politics, pot and his quest to be “the laziest bastard ever.”
• “5 Ways to Reprogram Your Golf Game” Nuff said.  
• “Last Chance to Save the Salmon” Building dams across the Pacific Northwest has created havoc on the marine environment and may just kill off the salmon population which at one time so vibrant you could hear them all night long on the Salmon River.
• “The Downside of MRIs” So many choose to get an MRI when injured though we are now learning this might cause more harm than good in the long run.
• “The Infomercial Workout” The editors of Men’s Journal put a few late commercial products to the test including the Shake Weight and The Rack.
• “The Hustler” Loved this feature on Ping-Pong champ (and hustler!) Marty Reisman.
• “Eight Ways to Smarten up Your Home” For all of you gadget geeks looking to increase home efficiency.  

 

Check out Men’s Journal online www.MensJournal.com

  

 

That’s it for today. Be sure to come back soon for more reviews, recaps, playlists and giveaways soon.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”