That's Fit

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Super-skinny models and celebrities have long taken some of the blame for eating disorders. When inundated with image after image of rail-thin waifs, it's human nature to compare your own body to those you see in magazines or on the screen. But does the flip side of that coin hold true? Do overweight celebrities give us the green light to be overweight too?

Obesity expert Michael McMahon thinks so. "The increasing profile of larger celebrities means that being overweight is now perceived as being 'normal' in the eyes of the public," McMahon told the Daily Mail. "We talk about the dangers of skinny media images, but the problem actually swings both ways."

We're drawn to celebrities, particularly when there's something about them that we find relatable. But what we see on glossy magazine pages isn't always the full truth. Super-thin celebrities are often airbrushed to portray a level of perfection even they can't achieve. What's more, like Natasha Henstridge recently admitted, the measures that celebrities take to stay skinny are often damaging to their health. And overweight celebrities have their fair share of issues, too. Nia Vardalos had blood sugar issues and Kevin Smith had a wake-up call when his doctor told him he was morbidly obese.

Our interest in celebrities should be just that -- an interest, but certainly not a lifestyle guide. When it comes to your weight, decisions should be made solely for the sake of your health. We each have to be responsible for our own health -- seeking advice from real medical experts, and not someone from Seattle Grace.

Do images of celebrities inspire you to lose/gain weight?

If you're looking for fitness inspiration, why not look to the stars? Each week, we round up some of the best celebrity fitness stories for you. Many will motivate you to hit the gym and eat healthfully, while some ... well, some can be viewed more as cautionary tales. But no matter what, you're going to be entertained!

I'll admit it. When I'm about to check out at the grocery store, I'll slip a People magazine into the cart. I love reading about celebrity stories, and I find their weight loss and fitness success stories inspiring. Sure, their abs might look a bit more chiseled, thanks to Photoshop, but I still love to sneak a peek into celebrity health habits.

After asking you how you felt about celebrity fitness stories, however, I found out that I'm in the minority. Here's what you had to say:

• 30 percent of you couldn't care less about celebrities, how much weight they've lost or what their workout routine is.
• 25 percent of you think they're all airbrushed, so why would celebrity stories inspire you?
• Another 25 percent of you aren't inspired by celebrities, but you do find their stories interesting.
• But 20 percent of you do love to read celebrity health and fitness stories.

When Gwyneth Paltrow gave birth to her second child, Moses, she turned to one person to help her get body back -- Tracy Anderson. (Though in Gwyneth's case, I'm not sure she ever lost her body. Have you ever seen an ounce of fat on that girl?)

In any case, it was a partnership that changed both their lives. Gwynny got her post-baby body firmed right up, and Tracy's honing her trainer-to-the-stars reputation. Luckily, you don't have to be a star to learn from Tracy, though. She's got a collection of fitness DVDs, including a new one for post-partum moms.

Tracy Anderson recently talked to Cookie about her own hot-mom secrets. Here are some tidbits:

Earlier this week, Ashlee Simpson wanted everyone to quit talking about sister Jessica's weight.

She got her wish.

Instead of trying to decide whether Jessica's put on too much weight or just needs a new stylist, everyone has turned their attention to her disastrous attempt at a weight-loss video. Jessica recorded the Speedfit DVD in 2005, but instead of straight-to-DVD ... it went straight into the garbage can.

According to sources, both Jessica and her daddy were pretty hard to work with and are now refusing to come back and re-shoot footage. That's probably why Speedfit owner Alex Astilean is suing them for $10 million. One unnamed source goes so far to say that this fitness DVD would sell better than her videos, but not because they'll help anyone get fit ... but because they'll make Jessica look worse than a pair of high-waisted jeans.

So who will win? That remains to be seen, but according to the bonus audio in this video, Papa Joe plays hardball.

Diet derailers are everywhere -- in your house, in the grocery store, at work, at play, in your head even. Here, we'll address the very things that throw us off course. Together, we'll learn how to avoid our diet traps -- and how to get back on track when we can't.

The list of diet derailers goes on. and on. and on. It never stops, really, because what destroys one diet might be very different from what tanks another. There just might be as many diet crushers as there are people living on this planet. I mean, look at all the culprits we covered in 2008. And already in 2009, we've talked resolutions, fast food and weekends -- each one ripe for wrecking a good diet.

Forget everyone on the planet for now. Let's talk celebrities (they're way more fun) and what derails their diets. Because believe it or not, stars splurge too (not very often from the looks of most of them) and I, for one, am curious about what sinful favorites might morph their famous physiques into famous fat. Check out the gallery below, because People magazine has the scoop.
If your diet is on the path of destruction and you're dying to get it back on track, check out America Takes It Off by clicking on the badge below.

You know, even though celebrities can afford the best trainers and chefs, top equipment, and fabulously fresh food, staying fit isn't all fun and games. Keeping track of what your favorite stars do to stay in shape isn't easy, either -- and that's why we do a round-up each week of what the healthiest, fittest stars are doing.

Just click on the picture of your favorite stars above to see what he or she has been up to lately!

I know it's hard to feel sorry for celebrities, but imagine this -- your job is dependent upon you looking good, but, another part of your job is to attend premieres, awards ceremonies, and festivals, all of which basically require you to drink lots of champagne and eat out at celebratory dinners with your costars. Oh, and being famous, you can't use the hotel gym without getting mobbed. How do you stay fit during awards season?

This year, Gatorade is trying to help the stars attending the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah by providing the first ever full-service fitness center, named the G Gym. Nick Cannon and Eliza Dushku are just a couple of celebrities who have already taken advantage of the opportunity to stay in shape. And, said celebs have the chance to help raise some money for charity at the same time.

Celebrities can schedule appointments with top trainers (like my personal fave, Gunnar Peterson) at the facility, which is stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, space for yoga/meditation, and a fully stocked Gatorade drink bar (natch), which will come in especially handy as most of these A-listers aren't used to working out at such a high altitude.

Seeking star inspiration for your workouts? Look no farther than That's Fit -- we've got it all. And we wrap it up for you each week to make it super simple to keep up with your favorite celebs.

All you have to do is click on your favorites above to see what he or she has been up to this week. Oh, and then, take that motivation and hit the gym already!

Each muscle has a function, and the pecs are no different. Watch this quick video and never forget how to work your chest ... even if you're in the desert with Bear Grylls!

Visit Fitzness.com for more training videos, celebrity interviews and delicious low fat recipes!

If you're a fan of Batman, or simply would like to have the same rippling abdominals the Batsuit provides ... check out this video and then try it at home.

For more innovative training videos, studded with stars ...

Going into 2009, we can all use a little extra inspiration. And where better to find it than Hollywood, right? As always, we have all the scoop on what all the hot Hollywood types are doing to stay in such fabulous shape. Just click on your favorites above to see how they're keeping fit!

NFL star Tom Brady and his leading lady, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, have made it official -- the unbelievably attractive couple is engaged to be married. Brady proposed aboard a private jet on Christmas Eve, accompanied by four dozen white roses, champagne and Bundchen's parents who were visiting from Brazil. Could they be any cuter?

Here at That's Fit, we're fans of both Tom and Gisele already -- they're both so fit and healthy (and dreamy, of course). While Brady's athletic prowess is well-documented -- he is one of the best quarterbacks playing professional football, after all -- Bundchen's should be noted as well. She originally wanted to become a professional volleyball player in Brazil, and with her height and work ethic, she might've had a shot. You know, if the whole "highest earning supermodel" thing hadn't gotten in the way.

Now, I'm not normally one to push a couple to have babies -- not by a long shot. However, I cannot wait to see how athletic their kids are going to be. I bet Gatorade, Nike and Oakley are already setting aside funds to scoop up Baby Bundchen-Brady's endorsement!

Update: The couple's families are denying the engagement. However, a spokesperson for Tom's team, the Patriots, says that while he doesn't think the engagement rumors are true, "Tom keeps his private life private." I'm still holding out hope for their genetically gifted offspring debuting soon!