On this Samir Becic says “Dictators are depressive psychopaths, paranoid narcissists, antisocial, sadistic, schizoid, and self-defeatnig. Therefore they are not fit physically or mentally!! They are not fit to rule!”

Health Fitness Revolution along with its founder Samir Becic, researched the eating and fitness habits of notorious dictators, past and present, to see if they lived a healthy lifestyle.

Adolf Hitler, Germany

• Hitler suffered from chronic gas and indigestion. His digestive issues eventually convinced him to become a vegetarian. His indigestion got so bad in the months before his death that he was reduced to a diet of mashed potatoes and clear broth.
• Before Hitler became a vegetarian, he showed some carnivorous instincts. One chef recalls multiple occasions in the 1930s when Hitler dined on fledgling pigeon stuffed with tongue, liver and pistachio nuts.
• Hitler was so paranoid that he had 15 young women taste every one of his meals for poison before he dined. One tester recalled that ‘the food was delicious, only the best vegetables, asparagus, bell peppers, everything you can imagine. And always with a side of rice or pasta.’
• Hitler did not lead a healthy lifestyle. Even though the Nazi party promoted a cult of physical fitness, the Fuhrer had no interest in sports or games of any kind and his only exercise came from long walks and pacing around the room.
• In addition to his lack of exercise, Hiter abused drugs. He took over 20 pills a day, most devoid of any medical use whatsoever. He also injected methamphetamines every morning just to get out of bed and required a large dose of valium to fall asleep. Some sources say he was one of the first users of anabolic steroids.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!”

Idi Amin, Uganda

• The Ugandan dictator ruled over the south African country for most of the 1970’s. A delusional megalomaniac, he referred to himself as, “His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular and the Uncrowned King of Scotland.”
• It was rumored that he was a cannibal and kept the heads of his political enemies in his fridge. When confronted on his cannibalism, he replied that he didn’t like human flesh because it was “too salty.”
• Too much salt did not prevent him from enjoying fast food. His son claimed that Idi Amin loved to eat pizza and meat, but most of all was a fan of Kentucky Fried Chicken. His taste for fast-food led to obesity, which put a strain on his arthritic knees.
• Amin also ate over 40 oranges every day because he believed that they granted him sexual prowess.
• The hefty dictator did manage to get some exercise. He was fond of swimming and playing basketball.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!”

Mao Zhedong, China

• Mao led the Communist takeover of China following World War II. His modernization programs caused a massive famine that claimed the lives of between 20 and 40 million Chinese citizens.
• His favorite food was hong shao rou (red braised pork), which is a rural dish consisting of cubes of braised pork belly glazed with caramelised sugar and covered with Shaoxing rice wine. Propaganda portrayed this dish as a brain food that allowed Mao to defeat his enemies.
• The communist dictator despised Chinese Haute Cuisine and preferred simple foods.
• Mao lived a largely sedentary lifestyle, spending much time in bed. He did have an indoor swimming pool, which was rare for the time.
• Despite his own inactivity, Mao created a fitness regimen for his people to keep them in shape and prepare them for an invasion by outside forces.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!!”

Benito Mussolini, Italy

• Mussolini did not indulge in his country’s revered cuisine. He rarely ate pasta or meat and called French food “useless.” His favorite food was a salad made of raw garlic and olive oil, which he thought was good for his heart. His wife thought it made him smell unbearable.
• Drank up to three quarts of milk a day to quell his stomach aches. Ironically, he tried to hide his milk habit from Hitler, fearing that the Fuhrer would perceive this as “unfascist.”
• The Italian ruler maintained an image of personal fitness. He spent much of his time running, riding, fencing, and playing tennis and football. At military parades he would run up and down the lines of soldiers.
• Some sources close to Mussolini claim that he never enjoyed personal fitness, but just did the activities to promote his image as a physically virile fascist leader.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit”

Pol Pot, Cambodia

• This murderous Communist revolutionary caused the death of 1 out of 7 of his countrymen and women.
• The leader preferred to eat simple peasant foods. His typical diet consisted of venison, fresh fruits, and wild boor.
• Pol Pot consumed moderate quantities of Chinese wine and brandy.
• His cook claims that the Cambodian dictator enjoyed cobra stew. To prepare the dish, the cook beheaded a cobra and dried it out in the sun so that the poison would dissipate.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!”

Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania 

• During his repressive 20 year reign, Nicolae Ceaușescu followed a repetitive and monotonous daily routine. He ate his meals at the same time every day and enjoyed a midday nap.
• Luxury food items were practically nonexistent in Romania during the Communist regime. Ceaușescu ate better than his people, but also kept to a simple, balanced diet of mostly vegetables and dairy products. He didn’t drink any fizzy drinks or eat any chocolate.
• Did not smoke and did light cardio, such as going on walks or hunts. The hunts, however, were staged. His advisors left sleeping pills coated with honey in the forest to tranquilize bears for Ceaușescu to kill at will.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!”

Josef Stalin, Soviet Union

• The infamous Soviet dictator ruled with an iron fist and was very paranoid. Still, he indulged in cuisine from his native Georgia. He occasionally held all-night banquets that served Georgian sweet wines, pickled cheese, and savory meats.
• Took a liking to the prized Russian nelma freshwater fish during his time as a Bolshevik revolutionary. He would continue to eat this simple food once he became leader of the Soviet Union.
• As Stalin forcibly modernized Russia, he feared invasions from fascist Germany and the capitalist Western powers. To keep his starving population in shape, Stalin implemented a fitness program in the 1930’s called “Ready for Labor and Defense,” or GTO. This program required all citizens of the U.S.S.R. to enter competitive athletic competitions. These athletic competitions included swimming, running, and grenade throwing.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!!”

Bashar Al-Assad, Syria 

• Al-Assad tries to eat healthy in his bunker beneath war-torn Syria. The dictator has been photographed enjoying drinks like a mint and lemon tea, basic mediterranean foods, and staples of western cuisine.
• His wife, Asma Al-Assad, is described as a “fitness fanatic.” She wears calorie-counting fitness gadgets to monitor her weight and ships in health products and foods from western nations.
• Assad’s father-in-law is a Cardiologist, and Assad was studying to become a doctor before his older brother’s unexpected death put him next in line for Syrian leadership.
• The Assad’s recently invited youth powerlifting champion Maryana Naumova to visit them in Syria. The 16-year old Russian girl bench-pressed 330lbs. earlier this year, impressing the Assads.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit!”

Napoleon Bonaparte, France

• Long thought to have died from poisoning, a recent autopsy reveals that Napoleon likely died from stomach cancer. Scientists and historians attribute the stomach cancer to Napoleon’s poor diet: “The risk might have been further increased by his diet, which probably included salt-preserved foods, thoroughly roasted meats and few fresh fruits and vegetables, standard fare for long military campaigns.”
• Napoleon ate only when hungry when on campaign. His preferred meal was a simple fare consisting of beef, beans, and white bread, washed down with cheap Chambertin wine.
• The conqueror feasted on roasted chickens when they were available. Once he was exiled he did indulge in more decadent feasts full of rich foods, which likely contributed to his weight gain.
• Formal military training meant Napoleon exercised and drilled from the time he was a teenager. He got plenty of exercise as a youth from wrestling and horse riding.
• Samir Becic: “Not fit”

Kim Jong-un, North Korea

• According to Health Fitness Revolution, Kim Jong-un is the world’s unhealthiest leader.
• Since assuming power in 2011, Kim Jong-un has ballooned in size due to his extravagant tastes and sedentary lifestyle. His favorite food is the calorie-dense Emmantel Swiss cheese.
• The Korean dictator is also a binge drinker, known to knock back two bottles of champagne in a single sitting. He is frequently photographed smoking cigarettes.
• He recently reappeared in the public eye with a limp and a cane, which some experts say could be a sign of gout. The limp could also be because of a fractured ankle due to his quick weight gain.
• Kim Jong-il, the previous leader of North Korea, is thought to have died from diabetes and high blood pressure, linked to his excessive consumption of French cognac and fine foods. Kim Jong-un is at a genetic risk for these diseases and should reform his lifestyle or risk getting them.
• Samir Becic: Not fit!!!

Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest celebrations in the Jewish tradition, and we wish all of our Jewish readers a very happy and healthy new year!

On Rosh Hashanah, people who practice Judaism listen to the blow of the Shofar, a trumpet made from the horn of a Kosher animal and with the marrow removed, and eat apples and honey to evoke a sweet new year.

However you celebrate, The Health Fitness Revolution Team wishes you the best in year 5781, and we encourage you to enjoy the weekend safely with friends and family.

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Bravo Mayor @mikebloomberg for taking proactive stances when it came to making New York City residents healthier and fitter. From 2002 to 2009 adult smoking decreased by 27 percent in the city, and the life span of the average New Yorker rose by 3 years. You are a true Patriot!

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Feb 25, 2020 at 8:50pm PST

As a Mayor, Mike Bloomberg (also on our Top 15 Fittest Billionaires 2017 list) encouraged citizens of New York City to get healthy and fit with a “Make NYC Your Gym” movement. He said at the time “New York City is a great place to get healthy and keep fit — anyone can make the parks, streets, and sidewalks into their own personal gym.” Bloomberg targeted unhealthy lifestyles during his 12-year run, unlike any other administration before him- and it worked- adult smoking decreased by 27% in the city, and the life span of the average New Yorker rose by 3 years.

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“We are going to focus at least 50 billion dollars in the first 5 years on obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer!” – VP @joebiden Mr. Vice President, that is truly amazing! America needs that!

A post shared by Samir Becic (@samirbecic) on Feb 25, 2020 at 9:19pm PST

Vice President Joe Biden announced he would put $50 billion towards obesity and diabetes. In addition, he’s super fit himself, and known for working out daily.

Here’s what our founder Samir Becic had to say about the candidates:

In yesterday's debate, VP @JoeBiden and Mayor @MikeBloomberg were motivating the nation to be healthier and fitter. BRAVO
Both of these candidates are in EXCELLENT physical shape!
The candidates fighting for universal healthcare, did not even mention preventative healthcare! WOW

— Samir Becic (@SamirBecic) February 26, 2020

Not only do statistics show that Australia is generally a healthy nation, but popular perception also sees Australia as a very fit nation. Thus, we found it only fitting that HFR team together with its founder Samir Becic should put together a list that celebrates Fit Australian celebrities who are a great example to their fellow countrymen and international fans!

The HarperCollins author of the fitness book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic believes that 60-70% of chronic conditions can be managed with a healthy lifestyle- a combination of physical fitness, healthy nutrition, mental balance, social and spiritual balance. The celebrities embody this definition and serve as great examples to aspire to:

Naomi Watts, Actress

“If I try to put myself on diets – which I did a lot in my 20s – I end up breaking them and craving foods that I wouldn’t normally eat, but I like to cook. As a mum, you end up cooking at least three or four times a week.”

 

• On film sets, she keeps her energy levels up by snacking on nuts, fruit and green tea.
• Likes to mix up her exercise routine.
• Jogs
• Enjoys cardio dance classes
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Surfs

Hayden Quinn, Celebrity Chef

“This whole thing is a culmination of a few of my loves – a combination of food, health and fitness,” Quinn said. “We’re not aiming to be the biggest or the best but we hope to bring a real sense of community and engage like-minded people through exercise­.”

• Beleives in ‘functional health fitness’
• Recently opened a gym with his best friends called The Cube. According to The Cube’s Facebook Page, the six faces of The Cube include health and wellbeing, fitness, strength, flexibility, progression and success.
• Combines his love of food with his love of healthy lifestyle and frequently gives healthy tips to his fans on his website.

Nicole Kidman, Actress

“Over the years I’ve realized that if you don’t have your health, you’ve got nothing. So that comes first. And how do you get that when you have two little kids, and a husband, and a lot of work? I work for balance now. I do yoga, and I run, and I meditate. I take really good care of myself and I eat well.”

• enjoys fitness centered on family
• swims
• run 7 miles during the week and 10-12 miles during the weekend
• yoga and meditates
• likes to go to yoga classes
• loves to spin

Simon Baker, Actor

• Surfs
• skateboards
• plays water polo
• goes to the beach with family

CODY SIMPSON, SINGER

“I think it is important to come to the gym every day”

• does impromptu workouts wherever he is
• likes to work on core and lifting
• gets cardio from his performance on stage
• swims
• surfs in free time
• works out with his security guard/personal trainer Jeffrey Traynor

Iggy Azalea, Rapper

I am very competitive, which is why I have had success in music; and if I play a sport, I want to kick someone’s butt. That’s why I LOVE to play tennis–which is my favorite sport–and it includes a lot of running.”

• Squats and sit-ups every day
• Runs
• Dances
• Lunges
• Took the “30-day squat challenge”
• Enjoys tennis
• Drinks smoothie for breakfast made of almonds, fruits, kale, and berries

Cate Blanchett, Actress

“I’ve done a lymphatic cleanse a few times for liver, kidneys and gallbladder – there’s a guy in Los Angles called Dr. Bo Wagner. It’s not to lose weight, it’s more of a detox but I felt fabulous after it. It’s hardcore; it’s a month long and all herbal and you detox, cleanse and then renew everything.”

• drinks a lot of lemon juice and hot water in the morning
• try to stay away from wheat
• avoid additives
• does lymphatic cleanse for liver, kidneys, and gallbladder every now and then

Chris Hemsworth, Actor

“It was certainly exhausting at times, but I prefer to be training than not. It gives me more energy and I just generally feel better about myself. I feel like I’ve earned that beer at the end of the week.”

• likes to go to the farmer market for food
• recruited Michael Knight to help train him
• did kettlebell routine
• lots of cardio with boxing and muay thai
• worked 12 hours a day while on the set of red dawn and still worked out 5 days a week between 60 and 90 minutes
• protein-heavy diet to gain muscle
• eat a lot of chicken breast, steak, fish, vegetables, and brown rice.
• did a total body circuit based on classic strongman moves to lose fat
• drank 4 to 5 liters of water a day

Liam Hemsworth, Actor

“I love going to the gym, sweating, running around, feeling like I’m having a heart attack. I like the physical side of boxing—it’s fun to punch a bag for 20 minutes—but I also feel mentally strong when I box”

• surf competitively from age 13 to 18
• workout with a trainer 5 to 6 times a week
• workout include: throwing around tires and rope
• limit diet to lean protein, vegetables, and fruit
• boxes, runs, and surf
• daily diet: oatmeal, fish, asparagus, and homemade chicken stir-fry loaded with chopped vegetables

Rose Byrne, Actress

• works out at the YMCA
• loves to swim
• bikes
• yoga

Jesse Spencer, Actor and Musician

• train at the fire academy for the role he is currently playing in Chicago Fire.
• Keeps up with the vigorous workouts from the training
• Surfs

Portia De Rossi- Actress

“If you can accept your natural body-weight – the weight that is easy for you to maintain, or your “set point” – and not force it to beneath your body’s natural, healthy weight, then you can live your life free of dieting, of retriction, of feeling guilty every time you eat a slice of your kid’s birthday cake. But the key is to accept your body just as it is”

• prefer to workout outside, taking walks, hikes on trails or morning runs
• like to stay fit with activities that teach her skills, like horse riding or tennis
• swim to clear head
• use to battle with anorexia and bulimia but overcame it
• love taking her dogs on walks
• married to and works out with Fittest Comedian lister Ellen Degeneres

Miranda Kerr- Model

‘”like to exercise every day but I mix it up. I may even just put some music on and let Flynn dance around while I hold the plank position for 10 minutes to strengthen my core.'”

• works out 3 to 4 times a week for an hour and 15 minutes
• target all aspect of the body during a workout
• runs 2 to 3 miles
• enjoys Kundalini a form of yoga designed to balance and energize the body and hatha
• keeps to a fairly strict diet
• likes to involve her young son in the fitness routine
• drinks a lot of different teas, green juices, and protein shakes
• take supplements daily to keep her healthy
• loves Pilates

Keith Urban, Singer

“I’m driven to a point, but I also feel like I’ve achieved something, and that calms me. I find myself slowing down a bit to actually enjoy my life as well. Now I enjoy going on vacation and getting away from my guitar,” he says, walking into the studio. “A big part of it is recognizing that time is ticking away and that life is right now. And I don’t want to miss anything or take it for granted.”

• use to have a cocaine addiction
• uses a trainer
• works out four days a week doing a cardio workout on the elliptical machine and light weight training

Teresa Palmer, Actress and Model

“It’s never too late to make a healthy beginning”

• works out regularly
• hired Jason Walsh to learn martial arts
• does various lunges, squats, and workout to tone her lower body parts
• eats healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, proteins, nuts,  and fish
• likes vegan food

Phoebe Tonkin, Actress and Model

 “Incorporate healthy eating with regular exercises in their routine life”

• doesn’t like refined sugar, dairy products, high carb and junk food.
• relies on green and leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, salmon, lean chicken
• takes food supplements, probiotics, natural digestive enzymes
• makes mostly vegan choices
• works out with Tracy Anderson
• prefers working out in comfortable and amicable places like home
• boxing
• interval training
• pilates
• swims
• run
• hikes

Margot Robbie- Actress

“I don’t have a very good diet. I love beer, fries, burgers, but if I have to get in a bikini then I’ll eat carrot sticks for three days. I’m one extreme or the other. I’m not good at doing moderation. I get miserable if I don’t eat. I can’t just have a salad every day and a half a glass of wine every second day. Can’t do it.”

• Plays ice hockey
• Runs
• Cycles
• Crunches
• Yoga and stretching
• Surfs

Eric Bana, Actor

“My chosen exercise is cycling. I just love it.”

• Training for roles is, he says, ’30 percent exercise and 70 percent diet.
• Does not like the gym but loves cycling- it’s his exercise of choice
• Does weights to maintain his back health
• Loves Italian food but has never had a sweet tooth
• Men’s Health calls him a “skilled athlete”

Tahyna Tozzi, Actress

• black belt in the Japanese Karate style of “Shotokan”
• Teaches xtend barre in LA, a combination of pilates and barre
• Eats a very nutritionally sound diet including smoothies, lots of veggies, fish, and snacks on nuts

Olivia Newton-John – Actress

“I believe first and foremost that simplicity is the key to healthy eating. My food philosophy is that what you eat goes in, and if it doesn’t come out it has to go somewhere else – like on your hips!It starts with a combination of controlling portion size, ensuring the food is of the best quality you can find (organic is preferable), exercising regularly, drinking lots of water and eating enough fibre to keep your internal wheels turning so you can expel waste and any toxins efficiently.A basic diet should consist mostly of plants, vegetables and fruit, some whole grains, nuts and seeds. It should include some protein-rich foods and a small amount of healthy fats. I call it the common sense diet!”

• has a wellness center in Melbourne that helps support cancer research and offer cutting-edge treatments

Jonathan LaPaglia, Actor

• runs
• was a doctor before becoming an actor
• frequently seen working out in LA

Hugh Jackman, Actor

“I don’t set goals in life. In this country, people are all about goal setting. And I concede, to a point, how it can help you get going. But we limit ourselves with goals. We have far more ability than we give ourselves credit for. You see that in people under pressure. How does someone run a 100-meter race at the Olympics? When it’s once every 4 years, with everything they’ve done leading to that? It can’t just be adrenaline.” Then he nods and smiles. “Maybe it’s just the mind getting out of the way.”

• Frequently posts his workout on his social media pages to motivate fans
• Does most of his own stunts in movies
• He benched 315 pounds and leg-pressed 1,000 prepping for X-Men: The Last Stand.
• He perfected key tai chi forms and did yoga daily for 9 months to learn the positions for The Fountain.
• Does hour and a half sessions in the gym to prep for certain roles
• Changes up his workouts every 3 weeks
• Sees physical changes as opportunities to push himself past his limits

Dan Ewing, Actor

• Other than acting, his passion in life is basketball
• Often seen working up a sweat on the court
• Has youtube videos of his workouts with his trainer
• Worked with Connor Conditioning, which is a holistic approach to health- mind, body, and nutrition

Peta Murgatroyd, Dancer

“I truly believe that dancing s the best form of fitness and exercise, it makes you feel good. It makes you feel happy, especially if you can do it with a loved one.”

• Has been dancing for over 23 years
• When not filming Dancing with the Stars, she goes to the gym 6 days a week
• Does Hot Yoga to elongate muscles
• Cycles
• Hikes
• Loves running sprints
• Says he body craves cardio

Elle MacPherson, Model

“My approach doesn’t involve calorie-counting or spending hours in the gym. Rather, it’s creating a way of life,” Duigan says. “Exercise is there to make you feel better, but to be constantly exhausted and tired is not what it’s about.”

• Was Fitness magazine’s 20th Anniversary CoverGirl
• At 50, looks and feels better than ever
• Has graced the cover of many fitness and health magazines
• Follows an 80/20 ratio of alkaline to acid foods to create the optimal pH balance for good health
• Loves outdoor activities like hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, paddleboarding
• Meditates 20 minutes daily
• Drinks 2 liters of water a day to hydrate from the inside out
• Surfs
• Even has a workout video from the 90s online http://youtu.be/5l8b0Y-p_t8

Rachael Finch, TV Reporter and Beauty Queen

“No matter what it is I try to be physically active every day. I think it’s important to keep the body moving and to alter the intensity so we benefit from the varied heart rate. I love stretching before bed each night and when it comes to diet I follow the 90/10 rule – 90 percent health and 10 percent indulgence.”

• Says clean eating is key- that she tries to eat foods in as close to their natural state as possible
• She avoids heavy sauces, excess salt, sugar, and uses avocado and hummus to add flavor to her food instead
• Believes being active regularly is important, and counts mopping her house as a workout!
• Does yoga
• Pilates
• Swims
• Runs with daughter in stroller
• Meditates
• Takes a holistic approach to health

Sophie Falkiner, TV Host

“I try to be as healthy as I can possibly be 80 percent of the time. If I go into a fine-dining restaurant for a special occasion, I’m not going to ask for the dressing on the side. I’ll want the hot chips with the aioli – you’ve got to live! It’s about treating yourself, but not all of the time. If I treated my body badly 80 percent of the time, it probably wouldn’t work as well, but if I treat it well most of the time, then I’m going to be good health-wise – that’s how I like to look at it.”

• Says she used to not focus on health, but once she hit her 30s she began realizing it’s value
• Has a holistic approach to health
• Pilates
• Meditation
• Mixes it up to keep it fun
• Manages stress levels
• Eats Balanced
• Exercises regularly and consistently

Rebecca Hewitt, Actress and Singer

• Has 3 young children and exercises daily to maintain her figure
• Works out with a personal trainer regularly
• Eats a healthy diet
• Married to professional tennis player who also makes fitness a priority

Lara Bingle, Actress and Model

“My ideal way to exercise is outdoors. Anything by the water makes exercise so much more pleasurable.”

• Dislikes gyms but exercises by the ocean
• Works out with a personal trainer regularly
• Eats a healthy diet
• Loves green juices
• Reformer Pilated
• Gained 12kgs and lost it through healthy lifestyle changes

Kylie Minogue, Singer

• The Aussie beauty religiously follows a healthy diet program. She mostly swears by low GI diet plans, and she incorporates optimal amounts of complex carbs, proteins, fats and fiber. She consumes six small meals in a day, which are composed of three normal meals and three snacks.
• One of her favorite workouts is Pilates.
• Enjoys running and cardio workouts
• Also does Power Plate workouts to stay toned

Toni Collette, Actress

“I always make sure I drink lots of water, exercise and eat well. I do cardio most days and I am a big fan of Pilates and yoga, so I do a combination of both.”

• Toni Collette’s diet adheres to the famous macrobiotic diet, which is based on selecting foods that are organically grown and unprocessed.
• Toni does yoga and Pilates to keep her body well-toned without developing bulky muscles. Cardio is 45 minutes every morning. She also does light weight lifting using 2 to 5 pounds weight.

Jennifer Hawkins, Actress, Model, and TV Host

“Just imagine your goal. Imagine what you want to be, your best version of yourself and just feel like you need to make that happen. Thinking positive thoughts is very powerful; if you’re sitting there feeling sorry for yourself, you’re not going to get up and move. Just keep moving forward.”

• Does Pilates twice a week and spends around 20-30 minutes running on a treadmill at least 4 times a week.
• Does around 30-40 sit-ups per night and would recommend these to all women ‘because they really pull in your waist.’
• A few weeks before a fashion show, she cuts out all processed carbs replacing it with brown rice. Daily juices, chicken, protein and lots of water are also part of her pre-show culinary mantra.

Dr. Chris Brown, Veterinarian and TV Host

• Spends lots of time surfing at the beach
• Enjoys paddleboarding
• Swims
• Dives

Tom Williams, TV Host

“Surfing is something I do with my friends and we do overseas trips.”

• Has been surfing since he was young.
• “I ocean kayak. It takes up a lot of my time. Early starts three mornings a week and on the weekends I race competitively.”
• “I’ve just started doing Bikram yoga again. I use it for the stretching. It’s very intense but I like the mind effect in yoga.”

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!

Cosmetics are an essential component of ever-changing beauty standards, but have been in vogue for thousands of years. These beauty standards have also led to serious mental physical and health issues for women. In today’s hyper-consumer society this effect is multiplied by a constant barrage of high-def photoshopped ads featuring radiant and flawless models. The endless parade of cosmetics products is complicit.

So is it fair to call cosmetics the industry of insecurity? Just as Cleopatra used beauty products to further her own political objectives, Historian Kathy Piess writes that “not only tools of deception and illusion, these little jars tell a rich history of women’s ambitions, pleasure, and community.” After all, makeup empowers the human drive for creativity, self-expression, and the appreciation of aesthetics.

So what’s the deal? In our investigation of beauty standards, body image, and self-love, we investigate the history of cosmetics to determine their impact on health. In the first of a two part series, we explore the health consequences and history of cosmetics from ancient Egypt to the French Revolution. 

Contour Like An Egyptian

Religious, aesthetic, and health concerns influenced the decision to wear makeup in ancient Egypt. When the Egyptians applied makeup, they did so liberally. The iconic Egyptian eyeliner we know from hieroglyphs and Hollywood actually had health benefits. It cast off the bright desert sun and warded off common eye diseases.

As scientist Philippe Water found, “In stimulating non-specific immunological defences, one may argue that these lead compounds were deliberately manufactured and used in ancient Egyptian formulations to prevent and treat eye illnesses by promoting the action of immune cells.”

Unfortunately, the makeup had some insidious side effects. Green malachite, like the kind Cleopatra wore on her lower eyelids, came from copper. Black kohl was lead-based. Egyptian aristocrats mixed these poisonous chemicals with duck fat and applied the fatty globs to their face with a flat blush.

Deadly fat-lead mixtures also adorned Roman faces across the sea. But while both Egyptian men and women put on a face each day at court, cosmetics were (supposedly) the domain of women in the Western countries. Ovid, a Roman poet and the self-proclaimed most fashionable man in the Empire, commented that, while perfectly acceptable, women’s makeup was supposed to be understated and naturalistic, the little jars hidden from the view of guests.

Perfumes, on the other hand, were used by Greeks and Romans to cleanse and purify the environment. More austere men still looked down on perfume and makeup, but its religious and health connotations are undeniable. Seneca, for example, thought makeup caused the decline of Roman morality. 

The popularity of cosmetics came and went with the fashion trends in ancient Rome, but it did so along the lines of rigidly defined gender roles.

Let Them Wear Lipstick!

The early Christians were decidedly not fans of makeup. They prized asceticism and humility. To them, makeup was vain and decadent. As Christianity waxed the use of cosmetics waned. And while makeup never went away entirely in the West, it faded like cheap lipstick after a long night on the town.

Things started to change in the late 17th century. Religious wars and changing values loosened the expectations on court life, at least in cosmopolitan capitals. The Commercial Revolution brought an influx of consumer goods and increased the breadth and width of materials produced.

This all came to a head in Louis XIV’s France. Historian Morag Martin claims that High Fashion and advertising both emerged during the 18th century, a powerful one-two punch that revived cosmetics from its long slumber. The bright sheen of lipstick shone brightly in the court of the Sun King, and it wasn’t long before it spread throughout the bourgeoisie and aristocracy throughout Europe.

Like the Egyptians, both genders indulged in cosmetics use. Men and women alike wigs and powdered their face. And like ancient Egypt, they sabotaged their health in the process. Eighteenth century women had the habit of blanching their faces with white lead and hid pockmarks under white patches.

As beautifying became a more and more elaborate ritual, men and women prepared a whitening mixture with vinegar, lead, and horse manure to apply to their face. Beautiful. It inflamed eyes, weakened tooth enamel, caused hair-loss, irritated the skin and even killed the heaviest users. 

Ignorance was no excuse. Advertisers hawked makeup by labeling it as medicine, but doctors were well-aware of the poisonous consequences of wearing lead on your face. Despite this, the cosmetics and medical industries were intimately intertwined. The same men who sold health cures also sold cosmetics. So the modern “health and beauty” section you see in department stores has origins from this era.

Cosmetics use grew more and more exaggerated throughout the century before reaching a fever pitch on the brink of the French Revolution. The height of wigs had grown as high as the anger with the Royal court. By the 1780’s wigs towered up to 18 inches high. When all hell broke with loose after angry Parisians stormed the Bastille, cosmetics use saw a precipitous decline. Jacobins associated cosmetics with Marie Antoinette and the artifice of her entire class.

In retrospect, cosmetics have been sabotaging health for years, but, Paradoxically, have also been associated with health and have had some health benefits.

The role of cosmetics continued to change over the next two centuries, which we will explore in the next article!

Here are the “Top 10 Health and Fitness Tips From George Washington” by HFR team and author of the health book ReSYNC Your Life Samir Becic

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” George Washington

• Health Should Be A Top Priority

President George Washington believed that our health should be one of the most important priorities in life. President Washington really knew the value of health in our lives. Because without our health, it’s almost impossible to live life to the fullest. In order to enjoy and carry out day-to-day tasks, we need to be able to walk, breathe on our own, lift objects, have fun and so much more. Shortly before his passing, the former President wrote that “Health was amongst (if not the most) precious gift of Heaven, and without it we are but little capable of business, or enjoyment.”

• Be An Active & Healthy Leader

Not many know that George Washington was actively involved in the military, serving for a span of over 40 years. It was his heroic and strategic service in the United States military where he became known as the Father of our Country. While in the military, George Washington was constantly on his feet, leading his people through battles, and persevering under pressure. Leadership is known to be associated with improved relationships, increased mood, positive outlook, increased self-confidence, and many more positive attributes. If you want to impact the health of other people, as well as yourself, then it’s best to lead by example. The types of social, emotional, and mental health benefits that being a leader can bring are endless!

• Get Fit For Life’s Battles

According to the record books, George Washington was a strong, well-built man. He grew up with an athletic frame and with a 6’2 stature, he was described by his military partner as “175 pounds paddles with well-developed muscles, indicating great strength.” Another description of him by historian David McCullough explains how he stood out as a soldier and general for his strapping appearance. This type of build really helped him out when he had to fight his opposers or climb the Natural Bridge. Whether Washington was riding a horse for hours on end, or getting pierced by 4 musket balls, his great strength aided him through it all. You never know what daily battles you might have to face, but lifting weights is always a huge advantage to face what lies ahead!

• Eat A Variety Of Healthy Foods

America’s first President was able to enjoy many different cuisines because he was so wealthy. He ate fish such as sturgeon, along with many different fruits like cherries, and protein packed nuts. George Washington was fortunate to own many farms and facilities that enabled him to consume plenty of nutrient rich foods. Though you don’t have to be rich to be healthy! Fruits, vegetables, and different sources of protein can be bought at reasonable prices. These foods are jam-packed with nutrients that protect the heart against certain diseases, cancers and even strokes. They also aid in muscle growth and repair while strengthening the immune system.

• Get Active Outside

George Washington took an interest in farming and American agriculture very early on. He was passionate about making the agriculture industry better for his people. This included a lot of rehabilitation on his farm on Mount Vernon. Although he wasn’t the one actually doing the farming, we can still learn from the health benefits that comes with this activity. Farming and gardening contribute to mental clarity and stress relief. According to the CDC, physical benefits associated with this moderate-intensity activity contribute to reductions in obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and colon cancer.

• Adopt A Furry Friend

Did you know that George Washington loved dogs and bred them? His journals were infused with numerous breeding accounts that included his own special “Virginia Hound” breed. Using these dogs, he indulged sometimes two or three times a week in one of his favorite pleasures: fox-hunting. Having a furry companion by your side greatly influences your health in many ways from boosting the immune system to increasing your quality of life. Take a look at all of the health and fitness benefits of owning a furry friend here! 

• Go Dancing!

Not only did George Washington like to move on the battlefield, but he liked to get down on the ballroom floor too. During the American Revolution, balls were often held where the General “danced upwards of three hours without once sitting down,” General Greene stated in 1779. He was seen gracefully dancing with elation spread across his face. It’s no wonder that he was so content since dancing is known to boost mood and confidence! Dancing has many physical and mental health benefits. Those include improved heart and lung function, muscle tone, strength, endurance, as well as stronger bones, improved balance and social skills. Learn how busting a move can be incredibly beneficial to your health here!

• Read A New Book

We all know the peaceful effects that reading can have on us during a rainy day. But surprisingly, reading has a lot of other health benefits for the average Joe. George Washington was an avid reader in his day. Owning more than 1,200 books, he turned to them to improve his political, militant, and agricultural prowess. You could say George Washington was self-educated from all the time he spent gathering the important information that made him so successful. According to York University researchers, reading helps boost brain power and memory, reduce stress, increase longevity, and even create feelings of empathy. So pick up a good book to expand your knowledge and increase your imagination!

• Be Social

We all know how much healthy friendships benefit our mental health by keeping us happy and healthy. Not only was George Washington great at running the country, but he was an excellent communicator. He loved having company over for parties as well as connecting with the ladies! Besides dancing, you could find him engaging in meaningful conversations with his companions throughout the night. Many studies show that having people to connect with can keep your brain sharp and enrich your life by adding years to it! Friends also reduce stress, decrease risk of stroke, and can help beat the common cold!

• Always Persevere

One of the most honorable things about former President George Washington was the fact that he was a man of character. His self-control in such a challenging time period allowed him his courage to shine through on the battlefield. He persevered under pressures of militant lifestyle, while keeping his integrity intact. Even though he failed many times, he stayed positive and kept pushing through. Resilience has a way of impacting our health for the better, and is especially required when things get tough. By staying positive and moving forward we improve our emotional, mental, and physical health. Happy emotions contribute to a healthier immune system! Not to mention the personal benefits such as increased confidence, motivation, and success.

Since the beginning of time, humanity has depended on athletic prowess.  “Survival of the fittest” was especially crucial throughout history and the evolution and humankind.

Throughout the prehistoric ages, man used his body as a tool for hunting and gathering and survival.  Today, although man is no longer driven to physical extremes in order to sustain life in the primitive sense, the modern man uses fitness to encompass health and well-being.   It is important to understand the evolution of health and fitness to mankind throughout the ages to fully comprehend its fundamental necessity in today’s society and the foundation to the modern fitness movement.

From the time of the primitive man until about 2500 B.C. athleticism was used as a necessary tool for hunting and gathering.  As time progressed towards the birth of Jesus, fitness was not solely used for sustainability but became necessary in order to maintain the biggest empires in the world, through military strength.

Some of the biggest ancient empires in the world, including: Persian empire, Macedonian empire, and Roman empire were built on an extremely fitness oriented mentality.  Physical fitness was of the number one importance to ensure the strength and longevity of their empires.  It is of no surprise that all of them collapsed because of deterioration of physical fitness with the birth of extravagant lifestyles.

The Greek-Macedonian Empire is still today regarded as one of the fittest empires to date.  In Greece, the Spartans were and still are viewed as the personification of extreme athleticism.  Because of this, the Spartan army was one of the deadliest armies the world has ever known.

By contrast, the Chinese and Indian empires used athleticism not only for military purposes but also for health.  Their political and philosophical leaders, including Confucius were encouraging people to partake in exercise in order to prevent certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes. They discovered that through yoga and martial arts, they not only became fitter, but also healthier- this was the crucial breakthrough in the history of mankind.  For the first time, fitness became a known to cure many physical ailments.

During the Renaissance period, an intellectual expansion occurred, so did a curriculum of physical fitness and philosophy. Many intellectual thinkers of the time, such as John Locke, Martin Luther, and Richard Mulcaster maintained the positive correlation between being fit and intellect.

After the Renaissance came the National period in Europe, which was marked by the first modern movement of gymnastics.  This came at a time when nationalism was prevalent in Europe which inspired many gymnastic experts to develop their own programs.

–         Germany: Johann Guts Muths and Friedrich Jahn believed that through gymnastic programs, Germans could be fitter and more resilient against foreign invasion.

–         Sweden: Per Henrik Ling developed gymnastic programs for educational, military, and medical use.

–         Denmark: Frank Nachtegall spread gymnastic programs throughout the school systems.

–         England: Archibald Maclaren spread the benefits of fitness and regular exercise to breed a healthier and stronger youth.

–         America: based its methods on the popular European training styles of the time.  Benjamin Franklin was a strong proponent of maintain regular exercise for                                health purposes.

The industrialization period in the U.S. and Europe was marked by a more sedentary lifestyle and an increase in deaths due to the increase of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Type II Diabetes.  This was a significantly important as proof that physical inactivity was strongly correlated with an increase of diseases and illnesses.

In the early 20^th Century, we noticed a new movement in gymnastics and general fitness throughout the western world.  Western world leaders urged and encouraged their citizens to be physically active for the purpose of national security and the health of their nations.

During the roaring Twenties comfort and fun was put ahead of exercise and fitness became viewed as less important.  Soon after that, the Great Depression hit, and fitness continued to be less emphasized than the growing financial crisis.  Therefore, a general lack of health became a growing trend during this time period.

With this being said, we can clearly see throughout history that there is a correlation between lack of physical fitness and economical decline.

The Modern fitness movement, as we know it today, evolved from the military competition between the nations during WWII and the cold war.  It was becoming clear that men were not physically fit to serve their countries in military service during the draft.  The people that developed the new fitness movement were visionaries such as Jack Lalanne, who is regarded as the father of American Fitness. Presidents like John F. Kennedy were strong believer in being fit for health, emphasizing fitness as the “basis for all other forms of excellence.”

Being in the health and fitness industry my entire life, and working for the biggest fitness corporation in the world at the time, I witnessed major changes in how people view fitness and healthy lifestyle today versus 15 years ago.  The Health and Fitness Revolution is happening and healthy lifestyle will be a major force and grow to epic proportions in the health industry of tomorrow.

In the 21^st Century, fitness, proper nutrition and spiritual balance will be the basic fundamental of healthy living and will make a major impact on how we view the health industry. In the next 10 to 20 years, these components will become even more significant and will change how being fit and healthy lifestyle is viewed in the health and medical industry.  There is a famous Latin saying “historia est magistra vitae” which suggests that history is life’s teacher.  Holding this true, we should acknowledge that economical prosperity and national security are dependent on the physical health of a nations’ population and that with physical activity, healthy nutrition, and spiritual balance we can manage, control, or completely avoid 60-70 % of known illnesses.

*This article is based on the research of the University of New Mexico by Lance C. Dalleck, M.S. and Len Kravitz, Ph.D.

Health Fitness Revolution by Samir Becic Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, to make the world a healthier, fitter place, please donate!

At Health Fitness Revolution we believe that a balanced spiritual life is crucial to good living. Here are 10 elements of the Buddhist faith that we believe promote a healthy and happy life.

• Respect for themselves, people, and nature: The Buddhist ‘Path of Life’ offers prescriptions for the ethical and spiritual well-being of each individual urges them to develop wisdom and have compassion for all life forms.
• Weave healthy behavior into life patterns, meditate: The Path is Eightfold and defined as Right View, Thought, Speech, Actions, Livelihood, Meditation, Effort and Mindfulness. Suffering with a practical and realistic Path involving meditation, practice and study leading to Enlightenment or Realized Buddhahood, are all intrinsic to Buddhism. The health benefits of meditation are consistently proven by science- making this ritual a fundamental health aspect within the Buddhist traditions.
• Diet: Many Buddhists are vegetarian or vegan due to the 1st precept and respect for other sentient beings. Some may have taken a precept which involves eating only one main meal a day. This is usually eaten before midday. However it is not uncommon to find non-vegetarian Buddhists as the Buddha asked his monks to eat whatever they got.
• Fasting: An individual’s health allowing, in all schools and traditions a one day fast is recommended on New Moon and Full Moon days. There are also other festival days such as Buddha’s birthday, death day, his enlightenment, the first Sermon and others.
• Caution when using medications and drugs: Some Buddhists will be wary, and will wish to know the effects, of any drug which alters their emotional state or clarity of mind due to the 5th precept. However, the idea of the 5th precept is so that individuals do not perform harmful acts whilst intoxicated.
• Be physical: There is no question – scientifically or energetically – that a healthy, fit, flexible body is a great complement and support to the pursuit of a healthy, fit, flexible mind.In Tibetan Buddhism one of the main meditation practices involves doing physical prostrations. In Vajrayana traditions all practitioners – monks and lay ones – need to complete at least 100.000 prostrations as a part of preliminary practices. According to his website, the Dalai Lama takes daily exercise, including walking on a treadmill if it’s too wet to walk outside.
• Buddha taught the importance of a strong body: saying “To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”
• Living in the now, decreasing stress in your life: Buddha preaches “Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
• You set your own limitations, break them: According to Buddha “The mind is everything. What you think, you become.”
• Realize that nothing is accomplished instantly, so persevere to accomplish goals: “A jug fills drop by drop”- Buddha. This is entirely applicable to health and fitness goals, that improve and happen over time. Stay consistent and steadfast to accomplish your goals.