Just what Mexico needs... a gym run by Madonna

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Get into the groove: Madonna teaches a dance class at the opening of her new gym in Mexico City


It's not exactly the first location one might associate as the chosen spot for a grand gym opening from the Queen of Pop.

And one might have thought there may have been other more worthy projects she could have put her very famous name to.

But as it is, Madonna has opened the doors to her brand new Hard Candy gym in Mexico City, and treated a hand selected troupe of new members to work out with her.


5,6,7,8: The Material Girl's new venture is called Hard Candy Fitness


Standing at the top of the class in head-to-toe Nike fitness gear, the superstar led a group of 20 hand-picked members through a routine to music by Paul Oakenfold, the DJ who opened her tour last year.

And there is no mistaking who owns the gym.

A huge mural of Warhol-esque images of the Queen of Pop greets each client as they walk through the sliding doors.

The 30,000-square-foot building is located in the city's upscale Bosques de las Lomas neighborhood.


High energy: The singer led 20 hand-picked gym members through a routine with music by Paul Oakenfold, who opened her last tour


Grand opening: The fitness fanatic cut the ribbon at a ceremony earlier


Earlier in the day she attended a ribbon cutting ceremony dressed in a black and white striped dress and thigh-high boots.

The star said she chose Mexico City because it was a stop on last year's Sticky & Sweet tour, which grossed $408 million and she liked the energy of the people.

The gym's name, which shares the title of her last album, she said, is the perfect combination of 'hard body' and 'eye candy'.

'It's a sexy name that gives you the opportunity to have fun and to build strength as far as the imagination will allow,' the singer said.



New franchise: She chose the city to open her first gym because 'she liked the energy of the people'


Good example: The 52-year-old health junkie showed off her own toned physique in a mini dress and thigh-high boots


'She chose the graphics, colors, the machines,' said Chris Dedicik, general director of California-based New Evolution Ventures, Madonna's partner in creating the gym.

'She has weighed in on the choreography of all the classes and given them a twist to make them more dynamic, more special and to better reflect her style.'

Members can do cardiovascular exercises on five types of advanced-technology machines chosen by Madonna, many with individual viewing screens and iPod docks.

The yoga instructors are trained in various styles of the ancient Indian art, inspired by the knowledge the singer has accumulated in her travels.


Material Girl: Madonna's face lines the walls of her new gym in Mexico, called Hard Candy Fitness


'Harder is better': The singer hand-picked the graphics, colours and the machines


The yoga room will also have a special wall used in Iyengar yoga, one of very few in the world according to Dedicik, with ropes and steps to help people with less physical ability. A balcony outside will feature plants and Zen-style decor, all at the singer's request.

'If any of you have seen my shows, you know that I don't skimp on them and the same is true for the gym,' she said. 'We spend what it takes to make a globally first-class gym.'

Membership runs 2,000 pesos a month, about $160, generally in line with what the best gyms charge in Mexico City.


She's watching you! Madonna's presence looms large throughout the facility


The one-time fee for joining is 10,400 pesos, about $830, which includes the first two months of membership. Those who signed up before the opening paid an initiation fee of 8,900 pesos, a little over $700, also including the first two months.

Members who have signed up so far didn't seem to care about matching Madonna's workout feats. Those using the gym during a weekend preview said they liked the equipment and features and cited proximity to their home or work as their reason for joining.

Ronen Waiss, businessman and Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Mexico, said his office is two doors away and he registered long before he was told it was a venture by Madonna.



Madonna mania: Hundreds of fans queued outside for a glimpse of their idol


'I think it's super sexy and motivating of course, but I didn't know till after I joined,' said Waiss, 32.

'But it's attractive to me because it's close and has the best computer technology. That's what caught my attention.'

Clara Ruiz, a 59-year-old housewife, said she, too, chose the gym for location. But she likes the facility and wishes Madonna success in her new venture.

'She has a lot of experience in this,' Ruiz said. 'She's done it all her life. I think she chose what for her is the best.'




source: dailymail

Just what Mexico needs... a gym run by Madonna

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Get into the groove: Madonna teaches a dance class at the opening of her new gym in Mexico City


It's not exactly the first location one might associate as the chosen spot for a grand gym opening from the Queen of Pop.

And one might have thought there may have been other more worthy projects she could have put her very famous name to.

But as it is, Madonna has opened the doors to her brand new Hard Candy gym in Mexico City, and treated a hand selected troupe of new members to work out with her.


5,6,7,8: The Material Girl's new venture is called Hard Candy Fitness


Standing at the top of the class in head-to-toe Nike fitness gear, the superstar led a group of 20 hand-picked members through a routine to music by Paul Oakenfold, the DJ who opened her tour last year.

And there is no mistaking who owns the gym.

A huge mural of Warhol-esque images of the Queen of Pop greets each client as they walk through the sliding doors.

The 30,000-square-foot building is located in the city's upscale Bosques de las Lomas neighborhood.


High energy: The singer led 20 hand-picked gym members through a routine with music by Paul Oakenfold, who opened her last tour


Grand opening: The fitness fanatic cut the ribbon at a ceremony earlier


Earlier in the day she attended a ribbon cutting ceremony dressed in a black and white striped dress and thigh-high boots.

The star said she chose Mexico City because it was a stop on last year's Sticky & Sweet tour, which grossed $408 million and she liked the energy of the people.

The gym's name, which shares the title of her last album, she said, is the perfect combination of 'hard body' and 'eye candy'.

'It's a sexy name that gives you the opportunity to have fun and to build strength as far as the imagination will allow,' the singer said.



New franchise: She chose the city to open her first gym because 'she liked the energy of the people'


Good example: The 52-year-old health junkie showed off her own toned physique in a mini dress and thigh-high boots


'She chose the graphics, colors, the machines,' said Chris Dedicik, general director of California-based New Evolution Ventures, Madonna's partner in creating the gym.

'She has weighed in on the choreography of all the classes and given them a twist to make them more dynamic, more special and to better reflect her style.'

Members can do cardiovascular exercises on five types of advanced-technology machines chosen by Madonna, many with individual viewing screens and iPod docks.

The yoga instructors are trained in various styles of the ancient Indian art, inspired by the knowledge the singer has accumulated in her travels.


Material Girl: Madonna's face lines the walls of her new gym in Mexico, called Hard Candy Fitness


'Harder is better': The singer hand-picked the graphics, colours and the machines


The yoga room will also have a special wall used in Iyengar yoga, one of very few in the world according to Dedicik, with ropes and steps to help people with less physical ability. A balcony outside will feature plants and Zen-style decor, all at the singer's request.

'If any of you have seen my shows, you know that I don't skimp on them and the same is true for the gym,' she said. 'We spend what it takes to make a globally first-class gym.'

Membership runs 2,000 pesos a month, about $160, generally in line with what the best gyms charge in Mexico City.


She's watching you! Madonna's presence looms large throughout the facility


The one-time fee for joining is 10,400 pesos, about $830, which includes the first two months of membership. Those who signed up before the opening paid an initiation fee of 8,900 pesos, a little over $700, also including the first two months.

Members who have signed up so far didn't seem to care about matching Madonna's workout feats. Those using the gym during a weekend preview said they liked the equipment and features and cited proximity to their home or work as their reason for joining.

Ronen Waiss, businessman and Honorary Consul of Lithuania in Mexico, said his office is two doors away and he registered long before he was told it was a venture by Madonna.



Madonna mania: Hundreds of fans queued outside for a glimpse of their idol


'I think it's super sexy and motivating of course, but I didn't know till after I joined,' said Waiss, 32.

'But it's attractive to me because it's close and has the best computer technology. That's what caught my attention.'

Clara Ruiz, a 59-year-old housewife, said she, too, chose the gym for location. But she likes the facility and wishes Madonna success in her new venture.

'She has a lot of experience in this,' Ruiz said. 'She's done it all her life. I think she chose what for her is the best.'




source: dailymail

Kanye's means prosperity and Cheryl's is a symbol of love: The Hindu charms the A-list love - and what their choices say about them

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

With the band: Cheryl Cole, arriving at the X Factor studios on Saturday, wearing her 'Heart' Chakra bracelet


With a slender red cotton band around his wrist, the uninitiated might think Kanye West was the latest celebrity devotee of Kabbalah.

But on closer examination, they might notice that it bears a gold disc with a flower motif on it. And that fellow A-listers including Sienna Miller and Cheryl Cole also wear similar bracelets in different colours, each bearing a different design.

Thankfully they have not all joined the latest religious cult - though these bracelets they are all sporting do take their lead from religion.

They are bracelets designed by London jewellery label Daisy, and each corresponds to one of seven Chakras - a Hindu concept relating to different kinds of energy.

Each colour has a different meaning, for example Cheryl's green 'Heart' Chakra band is supposed to remind the wearer that they are worthy of love. Telling, given that she has just been through a divorce.

Sienna has been photographed wearing the 'Brow' Chakra bracelet, which relates to 'intuition, perception and imagination' - all characteristics she might need to call upon in her work as an actress.

And Kanye West's 'Base' Chakra relates to 'stability, grounding and prosperity'. Well, as long as something keeps him grounded.


Grounded: Kanye West wearing his 'Base' Chakra band at a party for Jade Jagger's Jezebel label last month


High brow: Sienna Miller arriving at LAX airport earlier this month, wearing her 'Brow' Chakra bracelet


The company, which began life as a Portobello Market stall, has also taken orders for the £75 wristbands from Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung, while Jude Law apparently 'wears his constantly'.

Of course the bracelets do not promise to 'protect' or 'guide' the wearer - rather, they are a reminder of affirmations associated with each Chakra. Sienna's comes with the phrase 'I am open to the wisdom within'; Kanye's with the line: 'I am here. I am real.'

Nor do you need to buy into the meaning behind the designs - they are pretty pieces to wear regardless, though given the price, they are likely to appeal more to people who have an understanding of the Chakra concept.


Joining the Daisy chain: Katy Perry, Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley all own Chakra bracelets


Daisy's James Boyd, who designed the bracelets after an illness led him to discover yoga and the Indian healing system of Ayurveda, is delighted by the success of his design, and has expanded the collection to include chain necklaces as well.

'Since launching the Chakra Bracelets 3 weeks ago we've sold out 3 times over,' he told MailOnline.

'In Daisy's history we've never seen such an amazing amount of initial interest and sales in a new collection.

'People seem totally enchanted and enamoured by the bracelets and that makes me extremely happy and proud.'




source: dailymail

Kanye's means prosperity and Cheryl's is a symbol of love: The Hindu charms the A-list love - and what their choices say about them

By TAMARA ABRAHAM

With the band: Cheryl Cole, arriving at the X Factor studios on Saturday, wearing her 'Heart' Chakra bracelet


With a slender red cotton band around his wrist, the uninitiated might think Kanye West was the latest celebrity devotee of Kabbalah.

But on closer examination, they might notice that it bears a gold disc with a flower motif on it. And that fellow A-listers including Sienna Miller and Cheryl Cole also wear similar bracelets in different colours, each bearing a different design.

Thankfully they have not all joined the latest religious cult - though these bracelets they are all sporting do take their lead from religion.

They are bracelets designed by London jewellery label Daisy, and each corresponds to one of seven Chakras - a Hindu concept relating to different kinds of energy.

Each colour has a different meaning, for example Cheryl's green 'Heart' Chakra band is supposed to remind the wearer that they are worthy of love. Telling, given that she has just been through a divorce.

Sienna has been photographed wearing the 'Brow' Chakra bracelet, which relates to 'intuition, perception and imagination' - all characteristics she might need to call upon in her work as an actress.

And Kanye West's 'Base' Chakra relates to 'stability, grounding and prosperity'. Well, as long as something keeps him grounded.


Grounded: Kanye West wearing his 'Base' Chakra band at a party for Jade Jagger's Jezebel label last month


High brow: Sienna Miller arriving at LAX airport earlier this month, wearing her 'Brow' Chakra bracelet


The company, which began life as a Portobello Market stall, has also taken orders for the £75 wristbands from Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Alexa Chung, while Jude Law apparently 'wears his constantly'.

Of course the bracelets do not promise to 'protect' or 'guide' the wearer - rather, they are a reminder of affirmations associated with each Chakra. Sienna's comes with the phrase 'I am open to the wisdom within'; Kanye's with the line: 'I am here. I am real.'

Nor do you need to buy into the meaning behind the designs - they are pretty pieces to wear regardless, though given the price, they are likely to appeal more to people who have an understanding of the Chakra concept.


Joining the Daisy chain: Katy Perry, Alexa Chung and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley all own Chakra bracelets


Daisy's James Boyd, who designed the bracelets after an illness led him to discover yoga and the Indian healing system of Ayurveda, is delighted by the success of his design, and has expanded the collection to include chain necklaces as well.

'Since launching the Chakra Bracelets 3 weeks ago we've sold out 3 times over,' he told MailOnline.

'In Daisy's history we've never seen such an amazing amount of initial interest and sales in a new collection.

'People seem totally enchanted and enamoured by the bracelets and that makes me extremely happy and proud.'




source: dailymail

Lance Armstrong cuddles 'beautiful' baby Olivia on the beach

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Doting father: Baby Olivia Marie rests on her father Lance Armstrong's chest as the family holiday in Miami



She may be his fifth child, but Lance Armstrong couldn't be prouder of newborn daughter Olivia Marie.

The cyclist tweeted a picture of the month-old baby today, writing: 'Hanging poolside with a beautiful little lady.'

Her head laying on his chest, Olivia looked to be listening to her famous father's heartbeat.


Keeping watch: Lance kept a close eye on both Olivia and his son Max


Despite her tender age, Olivia joined her parents and 17-month-old brother Maxwell Edward at the beach in Miami today.

Doting father Lance, 39, kept his precious youngster swaddled away from the sun in a protective blanket, keeping a close eye on son Maxwell as he played nearby.

The family unit was completed by their mother Anna Hansen, Lance's girlfriend of two years.


Daddy's boy: Lance carries Maxwell Edward on the beach


Anna and Lance met through his work with the charity where she works, First Descents, a non-profit that works with cancer survivors.

Both babies were born after Lance's battle against testicular cancer - which saw him return to full health after an initially poor diagnosis.

Lance, a seven times winner of the Tour De France, also has three older children from his marriage to ex-wife Kristin Armstrong - twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, nine, and son, Luke, 11.



Family day: Lance and his girlfriend Anna dressed for the sunny weather

source: dailymail

Lance Armstrong cuddles 'beautiful' baby Olivia on the beach

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Doting father: Baby Olivia Marie rests on her father Lance Armstrong's chest as the family holiday in Miami



She may be his fifth child, but Lance Armstrong couldn't be prouder of newborn daughter Olivia Marie.

The cyclist tweeted a picture of the month-old baby today, writing: 'Hanging poolside with a beautiful little lady.'

Her head laying on his chest, Olivia looked to be listening to her famous father's heartbeat.


Keeping watch: Lance kept a close eye on both Olivia and his son Max


Despite her tender age, Olivia joined her parents and 17-month-old brother Maxwell Edward at the beach in Miami today.

Doting father Lance, 39, kept his precious youngster swaddled away from the sun in a protective blanket, keeping a close eye on son Maxwell as he played nearby.

The family unit was completed by their mother Anna Hansen, Lance's girlfriend of two years.


Daddy's boy: Lance carries Maxwell Edward on the beach


Anna and Lance met through his work with the charity where she works, First Descents, a non-profit that works with cancer survivors.

Both babies were born after Lance's battle against testicular cancer - which saw him return to full health after an initially poor diagnosis.

Lance, a seven times winner of the Tour De France, also has three older children from his marriage to ex-wife Kristin Armstrong - twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, nine, and son, Luke, 11.



Family day: Lance and his girlfriend Anna dressed for the sunny weather

source: dailymail

Michael Douglas is optimistic about his recovery as he announces return to work

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On the mend: Michael Douglas has signed on to play Liberace in a new film which begins shooting in the spring


Oscar winning actor Michael Douglas has been in treatment for throat cancer since August.

But the 66-year-old star is so eager to return to work that he has signed on to take the lead role in the Steven Soderbergh directed biopic Liberace which begins shooting in May.

The film will chronicle the life and fame of the extroverted and celebrated pianist and also stars fellow Oscar winner Matt Damon.

The veteran actor recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his treatment and revealed that he will learn in January if the cancer has been eliminated.

Doctors have told him that his type of cancer has an 80% cure rate.

Douglas admitted to the weekly trade magazine that his diagnosis has brought him closer to his 93-year-old father Kirk, with whom his relationship has always been strained.

'He really made an effort,' Michael said.
'He was back here almost 10 days. He came over everyday. He was great.'


Larger than life: During his heyday, which spanned the 50s and 70s the always flamboyant Liberace was the highest paid entertainer in the world


He voiced his understanding for the reasons behind the breakdown in their relationship in the past.

'In those key years, when Kirk was doing five movies a year, if we saw him it was only out of his guilt,' Douglas says.

He also acknowledges that he may have repeated that pattern with his own son, Cameron Douglas, 31, who was recently jailed on drug-related charges.

'I'm sure it's not easy, either, being a third generation,' Douglas says. 'Kirk was all-consumed, was overworked. Probably like myself at a certain time in my life.'



Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas pose with their children, Dylan (L), age 10, and Carys (R), age 7, along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse




source: dailymail

Michael Douglas is optimistic about his recovery as he announces return to work

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

On the mend: Michael Douglas has signed on to play Liberace in a new film which begins shooting in the spring


Oscar winning actor Michael Douglas has been in treatment for throat cancer since August.

But the 66-year-old star is so eager to return to work that he has signed on to take the lead role in the Steven Soderbergh directed biopic Liberace which begins shooting in May.

The film will chronicle the life and fame of the extroverted and celebrated pianist and also stars fellow Oscar winner Matt Damon.

The veteran actor recently spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about his treatment and revealed that he will learn in January if the cancer has been eliminated.

Doctors have told him that his type of cancer has an 80% cure rate.

Douglas admitted to the weekly trade magazine that his diagnosis has brought him closer to his 93-year-old father Kirk, with whom his relationship has always been strained.

'He really made an effort,' Michael said.
'He was back here almost 10 days. He came over everyday. He was great.'


Larger than life: During his heyday, which spanned the 50s and 70s the always flamboyant Liberace was the highest paid entertainer in the world


He voiced his understanding for the reasons behind the breakdown in their relationship in the past.

'In those key years, when Kirk was doing five movies a year, if we saw him it was only out of his guilt,' Douglas says.

He also acknowledges that he may have repeated that pattern with his own son, Cameron Douglas, 31, who was recently jailed on drug-related charges.

'I'm sure it's not easy, either, being a third generation,' Douglas says. 'Kirk was all-consumed, was overworked. Probably like myself at a certain time in my life.'



Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas pose with their children, Dylan (L), age 10, and Carys (R), age 7, along with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse




source: dailymail

Let it snow! Kate Garraway leads the celebrities taking advantage of the freezing temps in furry fashion

By ANDREA MAGRATH


Winter wardrobe: Kate Garraway looks untroubled by the freezing temps in her fur coat


It was not just mere mortals who had to battle the elements when Londoners woke up to early winter snow this morning.

But while most of us dealt with delayed trains and buses, local celebrities appeared to have one thing on their minds - what to wear?

Kate Garraway led the way with an all-out winter wardrobe, spotted outside the ITV studios in a full-length fur coat.


Hats on! Fellow Daybreak news presenter Tasmin Lucia Khan left the London studios in a padded jacket and trendy trapper fur hat


Wrapped up in a sequinned beanie hat, a cozy jumper and heels, the Daybreak presenter looked untroubled by the chill as she left work this morning.

Other stars braving the elements were Elle Macpherson and Fearne Cotton, who both got caught in today's unseasonal snow.

Supermodel Elle managed to remain glamorous without a pair of Wellie boots or mittens in sight on this morning's school run.


Warm enough? Elle Macpherson makes the quick dash to her car in a fur-lined jacket and leather trousers on this morning's school run


Only having to make the short dash from her car to the school gate, the 47-year-old wore tight leather trousers, a knitted jumper and high heeled boots.

She added a cap, fur-lined jacket and sunglasses to the outfit, but looked like she might have been regretting leaving the gloves behind as she curled her cold hands up in her sleeves.

Fearne Cotton also took advantage of the opportunity for some winter fashion today, sporting a Russian-style fur hat.


Battling the elements: Fearne Cotton was caught in the snow as she left BBC Radio 1


The 29-year-old looked stylish as she left BBC's Radio 1 studios with an unmbrella in hand to avoid the snow flakes.

But her open coat, skirt and stockings ensemble may have left the radio DJ shivering as she made her way home.

One celebrity not too taken with the weather is Tina O'Brien.
The Coronation Street star was left stranded after her car broke down.


Car trouble: A shivering Tina O'Brien was stranded after her car broke down in the cold


The 27-year-old was forced to wait in her freezing car with her two-year-old daughter Scarlett for three hours to be towed.

The actress kept herself entertained during the lengthy wait by chatting to fans on Twitter.

She wrote: 'Of all the days 4 the car 2 break down,and in rush hour traffic, getting some seriously filthy looks Jeeze I didn't do it on purpose people!'

She added: 'So cold :( come on mr breakdown Man please hurry up hypothermia is setting in.'

After a few hours, and uploading a photo of herself looking less than impressed, O'Brien gave up hope of being rescued by the AA and called on her father.
'Have abandoned all hope of ever getting rescued so dad is here to save me,' she tweeted.

While London celebrities only had to brave the cold temperatures and a light dusting of snow, those living in the countryside woke to find a blanket of white surrounding them.

Kerry Katona battled the slippery snow as she made her way to a waiting car outside her Surrey home this morning.

Also sporting the celebrity-winter uniform of fur, the reality star, currently filming her new series, stepped gingerly towards the vehicle with her minders in tow.


Country scene: Kerry Katona's Surrey home received a good powdering


source: dailymail