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Want your voice heard? Ask State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz 

Sara Feigenholtz was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in November of 1994. Now serving her seventh term in office, she represents three very progressive areas Lakeview, Lincoln Park and the Near North Side. As a state lawmaker, Sara has authored and championed legislation that runs a gamut of issues including adoption reform, AIDS funding, stem cell research, contraceptive equity for women, affordable and accessible health care, environmental issues and improving the quality of education in Illinois.

Here are Sara's answers to your questions about being Jewish and female in a male-dominated field, and fills us in on what those stuffed-shirt legislators are really like:

What is it like to work mostly with men?

In Illinois women make up more than fifty percent of the electorate, yet our representation in the legislature seems to always hover around twenty-five percent. What is with that?  I am not gender biased type -- however I will admit that I would like to see more women run and win elected office -- especially constitutional office and other leadership positions. After a rancorous two years in Springfield, I can't help but think that women (who are natural problem solvers) should be running the show.
 
What are the hot issues in the upcoming session? Do they overlap with the issues important in your district?

We have been tackling some very difficult issues but at this moment in time how to raise more revenues for the state is the most pressing.

In this period of hotly discussed identity politics--feminism, race--how do you feel being Jewish impacts the role you play in the State House?

My mother was a religious Jew born in Russia who put herself through medical school here in Illinois during the depression; all of this at a time when it was almost unheard of that a woman became a doctor. Most of my values came from her-- fight for justice, do the right thing, repair the world (tikkun olam), be kind to people, and work hard for what you want. My faith has a great impact on who I am.

You seem pretty hip...what kind of music do you listen to and what are other legislators like? Are they all stuffed shirts?

At first glance the Illinois House and Senate members might look like a bunch of stuffed shirts -- but look closer and you will find some fascinating and accomplished people. Talents range from classical musicians to hog callers which is a true reflection of this diverse state we live in. (south of I-80 it's all farmland, folks!)
 
Favorite Music: I love Bruce, U-2,   Genesis, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Annie Lennox, Gipsy Kings etc.

Find out how you can get 'Fit with Krit'

At 14, Ron Krit was almost six feet tall and not even 100 lbs. He began lifting weights with reckless abandon, only to realize his approach was doing his body more harm than good. He started studying nutrition, sports conditioning and weight-lifting and committed to sharing his knowledge with others. He's been a personal trainer for 10 years and today, runs Fit with Krit, a full-service personal training business in Chicago.

Ron took some time to answer your questions about working out, staying motivated and thigh flab.

Hey Fit Krit,
Is walking at a brisk pace very good exercise?

I prefer not to run. Well, actually, I'd prefer to sit on my ass and watch "Gossip Girl," but when I do work out, I prefer long speed walks to running. Does that burn enough calories?

Thanks!
A Chicago street walker

Okay, Chicago Speed Walker (sounds better than street walker),

I think speed walking is fine. It’s easier on your joints than running and still burns some good calories. If you really want to burn calories, walk as fast as you can for a minute, slow down for two minutes, and repeat. Varying your intensity will help you burn more calories. If your knees are in good shape, I would add some stair climbing that really whips you into shape. Walking is a great start, however, it’s just part of a healthy lifestyle.  Depending on your goals, you might want to throw in some push-ups and squats while watching the WB, CW, MTV…

Hi Ron,

I have a question about motivation.

Every year I shell out a few hundred dollars to join a gym. I go for a month, or two and then one day, the motivation just leaves me. It usually takes me several weeks to force myself to go back. Do you have any tips, tricks, or ideas I could try to keep up the enjoyment of going to the gym?

Thank you,
Lazy in Chicago

Lazy in Chicago,

I see this all the time. People get uber-excited to get fit; they join a gym and pay all this money and then somehow forget the gym's address. There are many techniques that might help get you motivated. The big three motivators are: money, friends and calendars.

Money works well. If you hire a personal trainer, you’ll make sure to keep the appointment because we are not cheap. You can also have your own biggest loser, best abs, etc…contest with friends or coworkers. If the prize is something worthwhile, you’re more likely to compete.  Signing up for a six week bootcamp or other class might also help. Some classes, like my bootcamp, are fun and the short commitment period is very doable.

Also buddy up, but buddy up with someone who is already committed to staying in shape. If you partner up with someone else lacking in the motivation department, that will not work too well. Try to find a friend who hits the gym at least three days a week.

The last suggestion is to focus on your calendar. Usually it takes about 12 weeks to make something a habit. If you schedule yourself to workout three days a week at 6:30 pm for 12 weeks, it just may stick. For every week you make it to the gym, reward yourself with something small, like new music for your iPod. At the end of the 12 weeks, splurge and treat yourself to a massage or something else that makes you happy. Best of luck!

Ron,

If you're exercising to get in shape, is it true that what you eat is just as important, if not more important, than the actual exercising?

And if so, how do you continually eat right when your office building is surrounded by delicious fast food restaurants and a Dunkin' Donuts that makes the air smell like sweet heaven?

Thanks,
JunkFoodEater

JunkFoodEater,

Nutrition is half the battle. I’m not a nutritionist, but I can tell you eating right makes you feel better and helps fuel your body, allowing you to workout harder and look leaner.  With that said, don’t deprive your Dunkin' Donuts cravings. If you want a donut, get a small donut hole. If you want a cookie, eat a cookie--just don’t eat one that’s the size of your face. Try to pick out one cheat day a week and indulge in a small portion of your favorite guilty food pleasure. Make sure the day you indulge is also a day you workout. My last suggestion may sound like crazy talk but when you crave sugar, grab a pear, apple, banana or other fruit, they are high in natural sugar and that might subdue the sweet tooth.

Hi, Ron,

I know you’re a personal trainer, but you’re also a man, so here’s my question:  How important are toned inner-thighs, really?  I mean, I’m sure I’d be more confident if I had them, but I also think we women work ourselves into a self-conscious psychosis attributable to the unrealistic physical expectations placed upon us by the media. Besides, I’m almost thirty.  If 15 years of leg lifts haven’t done the trick, I’m not sure what will.

Do most men actually care about this, or can I go back to my Hagen-Daz?

-Ready to Eat

Ready to Eat,

No one, repeat, no one has a perfect body. Sure you’ll meet a few genetic freaks at the beach in the gym…but for the most part everyone has an area they are less than happy with.  I bet your inner thigh issue is more a big deal to you then people you date. That said, leg lifts or whatever your routine is might need a spark. There’s no quick explanation I can give you, but mix up your routine.  This may not be the case for you, but many people do the same exact workout day after day. Your body adjusts to your workouts and if you’re not mixing it up, you plateau. I’m not saying give up the leg lifts or whatever you do, but toss in some jump rope or squats, take a  new fitness class, hire a trainer for a few sessions…and of course, the usual disclaimer, check with your doctor and make sure you’re healthy enough…

As for the Hagen-Daz, try the sorbet, it has fewer  calories, less sugar, less fat and only a little less taste. Good luck!