Social Workout

Food

California Trans Fat Ban Goes Live

Leave it to Bloomie and the Governator. In 2006, New York City banned the use of trans fats in all of its restaurants. Effective January 1st, California has joined the team. (Who'd of thunk New York would be three years ahead of California in politically correct food policy?) What the hell are trans fats, you ask? "Trans fats are created by pumping hydrogen into liquid oil at high temperature, a process called partial hydrogenation," says the Times. Yuk. Apparently this makes things crispy and last longer. Apparently a small increase in your trans fat intake also increases you risk of heart disease by 25%. Doh! Here's to strong-arm food policy. Libertarians not to panic: You can still buy lot's of trans fat-rich food at the super market.  (Also, what's the likelihood that your favorite hole-in-the-wall greasy spoon isn't still using some partially hydrogenated corn oil?)

Grassroots Challenges

California vs. Alaska Fitness Deathmatch

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sarah Palin are currently exchanging heated Facebook posts regarding climate change. Where to begin on this? Facebook trash talking is sort of low rent for these two. We'd like more hardcore Arnold vs. Sarah showdowns. Both are, like, way into fitness. Mr. Universe vs. the Run-a-holic? Or how about California vs. Alaska. We ran the numbers:

Workout Wear

Etsy's Trove of Fall Fitness Gear

You need some cute warm fall fitness gear. I know, I do too. You could visit the usual suspects: Lululemon still makes your butt look great, and Stella McCartney still screams super-hip. But why not be a bit more unique, even anti-corporate? Why not try Etsy? Etsy is a Brooklyn-born website where you can buy all things handmade. E-Bay for the DIY-arts-and-crafts set. You knew that, but did you know there are some great homemade fitness apparel to be found within? It's true. I've rounded up my favorites after the jump. Check it, but be forewarned: If you get off track, you can lose yourself for hours searching through the Etsy treasures....

SW-e-AT

Food-Ex Pairing Day Seven: Dark Chocolate Biceps

Hello, it's Friday, the end of our first full week of SW-e-AT-ing together, and time to celebrate with some instant gratification: Dark chocolate and biceps. Yes, you're welcome. 

These two are sort of self-explanatory, but we'll explain: Dark chocolate is, oddly enough, good for you. Yes, must be taken in moderation, and we're not talking about a Snickers bar, or anything loaded with milk and sugar. We're talking RAW CHOCOLATE, the essence of the fermented cacao bean, i.e. the 3,000 year old Central America delicacy: THIS can be good for you. Research suggests it lowers blood pressure, and is packed with anti-oxidents. It can also increase your "feelings of relaxation and love," says our very savvy food expert friend Natascha. She's the one you may recall, with the killer recipe for raw chocolate which manages to be decadent and healthy all at the same time.

Much like, I might add, curls. Curls are the iconic exercise of free weights. They work too well, and appeal primally to one's vanity. Of course, there are other ways to get at the biceps. Chinups come to mind, and even push-ups will get you half way home. The truth is, if you give your biceps just a little love, they'll love you back in a big way. Ask our First Lady: It's nice to have guns. Or ask the governor of California. He's long been a proponent of biceps, curls, and "the pump" -- as he notes in following wonderful and brief video.

Good luck out there, and let us know how it goes. The food and exercise part that is....

Yes You Can

One Lousy Chinup

Chinups and pullups are scary. They are also very useful in many escape scenarios; critical for hoisting self on to fire escape when one is locked out of the apartment. There's great recreational value too: Nothing burns excess energy so well, or signals sexy physicality quite so effectively, as leaping on to a passing scaffolding and executing a swing/pull up. FYI: Three "Feats of Summer" Challengers have already accomplished the FoS Chinup Feat. Bravo to nfolkert, H2Ownage, and body electric, and thanks to body electric, who has provided excellent training tips and inspiration. For further guidance, Challengers and non-Challengers alike should also check out this recent T-Nation item on back strengthening exercises. Yogis: Even if gyms and weightlifters make you gag, you might learn something helpful from these T-Nation guys, and possibly also pick up a pleasant testosterone contact high from the site. Among the things we learned: Arnold Schwarzeneggar was way into "wide grip pull-ups." He did them in sets of 50. Yes you can.

Occupied Aggro

Iraq Pumps Iron

Oh boy, there's a gym craze in Baghdad. "At least 300 gyms and fitness centers are believed to be operating in Baghdad, compared with about 30 before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion," writes Hamza Hendawi for the A.P. "It's a fad," one gym owner told Hendawi. "So many people now want to work out. They want to look good." Is that a sign of normalcy returning to Baghdad? Cool.

So, after 30 years of military dictatorship, and five years of bungled occupation and brutal insurgency, you might imagine these newly opened gyms would offer some stress-reducing yoga and/or some cathartic spin classes. Ha! Think blaring music, mirrors, and firearm-packing guys lifting weights, guzzling protein shakes, and popping steroids. We're talking gyms with names like the the Arnold Classic, The Hummer, and the "The Dragin G.Y.M. for Body Building and Fituess." Gulp. The genders are separated, but there are some "women's hours" on the schedule....

Save the Date

Jane and Arnold Invite You...

Angst and joy at Social Workout HQ today. Editorial is tied in knots over provocative post; meanwhile business development had exciting run in with Agapi Stassinopoulos, Arianna's sister, at our favorite coffee place. (Agapi, charming and effusive, is on the hunt for a workout buddy in L.A. "If we danced more like the Greeks, we'd all be happier. I'd run, but, with these boobs, I already need two bras!" We'll point her to the Shock Absorber.)

In short, the warm community vibes are running high, and it's suddenly clearer than ever that it's time to get together. So, please dear readers and brave B.O.W.C.s, mark your calendars: On the evening of Thursday, May 7th, Jane and Arnold cordially invite you to...

The Official Social Workout Launch Party and B.O.W.C. Victory Bash: When Men Pumped Iron, Women Did Aerobics, and Yoga Was for Weirdos...

May 7th, 6:30 P.M. (Crunch -- West Village)
Save the date....