Music Monday: Spring Into Action
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
Even though Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know which season she wants to stick to (and we don’t really believe Punxsutawney Phil anymore), spring is on the way—in fact, the first official day is this Wednesday! A new season means fresh jams, so rev up your reps with iTunes’ top 10 tunes of the week.
Now you tell us: What new songs are you loving this season?
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop, Workouts | Tags: itunes, Music Monday, spring, workout playlist
2 Comments
ZICO Latte: Your New Workout Beverage
Editorial intern Carrie gets an early morning adrenaline rush as she climbs her way to the top at Chelsea Piers!
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
Rise and shine—it’s workout time! This morning, FITNESS headed to The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers for a little rock climbing to celebrate the launch of ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water’s latest beverage, ZICO Latte. Coffee and coconut water together at last? This is too good to be true.
After summiting about 35 feet and completing two climbs (hello, full-body workout!), we tested ZICO’s non-dairy, coffee-infused concoction. Billed as “The Official Sponsor of Early Risers,” ZICO Latte contains five electrolytes, provides 45-59mg of natural caffeine and packs as much potassium as a banana. Thanks to its unique flavor fusion—the latte taste takes the forefront and masks the notes of coconut—the drink can both jumpstart your morning and keep you hydrated during your workout.
For more information, visit www.zico.com, check out the ZICO Facebook page or follow @ZICO on Twitter.
More from FITNESS: Q&A: When Should I Drink Coconut Water?
Categories: Healthy Eating, The Fit Stop | Tags: coconut water, exercise, Fitness, Nutrition, zico
5 Comments
Pro Tennis Star Vika Azarenka on Staying Positive and Keeping Workouts Fun
Mom may not agree, but our fingers are crossed for another Olympic appearance from Vika Azarenka! (Photo courtesy Robin Fenlon)
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
In case you haven’t heard of professional tennis player Vika Azarenka, we’ll catch you up to speed: She’s won two Australian Open singles titles (2012 and 2013) and two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles (2007 US Open with Max Mirnyi and 2008 French Open with Bob Bryan), plus an Olympic bronze medal for singles and gold for mixed doubles (with Mirnyi) at the London Games. Impressive for a 23-year-old, right? Before the BNP Paribas Showdown against Serena Williams at Madison Square Garden (Williams won the exhibition match 6-4, 6-3), we chatted with Azarenka about how fell in love with the sport, what she enjoyed about the 2012 Olympic Games and how she keeps her workouts fun.
When did you first pick up a racket?
I started to play tennis when I was seven years old. I was very close to my mom, and she worked at a tennis center. I couldn’t go anywhere without her, so after school, I would come back and walk around with her. She didn’t get a chance to work, so she had to distract me somehow. She gave me a tennis racket and a ball, so I started hitting it against the wall, and it was fun. One of the coaches saw me and asked if I wanted to join the group with the other kids. I was scared at the beginning, but once I started I was so happy. I really found a love for the game as a kid.
As they say, the rest is history! Aside from winning your medals at the London Games, what was your favorite part about the Olympics?
The whole journey. It was very tennis-oriented because we played far away from the other sports, so I didn’t get a chance to visit anything else. It was an amazing experience. The transformation from Wimbledon to the Olympics was completely different. Playing in singles and mixed doubles was incredible. Read more
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: exercise, Fitness, Motivation, Olympics, professional tennis, vika azarenka
2 Comments
Chrissy Carter Explains How Food and Yoga are the Perfect Combo
Editorial Assistant Samantha Shelton laughs at one of Carter’s many food references throughout class…she’s making us hungry! (Photo courtesy of Jim Lafferty)
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
Buttery toast, rich olive oil, fluffy soufflés—have you started drooling yet? Surprisingly, we were on our mats when yoga instructor Chrissy Carter brought these images to mind, making us dream about our next meal. The ex-Wall Streeter-turned-yogi commonly references food during her classes to help students visualize and execute poses, which we experienced firsthand to celebrate the launch of her new Gaiam DVD Beginning Yoga. Ready to say om…nom nom?
How did you first discover yoga?
I danced in college and the professors would use yoga to warm us up. I became more serious about it when I graduated and worked on Wall Street. I had a crazy-intense job, so I would go and do yoga as a way to relax and check in with myself. It was a demanding career and I felt like I needed some me time; yoga really gave me that.
Why do you think it’s important for people, especially women, to practice yoga?
I think yoga puts us back in our bodies. It gives us an opportunity to let go of all the expectations that we have and all of the things that we have to be to everybody. It also allows us to have a place where we can practice self-acceptance, and for women, that’s always a challenge. We’re always measuring ourselves us against some sort of outside expectation. And to come on your mat and be like, “I’m going to do what I can do today, and that’s OK.” Beyond the physical benefits of having those strong, supple muscles, I think the connection emotionally and mentally is so much more powerful.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I would say it is really clear. I am passionate about giving people the tools that they need to be their own teacher. I want to give everybody a backstage pass into how to do these poses effectively and safely for their particular body. I use humor so that people don’t take themselves too seriously, but I also take the practice really seriously because I think it’s a perfect place for people to apply it to the bigger picture: how do I react to not being able to do this pose, and how is that similar to how I react when things fall apart in my life?
Categories: Fitness, The Fit Stop, Workouts | Tags: Chrissy Carter, Workout DVD, Yoga, yoga dvds
2 Comments
Breakfast Fact vs. Fiction: Do You Know the Difference?
What are your best breakfast options? Skolnik sifts through loads of info to get you the right answers. (Photo courtesy of Heidi Skolnik)
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
Did you eat breakfast this morning? Of course you did. So here’s a better question: what exactly did you eat? Thanks to low-carb crazes and high-cholesterol concerns, it can be difficult to make a morning meal decision that leaves you not only feeling full, but energized and ready for the day. To debunk some of the most popular myths, we turned to nutritionist Heidi Skolnik, owner of Nutrition Conditioning, Inc. Can you separate fact from fiction?
Why are there so many misconceptions about healthy breakfast options?
I think we’re just bombarded with information. Nutrition is such a popular topic, and everyone is interested in it. But we get information from all different kinds of places; it’s hard to sift through it and figure out what’s credible and solid and what isn’t.
What’s one of the biggest myths you continually set straight?
“I’m going to save my calories for later. I don’t like to eat breakfast because I can control myself in the morning, and then I can save those calories and eat them at dinner.” That really sabotages anyone who’s trying to lose weight. We know breakfast skippers have higher BMIs (body mass index) than breakfast eaters. When you skip breakfast, you’re way more likely to overeat later. Of course you get hungry later, but you can eat and be satisfied as opposed to eat dinner and raid the refrigerator for the rest of the evening. It’s hard for people to put together that what they eat in the morning affects their appetite at night, but that connection exists.
With that being said, what are some of the healthiest breakfast options?
The very most basic guideline is to include a whole grain, a protein, and a whole fruit or 100 percent fruit juice. An example of that would be a breakfast sandwich: go ahead and get an English muffin with egg and eight ounces of 100 percent Florida Orange Juice, which will give you vitamin C, potassium, folate, phytonutrients – all of those wonderfully occurring nutrients in oranges. Or you can make yourself a yogurt parfait. I happen to like Greek yogurt because it’s high in protein. Add some fruit, granola and some healthy nuts on top.
What are the best on-the-go choices?
If you’re commuting, a whole-wheat pita with some peanut butter and sliced banana is really easy to take and go. You can eat it in the subway, on a train, in a taxi, on a bus – however you commute. Or, if you’re one of those who can’t get it together until work, then keep instant oatmeal at your desk and pair that with some yogurt and juice for a more balanced meal.
Categories: Healthy Eating, Nutrition, The Fit Stop, Weight Loss | Tags: Breakfast, Healthy Eating, Nutrition
3 Comments
Life in the Fast Lane with Racecar Driver Ashley Freiberg
Freiberg has the need for speed. (Photo courtesy of Effort Racing)
Written by Carrie Stevens, editorial intern
How fast have you driven a car? As a law-abiding citizen, we’re going to assume not too much higher than the speed limit. Racecar driver Ashley Freiberg, on the other hand, regularly clocks in over 100 miles per hour like it’s no sweat, and wins races pretty consistently in the male-dominated sport. Ever since she began racing as a teen, Freiberg has nabbed first place in 29 Skip Barber races (racing’s equivalent of being signed to the minor leagues), and in 2010, she captured two Skip Barber Series championships and became the first woman to win both a Skip Barber Racing Series overall title and Skip Barber National Series event.
Freiberg will be the first to tell you there’s more to the sport than driving with a lead foot, though. We sat down with the 21-year-old to talk racing, training and her favorite ways to break a sweat when she’s not behind the wheel. Ready, set, go!
You first learned about the racing industry when you nabbed a job as a timing official when you were 11 years old. What did you think about it back then?
Well, my brothers got into racing when I was about 10 years old and honestly, I didn’t even think women raced. I just thought it was mostly guys, so it never really crossed my mind that a girl could be out there. But I loved watching it, that’s for sure. That’s why I wanted to be in the timing and scoring tower because I could watch racing all day long. Then as I started to get older, I saw more girls on the track racing go karts and I thought, ‘Hey, maybe this is something I could do.’
Was your family supportive when you decided to give it a try?
I’ve always been a tomboy. I grew up with two brothers and no sisters, so I was always on a skateboard and playing basketball. The only person who was against it was my mom. She didn’t think I was aggressive enough, I guess. I remember a friend of ours was like, ‘I think she’s got it in her,’ so he kind of convinced my mom to get me into it.
Speaking of basketball and skateboarding, do you think your athletic background helped make the transition from team sports to racing easier?
For sure! I’ve always been super competitive; I think growing up with two brothers is what helped grow that competitive spirit inside of me because we’d always be seeing who could be the best at this or beat each other in any kind of game. I definitely think that sports really helped develop all kind of skills that transitioned into racing, like determination, handling pressure and competitiveness.
Categories: Fitness, The Fit Stop, Workouts | Tags: ashley freiberg, professional athlete, racecar driving, sports
21 Comments
Food Network Gina Neely’s New Healthy Lifestyle
Neely made a few healthy eating swaps and dropped 20lbs in 12 weeks! (Photo courtesy of Spectrum Brand Holidngs, Inc.)
Written by Rachel Torgerson, editorial intern
Anyone who watches Down Home with the Neelys on the Food Network knows that Gina Neely likes buttery, southern cooking. So when we heard that she was participating in George Foreman’s Weight Loss Challenge—a 12-week food and exercise plan complete with week-by-week grocery lists—we were more than curious to see how it would pan out. Fast-forward twelve weeks later and Gina’s lost 20 lbs and gained a new, healthy lifestyle. We chatted with her about what changes she’s made (and sticking to!), her favorite recipes and even her Billy Blanks workout tapes.
What inspired you to make these changes in your life?
I think it was just when I went to the doctor and got my physical. She told me my cholesterol was getting a little high. I just said, “You know what? I’ve got to start changing that!” This is my body and if I’m not going to be good to it, it’s not going to be good to me. I said to my girls, “If I don’t do this and make time for myself, if you need me, I’m not going to be around.” And that’s just a really serious part of it: making sure that you’re healthy for your loved ones.
Was it hard to start the challenge?
The first week and a half I noticed my pants fitting a little looser and I was like, “Hey, hey, hey!” I was already doing little things like taking the bun off of my burger, but sticking to the challenge really helped me see the results. I lost 20 lbs and 12 inches by the end.
On the show and in your restaurants, you’re surrounded by food constantly. How do you stay focused and motivated?
When I’m in the restaurant, I’m around food a lot, so it’s kind of just picking at it and filling up. The George Foreman helped me stop doing that so much because it’s a fast meal, as opposed to a bunch of chopping. Because after doing that all day, you don’t want to put effort into dinner; you’re over it. The grill cleans up easy, it makes cooking fun and my girls can use it.
Categories: Celebrity, Fitness, Health, Healthy Eating, The Fit Stop, Weight Loss | Tags: George Foreman, george foreman weight loss challenge, Gina Neely, Healthy Eating, Weight Loss
2 Comments
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to Solve the Water Crisis
The Summit on the Summit crew conquers Kilimanjaro. (Photo courtesy of Chase Jarvis)
Written by Rachel Torgerson, editorial intern
Melissa Arnot is a professional mountain climber, gracing the peaks of the most prestigious mountains (nabbing the women’s world record for her Everest ascent) and for two years in a row, she’s led celeb do-gooders up the slopes of Kilimanjaro with Summit on the Summit to raise awareness (and funds, naturally) for the Matt Damon-founded charity, Water.org, and the clean water crisis.
“There are more people in the world who can access a mobile phone than a toilet, says Chevenee Reavis, fellow Kili-climber and Director of Strategic Initiatives for Water.org. “It’s really an incredibly large challenge, but one that we actually have solutions for. We know how to deliver safe water and sanitation—it’s about raising awareness and beginning a movement around the cause.”
Among the celebs to face the climb this year were Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds) and Beau Garrett (Tron: Legacy). “This group had never camped, never been without shower water. Then you add the altitude—19,340 feet is higher than anyone had been. At the end, everyone summited Kilimanjaro; a testament to the passion these people have for educating themselves and other people,” says Arnot.
Want to scale the slopes, too? We asked Arnot how to train and what to expect on the mountainside.
Categories: Causes, Celebrity, Fitness, Health, The Fit Stop | Tags: beau garrett, climbing, Hiking, justin chatwin, mt kilimanjaro, summit on the summit
1 Comment
Louis Van Amstel’s LaBlast Workout DVD
Louis Van Amstel’s LaBlast DVDs
Written by editorial intern, Jennifer Fiorentino
For some of us, we watch Dancing with the Stars and think “I would need serious professional help to be able to dance that.” DWTS pro Louis van Amstel has developed a dance fitness program, LaBlast, that lets even complete newbies learn the steps to the Cha Cha, Quickstep, the Merengue and more routines while working up a sweat. Dancing queen wannabes can find a class near them taught by instructors trained in van Amstel’s program, or get stepping in their own living rooms with the LaBlast DVD series. We caught up with the pro to learn more about his program and his fitness motivation.
You are a three-time world dance champion, Emmy-nominated choreographer and spent seven seasons on DWTS. Did you ever dream of such success?
It’s funny, after fulfilling my dream of becoming a world champion the first time, I realized that dreams are more like goals. If you work hard you can really achieve anything you want. Repeating the world champion title two more times only confirmed that sheer hard work can make dreams come true. After moving to the United States from Europe I felt I was in the right country to make even bigger dreams come true. Dancing with the Stars, my dance fitness program LaBlast, My active wear clothing line LVA are all dreams that became reality, because of dedication, goal setting, and a lot of intuition. Dreams can come true if you follow your gut! I can’t believe I’m on dream number five. DREAM, PEOPLE! Set a goal and follow your heart!
What does dancing mean to you?
Dance has meant so many different things to me in the course of my career. At first all dance meant to me was nothing, because my (grand)parents wanted me to dance. It wasn’t my choice. After doing my first competition a while later it light up a fire in me which made me see dance as a sport. It became about winning. Because of my growing up with alcohol abuse from my parents and their unhappy marriage, I used dance as therapy. I could express my feelings through dance, but didn’t have to share my personal feelings with anyone. Thank god for dance. If it weren’t for dance I probably would have ended up becoming an addict myself. Instead I chose dance to excel in, so you can imagine what dance has meant to me and always will!
Why did you decide to turn your LaBlast workout into a DVD series?
Being part of Dancing With The Stars from the beginning I realized that the celebrities get hooked on dancing. Dance becomes a lifestyle, because it makes you feel so good on many levels. It’s addicting! The feeling of achieving the steps, the different cultures and characters of each dance make it such a thrill. Also, it makes women feel feminine and contributes to confidence and inner sexuality. Not to mention LaBlast gets people in the best shape of their lives, because dance uses the entire body, physically, mentally, and emotionally. After my season with Kelly Osbourne I decided it was time to create the LaBlast DVDs, so people at home can experience what all the celebs on DWTS go through each season. Anyone can dance and should experience the joy of dance. The benefits are endless!
How many calories can we expect to burn in one 30-minute session?
Depending on how involved you get people can burn between 300 and 600 calories. The more you get involved emotionally into LaBlast, the more calories you’ll burn. Dance is all about getting into the meat and potatoes, haha, not just doing the steps correctly. Don’t be afraid to go crazy and goof off, because it’ll burn you more calories. Read more
Categories: Fitness, Workouts | Tags: dance workouts, Dancing With the Stars, louis van amstel, Workout DVD
1 Comment
Melissa Rycroft Talks Healthy Swaps and Her Fit Mommyhood Routine
With limited me-time, Melissa incorporates her daughter into her workouts and is embracing a new carefree motto for 2013, “Whatever happens happens!” (Photo courtesy of Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Extra Gum)
Written by Rachel Torgerson, editorial intern
Life in post-resolution January can be rough, unless you simplify your goals. That’s exactly why former Bachelor contestant Melissa Rycroft teamed up with Extra gum to promote healthy swaps. We chatted with Melissa and got the scoop on her favorite healthy snacks, exercising with a new toddler in tow and life after Dancing with the Stars. Spoiler alert: this ex-Dallas Cowboys cheerleader won’t be putting on her dancing shoes anytime soon!
How do you make your health a priority?
I’m a huge advocate for living a healthy lifestyle. I have a family now, so health is of the utmost importance to me, but I also think it’s important not to disguise your old lifestyle. I think we all have guilty pleasures, but that’s a part of who we are. So, I really love this idea of “Simple Swaps!” It’s not about overhauling your entire life and wiping out your fridge full of food and putting in dry lettuce leaves, because let’s be honest, that’s not fun! It’s all about taking the things that you love and just swapping one or two ingredients. For example, swapping Greek yogurt for sour cream.
What is your stay-healthy routine?
I grew up very healthy and active, knowing which foods to eat and stay away from. Now, having my own little one, I like to go on bike rides, I like to go on jogs—just being outside and staying active makes me feel better. I feel like there’s a misconception sometimes that ‘healthy’ means ‘skinny’ or ‘stick thin.’ I think it’s important to get the message out that we all look different and we’re all shaped differently but it’s so important just to give your body the nutrients that it wants and work it out the way it wants.
Can you tell us some of your favorite healthy snacks?
I love Greek yogurt, love oatmeal, love blueberries and I love my stick of gum that I put in when I’m craving a snack. My guilty pleasure is chocolate so I really have to stay away from candy bars!
Since we are talking about swaps, what else would you recommend to make meals healthier?
Swapping your dinner plates. It sounds silly going from a full-size dinner plate to a medium plate, but you don’t put as much food on and, to be honest, we don’t need to eat that entire meal. I also really like substituting the bottled salad dressing that you buy for olive oil and balsamic vinegar—it tastes really good, but it has nothing added to it compared to even the healthiest of healthiest pre-bottled salad dressings. Easy stuff that you switch out can really transform how healthy a meal can be. Read more
Categories: Celebrity, Fitness, Nutrition, The Fit Stop | Tags: Dancing With the Stars, healthy mom, Healthy Swaps, Melissa Rycroft, the bachelor
2 Comments
