This New Year, Jamba Juice encourages everyone to Live Fruitfully™ by embracing each day, each moment and each opportunity to be healthy, active and have fun! It starts with making the right choices and inspiring others to do the same. With products like the Fit ‘n Fruitful smoothies, Probiotic Fruit & Yogurt Blends and steel-cut oatmeal made with organic oats, Jamba Juice makes it easy for everyone to make the right, healthy choices.

“We are thrilled to introduce Jamba’s new Fit ‘n Fruitful smoothies – an offering we think is a great solution for those trying to achieve several health goals,” says Susan Shields, senior vice president and CMO, Jamba Juice Company. “Whether it’s trying to get more fruit in your diet, finding a delicious, healthy meal substitute on-the-go, or supporting weight management goals while providing balanced nutrition, Fit ‘n Fruitful smoothies are a great way to help you Live Fruitfully this year.”

Fit ‘n Fruitful smoothies are made with a Weight Burner Boost*, which can also be added to any smoothie on the Jamba® menu. When used daily, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise program, the Weight Burner Boost can help support long-term weight management goals by stimulating muscle enzymes to burn more fat and promote lean muscle mass. And it is caffeine free!

In addition to these nutritious offerings for the New Year, Jamba Juice has two other products that support a healthy and active lifestyle. The Coldbuster® Smoothie gives winter the one-two punch with Antioxidant Power and Immunity boosts. The Probiotic Fruit & Yogurt Blends help support immune system and digestive health, and come in three delicious flavors: Thrivin’ Mango, Vibrant Blueberry and Strawberries Alive.

For more information, please visit http://www.jambajuice.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JambaJuice or follow us on Twitter at @JambaJuice.

* Weight Burner Boost is made with conjugated linoleic acid, or “CLA”, which is derived from safflower oil. CLA is a naturally occurring fatty acid that is commonly found in foods such as milk. CLA intake of between 1.7 grams to 3.6 grams per day for eight to 12 weeks can lead to improved weight management when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program. Results will not be achieved with sporadic consumption. Each serving of Weight Burner Boost supplies two grams of CLA.

The ThunderBell’s Patent Pending 7-Grip Design enables seamless transition from one movement to the next for an endless combination of multiple joint and muscle training movements that work every muscle group, challenging anyone at any fitness level through the ThunderBell multilevel training program. Equipped with your own personal trainer, Jeremy Levine will motivate you and instruct you on the fundamentals to be successful with the ThunderBell Training Program.

Debuting on TV January 2nd, 2012, the ThunderBell is available for sale through ThunderBellTV.com or by calling (800) 975-6826. With the purchase of the ThunderBell, customers also receive the Training & Level 1 DVD with bonus Core Program and Members Only access to download the ThunderBell Fitness Calendar and Healthy Eating Guide. The DVD contains the Introduction to ThunderBell, a segment with One-on-One instruction to learn proper form for 26 unique ThunderBell moves, the Foundation Workout to develop balance and follow fundamental patterns that are the foundation of the ThunderBell Training Program, the Level 1 Workout with a dynamic warm-up which leads into this 2-part workout series that whips you into shape, followed by a challenging Cool Down & Flexibility program. The DVD also includes a bonus ThunderBell Core for strong ripped abs.

In addition to exercise machine Ratings and buying advice, Consumer Reports has seven tips to add some sizzle to your workout including two advanced moves, the “side step” for toning problematic inner and outer-thighs and the “squat while you pedal” move for firming your quads and butt. The tips come courtesy of the testing organization’s technical experts who have logged hundreds of hours and thousands of miles testing exercise equipment in CR’s labs.

The tips and home workouts report are available online at ConsumerReports.org.

The report also includes results from an online survey of more than 3,000 Consumer Reports readers who shared their diet strategies. Overall, 23 percent of the 2,680 dieters who were following a diet plan said they concurrently used an app. The survey also revealed that 69 percent of readers had followed their own diet and exercise regimen. But when it comes to commercial diets, there is one standout. Of those who subscribed to at least one commercial diet plan in the past three years, 88 percent said they’d tried either Weight Watchers or Weight Watchers online. More survey details are available online at ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports put 35 treadmills and 18 elliptical exercisers through the paces (click here to see how we test). The top-rated non-folding treadmill, the Precor 9.31, costs a cool $4,000 and offers excellent construction. But consumers on tighter budgets can find solid choices in the non-folding Sole S77 at $1,900 and the folding ProForm Performance 600 and Horizon T202, both $800. All three are Consumer Reports Best Buys.

The top-scoring elliptical, the Octane Fitness Q37ci, costs $3,100 and is solidly built, has four heart-rate programs, comes with a chest-strap heart-rate monitor, and earned very high marks for safety. If you don’t need the heart rate monitoring and can forgo certain other features, Consumer Reports recommends the Octane Fitness Q37c for $500 less.

Consumer Reports also tested 10 regular pedometers, three GPS watches, and three cell phone apps that claim to measure steps and distance through your phone’s movements. CR identifies the Sportline Step & Distance SB4202 ($5), a conventional pedometer available at Walmart, as a Best Buy. Consumer Reports also recommends the Mio Trace Acc-Tek ($30) and the Omron GOsmart Pocket HJ-112 ($30). As for cell-phone apps, CR named the Accupedo pedometer widget (for Android) at $4 and the Pedometer Pro GPS+ (for iPhone) at $3 Best Buys.

And, in a first for Consumer Reports, the magazine is sharing Ratings data from subscribers who have purchased home exercise machines. Owners of 1,302 elliptical machines and 1,891 treadmills reported on overall satisfaction and problems they experienced with the most common brands. Owners were highly satisfied with their purchases overall, but there were brand differences. Sole was the top-rated treadmill brand, while ProForm rated lower than all other elliptical brands. Among elliptical exercisers, ProForm received more complaints than other brands about being difficult to adjust to the needs of different users and having a poor range of workout options. NordicTrack scored substantially worse than the other brands for being bulky and difficult to set up. There were no differences among treadmill brands in the rate of problems.

Techniques to Ramp Up Your Workout:

Consumer Reports’ technical fitness experts have logged hundreds of hours and thousands of miles testing treadmills and elliptical exercisers at CR’s labs. Here are some of their tips for adding some sizzle to your home (or gym!) workout: Log on to ConsumerReports.org for the rest of CR’s techniques.

• Try an interval program: Alternating between high and low intensities can burn more calories than a similar duration of exercise at a single intensity.
• Don’t lean on the machine: Don’t put your weight on the hand rails of your treadmill or elliptical because that reduces the workout you’re giving your muscles. If you’re having trouble balancing, lower the intensity.
• Squat while you pedal: This is only recommended for advanced users. Want an extra workout for your quads and butt? Try exercising in a squat position when using the elliptical. To prevent injury, keep your chest upright and your back flat, and don’t let your knees go past your toes.
• Side step: This technique is also for advanced users only. This one is a little tricky and should be done with some supervision, at least the first few times you do it. But it’s worth the effort if you aspire to work your inner and outer thighs. With the treadmill off, stand sideways with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent and torso tilted slightly forward. Start the machine at its slowest speed and walk slowly, stepping sideways without crossing your legs. Increase the incline for more of a challenge.

I need my energy Phix! When presented with the opportunity to review this product, I jumped at the chance… or shall I say, I wanted to jump but with a million things going on at one time; even myself; named by friends “Energizer Bunny” needed a little (or rather big) energy push!

Phix Energy is a powder you mix with water and then drink to naturally increase your energy levels. Moms of course are in constant need of energy; since we are going a million miles a minute. I tried all three flavors and was impressed that they were not too sweet or artificial tasting like so many I have tried. Also, this combination of green tea antioxidants, yerbe mate and something called NADH, which is an active form of Vitamin B3 involved in the process of energy at a cellular level, gave me an even energy push, I did not feel buzzed or a rush and crash. I was curious about NADH, so I read about it on the Phix website. According to the Phix website, clinical research has found NADH superior to other forms of standard forms of therapy in people with chronic fatigue and has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Since moms often complain about low energy levels and memory lapses, I hope that it can help us with some of these issues!

I also liked that it came in single use packets that I could carry with me and easily pour into a bottle of water. With this crazy holiday season upon us, I am thankful for a new product like this!

We are excited to give away a 1 month supply of Phix to one of our lucky readers who checks out this new energy drink on Facebook or Twitter The lucky winner will receive 3 boxes in the flavor of your choice; either Citron, Tropic or Teaberry and a coupon for 25% off a future purchase.
For more information on Phix Energy, visit www.phix.com

After you check them out, send me an email at nina@thechicmomsguide.com with the subject line “I need my energy Phix!”. The first reader to send me an email will win the 1 month supply of Phix Energy.
Disclaimer: Only entrants who live in the United States are eligible. Please note I received a complimentary trial product as part of a promotional program with Phix and MomSelect

Tracy Anderson

 The 90-day full-body plan targets every area of the body and is customized by body type from omnicentric and glutecentric to hipcentric and abcentric. Customizing the plan helps to target individual problem areas for maximized results. Once users identify their body type, through the four-disc kit, Anderson will focus on the correct combination of muscles through efficient and strategic strength training in conjunction with a personalized rigorous cardio component.

The DVD system also includes a dynamic eating plan, tape measure and a welcome letter.

Focus of Workout Program by Body Type:   

• Omnicentric – All problem areas
• Abcentric – Midsection and Waist
• Hipcentric – Lower Body
• Glutecentric – Butt

Metamorphosis by Tracy will be available through QVC beginning Tuesday, June 14. Plus, QVC shoppers will have the option to continue Metamorphosis with a bonus DVD that covers an extended 30-day workout.  The cost is approximately $99.95 (plus $22.95 with bonus DVD).

Dove® gave one real woman the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a taste of what celebrities experience on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Real woman Kristi Herman was selected from the nearly 1,500 women who entered the Dove® Close-Up Challenge. She received a week of professional dance training and got her skin ready for the spotlight with Dove® VisibleCare™ Body Wash, a revolutionary new line of body wash that actually gives women visibly more beautiful skin in just one week. Herman will have the ultimate spotlight moment when she shows off her new moves and beautiful skin in a Dove®-sponsored TV spot airing in a commercial break during the season finale of “Dancing with the Stars” Monday, May 23 (8:00 p.m. ET) on ABC.

Dancing Her Way to the Spotlight

Herman, from Jersey City, NJ, received an all-expense paid trip to Los Angeles to prepare for her big moment in the spotlight. ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” Season 10 professional dancer Damian Whitewood spent five days training Herman and teaching her the Cha cha cha they perform together in their upcoming TV debut. Her week of preparation also included a photo shoot, wardrobe fittings and spa treatments.

“I have been following ‘Dancing with the Stars’ for many years and never imagined I would get to train and get treated like I was one of the celebrities on the show,” said Herman. “It was truly one of the best weeks of my life. I can’t wait for America to watch my big dance on May 23.”

Her Journey to the Stage

 Women everywhere can get a glimpse into Herman’s “Dancing with the Stars” experience:

 See Herman’s video submission that earned her a spotlight moment at Facebook.com/Dove. Watch Kristi in full training mode and see as her steps start to fall into place!

• View behind-the-scenes footage of Kristi’s dance training with professional dancer Damian Whitewood and their Cha cha cha performance on www.dovecloseup.com
• Join the #closeupmoment “Twitter party” on May 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m ET) for a chance to have questions about being in the spotlight answered by Garth

“This contest celebrates the launch of the Dove® VisibleCare™ Body Wash collection and brings to life our brand philosophy of spotlighting real women,” said Rob Candelino, Marketing Director, Dove U.S., Unilever. “Showing off Kristi’s skin, in addition to her dance moves, is a great way of demonstrating that beautiful skin actually starts in the shower.”

 Beauty Starts IN the Shower

 From everyday occurrences like spending time with family to ultimate spotlight moments like Herman’s, a woman’s skin is always front and center. After all, it is the body’s largest organ with an average surface area of 16 to 21 feet making it the most visible of all body parts. That is why it is important for women to remember looking their best starts with having beautiful skin.

 Dove® VisibleCare™ Body Wash is specially designed to give women visibly more beautiful skin in just one week. When used daily, the formula actually improves the look of skin making it softer, smoother and always close-up ready. The collection is available in two variants – Softening and Renewing – and can be found at food, drug, mass and club retailers.

 ”The Bikini Body Tour” is dedicated to helping women get bikini-ready with fun-filled fitness classes lead by Equinox® Group Fitness Instructors! The variety of heart-pumping routines range from cardio and revitalizing yoga classes to full body conditioning and calorie burning dance instruction. Highlights include:

 - Practice your sun salutation in the best place — on the beach! Ride the Vinyasa Wave Yoga with an energizing flow set to contemporary beats and crashing waves to restore you for a great day at the beach.

- Sexy Surfer Workout is a nonstop circuit that targets all the muscle groups that surfing hits and will help you score the body of a surfer without catching a single wave.

- A fun and easy-to-follow cardio dance routine combining hip-hop and jazz for a sweaty sunshine-filled Beach Party Dance Jam.

After you get your workout on, head over to SHAPE’s runway and check out the hottest looks for summer in an exclusive all-day fashion show hosted by SHAPE’s fabulous editors. Plus, try your luck at games and visit SHAPE’s beach cabanas for the latest trends and products in beauty, fitness and more!

 Some of the exciting activities that will be going on during the tour from the fabulous sponsors include:

 - A “Make Your Own Havaianas®” booth where tour-goers can customize their own color combinations of flip flops and can also have their photo taken for an onsite contest, with the top 3 being featured on SHAPE.com.

- Discover useful health tips to match your own active lifestyle at the Wrigley’s EXTRA® tent and stand a chance to win personalized fitness packages.

- A custom swimsuit fashion show from Special K®, featuring red-clad suits that work for different body types along with samples of their tasty treats.

- A bar lounge from Michelob Ultra® for some refreshments and relaxation after working up a sweat.

- Live, on-site expert nutrition and fitness tips from TV Host Dayna Devon and SENSA® Fit Trainer Jason Estrada

Go to http://www.BikiniBodyTour.com to pre-register for classes. Each class is only $10 and everyone that pre-registers will receive a deluxe swag bag! SHAPE is proud to announce that a portion of the proceeds from the Bikini Body Tour will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation.

1) Give yourself time. Your body needs time to heal, and you need time to get a schedule down with your little one. Lisa says this took about five months for her.

2) Do something active every day. Once you have your life somewhat back (meaning your baby is sleeping for more than five hours at a time), try and do something active every day. A workout doesn’t have to be going to the gym for an hour.

3) Wear your baby! Lisa says she used the Baby Bjorn carrier with her son from the first month he was born. She wore him everywhere and she was able to be close to him and burn more calories at the same time.

4) Join a Mommy and Me stroller-walking or jogging group. You get to stay fit while sharing stories with other moms.

5) Lisa suggests weighing yourself every day. It might sound scary, but it really keeps you in check if you start gaining too much weight. It’s normal for weight to fluctuate a little, and sometimes you won’t like the number on the scale. But you may surprise yourslef. Use the scale as a tool, and not as an end-all to how you feel.

6) Dance with your baby. Put some music on and boogie. Your baby will love it, and it gets you moving.

7) Buy a yoga mat and a yoga video. Your baby will love watching you stretch for fifteen minutes.

Yoga Poses:

• Swaying Palm Tree Pose.  Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and lock your eyes on one spot straight in front of you.  Interlock fingers and turn palms outward.  Inhale deeply as you raise arms over your head.  As you breathe out, bend from your waist to your left side, taking care not to reach forwards or backwards.  Hold for a few seconds, then inhale deeply and slowly return to the upright position.  Repeat five times to each side.
• Cat-Camel Pose.  Kneel down and lean forward to place your hands on the floor below your shoulders, with your fingers facing forward, and your hands in line with knees.  Your arms and thighs should be at right angles to the floor (your knees can be slightly separated).  Now inhale deeply and raise your head and drop your spine so your back is concave.  As you exhale, lower your head and stretch your spine upwards.  Repeat five times.
• Mountain Pose with Slight Backbend.  Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart and your knees bent slightly.  Inhale through your mouth and, with your hands clasped, raise your arms over your head.  Bend slightly backwards.  Take this pose one step further by lowering your arms and torso to the ground (through your legs) and back up again.  Do this five to ten times while inhaling on the upswing and exhaling on the downswing.  This pose increases the circulation in your body.  It can also give your complexion a glow.

At-Home, Body-Toning Routine:  These should be done in ten to twenty repetitions, two to three sets per exercise

Lower Body (great for thighs and butt)

• Squats: Stand with your feet hip-width apart.  Place your hands on your hips. With bent knees, slowly squat or lower your body down (you can also reach your arms out in front of you up to shoulder level). Stop squatting when your thights are parallel to the floor.  Imagine sitting in a chair to help you with the exercise.  Return to standing.
• Lunges: Stand with your feet hip-width apart.  Place your hands on your hips.  Hold your abls in tight and keep your butt tucked under.  Thake a long step forward with your right leg.  Bend both knees as you lunge two to three feet in front of you, and lift your back heel up slightly.  Your front leg shoudl be parallel to the floor and the back leg perpendicular.  Repeat.

Upper Body (for chest, shoulders and arms)

• Push-Ups: Begin on the floor with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.  Place toes or knees onto the floor, depending on the level of resistance needed.  Keep your back straight and torso supported by engaging the abdominals througout the exercise.  Next, press the body up to the point just prior to locked elbows.  Pause, then lower until elbows are at approximately a ninety-degree angle.
• Overhead Press:  Begin with your hands slightly above shoulder height, elbows flexed.  Engage the abdominals, bend your knees slightly, and position your feet about shoulder-width apart.  Next, press your hands over your head until elbows are extended but not locked.  Pause, then slowly return to the startning position.
• Bicep Curls: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.  Hold your arms down at your sides with a dumbell in each hand.  Keep your elbows close to your body.  Your palms should face forward and can be at an angle out from the body.  Slowly lift the dumbells at the same time up to your shoulder.  Hold for one second, then lower. Repeat.

Core (for stomach and posture)

• Stomach Crunches: Lay on your back with your knees bent.  Place your hands behind your head.  Engage your abdominal muscles.  Slowly curl up halfway to your knees, hold for a second, and release.  Repeat.