Former Disney Teen Queen Demi Lovato who is about the most accomplished 22-year old I have ever read about in my entire life. Demi is on the road right now with a hyper successful singing career, is the brand ambassador for Sketchers, and has her own skin care line called “Devonne” by Demi. Oh AND she has her own line of hair extensions called Secret Color. (Whew!)
A few years ago things were not looking too good for Demi. Hospitalized for bipolar disorder and bulimia the young star was struggling with mental illness and her self-image. Thankfully she is on something of a health kick with exercise and clean eating being a priority for maintaining her positive mindset.
In her interview with Fitness Demi talks about her favorite workout tunes, how she motivates herself to get a sweat session going wn hen her motivation is low plus her advice for other young women struggling with personal issues.
What Do We Learn This Month in Fitness?
“Hot Arms & Abs”
This quickie workout from Barry’s Bootcamp trainer Noah Neiman will help you strengthen and tone your bod in record time.
“Hot Stuff: The Goods We’re Obsessing Over Now ”
Fitness editors chose a whole page of the cutest fitness gear I can imagine. They all give me the “I wants!”
“Fitness Better Body Plan”
I love this workout from BFX Studio which uses their EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) intervals. You can get a video to download onto your iPad by going to www.fitnessmagazine.com/digitalnow.
And now the rest of this issue of Fitness:
“Stroke Your Metabolism” The Rowing machine is the new “hip” cardio workout to hit the gym and this sample workout will help you burn up to 500 calories an hour.
“On the Road to Diabetes?” Diabetes has affected far more friends and family members than I can count so I really want to get the word out there on what people need to look out for to stay healthy. This article highlights that diabetes can hit healthy & fit people as well so be on the lookout for the symptoms and just ditch the cheap sugar habit, people!
Overall Grade:
A- A few really good workouts and smart health stories always make me happy and the January issue did just that!.
I can’t believe this year is finally heading out the window and could not be more grateful to see it go. Not sure what you all have been through in 2014 but I have dealt with health issues, family issues and all sorts of stressful things that have made me feel a little less buoyant than normal. However, I will not allow the past to interfere with my future pleasure so today I am just talking about the good stuff and getting ready for the fabulousness that will be 2015!
First I will do a little housekeeping on the latest BFC things, the Book Vs Movie podcast update, my fitness goals for 2015 and then my picks for the best workout songs of 2014. So let’s do it! (The Brooklyn Fit Chick Vlog to return next Sunday with a fantastic New Year’s/New You Giveaway!)
Book Vs Movie Podcast: Margo Porras of She’s Nacho Mama’s Blog and I are working our butts off to get our new website off the ground plus we are using a fancy podcast service called “Libsyn” to get it out to y’all without all of the drama of our previous service which shall not be named. To get ready start reading Joe Klein’sPrimary Colors which was turned into a movie in 1998 and directed by Mike Nichols whom we sadly lost this past year. Read the book and/or watch the movie to prep and we will post the details on our Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/bookvsmovie?ref=br_tf
Tria Hair Removal System: Still using my fabulous Tria hair removal system and am so far impressed with the results. There is less hair growing around the back of my ankles and the side of my face which is making me very happy. I am also using it on my upper lip and underarms and will offer a full review in a week or so.
CrossFit Goal for 2015: As you may know I am a “Fit Bottomed Girl” who contributes to fitbottomedgirls.com. The gals at FBG asked me (BFC) if I had any fitness goals I want to accomplish and the first thing that popped in my mind was the box jump. I am terrified of performing a box jump but know that if I can overcome my fear—it will make me feel like a rock star to land a good one just once. Coincidentally a new CrossFit gym opening in Brooklyn (the largest n the borough) called Crow Hill Cross Fit (http://www.crowhillcrossfit.com/) and they said if I want a real trainer to teach me to box jump—then they have me covered. So THAT is going to my first fitness goal to tackle this year. (Stay tuned for updates on this!)
The Crow Pose: My second fitness goal is to perform a crow pose. I am not sure how I will manage it but it has been the one pose in yoga that vexes me and I just want do it once to know how great it feels. And then, hopefully, do it many times after that. I will let you know what steps I am taking to make this happen. (Wish me luck!)
And now for something completely different—the Brooklyn Fit Chick Top Workout Songs of 2014!
I have been churning out a couple of playlist each month for the last few years and think I have it down to science at this point. Today I am featuring the songs that made me want to work harder and inspired my students to give a little extra effort during class. So here they are in particular order:
KONGOS/ “Come With Me Now”
Technically I am cheating here because this song came out in Africa in 2011 but they were only introduced in the U.S. this past year so I am putting this in the 2014 column. “Come With Me Now’ has a fantastic hard-driving beat and always made people’s heads bop along to the music.
Mark Ronson (featuring Bruno Mars)/ “Uptown Funk”
Come on—what better song came out this year? Everything about it says move your butt and have some fun. A funky, modern masterpiece that makes you want to sing along and dance with abandon.
Avicii/ “Wake Me Up”
Swedish hotboy Avicii knows how to put together a tune and this one is just about scientifically proven to be THE MOST PERFECT warm-up number for any kind of class you teach. Seriously—I am his biggest fan now.
Dear Rouge/ “I Heard I Had”
This band is from Vancouver and they are winning all sorts of radio contest in Canada. “I Heard I Had” is about as great as a “second” song for a playlist as it gets. Download it now!
OneRepublic/ “Love Runs Out”
A foot-stomping favorite in my classes that always gets people into the best mood.
Taylor Swift/ “Shake It Off”
I don’t care about her dating life nor will I hassle her because she claims to be a New Yorker now (as if!) but damn this woman knows how to write a song that cooks! “Shake it Off’ is just about as perfect of a pop confection as it gets. Brava Taylor!
John Legend/ “All of Me” (Tiesto’s Birthday Treatment)
This is another perfect song for a warm-up that puts people in a good mood. Sweet, romantic and dancy—what is not to like about it?
And the worst workout song for 2014——-“Fancy” by Iggy Azalia
Someone told me Iggy Azalia would be THE big deal this past summer so I started including this dreadful song in my classes. A tuneless,annoying piece of tripe that make me want to gauge my eyes out with my thumbs. My take on Iggy Aazalia? NO. Thank. You!
But if you must hear it for yourself…
That’s all I have for today folks. I am so looking forward to all of the media reviews, playlist, Vlogs, giveaways and gear reviews for the new year. Let’s bring on 2015!!!
(If you are reading this on a different site or a different feed than Brooklyn Fit Chick, it has been taken without permission.)
One of Howard Stern’s favorite guests is TV personality Maria Menounos who has a fun spirit and a seriously goofy laugh (I mean that in a good way.)
When Maria was in college she gained almost 40 pounds trying to out-eat most of her dude friends (dude friends are always dangerous, by the way) and now she keeps fit with a sane workout schedule and healthy eating habits.
As a trainer I can tell you that if there is one move we observe to check out the fitness level of a potential client—it’s the squat. I really loved this description on what to look for in a proper squat by Brent Brookbush, D.P.T.
“Shop for a Cause”
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but you should be shopping for cute pink things all year round. This page features items that will support breast cancer charities.
“Transform Your Trouble Zones”
Shape asked trainer Lisa Kinder of the 10-Minute Solution: High Intensity Interval Training DVDs for her favorite muscle-toning moves. Love this page that focuses on abs…,
“2014 Beauty Awards: Star Power”
The best lotions, potions and fun hair care things to keep you looking gorgeous.
“Tool Time”
If you are like me—you need to foam roll constantly to help out the knots in your back and tight IT bands. Shape has the best products on the market to do just that.
“The Good Fight”
One of the best ways to get healthy and learn self-defense is to learn martial arts. Here we get “Martial Arts 101” and a “Lingo Lesson” from Guillermo Gomezcreator of the Martial Fusion workouts.
“Tune Up Your Yoga Routine”
Lashaun Dale of Equinox gyms teaches a yoga class called “Flow Play” which is a Vinyasa workout with a carefully selected playlist.
And now the rest of the best of this issue of Shape:
“Step Right Up” Incorporating stairs and bleachers can help ramp up your workout according to Paul Juris of the Cybex Research Institute.
Its midsummer when I type this and I am in the mood to listen to good tunes that motivate me to work out indoors (the “summuh” heat in New York City is off the charts!) So today I collected music that will take you through a 50-minunte interval workout for either the treadmill or elliptical that will keep you in the mood to move.
Be sure to keep hydrated while you workout and as always—send me your favorite song suggestions!
Good Feeling:Flo Rida
I was not too familiar with Flo Rida before so let me know tell you what I have learned about him. He’s 6’3”, grew up in Carol City, Florida, attempted college twice before deciding to make his rap dreams come true and is a WWE fan. You’re welcome!
The 60s vibe is just so infectious and catchy. What a talent! RIP AW
Uprising: Muse
As much as I love listening to this band on my iPod everyone tells me you have to see Muse live in order to really appreciate them. So who is taking me to the show?
Walk:Foo Fighters
If you are wondering where the band name comes from—WW2 pilots would call UFO’s “Foo Fighters” because they did not know what else to call them and not look crazy. Got it?
Also—warning about playing this song in class as the volume goes CRAZY HIGH in the middle section. Still totally awesome but be aware of that.
Waterfalls: TLC
My favorite thing in the world is to tell my students to sing along to the chorus of Waterfalls because really what is more fun than that?
Please Don’t Leave Me:P!nk
This is one of the sweetest and saddest songs about thanking someone for loving you that I have ever heard.
Tell Me Baby: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Some people complain that they can’t tell one Red Hot Chili Peppers tunes from another one but I don’t care. If music is good—who cares if it is repetitive?
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High:Arctic Monkeys
I think we have all had friends like this…or is it just me?
Feel Good Inc: Gorillaz
This song is fun to play when I want to incorporate sprints into the mix.
Pumped Up Kicks: Foster the People
If you listen to the lyrics of Pumped Up Kicks are pretty violent but the beat is so boppy and fun that no one ever seems to notice or care.
No More Drama:Mary J. Blige
I usually use this song for a slow climb and it’s another care where if you don’t feel the need to sing along you are officially a monster.
I Feel Love:Blue Man Group
True story—my friends Claudine & Keith would play this song over and over and over again for their eldest daughter when she was a baby because no other sound would soothe her.
Stay:Rhianna featuring Mikky Ekko
Patti Smith performs a lovely version of this song in her live shows.
That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.
Our cover star is Kathleen Tesori who is not only sponsored by Bodybuilding.com but is also Manger of Supply Chain management with the U. S. Airforce—wow! The 5’ 2” Tesori resides in Salt Lake City and considers working for her country to be a privilege.
Even though she has busy days with the Department of Defense she always makes the point to work out even if for only 20 minutes. The former junk food junkie used to live on corndogs and Mountain Dew (ah—college!) She now eats a very clean diet and totes around her meals in a cooler to and from work.
Kathleen is featured in the “20-Minute Fat-Burning Workout” inside the issue as well.
“Your Ultimate Upper Body”
By doing two opposing exercises at the same time you can see powerful effects (such as combining lunges with bicep curls.) Check out some of these moves from trainer Cindy Whitmarsh that will help increase your metabolic burn.
“Portable Pilates”
Oxygen has expert Pilates trainer Juliet Kaska of JK Zen Fitness show how we can all do this workout from home. (Note to self—get this equipment, stat!)
“Fine-Tune Your Butt”
With a headline like that—guess what muscles you will be working with this feature? These exercises were developed by Simone De La Rue whom I completely adore. (Hi Simone!)
“Pink Power!”
I am not much of a runner (if you ever see me running—ask what the hell is wrong!) Nor am I much of a “pink” girl but this page of pink running gear gives me the happies. (Maybe because Spring has sprung!)
And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:
“Strong Body, Strong Mind” Exercising your body can also help your mind from “warding off dementia to relieving anxiety and depression.”
“Eat Smarter to Feel Great” If you have problems with inflammation (over here!) changing your diet can help “minimize it’s effects.”
Overall Grade:
A- Lots of good workouts here but some of the other features were less than interesting to me.
Are you ready for a tough workout? This 50-minute playlist that I created is filled with music that will hopefully get you motivated on your next ride or run. As usual—there is a mixture of newer tunes with a few 90s gems. Enjoy!
Counting Stars:OneRepublic
OneRepublic is a band from Colorado who wrote this super-catchy song that makes my head bop to the beat.
Out of My League:Fitz & The Tantrums
Today one of my favorite students told me this was her favorite song from this list. Fitz & The Tantrums are a Los Angeles band that writes fun tunes that will make you want to sing along.
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You):Kelly Clarkson
This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. Seriously—Kelly Clarkson just sings the hell out of it.
Dangerous:Big Data
I got this directly from the Internet—“Big Data is a paranoid electronic music project from the Internet.’ Not sure what that means but Dangerous has a bouncy energy I love.
Rope: Foo Fighters
Whenever I want to set the volume to “11”—I put on some Foos!
Holiday:Green Day
This is my favorite song from American Idiot!
Get Off This: Cracker
When I want to reminisce about young & free in the 90s—I play songs like this one.
My Moon My Man:Feist
Where is Feist these days? I miss her!
Americano: Lady Gaga
I loves me some Gaga and this live version is fun to watch!
I Heard I Had: Dear Rouge
This is a new band from Vancouver and this song makes me want to dance around the room.
Stupid Girl:Garbage
Shirley Manson is my spirit animal.
Get Higher:Black Grape
This song is wonderfully subversive and fun.
Pets:Pornos for Pyros
I wish I could find the original video for this song as I recall it being freaky and fun.
That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.
Spring is in the air (well, we had a hint of it over the weekend) and I am ready to look forward to a new season filled with sunny skies, warmer temps and an upbeat attitude. So today I present my newest playlist featuring some of my favorite tunes right now. Enjoy!
Happy:Pharrell Williams
I should hate this song with all of its cheeriness and lack of cynicism but dammit if it isn’t so much fun to bop your head along to this one. (Does that sound passive aggressive? I hope not!)
Fire Sign:The Gossip
Beth Ditto has one of the best voices in rock and roll and this is my favorite tunes by her band.
Let It Whip:Dazz Band
Can any song make me happier than this one? I think Pharrell has stiff competition here.
Can’t Hold Us Down:Christina Aguilera
I cannot believe this song is over ten years old now—yikes! (I am indeed getting old.)
When You’re Falling: Afro Celt Sound System
This is a great song to climb to and I love Peter Gabriel’s voice.
Gold Guns Girls:Metric
My all-time favorite Metric single and it it kills me that I have yet to see them live. (Need to work on that…)
Safe and Sound: Capital Cities
A real bouncy-sounding tune that reminds of 80’s pop music.
South Side:Moby
Gwen Stefani really classes up the joint here.
Let Me Entertain You: Robbie Williams
For some reason he never caught on in America but I still love to hear me some Robbie Williams.
Believe in Me: Sloan
If you are not familiar with this pop/rock Canadian band—try out this song to start. They know how to write hooks!
Creep:TLC
(This reminds me –I still need to see that VH-1 movie…)
Time to Pretend:MGMT
Supposedly MGMT will have a new music out this year. (Fingers crossed!)
Take a Picture:Filter
The lead singer is very cute and his brother was in Terminator 2.
‘
That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.
Pro Snowboarder Elena Hight photographed by Robert Reiff
What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?
“Reaching New Hights”
On the cover of Oxygen we have Elena Hight who is a badass snowboarder and therefore needs a butt-kicking workout to get into her amazing shape. In the magazine you can get her workout from her coach Brad Jones, CSCS, which emphasizes “power, strength and stamina.”
Elena started competing professionally at age 14 and entered her first Olympics in Torino in 2006.
“Build a Gold Medal Body”
Some of the best female athletes who have competed in the Olympics offer their favorite exercises to get an overall top level workout. (This seesaw barbell press looks intense!)
“Look Out Below”
You ankles and calves can help you stay steady and keep your core in shape but you have to learn how to work them properly. You can increase the strength and power of your jumps (and help undo the damage of high heels) with these moves.
“Red, White and Blue for You, You and You”
Okay, the Ralph Lauren sweater looks far less tacky and busy in this magazine than it did in the press photos.
And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:
“Your Inner Olympian” Tosca Reno (my personal hero) offers her advice for staying motivated in the winter months and gain an Olympic champion’s attitude.
“Jump Yourself Slim” For some stranger reason I have no patience for jump rope workouts but the one featured in this issue looks like it is a calorie scorcher.
“Skeleton Sprints” Looking to increase your speed? This workout from U.S. Olympic skeleton racer Noelle Pikus-Pace should do the trick.
Overall Grade:
A- This issue has plenty of workouts to keep every kind of athlete happy and challenged.
Hey there! Hi there! Ho there! Oxygen magazine is back and still with us (yay!) so let us dive into the December issue, shall we?
What Do We Learn This Month in Oxygen?
“Setting the Bar High”
In 2008 Erin Stern (Oxygen’s cover star) missed the Olympic high jump by a few centimeters but the plucky athlete quickly took off in the world of figure competitions finishing second at Olympia this year. Oxygen talked to Erin about her tough training program (some of which you can see below) plus her need to clear the six foot high jump.
“Winter Wants”
The editors of Oxygen offer their top picks for holiday gifts.
“Fab in Fifteen”
Quickie workouts that will fit into anyone’s busy schedule.
“Unusual Suspects”
If you are looking for yummy ways to add more protein to your daily meals—try one some of these clean eats (and let me know what you think of them!)
And now the rest of this issue of Oxygen:
“Cheers!” Tosca Reno (my personal hero) talks about staying fit and healthy during the holiday season.
“Four Minutes to Fat Loss” Using the principles of Tabata to get in a tough workout in just four minutes time.
“Train Stronger, Last Longer” How to properly use creatine to “fuel your workouts.”
“Four Rules for Flat Abs” Advice on how to tighten your abs.
Overall Grade:
A- Love you Oxygen and glad you are still around with us!
This week’s playlist features a variety of beats and genres that will get your heart pumping and help motivate you to work harder, run faster and spin a little longer. (Or just get out of your own head and get your butt moving!)
Do me a favor? Let me know what you think and please tell me what is on your workout playlist these days.
First up…
Unbelievers:Vampire Weekend
I don’t always agree with rock critics on what I “should” love but this is one of those rare Brooklyn bands that are actually as good as their press indicates. (Is that throwing shade? I don’t mean to!)
Let’s Fall in Love:Mother Mother
This comes from a Canadian group that I am rather fond of and think should get famous here in the States right away. (The video is a little disturbing to some people so be warned there is a message about gender violence going on.)
My Body:Young the Giant
I admit to not being too familiar with Young the Giant but I love this song and think it sounds great when played really loud during class.
Locked out of Heaven: Bruno Mars
Whenever I play this in class my students start to bop their heads to the beat. It’s so damn adorable.
Weapon of Choice: Fatboy Slim
A good song that has the MOST amazing video ever attached to it as well—big win for all!
Butterfly:Crazy Town
I feel terrible the lead singer Shifty Shellshock has had his troubles (and especially having them exploited by the fame vampire Dr. Drew) and I hope he gets another chance to come up with a cool single.
Synthetica: Metric
One of my favorite bands is almost always on my playlists. Because they rock so damn hard!
Walk Away: James Gang
It is absolutely worth going to see The Eagles because you have the chance to hear a cool Joe Walsh tune or two. (Like this one!)
Music: Madonna
I always thought this video was trashy (even with a hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen playing da Ali G.) but I still dig doing sprints to this one from Madonna.
Crabbuckit: K-Os
This is just a really fun song, that’s it.
Seven Nation Army:The White Stripes
Jack White is one nutty dude but I am starting to find him attractive. Hmm…
Stronger:Kanye West
Okay, yes—this guy has an ego the size of New Jersey and is childish. But he has some good grooves in him and this song makes me want to work out harder.
Wish You Were Here:Radiohead
One of my favorite songs of all time and this cover is pretty damn terrific.
That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.
