Me, Ali Vincent and Dawn with University of Missouri Health Care after the event!

The following is a post sponsored by University of Missouri Health Care. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

Remember how I said I’d be introducing Ali Vincent for a special event in Columbia, Mo.? Well, it happened, and let me tell you, it was AWESOME.

First, I’m a Mizzou alum, so coming “home” to speak was truly an honor. Second, although I was super nervous for it, once I stepped on the stage to give my 15-minute talk on willpower and habits (which I’ll be doing a more in-depth version of tomorrow night online for free!) all the butterflies were gone. The audience—full of Ali Vincent fans—was amazing. I expected to have to pump them up a bit, but they were already amped and ready. I told them to stand; they stood. I made them do something goofy; they goofed it up. They even high-fived each other without me having to tell them twice. My kind of people.

Third, Ali is such a joy to be around! She’s just like you’d expect her to be—upbeat, funny, encouraging, down to earth and a hugger. She loves her fans and loves to help others, and if you ever have the chance to see her speak, DO IT. Her presentation about her time at The Biggest Loser ranch and her weight-loss journey is as inspiring as it is funny. (Also be sure to check out her TV show!) Fourth, the University of Missouri Health Care people I’ve been working with on this project have been amazing. They know how to put on a show, have a fantastic new blog, and I am super-duper excited to run their Go Girl Run 5K soon.

Which brings me to the topic of training…while I’ve been running twice a week for about two to three miles, I haven’t done nearly as much speed-work and hill-work as I’d planned. And Columbia is a hilly, hilly town. Seeing that I’m less than two weeks out from my race? Well, let’s just say that training isn’t the kind of thing you can cram for. In fact, you sort of do the opposite of cramming by doing the hard work early and then making sure your body is well rested so that you can push it to its max come race day.

With that said though, the last time I did a race my legs weren’t nearly as strong as they are now, as I hadn’t been working out three days a week at this place doing lunges, squats and deadlifts galore. So, I’m sticking with my goal to do this 5K in less than 30 minutes. And Dawn (who’s pictured above) is going to do it with me. Get ready hilly Columbia…we’re coming!

Any advice or pointers for us as we break the 30-minute 5K barrier? I’m all ears! Running Go Girl Run, too? Let’s meet up! Love Ali Vincent? Tell me all about it! —Jenn

Shaun T: Dig deeper!

This post is part of our FBG Birthday Week because, really, what says “celebrate” better than Shaun T’s abs? Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

He’s tough, he’s inspiring, and—let’s face it—he’s a hottie. Shaun T has taken the fitness world by storm in the last couple of years, and he (and those abs) show no sign of stopping. Hip Hop Abs and Insanity have just about made him a household name, and with his latest project, The Asylum, set to hit the infomercial circuit this summer, we’re pretty sure we’ll only see more of him.

Not that we’re complaining. Oh, no.

Currently, Shaun T is working with Powerade Zero and doing the rounds on the Zero Excuses Tour, but he found a few minutes to chat with us. And we managed not to giggle like schoolgirls.

Interview with Insanity’s Shaun T

• FBG: So, you’re working with Powerade Zero. How did you get involved, and why did you choose this partnership?
• ST: The reason I chose to work with Powerade Zero and do the Zero Excuses Tour is that one of the things I try to help people do is lose weight and get better bodies. If you want to lose weight, don’t drink your calories. With Powerade Zero, I can use it as a sports drink, which is great because my workouts are very sports-oriented.When I did an event with Powerade Zero last year, it was a great fit—they support all the things I preach about. They were excited and motivated, just like me. I think it’s just a perfect match.
• FBG: I’m told you lost 50 pounds in college, which must’ve been a huge challenge. How do you use the mentality that got you through your weight-loss when facing other obstacles?
• ST: In Insanity, the packaging says, “Dig deeper.” People who are overweight, they’re searching for a goal; every number is so important. I was 228 pounds, then I was 215 pounds, and I kept working at it, kept losing weight. As you start to go down the “weight ladder,” it gets harder to keep losing weight. [To get where you want to be] you have to dig deeper—focus and push through.
• FBG: Insanity is such a huge success, and it seems to coincide, timing-wise, with the rising popularity of other hardcore workouts like CrossFit. Do you think these workouts appeal to the same types of people? And are they complementary?
• ST: I know people who do Insanity every day, six days a week, and they go to the CrossFit box and do a round and see how fit they are. I say no workout is bad; every workout has a beneficial factor. There are certain things I don’t do in my workout, and I do it in CrossFit, and I’m so sore! And then there are things I do in Insanity that really work people who do CrossFit. So, I think they really help each other out.

Wouldn't you want to feel those abs?

• FBG: As you likely know, a lot of the ladies don’t just love your workouts—they love you. How has that aspect of your job affected your life? You know, being a sex symbol?
• ST: The one thing I love about the success of Insanity is that people see me on the street and they’re always so happy. They’ve succeeded at something, and I helped them do that. It’s actually really fun. I really like going to the events when people are like, “Hey, Shaun T, can I feel your abs?” And I’m like, what if my abs aren’t where I want them to be that day?
• FBG: That’s motivation right there!
• ST: Definitely. The people looking up to me, they hold me accountable. I love it.
• FBG: A lot of folks I know have copped to stripping down to their undies to do the Insanity workout. So, let me ask, on behalf of our readers—you’re home or in a hotel room, all alone, and doing a killer workout. What are you wearing?
• ST: I am wearing sneakers, socks and my underwear. [Laughs.] When I’m in a hotel room, what’s the point of putting on a pair of shorts and sweating them out? If you’ve got a mirror, you get a good view of your body and what you’re doing when you’re just in your underwear!

As a Fit Bottomed Girl who sweated through lots of shorts before deciding to just do the Insanity workouts in my undergarments, I’m glad to hear Shaun T is right there with me. And his four-word mantra to help us celebrate our four-year birthday? “Be in it to win it!” Okay, so that’s six words with two to grow on. We still heart him. And his abs.

Have you ever done the Insanity workout, and are any of you looking forward to Asylum? —Kristen

A true Fit Bottomed Girl, Mia Hamm!

This post is part of our FBG Birthday Week celebration! Check out all of the special four-year birthday posts and huge giveaways here!

When deciding on whom to name Fit Bottomed Girl of the Year for 2012, we knew it had to be someone who was strong, smart, focused, real and super-duper inspiring. Heck, she has to be able to hold her on in a room of Dara Torres, Ruby Gettinger and Stacy Lewis—which is no easy feat (those women rock!). While there were many candidates on our radar this year, only one stood out as someone we all truly wanted to be like: Mia Hamm.

Mia is widely recognized as the world’s best all-around women’s soccer player. In Atlanta at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, she lead her team to the gold medal, and in 1999 she helped the U.S. win the Women’s World Cup. In April of 1999, Nike named the largest building on its corporate campus after her. In addition to being super-awesome at soccer, she gives much of her free time to charitable causes and strives, in anything she does, to promote women’s athletics, the sport of soccer, and a feeling of confidence and sense of purpose in young people.

Um, yeah. A Fit Bottomed Girl through and through. We recently got to chat with Mia, as she’s been working with the Grain Foods Foundation, to virtually give her the FBG of the Year title and to find out more about what she’s up to these days, her workouts, her diet and her top tips. Although we gave her an honor, we were certainly honored to be in her presence…

Yeah, we totally geeked out that she accepted it. Now tell us, do you find Mia as inspiring as we do? Did she motivate you to play soccer or just become more of a bad-ass? What’s your favorite Mia moment? Do tell! —Jenn 

Misty May-Treanor is ready to play this summer.

Oooh, we are getting all Olympics crazed up in here! Not only are the Summer Olympic games fun to watch, but they are super-duper inspiring. Case in point: Misty May-Treanor. A two-time gold medalist, and currently the winningest female beach volleyball player with 110 individual championship wins in domestic and international competition, she is a force to be reckoned with. Despite the fame and success, we learned first-hand in an interview with Misty that she’s totally down to earth and has a sane FBG-esque approach when it comes to working out and eating right.

We chat with her about her new “From Grains to Glory” partnership with Arnold and Oroweat bread (check out her super-cute new commercial here), her favorite on-the-go eats, her training schedule and much more!  Read on for the Q&A!

Interview with Misty May-Treanor

• FBG: You’re working with Arnold and Oroweat Bread for its Slice of Gold contest. How and why did you get involved?
• MM: Yes, I grew up with Oroweat Bread. Funny how things come full circle. As an athlete, you want to believe in the brands you’re representing. This was a no-brainer for me. I already believe in the company and the brand, and it’s part of my daily routine. Diet is an important part of what I do, and I’m on the go constantly, so I do eat a lot of sandwiches because they’re quick and easy. For the contest, a lucky fan and his or her friend will win a clinic with me. I love interacting with people. It makes it fun and interactive.
• FBG: What are a few of your favorite healthy sandwich toppings?
• 

  All that training sure helps Misty May-Treanor on the court!

  MM: It depends on how I’m feeling, but I like roast beef and avocado, whole-grain bread with different veggies. I love tuna with sprouts and red onion and cucumber. That’s the beauty of sandwiches: you can make it however you’re feeling. There’s no wrong or right way to make a sandwich.

• FBG: The Olympics are right around the corner. What’s your training schedule like? Any favorite exercises?
• MM: It’s tough right now. I just started competing, so I’m training sporadically and the physical stuff off the court has tapered down. I’m on sand for about two hours, five days a week, but doesn’t include weight lifting after that on certain days or physical therapy or other plyometrics. For me, I love all Olympic lifts, cleans, snatches, squatting, push jerks, throwing around the heavy weights and dropping them on the floor. That’s fun for me. I think it’s fun to go into a gym and lift in the free weight area, where women don’t go very often. The men look at you like, “What are you doing?” I love to prove them wrong.
• FBG: Any workout moves you could do without?
• MM: My least favorite exercise are planks—but I believe that you hate an exercise when you’re weak in that area. So now I don’t steer away from them, and I’ve gotten stronger. I’ve always wanted to do a pull-up. I’m building up strength to do that now, so I’m excited.
• FBG: What are a few of your favorite foods to fuel those workouts?
• MM: I think it’s important to get a balance of protein, carbs and fats. Another thing people don’t think about is that you do need to eat every couple of hours. You have to have food with you most of the time, especially if you want the results. After training at the beach, I look forward to eating sandwiches before hitting the weight room, and I also like protein shakes. For dinner at night it’s fruits and veggies on the side, chicken. Who can resist a good steak either?
• FBG: Do you listen to music when you work out? What are a few of your favorite tunes?
• MM: If I’m stuck in traffic and the traffic is upsetting me, I’ll listen to calming music. For lifting and running and doing workouts, you need that music in your head to keep going, so I always like a good rhythm. I find that with it I can sustain workouts a little longer. My most recent downloads are David Guetta.
• FBG: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?
• MM: You gotta live life to the fullest because you’re not guaranteed tomorrow. My mom says that you have to enjoy what you’re doing because when you can’t physically do it any more or don’t enjoy it, you have to get out. You have to enjoy what you’re doing in order to be successful. And, yes, I’m really enjoying what I’m doing right now.
• FBG: What’s the best advice you can give our readers regarding health, fitness and happiness?
• MM: Don’t look for the quick results. Everyone looks to weigh themselves every day, but that’s one of the worst things to do. Weight is not a telltale sign that you’re getting fatter—you could be building muscle mass. I go by “at what weight do I feel like I’m playing my best” versus what the scale says. Give yourself time. Set a goal and one that’s attainable, and you can always move from there. Don’t get discouraged; there are going to be ebbs and flows. Especially when you want to get in better shape, diet is more important than exercise. You can exercise all you want, but if you don’t have a good diet it won’t matter. Eat better and the results will come.
• FBG: Anything else you’d like to add?
• MM: If people are looking into getting in better shape, get a partner to go through the journey with them.

Yep, she’s an FBG! Is one of your dreams to train with a sand volleyball superstar like Misty? Well, this could be your chance. Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Breads (the Official Bread Supplier of the U.S. Olympic Team) have partnered with Misty and are offering the opportunity for one fan to win a private volleyball clinic with this two-time Olympic gold medalist. Simply submit your personal “Slice of Gold” sandwich recipe on the Arnold and Oroweat Facebook page for a chance to win the clinic.

We cannot wait to see her out on the sand volleyball court. How about you? —Jenn

Dolvett Quince has the best smile, no?

This man and smile needs no introduction, but we’ll go ahead and give him one because we love to dote on him. Dolvett Quince is the real deal, yo. The newest trainer on The Biggest Loser, he’s committed, talented and gets amazing results. (Plus, have you seen that smile?) On May 12, Dolvett will be hosting the 19th-annual Self Workout in the Park (oh, how we love that event!), so we had the chance to talk to him about that and so much more. Squeal!

Interview with Dolvett Quince

• FBG: Are you pumped to host Self magazine’s Workout in the Park event? What will your hosting duties include?
• DQ: Yes, I am very excited to host the Workout in the Park—looking forward to getting everyone in shape. My hosting duties include getting the crowd ready, working them out and leaving them with a sense of accomplishment for that day.
• FBG: What have you learned while being on The Biggest Loser ranch?
• DQ: That hard work will—and always will—equal results.
• FBG: The Biggest Loser fans aren’t always an easy bunch to please, but everyone loves you on the show—including us! What’s it like to be one of the most famous trainers in America now? What’s it like to be a sex symbol? (We and our readers agree you have the best smile, ever.)
• DQ: Thank you so much. I appreciate your support. I’m honored to have a voice in something I’ve always believed in my entire life, helping people get and stay healthy. I’m flattered that you think so.
• FBG: What’s your own workout routine like? Healthy eating plan?
• DQ: Go hard or go home. I love to include many different styles in my regimen in my week including yoga, weight training, hiking, biking, just to name a few. I eat extremely clean throughout the week, maintaining a specific caloric count. I choose one day to increase that caloric count, forcing my body to work hard. This concept is called “Shock the Body” inside and out.
  

  Self Workout in the Park is filled with all kinds of fun workouts!

• FBG: What’s your best advice for getting off those last 10 to 15 pounds? The last stubborn five?
• DQ: My best advice about the 10 to 15 pounds is to increase your water intake, try different styles of working out and make necessary calorie adjustments. I’m a huge fan of supplements, preferably organic. Dr. Oz and I both agree on the benefits of chickweed tea.
• FBG: What gets you motivated to work out? And how do you keep that determination up?
• DQ: My number one motivation is music. If it’s hip-hop, I won’t stop. Hard work and determination are a driving force in my life.
• FBG: How do you balance healthy eating habits and enjoying the pleasures of life—like a beer there or a happy-hour appetizer there?
• DQ: One should always have balance in his or her life. Any extreme is unhealthy whether it’s eating too much or denying yourself celebration of life. The key to health is balance, so indulge once in a while.
• FBG: And we’re dying to know, boxers or briefs?
• DQ: Both—boxer briefs.
• FBG: What’s next for you?
• DQ: I’m working on a book and a 20-city tour.
• FBG: Anything else you’d like to add?
• DQ: I’m honored to have been chosen to be a part of Self Workout in the Park. If my research is correct, I’m the first male to ever host this event, and I’m still smiling.

Boxer briefs…the best of both worlds, no? Want to see more of Dolvett? Tickets to Self Workout in the Park are on sale now for $20 at www.SELFWorkoutinthePark.com! And don’t you love him now more than ever?—Jenn

Alison Sweeney snacking on the go!

We obviously love Alison Sweeney. Heck, we named her Fit Bottomed Mama of 2011 we think so much of her! A mom of two who is committed to a healthy lifestyle (um, she just ran a marathon in 4.5 hours!) and is a rockstar at her career—host of The Biggest Loser, Sami on Days and now Hollywood Girls Night on the TV Guide Network—she pretty much embodies what being an FBG is. So when we had the chance to chat with her about her recent partnership with Yoplait Light to spread the message that making small changes in a person’s everyday life can make a big difference, we gobbled it right up. Just like we do Yoplait Light’s Black Forest Cake flavor. Um, yum…

Interview with Alison Sweeney

• FBG: You’re a busy mom and actor. How do you make time for workouts?
• AS: It’s all about planning ahead. I look at my schedule for the next day and figure out when I can fit in a workout, and then I put it in my calendar, and pack my gym bag so that I’m ready to go. I take it seriously, and have it in my priorities just like any other meeting or appointment.
• FBG: What are a few of your favorite healthy swaps for not-so-healthy foods?
• AS: Well for me, the perfect example is my weakness in the bakery aisle—Red Velvet cake. My mom’s is the best, but I am always tempted…the Red Velvet Cake Yoplait Light is so delicious, it totally satisfies that craving for me, and saves me 300 calories while I’m at it!
• FBG: What’s your favorite Yoplait flavor?
• AS: Raspberry Lemonade. Refreshing and tasty.
• FBG: Tell us about Hollywood Girls Night. How did it come about and what has the experience of filming it been like?
• AS: Well, Ali Landry and I really loved our Supper Club night with our celeb friends. We have so much fun, and it’s such a nice way to get to know each other better. The more we thought about it, the clearer it was, especially the reaction we were getting from our friends on Twitter, wanting to do their own girls nights, etc. We thought the show would really appeal to other women. So we included the prep—tips on us getting the meals ready, our themes, etc.—and we’ve had such a positive response from all the women who’ve been a part of our evenings. We loved the filming…it was such fun. Everyone’s laughing, having fun and really connecting. We loved shooting it.
• FBG: In Hollywood, everyone seems to be thin, fit and gorgeous. How do you deal with the pressure?
• AS: It does seem that way, doesn’t it? I guess I don’t really think about it. I know that’s like a cop out. I focus on the ideals of our show, and the lifestyle we support at The Biggest Loser and work hard to incorporate that into my own life. I think ultimately, those are the important values—balance, health, fitness…taking care of ourselves so we can be around with our loved ones!
• FBG: You recently trained and completed a marathon. (Go you!) First, why? And second, how did you find the time? Any tips you can share?
• AS: I ran in the Honda LA Marathon this year, and let me say, I am so proud to have finished. Wow—it was even more difficult than I thought it would be. I literally pushed myself to the limit with that one. I loved the training (even though those extended runs can get a little…boring), and I did it for the accomplishment. I was inspired by all the BLers who have run the BL marathon…it is such an achievement, and I have seen them cross that finish line with such pride…I thought…I should do this. So, the changes in my body were really a side effect. I was psyched, don’t get me wrong, but that wasn’t why I did it, if that makes sense.

Love her take on Hollywood, and we have to check out her new show. Just another reason why she’s our home-girl! Any other Ali Sweeney fans out there? Let’s hear why you love her! —Jenn

Two things we love: Bob Harper and oatmeal.

We love a lot of things around here on FBG (check out this series for proof—we’re all about the love!), but two things we really, really love? Bob Harper and oatmeal. We recently had the chance to ask Bob (swoon!) a few questions about his breakfast of choice: oatmeal.

As a spokesperson for Quaker oatmeal, he shares his favorite oatmeal toppings, tips on eating before and after a workout, and how to up your metabolism when trying to lose weight. Have we mentioned we love him? That’s just not because of the last question…he knows his stuff! (And that smile…)

Interview with Bob Harper About Oatmeal and More!

• FBG: Why is oatmeal a good breakfast choice, what are some of your favorite toppings and what do you recommend?
• BH: Oatmeal is a great choice for breakfast because it gives you the complex carbs your body needs for fuel, it packs a punch with fiber that will keep you feeling fuller longer, and also it is just so easy and convenient. Some of my favorite toppings are blueberries and slivered almonds. I also love to mix my oatmeal with scrambled eggs for a great protein/carb combo.
• FBG: If you work out in the morning, what’s the best time to eat breakfast?
• BH: I recommend getting in around 200 calories of protein/carbs and fat 45 minutes before your workout, and then within the first 30 minutes after your workout, have a balanced breakfast that would definitely include oatmeal.
• FBG: How does breakfast help you to be healthier and maintain a healthy weight?
• BH: Think about it, your body has gone for hopefully eight hours without food, so you need to start throwing wood on the fire that is your metabolism and if you make healthier choices earlier in the day, you are more likely to continue that pattern. Think about getting your biggest meals in the morning and your smallest meal in the evening.
• FBG: What do you eat for breakfast most mornings?
• BH: Right now my breakfast consists of three whole eggs and three egg whites scrambled with a bowl of oatmeal and definitely coffee!!!
• FBG: Anything else you’d like to add re: breakfast—or anything really? Feel free to declare your love for Fit Bottomed Girls here.
• BH: You know I LOVE my Fit Bottomed Girls. I always love the support that they have given me for such a long time now. My main thing that I want to say that I touched upon earlier is focus on getting your biggest meal earlier in the day and taper off as the day goes by. If weight-loss is your objective for 2012, this is a sure fire way to achieve it. Also, HYDRATE!!! Drink plenty of water every day.

We never tire of hearing Bob say he loves us (and by “us” I mean me, our writers and all of the awesome readers who happily call themselves FBGs!)…HAPPY SIGH. Do you eat oatmeal? What are your favorite ways to fuel in the morning? Let’s talk breakfast! —Jenn

This is where Bob Harper works out, Brick CrossFit!

Why are you reading about dude-related stuff? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week, that’s why! Click here for all the special posts, and please share with the guys in your life! This post is from Mark Arana, who is always up for a challenge—even if it includes trying workouts that kick Bob Harper’s butt!

Every “dude” wants a good workout, especially if you’re sacrificing sleeping in on a Saturday morning. At least that’s how I felt when I had to get up for a 10:45 a.m. Brick CrossFit workout in West Hollywood, Calif. Okay, I’ll be honest; I woke up at 8 a.m. because I was anxious to try this type of workout that is now considered the new hot trend in fitness. CrossFit workouts are everywhere, popping up in all the major cities across the country. They even have competitions that can be seen on ESPN. I needed a different routine. I was in a fitness rut and needed something to challenge me. CrossFit seemed like the way to go…

After stopping by for some fuel (aka coffee), my girlfriend and I finally made it to the gym. It’s tucked away in the corner of a small lot located on Santa Monica Boulevard. Did I mention that Brick is home to The Biggest Loser’s star trainer Bob Harper? The staff said he’s there every day working out. I did meet him a week before, and the CrossFit workouts look like they’re definitely paying off. He’s added more muscle to his physique and is stronger than ever.

Behold the pull-up bars at Brick CrossFit...

After settling down, I stood and watched other CrossFit members work it out. They were doing handstand push-ups, pull-ups, rows and other moves that drew hearts in my eyes; I could be in love. However, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to keep up. From hearing about it from other friends, all I knew was that it was intense. I felt that my workouts were not good enough to hang with these CrossFit gurus. I was told that I would be participating in the beginner CrossFit workout. This helped my nerves settle down a bit. As we got started, JP and Mosir, our trainers, sat us down and told us a little about what we could expect. The one thing that stuck with me was that CrossFit is not for those who compete against each other. The workouts are for you to compete against yourself. Not everyone will be as strong or have the same endurance. So, the most important rule is pushing yourself to what you’re capable of doing.

At Brick CrossFit, you rarely repeat a workout. Every day a new challenging routine (Workout of the Day or WOD) has been developed by a trainer and is written on “The Board,” a big white dry erase board. The workout we did consisted of a four-minute jump rope warm-up, active stretching and a two-part WOD. The active stretching felt like a workout in and of itself. We did lunges across the room, squats while pushing our knees out with our elbows, and inch worms to help stretch our hamstrings.

After the hardest warm-up ever, we got busy. We started with a Tabata workout, consisting of 20 seconds of full effort with only 10 seconds to rest, which was repeated for eight rounds. We did air squats and alternated with push-ups every other round. As we got through each round, my arms and quads were shaking. With CrossFit, everything has to be performed correctly. JP explained that with correct form and body alignment, you maximize your workout with efficiency. This is why I was terribly pooped by the eighth round. I just kept reminding myself that I was here to challenge myself and no one else.

FBG Tish doing ball slams!

The next part of the workout included four rounds of six wall balls, six ball slams and six burpees—with no breaks in between. Okay, this is what I was having nightmares about. These three moves all consist of endurance that works the major muscle groups.  When performing the wall ball, you grab a heavy 12-pound weighted ball, squat as low as you can and then stand up tossing the ball against the wall. When performing ball slams, you grab the same 12-pound ball and slam the ball to the floor as hard you can. And when performing burpees, you squat down to the floor, kick your legs out, bring your chest to the floor, then bring your knees back into to your chest, stand up and jump while clapping your hands over your head.

These three moves were a deadly combination. During it, all I could think of was “six, six, six.” It’s probably not the best three numbers to repeat to yourself, but it’s what got me through. FINALLY, after four rounds of those deadly moves, I was done. I hadn’t felt so good about a workout in such a long time.

I may have had hearts in my eyes when I first walked into Brick CrossFit, but after that workout, I was definitely in love—and now want a committed relationship with CrossFit. I was always a skeptic when I heard about CrossFit, but after experiencing this muscle-wrenching program and  listening to JP and Mosir talk about the other hard-core programs BRICK offers, I know I’m going to be back. —Mark Arana

Brett Hoebel helps Rocco, a contestant on Fat Chef, lose the weight.

Why are you reading about dude-related stuff? Because it’s Fit Bottomed Dudes’ Week, that’s why! Click here for all the special posts, and please share with the guys in your life! 

While The Biggest Loser season 12 was a bit of a train wreck in the trainer department, we were bummed to not see Brett Hoebel come back for season 13. But thankfully, these days you can still get plenty of Brett on the Food Network’s new reality show Fat Chef.

On the show, Brett helps overweight chefs end their abusive relationships with food and regain control of their lives. We recently had the opportunity to talk to Brett—a straight-up Fit Bottomed Dude—about his new gig, his time on The Biggest Loser and more…including whether he’s a boxers or briefs kind of guy. Hehe. You know we had to ask.

Interview with Brett Hoebel

• FBG:  Why did you want to be a part of Fat Chef?
• BH: Because the country needs health revolutionaries. The food industry is riddled with unhealthy practices, misinformation and obese chefs who should really be representations of health. My hope was to transform these chefs physically, mentally and emotionally, and have them become role models to activate, educate and motivate Americans across the country.
• FBG: What was the experience like?
• BH: Inspiring! When “the light” turns on inside someone and they begin to really change their life, it’s an amazing experience and very, very gratifying. It’s one of the most fulfilling parts of what I do.
• FBG: Most people know you from your time on The Biggest Loser. How is Fat Chef different from BL? Similar?
• BH: Very different because this show is “real life,” i.e.—they are accomplishing all the results while at home working 12-hour days, having to balance family, friends, etc…they were not secluded on a “Ranch” where they have 24-hour access to a gym, access to trainers six to seven times a week, all their food paid for and shopped for. It’s similar because they still lose an INCREDIBLE amount of weight in a very short time. They still have to overcome emotional issues that are rooted in their abusive food habits. And they still must go through my grueling training program…there are no shortcuts and no excuses.
• FBG: Is this show a better fit for you than The Biggest Loser?
• BH: I think I’ve definitely found my niche of helping very “unhealthy” people transform physically, mentally and emotionally. I think I’m suited for both shows, not one vs. the other. Helping overweight children is next on my list.
• FBG: What are your workouts like?
• BH: You’ll have to do a workout with me! If you ask anyone who has gone through them, they would most likely say very physically and mentally challenging. I believe life begins right outside your comfort zone…and that’s where I like to take people in my workouts.
• FBG: What’s a regular day of eats for you?
• BH: Pre workout “greens” juice/shake in the morning loaded with veggie protein and super-foods, egg whites with grilled chicken and veggies post-morning workout, Shakeology whey protein shake/meal replacement snack, salad with grilled salmon for lunch, hummus or raw nuts for afternoon snack, grilled chicken with sweet potato and veggies for dinner.
• FBG: What’s the No. 1 fitness tip you could give to our readers?
• BH: It’s not an exercise or a diet…it’s “Walk your talk and live outside your comfort zone.” When you do this, you will build the inner strength needed to endure the physical and mental challenges it takes to change your body and your life. No matter what new piece of exercise equipment or diet fad is en vogue, it’s you and your will that gets it done. End of story.
• FBG: Boxers or briefs? (We had to ask.)
• BH: Briefs! Made the change…never going back.
• FBG: Any other thoughts?
• BH: I hope America is inspired by the journey these chefs went on. The results they accomplished are extraordinary and took place while living their very busy and stressful lives. The food industry is a difficult place to stay healthy, and I’m very proud and honored to have been a part of what I hope will be a “health revolution.”

Okay, we’re officially smitten. That bit about living outside of your comfort zone? SO true. Love it. Love Mr. Hoebel. —Jenn

Could your best and fittest self be just a breath away? Ellen Barrett thinks so. Workout DVD creator (we’ll review one of her new Ellen Barrett Live titles tomorrow, in fact!), book author and all-around awesome chick, Ellen gets that being fit has as much to do with the mind and the spirit as the body. So when she offered to share her recent video on the power of breath in regards to weight loss and health, we were psyched to share it with you. Read on for a short Q&A with Ellen on the importance of proper breathing, followed by the six-minute workout that you can do at home anytime you need some energy!

Interview with Ellen Barrett

• FBG: Most of us don’t think about breathing. How can we improve our breath?
• EB: I think today, as opposed to even 10 years ago, stress has infiltrated not just our bodies but also our breath, making it tight, strained and not as abundant, so the best thing you can do for your breath is to relax in general.
• FBG: What gains can we expect from better, deeper breathing?
• EB: Better, deeper breathing make for more oxygen in the system which makes us feel more alive.
• FBG: Can breathing take the place of a workout?
• EB: If your goal is to energize, then breathing can be an energizing workout. If your goal is to de-stress, then breathing can do that, too.
• FBG: You have a pre-schooler at home, so it’s safe to say you’re always on the go. How do you keep your energy going when you’re sleep deprived?
• EB: I’ve learned to use my breath as a tool to be in the moment because if you exclusively focus on your inhale and exhale, you can’t be anywhere else but “here.”
• FBG: What workouts do you do when you’re tired or don’t have a lot of time?
• EB: One of my favorite workouts is Fusion Flow because it’s so fluid and “soft”—feels like a wakeful massage. I’m also a fan of restorative yoga and long soaks in the tub.
• FBG: What was the inspiration behind your two new Ellen Barrett Live DVDs?
• EB: Honestly, I felt that there was/is a strong need for workout DVDs to do two things simultaneously: burn fat and de-stress. People today need to lose weight AND de-stress, not just one or the other.
• FBG: How are these workout DVDs different than others that you’ve done?
• EB: I’ve always been genuine in my DVDs, but in the new ones, Power Fusion and Grace+Gusto, I’m completely uncensored! They both have nice sequencing and just enough repetitions to keep you invigorated.
• FBG: Anything else you’d like to add?
• EB: Be kind to yourself. Workouts shouldn’t be torture or make you feel “not good enough.” On the contrary, they should lift you up!