Out of all the things I thought Madonna would do – this is NOT one of them. Madonna has just announced that her latest business venture is…wait for it… a chain of luxury gyms!

The gyms are called ‘Hard Candy Fitness’ and the first one will open in Mexico City. Don’t panic if you don’t live in Mexico though because other gyms in Russia, Brazil, Argentina and ‘several locations throughout Europe and Asia’  will also be popping up…what about London Madge?!

The gyms promise to be “facilities where fitness, fashion and entertainment create a unique member experience”, an official statement about the new venture explained.

“Hard Candy Fitness will be a reflection of Madonna’s point of view and will reflect her input on every detail including music space, light and other design cues,” Madonna’s partner New Evolution Ventures chairman Mark Mastrov revealed. “Madonna’s touch will be everywhere.”

So what do you think about Madonna’s latest move. I think it’s quite a clever idea actually…with her new fashion label ‘Material Girl’, perhaps Madonna is stepping away from music and moving into business – time will tell!

Throughout Autumn Your Online Gay Best Friends will be bringing you a variety of films and articles to both raise awareness of violence at home and offer advice to women of all ages who suffer because of an abusive family member.

To announce the campaign we’ve produced and directed a short advert starring beautiful actress Nathalie Davies – so please be sure to embed the mini-film on your own sites, facebook / twitter and link back to the campaign. We want to get as many people involved as possible.

If you would like more information about the project, or would like to get in contact with a story you think would benefit others – please click through to our campaign page.

Alternatively you can contact either Rich or myself in complete confidence.

Mike x

That time of the month is the bane of most women’s lives. Whilst most women just have to put up with its side effects, there are foods and drinks that can help you through your menstruation cycle – check them out…

Ladies… The ReallyRich.com boys need your help!

Every day we get letters from women suffering with bullying at home, domestic violence and brutal attacks every day of their lives.

To coincide with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this October Your Online Gay Best Friends will be launching a huge campaign aimed at raising awareness of this personality crushing bullying that many of our readers live with on the daily basis.

The month-long project will bring you daily articles and videos from people who have suffered with domestic violence and the experts who helped them escape.

But! It can’t happen without your help. We’re asking any reader who suffers with any kind of domestic violence to email us in confidence and help others in a similar situation. We’re looking for people to take part in the campaign and be interviewed. We will never identify anyone who does not want to be made known.

Email mike@reallyrich.com or rich@reallyrich.com in complete confidence.

Domestic abuse takes many forms and often isn’t even physical – but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t leave scars. Never stand for it – stand up to it. Together we can speak out and make a difference to thousands of women. Check out Women’s Aid and Refuge.

Apparently us redheads may well be having more sex than everybody else! Hamburg researcher Dr Werner Habermehl studied the sex lives of hundreds of German women, and found that those with red hair were “clearly more sexually active” than those with any other hair colour. In addition to that, we may also be more sensitive to pain, due to an inherited gene mutation. What’s more, US research has shown that people with red hair are typically more resistant to anaesthetics and require about 20% more than other patients for the treatment to be effective. This means Redheads are more than twice as likely to avoid a visit to the dentist, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American Dental Association. The solution, of course, is to speak to your dentist about your concerns – and make sure you get the right level of pain relief. But the worst of it all for us redheads is this… We could be at greater risk of Parkinson’s disease. A recent Harvard study found that redheads have an almost 90% greater chance of developing the disease. Scientists believe it could be down to an inherited DNA mutation that’s associated with the condition… Eat well, sleep well and exercise – anything else is out of our hands ladies.

Brunette

According to research if you’re a brunette then you’re at a slightly higher risk of suffering from spots. “Brunettes tend to have oilier skin than blondes or redheads, which means they’re more prone to acne outbreaks,” says trichologist Philip Kingsley. Fear not though – the good news, is that oily complexions are generally slower to show signs of ageing. Drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet and use skin products specially formulated for oily skins – and with any luck, you should keep those nasty spots at bay. But wait, there’s more… Brunettes are also more likely to smoke. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently discovered that those with dark hair have a greater tendency towards nicotine dependency than blondes. Why you ask? Well,  brunettes have higher levels of the skin pigment melanin, which is similar in structure to nicotine, so increases the likelihood of you getting hooked… Best advice I can give is don’t start in the first place or cut yourself off cold turkey!

Blonde

OK blondes – you’re more likely to be rich. They do say blondes have more fun! A recent Australian study found that blonde women earn slightly higher wages than others, despite no obvious difference in education or intelligence. What’s more, husbands of blondes earn around 6% higher salaries than the spouses of other hair colours – this is totally hairist! You may also notice men acting strangely when you first meet them. Researchers at the University of Paris found that men’s mental intelligence drops when they meet fair-haired women because they’re unconsciously influenced by the ‘dumb blonde’ stereotype. Then again, there’s always the chance that they are actually strange. Oh, and one last thing blondes – you need to get up earlier in the mornings. Why? Recent research for Goody Haircare found that blondes take around 72 minutes a day on their beauty routine, while brunettes spend just 66 minutes making themselves look good. It’s not all down to vanity: apparently, blonde hair takes a little more work to achieve the same level of shine as brunette tresses.

Basis of article courtesy of MSN.co.uk

Hot ReallyRich.com actor Johnathon James is running the London Marathon tomorrow, raising money for Parkinson’s UK, a fabulous charity that funds research into Parkinson’s treatment and prevention.

He’s spent the last couple of months in vigorous training but hasn’t spent all that time getting a tight ass for nothing ladies… so do your bit and sponsor him by clicking here.

His race number for tomorrow is 20914. You can also track him by texting RUN to 83040 or using the adidas marathon facebook app.

Also girls, check him out in our cheeky advert above - if you like it – share it with your girlfriends – we want as many people to see it as poss!

Thanks guys!

Mike x

Mike,

I don’t mind you publishing this on your site, as I know it will help other girls who are feeling as terrible as I am right now, to feel that little less alone. Last weekend I was raped after meeting this guy on our first date. Going back to his place when I barely knew him was a stupid thing to do, but I was a little drunk and he had been brilliant fun all evening.

I’m not going to go into details but when I said stop, he basically didn’t -and what followed was one of the most harrowing and frustrating moments of my life. I can’t put into words what it feels like to have your body touched against your will and be hurt but be so frightened you can’t even call out for help. I don’t mean to sound dramatic but it really was disgusting.

I can’t face going back to work, I’m in my room everyday crying and I can’t have enough showers. The guy even wanted to meet me again! It makes me sick thinking about it and I can’t help thinking that I shouldn’t have led him on and it’s my fault, which upsets me even more. I have notified the police and I’m being advised legally – but emotionally I am a wreck. Any advice would be great.

Thank you,

Joanna, 28, Dorset

Joanna,

One of the most hurtful and ignorant responses to the issue of rape, is that the girl “brought it on herself” or “led the guy on,” which is just disgusting. Please understand that your actions can never cause someone to do something ruthless and therefore it is not your fault.

Firstly, you must go and see a doctor or health professional and get yourself checked out. It may seem embarrassing or intimidating but you must ensure you have not contracted anything from this man. Facing the problem head-on and dealing with the situation practically is essential.

Taking time off work is a brilliant idea, but don’t spend your days alone crying girl! Surround yourself with friends and talk about it as much as possible. It may sound like a stupid idea, no one wants to hear about your private problems right?  But it is not something to be ashamed of and as hard as it seems, discussing it will help you come to terms with what’s happened and eventually it won’t seem as raw. Your friends won’t judge you. Remember that.

Now, the fact the guy wants to see you again suggests he doesn’t think he has done anything wrong, which is a problem. Informing the police was the best thing to do. Please let them deal with it and don’t take matters into your own hands and contact the man yourself, not to say you would. It’s important to keep your distance when taking legal action.

I’m so sorry to read your e-mail Joanna. No one ever deserves to deal with this, but you sound like a sensible and inspirational woman, who will get over this. Thank you very much for letting my publish your letter. As you say, it will undoubtedly help women in the same situation realise they are not alone in their situation. Please keep in contact.

Mike x

1. Make A Little ‘Me’ Time

Working hard, taking care of your man and doing favours for friends may be rewarding, but when overdone you can shoot your stress levels through the roof. You need to make sure you have enough ‘me’ time in your week to balance the day-to-day selfless tasks you willingly carry out. Take a long bubble bath, go shopping in your lunch hour, read that book you got two Christmases ago – anything…just make sure it’s time for you. Daily stressful tasks will always seem more bearable when you know you have a little reward waiting for you at the end of it all.

2. Learn How To Say No

If you’re like me, you’ll do anything for anyone, even if it means sacrificing what you want. Well girls, I’ve got news for you – the only person you have to blame here is yourself. If you’re busy, have too much on or simply want some time alone – just say no. “Can you just pick me up from…” NO! Can you pop in and get a…” NO! “Will you…” I think you get the picture. As much as it may feel weird at first, learning to say no will lift the pressure off your life and the people in your life will appreciate you more, simply because you’re no longer a push over.

3. Manage Your Time

There’s only 24 hours in the day and 8 of them should be spent sleeping – leaving you 16 to do everything else. My Great-Grandfather always says – 8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours play, and I think this is an excellent guide for life (in an ideal world of course!) Being stressed is often caused by a lack of organisation on your behalf, so make sure you plan your days and optimise your time management. I find that lists are a fantastic way to organise your day. Every morning take 5 minutes to list everything you need to do and stick to it. You’ll find that with a touch of organisation in your life – you’ll automatically feel prepared and won’t have anymore last minute dramas.

4. Seek Specialist Advice

Don’t suffer in silence. If what you’re stressed about is ongoing and serious – you need to see someone about it. Make an appointment to see your Doctor and he/she will be able to point you in the right direction. You may need medication, counselling or just have things put into perspecive for you. At least after you’ve made the visit you know you’re working towards a solution to the problem, which in itself will give you that peace of mind you deserve.

Avoid eating consuming sugar wherever you can as this is one of the top culprits for putting on body fat…your enemy in reaching you flat stomach. This includes sweets, chocolate, fruit juices since they contain a lot of fructose and sugar in tea and coffee! Every time we consume sugary food or drink, it releases a hormone called insulin into the body. Insulin is a storage hormone and it tells the body to store fat whilst also preventing the burning of fat.

Cardio Exercise

Perform your cardio training, such as a light jog for 40 minutes, first thing in the morning before eating any breakfast as this is the perfect time for your body to start burning fat. After not eating for 7 hours (because you are sleeping) your muscle glycogen levels and your blood sugar levels are at their lowest so this means during your morning run, cycle or swim you start to use the fat on your body as a source of energy rather than the muscle glycogen it usually uses.

Water

The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 litres (about 13 cups) of liquids a day and women consume 2.2 litres (about 9 cups)…and no, that doesn’t include alcohol! This is extremely important for fat loss because if the body doesn’t have a sufficient supply of water, the kidneys cannot function efficiently. Your liver then takes the surplus workload meaning it can’t do its job of metabolising stored fat for energy properly resulting in less fat being burnt…and who wants that, right?

Weight training

If women weight train properly and correctly they will never have to perform a sit-up ever again, because the stomach is worked out enough during these exercises. But weight training can also increase your metabolism so you carry on burning calories long after you have stopped exercising.  This is unlike normal cardiovascular training, like jogging, which only burns calories for the time you are training which is a God-send for all us lazy people out there!