Brooklyn Fit Chick

My Latest Vlog with a Hip Hop Workout DVD Giveaway & My Favorite Dec. Magazine @Shape_Magazine @AnchorBayEntFit #FitFluential

 

 

DVD Giveaway & BFC Vlog Episode 14

 

10 MINUTE SOLUTION: CARDIO HIP HOP

 

My Latest Vlog Featuring a First Look at This Week’s Giveaway, My Christmas Tree and the Details on How to in Patrick Dempsey’s Bike… 

 

 

 

Hello Gang!

 

I have my latest Vlog post ready to for you today plus a preview of this week’s giveaway—10 MINUTE SOLUTION: CARDIO HIP HOP workout DVD which features dancer Heather Graham who sports some serious abs. In addition to giving you a glimpse of the DVD I discuss my recaps and reviews this week for Bicycling, Prevention, More, Oxygen and Shape magazines. (Spoiler alert--one of those magazines is my favorite this month!)

 

Bicycling magazine in particular is noteworthy as they have a giveaway of a very rare bike as well as Patrick Dempsey on the cover. (McDreamy? Who cares about that? I go old school with Patrick Dempsey being a longtime fan of the classic film Can't Buy Me Love.)

 

Plus, I filmed this by my groovy Christmas tree! You can check it all out for yourself here:

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 14

 

Anyhoo--here is some more information about this week’s giveaway:

 

Here is the official press release for the DVD:

“10 MINUTE SOLUTION: CARDIO HIP HOP” DVD

Get a Great Workout at Home; Master the Moves from the Clubs!

Beverly Hills, CA –What do all the dance shows on prime time television these days have in common? Dancers’ bodies to die for. Clearly those dancers spend their lives working on their craft. But that doesn’t work for most of us. We’re lucky if we can carve out ten minutes at a time to ourselves. Well, what could make that limited time more fun than to spend it dancing - learning some of the freshest hip hop moves and getting one step closer to getting that dancer’s body? The new “10 Minute Solution: Cardio Hip Hop” DVD teaches you the hip hop basics and gives you bite-sized, 10 minute dance workouts you can do anytime; one at a time or all five in a row. The menu options allow you to create a custom workout each time. The DVD will be in stores and available at amazon.com beginning December 4, 2012 for $14.98 (suggested retail price).

 

Boost your confidence and mood as you get into the hip hop groove with these five fun workouts led by dance fitness expert Heather Graham:

Hip Hop 101 - Learn hip hop fundamentals and use them in a basic dance. You’ll feel why hip hop is famous for sculpting firm, flat abs.

House Party – Sculpt your legs and tummy while your heart rate climbs. Close your eyes and you’ll think you’re on the dance floor.

Signature Moves – Heather’s favorite steps. They’re sexy, flirty and a whole lot of fun.

Hip Hop Jam – Get into the tone zone. You’ll kick, bounce and roll your way to a better body.

Street Style – A cardio-packed total body workout. The funkiest of the bunch.

This DVD stars dancer/actress Heather Graham. Graham is a graduate of the Mayfield School of Performing Arts’ Academic Dance Program and a professional dancer for almost 10 years. She has appeared on television shows such as “Dancing With The Stars” and performed alongside some of the most respected artists in the industry. Graham lives in Los Angeles. Choreography was created by Jennifer Galardi.  Galardi has starred in several best-selling “Dance off the Inches” DVDs. She is based in New York City.

 

Here is a clip of the workout so you can get an idea of it for yourself:

 

 

 

If you are interested in getting a copy of this DVD (Continental U.S. only please—sorry to my Canadian Peeps!) you need to do the following three things:

• Post a comment on my Blog below.
• Sign up for my You Tube channel (if you have not done so already!) http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?feature=mhee
• Tweet out your interest in this giveaway to @BrooklynFitChik and @AnchorBayEntFit

 

I will randomly pick the lucky winner next Tuesday, December 18^th at Noon (Eastern) and contact them directly. Good luck!

 

Ox Ox,

BFC 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? Recaps of @BicyclingMag @MoreMag @OxygenMagazine @PreventionMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Bicycling, MORE, Oxygen and Prevention

 

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

After a week of giveaways I am happy to be back with some magazine recaps here for your pleasure. Today’s batch is filled with great advice to keep you in shape over the winter months. Let’s get to it—shall we?

 

 

Bicycling: January/February 2013

•  Patrick Dempsey: Bicycle has their first celebrity on its cover in quite some time with Dr. McDreamy (I think that is the nickname of his TV character—I have never seen the show!) Patrick a hard core cyclist who has created a charity ride in his home state of Maine plus he created the “Dempsey Center” which helps folks affected by cancer (nice guy this Patrick Dempsey!)

Patrick is posing on the cover in a super rare bike—in fact only two of them exist. One is his and the other (a custom Globe) you can enter an auction to put on the winning bid for at the following link--Bicycling.com/roll8action.  

• “Now Hear This” When you ride—your body can send you all kinds of signals (my lower back likes to say—“help!”) Here is a guide on what physical symptoms to pay attention to while cycling and what to do about the more annoying ones.
• “Lactic Acid” The “fact” and “fiction” behind lactate and how to train better with it.
• “Winterize Your Bike” I am a bit of a sissy when it comes to riding in super cold weather but the picture on page 38 makes me want to take on the open road in tundra!
• “Winter Warriors” And now for some gear that will inspire me more to get outdoors in the winter.
• “2696 Pounds/36 Lives” A must-read! If you are looking for a little “get healthy inspiration” for the New Year—than check out this real-live Bicycling readers’ stories on how they lost weight while enjoying life on two wheels.
• “This is Your Wake-Up Call” Sleep is key to healing your body and getting in shape for longer rides. How to get more ZZZ’s is featured here.

 

Check out Bicycling online here: www.bicycling.com

 

 

 

More: December 2012/January 2013

•  Marisa Tomei: The still-amazing looking actress (holy crap—she is turning 48 years-old this month!) talks about her incredible film career plus her annual trips (with her entire family) to Italy wherein the younger generation learns how to cook from their elders. Last year Marisa and her brother make a zeppole that knocked everyone on their ass.
•  “Beauty: What’s Age Got to Do With It?” Three different experts discuss how you feel about the aging can truly affect how you look on the outside.
• “The Hidden Message of Style” You have to go to page 64 to see one of the most stylish couples I have ever seen in a photo. Be sure to post a comment below once you have seen it!!
• “37 Gifts They Won’t Forget” This was one of the more interesting and unique gift guides I have seen this year!

•  “Fun, Festive Fashion Under $100” The editors of More found some great frocks, sweaters, pumps and more than will make you look sexy and won’t bust your budget.

Check out MORE online here: www.more.com

 

 

 

Oxygen: January 2012

• “Perk Up Your Cold-Weather Mood” Oxygen offers strategies for getting through the winter blahs.
• “Stay In, Slim Down” If you are looking for a butt-kicking workout you can do at home—then this is the article for you. This is the first part of a 12-week program created by Oxygen.
• Ronda Rousey: The 25 year-old UFC star (she punches for a living!) is just your average former teen-bassoon playing athlete who dreams of a Hollywood career and is prepared for a zombie apocalypse just in case the undead rise to rule over us. Really! Read her interview for yourself if you don’t believe me.
• “Four Weeks to a Leaner You” Do you like Quinoa? It’s a pretty groovy carb that will keep you lean while feeling full. Here we get some yummy recipes from one-pot chicken to sushi and more.
• “Punch, Kick and Jab Your Way Fit” I have just started learning some boxing moves and enjoyed the feature on Ronda Rousey’s favorite moves.
• “Lift Weights, Save Your Sick Days” Lifting weights will not only get you sexy muscles and help burn calories—they can also help boost your immune system, people!
• “Own the Aisles” Oxygen picks the nine health foods you need to give a whirl this month.
• “The Power of Women” Tosca Reno (one of my fitness heroes!) talks about 2013 being a banner year for women everywhere.

 

Check out Oxygen online: www.oxygenmag.com

 

 

 

Prevention: Winter 2013

• Goldie Hawn:  The star of some of my favorite films of all time (Overboard, Private Benjamin and The First Wives Club) talks about how she stays fit and happy at 67 years-old!! I will do whatever Goldie tells me to.
• “Masks from Mother Nature” The best beauty masks that use only natural ingredients.
• “Your Superfast Winter Workout” Jarett Perelmutter (owner and trainer at Brick Performance Training in Los Angeles) designed a workout that will get you fit in no time flat.
• “The Brain Benefits of Doing Nothing” Prevention gives us all permission to sit on our butts and be a big, old bag of lazy bones from time-to-time. Thanks Prevention!
• “Our Ultimate Fitness Guide” This is probably my favorite gift guide of the month! Really excellent stuff here they I may just have to get for myself… (My friend Erica Sara is featured here by the way. You can find her incredible jewelry at www.ericasaradesigns.com)
• “Are You Caught Up in a Cycle of Emotional Eating?” Author Pam Peake, MD (The Hunger Fix) talks about how break free of eating to deal with pain and learn to enjoy your life (with food) in a healthy manner.
• “Keep Your Home Healthy This Winter” I work from home and on days that are freezing and/or snowing (you know—like in winter?) I am lucky if I leave my place some days to pick up my mail. If you are indoors during the cold months—this article will help make your home healthier.

 

Check out Prevention online www.prevention.com  

 

 

So that is all I have for today folks. Have you read of these magazines this month? What did you think? Let me know!

 

Until next time!

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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Favorite Bicycle-related Magazines

New Playlist Time! Feauring Ricky Martin, Pink, Foo Fighters and more #FitFluential

 

 

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK'S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

 

"The Cup of Life” Playlist (50-minute Ride)

 

 

 

 

(Photo courtesy of “Brooklyn Fit Chick”)

 

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

 

Sorry for the delay in my playlists but this week I promise to go music & playlist crazy this week beginning with today’s list (below) which is just a hoot to teach and I think will get you motivated on the treadmill, bike or wherever you take your cardio. It leads with what (IMHO) is Ricky Martin’s best song—The Cup of Life.

 

So let’s not dilly dally and get right to it!

 

 

• La Copa de la Vida: Ricky Martin

This song was the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup and gets things off to a very festive start.

 

 

 

 

• Crank it Up: Hipjoint & Sherry St. Germaine

My sister recommended this ditty and I could not thank her more for bringing it into my life. Such a fun and bouncy tune and really help build energy into the room.

 

 

 

 

• Promiscuous: Nellie Fertado & Timbaland

My second favorite song by Nellie with I’m Like a Bird being number one (of course.)

 

 

 

 

• Houdini: Foster the People

Every time I play this song people smile and bop their heads. I thought they were a “one hit” band but maybe they will have a long career?

 

 

 

 

 

• Everybody Wants You: Billy Squier

This used to be included I the commercials for Burn Notice. (Never seen an episode—is it any good?)

 

 

 

 

 

• Gone Daddy Gone: Gnarls Barkley

Honestly, this may be the best version of the Violent Femmes song.

 

 

 

 

 

• I’ll Stick Around: Foo Fighters

I love me some Foos in my playlist every now and then. (Well, they are featured frequently in my class because they rule.)

 

 

 

 

• Come As you Are: Nirvana

To stoke the fires of my 90s music love—we have THE grunge band that matters. (After Soundgarden.)

 

 

 

 

• Kids: MGMT

I am one of those dorks who thought the band name was a shortened version of the word “Management.” Anyhoo—this is song is perfect intervals.

 

 

 

 

• The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly): Missy Elliott

“Beep beep! Who’s got the keys to the Jeep? Vroooooooooooooom!”

 

 

 

 

• Fame: David Bowie

I like this song for tough climbs. Just add as much resistance as you can stand (or create a tough incline on the stairmaster) and go! Enjoy this clip I found of Bowie on Soul Train before someone makes me take it off.

 

 

 

 

• Stupid Girl: Garbage

More 90s love going on here.

 

 

 

 

• Get the Party Started: Pink

Pink is just about my favorite current artist and this song always puts a smile on my face.

 

 

 

 

• Wish You Were Here: Radiohead

Yet another remake on the list which is (almost) better than the original.

 

 

 

So what do you think of my list? Do you have any suggestions? Anything I should try in my classes soon?  Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine October Issue #FitFluential

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

 Fitness: October 2012

 

 

 

 

What Do We Learn This Month in Fitness?

 

"Why I Gave Up My Breasts" 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Fitness covers the issue with one of the most compelling features I have read in quite some time. Margaret W. Smith decided to have a double mastectomy (without reconstruction) at the age of 29. Smith gives us the reasons she came to this particular decision plus she bravely posed for the portrait below. A must read!

 

 

 

"Germs at the Gym" 

Be prepared to look at everything differently at the gym from now on. (Now, will someone please hand me some hand sanitizer?)

 

 

 

 

“Fitness Beauty Awards 2012”

Fitness picks the best of the best of this year’s crop of beauty products and I will want to run out and get most of them right away.

 

 

 

 

“Get Into the Groove”

Madonna has a fit and fab body so it comes as no surprise to me that she owns her own global gym chain—Hard Candy Fitness. Fitness has a routine from Hard Candy Fitness called “Jaw Breaker Chair” that features a chair and looks pretty cool though I am thinking you will need one really sturdy chair to do these moves.

 

The provocatively titled DVD for this workout is called Jaw Breaker Chair: Dripping Wet. True story!

 

 

 

 

"On the Ball” 

I love using a stability ball for my core workouts and these moves from Nedra Lopez of Studio by Remorca Fitness in New York City look very challenging indeed.

 

 

 

"The New Rules of Fitness” 

Forget about the old standby rules you have heard about fitness including one needs to have a sneaker with extra stability to be effective or that you have to have a gym buddy in order to workout harder (sometimes going it alone will help you gain focus and work ever harder.)

 

I liked the section that showed these “classic moves” done in a whole new way.

 

 

 

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

• “Make Tonight a Total Snoozefest” Getting more sleep has been a big goal of mine this year and articles like this one are a big help for me.   
• "Saving Face” Secrets for getting beautiful skin from top dermatologists.
• "See Spot Run" Taking your pooch out for a walk can include all kinds of extra exercise including lunges, sprints and jogging. Also features the best leashes to get for your particular breed of furry companion.
• "Ride On!” A complete “how-to bike ride” story that always makes me happy and makes me wish I could get on my bike right now.
• “Best of the Crunch” Fitness offers their “Healthy Food Awards for 2012.”
• “Healthy Little Helpers” A shopping page featuring some of the coolest kitchen gear I have seen in some time.

 

 

Overall Grade: 

A! This is one of my favorite issues of Fitness in quite some time. Tons of great information and workouts are featured here.

 

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 the "Men's" Taught Us This Month. @MensFitness @MensJournal @MensHealthMag

 

 

What the“Men’s” Taught Us This Month:

 

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

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho There!

 

The September issues are coming in and the time is right to recap the latest Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health and Men’s Journal. I have been asked by these "Men's" magazines to pick a “winner” so check out my personal favorite at the bottom.

 

 

Let’s do this thing!

 

 

Men’s Fitness: September 2012

• Arnold Schwarzenegger: I am on team Maria so can’t say I am in the mood to go over Arnold’s achievements but it  is fun to look at old photos of the former Governor from his Mr. Universe days. That’s all I got with this one.
• “25 Best Action Stars” 25 of the hottest action stars of all time who possess a certain “cachet” that appealed to the editors of Men’s Fitness. (Nice shot of Steve McQueen in there!)
• “Get Lean With Yoga”  Chris Jericho herniated a disc in his back while filming Dancing With the Stars a couple of seasons ago and was able to get his health back in shape (while shedding a few extra pounds) with yoga. Check him out on page 28!
• Dolph Lundgren: Always nice to see the Russian baddie from Rocky 4. ("I must break you!")
  
• “What’s in Your Food?” Try not to get the willies after reading this piece on what disgusting things can wind up in your food. Gross!
• “The State of Health in America” A welcome surpise to see fitness guru Jake Steinfeld,whom I have always respected as a health & wellness pro. in the pages of this magazine.  Jake talks about the current state of health and health-related issues in the U.S.. Plus, he was hilarious in The Money Pit!

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

 

 

 

Men’s Health: September 2012

• Liam Hemsworth: This Australian hottie is engaged to Miley Cyrus and has a big-time movie career so I am assuming we will be reading about him for a looong time. Okay by me! (Plus, he admits he actually works hard to stay in shape which is nice to hear from a young guy in his 20s.)
• “Weekend Fat Blaster” This is a really great outdoor workout that I am taking to my next boot camp and was created by Dan John—author of Never Let Go.
• “Travel, Debugged” If you are travelling somewhere exotic and worry about catching something creepy (like malaria—yeesh!)you need to read this article first.
  
• “How to Do Everything Better” Fun & cool tips on how to do a variety of guy things including sweeping a woman off her feet (literally!) and cuss like a sailor (I can give anyone a run for their money here.)
• “How Well Do You Know You’re Friends” Men’s Health exclusive survey about dudes and, um dude stuff. (Did you know 78% of guys would sleep with a female friend if given the opportunity?)
• “You’re Doing it Wrong” If there is any sentence that enrages me quickly it’s that one. Name me on woman who says she loves being corrected by her man and I will call her a wimp to her face. But this article was very helpful and informative. So I will let it go THIS time Men’s Health.
•  “Your T, on E” Myatt Murphy writes about how testosterone corresponds with weight gain (and loss) plus he has a rather interesting “shower” test all men should do. (Page 86)
• “Meet Your Muscle Maker” Trainer B. J.  Gaddour has a Speed Shred program to get you ripped in no time and an exclusive workout featured here.
• “Be the Man Your Dogs Think You Are” If you want to see a cute-as-hell doggie woggie—check out NFL Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley in this issue running with his terrier Yogi. (Aw!)
• “Fall Guide to Style” Just flip the magazine around and you will find even more content with the best in men’s fall fashion trends.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Men’s Journal: September 2012

• “Style & Design 2012” Holy crap! There is just page after page of the coolest cars, tech stuff and gear that even made me drool. Get this issue for anyone in your life who appreciates design.
• “The Storm King” Rob Marciano is a CNN Meteorologist who likes to chase storms. This is just too nutty for me to comprehend.
• “Five Great Late-Summer Adventures” Its August already and you still have not taken time off? (Me neither—let’s go someplace together, shall we?)
• “Biking’s Rough New Frontier” I am a biker chick but some of the terrain these cyclists cover makes me scratch my head. (Rocky terrain? No thank you.)
• “Right Stuff, Wrong Time” The end of NASA has left the little science geek inside of me very sad and it turns out for very good reason.
• “The Benefits of Occasional Fasting” Not a big fan of deprivation myself but some swear it will ultimately add years to their life.   Thankfully Men’s Journal takes the time to mention what a horrible practice the “Master Cleanse” is as well. (Can we all just pretend THAT was never a thing that actually happened?)
• “Five Ways to Take Control of Your Health Care” Do you think you are taking too many medical tests or perhaps not enough? Read this article to see how to best manage your health and health care provider.

 

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

 

So which “Men’s” magazine is my favorite this time? I am giving to Men’s Health by a nose for featuring the amazing pooch Yogi on its pages. Good on you Men's Health!

 

Good luck next month Men’s Fitness and Men’s Journal!

 

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? @BicyclingMag @MandFHers @PreventionMag

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

Recaps of Bicycling, Muscle & Fitness Hers and Prevention

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I will not complain about the heat again for the million, zillionth time (honestly—no one needs to hear me on that topic.) Let’s just suffice to say that I am MOST happy to be indoors reading and writing about magazines on a day like this and call it a day, shall we?

Anyhoo, here are my latest magazine recaps. Enjoy!

Bicycling: September 2012
•     “Hard Core” Bicycle offers quick and useful abs routines to get your middle stronger. (Hey editors—I teach four core classes per week in case you ever want to ask me!)
•    “Chips Off the New Block” My love for salty and crunchy snack foods knows no bounds and this lineup of the latest in all things chip-related had my attention. (Though nothing beats my low-salt Trader Joe’s kettle cooked potato chips—nom nom!)
•    “Vintage Rides” Combine two things I absolutely love –wine and cycling. That is pure bliss my friends. Here we get the best rides near vineyards around the world. 
•    “Sweat” Really great feature on that most human of physical reactions—sweat. All you need to know about how much you should (or shouldn’t) sweat is here.
•    “The Best Ride in Every State” The sole reason all cyclists should get this issue.

 

Check out Bicycling online here: www.bicycling.com  

Muscle & Fitness Hers: July/August 2012 (Ack! I am late on this recap!)
•    Natalie Coughlin: The Olympic swimmer talks about her favorite gym moves plus her diet during training (lots of home grown veggies.)
•    “How I Train My Calves” Experts in the field (Leigh Brandt, Mona Muresan and Danielle Rubin Martin) talk about the calves routine.
•    “Ava Takes New York!” Ava Cowen talks about moving to New York City from Florida and all of the adjusting she has done to get her modeling and TV career off the ground. She is still a little lonesome in the big city but she is learning to adjust quite nicely. I really love her list for “12 Things I Never Knew About New York” with #1 being “Where I was—at all!”
•    “Sun-Safe Gear” Need to get more of these babies as my August rides are coming up! 
•    Candice Keene: A day in the life of the IFBB figure pro who trains and goes to college full time. (Oh, and the occasional girls night out, of course.)
•    “Get Arms Like Ava” Ava Cowen shows us six triceps moves to get your arms looking foxy.
•    “Get Stronger While You Sleep” 11 tips to get those zzz’s your body craves. 
•    “Total Body Blast” IFBB physique pro Dana Linn Bailey shows us her version of a total body circuit. 

 

Check out Muscle & Fitness Hers online: www.muscleandfitnesshers.com
 
 

Prevention: September 2012
•    Marie Osmond: Marie takes us through her average week living on Las Vegas which includes walking a rambunctious puppy, date nights with her husband (she remarried her first love after 26 years apart) and some very late night journaling. Her puppy’s name is George and he is on the cover with her—what a cutie!
•    “Problem Solved: Acid Reflux” If you have acid reflux Prevention has advice on lifestyle changes, medical treatments and natural remedies to help.
•    “Stand Up to Back Pain” Simple steps to fighting off back pain that require no drugs or surgeries.
•    “A Bright, Healthy Future” President Obama wrote this essay about his hopes for his daughters to heave a healthy future.
•    “Foods That Fight Pain” The items to add to your grocery cart (Including ginger, cherries and turmeric) as a healthy solution to all types of ailments.
•    “20 Minutes to Slim & Sculpted” SandBell pro Brook Benten shows us what a SandBell is (a sand-filled bag used as a weight) and how to use them. Looks pretty neat!

 

Check out Prevention online: www.prevention.com  
 

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

 
Until next time!

 
Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag with Kate Beckinsdale @RealBeckinsdale

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: July/August 2012

 

 

 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for July/August: 

Kate Beckinsdale is on the cover of the of the July/August issue to promote her film Total Recall and she looks (as always) completely amazing and beautiful. Honestly, beautiful is not a proper word for her. She is other-worldly gorgeous with a kick-ass figure which she gained from a yoga-based routine developed her trainer Mindy Ingber that is illustrated in the magazine for us all to follow. (Now how can I get a face like Kate’s?)

 

Kate is photographed by James White inside the magazine and wears a fun Gucci top in one of the photos you can see here.

 

 

So what else is in the July/August issue of Women’s Health? 

 

“Skinny Sips”

Maybe I need help with my focus but as I write this post it is the most brilliant, sunny day outside and I just want to sip drinks on my roof and gab with friends. This story is NOT helping me! (Only kidding and I am thrilled with the fact Women’s Health didn’t include a mention of Skinny Girl drinks. So sick of that brand mentioned everywhere!)

 

  

 

 “Yoga for Everyday Athletes”  

Women’s Health asked instructor Emilie Smith to offer her favorite yoga moves for all of us common jocks to follow. (Emilie—do you have a class in New York City? Please?)

 

 

 

 

“American Beauty”

Love this story! Here we get beauty faves from U.S. Olympic athletes and it is stoking my fever for the Olympics like nothing else in this world.

 

 

 

“Your Gym’s Dirty Little Secrets”

This feature is a must-read before joining any health club. YIKES!

 

 

“When Cycling Hurts Your Hoo-Ha”

Are they talking about vaginas? (Though I must say I am glad they did not replace the word with “va-jay-jay”—an expression that sends me into fits of rage.)

 

Anyhoo, the bike seat will hurt the first couple of spin classes but should go away after that. If not, invest in padded bike shorts and not a padded seat. Those are utter crap. (Women’s Health backs me up on this by the way.)

 

 

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

• "Shop Your Shape in Sandals" Some women are offended by the word “cankles” which is mentioned in this feature but let me tell you something as a person who sold shoes to put herself through college—they exist and can be hidden with the right shoe. So don’t be so damn sensitive!
• "The Breathing Solution" This is a really great article about how to breathe more properly and get all of the beautiful oxygen your body craves every day.  
• "6 Pillars of Ultimate Fitness” The photos for this story are incredible and feature Olympic athletes working on their glutes. You will have to buy the magazine to see for yourself!
• "Love Your Bikini Body" Women’s Health gives us tons of beauty tips and hints to help you feel gorgeous on the beach (though you don’t need any work my lovely readers!)
• “How to be a Social Media Climber” If you are looking for a job and think your resume is the only thing prospective employers will ask from you—guess again. Be careful with your Twitter, Facebook and You Tube accounts people!
• “Your Body on the Beach” If you need more reasons to put on sunblock before you head outside—read this story.
• “Fight Off Head Pounders” Anyone else get awful headaches in the summer? Here we get advice on how to head them off before they strike between the eyes.

 

Overall Grade: 

A! Tons of great stuff in beauty, fashion, fitness and more here. Well done Women’s Health!!

 

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

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @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!)

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What Did We Learn this Month? @WomensHealthMag with @OFFICIALBILSON on the Cover

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: October 2011

 

 

 
 

 

Women’s Health Cover Star for October: 

The sprightly Rachel Bilson who will star in the upcoming Hart of Dixie TV series on the CW network is on the cover of the October issue and she is just a big bucket of adorable. Seriously, every single guy friend in her life must be secretly in love with her!

Rachel is photographed by Jeff Lipsky and wears an Express dress on the cover. (Really!)

Our cover gal (who recently turned 30) is not a big fan of going to the gym and instead prefers to either dance with friends or play sports to stay in shape. Rachel also recently gave up beef after a chance meeting with a cow –a “mutual exchange” is her description of the encounter.

The rest of the interview focuses on the actress’s style in both home décor and her funky take on clothing.

You can try out her style for yourself by going to www.jewelmint.com and picking up a pair of amethyst earrings designed by Rachel herself with 50% of the profits to go to “Invisible Children” which is working to stop the abduction of children who are used as soldiers in Uganda.

Nice Rachel! 

 

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

 

“125 Best Packaged Foods for Women”

Let’s be honest-most of us only have time and the finances for food we buy at the grocery versus making a fresh meal breakfast, lunch and dinner. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t healthy options out there. Here we get the editor’s picks for the best packaged foods on the market.

 

 

  

  

 
“More Chic Thank Geek”  

Love this! Page after page of fun, new gadgets that will make your life easier and look pretty cool as well.

 

 
 

 

 

“Flirting With Disaster”

Mother Nature has been insane in my region lately. The last years alone have brought to Brooklyn sweltering hot summers, colder & colder winters, snow that falls for hours, earthquakes, a tornado and a freaking hurricane! Anyhoo, here we get excellent advice on how to best protect yourself during a terrible weather situation.

 

 

 

 

“Yes-You-Can Yoga!”

The experts advise on finally locking down those poses that vex you in yoga class including “The Crow” which is my own personal bête noir.  

 

 

 

 

“Take Hold of a Hot Bod”

The kettlebell moves in this workout (developed by Paul Katami of Equinox fitness club in West Hollywood, California) are pretty tough but well worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

“Bootie Call”

It’s boot season people and I am ready to rock mine! In fact, I just bought the Vince Camuto “Skylas” boots that is featured at the top of the page in the picture below. I will post a picture of them soon!

 

 

 

 

“Shop Your Shape: Fall Coats”

It’s also jacket & coat season which fills my heart with joy. Until it gets really cold again.

 

 

 

“Bike Your Butt Off”

It’s hard for me to read stories about things that I actually know quite well because I worry people will get the facts wrong. For the most part this article gets it right about biking safely outdoors and spinning indoors.

However, for a page that is supposed to represent proper form on a bike for indoor cycling classes they get a key thing here very wrong. Your toes should NOT point down while pedaling. It’s natural if you are wearing sneakers vs. bike cleats for this to happen but it puts a tremendous strain on your ankles, knees and hip sockets.

 

I only bring this up because I constantly harp on my student to keep a flat foot and not let their toes point down. Anyway, it bugged me to see the model in the story do the very thing I hate seeing on a bike (even more than push-ups which are just silly.)

Okay, enough of my ranting!

 
 

 

 
 

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

• "Pick up the Pace" Women’s Health shows a few options in tough speed-cardio workouts to rev up your metabolism.
• "Natural Energy Boosters" How to use your senses to boost your mood.
• "The Maybe-Baby Mindset" Think twice before putting off having children until your late 30s. Trust me (and Women’s Health.)
• "How to Protect Your Twin Set" October is breast cancer awareness month so all of the women’s magazines will have article on breast health & care.
• "So Glad to Eat You" The comeback of formerly “bad” foods including steak, eggs, and bananas—huzzah!
• “Why Smart Men Do Sleazy Things” It has something to do with having a penis. Takes away all good sense and judgment for some men. (By the way, did any of you see Arnold Schwarzenegger wear an “I Survived Maria” t-shirt out in public? What a dirt bag!)

 

Overall Grade: 

B+! An excellent issue with usable advice & information. Points taken off for the toes pointing down.

 

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

 

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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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”