Brooklyn Fit Chick

What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine with @jessicaalba Jessica Alba!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 SELF: September 2012

 

 

 

 

SELF Cover Star for September: 

Jessica Alba

SELF has Jessica Alba on the cover as she is one of the honorees of the annual “Women Doing Good” issue and I for one did not know that she ran an eco-friendly baby products business (called “The Honest Company”) in honor of her daughter—named Honor. (That’s a lot of honor in one sentence, no?)

 

Anyhoo, one morning several years ago, when Honor was a baby, Jessica noticed she was eating the beads that were from the inside of her diaper which understandably freaked Jessica out. Honor was fine but the incident sparked the actress to create safe & natural products for the whole family. You can learn more about The Honest Company at www.Honest.com  and just so you know—a portion of the proceeds help families in need via Baby2Baby.

 

Good on you Jessica!

 

 

 

Also featured in the “Women Doing Good” is an incredible group of women including:

• Sabrina Cohen: “On a Mission to Reverse Paralysis”
• Tonia Farman: “Lifting Up Cancer Survivors”
• Catherine Wyatt-Morley: “Keeping Women Healthy by Spreading the Word on HIV”
• Jena Dewan-Tatum: “Helping Care for Animals”
• Kerry Washington: “Bringing Arts Education to Underserved Kids”

 

 

So What Else is in the September SELF?

 

SparkPeople.com’s Nicole Nichols

This month’s main workout comes from Nicole Nichols of SparkPeople.com and is partnership with the SELF Diet Club (SDC for short.) Really good moves here that I plan to steal for my own classes!

 

 

True story, the first time I had to teach a core class I borrowed the entire routine Nicole presented in this You Tube clip. Enjoy!!

 

 

 

 

"Can I Borrow That Workout?”

Actress Melissa Joan Hart (Melissa & Joey) shows us how she broke out of her “exercise rut” by joining in with her friends’ favorite workouts.

 

 

 

“Bad Carbs? Good Carbs?”

If you are one of those people who is afraid of eating too many carbs per day—this article will (hopefully) change your mind about that diet choice.

 

 

 

“What’s Black, White and Chic All Over?”

I am just so damn sick of my summer clothes I could just SCREAM! This page made me think of how nice it will be to wear fall-weather fashion. (Hopefully sooner than later!)

 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the September SELF:

• "My Hair is a Hot Mess!” If your tresses are giving you problems—check out this feature. (Love my beauty stories!)
• "10 Foods for Radiant Skin" Who among us doesn’t want radiant skin?
•  "You’re Sleeping All Wrong” It seems every magazine has to do a story on how to get more sleep but for off and on insomniacs like me—that’s a good thing.  
• “You Want an OMG Body” SELF asked 1200 readers what stands between them and “ultimate hotness.” Not sure I like reading about women putting that much pressure on themselves (I mean the Jessica Alba’s of the world are a rare occurrence.) However, the food & workout advice given here are solid.

 

Overall Grade: 

A- The September issue is a good, solid read but once again I wish there were more workouts featured. Maybe next month?  

 

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 @oliviamunn on the cover!

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Shape magazine: October 2011

 

   
 
 

 

 

 

 

Shape Cover Star for October: 

Actress Olivia Munn who gained fame as a host for Attack of the Show! and is now an in-demand comedic actress starring in the just-released I Don’t Know How She Does It. On the cover she is wearing a Heather crop top, an Elizabeth Kosich bikini and is photographed on a lovely beach by Antoine Verglas.

 

Olivia lived all over the world but mainly in Japan as her stepfather was in the air force. The comedienne is very close to her family and was devastated by her grandmother’s bout with breast cancer when Olivia was only 12 years-old. She had a mastectomy and survived for many years after but it taught the actress the importance of looking after her own health as she makes sure to perform monthly self-exams.

 

Olivia also shows off her favorite workout moves that prove you don’t need a trainer, sneakers or even a gym to stay in shape.

 

So what else is inside the October Shape?

  

"What You Don’t Know About Breast Cancer…" 

Shape has put together a “myth-busting report” to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the common misconceptions about breast cancer. Good stuff here.

 

 
 
 
 

“Pink-y Promise”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so when you shop for fun pink things, consider these items which will benefit Breast Cancer charities.

  

 

 

 

 

“Get Cut!”

Shape this month offers quite a few workout stories starting with this fun one showing how making small adjustments to your favorite workouts can help beat a fitness rut.

 

 
 

 

 

"Tricks for Treats"

Planning on raider your kids trick or treat bag this Halloween? (Come on now—admit you are!) Well get an idea on what portions you should get from your favorite treats to keep the pounds away.

 

 

 

 "Taking Time Out with Fergie"

The 36 year-old singer/actress/shoe designer is taking some time off to enjoy life but that doesn’t mean she will put off her fitness regime. Just so you know her favorite song to run to is Violet by Hole (cool,) she wears two sports bras at a time (me too!) and her favorite junk food meal  are bean & cheese burritos from Taco Bell (yuck!)

 

 

 

 

 

 "Road to Recovery"

Love this story! Margo Kornfeld was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and needed a double mastectomy and several rounds of chemo to combat the disease. Thankfully she is alive and well and credits her love of cycling to keeping in good health. Go Margo!

 

 
 

 

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

• "Big Island Love" Say you are lucky enough to take a Hawaiian vacation—this guide will help you enjoy it in style.  
• "Get Skin Schooled" Tips & tricks to get your skin in tip top shape whether you worry about acne, dark circles, redness, big pores or age spots.   
• “I Had a Double Mastectomy” Shape talked to Claudine Basile who at 35 decided to have a double mastectomy after doctors found out she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) which is an early from of breast cancer. Many women are choosing this option as a precaution these days which causes some concern in the medical community. But Claudine stands by her choice and is happy & healthy now.

Follow Shape magazine online at: Shape magazine link.

 

Overall Grade: 

B+!  Great issue with good, sound advice.  

 

See you in November Shape!

 

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 September Issue

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness magazine: September 2011

 

 

 

 

 

Fitness Cover Stars for September: 

From The Biggest Loser: Couples, winners (and sisters) Olivia Ward and Hannah Curlee who together lost an astounding 249 pounds while on the show. Here they give us their secrets to getting fit & healthy and also the life lessons they gleaned from trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper.

 

So nice to see “real women” on the cover of a major, national magazine!

 

 

So what else is in the September Fitness?

   

"My Reality TV Workout" 

Loved this story! Writer Lara McGlashan decided to look up a few reality workout stars to see what a one-on-one training session would be like in their glorified presence. Included in this group are Brett Hoebel of The Biggest Loser, Harvey Walden III from Celebrity Fit Club and Jackie “Motherf***in’” Warner of Thintervention which I recapped last year. (I have some fabulous ideas to steal for my boot camp now!)

 

 

  

 

 

“Ready, Set, Swing!”

So you are thinking of trying out kettlebells finally? Here we get a great routine by trainer Paul Katami of Equinox Fitness Clubs in West Hollywood.

 

 
 

 

 

“Power Tools”

I love my beauty stuff and think gadgets are fun to check out so this page of inexpensive but effective glamour treats hits my sweet spot.

 

 

 

 

"The Wheel Deal”

A cool cyclist who helps others—how much better does it get? Julianne Idlet, who is a trainer for the Harvard University cycling team, founded Cycle Kids to help fourth & fifth graders in her community ride bikes and make healthy food choices to help combat childhood obesity.  She started with 100 participants and now serves over 1000 and is ready to take her nonprofit program nationally. Go Julianne!

 

 

 

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

• “Fitter, Firmer, Faster” “Foolproof shortcuts” to get your butt into hyper good shape.  
• "Swing on a Stripper Pole" Erica Gregory tries out a stripper pole class and does so in a cute, hot pink outfit!
• "Top Choice" Here we get a plethora of cute tops that are long-sleeved, colorful and keep you cool & dry.
• "Burn, Baby, Burn” These are the eight best moves for overall toning and we get the program on how to go through all of them for a circuit.
• "Recovery Practice” Learning body mechanics and how we heal in order to know when you can get back in the game.
• “Live to 100!” So you wanna live to see 100 candles on your birthday cake? Here we get advice on how to do just that plus we hear from a group of lovely centenarians on how they managed that very feat.

 

Overall Grade: 

A- Lots of good advice and motivation to get us all psyched for the fall.

 

You can follow Fitness magazine online here: 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? @goodhealth Health magazine Sept Issue

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Health magazine: September 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the September issue of Health? 

 

Health Cover Star for September: 

Kelly Preston, photographed by Michael Williams (www.themichaelwilliams.com) and on the very first page inside the magazine, poses with her super-adorable baby boy Benjamin (see above.) Look at that smile! Wow!

 

Since losing her son Jett to a rare illness has devoted her life to helping kids with special needs.

 

Here is another photo of Kelly inside the magazine. I am falling in love with little Benjamin!

 

 

A future movie star I say!

 

 

So what else is inside the September Health?

  

"The Yes You Can! Awards” 

Health honors some really groovy women who make a difference including swimmer Dara Torres, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and charity fundraising goddess Malaak Compton-Rock.

 

 
 
 
 

 

“Yep, They Stayed Skinny!”

Health revisits a few of their real-life success stories to see how they have been able to keep the weight off.  

 

 

 

 

 

“Bring on the Bedtime!”

If you are a “problem sleeper” like me, you will love this story. Basically a whole page that gives me the “I wants.”

 
 

 

 

"One Month to a Wow Body"

Health created a diet & fitness program to get your body ready for any end-of-summer races you have coming up.

 

 
 

 

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

• "The Burning Question: Should I Cut Back on Coffee" Two experts square off on this topic that I hold very dear to my heart. (Luv coffee!)
• "Fat-Proof Your Life" Just because you reach certain milestones in your life (marriage, menopause and middle-age for example) doesn’t mean you HAVE to gain weight. Tips for staving off the extra pounds.
• "Your New Allergy Guide" You are not crazy—allergies are indeed much worse than normal this year. What you can do to keep them under control.
• "Stopping the Scariest Cancer” Personally I think ALL cancers are pretty freaking scary—but there have been big advances in the treatment of Ovarian cancer. What you need to know about said advances.
• “50 Things to Say Yes To” One of them includes getting a kitty cat which made me happy!
• “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Some really good sex tips here to make you say “Oo-rah!”   
• “Secrets from the Star Chefs” Top celebrity chefs tell us how they get meals on their family table that are fast, delicious and healthy. Win/win!

 

Follow Heath online at: Health magazine link.  

 

Overall Grade: 

A- Lots of good stuff here. I enjoyed this issue very much.

 

Keep it up and see you in October 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? @MoreMag @OxygenMagazine @PreventionMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of More, Oxygen Special: ABS and Prevention

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

I am so sorry to be late with my posts but my life has been a whirlwind since Fitbloggin’ and I am just getting out from under a pile of magazines and e-mails.

 

Anyhoo, today I have some recaps for a few fun reads to get your 3-Day weekend started. Hope you all have a lovely holiday with sun & fun aplenty.

 

Whenever you can, please take some time to remember those who fought for our country. (The real reason for Memorial Day)

 

 

 

 

 

 

More: June 2011 issue

The magazine written “for women of style & substance” has quite a few interesting articles that will make you go “ooh, “ah” and “hmmm” this month. Let’s dive in shall we?

• Christy Turlington: The supermodel from the land of the 90s was always more substantive than her cohorts and she continues to be a class act. Years ago while going through a difficult (and almost life threatening) childbirth the NYU grad decided to dedicate her life to raising awareness about women’s health issues around the world. Be sure to check out her film on the topic: No Woman, No Cry.   
• Stevie Nicks: My imaginary rock icon/best friend talks about the inspiration for her new album In Your Dreams and how she stays so hot-looking. (Is she really 63 years-old?! Holy shit!)
• "Ch-Ch-Changes" How to take care of life’s aging hassles including spider veins, sun spots & saggy knees. Not that I am saying that is your problem…
• Anne Heche The lovely, kooky, and brave actress in an adorable photo shoot to promote the HBO hit show Hung.
• “God Save the Beauty Queens” Did you know there are beauty pageants happening every weekend in America for women in their 30s, 40s and 50s? I sure as hell didn’t and the thought of it scares me. Read this story by Tamara Jones and let me know what you think.  
• “Robin Milona’s War” Just in time for Memorial Day weekend we have a story here about the struggles of female soldiers returning home from Iraq including the subject of this article. Heavy stuff folks.  

 

  Check out More online at: more.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oxygen Special: Abs: Spring 2011 issue

On newsstands right now from Oxygen magazine is this special issue to get your abs in beautiful shape for the summer. Lots of inspiration six-packs on chicks here.

 

• “The Great Abs Debate" So funny because just today I was going back and forth with someone about whether you can work out your abs/core most days of the week. Oxygen spoke to author Jake Nash, BSME, CSCS and asked him to give the plus and minuses of each side of the debate.
• “Six-Pack Foods” Here we get the super foods for flat bellies from Dr. Oz himself.
• “Your Flat-Belly Guarantee” Not sure you can guarantee that sort of thing but we get an excellent fitness routine here.
• “Whittle Your Middle with Soup” I am a total soup freak so this hits my sweet spot.
• “5 Steps to Sexy Abs” Oxygen shows us how to take the core routine “to the next level.”
• “Walk Your Weight Off” Tosca Reno gives her tips for an active walking workout that will work your entire core without stressing your joints.  
• “Lean & Lithe in Minutes” Excellent dancers’ moves to get a graceful (and strong) physique.

 

Check out Oxygen’s web site at: Oxygenmag.com

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prevention: June 2011 issue

Finally we have Prevention magazine with lovely Teri Hatcher on the cover.

 

• Teri Hatcher: I had no idea the health travails that the star of Desperate Housewives has been through the last couple of years. The 46 year-old triathlete has experienced two cracked ribs, a surgery to deal with ovarian cysts, a pole-dancing mishap on the set of her show and finally something called “frozen shoulder” which will hopefully go away on its own in the next year or so. Sorry Teri!
• "An End to Pain" I have friends who swear by acupuncture to cure everything from back pain to headaches to food issues. Here we get a look at the research of which ailments it has been proven to be effective in treating.
• “Why I Love Surfing” Karen Rinaldi talks about how learning to surf cured her of a childhood fear of the ocean (she spent summers at the Jersey Shore) and taught her the value of patience with herself.
• “The New Vegetarians” Not sure if I will ever be in this group of eaters but damn I admire their persistence and dedication!
• “Destination: Healthy Travel” Prevention helps you plan your summer getaway with tips on how to fight airborne illnesses, getting sleep in different time zones, keep your sex life sexy on the road and not having bedbugs follow you back home. Helpful!
• “A Better Burger 2011” Summer time in 2011 and most of us are craving burgers. Sick of red meat? Try these tasty ideas for burgers including Wild-Mushroom-Lentil, Crab Cake and BBQ Sliders. Nom nom!

 

Check out Prevention online here: Prevention.com 

 

Coming up next week—reviews of Health, Women’s Health, SELF, fitness and more. Y’all come back now!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine April Issue

 

Fitness magazine: April 2011

 

 

 

 

What’s happening in the April issue of Fitness? 

 

 

Fitness Cover Model for April: 

Model Courtney Robertson of Ford LA who is sporting an adorable bracelet by Dogeared.  (My birthday is March 29th--hint, hint!)

 

   

"Walk Off More Weight" 

Good news—you don’t have to run to get in a good workout. Just open your front door and go for a walk to enjoy plentiful health benefits including less stress and a better physique. Score!

 

Whitney M. Cole (a Los Angeles-based trainer) gives several options for pedestrian-centric workouts depending on how much time you have and the level of calorie-burn you desire. Cole also has “allover toners” to tag on to the end of the walk to give you’re bod an overall sculpt.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
“That’s the Spirit: Steps to Peace”

Loved this story! On the back page we meet Jamie Horn who created the Andi Foundation (link here) in honor of her best friend Andi Parhamovich. Andi was in Iraq on a democracy-building mission (she worked for a non-profit organization) when she was killed in a terrorist attack in November 2006. An avid runner, she had planned to participate in the New York City marathon one day.

 

Jamie will run the “Potomac River Run Marathon” on Sunday, May 1^st (her first marathon since Andi’s death) in support of Andi’s Foundation which provides “grants for young women interested in politics, humanitarian work and the media."  Go Jamie!

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

“Play Basketball With the Pros”

Reader Dona Nando played basketball  all of her years at the University of Miami with the dream of entering the WNBA one day. Alas, playing for the big leagues was halted when Dona tore her ACL (ouch!)  

 

Fitness shows us Dora’s latest chance at hoop glory when her team, The Generals, competes against the Harlem Globetrotters with the photos below. (The ten year-old me is sooo jealous!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

“My Ab-Session”

I know very few people who would tell you they are happy and confident with the overall shape and size of their bellies.  Writer Stephanie Dolgoff is brave enough to admit that there have been times when her stomach size indicated to others she was pregnant when she damn well wasn’t. (Happened to me once many years ago and is still embarrassing for me to recall.)

 

Anyhoo, Stephanie being the curious lass she is decided to do some scientific and medical research on abdominal fat and why it is so challenging for some folks to take off. Get ready to learn a lot about the transverses abdominis folks! We also get some cool waist-cinching moves from Exhale Mind Body Spa in New York City included.

 

 

 

 

 
"Cool Kicks"

A full page of brightly-colored sneakers perfect for every kind of workout. Let’s embrace spring with a little pizazz people!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Good Times"

Not bright enough for you? Try on these watches for size and see if they make your treadmill time a bit more fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Lose More Fat!”

Denise Austin designed this workout to be done with 3-5 lb. dumbbells to increase the calorie burn while creating sexy muscles. Good stuff here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

• "Skort Circuit" The fashion editors of Fitness clue us in on the cutest (and most flattering) skirts on the market. Me likey!
• "I Ran My First marathon" Fashion Director Argy Koutsothanasis gives us her various strategies to tackle her first marathon. Describing herself as “the chubby kid who was the slowest runner in P.E. class"-- I say, look at what you can do now Argy!
• "The New Power Brew" The latest sensation on supermarket shelves are “energy” drinks you use instead of coffee orto get more pep in your step. Here we see the pros and cons of these high-tech concoctions with solid advice on how to read the labels and find out what is really in those supplemented beverages.
• "Must. Have. Chocolate” Fitness gives pointers on how to fight those surgery cravings. (Dark chocolate—nom nom!)
• "Fresh Hair” One of my biggest quandaries is keeping my hair under control when I work out. (Yes, I recognize this is not a national emergency but it bothers me none the less and I could use some of the tips Fitness gives here.)  

 

Overall Grade: 

A-!  Love, love, LOVE all of the workout pages inside and the Abs story was really great.  See you in May Fitness!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? @RachaelRaymag @Real_Simple

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Everyday with Rachael Ray & Real Simple

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! I have some new magazines to recap today. Welcome to the Brooklyn Fit Chick blog Everyday with Rachael Ray and Real Simple! I liked you both so much this month I decided to let my readers know about you April issues. Let’s get to it, shall we?

 

 

 

 
 

Everyday with Rachael Ray: April 2011 issue

Last year Rachael Ray was featured in Women’s Health magazine talking about her newly found love for fitness. In fact, before many of her fans are even awake you can find her on the treadmill starting her day in the healthiest way possible.

 

Here she offers us her first annual ‘Good for You” issue including all kinds of helpful tips, travel suggestions for those who want to give back (aw!) and yummy recipes to try out this spring. Take it away Rach…

 

• “Where to Eat at the Boston Marathon” For those of us who won’t be running in a marathon this year but plan to cheer on my friends who do-- this article made me smile.  
• “Vacations: That Give back” Very cool! If you are thinking about jetting away for a little break from your real life and helping out your fellow man or habitat or animal—check out these pages in the April issue.  
• "Whole Grain Pastas Picky Eaters Love” Ripped this page out right away and can’t wait to shop with it. (The organic whole wheat pasta from Trader Joe’s looks awfully good.)
• "Grocery Shopping in your 20s, 30s and 40s" Great advice here on what to pick the next you go food shopping depending on what your body needs now.
• "103 Healthy Snacks" Everyday with Rachael Ray breaks it down for us whether you are looking for something salty, crunchy, sweet, superfoods and/or creamy to satisfy your taste buds and be good to the rest of your body.
• “A New Spin on Salad” Plenty of groovy ideas for the greens we need each day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Simple: April 2011 issue

 

Earlier this month I ran into a little “mad money” and treated myself to a full day of getting my apartment cleaned from top to bottom. (It wasn’t going to "un-dust" itself and I lost my motivation ages ago.)

 

Anyhoo, the April Real Simple is chock-full of “Spring Cleaning Shortcuts” plus suggestions to gain some inner (and outer) peace this season that I just had to pass along. You’re welcome!

 

• “The Ride of her Life” Real Simple  held a “2011 Life Lessons Essay Contest” and winner Dorothy Fortenberry is now featured with her first-hand account of learning to ride a bike as an adult while facing the demons of her past. Loved!
• “Road Test Dusters” Did you know there are 50 options out there to help you clean your home? Well Real Simple did and they picked their favorites. Some look so cool—I might be inspired to clean my place on my own…
• "Beauty Regrets" Top advice on how to handle everything from bad haircuts to tweezing mishaps and teeth-whitening strips that make your choppers say OUCH!
• "This is Your Brain on Procrastination" I am going to read this article. Right after I fix my “short bangs” catastrophe. (I am joking of course.)
• "Spring Cleaning Shortcuts" Page after page on how to tackle any cleaning conundrum from the rugs up to the ceiling. Now let’s all get to it!
• “The Routine: Core Workout” Check out page 150 for some Pilates-inspired moves by Kit Rich, a Los Angeles-based Pilates instructor. Or take one of my classe next week cause I will feature them!
• A Bloody Mary Recipe. Yes.  

 

   

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

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine March Issue

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness magazine: March 2011

 

 
 

 What’s happening in the March issue of Fitness? 

 

Fitness Cover Model for March: 

Model Nicole Boerner of Wilhelmina NY who is wearing an adorable bathing suit from Juicy Couture.

   

"Fitness Energy Makeover Part 2" 

Writer Selene Yeager visits a biofeedback clinic in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania to look into her sleep issues.  This is the second part of a series on how women can increase their energy level I their lives. Really important information about sugar levels in our system as well as the role of the cardiovascular system in helping to manage stress.

 

  
 
 
 

 

“Train With the Navy Seals”

Fitness sent reader Wendy Manwarren of San Diego to a Navy Seals training camp on the beach. I am tired just from looking at the pictures! At least she got to hang out with cute, buff guys for an after--am I right ladies?

 

 

  
 

 

 

 

Jackie Warner Blasts Belly Flat:

Fitness advisory board member Jackie Warner offers her favorite abs moves that don’t require a mat. If you are interested, check out her DVD Personal Training With Jackie: Crunch-Free X-Treme Abs one of my personal faves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Bringing Sexy Back"

A full page of super-hot tank tops with groovy-looking backs. (The story gives me the shopping “I Wants.”)

 

 

 

 

 

"Top 10 Workout DVDs of the Year"

Fitness asked more than 80 women to try out the latest workout DVDs and offer their best bets. Which ones are your favorites?

 

 

 

 

 

“True Balance”

Loved this story! Sarah Johnson (featured below) founded YogaG, a non-profit that helps domestic violence victims (both women and children) by bringing in yoga instructors to shelters and helping the abused  with “yoga’s healing powers.” Yeah Sarah! (Click on the link above to support her case as well.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

• "Workout Like a Star" The editors of Fitness found out the best free services by celebrity trainers including free mini-routines online, You Tube clips and iPhone apps by super-famous fitness folks.
• "Essential Oils" Beauty Editor April Franzio finds “the newest formulas heal and hydrate your skin and hair… Personally I am now going to check out the Eucerin Calming Body Wash.  
• "Bliss Out" The best at-home beauty treatments to help you get to your inner goddess.
• "I’m Back in the Saddle!" Fitness introduces us to Daniella Cracknell who trained for a 62-mile cycling ride (her first long bike ride in years) after being inspired by a trip to a South African humanitarian trip. (I am a sucker for cycling stories!)
• "Make it Happen!" Do you want to finally perform a head stand in yoga, or learn how to really use your heart rate watch, or do a full on pull-up? If so, Fitness asked the experts. (Psst, Fitness, can you teach me how to perform “the crow” pose in yoga?)

 

Overall Grade: 

A-!  Good stuff and lots of good information.  See you in April Fitness!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

What Did We Learn This Month? @SELFmagazine February Issue with @BrooklynDDecker

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month? SELF, February 2011

 SELF magazine: February 2011

  

SELF Cover Model for February: 

Brooklyn Decker, primarily known for her incredible figure in the modeling world and who’s very appearance in the trailer for Just Go With It (possibly the crappiest title for a movie ever by the way) makes my brother yell “whoa!”    

 

What does Brooklyn have to say in this month’s SELF?

 

Brooklyn is just your normal beautiful blonde married to tennis ace Andy Roddick (sigh,) has a cute bulldog named Billie Jean (for Billie Jean King!) and thinks throwing away your scale and concentrating on good health instead of numbers is a fine idea. Who can argue with that? I want to hang out with her and go shopping at Target (her favorite store by the way) while gossiping about Bravo TV shows. She just seems that cool!

 

Here’s a picture of the lovely Brooklyn from inside SELF:

 

 

 

 

Okay, let’s admit it—she’s perfect. But I am sure she has her rough days, right? Right? Anyhoo—let’s get to the rest of the magazine.

  

So What Else is in the February SELF?

  

"Wow! 50 Cheap Splurges"

This hits my sweet spot for sure—50 beauty products that not only work but cost $10 or less. Score! I can personally vouch for the Benefit High Beam to Go that will give your face a hint of glimmer and Secret Clinical Strength Waterproof Antiperspirant & Deodorant which keeps me from offending people after I teach a class.

 

 

 

 

"Star Sneaks"

SELF picks out the best sneakers for all kinds of training—look how cute they are! Do not be afraid of a bright color people!

 

 

 

 

 

"2011 Jump Start Plan"

Here we have six moves that help you get slim and trim. Already using most of them in my core class by the way! And we have SELF staffers act as our models for this feature. A pretty fit crew I have to say!

 

 
 

 

 

 

“Flat Abs Made Easy”

Here we have page after page of excellent advice for whittling down your middle. Check these pages out for “Ab aids” that actually work, the best foods to add to your shopping cart, “sneaky stomach slimmers,” and balance ball moves that will challenge your core in new ways. AND-- “not a crunch in the bunch.”

 

 
 

 

 

The Rest of the Best of the February SELF:

• "Pro Secrets" Snowboarding babe Gretchen Bleiler shows off some of her favorite lower body moves that keep her from flipping out while riding a half-pipe. (Or whatever it is snowboarders do—I tried it once and fell on my behind for over an hour. Done.)   
• "Too Fat for the Gym" An excellent essay by Rene L. Todd who went from being a gym rat who never missed her spin class to a worried mom of a son with autism who felt ashamed of the weight she gained while dealing with his diagnosis. I hope more people feel encouraged to try group classes after reading her story. You can truly make the greatest friends in the spin room.
•  "Instant Inspiration" The Biggest Loser badass trainer, Jillian Michaels, helps you deal with the “winter blahs” with her inspirational advice.  
• "Your Mother Your Weight" SELF offers yet another excellent feature that deals with how a woman shapes her attitude about personal health and self-image from good ol’ mom. (Not a mother-bashing piece by the way.)
•  "Use Your Mind to Heal Your Body" The latest scientific research shows that there truly is a “mind/body connection” and that even a skeptic like me (and apparently writer Erin Breid) can allow that human beings are more in charge of our health and wellbeing than previously known.  
• “The Pleasure Diet” How writer Paula Derrow was able to lose weight with a diet that allowed for chocolate and wine. What more could any gal want!
• Mary J. Blige: SELF talks to the divine Diva about the foundation she created; the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN.) Mary witnessed the abuse of women around her as a child and later endured domestic abuse in a relationship with an ex which gives her the unique perspective on how to talk to women about self-empowerment. According to the singer “The best way to help others is to be a great example. Let people see you actually doing the work instead of just talking about doing it.” Indeed.

  

Overall Grade: 

A! 

A top-notch issue with all of the health, fitness, beauty and fashion you can want to get through the winter blahs. (Love the redesign by the way!)

 

See you in March SELF!

 

Ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

 

What Did We Learn This Month? January @FitnessMagazine Review!

 

What Did We Learn This Month?: Fitness, January 2011

 Fitness magazine: January 2011

 

Fitness Cover Model for January: 

The lovely model Yulia from Wilhelmina L.A. who looks fetching in a Voda Swim bikini and Express sweater.

  

 
 
 
 

So here we are in 2011. It's a whole new year and many of us have elaborate plans to live fitter and healthier lives starting on January 1st. Well, guess what?  Fitness offers us their "Total-Body Makeover Issue" this month; so let's just dive right in and see how they can help us all reach our goals shall we? 
    

"Lose 10 Pounds Fast!: 

Fitness created an excellent (plus easy-to-follow) plan that will help anyone jump-start a new fitness regimen.

 

First we get a program developed by Adam Friedman at Gold's Gym that features eight exercises you can do in under 30 minutes plus different cardio options that you can also download as podcasts at fitnessmagazine.com/slimdown.

 

 
 
 

Natalia Hancock, R.D. also offers an array of yummy recipes for a 1500-calorie per day eating plan that promises to be "the happier way to diet" plus Fitness collected the best inspirational tips from its readers to keep the motivation and fun-level high. Got that? Now get your fanny in gear for 2011!

  

Green Hornet-Inspired Workout:

Did you know there are two "green" super-hero movies coming out this year?  There's The Green Lantern with hottie Ryan Reynolds which seems kind of lame and The Green Hornet with the adorable (and buff!) Seth Rogan that looks pretty cool.

 

Anyhoo, Cameron Diaz is in the latter film and here we have her trainer's (Teddy Bass) "power moves" that got the tomboy actress get in her best shape yet. Love the illustration here!

 

 

 
 

 

Is That Jane Fonda I See?

Fitness editor Bethany Gumper picks her favorite "trendy fitness throwbacks" in this nifty page that is reminiscent of old-school Jane Fonda. Such a fun idea for a story and I particularly like the fact that the model looks like she ctually works out (check out those arms!) 

 

 

 
 

 

 
Fitness Picks the "100 Best Workout Songs":

I don't know how many of you out there are instructors like me but I am constantly on the prowl for new tunes that will inspire my classes. Here we have the top picks of several top DJs as collected by Fitness editor Karla Walsh. I think my iTunes list is going to get a big boost...

 

  

 
 
 

 

"Lower-Body Blast":

Phenominal trainer Jeanette Jenkins not only gets top Hollywood celebs in shape; she is also an advisory board member of Fitness and the creator of the Jane Fonda Workout: Bootcamp Ultra DVD. So let's just say the woman knows a thing or two about getting your backside higher and tighter and your legs longer and leaner.

 

Check out some of her best moves here!

 

 
 
 
 

 
"A Vision for Vets"

What a tremendous story! Iraq vet U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Kathy Champion came back to her Florida home in 2006 with a bronze star as well as an autoimmune disorder called Devic's disease. This disease has taken her vision which was difficult enough for the athlete to handle on its own but even more seriously--it is a terminal illness and chances are she will not live that much longer than her current 46 years.

 

Instead of giving in to these circumstances, Champion has decided to continue her active lifestyle with the help of a seeing eye dog. By running she feels "...the ultimate sense of being alive" and along with that new sense of purpose she  helped organize a team to run the Women's Half-Marathon in St. Petersburg, Florida this past autumn. Wow!

 

Here she is with her running partner Tiffany Stevens and her terribly cute doggy appropriately named Angel.

 

 

 
 
 

If you would would like to help veterans in similar circumstances as Kathy Champion, be sure to check out "Paws for Patriots" by the Southeastern Guide Dogs (link.)

 

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

• Fitness "Champions of Health and Fitness 2010": The editors of Fitness honor 10 incredible "heroes" who are helping all Americans live healthier lives including U.S. surgeon general Regina Benjamin, a cyclist from Long Island who biked 5,000 miles to benefit injured veterans, actress Jessica Biel, training superstar Jillian Michaels, master chef Jamie Oliver and more--a must read!
• "Locks to Love": The best tricks of the trade to help your tresses behave in the wacky, wintry months ahead.
• "The Resolution Solution": How embarrassed do you feel in February when you realize how difficult your New Year's resolutions were to implement in your life? (Or is that just me?) Here are some ideas for resolutions that are deceptively easy to follow and will produce big results.
• "Diet Rules That Are Meant to be Broken": Yes you CAN eat after 8 pm, enjoy a burger once in a while and even (gasp!) have a slice of bread and still lose weight. So stop scaring yourself with old diet rules already!
• "Low-Cal Comfort": Dishes you can enjoy that will offer the comfort of home without the extra calories--win/win people!

 

Overall Grade: 

B+  This was overall a fun and motivating read and I plan to use some of those moves shown above real soon.  

See you in February Fitness!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

Follow me on Twitter: @BrooklynFitChik

 

 
 
 
 
 

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