What Did We Learn this Month? @SELFmagazine October Issue with @lucyhale on the Cover #sweatpink 3

by • Self Magazine • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Did We Learn This Month?

 SELF: October 2013

Lucy Hale photographed by Dewey Nicks

Lucy Hale photographed by Dewey Nicks

 

For those of you keeping score, I “broke up” with SELF magazine a few months ago and all of my reasons were stated in my “cri de coer” post this past September. After being a loyal reader for many years I felt that the new look and editorial was aiming too young and low brow. That they were reaching so far to appeal to 20-somethings that they forget about their core reader loves health & fitness and wants to add to their knowledge base.

Well I have to admit that the October issue is a vast improvement upon the last few issues (I have not reviewed SELF since May) and I am happy to feature them on my Blog. Woo hoo! Now, keep it up SELF! Don’t make me shun you again!

 

SELF Cover Star for October:

Lucy Hale

I have NO idea who she is but for some reason I follow actress Lucy Hale on Instagram. (She seems totally cool and adorable by the way.)  Lucy’s trainer (Bryna Carracino) keeps the Pretty Little Liars star in shape with a series of “static holds” which you can see below. Her personal record for a chaturanga is two minutes seven seconds which is pretty damn impressive!

 

Lucy Hale 001

So What Else is in the October SELF?

“I Have a Strong, Athletic Body. I Wish I Loved It”

Here we get an essay from badass squash champion Ivy Pochoda who works hard to stay in shape but gets rude comments about her “mannish” legs. I want to give her a hug and let her know she is a phenomenal woman and not to give in to the body-shaming haters. (Screw them! You are awesome & fierce!)

 

Self expression 001

“Master Class”

CrossFit Coach Megan May shows how to perform a righteous dead lift.

CrossFit move 001

“Shopping Special”

SELF started the whole “pink ribbon” campaign for breast cancer awareness many moons ago and every October they feature “pink” items that will benefit cancer charities. So get to shopping!

 

Shop pink 001

“Trainer to Go”

World class trainer David Kirsch shows a few different exercises you can do in a plank position. (Plan on using these in my core classes soon!)

 

David Britsch workout 001

“How Did I Workout Without This?”

Awesome “high-tech gear” that pro football players use are featured on this page and that makes me happy. (Because I love football. Go Niners!)

 How Do I Workout without this 001

“23 Minutes”

Say you truly only have a half hour at the gym to workout—these moves from Sean Begley of Plus One Fitness will help you get your sweat on in a minimum amount of time.

23 minute workout 001

The Rest of the Best of the October SELF:

  • “Fat Talk. Old Talk” Recently I have been thinking more about the “O” word and how much I hate it when people my age or much younger use it to describe themselves. Nice to read an article about I from someone far more eloquent than me! (Writer is Erin Bried)
  • “Do I Really Have to Stop Eating Bacon?” Good god I hope not! In the October issue we get “Women’s Cancer Handbook” which talks about which “bad habits” you need to nix to ward off disease.

Overall Grade:

B Big improvement over the last few months and I tore out many pages to keep on file which is always a good sign.

You can check out SELF online at: www.Self.com

 

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Ep 54: Talking About What to Look Forward to in October @kmaecags @CG_Confections 2

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 54

The “Brooklyn Fit Chick 5 Things to Forward To in October” Edition

NYC F/N Pop-Up Event, Against All Grain by Danielle Walker, Fitwalker Classes, Balega Socks

& the Affordable Care Act (Yikes!)

 image

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

It’s a new week and I am getting excited about October. Why? Mainly because I will be officially ending my second Paleo/Whole 30 challenge on October 1st –can I get an Amen?!

This time was so much easier for me than last year as I mainly do live a Paleo/Primal lifestyle and keep grains and dairy out of my diet. However, this past summer I felt as if I indulged a bit too much in red wine, fruity drinks and fattening meals and wanted to “right the ship” so to speak. So the past 30 days I have lived completely Paleo and abstained from all processed foods, dairy, sugar, grains and alcohol. The one vice I have not given up is coffee but you do NOT want to see me without coffee. I refuse to go without my caffeine fix in the mornings and will not apologize for that.

And now here we are—on the cusp of October with beautiful, crisp weather and a season of delights to look forward to over the next few weeks. So today I just wanted to give a shout-out to all of the things I am looking forward to this coming month.

Brooklyn Fit Chick 5 Things to Look Forward to in October:

  • NYC F/N Pop-Up Fitness Event: My awesome fellow Sweaty Betty Claudette Wilkins of the amazing gluten-free treats Cavegirl Confections will be joining two of her fellow badass fitness babes @jazzythings and Krissy Mae Cagney (http://kmaecags.com/) for a popup fitness event  (F/N Popup Event) to take place in NYC from October 25-27. There will be bootcamps in Central Park and healthy cooking classes in hell’s Kitchen—cool! Click on this link to get more details and purchase tickets; http://kmaecags.com/events-view/new-york-city-event/  I plan to drop by if that gives you any encouragement!

 

  • Danielle Walker “Against All Grain”: After finishing my Whole 30 on September 30th (boo-rah!) I plan to now enjoy some yummy recipes from Danielle Walker’s newest cookbook Against All Grain.

 

  • Fitwalker class at Superstar Gym in Tribeca: In the next few weeks I am putting together a group of NYC fit chicks to join me for a Fitwalker class at Superstar gym here in NYC. What is Fitwalker you ask? Well I am going to write about them in full for Fit Bottomed Girls but try to imagine taking a cardio/body sculpting class on a treadmill that you have to power on your own. That’s right—there is no electricity to power the machine—just the power of your legs to get it in motion. (If you are a fit blogger in NYC—let me know if you want to take a class with me at Superstar gym!)

 

  • Balega Socks: The good people at Balega sent me a few items to try out (they are well-loved in the running community of their blister-free socks) and I can’t wait to road test them on my bike this coming weekend. Bring it!

 

  • Signing up for the Affordable Care Act: Like many folks—my employer decided to not provide health insurance options for instructors who teach less than 30 hours per week so I now need to sign up for insurance through the Affordable Care Act. If you need more information—try the official Affordable Care Act web site. (Hoping there is no government shut down…)

 

Now onto this week’s Vlog post:

 

Okay—that is it for me today. Talk to you all next week where I hope to have my giveaways back in motion. Later!

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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My newest article for @FitBottomedGirl talking about @VenusWilliams and @Flywheel 2

by • Fit Bottom Girls • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Brooklyn Fit Chick/Fit Bottomed Girls

“Venus Williams at Flywheel”

One fly chick at Flywheel!

One fly chick at Flywheel!

I have my latest article for Fit Bottomed Girl ready talking about Venus Williams at Flywheel Sports!

 

Link here!

 

Talk soon!

What Did We Learn This Month? @FitnessMagazine October issue 2

by • Fitness Magazine • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Fitness: October2013

Christi Marraccini photographed by Jeff Olson

Christi Marraccini photographed by Jeff Olson

 

What Do We Learn This Month in Fitness?

“Burn 500 Calories”

Bad ass trainer Jeanette Jenkins demonstrates this workout that will torch the calories and get your heart working on these pages. You can also win her newest DVD Sexy Abs Cardio Scuplt with Kelly Rowland and Hollywood trainer Jeanette Jenkins by sending an e-mail to freebie@fitnessmagazine.com with the subject line “Sexy Abs Sweepstakes.”

Jeanette Jenkins 001

 

“Balance Your Body”

These ‘nine simple drills” from Gray Cook (physical therapist and author of Athletic Body in Balance) will help you build your balance, strength and flexibility.

 

Inside Workout 2 001

“Fitness Beauty Awards”

You all know I love my beauty stories so this feature made me very happy.

 

Beauty Awards 001

 

“Tight Abs and Tush”

Fantastic workout with bands from Rachel Piskin (co-founder of ChaiseFitness) that utilizes a band.

 

Inside workout with band 001

And now the rest of this issue of Fitness:

  • “Get Out” Tips for enjoying a hike in the great outdoors safely.
  • “Stronger Than Ever” Excellent feature on a group of women who overcome all sorts of big time health issues and have come back to rock the world.
  • “You’re Overthinking It” One of my toughest challenges in life is overcoming negative self-talk and this article addresses that issue.

Overall Grade:

A Plenty of top notch workouts and beauty things to make me happy here!

You can follow Fitness magazine at www.fitnessmagazine.com

 

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist “If So” Ride with Atlas Genius, Beastie Boys, Siouxsie & the Banshees and more 8

by • Playlists

BROOKLYN FIT CHICK’S PLAYLIST

“If So”

 (50-minute Ride)

 siouxsieandthebanshees_bp

Hey there! Hi there! How there!

This week I present my newest playlist which features a “climb”  with one of my favorite songs of all time by Siouxsie & The Banshees and ends with an 80s pop gem. Intrigued? Well then, let’s get to it!

 

  • If So: Atlas Genius

If you are not familiar with Atlas Genius—they are an Australian pop rock band and they write some catchy tunes. Check them out!

 

  • Ch Ch Ch Check it Out: Beastie Boys

(RIP MCA)

  • The Wasp: The Doors

This is my number one favorite Doors song and I actually took a picture of Jim Morrison’s notebook at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because it allegedly contained the original lyrics.

 

  • Kiss Them for Me: Siouxsie & The Banshees

I am reminded of my San Jose State days when I hear this tune. If you will allow me to indulge—I have a couple of videos for it. Let me know what you think!

 

  • Elephant: Tame Impala

Tame Impala is pretty big back in their native Perth, Australia.  (Another Aussie band!)

 

  • Sweet Disposition : The Temper Trap

One of my students absolutely LOVES Sweet Disposition so I made sure to include it on my list this week.

 

  • Close to Me: The Cure

Who doesn’t love Robert Smith? This song puts me into such a great mood.

 

  • Level: The Raconteurs

My friend Jennifer is the biggest Jack White alive and has travelled to several continents to see him play live. She is super cool in my book.

 

  • The Pit: Silversun Pickups

This song is fantastic for sprints and quick intervals.

 

  • Ridin: Chamillionaire & Krayzie Bone

“They see me rollin’—they hatin’….”

 

  • How You Like Me Now: The Heavy

No this is not a James Brown tune but it could have been!

 

  • I Just Can’t Get Enough: Nouvelle Vague

Why aren’t there more Portuguese bands singing bassa nova versions of New Wave songs?

 

  • I Can’t Go For That: Hall & Oates

Take the time to really listen to this song because it is wicked awesome.

 

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs. I am always looking for good tunes.

 

Until next time…

 

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Ep 53: The “O” word with @MizFitOnline @SarahKSilverman @SELFmagazine 2

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 53:

When Did Getting Older Become a Character Flaw?

The “Mizfit Online, Sarah Silverman, SELF magazine and Confronting My Feelings on My Age” Post

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How is everyone? Good, I hope! Today I want to break from my usual litany of weekly nonsense to just one single subject—getting older. This is NOT a topic that I dwell on very often and normally it is not a “thing” for me. I just happen to be one of those weirdoes who doesn’t bother with “acting my age” or have “life plan” on where I want to be at different stages of my life. My attitude has been to just hop along and figure things out on my way.

However, this past week I have been hearing several disturbing stories about women either beating themselves up for acting “old” or being told they are old as part of a punch line. Sooo, this has caused me to confront some of my own insecurities which is never fun but (almost) always a useful thing. So now—let’s get to gettin’.

 

MizFit and moi at Fitbloggin 2012

MizFit and moi at Fitbloggin 2012

It all started with the fabulous and amaze-balls Carla Birnberg of Mizfit Online who posted a thoughtful piece called Is Old Talk the New Fat Talk? Carla is a mom to a brilliant young girl dubbed “The Tornado” and as a gluten-free, healthy lifestyle goddess she wishes to make sure her daughter never hears the word “fat” come from her lips. Instead Carla wants her daughter to embrace the idea of being healthy & strong versus skinny. To love taking care of herself and not to see it as a chore.

But Carla noticed that she was using the word “old” in front of The Tornado much more frequently over the last few years and wondered what affect it could have on her self-image in the future? Will she fear aging or see herself as “less than” as she grows up? Really interesting stuff to ponder and it did indeed make me go “hmmm.” (Shit—I am aging myself, aren’t I?)

 

Lucy Hale photographed by Dewey Nicks

Lucy Hale photographed by Dewey Nicks

 

Then last night I picked up the October SELF and was prepared to make fun of it AGAIN for being hyper-focused on appealing to 20-somethings (you can find my rant about it here.) Instead,  I was delighted to see an article self-written by a 36 year-old (who hates her thighs but I will write about that some other time) plus an actual feature lamenting young women who describe themselves as “old” with no justification at all—“Fat Talk, Old Talk.”

An example being: “I’m kind of an old lady. After 11, I’m like, ‘Don’t these kids ever get tired.’ Jennifer Lawrence, 23

Trust me, as a veteran of the 20-something years, knitting and enjoying quiet time is not an age-related thing. You are not supposed to party like Miley Cyrus all day. That’s how you end up NOT seeing your 30’s. And if you are in your twenties—do not whine about getting old. It’s tedious and makes you look like a moron.

 

Sarah Silverman

Sarah Silverman

So then my brain went in a new direction and it reminded me of a clip I saw online this past week when actress/comedian Sarah Silverman talked about her experience being the butt of ageist jokes at the Comedy Central Roast for James Franco.

I did not see the Roast but apparently Sarah was the victim of several “old” jokes during the program and very ably describes her feelings about the sexist treatment on the program Totally Biased. WTF? Sarah is old? Honestly, can you name anyone in show business who acts and exudes more youthful enthusiasm? (Man, show business sucks.)

Shaking my head.

All of this brought me back to a moment three years ago where I was at a meeting to talk about a business plan. In the proposal I was asked to include a headshot which I didn’t (and still do not have) so I included a favorite photo of mine. See below.

It was taken in 2002 which I realize was a while ago but I only recently learned about my “best side” when facing a camera. The photo below is one I always thought was a nice shot of me and caught my “essence.” (Sorry it is so small! It’s my only version.)

 

Margo Photo-p1853mosgr41v1rlgr6h1dov1fdk

The dude I met with said in an off-hand manner “when you formally hand this in, pick another picture. You don’t look like this anymore.”

Ouch. Oof. It was done so casually and out of the blue that I didn’t tell him to piss off. I just nodded my head and laughed. But that comment really dug in. I don’t look like “that” anymore. I look like “this” now.

Me

It’s a nice face and I like it very much. But I know that in this culture, youth is valued and I am not considered young anymore except maybe by the Social Security office. I am not young and I am not old so my life is at a middling stage (Not middle-aged—an expression I just loathe.)

There are so many things I can do now that I could not do when I was younger. A tricep pushup, a century ride, tuck jumps—the list goes on.

But women in our society are supposed to just take all of our knowledge and experience and hide away because our beauty is starting to fade away. Why is this okay by everybody?

I am still ruminating on this topic but would love to hear your feedback. What say you? What is “old?” How do you define yourself when it comes to age? I would really love to hear your thought on the topic!

Now onto this week’s Vlog post (featuring my “old” face!):

 

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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What Have We Learned This Month? @BicyclingMag @FitnessRXWomen @MandFHers @IFBBMonaMuresan #Sweatpink 4

by • Magazine Recaps • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Did We Learn This Month?

Recaps of Bicycling, FitnessRX for Women and Muscle & Fitness Hers

 Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

There is a crispness in the air that says “Hey Honey, how about a little autumn for ya?” Love it! Every year at this time I feel some sadness about summer leaving us all behind and then I remember that Septmeber is one of the raddest months of the year. You can still walk around without a jacket most of the time and yummy foods like pumpkin and acorn squash come into season. What’s not to love about it?

Anyhoo—I have a batch of new magazines to recap today so let us get to it now, shall we?

 

Photograph by Brian O'Hara

Photograph by Brian O’Hara

Bicycling: October 2013

  • “Powered by Plants” As a primal/Paleo eater I know I am the natural enemy of vegans everywhere so wanting to demonstrate that I can listen to the other side and consider what those veggie heads consume every day instead of animal products. Not sold on “fortified breakfast cereals” however.
  • “Go Back in Time” Super-tweedy rides are popping all over the country this time of the year and I for one applaud that. Go you chic bike riders!
  • “While You Were Out Riding, Bike Advocacy Became Cool” “Eight Innovators” who are helping cycling be more safe (and cool.) Yay them!
  • “’Cross Wise” Super cute gear for your next cyclocross race.
  • “10-Minute Bone-Boosting Workout” Really great core moves from exercise physiologist Allison Westfahl.

Check out Bicycling online here: www.bicycling.com

 

Karina Smirnoff photograph by Per Bernal

Karina Smirnoff photograph by Per Bernal

FitnessRX for Women: October 2013

  • Karina Smirnoff: The Dancing With the Stars celeb offers her own diet & fitness routine that makes her look as stunning as she does on the cover of this issue.
  • “Get on Track” IFBB Champions Ashley Kaltwasser and Justine Munro are photographed for the “stadium” workout you can take to the track.
  • “Flat Abs and Shapely, Sexy Legs: Prague Bikini Champion Vladka Krasnova is the model for this workout you can tear out and take to the gym.
  • “Armed for Fall” IFBB Bikini pro Juliana Daniell shows us a high intensity resistance training program meant to define the upper body.

Check out FitnessRX for Women online www.fitnessrxwomen.com

 

Mona Muresan photograph by Tom Corbett

Mona Muresan photograph by Tom Corbett

Muscle & Fitness Hers: September/October 2013

  • “Must-Try Move…Gorgeous Hamstrings” Advice on how to make your hammies look awesome from Nicole Wilkins (IFBB Figure Pro,) Jessie Hilgenberg (IFBB Figure Pro) and Ariella Palumbo (NPC Physique Competitor.)
  • Mona Muresan: The Muscle & Fitness Hers editor in chief not only graces the cover but also is in side this issue with a kick butt workout. Color me happy!
  • “Fit for the Fast Lane” Unbelievably cute gear with pink trim—bring it on!
  • “12 Turbocharged Fat-Fighting Secrets” Three top pros give their best advice for dropping extra pounds in a hurry.
  • “The Ultimate Arm Assault” If you are looking to up your arm routine—try this routine from IFBB Bikini Pro Juliana Daniell. (She is very popular this month!)
  • Coco Austin: Ice-T’s wife is interviewed for her newest venture Peepshow. Gaw—I love Coco!

Check out Muscle & Fitness Hers online here: www.muscleandfitnessher.com

 

That’s all for me today. Let me know what you are reading this month!

Until next time!

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Ep 52: The Affordable Care Act, @OxygenMagzine and @EllenBarrettFIT DVD Giveaway! 17

by • Giveaways • Tags: , , , , ,

Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 52

Featuring: My Journey with the Affordable Care Act, Oxygen Magazines Returns and Ellen Barrett Triple DVD Giveaway!

 Print

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you? Good I hope!

In this week’s Vlog post I talk about my soon-to-happen journey through the Affordable Care Act, the relaunch of Oxygen magazine (yay!) and my super, duper giveaway this week—a triple pack of workout DVDs from the amazing. Ellen Barrett. Are you ready to rock?

Notes for this week’s episode:

Now onto this week’s Vlog post:

 

Here is more information the DVDs you can win:

New Haven, CT –Think of Ellen Barrett’s workouts like those little breath mints. They look so small and yet they still set your insides on fire. With Ellen’s three new DVD workouts, in just 30 to 45 minutes, you will feel the heat throughout your entire body. Like that blast of minty-fresh air, you’ll be refreshed and ready for whatever awaits afterwards. The new “Ellen Barrett Live” series is comprised of “Fusion Floor Workout”, “Sleek Sculpt Express” and “Super Fast Body Blast.” They are $15.00 each and available at www.ellenbarrett.com. These ultra-efficient, intelligent workouts reflect Ellen’s signature blending of the peacefulness of yoga with the intelligence of Pilates and the pure fun of dance. Reflecting her motto, “Exercise should feel good”, they will help women enjoy exercise as much as the benefits that come as a result.  They are all done in bare feet and modifications for all fitness levels are demonstrated throughout the workouts by Ellen and her friends.

“Ellen Barrett Live: Fusion Floor Workout” is done on a mat without any standing exercises at all. It uses no props and no shoes. It’s a complete total-body sculpting workout for people with, or without, injuries. Soothing yet effective, the moves flow gracefully blending strength and stretch at every turn. 45 minutes.

“Ellen Barrett Live: Sleek Sculpt Express” uses light hand weights. Every exercise is choreographed to seamlessly move into the next so muscles are always engaged.  A modern, gentle yet challenging total body workout, and it appropriate for all fitness levels. 30 minutes.

“Ellen Barrett Live: Super Fast Body Blast” employs big ranges of motion to crank the cardio and condition the body whole body while going easy on the joints. It’s designed to create glorious balance from head to toe. 30 equipment-free minutes.

All of the DVDs are available for purchase for $15 each at www.ellenbarrett.com

 

Here is a You Tube link for her Fusion Floor Workout to give you an idea of her style:

 

Got that? Now, in order to win the full set of Ellen Barret’s DVDs (Continental U.S. only!) you must do the following:

  1. Post a comment below stating which DVD you would like to win.
  2. Tweet out your interest to me (@brooklynfitchik) and Ellen Barrett (@EllenBarrettFIT)

I will the winner next Monday, September 23rd at NOON eastern time and contact them directly. Good luck!

Until next time…

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 with P!nk on the October Cover! 1

by • Women's Health Magazine • Tags: , , , , , ,

What Did We Learn This Month?

 Women’s Health: October 2013

P!nk photographed by Andrew Macpherson.

P!nk photographed by Andrew Macpherson.

Women’s Health Cover Star for October 2013: 

OMG—it is P!nk!!! I love, love, love P!nk’s music and play her in my classes all of the time. I love her attitude. I love her style. I just love HER!

Anyhoo—P!nk is on the cover and inside this issue where she talks about dealing with fame while being a mom to two year-old daughter Willow.

As for her favorite vices, she says “I drink really good wine and high-caliber whiskey. I probably laugh too loud in restaurants” LOVE HER!

Here is a photo of P!nk striking a pretty pose.

 Pink 001

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

“5-Minute Fat Blaster”

I like these exercise ideas from Women’s Health editor Jen Ator that you can find in her new book Shape-Up Shortcuts.

 Inside workout 001

“Max Your Gym Time”

Check out the gear you SHOULD use at the gym versus the usual boring stuff. (I really want a pink sand bag by the way.)

Gym eqipment 001

“15-Minute Workout”

Melissa Paris (a New York City-based trainer) created this workout which uses a towel. Yes, you can use your towel to get a good sweat going, people!

 15 Minute Workout 001

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

  • “Happy Body, Angry Skin” Women’s Health talks about skin afflictions that can happen under intense exercise conditions. (Redness is a problem for me.)
  • “How to Outsmart Breast Cancer” October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Women’s Health talks about the latest research so you can stack the odds in your favor.
  • “I Survived Plunging Into an Icy River” Do me a favor and promise me you will NOT read this story while listening to Season of the Witch by Donovan (like I did at the hair salon!) It will freak you out even more! (Glad you are okay Daniella Overett!)
  • What It’s Like to be Stranded in a Food Desert: Women’s Health takes on the issue of hunger in America and I applaud them for it. We fat-shame people left and right in this country without taking account the lack of affordable produce and really healthy food in many sections of the U.S.. (Stepping off my soap box now…)

Overall Grade:

A! Great workouts along with smart information makes me a very happy fit chick!

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

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog: 5 Favorite Things, Eminem, (Faked!)Twerking Mishaps and a @SELFmagazine Intervention 9

by • Vlog • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog Episode 51

The “Brooklyn Fit Chick 5 Favorite Things” Edition

Plus, What Happed to you SELF magazine? (A BFC intervention)

 

Eminem looking a bit, er, out of it.

Eminem looking a bit, er, out of it.

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How is everyone today? Good? Great to hear! I am back in the Vlogging saddle and to be honest—did not have a clue this morning what the heck I was going to talk about today. Then right in the middle of teaching a class this morning the song My Favorite Things from The Sound of Music popped in my head and I said to myself “How about just talk about your favorite things from the past week?” And that was that. So today I am bring to you the things that are making me happy this week. You’re welcome!

Plus, I talk about a magazine that I have not spoken about in months because they changed their editorial direction to young (and must be dumb) twenty-somethings. It brings me a heavy heart to do this as I try to mainly focus on the positive but I know many of you feel the same way so I am planning an intervention with the used-to-be great SELF magazine and hope it makes some difference.

So let’s get to it, shall we?

Here my 5 favorite things this week in absolutely NO particular order.

  • The Instagram account for WhaleoPaleo: Yes, yes—I know many of you are tired hearing about “primal” and “paleo” eating but if you are just in the market some fresh ideas on organic cooking then you must add these guys to your list on Instagram. This weekend I attempted the “Cashew Hummus” recipe and it turned out so freaking dope! (That’s good, by the way.) You can still find me on Instagram at brooklynfitchick where I like to post about all sorts of things (but mainly post photos of my cute kitty cats!)
  • The Guiness ad featuring hot guys playing “Murder Ball.” I am not sure where the connection comes in (unless it is the standard “dudes love beer” thing) but it made me very happy to see it.
  • Eminem made a bizzare appearance over the weekend during the Notre Dame/Michigan football game. First of all—his face does not MOVE the entire time. Then there is Brent Musberger introducing his latest single, Bezerk, heading for “the top of the charts” while Em’s mouth just sort of hangs WIDE OPEN. Finally he finishes it off by very lucidly detailing his “fantasy football announcers team” of all time to call the Super Bowl– Brent Musberger, Pat Summerall, John Madden and Al Michaels. (He is ABSOLUTELY right about them by the way.)
  • I completely cracked up when I saw this “twerking gone bad’ incident. Hold the phone! Turns out this one is a big old fakey fake fake from Jimmy Kimmel—http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/jimmy-kimmel-reveals-behind-twerking-girl-fire-video-article-1.1450689. (He fooled me!)
  • The song and video for Royals by Lorde—a 16 year-old (!) singer and songwriter from New Zealand. I am no longer weeping for the millennial generation—hooray!

Finally—I am holding an official intervention for SELF magazine. Several months ago it was reported in the New York Times that SELF was changing their editorial to appeal to 20-something readers. That is their prerogative. But as someone who has been a subscriber and fan for many years the news distressed me and unfortunately it has proven to be for good reason.  In fact, the “new” SELF is “meh” for my taste and for that reason I have not featured them on my Blog for several months now.

Here are my main issues/problems with the new SELF:

  • Putting the age of reader’s questions everywhere. Constantly reinforcing that your readers are in their 20s doesn’t interest me (who cares?) There are already magazines for 20-somethigs (Glamour and Cosmopolitan come to mind) and good health should be a priority for women of all ages.
  • The “reader questions” have been lame. For example this gem–“Can a girl do a pull-up?” Grrrrr. And gawwwwww. Just make me want to spit nails. Don’t make me explain why.
  • The layout looks choppy. I am just not feeling the angles and colors that have been used to tell the stories. It looks as if you are trying too hard to appeal to the youth. (Who hate it when people try to appeal to them by the way.)
  • The content is lacking. Remember that your audience has a pretty good grasp on the basics of fitness so why not appeal to their brains and aim a little higher than 7-Day detox plans and talking about how to have drinks after work without getting fat?

Not all of the editorial has bothered me but they have lost their aspirational tone. Lately I feel as if SELF just wants me to drop a few pounds and shut up until I marry someone. Am I the only one who feels this way? It wouldn’t be the first time but I am totally bummed to have to even talk about this. But I can’t review all of the health & fitness magazines (including Fitness, Health, Shape and Women’s Health) except SELF and not explain my feelings.

Do not worry SELF. I will not abandon you! We can still be a thing. Just remember that your audience is sharp and already knows that women can do pull-ups (In fact—I could do them as a girl dammit!) They want to eat to be healthy and not “detox” (or to get skinny for an occasion.) They want to be inspired by your pages and not just look for quick and easy fixes (which will just set them up for disappointment.)

Please tell me that you are just going through a phase SELF. I still believe in you and want you to succeed. Until then, I will hang in there a bit longer.

Now onto this week’s Vlog post:

 

Okay—that is it for me today. This week’s Vlog post has worn me out and I need a nap now. Talk to you all later!

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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