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October 2011

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Celebrate Meatless Monday With the Founder’s Favorite Meal

October 31, 2011 at 5:43 pm
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We love making chopped salads, like this Greek option with pita croutons, as a main dish on Mondays. (Photo by Joseph Deleo)

Last week at Food Day, we were able to connect with Sid Lerner, founder and chairman of the growing Meatless Monday movement. The group asks us all to cut back or eliminate meat on Mondays, with an overall goal to reduce meat consumption by 15 percent worldwide.

Lerner resurrected the Meatless Monday trend in 2003 with this focus on health and the environment. It originated during World War I to help conserve resources for the war effort. “People have different reasons why they participate, whether it’s ethical, or to lower fat and cholesterol intake,” Lerner says. “It’s a small change you can try each week that’s good for you and good for the planet.”

Reducing meat consumption can lower the overall carbon footprint (did you know animals raised for meat emit more gas than our transportation systems?) and water usage (1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef, while one pound of tofu requires 220 gallons).

Lerner mentioned that, thanks to support from big names like Oprah, Paul McCartney and Mario Batali, 50 percent of Americans polled in a recent survey said they are aware of Meatless Mondays, and 28 percent claim that it affects how they eat. We couldn’t think of a more fitting way than pulling our slow cookers out of the back of our cabinets to give one of Lerner’s favorite Monday recipes a try!

“I love chili. It’s tasty, colorful, high in protein and you can make it a million ways. I like to say, ‘If you think chili needs meat, you don’t know beans,’” Lerner says.

For a one-pot meal to try on future Meatless Mondays, keep reading.

Read more

A New Way to Tone: SLT

October 31, 2011 at 4:33 pm
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The Megaformer makes it easy to zone in on your obliques. (Photo courtesy of SLT)

It’s hard to stay on top of all the fitness trends out on the market these days, especially here in NYC. But when we heard about the latest studio to open up, SLT (Strengthen, Lengthen, and Tone) we had to test the hybrid routine out. Started by fitness fanatic and co-founder of Vital Juice Amanda Freeman, the 50-minute class does exactly what it says it does— strengthens, lengthens, and tones. Incorporating a mix of Pilates, cardio, and strength training, the entire class is done on a Megaformer (a jazzed up version of a Pilates’ Reformer) to give you a full body burn that will actually make your muscles shake.

Classes are small, with a max capacity of ten students (for those feeling lazy be warned—slacking off is not an option!). Using resistance bands for your legs and arms and counter-resistant springs to target your core,  moves are done in slow and controlled motions to elongate muscles, boost metabolism, and burn more fat. For those who love Pilates but leave class feeling like they need a little more oomph in their workout, this routine is for you. So far SLT is only available in NYC, but the fitness program it follows, SPX, is available nationwide. Non-New Yorkers should visit spxfitness.com for more information on the program.

SLT is located on 37 West 57th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues.). For more information and a class schedule, visit sltnyc.com.

LAST CALL: Marathon Monday Playlist!

October 31, 2011 at 2:58 pm
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This is it! Last week before my very first marathon. I’m a bunch of nerves, butterflies and excitement right now—besides wanting to make it through the 26.2 miles, I’m pumped up to see the crowds, run through the boroughs and be part of this “marathon club.” I’m totally psyched and can’t wait to do this! I’ve got our last marathon playlist here for you (we’re in such a tune-filled mood, we couldn’t help but share two lists today), with favorite songs from the FITNESS editors and many of our friends. We’ve clearly got a crush on Eminem and Kanye!

To anyone running the streets of New York City on Sunday, good luck and look for me out there! (Follow me on Twitter @FITNESSjenna to get updates about my experience.)

These songs will help power you across any finish line! (Photo by John Herr)

More from FITNESS: Click here for 100 more motivating tunes!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Wrap-Up

October 31, 2011 at 12:39 pm
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As October draws to a close, so will much of the discussion about “pink.” But women (and men) will be fighting the disease all year long, so here are two more resources that help fighters, survivors and researchers who are all working towards one common cause: a cure.

  • Claire Petretti began teaching cancer-specific yoga classes while being treated herself. (Photo courtesy of OceanSoulYoga.com)

    Yoga for Cancer Recovery: Cancer survivor and yoga instructor Claire Petretti created this workout DVD specifically for those going through treatment or recovering from cancer. She holds a Yoga for Cancer Therapy certification, and credits the practice with helping her bounce back from the disease, which she battled in 2010, stronger than ever. A portion of the proceeds from the DVD are being donated to cancer research organizations. ($19.99, oceansoulyoga.com) Scientific studies have proven the beneficial effects of yoga for cancer survivors!

  • BreastCancerTrials.org: This non-profit aims to improve access to clinical trials so those affected by breast cancer can be aware of all of their options for treatment. Whether you’re interested in prevention-related trials or want to learn more about biological therapies (which can help those currently fighting discover the best treatment to block cancer cells’ ability to multiply) the resource can help you find it.

More from FITNESS:

Music Monday: Your Halloween Workout Mix

October 31, 2011 at 10:07 am
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Before the trick-or-treaters arrive, take a festive jog with these tunes as your soundtrack! (Photo courtesy of iStockphoto)

Since it’s Halloween, we decided to add a little fun to our workout playlists with some spooky songs. Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to blast “Monster Mash” at  the gym—unless you want to!—but we just couldn’t resist adding M.J.’s “Thriller” into the mix.

We think this would be perfect for the Pumpkin Workout!

Now tell us: What songs put you in a festive mood this last day of October?

Fit Links: Halloween Costumes, Songs and Sugar

October 28, 2011 at 4:26 pm
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Don't just use them for decorations! Pumpkins pack plenty vitamin A and C. (Photo courtesy of Alloy Photography/Veer)

This week’s fit links from around the web:

Softball Pro Jennie Finch Laces Up for the NYC Marathon

October 28, 2011 at 2:30 pm
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Jennie Finch gets a jog in with her running coach, Susanne Davis. (Photo courtesy of Timex)

It’s crunch time! Or should we say, taper time? The 2011 ING NYC Marathon is a week away and already the city is bubbling with excitement and preparations. Among the list of notable celebs running this year are U.S. Olympian Apolo Ohno, model Christy Turlington, and on behalf of Timex, U.S. Olympian softball player Jennie Finch. Starting last, for every runner Finch passes Timex will donate $1 to the NYRR Youth Program. Below, we got the chance to chat with Finch on her unusual marathon training, and some tips she’s picked up along the way.

Belated congrats on your second child this past June! What was it like getting in shape for the marathon right after pregnancy?

It’s been very intense! I didn’t know what it would be like to get in shape for a marathon in general; it’s a whole different ball game than softball. It took about 12 weeks to really get myself back into the shape I was before I was pregnant. I did stay fairly active throughout my pregnancy, but your body just goes through a lot of changes. Another hurdle has been making the time to train, especially with a newborn and not getting much sleep!

How have you been training for the 2011 ING NYC Marathon?

I’ve been using the Timex Ironman Run Trainer with GPS and it’s basically been my coach on my wrist. My running coach Susanne Davis is in California, so we’ve been doing everything virtually. She wrote out my running plan for me so all I have to do is complete my workout and upload it from my watch so she can see everything from my heart rate, pace, and distance. It’s great because it makes me accountable for my runs since I know she’ll be able to see what I’m doing. My husband suggested I just ride around in a golf cart to get the mileage in, but that sneaky trick clearly wouldn’t work with her!  Through my workouts we’ve also been able to create mini-goals. First it was just to finish the race, but now that my pace has been improving and my distance has been increasing I’m able to push it to the next level with her help.

What’s the best tip Davis has given you during your time training?

I finally got the chance to train in NYC the past weekend with Davis, and that was really great because she could check out my form to make any adjustments I needed. She’s talked a lot about my rhythm and keeping my strides constant with quick steps. This helps keep my pace up and is also a good distraction on long runs. Another great tip she’s given me is how to deal with hills. She’s always telling me to think about high knees when going uphill, and butt kicks going downhill.

Have you set a goal time to finish the race?

I didn’t until I ran with Davis a few weeks ago. She told me she’d like to see me finish in 4:10. It would be great to break 4:00, but we’ll have to see how everything plays out that day!

P.S. You could win a FREE VIP trip to next year’s ING New York City Marathon by guessing how many people Finch will pass this year after starting last. Click here to enter! Hint: Last year, former New York Giants player Amani Toomer finished in 4:13:45, passing 25,817 people. Think Jennie can beat him?

*Editor’s note: Jennie Finch did indeed beat Amani Toomer, finishing the marathon with an unofficial time of 4:05:26 and passing approximately 30,000 runners! Congrats, Jennie!

More from FITNESS: The 16-Week FITNESS Marathon Training Guide

 

 

 

Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn’s 6 Fitness Essentials

October 28, 2011 at 12:03 pm
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World class skiier Lindsey Vonn is riding high after her giant slalom win in Austria last weekend, where she completed her career-long quest to win all five Alpine ski events (slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and super combined). She is only the second American, after Bode Miller, to accomplish such a feat! Fresh off her victory, Vonn set aside time to fill us in on what’s new in her world since she graced the cover of FITNESS in February, and share six fitness tools and tips she can’t live without.

Lindsey loves squats in all forms, like this one-legged squat she's demonstrating here. (Photo by Jonathan Skow)

  1. Motivation trick: “I’m generally very motivated, but I do have days when I struggle to get out of bed,” Vonn admits. One thought that’s sure to get her moving? “I consider what my competitors are doing!” You can use a similar tactic by signing up for a local road race or team sport and using your fellow runners or opposing team members to give you an incentive to get up and go.
  2. Top equipment investment: “The TRX Suspension system is great because you can use it for core, lower body, upper body and balance,” Vonn says. “Plus it’s perfect for travel.”
  3. Must-do move: Vonn swears by squats, not only because they strengthen her legs for skiing, but also because they offer a do-anywhere workout that only requires your body weight. “I do two minutes straight of squats, rest for a few minutes and repeat that once or twice more. It really gets my legs burning,” Vonn explains.
  4. Trusty top: “I live in Under Armour ColdGear in the winter, especially the Fitted Mock turtleneck,” Vonn says.
  5. Long-term goal: When we asked her if we could look forward to seeing her at the next winter Olympic games in 2014, Vonn simply said, “definitely.”
  6. Pep-up playlist: These songs are currently on repeat on Vonn’s iPod during training:

More from FITNESS: Follow along as TV anchor Jenna Wolfe gets ice skating lessons from an Olympic pro!

Fashion Diaries: Pretty in Pink

October 28, 2011 at 9:47 am
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Being that October is almost over, we thought it only appropriate to end the month dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness on a pink note! I am normally not a pink person, but it is hard not to be during such a charitable month. My pink staple has always been hot pink sneakers. Whether the entire shoe is pink, or there is just a little hit of it in the laces, they’re fun, cool and keep me feeling girly while pumping some iron or running the streets of my neighborhood.

While there are only a few short days left in the month, there is still time to show your support for your neighbors, friends, sisters, mothers, daughters and any one else in your community by wearing pink during your daily workouts. Sneakers are a great way to add a pop of color to your look, and some of our favorite brands have some pretty sweet pink sneakers that I am definitely adding to my wish list!

 

Fit Blogger We Love: Losing Weight In the City

October 27, 2011 at 4:34 pm
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Theodora celebrates after completing another race!

Theodora of Losing Weight in the City will be hitting the road, alongside a few FITNESS staffers, for the ING New York City Marathon in just 10 days! After months of dedicated training, we can’t wait to watch as this social media star conquers yet another race with style. We asked Theodora about the music that keeps her moving and her favorite medal-worthy moment.

My favorite way to work out: Running. I’ve so far run seven half-marathons, one full marathon and am training for my second—NYC! I love the way I can totally zone out or sweat out my frustrations through a good run.

Most embarrassing song I’ll admit I work out to: I guess “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus should qualify as most embarrassing, huh?

My fave fit snack: I’m pretty addicted to sunflower butter on a whole-wheat English muffin with either bananas or strawberries. Or just bananas.

My biggest indulgence: I don’t have too bad a sweet tooth, so I always save my calories for beer. There’s nothing like a cold beer after a hard race.

My “I Did It” moment: After losing 50 pounds, I nearly cried when I crossed the finish line of the Chicago Marathon. It was 85 degrees and humid, and there were people passing out all over the place, but I pushed through and finished. I never dreamed I’d be able to complete a marathon!

Do you have a favorite fit blogger you want us to highlight? Leave a comment below or email blog@fitnessmagazine.com

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