Natalia Mehlman Petrzela
Natalia Petrzela, PhD, is a historian of modern American politics and culture, an associate professor of history at The New School, and the author of CLASSROOM WARS: Language, Sex, and The Making of Modern Political Culture and FIT NATION: The Gains and Pains of America’s Exercise Obsession. She is also the co-founder of the wellness education program Healthclass 2.0 and a premier instructor of the mind-body practice intenSati. Dr. Natalia is a columnist at The Observer and a frequent media guest expert, public speaker, and contributor to The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, and The Atlantic. She is also the co-host of two podcasts, including the acclaimed podcast Welcome to Your Fantasy. Dr. Natalia received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Columbia University and a doctor of philosophy degree from Standford. She lives with her husband and children in New York City.
Yoga pants made Lululemon founder Chip Wilson a billionaire—why isn’t he more grateful to the women who wear them?
In Little Black Stretchy pants, the new Chip Wilson book, the Lululemon founder expresses disdain for his customers—and women in general.
The American fitness obsession has made its way to France—but something has gotten lost in translation
Paris's fitness scene is currently very American-inspired. Here's how French women are working out and the top 15 places they do it, via a fit New Yorker.
ConBody’s success is forcing the fitness world to confront some uncomfortable truths
With its jailhouse branding and a founder who only hires ex-cons like himself, the New York City boutique studio's success is forcing the fitness world to confront some uncomfortable truths.
Can Lululemon get its mojo back?
Fitness historian Natalia Petrzela, PhD, who famously broke up with Lululemon discusses the current public image crisis the company faces and how to fix it.
How “empowered” speech about your body might mask the same old issues
How newly "empowered" speech about our bodies is being used by some to perpetuate the same old cultural messages for women.
