Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? @BicyclingMag @fandw @MandF_Hers

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Bicycling, Food & Wine and Muscle & Fitness Hers

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

It’s that time again—magazine recap time. So I will stop wasting your time and dive right in today. You’re welcome!

 

 

 

 

 

Bicycling: April 2012

•  “2012 Buyers Guide” This is known as “bike porn” people! Just about the whole issue is devoted to everything related to bikes and bike-buying. If you are in the market for a new bike (or you just want to know what’s out there)—this is the magazine for you.

Categories include: 

• Aero
• Recreational
• Women’s Road
• Entry (Road)
• Enthusiast Road
• Trail
• Race
• City
• Full Suspension
• Plush Road (Meaning pricey!)

 

• “Mass Appeal” Bicycling somehow managed to find cool-looking helmets. Really!
• “Below the Belt” The best gear to wear on two wheels and tested by the staff of Bicycling.

 

Check out Bicycling online here: www.bicycling.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food & Wine: March 2012 (Yay for food porn!)

•  “50 Ways to Get Stronger, Smarter & Healthier” The editors found ways to “boost your brain power” from foods to cleaning products to face cream. (These kind of shopping pages give me the “I wants” big time!
• “A Hedonist’s Guide to Healthy Vacations” Getting away doesn’t have to mean weight gain and lack of proper exercise. The best healthy options for the most fun of destinations: Las Vegas, New Orleans and Honolulu.  
• “Germination Nation” Food & Wine looks at the “sprouted food” trend.
• “The Healthy Eating Program” Very amusing writer A.J. Jacobs (author of the upcoming Drop Dead Healthy: One Man’s Humble Quest for Bodily Perfection) talks about overcoming his reluctance to healthy foods and vegetables.
• “DIY Yogurt” Did you know you can make the stuff yourself? Really!
• “Healthy Snack Attack” Six recipes for “nom nom”-worthy treats that are actually good for you. Huzzah!
• Gail Simmons: The Top Chef star shares her favorite home recipes from her new book Talking with my Mouth Full.   
• “In Praise of Powerful Cabernets” Yes.
• “The 21^st Century Healthy Pantry” Food & Wine asked for the shopping lists from three top innovators (including a vegan, a meat-loving chef and a baking “genius”) and managed to get some recipes from them as well. Score!

Check out Food & Wine online: www.foodandwine.com  

 

 

 

 

 

Muscle & Fitness Hers: March 2012

• Dianna Dahlgren: Check out the abs of this cover gal! The 22 year-old figure pro comes by her love for muscles & exercise quite naturally as her father was a body builder and her mom a competitive arm wrestler—true story! Inside we get insight into Dianna’s training along with her favorite way to relieve stress (shopping!)
• "Top Five Training Tips for Every Body Part" Figure pro Felicia Romero offers her tips for keeping in top form while maintaining proper alignment.
• “Flip & Grip” Pretty cool article showing how just changing the way you grip equipment at the gym can give your workout a needed boost.
• “6 Protein Packed Soups” Soup is one of the few things that make winter tolerable for me.
• “Supps to Fill You Up” I am not a fitness competitor and am trying not to be judgmental about the use of supplements but I am not a fan of this list of the best supplements (according to the editors) for helping you feel full. Please know that eating lean proteins and drinking plenty of water throughout the day for MOST of us will do the trick. Please!
• “Top 5 Glutes Exercises” The best moves to get your fanny in shape.

Check out Muscle & Fitness Hers online www.muscleandfitnesshers.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”

New Playlist Time! "Are You Sexy & You Know It?"

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S FAVORITE PLAYLIST

(This Month...)

 

"Are You Sexy & You Know It?" (50-minute Ride)

 

Howdy!

 

I have been struggling for weeks to come up with a brand-new playlist, when all of a sudden a song came into my life—Sexy and I Know It from LMFAO. Normally I am not a techy, dance music kind of gal but this one had me hooked from the first listen.

 

So with that as my inspiration, I created the following playlist which features my favorite songs by some of my favorite artists. I hope it gets you in the mood to groove on the bike, treadmill or (if you are lucky enough to live in a global warming place!) outside.

 

Let’s do this thing!

 

• That’s Not My Name: The Ting Tings

Love, love, love this song with its catchy lyrics and hard-driving beat. Music that builds as it goes along always works as a warm-up and the last two minutes of this tune are my favorite.

 

  

 

 

• Gold on the Ceiling: The Black Keys

Honestly I can’t think of any song by The Black Keys that I do not enjoy tremendously and this gem from their new album is near perfect.

  

  

 

 

• Ray of Light: Madonna

This is my all-time fave by the Lady Madonna (though it always seems longer than I remember it being originally.) She wrote this for her daughter Lourdes who is 15 years-old now. Can you believe that? (Shaking my head.)

 

 

 

 

• Rebellion: Arcade Fire

If you are looking for a good “climb” song be it for running or cycling uphill—this track is perfect!

 

  

 

 

• E-Pro: Beck

The guitar hook on this makes me wish I kept up with my lessons. (Got to get back to my guitar…)

 

 

 

• She: Green Day

This is a little running tune (two minutes long) that always make me smile.

 

 

 

 

• Without Me:  Eminem

“Now this looks like the job for me so everyone just follow me!”

 

  

 

 

• Freedom 90: George Michael

I don’t know if you have heard but last fall George Michael fell very ill and almost died! Thankfully he is alive and well. Now, can he get his ass back in the studio! (Please, George!)

 

  

 

 

• Award Tour: A Tribe Called Quest

This song makes me want to transport myself back to Brooklyn in the early 1990s and be a real hipster (and not the poseurs we have now!)

 

  

 

 

• Sexy and I Know It: LMFAO

Just one word—wiggle!

 

  

 

 

• Raise Your Glass: Pink

This one from Pink always gets people in an “up” mood. (Did you know she was set to play Janis Joplin in a biopic that did not come to fruition?)

 

 

 

 

 

• Baby, I Love Your Way (Live): Peter Frampton

Last weekend I saw Peter Frampton in concert (and why not?) and it was about as much fun as I had at a show in ages. This song got a HUGE response from the crowd. (Makes me want to transport myself to 1970s California and attend an all-day music festival!)

 

 

 

 

That’s it for me today. Let me know what you think of my picks and feel free to share ideas with me!

 

Until next time…

 

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? @SELFmagazine with Katharine McPhee on the Cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? 

 

 SELF: March 2012

 

 

  

SELF Cover Star for March: 

Katharine McPhee graces the cover of the March issue and currently stars in a glassy TV show that is beyond silly and insanely enjoyable, Smash.  With this part it looks as if she is finally able to shake off the (had to be annoying) American Idol runner-up label.

 

Katherine plays a character named Karen who is fresh off the bus from Iowa (a place she does NOT to go back to,) has a wonderful voice and a fresh-faced innocence that does not get the lead in the “Marilyn Musical” (spoiler alert.)

 

My love for Smash has transformed into a drinking game. Next time you catch the show, take a sip of your favorite beverage every time:

• Debra Messing sports yet another scarf.
• Whenever the character Ellis overacts in a devious manner.
• Every time a Marilyn Monroe film is mentioned.
• Every shot of “apartment porn” (i.e.; homes that look like a millionaire resides there.)
• Debra Messing’s character looks to be in DEEP THOUGHT.

 

In the SELF interview Katherine talks about her long hours on the New York City-based set and how she would normally spend her days show-free. Plus, we get her favorite “1-Hour Workout” which was created by her trainer Oscar Smith and “kicks ass.”

 

Katharine looks gorgeous on the cover in a “Pleasure Doing Business” dress and is photographed by Robert Erdman.

 

  

So What Else is in the March SELF?

  

"The #1 Way to Melt Fat"

Get ready to jump some rope! This routine comes from Gerard Calvo of Equinox in New York City and will blast some serious calories.

 

 

 

"Miracle Makeover”

Look! It’s Punky!

 

Actress & author Soleil Moon Frye is our featured model here for a workout created by her trainer Teddy Bass and utilizes Bass’ “RockBottomBody” ball that you can order online at RockBottomBody.com for $50.

 

  

 

 

“Best of the Worst”

Say you have a yen for spuds but want to avoid the calories and fats—check out some healthy options here! (Few things in life make me happier than a good helping of fries!)

 

 

 

“Kick Start to Sexy”

Are you ready for some kettlebells! Russian-born Dasha Libin (her grandfather taught the Russian army how to use them—true story!) gives us this torcher of a series.

 

 

  

 

“Your Body on Yoga”

Yoga can enhance your sex life, lower stress as well as help you sleep longer and better. So why wait? Go for some sun salutations people!

 

 

 

 

“Diet-Friendly Pastas”

Yes, you can load up on carbs with these “non nom”-worthy recipes.

 

 

 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the March SELF:

• "Brag Bag” I am always on the lookout for a new gym bag and SELF offers some fun options here.
• "Healthy SELF Handbook" Lots of great information here on how to get healthy in 2012 including the top ‘immunity boosters,” tips on how to fight off an illness on your sick day properly (I load up on Theraflu and watch Bravo TV all day) and battling “nasty bugs.”
•  "Get Happier for Free” You don’t have to bust your budget to buy happiness when some simple mind tricks and positive thoughts can help you scare away the blues. This plan is two-weeks of pleasure-enhancing goodness.
• “Sunny & Bright” Loved these fashion and beauty pages which have me looking forward to spring weather like no one’s business! (The BCBG MaxAzria dress on page 133 is so divine!)  
• “Divorced, Broke, Living with Mom” This essay from Pari Chang really got to me. In essence, Chang went from living the good life in Manhattan with her successful husband and baby to (over a series of circumstances) now lives back with her mother and is trying to eke out a living as a writer.

 

 

Overall Grade: 

A  Good workouts, scientifically sound advice for getting healthy, fun pasta recipes and gorgeous fashion pages always make me smile!  

 

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 Have the Internets Taught Us? @FitBottomedGirl @DietsInReview @MizFitOnline @AllWomenStalk @SELFmagazine @Shape_Magazine

 

 

What Have the Internets Taught Us?

 

Featuring links from Fit Bottomed Girls, Diets in Review,

Shape, SELF, Miz Fit Online & All Women Stalk  

 

Hello everyone! I have scoured the web for the best stories on health and fitness and picked my favorites to share with you today.  

 

You’re welcome!

 

Fit Bottomed Girls: “4 Tips to be More Mindful (and Have More Fun) with Your Workouts”

If you have a problem with spacing out while getting your sweat on—this is the link for you.

• http://fitbottomedgirls.com/2012/02/4-tips-to-be-more-mindful-and-have-more-fun-with-your-workouts/

 

Diets in Review: “A HowGood Rating at the Grocery Store Will Make You a More Conscious Consumer”

Do you know what a HowGood rating is? Would you like to learn how it can inform your choices at the supermarket? Well, check this out!

• http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/02/a-howgood-rating-at-the-grocery-store-will-make-you-a-more-conscious-consumer/

 

 

Shape: “10 Crunch-Free Moves for Killer Abs”

Jessica Smith of the Yin Yang Fusion Workout created these moves which are pretty darn cool if you ask me. (Did you?)

• http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/10-crunch-free-moves-killer-abs

 

 

SELF: “Jump Your Way to Extreme Calorie Burn”

Might as well jump—for this groovy workout from Gerard Calvo of Equinox (New York.)

• http://www.self.com/fitness/workouts/2012/03/jump-rope-and-melt-fat-slideshow?mbid=enws_0221#slide=1

 

 

 

Miz Fit Online: “How I Rediscovered My Self-Esteem” 

Love Miz Fit (Carla Birnberg) and this post made me grin from ear to ear. Check it out!

• http://mizfitonline.com/2012/02/13/how-i-rediscovered-my-self-esteem/

 

 

All Women Stalk: “7 Health Benefits of Coffee You Did Not Know”

The one thing I will NOT give up (never, ever!) is my morning cup of java. Now let me enjoy it in peace!

• http://health.allwomenstalk.com/health-benefits-of-coffee-you-did-not-know/

 

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.

 

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? @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 Have We Learned this Month? @goodhealth Health magazine with @JillianMichaels on the Cover

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: March 2012

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the March issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for March: 

Jillian Michaels is on the cover of the March issue and she gives advice on how to overcome negative thoughts and self-doubt to reach your fitness & health goals. My favorite quote from the interview—“I don’t care whose butt you’ve posted on the screen of your treadmill.” (Jillian admits that Madonna and Linda Hamilton’s sleek physique in Terminator 2 were early fitness inspirations.)

 

Jillian also shows us her favorite moves for keeping in top shape--see!

 

 

So what else is inside the March Health?

  

"Your Essential Yoga Guide” 

Health talks about all of the different types of yoga classes out there and which might work best just for you. Plus, there’s a “Flex in 5” routine from Sacred Movement yoga instructor Seanne Corn.

 

 
 
 

“Belly Fat Be Gone”

Very smart (and scientifically sound) tips for lowering the area around your middle that does not include starvation or deprivation which is a good thing.

 

 

 

“Healthier Cooking Starts Here”

A full page of kitchen stuffs that give me a big case of the ‘I wants.” (Especially the “onion goggle glasses” that are pure genius.)

 

 

 

 

"Standout Sneakers"

The latest shoes for running, cross-training and more that are so darn cute-looking that I am getting more “I wants” here.

 

 

 

 "Your Back: A User’s Manual"

If you have any kind of back issue whatsoever, this is the article for you. Really good information here.

 

 

 

 

"How to be Light On Your Feet"

Lisa Wheeler of Equinox came up with these active moves that will tone you all over and keep you moving.

 

 

 

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

• "Get Smart About Soy” Tons of information about the food being embraced by “flexitarians” everywhere.
• "5 Surprising Reason’s You’re Not Losing" If you are stuck in a diet plateau—this is the article for you.
• "Need a Terrific Doctor?" A very good friend of mine is having issues with her GP (he tried to prescribe her pills to lose weight!) so I will be sure to send this story along to her.
• "How to Fake a Good Night’s Sleep” This feature will come in handy those days I can’t get all of my Zzzz’s in.
• “Headache-Proof Your Home” If you get head pounders on occasion (like I sure do!) this article will be helpful. Good advice here!
• “Eat Bright for a Long Life” How to eat better with yummy veggies that come in bright colors like avocado and beets.
• “Dine Out Like a Health Pro” Health asked a whole slew of fitness and health experts to find out what they would order (and they would avoid) at some of the most popular food chains including the Macaroni Grill, IHOP and Applebee’s.

 

Follow Heath online at: www.Health.com  

 

Overall Grade: 

A! This magazine is on a winning streak with me! Tons of good information, shopping pages that are fun and workout pages I can’t wait to put to use. Well done!

 

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

Meet a Blogger! Missy from "Mistransformation" @MissyB17702

 

 

“Meet a Blogger/Mistransformation/Missy”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

 

Today I am introducing you to the lovely Missy from Misstransformation to the masses. Missy writes a fitness-oriented Blog where she likes to review workout DVDs, offer inspiration and has the occasional giveaway for fun.

  

So why don’t we meet her now?

 

This is her website address: www.mistransformation.wordpress.com     

 

Check out her picture here:

 

 

 

Questions from Brooklyn Fit Chick:

 

What is the name of your Blog?
    Mistransformation - www.mistransformation.wordpress.com     

 

How would you describe it to someone who has not read it before?
    My blog is a fitness oriented blog wherein I primarily review workout DVDs.  I also list workouts that I do at the gym, do occasional workout DVD giveaways, post inspirational pictures and give opinions.

    The overall goal of my blog is to give inspiration to others from someone who accomplished changing their life for the better.

 

How did you get interested in writing?
    When I was a teenager I liked creative writing and used to secretly write stories that I never showed to anyone.

 

What is your favorite workout?
    Kettlebells - cardio and strength all in one.

 

Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”
     No one famous.  Just the people who are out there giving it all they've got day after day trying to improve on their fitness level.

 

The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?
    Being obese was physically challenging.  I could barely pick myself up off of the floor and I was only in my early 30s.  My back used to go out a lot and I would have to crawl on the floor to get to the bathroom.

 

Besides your Blog—what are you favorite reads?   
    Fitness-wise:  Oxygen Magazine, Muscle & Fitness Hers Magazine, Women's Health Magazine and various workout books.

    For pleasure:  Sappy romance novels, biographies and books about history.

 What is favorite TV guilty pleasure?
    Billy the Exterminator  

 

(Courtesy of A & E Network)

 

How do you motivate yourself when your mind & body are saying “Ugh, not today?”
    I just try to keep in mind what my goals are and remember how good I feel after I work out.

 

Favorite place in the world to chill out.
    Rock concerts.

 

Who/what makes you laugh when you need a mood lift?
    My two teenage nephews.

 

Thanks Missy!

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

“Friend” me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

Meet a Blogger!@DietsInReview Brandi Koskie @BrandiK

 

 

“Meet a Blogger!/Diets in Review.com /Brandi Koskie”

 

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! 

 

I am so pleased to introduce to all of you the wonderful Brandi Koskie who is the Director of Publishing for Diets in Review. Brandi and I met at the Fitbloggin’ convention last year (http://fitbloggin.com/) and she is one of my favorite “Tweet Hearts.”

  

Brandi writes about fitness, health and nutrition for the popular Blog and I have a hunch when you check out their site—you will become a fan of hers as well.

  

So why don’t we meet her now?

 

This is her website address: www.DietsInReview.com      

 

You can find her at Twitter:  @DietsInReview and @BrandiK

 

Here is a photo of the lovely Brandi:

 

 

(She wears really cool glasses!)

 

Questions from Brooklyn Fit Chick:

• What is the name of your Blog?

www.DietsInReview.com

 

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

DietsInReview.com is friendly, reputable resource for weight loss and healthy living guidance. We walk the walk as much as we talk it, and you’ll see our staff reporting on the biggest health news as much as you will see them sharing their own personal fitness successes and healthy living experiences.

 

We like to think we’re one of the most approachable health sites on the web; we love interacting with our readers on Twitter and Facebook and listen to their needs and write to that.

 

• How did you get interested in writing?

I had a fourth grade teacher named Mr. Huff. He was the first person to ever push me to look at writing as a talent or skill. I wrote three books of original poems for him that year (they were terrible) and have been pushing pencils or keys ever since.

 

• What is your favorite workout?

 

I love running when I’m doing it, but I can be really good at talking myself out of it. I really enjoy yoga, almost more for the peace of mind and stress relief than for the obvious fitness benefits. I also like getting in on the weights.

 

• Who/whom are your “fitness heroes?”

It might sound cliché, but they are the Biggest Losers. I’ve had the incredible opportunity of working closely with the contestants since season 5 and I’m still moved to tears when I see them succeed. People like Bernie Salazar, Courtney Crozier, Dan Evans, Amanda Arlauskas, Coleen Skeabeck, Jerry and Estella Hayes, Mark Pinhasovich and TOO many others to name are proof-positive that you can do anything you set your mind too.

When I’m feeling like I want to say I can’t, I just think of them. There are hundreds of little Biggest Loser contestants sitting on my shoulders, and when you put in to perspective your efforts vs. theirs, it’s a lot easier to suck it up and keep going!

 

(Editor's Note: Here is a photo of Hannah Curlee and Olivia Ward from season 11 from the Fitness magazine/Soul Cycle event held in their honor last autumn. Super cool chicks!)

 

• The biggest physical challenge you have overcome?

The only time in my life I’ve truly ever had to “lose weight” was after the birth of my daughter. I had 35 pounds to lose and no intentions of keeping that around. So while it wasn’t easy between work and a newborn, I made a concerted effort to put myself first and started running for the first time in my life.

 

Five-and-a-half months after her arrival I ran my first half marathon! Staying that active and immediately getting back on track with my eating helped me fit in to my jeans pretty quickly!

 

• Besides your Blog—what are you favorite reads?

I consume non-fiction! My recently finished stack includes Steve Jobs, Keith Richards’ Life, two Chelsea Handler books, the Laura Ingalls Wilder biography, and I’m challenging myself to get through the Elizabeth I bio. I may re-read The Help because I loved it that much!

 

 

• What is favorite TV guilty pleasure?

I stopped watching TV for two years because I decided I had better things to do with my time.  Usually the only time I turn turned it on is for The Biggest Loser. However, in the past six months, I have a hard time going to bed before I’ve watched Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert.

 

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

 

All I have to do is think of the stories we cover on DietsInReview – the struggles people have because of their weight, the health implications from not moving or eating right, the horrendous crap they put in our food – and I remember that I don’t ever want to be the subject of one of those stories.

 

• Favorite place in the world to chill out.

My aunt’s and uncle’s house in the country. In the summer, the Beach Boys are always playing, the grill is always going, and there’s plenty of room in the pool for the whole crew. It’s the simplest and most fun place to be any time of year.

 

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

My daughter Paisley. Nothing can top the things a near 2-year-old says and does. My husband and I are brought to belly laughs daily. There’s no better feeling than that!

 

Thanks Brandi!

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? @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!)

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Hey there everyone! I went out and got me a stack of “men’s” magazines for recap and review for your reading pleasure—you’re welcome! So how about we check out how the Y chromosome population handle health & fitness issues, shall we?

 

To get in the mood-let’s check out Men’s Health cover star’s David Beckham’s newest commercial enterprise—H&M Bodywear!

 

  

 

You’re welcome!

 

 

Men’s Fitness: March 2012

•  Bob Harper: Yes! The star of The Biggest Loser is interviewed about his love of CrossFit and includes a CrossFit workout “WOD” called “The Bob.’ The man is also photographed shirtless and looking yummy. If you are a Bob and/or CrossFit fan—this will be catnip for you.
• “That Fittest & Fattest Cities in America” Sorry Houston—you top the list this year for “fat” cities. Congrats to Portland, OR as you folks rank #1 in fitness. And Los Angeles—you are number one for sex, so good on all of you lucky people!
• “12 Tips for a Better Workout” Really good advance on how to “recharge your training.”
• "Ryan Reynolds" The ripped actors trainer, Bobby Strom, talks about how his client gets the look of an Adonis for his films. And there is a hot photo of shirtless Ryan included!
• “Snack Smarter” It’s a showdown of snack chips to find the healthiest choice  and Kettle Baked chips win—huzzah!
• “You’re a P#$*Y If…" Heavy sigh—Men’s Fitness holds a standard for the average guy on how well he should perform certain “cornerstone” exercises. Anyone who doesn’t do them properly (and are male) must be compared to a female which is a big insult. Really guys? Bad Men’s Fitness you sexist creeps! (Sorry but this hackneyed name-calling is just tiresome at this point in our culture. I am OVER it!)
• “Frozen Assets” The best in frozen foods for the fridge. Now this is actually helpful!

 

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

 

 

 

 

Men’s Health: March 2012

• David Beckham: I can never focus on what he is ever saying because he is just too damn hot for words.  He also appears to be a nice guy so win/win!   
• “How Ricky Gervais Totally Lost it” The comedic actor (and original creator of The Office) looks ah-mazing. See how he did it here. (Hint—think very old school calisthenics.)
• “The Ultimate Boot Camp Workout” A pull-out feature that looks pretty damn tough.
• “The Pill-Free Headache Fix” Really good advice here on how to cure a pounder without meds.
• “Courage in Just an Act” Actor Jesse Eisenberg wrote this cool essay on how to overcome challenges by sometimes just forgetting who you really are.
• “How to Do Everything Better” Fun tips here from being at foosball to dodging a speeding ticket to popping THE perfect bowl of popcorn.
• “Clearing the Air on Allergies” Speaking as someone who has suffered with allergies off and on her whole life—articles like these are very useful.
• “A Smack Upside the Head” How even those of us who are amateurs jocks should fear and avoid concussions as well as the NHL stars.
• “Reprogram Your Metabolism” This is one topic no magazine can seem to avoid writing about lately (I am seeing it everywhere) but this is a better-than-average take on the subject. I found it helpful anyway—let me know what you think of it.
• “The Butcher is Back” Sorry to all of my vegan peeps—I love meat. Really, really love it and found this feature pretty cool.

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

 

 

 

 

Men’s Journal: March 2012

• "50 Things Every Man Should Own" The 1960s-era Harley Davidson bike on the cover is one of them. I wouldn’t mind having one myself!
• “Murder in the Amazon” Excellent feature on the more 1,500 Brazilians who have been killed trying to fight deforestation in the amazon.
• “A Hooligan’s Holiday” Let’s just say you feel like visiting the rowdiest places in Europe to catch a football (not soccer!) match—well read this issue to find out where to go and get your hooliganism on.
• “Sergeant Slaughter” Another “hot guy butchers” story which I can’t seem to get enough of right now.
• “Plastic Radical” Love meeting people who are willing to fight for a clean environment including Marcus Ericksen who has sailed over 25,000 miles to prove how plastic is hurting our oceans. Awesome!
• “Can Oral Sex Cause Cancer?” Really important article about the rise of throat cancer in men and the connection with oral sex.
• “What’s Really in Your Water?” Another super, useful feature this time about the different brands of bottled water on the market and what they really contain.
• “High-Performance Breathing” Laird Hamilton thinks we do not breathe properly when we work out and he wants to fix that.
• “Losing the Last Hundred Pounds” Personal essay from Dennis Dennehy who lost 1/3 of his size and his tips for keeping it off. Love this sentence describing why he eats the same thing every day for the first two meals—“breakfast and lunch are pretty boring…unless you live in Paris.” Maybe I am the only who gets it? Good on you Dennis!
• “The Best Beers in America” And now for something completely different…

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

  

 

 

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!) 

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