FITNESS Intern

Ditch the Parking Lot: How to Bring Tailgating Into Your Home!

December 22, 2012 at 10:38 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

Homegating [verb]: Bringing the spirit of football games into the comfort of your own home.

That’s exactly how we would describe what happened  when actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete invited us to the NFL homegating kickoff here in New York City. Along with celebrity chef Laurent Tourondel, who whipped up some of his favorite game day bites, we experienced the art of homegating first hand. It just may become a new tradition for some of our staffers!

How exactly does homegating work? It’s simple: if you love the spirit that surrounds tailgating, but want to ditch the unpredictable weather or can’t always afford to hit up a game, homegating is a fun alternative. Invite some pals over, decorate the house in team décor and serve the foods you’d see cooked up at your typical tailgate.

“Our fans have an incredible passion and we are pleased to bring them more ways to connect with the game and each other,” says Tracey Bleczinski, NFL’s vice president of consumer products.

To find out more about how to bring a little health to the fan-friendly fun, we sat down with Peete and learned about her own family’s homegating routine. Check out the secrets this NFL wife (she’s married to former Panthers quarterback Rodney Peete) practices below!

Read more

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Jane Krakowski Talks Giving Back, Busy Holidays and Exercise

December 20, 2012 at 10:00 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

With everything going on this time of year, we can sometimes forget the most important part of the holidays–giving back. That’s what 30 Rock‘s Jane Krakowski is doing with the help of Bank of America, who will be donating this season to Feeding America, which supports hunger relief in the U.S. Jane made the first donation using the mobile transfer function on Bank of America’s mobile banking app, while chatting with us about her holiday plans and her post-baby fitness secrets!

How do you stay organized during the busy holiday season?

I’m still trying to figure that all out. I do a lot of multitasking and things at odd hours of the day and night. I’ll take a nap then wake up at midnight to write Christmas cards. It’s a lot but it’s also a fun time of the year and we’re looking forward to making Christmas special this year.

We heard that you’re hosting your first Christmas, what are you doing to prepare for it?

I haven’t gotten to the preparing part yet. My fiancé and I are going to be those people at the stores shopping on Christmas Eve because of the 30 Rock finale. We’re shooting around the clock right now. So there will be many last minute preparations, but that’s fine because it’s just family members. He’ll be doing most of the cooking so my relatives are in good hands, they won’t have to eat my cooking. Read more

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Music Monday: The Grammy Edition

December 17, 2012 at 8:30 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

The Grammy Award nominations have been announced, leaving us inspired to take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the year’s hottest playlist picks. The problem with so many fab finds? There are too many to choose from!

But in honor of music’s biggest night, we gathered our top tunes from the hottest artists dominating the music scene right now. Make sure they’re on repeat during your workouts, then find out who wins top honors in February.

Now you tell us: Who are your favorite nominees?

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The Scoop on Jane Fonda’s Latest Workout DVD and Her Stay-Fit Secrets

December 13, 2012 at 1:54 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

When Jane Fonda released her debut exercise video in 1982, Jane Fonda’s Workout, it became its own genre, leading her to create 20 additional fitness videos and selling over 17 million copies combined, more than any other workout series. Now at 74, she’s looking great and feeling better than ever with her latest DVD Jane Fonda’s AM/PM Yoga for Beginners, which breaks up yoga into a rejuvenating morning session and an unwinding evening one.

We got the chance to chat with Fonda, who is one of our fitness icons about her latest workout routine and how she’s staying in shape these days.
What made you decide to create this new routine?
I started my new brand Prime Time three years ago aimed it at the baby boomer generation and older. I realized that there was a hole the series and yoga was that missing link.

Describe this new workout in one sentence.
It is yoga that has been marinating in Pilates. But it’s not pure yoga; I didn’t want it to be intimidating. Read more

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Music Monday: Power Through Anything Playlist

December 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

Long-term home workouts like Insanity and P90X have been around for a few years now, but their appeal hasn’t faded since they hit shelves. Interested in giving one a whirl? In Insanity, a fun, fast-paced diagnostic test is recommended to help determine your starting level so you can watch your progress soar over the next 60 days. And yes, you’ll be repeating the test periodically to gauge how quickly your fitness level reaches rock star status. The test is plyometric madness (they call it Insanity for a reason!), but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Various studies prove that music can boost performance, so we’ve rounded up six of the strongest tunes to help you muscle through that 25-minute diagnostic test, ready for anything Shaun T throws at you. But if six just isn’t enough, we’ve added four bonus tracks to keep you working hard for 40 sweat-dripping minutes. Now punch play and crank out those reps!

Now you tell us: How do you get pumped for a tough workout?

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4 Calorie-Conscious Holiday Cocktails

December 7, 2012 at 1:44 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

Go ahead and have a cocktail at your holiday soiree. We found a little something that may make our waistlines a smidge happier this season (hint: sparkling water) and something that will spice up your festive drinks! Meet your new favorite guilt-free holiday cocktails.

The first comes from Cascade Ice, a sugar- and calorie-free sparkling water that takes out the heavy mixers without losing bursts of flavor. After being taste-tested and approved by our own staffers (we couldn’t give you a good recommendation without trying it for ourselves, right?), we were quick to grab a few festive recipes from the company. Try one (or all!) and feel free to indulge without worrying about tossing in an extra-intense run as part of your next workout.

The second just might establish your holiday party as one of the best – something we’re all striving for, right? New for this holiday season comes a limited-edition cognac from the House of Marnier-Lapostolle: Grand Marnier Cherry. Impress your guests with these easy-to-make recipes.

Passion Pucker-Up Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz tequila
• 3 oz Cascade Ice Raspberry Black Currant
• Juice of 1 lime wedge
• Handful of raspberries
• Orange wedge, for garnish

Place tequila and sparkling water into a blender over crushed ice. Add juice from a lemon wedge and a handful of raspberries mix and blend until smooth. Garnish with orange wedge and serve.

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Hot Topic Tuesday: Does Your Dog Need A Gym?

December 4, 2012 at 6:14 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

We know health is important to you, but is there someone else who could use a couple rounds on the treadmill or yoga mat? Someone who has four feet and is furry, perhaps? And would you spend as much (or more) on your pet’s workout as your own?

CNN recently reported on a new “retreat” in Florida that helps transform your pudgy pup back into the sleek BFF (Best Fit Friend) you first brought into a loving home. Opened in 2011 by certified canine massage therapists, Rocky’s Retreat Canine Health and Fitness Center in Orlando has a variety of services to bring your dog’s fitness level up to snuff, including Aqua Therapy and a 12-week weight loss program. The appointments, however, come with a hefty price tag – the 12-week service starts at nearly $500 under special introductory pricing.

Rocky’s isn’t the only center helping pups break a sweat, either. Pet fitness centers have popped up across the country, and manufacturers have begun marketing at-home equipment. A quick search on Amazon brings up a variety of at-home doggy treadmills with prices starting between $400 and $500. That’s a lot more than a running leash and a pair of sneakers.

Now, we all love our pets and want them to live long, healthy lives. In October, though, Reuters reported a troubling statistic: Approximately 53 percent of adult dogs are obese in this country. So the question isn’t about how much we love our furry friends, but how much are we willing to spend to get their weight down? And is an expensive regimen at a pet spa worth the time and money?

Now you tell us: Would you put your pet on a diet or take them to a retreat if your vet recommended they lose weight? If you aren’t willing to cough up the dough, but still want to get your pet back on the right, er, paw,  check out our guide to running with your dog!

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Tools to Conquer Your Cardio

December 4, 2012 at 1:50 pm
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

Running on the treadmill—or should we say “dreadmill”—can become monotonous, especially during the winter months. Spare the hefty cost of a personal trainer but get the same challenging workout (and results!) with Cardio Star by Motion Traxx. The audio workouts feature power walking, running, cycling and more with leading fitness instructors. In need of some fitness mojo? The custom, interval-based music mixes offer positive yet intense routines that give beginners and super fit athletes the extra push they need to burn calories fast.

“We designed the Cardio Star albums to make it easy to do High Intensity Interval Training—a very effective training technique,” said DJ Deekron, the creator of the tracks. “Plus, the albums give the listener access to coaching from top instructors they normally would not have access to.”

Very effective? You can say that again. This method helps you burn nine times more fat than regular cardio. Take it from us, we gave it a try and loved it—you will, too! Cardio Star audio workouts are available on iTunes and Amazon for $9.99.

“The album helps lead you through the workout,” said H.I.T.T. mix coach, Jessica Smith. “I’m there to help coach you, motivate you and guide you.”

More from FITNESS:

• Madonna’s Hard Candy Workout
  
• Guide to Cycling
  
• 25 Cardio Intervals

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Music Monday: Hot for the Holidays

December 3, 2012 at 9:32 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Deanna Cioppa, editorial intern

The weather may be colder and the days shorter, but that’s no excuse for skipped workouts and poor nutrition! Our workout plans are great season-round, and to help you stay hot while the temperature drops, we’ve crafted a playlist stocked full of wintry tunes to get you holiday party-ready. Go ahead and enjoy that cocktail, guilt-free.

Now you tell us: Do holiday tunes sneak into your workout this time of year?

 

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Snowboarding Legend Kelly Clark Stomps Competition

November 28, 2012 at 11:39 am
By FITNESS Intern

Written by Jennifer Fiorentino, editorial intern

Olympic gold and bronze medalist Kelly Clark is considered to be the greatest female snowboarder of all time. Kelly, a three-time Olympic team member, has won every major snowboarding event and title in the history of the sport. She was the first woman to land the 1080 in competition! We spoke with the Olympic veteran about training, fuel and success. Here’s what we learned:

Do you have a fitness motto? Train smarter, not harder. Include rest days and hard fitness.

Tell us about your diet. What are some healthy eating tips you try to live by?
Just eating healthy isn’t enough…It’s really about recovery food and keeping my energy levels up while I am being active. I eat a lot of meat. My body responds well to protein. Chicken, beef, coupled with salad and veggies.

What is your go-to post workout fuel? Chocolate milk.

What is your favorite moment in your snowboarding career? I’ve had a very long career; this will be 14th X Games. I would say winning the Olympic gold medal when I was 18 in my home country— that would be the pinnacle of my career.

You are considered to be one of the greatest female riders in history. How do you feel about that? There are a lot of riders who inspired me; they showed me what is possible to do on a snowboard. At the same time I want to continue to be successful. It’s not about doing well but staying motivated.

How have do you deal with the pressure of this title? It is something that you learn. It look me 15 years of competing to figure it out…I think the core of my success comes from the fact that I am very comfortable in my own skin. I also set goals that I am happy with achieving. This model has lead to a lot of consistency. I am doing things because I want to, because it is a goal. Being internally motivated is key.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not on the slopes? I like to read, play the guitar and fix my home. In the summer I enjoy outdoor sports that are all training-related like surf trips. I have been surfing since I was 12.

Do you have a favorite surf spot? Destination: Nicaragua. I went there this past summer and I loved it.

What is one insider secret you have to share? I would encourage people to figure out who they are apart from what they do. Learn to operate from that place of identity not search for it.

Why is the Kelly Clark Foundation and giving back so important to you?
I received a lot of help along the way and I had a lot of people believing in me. I took a step back and looked at my career. I began to think about how I could have a lasting impact and the Kelly Clark Foundation does just that. It is now an accessible sport to everyone and that’s what I wanted to make possible.

Kelly is set to compete in the upcoming Winter Dew Tour, Winter X Games, the U.S. Open and the 2014 Olympics. Learn more about the Kelly Clark Foundation and stay up to date with the snowboard legend’s upcoming season on Facebook and Twitter.

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