interview-related stories
This is Why You're Thin!
You might have heard of a little site called "This Is Why You're Fat," a site that features the fattiest of the fatty foods you could ever imagine. Well, it's fun and all, but I've got something better for you today. Let me introduce you to its much healthier counterpart -- "This Is Why You're Thin!" I chatted with the creator, Jennifer McCann, who I learned about when I started following her older blog, "Vegan Lunch Box."
Jennifer is incredibly excited about "This Is Why You're Thin!" saying it's "all about celebrating the things that make and keep us fit, lean, and healthy; people send in their photographs of beautiful fruit and vegetable dishes, healthy smoothies, trips to the farmer's market, all kinds of exercise, etc., and I post some of the submissions every day."
She's already received more than 100 submissions, and is especially inspired by a photo of a 46-year-old man finishing his fifth half-marathon. He didn't even start running until he was 43, and it inspires her to avoid using her age as an excuse to not try something new.
Recovery Nutrition - What You Need to Know
We all know that, in order for our bodies to function at their highest levels, we need to have proper nutrition. But providing proper nutrition after the workout is just as important, and nobody knows that better than Sharon Richter, a registered dietitian who has focused her counseling practice for the last five years on sports nutrition, weight loss/gain, eating disorders and disease prevention for people of all ages. Additionally, she's contributed to a number of publications and worked on three weight-loss episodes of "Queer Eye."According to Richter, "During a workout one burns stored fuel, glycogen, [and] loses water and electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride). The most import thing to replace is lost fluids. The best way to determine how much your body needs is to weigh yourself before you exercise and after. For each pound lost, replenish it with 24 oz of water.
"Second, you also want to replenish the glycogen within 15 minutes of your activity. This can be in the form of fruit, juice, or a sports drink. You want something that is quick and easily absorbed (not high in fiber). The third element to include in your post workout intake is protein. As you exercise you are creating tiny tears in your muscle. To help repair the muscle, protein is necessary. A good ratio of carbohydrates to protein is a 4:1 ratio. In addition to helping repair your muscle, protein helps with the absorption of water."
"Dancing" Star Reveals Why He Looks Great Naked
Celebrity Fitzness Report, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Curious to know how celebrities squeeze fitness into their daily lives? Our fitness expert Fitz sits down with the stars and digs out their great and not-so-great methods for staying healthy.
This week I interviewed an American Gold Medalist and the most famous naked man of 2008. Shawn Johnson and Gilles Marini are two of the strongest competitors on ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars," and they have two of the best bodies as well. We all know Shawn's a fierce athlete and Gilles ... well, we all know that he looks spectacular in the buff.
Gilles made us drool as Samantha's sexy neighbor in the "Sex and the City" movie, and he reveals to us his secret to staying outrageously lean and muscular. Shawn divulged what shocked her about ballroom dancing and whether or not she expects to bring home that disco ball trophy. If nothing else has inspired you to become more fit, these two sure will!
For the highest quality viewing experiencing, we've embedded this video on Fitzness.com. Please click on the video below and you'll arrive at this fun interview (located on the bottom right corner of the front page).
Hottest Celeb Guys
By Mary Kearl
12: Kevin Eubanks
Kevin Eubanks has made his name as a jazz musician as the leader of Jay Leno's Tonight Show's band. Now he has gained recognition for his healthy vegetarian lifestyle by being voted PETA's World's Sexiest Vegetarian man in 2007. Eubanks' reason for choosing this lifestyle? "Every night before the show, I make sure [my] guitar is perfectly tuned," he has said. "And every day, I do the same for my body -- with healthy, vegetarian meals.It's the easiest way to stay fit and feel great."
Image credit: Getty Images
7: Matt Damon
This cutie has been known to do some crazy yo-yo dieting for movie roles. But we love Matt Damon for bulking up for his lead role in 'The Bourne Identity' series -- becoming Jason Bourne required months of training in kickboxing, martial arts, and weaponry. Director Paul Greengrass has called Damon an "amazing sportsman" -- and we couldn't agree more.
6: David Beckham
You know the accolades -- two-time finalist for FIFA World Player of the year, one of the highest paid "football" players, Posh Spice's man-candy, object of lust of every other female. AOL Body loves David Beckham because he's supportive of his wife's fitness goals -- and 'cause he's willing to push himself to that next level of fitness. We hear he does running sessions on sand -- on top of his regular workouts -- yikes!
Image credit: Getty Images
4: Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt has a slew of workouts and websites dedicated to honoring his celeb fitness status: BradPittWorkout.com, Brad Pitt's "Troy Workout," and "How to Be Ripped Like Brad Pitt (Tyler Durden) From Fight Club in 12 Weeks Or Less." Each includes a mix of aerobic intensity and strength training, targeting back, arms, shoulders, and naturally, ab muscles. These days, however, Pitt has put his celeb life on pause for the concern of others' health, donating a reported $1 million to Doctors Without Borders, which Pitt has said was good for his health too. "It's personally rewarding when you see lives change because of an action you take that, though simple for you, means so much to others. You sleep peacefully at night."
Image credit: Getty Images
3: Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey is the hottest poster boy for outdoor fitness we know. Whether running, biking, hiking, or swimming, he always seems to be workin' it outdoors (how else could we see so many shirtless paparazzi pics?). But lately we hear he's taken up an even rougher and tougher workout -- stand up paddle surfing -- a variation of surfing that gives his whole body a workout. Hey, whatever he's doing, he can keep on doing it.
Image credit: Getty Images
1: Will Smith
We've always loved this Bad Boy's legendary abs and toned arms. True to form, Will Smith has written song lyrics that explain his mantra for fitness and life: "The key to life is on a treadmill." Or, as he told 'Reader's Digest,' "When I say I am going to run three miles, I run five. With that mentality, it is actually difficult to lose."?We couldn't have said it better.
Image credit: Getty Images
Christina Ricci's Extreme Workout
There's no disputing Christina Ricci is looking fantastic these days. The petite starlet recently dressed as her favorite literary icon, Juliet, for a photo shoot to benefit Montblanc's "Signature for Good" campaign, which raised money for UNICEF's literacy programs.
Christina has grown up in the public eye -- her big break came at nine years old, and she's been working ever since. Her weight has fluctuated a bit, and she suffered from anorexia during her teen years, but she's in a great place now. She told "Elle" magazine last year that she avoids weighing herself and skips the booze, but that's not all. I had a chance to chat with Christina recently, and she told me some of her other secrets to staying slim.
Aaron Rodgers - Yoga, Pilates and Gatorade Keep This NFL QB Going
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has had a tough year by all accounts. After dealing with the storm of controversy regarding Brett Favre (something that obviously still bothers him), he made his first start at Lambeau Field, getting in a win against the Minnesota Vikings.
He's down at the Super Bowl in Tampa this weekend, hanging out at Gatorade's G Studio, and I had a chance to chat with him. I left the Favre questions to the ESPN junkies -- I was more interested in this pro athlete's fitness tips. Check out the gallery to see the interview!
Skinny Bitch - These Bitches Are Fit and We Know Why
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Probably you've heard of the bestselling book Skinny Bitch -- written by Rory Freedman and Kim Barmouin, it came out a few years ago and definitely got people talking. It's not just a book about diet and weight-loss -- it's a book about veganism and the horrors of the meat industry. It got a big push when Victoria Beckham was spotted holding a copy. Well, being a Skinny Bitch isn't just about eating well -- it's about being active, too. Kim and Rory know this, and they want to help everyone get a little more active. Well, actually, a lot. They've filmed three fitness DVDs, two of which are available now, and one that won't be available for a couple more months.
Oh, and did I mention I had a chance to talk to both of them? I found out how these bitches (who, actually, are surprisingly unbitchy) stay fit. We chatted about their new DVDs, some of their favorite workouts, and facing challenges. Check out the gallery to see what they had to say! And, be sure to check back to hear more about Skinny Bitch fitness and for the girls' tips on going vegan.
Will Donny Osmond Join the Cast of Dancing with the Stars
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Last week, I had an exclusive interview with the one and only Donny Osmond. He's currently co hosting ABC's new show Rediscovered, and I thought it would be appropriate to ask what everyone else is probably wondering: "Are you planning on following Marie's footsteps and joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars?"
When Marie competed last year, Donny seemed to spend just as much time on the show throwing in his two cents. He obviously has rhythm and is no stranger to the stage, so why wouldn't he take a stab at that fancy disco ball trophy?
Maybe Donny is afraid of not getting as far in the competition as his sister did? Maybe he's worried about not doing those glittery costumes justice? He's asked this question every day, but until we spoke on the phone, I had never heard him give a definitive answer.
Drew Hits the Bar, Kate Hits the Slopes - December 19 to December 25
Michelle Demus of Pure Yoga - Exclusive Interview
I had a chance to do some Q & A with Michelle Demus, the program director for New York City's hottest new destination for yoga, Pure Yoga. She filled me in on how Pure Yoga got its start, what makes it different, and then she offered up some advice for people just getting into yoga.How did NYC's Pure Yoga come to be?
Pure Yoga originated in Asia (where there are now five locations) and was brought to the U.S. in July 2008 with the opening in NYC. Pure Yoga was so popular in Asia that they decided to expand, partner with Equinox, and bring it to the U.S. We saw a great opportunity in NYC with the combination of an amazing location and an incredible talent pool of teachers. We see LA as another great opportunity for Pure.
What makes Pure Yoga different from other yoga studios?
Pure is different from other yoga studio for several reasons. The first is that Pure is the only yoga center in the US to offer 19 various yoga disciplines under one roof. The yoga styles offered range from Ashtanga to Yin Yoga, from Hot to Vinyasa Flow, Anusara and more -- as well as unique classes with a modern approach including Hot Power Yoga and Bollywood Fusion.
Marion Jones, post-prison, speaks to Oprah
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Nutrition & Supplements
According to Jones, her former coach, Trevor Graham, gave her pills he described as flax seed oil. Jones, who took numerous substances such as vitamins and creatine, didn't question what he was giving her. Jones said she was instructed to put the tablet under her tongue for a while and then swallow it. Later, during the investigation, prosecutors showed Jones a vial of a designer steroid nicknamed "the clear." Jones now admits that she recognized it immediately as the substance her coach had given her. "I made the decision I was going to lie and try to cover it up," explained Jones. "I knew that all of my performances would be questioned."
There's a lesson for all athletes here. From the average Joe to the high school quarterback to elite athletes -- we're all responsible for what we put into our bodies. Supplements such as whey protein and creatine are frequently used by athletes. But even legal supplements shouldn't be used without knowledge and caution. Proper nutrition, consistent exercise, and appropriate training are your best bets for keeping your body in peak condition.
Yes, 'whey' -- an interview with the CEO of Designer Whey
Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
There's a great deal of talk about protein these days. The different kinds, the amount we should be eating, the best time to eat it, and so on and so forth. So, to help get to the bottom of it all, I decided to reach out to David Jenkins, CEO and Founder of Designer Whey protein. Here's what he had to say.T.F.: Many weightlifting magazines often write about the need for serious trainers to get a high amount of protein in their diet. Do you agree that this is necessary?
D.J.: Of course, but the key is that these are SERIOUS trainers. If they don't fuel the muscle there will be loss. Muscles during intense workouts need protein for fuel, whey protein is digested very quickly and delivered to the muscles quickly and easily, as opposed to eggs, milk or soy which take longer.
Heidi Klum gets trampy with Jimmy Kimmel
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
In fact, she encouraged him to take off his shoe and socks, which he initially refused to do, and for good reason -- when he finally took off his socks, some of his toenails were painted (apparently by Ben Affleck).
At any rate, Heidi proved to have some good moves on the trampoline, and Jimmy did a pretty decent job of staying on. While it might not have been the most efficient way to conduct an interview (we learned that Victoria Beckham would be a celebrity judge for the Project Runway finale, but that was about it), it sure was a lot of fun to watch. It was short, but if they'd gone for much longer, I would imagine they would've been fairly out of breathe. I mean, when's the last time you were on a big trampoline? It's a workout!
And let me just say, Heidi gets more likable every time she hits a talk show. She's fun, she's goofy, and seems to get along well with everyone, and now that she jumped on a trampoline with Jimmy Kimmel, I think I have a girl crush.
Caught in a sandstorm? Hide in your camel!
Healthy Habits, Healthy Places, Womens Health, Celebrities and Entertainment, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Men's Health
Never a dull moment with Bear Grylls. The star of Discovery Channel's Man vs. Wild and I spoke last week during a long interview in which he will be featured in an upcoming Celebrity Fitzness Report. Definitely 45 of the most interesting minutes in my life. I can't imagine anyone having more incredible tales.
Bear told me about visiting the Sahara Desert in Africa and enduring the extreme temperatures, highs of 130 and lows of 20 degrees ferenheit. What he didn't tell me is what I saw last night while watching his show. He was given a camel from some local tribesmen that he met on his journey, and showed how to skin it to make a blanket (which he slept with later that night). Fun! He also demonstrated how to remove the water reservoirs from the camels humps in order to drink. Tasty! But wait ...there's more!
