Politics, pop culture and entertainment news of interest to the LGBTQ community
A recent study followed 250 older men and women for six months to determine how three different regimens of physical activity (stretching/balancing, brisk walking, dancing) would affect, or possibly refresh, white brain matter and memory. Continue reading “Study: Brisk Walking Can Build The Brain Back Up”
Chicago-based Realtor Greg Bloomer (via Instagram)So, what did you do during these past months of coronavirus lockdown?
Chicago Realtor Greg Bloomer rocked social media recently by sharing his inspiring fitness transformation over the past three months.
On his Instagram account, he shared that he realized he was becoming depressed during the first month of lockdown and began to gain weight.
So, he decided to make some changes for himself. In addition to following a keto diet (low carb), he’s been pumping out more than 45 minutes of cardio 4-5 times a week.
Acknowledging the effort hasn’t been easy, Bloomer says the results kept him motivated. And an added bonus: “I don’t hate the attention either.”
The 29-year-old adds that he feels “better than I have in possibly my entire life.”
Bloomer also shares that he’s struggled with the way he looks for some time because being overweight is “so stigmatized, especially in the gay community.”
He underscores in his message that he believes “there is no right body type – whatever makes you happy, and has you feeling good, is the right answer for you.”
He closes his post saying he’s excited for his next 90 days of progress and ‘apologizes’ for “being a thot on the internet.”
On Twitter, he shared the before/after pics saying he hesitated posting them because he’s still “not totally comfortable” in his own skin, BUT he deservedly felt a bit of pride in hitting the 90-day mark of his current fitness journey, “So idgaf.”
The Twitterverse, by the way, is totally comfortable with Bloomer sharing his journey.
I hesitated posting this because I’m still not totally comfortable in my own skin. I know my body is far from what we are taught we should look like, especially in the gay community, BUT today marks 90 days since I decided to start getting healthy and I’m proud, so idgaf 🥳🥺🥰 pic.twitter.com/z928KB6Bzn
— Gregory✨ (@This_Isnt_Greg) July 20, 2020
Self care is the BEST care…remember to also shed those negative thoughts and surround yourself with the same people who supported and saw you when you did not want to be seen!!
— WashSpinDryFold (@spin_wash) July 23, 2020
Inspiring, love that your accepting yourself wether or not you feel more attractive now know that the man in both those pictures is beautiful on the outside and inside loving your skin is beautiful as are you 👑
— Angel Desans (@AngelDeSans) July 20, 2020
There's someone who loves on the left right, and everything in between. If he's not another gay, make sure he's you. Congrats on developing the discipline and working so hard.
— Hunq (@DaHunq) July 21, 2020
I'm so pleased for you, that's a real achievement. For the record, I think you are hot in both the before and after pics, but it's about how you feel in your own skin that counts.
— Pup Björn (@pupbjorn) July 21, 2020
On both the left and the right you look handsome! Congratulations on your journey, and good luck getting to where you want to be, you're smashing it.
— Michael Silvester (@Mmprorange2) July 21, 2020
He may not have seen it, but I think Bloomer was already pretty woofy. He was totally rocking the furry goodness. He also gets bonus points for sharing his adorbs Corgi, Bisquit, with the InstaVerse.
Props to Bloomer for making changes that empower him and for sharing the inspiring journey with others.
Check out more from his Instagram below.
Celebrity fitness trainer Craig RamsayWith so many people doing the stay at home thing, we’ve seen a lot of YouTube and Instagram guys offering home workouts to keep us fit both mentally and physically.
But one of the things we’ve noticed is they can get to be a little boring after a while, and we need a new twist on things.
Woofy fitness guru and Bravo star Craig Ramsay is pairing his passion for exercise and online social gaming together to break up the monotony and bring some fun to home fitness.
Well-known as the co-host of Bravo’s “Thintervention” with Jackie Warner, Ramsay was also half of the fan-favorite gay couple on Bravo’s “Newlyweds The First Year.”
SciPlay, one of the world’s leading social gaming companies, reached out to Ramsay to help launch the Fitness & Slots YouTube channel.
A fan of SciPlay games for years, Ramsay has developed exercise programs that match-up with the games. For example, if you get a bonus on the game, you get a bonus exercise as well.
“Exercising is always important, but recent events and restrictions have made our society even more stressed than before, and people all around the world have difficulty maintaining a normal daily routine that includes movement,” says Ramsay. “That stress has a negative effect on us, and physical movement has the power to make us feel de-stressed and calm.”
Ramsay says the combination of exercises and gaming has helped motivate clients to move their bodies, feel physically and mentally great, and positively impact their health and wellness while walking, stretching, performing bodyweight exercises, and more.
The YouTube channel features workouts based on SciPlay’s gaming hits. Viewers will learn all about Ramsay’s fitness philosophy, participate in weekly challenges, and get inspired to ‘gamify’ their workouts.
Ramsay also mixes it up by doing Instagram Live sessions focusing on stretching with a nice pour of wine called “Stretch – A Reason to Wine.”
Check out some of his recent Instagram posts from Palm Springs where he’s currently sheltering in place.
View this post on Instagram
Playing with Jugs 💪🏼 What kind of workouts are you doing at home? #workoutathome 🏡 🏋🏼
Sam Cushing’s 8-minute workoutI know I’ve seen lots of workouts on the interwebs during the stay-at-home quarantining, but I wanted to share this one from fitness guy Sam Cushing.
One, no equipment needed! It’s under 8 minutes and includes core, legs, abs, chest, and a bit of arms.
Two, easy on the eyes 🙂
Tony Britts on BBC’s Breakfast show in 1984 (screen captures)Oh, take me back to the 80s!
The BBC Archives shares this golden goodie (16 million views since Thursday) from an episode of the Breakfast show in 1984 in the UK.
“It’s day 4 of the BBC Archive quarantine fitness regime! Time to don some tight clothing that doesn’t quite fit and limber up with the one and only Tony Britts!”
Tony’s got a quick little routine consisting of “side to sides,” “ball changes,” and “hands and hips,” although when he puts it all together that “hands and hips” move gets some complicated rhythm going.
I’ve got to say, back in the day – and I was there – being ‘fit’ for most folks meant being lean and toned.
While today’s InstaHunks might have more size than the venerable Mr. Britts, he’s looking pretty jacked for the early 80s.
Over on YouTube, my favorite comment about the clip reads, “He’s so cute, and what a body! How could he get that ripped just by moving sideways?!” #srsly
It’s day 4 of the BBC Archive quarantine fitness regime! Time to don some tight clothing that doesn’t quite fit and limber up with the one and only Tony Britts! pic.twitter.com/RD4rX1sCKI
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) April 2, 2020
It’s day 1 of the BBC Archive quarantine fitness regime! Just don a pair of your tightest shorts and let Tony Britts lead the way. pic.twitter.com/V3KHmzaQsk
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) March 25, 2020
That wasn’t a muscle…
— Jigsaw Panic Shopper (@chalkwhitehands) April 2, 2020
I hadn’t noticed the rug. Or the floor 👀
— Rachel at home (@rach0907) April 2, 2020
Blimey. Those shorts are really tiny and quite frankly mesmerising.
— Alison (@Alisdisgrace) April 2, 2020
And remember, as Mr. Britts says, “Work hard, play hard, rest hard ok. Lots of fun. Have a good week ahead.”
Ryan Worley of the world-famous ChippendalesWith all of the hotels and casinos on the Las Vegas Strip temporarily shut down, as well as the area gyms, the world-famous Chippendales are getting creative in finding ways to keep in shape while doing the self-quarantine thing at home.
Ryan Worley, who performs in the troupe’s Vegas-based production at the Rio Hotel & Casino, is making a series of videos sharing his tips for working out at home. The clips are short, easy to understand and definitely easy on the eyes.
“We’re quarantined here in Vegas but we’ve got to keep our spirits high and we’ve got to stay in shape because we’ve got a show to come back to,” says Worley.
The first video offers Worley in the trademark “cuffs & collar” offering info for working out your shoulders. He uses two one-gallon jugs of almond milk (about 8 lbs each) to hit all three heads of the shoulders – front, side, and rear.
Not for nothing – Worley is giving you cute-icious face and body.
The Chipps’ second video features a more G-rated Worley in a tank-top (dangit!) coaching us on how to get our glutes tight.
Worley recommends doing a hip thrust (aka glute thrust, we like that term better) at home with a pillow under your upper back and your feet either on the floor or on a stair-step. Press through your heels so your upper body goes as high as possible, hold for a few seconds, then lower. The winsome Worley recommends 15-20 reps in a set depending on your fitness level, and if things get too easy you can add some weight to your hips.
Worley shares that he’s a licensed personal trainer and plans to do several more videos in the near future.
Side note – Worley’s colleague Pat Tanski is taking a different tact keeping busy at home by busting moves as his adorable dog takes it all in.
Hit the play button below – you’re going to like this 😉
As Worley mentions in the videos, there’s no down-time for the Chippendales because the (fingers-crossed) plan in Las Vegas is to hopefully have casinos, hotels, and shows back up and running sooner than later. The governor in Nevada ordered all non-essential businesses to close for a 30-day period which expires on April 16.
And a Chipps-approved body doesn’t happen on its own.
The Chippendales are hoping to be back in full-swing when Vinny Guadagnino of Jersey Shore fame returns to handle celebrity hosting duties again. The ‘Keto Guido’ is currently scheduled to rejoin the men of Chipps from April 24 to June 7.
You might recall when the Jersey Shores star flashed his ‘mini-Vinny’ onstage and the cell phone video of the moment went viral? #goodtimes
Not one to sit idle, Worley recently launched a new “fantasy dates” website – BodyKink.
“This is a platform that connects models with fans,” says Worley. “It’s a strictly legal website and we do fantasy dates and companionship.
He adds, “BodyKink is a safe place where people can express their kinky desires and they don’t have to be ashamed for it or anything like that.”
The hunky former Mormon shares that a portion of the proceeds will be donated each month to Golden Rainbow, a local charity founded by the entertainment industry that provides housing and financial assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada.
Check out a few shots from Worley’s thirst-tastic Instagram:
Kumail Nanjiani (images via Instagram)Some news items you might have missed:
• Men’s Variety: After getting into incredible shape for the upcoming Marvel film The Eternals, Kumail Nanjiani (above) says his new fitness led him to develop a subtle form of body dysmorphia. “I’d look in the mirror and I’d see my abs—and when I looked again, they would fade. I would just see the flaws.”
• Sun-Sentinel: The inaugural LGBTQ+ Pride of the Americas, which would have been something of an international Pride event, has been postponed until the fall. The weeklong schedule of concerts, parties, street festivals, conferences, symposiums as well as a parade, fashion show, awards banquet and 5K run was to take place at various venues throughout Broward County.
• NBC News: Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered a speech on combating the coronavirus pandemic that is spreading across the country. Biden drops this badass line at the 5:33 mark – “President Trump is welcome to adopt all of it today.”
• LGBTQNation: People who booked an Atlantis cruise for next week are getting angry that the company hasn’t canceled the cruise and won’t refund them if they don’t go, even though other major cruise lines are canceling due to coronavirus.
• Twitter: You don’t get any more badass than Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) as she adds up the costs for a battery of coronavirus tests, then reads the federal regulations that gives the CDC director the authority to authorize paying for these tests for all Americans. And then gets him to commit to doing so. Watch below.
@RepKatiePorter is a badass here as she does the math for the costs for a battery of #coronavirus testing. She then gets CDC fir to commit to free testing for all Americans. This is worth watching👍👍👍 pic.twitter.com/2852tAJaW2
— The Randy Report (@randyslovacek) March 12, 2020
• TalkingPointsMemo: Speaking at the White House today, Donald Trump falsely claimed that all people returning from Europe are being tested for Coronavirus and being quarantined if they are positive.
Trump claims (falsely) all Americans returning to country are being tested:”We have heavily tested. If an American coming back or anybody coming back, we have a tremendous testing set up where people coming in have to be tested … if it shows positive … We have to quarantine.” pic.twitter.com/ndGlKmSFJh
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) March 12, 2020
Fitness & nutrition expert Robert ReamesI recently did an episode of the American LBS radio/video podcast with Dr. Phil Show head trainer and nutritionist, Robert Reames.
The podcast highlights inspirational and motivational stories involving wellness sharing information from some of the best fitness folks in the industry.
I’ve known Rob (an awesome source of great fitness info) since the 1990s. He asked me to chat about my cancer journey back in 2009 and how fitness & my dance background played a part in my recovery.
While I’ve mentioned my bout with cancer on The Randy Report, this is probably the first time many of you might hear first hand what my little journey was like.
Hit play below, and you can find out more info from and about super-smart guy Rob at his official website here.
If you thought ‘Thor’ could hurl a hammer, check out shirtless Avengers star Chris Hemsworth sling some weights around in a grassy field.
Now, to be fair, there’s a very good reason why Hemsworth is shirtless. You see, it spontaneously burst into flames.
“It was so hot my shirt literally burst into flames,” wrote Hemsworth. “Luckily I was wearing my favourite pair of fire retardant shorts.”
“Give this circuit a go 6 times through Centrfit,” he added referencing his fitness app which boasts training programs and tips from Hemsworth’s own fitness team.
The circuit consists of bent-over rows, a farmer’s carry, bicep curls combined with overhead press, and topped off with a sprint.
Do that six times and we’re pretty sure we’d burst into flames as well.
The post has been liked over 3.2 million times at this writing.
The 36-year-old actor is known for sharing his circuit workouts via Instagram.
Last month, Hemsworth shared this challenging bit of gym time wrestling some iron with trainers Luke Zocchi and Jorge Blanco.
Now, when the god of thunder is out of breath, you know it’s intense.
We may (or may not) have seen the final Avengers movie with Avengers: Endgame, but Hemsworth will return as the thunder god in Thor: Love and Thunder in 2021.
One thing is for sure: Hemsie is definitely going to be in tip-top, god-like shape.
Here’s one more workout from our hero – this one is called the Devil’s Workout.
I’d get sweaty with these guys, how about you?
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| The Kilted Coaches (Stephen and Rab) |
Who wants to see hunky, furry, shirtless Scots in kilts encouraging you to feel the burn?
Ooh, ooh – me! Me!
It seems it’s been a while since I checked in on YouTube fitness experts, the Kilted Coaches.
So I decided to find out what personal trainers Stephen and Rab have been up to lately.
In one of the Kilted Coaches’ recent workout videos, they offer their tips on how to lose fat quickly.
Coming off of end-of-summer vacations and especially this past three-day Labor Day weekend, this seems like a good time for fat burning.
And hey – if they guys from Perth, Scotland, want to take off their shirts and give us a peek at their manly muscles, then, who are we to complain?
Another recent video addressed the issues of over-training and giving your body time to “let it grow.”
The guys even parody that famous song from Frozen, “Let It Go,” as they share their furry goodness on muscle growth.