Brooklyn Fit Chick

Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog: Episode 7 "The Paleo Solution, Kettlebells, Larabars and Trapeze School Edition"

 

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog: Episode 7

 "Midway Through the 30-Day Paleo Solution Plan, Flying on a Trapeze (Really!), Larabars and kettlebells, plus my latest giveaway"

 

  

 

 

Hello everybody!

 

Today is day 16 of my 30-day trial of the Paleo diet and I have my video update ready below. So far, so good! My energy is coming back and my sleep is much better than it has been in some time. This morning I had lamb sausage for breakfast for the first time in my life and  thought I would pass out because it was so damn tasty. YUMMO!

 

Anyhoo, this past week I ventured out of my little world and took a kettlebell class with Lorna Kleidman (you can check out her website here: Lorna Fit) plus I tried my hand on the flying trapeze courtesy of the Trapeze School New York (www.newyork.trapezeschool.com) and Larabars (www.larabar.com.) I will give the full details of all soon but below is a big hint about my experiences at both. (Spoiler alert--I am a little less than graceful than you thought!)

 

This week's giveaway is a Pilates DVD with a band. Come back this Thursday for more details...

Once again, if you check my Blog or Instagram account (under the name "margodono") you will see that I am posting my daily meals plus workout plan. Come by and say "hi" when you have a chance! Feel free to follow me but do know I post my fair share of cat photos on Instagram (and what the heck is wrong with that?)

 

Episode 7:

 

  

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

Ox Ox,

BFC 

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @BicyclingMag @MoreMag @OxygenMagazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Bicycling, More and Oxygen

 

Hello Gang!

 

Spring has sprung and the magazines are reflecting the warmer months.

 

So let’s check a few out shall we?

 

 

 

 

 

Bicycling: May 2012

•  “You Ideal Cycling Weight” There is a whole complicated “self-assessment” system here to figure out your ideal weight for cycling but it was pretty neat to check out for myself. Let me know what you think!
• “The Lamentation” In 1956, Roger Walkowiak won the Tour de France amid great controversy. I had no idea about this history and enjoyed the interview here.
• “We Have Met the Enemy” Bike lanes are growing in numbers across America and it is apparently pissing a great many people off. I live by Prospect Park and have been met with anti-bike lanes venom so this feature really spoke to me. Let’s make the streets for everyone people!
• “In a Tight Spot” Most of us who wear tights while cycling are under the impression the compression is helping with circulation but this is not always the case. In short, you need the tights to be really, really tight in order for them to work properly.
• “Commuter Solutions” Really cool gear for riding your bike with style (and not in a sausage casing!)

•  “Their Common Life” Loved, loved, loved this feature on brothers Bobby Lea and Syd Lea who are both passionate cyclists. Bobby has major talent but younger brother Syd is scoring big with the Special Olympics and might turn out to be the biggest champion in the family. I am not doing this story any kind of justice. Shit—read it for yourself here: http://www.bicycling.com/news/featured-stories/their-common-life  and try not to get teary-eyed!  

 

Check out Bicycling online here: www.Bicycling.com

 

 

 

 

More: April 2012

• Julianna Margulies: I keep trying to check out The Good Wife but apparently it airs on one of my early nights (I go to bed at 9:30 pm most evenings) but I promise to do so now because Julianna Margulies seems really cool and apparently money isn’t all that important to her. The actress is rumored to have turned down $27 million to stay with ER and instead go on her own path. Wow!
• “Make Exercises Feel Easier: New Science” Excellent tips here on how to “exercise more enjoyable” including drinking coffee, cooling down before warming up in hot weather and the magical powers of beet juice.
• “Reinventing for the Soul” Check out the “Second Acts” article this month which features women who found careers that not only pay well-but are also fulfilling.
• “The Drinking Woman’s Diet” Cheers!
• “Hilary’s Secret Weapon” A feature on secretary of state Hilary Clinton and her ability to connect with women in need.
• “Look Great for Your Age Make-Up” The basics every woman needs in her beauty bag from your 30s through your 60s.
• “Look Like A Million (Spend a lot Less)” Six ideas for how you can always look your best with breaking the bank or looking too trendy.
• “A Real Nurse Rates the TV Fakes” I am a total sucker for those “experts tell you the real story versus what is depicted on TV” articles and this one has Baltimore nurse Sandy Summers taking on Nurse Jackie (the best,) House, Private Practice and Grey’s Anatomy.

 

Check out More online: www.more.com

 

 

 

 

Oxygen: May 2012

• "Ageless Beauty" Check out 48 year-old Elaine Goodland on the cover of the May Oxygen magazine! Elaine used to compete in Figure but these days is more excited about her VIP Boot camp classes plus she started a skin care line a year ago—Simple  Elaine Skin Care. Good for her!
• “How Long Do the Fitness Pros Work Out Each Day?” Top fitness experts answer this very question including Erin Stern, Heather Green and Alicia Harris.  
• “Unleash Your Greatest Potential” A real-live stair workout on a real stairway outside and stuff. Mentioned inside is the Koko Crater Railway Stairway in Honolulu that has over 1200 steps to it!
• “Healthy Gut, Sexy Stomach” Four recipes that will help you through any “tummy troubles.”
• “Shape Up Your Brain Tips for boosting your “brain power’ and therefore taking full care of yourself.
•  “Four Weeks to You Best Butt” ‘Nuff said.

Check out Oxygen online www.oxygenmag.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 Are the "Men's" Teaching Us This Month? @MensFitness @MensHealthMag @MensJournal

 

 

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

 

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

 

Hey there everyone! Today I decided to have a little fun and check out all the latest “men’s” magazines for recap and review. If it gives me any cred at all-- I have the 49ers/Giants game playing in the background as I type this. (Go Niners!)

 

So let’s start with a little “He-Man” to get in the mood, shall we? (“Fabulous secret powers” were released to him don’t ya’ know…)

 

   

 

 

And we are off…

 

 

Men’s Fitness: December 2011 issue

•  Josh Holloway: Funnily enough I recently wondered to a friend of mine recently what happened to Josh after Lost went off the air. Well it turns out he will be in a whole slew of movies coming out soon (including the strangely titled Mission Impossible—Ghost Protocol) and in his off hours he has been perfecting his game of b-ball. You have to get the magazine just to see a shot of Josh flying through the air to dunk a shot (or whatever that is called.)
• “Holiday Survival Guide” Six very helpful tips to survive the holidays without going overboard on the celebrating.
• “Easy Come, Easy Go” Being a total comedy geek you would think I would check out It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia more often but alas—I forget when it is on sometimes. Anyhoo, actor Rob McElhenney put on fifty pounds for the show recently just because he thought it would be funny. Will it be a nightmare to take off for him?
• "A Tie is Not a Gift" Nor are bras and panties boys! Sorry—back to the magazine. Here we have MF’s Best Of 2011 which includes a $500 crossbow and something called a “cave tent.” Clearly I need to get out more often.
• “Workout of the Month” Wow!!! That was my first thought when I saw punter Steve Weatherford featured in the magazine. Okay—now you HAVE to buy this magazine because he is photographed on page 56 in white shorts and performing an amazing spilt over gym equipment. And the rest of his photo spread is pretty sweet too. Thank you Men’s Fitness!
• Lily Aldridge: The Victoria’s Secret model totally disregards what I have said before and advises men to give women lingerie for it makes a “great present.” Oy vey! Also, her mother was a playboy bunny and she likes a men’s chest because it’s a nice place to rest your head. Okay—she is right about that!
• “The Armageddon Workout” Looks pretty scary but I want to try it anyway.

 

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

 

 

 

 

Men’s Health: November 2011

• Henry Cavill: The sexy actor who appears in Immortals and will next be seen as the new Superman grew up as a chubby kid and was called “Fat Cavill” as a lad. No longer true as you can tell by his cover photo.
• “Top 10 King-Size Reads” I am a huge Stephen King fan and his new book 11/11/63 is 998 pages of amazing IMHO. Here the author picks the best "big" (as in page number) books including War and Peace, The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Infinite Jest.
• “The Best Life” A feature about a dude named Bear Grylls who looks like a total bad-ass. Bear (I had a golden retriever named Bear!) likes to scale rocks that are completely scary and daunting to a normal thinking person.
• “From Hateful to Grateful” Writer Steve Almond had a terrible scare when his mother was hit by a truck while going for a walk. Holy crap! She is okay now but it taught Steve to be grateful for all of the little things in life we take for granted.
• “How to do Everything Better” Men’s Health advises on everything from painting a room to clipping your dog to stacking a woodpile and more. I am tired just looking at this section.
• “The 125 Best Foods for Men” Excellent list here on what to stock in your kitchen for good health and wellness.
• “Big Muscle in 15 Minutes” An excerpt from The Men’s Health Big Book of 15-Minute Workouts that look pretty damn challenging to do.
• “Inside the Cult of CrossFit” Are you a fan of the “WOD Squad?” They kind of scare me.
• “The Thinking Man’s Guide to Drinking” Should you not have issues with alcohol—this will be very educational. Mad Men star Christina Hendricks looks beautiful inside where she discusses her love of a good glass of scotch. (My kind of gal!)

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

 

 

 

 

Men’s Journal: November 2011 issue

• Mohammed Ali: The greatest athlete of the 20^th century appears on the cover at his fittest state. The kids need to learn about Ali and not from that crummy Will Smith movie. Instead—check out the 1996 documentary When We Were Kings. It will change your life! This magazine does a pretty damn great job of recounting why we should worship this man as well.
• "$5 Million in 140 Characters" It’s not just dopey actors (Ashton Kutcher) or silly reality stars (Kim Kardashian) who make money on Twitter. It’s “easy money” in the sports world as well.
• “The Comic’s Workshop” Nick Offerman of my new favorite show Parks & Recreation talks about his love of woodworking and how it helps him from becoming a shallow Hollywood creep. Very cool!
• “Follow the Rum” Hunter S. Thompson’s The Rum Diaries starring Johnny Depp is in theaters right now and more people will visit my apartment at Thanksgiving than will pay to see this movie worldwide. #provenfact.
• “In Pursuit of Peril” Holy shitballs! This story had my interest right away. Apparently there is a new kind of tourism out there designed for adrenaline junkies who think endangering their lives doing things like biking stoned or “playing with dynamite” is a fun vacation. Wowzers!
• “The Big Resort Revival” Articles like this always make me want to pack my bag and run to the airport. Lake Tahoe anyone?
• “The Testosterone Dilemma” I was not aware that there is a problem growing out there of men using testosterone therapy to deal with dropping levels of the manly hormone. The question of whether or not treatment is ultimately helpful is looked into here.  
• “The Rebirth of Rick Rubin” The producer for The Beastie Boys and Johnny Cash had at one time weighed 300 pounds. Rubin took a year off to transform his health and find his inner athlete and you can see the results here. (He is half the size he used to be by the way.) 

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!) 

“Friend” me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

What Did We Learn this Month? @LuckyMagazine @MensHealth @O_Magazine

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Lucky, Men’s Health and O

 

 

Hey there! The dog days of summer are still upon us, my cat is lazier than ever and I am sick and tired of the heat but one thing gives me hope—fall will soon be upon us! How do I know that? Because my September issues are starting to pile into my mailbox which always makes me happy so let’s take a look at some of them today shall we?

 

 

 
 

 

Lucky: September 2011 issue

•  Jessica Alba: The insanely beautiful actress is the cover star wearing a lovely purple-colored Marc Jacobs frock. The big take away from the interview is the fact that Jessica is pregnant at the time of the interview and is asked (months before actually giving birth) what her get back-in-shape plans are. (Sigh, I go over how much I hate these kinds of questions in my Fit Bottomed Girl guest post.) But just in case you are interested, she plans a 1200-calorie per-day diet and gradually working herself up to 3-hours per day of exercise to become a marketable actor again. This is actually depressing me, let’s move on shall we?
• “City Guide: Los Angeles” Page after page of really cool places to shop ‘til you drop in La-la land (does anyone use that expression anymore?)
• "Denim Bars" Did you know there is a “new wave of jeans counters” out there selling all kinds of brands of denim? Well now ya’ do! Lucky rates them coast-to-coast.
• "Lucky Life: House of Fashion" Lucky had the good sense to hire Marlien Rentmeester years ago as their West Coast editor and now we get to see her fabulous home which serves as Lucky’s West Coast (sort of) office. I worked with Marlien years ago and she is beyond lovely in every way and her home is to die for!
• “Fall Shoe Guide” Pages like these make my heart go pitter patter. Seriously—new shoes can brighten anyone’s day. And it doesn’t matter what size you are!
• “Buying Under the Influence” Completely hilarious article by chic writer Alex Kuczynski about the perils of drunken online shopping. It’s nice to know I am not the only one who has had a package shipped to me with crap I cannot remember ordering. (Not that I am proud of that…)

 

Check out Lucky online at http://www.luckymag.com/

 

 

 

 

 

Men’ Health: September 2011 issue

•  Sam Worthington: Am I the only one out there that was completely underwhelmed by the movie Avatar? It was one of those visual creations I forgot about (as well as the lead actor) soon after leaving the theater. But the Sam Worthington on the cover and inside this magazine has me thinking things differently. He is totally adorable is my point. And Australian with curly hair and a buff chest—excuse me but I need to sip a cool drink for a minute. Be right back…
• Evan Longoria:  Ladies, check out page 64 and gaze at the handsomeness that is Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays (he plays third base.) Fellas—he talks about the importance of staying in shape in the off-season. So we all get what we want from this story!
• “How to Help Your Kid Ace Her Homework” Aw, dads being attentive to their kids is so sexy. And bravo for Men’s Health for encouraging better father-daughter relationships!
• "Skirt Danger" Tips on how to handle an office romance without torching your career. (Ladies, take note as well.)
• "Live (Almost) Forever" Have you heard of “Blue Zones?” These are places that scientists noticed here people live about ten years longer than the average person. Ideas on why they can chase ol’ death away.
• “Lose the Last 10” A full diet & exercise plan to burn stubborn fat.
• “The New Sex Cancer” The HPV virus is not only threatening the lives of women folks. Holy shit!
• Sam Worthington: This guy again? Oh yes! Sam graces the back cover of the magazine as well for the Men’s Health fall style guy. Wee!

 

You can check out Men’s Health online here http://www.menshealth.com/

 

 

 
 

 

O: September 2011 issue

• “What’s Your Eco IQ?” So you consider yourself eco-conscious? Well, do you wash your dishes by hand or use the dishwasher? How about plastic wrap vs. aluminum foil? Find out the better choices for lots of life’s basic needs here.
• "Honey, I Shrunk!" September is O’s “Makeover Issue” so we get lots of makeover stories including this one featuring women who have lost at least 100 pounds and need a new look.
• “A More Hospitable Hospital” The experts give their tales on how to radically change the look and layout of your typical hospital room that will not only help patient heal quicker but will also cut back on costs.
• “Walk Signals” This is only a one-page feature but the editors talk about how people who walk really fast everywhere tend to live longer. So quit busting my chops friends and family and keep up with MY pace!
• “The Health Hazard You Never Heard Of” There is a very simple test for CPR which indicates inflammation in the body and could save your life. Read this story!
• “You and Improved” The biggest “makeover” feature is all about YOU and how to make your life more fun, easier and just plain better. Which one of us could use more of that? (Raise your hands!)
• J-LO! The American Idol goddess herself is not only a singer but a fashion designer with a new collection coming out this fall with many pieces under $100. Here she makes over several women to fabulousness and we also get a cute picture of Jennifer Lopez posing with her husband Mark Anthony—oops.

 

Read more about O online at http://www.oprah.com/omagazine.html

  

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!) 

Friend Me on Facebook: “Brooklyn FitChick”

 

 

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? Recaps of @Allure_magazine @BicyclingMag @GQMagazine

 

 

 

What Did We Learn This Month?

 

Recaps of Allure, Bicycling and GQ

 

Hey there one and all! My mailbox is brimming right now with tons of March and April issues of magazines that cover everything from fitness to food to movie stars to beauty tips and tricks.

 

Today I have a few I want to talk about on this here Blog so let’s get to gettin’ shall we?

 

 

 

 

 

Allure magazine: March 2011 issue

 

Can we say “Special Issue?” Because this here is the 20^th Anniversary issue of Allure I am about to recap for you. I have the chills! Seriously—I read this pub each month with the same intensity some guys read car magazines. Not kidding!

• Victoria Beckham: Nobody asked me, but I have to say “thumbs up” to the choice of their 20^th cover gal to grace their pages. Say what you will about Posh with her skinny frame and ridiculous shoe choices—the woman has presence! And by the way—why didn’t anyone tell me she was pregnant with her fourth kid? Wow!
• “Beauty Editors’ Best Tips” Luv! Who better than an editor who looks at products all day long to tell us how to get the best hair, skin and make-up? No one say I.
• "8 Beauty Emergencies (And How to Respond)" What to do for zits, blotchy skin, cold sores and more.
• "Insider’s Guide: Five Wardrobe Essentials for Spring" Let’s go shopping everyone—wee!
• "A Place for Refuge" Allure has a really cool story here about how women in Haiti help the economy (and their sanity) by continuing their beauty routines in spite of their circumstances. Crap, I am not doing it any justice! Please, just read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
• “Are UV Nail Dryers Safe” Most likely, no. Holy shit!
• “Body of Evidence” How the ideal body types changes from generation to generation depending on our “culture and values.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bicycling magazine: April 2011 issue

 

Bicycling has their annual “Buyers Guide” issue here and let’s just say there are PLENTY of pages here to please even the most amateur of cyclists. Really, the whole issue is just about all kinds of bikes (road, mountain, etc.) and the best gear for them. Kind of like “bike porn” for people like me. Go get it!

 

  

 

 
 

 

GQ magazine: March 2011 issue

Whoo boy! After a few disappointing months (for me anyway) GQ comes roaring back with a jam-packed March issue that is stocked with stories (and photos!) about all-American style, hillbilly stars with deep regrets, zombies, cute actors and the heroes of the Gabby Giffords’ shooting.

 

Good on you GQ!

 

• “What You Need to Know about Rum” I really wish the women’s pubs would write stories like this. I am not joking folks. There is a historical perspective here plus cool tips on the best kinds of rum to buy for every occasion. Cheers!
• "Zombies, as American as American Pie" Kudos to Tom Carson and his fun essay on our country’s latest obsession with zombies. Here’s hoping we get The Walking Dead back on the air soon. (With new writers of course. Those last two episodes? PU!).
• “I Heard the Shots and Ran Toward the Sound” This one made me a little weepy I will admit. Amy Wallace interviews some of the brave souls who were on site during the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. A must read.
• “Nothing But Net” If you are into basketball—you will like this.
• Tatum Channing: The adorable actor (and March cover boy with un-manscaped eyebrows) is featured in photos representing full-on “American Style” and he talks about lots of stuff that I can’t seem to remember the next day. But damn he is cute, no?
• “Mr. Hannah Montana’s Achy Breaky Heart” The interview that made Miley Cyrus shut her dad up but good y’all!
• “The People v. Football” This one broke my cold, dark heart. Ex-NFL star Fred McNeill retired from football in the 90s to work as a lawyer and is now almost totally incapacitated from all of his head injuries from his playing days. I am a HUGE football fan and love the excitement but we have to start looking out for these guys. Right?   

  

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 February 2011 Review

 

 

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

 Fitness magazine: February 2011

 

Fitness Cover Model for February: 

Wicked, awesome ski champion Lindsey Vonn. The entire issue seems to be devoted to female athletes which rocks my world.  

   

 
 
 
 
 

Lindsey is considered one of the top female skiers that have ever entered the Olympics and the 26 year-old talks to Fitness on how she has handled the pressure of the games, her competitive nature that comes out in her workouts (which scares away Lindsey's husband from joining her!), her favorite foods to fuel up and the "get-pumped" songs you will find on her iPod.

 

Lindsey managed to avoid the media hype around the Olympics by shutting out all TV, magazines and newspapers during her time in Vancouver. Nowadays she is on the pro circuit which means being on the road for 49 weeks out of the year. (Yikes!)

 

To keep in top shape, Lindsey uses a stability ball to train her core and she gave Fitness a look at some of her best abs-shaping moves. Check out the magazine to see them for yourself!

 

 

So what else is in the February issue of Fitness? 

    

"Survival of the Fit Test" 

Fitness editorial assistant Karla Walsh tries out these groovy Jillian Michaels Ultimate Weighted Forearm Sleeves that are designed to "increase the burn" for your workouts. They retail for $15 at Walmart and Karla seems to think they really do the job. You can see Karla in a perfect side-plank pose here: 

 

 

 
 
 
 

  

Get Fit/Express Workout:

Every month Fitness features a workout pro to show off their favorite moves. Imagine my surprise when I saw Ms. Rachel Buschert Vazialli (group fitness instructor at Equinox in New York City) show off her own personal "Melt it Off" routine.

 

You see, Rachel started her career teaches classes at various gyms in Brooklyn and I was one her "regulars" in the Saturday morning body conditioning back in the day. Here she is!

 

 

 
 
 

Way to go Rachel! 

 

Check out this link to see her perform the moves from fitness magazine online. 

 

You can also check out her own personal website right here.

 

 

"Best in Snow"

Fitness editor Hillary Moloney offers her picks for the best winter gear on the market. Lots of "I wants" on these pages folks.  

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
"Lean Machines"

Funnily enough--the other day I admitted to a friend of mine that I was not a huge fan of using the machines at the gym and prefer to do my weight training during an actual class.

 

But in case you can't make it to the body conditioning class at your gym--Fitness has this terrific article on which machines to use and how to get the most efficient out of them.  

  

 
 
 
 

 

"The Ride Stuff"

I just love this story! On the back page we meet Ashley Foilek who at the tender age of 20 not only is one of the few females on the Motorcross circuit, but she also happens to be deaf!

 

This is inspiring stuff folks. Get the magazine to read about her for yourself.  Here's Ashley in her best bad-ass pose:

 

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

• "Go the Distance" The editors of Fitness come up with a plan to get your running numbers up with their first "half-marathon special." Here we have a ten-week plan for everyone from the distance you need to go for each day to the meals that will get you fueled. And you can follow Fitness fashion editor Marla Horenbein as she prepares for the "More/Fitness Half-Marathon."
• "Cold Play" Advice on how to "winter-proof" your workout over the next wintry months.
• "Be an NFL Cheerleader" Fitness editor Jenna Autouri works out with the New York Jets Flight Crew and even spends a day on the field. (I would love to get out on that field myself...)
• "Bright Ideas" Fitness readers offer their favorite beauty tips to keep looking fabulous before, during and after your workouts.
• "Fitness Energy Makeover Part 1" Here we have strategies for an "instant recharge" and leave the sleepies behind.
• "With a Grain of Salt" So is salt our mortal enemy or the elixir of life? Don't reach for the low-sodium options so fast folks!

 

Overall Grade: 

A!  Lots of great advice, tough female athletes plus my old instructor in the mix--what's not to love here?  

 

See you in March Fitness!

 

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 January issue

 

What Did We Learn This Month?: Shape magazine

 

Shape magazine: January 2011

  

Cover Model: Brooke Burke from Dancing With the Stars (my parent's favorite show in the whole wide world--shout out!)

  

The 39 year-old host is a mother of four young kids (!) and is the new author of The Naked Mom which is billed as a "survival manual for mothers." Shape will have autographed copies of the book for 25 readers who enter at shape.com/brooke.

  

Brooke manages to fit in workouts whenever she can and refuses to follow fad diets.  She also believes all women she take an hour of their lives to create a bucket list of things to do before you die. (Have you seen that film? It is the shittiest movie to come up with the catchiest of catch phrases--ever.)

  

Anyhoo, Brooke also has her own blog on modernmom.com and often talks about the need for women to stick up for themselves and not be wishy-washy about their wants and needs--nice!

  

Brooke has a favorite workout routine that only takes 15 minutes and gets in some major toning.  Below you can see her performing some of these butt-kicking moves created by Greg Joujon-Roche (gogreg.com):

 

  
 

My twitter pal @vegjennifer is a big fan of this routine though she claims that it took her 15 minutes to do all of the exercises featured once. (They claim you should do all sets three times in under 15 minutes. Just some food for thought.)

 

So what else is in the January Shape?

  

 "8 Habits to Steal from Guys":

 If you ever wondered how men seem to lose weight so easily--this story might be a big help to your healthy lifestyle goals. AND it includes beer, burgers and the permission to "show yourself some love." Win/win people!

  

 

 
 
 

 

Winter Skin Beauty Tips:

Who better to give advice on how to fight the winter weather and stay foxy than female athletes? Here we get excellent beauty advice from skiers, marathon runners, hockey players, ice climbers and more on keeping your skin soft in spite of the elements. Love!

 

 

  

 

 

"Your Flat-Belly Guarantee"

Are you trying to get your midsection under control but getting bored of the usual moves? Top trainer Israel A. Sanchez (creator of coach-izzy-talks-fitness.com) offer these excellent moves to get you the six-pack of your dreams. Shape reader Austin Musick is our model--see!

  

  

  
 

  

   The Rest of the Best of the January Shape:

• "Learning to Let Go" Tips for getting rid of the "emotional baggage" and getting your life on track for 2011. (So need this!)
• Best Jeans for Every Figure: The fashion editors of Shape get a bunch of real gals together and find the best jeans for all different types of bods. And we do mean all types of figures which is a nice change from other magazines that I won't mention.
• "How I Ace the Competition" Tennis ace Sam Stosur, who hopes to kick ass at this year's Australian Open, offers her favorite tunes, her killer workout routine and the gear she uses on the courts. (Do any of you play tennis to keep fit? How do you like it?)
• "Drop 10 pounds (or more) This Month" Not sure if ten pounds is totally possible but here we have an excellent selection of recipes from weight-loss coach Cynthia Sass, R.D.
• "Buff Brain Sexy Body" How you approach your workout mentally can make a big difference on how you perform physically. Tricks to get your brain in tune with your body when getting up a good sweat.
• "The Secrets to Our Success" Shape readers share their secrets to losing weight without personal chefs or trainers. Really fun and inspiring story!
   

Plus, you will find the usual mix of beauty, fashion, nutrition and lifestyle advice to get your new year started on the right foot. 

 

Overall Grade: B!

A very helpful read though I could have used more gear and shopping pages. Maybe next month?   

  

 See you in February Shape!

 

ox ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

 

 
 

 

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What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag Nov 2010 issue

 

What Did We Learn This Month?: Women's Health

Women's Health magazine: November 2010

 

Women's Health Cover Model: 

Lauren Conrad:  

I know she was on a "scripted reality" show on MTV but seriously I still have no idea why she is famous. (I am not a snob by the way. You can't DVR Real Housewives of Beverly Hills each week and be all high fallutin' about your television program choices.) 

Anyhoo Lauren Conrad (LC) is a best-selling author and a designer of some sort and in this month's issue she offers "LC's Rules of Style.'  Please to enjoy here.

  

 
 

Honestly this outfit is cuter than hell and she looks healthy and vibrant and not sad and/or scary skinny like some of those reality babes we see in the press so...good on you LC! 

 

How Does Lauren Stay in Shape?

Lauren is not much of a gym-goer and prefers to do outdoorsy things like hiking and kayaking. She also plays tennis and tries to squeeze in a kick-boxing session or two when she can.  She seems like a good enough egg so I will leave it at that. 

  

Moving on...

 

Also in the November Women's Health:

  

"125 Best Packaged Foods (for women!")

 

 
 
 
  

According to Women's Health, there are 46,852 items in the average supermarket (holy shit!) No wonder we get that "overwhelmed feeling from time to time when going up and down those aisles. But have no fear! The editors of the magazine have picked out the best of the best in "Sweets & Treats," "Breads & Cereals," "Condiments, "Pasta & Rice," "Snacks, Crackers, & Chips," "Frozen Meals," "Drinks," "Fruits & Veggies," and "Soups" so you won't have to.

  

Categories for foods include:

• Promotes weight loss
• Builds muscle
• Battles cancer
• Fights heart disease
• Builds bone
• Organic

 

If any of those are important to you (and gosh darn it--shouldn't they be?) then you will want to check this out. Worth the price of the magazine just for this!

 

Hot Guy Karl Urban:

Hottie actor Karl Urban from the move Red talks about what it takes for a woman to capture his attention and keep it. I don't care if it involves human sacrifice--this dude is too cute for words. See!

 

 

Nerd alert! He likes scented candles and hot baths--sigh! 
 
 

 

"Is Your Health on the Line" aka "How to Scare the Shit Out of a Health & Fitness Blogger:

We have all been hearing conflicting words about how dangerous (or not) cell phones are and whether or not there needs to be more research on the WIFI access we seem to have everywhere. 

 

Writer Sascha de Gersdorff delves into all of the most up-to-date research on the topic and put together an article that made me miss my subway stop coming home. Must read for all of us. (Just hope we all aren't doomed now!)

 

 
  

  

 

"Flat-Abs Pilates:

Women's Health asked Lauren Siskind who owns the Physicalmind Studio in New York City for some moves with a Pilates ball that will leave you long and lean. Buying my Pilates ball now...

 

 

 

"Start Faking It!"

 

A very cool fashion story that is perfect for these times--top notch accessories and clothes that are both animal-friendly and good on your wallet. I am partial to the Mulberry for Target Satchel myself....

 

 

  

  

Coats!!!

Here we have a selection of coats that are beyond adorable and perfect for every shape. (The LaRok Luxe "Lolita" is particularly divine!)

 

 

  

"Beauty Lab: Pretty Annoying!"

Women's Health beauty editors give us advice on how to handle those annoying "beauty snags" including chipped nails, ponytail dentage and dark under-eye circles.

 

 

 

 

What Else is in the November Women's Health?:

  

• "Crank Up Your Metabolism":"Body revving" workouts that will boost your metabolism and give you more energy when the colder weather gives you the sluggies.
• "Never Get Sick Again": Might be a stretch but it offer solid advice for staying healthy boosting your immunity system. 
•  "Check Yourself": Women's Health spells out the tests every woman needs to take that covers health woes from chlamydia to cholesterol.
• "The Secret Life of Green Tea": How you can use this potent item as an ingredient to use every day in your foot (including on ice cream!)
• "How Fit Are You Really?": An excellent resource to measure your level of conditioning that is the true indicator on how fit you truly are. I dare you to try it yourself! I was surprised to find out where I was on the "excellent" scale and when I was merely good. More work for the Fit Chick I guess...

 

I could go on and on but I think I have already covered this issue pretty well. So I say go out and pick it up yourself!

  

Overall Grade: A! (My only one given out for the November issues so far!)

 

Keep it up Women's Health! See you in December!
 

ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

 

 

 

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Are You Ready for Some Football? "Phil Simms NFL Workout" (1987) #NFL

 

 

 

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Phil Simms NFL Workout: 1987

 

Hey there gang! Well it looks like today marks the official start of the 2010 NFL season (Go Niners!) and I say it's the perfect time for me to introduce you to a workout tape I have known about for years and always wanted to share to my fellow fitness/football fans--the Phil Simms NFL Workout circa 1987. You're welcome!

 

Ch-ch-check it out....

 

 

First some background. Way back in the land of the early 90's, I was a college student who played the retail game to pay my bills. One of my favorite stores I worked at was a short-lived company called "Allez" (which is french for the word "go") and we sold all kinds of aerobics gear. I am talking sweat bands, neon-colored tights, leotards, bright shoelaces and some of the tackiest shit you can imagine.

 

You see kids, ladies use to think they had to dress like a "dancer" in order to workout, Only boys wore shorts and t-shirts to the gym people!

 

Anyhoo, in addition to the cheesy gear we also sold workout tapes by the boatload which we had to play during stores hours. All. Day. Long. It quickly became very tedious to listen to Jane Fonda and Kathy Smith repeatedly (though I do love and respect y'all) so us Allez chicks started bringing in our own VHS tapes to mix things up.

 

One of the more popular ones was Phil Simms' workout because it was something for the dudes to watch while their wives and girlfriends obsessed over getting the exact, same-colored scrunchy to match their bra top. (Not kidding.)

 

In 1986, Phil Simms' New York Giants won the Super Bowl making him a big time bad-ass and therefore perfect for the NFL to cash in on his foxy physique and create an aerobics tape that would appeal to macho armchair quarterbacks everywhere.

 

In this video we meet:

Phil McConkey, Eric Dickerson, Todd Christensen, Rulon Jones, Tony Dorsett, Gary Anderson and my personal fave: Reggie Williams (yes, please!) If you don't know who any of these guys are--no worries. They all come across as down-to-earth and seem to genuinely enjoy themselves during the routines. You can get your own copy for only 97 cents (plus shipping and handling) at amazon.com.

 

There are also a few "angels" featured to help the guys along in the most incredibly craptastic 80's workout ensembles that will make you LOL and scratch your head.  (I'd like a white lace brief to wear OVER my purple unitard, please!)

 

Below you will find the clip from Phil Simms NFL Workout. Please watch and then read my insights, questions and key learnings:

 

 

Where to begin?

• What is up with Todd Christensen's "Soul Glo" hair and porn 'stache?

• Rulon Jones fabulous legs makes me nostalgic for the days when guys wore shorts higher than their shins.

• How sexy and cool is Reggie Williams? Seriously, I am getting the vapors thinking about him!

• Am I the only one who thinks Tony Dorsett's "angel" looks like Laraine Newman from Saturday Night Live?

 

 

Oh, and how about the fact that the instructor of the video, a tall, willowy blonde in a canary yellow, cave woman meets hillbilly outfit; is wearing a thong and flesh colored tights! Go to the 3.52 mark and you will see for yourself.

 

I don't know about you but you would never catch me flashing my butt cheeks to a room full of linebackers but I guess she felt she was in a safe space. (Shaking my head in disbelief.)

 

So in conclusion I want to say "yeah" to the new NFL season and hope your team kicks ass this year. (Just not the Niners' ass, of course.)

 

I leave you with my favorite NFL heartthrob, Steve Young, and his amazing run against Minnesota in 1988 that ends with a spectacular belly flop into the end zone. If I ever attempt a triathlon--that's how I am going to finish. :)

 

Until next time...

 

BFC

 

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