Try Bethenny's Skinny Girl workoutThe original “Skinnygirl”, Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives of New York drove many women crazy when she dropped her baby weight in record time. She claimed to do it by eating by her own skinny principles, walking 45 minutes a day, and using her own Body by Bethenny DVD. 

 
Bethenny and her personal trainer, celebrity instructor Kristin McGee, present a relaxed, but effective workout. Bethenny’s workout recipe is a combination. There is a 40-minute Hatha yoga workout that will tone, sculpt, stretch, and flex. She follows it with a basic stretch workout. Many women do not realize that working out with weights, not cardio, is what will help you lose weight! You need both, but the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn!
 
 
There is even a quickie bonus booty workout! I loved it. It was deceptively simple, but very effective. As a longtime yoga devotee, I did not know if I would like this DVD, but I love it. I reviewed it when it first came out in limited release a few months ago. Now I like it even more. It is a great workout. I like the style of yoga. It is not too slow - and it is not boring.
 
Bethenny Frankel is the New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin and The Skinnygirl Dish. See our archives for our reviews.
 

 

 




Skinny peanut butter treatsAnne Gravel has the skinny on the tastiest summer treats:

 
In the middle of a hot, hot summer when the heat won’t let up, indulging in some ice cream is just heavenly!  Unfortunately, ice-cream has its set-backs; especially in the middle of swimsuit season. That’s why I was so excited to hear this cool news: Skinny Cow has got some new and awesome ice cream flavours. If you’re not familiar with Skinny Cow, here is the lowdown: they make delish ice cream products. My favourites are the ice cream sandwiches. They are low-fat and low-cal.
 
Don't try to fool Anne with a mingy portion!Here’s what I hate about most diet products: companies that boast they are low-cal when all they do is serve out portions meant for Lilliputians. Portion control can be helpful in pre-packaged foods but please, call a spade a spade. They are not “low-cal” - they are just stingy.  
 
Fortunately, Skinny Cow products come in healthy sizes, their ice-cream sandwiches are framed in soft but dense and rich chocolate cookie goodness, and now they are also available in Cookies n’ Cream (yum!) and Mint (yum!). The best part is that they will only set you back 150 calories and 2 grams of fat.
 
I also love the Mint and Chocolate Chip Haagen-Dazs ice cream flavour my boyfriend is constantly buying. Unfortunately for me, it packs 300 calories and 20 grams of fat per half cup. Haagen-Dazs is lauded for its natural ingredients. If that appeals to you but you want to try a lower-cal alternative, you’ll want to try Breyer’s All-Natural. The chocolate flavour has 140 calories per half-cup and seven grams of fat. Substitute it for Haagen-Dazs and you’ll be saving 160 calories and 13 grams of fat per serving!
 



 Acne is not fun ever, but back acne in summer is really rough. Sun dresses and bathing suits seem designed to humiliate back acne sufferers. Hot weather and sweat aggravate breakouts. To compound the problem, who can reach their back to apply a remedy? Glytone, one of the most trusted and effective profession skin care lines has a solution - Glytone Acne Treatment Back Spray. It has two percent salicylic acid, a proven acne treatment, in an easy-to-apply spray. Spritz on twice a day and see an improvement. 

 
This product can be used as a follow-up to back peel. If you have a serious skin problem, including acne, go see a dermatologist or an acne clinic.
 
Be sure to share this any afflicted men in your life, they deserve a smooth back too! Great for teens.
 



Pilates in actionSummer is the time to tone-up. It is never too late to get in shape. If you have been putting off starting an exercise program because you don’t like traditional gyms and workouts, you may want to try Pilates and Gyrotronics. Both are popular with celebrities because they build strength and flexibility without adding bulk.  

Pilates and Gyrotronics are taught in serene studios, not gyms that may turn you off if you are fitness-phobic, or have an aversion to the “meat-market atmosphere” in many mass-market gyms.
 
Since Joseph Pilates first invented Pilates in the 1920s, many different styles have evolved. Choose carefully to find the best one for you. With a good teacher you should progress quickly.
 
Both Pilates and Gyrotronics will rejuvenate your mind while reshaping your body. I have become addicted to my Pilates class. Both methods have a reputation for being pricey, but small, group classes make it affordable.
 
Curious? Then read on, as expert instructors Shelly Ruggiano and Jolayne Berg from Core Atlanta Pilates and Gyrotronics Studio give us the 411 on these fabulous ways to get into shape.
 
Shelly Ruggiano is an instructor at Core Atlanta Pilates and Gyrotronics Studio.
 
DD: Can anyone do Pilates?
SR:  Absolutely yes! Pilates accomplishes complete coordination of body, mind and spirit. According to Joseph Pilates through practice, "you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities."  
 
DD: What is a reformer and what is its purpose?
SR:  A reformer is a long piece of equipment that you can lay, sit, or stand on, with a base for your body, and a foot bar for your hands and feet.  It has a moving "carriage" base and is spring loaded.  The spring settings change with the exercise.  The purpose of a reformer is basically the same as the purpose for practicing the Pilates method. 
 
DD:  What are the tower and the chair in Pilates?
SR: They are pieces of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates and used in the studio. The Tower is used for mat work; there are springs plus resistance bars attached to two upright poles that are anchored into the wall.  There are hundreds of exercises available to be performed on the tower. The Wunda Chair is a small spring-loaded "chair” designed by Joseph Pilates. He patterned it after a training apparatus used by the Chinese to train their gymnasts. He designed it so it would fit into a small New York apartment. It also offers resistance while performing much exercise.
 
DD: Does the practice of Pilates always require equipment? What is a “mat class”?
SR:  No, actually the original form of Pilates is mat work, it was originally called "Contrology". A mat class is a series of exercises, all with names, that flow from one to the other and in a particular order.  The spine is flexed, extended and twisted and the "powerhouse” or “core’ is actively engaged and challenged.  
 
DD: What makes Pilates different from other forms of exercise?
SR: Pilates focuses on the mind-body connection.  We start from the inside-out, beginning mainly with pelvic stability.  Emphasis is placed on centering and stabilization, control, concentration, flow of movement, breath, and precision. The results from Pilates are incredible; you’ll increase strength, stamina, coordination and range of motion. You’ll be rejuvenated due to the deep breathing and continual motion. You’ll improve your posture and overall mental and physical state.
 
DD: How long does it take to see results if you are trying to reshape your body?
SR: There’s a famous quote from Joseph Pilates that states, "In 10 sessions you’ll feel a difference, in 20 you’ll see a difference, in 30 you’ll have a whole new body." Consistency and frequency, as in any exercise method, are key to reaping the numerous benefits of Pilates!
 
Joylane Berg is Gryrotronic instructor at Core Atlanta Pilates and Gyrotronics studio.

DD: What is Gyrotonic? 
JB: Gyrotonic is a unique form of exercise that conditions the body in a very complete, holistic way.  It is a machine-based system that centers around movement of the spine - moving it in all possible ways. In fact, it is often described as different
than Pilates primarily because of that element - the spherical/circular movement it encourages in the body.  The movement is also "Core" based. It simultaneously strengthens and stretches the body. It has a strong focus on breath work, creates suppleness and space in the joints, and often leaves one with a feeling of mental alertness, physical readiness, and a feeling of being energized, yet calm.

DD: What is Gyrokinesis? 

JB: Gyrokinesis is basically the mat version of Gyrotonic.  It starts on a stool, and eventually goes to floor work. Rhythm and breath is used throughout the class.
Without machines, it requires the body to both work with itself and create an internal opposition, so that it can achieve more opening, length, and strength.

DD: Who can benefit from Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis? 

JB: Everyone!  If there are severe injuries or limitations, it is always recommended to take a private session, rather than a group Gyrokinesis class.

DD: What are the benefits? 

JB: Well, this is always going to vary from individual to individual, as each body is unique.  But, some of the benefits experienced by people include: increased hand/eye coordination, a deeper sense off the body awareness, strength, suppleness, increased range of motion, decreased or total recovery from pain, empowerment, balance, and increased body length.

DD: How long does it take to see results? 

JB: Again, going to vary from person to person, depending on how often it is practiced, and taking in to consideration that everyone has different starting points.  It should feel good in the first session, and often becomes quite addictive. That is definitely a plus when wanting to take on a new discipline!

DD: Are Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis often practiced with other types of fitness? 

JB: Yes, and no.  At our studio, we teach both Pilates and Gyro, and many of our clients incorporate both into their exercise regimens. While they compliment each other well, it is not necessary to combine the two.  Certainly though, whatever else you are doing physically, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis will only enhance those things!
 
For more information www.coreatl.com
 



Hard to always eat a healthfu meal and diet too!Life can be hectic, especially in the summer. The warm bright nights make us all want to stay up and play. Add to that jam-packed days of work and worry with the iffy economy, and you have a recipe for stress.

 
A lack of sleep and exercise as well as poor diet can all lead to feeling run down. 
Seventy percent of your immune system is in your intestines.
 
That is why I really like Multibionta. It is a new daily multivitamin with probiotics, designed just for women. There is not substitute for a healthful diet, exercise, and sleep. Even I find it hard to eat all the vitamins and minerals I need when I am watching my weight. Using a formula of 12 vitamins, 12 minerals and 3 probiotics it is designed just for women. Probiotics can help you keep your immunity levels strong and avoid digestion issues.
 
Darlings, you have heard it a million times, but it is true: Balance is the key to a happy and healthy life. But many days, life is more of a balancing act. So if you think you need a little help in diet department, Multibionta may be for you.
 



If you haven’t heard, strength training is one of the keys to kick-starting a stubborn metabolism into gear. If like me, you are engaged in shaping-up, you may want to check out the Step-by-Step Strength Training with Petra Kolber.Learning the proper form and technique is what affects your results. 

 
You’ll need hand weights and a chair to follow this effective DVD. Beginners may want to start with lighter weights (three pounds) and work up. It’s divided into two 10-minute segments that target the lower and upper body, and two additional 20-minute segments that offer a total-body tone-up. You can mix and match to get your beach body in no time at all. Bonus Features include: Eight “Before You Begin” tips/guidelines, Eight Bonus Moves, and bonus workouts, including Step-by-Step Belly Dance and Dance and Be Fit: Brazilian Body.
 
Petra Kolber is the 2001 IDEA Instructor of the Year and was named Best Female Presenter by ECA in both 2003 and 2004. She travels the world educating other fitness professionals, and hosted Acacia’s Cardio for Beginners DVD. She is a survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Born in England, Kolber now resides in Los Angeles.
 
Get started.
 
 
I love Acacia’s selection of workout DVDs. They have the best instructors and offer wonderfully produced DVD’s. Check our archives for reviews and Acacia for more fabulous exercise options.
 
 



Colgate ProClinical toothpaste is professionally-inspired line. It comes in three different types suitable for daily use. The new sleek packaging reflects the high-tech science behind the new formulas. These new toothpastes are different from Colgate’s previous whitening offerings as they have polishing crystals. Polishing is a popular alternative to peroxide. All these formulas are peroxide-free and are safe and effective for everyday use.

 
Colgate ProClinical Daily Whitening with ProLuminex crystals contains clinically-proven technology to remove discoloration and surface stains, and help prevent new stains from forming to give you whiter teeth. Colgate ProClinical Daily Cleaning polishes with Prophy Silica micro-buffers, an ingredient similar to what dentists use. This advanced formula fights plaque with regular brushing. 
 
According to Colgate, Colgate ProClinical Daily Renewal for Enamel with ProMinerals complex fortifies enamel, and leaves gums feeling rejuvenated after every brushing.
 
I am hooked on the clean feeling these new polishing toothpastes give my teeth, but not everyone loves the “gritty” feeling. The only way to find out is to use it yourself. I am convinced they leave teeth whiter and cleaner.
 



Exhale: Core Fusion Lean & Toned is the perfect way to get in shape fast for summer, even if you have no time or hate to exercise.  The DVD features Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp’s proven formula of five 10-minute workouts to deliver fast results and maximum flexibility.  This regime mixes stretching and sculpting moves for a long, lean, and defined physique.
 
Husband and wife team, and Core Fusion creators, Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp give home viewers the same experience as in one of Exhale’s nationally-renowned Core Fusion classes. Exercisers can do the full 50-minute class, or choose one or more of the five segments - depending on their schedule.
 
The program targets the major muscle groups in 10-minute segments, respectively focused on the upper body, thighs, flat/round back, gluteal, and pretzel core toner.
 
Bonus features include a five-minute stretch and workout from Exhale: Core Fusion Thighs & Glutes and Shiva Rea: Creative Core Abs
 
The exercises in this program are from their popular Core Fusion classes, which have a large celebrity clientele including Charlize Theron, Heidi Klum, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Mariska Hargitay, Goldie Hawn, Ivanka Trump, Mario Lopez, Samantha Harris, and Hilary Swank.  So now you can have the same exercise advantage as your favourite movie stars.
 
Fred DeVito and Elisabeth Halfpapp have more than 50 years of combined experience, teaching Pilates, Lotte Berk Method, yoga, and dance - disciplines that comprise the Lean & Toned workout. The best-selling Core Fusion DVD series includes Body Sculpt, Pilates Plus, Thighs & Glutes, and Pure Abs & Arms.
 
 



The original “Skinny Girl”, Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives of New York, now has her own workout DVD. And it is not bad at all. Bethenny and her personal trainer, celebrity instructor Kristin McGee, present a relaxed, but effective workout. Bethenny’s workout recipe is combination. There is a 40-minute hatha yoga workout that will tone, sculpt, stretch, and flex. She follows it with a basic stretch workout. Many women do not realize that working out with weights is what will help you lose weight, not cardio! You need both, but the more muscle you have, the more calories you burn!

 
There is even a quickie bonus booty work-out! I loved it. It was deceptively simple, but very effective. This would make great mother’s Day gift, if Mom is a fan of The Real Housewives of NYC or Bethenny. Or, get it for yourself. It is the perfect  get-in-shape for summer DVD.
 
Bethenny Frankel is a New York Times bestselling author of Naturally Thin and The Skinnygirl Dish. See the archives for our reviews.
 
Bethenny and KirstinA certified personal trainer, Pilates master, and yoga instructor, Kristin McGee has worked with numerous celebrity clients including Steve Martin, LeAnn Rimes, and CNN’s Soledad O’Brien.
Available for pre-order now, Body by Bethenny will be sold exclusively at Amazon.com on May 4. http://www.amazon.com/Body-Bethenny-Frankel/dp/B002W6ZXOS



Enjoy the taste of chocolate and don’t gain an ounce. Eco Lips has created three new organic lip balms based on flavours from Dagoba chocolate’s award-winning chocolate bar collection.  Made with Dagoba’s organic cocoa powder, these USDA Certified Organic lip balms are pleasing in taste and contain moisturizing and soothing oils for healing protection. “We’ve taken three of Dagoba chocolate’s top-selling consumer favorites and turned them into a blissful experience for the lips,” says Mark Patterson, CEO of Eco Lips.

 
The Dagoba Certified Organic Chocolate Lip Balm Collection includes the following flavors based on these favorite Dagoba organic chocolate bars: 
 
·        Raspberry: Raspberries, rosehips and dark chocolate bring the perfect balance of sweet and tart;
·        Mint: Dark chocolate blended with mint oil and rosemary essence refresh the senses and awaken the mind;
·        Lavender: Lavender, blueberries and dark chocolate offer a divine, calming experience.
 
Now you can have the sweet kiss of chocolate on your lips without the extra calories .
 www.ecolips.com. For more information, call 866.326.5477.
 
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