ATHLEISURE LIST | THE CLASS

Taryn Toomey created The Class as a lifelong student of transformation and through her personal healing journey in 2011 which combines somatic healing and self-discovery. It incorporates yoga, psychodynamic therapy, EMDR, sound work, and trauma healing. She shared with us that, "over a decade in, I'm incredibly fortunate to step into The Class every day and have the opportunity to meet people where they are-inviting them to move through whatever they're carrying while building strength in both body and mind. The community we've built over the years is the deepest testament to its power - a shared experience that brings people together in ways that are both personal and profoundly collective."

Attend The Class In-Person at the NYC Studio in Tribeca and their LA Studio is based in Santa Monica. All offerings are available through The Class’s Digital Studio, where they can choose from a library of on-demand classes and daily live streams that are available in over 75 countries.

You can expect an immersive experience that blends repetitive movement, breathwork, and cathartic sound. Attendees often come to the studio to unlock stuck energy, reconnect with oneself, and cultivate mind-body awareness—all while breaking a sweat and having fun.

The Class offers a range of sessions (The Class, Sculpt, Yoga, Meditation), length and physical intensity. The Class even offers pre/post-natal specific programming. Studios offer daily, in-person Classes, many of which are livestreamed for the Digital Studio. Regular Community Classes with sliding-scale pricing ensure accessibility or all.

Attendees can enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of skincare products, including face wash, serums, and moisturizers from brands like Routine and Om Organics. Water fountains are also available.

If this is your first visit, it is suggested that wearing comfortable exercise clothing and bringing a water bottle. Sneakers are not mandatory, but first-time students are encouraged to start with sneakers. Come to your mat with an open mind and willing spirit!

If you're looking to experience The Class for free via the Digital Studio, you can try their 14-Day Free Trial which is perfect for newcomers looking to explore its benefits.

You can take The Class Retreatment May 20-24 in Ibiza. This is a transformative 4 day retreat centered around movement, mindfulness, and community, set in the stunning backdrop of Ibiza.

THE CLASS

22 Park Place, 3rd Fl

NY, NY 10007

2433 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90405

theclass.com

IG @theclass

PHOTO CREDIT | The Class

Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | The Class in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

SURF STYLE AT HOME

Gibbs Smith

Raili Clasen

Members of the Athleisure Media community know that we have shared surfers on our covers, inbooks, as well as how you can rock a look when you hit the waves. Why stop there? In Surf Style at Home, we can see how we can bring this into our living spaces by author and interior designer of Kelly Slater's famous Surf Ranch, Raili Clasen.

In this coffee table book, you'll see how you can crank up the color, landscape your living room, and create adult summer camp vibes for this eclectic surf style.

She shares on how inspiration trips in Orange County, CA she soaks up cool surfer fashion, the laidback atmosphere, and retro style in order to bring it back to a rec room, bedroom and other spaces.

She also shares how this style sensibility was utilized in projects that she's done in Alabama, Newport Beach, Montana's Yellowstone Club and so much more.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN @ 75

Motorbooks

Gillian G Gaar

When it comes to coffee table books, it's always nice to have great musicians! In Bruce Springsteen at 75 you get to know about the phenomenal career of this 25X Grammy inner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, singer/songwriter, enthralling performer, and best-selling author known as The Boss. This book is filled with illustrations, has two gatefolds, exclusive pullout poster, 8" × 10" glossy, and a sturdy slipcase.

You'll enjoy stunning concert and candid offstage photography, imagery of memorabilia (gig posters, vinyl record sleeves, ticket stubs, period ads, and more).

Bruce Springsteen's (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Lilyhammer, The Greatest Night in Pop) career that has spanned 7 and a half decades veteran rock journalist Gillian G Gaar covers his childhood in New Jersey as well as his start in garage bands The Castles and Steel Mill. She looks at his 20 studo albums which include those with the E Street Band as well as his work as a solo artist - including his gigs and Springsteen on Broadway. She also examines his Rock Hall induction and being the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

She also looks at his greatest hits from Born to Run, Hungry Heart, and Born in the U.S.A. The book includes his relationships with his bandmates Steven Van Zandt (Sopranos, Lilyhammer, The Irishman) and the late Clarence Clemons. Of course, this also includes his wife and bandmate, Patti Scialfa.

SANTA MONICA PIER:

AMERICA'S LAST GREAT PLEASURE PIER

Angel City Press

James Harris

When it comes to showcasing your wanderlust, it's always great to have a coffee table book that relaxes you. In Santa Monica Pier: America's Last Great Pleasure Pier, you get to know more about the history of the Santa Monica Pier! Filled with information as well photographs from this historic pier and venue!

For over a century, this international icon has survived as a destination whether it has fought Mother Nature, political, and social times - it's still a respite for enjoying the outdoors and offering culinary and entertainment delights for those that live in the area as well as those that visit from all over the world.

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY BOOKS in mag.

AWARDS SEASON | 28TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS WINNERS

The 28th Annual SAG Awards is tonight at 8pm EST on TNT and TBS at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. It’s always a fun show to watch and as usual, a number of our favorites are being highlighted from the shows themselves to the actors and teams involved.

In a previous post, we predicted that the names in bold are those that will win, the ones that are in bold italics are those that we correctly identified as winning and the names in italics are those that won that we didn’t guess correctly. Here is who won!

TELEVISION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Murray Bartlett, "The White Lotus"

Oscar Isaac, "Scenes From a Marriage"

Michael Keaton, "Dopesick"

Ewan McGregor, "Halston"

Evan Peters, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Jennifer Coolidge, "The White Lotus"

Cynthia Erivo, "Genius: Aretha"

Margaret Qualley, "Maid"

Jean Smart, "Mare of Easttown"

Kate Winslet, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Brian Cox, "Succession"

Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin, "Succession"

Lee Jung-jae, "Squid Game"

Jeremy Strong, "Succession"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show"

Jung Ho-yeon, "Squid Game"

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Sarah Snook, "Succession"

Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Michael Douglas, "The Kominsky Method"

Brett Goldstein, "Ted Lasso"

Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"

Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning, "The Great"

Sandra Oh, "The Chair"

Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Juno Temple, "Ted Lasso"

Hannah Waddingham, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES

"The Handmaid's Tale"

"The Morning Show"

"Squid Game"

"Succession"

"Yellowstone"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES

"The Great"

"Hacks"

"The Kominsky Method"

"Only Murders in the Building"

"Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES

"Cobra Kai"

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

"Loki"

"Mare of Easttown"

"Squid Game"

MOTION PICTURE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield, "Tick, Tick... Boom"

Will Smith, "King Richard"

Denzel Washington, "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jessica Chastain, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman, "The Lost Daughter"

Lady Gaga, "House of Gucci"

Jennifer Hudson, "Respect"

Nicole Kidman, "Being the Ricardos"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ben Affleck, "The Tender Bar"

Bradley Cooper, "Licorice Pizza"

Troy Kotsur, "CODA"

Jared Leto, "House of Gucci"

Kodi Smit-McPhee, "The Power of the Dog"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Caitríona Balfe, "Belfast"

Cate Blanchett, "Nightmare Alley"

Ariana DeBose, "West Side Story"

Kirsten Dunst, "The Power of the Dog"

Ruth Negga, "Passing"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Belfast"

"CODA"

"Don't Look Up"

"House of Gucci"

"King Richard"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Black Widow"

"Dune"

"The Matrix Resurrections"

"No Time to Die"

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

AWARDS SEASON | 28TH ANNUAL SAG AWARDS

This morning the 28th Annual SAG Awards nominees were announced. This show is slated to air on Feb 27th at 8pm EST on TNT and TBS at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica. It’s always a fun show to watch and as usual, a number of our favorites are being highlighted from the shows themselves to the actors and teams involved.

We predict that the names in bold are those that will win, the ones that are in bold italics are those that we correctly identified as winning and the names in italics are those that won that we didn’t guess correctly.

TELEVISION AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Murray Bartlett, "The White Lotus"

Oscar Isaac, "Scenes From a Marriage"

Michael Keaton, "Dopesick"

Ewan McGregor, "Halston"

Evan Peters, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTORcIN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Jennifer Coolidge, "The White Lotus"

Cynthia Erivo, "Genius: Aretha"

Margaret Qualley, "Maid"

Jean Smart, "Mare of Easttown"

Kate Winslet, "Mare of Easttown"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Brian Cox, "Succession"

Billy Crudup, "The Morning Show"

Kieran Culkin, "Succession"

Lee Jung-jae, "Squid Game"

Jeremy Strong, "Succession"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIEs

Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show"

Jung Ho-yeon, "Squid Game"

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Sarah Snook, "Succession"

Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Michael Douglas, "The Kominsky Method"

Brett Goldstein, "Ted Lasso"

Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building"

Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building"

Jason Sudeikis, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Elle Fanning, "The Great"

Sandra Oh, "The Chair"

Jean Smart, "Hacks"

Juno Temple, "Ted Lasso"

Hannah Waddingham, "Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES

"The Handmaid's Tale"

"The Morning Show"

"Squid Game"

"Succession"

"Yellowstone"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES

"The Great"

"Hacks"

"The Kominsky Method"

"Only Murders in the Building"

"Ted Lasso"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES

"Cobra Kai"

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

"Loki"

"Mare of Easttown"

"Squid Game"

MOTION PICTURE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Javier Bardem, "Being the Ricardos"

Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Power of the Dog"

Andrew Garfield, "Tick, Tick... Boom"

Will Smith, "King Richard"

Denzel Washington, "The Tragedy of Macbeth"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Jessica Chastain, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye"

Olivia Colman, "The Lost Daughter"

Lady Gaga, "House of Gucci"

Jennifer Hudson, "Respect"

Nicole Kidman, "Being the Ricardos"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Ben Affleck, "The Tender Bar"

Bradley Cooper, "Licorice Pizza"

Troy Kotsur, "CODA"

Jared Leto, "House of Gucci"

Kodi Smit-McPhee, "The Power of the Dog"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Caitríona Balfe, "Belfast"

Cate Blanchett, "Nightmare Alley"

Ariana DeBose, "West Side Story"

Kirsten Dunst, "The Power of the Dog"

Ruth Negga, "Passing"

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Belfast"

"CODA"

"Don't Look Up"

"House of Gucci"

"King Richard"

OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

"Black Widow"

"Dune"

"The Matrix Resurrections"

"No Time to Die"

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

FOUNDERMADE DISCOVER SHOW

This summer, FounderMade kicks off in NYC at Spring Studios with an additional show taking place later this fall on Oct 16th in Santa Monica. The Discovery Show is a curated summit to drive awareness to over 100 products and brand growth. A number of participating brands will also launch new products on the show floor within the Discovery Lounge. Attendees include retailers, investors, media and influencers. Guests will also enjoy panelists and fireside chats which has CEO’s from an array of coveted brands - check out the schedule here. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag

SHE-EDUCATE WITH DR. SHERRY ROSS

When you're out with your girlfriends, you enjoy hanging out and a number of sips - that's when the conversation gets real. You talk about your love life, what you should do in your careers and then its down to talking about what's going on down there. Maybe you have questions or are prepping for when you have your next visit with your OB/GYN. We decided to find out answers to some questions that readers have asked us by talking with Dr. Sherry Ross who is based in Santa Monica. We found that talking with her was like adding her into our tribe of girlfriends!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you knew that you wanted to be an OB/GYN. In addition, if you can, feel free to let us know about celeb clients that you have worked with.

DR. SHERRY ROSS: When I was a young girl, I would go on hospital rounds with my father who was a Urologist—I must admit that initially I went for the endless supply of donuts and apple juice in the doctor’s lounge. However, over time, I learned firsthand how much my father embraced and loved his patients and loved his profession. I took careful note of his compassion and the positive impact he had on his patients, as well as the powerful impact that my father’s patients had on him. I knew I wanted to be a doctor in order to experience that same powerful and healing give and take. I can honestly say that the most gratifying thing about my 25-year career in medicine has been the relationships and bonds I’ve developed with my patients. I gravitated to OBGYN in my 3rd year of medical school since I loved delivering babies and being a part of such a joyous and memorable experience. Helping women was so satisfying and enjoyable and I really felt as though I could make a difference in their wellness journey.

I felt as though when women's legs go up in stirrups, the conversation really begins and I could serve as their best friend or favorite therapist.

I am fortunate to take care of many A-list celebrities who also are committed to women’s health and wellness.  Reese Witherspoon was incredibly kind and generous to write me a wonderful forward to she-ology. Social and celebrity influences can help promote the messaging of empowering women to take better control of their health and wellness.

AM: We had the chance to have lunch with you. Why do you think that women's health in terms of vaginal issues, questions etc seem to be difficult for women to address and what can we do to  make these conversations easier to have?

DR. SR: Women need to be comfortable talking about their vagina’s. 50% of women never talk about their vaginal health with anyone, not even their doctor. If you can’t even say the word vagina how are we supposed to talk about it? Women need to talk about their specific health care issues, issues that are often ignored and not dealt with. There are very few places where women feel comfortable talking about their vaginas without feeling judged, so at the very least, a doctor’s office should be a bastion of comfort. 90% of women wished they had more information about vaginal health.

The inability to say the word “vagina” has been passed on in our culture from outdated attitudes, societal norms and misconceptions about the vagina and sex.  It doesn’t help that our society as a whole is undeniably juvenile about our approach to vagina. As an example, in June 2012, a bill was presented on the House floor seeking to regulate the use of the word "vagina" after Micigan Representative Lisa Brown was banned from speaking because she used the term in a debate over an anti-abortion bill. "Brown's comment

so offensive, I don’t even want to say it in front of women,” complained Representative Mike Callton (R: Michigan). “I would not say that in mixed company.”

A ban on a word that is a medical term used to describe our female genitalia? Politics and mainstream media will not allow the word "vagina: to be said out loud without some sort of backlash. We need to change this reality for the sake of women’s health, especially since there doesn’t seem to be a problem in mainstream advertising for the treatment of erectile dysfunction!  

I am counting on our younger generations of women to help lead the way and change the narrative on how we talk about our health, our bodies, and especially, our vaginas. Women need to take control of their bodies in every way. We cannot be afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. We need to learn and explore the changes our bodies experience throughout our lifetime.

The conversation needs to start at a young age with our girls, daughters, nieces and granddaughters.

It’s not just one “talk” we need to have with our daughters. There are many “talks” about their bodies and overall health that needs to happen depending on the developmental (hormonal!) milestone and what is age-appropriate. Before you start talking about human sexuality and sexual behaviors you have to have created an environment where your daughter feels comfortable discussing other sensitive topics such as puberty, proper nutrition, body image issues, recreational alcohol, tobacco and drug use.

When young girls learn about their body part—“here is my nose, my ears, my belly button”---they need to learn and use the word vagina from an early age so they become comfortable with their own anatomy. When mothers teach their daughters code names for their vagina, such as "Vajaja", this does not move the needle in the right direction of changing this narrative.

If mothers or other role models to young girls don’t initiate these types of sensitive topics, your daughter will find other ways of learning about her health and wellness from other resources. This is where the problem lies. Social media and porn have damaged our children in how they look at themselves.

It’s important for moms to normalize these conversations between a mother and daughter. The more comfortable and candid you can make these conversations, the more relaxed your daughter will be when her breast buds, period, body image concerns and sexual health issues present themselves to her.  

In life there are a handful of sensitive subjects that feel completely awkward between a mother and a daughter and talking about her first period, breast development, pubic hair, the vagina,  where babies come from and sexual health. In

truth, talking about your sexual health may be a completely off limit subject between mom and daughter.

Even though the average age of a young girl getting her period is 12 years old, puberty, in all its glory, starts as early as 8years old. Breast buds are noticeable 2 years before the period actually starts and can be detected between 8 to 13years.  Pubic hair, hair under your arms and legs and acne also joins the hormonal party during the "tween" years. It's important to skowly and comfortably ease your daughter ito talking about her body and changes associated with puberty which empowers young women to embrace their body in a healthy way.

Promote body confidence. Teach your daughter about her body, use the correct descriptive terms when talking about her breasts, vagina and period.  If young girls and women are not able to confidently own the proper words to describe their female body parts, it makes it difficult to comfortably talk about their personal needs and experiences.  

AM: Vaginal care is an essential and we liked your analogy to taking care of this area as we do our faces. Can you break that down for us?

DR. SR: The one thing I wish women knew was where their vulva was located on their "vagina". This is vagina confusion that women will appreciate understanding more about...

You must get to know your vulva and vagina, up close and person. First - let’s be clear what we are talking about regarding the vagina. The “vagina” actually includes the vulva, labia-majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips), the opening to the vagina is called the introitus, the inner vagina, the urethra (small opening leading to the bladder), the clitoris and the protective hood of the clitoris. The inside of the vagina, where tampons go, is a temperamental and ultra-sensitive area. 50% of women wonder if their vagina is normal looking. My first and foremost advice to women is to get to know your lady parts, know what your “normal” is so you will know when a potential problem arises.  If you have not done so already, pull out the mirror and get to know your vagina, your vaginal health depends on it. Every woman needs to take a “vagie” to really know this lady part intimately.

Your vulva and vagina are very sensitive to everyday feminine rituals. Using the wrong types of soap can cause irritation and bad odor. Avoid soaps which are heavily perfumed and are not pH balanced which upset your body. Using a gentle, lightly fragranced wash and natural skin moisturizer daily is ideal, especially ones made specifically for the vulva. Your vulva and vagina does need a special cleaning routine and it usually begins with using a special wash and warm water.  You cannot use the same soap to clean your feet and underarms to wash your vagina! I highly recommend Summer's Eve Cleansing Wash made specifically for our most sensitive area on our body. Vagina friendly washes carefully clean the vulva, remove odor-causing bacteria and are balanced for a woman’s natural pH.

Cleaning the outside of the vagina or the vulva, clitoris, and vaginal opening every day with a vagina friendly wash is so important. You can use a wash cloth or your fingers to clean this area in the shower or bath.

AM: Why have you partnered with Summer's Eve and why is it essential to utilize cleansing products like this as opposed to total body soaps that are not formulated for the vagina.

DR. SR: Partnering with Summer’s Eve was an easy and authentic relationship since I wholeheartedly believe women have to care for their vagina in the same way we care for the skin of our face. Using vagina friendly and specially made products for this sensitive and temperamental area of our body is so important and necessary. Summer Eve’s has been around since the 70’s and they have created products for the vagina that are clinically and gynocologist tested for safety in this delicate area. You can’t use an everyday soap on the vagina like most women used daily. When you use a vagina friendly wash that’s designed to be balanced for a woman’s natural pH and sensitive to the vagina you feel fresh and avoid irritating residue. I am on a mission to change the narrative on how we talk and take care of the vagina.

AM: As many of our readers enjoy cycling, hot yoga, pilates etc how do we take care of our vagina in order to ensure that we are keepig it healthy in the midst of these activities.

DR. SR: Certain sports can be hard on the vagina. Cycling and spinning are at the top of this list!

The way the vagina is positioned on the bicycle seat exerts unfamiliar pressure on certain parts of the delicate soft tissue of the labia majora and minor, better known as the "lips" of the vagina. With prolong bicycle rides or spinning classes the intense pressure on certain parts of the vagina, tailbone, lower back and groin creates restriction of blood flow, skin irritation, and ultimately numbness of the area, especially the clitoris. Some women even report disruptive genital pain and discomfort with reduced genital sensation.

Other problems that are associated with cycling, spinning and horseback riding include vaginal infections such as yeast and bacterial due to the poor vaginal ventilation and moisture buildup that occurs with these sports. With constant pressure on the vagina, skin cysts can develop as well. Your cycling posture and the way you sit on the bicycle seat also affects the pressure that is exerted on the delicate parts of the vagina.  

Recumbent cycling does not create the same problems on the vagina that upright cycling cause.  The pressure and problems of the vagina that are typical of upright cycling are transferred to the buttock for those recumbent cyclers causing minimal discomfort.

You can avoid some of these problems by using the appropriate saddle seat, cycling shorts, professional bike fitting, using proper cycling posture, allying emollients and moisturizing creams to the vagina. Also taking a shower or long bath following these types of activities is helpful.

Hot yoga and any activity that brings excessive heat and sweat to the vagina can increase the risk of a yeast infection or vaginal skin irritation. Changing ito clean and dry clothing after these types of workouts is important to prevent these types of problems. I also love the Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths to freshen up after a hot workout. They are balanced for a woman’s pH and also get rid of any odor causing bacteria, so I can feel comfortable all day.

AM: Picking an OB/GYN is such a process - what are the questions that we should have to ask our potential caregiver to see if they are a match for our needs.

DR.SR: Many women are given a list of providers to choose from according to their insurance policy. With social media, Yelp and other physician review sites you can and should learn about the doctor you are going to trust with your health. You can always interview a potential doctor first before you commit to making an official office visit. You want to be comfortable with the doctor you select.  Depending on what is important to you, you may want to ask the following questions:

1. Will I get a call back with my test results?

2. Are you accessible via email?

3. How long does it take to get an appointment with you?

4. Will you be calling me back or will it

be one of your office staff members?

5. How often do you suggest I get a pap smear?

6. Make sure the OBGYN is board certified and there are no malpractice claims against them.

The most important quality to find in a new OBGYN is that you feel comfortable talking openly and honestly with her/him.  

AM: Over the last year, we feel that we have learned about conditions that women are battling such as Endo and thanks to social media we have learned about symptoms and the stories of celebs, influencers etc that have given us information - but what is a resource that you suggest that women can use to find out answers to their questions when they aren't talking to their OB/GYN?

DR. SR: Your medical information is as reliable as the source you are using.  I would stick to WebMD, Mayo or Cleveland Clinic and the Harvard Health Newsletter and avoid chat rooms that can lead to a lot of confusion and misinformation.  I also like GoAskAlice.com for relatable and accurate medical information.

AM: Tell us about what are you up to this summer and fall as we know that you are working on a number of things - feel free to share with our readers.

DR. SR: I am working on my next books, She-sequel and the 7 Cycl Systems that women experience. During the summer I enjoy spending time with my sons who come back home for vacations and family time.  My wife who is a high school principal in Watts, California, also has more free time to hang out together.

AM: We know that you have a book out called She-ology. For those that are not patients of yours, how can they connect with you and find out their pressing questions.

DR. SR: You can connect with me by my website drsherry.com and through my social media channels including on Twitter @DrSherylRoss, Instagram @drsherryr @she-ology and on Facebook DrSherryR.

“Recumbent cycling does not create the same problems on the vagina that upright cycling causes. The pressure and problems of the vagina that are typical of upright cycling are transferred to the buttock for those recumbent cycles causing minimum discomfort.”

— Dr. Sherry Ross

AM: We also know that you have created a line of supplements - can you tell us more about that?

DR. SR: My mission is to change the narrative of how women talk and learn about their health and overall well-being.

Over the course of my 25+ years as a practicing OB/GYN and women's health educator, I came to realize that women can experience up to 7 distinct hormonally-driven cycles. Each of these life chapters introduces both unique wellness challenges and opportunities to maximize well-being. During this same time, my patients were asking for potentially harmful prescription medications to deal with concerns such as PMS, stress, and hot flashes and my advice on what products could help them feel their best during complex, hormonal life stages, such as Fertility, Postpartum and Menopause.

I researched extensively to find a credible source of natural, high-quality supplements designed specifically for women and was shocked to discover the impurities found in many supplements — up to 50% of the ingredients can consist of fillers, chemicals, and preservatives.

That's when my 7 Cycls System was born — an easy-to-follow women's health management framework that addresses specific onerns in each of the 7 cycles with scientifically-formulated nutraceuticals to target each life stage.

Ultimately, the 7 Cycl system delivers practical nutrition and wellness advice that’s science-backed and easy to apply.

I embarked on this journey in 2014 and have been refining my formulations over the years through customer feedback.

I’m excited to introduce you to my Co-Founders. Jennifer Beals is an ardent women's healthcare advocate and serves as Cycl’s spokesperson, and Amber Bezahler, our CEO who has tremendous experience in the direct to consumer and eCommerce space.

AM: We know that you are based in Santa Monica and anytime we're out there we're always looking for great spots. Where would we find you going out to grab a bite to eat, where do you workout and where do you shop?

DR. SR: I work out almost every day on my Elliptical located in my garage.  My goal is always to hit 10,000 steps a day. I am a bit obsessed with my Fitbit to make sure I reach this goal.  I spend most of my free time with my family and close friends. Weekly barbeques, family dinners, scrabble games, making puzzles, playing ping pong and binge watching on Netflix are common daily activities for me. One of my favorite places to have dinner and just chill is at Blue Plate Taco or Lares Mexican Restaurant.  My favorite food…is Mexican food, with the hottest salsa possible!

AM: Please feel free to share anything that we have not covered that you would like for our readers to know!

DR: SR: Your Vagina is talking to you ladies, PAY ATTENTION!

Just like any healthy relationship you have to have good communication with your vagina ladies, your vagina is talking to you and you must pay attention to what your vagina is telling you!

You cannot be distracted or be multi-tasking when your vagina needs your undivided attention…because if you don’t pay attention, your vagina will feel excluded, lonely, depressed and anxious and will act out!

Open communication with your vagina will create the foundation for a healthy, happy and sexually satisfying relationship.

This is the year of the women. The #MeToo movement has brought out so many good things through empower ing women to let their voices be heard and mobilize to fight injustice and inequities.  I want women to use the same voice and power to change the face of how women talk about their bodies, especially their vagina’s.

I am here to empower you to have courageous conversations about your bodies. I want all of you to speak out and stand up for the most vulnerable and voiceless among us. I do have an agenda. It includes encouraging women of all ages to take control of their health and well-being and I am challenging women and others to help me change the narrative and status quo on women’s healthcare.

Read more from the June Issue and see She-Educate with Dr. Sherry Ross in mag.