Where do I begin to summarize this fabulous event? Amazing speakers, fitness blogger friends, fun new workout and the very generous event sponsors.

Obviously I am referring to yesterday’s @FitnessMagazine Blogger Meet & Tweet held at The Mercedes Club in midtown Manhattan. Just one look at the website and you’ll see why this was the perfect venue for the event.

The day started off with check-in at 9:00 AM. As more bloggers arrived we were greeted with healthy breakfast options and directed to the outside patio where the event was to start.

Celebrity make-up artist and Executive Director of Global Artistry for Stila Cosmetics, Sarah Lucero, began the day’s events with a beauty discussion about what’s hot for Summer 2013, simple make-up tips for the warmer weather, her personal story and favorite workout options. One of my favorite things mentioned was the quote that comes in one of the Stila make-up palettes.

The panel with doctor Jennifer Ashton, M.D. was by far one of my favorite. I love her holistic approach to health and one of the best tips she gave was her 5 day, 2 day healthy eating plan. Basically during the work week you follow a super strict eating plan with lots of lean protein and veggies. Then on the weekends you are more relaxed and enjoy life a little. At first you’ll live for those weekend treats but overtime the rush fo them will subside. I will definitely be picking up her book, Your Body Beautiful.

Another one of my favorite panels! So much blogger talent in these four ladies. The only blogger I was familiar with was Jill Hanner and it such was a treat to meet her yesterday. She is just as sweet, fun and outgoing as her vlogs.  These ladies provided great advice for moving your blog to a business. With the key tip being write good strong content with a clear message and the money will come. Each of them had unique ideas that worked for their personal brand and have worked hard to achieve their level of success. 

This was an interesting panel. I had heard of the Rev Abs workout DVDs but I didn’t know the man behind them was a former coach on The Biggest Loser. I must have missed that season. Brett Hoebel was there to discuss the latest trend of extreme fitness. I find the people who do Tough Mudders fascinating because I know that’s not for me. It’s cool to see the obstacle courses and the agility of those competing. According to Brett, his clients have found fitness success with his training philosophy: 20 minutes, full body and metabolic training. I think it’s time for me to check out Rev Abs again, that’s right up my alley when it comes to workouts.

Saved the best for last! Hunky celebrity chef Rocco Dispirito was there to talk about eating healthy delicious foods. (Yes, I said hunky! A man who can cook…cook healthy…is very sexy!) Back to the panel, Rocco gave some simple tips for eating healthy when in a restaurant. He challenged all of us to order a meal “split to go”. Meaning half of the meal comes on the plate and the other have in a doggy bag. Shockingly only one person said they currently do this. I know I’ve never tried it but I will next time. Such an easy way to cut calories and eat your favorite foods. He rattled off recipes like the true chef that he is. I couldn’t keep up writing them all down. Luckily he has a new book, Now Eat This! Italian and a new web series on AOL On called Now Eat This! Italy, so I can hopefully try some of his recipes and cooking tips.

Are you amazed yet? I was at this point. Still to come, in a separate post, more on the event sponsors, a new cardio dance workout I’ve never tried before and the swag! Stay tuned for more FitBlogNYC posts.