During MFW SS23 presentations, Plein Sport unveiled their collection of men’s and women’s pieces that take you from studio to street. In addition, they dropped a digital presentation as well.
Ten years ago, if you had mentioned the word “athleisure” to somebody, they’d likely have replied with a confused stare. Today, however, it’s one of fashion’s leading trends. As its name suggests, this is the progression of sportswear into mainstream fashion, and is largely inspired by those of us who choose to flaunt our kit outside of the gym.
Follow our top tips and you can be rocking the athleisure look in no time!
Tops
Love wearing sports tops? If so, who could blame you? They’re not just comfy, they’ve long been the pinnacle of creative design. From bright leotards to fancy sweatshirts, there’s pretty much a top to suit every taste. And they look great with everyday clothes, like a skirt or your favourite pair of jeans. Try pairing Mom jeans with a bold leotard underneath. or why not boost the fit factor of your outfit with a pair of athletic trainers? Whoever said that you need to exercise to be sporty?
Bottoms
Ah, jogging bottoms. Designed for maximum comfort, they’re perhaps the best thing to come out of sports fashion yet. Luckily, this trouser type is no longer being confined to the home — the best dressed are wearing them as a serious style statement. So, why don’t you follow suit? You won’t just look good; you’ll also feel it. If you’re wanting to blend comfort with class, you may want to accompany your soft trousers with a dark t-shirt. For a more breezy, casual get-up, how about a patterned top or sweater in a lighter shade to wear with your joggers? The beauty of this kind of clothing is that it goes with practically anything!
Trainers
Practical, soft and reliable shoes. We could only be talking about trainers. Now, the feature of this shoe design in mainstream fashion is nothing new. In fact, it’s been happening for decades. But it’s fair to say that athleisure is taking casual sports footwear to the next level. Have you spotted the current trainer and feminine dress combo trend, for example? All you need to do is pair a traditionally pretty dress — displaying, say, a floral pattern or a taffeta fabric — and a pair of trainers, typically chunky in build. This juxtaposition of fancy and functional styles makes for huge visual appeal.
Save your pennies
As long as you plan your outfits wisely, athleisure needn’t be a pricey trend. After all, you’re effectively just finding new ways to wear clothes that you already own. With your wardrobe all sorted, you’ve got more time to spend on your life admin, whether it’s sorting those little jobs around the house or doing some financial planning.
Swept up by fashionistas, sports fans and comfort cravers alike, athleisure is one of the hottest styles on the market. With these key tips, you’ll be able to make your own mark on it, hassle-free.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae |
Our readers are STRONG, SEXY & SPOILED and of course, that means those that grace our covers and are featured in our pages embody this spirit as well! The world of the WWE includes some of the toughest athletes with dynamic personas and ever changing storylines that keep their fans waiting to see more every week!
The ladies of the WWE are an elite powerhouse that represents vixens and villains. For those that need an extra dose (know and love this world) of the ladies, E! Networks' Total Divas - allowed viewers to see their lives in and out of the ring. Episodes showcase the ladies in the relationships, training, their personality, their personas and more. Our initial introduction to Summer Rae came during the second season of this show.
Summer Rae is a WWE athlete who fights in the RAW brand. Playing a villain role, she has won a number of single and tag team matches which keeps the crowds wanting more. Outside of the ring, Danielle Moinet is the complete opposite of her character; but, she shares the athletic sensibility as her career includes being a former professional football player as a cornerback for Lingerie Football League's Chicago Bliss (in addition to being a professional wrestler and wrestling manager). This Manhasset, LI native is also a model and actress who took the time to chat with us about her athletic career; what it's like to be a part of the WWE; the importance of giving back and insight into who Danielle is!
| PHOTO COURTESY WWE |
ATHLEISURE MAG: We love seeing you in the ring and being on E!'s Total Divas. Tell us about your career leading up to the WWE, as we know you played football, were the face of the Lingerie Football League, and you were an ambassador for Nascar's Bobby Labonte's team - how did this all come together with your love of sports?
DANIELLE MOINET: I have always been a fan of sports, both watching sports and playing sports. Growing up, I danced for many years and then I also ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. I’ve always had an athletic background and spent a lot of time in the gym in college. Playing football was definitely very fun. It was full contact seven on seven football. The ladies of the LFL hit hard. It’s not a gimmick. I’ve always had a passion for wrestling and loved watching it. I went to Monday Night Raw and watched it in the audience and thought, “Wow I can do that and I think I can do it well.” I decided to try out for WWE.
AM: We grew up in the 80's watching the WWE, when did you realize this was what you wanted to do and what was the process like to get to the ring?
DM: The thing that I love about WWE is everyone has a story. Everyone has someone they watched growing up. With me, my dad has no sons, only daughters, and I’m the oldest. I watched with my dad on Saturday mornings and when I was an adult I would sit at home and watch Monday Night Raw. I loved the soap opera! I became a fan again after college and that’s when I realized I wanted to submit. Now with NXT, Triple H has given people a great outlet to submit their resume and portfolio and be able to try to become a WWE Superstar.
AM: We see the physicality that is needed to be a Diva, while also being able to be a total boss by being glam. It's such a unique sport that allows both - how is Danielle Moinet similar and different to Summer Rae?
DM: Very good question! Some people like to form their WWE persona based on an extension of themselves. For me it’s the total opposite. Summer Rae is everyone I wanted to be growing up: all of the girls I wasn’t and all of the things I wanted to say to people that I couldn't because I was too nice. Summer Rae is a conniving egotistical villain who will do whatever she needs to do to get what she wants. That’s why it’s so much fun to play her! I have never once been a good guy in WWE and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae |
AM: This summer, we worked out with you and additional Divas during Summer Slam at Tapout here in NYC - between matches and doing PR events what is the schedule like when you're traveling and how are you able to balance your day to day life with that?
DM: Wow! That’s so cool that you came and worked out with us! That was the first time we had tried anything like that and my first time teaching an exercise class! It was inspiring to talk to different women. It was a special event for me. It's hard to find balance and in 2017 that is what I am going after. Balance. It is hard being a Superstar, being on the road 300 days a year filming and working events on your off days. Traveling and everything that comes with it is really hard. Having a group of people, whether they are family or friends that ground you when you’re home, it's important on those off days to step away from work. Otherwise, you will lose who you are. It’s something I’ve struggled with in the past and its something I am really working towards in 2017.
AM: As an athlete, the physicality of the sport is demanding, what does your workout day look like when you're preparing to be in the ring versus when you have down time?
DM: Very good question! I've never had someone ask me this in an interview! I train very differently on days when I have a match versus days I don't. I don’t do my legs as much on days I have a match. I save my cardio days for TV. Sleep is the most important thing in this business. I like to do circuit training so I don’t overstimulate one body part. When you bump and have five matches in a week you’re going to be sore.
AM: Recovery is always essential when you're working out - we're fans of foam rollers, KT Therapy ice packs etc, what do you have on hand for a little TLC for your body?
DM: Recovery is very important. The number one thing I find that helps is sleep and I am the first person to say I don’t sleep nearly enough. On the off days I will force myself to sleep. Massage is something really great. I live by a great chiropractor and physical therapist. In Los Angeles, I have gone to PEAK Wellness and I have absolutely loved the practice. The people there have been so amazing to me. Dennis at PEAK is so amazing and I’ve loved working with them.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Vince Trupsin | MUAH Stella Kae |
AM: What is your favorite moment in the ring and who has been your favorite partner?
DM: My favorite moment in the ring is actually not a wrestling match. It was when I got to write my own promo and do it for everyone. It was in Chicago where I was living at the time. I got to break up with Rusev on screen. I really felt it and felt so fortunate that they let me write it. It was so amazing and the crowd was so behind me. It gives me chills to think about.
My favorite person to wrestle is Nattie. I always loved wrestling her. She’s someone who challenges me and made me try to be better every time I stepped in the ring with her. I also love Sasha Banks. The chemistry we have is amazing!
AM: Besides your life as an athlete, what other passions do you have as we know you have acted?
DM: Being in the Marine 4 was an amazing opportunity. I loved being on set and learning the way that works! Being in more films and being able to act is a goal. I love the idea of having an amazing day and channel different emotions into my work. It is such a talent to be able to do that and of course that is something I would love to do and love to study more. Being able to publicly speak and host as well and spread positivity.
AM: When you have personal time how do you take time for you to center yourself?
DM: Personal time is something that I am trying to work on more and have more of, and give myself. Being able to center myself is having a good support system. I center myself by going into the gym and having a great workout and catching up on some of my favorite shows. Taking time for me. Our personal time is so few and far between, that it’s something I really have to cherish when I have it.
| PHOTO COURTESY WWE |
AM: What is your personal style from what you wear when you workout, when you're going out to brunch and for a night out with your friends?
DM: My personal style ranges. I live in workout clothes and I can be a tomboy. The word ATHLEISURE definitely suits me. I’m always in my hat on my day off, because I hate wearing makeup. I have to let my skin breathe. Workout clothes all day! Whatever fits and is comfy. I love the girly side too and get styled. My style is very diverse.
AM: Clearly, you have a great body! What are 3 exercises that we can incorporate for great legs, arms and abs?
DM: For me, something that I started in the Fall that I had never tried before was Pilates. I had a lot of restrictions from wrestling as far as my mobility and neck. The thing I love about Pilates is that it's 50 minutes and it's full body, but you also use weights. I’ve tried a lot of different exercises. Pilates really helps shape my arms legs and abs. I had never done a plank until Pilates and now I see it in my shoulders and abs. It's long and lengthening. Pilates gives me the flexibility and is so safe on the joints and knees. It’s something I really have to think about. You can find all three in Pilates.
AM: When it comes to getting energy before a workout what do you suggest we should eat?
DM: Some people are very different when it comes to eating before working out. Some people like to eat and some people like to be empty. I like to be full. I don’t like my stomach growling. I like to eat a high protein meal. I prefer fats and carbs in each meal I eat. Having a good piece of chicken or turkey meat, a good 25/35 gms of protein. You don’t have to get fancy when it comes to caffeine pre workout. Black coffee is great. You can’t beat a double shot of espresso or a black coffee before you work out. I always have a shake right after I work out to get my protein in.
| PHOTO COURTESY WWE |
AM: When you're having a bit of a splurge, what is a treat that we can enjoy that tastes decadent, but isn't really that bad for you?
DM: I have a sweet tooth. Something for me that I crave is ice cream like crazy and want it all the time. Instead, I buy the fat - free Cool Whip from the market and freeze it. Then it’s like fake ice cream. I just need a little bit. It’s no fat or carbs and not nearly as bad as ice cream. I find myself only having one or two spoonfuls. It gives me that satisfaction.
AM: What charities or foundations do you work with and tell us about them.
DM: I work with the DTM Foundation which was started and by my sister Nicolette Moinet. They work with medically fragile children at UNC and Duke hospital. Anytime I’m back home in North Carolina I love to help them in any way I can whether it be hospital visits or the comfort cooks program. We make food for the families that are basically living at the hospital with their children. With WWE, we are so fortunate to work with so many other great initiatives include our anti-bullying program Be a STAR, Special Olympics, Make a Wish, Susan G. Komen and so many others.
Read more from the Feb Issue and the In and Out of the Ring Danielle Moinet X Summer Rae feature specifically here.
Athleisure is such an easy look that can carry you throughout the week as it's all about comfort. It's all about having great leggings, boyfriend style pants, overcoats, hoodies, sneakers, tees and more. With many of us on vacation or out of the office, here are some great pieces that you can rock during the year to add a little extra zip to your look as you head to your studio of choice, errands and brunch with friends!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Element Fitness
Elements Fitness is a fitness, wellness and life style brand featuring boutique fitness studio locations, corporate and hospitality fitness activations, and on location small group and private training. The brand features a signature class series centered around functional training, barre, dance and hiit training that serves as the foundation for all of the fitness and wellness classes. While pulling together identity and messaging for the brand Andrea Hunsberger was looking for a name that would incorporate all aspects of a healthy, well balanced, rich lifestyle. In addition, the name Elements was also fitting because the idea behind each of the modalities that she teaches pull together all different parts of her training and career. She identifies as a Dancer, a Trainer, a Fit Fashion Lover, and Lifestyle guru, and the term Elements seemed fitting to represent the work that is done with her clients and the message of the brand. From theirBarre, Dance Fusion, HIIT, SUP, and SUP BARRE signature class series to their wellness boutique featuring Barre & SUP inspired Athletic and Athleisure wear, Elements is specific enough to deliver the brand message, and broad enough to cover our diversity.
Elements operates in The Hamptons, Manhattan, and South Florida, featuring our Flagship studio in East Hampton, In home private training & corporate wellness activations in Manhattan, and Pop up locations in Miami.
As the Founder, director, and head trainer at Elements, Andrea started the brand from inception in 2010, as a small private training and fitness consulting group and have grown into a large fitness wellness and life style brand. Having been in the industry for over 15 years she had a very specific vision of what she wanted and where she wanted it to go. She is a professional dancer, trainer, and has taught fitness and dance classes for high profile studios throughout Manhattan prior to starting Elements. She began teaching a survival job in between broadway gigs and then changed to her focus because of Andrea's passion and drive to create a successful meaning full brand and company.
Elements Fitness is currently located in East Hampton, and has private training and corporate wellness in Manhattan. Keep an eye out for Elements flagship in Manhattan in the near future, as well as pop up locations in Miami, London, and beyond.
Elements Features is a three story facility featuring a large group fitness studio, lower level private training room and lounge, and a curated retail & wellness boutique. The studios feature Elements' signature wall mounted custom ballet barre system, sprung dance floor system, high ceilings and beautiful natural light. The retail boutique features a curated collection of luxury lifestyle, active and athleisure wear, an artisan tea collection and organic fragrances.
The elements lifestyle boutique features a curated collection of top brands such as Vimmia, Vie Active Wear, Prism Sport, Sondra Roberts handbags, Koral, Gracied by Grit and more.
Elements Fitness has a custom branded fitness tee that is powered by Phat Buddha, and features other emerging brands for trunk shows and events!
Elements Fitness offers Barre, Dance Fusion, HIIT, and SUP classes and feature a holiday inspired pre and post turkey burn! A HIGH INTENSITY fusion of strengthening and toning exercises perfect to pre burn or post burn before and after all of this delicious holiday meals.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | WARDROBE STYLIST Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | MODEL Holly Croft/MSA Models |
We're all about warmer weather and within our Birds of Paradise shoot, we showcased the hottest looks in swimwear and athleisure by Maaji, a Columubian based brand known for their vibrant prints.
Renewable energy visionary talks studio life, 3 feet from gold, Weirdo Fitness and the air we breathe. PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Orange Theory Fitness
Pop into Orange Theory Fitness, Santa Monica (SaMo) and you’re likely to catch renewable energy visionary, Alex Lightman. Whether he is pushing hard in class or rooting on another
member, he is passionately devoted to his fitness success and seeing major results from his
dedication.
He used to frequent gyms over the years, then found studio life. Like many, he was tired of rote
exercising; seeing flirtatious behaviour and talking (all while waiting for machines); and trainer
solicitation. He is now loving that classes are an intense hour of focus (and doubles) never the
same, breaking the monotony, which builds class camaraderie and heightens muscle confusion.
Since he transitioned into OT, he is at his best mile time since high school (38 years later) and
won the studio’s first weight loss challenge with seven day workouts and being mindful of his
diet.
Being connected by studio monitors means knowing more about himself and his performance
at a granular level. He stays in the zone by racking up 12 to 20 spot points of orange (84-91) and red (92+) during workouts and enjoys extreme afterburn well into his day. He has run 16 marathons to date and proudly has a resting heart rate of 32, mile PR of 4:20, most recent a 5:21.
The relationship between him and his workout continues as he receives an email from each
workout, which he shares with his friend to help reach personal and group goals. Ultimately,
it is a great way to feel welcome and noticed for his efforts.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Alex Lightman
Alex likened the Quantified Self Movement to the story of R.U. Darby and his uncle as profiled in Think and Grow Rich. They discovered gold ore in Colorado and rented mining machinery to
reap big rewards. After a time, the gold disappeared, they grew into debt and eventually quit.
They sold the equipment to a junk man who hired an expert and continued the project and made millions finding gold just three feet from where the Darby’s had stopped.
“If you only knew how close you were from striking gold, you would be mindful of finding a way to push through,” Alex says. ”In connected fitness, your ceiling remarkably can become
your floor after discovering what your next levels are.”
His mother taught him at an early age to be independent, focus on what matters, be adaptable,
and that completions empower.
Alex loves the healthy co-opetition against other class members during performance weeks,
finding it fun to try to beat other five minute milers. (#ICYMI his Xbox handle is @FiveMinuteMiler). He also likes helping other people meet their goals. He lost a weight loss challenge to friend Eddy Waty, and doubled his friendly wager to run a 5:45 and beat her, doing so by four seconds. Alex loves sharing his times with her and they become more obligated, having shared success they wouldn’t have known. The positive effect of having a gym buddy that pushes you to be your best is an essential for accountability as well as keeping great energy.
The next OT SaMo contest is mid-January, Alex will be there. He needed to run 6 miles a day until NYE to meet his personal 1000 mile annual goal. He accomplished that goal, running the last miles on New Year’s Eve. He now pledges to increase his numbers for next year. We will root on his success like a virtual marathon crowd.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Sweetgreen
Lightman proudly proclaims that people should live authentic lives and do what’s good for them regardless of arbitrary social norms. Just as we shift extreme temperature shocks in fitness, he advocates using hypergravity and compression. He wears a custom gravity plus super suit with about 35/40 lbs with Wenderwear compression for more resistance. Unlike a weight vest or compression socks, this evenly distributes burn and endorphin bliss after jumping out of it, giving feelings of extra lightness of being.
He firmly believes in public fitness. You’ll see him doing squats on an airplane during business
flights for keynotes or spontaneously stretching during a restaurant meal to reduce hip tightness. He’d love to see more public yoga and activities, noting we are regrettably only desensitized to runners and joggers.
“Fall on your butt often,” he jokes. He is quick to advocate the benefits of neurogenic activity
both with touch (and yes intimacy) and trying out new activities. By going out and falling a bit during dozens of new exercise and sports activities, the brain is optimized during steps of learning during three week stints, building and firing brain cells in conscious incompetence and conscious competence stages before an unconscious competence stage sets in. “Be sure to run 45 minutes with 75% maximum heart rate for men and 65% for women and learn something
new within 21 days,” he reminds. Alex attempts to do this at least 20x a month as new brain cells are created this way!
“How you do anything is how you do everything” is how Lightman sees Athleisure Lifestyle.
Athletics and leisure affect one another. He’s picked up on the fact that Simon & Garfunkel
were truly ahead by being looped into Neurogenesis decades ago with parsley, sage and thyme in their lyrics. We should embrace foods that build us up like macro and micro
nutrients, and those that offer more protein and fat such as akitogenic diet with avocados,
coconuts, olives and olive oil, he suggests.
Near his pier on the SaMo promenade, an abundance of superpower food establishments
surround him. He regularly patrons Lemonade, for their fresh and colorful vegetables, and adores SweetGreen (we love them too), specifically due to its farm to table chalkboard and tea bar ride with no calorie and vegetable infused teas, with his organic salads. He also explores
the local farmers markets twice a week.
He accurately questions why runners would (or anyone that is focused on wellness) want to live in a polluted world and cares deeply about the air around us. Alex is a strong advocate of
solar and electric cars. He wants to rid the world of fossil fuels, he champions our society
needs to keep growing solar at 36% a year and looks to Burlington, VA; Greenburg, Kansas; and Aspen, Colorado as pioneering cities for renewable energy.
We are honored to have Alex Lightman as on ongoing contributor so you can look forward to
reading an array of wisdom monthly.
#Athspired by Alex and Think and Grow Rich mentality, we dug in and made a ‘3 Feet 2 Gold’ Playlist. After all it’s not just what you are missing, it’s what you are striving towards next. #This #Is #Athspo.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Alex Lightman
PHOTOGRAPHY | Carlos David
Our inaugural launch of Athleisure Mag is out! Check out our issue which has interviews by Jillian Michaels and Kara Ross, photoshoots styled by our Style Director, Kimmie Smith and the best in tech, beauty, style and more.
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