|| CONTENT || A N N I V E R S A RY I S S U E
32 Marzia Prince
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Jasmin Savoy Brown
Yoga Instructor Crystal Milana
Exclusive Interview with Internationally Published Model
Heather DePriest Photos: Mario Barberio
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Agostina Laneri 56
TV Personality & Sports Broadcaster
Bonnie-Jill Laflin
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Beyond the GOLD
By: Marzia Prince Actress
Jasmin Savoy Brown talks The Leftovers and fitness
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Lindsay McCormick
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with Olympic Champion
Shawn Johnson
Spring Clean Your Workout Routine Workout Partner: Tim McComsey
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Celebrity Trainer, Fitness Guru, Worldwide Fitness Expert, Motivator, Coach and Nike Ambassador
Model, Television Personality & Sportscaster Photo: Mario Barberio
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Entrepreneur & Fitness Celebrity
Viviana Soldano FaBrizio
Talks about her modeling experience & her Non-Profit Foundation
Amore for Dogs
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Agostina Laneri
Bonnie Anina
Lindsay McCormick
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72 Viviana Soldano FaBrizio
Finding Your Happiness By Internationally Published Fitness Cover Model
Tiffany Gaston
Photos: James Patrick
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Transformation Coach & Spokesmodel
Nadine Dumas liveFIT SERIES
Photos: James Patrick
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92 YOGA, a lifetime
practice
Heather DePriest, Photo Credit: Mario Barberio
By: Yoga Instructor Crystal Milana Pose of the Month: Sid McNairy IV Photos: Brian Landis
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Bonnie -Jill Laflin
Tiffany Gaston
Fitness & Commercial Model
Jen Republic
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Model & Actress
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Readers Spotlight
Leha Long Bonnie Anina
Photos: Alfredo Omana Padron
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|| LETTER FROM EDITOR || e welcome you to our first anniversary issue of MOST Fitness. Over the past year we have been honored by so many #MOSTChampions. Our debut issue featured Nathalia Melo, our first #MOSTChampion holds the 2012 trophy as Ms. Bikini Olympia. Inside the pages of our fourth we have some amazing images from one of our favorite photographers, Sarah Lyons. She has some dynamite shots of #SocialMediaStud Joe Thomas. Our year of champions also flexed some muscle with Ashley Kaltwasser, three time Ms. Bikini Olympia. At the halfway mark of the year we went big featuring the Jamaican born, three time gold medalist, Sanya Richards Ross. And we did not slow down, finishing the year with tennis #MOSTChampion Ana Ivanovic. As our second year begins, we continue our march towards the Rio Summer Olympics. This issue features some familiar faces, some returning to the magazine and others recognizable by their fame and impact within the fitness and athletic communities. Each interview within these pages will give you insight on the character of the athletes as well as motivation to keep you on your path or help you find the right path to fitness excellence. This month we’re speechless and humbled by the support of our readers, who helped us reach two million impressions! MOST continues to interview celebrities and athletes from all over the globe because of your continued readership. We dedicate this issue to you. And there is no one better to help us celebrate a MOST milestone than Olympic Champion Shawn Johnson! There are only a few months left until the 2016 Summer Games in Rio, so of course we had to continue our series with this gold-medal gymnast. Shawn dominated the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, bringing the United States medals in balance beam, all-around, floor exercise and team. She shares with MOST her story before, during, and after the games. Spring is around the corner and it is time to clean out the pipes. This issue we brought back MOST alum Marzia Prince to get you back on track. It is time to shake off your winter workouts with a fresh routine. Jen Republic comes from modeling fame, a versatile professional that photographers cannot stop talking about. MOST is always fortunate to feature trailblazers in the fitness community, Bonnie-Jill Laflin is just that. A successful TV and radio sports broadcaster, Bonnie-Jill became the first ever female NBA scout for the LA Lakers. Add member of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to her resume and you’ve just scratched the surface. We hope you’re watching The Leftovers, because it is one of TV’s hottest shows. Star of the show and Freeform’s Stitchers, Jasmin Savoy Brown spoke with us about her journey through TV and making fitness a priority. If Leha Long cannot inspire fitness greatness, well we know she can. Leha has a long and varied history with her personal fitness and has come out the other side a true champion. A model and actress of no limits, Leha is a true #MOSTChampion. Agostina Laneri puts her money where her mouth is as one of the best celebrity trainers. Agostina molds her training techniques to each person’s needs, and she’s a Nike Ambassador to boot. Speaking of superstars, do you recognize Lindsay McCormick. We brought back Lindsay to talk about her explosive career as a sports broadcaster. MOST had the honor to sit down with internationally published and Guess model Heather DePriest. In an exclusive interview, Heather spoke with us about her career as a model and her rise to fame. Sporting a short haircut and killer curves Heather made headlines in September’s Playboy. A model of perfect proportions, Heather’s interview is not one to miss. I know you’ll enjoy your ‘tumble’ through this issue. Editor-in-Chief
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Publisher:
MOST Media Group LLC
Editor in Chief:
Biani Xavier Managing Editor & Associate Publisher:
Kelly Price Managing Editor:
Darcy Tharp Editorial Assistant & Contributing Writer:
Evani Seested Art Director:
Miriam Jave Director of IT & Creative Solutions:
Rajiv Ghangrekar Contributing Designer & Writer:
Jenna Belt Contributing Associate:
Jessica Jessie Brian Landis Crystal Milana
Social Media Marketing Manager and Associate Editor:
Brian Price Contributing Writers:
Sabina Bloom Jason Cloninger Elizabeth Price Denise Smith Austin Thomson Kia Vang Lilly Willner Editors/Proof Readers:
Ben Donnelly Marrisa Poe Mayelee Watts Social Media Strategists:
Edna Jones Marrisa Poe Mayelee Watts
You will find related information to this and previous issues by following us at:
Most Magazine
MostMag.tumblr.co
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Internationally Published & GUESS Model
@Heather_DePriest-Instagram Heather DePriest-Facebook Photographer - MARIO BARBERIO www.mariobarberio.com | Instagram @Mariobarberioproducts Hair & Makeup - Michelle Vanderhule Wardrobe Styling - Joi Salvador
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eople that know her call her Feather Heather. As her nickname implies, Heather DePriest may look as light as a feather, but she is as strong and spunky as they come. She is absolutely the coolest girl, who you want to be your best friend (but it sounds like she has a pretty good crew already). Heather is so easy going and nice, that you wouldn’t even know that she has joined the ranks of iconic GUESS Girls before her who have modeled for both Guess and Playboy, cementing her eminence as a top model to be remembered. Sporting a short haircut and killer curves, her steaming hot September cover and spread in Playboy made headlines and rocketed Heather to sex symbol status. As an athlete growing up, Heather also always wanted to be a model and her height and willowy looks made her the perfect candidate. But more than that, it is her charisma and the way she carries herself that ultimately led to her big breakthrough being discovered by GUESS. Heather tells MOST Fitness the incredible story of meeting Paul Marciano, how Playboy affected her career in a very positive way, and how her upcoming venture into acting transpired. Revealing a great sense of humor, Heather told me in all seriousness, “I have 14 dogs,” when asked about her passions outside of sports and modeling, which actually does include dogs just not 14 of them! She also offers some do’s and don’ts for aspiring models, which pretty much comes down to being yourself as much as possible! For Heather that means athletic, sexy, down to earth, and fearless. Combine these and you get the epitome of a versatile model who can seamlessly transition from racy and provocative to high fashion and artsy and a fabulous combination of them both. And with a multitude of shoots coming up, we can bet that we haven’t yet seen the best of what Heather can do. Luckily for fans of Feather, you will get to witness the gorgeous face in the photos come alive as she showcases more of her natural talents on screen very soon, portraying a very relatable character. Oh and did I mention for all you hopefuls out there that she just might still be single, but who knows for how long that will last!
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MFM: How did you first get your start as a model? Was this always something you wanted/planned to do? HD: When I was growing up, even from a young age, my mom was always being told by strangers, she is so pretty-she should do modeling. So when I was younger, they put me in little commercials and stuff like that, but later it got to be too much for my parents as they were both teachers and middle class and had to work full time. So with three girls all doing activities, they couldn’t keep us in everything. I was also in gymnastics full time, for about four hours a day, but then when I got too tall, I started doing volleyball and basketball which I also did all throughout college. In high school I wanted to model, but I was so busy with sports that I couldn’t do it at the time. After graduating high school, my parents said to get your BA degree first, then go model and do what you want to do. My dad is the Vice President of San Diego Christian College, and that’s where I attended; and after graduating in 2010, I came up to LA and just started knocking on doors.
MFM: What do you miss most about playing organized sports and being part of something? HD: The thing that I miss the most is having a set schedule; it’s crazy as a model. You don’t get up and go to work every day, but every other day we do casting and shoots, but it’s not a set schedule. Myself, Heather, I become a better person when I have a set schedule knowing that I’m going to see those same people and have those set relationships. I really do; life feels more calm and organized with set relationships, like you have in sports, college, or in a regular job, like just having a normal sense of coming home and eating dinner. Some days I go about my day, and I’m like what did I even accomplish today?! But it is a very free life, of course, my life as a model. You have a very free life-you can be as busy as you want to be. MFM: Congrats on your recent Playboy Cover in September! What was your favorite part of that shoot? HD: Thank you! I’m hoping to shoot with them again in the non-nude section of the magazine. It was actually kind of cool to be the second to last nude cover since Playboy is going to stop doing nudes. Josh Ryan was the photographer, and he and I have been friends for a long time. He has been talking about me shooting the Playboy cover ever since he’s been working with them. They’ve been using Josh to re-up the magazine and go from, I don’t want to say blonde bimbos, but go to more of a fashion magazine instead of that kind of magazine. Josh really created a more elegant theme, and made the magazine more edgy and more fashionable with its covers and spreads. So I think the best part was that they asked me to choose my hair stylist, and so I got to use my GUESS hairstylist. Josh was my friend, and the stylist was my friend; so it felt literally like I was shooting a regular day just off with my friends, but of course at a much higher stage. There were a million people there, with crazy lights, and it was obviously more special than a regular shoot. It was just really a lot of fun. MFM: It is very fitness inspired-were you involved in coming up with the various sports concepts? HD: That’s also why I agreed to it. Josh and I talked about what I liked and what I would feel comfortable doing. And what I didn’t want to do was to be in lingerie and pearls with French doors and being that Playboy model in a cliché of a scene. Josh knew that I’m athletic and created this whole scene/theme of it being athletic and sexy, and I was SO down for that.
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are a lot of iconic Guess girls who did Playboy, and so it’s just awesome that I can be one of them. It turned out to be a really good thing instead of a bad thing like people thought when I was originally going into it.
MFM: How has being on the cover of Playboy affected your work and image or changed your life? HD: Being on the cover of Playboy was kind of exciting, and thrilling. I guess you kind of get different sides of people, and some of my agents didn’t know if I should do this, but when it came out they said omg congrats- it looks amazing! Some of them were worried about it putting me into a category, like now I can only do pinups and can’t go back into high fashion or editorial shoots, but it didn’t do that for me which was great. All it did was it gave me a lot more presence, especially in the social media world. Honestly, the social media world is the world to be in. That’s how a lot of girls are making their money, and that’s where a lot of girls are being booked from. And so having that status and being able to be in that category helps out a lot. It’s definitely a good thing to have in your book, or to have in your backpack, I guess you could say. Being a GUESS girl that did Playboy is a big deal. There
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MFM: Do you have any advice for aspiring models? HD: My best friend’s dad’s boss’, younger daughter is 14 and an inspiring model. He begged and begged and begged for us to go talk to her, and she was honestly perfect. She was already 5’9, had a beautiful face, and for any girl that age, meeting someone that is established like me and wanting to do what I do, is a big deal. I would expect some girls to come out in full face makeup and all this stuff, but she played it completely right. She came out with her soccer clothes on, no makeup, her hair up, and that’s when you know. There are a lot of times when girls get way too done up, and you know I was guilty of it in the past. I would go to a meeting with a really tight skirt on, a tank top showing my boobs, and hair bleached blonde with extensions, and I was just horrendous. I remember the woman literally made me go home, shower, put jeans on, and come back with no makeup and in some Converse, and then she knew. She was like now we are getting somewhere. Don’t try to change yourself to be a successful model. They don’t want to see you all dolled up. That’s what you see in magazines, but they do that later. The only way you are going to be successful is to be yourself, number one, and be outgoing, be friendly,
don’t wear pounds of makeup, put your hair up, and put on some tennis shoes. If you are going to be a successful model, don’t overdo it. MFM: They call you the Guess Girl-is that the biggest/best company you have gotten to work with so far? HD: Oooh yeah, and it’s crazy. It’s like something every model dreams to be, and it happened so fast for me, that I couldn’t even comprehend what all happened. Paul Marciano found me in a restaurant. I was sitting at a bar with my best friend, and we were just having happy hour drinks and appetizers. We were talking, and he came up to me, and he said, I’m so sorry to interrupt; it’s not just your beauty, but your presence that is what’s calling me over here-it’s your aura, your energy, it’s crazy. He kept asking me if I model and all of these questions, and I was just looking at him and he was like, oh wow I’m so sorry, my name is Paul Marciano. Of course he asked me who my agent was and wanted to book me next week and all this stuff, but being in LA, I have learned that people talk and they say a lot of things that they are going to do for you and they never do. So I never even told my agent or my mom or anybody. I was just like, ok cool bro, have a good day. My agent called me two days later and was like why didn’t you tell me you met Paul Marciano, and I was like oh he called you? I didn’t even know he was going to call you. I worked with them just doing e-com for Marciano for about two months, and then he told me, you are shooting the GUESS and Marciano campaigns, so good luck, and that’s kind of how it happened. Within four months I was shooting campaigns for GUESS and Marciano, and I had literally met him in a bar. It’s really cool. It’s definitely something to have, again in
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my backpack, and in my portfolio, and you can’t really deny that. Obviously there are other big things outside of GUESS, but that has truly been the biggest thing in my life so far as a model. MFM: What is always in your model bag on the day of a shoot? HD: Snacks, that’s the most important-I’m a big snacker. You never know what the food is going to be on set. Sometimes they get pizza for lunch, and I’m like are you kidding me-I’m supposed to be a model! So it’s always good to have energy bars and bring your own water. Sometimes you are out in the dessert and are with a silly team who doesn’t know what they are doing, and they don’t even bring water. Also, always bring flip flops and tennis shoes because you never know if you are going to be hiking or walking, and especially in LA, you never know if you are going to be at the beach. I would say to always bring a hair tie, but I don’t need that because I don’t have hair, and your phone or laptop if you are working on something. Sometimes there are a couple of models and you might have time to wait and you never know what the day will be like. I also always bring a big sweater or sweatshirt that goes to your knees, and is big, wooly and warm; I call it my grandma sweater. I did a shoot a month ago where we were just being creative, and it led to us being at the beach and the photographer saying why don’t you take your clothes off and roll in the sand. I just had a little baby towel with me and ended up wearing that and putting my big wooly sweater on and driving home. You just never know what’s going to happen at a shoot. MFM: What is your favorite, go-to style and look in terms of makeup and clothes? HD: One thing my friends will always tell you about me, is that I’m very guilty of being, we call it “pageant ready.” I can be pageant ready from out of the shower in wet hair, to I’m going to a formal event in a gown, and be fully ready within a half an hour. I don’t know why I can do that, but I’m not very picky I guess. A lot of my friends have to sit there and put concealer on and then they put powder on and that alone takes them half an hour. Then they have to do each eye, and they have to do so much blending and this and that. They do all this stuff, and I’m like why are you guys you guys wasting so much time! If you would just do it like I do. I put a couple of eye
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shadows on, some eye liner, some foundation, some blush, and some concealer and lips, and I’m done! I’m like you guys will look the same as you do now, but you take three hours! But if I’m just going out for the day, I don’t usually even wear makeup, or I just put on a little foundation, blush, mascara, and eyebrows. Most of the time I’ll wear my Jordan’s or AirMax and a cute little outfit, whether it be leggings or sweats. What I like to do is wear my workout clothes all day, so that it looks like I’ve been active. That’s an attractive quality here in L.A. MFM: What does a typical day look like in terms of meals and food for you? HD: That’s definitely my issue. I love fast food. I guess my mom never gave it to me when I was younger, so as I got older it became something that I loved. My name is Heather feather, like the tattoo on my hip, and I was always made fun of for being so skinny, so when I grew up and hit 24 or 25, I then realized you can’t eat crazy. I’m definitely guilty of not doing food prep though, but my roommate tries to get me to plan meals and gets me to cook with her. I love this honey mustard dressing, and when there is a shoot and a specific goal that is coming up, I definitely buy it a lot. I eat hard boiled eggs in the morning, and I either go hiking or I have a trainer at LA Fitness and do a Pilates class or a kick boxing class. Most of the time though, and what I learned from basketball, is that I love doing sprints on the treadmill. What’s good about that is that if you do sprints for half an hour or 45 mins, your body works out the rest of the day from the sprinting, and your body will keep that mentality. So your metabolism will be really quick all day, and I swear sometimes when I do that, I end up sweating all day! And I love grilling chicken and BBQ and having grilled veggies-it’s so good. And of course I’m guilty of
the cheat meal here and there; especially if it’s been a long dieting process, I’m definitely going to In & Out! MFM: You have some amazing images shot by Mario Barberio-They are very colorful, where did you shoot? HD: We did it in this place where Mario knows the owner. It’s an hour east of here, in the middle of nowhere, and I was like where are you taking me, where the heck are you going? We went through the dessert, and there was one liquor store and a Domino’s pizza and a McDonalds in this town, but then there was this huge, beautiful, structure. It looks like a water park, or a theme park, with huge walls and different waterfalls, and all in the middle of nowhere. It’s crazy; there is dirt and dust and brown everywhere, and then there is this huge white pond of beautifulness. At the time it was painted pink for a L’Oréal commercial, and now everything has been there. Victoria’s Secret did a shoot there, and they’ve done a Ford commercial. It’s crazy how it took off. It was really awesome because not a lot of people get to do it, since normally you have to pay, but Mario knew the guy, so we got to do it for free. But the sad part was that the owner had these four dogs who were way too skinny, and I almost called
ASPCA; it was so sad. I work with a company called Models and Mutts, and that’s what we do. When shelters get these dogs they take pictures of them, but they are scared in their cage and look terrified, so people don’t want to adopt them based off of those pictures because they probably think, oh they will bite my hand off. So we go to these shelters and video tape the dogs with us in an open yard and take cute pictures with the models and dogs. Then they use those images for their websites. Although it’s really hard; I’m so emotional about dogs and animals and trying to do that and not take them all home with me is really hard. MFM: The Olympics are coming up this year-do you follow them at all? If you had the chance, what sport/s would you like to participate in? HD: Gymnastics-a gazillion percent! That’s one of the best to watch too. My sisters and I always watched the gymnastics events and the swimming ones. I love to watch all sports, and football season and basketball season are my favorites, but with the Olympics you love to watch other sports that you wouldn’t normally sit down on a Saturday night and order pizza and watch on TV. Oh and the high diving too-that’s one of my favorites! I
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would love to do any of that actually. During the ‘96 Olympics, we recorded over one of my sister’s birthing videos back when VCRs were there, and it was like you can do it Kerri, when she broke her ankle but then still landed the second vault and won the gold medal for the gymnastics! We recorded over my sister’s birth, and it was the best thing ever! MFM: I saw in your interview with Rant Hollywood that you are one of three girls in your family and your dad encouraged you to play sports! I am the same with two older sisters! Did you ever feel that it was difficult to go from being a hardcore athlete to doing something like modeling and acting? Were your sisters as into sports too? HD: When I was playing college basketball or in high school basketball or anything, I was always the girl that wore lip gloss to the game and had fake nails and was always the girly girl on my team. So even though I sagged my shorts, and wore my sweats to school every day, I was still the cute girl who always had her hair nicely braided. I’m sure my teammates weren’t surprised to see me modeling later. Both my younger sister and her husband became chefs, and my older sister, she swam and is a geek; she is really smart, so she just did the school thing. MFM: You said you are getting into acting and are collaborating with your friend Dave Meyers-What can you tell us about the role you will be playing in his upcoming film? HD: Well it’s really cool, and I’m very excited about it. It’s going to be a 10 episode web short/series. Dave and I are really close. I did my first music videos with him when I was 21, and ever since then and pretty much every national commercial I’ve done has been with him. He’s always been a really good guy and a great mentor and someone to look up to for sure. So it came about from speaking with him about how throughout my life I’ve dated and everything, and it’s getting to this point where I am 27, and I’m like oh my god, I’m supposed to be having babies before 30. And now, I’m almost 30, and I don’t have a boyfriend. Dave and I were having all these talks, and that’s really where the idea came from. So what he is creating is a web series for girls, well women, who are growing up and not hitting the marks they were supposed to hit while growing up. So each episode will be what I
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go through in my mind and what I do in my life and how I create a solution for that problem. For example, oh I’ve gone on 17 first dates, and I haven’t had a second date or things like that. Each episode is going to be my character and her friends or her boyfriend or whoever going through this life with her to try and solve a problem that actually really doesn’t need to be solved because she’s only 27; she has her whole life to live! It’s going to be really cool. The good part about this is it’s going to be relatable to a lot of people, other than just doing something really off the wall and creative. So we are hoping a lot of people will relate to my character, and then maybe it can carry over to TV or film, or we’ll see what happens. MFM: What other acting gigs might you have coming up? Or future plans/projects you are working on? HD: I’m doing acting classes right now. It’s so funny because I’ve never really seen acting as being a goal of mine, but I’ve been exploring it since Dave and I did this short. He did the casting and saw 250 people, and then one day called me and said I’ve seen all these girls. I don’t like any of them. I think you should just do this. I was like, Dave, I’ve never acted before; I’ve never had an acting class. But it turns out that I guess I’m a natural. I blew everybody away. So now I’m just trying to go through all the normal things that an actress should do.
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I have a million shoots that are set up for February, so right now I’ve just been pretty much giving myself a break. I was in San Diego where I’m from taking care of a lot family things, and I just moved and am getting my house put together. It’s nice to have some me time. I will be working a lot in the next couple of months, so am just relaxing and trying to get this Christmas weight off! And then I’ll be off to the races! MFM: Passions of yours outside of sports and modeling? HD: I have two dogs-an English bulldog and a little mix, and I love them so much. Also, my best friend/roommate has two Chihuahuas, and we love to go hiking with them and take them all to dog parks. I also love shopping; I’m such an addict, it’s very bad, especially with Amazon prime. I didn’t even go shopping out in the stores for one thing this year over the holidays. My cousin, sister, and I all had our packages shipped to our house and my parents were like what is happening! @Heather_DePriest-Instagram Heather DePriest-Facebook
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Model, Television Personality & Sportscaster
Bonnie-Jill Laflin Twitter: @BJLaflin Instagram: @BonnieJill Facebook: www.Facebook.com/BonnieJillFanPage Charity: @HoundsAndHeroes
Photographer - Mario Barberio www.mariobarberio.com | Instagram @Mariobarberioproducts Hair & Makeup - Michelle Vanderhule Location - 220 Fitness Santa Monica www.220Fitness.com Wardrobe - Bombshell Sportswear www.bombshellsportswear.com
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By: Darcy Tharp
If you’re Bonnie-Jill it’s by seamlessly transitioning from professional cheerleader to successful TV and radio sports broadcaster and host not only in America but also overseas, to becoming the first ever female NBA scout for the LA Lakers, and completely nailing everything! MOST Fitness is proud to feature Bonnie-Jill in this issue and showcase one of the sports industry’s leading ladies. As a former member of the world famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and earning a Super Bowl ring with the 49ers while she was a Gold Rush Cheerleader, Bonnie-Jill managed to also navigate the NBA and win five championship rings as an LA Lakers cheerleader. She has also achieved successful model status by
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modeling for brands such as Fredericks of Hollywood and Venus Swimwear, and appearing in print campaigns for companies including Coors Light, Bacardi, Wrangler, Fed Ex, and McDonalds. Bonnie-Jill has also been featured in several magazines: FHM, Maxim, GQ, Sports Illustrated, ESPN the Magazine, Women’s Health, Fitness RX, Origin, and New Beauty. The multi-talented dancer and model has also acted and appeared on such shows as Baywatch and Ally McBeal. As if all that isn’t enough to fill up one’s resume, the charismatic sports aficionado always knew she wanted to do broadcasting and has become a TV personality, working for ESPN, CBS, FOX, and the NFL Network. Additionally, Bonnie-Jill hosts “Playboy Fantasy Football” and “The Rush Hour” (a
fantasy basketball show) on Sirius/XM Satellite, and ESPN Austin holding pre and postgame shows for the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. She is also a current contributor to ESPN.com and a professional basketball scout for the LA Lakers. “You are never too busy to get a workout in and eat healthy,” stated Bonnie-Jill when asked about her daily fitness routines. Not one to ever use busy as an excuse, is likely why Bonnie-Jill has managed to utilize all of her talents and find extreme success in every field she enters. With an entrepreneurial mind, she has designed a fashion line, formed her own charity, and is the creator and host of the first sports show in China, Muho TV. A Chinese NBA TV show, MUHO.tv is the first dedicated
website providing behind-the-scenes and exclusive insider content of United States’ professional sports and athletes to Chinese NBA fans, which number in the 300 plus million who not only follow the NBA but play basketball as well. Her clothing line is a signature sports inspired line called “DoublePlay Sportswear,” offering chic options to wear while rooting for your favorite team. And outside of sports, Bonnie-Jill’s passion lies in helping both the military and animals, which led to her forming her charity “Hounds and Heroes,” melding the two, but also drove her to travel to both Afghanistan and Iraq over 18 times for Goodwill and USO tours! That must be where she gets her tenacity and no-fear attitude from which are crucial qualities for someone achieving her level of
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accomplishment. We look forward to seeing what part of the sports industry or other field Bonnie Jill plans on conquering next! MFM: As the first and only female NBA scout for the LA Lakers, did you ever have to deal with any discrimination or have to prove yourself more? BJL: The Lakers Organization was terrific about treating me as just another scout. It was people “on the road” who reacted most of all. You have no idea how many people believed I was there to scout cheerleaders! It’s actually funny looking back! MFM: What is the most challenging aspect of being a scout? BJL: One challenging aspect about being a scout is the travel. I have the absolute worst luck with airports and airplanes. I feel like I’m constantly in the movie, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” haha! MFM: As both a former NBA and NFL cheerleader, how did it feel to make the jump from cheerleading to being in front of the camera as a host and working in broadcasting? BJL: I knew I was at home almost immediately. I always knew I wanted to work in sports. I studied broadcast 26 ||
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journalism in college at the University of Texas, and I made sure to do my homework before every story. Sometimes it was a little difficult to hide my enthusiasm for my favorite teams, though. MFM: How did you land your first gig as an on-camera sports host? BJL: My first job as on camera host was for ESPN’s “Speed World,” which was quite fun covering all auto racing from Indy to NASCAR. MFM: You have a Super Bowl ring and five NBA Championship rings-do you have a display case at home or wear them ever?! BJL: That’s a pretty amazing accomplishment, as there are still loads of athletes working to get those rings! If I tried to wear them all at once, I couldn’t lift my hand! I do have a display case for each one of them, but I keep them
locked up in a safe otherwise. But I have been known to bring them out for certain events, shoots, and meetings when extra “bling” is called for. MFM: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are world famous-what was it like being a part of something like that? What makes a Cowboys’ cheerleader different from other teams? BJL: It truly is an honor being a part of “America’s Team”we are America’s Sweethearts. The difference is, you don’t have to know anything about sports and everyone knows of the internationally known Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. It’s the top of the top! I was lucky enough to be on the cover of the calendar and be a part of the show group so the experience was like none other. Plus it has a family feeling to it. The Jones family is absolutely amazing, and I’m still very close to them today.
MFM: What is your advice to an aspiring dancer or cheerleader? Any tips to becoming pro? BJL: To be a technically trained dancer first-I started with the San Francisco Ballet Company, then you can migrate to jazz, hip-hop, etc. Ballet is the foundation of all dances! So if you didn’t start young like myself you’d better get your butt in class. I was in class all-day every day, but you should at least go three times a week. If you’re trying out for NFL/NBA teams make sure, not only that can you dance, but also that you know about the sport and the team history! The interview portion of the audition eliminates a lot of girls. MFM: You are the creator and host of the first ever sports show in China-How did that come about? Why China? BJL: Muho TV is exciting for me. A friend of mine wanted to build my brand in China, for obvious reasons. So we came up with the first ever NBA sports show since I could give the Chinese audience something they’ve never seen before. And if you haven’t been to China, the NBA is their favorite sport. They go absolutely nuts for NBA players. Kobe is a GOD there. It’s nice to bring exclusive content to these avid fans! MFM: What has the feedback been like in China
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about the show? Do you have any desire to do this in other countries? BJL: The audience in China loves it! We have millions of fans, and we’re growing! I just love this show and the opportunities it has presented to really learn about the culture. We will be expanding to all the countries in Asia, and Japan and Taiwan are next. MFM: You juggle so many jobs and projects-do you have any advice for our readers about how to keep a daily balanced life of eating healthy and working out? BJL: You are never too busy to get a workout in and eat healthy. I’m very obsessed with fitness and eating right. I’m an ambassador for Orangetheory Fitness in Santa Monica; this workout is the most well rounded workout you will get. It’s the best! I go 4-5 times a week. Nutrition wise, being a vegan has helped me to always feel healthy and gives me the energy I need. But you do have to have cheat days...I love sweets :-) MFM: What does your daily workout regimen look like? BJL: Like I mentioned before, Orangetheory Fitness; it’s a combination of cardio and strength training. I will also do yoga about once a week and go running with my dogs. MFM: What is the design process like for your line, “DoublePlay Sportswear?” Have you found that there are not enough chic sportswear options out there for women? BJL: To answer your second question first-yes yes yes yes yes! I want to look like a girl while I root for my team! My design partner and I think about what we would wear then go from there. It’s very sporty chic! MFM: How did you first get involved with the military and animal welfare? BJL: My mom has been rescuing all animals as long as I can remember, and she instilled that in me at a small age. I was always an animal lover and knew that I needed to be their voice. My involvement with the military
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comes from a combination of wanting to honor my family members (my Grandfathers that served in WWII and my Uncle who served in Vietnam) and to thank those who have and continue to serve. It’s my passion to help and support our heroes! MFM: You have traveled numerous times to both Afghanistan and Iraq-what is something you learned from those tours? What was the best part of going over there? BJL: I learned how important it is to these brave men and women to know that the people at home have their backs. On these tours we bring a piece of America to them. The risks they take and the sacrifices they make are so great
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that we can never say “thank you” enough. The best part would have to be spending time and getting to know these men and women. Many have become good friends; the truth is that everyone I’ve met on these visits has influenced my life for the better. It truly is life changing and something only few can experience. MFM: What is one of your favorite inspiring stories that came about from your non-profit “Hounds and Heroes?” BJL: We’ve been working a lot lately with placing shelter dogs with veterans struggling with PTSD, TBI, or amputees. To see a veteran that was once considering suicide now happy with his new companion that might have been euthanized is quite rewarding. It’s saving two lives. How anything could be better than that, I honestly don’t know! MFM: Outside of sports, what is your main hobby? BJL: Riding my horses.
MFM: Do have any guilty pleasures? BJL: Sour Patch Kids and See’s Candy MFM: What future projects are you working on? What is your next step? BJL: I have a new show I’m shooting for the NFL next year and just started working for BBC as a sports correspondent. My long-term goal is that I want to own my own professional sports franchise. MFM: How can MOST readers find you on social media? BJL: Twitter: @BJLaflin Instagram: @BonnieJill www.Facebook.com/BonnieJillFanPage My Charity: @HoundsAndHeroes www.bombshellsportswear.com/products/puppy-lovesporty-bra This is the site of Bombshell Sportswear and the sales of the sports bras go to my charity.
www.marziaprince.com www.facebook.com/MarziaPrinceFitness instagram.com/marziaprince twitter.com/marziaprince
Tim McComsey:
www.TRYMFit.com www.facebook.com/tim.mccomsey www.instagram.com/timmccomsey
Photographer: Lorrie Followwell Clothes: Yoga Smoga SunWarrior Ambassadors: Marzia Prince and Tim McComsey
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Spring Clean Workout Routine by: Marzia Prince
By now, some of you are sick of winter and ready to create your own sunshine.You have been cooped up in the gym with everyone since New Year’s or perhaps uninspired of working out at home again. Don’t worry spring is right around the corner and that means warmer weather, good old vitamin D, and fresh air.The same old winter exercise routine can become boring and leave you feeling unmotivated if you don’t find a new way to keep it interesting. Here are some fun fresh workout tips to put a pep in your step! www.MOST mag.com || MOST FITNESS ||
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Nature’s Gym
Take your workout outside. Even if it is still chilly, bundle up. You will still get some Vitamin D and some fresh air. Being in nature will clear your senses and help you feel more centered. The view sure beats staring at a TV or yourself in the gym mirror for an hour. Parks are just as effective as the gym. You can do cardio, strength, and flexiblity all using your own bodyweight. They have built in workout equipment. You will see benches, steps, paths, playgrounds, and the grass serves as a soft mat.
Partner Up
Your music may be your usual workout buddy, but research shows that 80% of people are more likely to stick to their workout routines when they have an accountibility buddy like a friend or a trainer to workout with them. You are able to be more consistent and push yourself harder to get to your goals. So find a partner and challenge each other in your next outdoor workout session. See who can plank the longest and the loser has to do 20 burpees.
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Grounding
Have you ever heard of “earthing” or “grounding”? It is a theory that our bodies are naturally meant to have contact with the earth to be balanced. Our bodies and cells have electrical energy. Free radicals form in our body and by having direct contact with the earth, you are able to balance it out. I know that I always feel better when I am barefoot at the beach. Did you know that many world class athletes use grounding to get ready for their sport? Yep! So by taking your workout outside, you are able to balance your body, mind, and soul. Some direct contact earthing exercises are various forms of planks, sit ups, and stretching.
Hydrate
The key to exercise success is hydration. It is really important to hydrate all day long but you want to make sure you hydrate before, during, and after your workout. Warmer weather means more sweating which means drink more water. So make there is water with you at all times.
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Natures Workout
Find a nature preserve, park, canyon, hills, or somewhere Mother Nature is calling you 4 sets/25 reps Push ups Step ups Sit ups Planks (Hold for 30-60 seconds) Side planks (Hold for 30-60 seconds) Run for 2 miles or 20 minutes Stretch
Natures Post-Workout Smoothie
After a heart-pumping workout outside, you will want to nourish and hydrate your body with a plant powered smoothie to repair your body. My favorite smoothie is a called Hulk Juice. This green smoothie is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your body will thank you for. Green juice recipe for smoothie: 1 apple ½ cucumber Fist full of kale Fist full of spinach 1 inch ginger root Ÿ of a lemon Juice all and put in a glass to the side Hulk Juice Smoothie Recipe In a blender add the freshly pressed green juice mention aboved 1 fresh banana 1 frozen banana 1 tablespoon SunWarrior Ormus Greens 1 scoop of SunWarrior Classic Plus Vanilla Blend all together and enjoy!
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SunWarrior Ambassadors: Marzia Prince and Tim McComsey Clothes: Yoga Smoga Photographer: Lorrie Followwell
Tim McComsey Bio:
Tim McComsey is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Personal Trainer. He has been in the nutrition and fitness industry for 10 years and counting. After graduating college at West Chester University with a Nutrition and Dietetics degree Tim immediately began his Dietetic interneship at the University of Delaware to fulfill his dream as a qualified wellness coach. Tim competes in Fitness Modeling competitions during his spare time and has appeared in various fitness magazines. He is an AllNatural Athlete and takes pride in his work. www.TRYMFit.com www.facebook.com/tim.mccomsey www.instagram.com/timmccomsey
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Marzia Prince Bio:
Marzia Prince is an award winning holistic health expert with over 12 years of experience. She is certified personal trainer with expertise in all genres of fitness. She holds many certifications including physical fitness, pre/postnatal, geriatrics, nutrition, bio-mechanics in resistance training, and life coaching. She is an IFBB Bikini Pro and holistic health competition coach. Her passion is helping others get healthy. You can read more about her at www.thehealthinista.com www.facebook.com/marziaprincehealth www.instagram.com/marziaprince
JASMIN SAVOY BROWN talks ‘The Leftovers’ and fitness
Twitter - @Jazz_minBrown Instagram - @miss_jasmin_savoy Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jasminsavoy.brown Photo Credit: John Willy | www.johnwilly.com
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By Austin Thomson
“Laugh. Laugh at yourself, laugh with your friends, just laugh! Do not beat yourself up when you fail. Each time you fail, you are a step closer to success. Humans respond best to love and there is love in laughter, so when I fail, I laugh, give myself a hug, and go again.”
These introspective words come from Jasmin SavoyBrown, rising actress that stars in HBO’s The Leftovers and Freeform’s (formerly known as ABC Family) Stichers. Being a young actress in the middle of Los Angeles can certainly raise a variety of challenges, but Savoy-Brown makes the balancing act seem simple. Jasmin was kind enough to sit down with us at MOST to tell us about where her spark for acting began, her love of musical theatre, and how fitness finds a role in her life.
Savoy-Brown says that she has always been attracted to storytelling and acting before she even knew acting was a viable career. There is one specific moment as a child that Savoy-Brown says she will never forget. As an eighth birthday present, Jasmin’s aunt and uncle bought box seats to see The Music Man. “There was a singular moment that I will never forget. A girl my age was wheeled out on stage on a piano bench and she started to play. And sing. As I watched her joy unfold, I felt it take me over and watched as every audience member was touched by her work. Afterwards, the entire company came on stage, singing and dancing and they all looked TRULY happy.” This was the moment that Savoy-Brown realized she wanted to dedicate the rest of her life to the performing arts. Additionally, Savoy-Brown plays the guitar, piano, AND violin. Her interest in music comes from her parents and has been engrained in her life. Jasmin’s dad was a jazz musician while her mother constantly immersed her in music. Jasmin also was a part of the prestigious CAP21 Conservatory where she trained in a variety of classes such as ballet, improve, vocal technique, and countless others. Jasmin says her motivation for applying for the CAP21 program was through rejection in her current work. This moment fueled her drive to validate the dreams she has always held.
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Musical theatre is what Savoy-Brown holds close to her heart, but she has made the shift to television and is constantly trying to balance the two. Initially, Jasmin was unsure how her musical theatre upbringing would transfer over to television. After stretching herself and trying something new, she learned the challenges and struggles of television acting. avoy-Brown plays Evie on HBO’s The Leftovers and says that the audition for the show has been the best audition experience of her career. Jasmin says, “Working on a show like The Leftovers that asks such existential questions without clear answers, examining humanity from a core place of truth, is incredible.” In a show with twists and turns galore, once again, Savoy-Brown pushes her limits through each scene. You can also discover Jasmin in Stichers on Freeform where she plays Nina, a twenty-something comic book nerd who falls for one of the members of the Stichers team. While vastly different from The Leftovers, Savoy-Brown says the crossover between the two has been incredibly exciting.
which she says helps keep her grounded. SavoyBrown also says that her fitness is an amazing way to maintain relationships and explore other cultures. Her tip to MOST readers is to “do what brings you joy”. For Jasmin, she says that dancing is something that truly makes her happy and is never a chore. Savoy-Brown says she often wakes up with a homemade smoothie and then listens to her body throughout the day. She says to just be conscious of what you are putting in your body is the best way to watch your diet. It’s clear that Jasmin Savoy-Brown has dedicated her life to the performing arts and will continue to make impacts in the industry. With a positive attitude and a down to earth mindset, Jasmin advocates for happiness in whatever you choose to do.
Savoy-Brown currently resides in Los Angeles and says she considers herself a “city girl”. However, she says that she loves the outdoors and her happy place is out in the cold Oregon country appreciating nature. In the next five years, Savoy-Brown wants to consistently be switching from Broadway performances and television, and even has some dream roles in mind. It’s her dream to work with LinManuel Miranda, Tom Hooper and Weyni Mangesha. As far as fitness goes, Jasmin always tries to find the time to fit in a good workout. Two of her favorite ways to stay in shape are dance classes and hiking www.MOST mag.com || MOST FITNESS ||
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Celebrity Trainer, Fitness Guru, Worldwide Fitness Expert, Motivator, Coach and Nike Ambassador
Agostina Laneri www.agostinafitness.com Instagram, twitter, facebook @AgostinaFitness Photo Credit: Joseph Puhy | www.puhy.com
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By: Darcy Tharp
“It takes 21 days to break a habit.” That’s coming from Agostina Laneri, the fitness trainer extraordinaire to celebrities, professional athletes, single moms like herself, and clients hailing from all walks of life. Never using the same workout routine on multiple people, Agostina molds her training to each individual person’s needs. She has a passion for health and wellness and works tirelessly to trail blaze, whether it be new workouts, protein shakes, fitness apps, or just clever ways to tone a certain muscle group. A native Argentinian, she was born and raised in Buenos Aires, where her love of fitness took flight at the early age of 15 when she started training in martial arts. A few years later, Agostina found herself working in Hawaii at five star hotels in Maui, even running into some high profile fitness celebrities there. Next up was Hollywood where she caught the attention of Jackie Warner, whom MOST Fitness was proud to feature in our second issue of our magazine, and won Bravo’s Hollywood & Highland competition to join Sky Sport & Spa and starred in Season 3 of Bravo’s Workout. Since then, the hardcore trainer has been living in California, where her name is now synonymous with the best of the best. Read on for MOST’s interview with Agostina and find out how she overcame the lowest point in her life and what her best tips are for losing those last five pounds! MFM: What kind of martial arts did you do when you were younger? Do you still practice today? AL: I used to practice full contact. I haven’t done it in a while, but always look forward to a kick ass boxing class MFM: How did you end up in Hawaii from Buenos Aires? AL: I actually went to Hawaii on vacation, and I loved it so much that I decided to move. MFM: While working at five star hotels in Maui, what was your main job? Training people in the gyms? AL: My first job was actually as a waitress at the Four Seasons Restaurant Ferraro’s in Maui. I remember bringing my gym bag with me and making sure to go train after. One day, they needed a fitness specialist to go to the gym and take care of one of the guests; it ended up being Arnold Schwarzenegger. That was the craziest day of my life!
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MFM: What was the most interesting thing about working in hotels in Hawaii? AL: The interesting thing is the fact that people in Hawaii really focus on giving their guests special attention. I’ve learned a lot in terms of the “hospitality industry.” MFM: Do you have a funny/crazy story or thing that happened while working there? AL: The story with Arnold Schwarzenegger and how I had him do pull ups, and Maria was taking a spin class. MFM: You’ve been involved in fitness almost your whole life-was there ever a time when you felt out of shape and had to re-motivate yourself to get back or be healthy again? AL: Yes. The worst time of my life. I had a car accident, and the doctors told me I was going to be paralyzed from the neck down. I got depressed and sad for about a month, wearing an awful neck brace. But after praying and thinking about my life, I just couldn’t give up, so I started doing my own rehab. I didn’t have surgery, and I fixed myself. I am 100% healthy now. Glory to God! MFM: How did you get on Bravo’s Hollywood & Highland competition? AL: A friend of mine told me that Jackie Warner was looking for a trainer. I drove to Hollywood from Rancho Cucamonga, where I was living at that time, and was about an hour late. As soon as Jackie saw me she said “her!” After going through all the exercises and questions, it was a unanimous decision; they picked me :) MFM: You also starred in season 3 of Bravo’s workoutHow did that change things for you? AL: It was a great experience, and I had a lot of fun doing it. Shortly after being on Workout I started training Jamie Foxx. That was an awesome experience. I learned a lot from him. MFM: Would you like to be on-camera or doing more television at some point? AL: I am always on camera. Recently, I went on tour with one of my clients, The Game, and we shot his reality show “She’s Got Game” on VH1. It was a lot of fun.
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MFM: What would you say is the most challenging aspect of your job? AL: Balancing my personal and professional life and working with so many celebrities and their crazy schedules. MFM: What do you find to be the biggest difference between Hollywood stars and professional athletes when you are training them? Do you have very different routines for each client? AL: Every person is different, and what could work for one might not work for the other, not only in terms of exercise programs but how they get motivated. There’s not one time in my life that I have done the same routine with two people. MFM: Do you have any advice for MOST Fitness readers about the fastest way to lose those last 5 ornery pounds? AL: Making sure they are drinking enough water. A lot of times we think we are hungry when in fact we are actually thirsty. And the most important thing is: the kitchen closes at 7pm. Stop eating at night, and you’ll see how fast those pounds come off. MFM: What does your typical week night healthy dinner look like? AL: Salmon or tilapia with steamed vegetables. I know I’m boring, but I can cook healthy food and make it taste good too! MFM: What is the best thing about being a Nike brand ambassador? Does it allow for a lot of travel? AL: The best thing is that I get to meet amazing people that have my same interests. I am more of a behind the scenes, putting programs together type of ambassador. When we created the Nike Training Club app I put together an awesome workout that I still get messages about. MFM: Is fitness big in Argentina? Do you get back there to visit often? AL: Fitness is huge. People are really into working out
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there. I haven’t been back to Argentina for a while now, for almost five years. I’m definitely due for a trip there. MFM: For people with a sweet tooth, what is your best advice for things to substitute or how to develop less of a sweet tooth? AL: It takes 21 days to break a habit. I would first recommend people to stay strong throughout those 21 days. Also, stay away from fake sugars and sugar substitutes because they are actually worse for you. Lastly, moderation is key. However, what works for me in terms of not eating sweet things, is drinking hot teas. MFM: Tell us about BioHealth and why we should be using it? How do you take it and how often? AL: I worked on this protein shake for a long time. It tastes amazing and it’s grass fed. I take it every single day. Precision Blend is the next generation time released protein – a real, biologically active, nutrient-dense protein blend derived from all-natural, grass fed cows which are never treated with antibiotics or bovine growth hormones. A formula perfect for those who want to be ultra-healthy and fit. Best of all - It tastes phenomenal! It’s a lifebuilding, nutritional powerhouse. As such, PRECISION BLEND can claim a higher level of protein purity and a powerful amino acid profile. Our formula has no sugars, no fillers, no taurine, and no artificial sweeteners. That means when you take BIOHEALTH PRECISION BLEND protein you know you’re getting the highest quality available. Unlike other sources of whey protein, which may come from cows raised on diets of fillers and corn, grass fed cows are free of unnatural contaminants. Since different protein sources have unique amino acid profiles and digestion rates, BIOHEALTH PRECISION BLEND combines eight sources to create the ultimate timedrelease protein blend, engineered to fuel your muscles with amino acids for up to eight hours. PRECISION BLEND was designed utilizing cutting-edge technology and exceptional ingredients to create a dynamic and overwhelmingly superior product. BIOHEALTH uses the purest and highest quality proteins available, with
complete amino acid profile. Minimally processed to preserve the delicate proteins and health-supporting ingredients, it is incredibly high in Glutamine, Arginine, Lysine, and branch chain amino acids like leucine. Our ingredients are produced without GMOs and are 100% gluten free. The whey and casein from grass fed cows is simply the best source of protein on the market today with wide-ranging health benefits that health conscious, high performance athletes, high-endurance trainers, and true “workout warriors” need to fuel their bodies.` MFM: Quote/s you live by? AL: Never stop, never settle. You only got this moment. Work hard! MFM: Outside of health and wellness-what is your goto hobby or other burning passion? AL: My son. I love spending time with my son. He is the reason why I work so hard. MFM: What future projects or plans do you have in the works/upcoming? AL: I am working on Volume 2 of the Audio Trainer that I created within the Agostina Fitness App, which you can download from the App store FOR FREE. It’s a 30 minute cardio workout that I put together with original tracks and myself guiding you and motivating you throughout the workout. MFM: How can MOST readers find you on social media? AL: You can follow me on Instagram, twitter, facebook @AgostinaFitness across the board.
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TV Personality & Sports Broadcaster
www.lindsaymccormick.com
By: Rick Krusky
Photo Credit: Jeremy Lee Photography www.jeremyleephoto.com Facebook: jeremy lee Twitter: @germyinsocal Instagram: @germyinsocal Pinterest: @germyinsocal
Hair/makeup by: Hasblady Guzman, Bokaos bokaos.com
Publicity: Rick Krusky, MWPR
indsay McCormick is a sports broadcaster whose career has taken her from hosting the live events for Super Bowl XLIX to guest corresponding for Showtime at the most anticipated fight of the decade – Mayweather vs Pacquiao. She was recently a sideline reporter for the quarterfinals of ESPN’s The Basketball Tournament, and in 2013 hit the road with NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” as their Social Host. Lindsay hosted the 2012 NFL Draft for CBS Sports, “The Fan” on Comcast SportsNet, and was a panel analyst for “Rip City Live.” She also appeared on ESPN.com’s “Streak for the Cash” and “ESPN College Pick’em,” MtvU’s “The Dean’s List,” and on TopRank.com covering the Timothy Bradley vs Jessie Vargas fight. Lindsay’s career began covering the Auburn University football team and then the NFL for ESPN The Magazine. She was featured during the NFL Playoffs along with Sage Steele and Suzy Kolber, for Esquire Magazine, and reported from the sidelines of the AKC Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show that aired on Lifetime TV in January of last year. When she’s not reporting, Lindsay loves to write (she’s written for Esquire in a column entitled “Monday Morning Cheerleader with Lindsay McCormick”) and keep herself in shape with her deep passion for dance. For more information on Lindsay, please visit: http://www.lindsaymccormick.com.
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MFM: We’re hoping for an epic Opening Ceremony. Can you share an opening ceremony highlight from years past? LM: I’ve been around some pretty amazing moments in sports history and have witnessed some inches from my face, but not many compare to the 1996 lighting of the Olympic flame in Atlanta by Muhammad Ali. I remember watching this moment with my family on TV and hearing Bob Costas’ words, which summed up the moment perfectly – “And the response [Ali] evokes is part affection, part excitement, but especially respect. What a moment.” I don’t think there was a dry eye anywhere around the world. MFM: Tell us about one of your Olympic memories. LM: During those same 1996 Olympic games, I did not leave my TV for even a snack break when the Magnificent Seven were competing. The personality of Dominique Moceanu in her “Devil Went Down to Georgia” floor routine, and that famous vault by Kerri Strug was simply perfection. And after they won the first ever team gold medal in gymnastics, I had to go out and buy the Wheaties box and every memorabilia they had. MFM: What’s your favorite Olympic sport to watch? LM: I’m a sucker for a beautiful, long program figure skating routine, so during the Winter Olympics it’s figure skating. Especially now that Tara Lipinkski is one of the commentators on NBC. And gymnastics is a can’t-miss for me during the Summer Olympics.
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MFM: Which Olympic sport could you see yourself doing? LM: Oh. This one is a no-brainer for me. When I was younger, my grandma bought me a hoop, a little red ball and a ribbon so I could practice my rhythmic gymnastics routines at her house. I’ve been in dance lessons since the age of 2 ½, and this style of gymnastics added the elements of ballet and other styles of dance into the mix. In fact, I drove by a place the other day that had a sign outside offering rhythmic gymnastics lessons, but decided I’d pass on my Olympic rhythmic gymnastics dreams and stick with this whole sports broadcasting profession, since it seems to be working for me. [Laughs.]
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Photo courtesy of Shawn Johnson, Getty
Facebook- Shawn Johnson Twitter- @shawnjohnson Instagram- @shawnjohnson SnapChat- shawnjohneast
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Photo Credit: Cameron Powell Photography www.cameronpowellstudio.com
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By: Elizabeth Price
national team—I was always the kid that came in last. But every year my passion for the sport grew and my perfectionist quality would kick in stronger.” Gymnastics requires an athlete to hurl themselves through the air and miraculously find the ground to stick a landing. If gymnasts put their bodies on the line, how can they not be scared of getting hurt? Johnson admits that they are! “Being afraid is a very big aspect of our sport. However, from the time that you start training you begin the process of learning to trust yourself, your abilities, and your coach.” Learning to push the fear aside is a long process that happens over years of training.
Shawn’s parents enrolled her in gymnastics at the age of three and she soon after fell in love with the sport. Gymnastics gave Johnson a sense of pride and selfworth, “Success in gymnastics is something you genuinely have to earn and fight for. It is not about what clothes you wear or what you look like.” Johnson thrived off of gymnastics, and her internalized drive took her further toward success. Johnson’s coaches saw the passion she had for the sport, rather than her raw ability. With the many aspects that go into making an Olympic athlete Johnson admits that she never believed going to the Olympics was a possibility. “Never in a million years would I have thought I had the capabilities to become an Olympian. In fact, I didn’t get my first gold medal until I was twelve or thirteen years old while I was qualifying for the USA
With this constant fear, it is hard to believe that Johnson went to the Olympics when she was only sixteen years old. “In this sport, sixteen is a perfect age. At sixteen, you are still naïve but your body is strong. It is what they call the tipping scale in gymnastics— where you are young enough to be naïve but you are old enough not to have a more fearful understanding of your abilities.” At the same time, these young Olympians are forced into the limelight after winning. “Nobody can prepare you for what comes after winning.” However, Shawn does say that these girls are built to handle it because it is mentally drilled into gymnasts to have such strong character and personality. After winning gold in balance beam and silver in the all-around, floor exercise and team at the 2008 Olympics, Johnson had no intention of returning to gymnastics. She was thrown into the media circuit, and with all the opportunities that are presented to Olympians, Shawn did not have the chance to take a breath and think about her future. However, when she was injured while skiing on her eighteenth birthday her life took a turn. “After I stopped rolling down the hill, I distinctly remember ‘What if I can never do gymnastics again?’ After I figured out what was wrong, I decided I was going to go back to the sport.” In that instant, it became apparent to Johnson how much gymnastics meant to her.
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Photo courtesy of Shawn Johnson, Nike
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Photo courtesy of Shawn Johnson, Getty
NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS WOULD I HAVE THOUGHT I HAD THE CAPABILITIES TO BECOME AN OLYMPIAN... I WAS ALWAYS THE KID THAT CAME IN LAST. BUT EVERY YEAR MY PASSION FOR THE SPORT GREW AND MY PERFECTIONIST QUALITY WOULD KICK IN STRONGER.” 65
fter undergoing numerous surgeries to heal a fractured lower back, torn labrum and the news of a fourth knee operation, Johnson made the difficult decision to retire from gymnastics permanently. “So many people were counting on me and I wanted to prove that I could do it again but my body was just shutting down.” When her family, coaches, and own heart were invested in a sport she started at age three Johnson admits that it was the hardest decision she has yet had to make. After Johnson’s official retirement she began the journey of figuring out what came next in her life. Shawn explained, “At first it was a whole identity crisis. You invest your entire being and worth into the sport that when it is taken away from you, you have no idea what to do with yourself.” After spending every day for years from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM - 11:00 PM in the gym Johnson recounts driving around the city of West Des Moines at 4:30 PM with nothing to do. Shawn needed to rebuild who she was and figure out what she was good at outside of the sport, a daunting task for an eighteenyear-old. Landing a spot on Dancing with the Stars her a transition, “I could prove to myself that I was more than just gymnastics.” Dancing pushed her to go even further and try different things like continuing with Dancing with the Stars, writing a book, or joining Celebrity Apprentice— anything that would take her out of her comfort zone. Johnson joined the Dancing with the Stars cast in 2009. After eleven weeks of competition Johnson was named the winner—the youngest champion in the show’s history! Although many thought that Dancing with the Stars was an easy transition because of her gymnastics background, Johnson attests that it was not the case. Whereas gymnastics is stiff and consists of posing to a beat, it does not have the flowing movements of dance. It was difficult for Shawn to find the fluidity she was never allowed to have in gymnastics. Then in 2012 Johnson joined the All-Star season of Dancing with the Stars and won second place. Shawn’s first and second seasons with Dancing with the Stars consisted of seventeen routines, each! In the All-Star season Johnson only had three days to learn two or three routines at a time. “They threw a lot at us during that season. There were a couple of dances where we showed up on live television and were handed a dance style and
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Photo courtesy of Shawn Johnson, Nike
music, then given 30 minutes to choreograph a routine.” From the foxtrot to the mamba to the tango, she was able to learn a variety of dances, but admits that her favorite dance was the Bhangra. It was the most foreign routine, and so it was also the most satisfying to complete. In 2008, Shawn Johnson, Olympic Medalist: Stories Behind the Smile was published as a behind the scenes look at Johnson’s trip to the Olympics, as both a way to show people she was just a normal kid and to thank the people that had helped her achieve success. In 2012, Johnson took on the daunting task to write full memoir, Winning Balance. During Johnson’s competitive career she kept journals and wrote in them every day. “In
Photo Credit: Cameron Powell Photography www.cameronpowellstudio.com
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Photo Credit: Cameron Powell Photography www.cameronpowellstudio.com
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gymnastics, we are taught to be machines and hide our emotion so I wrote everything down in my diaries. When I retired I wanted people to know that you do not have to operate like a machine to be successful.” So Shawn published all of her diaries and worked with an editor to turn her words into a fully formatted book. ohnson even joined the cast of the seventh installment of Celebrity Apprentice. Truthful about her experiences Johnson clearly did not enjoy the competition on the reality game show, it was not her style. “Celebrity Apprentice was not my favorite experience my any means, and Donald Trump would be fine with me saying that and perhaps even agree.” Regardless of Trump’s presence in the media Shawn admits that she loved getting to know Trump as a person. Sharing that Trump would go out of his way to take care of others and be nice when he did not have to be, offering to give Johnson’s father passes to one of his courses after hearing that her father liked to golf. When it comes to the media side of Trump’s persona Johnson admits that she is not politically conscious but as a person, she does like Trump. In 2014, Shawn Johnson launched the website The Body Department (thebodydepartment.com) to serve as a space for people to talk about body image, wellness, and fitness in a healthy way. After the Olympics and winning Dancing with the Stars, Shawn had a difficult time being in the public eye and accepting people’s critiques. Johnson explains how people would tell her to try this crash diet before the red carpet or spend five thousand dollars on one dress because it is how you get into a magazine. Johnson says, “I fed into it all and nothing worked except to cause me grief and empty my wallet.” Seeing young girls being affected by the same negative critiques angered Johnson, so she wanted to create a space where girls could learn about trends and eating healthy—anything they would already read in a magazine but in a positive manner. Shawn is excited that the idea has taken off and girls are utilizing the resource. Currently, Johnson’s workout routine consists of high-intensity interval work, running, hiking, boxing, and cycling. As someone who gets bored easily she exercises every day and got certified as a trainer. Shawn has also completed ten half-marathons and is not stopping there as she shares she wants to run a full marathon and perhaps an iron man one day! Although gymnastics does not have a large impact on her current workout routine Johnson maintains a connection to the sport by commentating on elite gymnastics, hosting clinics all over the world, coaching, and mentoring girls who are going to the next Olympics. So what is next for Johnson? She is enjoying life newly engaged to her boyfriend Andrew East! On July 24th, 2015 he proposed on the field during a Chicago Cubs game. Johnson admits she had no idea he was planning to propose at the game and was shocked that her quiet and reserved boyfriend decided to propose in such a public spectacle. The countdown begins as they have already booked a venue, picked out the food, bought the dress and suits, and sent out save the dates for April 2016. Andrew’s new job as a long snapper with the Seattle Seahawks should help with the wedding expenses. This Seahawks fan is excited to have him in a Hawks uniform. As a newlywed Shawn will be juggling more than a new lifestyle. She has a fictional young adult book out this summer and we can also look forward to her follow up of her best seller Winning Balance (Tyndale Publishing). And of course the summer Olympics would not be complete without this Olympian, so enjoy the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio with thee Ms. Johnson reporting. www.MOST mag.com || MOST FITNESS ||
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Photo Credit: Cameron Powell Photography www.cameronpowellstudio.com
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Entrepreneur & Fitness Celebrity
Viviana Soldano FaBrizio
Talks Modeling and her Non-Profit Foundation
Amore for Dogs
Amore for Dogs Calendar Collections
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www.amorefordogs.com
www.facebook.com/Amore-for-dogs-760944867266526/?ref=hl www.youtube.com/channel/UCbJiqPg-bhBwza_bWLaKQIg www.Facebook.com/Viviana.Soldano www.vivianasoldano.com Instagram.com/viviana_soldano_fabrizio www.youtube.com/channel/UCV2wcNsZa2ldNY3w3sY_j9g By: Darcy Tharp
“Your dog will always keep you happy all of the time even when things get tough or sad, because dogs have a way of showing you love and giving you love 100% all of the time.” And that same love is given right back to the
dogs by fitness celebrity and glamour model, Viviana Soldano Fabrizio. Gracing the cover of our November issue, we interviewed the Italian beauty about her fitness career, her life as a model as the daughter of a famous designer, and about her entrepreneurial endeavors-the most important of which, being her non-profit foundation, Amore for Dogs. MOST Fitness sat down with Viviana again to find out how she translated her distinct passion for dogs into a successful non-profit, using her status to save and rescue all the dogs that she can all around the world. Started in 2014, the foundation partnered with Viviana’s husband, Bruce Fabrizio and his company, Simple Green who matches all of the profits. But it is Viviana’s love of modeling combined with her love for dogs where she found her niche for the foundation by producing several photo projects to be marketed for fundraising. She created a 16 month photo calendar featuring her and all different breeds of dogs that they rescued or sponsored posing for creative photos and has a postcard collection and other projects on the way. Not only does she love the animals, but she spends a considerable amount of time at shelters learning everything she www.MOST mag.com || MOST FITNESS ||
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Amore for Dogs calendar collections
can about what they do and how she can help. As such, Viviana has become quite knowledgeable and doles out her advice for how to have your dog help you in your fitness goals, how to assimilate a rescue dog into your home, and what you should consider before committing to being a dog owner. If only everyone had Viviana’s sweet, caring personality! MFM: Where did you get the inspiration for each month’s photo for the calendar? VSF: My love for dogs was my main inspiration. The meaning of the calendar was that each photo had to express the amore for dogs, which means love for dogs in Italian, which is also my foundation’s name. By me being included in the photos with a dog or more than one dog doing something fun together, it had to really show and express how much someone can truly love dogs. After selecting which dogs to shoot for each photo, and after
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looking at all the different props/locations I had available for the shoot, I was able to come up with different moods or themes for each photo; some photos I created were strictly visions I had in my head for a long time and always wanted to shoot one day. For example, one was my June 2015 photo with Fanny which was shot early in the morning on the harbor on the deck in front of our house, and another was the February 2016 photo shot in the Venice room with all the Venetian masks and the cute butterfly flying next to me which symbolizes my dog Bichon Frise, named Amore that I had for 14 years, who inspired me to start this foundation. MFM: What was the creative process like for each photo shoot? VSF: Every shot required a lot of detailed work and a lot of preparation. We had to shoot group shoots with as many dogs as we could and then shoot each individual
Photo Credit: Alexis Vogel/Mays
Photo Credit: George Kontaxis
dog alone to make sure we would have the right facial expression or pose to work with, and/or just in case we needed to Photoshop an extra dog into the picture. One or two photos were shot in my garage and in my back yard and then had to be edited with a different background. It is amazing some of the things you can do now with Photoshop; you can be so creative, add things, and turn a photo into a magical scene. Choosing outfits for me and the dogs was a lot of fun to do also, especially for the laundry room shot for March 2015; I had always wanted to do a photo with a lot of dogs wearing Pajamas! And in the February 2015 shot I had a huge cupcake made for the photo shoot to match our red Valentine dresses. It was a very, very cute idea :) MFM: With so many dogs in each photo, there must be some funny things that happened. Tell us a funny/ crazy story that happened on one of your shoots with so many dogs. VSF: The January 2016 shot was pretty challenging-the two dogs were pretty strong and did not like to pose and stay still at all so they were pulling me like crazy, and I was wearing a tight dress in high heels. I had to use all of my strength to keep them close to me and smile for the camera and look relaxed at the same time. Nothing crazy really happened though, and the dogs were all pretty well behaved. My own dogs shoot all the time, and they even
know the camera, and when I get my make-up done they know it is photo shoot time! A kind of funny thing happened in a few of the shots-Soul which is the Bichon, wanted to sleep all the time, so we had to constantly pull her up and wake her up; all she wanted to do is go to sleep. MFM: You say on the website that soon you will have homeless dogs and potential owners will be able to apply for adoption-will that be through a specific shelter or how will that work? VSF: Occasionally we’ll have local dogs available for adoption. However, we have primarily been working with Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation. Waggin’ Trails rescues and finds local homes, or transports companion animals in danger of imminent death in overcrowded California shelters, to safety. Waggin’ Trails has volunteers throughout the State that assist in rescuing, vetting, fostering, and transporting abused and neglected animals to like-minded partner rescues (no-kill shelters) and humane societies, in neighboring states and western Canada. MFM: Tell us about one of the dogs that your foundation rescued and their story. VSF: My very first dog I rescued was a little Pomeranian. I saw his photo on Facebook and found out what shelter he was at, and the next day I drove 40 miles, cancelled all of my appointments of the day, and went to save him. He was on the Euth list (euthanasia list). He’s now doing
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Photo Credit: Alex Ardenti
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Photo Credit: Brett Seeley Photo Credit: Alex Ardenti
very well, with a new family, and he’s been featured in all AFD photo projects! He’s just as cute as a button, and his name is Pomi! Another very special rescue was of this other old, wounded female dog; she was also on the Euth list, and I knew she was going to die if I wasn’t going to save her. I was able to rescue her with the help of another rescue team, and two days later I got her adopted to a loving and perfect home. Now three years later, she’s the happiest dog on earth, super healthy, and she is going to be on the Amore for Dogs new 2016 Postcards collection. She’s already been in a lot of our ads for different magazines; her name is Gracie, and she’s just an adorable, very sweet dog. MFM: After calendars, do you have any other plans for the foundation in the works? What do you hope to do with it in the future or what are the other photo projects? VSF: We are always going to develop some kind of photo project, as modeling is such a passion for me, and now with the dogs it is so fun and creative. So I plan a photo shoot at least once a month for the dogs, and right now I have just finished my first collection of postcards, which includes photos of all the dogs I have rescued in the past year and my dogs, plus some other dogs I have helped sponsor with their medical bills. In this first collection, a few photos include me as well, but the rest are mostly all dogs. There are about 25 to 30 picture postcards-very, very cute and fun! I am hoping that AFD grows bigger and bigger each year, and maybe one day I’ll be able to open a dog safe haven somewhere, where many dogs can be saved, rehabilitated, and kept there until adopted by good loving families. I envision a beautiful place out in nature where people could go and visit and spend the day, meet their future pets, play with them, and really get to see and enjoy them before they make the final decision to take them into their home. MFM: What is something that dog owners can do when they adopt a rescue dog in order to assimilate it into a loving family and help it get over any trauma? VSF: When you first bring home a rescue dog, introduce him slowly to each member of the family. Don’t overwhelm him immediately. Once he has sniffed each person and has been greeted by all members of the family, slowly introduce him one at a time to any other pet in the family. Let them sniff each other and get to know each other. Be sure to give your new rescue dog his own toys and his own place to sleep. The most important way to help your new rescue dog become part of your family is to give him plenty of love. You’ll be amazed at
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AMORE FOR DOGS Postcards Collection
how quickly he will adapt to his new family and become a loving part of the new family. MFM: How can having a dog help someone in their fitness goals and living a healthier lifestyle? VSF: OMG! Having a dog helps you in so many ways, but as far as fitness goals, first of all he keeps you from going out to bars and restaurants too much all the time, and staying out too late, and that’s because you must come home and spend time with your dog and give him company! Then you can’t have any excuses not to exercise because you would need to walk your dog at least two times a day for a good 10 to 15 minutes each time. Another advantage to having a dog and help you staying fit is that if you are already a fit person who loves to work out, you can now take your dog for a run with you or do so many other physical activities at the park or at the beach, and really enjoy so many other things that you normally wouldn’t do if you didn’t have a dog as a companion. Another important thing is that your dog will always keep you happy all of the time even when things get tough or sad, because dogs have a way of showing you love and giving you love 100% all of the time. One of my favorite quotes is, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” That is so true, and so beautiful.
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MFM: Do you have international aspirations for the foundation and for helping dogs abroad as well? VSF: Yes, when I travel I always try to go visit animal shelters or find out about rescues, and there are so many places all over the world that need so much help. So yes, I would like to do more of that as well. The rescue I mentioned before that I have been working with does a lot with traveling to Canada and right now is keeping us very busy, but we are already talking about expanding to other places. MFM: Do you think you will ever get another Bichon Frise? Although they of course could never replace Amore! Or what dog have you always wanted to have and haven’t had yet? VSF: I did get another one right after Amore passed, and I named her Soul. One night, soon after Amore’s death, I was able to communicate with her through dream telepathy, and she communicated to me that it was ok for me to get another Bichon and name her Soul because from now on that is how we would communicate through our souls forever. The next day I found a local Bichon breeder 15 miles from my house, right behind the ER hospital where Amore was given the wrong medication a few hours before she died. Oh yes, the whole story is very incredible and true. I used to communicate with Amore telepathically when she was alive, and after
doing a lot of research and practice on telepathic animal communication, somehow we were able to continue to communicate after she died and from time to time she would do that and send me messages about other dogs, and where to go and look for certain rescues. She also visits me as a butterfly when I am out walking my dogs or at home in my garden. MFM: Simple Green matches all proceeds dollar for dollar-how does your foundation decide which shelter or project to put the money you raise towards first? VSF: I pretty much decide where the money goes; I work with, or donate to only a few certain rescues that I personally know how they work, and I pretty much only donate to the ones that somehow involve me in their world and show me how they do things and where the money goes. Unfortunately, there are so many scams out there and some people use dogs as a way to make money, so I’d rather take it slow, keep it small, and learn from all the good rescue people out there that I have met so far. I just want to help as much as I can, and I visit shelters all of the time as well. I also like to sponsor families to help them with medical bills for their pets and adoption costs. So I always make sure that the money I raise only goes to the right people for the right reasons.
MFM: Why are there so many abandoned dogs out there? What do you see to be the number one cause behind homeless/abandoned dogs? VSF: There are a lot of different reasons why people leave their dogs at the shelter or on the streets. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the responsibility serious enough of taking care of a dog from day one until the very last day. So a lot of people only get excited about having a puppy, or a young dog, and when the dog gets older and needs special medical attention, the owner gives up and chooses to leave him behind. A lot of people leave their dogs to go on vacation and don’t want to pay for their care, which is very sad. Many dogs on the streets don’t have microchips or collars, and they just simply get lost and end up in a shelter or hit by a car, or stolen to be used for cruel acts. I have told people that if you don’t see a dog as part of your family member and you can’t afford him financially and take care of him forever, then don’t get a dog. They are not toys to be used and abused and then thrown away. Dogs suffer every time they are abandoned, and they don’t forget who their owner is. They get scared just like we do about being on the streets, and getting sick and not having food. I think people should take this more seriously.
MFM: You have a lot of fame in the fitness and modeling worlds-have you encountered any other celebrities who care to help the cause? VSF: A few other fitness models and girlfriends, who I work with and a few actor friends have offered to help, so hopefully in the future we will see some of them. This past year I had a lot of fans, real fans, from my fitness modeling world who donated to Amore for Dogs, and that has made me so happy and given me a lot of support and courage to keep going and do more in the future.
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MFM: Dogs are a man’s best friend-Was Amore your first best friend or did you grow up with dogs? Is it hard not to resist taking more in everyday when you see all the rescued ones? Does your husband love dogs as much as you do? VSF: I always had a dog growing up, but it was different because when I was a child I think I was too young, and plus I had to share him with my whole family. But I always loved dogs, always took good care of them, and was very responsible with all of them. Amore was my first dog that was all mine, and yes, she became my best friend, my companion, and she traveled everywhere with me. She was with me all the time for 14 years; she was definitely like a child to me. She taught me how to love unconditionally. I would love to have more dogs, and yes, it’s hard to come home from a shelter or rescue, because every time I go there is always at least one dog that really catches my heart and that I want to take home with me. My husband is a total animal lover too, so we have that in common. When I first met him he had four dogs, and I had Amore, and now we have five total at home. And there is nothing better and happier than to come home knowing that all your dogs are there waiting for you to greet you. MFM: What is your daily routine like being the owner of so many dogs? Do you take multiple walks or runs with them or combine? VSF: Our big golden retriever goes to work with my husband every day, but lately I have been going to the vet a lot. Usually I go at least twice a week, since right now two of our dogs are on chemotherapy so they get to see a lot of vets and always get special treatments. I usually walk the three little ones together and then the two big ones separately. When we travel to Aspen they all get to go with us, and they love it! We built a gated park
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Photo Credit: Alex Ardenti
named after Marley, which is our youngest Kings Charles Cavalier, so they can all run free with no leash. They all have such a blast out there, and they love to go when there is snow. MFM: Do you spoil your dogs? VSF: Our dogs are part of our family. I don’t think I spoil them, but I do give them a lot of love and attention. I am pretty disciplined when it is needed. Of course our three little ones get to sleep in bed with us, and the other two sleep on their beds right next to our bed. And of course they all get to hang out with us at home no matter what we do, whether there is a pool party going on or a photo shoot or even a formal dinner, but like I said they are part of our family. So for some people maybe it looks like I do spoil them a little. I cannot imagine living my life without my dogs or any dog! My family is my biggest blessing in life!
Finding Your Happiness by: Tiffany Gaston Internationally Published Fitness Cover Model Mama X 3 | StrongGirl Ambassador Author From Broken to Badass coming soon! www.tiffanyleegaston.com twitter.com/tiffanylgaston www.facebook.com/public/Tiffany-Gaston www.instagram.com/tiffanyleegaston Photo Credit: James Patrick | www.jamespatrick.com
By: Darcy Tharp
If you were to strip everything away in life as you know it, where would you find yourself? Are you satisfied with the life you are currently living? Are you passionate about something to the point of doing it for free? Can you honestly say you are happy? For some, this seemingly simple question may not have such a simple answer. 82 ||
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Often in times of stress, I wonder why I do what I do-any of it. If it all went away tomorrow, I’d still be the happiest girl in the world, and this is a feeling that allows me to sleep well each night. I have happy, healthy children, a husband who loves me like no other (this can be a real challenge at times, I recognize), and a life I am beyond proud of. To me, I can with all honesty answer this question with a YES! I know why I do the things I do; they make me happy. I’m following my interests, sharing with others, supporting people in their goals and expressing myself creatively in the process. To me this is what it’s all about. uccess means different things to everyone, but to me it is most important to “be about what you speak about.” I have a strong spiritual side and an even stronger belief in myself. I think this is a major component in finding your happiness. Be the biggest advocate of what you believe in by living your life as parallel to those beliefs as possible. Live and lead by example. Learning to find joy in the little things can be a big awakening. A lazy Sunday morning when I may actually get to sleep in until 7:00, a day out with my family, sitting outside in beautiful weather reading a great book are all things that put me on a wavelength of happiness. Anything that heightens my spirit is a simple joy that I do not take for granted. Appreciate the little things today. Taking care of my family is no job at all, but rather a labor of love. It’s just what I do. The same goes with figure competition. People ask why I train for these shows, what’s in it for me. Again, it’s just what I do. If you find things you love and have an insurmountable passion for, talent in and you just do it without much thought, that will reveal your happiness. I am not good at everything, but I feel strongly about the things that I am good at. If you do not have this same fire inside of you, you just have not found your special gifts yet, but they are there! In time, they will reveal themselves if you are open to the discovery. Following these instincts is the fastest, most honest route to your happiness. If you are happy, I commend you. If you aren’t, what needs to change for you to take charge and make the necessary changes to answer this question with an assertive YES?
Think about this for a moment: Are you looking for or do you base your happiness on someone else? Do you need gratification and recognition from others to feel complete? Are you envious of what others have rather than feeling satisfied within yourself? Are you motivated to wake up each morning and do what you love? What do your answers reveal?
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Love harder
Sure you assume your husband, wife or kids know you love them, but do you tell them each day? Never go to sleep without saying “I love you.”
Give more freely
Do because you want, not because you expect the thanks in return. It just feels good!
Surround yourself with people that are better than you
Sounds strange? Think about this… if you hang around under-achievers all day the negativity is toxic and contagious. It is extremely difficult not to take these feelings on personally if you are spending any amount of time with people of this nature. You are who you hang around so be inspired, empowered, and motivated to go after what you want by surrounding yourself with others that do the same. Mentor someone in your field of interest.
Be positive even when you are not feeling it
You’ve heard it before, fake it till you make it. It’s not always going to be butterflies and unicorns, so on the days you find a bit more challenging, go above and beyond to be positive. It will begin to be the norm.
Pay it forward
Do something nice for someone without them knowing it was you. The feeling is incredible, and you will truly make someone’s day.
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Give back to the community
Volunteer your time if even for an hour or two to help a cause near to your heart. Bring your kids along to participate and experience the pride that comes with giving your time for a great charity or cause. #LoveUP
Spend some quality time with your loved ones
Turn off the cell phones and video games, get outdoors and reconnect with your kids. The effort goes further then you may think. They will appreciate the time you’ve spent with them instead of rushing around to finish laundry, doing dishes, and picking up the house. Those chores will always exist. Your children grow up way too fast, so give your time to your kids, and be in the moment.
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Transformation Coach & Spokesmodel
Nadine Dumas
www.nadinedumaslivefit.com www.nadinedumas.com www.twitter.com/JNDumas www.facebook.com/nadine.dumas.model www.instagram.com/nadinedumas Photo Credit: James Patrick | www.jamespatrick.com
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WELCOME TO THE NADINE DUMAS liveFIT SERIES By: Darcy Tharp
Living the liveFIT life is all about a lifestyle change. It is not a fad diet or a temporary solution to a problem; it is a healthy way of living in a manageable way. Nadine Dumas knows just how hectic life can get, and that’s why her liveFIT program provides all of the necessary tools and motivation it takes to get one’s body and mind at a healthy balance, without taking away from a busy life. LiveFIT is for anyone who wants to feel stronger, anyone who needs a kick start to their own transformation, and most importantly for those who want to live the best versions of themselves every day. There are 3 programs to choose from: LiveFIT meal plan, workout guide, or the bonus bundle. All are video based including: recipes on how to cook your meals, workouts, and an interview section where Nadine discusses important lifestyle topics relating to nutrition and working out. “My programs are all about reaching and maintaining the healthiest version of you, and I am here to help you regain control of your health, and your life.” LiveFIT delves into the fundamentals of understanding what each body needs while giving options to work out at the gym, or in the comfort of one’s own home. Nadine’s plans are here to help find what works best for your body and lifestyle, so that you can continue these healthy habits for the rest of your life. Whether you are a mom, a student, a business professional, or any occupation that overwhelms your own fitness and health, her programs are completely tailorable to your busy schedule.
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Photo Credit:
Aneese Totah
YOGA, a lifetime practice By: Yoga Instructor Crystal Milana www.crystalmilana.net instagram.com/crystalmilana twitter.com/crystalmilana www.facebook.com/crystal.milana.5 oga teaches us to love; to love ourselves, to love others and to love the world around us. It teaches us how to trust ourselves and how to listen to our inner guidance through a deeper connection and understanding of ourselves. When we come to our mat we are given the space to let go of anything we had going on before our practice so that we can be there for ourselves; at this time we can see our thoughts as they come up, feel what is going on in our bodies and in our souls. In this space we are able to practice self- love; it’s a time dedicated to exploring within and finding new ways to appreciate our strengths and to acknowledge and accept our weaknesses. If we are not able to learn how to love ourselves unconditionally then we can’t know how to truly love another. I look back on my life before I found yoga and I see moments where my unhappiness steamed from simply not loving and appreciating myself. I wasn’t content with my physical appearance and I would always find something that I wanted to change about myself. Even if someone else was to tell me I was beautiful, there was something in me that would not believe that I could really be beautiful and therefore I could not see the true beauty in others as well. My yoga practice taught me Santosha, 92 ||
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which means contentment, it is the Niyama (one of yoga’s ethical practices) that teaches us to stop seeking and to start appreciating. I stopped focusing so much on my outward appearance and I started to see the beauty within me; when I would keep my focus in a difficult posture, I could begin to appreciate my physical strength and how my body was beginning to shift, how I was beginning to trust my strength and balance more. Our yoga postures are tools that grant us access to our higher selves, they show us how to trust our bodies, how to follow our hearts and that who we see ourselves to be is not created by our thoughts. Being able to love and trust who we are, opens our heart to the capability to really being able to love and trust others in our lives. Next time you are on your mat and you come into a backbend, which are heart opening postures; focus on the feeling you get as you trust yourself to go deeper into the posture. Notice the sensations, the burst of energy as you open your heart and then begin to imagine how you can take that same trust and focus into your life. You will begin to see how trust cancels out all fear and makes room for only love.
AcroYoga by: Sid McNairy IV
Senior Teacher of Sid Yoga sidyoga.com | sid4freedom.com croYoga is a physical practice that combines yoga and acrobatics. There are usually three primary roles when an AcroYoga practice is demonstrated. The base is the person who has the largest connection to the earth. Normally this person is lying down with their back to the ground. This allows both the arms and legs of the base to be “bone-stacked� for maximum stability and for support of the flyer. The main points of contact with the flyer are the feet and hands. The flyer is the person who is elevated off the ground by the base. The flyer can move into a series of poses, and normally lets gravity do the work. A flyer needs balance, confidence, and core strength. The third role is the spotter. This is the person who has a full view of the base and flyer, and their focus is on making sure that the flyer lands safely in case of any slips. The spotter can also make verbal adjustments to help the base and flyer improve their forms. These three roles work together in an AcroYoga practice. The most important aspect of this practice is TRUST. When you trust each other, each individual role only has to be present to executing their own role. So if you are looking to build trust with your friends, co-workers, family, or even your lover, developing an AcroYoga practice would be a great choice. Just make sure you have all three roles, especially a spotter!
Photo Credit:
Brian Landis www.landisphotographic.com Model:
Megan Langrehr
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Fitness & Commercial Model
Jen Republic
www.instagram.com/jen.republic Photo Credit: James Patrick | www.jamespatrick.com
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odel Jen Republic is based out of Phoenix Arizona but started her modeling career in the Pacific Northwest 9 years ago. She has traveled nationally and has made modeling her full time passion. Jen has been featured in countless magazines, television commercials, and advertisements. Unlike most models, Jen excels in multiple styles of modeling and has been known by agencies and photographers to be exceptionally versatile. Look for Jen’s online beauty vlog channel on YouTube and her new website www.jenrepublic.com launching soon.
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Teri Lyn Reimer in Atlanta, GA www.terilynphotography.com | MUA Teri Lyn Reimer
Model/Actress
LEHA LONG www.twitter.com/fitmodelleha www.instagram.com/fitnessleha
By: Kelly Price
As a child and teenager Leha Long was always active playing sports, but as an adult she was back and forth with working out. She was not vigilant with her diet or going to the gym; these things were not priorities to her. She finally became tired of not living a healthy lifestyle and was not happy with how she looked and did not feel good in any of her clothes. She knew her diet was not as healthy as it should be so she began training with a trainer for motivation and signed up for a fitness competition. Today she is in much better shape with more muscle tone and energy. She says she actually feels younger now that she has cleaned up her diet and has been consistent with her fitness program. Leha had a pivotal moment with her training when she went to the beach with her friends and saw so many people in great shape. She wanted to look like
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James Patrick in Scottsdale, AZ www.jamespatrick.com MUA: Amanda Bland
them. As soon as she returned home from that trip she signed up with a trainer. Her first training session was difficult. She had not trained before, so she struggled. She had never used a trainer before but she knew she was doing something positive and that she would see results soon so Leha did not give up. She lifts heavier weight now and enjoys lifting. Due to having physical therapy on her foot, she cannot enjoy a lot of outdoor cardio which she enjoys. Changing her cardio, she does one day of outdoor cardio and cardio machines on the other days. The most rewarding aspect of her training was stepping on the stage showing off her hard work. She feels lucky to be in the top 5 when she competes and bringing home hardware keeps her motivated. It is a great feeling of accomplishment, all of her hard work was worth it. The hard work also has qualified her nationally with the NPC. hen she trains, she feels accomplished. Training has become a lifestyle for Leha. It is a routine that she has each day that comes naturally. There are days she does not want to see the gym, but she always feels accomplished when she is finished and happy that she went. Leha is forty-four years old and in the best shape of her life. She feels younger and looks younger because she eats healthily and has her consistent exercise program. When asked for advice for women, she says, “Do not give up.” She adds that women have to remember to take care of themselves. “This is your life and your health, so take care of yourself.” She also says, “No matter what your age fitness should be a part of your life.” When she is training, she enjoys both alone or with a partner. There are days when she wants to do her own thing and move around at her own
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pace. Then there are days when she enjoys training with someone for the extra push. Leha particularly enjoys cardio with someone whether it is going for a run or on a machine beside each other, great way to make the time go by faster too. er success has come partly because she is goal orientated. She enjoys setting her goals, when she signs up for a competition or has a photo shoot to prepare for, she is dedicated to following through with what she needs to do to look her best. Leha enjoys and is motivated by others. Enjoyment is also found for her by setting an example for others that getting older does not mean you have to give up on your goals. But she is truly motivated by kind messages she receives from followers. These followers are from men and women all over the world and are supportive and kind. Her hard earned success came about as she conquered her fear of being in front of a crowd on stage and speaking in front of a crowd. Her first competition was scary. She saw the crowd and it made her very nervous. She remembers she had to answer a question on stage. To overcome her fear she signed up for another competition. She also does acting on the side, so her acting classes have helped her a lot to be able to present herself in front of others. Through her training the number one lesson she has learned about
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James Patrick in Scottsdale, AZ www.jamespatrick.com MUA: Amanda Bland
health and fitness is to be successful you have to be dedicated. There is no in-between when training for a competition. “You are either in or you are out. You have to be mentally able and physically.” When she looks back, she wishes she would have started her fitness journey earlier in life. She started later than most but believes it is never too late. She has enjoyed it so much that she wishes she would have had more years involved with the fitness industry. If she had to pick a quote to live by, she would select one from Helen Keller, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” Life is short, do not look back and regret anything. She has had a wonderful life and does not have any regrets so far. At the end of a week of hard work, she takes Sunday as her rest day. She believes that your body needs a day off, so unless she has missed a day during the week, Sunday it is. When she has the perfect rest day she enjoys movies or visiting with her family.
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James Patrick in Scottsdale, AZ www.jamespatrick.com MUA: Amanda Bland
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READERS
SPOTLIGHT
Bonnie Anina Second Runner Up Miss South Beach
www.instagram.com/bonnieanina
Photo Credit: AJG FILMPRODUCTIONS www.instagram.com/ajgfilmproductions www.ajgfilmproductions.nl
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My secret to looking fit is: A) Eating healthy B) Going to gym regularly C) Educating myself in healthy living D) All above/more Answer: D
Best exercise to shape sexy Abs superfast: A) Tummy Tuck B) Bent-Knee Crunch C) Single-Leg Lift D) Others Answer: Old fashioned sit ups!
My favorite part of my body is: A) My abs. B) My legs C) My butt D) Others Answer: I’ve been receiving compliments on my butt - so I think C is the answer.
I’m totally addicted to: A) Chocolate B) Social Media C) Exercising D) Others Answer: All of the above--- especially chocolate.
Favorite snack: A) Fitness Bars B) Popcorn C) Light Beer D) Others Answer: If I’m trying to be healthy, veggies. If I’m trying to be not so healthy goldfish.
Your healthy cheat list: Answer: Everything in moderation is okay! I never deny myself the things I want. I just control my portions and maintain exercise.
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READERS
SPOTLIGHT
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Exclusive Interview with Internationally Published Model
Heather DePriest www.instagram.com/heather_depriest www. twitter.com/modelheatherd www.facebook.com/heather.depriest
Photo: Mario Barberio www.mariobarberio.com