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editorial contributors Gregg Shapiro, Parker Carr Sue Deaunym, Anita Taylor, Michael Elder
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By Rick Karlin
On Thursday, Apr. 30, join in the fight against HIV/AIDS by enjoying a great meal with family or friends for Dining Out For Life, held in 60 cities across North America, including Chicago. In exchange for financial support, restaurants are listed in a city wide marketing campaign in an effort to increase customer traffic. Thanks to the more than $4 million raised from Dining Out For Life last year, licensed AIDS Service Organizations assisted more than 350,000 clients, delivered over 1.8 million meals, provided housing for 8,097 clients, 5,572 patients received health insurance, 5,491 received pharmacy assistance and 1,948 patients were given dental aid. In 1991, DOFL was created by an ActionAIDS volunteer in Philadelphia and now more than 3,000 restaurants throughout North America participate. As in previous years, Subaru of America is the corporate sponsor of the event. Over the years a number of celebrities have lent their support to DOFL, including Ted Allen, Pam Grier, Daisy Martinez and Mondo Guerra, all of whom are doing so again this year. This year regions and cities participating on Thursday, Apr. 30 (or another day during the month of April) include; Albany, Anchorage, Asheville, Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Birmingham/ Mobile, Clearwater, Charleston, Chicago, Columbia, Denver/Boulder, Detroit, El Paso, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Grand Rapids, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kalamazoo, Lake Charles, Memphis, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New Haven, Norfolk, Northern
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Nevada, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Prescott, Portland, Ore., Providence, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Silicon Valley, St. Louis, Tacoma/Olympia, Tampa Bay/ Orlando, Tulsa, Vancouver Island and Washington, D.C. All money raised in each host city, with the exception of an annual licensing fee of $1,150, remains with each local agency. In Chicago that agency is EdgeAlliance, which provides affordable housing and progressive services to children, women and men impacted by HIV/AIDS and homeless veterans, primarily in the North Lawndale area. Programs aim to achieve stable housing, improve wellness and transition towards greater independence. Offering both respite and permanent supportive housing options, the housing welcomes a diverse population including children, teens, young adults, people in mid-life, and senior citizens. Case management resources help residents with everything from learning to budget properly to finding the social services and medical care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. You can help organizing a group of friends and patronizing one of the DOFL restaurants on the day of the event. EdgeAlliance also relies on “ambassadors”, teams of volunteers who visit the participating restaurants, explaining the promotion to patrons, and leaving an envelope that they can use to make a donation. For more information on EdgeAlliance, DOFL or any of the agency’s other programs, go to www.edgealliance.org or call 773.359.0133.
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DINING OUT FOR LIFE Participating Restaurants THURSDAY, APRIL 30th %dontated 312 Chicago 312-696-2420 33% Acre 773-334-7600 33% Ann Sather Restaurant 773-348-2378 33% Anna Maria Pasteria 773-506-2662 33% Anteprima 773-506-9990 33% Atwood Cafe 312-368-1900 33% Avenue Tavern 773-975-7000 33% The Bagel Restaurant & Deli 773-477-0300 50% Bar Pastoral 773-472-4781 33% Big Jones 773-275-5725 33% Bistro Campagne 773-271-6100 33% Bistronomic 312-944-8400 33% Bluegrass 847-831-0595 33% Broadway Cellars 773-944-1208 33% Chicago Diner - Lakeview 773-935-6696 33% Chicago Diner - Logan Sq. 773-252-3211 33% Club Lucky 773-227-2300 33% Crew Bar & Grill 773-784-2739 50% Hamburger Mary’s 773-784-6969 33% HB Home Bistro 773-661-0299 33% Jack’s on Halsted 773-244-9191 33% Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club 773-525-1111 33% Lady Gregory’s 773-271-5050 33% Las Mananitas 773-528-2109 33% Las Tablas (Lincoln) 773-871-2414 33% Las Tablas (Irving Pk. Rd.) 773-202-0999 33% Longman & Eagle 773-276-7110 33% Magnolia Cafe Nookies Edgewater Ombra Pasteur Restaurant Sable Kitchen & Bar The Signature Room (95th Fl) Silver Cloud Southwater Kitchen Spacca Napoli Spritz Burger Summerdale Vivere Waffles Wilde Bar & Restaurant Wishbone Restaurant Wood
773-728-8785 773-516-4188 773-506-8600 773-728-4800 312-755-9704 312-280-0453 773-489-6212 312-236-9300 773-878-2420 773-868-9866 773-989-4300 312-332-4040 773-281-8440 773-244-0404 312-850-2663 773-935-9663
33% 33% 33% 33% 33% 50% 33% 33% 50% 33% 33% 33% 33% 33% 33% 33%
(See Ad for locations in BOLD)
Any Meal Dinner Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Dinner Any Meal Dinner Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Lunch, Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Lunch, Dinner Lunch, Dinner Lunch, Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Dinner Dinner Brunch, Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Any Meal Any Meal Lunch, Dinner Any Meal Lunch, Dinner Dinner Dinner Lunch, Dinner Breakfast, Brunch Dinner Dinner Dinner boiMAG
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By Rick Karlin
Nick Libert is a successful real estate agent and, in addition to other community activities, is the chair of this year’s Dining Out For Life DOFL event in Chicago. Our editor, Rick Karlin, spoke with Nick and asked him to explain why he feels DOFL is such a worthy cause.
Dining Out for Life in Chicago is a national event. What is the history of DOFL in Chicago?
DOFL was started in 1991, and coincidentally, EdgeAlliance, the local beneficiary of DOFL, was formed the year after. Almost immediately, the dynamic and partnership between the two was obvious. I can remember one of my first dining experiences in the city after moving here was for DOFL...even way back then it was so exciting to see so many people come together from across the city for an event that was both fun and beneficial directly to the LGBT community and those affected by HIV/AIDS. 12 boiMAG
How does the national DOFL organization figure into the operation? The national organization provides the marketing and mission "backbone" every year, i.e. giving us the foundation and medium to promote the event, but the local organization is what really puts it on and drives the event here in Chicago-and is the 100% beneficiary of the proceeds. Last year we raised more than $110,000 in contributions from participating restaurants, sponsors, community partners and individual donors How did you come to be involved in DOFL? As I mentioned above, I first became involved in DOFL as a simple restaurant patron reserving a table to support the event. Eventually my group became larger and larger each year, and I became an Ambassador, hosting the event at Wood restaurant for 2 years. This year, my real estate brokerage, Exit Strategy Realty, is supporting the event as a headline sponsor, and many of my agents are volunteering while I am working as co-chair. It's exciting to see my involvement grow and spread among my friends and industry peers. What is your background and what other, if any, events/fund raisers have you been involved in? I've been in real estate since 1998, moving my business to the city in 2001. I've always been involved in various charities, but EdgeAlliance really stuck out to me as an organization that was truly hands
on and affecting some of the most disenfranchised members of our local community. I knew I had to get involved, and eventually was asked to join the Board of Directors. Having EdgeAlliance as the direct beneficiary of DOFL is the perfect storm of involvement and advocacy for me.
How much was raised last year? What is your goal for this year?
Last year we raised $110,000 in contributions locally and $4 million nationwide. I'd like to see us once again break the $100,000 mark here in Chicago-the economy is stronger, our message is clear. It would be terrific to break last year's numbers.
How is the money raised used?
This is the exciting part, the money raised goes directly to support EdgeAlliance's high impact mission to provide high quality housing and services for individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS and who may otherwise be homeless or living in poverty. It's truly assisting people right here in Chicago who have little to no other avenues to turn or rely on.
How and at what levels can individuals become involved?
The biggest way they can contribute is to round up a group of friends or co-workers and reserve a table at any of the dozens of fine dining establishments participating. They can in addition pledge additional funds at any of the event location at the conclusion of their meal. For a list of restaurants participating, go to DiningOutForLife.com/Chicago boiMAG 13
Dishing Out Success
Dining Out For Life has grown over the years. Since 1991, Dining Out For Life has been produced by local HIV/AIDS service organizations; ensuring that funds raised local stay local. The data below measures the successes of the past eight Dining Out For Life events. The administrative expenses reflect those of the national organizing agency and do not factor in costs by local agencies, which vary from city to city.
2014
53 Cities 3,134 Restaurants $4.13 Million raised for HIV/AIDS 15.4% Expenses
2013
53 Cities 3,253 Restaurants $4.27 Million raised for HIV/AIDS 15.4% Expenses
2012
49 Cities 2,830 Restaurants $3.66 Million raised for HIV/AIDS 15.3% Expenses
2011
52 Cities 3,001 Restaurants $3.4 Million raised for HIV/AIDS 15.7% Expenses
2010
48 Cities 3,148 Restaurants $3.7 Million for HIV/AIDS 18.5% Expenses
2009
41 Cities 2,976 Restaurants $3.5 Million for HIV/AIDS 16% Expenses
2008
44 Cities 3,023 Restaurants $3.7 Million for HIV/AIDS 14.3% Expenses
2007 14 boiMAG
34 Cities 2,359 Restaurants $2.9 Million for HIV/AIDS 13.1% Expenses
Motor Mouth WHO'S ON TOP?
By Parker Carr
That’s “Who’s on Top?” not “Who’s a Top?” an entirely different topic for discussion. While gas prices are not quite as low as they were just a few months ago, but they’re still low enough that it hasn’t affected the sale of trucks or SUVs, which together accounted for half of the top-ten vehicle sales in America in the first month of 2015, according to Autodata.
2. Chevrolet Silverado
Impressive 45,395 January 2015 sales, an increase of 24%, are due in part to greater fuel efficiency 18/24 mpg and a reasonable $26,105 - $51,150 MSRP. The Silverado is available with one of three all-new EcoTec3 engines, a fully updated cabin and front and rear park assist.
3. Toyota Camry
1. Ford F-Series
Always a leader, the F-Series is back on top thanks to selling 55,236 units, even though it reflects an increase of only 7%. Ford F-150 took a revolutionary approach by offering an all-aluminum body on all of its models to reduce the curb weight and increasing fuel economy to18/25 mpg. Keeping the MSRP to $25,420 - $54,680 also helped. The F-150 is available with three cab styles and a choice of a 283-hp 3.5-liter flex-fuel V6, a 325-hp 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, a 365-hp 3.5liter EcoBoost V6 or a 385-hp 5.0-liter flexfuel V8. Active park-assist, blind spot and cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with collision warnings are among the options.
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The January 2015 sales figures of 32,942 units marks 14 % increase. The MSRP of $22,970 - $31,370 combined with 25/35 mpg appeals to the average car buyer. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
4. Ram 1500-3500
January sales of 31,298 bring up figures more 10%. Fuel economy of 17/25 mpg makes the 2015 more fuel efficient than its predecessor. MSRP of $25,410 - $50,380 provides a choice of cab styles and 4x2 or 4x4 drive types. Engine options include a 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter HEMI V8 or 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engines.
5. Nissan Altima
January sales increased nearly 3% with 28,474 units. MSRP of $22,300 - $32,350 27/38 mpg keep the frontwheel drive Altima near the top. It is offered in seven trim levels, with an array of standard and optional features, including luxury perks such as a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
6. Toyota Corolla
8. Honda CR-V
January 2015 sales of 22,298 reflect an increase of 16.7%. With an MSRP of $23,445 - $32,895 and 27/34 mpg the CR-V is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, all powered by a 185-hp 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, paired with a fivespeed automatic transmission.
January sales figures are up nearly 15% from last January. The MSRP of $16,950 - $22,955 makes it the most inexpensive of the top ten. Fuel economy of 28/37 mpg helps keep it on top with commuters. Options include a six-speed manual and fourspeed automatic transmission.
9. Toyota RAV4
7. Ford Fusion
10. Chevy Equinox
While January sales showed a decrease of 4.9%, the low MSRP ($22,500 - $32,780) and 22/34 mpg keep it top choice among midsize sedans. Available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, with six-speed automatic, or manual transmission. Rearview camera and running lights are standard.
January 2015 sales equaled 21,943, a 25% increase, and an MSRP of $23,680 - $29,850 with 24/31 mpg. The RAV4 is a four-door, compact sport utility vehicle, available in three trim levels. All models are available with frontwheel or full-time all-wheel drive.
January sales of 21,723 vehicles, a 14% increase from the same period last year, and an MSRP of $22,120 - $33,670 and 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway, the Equinox is a competitively priced midsized SUV. The Equinox is available in four trim levels and can be ordered with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. boiMAG 19
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By Gregg Shapiro
If you’ve ever seen any of Patrik-Ian Polk’s films, you know one thing for certain. Polk is a master of the ensemble cast. Beginning with “Punks” and continuing through “Noah’s Arc” (both the move and the TV series), as well as “The Skinny”, Polk has a knack for creating characters who are smart, sincere, sensitive, and exceptionally sexy. 22 boiMAG
INTERVIEW With “Blackbird”, opening in theaters on April 24th, Polk steps out of his comfort zone as a screenwriter and adapts (with the aid of Rikki Beadle Blair) the titular Larry Duplechan gay lit classic for the big screen. A difficult and emotional tale of a confused high school student named Randy who is struggling to come to terms with his sexual identity, “Blackbird” touches on topics ranging from coming out to religious fanaticism, from manhood to madness, from family relationships to relationships with chosen families, all guided by Polk’s deft hand.
Gregg Shapiro: Why did you choose Larry Duplechan’s gay lit classic “Blackbird” to be your first adapted work for film? Patrik-Ian Polk: I first read Larry Duplechan's book when I was a teenager in college in Boston and knew I wanted to turn it into a film someday. I think I wrote my first draft of the script back in 1991, in film school. Twenty-five years later, here we are, and the story is still just as relevant. We've seen gay white coming-out stories told every possible way, there are literally dozens of these films. I thought it was about time we saw that story told from a black gay man's perspective. GS: Has Larry seen the film, and if so, what does he think of it? P-IP: He was at our world premiere at Los Angeles' Pan African Film Festival, where we won the Founder's Award for Best Feature. He liked it. I'm just glad the film's release will strike up more interest in his books because the story he starts in “Blackbird” continues across several more novels. GS: “Blackbird” is also notable in that it is a collaboration with gay actor/ writer/filmmaker Rikki Beadle Blair. How did that come to be? P-IP: After living with my screenplay adaptation for several years, I decided it needed an injection of something
different. Rikki and I had become friends and collaborated on my series “Noah’s Arc”. I literally told him I wanted the role of Claire, the lead character's mother, to be the kind of meaty part that attracts Oscar-caliber actresses. Little did I expect that we would end up getting an Oscar winner (Mo'Nique).
GS: I’m so glad you mentioned Mo’Nique who plays Randy’s mother Claire. What was the experience of working with Mo’Nique like for you? P-IP: Mo'Nique is a consummate professional. I was pinching myself when she told me she wanted to, not only star, but executive produce it. As you can imagine, we don't get a lot of rehearsal time on independent films, but Mo'Nique didn't need any. She came to set ready to play, and she made magic with every take. GS: At the opposite end of the experience spectrum is newcomer Julian Walker, who plays lead character Randy. Why was he chosen for the role? P-IP: I trusted that the universe would send me who I was supposed to have in boiMAG 23
that role. And then young Julian Walker sent in an audition tape. Julian was a novice, but I saw a natural talent, that told me he was the one. After a few in-person auditions and coaching sessions, he nailed it. And I love the fact that Julian is openly gay. GS: Music plays a prominent role in “Blackbird”. In some ways it feels like a non-traditional movie musical. P-IP: The lead character in the film is a singer. He sings in the church choir, at school in the chorus and in theatre productions. And he's genuinely devoted to his Christian faith. And all this takes place in a small town in Mississippi. It was important to me that the music reflects all these characteristics. I picked an array of traditional gospel hymns and I wrote some country-pop songs for him to sing as well. It's an eclectic mix of music, but perfectly fits the movie and its locale. GS: “Blackbird” also makes comments about religion, as well as other hot button social topics including being gay, coming out, teen pregnancy and abortion. What can you say something about the relevance of social commentary in your work? P-IP: As far as I think we've come in my home state, Mississippi (where the film is set) is still very conservative when it comes to politics and legislation. It's one of the leading states in terms of abortion restrictions. Since we have a teen pregnancy in the film, it was the perfect opportunity to reflect the struggles we are having there with access to abortion and keeping it safe and legal and accessible. GS “Blackbird” made the rounds on the film festival circuit. How was that experience for you? P-IP: The film festivals have always been an invaluable resource for independent filmmakers, but especially for a filmmaker like me. There's no one out there doing gay black films right now. I'm the only one. Mainstream Hollywood still largely ignores us. If it were not for film festivals, both gay and straight, my work would not have reached half the people it has. boiMAG 25
QMUSIC
new double disc recording performed by the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. Gay actor and singer Cheyenne Jackson performs the role of Tony and EVEN MORE STAGES AND SCREENS opera singer Alexandra Silber can be heard as Maria. By Gregg Shapiro
As with its predecessors, Music from the HBO Original Series Boardwalk Empire: Volume Three features period tunes (the Prohibition era) performed by a stellar array of artists adding their distinctive touch to songs that will be familiar to some and a whole new experience for others. Regina Spektor, Elvis Costello, David Johansen, Angel McCluskey, Marshall Crenshaw, Nora Jones and Loudon Wainwright III are among the artists singing on the soundtrack which covers the acclaimed cable series’ final season.
Here’s the best part about listening to the two-disc deluxe edition soundtrack for Disney’s Into The Woods: you don’t have to watch the abysmal movie connected to it. That said, Stephen Sondheim’s songs (those that made it from stage to screen-there are a number of songs missing), survive unscathed, which is probably the saving grace of the soundtrack. Classic numbers such as “Children Will Listen,” “Stay With Me,” “Agony” (a shining moment for Chris Pine as Prince Charming), “No One Is Alone” and “On Do yourself a favor and read director The Steps of the Palace” (featuring a sparkling Anna Kendrick as Cinderella), Jean-Marc Vallée’s informative liner to mention a few, all retain their dignity. notes for Wild: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. His description of the process of selecting songs for this Oscar-winning film score composer various artists compilation, including and indie/industrial rock legend Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), teams up once songs by Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce again with musical collaborator Atticus Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, Wings, Ross and filmmaker David Fincher (with Portishead and Lucinda Williams, whom he worked on The Social Network among others is fascinating. The and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) for soundtrack is also worth possessing for First Aid Kit’s exceptional cover of Gone Girl: Soundtrack From the Motion R.E.M.’s “Walk Unafraid,” which plays at Picture. Spread out over the course the film’s end. of two CDs, the subtly throbbing and overtly haunting score is a suitable fit for the moody, suspenseful and violent The increasingly popular trend of turning movies into stage musicals film. The spectrum of the score is best continues with Andrew Bergman and exemplified in the dark beauty of “Just Jason Robert Brown’s Honeymoon In Like You” and “Like Home” to the eerie sonic style of “The Way He Looks At Me” Vegas, based on the 1992 movie of the same name. In fact, Bergman, who and “Consummation.” wrote and directed the film, also wrote the book for the musical, which stars "West Side Story", one of the most beloved musicals of all time (how could Tony Danza in the Caan role, as well as Rob McClure and Brynn O’Malley. If it be anything but, with all the gay nothing else, the musical has showgirls men involved in its creation, including and parachuting Elvises. Can a movie Jerome Robbins, Arthur Laurents, version of the stage musical based on Leonard Bernstein and, of course, the movie be far behind? Stephen Sondheim?) is celebrated in a
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Chicago's
in the know ... ON THE GO!
By Sue Deaunym
Big Packages
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus holds its big package with Lady Bunny on Saturday, Apr. 18, at Sidetrack. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. CGMC holds its annual fundraiser, the “Big Package Auction” on that date beginning at 4 p.m. and Lady Bunny is the celebrity host. Although I’m certain she wouldn’t object to holding a few of those packages, even in her hands… They know all about big packages at Touché. On Friday, Apr. 17 the bar holds its “Leather Eye for the Preppy Guy” annual leather makeover contest. During the event, one lucky preppy guy will be selected to be transformed into a leather stud (and IML is just around the corner). The $500 makeover features clothing from Leather 64TEN and is a benefit for Vital Bridges’ Groceryland Pantry… It will be M.A.F.I.A. night at Man’s Country Saturday, Apr. 18. If you don’t know what M.A.F.I.A. stands for, let’s just say that you shouldn’t expect to meet a bunch of Italian guys, and even if they are Italian, they’re not going to hurt you because they’ve got their hands deep into someone else. Get a manicure and head over… Father’s Day may not arrive until June, but you can still go to the Ram for its “Hot Daddy” contest on Friday, May 1. If daddies aren’t your cup of tea, check out Man’s Country for Twink Tuesdays.
International Knights
On Saturday, Apr. 25, Sidetrack hosts “Havana in Chicago” event raise money to provide medical supplies and services directly to the poor in Cuba. There will be a Cuban buffet, Cuban music and dance, Cuban-inspired cocktails and a silent auction. It’s $50 per person and tickets are available at the door and online at firsthandaid.org… Trikone Chicago, the group for South Asian LGBT and their friends will presents “Jai Ho! Bollywood”, on
Friday, Apr. 24 at Big Chicks. DJ Voxbox will blend Bollywood beats with in American pop for dancing and there’ll be performances at midnight. There’s a $5 suggested donation to help raise funds for Trikone’s Pride float and to support its programs … On Saturday, May 16 AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) holds its 30th annual gala at Chicago Hilton and Towers… On Sunday, May 3 Chicago House’s spring brunch and fashion show is at Harold Washington Library… The long anticipated Ladybug reunion will be held at Davenport’s on Saturday, June 6. Many of the bar’s favorite bartenders will be there. For more info, go to Davenport’s web page... It will be muy caliente at Circuit Night Club for its Cinco de Mayo event on-you don't really need me to name the date do you?... Sidetrack now starts show tunes at 1 p.m. on Sundays.
On Stage and Screen
On Saturday Apr. 18 Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band celebrates music educators at the Northside College Prep High School with “Mr. Holland's Opus: A 20th Anniversary Tribute”, a concert of music from the film Mr. Holland's Opus… Monday, Apr. 20 “Book of Mormon Cabaret: Turn it On!” features the cast of “Book of Mormon” in a cabaret benefit for Chicago House and Broadway Cares, at Laugh Factory. For tickets, go to www. chicagohouse.org... “The Apollo” Cabaret plays the last Thursday of every month at Hamburger Mary's… There will be a rally on Friday, Apr. 17 at Thompson Center Plaza at 5:30 for “Night of Noise” when the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance concludes “Day of Silence”, which protests the bullying of LGBT youth. GSA members talk about their Day of Silence experiences and Mister E. Machine, a Chicago-based ß rock group, will perform… "We're Still Here: Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrates Sondheim” plays at a variety of venues on a variety of dates. Check out the schedule at www.cgmc.org boiMAG 29
FIT TIPS
STABILITY BALL PUSH UP
By Michael Elder
For decades, stability balls have been used by personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike to add core training to their workouts. Core training means that the core musculature (abdominals, obliques, glutes, and the lower erectors) are constantly engaged regardless of the exercise that is being performed. There are countless exercises that can be performed on the stability ball that target the entire body. But because of the instability of the ball, core muscles are consistently recruited for extra support. For the purposes of this article, I will be focusing on the stability ball push up. There are two main versions of this exercise, one of which I will discuss in the next article. For this article I would like to focus on version 1, where your feet are planted on top of the ball with your hands on the floor in the traditional push up position. When done correctly, this exercise should adequately fatigue your chest and core musculature, thereby killing two birds with one stone. Because of the constant challenge to the core, Stability Ball exercises can also be great for helping to correct faulty posture and musculature imbalances. Try it- you’ll like it!
To perform the exercise, lye with your belly on the stability ball on walk yourself outward until your feet are on top of the ball. For an easier version, just walk out until your thighs are on top of the ball. Place your hands shoulder distance apart on the floor.
Pull your belly button in toward your spine and contract your abs. Inhale as you slowly lower your chest toward the floor. Exhale as you push yourself back up to the starting position without locking your elbows. Continue until you reach muscle fatigue.
Michael Elder has been working as a fitness professional in Chicago for the last fifteen years. He comes from a background in gymnastics and is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He can be contacted directly through his website, www.MichaelElder.com. 30 boiMAG