Causes

Jennie Garth on Giving Back, Weight Loss Secrets and Staying in Shape

March 7, 2013 at 4:30 pm
By Colleen Moody

Have you ever walked into a Lindt store before? I had not, until this week when I went to go see actress Jennie Garth kick off the Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction to raise funds for Autism Speaks. Let me tell you, it is a deliciously terrifying place if you have a sweet tooth. The walls are covered with chocolate, not to mention the gold bunnies that basically spoke to you as soon as you walked in the door. (I swear one of them whispered to me that I could take all their chocolate ears and no one would care). But luckily, watching Garth sign her bunny and looking more in shape than ever was enough motivation to keep me from ransacking the walls. Below, Garth chats with us on her latest fitness routine, weight loss tricks and how she stays in shape.

What made you decide to get involved in the Lindt Gold Bunny Celebrity Auction this year?
I have three daughters and Easter is a big family time holiday for us. It’s also a valuable time to tell them about the importance of giving back, so partnering up with Lindt for this is just something I can really feel good about.

What’s your fitness routine like these days?
I’m really into hiking and jogging with my dog right now. I recently got a really big dog and he needs exercise all the time, so that is something that is new for me. I work out in a gym with a trainer two to three days a week on top of that. Read more

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A New Way to Get Inspired to Race This Spring

March 5, 2013 at 2:27 pm
By Colleen Moody

Brr! It might be the first week of March, but it feels more like December. One way FITNESS editors stay motivated through the winter is to sign up for a spring race (or races, for that matter!). On top of beating our seasonal blues, a new campaign started by She’s the First, a not-for-profit that sponsors girls’ educations in developing nations has got us more fired up than ever.

From March 1 to June 30, sign up at shesthefirst.org/RunSTF and get placed on a virtual “Run the World” map and create an online fundraising page. Then, ask your friends and family to match your miles or minutes for your race (for example, $13.10 if you’re running the MORE/FITNESS Magazine Half-Marathon!). You can also connect to the She’s the First Trailblazers Facebook page, so you can cheer and be cheered on as you all train for your races and raise money for a good cause! Don’t want to go at it alone? Grab some friends and start a team, plus tweet your progress with the hashtag #RunSTF for some social support. Once you finish training for your marathon, half-marathon, or bevy of spring 5Ks, you’ll be able to check back at the site and see how much your training and charity efforts helped school-aged girls all around the world. Oh yeah, and your body will be beach-ready, too. That’s a win-win in our book!

More from FITNESS: Find a Race in Your Area to Sign Up For!

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Women Who Make America: Kathrine Switzer on How Running Can Change the World

February 22, 2013 at 11:00 am
By Marianne Magno

Kathrine Switzer didn’t sign up for the Boston Marathon in 1967 to stir any trouble; she just wanted to run. But when the then 19-year-old defied race officials and tradition by becoming the first female to officially enter the race and created headlines in the news, she became a trailblazer for women in running and fitness. Switzer, along with other strong, empowering women will star in Makers: Women Who Make America, a PBS documentary airing February 26 about the social revolution for women’s political, economic and personal power. We chatted with Switzer–who is still running marathons, finishing the Berlin Marathon in 2011–about her history-making race, the future of women’s sports and how running and fitness can change your life.

FITNESS: Before 1967, no woman had ever officially entered the Boston Marathon. Did you have an idea that it would make such an impact in sports?

Kathrine Switzer: I didn’t want to run it to prove anything. I had heard that other women had run marathon distances and that one woman in 1966 ran the Boston Marathon but without a bib number, so I wasn’t trying to break any barriers. It wasn’t until a race official attacked me during the run because I had officially signed up and was wearing a number did I become determined to finish and speak out on behalf of all women.

But I also knew that if other women could feel the sense of empowerment that I’ve felt since I started running when I was 12,  that it would create a tidal wave.

What have you learned from running throughout the years?

KS: It’s not about running; it’s about changing your life. It’s about power and self esteem. The motivation to get other women running has kept me running. It’s also about equality. Women have led the charge in women’s sport. More women are running in the US now, compared to men. I’ve also learned that consistency and tenaciousness is better than talent. The more you do the better you can do. One of the best ways to get older is to keep active. I’m proud of myself for what I’ve done. Every day that I get to run is a bonus at this point.

I’m grateful for the things I’ve done and things I have to do yet. The very simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has changed my life so greatly. Read more

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Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to Solve the Water Crisis

February 19, 2013 at 3:34 pm
By FITNESS Intern

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.

Read more

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Top Chef Star Fabio Viviani Gets Sexy with Quaker Oats

February 15, 2013 at 5:25 pm
By Samantha Shelton

A bowl of oatmeal for breakfast is…sexy? When Fabio Viviani is serving it, we like to think so. Which is why he’s the star of Quaker’s new video in support of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement. And on the day of love (Valentine’s Day, in case you missed it), we had to get a piece of this Italian’s mind. Here’s his take on breakfast, and what you should be doing to spice up your love life.

Tell me about this steamy video! What made you want to get involved? 

It’s a good cause. If you’ve followed me in the last few years, then you know I’m all about good food and what’s good for you. As a chef, it has to be tasty. And well, let’s be honest, sometimes something that’s good for you is not necessarily delicious. But oatmeal is! So when I was approached by the Go Red for Women movement with Quaker Oats, it was perfect – we’re talking about food, breakfast and ladies – it was a good fit.

Whose idea was it to make it a funny, sexy video? 

The good news is that it’s easy for me to make things steamy because I have an accent! But if I’m going to do a video, it’s got to be funny – food is fun!

Are you a breakfast lover yourself? 

When I came to the United States, I learned to love it. Back in Italy, I didn’t really have it a lot. Now I like oatmeal and I like to make things different. Breakfast is something that can really change a lot about your day. We always talk about making the right choices, and something as easy and small as breakfast being done in the right way is huge.

Other than as a standard bowl for breakfast, how do you use Quaker oats? 

It’s a staple for breakfast, absolutely. But I also use oatmeal powder as a thickening agent instead of using gelatin and other chemical-filled things when I work in the kitchen. I make an oatmeal gelato that is delicious.

Healthy eating is clearly a big part of strong heart health. What strategies do you like to follow? 

You’re talking to an Italian guy, so you’re never going to hear me say drop carbs or meat! A balanced diet is the one that makes you happy while keeping you healthy. Being miserable is not healthy; it’s stressful. So I try to balance my diet with a lot of vegetables and good protein, but it’s OK to have steak once a week or so. Fish, in general, is good too. Maybe avoid tilapia because it’s really fatty, but others are great. And risotto – I love risotto! I’ll eat it any day of the week. I mean that, sometimes I’ve done it. And I’ll cook it in red wine instead of broth.

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Ginnifer Goodwin Swishes Listerine to Donate $21,000 to Oral Health America

February 8, 2013 at 12:34 pm
By Samantha Shelton

“Did you ever think that swishing just once would be worth $21,000?”

“No, absolutely not! My mother is proud!”

Our moms would be too, if one simple swish of Listerine could trigger a $21,000 donation to Oral Health America and kick off the 21-Day Challenge to Healthier Smiles. But we’re not Ginnifer Goodwin, as much as we like to dream about it.

We can still aspire to be like her though, right? We quickly jumped on board with the 21-Day Challenge once we realized how simple it was! Log on to Facebook, click “Get Started” under the 21-Day Challenge icon and you’re set to go! For every person who signs up, another donation is made to the Smiles Across America program, which will help provide oral health services to children in need. Now all you have to do is swish with Listerine twice a day, every day after brushing and flossing, for 21 days.  Gum disease, find someone else to torment!

While chatting with Goodwin, we found out that brushing those pearly whites only kills 75 percent of the germs in your mouth, leaving the rest behind to wreak havoc all over your smile. Another scary fact: half of American adults have some form of gum disease and they don’t even know it. Yikes!

Keep reading to find out what else we learned from the Once Upon A Time actress, including which characters top her list of all-time favorite roles.

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Minka Kelly Shows Her Heart In Red

February 7, 2013 at 4:17 pm
By Lauren Cardarelli

Red hot alert! Last night, we cozied up along the catwalk with fashion’s finest in support of The Heart Truth, a national campaign raising awareness for women’s heart disease led by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This year’s Red Dress Collection show kicked off Fashion Week with more than 15 of our favorite athletes and celebs—Gabrielle Douglas, Jillian Michaels and Minka Kelly, to name a few—sporting scarlet designer gowns. Their individual runway motivation may have varied, as projected on the big screen while they strutted their stuff, but they all shared the collective goal of putting an end to the number one killer of American women. Eat your heart out, heart disease!

Before stepping out in a flowy Oscar de la Renta number, we caught up with Minka and asked her all about her involvement as Diet Coke’s Celebrity Ambassador. Here’s how the starlet keeps her “Sexist Woman Alive” body fit, heart strong and more!

This is your second year as an ambassador for The Heart Truth! What inspired your continued partnership with Diet Coke?

Last year when I learned that heart disease was the number one killer of women in America, I was really inspired to get involved and use whatever voice I could to help inspire women to take care of their hearts because you’re never too young or too old. This year it’s a little different. You can upload a photo of yourself to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag “#showyourheart” and every post Diet Coke will donate a dollar, up to $100,000, so that’s my goal this year.

What have you done personally to lower your heart disease risk?

Living a healthy lifestyle and exercising and eating healthy has been a big part of my life for some time now, which is why working with this campaign made so much sense for me and I’m really passionate about it. So it’s just a fit that makes sense.

Any heart-healthy fitness and diet tips?

I try and get my blood pumping once a day. I work with a trainer three times a week and on the off days, I do yoga or I hike. I just try to be active every day and I try and eat as healthy as possible. I try and be aware of “food-combining,” which I think is very important, but I certainly don’t deprive myself. Everything in moderation is key. I think portion control is also very important. Read more

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The Empire State Building Run-Up: Race to the Top of 86 Floors

February 7, 2013 at 2:15 pm
By Jenna Autuori

We’re all ashamed to say that when faced with the stairs versus elevator scenario, we probably take the easy way out (or up!) and slip into the elevator at the last second. My first apartment in NYC was a five-floor walk-up (aka an old building with no elevators) with a very narrow staircase. Of course, I didn’t think twice because I was just happy to be around the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Even if a 10-floor walk-up was all I had to pick from, you can bet I wouldn’t have been scared away from the stair climbing that would become my everyday life. But it’s true, no matter how much we know about those sneaky ways to get moving more in our everyday lifestyle, when given the option, most of us won’t take the stairs.

So it’s crazy to think that I willingly decided to join the media heat of the famous Empire State Building Run-Up. While my decision to join the team meant I was helping an awesome charity, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), and running alongside my favorite TV host, Kelly Ripa, it also meant I was signing myself up to run 86 floors to the top of the observation deck of the world’s most iconic building.

Leading up to the race I prepared by running up my 40+ floor apartment building a few nights a week. I understood that very, very quickly my body would go into an anaerobic state and tire me out, so I had to start off easy to not lose steam. I even came up with all kinds of stair-running strategies—sprint every five floors, rest for 30-seconds, do it again; or take large exaggerated steps, which might displace my body weight and make it less taxing—but as the gun shot off and my 30 or so companions hit the stairs running, everything I thought I’d do went out the window. As you can imagine, the stairway of the Empire State Building is narrow and the stairs just seem to go on forever. I listened to my head and started off slow, but I was surprised how hard it was to actually run all the way. Throughout 86 floors, I did a combo of run, walk, then hoist myself up, then run some more, then hoisting, then running. After a while, it felt like my legs literally could not go faster. Read more

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Fitness Gala 2013: Sweating for a Good Cause

February 4, 2013 at 3:49 pm
By Colleen Moody

Sure, we love dressing up as much as the next gal–but when we’re asked to go to a red carpet event in our spandex and sneakers, it’s pretty much a fitness editor’s dream come true. And that’s exactly what we did this weekend at the Fitness Gala 2013, benefitting Mariska Hargitay’s charity, the Joyful Hearts Foundation.

Between mingling with stars like Smash‘s Megan Hilty, who hosted the event, celebrity bartender Ryan Serhant of Million Dollar Listing (and yup, he’s as hunky off-screen as he is on) and noshing on healthy and delicious bites from celebrity chef and author of Cook Yourself Sexy Candice Kumai, we were in healthy living heaven.

But let’s not forget about the workout! Dasha Libin, creator of Kettlebell Kickboxing led a 45-minute master class for over 100 women who were excited to squat and swing to take a stand against sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse. True story: There was even a Gangnam Style-inspired move. Check out some pictures from the event below.

 

Read more

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Wear Red to Stop Your Number One Health Threat

February 1, 2013 at 8:26 am
By Marianne Magno

Are you wearing red today? February 1, 2013 marks the 10th anniversary of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign to raise awareness and funding to fight heart disease. Heart disease remains the number one killer of American women, causing one in three women’s deaths each year, killing approximately one woman every minute. Symptoms of heart disease differ in women than men, so we chatted with Dr. Malissa J. Wood, MD FACC, Co-Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center Corrigan Women’s Health Program and a a Go Red for Women spokesperson. Here are her tips for keeping your ticker in top condition.

Quit smoking. “Even a small amount of nicotine can be detrimental to your cardio health.”

Exercise, exercise, exercise. “High blood pressure, being overweight, being sedentary, being stressed are all detrimental to you cardio health. Regular exercise is better than something you can take in a bottle because it helps with all of those risk areas.  Count your steps. It may be daunting to join a gym, but walking is free and something you can track. That’s a start if you’re sedentary. Aim for 5-7 hours of aerobic exercise per week and do weights twice a week.”

Reassess your nutrition. “Abs are not made in the gym, they are made in the kitchen. As we age and estrogen levels drop, we will get more weight around our middle, which is associated with a higher diabetes risk. Eating better helps prepare us for when our body starts to metabolize and store fat differently. Even fit women need to think about what you eat. As you age, your body will react differently to the things you’re able to eat in your 20s.” Read more

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