Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist Time! Featuring Phillip Phillips, Metric, Bush, Jessie J. and Lynrd Skynrd #fitbloggin

Posted on April 30, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Gone, Gone, Gone” Playlist (The “Intervals” Ride)

“Be sure to tell my folks I am studying in my room!”

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

I am a huge fan of 90s music and whenever I need to give a playlist some extra “oomph” it’s time for the old favorites that USED to be played on stations with a “Modern Rock” format. (Most of the music I love is relegated to “classic rock” stations which makes me feel like I should be retired, living in Florida and bitching about the heat.)

Anyhoo—I recently came across a photo of yours truly enjoying a cheap beer in a mobile home back in the time that Kurt Cobain was alive and we had NO idea how horny Bill Clinton could get. It made me giggle (mainly because I can’t figure out why I am also holding a bowling ball) so thought I would pass along with today’s playlist—you’re welcome!

This is a 50-minute interval ride with several quick segments versus the longer hills I have been featuring lately.

Enjoy…

Gone, Gone Gone: Phillip Phillips

Apparently he was on American Idol (not a watcher of them) but this video was my introduction to this cute fella. Great song to start the class as it builds with positive vibes.

Wait a Minute: The Pussycat Dolls

This song is so silly and fun—just love it.

Stadium Love: Metric

This is my third favorite Canadian band (after Rush and The Tragically Hip) and I am DYING to see them live.

Teen Angst: Cracker

“What the world needs now is true words of wisdom like la, la, la, la, la laaaaaaaaaa.’

Price Tag: Jessie J.

One of my clients had this on her playlist and I had to Shazam it right away. It’s just so poppy and sweet!

Safe & Sound: Capital Cities

I do not know much about these guys but this song is a big hit with my students.

Flagpole Sitta: Harvey Danger

Is there anything more 90s than Harvey Danger? I think not.

Stars: Moby

I like to start this one out of the saddle with moderate resistance and keep adding before we get back in our seats and it’s heavy on the peddle. That’s the good stuff! (Check out the video for the celebrity cameos…)

Machinehead: Bush

Machinehead makes everyone want to work harder and pump their fists in the air.

My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It”: En Vogue

What on earth ever happed to En Vogue? This stuff is the sh*t!

Level: The Raconteurs

Jack White rules my world and this live version makes my butt want to wiggle like a stripper!

Hash Pipe: Weezer

Lately Weezer has been cropping up all over my iPod shuffle so I have had to let them out and into my world more often.

Natural One: The Folk Implosion

I love, love, love this damn tune.

I Feel Love (Blue Man Group Radio Edit): Blue Man Group

If you want to end on a super-fast note—try this version of the Donna Summer classic. Awesomeness!

Simple Man: Lynrd Skynrd

The best damn song from the best damn redneck band of all time.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Cooking Tips from Food Network Star Claire Robinson and more @JustAddOJ #JustAddOJ ST

Posted on April 24, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

TV CHEF CLAIRE ROBINSON’S TIPS FOR COOKING WITH OJ!

Food Network Star Shows How to Naturally Add More Sweetness to Your Meals

Plus: An Excellent Recipe for Balsamic Orange Citrunette Dressing from Florida Orange Juice

Claire Robinson Host of “5 Ingredient Fix”

Hey all!

Months ago I gave the Paleo lifestyle a whirl and was surprised to find out how much I enjoyed cooking with orange juice—they give my recipes a natural sweetness that is actually good for me. (I was a big of sugar-holic before.)

Well the good folks at the Florida Department of Citrus asked me to be an ambassador to help promote the “Just Add OJ” program and it has been a total hoot so far!. It’s been interesting checking out their official web site and try out the cool recipes such as this one for a crazy, delicious Balsamic Orange Citrunette.

Balsamic Orange Citrunette

Ingredients

1/2 cup Florida orange juice

1/4 cup vinegar

2 ounces balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

Briefly mix the orange juice, vinegars, salt, mustard and garlic with an immersion blender, food processor or blender, or with a fork or wire whisk. Slowly add the oil in stream (drop by drop if whisking) until an emulsion forms; or just whisk everything together briefly. Add the remaining oil faster, but still in a stream.

Taste to adjust salt and add more oil, vinegar or freshly ground black pepper if needed.

Makes 1-1/4 cup

But wait—there’s more to this post!

Today I also have Food Network celebrity chef Claire Robinson (who also created recipes for the web site) on how you can add a little OJ to your daily meals and make them sweeter and sunnier than ever. (Couldn’t we all use some more sun?!)

Now, without further ado…

Culinary Tips from TV Chef Claire Robinson

Grilling or Roasting: When grilling or roasting meat or vegetables, brush with Florida orange juice to keep moist and give your food an added layer of flavor.
Poultry: Add Florida orange juice to the bottom of a pan to help steam and moisten poultry as it roasts. You can also reduce the drippings for a lovely orange-scented gravy.
Fish: Poach fish, shrimp or salmon in Florida orange juice and water for a gourmet-tasting meal with little effort.
Sauce: Make a quick sauce for almost any dish by pouring Florida orange juice into a pot, bringing it to simmer, and allowing it to naturally thicken as it reduces. Garlic, ginger, jalapeños, sugar, honey or fresh herbs are all nice additions to infuse flavor to a sauce as it reduces to the desired consistency.
Dessert Glaze: Spruce up a plain cookie or cake with a quick, sweet glaze by adding a splash of Florida orange juice to powdered sugar. It can jazz up last-minute dessert preparations into something spectacular.
Fruitful Marinades: Simmer honey and Florida orange juice with any desired accompaniments, such as vanilla bean, mint or cinnamon, until the sugar dissolves. Toss seasonal fruit into the flavorful infusion for a delicious meal enhancer.

So check out the web site today and let me know what you think. (This is a sponsored post but do know I love OJ and cooking with it has been a boon to my daily meal plans.)

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Did We Learn This Month? @OxygenMagazine @Amandalatona on the Cover!! #fitbloggin

Posted on April 24, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: May 2013

Amanda Latona photographed by Paul Buceta

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Fresh Starts”

The May cover star IIFBB Bikini Pro Amanda Latona) has come a looong way from her “pop princess” roots (she used to sing with Britney Spears!) The booty-blessed fitness star trains hard for every single competition and has won seven titles since 2010.

Included in this issue of Oxygen is Amanda’s own glutes workout that will get your high and tight y’all!

“Your Secret Weapon”

How much do I love my foam roller? Well—I certainly don’t LOVE it but damn it is a lifesaver. In case you are wondering how to use them—check out this spread.

“Master Your Breath”

I have a deviated septum which inhibits my breathing power at times so I am always looking to find ways to increase my lung power. This article is a big help!

“One Dumbbell, No Waiting!”

You can a mighty great workout in with just one heavy weight. Check out some of these moves!

“Get OMG Abs!”

I plan in stealing some of these ideas for my core class this week…

“Celebrate Your Sweet Life”

If you are looking for a healthy, sweet treat to enjoy try this recipe for Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes—yum!

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Growing Stronger” My personal hero, Tosca Reno, talks about the early days of Oxygen and how her column got started. (You must follow Tosca on Instagram! Her handle is @toscareno.)
“Shred & Shed” Excellent workout here from trainer Tommy Europe (how much do you love that name?) and model Vanessa Pipoli.

Overall Grade:

A- There are so many great workouts in this magazine and women who have MUSCLES and look STRONG! Love this magazine!

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Workout Playlist: The “Change” Climb with Foo Fighters, No Doubt, Alex Clare, P!nk & more

Posted on April 15, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S WORKOUT PLAYLIST

“Change” Playlist (The 4-Hills Ride)

Gil Hodges Bridge

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Lately I have been in the mood to get on my bike and ride out to Far Rockaway—just to see how everyone is doing there (FU Hurricane Sandy!) and also to feel the climb the Marine Parkway Gil Hodges Bridge. It’s a scary as hell climb for a person with height issues (like me) but it is also beyond exhilarating to ride over the narrow walkway and feel the wind in my face as I go.

Anyhoo—whenever I take on that bridge I like to put on a “climbing song” to get in the mood. So today I bring you some of my favorite tunes to get my feet peddling up an incline.

Enjoy…

Change: Churchill

I know absolutely nothing about this group except I really like this song. Are you familiar with them?

Man Like That: Gin Wigmore

This is a new song that I have been playing the last few weeks and it really seems to get people into a great mood.

Spiderwebs: No Doubt

My inner “90s Chick” gets super-happy every single time I hear this song. (Go Gwen!)

Little Lion Man: Mumford & Sons

My students are always surprised how much cursing exists in the “real” version of this song. (I think it makes it so much better.)

Get Higher: Black Grape

Our first official “climb song” comes from an English group that really likes their recreational drug use. (If I do not judge reggae musicians for it I can’t attack the Brits for the same thing!) Get Higher is SO subversive and no one ever seems to catch on to the theme. Love that!

Rope: Foo Fighters

Honestly you can play just about any Foo songs in a spin class and people will totally dig it.

Undone (The Sweater Song): Weezer

Lately I have been going through a total Weezer faze… (Second climb by the way.)

Telephone: Lady Gaga & Beyoncé

OMG—I freaking LOVE this song so much I want to marry it.

Too Close: Alex Clare

Our third climb features a song that could have been recorded in the 80s for all I can tell. That’s a compliment by the way.

The Pit: Silversun Pickups

This is one of my new favorite bands and this tune always makes me want to peddle faster.

Hallelujah: Happy Mondays

This is from the soundtrack of a movie I absolutely adore–24 Hour Party People. (Last climb!)

The Middle: Jimmy Eat World

A fun, fast song to end the ride. Everyone likes this song.

Try: P!nk

I just discovered P!nk a few months ago and cannot explain why it took me so long to get on the bandwagon.

So what do you think of my list? Remember to send me your favorite tunes in the comments below.

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

“Friend” Me on Facebook at “Brooklyn FitChick”

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What Did We Learn This Month? @WomensHealthMag Katharine McPhee Cover April Issue #fitbloggin

Posted on April 9, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

What Did We Learn This Month?

Women’s Health: April 2013

Katharine McPhee photograohed by Jeff Lipsky

Women’s Health Cover Star for April 2013:

Katharine McPhee of my used-to-be favorite show Smash is on the cover of the April issue as well as the cover of the flips side special “beauty issue.” The interview with Katharine is pretty sparse but the expanded beauty pages are fantastic! If you like articles about lotions and potions (and by golly I sure do) it is worth it just for that.

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

“Women’s Health Shoe Guide”

Women’s Health offers a handy takeaway pamphlet inside filled with the editor’s favorite sneakers. (Must exhibit strength and NOT buy more sneakers…)

“15-Minute Workout”

It looks like the weather is finally getting warmer in my neck of the woods (thank GAWD!) so these moves to get my arms ready for tank tops will be helpful. Personal trainer Natalie Rado created them (New York City shout out!)

“Fire Up Your Greens”

The cure for “salad fatigue” is in these yummy recipe ideas. Below you will see a chard breakfast skillet with egg, onion and tomato—yum!

“The Body You Want in the Time You Have”

Yes, we are ALL busy but Women’s Health has some ideas on how to get the most out of your puny workout time. So no more excuses, people!

“Jeans & High Tops”

I might be showing my age here but some of these looks made me go “huh?”

“Yoga, You Way”

If you want to try yoga and are not sure which style will fit your personality—try this article and get some Zen going.

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

“Detox Your Life” Women’s Health offers ideas to get the toxins out of your life.
“App Hazard” Be careful of all of those apps for smart phones that promise health benefits—some of them can be dangerous. Watch your downloading, people!
“Thigh Candy” I am more of a salty than sweet gal but if you need a sugary fix—ideas on lower calorie sweets.
“I Survived a Brutal Knife Attack” Holy sh*t! This essay is the true, personal tale of survival by Melissa Meline. Plus, we get advice from self-defense expert Kathy Olevsky on how to fight back effectively.

Overall Grade:

A-! Great workouts, good information and lovely beauty pages—thank you 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? @OxygenMagazine April Issue! #fitblog Jessica Plaxson

Posted on April 3, 2013 by brooklynfitchick

What Did We Learn This Month?

Oxygen: April 2013

Jessica Paxson photographed by Paul Buceta

What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?

“Fresh Starts”

IFBB Bikini star Jessica Paxson talks to Oxygen about her struggle with depression over the last few years and how she found her way to the happy space she is now. (The 30 year-old is engaged to fellow health advocate Blair Mone who looks as if he can crush a Buick with his biceps!)

Jessica counts on her faith in God to keeping her spirits up and keeping her fridge full of clean foods to stay in such great competitive shape.

One regret she does have is not eating enough and over exercising as a teen cared in order to be “as skinny as possible.” Jessica now appreciates a lean and muscular form and most of all—works at being healthy!

“Get Strong, Lean & Mean”

This is a home “Plyo” workout that was created by J&M strength coach Molly Galbraith and looks like a real butt kicker!

“Freshen Up!”

Spring might finally be arriving which is a perfect time to consider planting your own kitchen herb garden. Oxygen offers green thumb-type advice plus yummy recipe ideas for oregano, tarragon, basil and dill.

“Slip On Your Short Shorts”

If you are looking to up your leg workouts here are some fanatic ideas to get your gams “shorts-ready.”

“Perfection—So Boring!”

A new essay from my hero Tosca Reno on the joys of owning your own quirks and getting rid of those “I have to perfect” pictures from your head. (I really need to heed her advice!)

And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:

“Play, Explore, Connect!” As soon as the warmer weather arrives (it is coming, right?) I am going to take their advice here and run outside with the joy of a child.
“Healthy Back Tighter Tummy” Learning to properly exercise your core (back & abs) can help with preventing injury and pain there later on. So try out some of these moves to work your middle area plus, advice on moves to avoid.
“Tighten Up Anywhere” Rita Catolino (Tosca Reno’s trainer) shows some moves you can do at your local park/playground to get into shape.
“Is Your Kitchen Safe” Oxygen offers advice on how to keep your kitchen (and everything in it clean & safe.

Overall Grade:

A- Lots of inspiring ideas here for spring and I love how they use strong women with muscles as models in every issue. (Thank you Oxygen!)

You can follow Oxygen magazine at www.Oxygenmag.com

Ox ox,

Brooklyn Fit Chick

(BFC)

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

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