Author Archives: Brittany Mendenhall

I don’t know about you, but I’m past the bikini stage of my life. But just because I’m wearing a one-piece doesn’t mean I want to look frumpy. I came across a great swimwear site - swimsuitsforall.com - and they have the best one-pieces I’ve seen in a while!

They’re all about fit with suits to enhance or minimize your bust, showoff your legs, hide your hips, slim your core or give some extra length for us all tall girls! Check out our article on finding the right bathing suit for your shape for more info!

Bathing suits start at size 8 and go up to 34. The prices are affordable as well with plenty of great designs coming it at under $60 and sale items at under $35. Check them out and let me know what you think!

We all have that moment when our cravings take over and we want to eat everything in sight. Some of us have multiple moments when it’s that time of the month. Fortunately there is an easy way to satisfy your cravings without packing on the pounds. Let’s call it ” a little taste.”

When you have the urge to eat something that you normally wouldn’t/shouldn’t have a little taste and then stop. If it’s a candy bar, have a square. Chips – have a few. Ice cream – have two spoonfuls.

Studies show that when two people are craving something and one eats a whole serving, while another eats a few bites, they are both equally satisfied even though the first group ate 77% more calories*.

So yes you can have your cake and eat it too, just have a few bites!

Summer is coming and if you’re looking for a great guide to self-tanning, we’ve got you covered! Here are 8 tips for the perfect self-tan.

1. Plan your tan.

You should apply your self-tanner at least 2 days before going to the beach.

2. Make sure you exfoliate!

The self-tanner is applied to the topmost layer of your skin. This layer is made up of dead skin cells than only last about a week before they shed. If you don’t exfoliate, some of these cells will shed before others and you’ll be left with spots. I’m pretty sure the look you were going for was goddess and not leopard! Aim for an oil-free exfoliator and you’ll be all set.

3. Moisturize.

If an area of your skin is dry, more product will be absorbed there and you’ll end up with orange knuckles, elbows, knees and ankles. Make sure to use an oil-free moisturizers so the tanner will go on evenly.

4. Save your tips.

Make sure to apply Vaseline to your cuticles and nails to keep them from staining once you start. To remove self-tanner from your palms when you’re done, rub your hands on a washcloth. Don’t forget to get in between your fingers as well.

You told us your favorite celebrity body was Jessica Biel and we listened! Check out these workouts and you’ll be on you way to scoring her 7th Heavenly body. (Cheesy, but we couldn’t resist!)

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Whether you’re an apple, pear, hourglass or rectangle, this guide will help you find the right bathing suit! When you think about shopping for a bathing suit, the music from “Psycho” should not be playing in the background. Knowledge is power, and power will keep you sane in the dressing room. Now let’s get to it!

Step 1: Identify Your Shape

• Apple: Your waist is much wider than your hips and is the same size, or almost the same size as your bust.
• Pear shape: Your hips are wider than your waist and your bust.
• Hourglass: Your bust and hips are about the same width and your waist is much smaller.
• Rectangle: You’re thin with little or no difference between your hips, waist and bust.

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How many calories do you eat each day? Most women say 1200. But if you add in the sugar packets in your coffee, a few sticks of gum and that handful of trail mix you ate today, that number may be higher than you think. The only way to really know how many calories you’re eating is to keep a food journal.

There are plenty of apps to help you – MyFitnessPal is my favorite* – and here are a few tips to get the most out of your counting:

1. Record what you put in your mouth as soon as you do it. You may forget little things that may add up later. And if you have a selective memory you might also “forget” things that you shouldn’t have eaten.
2. Take notes and check for patterns. If you found that you tend to hit up the vending machine at 3pm every day, maybe you can pack a healthy snack for when the craving hits. Maybe you’re starving yourself all day and then binging at night? A great key to weight loss is eating your heaviest meals earlier in the day.
3. Don’t forget your exercise. It’s easy to just say that you’ll go to the gym tomorrow, but if you actually record your workouts, you’ll be able to see how much you’ve accomplished and you’ll be motivated to keep going.
4. Hydration is key. The best thing about a journal is you can even keep track of how much water you’re drinking. Drinking lots of water will keep you fuller between meals and will help replenish fluids you lose while you’re exercising.
5. Be honest. No one is going to see this but you. If you ate a whole pint of ice cream yesterday… WRITE IT DOWN. This is not a shame book. This is a journal to keep you on track and focused.

*MyFitnessPal is my favorite because when you close out each day it let’s you know how much you’d weigh if every day was like today. Pretty motivating!

fitsugar.com

What would we do without music? Well for starters, cardio would be a nightmare for some of us.  With so much music out there, where to start? Well I’m going to share some of my favorites with you. Feel free to add yours in the comments. The more music, the better! We’ve also got some great songs for interval training and mixes for any workout!

1. Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock – It Takes Two 
2. Calvin Harris – Girls
3. Florida – I Cry
4. Swedish House Mafia – Greyhound
5. Maroon 5 – One More Night
6. Psy – Gangnam Style
7. Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend
8. Daft Punk – Technologic
9. Outkast – Hey Ya
10. Limp Bizkit – Nookie

This issue is available at your club’s front desk or online here.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I have been working at Lucille Roberts since August 2009 and I absolutely LOVE what I do! I am married to a supportive husband whom I have been with for 18yrs, and together we have 3 amazing children–2 boys ages 9 and 5, and a daughter age 4. I also have 2 wonderful stepdaughters ages 24 and 26 whom I love dearly. I have lived in the Bronx my entire life, born and bred. But it was when I joined the Army Reserves in 1997 as a 54 Bravo (Chemical Specialist), where I got the opportunity to travel many places and learn many skills that are useful to me to this day. My hobbies include dancing, reading, learning new choreography for my Zumba classes, and spending as much time with my family and friends as possible.

2. How did you end up being a manager at Lucille Roberts?
It was probably happenstance. I was a loyal member of Lucille Roberts as far back as 2006. I got laid off from my previous job at an office in February of 2009. Since I always felt drawn to fitness,, I went to the 3rd Avenue location where I routinely worked out at, and submitted my resume with Manager Damasa, whom I now have the great opportunity and privilege to be constantly learning from. I started at the St. Nicholas location for a few months, then got transferred as a trainee (training to become assistant manager) to the Harlem location. After a few weeks there, I was transferred as an Assistant Manager to the 3rd Avenue location, where I currently work.

3. What are some personal fitness goals you have and how does being an instructor help you achieve them?
Some personal fitness goals I have are to one day participate in a women’s fitness competition. I know the training is quite vigorous and challenging, but it goes with the territory in the fitness industry. I intend to participate in one before I turn 40 (I won”t volunteer my age, lol!) I think if I can motivate other women to be as healthy as they can be, then that to me is an outstanding acheivement as well. Being able to reach out to women, and make even the smallest difference in their life is another goal of mine, For 2013, my goal will be to train hard and maintain a healthy lifestyle for myself, my job and my family.

4. What is the best thing about Lucille Roberts?
The best thing about Lucille Roberts is the passion we all possess in helping women achieve their own personal fitness goals. Whether it be to lose weight, maintain, tone, or even have that “me” time at the gym and release stress, these ladies have a safe haven, a place where they can be themselves and feel comfortable enough to work out, and speak to us about anything and everything, like a second home. You won’t find that at other gyms. Needless to say, we have the BEST classes and instructors, personal trainers, managers and staff overall, which is hard to beat. Our environment focuses on exuding fun and positivity –we do whatever is possible to keep our members happy, with a genuine and humble approach.

5. What advice do you have for women who are trying to lose weight and meet their fitness goals?
Having battled obesity as a child, then battling it once again after having my first child being 85 lbs overweight ( I weighed 215 lbs after the birth of my child), I had a very difficult time, emotionally and physically, trying to get fit mind AND body. All I can say is that ladies, you CANNOT EVER give up on yourselves! Stay positive even when it seems that the odds are all against you. It was a challenge for me to lose that weight but I was able to take off 85 percent of that weight in a year, with self-motivation and dedication. With that being said, just have faith in yourself, that no matter what you CAN and WILL reach your goals! For some it may take days, weeks, or months– whatever the wait, just keep at it! Things get better when you change your perspective on things. Nobody ever said it would be easy, but trust me, it will be WORTH IT! Strong mind=strong body!

Check out the full newsletter here.

When surrounded by family and friends, it’s hard to say no to good food. Whether you drank a little too much, had two or three helpings or had a slice of every pie/cake available, no worry. We’ve got a great day-after Thanksgiving detox for you!

Many people forget the true purpose of a detox which is to:

• Release toxins from your body by stimulating your liver;
• Improve circulation throughout the body;
• Refuel your body with healthy nutrients;
• Eliminate waste through skin, kidneys and the intestines

If you keep these things in mind, this will be just the detox your body is craving!

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You know the feeling. 3pm hits and you’re tired, you’re hungry and it’s not time to go home yet. You look around your office for something to eat. Leftover bagels in the conference room? Donuts on your co-workers desk? Candy from the vending machine? All of these are terrible options. What’s a girl to do? Eat one of these three snacks from Metro’s Joy Bauer to increase your energy level without increasing your waistline.

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1. Hummus Deviled Eggs

What: Protein

Why: Egg whites and hummus are both packed with protein that will curb your hunger and perk you up. Protein also stimulates your brain to keep you alert and focused.

How: Hard boil some eggs. Cut them in half. Replace the yolk with 1-2 teaspoons of regular or flavored hummus.

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2. Roasted Popped Energy Snack Mix 

What: Fiber and Protein

Why: Popcorn and edamame have plenty of fiber which will even out your blood sugar and make sure you have a steady supply of energy. The addition of peanuts will add a protein kick.

How: Pop 2 cups of air-popped or low-fat popcorn with 2 tablespoons of roasted edamame and 2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts. Sprinkle with seasoning (paprika or a spicy cajun blend will do the trick.) Bag it up and store it in your purse or desk for easy access.

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3. Chocolate Protein Pudding

What: Calcium and Protein

Why: The yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein and is a great “hold you over” snack. And the chocolate, well that’s just to make it taste good.

How: Stir 2 teaspoons of natural, unsweetened cocoa powder into one container of nonfat vanilla yogurt. Check out the benefits of greek yogurt and feel free to substitute.