Smoking-Hot New Yorkers Dish Their Best Fitness Tips

Everyone's looking to slim down in the summer — for the beach, for the bikini, and for the cute new bartender down the block. And while we might be experts at say, wardrobe essentials, we don't claim to have our fitness game on lock. So, we turned to some of NYC's toned tastemakers to find out how they get their compliment-worthy bods.

From their favorite local juice bars to the ab workouts that promise to get you that washboard stomach in no time, these go-to tips from real-life New Yorkers are actually effective. Click through to feel the burn…from your desk chair. Just scanning the article counts as a workout.

Robyn Lawley, model



"Even as a plus-size model with Wilhelmina, I still watch what I eat, especially during the summer. My trick is to eat smaller portions rather than cutting out the foods I love so much (because as soon as you take the cake away from the kid, he/she will want it twice as much). Portion size is the biggest problem right now — many people don't know what a healthy portion of pasta, meat, or anything else is meant to be. I find that you can enjoy the foods you love, but just don't overdo it. Simply put: moderation is key. To supplement this, I work out with a trainer three times a week and include both cardio and strength training as part of my regimen."

Alejandro Ingelmo, designer



"My favorite juice bar is JuiceGeneration, the best flavor is the coconut acai. My current fitness obsession is CrossFit — I go four days a week, and the other days I spin at SoulCycle. My trainer at CrossFit, Ryan, has me do a cycle of five pull-ups, 10 pushups, and 15 squats, for as many rounds as I can do in 20 minutes. I just did my first CrossFit Challenge, called the Civilian Military Combine. You do burpees, box jumps, and kettle bells, and then run a six-mile course with obstacles throughout. It was amazing."

Lauren Bruker, SoulCycle Instructor



"My favorite workout is push-ups! I try to do at least 40 a day when I feel like my body needs a quick fix. You can do 10 in the morning, 10 at the office, 10 before a date...it's a nice way to break up the day! My go-to food is eggs. I love this amazing food. They're packed with protein, affordable, and delicious — you can eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!"

Jackie Warner, fitness expert



"My favorite diet foods are oatmeal, grapefruit, eggs, and, of course, water! For protein powder, I recommend my own — it is all natural, no sugar, no artificial flavors, and has antioxidants. My favorite ab workout is the plank: elbow to touch plank, drop plank, then straight leg drop. For cardio, I do 20 minutes on the treadmill — walk uphill at level 12 for two minutes (speed 3.5), run for two minutes (speed 6.5/7), then a one minute cooldown (speed 3.5). Repeat four times."

Chris McNally, stylist, RRL



"My secret weapon for an insane workout is a great warm-up. Forget the boring 10-minute job and grab a medicine ball and do balance work instead. Doing so before you start your normal workout routine is key, because it works on your core. Focusing on aligning the spine and keeping the abs tight will help you keep good form throughout your entire workout. After a killer workout my favorite spot to grab a protein shake or smoothie is Internal Yoga Natural Foods on 13th Street, they have the best juice bar in the city.

As far as snacks go, grab a handful of almonds and a bottle of water when you're hungry. Having about 12 to 15 almonds will give the boost you need to make it through the day. But the most important part of this snack is the water — it will expand your stomach and make you feel full longer. I also try to incorporate what I've learned from playing sports as a kid into my workouts and on the weekends. If I'm headed to the beach I'm always packing a football or a frisbee — a quick game of catch will keep those calories off. Working out should be fun so that you don't get discouraged. Results take time, so have fun and remember, it's progress, not perfection."

Rebecca Goodman, Equinox



"I am a total group-fitness junkie, and my latest obsession is Jaime Morales' Core Shaper and Total Body Shaper classes at Equinox Greenwich Avenue. Jaime's energy is totally infectious, and his classes are the perfect way to kickstart the day. Those core moves are key to being bikini-body ready. I have recently become addicted to kale in any form: kale chips, kale juice, kale salad. Juice Generation (at select Equinox locations) has possibly the best kale salad in the city, and their "Hail to Kale" juice (kale, watermelon, apple, lemon) is so delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day."

Misha Nonoo, designer



"My favorite juice bar is Melvin's Juice Box (the juice bar offshoot of Miss Lily's), as it's so close to my office, and does a delicious green juice called 'Body Good.' I also love Pilates Proworks on 14th Street for their brilliant TRX Pro Suspension training classes, which are unique and challenging. I did them for a month in the run up to my wedding and saw great results!"

Jeanann Williams, PR consultant



"I go religiously to classes at Body by Simone. Simone broke away from Tracey Anderson and started her own gym just a few short blocks from my house. Her cardio dance classes will transform your body and it's fun. The BBS Method creates long lean muscles and builds core strength. A lot of Aussie trainers and amazing energy from everyone at her studio. Sign up for semi-privates with a friend, it's great to share it with someone and keep each other committed. My sister-in-law and I train together. Exercise for endorphins, it makes you happy.

I live for Organic Avenue. A couple days drinking their juices and you will feel like a new person, completely reenergized and fresh. It's a quick fix before any special occasion, a few days on the juice gets you feeling svelte and fresh-faced. Even adding one of their green juices from time to time to your regular diet will get your energy levels up.

I also take a great combo of vitamins that a health fanatic friend tipped me off on: Soluble Iron, Soluble Magnesium, a Pro-Biotic, and Coconut Oil pills. I get all at Whole Foods. But overall, good health for me lies in keeping it simple — fresh, organic foods, and lots of water."

Sarah Howard, beauty blogger

"Pilates is my go-to, it's all about your core. Anything that increases my heart rate, i.e. real exercise, is not for me. I'm more of a strengthening and lengthening type of girl. Someone once told me that you can grow up to an inch from Pilates, and since I would be most pleased with an extra inch in the vertical direction, I was instantly hooked. In between classes, there's a great core exercise that anyone can do at home. It helps with posture and that coveted eight pack. Lay on a foam roller, knees bent, feet on the ground, arms straight out behind you. Slowly lift your leg toward your stomach to meet your right arm. Return both to their starting position and do the same on the other side. Reps of 10 on each side should do the trick."

Samantha Yanks, editor in chief of Gotham and Hamptons



"In Manhattan I love Chaise 23 — all the workouts are done in a chair! It sounds lazy, but you really feel it after the Reinvention class. Remorca has training down to a science. They are the only gym on the East Coast to use the same professional Polar technology as pro sports teams. But that doesn’t mean you’re just a number. Remorca’s trainers are big on connecting with their clients and forming a workout “community” in their gym.

In the Hamptons I love Provisions — I leave Flywheel Sports in Sag Harbor and go to their café for a quick smoothie and to pick up veggies for lunch by the pool. All of Provisions’ fruits and vegetables are organic, and they support our local East End farms."

How to Prepare for a Summer Vacation ?

Have you ever tried to prepare for a summer vacation at the last minute? It probably wasn't a success. Was it? It’s a fact: When going on vacation, most people bring more than they need. While women are almost always guilty of this travel crime -- often bringing five pairs of shoes for a six-day getaway -- men are certainly not immune to the over-packing syndrome. If you’re flying, one way to ensure you can’t pack too much is to take hand luggage only and fold clothing properly. Of course, preparing for a summer vacation entails season-specific considerations, and because less really is best for a warm weather break, we have put together this guide on what and how to pack so the lead-up to your holiday will be hassle-free. For our top tips on how to pack like a pro, giving yourself adequate time to prepare is one of the most important steps, so let's get started!

Steps

1. Find out where the place that you want to go is located. Research the tourist activities available to you. There is nothing worse than going to a place and not knowing what it has to offer. This is particularly true if you're short on vacation time and need to make the most out of your vacation.


2. Talk to your boss ahead of time and arrange the dates that you want off of work. The standard two week notice isn't appreciated most times. Give them notice as soon as possible and keep reminding them every month until the day of your vacation.

3. Find out what kind of transportation you will be using to get there. If you are taking a plane, make sure to book it months ahead of time. There are two reasons for this. One, your tickets will be much cheaper if you pre-order them. Two, you want to make sure that your seats don't fill up and then you're forced to reschedule your flight.

4. Book your hotel right after you've reserved your plane tickets. Make sure to prioritize and find out what is important to you. Find out where the hotel is located. If it's located on the beach and your main purpose of going on this vacation is to take your children to Disneyland for a couple of days, you might want to rethink your hotel choice.

5. Research the activities and sights you want to see. Find out the cost of all these activities ahead of time. That way when you get there you won't be short of money, and you will have adequate time to have save money before you arrive at your destination. Most of us aren't able to travel all the time, so you might as well be able to see everything you want while you're there.

6. Save extra money. Even after you've researched everything you want to do, it is always good to have a couple of hundred dollars just in case you see something else that you'd want to experience while on your trip there.

7. Learn about the culture if you're going to a completely foreign country. While we tend to think that our gestures are polite and friendly, in some countries they're interpreted as being rude. For example, the thumbs up means, "f... you," in some countries. In America, however, it is considered to be a symbol of a job well done.

8. Care about safety Law differs a lot around the world. Some things which lead to a fine are punished with several years of jail elsewhere. Another issue is health. Other countries, have dirty tap water that shouldn't be swallowed. Safety comes first, so learn about the country you are visiting.

9. Pack everything that you need. Make sure to bring your battery charger so that you can take plenty of pictures of your destination. Buy sunscreen, you don't want to look bad in your pictures. Remember to always leave your house a couple of hours early if you are travelling by plane.

10. Also, remember to bring converters for electrical outlets, if you're travelling to or from places with different types of outlets; for instance, from America to Europe or vice versa.

And:

Pack summer-friendly fabrics: Unless you’re headed to the Arctic to chill out this summer, you can bet the weather will be hot on your holiday. In fact, many regions of the United States, as well as much of Europe, the Middle East and Asia, will be sweltering this time of year. To beat the heat in style, you’ll want to limit yourself to packing apparel in summer-friendly fabrics. Cotton, linen, bamboo and silk are all top choices for a summer vacation as they’re breathable, lightweight and some are wrinkle-resistant. This means that they won’t take up much room in your travel bag and they’ll help protect against perspiration in hot weather. In case temperatures drop, it’s also smart to bring along a summer-weight cashmere sweater, which will keep you comfortable on rainy days or chilly nights.

Pack double-duty items: One of the best ways to save on space in your suitcase is to bring as many versatile items as possible. In fact, almost every piece you bring should fulfill two criteria. First, all the items you’re packing should work well together. Second, you should ask yourself whether a specific article can be used in an alternative way. For example, if you bring a leather carry-on and you’re headed to a sandy destination, you won’t be able to use that bag as a beach tote. On the other hand, opting for a canvas carry-on now means you no longer need to bring a dedicated beach bag. As well, a neutral pair of swimming trunks can work as casual shorts for daytime excursions and they’re easy to clean.

Shop for disposable fashion: Consider picking up a few things upon your arrival rather than weighing your bag down with items that can be purchased cheaply and without difficulty anywhere in the world. Flip-flops, a pack of basic T-shirts and even a funky hat are all examples of inexpensive necessities you won’t have much trouble locating -- even in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. Similarly, avoid overloading your toiletry bag by procuring shampoo, conditioner, soap, sunscreen, bug spray, razors, and shaving gel at your destination. If they don’t already supply these products, the hotel staff will be able to tell you where to find them.

Feeling a little less stressed about packing for a summer vacation? We have more tips to calm your nerves after the jump

Pack only the essentials: For a two-week trip, you’ll want to bring the following: your most flattering pair of dark hued jeans; one pair of neutral-colored cotton trousers (navy, black, or white are ideal) that can be dressed up or down; one pair of shorts that can double as a swimsuit; three T-shirts; two dress shirts that won’t wrinkle easily -- one of which resists dirt and spill and you can wear out two nights in a row; and one blazer.

Keep in mind that clothing that weighs less will take up less space, which rules out bringing several pairs of jeans as denim is heavy. Instead, wear one well-fitting, go-with-everything pair of jeans while you’re traveling. Footwear should also be kept to a minimum -- choose between one pair of sneakers or comfy leather sandals for sightseeing, and bring one pair of slide-on loafers that are dressy enough to wear out. If you’re flying, wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane. Also, a spot-cleaner, like a Tide To Go Stick, can save your wardrobe when you’re away from home -- so throw one in to your toiletry bag before jetting off.

Downsize: Vacation is the perfect time to let your facial hair grow out and sport a sexy scruffy look. For a two-week journey, you’ll likely only need one razor -- if you plan to shave at all. Additional items you should pack include deodorant, your favorite cologne, your toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb, and contact lens solution. Air travel now requires that all liquids and gels be under 100mL and contained in a resealable clear plastic bag. Be sure to pick up all of your grooming essentials in travel-friendly sizes. Many companies now make their products available in options that comply with flying rules and restrictions.

Less is more: Aside from airport annoyances, packing for a summer break can be the most stressful part of your vacation as you scramble around frantically trying to make sure you have taken everything you could possibly need -- including those fuzzy slippers you probably won’t wear on the plane. Now that you have read our guide, however, you know exactly what to bring and what to leave behind. So take a deep breath and relax -- after all, that’s what your vacation’s all about.

So, Packing and unpacking, perhaps the best time to clear those closets and drawers is after a long summer when you finally unpack for the last time. (Or, if you haven’t been away, just “pretend” the process as the summer ends and the new school year begins.) What, in those drawers, shouldn’t you wear any longer, haven’t you worn, or are you keeping “for the future” or out of guilt? Now, is the time to simplify your storage and your wardrobe (unpack it, so to speak) and open up some space to let the cool, autumn air in. Have a good summer vacation!

Accessories of Summer 2012

Top trends to wear in accessories for the spring and summer 2012 season. Accessories is easily one of my favorite fashion accessorizes, since it can easily make or break a wardrobe and practically make any plain item pop. This season we’re seeing a mix of classic pieces, trends for last year, as well as a whole new crop of trends that ever accessories love must try. Look below to see the latest styles you can wear this season.





Neon Hues - From clothing to footwear, handbags and even jewelry, neon hues are one hot trend.





Feather Accents - From Earrings to necklaces, dangling pieces of feathers can leave a sexy yet playful impression.





Fringes - From earrings to bracelets fringes are a surefire attention grabber.




Collar Necklaces – an elegant way to wear a statement piece.




Chain Necklaces – Add a bit of rebel to your wardrobe.




Stacked Bangles - Perfect for making fashion statements.




Statement Earrings - Earrings the grab attention to any wardrobe piece as well as your gorgeous face.

More Trends To Try
Dangle Earrings



Geo Necklaces



Floral Accents



Crosses



Stars

Why Be Fashionable “Fit” ?!

1. CHOICES – “I-landsproblem” is a Swedish term which describes issues and problems that arises in wealthy countries such as Sweden, Australia and the US. The lifestyle that many people chooses in these countries has an immediate correlation to some of our most common diseases. obesity, diabetics, and heart disease to name a few. Keep your body young and healthy and you will minimise the risks of getting a “rich man diseases”!




2. CONFIDENCE IS SEXY – One of the main reasons why I want to be Fashionable”fit” is because it makes me feel sexy. I think that you should always look at yourself in the mirror (naked) and say “Damn I´m sexy!”.




3. LOVE LIFE – Being fit makes me feel like a women especially in my relationship. Being fit takes your love life to whole new levels, if you know what I mean?!?!




4. SKIN IS IN – Obviously I´m a sucker for fashion and beautiful clothes, but I also have an obsession with shaping my body. I believe Fashionable”fit” makes you look stunning in clothes but more importantly without clothes!




5. BE INSPIRATIONAL – Fashionable”fit” for me is about sharing – I´m a big believer in sharing! I want to inspire others with my toolbox that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle. I never stop learning and I don´t think I will ever stop sharing…

Well that was a few reason why I want to be Fashionable”fit”!

What´s yours?

How Can You Keep Your Body Young and Sexy ?

When it comes to anti-aging, most of us focus all our attention on our face.

The truth is however nothing ages a woman more than a face that looks 35 sitting on body that says "senior". This is particularly true if you've invested in some serious anti aging facial treatments like wrinkle filling injections or even Botox.

The good news: Anything you can do for your face, you can do for your body! From professional treatments to over-the-counter lotions and potions there are ways to take years off your appearance head-to-toe!

Here's a sampling of what the experts say works to make you look years younger – all over!
All-Over Anti-Aging

1.Treatment area: The Neck & Decolette
Because the skin on the neck and chest (decolette) is thinner than on the face, it's one of the first places to show the signs of aging, particularly when exposed to the sun, says New York City dermatologist Doris J.Day, MD. That means skin care should continue way past your jaw, and lathering up the sunscreen on neck and chest is a must.

Because skin on the neck may be more sensitive than that on your face, skip harsh products like chemical peels or high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids. Day says look for moisturizers containing antioxidants that penetrate well and won’t cause redness, irritation or burning. Her favorite ingredients include grape seed or green tea extract, and vitamins A, C and E.

Professional care: "Botox works great for those aging 'tree lines' around the neck, and liposuction is a great way to eliminate that double chin, says New York University dermatologist Rhoda Narins, MD. To tighten skin on the neck, she suggests "Thermage" - a non-invasive treatment that uses energy waves to tighten collagen fibers and provide a small lifting effect. For skin discolorations and age spots on the chest area check out IPL ( intense Pulsed Light ) treatments.

2. Treatment area: Arms and Elbows
If you‘re like most women, the upper arms are not your favorite body part. But you can make the best of what you’ve got by getting rid of tiny white and red bumps, age spots and nasty dry elbows. ” Bumpy skin can be a form of blocked skin follicles known as keratosis pilaris or a type of eczema known as follicular eczema or it can just be dried skin, ” says Ken Beer, MD author of Palm Beach Perfect Skin and director Palm Beach Esthetic Center. What works for all three, he says are moisturizers with mild acids, as lactic or glycolic acids. “They are helpful at exfoliating the keratin plugs,” he says. If that doesn’t help Beer suggests a mild topical cortisone cream or emollients. To polish the skin on your arms he recommends micronized bamboo crystals in a heating scrub – or any type of mild abrasive.

Professional care: Beer says try IPL treatments for those brown spots and to smooth the skin. Narins suggests Thermage, followed by liposuction to tighten jiggly arms so they look smoother and firmer.

3. Treatment area: Hands
Another age giveaway are hands mostly because they get almost constant incidental sun exposure. If you do housework, especially dishes, chemicals can exacerbate dryness and make hands look even older. “As we age, our skin also gets thinner, but when you‘re dealing with the backs of the hands, where skin is already thin, any loss of fat underneath is obvious right away with loose, wrinkly skin,” says Bruce Katz, MD, a professor of dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Because skin is thinner, dark spots and pigmenation appear more prominent.

The solution: While using an ordinary hand cream with emollients like glycerin and shea butter can help ( particularly after your hands are exposed to water), what really makes a difference is to bathe your hands in the same anti-aging creams you use on your face. “Day cream, night cream, antiaging serums—whatever you‘re putting on your face, neck, and décolleté, put it on the backs of your hands as well,” says Katz. Also, don't forget sunscreen – a must to help you avoid age spots and wrinkling.

Professional Care: The goal here is to plump the skin on the backs of the hands, and Katz recommends fat injections (taken from other parts of your body) or a wrinkle filler like Restalyne. Various types of laser treatments can remove brown spots and pigmeneted areas, and lasers as well as IPL may help increase collagen production and tigthen loose skin, for firmer, plumper, younger looking hands.

4. Treatment area: Calves and Thighs
Toned, shapely legs can look good for decades. But when spider and varicose veins appear, they can age you faster than a tomato in the sun. Quick temporary fixes include spray-on leg make up, concealers, or a faux tan to reduce contrast between dark veins and pale skin. If that’s not quite enough, professional care is highly successul – and pretty quick.

Professional care: Narins recommends scleratherapy – a treatment which involves injecting the vein with a chemical solution that causes it to collapse. With no blood supply, the bulging and blue vein eventually disappears. Another process known as endovenus ablation – uses heat to accomplish the same thing. Depending on the size of the vein, laser treatments can also help – particularly for treating smallerspider veins anywhere they appear.

5. Treatment Area: Feet and Toes
While winter time may be your feet’s saving grace – what with boots, trouser socks and tights to hide those not so pretty feet - come spring and summe it’s going to be another story. Dried, cracked heels, corns, callouses and maybe thickened nails, can make your feet – and you - look older than your years.

To fight aging below the ankles, use creams containing gycolic acids. They’ll exfoliate dead skin cells and make feet look smoother. Morris Morin, DPM, director of foot care at Hackensack Univeristy Medical Center suggests a pumice stone on heels – or anywhere skin is thickened . If you really want to splugre, try using that microdermabrasion kit you just bought for your face on your feet, and follow with a potent moisturizer.

Professional care: Pay close attention to toe nails, says Morin. If they thicken and change color you could have a fungus, he says. Catch it early with professional care and your feet will keep your age a secret. Moreover, he cautions us not to be temped to chop off those corns and callouses on your own – or have it done by a well-meaning pedicurist. Either option can net you a nasty infection. Instead, see a podiatrist who can not only remove them, but also root out the underlying cause so they don't come back again!

Hairstyles for Summer / Springs 2012

Chic hair trends, haircuts, and hair ideas to play around with for spring and summer 2012. As we shake off the winter blues, and into spring sunshine, it’s time to try a new hairstyle to freshen up our looks and keep our style updated. This spring offers many new choices straight from the runway. From classic spring looks of blunt bangs and ponytails, to rising new trends such as glistening slicked back hair, and hair scarfs. Look below to see the hottest hair trends for this season.


Glistening Hair / Slicked Back Hair - Quite an edgy trend this season, simply make sure you hair shines with loads of promenade and oil to pull off this trend.






Twists / Braids – Continue to get twisted this season as the braid and now twists are two hot trends to try.










Ponytails – Sexy and chic ponytails are a look that never seems to go out of style.











Slight Wave - Last spring season was all about beachy waves, and while waves were still favored on the runway, this season they have a barely there feel.





Hair Accessories – This season create dramatic and unique updos with the use of embellished hair pieces.













Big Voluminous Blowouts - Create Volume in the crown area to create big hair in your blow-out routine.








Blunt Bangs - Already seen by quite a few celebrities, the blunt bangs are back and turning heads everywhere.