OK, Pg 78: Body talk with: Jennifer Lopez

J-Lo’s body is quite incredible - to quote her “you could serve coffee using my rear as a ledge”, but this article really doesn’t give us any fantastic information, other than she doesn’t like her ankles, and sleep is her “weapon”. She likes to circuit train, she does special squats (but doesn’t mention what makes them special), and she practices Krav Maga, which is an Israeli martial art. Clearly, she likes to play her exercise cards close to her chest (which isn’t as ledge like as her butt). I’d already read most of this elsewhere, so I’m giving it a low, low **

On the same page, there’s a small article about Julia Roberts’ way of keeping track of her weight, which doesn’t involve scales. She keeps the brown polka dot dress from “Pretty Woman” on hand, and tries it on every so often to make sure she’s the right size. While I don’t love the dress, this a great method of tracking your weight, as scales aren’t reliable, and if you’re weight training will always give you a figure you don’t want to see. Taking measurements can be a pain, so judging your weight by the way your clothes fit is a perfect way to do it - as long as it’s a realistic size you’re trying to get into. ***

Woman’s Day, Page 13 “Oprah, My Fat Misery”

This is the second time I’ve reviewed an article on Oprah that isn’t some groovy celeb diet we all love to read about. While Oprah’s public face is usually one of amazing success at weight loss, balanced life, and being completely in control, this article seems to show it’s only a facade. She (allegedly) opted out of lap band surgery, but is terrified of gaining more weight, as she’s unable to control her addiction to food. Ironically, she’s writing a multi million dollar diet book with her trainer Bob Greene, so her rapid weight gain over recent months couldn’t come at a worse time. I wonder what Dr Phil would have to say about his best buddy’s predicament?

Page 66: Brooke, my secrets to staying in shape

Swimming champion Brooke Hanson has a list of nine great tips for staying healthy, ranging from making the most of your environment for incidental exercise, to taking a good multivitamin to help keep yourself feeling great. Good advice from someone who knows her stuff. ****

Page 67: The Biggest Loser Fridge Raid

If you’ve wondered what the contestants on TBL are eating, look no further than this article to find out. Clare Collins, the show’s nutritionist gives a few good ideas about eating when you’re trying to lose weight, and shares one of the contestants’ favorite recipes. Not bad info ***

Famous - Pg 10 “Get even, get hot”

If you’ve just been dumped, follow these celebs lead and whip yourself into the best shape you’ve ever been in. Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie and Carmen Electra (just to name a few) list the regimes that got them looking smokin’. Interestingly, and hearteningly, Famous includes Jessica Simpson and Cameron Diaz as stars who may have taken things a little too far with weight loss in their quest to look great. I’m heartened to see they’re not advocating extreme overhauls as being a positive thing. ***

Pg 62 - A-List workout - get a … body worthy of the red carpet in 12 weeks

7-day training plan , combining strength training, cardio, and flexibility which will allegedly transform your body into a super star state in three months. This article is publicising a book written by ten celebrity trainers (which I have to admit I’d probably buy). I’m really hoping this is only a precis of what they’d be getting their clients to do. Day 2 involves cardio, broken into two parts - moderate (walking) and low (swimming), which I have no issue with, but the “flexibility” component is a hamstring stretch. If you’ve swum hard for twenty minutes, I’m tipping more than your hammys are going to need stretching.

There’s definitely some good ideas here, but not enough on each day for my money to make the big differences claimed. Maybe I’ll buy the book and see what the go is … or at least read it in Borders … *** Some good ideas, but needs beefing up (to coin a phrase)

New Idea, Pg 66. Get fit with Guy: Get in date shape

Guy Leech trains a bunch of celebrity ‘fitness wannabes’ and gives some tips about what mere mortals can do to make last minute improvements to their bodies before a date. He suggests exercising on the beach, which is great if you have the opportunity to do it. ***

Weight related headlines:

OK - just a little one, on page 67 “The Skinny Debate” about the size of models.

Woman’s Day, pg 68 - Junk food is saving my baby’s life (!)

Cam’s ab fab, pg 108 (Cameron Diaz)

Has Paris had a boob job?, pg 114