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WorkoutThe real enemy of maintaining a workout routine? Boredom. Rather than maintain the same fitness routine this year, consider changing things up. These expert-approved fitness trends are sure to pique your interest.

Fusion ClassesCombining disparate disciplines into a cohesive routine (Pilates + boxing = Piloxing), can get your body working in ways it wouldn’t otherwise, according to exercise physiologists for the American Council on Exercise. New combo classes include, aerial yoga, core-fusion and neuro-muscular integrative action.Jessica Matthews, a certified personal trainer and group instructor explains, “Avid spinners, for example, may be missing a strength component.”

Outdoor TrainingTired of walking on a treadmill? Get outside. To be honest, this trend is a little more difficult to attempt during Chicago winters. However, just about the time Spring fever is setting in, the weather should warm up enough for you to head outside to change up a stale fitness regime. Choose a class that has one of your favorite workouts incorporated. If you’re a yoga fan, classes such as paddleboard yoga (yoga done on a paddleboard) can be a great way to introduce a new type of workout.

Bodyweight Training No need for fancy equipment, your body is an efficient exercise machine on its own.

By exercising your body within its natural planes, rather than unnatural motions, you relieve pressure on joints and reduce the risk of injury. While bodyweight workouts have been a pillar of at-home workouts for years, gyms are now upping their no-gear game.

Small-Group Personal Training If the cost of a personal trainer has kept you from personal training sessions, consider signing up for small-group personal training. Many personal trainers offer their services at deep discounts for groups of two to five, bringing the cost

“By taking a fusion spin class that uses resistance bands or free weights, they can train a wider range of muscle groups.”

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down from an average. $50-$100 an hour, to as low as $15 an hour per person. As an added benefit, training with a group of friends can motivate you in ways personal training and large group classes can’t offer.

High-Intensity Interval TrainingFor those with limited time to exercise, short bursts of intense exercise with short recovery breaks in between can be just the solution needed. According to researchers from McMaster University, 10 one-minute sprints on a standard stationary bike with about one minute of rest in between, three times a week, works muscles as well as 10 hours of continuous moderate bicycling exercise over a two-week period.

Functional FitnessThere are five essential body movements: squat, lunge, push, pull and rotate. Functional fitness works by isolating muscle groups, requiring various parts of the body to work together as they were developed to do. While this total-body technique is important for any exerciser, it is particularly beneficial for people recovering from injuries or who balance issues.

1. Find a reason to workout. Find your true reason for training and make it specific and vivid.

2. Set precise and vivid goals. Achieving small goals leads to long-term success.

3. Mark time off on your calendar. Your workout time is personal time. You know you need it and can’t miss it, so schedule it.

4. Make your goals public. Here’s a good use for your time on Facebook or Twitter, tell your friends what you want to accomplish, and let them know how you’re doing along the way.

5. Train with a buddy. You wouldn’t stand up your friend at a game or restaurant, and you won’t stand him up at the gym either.

6. Share with your loved ones. Getting him or her involved significantly improves your chance of success.

7. Build momentum. Move more every day. Start feeding your workout by choosing the stairs, walking. etc. Movement is an exercise all in its own.

8. Rest, recover, repeat. Start by including recovery in your workout plan. By not skipping out on regeneration, you’ll feel fresh for your next session.

9. Mix it up. Your body needs variety, and so does your mind. Try boxing or a sport. Keep your mind and nervous system stimulated.

10. Keep expectations reasonable. Everyone’s different so set goals that are obtainable.

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TrainersPersonal

Many personal trainers have found creative ways to help people afford guidance in their fitness regimes. Alternative training plans such as partner training, monthly training visits, small group sessions, 30 minute sessions, and even on- line personal training have been on the rise in recent years.

Just as with any other demographic, the health and well- being of the GLBT community is of great importance. Hiring a qualified personal trainer is a sure-fire method to enhance your well- being and achieve your goals of health and fitness. To put the “personal” in personal training, it is always helpful to find a trainer who not only has a respected certification, but also one with whom you feel comfortable. To that end, we profile a group of gay trainers who, just like all other trainers, are there to help you.

Michael ElderCertification/ Experience: ACE (American Council on Exercise), 15 years as a CPT. Between the ages of twelve and fifteen, I was a competitive gymnast. It was there that I learned all about rigorous

training. Once I saw all of the many benefits that training provides, my passion for fitness was cemented, and it is a passion that I have held for my entire adult life. I believe strongly in the REAL Method: Rest, Eat, Aerobics, Lift. Seeing results takes serious effort in the areas of proper recovery, consistent aerobic exercise and resistance training, as well as proper nutrition. Three words that best describe you: independent, caring, healer.

Christopher Gagne Certification/ Experience: International Sports Science Association (ISSA), 20 years experience.

Areas of specialty: powerlifting, boxing, and nutrition counseling. Weightlifting in high school, becoming football captain and shaping the football team’s workout brought me to the field in the first place. I also, participated in Fight Night at University of Illinois for my fraternity Pi Kappa Alpha.Training Philosophy: I believe it’s not enough to know the science and mechanics of weightlifting; it’s a necessary function for a trainer to develop an instinct for what each of his clients need to fulfill their goalsThree words that best describe you: tenacious, results-driven, and focused.

Michael GrimesCertification/ Experience: ACE and NASM/ 10 yrsThe philosophy I

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abide by is to set realistic, achievable goals, and be consistent, so you can maintain the success you have with looking the way you want to look. I love introducing people to the gym culture that never thought they could be a part of it. I work best with shy people that are intimidated by the gym and its scene. I’m good with spotting and fixing muscle imbalances. I also seem to have the magic touch when it comes to packing some meat on the bones of even the skinniest hard-gainer. The most important thing for me in my work is feeling like I am directly helping someone. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. After college, I quickly learned that I didn’t see myself with the same work schedule and boss week after week. I need to be my own boss! Three words that best describe you: communicator, empathetic, taskmaster.

Aaron Guy Certification/ Experience: NASM- CPT, PES, KBC Kettelbell Instructor and NPC Illinois Bodybuilding Competitor, 9

years of experience. I deal with a wide range of clients requiring different fitness needs and goals. My specialties include:Weight Loss, Bodybuilding, Core/Abdominal Training, Muscle Conditioning/Toning, Kettle Bell Training, Power Training, Mass Building, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Basic Nutritional Guidance. My passion for fitness and my involvement in the gym for the last 17 years led me to become a personal trainer.

You can do anything if you put your mind to. Three words that best describe you: funny, passionate, driven.

Darrick JacksonCertification/ Experience: American Muscle & Fitness (AMFPT), 4 years as a CPT. I’ve been working out for almost 27 years, and love how it makes me look and feel! I just want to share with others, what physical fitness can do for one’s mind, body, and soul! I believe that physical fitness should be a part of one’s life. You have one body, one physique, and you have to take good care of it Three words that best describe you: tough, encouraging,

supportive!

Moses VenturaCertification/ Experience: AFTA, 7 years as a CPT. I became increasingly interested in bodybuilding at

the age of 16. I decided to work as a trainer to get me through college and, after finishing my degree, I kept on doing it. I love my job! I will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to follow through and succeed. Whether your goal is weight loss, muscle gain or overall health improvement. Three words that best describe you: bossy daddy bear.

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Brandon M. Walt. Certification/ Experience: NSCA CPT, TRX, Concept2, US Rowing.Modern Muscle is full spectrum personal training. My training builds upon my personal passions for weight lifting and competitive

rowing. I work with my clients to help them achieve their goals with custom crafted training programs that emphasize safety and consistent improvement. I prioritize structural exercises, full body engagement, and natural movement patterns. Additionally, I appreciate the need for challenging workouts to be engaging and enjoyable. It is my mission to ensure my clients look forward to every training session and succeed in making fitness part of their lives. Three words that best describe you: dedicated, conscientious, focused.

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Cover Storyby Matthew Harvat & AK Miller

DJ Aron Abizker will be making his Chicago debut at Circuit Mom Production’s “Freedom Revolution WAR” at the House of Blues on Saturday, Feb. 16. His tribal house beats mixed with high-energy vocals keep the crowds mesmerized. Aron’s unparalleled ear for original production work is featured in his podcasts and live sets. Teaming up with Brazilian DJ/producer Andre Tannuri, this international DJ duo creates some of the most poetic and soaring remixes today. boi asked Aron a few questions to get to know him better just before the big event.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background. I was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. At 21, I left my homeland and spent time living and working in Milan, London, Paris, Barcelona and Madrid where I started to DJ at age 24. My first big gig was a pool party at the White Party in Palm Springs, California.

Was there a defining moment when you knew that music would be the cornerstone of your career? Since I was a kid, I always knew that when I grew up I’d play some part in the nightlife. I loved music my whole life and I started to really love remixes by other big name DJ’s. Those remixes began to inspire me to become a DJ myself. Once I started to make demos and I saw the positive response they received, I knew that being a DJ would be my life.

As a DJ, what are the goals that you have set for yourself as an artist?My main goal as a DJ and artist is to continue to produce new and exciting music. I strive to produce the best remixes, while also creating entirely new songs. My other goal is to continue getting gigs all over the world at the biggest and most popular gay events.

Ultimately, I want to create a distinctive sound that will be easily recognized. I want my sound to be my legacy and to have it be well known throughout the world.

This coming year, my goals include a lot of studio work making new music. I’m hoping to explore my sound on the west coast, I’m most excited about growing my fan base in Chicago and working with top promoters such as Matthew Harvat.

Who are your musical influences? Over the years, many Brazilian producers have influenced me, as I love their sound. Mauro Mozart is one of my favorite Brazilian producers, I really respect the work of Peter Rauhaufer and DJ Abel Aguilera. I could never forget the days of Junior Vasquez. In terms of vocalists, my favorite artist to remix is Rihanna.

When you are not spinning, what music do you listen to the most?I spend a lot of time listening to Israeli music from my homeland. I listen to artists and podcasts on Soundcloud to gain more inspiration. I like music by artists such as Pink, Alicia Keys and Madonna.

Is there anything in Chicago that you are looking forward to seeing or doing? This trip is actually my first time coming to Chicago. I’m very excited to see the whole city and to be able to get a feel for the nightlife and the scene there.

“Revolution”ary

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RestaurantsAs we roll out our redesign of boiMag, we also introduce a new interactive restaurant column. Consider this a collective effort where you, along with our other readers, scout out and share their favorite restaurant secrets with us.

We asked one of our readers for his input on good dining experiences, delivery places and favorite restaurants.

Mark who happens to be the co-owner of Hamburger Mary’s (and yes, owners of other restaurants like to go out to eat too) gave us his favorites places to dine out, here are his recommendations:

“I like JIN Thai Cuisine, at 5458 N. Broadway, by the corner of Broadway and Catalpa. It is owned and run by a husband and wife team who specialize in Thai food. The wife is the chef and her food is AMAZING. Hands down the best Thai food I’ve ever eaten; incredibly fresh, light and flavorful. For example her breading is light and perfectly crisp on the lime chicken appetizer. Crispy chunks of chicken with an amazing homemade lime sauce.

“All of the staff from owners to servers are very friendly, sincere and appreciative to share their native cuisine with hungry Chicagoans. Service is very professional and attentive.

“As far as aesthetics go, the space is intimate, smartly and cleanly decorated. It’s a fantastic place for an amazing lunch or dinner. It is BYOB and there is no uncorking fee. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

“Late night when typically only cardboard pizza joints are open, the Fireside Restaurant at 5739 N. Ravenswood Ave. delivers full menu until 1 am on weekends. Treat yourself to a REAL dinner delivered! It has a menu with a wide variety from burgers to pasta, signature pizzas, ribs and great steaks. I love the BBQ chicken pizza. All the food is well packaged with side bread, utensils, nice napkins. This is not your average pizza-joint delivery place.

“Calo Ristorante, 5343 N. Clark St., consistently delivers top notch food and service. It has the best filet mignon and BBQ ribs I’ve found on the North Side. It also has excellent pizza, no cardboard pizza here. The pasta dishes never disappoint. It’s a great place for delivery and you can count on quality food being delivered.”

RECAP . . . . .JIN Thai Cuisine, 5458 N. Broadway (773) 681-0555

Fireside, 5739 N. Ravenswood Ave. (773) 561-7433

Calo Ristorante is at 5343 N. Clark St.(773) 271-7782

Thanks to Mark for his recommendations.

If you would like to jump in and share your favorite places and recommendations with our readers, go to boiMagazineChicago and fill out our simple survey, we will use your comments in our next interactive and collective article. BTW: We still have the full restaurant listings located on our web site at boiMagazineChicago.com.

Reader’s Choice goodFOOD

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Dinner/Theaterby Rick & Gregg

Rick Karlin’s Big Bite

Even non-football fans love going to Super Bowl parties because they’re a great excuse to pig out on foods you haven’t allowed yourself since you made those New Year’s resolutions. If you’re planning to host a party and don’t feel like slaving in the kitchen, check out these specials by area eateries.

Chicago q is offering up a special “BBq to Go” menu which includes game-day staples such as, “Pig Powder Chips” (their take on BBQ potato chips), smoked wings, pulled pork or chicken, bacon cheddar hush puppies and Kobe beef brisket chili. Over at El’s Kitchen & Bar they’re offering a $12 per person catering package that includes mini brisket sliders, whole-wheat macaroni & cheese, a house salad and brownies.

For those who really like to pig out, Frontier goes big with whole smoked pig plus sides like five-cheese mac, Caesar salad with polenta croutons, johnnycakes and succotash. This feast serves at least 15 for $550. For the folks up north, Koi, in Evanston offers a variety of party trays from spicy chicken wings to maki rolls and lo mein, guests can select their favorite menu items to bring home for the game. In addition, and as part of Koi’s partnership with Hecky’s Barbecue, guests can order Hecky’s authentic barbecue sauce.

If you’d rather leave the entire mess to someone else then the Weather Mark Tavern, on S. Michigan Ave., will have a $10 buffet featuring a “Super Bowl of Chili” bar where patrons may build their own bowl of chili or plate of nachos, as well as assorted game day appetizers. You can view the game on their 120” HDTV while enjoying $3 Bud Light or Miller lite drafts or $5 Skyy vodka cocktails.

Gregg Shapiro’s Theater Scene

The post-holiday season may be the time when Hollywood dumps its duds on us, but that’s all the more reason to go to see a production by one of Chicago’s outstanding storefront theater companies. This is the time of year when there are new shows opening every weekend.

For example, InFusion Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Mark Mason’s “Allotment Annie,” through Feb. 3, at Strawdog Theater on Broadway, while the much-lauded BoHo Theatre joins forces with the equally celebrated Stage Left Theatre to celebrate the 100th anniversary of George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” with a production of the play, through Feb. 10 at Theater Wit on Belmont.

Court Theatre’s production of “Skylight” by David Hare, runs through Feb. 10, at Court Theatre on Ellis in Hyde Park, while Sean Graney’s “Sugarward” and Lally Lippard’s “Lady M.” (a re-telling of “Macbeth”) run in repertory at the Side Project on Jarvis, through Feb. 10.

That doesn’t mean the area’s larger theaters are sliding by. Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony Award-nominated play “Other Desert Cities” by Jon Robin Baitz, featuring Chelcie Ross of AMC’s “Mad Men”, runs through Feb.17, at Goodman Theater and Northlight Theatre

continues its 2012-2013 season with Matthew Lopez’s “The Whipping Man,” runs through Feb. 24, in Skokie. Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s production of the Tony Award-nominated play “The Motherf**ker with the Hat” by Stephen Adly

Guirgis, stars Jimmy Smits, through March 3, in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre.

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Instantly recognizable from her open mouthed smile to her vividly colored sky-high wigs to her famous “Hello Pineapples!” greeting, Miss Foozie is a self-described character artist/hostess/ producer/entertainer and community ambassador. An icon in the Chicago GLBT community for 16 years, her good cheer extends beyond borders. She has hosted events at a multitude of venues, including charity functions, outdoor festivals, variety shows, bingo nights, and theme nightclub parties. Miss Foozie has spread the love from coast to coast and has been featured on multiple radio and TV shows and internet podcasts, as well as in the indie flix “Bowser Makes A Movie”, “Father Knows”, and “Sister Mary”. The unique Miss Foozie goes out of her way to make you smile at first sight.

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?I always knew I was gay growing up in the ‘burbs, but coming out was wrong because of the way it was (then). As time went on, the world started changing and so did I. I decided I am who I am and what a difference (that made) in my life; I moved to Chicago and the rest is my history!

Please name five of your GLBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.The team at Center on Halsted, for being available and having space available for people who need advice, maybe a friend, or just a place to go to when they need to get away from troubles.

Paula SinClaire, for being a great support of mine, a wonderful co-host, most of all, for being a true friend.

The team at the Brown Elephant, for working so hard to make other people’s lives a little easier.

The team at the Howard Brown (Health) Center, for providing a safe place to feel comfortable to come to.

Ellen DeGeneres, for being so positive and fun. It just makes you smile to watch her show!

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the GLBT community in Chicago and at large?My biggest contribution is that I am someone who shows everyone that I am about everyone. We are all here together in this world, so I enjoy spreading fun, love and friendship to everyone. My shows and appearances are about having fun!

What are your future goals and aspirations?My future goals are to become known worldwide, working with a major corporation, in commercials, appearances, and marketing. I will always hold Chicago true to my heart, but I want Miss Foozie to climb the levels to the top. Miss Foozie is turning 16 this year, and has gone up stepping-stones each year, now it’s time to reach the top of that mountain.

Words of wisdom to the next GLBT generation.Be yourself. Everyone is different, be proud of who you are, and treat everyone as you would want to be treated. Have fun in life, meet new friends, and SMILE, it’s contagious!

Chicago Spotlight

by Gregg Shapiro

Q&A MISS FOOZIE

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On The GoIN THE KNOW . . .

Hurry, Hurry!We’re back, bitches! After taking some well-needed R&R after the slew of holiday events, boiMAG is back and better than ever! Somehow the world kept revolving while we were on our annual winter hiatus, and we came back to find our in-box overflowing. Here’s the DL on some events that are happenin’ right now…If you’ve picked up the mag hot off the presses, you may have just enough time to run over to Willis Tower for the Chicago House “Absolut Wrapture” event on Thursday, Jan. 24, and get a preview sample enjoy of Absolut Tune, a sparkling new bubbly fusion, and some delectable hors d’oeuvres from J&L Catering. Tix are $99, check it out at chicagohouse.org… It’s Mr. Chicago Leather! The centerpiece of which is the Mr. Chicago Leather 2013 contest on Saturday, Jan. 26, at Touché…The Center on Halsted is presenting “Feminist Plays about Nothing” on Saturday, Jan. 26. The free staged reading of comedic short plays by queer feminist playwright Lucca zip from topic to topic, finding humor in simple misunderstandings, intricacies of relationships, and the seemingly mundane… On the same date CMSA Women’s Social Party takes place at Joe’s Bar, 940 W. Weed. There’s a combined date auction with The Force and the Chicago Women’s Rugby Team, benefiting both teams. The Force 2013 calendar will be for sale and rugby players also will have items for sale. Everyone is welcome to attend! CMSA members get in free; non-CMSA members pay $5.00 at the door. 100% of door charges will go to benefit The Chicago Force and Judy Fabjance. What’s a dyke to do with two such important events on the same night? Take a tip from the boys and take a nap then attack both events full steam ahead.

Street TalkEverybody in Andersonville is abuzz with the news that Pie Hole is opening a second location in the old Clark’s on Clark space (across from SoFo). All the contracts haven’t been signed, but it looks like a green light. Andersonville has needed a good pizza place, especially with the news that the much lauded, but hard to get into Great Lakes, is closing (or has closed depending on when you read this)…Katie Kadan is killing ‘em at Roscoe’s every Friday with her soulful mix of Motown meets Janis Joplin…Sidetrack’s gearing up for it’s annual over-the-top Mardi Gras event on Tuesday, Feb. 12. I don’t have specifics, but you can bet that it’s going to feature men with great bodies who just

happen to be half-naked… Scarlet’s blowing off its cover on Saturdays for “All School-Music Night”, featuring DJ Crossfader King; with an opening set by L’il Mikey… and lots of folks are heading over to Taverna 750 for its five buck late-night menu on Saturdays after 11… You don’t have to speak Spanish to go to Hydrate on Sundays, but with the success of its “Tardeada con los Latinos” event, it helps. After a few of the $4 Coronas or jumbo Margaritas for $12, you’ll think you’re speaking Spanish anyway….Psst! The gals behind the Black Bra Party have pissed off so many bar owners that they now have to take their party to the Hollywood Casino in Joliet.

Fresh FleshOn Friday, Feb. 1, the Leather Archives & Museum will open a new display, “Flesh”. Alpha-femme photographer Justice Howard ain’t for sissies, her career in photography spans three decades, thousands of magazine publications, and involves such names as Waylon Jennings, Annie Sprinkle, Dave Navarro and Billy Idol. Her art can be found on the set of Sons of Anarchy, the walls (literally entire walls) of the Lord Balfour Hotel of Fort Lauderdale, FL., and Tattoo Bar of Washington D.C. More than two dozen prints selected and prepared by the artist will be on display and available for purchase at the museum. An opening night reception kicks off at 7:00 p.m.

Looking AheadThe black tie gala of the season is Equality Illinois’ “Justice for All” gala, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 9. This year’s co-chairs, chef Art Smith and his husband, artist Jesus Salgueiro, will make certain that this event is one that will be talked about or years. I’ll never forget, a few years ago, spending the evening chatting with a handsome up and comer. What was his name? Oh, yes, Barack Obama… Everyone say “Love” on Feb. 7 in the Palm Court of the Drake Hotel, as Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus presents “Deep Love,” an unforgettable night of the best of Broadway, the American song book and cabaret. It’s romantic, fun and just a little bit naughty (dare we say 50 Shades of Gay?). Featuring 18 members of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and signature drinks featuring Halsted Vodka. Doors open at 6:30 for pre-show dinner and drinks Call The Drake at 312.787.2200 for reservations… The Queer Music Alliance of Chicago open mic at Parlour, is gaining quite a following. The all-inclusive open mic and spoken-word event, encourages all queer and gender-variant folks, their friends, and allies, to bring a song, talent, thought, or rant to share. Each performer gets five minutes to do their thing and then DJ Scott Free spins local queer music until 10. The next one is Saturday, Feb. 2.

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Ace Magyar has a BA in communications, a MA in sex therapy and a PHD in zoology. He is a registered couple’s counselor specializing in the GLBT community. Send your questions to ASK ACE at [email protected].

Ask AceAdvice by Ace Magyar

This week, I’m answering only one letter, because the issues Blue Boy brings up are ones that many of my readers are dealing with, especially at his time of year. I’m also starting a new feature with anecdotes from my readers on how they’ve dealt with some issues. Please feel free to send in your submissions to: [email protected], put Ask Ace in the subject line and I may feature it in an upcoming column.

Blue BoyI hate myself! I made resolutions to lose weight and work out more and I didn’t even make it to the second week of January. I’m only 25 and I’m 50 pounds overweight. I’ve been chubby all my life, but it didn’t seem that big a deal until I came out after college. I ‘m told that I have a great sense of humor, I know I’m smart and the women at work all say I’m good-looking and a catch. However, whenever I walk into the bars and clubs, I feel invisible and no one is interested. I actually had a guy say “Yuck” to me when I tried to talk to him at a popular bar on Halsted St. It makes me feel like a total failure.

Dear BB,You ARE a catch, you’re just not pitching yourself to the right people. There are a number of issues here, so let’s take them one at a time.

Being 25 pounds overweight isn’t the end of the world, especially if you’re going by those “ideal weight” charts. Many people prefer a man with a little meat on his bones. Also, many men your age have distorted body images. A couple of generations ago we began to see girls and young women who were trying to attain the “ideal” body, trying to look like fashion models or Barbie or in this case Ken. The same is true for men in their teens through thirties now. It seems everyone is trying to look like an A&F model. The truth is that even those people don’t look like that without a little help from a good stylist, lots of make-up and Photoshop.

That being said, if you still feel the need to lose weight there’s no reason you can’t. Just because you haven’t lived up to your expectations for yourself at this point doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Many people set goals for themselves that are unattainable in the time frame they’ve expected. Just because you didn’t keep to your resolutions doesn’t mean you have to give up. Start over by setting smaller goals and build upon them. If you say, “I’m going to lose 25 pounds by summer” you’re bound to fail.

Decide what you need to do to help you lose weight. It may be as easy as cutting back on foods with empty calories such as soft drinks and processed foods or you may choose to use a pre-planned diet. If that doesn’t seem like a significant loss then go to the grocery store and hold up two pounds of butter. That’s a lot of weight to lose in a week, but it is attainable, every little bit of loss adds up. With a moderate change in your diet and a moderate increase in exercise, there’s no reason that you can’t lose 25 pounds by the end of the year.

Again, set reasonable goals with your exercise. If you’ve never worked out on a regular basis, don’t set a goal of going to the gym for two hours a day, seven days a week. Start smaller and work your way up. If you can afford it, get a personal trainer. Even if you can’t afford to use a personal trainer on a weekly basis, find one that will meet with you and hire them as a consultant to help you plan goals that are reasonable and attainable and give you the tools to succeed. Nowadays you can even get self help on the internet, so there is no excuse.

If you set yourself up for failure, you will feel like a failure. If you set yourself up for success, you will feel like a success and (hopefully) begin to like yourself better. You may also want to find a therapist to help you with your self-image issues. When you feel better about yourself, you’ll radiate self-confidence, which attracts people to you. As corny as it sounds, RuPaul is right, “If you don’t love yourself, how the hell are you gonna love anyone else?”

SEX&RELATIONSHIPS

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Bars & ClubsReader’s Picks

Along with the new look of boiMAG comes a new interactive bars & clubs column. This is a collective forum where you, along with other readers share with us your favorite local hangouts.

We surveyed our readers and asked for their favorite place to go and where can we can find the best martini. So far, here’s what they had to say....

Jack raves, ”Sidetrack is always a wonderful place to hang out and there’s a different vibe every night depending on the night and time you go. The place has something for everyone, especially since the I am no longer one of the twink crowd. This is a great place to hang out on any night.

“As far as martini bars, Marty’s in Andersonville is a great small place that serves a excellent variety of martinis. Plus they have a super-friendly cute staff.”

Others had similar comments about that favorite martini bar, “Marty’s in Andersonville is my pick for favorite martini bar. It’s a nice intimate setting with an upscale feel. I also like @mosphere in Andersonville, for a place to hang out, Regina Upright is a friendly hostess and the strippers are hot!” said one.

Another reported, “It’s a cute spot that makes a refreshing martini. The place is small but the drinks are big in size and taste. I love the staff, they are very polished. Go anytime but the place gets busy on weekends.”

Here is what another reader had to say about his favorite place, “I recently stumbled upon Parlour in Edgewater. First off, on the inside it’s beautifully decorated with chandeliers and gorgeous art, plus the VIP room is totally cool. Besides all of the aesthetics, the staff is really welcoming and the crowd is really hip. It reminds me of the Wicker Park bars. Its live music shows, curated by Scott Free, are solid and highlight local gay and lesbian artists. I’ve heard that karaoke on Sundays is a blast and I plan to check it out soon. I’m glad to know that there are some cool bars up north!”

Anthony says, “3160 N. Clark is a great place to go on Fridays. The Gio show is fun and exciting and for all ages, races and genders. He’s talented and very funny. The background singers are just as talented and funny. The wait staff is pleasant and engaging and I my favorite bartender is Bonny, she really makes killer drinks.”

“Jackhammer at Devon and Clark is my favorite.,” states one reader. “The crowd is nice and fun and the age and race of the customers vary. I live the for the DJ there!”

If you have a favorite place you would like to share with us, simply fill out the survey at boiMagazineChicago.com, where you can also find a complete listing of Chicago area bars & clubs.

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