Have you been naughty or nice as you know who is coming to town soon. To start the Ho-Ho-Ho season off with a bang Holt Renfrew (http://www.holtrenfrew.com)  is launching it’s legendary window unveiling this Thursday, November 5th. Over the years the headlining performers have been Patti Labelle and Aretha Franklin just to name a few.

Bloor Street from Bay to Yonge will close down for the annual street party that begins at 6:30 p.m. as Caryn Lerner, President and CEO of Holt Renfrew and guest hosts Rick Campanelli and Kim D’Eon of Entertainment Tonight Canada kick off the Holiday season in Toronto. At 7 p.m. the Holiday Window celebration begins with performance by Kristin Chenoweth. Holt’s will donate a percentage of the evening’s sales to The United Way of Canada.

Button up your overcoats, grab a latte and be scene at one of the hottest holiday street parties this season. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com), Fashion Correspondent for Rogers 10 in Toronto, and the “Style Guy” for Gay Guide Toronto.

Ole! As a gay man who is still in love with Madonna’s Evita phase in dressing, style,  I couldn’t pass up this tidbit that crossed my way from Spain. Yes I still do believe in bullfighting and sexiness of bullfighters so let’s just get that out of the way.

Please note, this is taken from The Associated Press and not entirely written by yours truly. But nevertheless it is definitely fashion news worthy. What do you think? Do you think there is any controversy at all?

MADRID, Spain – A little-known Spanish matador is breaking with a sacred tradition, agreeing to advertise on his cape while slaying bulls and endorse a soft drink that caters to gays.

Matador Joselito Ortega will be plugging a club-scene energy beverage called Gay Up and have those words embroidered into his cape in large, red cursive letters.

In Spain, matadors are seen by many as the pinnacle of macho, and Ortega’s agreeing to endorse a product geared toward gay men is raising eyebrows.

But Ortega sees no incompatibility.

“I am a bullfighter. That is not going to change. I am going to go out into the ring as I have done until now, to risk my life, and the seven goring wounds on my body prove that,” he told The AP Wednesday. “If the gay community welcomes me as an image or a symbol, that is fine.”

Topflight Spanish bullfighters are celebrities, just like football or movie stars, and it is common for them to have commercial endorsement gigs for everything from wine to cars to fancy clothes. But it is almost unprecedented for them to advertise something while in the arena.

Bullfighting writers said the only case they recall is that of a matador named Luis Reina, who signed a deal in the 1980s with the Japanese electronics giant Akai and had that brand name embroidered on the sleeves and legs of the glittering ‘traje de luces,’ or suits of lights, that he wore while fighting.

No one expects Ortega to start a trend. It would border on scandalous for a top-rated bullfighter to advertise from the ring.

Gay Up is a new product in Spain, developed by firm based in the southern city of Malaga that bought the European rights to it from a manufacturer in Colombia. There, it was made from strawberries. But the Spanish firm decided that to make it a hit with gays in Europe it needed to be an energy drink, said Jose Maria Terron, the company’s president.

“The fact that it is oriented toward the gay community stems more than anything from its name,” Terron said.

Both he and Ortega said the advertising cape is a good way to shake up bullfighting, which they described as steeped in male bravado.

“It is a matter of changing what is normal, or usual, within this world that seem so untouchable,” Ortega said.

Ortega is hardly a superstar. He became a full-fledged matador in 2006 but has been hampered by repeated and serious gorings and has not fought often, said Juan Belmonte, a bullfighting critic for TV station Canal Sur in Seville.

Belmonte said those who criticize Ortega’s Gay Up deal will be angry not so much because the product is geared toward homosexuals but because Ortega is advertising in the arena, violating a tradition.

“It is like prostituting the cape,” Belmonte said. – From (THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)  - Max MacDonald Tornonto Fashion Ambassador, Style/Fashion Editor and Writer at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com), Toronto Fashion Corrrespondant for Rogers 10 in Toronto.

Hello dahhhlinks! Just freshly crossing my desk is a new contest to be the feature model in Yorkdale’s (http://www.yorkdale.com), one of Toronto’s hippest malls, Spring 2010 ad campaign. For those you who want to live America’s or Canada’s Next Top Model now you can. Find out more information on Yorkdale’s exciting new modeling contest at the official web site: http://www.yorkdaleisme.com  You better hurry to deadline to enter is October 9th. - Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador. Style/Fashion Editor and Writer at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com),  Toronto Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

Now what kind of Toronto Fashion Ambassador would I be if I couldn’t give you a 360 view of fashion? Not only do I wear it, I write and edit stories about fashion, I model it and from time to I get passed job posting in the industry. If you think you’ve got what it takes and really want to your “break” here it is. After reading this posting, if it’s your dream job PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO ME. You must contact the company directly at the e-mail address in the posting.

What I Know About The Company:

Luxury Life Brands is run by a too cool for school husband and wife duo who are as hip and cool as the lines they represent. They are also responsible for producing and showing the Ed Hardy Swim and Ski collection for Fall/Winter 09/10 during LG Fashion Week (http://www.lgfashionweek.ca) to rave reviews and a standing ovation. What to be part of the glamour and excitement, read on.

What The Company Actually Does:

Luxury Life Brands, Canadian distributors of Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, Roberto Cavalli, Just Cavalli and more, is on the fast track to an exciting future and we’re looking for like minded individuals to join our team. We are looking for an In-House Showroom/Telephone Sales Representative.

What You Need To WOW Them:
Has intermediate or better computer skills.
An excellent command of English is important and the ability to respond to customer, supplier, and sales agent’s inquires would be an asset.
Is fully bilingual.
Is highly organized.
Takes pride in a job well done.
Enjoys variety in their work.
Is a workaholic, the work “can’t” isn’t in their vocabulary.
Has a high level of personal integrity.
Is a “people-person” with excellent interpersonal skills.
Is self-motivated.
Is a Career minded.
You have a great sense of humour.
 
If the above describes you, please forward your resume with cover-letter. We’d love to hear from you.
Please forward resumes to: info@luxurylifebrands.com

Look for my “Where Are They Now” interview with a big American designer hitting the stands this Thursday, September 3rd in FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com). Wanna hint? This designer was described by Former Fashion File Host, Tim Blanks, at “the King of Colour”.  - Max MacDonald, Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine, Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto and Freelance Fashion/Style Editor and Writer.

Dahhlinks! It takes a lot to stop your Toronto Fashion Ambassador in his tracks especially when he’s got a designer on his mobile. However Toronto’s Holt Renfrew (http://www.holtrenfrew.com) did just that. Lately since the major revamping of Holt’s branding their window displays have gotten, dare I say, a lot cooler. Then this one came along and just blew mind mind.

If you’re around my age, you will remember the golden age of clubbing, the late 70s to late 80s. In Toronto it was The Copa, Komrads,The Twilight Zone, RPM, Gotham, and The Barn. In New York it was Limelight, Danceateria, Tunnel, and the remains of Studio 54. In London it was Stringfellows and in Paris Regime’s. When I was growing up (and I can’t believe I just started sentence with that) you DID NOT get into a “hot spot” unless you looked the part. You hair had to so, your bag was by who and doorpersons would count the number of designers on you before you were let in. Now you can relive those days by glaring into Holt Renfrew’s Bloor Street store’s window display.

The window displays are an ode to the nightclubbing movement and the notion of dressing up for a night on the town. The cast of mannequin characters are modeled after such 1980s icons and fashion legends as Susanne Bartsch, Diane Brill, Tina Chow, Bryan Ferry, Grace Jones, Nan Kempner, Iggy Pop and Gloria von Thurn and Taxis.

Oh great, another reason to walk by Holt’s and just stare for hours. If you remember the golden age of clubbing prepare to take a trip back to when Jean Paul Gaultier was an “alternative designer” and Azzadine Alaia made straight boys actually care about fashion with his micro, micro miniskirts. This display is NOT to be missed. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto

Now that I’ve got your attention! If you have an underwear fetish and haven’t gotten your fix pick up the latest edition of FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com)  for the hotly anticipated Underwear Issue. It’s sort of like the Canadian version of Sport Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue for straight men except without Naomi Campbell or Giselle Bunchen. LOL. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine, Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

For those who can’t leave the city this weekend yet “jumping up” is not their thing here’s an alternative for those who love opera. The Summer Opera at the Royal Conservatoryis putting on a full production of Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera at 7 pm on July 29, 30, 31 and August 1st in Mazzoleni Hall, 273 Bloor Street West.This little known masterwork was composed by the young genius at age 17 and is a delightful product of his “storm and stress” period.

Admission is $25 ($20 students and seniors) at the door. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine), and Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

Bonjour! About to head off to Montreal’s Divers/Cite (http://www.diverscite.org) but don’t know what to do or where to go?  Pick up a copy of FAB Magazine on the stands now and read my “Rip N’ Go” listing of where to Shop, Eat, Sleep, Fuck and Where To Be Seen. On the stands now.

Or you can download it our FAB’s web site at: http://www.fabmagazine.com  - Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine and Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

Bonjourno! I told you I had more than fabulous tid bits for you. Italian opera is about as sexy to some gay men as an Armani suit. Though most gay men can’t partake shopping at Armani opera is a cultural and sexy substitute. The Italian Cultural Institute and the Consulate General of Italy are presenting the third edition of Opera in the Garden ’09, a selection of free outdoor screenings featuring classic operatic films subtitled in English.

This year Opera in The Garden ’09 offers free admission to the screenings of three of Giuseppe Verdi’s most beloved operas for three unforgettable summer nights under the stars.

Come on Friday, July 31 for RIGOLETTO (which premiered in Venice in 1851), on Friday, August 14 for AIDA (which had its the world premiere in Cairo in 1871) and on Friday, August 28 for OTELLO (Milan. 1887).

Each screening is free to the general public and will take place in the gardens of the Italian Consulate at 136 Beverley St., Toronto, on a large cinema screen erected in the garden. Guests are invited to bring friends, family, blankets, and a picnic and are encouraged to dress in their finest operatic picnic attire for an evening that promises to be full of culture and entertainment. Gates will open at 7:00 p.m. with the films beginning at sunset (around 9:00 pm.). I know I will be attending with something Italian on my arm, be it Prada or man. See you there dahhlinks. Arrivederci!!! - Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

Dahhlinks! Well after a little bit a of break I am back with some fabulous things to keep your mind off the Toronto’s garbage and VIA’s attempt at a strike. Quad Spin (http://www.quadspin.com)  will be having this Tuesday, July 28th hosted by the ever-fabulous coach/guru/part DJ and co-owner Micheline their eagerly awaited all “Madonna” spin classes. If you want to sweat to Madonna classics such as Holiday, Where’s The Party, Dress You Up and Open Your Heart this will be place to be. No Micheline will not be taking requests however dressing up like your favourite re-invention of Madonna is encouraged and “voguing” is allowed.

Classes are $19 and on-line pre-registration is encouraged through Quad’s web site. Class times are 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Register early as Quad’s all Madonna classes are popular! Get ready to sweat and “Express Yourself”! – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com), and Fashion Correspondent  for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

From your Toronto Fashion Ambassador, I wish all my fellow ambassadors, my readers, the staff at OUT TV and (of course) Captain Nel and happy yet stylish Pride.

My Pride wish for 2009 is for every gay, lesbian, trans, and two-spirited person to discover true inner happiness and that being who you are, as long as you bring peace into the world…is always in good taste. Never let any fashion magazine, television show, product, circuit party, porn star, or celebrity tell you otherwise. Because being proud of who you are…is the true meaning of PRIDE and by loving who and what you are, is ALWAYS in fashion.

For more inforomation about Toronto Pride visit: http://www.pridetoronto.org

“The meaning of happieness is when what you think, say, and do is in complete harmony,” – Ghandi - Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassdaor, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto

*insert theme to Goldfinger here* All that glitters is gold and Daisy. That’s right. Thanks to the people at Coty Canada you can win, just in time for Toronto Pride (http://www.torontopride.org), a limited edition Marc Jacobs (http://www.marcjacobs.com) gold glitter roll-on of your very own. This very chic pride accessory is a gold glitter roll-on and is scented with Marc Jacobs’ signature scent Daisy. How cool would it be to say you are wearing Marc Jacobs’ glitter at Pride?

To win you must CORRECTLY answer this skill testing Marc Jacobs question: Why did Anne Hathaway’s character Andrea, in the movie The Devil Wears Prada, give her friend a Marc Jacobs bag? The first two correct answers win this special prize.

E-mail your answer to: style@fabmagazine.com. Hurry the contest closes: Wednesday, June 25th just in time for Toronto Pride weekend. Good luck. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

Over the past few months you’ve heard me go on and on about Quad Spin’s (http://www.quadspin.com) DJ Spins. Well here comes another one except this one is going to be at night. This Friday, June 19th at 11 p.m. (yes you read that right) uber sex/lust object DJ George Chaker (http://www.myspace.com/djgeorgechaker.com) will be spinning another night of sweaty, sexy, fitness fun during prime clubbing hours. Additionally, Quad Spin will be welcoming back Jacapo. If you haven’t gotten in your workout lately now you have no excuse! Remember Toronto Pride (http://www.torontopride.org) is less than two weeks away! Are you ready for your glitter gold hot pants?

To register on-line visit Quad Spin’s web site at (http://www.quadspin.com) it will cost $19.00 which you pay in person at the studio for the class. Prepare to sweat and have fun.- Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Toronto Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Community 10 in Toronto.

When I started this fitness challenge on May 25th at Core Studio’s (http://www.corestudio.ca) I honestly didn’t know what do expect. Here I was with all my shaky bits and trying to make a change before Toronto Pride (http://www.torontopride.org). To be honest I was skeptical and actually unsure something like Pilates would make a difference. However, the credit has to go to four of my biggest supporters at Core: Monica (the owner), Paul (my private Pilates Coach), Alice (who constantly cheers me on and corrects my form ALL the time). But if there was one person who really deserves the cyber “pat on the back” it’s Amber. Amber has supported all the 30 Day Challenge people with nothing but encouragement, understanding and towels. Lots and lots of towels.

I have three days left and thought, “hmmm I wonder if my body has really changed.” As luck would have it, I called a dear female friend of mine and we happened to be in the same area at the same time. She immediately wanted to get together and see me as we are both doing fitness challenges. My friend is doing a fitness challenge where she will have compete on a stage with other women. She knew about my fitness challenge and wanted to see me. After running a few minutes late, I forgot I was wearing a sleeveless top and she exclaimed, “Oh my god Max! Look at your arms!!! OMG! They look great.” Being the typical, “yeah sure” type of guy I sort of blushed. She promptly showed me her shoulders and arms, she looks amazing.

As we were walking down Church Street, I bumped into friends I haven’t seen in a while. The first words out of their mouths was, “OMG! Is that the results of the 30 Day Challenge?” I said, “you know about it?” They said, “sure we read your blog! You look awesome!” OK. So Monica, Core’s Owner was right. I’m hooked. DAMN YOU MADONNA!! (http://www.madonna.com). Now in all fairness I also bumped up my cardio by taking classes at Quad Spin (http://www.quadspin.com). Miche, the co-owner and Toronto’s Unofficial Spinning Queen, even commented my spinning is getting improving and I’m looking better. I was even applauded when I quitely announced after class I only had, at that time, four classes left and I was done.

This past week was tough as I had a small bout with my lower back, due to working out too much, where I had to take a day off. It was tough. I was like a little kid who so wanted to play with his friends but couldn’t and had to only watch through the window. However the next day, as I returned to Core, it was nothing but “OMG! Where were you?! The class missed you!” It was nice. I cannot say enough about this challenge. Believe it or not, I will be sort of sad to see this come to end this week as I am up to 18 classes. The people who are all doing the challenge have become instant friends regardless if they are men, women, gay or straight. We have all been there to support each other and nurture each other through the tough parts.

Would I Do It Again? Without even thinking about it, yes.

What Was The Most Difficult Part? Aside from the Reformer?! LOL. Choosing the challenge over my now “ex”-boyfriend. He could not understand why this was important to me and started to make me choose. He even became verbally abusive about me being in the challenge. So I chose something that I knew would work over something that wasn’t. Sometimes you have to make tough decisions in the course of making a goal, decide how important that goal is to you and what you are will to sacrifice for that goal. Don’t worry, I’m not hard done by there’s a lot of wonderful people cheering me on.

What Has Changed? Oh my god, you should see my arms, my legs and just everything. I feel differently now about my body and what it can do.

When Am I Going To Show The Results? In the hotly anticipated Underwear edition of FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com).

So What Am I Still Eating? Brown rice, vegetables and protein, protein, protein! However this week, when my relationship ended I was on ”the verge” and had a Vegan Hermit Cookie from Wanda’s Pie In The Sky (http://www.wandaspieinthesky.com). Her Vegan Hermit Cookie is sweetened with banana and is unbelievably amazing! There is no refined sugar in it what’s so ever, so I was still sticking to eating clean. However, I did go out for sushi with a friend who is in the current edition of FAB Magazine. I had sushi so I’m not sure if that is cheating.

I cannot tell you how this Pilates challenge has changed my life and everything about the way I live. It is my suggestion that you don’t walk, you run to Core (or as fast as you can) and have a one-on-one with Monica. What she tells you is true and gospel and when she told me my body would change significantly in five weeks if I watched my diet and did Pilates I didn’t believe it. Now I am a believer.

Will I Stop? Hell no! I’ll be damned if I pull an Oprah (http://www.oprah.com), Kristy Alley, or Ricky Lake and put this weight back on. There is pair of hot pants with my name on them! Look out muscle boys on the foam float…HERE I COME!!!

Next week read my final entry about the 30 Day Challenge, see if I actually found cool hot pants and how I feel about my wobbly bits now. On June 24th pick up the Pride Edition of FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) for the next installment of my Celebrity Advisor Sessions. Find out what fashion celebrity contradicted stylist Phillip Block (http://www.phillipblock.com) by saying, “it’s OK to wear sequence during Pride.”- Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Style/Fashion Editor at FAB Magazine and Toronto Fashion Commentator on Rogers Channel 10 Toronto

One of the things Madonna (http://www.madonna.com)  doesn’t tell you is how much Pilates will make you sore. OMG! Well kiddies here I am with Day 7 through to 13 under my belt. I have basically done the same as last week. However I have added the Reformer to my exercise choices. If you read my blog posting last week I started Core Studio’s (http://www.corestudio.ca) 30 Day Challenge. I am doing 21 classes over 30 days. For me and my once wobbly body or as my dear friend photographer David Hawe (http://www.davidhawe.com) describe “wobbly bits” have started to melt away.

What is really fascinating about this challenge is how, all the people who have “answered the call” of this challenge, have really bonded together. What’s more the instructors at Core have been all super supportive of everyone who is undertaking the challenge. For example, the ever-bubbly Amber taught yesterday’s (Monday) Cardio Pilate 2 class. Before she even started the class she asked everyone on the challenge how they were doing and feeling. The unanimous response was “sore” and “tired”. Amber then modified her class to accomdate her participants, myself included, to include less strenuous routines but still kept the “burn” momentum going.

That’s Nice Max But Is It Working? Hell yes! I am happy to report I am loosing weight and my clothes are still falling off of me. However, I do notice I am now able to bend better, move quicker and even the other people in the challenge have noticed a change. This was definitely worth the sweat, tears and screaming “you want me to do what with my legs without buying me dinner first?!!” I am thoroughly enjoying this.

A Word To The Wise: Again, I hate to sound like your mom, but I have to say it. I do not recommend undertaking any fitness challenge without consulting you medical professional first. Please keep in mind before I started this challenge I consulted with my Chiropractor and doctor. I still continue to have weekly adjustments with my Chiropractor and seek her advise of any potential challenges along the way.

What Am I Eating?:As well keep in mind for any challenge with a weight loss compotent stop shoving chips, chocolate, cookies, cake and anything alcoholic in your mouth. I am eliminated wheat, dairy, refined sugar, artificial colours and sweetners and drink 10 glasses of water a day. A treat for me is literally what Madge has a slice of rice bread (it’s actually fabulous), organic peanut butter and honey. That’s it. I get that once a week. The rest of the time it’s brown rice, vegetables, fruit (I’m eating grapes as I’m typing this) and PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN.

Next week you find out how the finally week of the my challenge went as I round the corner to 21 Days. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Toronto Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

No this is not the model competition of Project Runway Canada. Stride Gum, the long lasting gum, is looking for a Drag Queen/Female Impersonator/Fabulous Guy In A Dress to be on top their Toronto Pride Float. The competition to be held on June 21st at Woody’s in Toronto is going to be fierce. The winner will receive $1000, the opportunity to be the head “queen” for the day and will dawn a dress by Toronto-based designer Farley Chatto (http://www.farleychatto.com).

However, to win the title of Miss Stride “The Long Lasting Drag Queen” and all the fame and glory, you will have to impress a panel of judges. Though I can’t say who the judges are it will be one tough night for whomever thinks she can handle it. It’s just like what Tyra Banks (http://www.tyrabanks.com) says, “how badly do you want to be America’s Next Top Model?!!!”

For more information and for an entry form contact: bryden.mcdonald@mosaic.com. Here’s a hint…don’t be afraid to show a little “pink”. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Toronto Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Community 10 in Toronto.

If you read my posting last week I’ve entered Core Studio’s (http://www.corestudio.ca) 30 Day Challenge. My challenge is to do 21 classes of either Pilates, Pilates Reformer and/or Yoga to help transform my body. What’s more important in the whole challenge is to become, to quote the opening of the Bionic Man, “Better Strong Faster”. So far hardest part for me is not shovel everything in my mouth when I’m hungry. Here’s what I am doing and what you can expect to find at Core Studios:

Day One – Monday: Cardio Pilates Level 2. One would question, how can you marry Pilates and Cardio? It’s easy. Think Step Aerobics but without the stair. It is you, a Bosu, a yoga mat, Pilates Resistance bands, and toning balls (no balls jokes people). It is not as easy as it looks. The first time I tried this I almost catapulted myself out the window. Doing “Step” on the Bosu is twice as hard is on an aerobic stair and trust me you will SWEAT! Now throw in the ever fabulous Amber’s (the instructor) Pilates and Aerobics moves…um now you ge the picture.  This class is not for the faint hearted but the results two days later are worth the sweat!

Day Two – Tuesday: Ball/Bosu Level 1-2: After Cardio Pilates 2 you swear that looking at any half dome would make you wanna scream and run in the opposite direction.  Take heart, this class will change your relationship with this blue half dome. Once again lead by Amber, this class will help sculpt and tone your muscles and the Bosu works on your balance. What is the point of being muscular if you can’t hold your balance? Working on a variety of mat-based exercises, though not as rigorous as Cardio Pilates 2, you still get workout.

Day Three – Men’s Reformer: Now I had been looking to this all week as I’ve repeated heard Madonna say in interview after interview that her Reformer or “the rack” as she calls it is her best friend. Now I understand why. It’s a simple machine with many components however when used in combination with an instructor who knows what she’s doing. My GOD!!! It is unbelievable. Monica, owner of Core Studio warned me, “it’s not easy but you will never go back”. Trust me. It is not easy and how Madge is a MACHINE to be able to do the reformer and they perform on stage. I thought my fitness level was OK? HA! The hardest push up you will ever do will on the Reformer I was able to do two. After leaving Core my body was sore but this was a good thing which I will explain why in a minute.

Day Four, Five, and Six – Cardio Pilates 2, Mat 1-2, Mat 1-2,:Enough was said about Cardio Pilates 2. However, don’t be fooled the mat based Pilates especially Sunday’s increasingly popular the teachers are not going to ease up on you. With Toning Balls in hand these instructors are out to help you reach your fitness goal and make sure you are stretching and moving every muscle. Sunday’s class really surprised me it was tough. Although, there is really some truth to the adage “no pain no gain.”

The Results From Week One?:Here is the where the WOW comes in. The results were shocking. I have worked out with trainers and fitness experts galore and nothing shocked my system more into loosing weight more than this. After only the first week, I walk better, I breathe deep, I am able to concentrate and I’m more relaxed. Oh and my clothes I am happy to report are falling off of me. My size 36 jeans falling off of me. That’s how affective Pilates is. I hate to admit it Madonna is right, for once.

What Did I Eat?:  Monica, the owner, sat me down before I started the challenge and advised me that diet is as important as showing up for Pilates classes. Trust me after doing my first Reformer I do not want to look at food. However, eating is important. When my friends ask I tell them I am the Nomi Malone diet (the main character in the cult gay film Showgirls) brown rice, vegetables, more water than you think you need and PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN! I’ve cut refined sugar (except honey), wheat, gluten, dairy, artificial colours and sweeteners. Basically I’m eating clean.

How Do I Feel?:Well let me put to you this way. I was walking past a construction site and minding my own business and I heard a type of catcalling whistle. I immediately thought there was a pretty woman behind me, but much to my shock, it was bunch of construction “bears” who were whistling at me. OK so I felt good to be the considered the “hottie” for once and not the “fattie ” being heckled. It was cool.

A Word To The Wise:  Before starting any 30 Day Challengeplease consult a medical professional to make sure you are capable. As well, keep in mind, as part of my challenge I am also taking Private Pilates Sessions to help better my Pilates Challenges and I am undertaking weekly adjustments with my Chiropractor. I do not suggest starting any physical activity without consulting a medical professional first.

 Next week find out more of how my 30 Day Challenge is going and look for pictures of my time on the rack in coming posting on my blog. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent on Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

I’ve been so on about getting fit in FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and on here I thought I would take some of my own advice. So here I go. Toronto’s Core Studio (http://www.corestudio.ca) is out to get women and men fit through their 30 Day Challenge. Here’s how it works.

Starting Monday, May 25th  registrants will aim to complete 21 classes in either Yoga, Pilates and/or Pilates Reformer in 30 Days. Yours truly will be one of those people. What are the rewards? Well other than to have Madonna’s ripped body (by the way she has sworn off the gym thanks to Pilates and Yoga) there are prizes to be won and you will get your name on Core Studio’s wall. However, there will be a kick-ass vegetarian pot-luck to make the end of the challenge for all participants. But there are rules which must be followed.

For more information visit here: http://www.corestudio.ca/30-Day_Challenge.html. Look for progress reports and photos weekly here on OutTv.ca and in FAB Magazine. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine and Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.

So for the last few weeks I’ve been telling you to the hit the gym and here’s why. This weekend The Barn will be holding one of their infamous underwear parties under the label “The World’s Biggest Underwear Party” this Sunday, May 17th starting at 5 p.m. EST. This resugence of underwear parties started a few years ago when local party boy Darren Bryant ran his at Toronto’s The Phoenix Night Club. This highly successful event led to badly copied spin offs at various club from different promoters desperate trying to “cash in” on the memories with no luck. Bryant’s is only one which came close to recapturing the sexual magic of Toronto’s and New York City’s underwear parties during the hedonistic 90s. Let’s hope this one is as successful.

Oh and sorry womyn it’s a ”boys only” event. - Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com) and Fashion Correspondent on Toronto’s Rogers 10.

Sad but true, Toronto Pride (http://www.pridetoronto.org) is about a month and half away. Doctor’s and Dietician’s both agree you only have the chance to loose a maximum of 15lbs safely between now and June 28th. So get started.

Quad the quarky yet underground Spinning studio”sure” could, did. First with DJ spins and now with complete theme classes. Toronto’s official Spinning Queen/Guru and Lululemon’s Ambassador for their Queen West store, Miche, will be holding an all Prince classes this Tuesday, May 12th at 4 p.m., 5:30, 6:45 and 7:45 at their King Street West location. This is not to be missed.

If you are like me, you loved Prince and would have loved to have his 5 foot 2 frame. Well then some of you would like to be doing things to his five foot two frame behind closed doors. But I digress. Miche will be breaking out the classes such as 1999, Purple Rain, I Would Cry 4 U, When Doves Cry, Kiss, Alphabet Street and “hopefully” two of my all-time favorites Raspberry Berret and Darling Nicky (Prince’s most controversial song ever).

To register for all the sweating fun visit Quad’s web site at: (http://www.quadspin.com) and use their option to register on-line. Prices and information about Quad Spin are located there.

If you haven’t gotten into shape yet don’t despair. In addition to the Prince-themed spin class pick up the Thursday, May 14th edition of FAB Magazine (http://www.fabmagazine.com)  for my interview with Toronto-based celebrity trainer Roland Semprie. Semprie will be giving you some of his tips and tricks of how he got FAB’s Associate Editor, Matt Thomas from puff to buff. – Max MacDonald Toronto Fashion Ambassador, Fashion/Style Editor at FAB Magazine and Fashion Correspondent for Rogers Channel 10 in Toronto.