Ryan Shea

Crunch exercise tips with personal trainer Peter Morgese!

We all want to have that great toned and fit body especially with the summer season rapidly approaching. We all do the same routines at some point and they tend to get monotonous and ultimately not get the job done the way you want them to. Well if you are looking for that new workout that is guaranteed to get you in really great shape for the summer and beyond, fear no more! Because Crunch Gym personal trainer and all around nice guy Peter Morgese is here to show you some of his unique workouts that he has come up with. All of them involving none other than a towel or two. Take a look at these great routines he has come up with!

You’re lucky this workout is with towels, because you’ll sure need them after it’s over.

Exercise #1: 45 Seconds

Plank Oblique Crunch

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Alternate each leg out and around towards the elbow and back to the original starting position.

Exercise #2: 45 Seconds

Plank to Crunch

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Thrust the hips up by engaging the rectus abdominis, until the body is at a 45 degree angle. Push the body down by using and disengaging the rectus abdominis.

Exercise #3: 45 Seconds

Mountain Climbers

Position the body in a plank, by planting the forearms firmly on the pad and the feet on two small towels spread 6 inches apart. Alternate and pull each leg in towards the chest and back to it’s starting position.

How often should the client do each towel at- home exercise?

The workout should be done five times a week for 5 rounds, 45 seconds each exercise with a 20 second rest in between.

Targets the following muscles:

Oblique Crunches (Obliques)

Crunches (Rectus Abdominus)

Mountain Climbers (Rectus Abdominus)

What kind of surface should be used?

A smoother surface like wood or glazed cement

In terms of space, how big should the space be?

The space should give the person at least 10 inches of wiggle room from the left, right, front, and back or an 8X8 space)

Peter is an amazing trainer who is always coming up with innovative ways to keep you in shape and healthy for whatever goal weight or look you desire. If you are thinking of joining Crunch or already a member there, you should definitely reach out to him and try him out. He is beyond worth it. Here is some more info on him-

www.facebook.com/peter.morgese.9

www.twitter.com/petemorgese

And to follow all things Crunch Fitness related, don’t forget to check out their networking sites!

www.crunchgym.com

www.twitter.com/crunchgym

Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne’s on April 26th!!!

by Ryan Shea

When the words “free” and “pretzel” are uttered in the same sentence, many a people like me tend to get excited and hungry at the same time! Well fear no more, because on April 26th that fantasy will turn into a reality! The beloved Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, which have been uber popular for several years across the country, will be offering one free Honey Whole Grain Pretzel at several of its Manhattan locations. I have actually tried this particular pretzel in the past, and it has a great taste to it with less calories and less of a guilt factor when having it! [Read more…] about Free Pretzel Day at Auntie Anne’s on April 26th!!!

Esquire’s Music & Fashion issue with Ne-Yo & Wiz Khalifa

by Ryan Shea

Hip-Hop & R&B Superstars Wiz Khalifa and Ne-Yo have surely made names for themselves over the past couple of years and cemented themselves firmly into that music industry. Wiz is riding high with the birth of his son Sebastian with girlfriend & model Amber Rose. Ne-Yo has a ton of projects in the works, one notably rumored joining the next season of X-Factor set to take place in September. Both of them are featured in the upcoming fashion & music issue of Esquire magazine, on stands April 23rd. Here are some of the topics that eac of them talked about-

Wiz Khalifa on his big moment: “Performing with Snoop at Coachella [in 2012] was crazy. I grew up listening to Snoop and idolizing him. But not only did he bring me out that night, he brought out Dr. Dre and freakin’ hologram Tupac. To be in that sentence is pretty amazing. Pinch yourself? I had to slap myself.”

Wiz Khalifa on getting his: “I like learning new things. Right now, I’m learning to sue people and get my money. After talking to people who work for Donald Trump – smart, successful people – I’ve realized I gotta go after all that. That’s what I’m going to do that I didn’t last year.”

Ne-Yo on his dancing: “I’m not a natural. I had to teach myself – or be taught – everything I do. I just spent hours and hours in the mirror mimicking Michael Jackson.”

Ne-Yo on Sammy Davis, Jr.: “I grew up in Las Vegas. My mom worked in pretty much every casino on the Strip. She brought home the Rat Pack stuff. Sammy was the only one that looked like me, so I naturally gravitated to him. Sammy made it cool to be black at a time when, let’s just say it, it wasn’t very cool to be black. His name was on the front of the building in lights, and he had to go in the back. But you never saw him sweat.”

Want to read more about their stories? Click on each link below to find out more.

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/wiz-khalifa-0513?click=mid

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/mens-fashion/ne-yo-0513?click=mid

The 2013 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet

by Ryan Shea

The 2013 MTV Movie Awards were last night at the fashion never fails to intrigue me. The MTV Movie Awards bring out all walks of the celebrity life. From movie stars to musicians to your favorite reality stars. There were a few great ensembles on the red carpet last night and, true to Movie Awards tradition, there were some outlandish fashion train wrecks!

Actress Crystal Reed looked classy and trendy in her coral and nude lace overlay dress. The bottom was pumped up with a tulle and looked like a beautiful tutu. And the nude pumps made her legs looking miles long!

Bridesmaids’ Melissa McCarthy rocked all black with gold accessories. I think the was a great pick for Melissa the funny girl looks slim and glowing!

Model Karlie Kloss’ all white skirt and crop top was sexy! The shoes were by far my favorite part of the outfit! I am obsessed with ankle straps right now! So chic.

My best dressed male goes to my secret crush … The legendary Taylor Hanson! He is so handsome and well dressed. This MMMbop boy surely grew into one handsome man.

And now for the worst of the worst … drum roll please !

Ke$ha…

What is this chick thinking? I think she is so talented and beautiful and yet she insists on looking like a hobo.

You would never believe this girl had hit songs almost every other month. Apparently hippies have gone goth, which is not a good look! I don’t know what the worst part of this look is … the hat … no the fringe vest … nope definitely the pants … This outfit is just all wrong!

This next one is really hard for me to do … I am absolutely head over heels with musician Macklemore. I think his style and look are perfection, most of the time. I love his swag and his ginger features! But his outfit last night was really disappointing. The royal blue did look cool but the cape was such a let down. I would have rathered a big fur jacket and a onesie.

Don’t worry though I still love you!

There’s always one who has to be a statement maker, and expecting it to be Lady Gaga again, I was surprised to see a burnt cigarette butt hat on Pitch Perfect’s Hana Mae Lee. Lee was one of my favorite characters in Pitch Perfect and her one liners were the most laughable moments in the movie. My favorite line “I ate my twin in the womb.” Befitting to her character’s, shall we say, uniqueness, Mae Lee rocks a interesting hat at the Movie Awards.

Last night’s MTV Movie Award fashion definitely had some note worthy looks. But the overall trend for the awards had to be the pointy toe pump. I have to say I was a little worried about this trend coming back but the new style of pointed toe pumps has a shorter point and is something I am actually excited to try out.

Kim Kardashian really was the first celebrity to rock this look when she stepped out in her neon green Loubitan’s. Last night she showed off her baby bump in a sleek black dress and black satin pointed toe stiletto’s.

Carrie actress Chloe Moretz kept it casual in a denim romper by Louis Vuitton and stunning t-strap pointed toe pumps. The shoes were the focal point in this outfit, beautiful!

Kim K in training younger sister Kylie Jenner looked fabulous in her nude pencil skirt and white crop top. The nude pointed toe heels were to die for! I am absolutely passionate about these pumps. I must go buy a pair now!!

I have to say, I am totally into trying out this re imagined trend. The only issue I have is after I take my shoes off at the end of the night they usually get thrown in a pile of my collection of shoes and then they get all smushed. After they are flattened enough you can never get your toe in right and if someone steps on it, forget it, a little heel dent can ruin a pair of pointed toe heels. Luckily in my never ending online shopping habit, I found the answer! http://www.tiptopshoesaver.com/ sells all different tools to keep your hoes in new condition. Their product, conveniently titled, The Tip Toe Shoe Saver, is a triangular piece that you insert into the toe area of a pointed toe shoe to keep the shape. I ordered a pair and can’t wait to use them in my new heels.

So all in all, I think the fashion at the MTV Movie Awards last night was interesting, but slightly disappointing. The one’s that got it right last night definitely brought in the Spring 2013 trends. White was big and nudes, as well. For accessories, I was happy to see the ankle stap and pointed toe heels were back and modern.

*Just on a side-note, I’d like to send my prayers out to the families involved in the tragic terrorist bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon today. This is a sad and frightening event and if there is anyway I can help I will and hope my fellow Americans will do the same.

Is Macklemore the new Eminem?

by Ryan Shea

I don’t think that title is really premature in saying what a lot of people are thinking. Macklemore really can be the next Eminem if he plays his cards right. The Seattle native continues to take 2013 by storm again last night with his performance of his new single “Can’t Hold Us” featuring Ray Dalton at the 2013 MTV Movie Awards. Many said that was the highlight of the night and this is a freaking movie award show (then again it’s MTV, so we are lucky it wasn’t a Best Teen Mom Shore Buckwild Show).

Macklemore was known by many a hip-hop tastemakers for a while now but no one really understood who this guy was until late 2012 whe a song about a thrift shop came into play. Little do people know this guy, who turns 30 later this year, has been in the game for over a decade now, right around the time that Eminem broke through.

He released his first full fledged EP back in 2000 under the name “Professor Macklemore”. He quickly dropped the professor aspect of things but substance abuse plagued his chances of really becoming the star that he is today. These substances had him relapse on a number of occasions, most recently in 2011. Yet during this time he released some truly amazing music, such as “The Unplanned Mixtape” and “The VS Redux” in 2009 with his constant companion and DJ Ryan Lewis. That is some of his best work in my opinion, as you can tell what he was going through during that time.

Now with his album “The Heist” in full swing, “Thrift Shop” topping the charts for weeks and his subsequent song “Can’t Hold Us” climbing up the charts, we gotta wonder, is he the next big thing? The next Eminem? Let’s weigh this in and see.

Going beyond race, Eminem truly defines what an MC is and how, at least for my generation, he was our Kurt Cobain. He was our Elvis Presley, he was our Michael Jackson. He was a movement in itself for the simple fact that he went so far outside the boundary lines of what an artist is supposed to do and speak from his heart on what he was going on. “The Marshall Mathers LP” and “The Slim Shady LP” are in my opinion two of the best hip-hop albums ever with the former being the best one to be released in the new millennium. He has even impressed as a featured artist on other people’s tracks, most notably Drake’s “Forever”. He truly understands his gift of gab and uses it to its best extent.

What i just wrote is something that Macklemore is getting the hang of. “The Heist” is an amazing second album and is reminiscent of things that Eminem did. They both have that juxtaposition of being able to do funny songs (Thrift Shop) and then serious ones that really make you think (Wings). The stand out track here is “Same Love”, written in the support of same-sex marriage. It’s truly an amazingly written song and something really out of left field when it comes to a straight dude and hip-hop head writing about a very controversial topic. This can parlay to any of the controversial topics that Em wrote about, including anything from “Love The Way You Lie” about domestic violence and “Stan” about a deranged fan. Regardless, they make you think, something other rappers can’t seem to make you do.

So what is the verdict overall with this? Macklemore could no doubt be the next Eminem in my book. No doubt, even though he has been in the game for a minute, that he will be all over the Best New Artist categories at a ton of award shows and be on everyone’s forefront similarly to how Eminem is. Could they do a duet one day? Only one can hope. For me, he’s got it in him to go the long haul. Best of luck to him in the future.

Como Brothers Band New EP- Worth the listen!

by Ryan Shea

I have been able to interview some pretty big talent out here on Long Island, but the Como Brothers Band truly define what it means when persistence meets talent. I talked to them back in November about a bevy of different topics such as them winning Ernie Ball’s Battle of the Bands for last summer’s Vans Warped Tour to them having one of their own songs be playing on the uber successful E! reality show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”. All of their music they have put out thus far has had great melody, amazing guitar playing and smooth vocals that really show their talent and skill. Their persistence is the ability to get their name out on a more national level, and hopefully soon an international level.

Now they have something great for their fans to devour. The Como Brothers Band have released their new EP called “Still Waters”. It is a 6 track album showcasing an even more mature sound from their last release. All of them are standouts, but to me my favorite song is “Parachute” which sounds like a haunting version of an early Daughtry record. It has a great beat and introduction that is more than worth the listen. Another great track off of the EP is “Bad Karma”. A great line off of it is “Leave her for me, so I won’t see her lying in her vanity”. LOVE IT. These guys really are a blend of a lot of what is current and popular right now in the pop-rock circuit yet they do it originally, something a lot of other artists don’t do. This is definitely an album worth cruising down the road to with the top down now that summer is rapidly approaching.

Keeping on the reality circuit, on March 27th of this year their song “You Are My World” was featured on the MTV documentary series “The Real World- Portland”. They have also unveiled their brand new website for everyone to check out. On top of all of this, they will be doing a radio tour culminating with a huge performance at The Bitter End in Manhattan on May 31st. For a great TV spot they will be on WTNH New Haven Channel 8 Style on May 23rd, so there are a ton of different venues to check them out! Check out the website to hear the new EP and everything else Como Brothers Band.

Twitter.com/ComoBrosBand

Facebook.com/ComoBrothersBand

Rihanna and Chris Brown Split- WHO THE F CARES

by Ryan Shea

I have had my fair share of stating how I feel about not only Chris Brown but Rihanna in the past couple of years, and when I heard all over the news this morning from The Wendy Williams Show to Newsday to E! that they had broken up yet again so Rihanna can focus on business opportunities I literally LOL’d. Here comes my rant about how I feel about these two, so buckle down everyone.

I have said this before and I will say it again, I DON’T GET HOW CHRIS BROWN IS STILL RELEVANT. How in gods name is a man who brutally and viciously beat the living hell out of a woman still celebrated, awarded and adored by millions of people who can blindly look past what he did? On top of that, he’s a wannabe thug who has gotten into so many altercations with people who actually merit respect and should be celebrated for their talent (Miranda Lambert, Frank Ocean, Robin Roberts). So once again, like Aubrey O’Day on Rupaul’s Drag Race this year, what is their appeal?

What is his appeal exactly? Can someone explain it to me? He wins the Grammy last year for Best R&B Album for an album that was all synth and nothing R&B. He won because The Grammy’s wanted to stir commotion and get viewers, so I get that. When every other person winning an award that night and getting standing ovations up the wazoo and people are barely clapping for you, how do you take that? When are you actually going to wake up and realize all of these childish, petty things you have done since you beat her up still don’t warrant a real apology or anything of the sort? I don’t get it.

As for her, I have my own personal feelings. She has her own issues with press I get it, but beyond that I really just can’t stand her attitude throughout all of this. If someone had beat up my sister and then tried to get back together with her, it wouldn’t happen. Doesn’t she have anyone around her telling her this isn’t right? A good girlfriend, family, SOMEONE. I mean I know she is grown and all, but the fact that no one seemed to stop this from happening over and over again really says something. And the fact that she really is “unapologetic” really says a lot about her character and how she really doesn’t want to be viewed as a role model no matter what.

This is just my gist on how I feel. Everyone is different, but quite frankly it bothers me that this continues to be headline news. It shouldn’t be. There are bigger things in the world to deal with than the modern day Ike and Tina continuously breaking up and getting back together for nonsense reasons. That’s it.

Summer Music Festivals 2013- When and Where

by Ryan Shea

For all you music nuts out there, Summer seems to be the one season each year that brings out the best music festivals and the best artists at that. If you are local to New York, you are in for a treat. Some of the biggest music festivals are here or making their way through here. So if you want to find which ones are the best to go to, take a look at the following festivals and see for yourself why music and summer go uber well together like a yummy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich-

Credit to: Governor's Ball Music Festival — Credit to: Governor’s Ball Music Festival

GOVERNOR’S BALL- JUNE 7TH-9TH, RANDALL’S ISLAND

This is one that yours truly is beyond excited for. The event takes place in early June, and this year is featuring the creme de la creme of awesome alternative artists and some of the biggest global superstars in the world. Going on over at the beautiful Randall’s Island, the festival highlights artists that have been popular since the early 1980’s. Which one in particular? That would be Guns N Roses, who are set to perform on the 8th along with other superstars from Kendrick Lamar to Nas. Opening day highlights Grammy winners Kings Of Leon as well as Feist and Erykah Badu. Closing day brings in Kanye West as well as The Lumineers, Cold War Kids and Twin Shadown to name a few. Looks like an amazing three day lineup that I for sure won’t miss. Tickets are still available via The Governor’s Ball official website.

VANS WARPED TOUR: JULY 13TH, NASSAU COLISEUM

The Vans Warped Tour is ultimately a celebration for all things alternative. The tour, going on for over a decade now, highlights some of the best alternative talent on a national level and a local level. Famed for its “Battle Of The Bands” with founder Kevin Lyman putting out a content for bands to perform at their local venue, it is really the one festival where dreams can come true for said band. This year’s highlights include Denver’s very own 3OH3, The Used, Reel Big Fish and more. Log onto The Vans Warped Tour website for more info.

ELECTRIC ZOO: AUGUST 30TH-SEPTEMBER 1ST, RANDALLS ISLAND

Being one of the few festivals that I know of where the only real transportation there is by ferry, the Electric Zoo celebrates all things EDM. Held at the beautiful Randalls Island right outside of Manhattan, this three day festival plans to host some of the biggest acts in EDM today. Ones ranging from international superstars like David Guetta, Skrillex and Diplo come to mind for all you big EDM fans that seem to populate a lot of what is popular in music right now. Go the the Made Event homepage to get tickets!

Let’s not forget that the MTV Video Music Awards is finally coming back to New York this summer. About damn time, I have no idea why it landed in LA in the first place as that show is designed to be here. Hope everyone goes to at least one of these and has a damn good time!

Coachella 2013; What to Wear

by Ryan Shea

It’s almost time for Coachella! A three day music festival whose line up consists of hip-hop acts like 2 Chainz to House DJ’s like Benny Benassi. The festival made papers last year when a Tupac hologram took center stage.

Fashion also ranges at this music festival because of the diverse music fans who attend. The crowd includes Urban fans, preppy fans, hippies, and celebrities. If you are planning on attending this grand music festival then I suggest you read on to find out what you should be wearing!

For the girls;

Sundresses are always a go to option for Coachella, mini or maxi. I would accessorize with denim and boots (combat or cowboy).

Crocheted dresses are airy and easy to dance around in!

The Hippie look is huge at these festivals so feel free to throw some flowers in your hair and pack a pair of hemp sandals.

Another staple item for Coachella 2013 is my favorite… The high waisted denim short! Pair with a crocheted halter, vintage band tee, or even just a bikini top and you can’t go wrong.

The rocker look is another fashion option at Coachella.

I suggest leather shorts and anything with studs paired with combat boots.

Bright colors and tutus are big for the rave lovers. Most importantly for the ravers is arm candy! Lots and lots of bright bracelets.

For the boys…

Denim jeans and a sleeveless graphic top work best. Not only does it look hot but with the heat sleeveless helps with the sweating.

Hats and backpacks are the perfect male accessory for Coachella, as well as a cool belt.

And most important for boys and girls …

A KILLER PAIR OF SHADES!!

Check out some of the looks I put together and enjoy the show!

My exclusive with Kristin Cavallari- Jewelry, shoes and more

by Ryan Shea

Boy has Kristin Cavallari come a long way in her short 26 years of life. From her humble beginnings as the star of the first two seasons of “Laguna Beach” and subsequently “The Hills”, she has truly defied herself as more than a former reality star. Now after becoming a mommy to her beautiful son Camden with Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, she is set to make a huge splash in the fashion world, more notably jewelry and shoes. She recently launched a jewelry line with famed designed Pascal Mouawad and on top of that has created a really unique shoe line for Chinese Laundry. What a difference a couple of years make right? I sat down with her recently to get a more inside view of both her lines and the future that she has with them. Check it out.

What inspired the shoes you designed?

I wanted to create a shoe line that I loved and wanted to wear but at affordable prices.

What trend this summer?

Pastels are a huge trend and I have a mint and lavender that I love. Also, white is really big right now and I included white on 2 different wedges that I have.

What are your favorite items and which ones will you anticipate people wearing of your collection?

I honestly love them all but if I had to pick one favorite, it would be the bootie. It’s the perfect bootie to wear year round. Another favorite is the strappy sandal. It’s such a classic shoe and comes in 3 different, fun colors.

How was working with Pascal Mouawad creator of Glamhouse?

It was an amazing experience. They really listened to me and were open to my ideas.

How does your jewelry line relate to the fashionistas on a budget?

Everything is under $50 and it’s perfect to mix and match with the jewelry already in your own collection.

Which heels that you currently launched and accessories from your jewelry line would you pair with what kind of spring/summer outfit?

The great thing about my jewelry is that it can be worn with any outfit. They are very simple, effortless pieces. The wedges are a great spring/summer shoe to wear from day to night and you could just throw on a few more pieces of jewelry to take you into the night. I think wedges look great with a dress and blazer for the day then take the blazer off for the night 🙂

What future projects would you like to work on down the road?

I’m currently working on my fall shoe collection. I want to keep expanding my brand but only doing things I love and that are organic to my life. I would love to do something in the mommy/baby world. I just don’t know what yet.

Do you see yourself launching another jewelry line with Pascal in the future?

I would love to!

Awesome girl and a smart businesswoman indeed. Want to know where you can get these great fashion items at a great price? Go to Glamboutique for her jewelry line and Chinese Laundry for her shoe line. Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next! Congrats to Kristin and all her future endeavors!

Ryan Shea

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