Margo Porras

Brooklyn Fit Chick News: Book Vs. Movie Podcast, Top Songs of 2015 and Piriformis Syndrome 14

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes End of 2015 Special!

 Book vs Movie Podcast Episodes: “The Devil Wears Prada” & “Fried Green Tomatoes”

Call-Outs for Top Songs of 2015

Advice for Piriformis Syndrome

brooklynfitnesschickBIKE_0701

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Simply cannot believe 2015 is coming to a close and while I am trying to make sense of a year which had far more “lows” than “highs” I wanted to take the time to say ‘”thank you.”  Thanks to every single one of my readers who check out my Blog and make comments. It is SO appreciated.

I discovered my voice while working on “Brooklyn Fit Chick.com” four years ago and have made some of the greatest friends in the whole world in the Blogosphere. I am looking forward to all of the new lessons you have to teach me in 2016 and hope I can make a positive impact in your life as well.

If nothing else—I promise to make you giggle from time to time!

As I get my last few posts written for 2015 allow me the chance to talk about a few news & notes going through my brain right now.

Book Vs Movie Podcast News:

Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) and this past year we really kicked serious butt with the downloads. (As Homer Simpson would say—woo hoo!) And believe me when I tell you that hardly anyone I personally know (except for my mother) listens to us so that is pretty damn cool!

Our two top episodes so far are Gone Girl and The Outsiders. If you have any suggestions for us on your favorite book to movie adaptations, leave a comment below and/or at our Facebook Page. (We are always looking for ideas!)

In the meantime, here are our last two episodes talking about The Devil Wears Prada and Fried Green Tomatoes. (Our next one will be Waiting to Exhale and will come out in early January.)

devil

 

images

 

Top Songs for 2015:

Many of you know already that I am a fitness instructor with a passion for putting together the “just right” playlist for each class. I feel as if it is my chance each hour to not only enable good health for a fellow human being but to also get to be a DJ with a captive audience. (I have some control issues to work out…)

My students know that if they want to treat me to a present at the holidays an iTunes gift card will do nicely. I post my personal playlists on this Blog as frequently as I can plus I create them for Fit Bottomed Girls with special themes ranging “Madonna vs. Lady Gaga” to Halloween.

This week I plan to post my picks for the top songs of 2015 and am curious which ones would be on your list? What new tunes did you really dig this year? Here is my handful to start:

  • “I Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
  • “Hotline Bling” by Drake
  • “The Wolf” by Mumford & Sons
  • “Adventure of a Lifetime” by Coldplay
  • “Ship to Wreck” by Florence & The Machine

Let me know your picks for 2015 in the comments below!

Piriformis Trouble:

Last month I told you all that I was having hamstring issues from all of my years of cycling. Unfortunately it looks as if it is a little worse than that. In fact, my symptoms are indicating that I have Piriformis Syndrome which is (if I can be a little crude here) a pain in my butt. This occurs when the piriformis muscle compresses on your sciatic nerve causing a radiating pain down the leg.

It hurts when I sit or lie down for too long and getting out of bed in the morning (if I forget to sleep on a heating pad) is a chore.

Ibuprofen and my BelleCore Body Buffer are my new best friends.  I have been instructed to foam roll as often as a I can and to sit and roll on two lacrosse balls to undo that knot in my muscle twice per day. Icing it down helps a bit as well but every time I see wooden or metal chair my inside my inner voice says “oh sh*t!”

It makes me a bit grumpy to be slowed down in any way but I know that if I do things correctly now it will pay off in the long run. My question for y ’all is if any of you have been through this can you give me your best advice?  I am eager to try just about anything at this point. Thank you in advance!

Oh well, that’s it for me today.  I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. I hope you have a wonderful last week of 2015!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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Brooklyn Fit Chick Notes: “Like Water for Chocolate” 6 Bad Habits Fitness Instructors Want Students to Drop NOw 40

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

 “Book vs Movie” Podcast Episode “Like Water for Chocolate”

“6 Bad Habits Fitness Instructors Wish Their Students Would Stop Now”

“The Ultimate Katy Perry Vs Taylor Swift Playlist”

 brooklynfitnesschickBIKE_0701

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

All right gang—where on earth did this month go? October is arriving this week and I have not made Halloween plans or changed out my summer wardrobe yet. What gives?

Part of it must be the fact that it is still so darn hot on the east coast that it’s hard to remember that the current season is, in fact, autumn. (Which reminds me—I really need to get another bike ride in before I pack away those padded bikes shorts for the year…)

Anyhoo—I have a few things to discuss today from my groovy podcast to my “Katy Perry vs. Taylor Swift” playlist. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Book Vs Movie Podcast News: Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) and we just recorded one of our best episodes yet—Like Water for Chocolate (swoon!) This was the first time I had read the novel from Laura Esquivel and found it very moving.

Magical realism is not my favorite genre of fiction (I am normally a more non-fiction kind of gal) but this tale took me to a whole other part of the world and created a universe that fascinated me.

The film (which for some reason was NOT nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film that year—sheesh!) is a sun-soaked delight that takes the audience on a journey of love, sadness and magic. Check out the player below if you want to hear our latest episode.

Next time we plan to discuss the 50s classic The Bad Seed from William March. (And after that we will tackle The Silence of the Lambs!)

What are your favorite books to movies adaptations? I want to hear about them in the comments below!

 

Fit Bottomed Girls Articles: I am a NYC-based reporter for Fit Bottomed Girls which means I get to attend fun events and create the content that totally interests me. (Win/Win!) This past week I had two different articles posted and would love to get your feedback on them when you have a free moment.

1: 6 Bad Habits Fitness Instructors Wish Their Students Would Drop Now: This one was inspired by an experience I had recently with a student who habitually showed up late for my spin class. Let’s call her Sheila.

Sheila was a “problem child” for me due to the fact that she dropped in at least ten minutes late and then left early for every single class. Every. Single. One. Plus, she would space out during the ride and sit upright absorbed in her thoughts which distracted the students around her.

I would often hear after a ride ‘What is wrong with her? Why is she always late? Can you do anything about this because she is so distracting?!”

The problem is that she always arrived late and left early so when could I talk to her about this?

Then one morning she sauntered in 15-minutes late into the ride and just shrugged her shoulders at me. I had officially had enough and put my hand and said “Sorry but no, you are too late for this class.”

Sheila glared at me and left right away. Then she quit the gym for good. Suddenly my problem child had vanished and the overwhelming “thank goodness she is gone!” from her (former) fellow riders gave me the idea to write down the bad habits students can bring to class and why they need to stop it now.

Are any of you instructors? Have you ever had a “Sheila” to deal with in your career? What bad habits would you add to this list?

2: My second feature is The Ultimate Katy Perry Vs Taylor Swift Playlist which I was inspired to create after continually reading about a big time beef that the two reigning pop divas seem to be in. Not a big backstory for this one but there you go…

Do you think Katy and Taylor are feuding? Why on earth would they even bother?

Oh well, that’ all for me this week. I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. Later gators!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: Wahlburgers, New Balance Gear & Rodney Yee in Central Park! 20

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

 “Book vs Movie” Podcast Episode “Jaws” & “Jurassic Park”

The Coney Island Wahlburgers

Plus: My Fun Times as a Fit Bottomed Girl Checking Out New Balance Gear &

Taking in Some Yoga with Rodney Yee (!!)

Just me and thousands of my fellow New Yorkers doing yoga in the park

Just me and thousands of my fellow New Yorkers doing yoga in the park

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Oh where oh where does the time go?  I don’t know about you but my August this year was very, very busy with work, teaching and a week-long visit from my mom (yay!) I had a wonderful time and as I type this post it is Labor Day which is one of those signpost holidays that signifies that summer will soon leave us.

Instead of being sad about letting my second favorite season (after autumn, of course) leave us until next year—I want to talk about some of the fun things I have been up to and am eager to hear how your summer has been unfolding. (Comment below!)

So, let’s get to it!

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Book Vs Movie Podcast News: Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) and we have just released two new episodes since we last “spoke.” First we uncover the 70’s classic Jaws (yes, it was a book first) and then we talked about Jurassic Park. I have embedded them below if you are interested in checking them out. Margo and I are planning out our fall schedule so if you have suggestions for us—mention them below in the comments!

 

Mom & I Meet a Wahlberg and it Was Wicked Fun: It’s been ages since my mother and I had some bonding time that didn’t include my family or siblings so I was thrilled when she decided to take an impromptu visit to New York. We had an amazing time including a visit to the Freedom Tower, taking in the latest production of The King and I (which is off the hook amazing,) strolled along the NYC Highline (which has a HUGE Lego exhibit) and finishing things off with a visit to Coney Island. (We really took the town!)

As luck would have it Mom and I arrived on the opening day of the Coney Island “Wahlburgers” which thrilled me to bits since I am a fan of the Wahlburgers Reality Show on A&E and love to try out a new burger joint when they pop up in my borough. Even though they had some kinks to work out with getting the burgers out in a timely fashion (the line went out the door!) it was still fun to watch Paul Wahlberg come out and greet fans. He is the brother of two famous Wahlbergs (actors Donnie and Mark) and the hardworking dude was so focused on his business that we saw him actually going out to clean the windows of the establishment (no slacker, he.)

If you are in Coney Island I say check them out and NOT Nathan’s Famous hot dog joint which has been around forever and is an institution but the quality I am sad to say has greatly declined over the years.

Here are some of our favorite moments from her visit. (And if you don’t already, follow me on Instagram at “BrooklynFitChick” and I will follow you back!)

 

The Highline #nyc #highlinenyc

A post shared by Margo Donohue (@brooklynfitchick) on

 

 

Metropolitan Museum of Art #nyc #museum #newyork #summer

A post shared by Margo Donohue (@brooklynfitchick) on

#wahlbergs @wahlburgers_ #coneyisland #paulwahlberg quite a wait here!

A post shared by Margo Donohue (@brooklynfitchick) on

 

Fit Bottomed Girls Articles: I am a proud NYC team member of the Fit Bottomed Girls which means I get invited to some nifty events from time to time. Recently I was given the opportunity to see the New Balance Spring & Fall 2016 collection for women and let’s just say I am swooning for some of these items. See them for yourself!

 

Did you know that New Balance hosts Girls Night Out events around the country? Basically, it’s a chance to work with a local fitness star and then socialize with your new fitness BFFs and I am definitely checking that out as soon as I can. Have you ever been to one?

And just to make you a little jealous of me—check out this wicked cute goodie bag I got from the event that was filled with New Balance gear—score!

 

Lolë White Tour: OMG—this was just about my favorite event I have attended in Central Park. Canadian yoga gear company Lolë is hosting events in both the U.S. and Canada wherein thousands of participants clad in all-white gear (to symbolize peace) practice yoga with top instructors in a show of togetherness and tranquility.

Now—anyone who knows me will tell you I am usually clad in dark colors as I feel with my size and complexion it is more flattering for me.

However, Lolë offered journalists their gear to wear to the event so off I went and you can see some of the amazing footage at this link from the event.

The best part? In one of the segments of the evening practice I was taught by yoga master Rodney Yee who is just about one of my favorites of all time. His Yoga for Beginners DVD is one of my “go-to” workouts when my hip flexors are really tight. I have a few images from that event as well.

Oh you know. Just taking a yoga session with @rodneyyee @elenabrower in Central Park #yoga #nyc #centralpark #lolewhite

A post shared by Margo Donohue (@brooklynfitchick) on

 

Do you have a favorite yoga DVD?

That’s all for me this week. I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. Let’s collectively say “goodbye” to summer and look forward to all of what Fall will bring us!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News” Strong Fitness Magazine, Fit Bottomed Girls Playlist & Book Vs Movie 37

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Strong Fitness Magazine!

“Book vs Movie” Podcast News: The “Dad” in Field of Dreams Tweeted Us!

Fit Bottomed Girls Features: Tips for Your First Personal Training Session & a Classic Rock Playlist

Camille Leblanc-Bazinet photographed by Paul Buceta

Camille Leblanc-Bazinet photographed by Paul Buceta

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How hot is it by you? Today we are sweltering in NYC which is not helping my outdoor workout schedule but I am going to soldier on because that is what a fit chick does, oui?

Today I am going to talk about a few fun things and check in with you at the same time because I am in need of real motivation and advice from y ’all.

My workouts have been so “meh’ lately and I have not followed up on some of my goals for the year including increasing my flexibility and learning how to do a box jump. When my father passed away two months ago I have felt so much sadness that I am letting my health suffer. Not sleeping well and not really pushing myself to work harder. Have any of you experienced this kind of deep lack of motivation? Any advice you can give me?  I would love a fresh perspective on my fitness rut. Thanks in advance!

Now on to more fun things:

First I want to introduce to you all Strong Fitness Magazine which is the best glossy magazine devoted to women who really lift & workout. Their latest cover is up above and features Canadian CrossFit athlete Camille Leblanc-Bazinet looking mighty fierce both there an inside the magazine talking about her workout regimen.

Also in the July/August issue which I just received (as a courtesy from Editor in Chief Kirstyn Brown)

  • These yummy bacon recipes!
  • A feature on surfer Paige Alms
  • And a super tough core workout from Rita Catolino that you are going to have to check out for yourself! (Page 27)

As I said—this is a magazine for women who are serious about upping their PR game so if you are looking for “Flat Abs in Five Minutes” or come nonsense diet article you will not find it here. The pages are gorgeous and they feature top notch workouts. The only drawback is that it is a Canadian publication so you may have to go to Barnes & Noble or one of those fancy magazine shops to find it.

OR— you can order it digitally here!

In the meantime you can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Google Plus

Check them out and let me know what you think of Strong Fitness!

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Book Vs Movie Podcast News: Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) recorded our Field of Dreams episode last and we have been getting amazing feedback on it. In fact, Dwier Brown who played Ray’s dad (swoon!) even reached out to us on Twitter!

(Well—we kind of reached out to him and he politely responded but STILL!) You can follow him @dwierbrown and he also has a website www.dwierbrown.com.

Here is a photo of Dwier for your eyeball-seeking pleasure (you’re welcome!)

KCDB

With our next episode we are going back to the 1950s with Stand By Me from Stephen King (also known as the novella The Body)

Margo and I are also planning our next few episodes so if there are any books & movies you want us to cover—feel free to comment below!

Fit Bottomed Girls Articles: As many of you know I am a proud “Fit Bottomed Girl” and contribute occasionally to the site with interviews, event recaps, playlists, et cetera. This past week I had two (count ‘em two!) featured on the site–What to Expect from Your First Personal Training Session and my top picks for a Classic Rock Workout Playlist.

The former will help gym newbies and the latter will inspire you so much you will want to lighter and hang out at a coliseum. Rock on!

That’s all for me this week. I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. Stay in touch!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: “Less Than Zero” podcast, Fit Bottomed Girls Playlists & the Patricia Friberg DVD Giveaway 27

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: Week of July 10th Edition

“Book vs Movie” Podcast News (Less Than Zero & Field of Dreams!)

The Fit Bottomed Girls “Canada Day” & “Fourth of July” Playlists

Plus: The Patricia Friberg Bottom Line & Core Defined DVD Giveaway!

Enter to win this DVD!

Enter to win this DVD!

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

Thank you for being patient with me while I took some time to be with my family and travel a bit. My father passed away on May 16th and we held his Memorial Service last weekend in Reno where he and mom retired to in 2003. In the 12 years he lived there my dad made such a positive impact on the community it was a packed house and I had the pleasure of meeting dozens of people who promise to carry on my father’s mission on community service and supporting local artists.

It was all so very sad yet inspiring and I am choosing to take his spirit with me as I face the challenges of my life in front of me.

My eating and workout habits have been sliding these last few weeks but I am now on track to get back to my healthiest state and create positive & happy memories in the future. Any advice on how to get back in the saddle of regular workouts because if so—please send them my way.

In the meantime—let’s get to this week’s news, notes, playlists and then on to my newest giveaway!

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Book Vs Movie Podcast News: Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) recorded our Less Than Zero episode which you can listen to below and we really get our 80s on with this one! (Who doesn’t have a crush on James Spader, by the way?) Margo brings the extra advantage of having been from the Los Angeles area at the time of the filming so she gives some context on what it was really like on the Sunset Strip at the time.

We have the link below to listen and our next episode will continue with the 80s these—Field of Dreams. (Did you know the Kevin Costner classic was a book first? It was called Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella and boy did they make some changes between them!) Drop date for that episode to come soon.

We are planning our next few episodes so if there are any books & movies you want us to cover—feel free to comment below!

 

Fit Bottomed Girls Playlists: This past week I had two holiday-themed playlist featured on the Fit Bottomed Girls site that may seem a little out of date now but hang out to these suggestions for next year! For my fellow Americans—check out my Independence Day Workout Playlist. And for my lovely Canadian peeps (I always felt like I have a Canadian soul) I created 10 Songs to Celebrate Canada Day—hope you enjoy them.

Also—I am looking for ideas for other playlist so if you can think of anything—let me know!

Patricia Friberg DVD Giveaway: I am back with the giveaways and this week we have a workout DVD from Patricia Friberg titled Bottom Line & A Core Defined and it is designed to get your core in the best shape possible. The giveaway is only open to the Continental U.S. and the rules to enter are below. Good luck! (This is not a sponsored post and the winner will receive the DVD directly from the producers.)

 

PATRICIA FRIBERG HEALTH & FITNESS RELEASES NEW DVD

BOTTOM LINE & A CORE DEFINED

Maximum Booty Lifting & Core Activation Workout

Westlake Village, CA May 5, 2015 –Patricia Friberg’s newest DVD “BOTTOM LINE & A CORE DEFINED (73 minutes, $19.95) is a Pilates and strength based workout that focuses on the bottom half of the body. This step-wise program activates the core including the gluteal and abdominal muscles. The workout advances throughout to provide the necessary challenges for a strong core and lifted bottom. This program helps to improve posture and overall athletic performance. The DVD begins with an introduction from Patricia on how to progress through these exercises. She suggests doing the bottom activation segment a few times before going on to bottom activation 2, and then varying between both, back and forth for maximum results.

The DVD is broken down into sections that include: Introduction; Explanation on how to use the program; An explanation from Physical Therapist, Rebecca Gunn, who gives an expert perspective on core work and why it’s important; A section on alignment set up and proper position to get the most from the workout; Bottom Activation 1 exercises for building endurance in the backside; Bottom Activation 2; and, A Core Defined section. Patricia demonstrates the entire workout as Adam and Trudy show variations with and without a band. Equipment recommended but not included in this DVD are a small fitness ball and loop band.

Physical therapist, Rebecca Gunn, PT, OCS says, “After countless hours spent working in rehab facilities as well as with professional athletes, Patricia has a unique understanding of the importance of moving from a strong core. This program will help you learn how to activate your core and develop gluteal strength. This strength will help prevent injuries and give you the performance edge.”

About Patricia Friberg:

All around Health and Fitness expert, Patricia Friberg is the creator of the award winning Belly Beautiful Workout series and has been motivating students in her private and group fitness classes for over 20 years.  She teaches a variety of formats including: Pilates, Spinning, Kickboxing, Step, BOSU, Body Pump, Circuit, Outdoor Boot Camp, and Yoga.  Patricia is fully certified by Stott Pilates and holds certifications in GYROTONIC, GYROKINESIS, Yoga, Barre, Schwinn Cycling as well as the American Council on Exercise. She teaches in premier clubs and studios across the country including Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, including Harpo Studios, Yoga Works and Equinox. She trains professional athletes including players in the NBA and NFL and is a regular contributor on Fitness Glow. Patricia is ACE certified and a member of IDEA.

Outside of fitness, Patricia is a licensed mental health counselor with a Master’s degree from Pratt Institute. Currently Patricia lives in Southern California with her husband and two boys. Patricia is proud to volunteer her time annually to her “Power for Pink Workout” DVD and workout event that raises money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  She also continues to volunteer as the fitness advisor to the non-profit JAM school program. www.patriciafriberg.com

If you want to enter to win the Patricia Friberg DVD you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

  • Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.
  • Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win the Patricia Friberg @patricia_fit from @brooklynfitchik”
  • If you haven’t already—let me know you are subscribing to my You Tube channel

I will pick one winner at random on Monday, July 11, 2015 at NOON Eastern Time and contact them directly via Twitter.

That’s all for me this week. I will be back soon with magazine reviews, playlists, reviews and so much more. (Dare I say I plan to bring my VLOGS back soon?) Stay in touch!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: @USATodayHealth, @suzannecbowen Giveaway Plus Book Vs Movie “The Stepford Wives” 32

by • exercise, Fit Bottom Girls, fitness, Giveaways • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

USA Today Interviewed ME for an Article!

Plus:

Still Looking for a Deep Tissue Massage Therapist for a Story!

 “Book vs Movie” Podcast News (The Stepford Wives)

Plus: Enter to Win the “Barre Amped: Cardio Fun Giveaway” DVD Giveaway

 

Enter to win this DVD!

Enter to win this DVD!

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you all doing? It’s Mother’s Day as I am typing this and I need to get on the horn with my mother ASAP but let me get through this week’s news & notes and my new giveaway the BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn DVD! (Woo hoo!)

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

USA Today Quoted Me in a Feature on Streaming Workouts! Bring with the Fit Bottomed Girls has been one of the great pleasures of my career and last year I gave them my list of favorite online streaming workouts. Well guess what? USA Today found that article and contacted me to give me on take on online streaming workouts and why they are so popular (You can read it here: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/05/10/streaming-fitness-videos/26865035/) Being a longtime fan of USA Today let’s just say I am  thrilled!!!

 I am STILL in Need of a “Deep Tissue Massage” Expert! I am working on a piece about what to expect from your first deep tissue massage and I need many 1 or 2 more experts who can offer tips & advice. Is this you or someone you know? Please leave a comment below if so! (Merci in advance…)

Book Vs Movie Podcast News: Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog co-host the “Book Vs. Movie” podcast (that you can subscribe to via iTunes at this link) and we just recorded one of our favorite episodes yet–The Stepford Wives. We had so much fun talking about the original novel, the 1975 film and the stinkeroo 2004 remake that starred Nicole Kidman and Bette Midler. (Our next episode will be Valley of the Dolls so get your caftans ready!)

If you have any interest at all, please be to check out our new website (www.bookversusmovie.com) “like” us on our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @bookversusmovie.

We are planning our next episodes so if there are any books & movies you want us to cover—feel free to comment below!

 

And now for the giveaway!

 

BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn Giveaway: Have you ever tried Suzanne Bowen’s workout “BarreAmped?” Well I love this DVD for a nice cardio HIIT whenever I need something quick and can be done at home or on the road. Details below on how to win your own copy!  (This is not a sponsored giveaway and is only available in the Continental U.S.)

SUZANNE BOWEN FITNESS RELEASES NEW DVD

BarreAmped CARDIO FAT BURN

Panama City Beach, FL, February 4, 2015– Fitness and lifestyle expert Suzanne Bowen, creator of Suzanne Bowen Fitness (#SBF) www.suzannebowenfitness, a top streaming website for workout videos and nutrition advice, has just released her new BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn workout on DVD (www.barreamped.com 84 minutes $19.99.)  Suzanne’s signature BarreAmped is a proven, results oriented, body shaping barre program that is a combination of dance, Pilates, yoga, and Bowen’s classical Lotte Berk training. It is Classic Barre meets Extreme Results.

BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn takes participants to a new fitness level, elevating the heart rate to burn fat using high intensity intervals combined with body changing barre exercises. Viewers will do Tabata style workouts, longer cardio intervals, low impact fat blasts, and sculpting exercises to hit every main muscle and #ShakeToChange.

BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn (84 minutes, $19.99) is divided into sections so viewers can do the entire full workout or mix and match the segments to change it up. The DVD has a two minute introduction; two minute warm up; extreme cardio fat burn (26 minutes); Cardio sculpt (17 minutes); Cardio core (17 minutes); and a twelve minute cool down stretch. The purchase of the DVD includes a free 1 month membership of streaming barre workouts at www.suzannebowenfitness.com .

As with all of her DVDs, Suzanne connects with viewers and leads the workout through a challenging, but doable workout segments in her encouraging and energetic signature style of teaching as she shows modifications and variations.

Facebook: Suzanne Bowen Fitness

Twitter @suzannecbowen

Instagram @suzannebowenfitness

If you want to win the BarreAmped Cardio Fat Burn DVD you must do the following (Continental United States only, please!)

  • Post a comment below (on this post) letting me know you are interested.
  • Send a comment on Twitter and say “I want to win the BarreAmped DVD @suzannecbowen from @brooklynfitchik”
  • If you haven’t already—let me know you are subscribing to my You Tube channel

I will pick one winner at random on Monday, May 18, 2015 at NOON Eastern Time and contact them directly. Good luck!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: @BlogHer @TerryBikes @TapGenes @FitBottomedGirls 31

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

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

BlogHer 15 NYC Dates Announced

Fit Bottomed Girls “Tips for Your First Kettlebell Class,” My Terry Bikes Spring Picks,

P!nk Handles Mean Tweeters, Tapgenes.com Talks Eating Disorders

 Plus: Book Vs Movie” Podcast The Outsiders!

 brooklynfitnesschickBIKE_0701

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you all doing today? It’s a brand new week and though I feel a wee bit short of my personal fitness goals (I may have slacked on my foam rolling a bit…) but this warmer & sunny weather has put an extra spring in my step. Doesn’t seeing the sun out nice and bright in the sky improve your outlook? It sure does mine and with that I am resolving to get back to foam rolling and stretching every night not only it makes me feel better but it also helps me perform better as a teacher.

So now that I am saying it OUT LOUD—it will have to get done! If it kills me I am going to increase my flexibility and strength. You are all my witnesses! Now that THAT is out of the way—let’s go through my weekly news & notes. (And for those 3 of you miss my Vlog—next week I promise to deliver with a cool, new giveaway. Pinky swear!)

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

Tips from the Pros on “Kettlebells for Beginners”

If there is one strength-building piece of equipment that really helps to build muscle while also providing an excellent cardio workout it’s the kettlebell. For Fit Bottomed Girls I wrote “Tips for Your First Kettlebell Class” so I would know how to use mine better when working out on my own.

Do you use kettlebells? What is your favorite advice for newbies?

Terry Bikes Spring Gear:

Some of you may know that I am a BIG FAN of Terry Bikes and somehow got the gumption last year to approach them as their first brand ambassador. Luckily they said yes so I get to try out their latest gear and let you know what you need to add to your next bike ride. In this post for them I picked my favorite spring items from their catalog. Enjoy!

BlogHer 15 Conference Set for NYC:

Have you heard the news? BlogHer will be back in NYC July 16-18 for their “Experts Among Us” BlogHer 15 Conference. I know I will be there but if you want more details check out this link to see who will be speaking there. (They always manage to get GREAT special guests at BlogHer events!)

BlogHer & SheKnows are also teaming up for a road show (I was invited to the Brooklyn event last week and had a blast!) If you live anywhere near the following markets—you should absolutely go (it’s free!)
April 24: Atlanta, Georgia – 5:00 p.m.
May 3: Chicago, Illinois – 5:00 p.m.
May 8: San Francisco, California – 6:00 p.m.
May 9: Boston, Massachusetts – 4:00 p.m.

To RSVP for one of these great parties, email Marketing@SheKnows.com

Body Shaming of P!nk:

I don’t know if you heard of this story but one of my favorite singers, P!nk, attended an event this past weekend looking totally beautiful. Well because we live in an internet age there has to be a body-shaming wave headed by mean-spirited trolls tried to make her life miserable. Well if you know anything about P!nk you know that she is non-nonsense and expertly handled all of the mean tweets thrown her way. Do you think we will EVER live in a world without trolls?

How I Learned to Love Eating:

I really loved this article from Tapgenes.com talking about recovery from eating disorders. Tapgenes.com interviewed two amazing women who talk about the toll it took on their bodies and how they have successfully deal with their individual disorders. This is a definite must-read!

Book Vs Movie Podcast:

Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog and I talked about The Outsiders in our newest episode of our podcast “Book Vs. Movie” and had a fabulous time doing it. You can check us out in the player below and in case you are wondering what will be the subject of our next episode—get ready for us to dissect The Stepford Wives! Woot Woot!

That’s all I have for today—keep checking back for news, reviews and playlists aplenty! Thanks as always for dropping by!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: Terry Bikes Hoodie Review, “Exercises I Have Ditched” Fave Podcasts and #wywyc 31

by • exercise, Fit Bottom Girls, fitness, Gear Reviews • Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

Fit Bottomed Girls “Exercises I Ditched & What I Do Instead,” Terry Bikes “Urban Hoodie” Review, Looking for “BFF” Song Suggestions

My Top 5 Favorite Podcasts & “Book vs Movie” Podcast The Outsiders!

 Urban Hoodie

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you all doing today? I am writing this down on Easter Sunday and I am feeling all kinds of wonderful & anxious at the same time (which is pretty natural for me.) The fact that spring has FINALLY, you know, sprung is making me smile but I am also worried about some friends and family which I am trying to funnel in a healthy way by alternately upping the intensity of my workouts and also trying really hard with incorporating meditation into a daily practice. Do any of you meditate? Any advice for an anxious newbie like me who has a hard getting her thoughts to NOT swirl when under pressure. Thanks in advance! Now let’s get to the latest news & notes, shall we?

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

Tips from the Trainer Pros on “Exercises I No Longer Do & What I Do Instead”  Tuesday mornings I teach a boot camp class which is designed more like an old-school calisthenics class rather than a whistle-blowing jerk yelling at people to do more push-ups kind of thing. One move in my arsenal was having my students bear crawl in one direction across the basketball court and then bear crawl back.

One day I was asked “what does the crab walk really DO anyway? It always makes me wrists & shoulders hurt.” I realized unlike a bear crawl which engages multiple muscle groups and mimics activities like leaving a cab or going up the steps at the subway—the crab walk while challenging to the core really has potential to cause more harm than good. It made me think what other moves other trainers I respect have “ditched” over the years which turned into an article I wrote for Fit Bottomed Girls.

So what exercises have YOU ditched over the years?

Terry Bikes Spring Gear: Last year I cold-called the women who run Terry Bikes and asked them if they ever needed a brand ambassador—well no further than with moi! I love their gear and am so happy to be able to share with you some of my most favorite items from their collection. Well today I want to talk about their Urban Hoodie which I have been wearing everywhere this past week as I was finally able to ditch my parka (off to the cleaners you filthy, annoying thing!). The hoodie fits snuggly in a fabric that whisks away moisture and keeps you warm. If you need something more than a jacket but less than, well—a parka the Terry Urban Hoodie is a delight. I took a picture of myself in it that you can see up top!  (Love!)

BFF Songs—I Need Your Suggestions! For Fit Bottomed Girls I am putting together a list of songs that help people remind them of their best friends. Just between up—I am coming up dry with ideas! So if you have any suggestions for BFF Workout tunes please feel free to list below. Thank you in advance!

My Fave Podcasts: For me, the best way to unwind around the house is to listen to podcasts. It’s like hearing stories from super-witty people in my living room & kitchen while I dust, clean and feed the cats. So today I wanted to offer some of my personal faves (no mention of Serial because it is in hiatus right now but if you have not heard of it—download them right now!)

  • What You Can When You Can #wycwyc Fabulous fit bloggers Carla Birnberg and Roni Noone break down healthy living in such a fun, real way. You will feel like you are learning how to live your best “fit life” from two cool friends. What You Can When You Can means you can fit health & fitness into your life in easy, small nuggets. Love it!
  • I Was There Too: Host Matt Gourley talks to extras and characters who have been in big movies scenes to get their unique take on cultural touchstones such as the “baby stroller scene” in The Untouchables to the passengers on the bus in Speed. This show is filled with so much great information and Gourley in particular is such a warm, friendly interviewer that I want to hang out with him and talk movies all day (Matt—I have a crazy cat and my name is Margo!)
  • How Did this Get Made? Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael take on one movie each episode that is so bad it is too much fun NOT to make fun of. (Is that a sentence? Not sure—I am tried and keeping it in!) Anyhoo this last one was about Lake Placid which is an AWFUL film but I loved listening to the panel rip it apart in an entertaining fashion. If you are afraid of snark—go for this one. (Though you will be surprised which movies they secretly adore
  • Radiolab If you are a fan of both science and excellent story telling you need to check out Radiolab. Honestly I am such a big fan of this podcast that if I ever met either host Jad Abumrad or Robert Krulwich I would probably pass out! Check them out!

What are your favorite podcasts? Let me know!!

And speaking of podcasts–

Book Vs Movie Podcast: Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog and I are talking about The Outsiders on our next episode—weeeeeeeeee!!  (You subscribe to us on iTunes with this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bookvsmovies-podcast/id954110320?mt=2.)  We also have a spiffy new website– http://www.bookversusmovie.com/ so come check us out sometime.  (Next episode full of Rob Lowe swooning will be available next weekend!)

That’s all I have for today—keep checking back for news, reviews and playlists aplenty! Thanks as always for dropping by!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: @FitBottomedGirl @TapGenes @TerryBikes @RottenBroadway 34

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

 

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

“Book vs Movie” Podcast Breakfast at Tiffany’s Ep is Live!

 Fit Bottomed Girls “Tips for Your First Aerial Class”

Terry Bikes Spring Gear

Tap Genes: “Tips to Make the Gym a Happier Experience”

Something Rotten: A Very, Very Funny Broadway Musical

 brooklynfitnesschickBIKE_0701

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you all doing today? Today (as I am writing this) it is my birthday and I feeling happy about all things going on in my life right now. (Well, except for the noisy new neighbors who can’t seem to move into a building without shaking every single apartment floor along the way! Sheesh!)

Anyhoo–here are my “news & notes” for the week. Enjoy!

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes:

Book Vs Movie Podcast: This week my good friend Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog and me posted one of our favorite episodes of “Book Vs. Movie” (which you can subscribe to on iTunes with this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bookvsmovies-podcast/id954110320?mt=2.) wherein talked about Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The original novella by Truman Capote took place in 1943 NYC and the film directed by Blake Edwards (and starring the incandescent Audrey Hepburn) takes place in the swinging early 60s which is just one of many differences between book and film.

Margo and I originally recorded this back in September but had several technical issues at the time that are now thankfully gone (I am something of a wiz at editing it turns out!)  Hope you like the episode. Let me know what you think and if YOU have any ideas for future episodes. (Player embedded below)

 

Tips for Your First Aerial Class: Years of cycling have given me terrible hip and hamstring issues that would certainly be alleviated with aerial yoga of some sort. So I pitched this idea to Fit Bottomed Girls Tips for Your First Aerial Class to help me get inspired to try it out. (Have you ever done aerial workouts? Was it fun? Helpful?)

Terry Bikes Spring Gear: Speaking of cycling—about ten years ago I decided to get my workouts out of a spin room and into the open air (best decision ever!) I still have that bike (named Trixie because she is red & shiny) and quickly became obsessed with Terry Bikes which sells THE best bike gear for women. They have everything from seats that will be comfortable on a century ride to cute spring dresses that won’t expose your knickers (unless that is your thing—no judgment here!).

A couple of years ago I pitched them the idea of having me be their first brand ambassador which means I help promote their sales and specials and then get to try out new gear—score! If you have any interest at all in Terry Bikes then be sure to sign up for their newsletter. They have so many excellent deals and giveaways. You will thank me later!

How to be Happier at The Gym: I know that for some people getting to the gym requires motivation and fighting the “I don’t wanna go today” blues. In this feature I give my advice on how to get happier about the gym. What are your favorite tips?

Something Rotten is Going to take Broadway by Storm: Okay—if you are a fan of big, funny, bawdy musicals (Think The Mormon Musical or The Producers) then you must check out Something Rotten which features two actors from the TV show Smash (which I LOVED) Brian D’arcy James and  Christian Borle. The play is set England when Shakespeare is a huge theater star (a very sexy Borle) and a struggling playwright (a hilariously tense D’Arcy James) yearns to create the first ever musical on stage.

I went  to see a preview show for my birthday and had a total blast. One of the best times I have had as an audience member for sure–the crowd ate it up!

Let’s say you know your fair share of Broadway musicals and love theater humor—this will show will fit the bill. It’s in previews right now but I suspect it will be a big hit. (Dare I say a “smash?” Did you see what I did there?”) Take my word—this show will up for a slew of Tony Awards!

Get your tickets now!

Get your tickets now!

That’s all I have for today—keep checking back for news, reviews and playlists aplenty! Thanks as always for dropping by!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

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Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes: SCUBA Dive Tips, The Amazing Ashley Judd, “Bricolage” in Brooklyn & More! 25

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

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

“Book vs Movie” Podcast — “The Godfather”

 Fit Bottomed Girls “Tips for Your First SCUBA Dive”

The Amazing Ashley Judd Fights Online Trolls

Call-Out for Radio Station Ideas

“Bricolage” in Brooklyn

Hello from Freezing Brooklyn!

Hello from Brooklyn!

 

Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!

How are you all doing today? I have a whole bunch of news & notes to get you folks today and I will not waste a minute getting it to you. So with Spring fever hitting me like a rocket let’s just get to it!

Brooklyn Fit Chick News & Notes

  • Book Vs Movie Podcast: My San Diego bud Margo Porras of Shes Nacho Mama’s Blog and I co-host a podcast called “Book Vs. Movie” and you can subscribe to us on iTunes with this link https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bookvsmovies-podcast/id954110320?mt=2. After a couple of false starts (and a bout of the stomach flu) we finally got to record The Godfather episode which you can listen to right here—let me know what you think! (Get ready for our next episode–The Outsiders!)

 

  • Tips for Your First SCUBA Dive: I have no idea what the weather is like by you but it is still fah-reeezing in my part of the world and Mama needs a vacation STAT! Recently I posted this article on Tips For Your First SCUBA Dive for Fit Bottomed Girls and I hope to actually use them this year! (Do any of you enjoy SCUBA diving? What are your favorite tips?)
  • Ashley Judd—Internet Troll Fighter: I first became aware of Ashely Judd when she was a TV show I LOVED call Sisters (do any of y’all remember it?) Ashley is an intelligent, caring woman who when she’s not acting or doing showbizzy things prefers to travel the world on humanitarian efforts and actually try to effect positive change. Recently she was cheering on her beloved Kentucky Wildcats at the NCAA via Twitter and was subsequently received dozens of threatening tweets which she is looking to make a crime. Ashley is a feminist who cares how women are treated in our culture and wrote this amazing essay in 2012 talking about how women are devalued based on their appearance and not meeting the impossible expectations from the media. Anyhoo-she is my new hero and I am eager to see how she foghts against those horrible Internet trolls.
  • Need Station Recommendations: Many of you know that I am a certified fitness instructor who loves to put her all into every playlist. The stations in my city are beyond terrible so I usually listen online radio stations around the country (and world!) What are some of YOUR favorite stations? I would love to check them out so feel free to list them below in the comments!
  • Bricoloage in Park Slope: OMG you guys! A few weeks ago Edward and Lien Lin of The Slanted Door restaurant in San Francisco decided to pack their bags and open a new Vietnamese “gastro-pub” on Fifth Avenue and the wait to get a table has been crazy ever since. Like you have to show up at 6:00 pm for dinner or be prepared to wait an hour to sit. My good friend Laura of Vittles Vamp and me decided to check them out and my goodness—what a delight! Check out this review from the New York Daily News and if any of you ever want to meet up for a meal there in the future—I am IN!

That’s all I have for today—keep checking back for news, reviews and playlists aplenty!

(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)

Until next time…

Ox Ox,

BFC

Brooklyn Fit Chick

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

Like My Facebook Page

Instagram: BrooklynFitChick

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