ATHLEISURE LIST | FIERCE GRACE

We took a class at Fierce Grace when it first opened. Although we have taken a few hot yoga classes and have a go to that we enjoy, we had to add another to the list with this studio that just came to the States after the success that it has enjoyed overseas!

Fierce Grace is a revolutionary system of 8 interconnected classes, and is the brainchild of one of the UK’s most well known teachers, Michele Pernetta (who led our class). The studio is owned by 3 yoga teachers. Tricia Donegan, a renowned teacher in the NY yoga scene and owner of the original Bikram studio on Allen St., Kelly Isaac entrepreneur, yoga teacher and
business partner of clothing brand Yogangster and Michele Pernetta, an ex-fashion and costume designer, and one of the UK’s most respected yoga teachers and founder of Fierce Grace, who brought hot yoga to the UK in 1994. FGNYC isn’t a franchise, it is a deeply personal project, a transformation of a loved studio into the hottest yoga brand in the UK.

They represent 45 years of yoga teaching experience. They will be hands on running workshops, events, trainings and bringing the Fierce Grace manifesto to the Lower East Side, in its irreverent, down to earth, no-nonsense way.

“Fierce Grace is the perfect fit for the yoga community I’ve built here, it’s the logical next step. It’s a brilliant yoga system that welcomes all body types and levels, has inspiring classes - from
strength and fitness classes, to slow deep classes, flowing classes to great music and alignment and injury classes, but all in an integrated system that brings continuity and safety," says Pernetta.

Fierce Grace launched in 2013 and currently has over 20 locations with the NYC studio opening a month ago. There are currently six Fierce Grace studios in London, with a brand new one opening in the summer, and classes offered in ten more UK locations including the prestigious David Lloyd clubs, as well as licensed studios in Dublin Ireland, New York City and in Rome, Italy. There are studios offering running the business, teaching there, the method in Ohio, Cincinnati, Washington DC, Sweden, Sao Paolo, and Brazil. There are instructors trained to
teach the Fierce Grace method globally.

time to time with UK brands such as "Yes to” and Jason, Aveda, Vita Coco, and they have their own in-house juice man/chef called Davide who makes organic juices.

At Fierce Grace, they value simple, safe poses that everyone can do and the repetition of template poses has huge benefits. From Pernetta's Ashtanga Vinyasa's practice she believes in the value of a more flow-based practice and how non-static movements, such as Sun Salutations, which develop a sense of freedom and non-rigidity can free the practitioner on an emotion al and mental level. As the body is so complex, one needs a large number of asanas in order to approach the body from every angle and to confuse weak or dormant muscles and habitual physical patterns. To this end, the Fierce Grace system is a system of classes that encompass all these qualities and contains nearly 200 poses. This ensures the entire body is used and moved in every way possible.

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FIERCE GRACE

LES
172 Allen St 2nd Fl NY, NY 10002 

Locations include London, Rome, Brazil, Sweden, and Ireland

www.fiercegrace.com
 

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Athleisure List | Fierce Grace in mag.

IN STYLE WITH EMMITT SMITH

Without question, Emmitt Smith is known as one of the greatest NFL players of all time! We were honored to take a moment with him during the Super Bowl earlier this month to find out about his partnership with Haggar Clothing Co, the importance of his relationship with his father, what the Super Bowl means to him, his fuel foods when he works out, his participation in Dancing with the Stars and his work in Real Estate! Emmitt shares it all with us as well as his hidden talents and what he's up to at the moment.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your partnership with Haggar Clothing Co and the search for Haggar Hall of Fame Dads.
 
EMMITT SMITH: Haggar is special to me because they made one of my very favorite pieces of clothing I’ve ever worn – my Pro Football Hall of Fame Gold Jacket. When I got the call that not only were they launching a Hall of Fame for Dads, but they wanted me to help get the word out, I thought it was a great idea. I’m in the Hall of Fame because I had a dad who sacrificed for me, worked hard to take care of his family and supported my dreams. There are dads and father figures across America who do that every day for their kids, step-kids, students and extended family. They don’t get enough recognition, and I think it’s wonderful that Haggar is celebrating these guys and reminding us all how important dads are to future generations. I hope everybody goes to HaggarHOFDad.com to nominate a great dad in their life.

AM: With this activation focusing on fathers, what is the special relationship that you have with your father?

ES: My father has always been a strong presence in my life. He’s the reason I pursued my dreams, made it to the Super Bowl and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. When I was six, I told him I wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys someday, and he said that would be a good goal. There was no question – no discouragement, no “that’s a really hard thing to do.” That simple statement supported me so much, and it became my life goal.  My dad sacrificed and worked hard for his family, he encouraged my dreams and taught me how to make the dream a reality. He also taught me about what it really means to be a father.

AM: As a Pro Football Hall of Famer, what special place does the Super Bowl hold for you?
 
ES: The Super Bowl holds so many of my greatest memories. Earning the chance to play in it with my team, the Dallas Cowboys. Winning it. Being named MVP. Learning that I would be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame – all things I associate with the Super Bowl. But more than all of those, the Super Bowl is where I learned what a special man my father is. The day before Super Bowl XLIV, my dad and I were spending some time together and he told me how proud of me he was, which was something I’d always known. Then he told me something else I hadn’t  – the story of how he’d dreamed of being a pro football player himself, and that he’d given up his chance to play college ball on scholarship to take care of his family. That’s the day I learned I was living not only my dream, but his, and that I was fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. That’s one of the many things I think of when I think of the Super Bowl.
 
AM: We have seen you as an analyst for the NFL, ESPN; however, you have also been a host for Miss Universe as well as appearing twice on Dancing with the Stars - what other ventures or activities have you been a part of since you stopped playing professionally? 

ES: Following my NFL career I enjoyed venturing into broadcasting, then turned my attention to my real passion – business development, starting with construction and real estate. I have since developed a multi-tiered and multi-faceted enterprise originating with my construction company, and has expanded to include subsequent enterprises. We have been blessed to have notable success and will continue to expand into new ventures.

AM: What was it like when you first joined the cast of Dancing with the Stars and how did you feel that preparation you did for the weekly dance show?

ES: I was very excited when I first joined Dancing with the Stars, until I saw some of the dancers I was going against like Monique Coleman, Joey Lawrence and Mario Lopez and how good they were. Then I got nervous, but I knew that my dedication, hard work and commitment would pay off. I trained and I trained hard.
 
AM: How important is fitness to you post professional football and can you tell us how you stay in shape, how long you spend working out and what your go-to fuel foods are?

ES: Fitness and taking care of your health is the key to longevity. Good cardio, paying attention to your body, physicals and eating properly are essential. Cycling has become my new workout and has now become an extension of my charitable efforts through the Emmitt Smith Gran Fondo. Cycling is a challenging work out, but riding for miles and miles is a lot easier on my body after 20 plus years of football. Being out in the fresh air, taking in the beautiful scenery can’t be beat. My go-to is my favorite – grits, eggs and bacon. (Laughs) Can that count as fuel food?

AM: When you're not working on a number of projects, what would we find you doing on your time off?

ES: Time off? I’m a full-time father of five very active kids and my wife’s biggest cheerleader. We have a full calendar of the kids’ activities ranging from basketball, football, soccer, creative endeavors and the like. Everything is very family-centric or focused on charitable work and I love it. I do indulge in a round of golf during my downtime.

AM: We know that you were a phenomenal football player, and you're a great dancer - what are other hidden talents that you have yet to reveal or planning on revealing?

ES: (Laughing) I can sing. Just joking. My hidden talents should probably stay hidden. They need to be developed a bit more before making them public.

AM: With the winter Olympics coming up, what are your favorite sports that you enjoy cheering?

ES: You know, I’m really more of a Summer Olympics guy because of track & field, but I’m going to be watching the Winter Games. I’m interested in the women’s and men’s bobsled because of their Texas connections, speed skating and the skiing events.

AM: What are you looking forward to in 2018 and what can we keep an eye out for that you are working on or participating in?

ES: I have a lot of exciting ventures on the horizon. I have a great team of experienced partners and am looking forward to continuing to grow our footprint in Texas in commercial real estate, construction and infrastructure. 

PHOTOS COURTESY | JERRY COLI/DREAMSTIME + MBR IMAGES/DREAMSTIME
 

Read more from the Feb Issue and see In Style With Emmitt Smith in mag.

WIN THIS | #GETINMOTION

A few days ago, we went to ((305)) Fitness to workout with DJ and HBFit.com's Hannah Bronfman as well as to check out Tampax Pearl Active which has a MotionFit™ core that conforms to your unique shape so that you can literally do any workout that you can imagine. We love the idea of inspiring women to #GetInMotion and to find a routine that keeps them active all year long. Think about the idea that you can workout on your normal schedule without having to skip a few days when that time of the month hits. Although many power through, there are a number of people that don't and pain aside, it comes from the concern of leakage and others knowing that it happens! Enter Tampax Pearl Active and even Hannah agrees that, "It takes 21 days to form a habit and that means in just one month you can create an active routine you can stick to this year. This also means you will need to push through your period and keep moving throughout that week. Tampax Pearl Active with MotionFit technology moves with you for 100% Leak-Free workouts."

We're not known to be Stingy so we're giving one reader the opportunity to win a pack from our friends at Tampax Pearl Active and HBFit.com. It includes Tampax Pearl Active as well fitness goodies that will help you in your workout as well as recovery. Simply tweet @AthleisureMag as well as @Tampax to share with us the workouts that you enjoy doing and that you don't want to stop just because it's your time of the month - include #GetInMotion. We will run this contest throughout this month and will select a winner on March 1st!

NYFW FW18 | GRUNGY GENTLEMAN

Earlier tonight, we attended one of our favorite menswear lines, Grungy Gentleman FW18, founded by Jace Lipstein who is also the designer. During his show, he showcased  GG x Darrelle Revis (Kansas City Chiefs), GG x National Basketball Players Association collection and GG x Subway Tile Shirts. Looks were paired with Grungy Gentleman x Timberland footwear and a Grungy Gentleman x Chalk Line bomber jacket, along with footwear provided by Adidas. 

Prior to and after the show, DJ Juanyto of Hot 97 played a set while we enjoyed Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice and Hennessey. Hair and makeup was done by New York Institute of Beauty. NFL Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Darelle Revis opened the show along with Seattle Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor, NY Giants running back Wayne Gallman, and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Nolan Carrol, who modeled/walked in what was Grungy Gentleman’s 8th menswear runway show. 

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE WALL

If you don't follow their Instagram, we want to put THE WALL on your radar. THE WALL was created by celebrity trainer and group fitness guru Jason Wimberly. After more than a decade
in the fitness industry, and having taught at some of the top studios in the country like SoulCycle, Revolution Studio, and Equinox, the former professional ballet dancer decided it was time to create his own concept. Combining his experience of having taught over 6000 classes throughout his career, he created the 123STACK, which is THE WALL’s signature workout.

The vision began in 2016, but in early 2017, THE WALL launched its first pop up location on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. Designed as a space to introduce the curriculum and the brand,
the pop up (take advantage of the $18 introductory class prices) has been a great introduction, but will shut down end of February to focus on opening the new 5000 sq ft flagship studio located on Wilshire and Labrea. Opening date for the flagship studio is projected to be April 2018.

The new flagship studio goes beyond what you would expect from most fitness studios. Designed by De Spec Architecture out of NYC with a focus on communal space outside of the designated workout areas, the studio will be a mecca for all things health and fitness, with two separate studios, one for weight training and one for cycling. A large lobby and retail area
designed for connecting and unwinding - will feature athleisure brands Sukishufu, Vimmia, Year of Ours, Michi and men’s label EYSOM, as well as THE WALL’s own signature collection. Finished off by full service luxury locker rooms featuring a private label of bath products from Gazelli UK. Clients will be invited to refuel and rehydrate at THE BAR, the studio's own juice bar and café. THE WALL will be partnering with brands like Café Gratitude and Clover Juice to create original menu items exclusively for the in house café. Add on free spin shoe rental, free filtered water stations, and free 90 minute parking, and it’s safe to say every detail has been planned meticulously by Wimberly and team.

Wimberly combined his experience of having taught over 6000 classes in his career, and dreamt up the 123STACK, which is THE WALL’s signature workout. Comprised of 10 minutes of core activation, 20 minutes of high intensity circuit training, and 30 minutes of indoor cycling, the entire concept of THE WALL is to push you beyond whatever is holding you back, by physically and mentally pushing you to break through. All with a team of seasoned instructors that have expanded the offerings to include STACKED; a 45 minute rhythmic weight training class, full spin classes, and are in the process of launching a restorative recovery class to the schedule.

One of the things that sets THE WALL apart from other fitness studios, is that all classes are done in rhythm and in unison. While most studios utilize stations or circuits in programming,
clients often cycle through stations without any real sense of togetherness. Focusing on the power of the group, and building community, regardless of what weight you decide to lift or where you start, at THE WALL, everyone finishes together.

THE WALL POP UP
7503 W Sunset Blvd @ Gardner
LA, CA 90046

THE WALL FLAGSHIP
730 La Brea @ Wilshire Blvd
LA, CA 90038
 

www.thewallfitness.com

Read more from the Jan Issue and see Athleisure List | THE WALL in mag.

REEBOK | WOVEN INTO THE FUTURE

Earlier this fall, Reebok announced a new footwear technology called Flexweave - revolutionary shoe upper material that is incredibly versatile, providing a balance of lightness, durability, fit and stability. Reebok partnered with three designers across the world to create bespoke fitness prototypes to showcase this one-of-a-kind material.

The design partnerships within this collective are known as "Woven into the Future" and includes an altitude-training mask from the UK design collective Modla (ENG) that showcases the material’s softness and durability, an “active seat” from Dutch collective Odd Matter (AN) that highlights its flexibility and strength, and GPS-enabled gloves by Joe Doucet x Partners (USA) to display the material’s customization and versatility.

The Flexweave material will first be seen in the FAST Flexweave running shoe, available in February on Reebok.com, and the material was developed through the Reebok Innovation Collective (a division championing the open-sourced pursuit of progression via innovation and partnerships that aims to push the boundaries of invention). These partnerships with the global fitness brand explored the potential of Flexweave and explored its limitless potential to create a unique product that links form and function to create an aesthetic product that utilizes the benefits of the technology while serving a fitness purpose. Flexweave boasts an open figure-8 construction that interlocks unlimited strands of fibers to create a single surface construction that is as strong as it is light. All designers worked with the version of the textile that will appear in the first-generation of Reebok Flexweave footwear, launching in 2018, made from chenille yarn.

JOE DOUCET X PARTNERS -  New York City, United States

As a designer, entrepreneur, inventor and creative director, Joe Doucet is one of the most sought-after creative talents in America. Doucet designed a pair of Reebok Flexweave running gloves, form-fitting to the wearers hand, absorbing sweat as they run and lightweight for maximum comfort. The prototype was designed with the vision of being GPS-enabled, guiding the wearer through their run with flashing LED lights to indicate when to turn left or right.

“My inspiration was to capture the unique qualities of the Flexweave technology through something advantageous to an active lifestyle. The strength, flexibility and multi surface durability of Flexweave led me to the idea of a ‘smart’ running glove with a sleek, stylish silhouette. With the form crafted by Flexweave, the next stage of development would be GPS integration paving the way to a new frontier in wearable technology,” said Doucet.

ODD MATTER -  Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Odd Matter is a design studio driven by curiosity; researching, creating and exploring the world through its materials, processes and concept. The duo created a furniture series of ‘active sitting’ chairs; made through a combination of Reebok Flexweave and malleable EVA foam.

“The Inspiration for the chair came from the Flexweave material itself. Whilst experimenting and playing with the fabric we were very intrigued by its behavior, structure and strength under tension. From there we wanted to create an object that played with that tension, a bit like the string of a bow, something in which the tension and strength is palpable,” said Els Woldhek, Odd Matter.

“Working with the Flexweave was very interesting, for instance when cutting it in different directions you straight away notice the differences between the fibers and the technical properties of the Flexweave. This in turn has made us really curious about everything else that is possible with the technology.”

MODLA – London, England

Co-founded by Jon Fidler and Richard Goddard, Modla is an artistic design house specializing in technological innovation, pushing the creative boundaries of 3D printing and digital 3D design. The pair created an entirely new Reebok Flexweave altitude training mask; 3D printing the valve technology across the nose and mouth, coupled with a Flexweave facial strap to comfortably wrap around the wearer’s face during intense training.

"I do a lot of high intensity training so I’m interested in how such equipment works, functions and can help improve performance. But we also saw the potential in the aesthetic of the Flexweave material, to create something which would blend with the mask and align with the contours of the wearer’s face.

As it happens, the Flexweave material provided even more benefit than just the aesthetic and was amazing to work with. It’s strong and durable, so perfect for a product that will get a lot of wear and tear; while also incredibly lightweight, making it breathable on the face for athletes when training." said Fidler.

“Flexweave is going to a major part of the Reebok DNA moving forward. With this creative and imaginative project, we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do; demonstrate through collaborations in other fields what Flexweave can truly achieve when put to the ultimate test,” said James Woolard, Global Marketing Director, Reebok Running.

“The Reebok Innovation Collection champions the pursuit of partnerships and innovations that will continue propelling the brand forward in spaces like fitness, fashion and footwear. Flexweave represents a huge step forward in footwear upper technology and brings with it a wave of anticipation and excitement for what the future holds for this brand”.

Reebok has extended the creative experience around Flexweave to its community, setting up an interactive digital experience on the Reebok Innovation Collective website called ‘Create Your Weave’; inviting you to construct your own virtual weave design and share it with friends.

The brand is also working with one of Savile Row’s finest tailors, Huntsman & Sons, to create a bespoke men’s suit made from Flexweave. Designed for Reebok Running ambassador and superstar WR Brandin Cooks, the experimental pursuit will be complete in Spring 2018.

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Missed the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag? Check out our cover girls EDM DJ duo NERVO.

#TRIBEGOALS | RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TRIBE TO EAT, WORK & PLAY

After the ball drops and you had the most epic night at the Marquee Las Vegas at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, to begin a prosperous New Year, you'll want to give your body extra love. We have our three must haves for proper TLC.

| VASELINE® INTENSIVE CARE Cocoa Radiant Smoothing Body Butter | CO2LIFT Single Pack Anti Aging Treatment | ICONIC PROTEIN Grass Fed Protein Drink |

Read more from the Dec Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.

FORM AND FUNCTION WITH DR GREUNER

2018 will be many things, but we hope in addition to your other plans and goals, that focusing on your health will be at the top of the list! We took some time to talk to NYC Surgical Associate's head doctor and Co-Founder, Dr Greuner. He is an extremely exclusive and prestigious award-winning cardiovascular surgeon who is one of the most talented in his field. He is also a social media influencer for health and fitness. We wanted to find out about how he
found his calling to be a doctor, his passion for fitness (if you haven't checked his Instagram, check it out) and how we can have positive heart health.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you come to be a cardiovascular surgeon?

DR. GREUNER: Believe it or not, by accident. I was a NCAA athlete in college, and an economics and human performance major. My plan was to open a chain of objectively measured analytics for top tier athletes upon graduation, and this was a childhood dream of mine. I took medical classes to develop my knowledge of human anatomy and physiology for this reason in school, and became so enamored discovering how the human body functions. It’s beautiful, and completely logical. I could speak for hours on this, and I read about it more to this day for personal enjoyment, much the same way an art aficionado looks at beautiful pieces.

As my understanding grew, so did my desire to learn more, and soon, I had basically filled my requirements for medical school, solely via personal interest. My father and mother were in the middle of a divorce at the time I finished college, and I moved closer to my father to help him through this difficult time, as we had always been very close. I applied to medical school at
that time where he was living, and was accepted. I finished, but never planned on practicing, until my surgery rotation, which fascinated me. I applied to surgical residency and I was accepted.

During my surgery residency, I rotated through cardiac surgery, and it was love at first sight. The rhythm, the physiology, the technical prowess, and the nerves of steel required hypnotized
me, and I knew there was nothing else I would rather do.

To this day, everyone asks me why I am so happy heading to work in the morning. The truth is, I theoretically found the love of my life by accident…..

AM: How can we maintain positive heart health?

DR. G: There are so many answers to this question, but in short, regular cardio and a diet rich in essential fatty acids and low in foods that promote oxidative stress are the two main keys.

For the function of your heart, or “cardiovascular fitness,” you should maintain at least 3 sessions of active cardio where your heart rate is above 120 bpm, for at least 20 minutes per week to maintain your level of cardiovascular fitness. Less than that, and you will consistently deteriorate with time in terms of your cardiac function. More than that, and you will consistently improve.

The next category is maintaining pristine condition of your heart, to allow it to function effectively. Anything that causes tissue damage is called “oxidative stress”. I’m sure you have all heard of anti oxidants. These are the chemicals that act to buffer these oxidative stress. Think of it as a balance, like a mathematical equation. If you go into a negative number, because of oxidative stress, you must take in antioxidants to get back to a neutral state, and “balance it out” so to speak.

Oxidative stress can come from any source, such as chemicals in processed food, chemical injury such as smoking or pollution, and even extra strenuous workouts. It’s all about consistency, and awareness to keep you in the positive direction to avoid tissue damage.

AM: It's clear that you are also into health and fitness, why is this important and what are the benefits?

DR. G: Yes, fitness is a huge part of my life, and for a variety of reasons

1. its one of my main coping mechanisms.

I definitely have a very stressful job surgically speaking, and I also have a significant administrative role in a very large private practice, which let me tell you, comes with some unwanted stress. Given that role, I need some release mechanisms that don’t involve unhealthy habits, and working out is one of my go to methods, particularly cycling, running, and martial arts, all of which require an intense amount of focus and “zoning out” so to speak. I reach a sort of meditative state for lack of a better word, that allows me a tranquil period and a mental cleansing for other things that may be weighing on my mind at the time. Well, at least until the next hurdle…..

2. It preserves my form and function.

Lets face it. Whether we are 18 or 60, we are all aging daily, and aging takes its toll on the body. And none of that is making us more fit. In fact, it gets harder to maintain levels of fitness as we age for a variety of reasons. You can either accept that, or fight the trend by working harder to be better. I choose the latter. In fact, my lap times running, and some of my muscle functionality is better than where it was in my twenties as a result of me training so intensely these days, a fact that I’m extremely proud of. Now if only my back injuries would respond the same way…..

AM: Nutrition is key. How can we stay healthy during the holiday while splurging during this time of year?

DR. G: I’m a HUGE fan of cheat days. Both because I love to eat probably more than anyone I know, and also because there are definite benefits to them, if your diet is on track the rest of the time. In general, I’m sure you have heard of muscle confusion workouts. The basic premise behind this, is that if you do the same workout for a prolonged period of time, eventually,
your muscles become accustomed to it, and you will no longer push them to the point where they need to become stronger, as they simply become more efficient. How do you avoid this and enjoy improved function with every workout? By switching it up and keeping your muscles and body “confused” and not knowing what to expect.

It’s the same with your diet. If you keep to a strict, low calorie diet for a prolonged period of time, your body is programmed to preserve the status quo by nature, and it will simply become
more efficient and lower your metabolism in order to burn calories in an efficient way. In short, you will basically become a human Pruis metabolically speaking, which trust me, is NOT what you want. You want to be that big V8 that burns calories at a rapid rate. How do you do this? By implementing a cheat day once a week, where you consume a tremendous amount of calories, and make your body feel like endless calories will be available much like the credit market was in the 1990s. Then, just when your body is adapting, which takes a few days, you pull the carpet from underneath it, and drop it back into a low calorie state while it still thinks that endless energy is available. Just when it’s starting to sense that it needs to be more “financially responsible” from a calories standpoint, your throw a curveball again and bring in fat, carbs, and everything that it wants. Keep doing this, and your body will have to keep guessing, and you will always burn fat at a faster rate and keep it lean. Plus, you get to eat cake
and fries….

AM: What are 3 workouts that guys should do to get great abs and calves?

DR. G: You should always think of gaining muscle mass as a separate category than acquiring muscle definition. A muscular, ripped physique is the Holy Grail for most men, and there are
many reasons most of us are not walking around looking like Greek gods. It’s very difficult to achieve both. To gain muscle mass, we have to stress our muscles, beyond what they are used
to stimulate them to grow. Most of the gym theories on heavy weights with low weight vs light weights and high reps are false. The endpoint needs to be complete and total muscle fatigue so that your body is uncomfortable and is stimulated to adapt to be able to deal with the new level of performance you demand from it. It doesn’t really matter how you achieve that level of stimulation, as long as you achieve it. If you are trying to attain a different level of functionality, meaning strength vs endurance, the type of training you do definitely matters.

This being the case, I always pick the easiest way to look the best. And for me, that is doing heavy weights with low reps, as it’s the quickest, most efficient way to stimulate growth. My ab
routine typically consists of hanging leg raises with leg weights, ab pulldowns with heavy weight (150+lbs) and weighted, slant bench sit ups with a 40-50lb medicine ball. When it comes time to train for an event, I switch to more reps to improve my function. For calves I use weighted donkey presses, and weighted calf raises.

In order to allow your muscles to grow, you must also give them the fuel and rest they need, much like a growing child, which is why it’s difficult to stay ripped and build muscle. Girls have it so easy…..

To show off that hard-earned muscle, you must be in a calorie deficit, to make your body lose the fat and expose that hard-earned mass. Without a low body fat, you will never look good, regardless of the amount of muscle you build.

You may ask, “When I drop my calories, won't I lose muscle?” which is a legitimate concern. The short answer is, yes you will. But you can minimize muscle loss by manipulating your diet, as well as supplements promoting testosterone, and supplying branched chain amino acids, which are key to my routine. BCAAs basically fool your body into believing it has broken down muscle already, so it shifts to breaking down fat instead when you are in a caloric deficit, and are one of the keys to preserving muscle mass when dieting hard for fat loss.

AM: What are your energy foods that you enjoy eating that you can take with you when you have a hectic day and can't get out like you would like?

DR. G: I typically bring some lean, but very satisfying meat cuts to work with me, which promote satiety, but at the same time, allow me to not over indulge in calories. Turkey, lean beef, and chicken are my go to choices.

The key to any diet that promotes a lean, muscular physique is to avoid high blood sugar levels, which stimulate insulin release. Insulin is the main hormone involved in fat gain, so you want to minimize its presence in your blood.

The best way to do this is to avoid high sugar foods. So if you’re going to snack, use high protein snacks like beef jerky, or complex carbs, like high fiber or oat bars with low sugar content. As soon as you cause a sugar spike, you basically put yourself behind the 8 ball in terms of your physique. Yes, it's THAT important.

AM: As a stylist, I'm prepping a number of my clients for their red carpet moments during Awards Season what are food must-haves and workouts that you would suggest they incorporate into their routine?

DR. G: In general, I look at workouts and diet as trying to achieve two different goals. How you look is 80 percent a function of your diet, and how you perform is mostly dependent on your workouts. The only exception to this, is trying to attain a very high level of muscle in which case you absolutely must work out consistently to stimulate muscle growth.

That being the case, diet is the key to looking great. You could work out all day long, but if you eat badly, you will look terrible. If you barely workout, but your diet is clean, you will look much better than you think, which is often overlooked. Often I hear “I work out, I can eat whatever I want today.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you think about it, in a hugely strenuous workout for an hour, the average person would burn maybe 1000 calories, or one larger slice of cheesecake. Do the math on that. Fat loss is a simple mathematical equation. Eat
fewer calories than you burn, and you will lose weight. The easiest way to do that, unless you want to work out 6 hours a day, is to keep your diet clean.

Read more from the Dec Issue and see Form and Function with Dr. Greuner in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU 2018

Our second annual NEW YEAR N3W YOU is back as the next year is around the corner. It's time for some of our favorite friends to share THE GOOD, THE ADD and THE BUZZ that they're looking forward to for 2018!

PHOTO COURTESY | Marco David

GIA MANTEGNA
ACTRESS
+
SINGER

PHOTO COURTESY | James Clark

THE GOOD

I’m really excited about Life After First Failure. We filmed it in the spring and it came out a few weeks later. It was a really positive experience – great cast and crew. It was great to be a lead on the show in a new platform. I was really proud of it.

Another positive thing which is also a negative but they go together – it’s women speaking out, coming together and talking about the sexual allegations. Regardless of what happened, it’s an amazing movement that is happening in our industry and it’s kind of giving a lot of power and confidence
to women who didn’t have it before. I think it’s making parents aware that they have to teach their children to speak up, be bold, be independent and don’t let a man push you around. It’s great for all women. I mean, I go into these auditions all the time and it’s
usually men. Male directors, casting directors
and it’s this weird pseudo safety bubble that we have now where you can’t get away with it anymore. It’s a terrible time for men to be in the industry but a great one for us.

My sister is really good, she’s an artist and has had a lot of shows – her works have been showing in a number of art galleries across the Northwest in Seattle, Sacramento and I’m proud she’s pursuing it.

THE ADD

I think my singing is something that I want to get back in focus on. I want to perform, work with a band and be creative. As an artist I want to continue to create content.

I want to learn how to embrace social media. I have rejected it for so long as I didn’t want to do it and I wanted to be mysterious but I have learned, it’s part of the job! How many followers do you have, what’s your aesthetic – so many things around it and I always felt that it had nothing to do with me but now
I know that that’s not true. I have to embrace it and figure out what my voice is. I worked with 16 year old on Life After Failure and she had a million followers on Instagram and she was an influencer and it was interesting to be introduced to that world that I knew nothing about. Now I know how important is to use that platform to get the word out about the show and to use it in a responsible and positive way. So in the New Year I want to use it without focusing on vapid selfies and to keep it creative, inspiring and to learn about me in a connected way.

THE BUZZ

There’s nothing coming out just now as Life After Failure is out so it’s a little slow with the holidays and all the things that are going on so it won’t happen until after the new year when everyone is back in the office. But I will be sharing socially when everything is
able to be shared. But LAF is available now and we're the newest show, it's free, funny an a quick/easy watch - it's cute and you can throw it on.

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See our celebs weigh in on their N3W YOU I as they prepared to ring in 2017!

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CAT CORA
CHEF
IRON CHEF
PERSONALITY
+
RESTAURATEUR

THE GOOD

I got engaged to my fiancé Nicole and gained two sons, two more wonderful parents, a brother, sister-in-law and 3 nephews. Now, Nicole and I have 6 boys between us. This year my mom went into remission for cancer after a long 4 1/2 year battle. My family is healthy and I am personally happier than I have ever been.

Professionally, Nicole became CEO of our company. I was on Fox’s “My Kitchen Rules”, was on 4 magazine covers, created two new shows for 2018, opened my 10th restaurant, “Wicked Eats” in Brooklyn and began working with Team USA. I also did a lot of philanthropic work around hurricane relief,
fire crisis and other needs around the world. We have so much coming out in 2018 so stay tuned.

THE ADD

Our culinary/lifestyle line and running the New York Marathon.

THE BUZZ

In 2018 we have new shows that we are launching including, an animated show. We are also launching a culinary line and a new cookbook. But most importantly and the most exciting, I’m getting married to Nicole in April 2018, with our 6 boys by our side.

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PHOTO COURTESY | Sophy Holland

HOLLY RILINGER
CELEB FITNESS TRAINER
+
NIKE MASTER TRAINER

PHOTO COURTESY | Matt Doyle

THE GOOD

I released my first book and I’m pretty darn excited and proud of it! LIFTED is a 28 day program designed to strengthen your body, focus your mind and elevate your spirit. Whether you are a trained athlete or simply trying to take your first steps, this book is
important. Meditation, exercise, goal setting, nutrition and visualization are just a few topics I’m excited to share with my readers.

Another amazing thing that happened to me in 2017 is love. I met my girlfriend and am madly in love. I think it’s important to mention that this happened on the tail end of a professional disaster. I took a position that wasn’t for me and at the time it felt like a huge failure. In hindsight, that “mishap”
allowed me to find balance in my life. It was the first time in 8 years that I wasn’t married to my work. I learned more about myself last year than I did in the last eight years.

THE ADD

I believed 2017 would be the year I started something new; a new chapter in my life. I’ve found great success as a trainer and coach, released my first book and was featured on a network television show; all great accomplishments, but to me, all catalysts for
something bigger. I’ve hired a personal coach named Sonni Talant who will mentor me and help me navigate this amazing new year. Big things are coming!

THE BUZZ

Expect to see me training and speaking in cities all over the country. Also, get ready to work with me wherever you are. I will be more accessible to more people all over the world. Streaming content, workshops, online coaching watch for it all. I’m also a big fan of the body positive movement after working
with Aerie and The All Woman Project. It’s time we all exercise more self love and acceptance. This will be a big part of everything I do in the new year.

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See our celebs weigh in on their N3W YOU I as they prepared to ring in 2017!

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PHOTOS COURTESY | NBC Universal

TELLI SWIFT
E! WAGS ATLANTA

THE GOOD

2017 has been an amazing year for me! I’ve launched my website – complete with an online store and blog, and I’m currently working on an app that teaches you how to get the life you want, including your dream man! The app features daily empowerment quotes, my favorite recipes, fitness tips, live chats and videos, and so much more. I’m also expecting a child with my significant
other so I really couldn’t ask for anything more!

THE ADD

I’m still working on my app content which won’t be available until 2018. It’s a lot of work being pregnant, managing a household, taking care of your family, and being a business woman – but at the end of the day everything must be accomplished and will get done!

THE BUZZ

I have a number of significant events to come in 2018! My baby shower will be in January, my baby is due in early February, and my man (WBC Heavyweight title holder since 2015 - Deontay Wilder) fights at Barclays Center in NYC on March 3rd! We will also be building and buying a home by the lake for our growing family, so there is much more to come! Plus I can't wait to check out the first season of our show, E!'s WAGS Atlanta, when it premieres in January. 2018 is a year I’m definitely looking forward to!

Tune-In to the season premiere of WAGS Atlanta on Wednesday, January 3rd at 10p ET/PT on E!

Read more from the Dec Issue and see N3W YOU in mag.

FOOTWEAR.FASHION.LIFESTYLE | SOUL DXB

There are a number of events that are taking place in the first few days of December as we begin to close out your year. From music festivals Art Basel Miami and more. Sole DXB takes place in Dubai Dec 7th - 9th and focuses on Fashion, Footwear and Lifestyle by merging a number of brands and musicians together for a fun experience. Sole DXB is helmed by Hussain Moloobhoy (began his career at Saatchi London and moves to the Middle East and joined Saatchi and Saatchi Dubai where her served as its Creative Director - he took a sabbatical to explore global designs and fashion industries which led him to create a creative agency), Joshua Cox (serves as Co-Founder of Sole DXB to create a platform to help revive culture and inspire the urban fashion industry of the region), Kris Balarite (with a focus on creative design and advertising as well as freelancing with sports brand consulting, he serves as a Co-Founder of Sole DXB and is the brand creative director for the first ever basketball concept store in the Middle East known as Conquer) and Rajat Malhotra (in addition to being a partner in the Sole DXB, Rajat established a media and telecom business where he served as a CEO as well as partnering with Sunny Rahbar as a Co-Founder of the Third Line Gallery which has allowed curated exhibitions in NYC's gallery Stellar Rays).

With their creative backgrounds, we wanted to know more about what Sole DXB is as it has taken place for a number of years and is constantly focused on specific cultures that are being presented. With its mixture of art, sports, music and footwear, we took some time to find out more about this event.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Summarize in your own words what Sole DXB is?

SOLE DXB: VERY. DOPE. A celebration of hip-hop culture that has been so integral to our lives. We're simply creating an event that we, as people, wold want to go to. Just so seems there's a lot of others like us too...

AM: What is the decision behind celebrating various cultures at various points of your event from Amercan Hip Hop one year, British Hip Hop and this year, Japanese contemporary design?

SD: Culture is global, its nuance local, our individual upbringings widespread. As partners, we all grew up across different cities all around the world, but moved to Dubai eventually. During that process, Dubai had so much to offer, but there were parts of our past lives that we missed and we didn't feel that we should have to get on a place everytime we wanted to experience it. Last year, we looked at how the scene goes down in London. For many it was the year of grime, so we brought out champions of UK sounds like Skept, Stormzy, Little Simz, and Chipmunk. The year before it was very much a look at how the orginators of hip-hop, the US, did things. So we brought in legends like Mobb Deep and DMC (of Run DMC). We consider ever event an education through experience for our consumers. This year. we've looked East, especially at the real design finesse from Japan. So we're bringing out (Fragment founder and) icon Hiroshi Fujiwara to give a talk. Then we have brands like Visvim, Wacko Maria, Neihgborhood and Undercover showcasing their wares. Beyond that, there's some real godfathers of the industry coming down - we have Mass Appeal offering an exclusive international screening of (yet to be shown) Word is Bond. And that's before we even talk music (read: Kano, Pusha T, Goldlink, IAMDDB and more ...).

AM: What are the pillars of DXB offerings that attendees come to expect regradless of the theme running within the year?

SD: The best in beats, kicks, design, food and vibes, all under a big blue sky in the sun. As Bobbito Garcia, our longterm guest and friend said, "there really is nothing else like it in the world." We pride ourselves on a humble and open atmosphere. The days are smooth, the parties are bumping.

AM: What is the Dubai Design District (d3) and why has this partnership been integral to your event?

SD: Dubai Design District is our home, and moreover, the city's destination singularly dedicated to to design. It's the chosen home for the region's growing collective of creatives, artists and designers - and an institution we are very proud to work with. We have been partnered with Dubai Design District for three years now, and recently signed a further three-year contract to mark our mutual respect, and furthermore, agreement to nurture the Middle East's creative culture together. If the last 3 years have been about building our brand and establishing a global presence, the next 3 years will be about nurturing and fostering regional talent We will serve as a platform to showcase our stories to the rest of the world and to connect our international visitors to the community here d3 are central to all of this.

AM: You have a number of amazing entertainers and brands that are participating this year, who are you excited about?

SD: NxWorries (presented by PUMA), King Push, Kano, Teyana Taylor (presented by Reebok), Goldlink, IAMDDB... We have such a variety of great performers it's difficult to pinpoint just one. But there's also the talks, the brand showcases, the art. Hiroshi Fujiwara (Fragment), Jeff Staple (Staple Design), Melody Ehsani, and Peter Bittenbender (Mass Appeal Records) are all speaking amongst others. Then we have the Nike basketball tournament in conjunction with Ball Above All. And Cadillac is hosting the regional debut of Cadillac X Warhol: Letters to Warhol. FRAME is a concept store bringing down some of Japan's leading brands. Then there's' a wealth of really exciting local brands, like amongst few and ANTHLGY doing their thing. And really, that's just the start of it There is a lot to see and do.

AM: Are you already planning next year's event and will there be future cities that you will bring this to?

SD: We are always cooking up plans. 2018 will be a madness - trust us on that!

AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about DXB and how those of us who may not be attending can still be a part of this event?

SD: Follow us on Instagram @SoleDXB - you might not be there but it will definitely make you want to visit.

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Footwear.Fashion.Lifestyle Soul DXB in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SOULANNEX

We've been fans of SoulCycle for years and were excited when we heard about SoulAnnex, the next evolution in fitness and wellness. The Flatiron location is where top instructors are piloting the latest and most effective off-the-bike classes. The focus of this platform is about elevating the way you move off the bike by strengthening, dancing, stretching and moving the body in a whole new way.

Classes are offered 4-5 days and provide a full 360 approach to training that compliments their on-the-bike programming at SoulCycle. The classes focus on three key training areas.

MOVE: Feel the beat, embrace the rhythm, and experience how energy and momentum can take your workout to the next level. Every move you make is done with and for a purpose:
Choreography, set to epic playlists, revs your heart rate and tones muscles from head to toe. The result is an incredibly fun workout that leaves you breathless and happy.

DEFINE: These total-body sessions utilize body weight, free weights, resistance bands and more to sculpt strong muscles. Drawing on varying modalities like high-intensity interval training and plyometrics, instructors will coach you through each rep to help you unlock
your inner athlete and achieve your highest level of physical fitness.

ALIGN: The perfect balancing supplement to your cardio and strength sessions, our restorative classes stretch, lengthen and rehab overworked muscles. Drawing on disciplines like yoga and Pilates, you’ll release tight hips, glutes, and more while improving core strength. Each session integrates mindfulness and body awareness for a 360-degree experience that replenishes you mentally as well as physically.

During the first week of SoulAnnex's opening, we took Fundamental Flows with Eve which was a vinyasa workout that is a balanced mind-body experience where your breath, mantras and
movement come together on the mat and beyond. As you transition from Inner Warrior to Warrior II, each person finds the shapes that awaken your muscles to find clarity, strength and
flow.

Prior to and after class, guests can enjoy complimentary studio amenities that include hair care products by Ouai and 100% organic tampons by LOLA. SoulAnnex features a lifestyle boutique
with SoulCycle's original performance and athleisure collections, as well as a capsule collection that features the signature triangle logo of SoulAnnex.

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SOULANNEX
32 W 18th St NY, NY 10011

Read more from the Nov Issue and read ATHLEISURE LIST | SOULANNEX in mag.

SOMETHING YOUR SHOULD KNOW | RUGGED MANIAC

Whether you run obstacle competition courses or enjoy watching them on TV, I think we can agree that we're obsessed with this method of fitness that our friends and co-workers tell us about. We found out more about Rugged Maniac, the health benefits and how they compare and differ from other courses that are offered in this space.  

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is Rugged Maniac, how long has it been around and how many races take place a year?

ROB DICKENS: Rugged Maniac was founded in 2010 with its first event in October of that year in MA.  We now produce 30 events across the US and Canada each year.  

AM: What brought you to Rugged Maniac and what is your role there?

RD: Rugged Maniac was founded by my business partner, Brad Scudder (CEO), and I (COO, CMO). We met in law school and we both worked as attorneys for a few years before embarking on this adventure. Brad was doing insurance defense litigation at a small firm in MA, while I was at a large international firm on Wall Street doing finance. We both grew up in rural areas and had spent much of our childhoods playing outside and participating in outdoors sports (skiing for Brad and surfing for me - I'm from coastal NC), so sitting at a desk all day didn't quite feel right. We both wanted to do something more adventurous.
 

I got an email from Brad one day stating that he was leaving the practice of law to organize an obstacle course race in his hometown in rural MA.  I was intrigued and after some discussion I also left law to found Rugged Maniac.  I'm the Chief Operating Officer and the Chief Marketing Officer, which means I manage a large part of the company's operations while also overseeing all advertising, design, and PR.
 
AM: What are the similarities/differences of Rugged Maniac versus other obstacle competition companies?
 
RD: Rugged Maniac is now the third largest OCR in the country behind Tough Mudder and Spartan Race.  Our goal is to get everyone off their couches and outdoors having FUN with friends while being active. Our courses are undoubtedly challenging, but we're not going to shock you with electricity, make you jump in ice water, or punish you for not being able to complete an obstacle.  It's not about being bigger, badder, and faster than those around you. It's about pushing your own limits while helping your friends (and strangers!) over the obstacles.  This philosophy has made us the go-to event for people of all fitness levels, not just hardcore athletes.  We also have more women participants than any other OCR.  In fact, women make up 55% of our participants!
 
Speaking of obstacles, we pack more into our 3-mile course (25) than Spartan Race's 5k (20) and Tough Mudder's normal 12-mile course (20).  We also put a lot of emphasis on the entertainment in our festival.  We have a DJ on the main stage, a comedic emcee entertaining the crowd all day, a mechanical bull, pie-eating contests, dance parties, and plenty of craft beer. You simply don't see as big of a party at any other OCR.
 

As for Warrior Dash, they also focus more on the fun aspect of obstacle course racing, but they provide only 10-12 minor obstacles in a 3-mile course, which just doesn't measure up to what other OCRs offer.  
 
AM: What are the health benefits to training for Rugged Maniac and how long is training for a race of this nature?
 
RD: Rugged Maniac is a 5k (3-mile) off-road run with 25 obstacles, each of which poses a different physical challenge. This means that your training has to include not only running, but climbing, crawling, jumping, and balancing - more of a total body workout than when preparing for a normal 5k or marathon.  How long you have to train depends on (1)  your race goal and (2) your current fitness level.  

If your goal is to win the race (only about 5% of runners have this as a goal), you'll need to be able to run a normal 5k in about 16 minutes AND have the upper body strength necessary to complete The Ringer, Pull Your Weight, and The Warped Wall (see www.rugedmaniac.com/obstacles).  However, the vast majority of our maniacs aren't "in it to win it."  They come with a group of friends in order to have a ton of fun while challenging themselves physically.  It's not about beating everyone else; it's about camaraderie and fun.

So if you fall into this category, you'll likely just want to be able to complete all the obstacles.  For most people, this means working on your upper body strength and balance (The Gauntlet, Frog Hop, and Tipping Point). Again, how long it will take to reach that point will depend on your current abilities.
 

AM: How can training for this race be adopted throughout a person's life?

RD: There are no shortcuts to getting in shape, unfortunately.  It doesn't matter what you're training for, you simply have to make exercising part of your daily (or weekly) routine - no excuses. If you want to be in great shape, you need to work out at least three times a week, with the bulk of that time being spent on cardiovascular activities with some strength training mixed in. You don't need a gym membership; you can get in perfect shape by running and doing cody-weight exercises, like push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, etc.   
 
AM: Are Rugged Maniac courses the same and what's it like creating them?
 
RD: The obstacles at each Rugged Maniac event are largely the same nationwide (as are the obstacles for every other OCR brand). Think of an OCR event as a traveling circus, of sorts.  Everything is packed up and shipped to the next location following each event.  Variety comes from the differences in the venues; some are completely flat, some are on mountain slopes, some are in the desert, some are next to a lake. So the runner experience from event to event can vary quite a bit.  Of course, we add a few new obstacles to our courses each year to keep things interesting (while retiring some older designs).

AM: What other events are produced?
 
RD: Rugged Races, the parent company of Rugged Maniac, also owns and produces The Tour of the Battenkill cycling event in upstate New York; the Costume Dash 5k (Halloween costume run) in Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco; and 16 other 5ks/marathons/half marathons throughout New England under the Loco Races name.  

AM: What should we keep an eye out for within Rugged Races 2018?

RD: We plan to continue acquiring a variety of sports properties throughout 2018 as we grow into one of the country's largest event producers. We have some exciting opportunities in front of us so stay tuned for more announcements!

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Something You Should Know | Rugged Maniac in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

AND BREATHE
Hachette
Rebecca Dennis

Can you breathe your way to health and happiness? In And Breathe, Rebecca 

Dennis, a London based breath coach and workshop leader who was trained by Judith Kravitz (Transformational Breath) has written a guide on deep breathing for health and happiness.

The average person inhales and exhales about 20,000 times a day; however, most of those breaths are short and shallow and are known as "stress breaths" because they just reach the chest. This kind of breath creates a constant "fight or flight" response in the body and according to the World Health Organization, they believe that by 2020 depression and anxiety will be the number one disability worldwide.

Throughout the book, there are exercises that are described to guide you through deep diaphragmatic, conscious breathing. These are tools you can use throughout your day and can be done anywhere whenever you need. In addition Rebecca reminds us that breathing is natural and we must retrain our mind to this way of being.
 

THE COMPLETE SLOW COOKER
America's Test Kitchen

Crisp temperatures mean that it's time to start preparing your favorite meals via the Slow Cooker. With over 400 recipes, you'll find that there is something for everyone that can be cooked from appetizers to desserts!

You'll find a number of recipes that take 8 hours to cook via the Slow Cooker as well as those that only take 15 minutes to prepare. We have a feeling that you'll tag a number of finds that you'll make this fall and winter season.
 

LEO FENDER: THE QUIET GIANT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD
Leadership Institute Press
Phyllis Fender + Randall Bell

In the midst of some of the greatest inventions that the world has also enjoyed, Leo Fender created the electric guitar. His interest in electronics lead him to open a radio repair shop in his hometown of Fullerton, California. Band leaders and musicians knew that if their equipment needed to be repaired, then they should go to him.

Leo invented the Fender Stratocaster 

which has been embraced and was/is preferred by world-renowned musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Jeff Beck — to name a few.

Although his work was enjoyed by vibrant luminaries, Leo was a shy inventor who was nearly deaf and had one glass eye.

Beyond designing his notable quitars, in 1946 he founded Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company — the launch pad for his most iconic designs — and later on, G&L Musical Instruments. 

Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around the World shares his story.
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

FROM AIR TO TABLE

Chef Robert Irvine is known for his ability to come into restaurants and turn them around while also boosting the morale of the owners and staff. He is also known for his work with the military through his USO efforts, serving them during the holidays and working out. In addition to his work in these areas, you'll see him frequently on Food Network, morning shows, his own restaurants as well as with additional items within his brand that include gyms, his own food line FIT Crunch and more. 

During NY's Food and Wine Festival, we caught up with Chef Irvine at JetSmarter's Meet and Greet at Hunt & Fish Club in midtown to find out about his role as an ambassador with the charter, his work out routine and how he is spending the holiday season. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us the level of your involvement is with JetSmarter.

ROBERT IRVINE: I’m an ambassador and I am also a user of the service as well as I travel 340 days out of the year.

I’ve partnered with JetSmarter to help design handcrafted meals for members – ensuring access to a healthy meal even in the middle of traveling when many people seem to eat whatever is most convenient. I’m excited about this new partnership with JetSmarter because we share the same views about the culture of air travel and never compromising the quality of a meal, whether on the ground or in the air. Each meal is prepared just hours before takeoff, made fresh to order in Manhattan’s Great Performances catering kitchen. 

AM: What are your favorite amenities that are available at JetSmarter?

RI: JetSmarter gets me to where I'm going quickly and has changed the way I travel as flights can be booked through the app which saves time and there are a number of routes available. It's a no hassle service which is great for me.

AM: With the holidays coming up what is a typical Chef Irvine feast?

RI: It really depends as I spend a lot of time at military bases serving the nation's men and women. I think the holiday season is so important to spend time with loved ones and those that you honor and to give the gift of time. 

AM: How do you stay fit and what is your diet like?

RI:  I work out six days a week and I am able to work out each muscle group using low weights and higher reps. I start each session with 30 minutes of cardio and then each day focus on a different muscle group (chest, legs, arms, etc.). Use a low amount of weight so you can do a higher amount of reps, typically four sets of 12 to 15 reps.

I eat small meals more frequently — eight to 12 meals a day, every two and a half hours. My protein is literally — whether it be chicken or shrimp, whatever it is — no bigger than a deck of cards each meal. And my starch — rice, potatoes, French fries even — no bigger than a mouse you use on your computer per meal. In the afternoon, I don't do carbs. I just do protein and salads and vegetables.

Read more from the Oct Issue and see From Air to Table in mag.

THE TEXAS STAR SHINES ON CARY DEUBER

There are bonafide BRAVO Real Housewives fans at Athleisure Mag. We love the franchise as a whole and of course, we have certain cities that are favorites, but within each one there is always a few characters that we love! When Real Housewives of Dallas joined the franchise, Cary Deuber was an instant favorite and we took some time to find out more about this mom who works with her husband, enjoys her friends and gives back to others.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed seeing you on Real Housewives of Dallas, how did you get on the show and which of the girls from the first season were you already friends with?

CARY DEUBER: I am thrilled to be an official cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Dallas, which premiered on Monday, April 11th, 2016. I can’t believe we’ve come so far! I was found for the show through a friend online through social media. 

I knew Stephanie Hollman before the show, but I’m so glad to have become closer to her and the other ladies. Season 2 also brought some familiar faces with both Kameron Westcott and D’Andra Simmons who I had known for several years before Housewives.

AM: Prior to joining the show, what did you think it would be like?

CD: I had no idea what to expect! :) Honestly, I think that one really can’t KNOW what to expect until they end up in this situation, but it’s certainly been UNIQUE. I thought that it would be a great way to share my story and what I do in business with my husband as a partner. Being in the public eye as a cast member brings a lot of pressure and scrutiny, but we’ve had to learn to keep a thick skin and stay positive. I think that’s what this is all about!

AM: What is it like filming the confessionals and the Reunions?

CD: The confessionals are actually pretty bittersweet for me because on one hand, you get to crack jokes and revisit funny moments throughout the season and really narrate what was going on in your head at the time. On the other hand, you occasionally have to re-live some not so pleasant moments and talk about them all over again whether you’ve gotten past it or not. This is especially challenging when you have a disagreement with a friend or loved one, but in the same way- it is also a bit therapeutic! 

You also have to look at the Reunions as a “glass half full” situation as well. It’s great to set the story straight for things that may have been misconstrued, but it can also open wounds if you let it. With both confessionals and Reunions, the most exciting part is dressing up and speaking your truth! I will always be excited to do that. Unfortunately, at Reunions, however, you cannot wear your sweatpants underneath your ballgown like we do in confessionals! Haha!

AM: Was it a no-brainer for you to return for the second season and what do you like about being in the cast?

CD: I think that coming back for a season 2 was a great opportunity: Another chance to grow our business and also relate to others with our personal lives. What I love about being involved with Housewives is how it allows each of us to connect with other people out in the world that we would have never known otherwise. You just never know who you will cross paths with! It’s like having another job - you make connections and friends and stories that will last a lifetime.

AM: You're a working mom with a number of responsibilities in the home and you work with your husband. How are you navigating these realities?

CD: I think that it’s safe to say that I’ll be navigating these different realities for years! It’s honestly different everyday, but I love being able to wear all the different hats. I’m a wife, mom to a 5 year old, stepmom to a teenager and a 20 year old, nurse, and now, I guess a TV personality! 

There are so many other multi-tasking moms out there that can relate, and I’ve had some great mom advice and work tips from fellow nurses and health professionals that have really helped! Everyone has a special story, but we can also find ways to relate. This is why I think it’s so key to have such different personalities within the group - to reach the masses and help others feel less alone in their issues (whether they be very serious problems or 1st world problems!).

AM: How long have you been a yogi and is there a specific type of yoga you do?

CD: I have been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and I truly love it. I personally like to think of yoga as "my church" because it represents a safe place that I often retreat to for true self-reflection and soul balance. For me - yoga is just a way of life, release, and a great type of exercise! It is all about moving your body, finding a way to connect, identifying peace, and taking a little time for yourself to refresh your mind & body at the same time.

I typically gravitate towards vinyasa flow power yoga.

AM: You're very stylish - what's  your personal style at the office, when you're out and about and for charity events?

CD: What style at the office?? Haha! For work, I generally wear black scrubs, which totally save me during the day because they look neat and feel like pajamas! They also work for running quick errands during the day, as I don't  really make time to change before going out.

When I’m not at the office, though, you can typically find me in some sort of yoga gear or workout athleisure look that can transition well from the grocery store or carpool lane to the yoga studio. Lines like F.WORDS, K-DEER, Alo Yoga, and Spiritual Gangster are some of my top favorites.

Now, when it comes to charity, my husband and I typically prefer to support anonymously, but on the occasion that we attend an event, I defer to my personal stylist (my husband!) to help me out! I’m more of an everyday shopper, and he is great with special occasions. I usually gravitate toward something from Cavalli, Marc Bouwer, Herve Leger, or even a local designer here in Dallas that I love, Mackenzie Brittingham.

AM: What is your style secret weapon?

CD: My plastic surgeon and husband Dr. Mark Deuber is totally my style secret weapon! As an expert in the aesthetic field with European taste, Mark’s eye for detail and style has totally gotten me through several events when I had no clue what to wear. He will sometimes surprise me with a new dress or pair of boots without me even trying anything on! 

AM: What charities are you involved in?

CD: ConnectMed International is a group that I travel with and assist with cleft lips and palate surgeries as well as other congenital deformities or injuries. 

Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization near and dear to our hearts. I personally have a "little sister", named Leslie. She is in third grade and has a younger brother who is 4. I have a school placement which means I go to her school to meet with her. Generally, I go every other week. We play games, draw, make each other cards or just chat. My dream for her is that she is able to achieve her goal of becoming a dentist.

After serving as a Big for 2 years, I can wholeheartedly say that my Little Sister has changed my life just as much as I have changed hers. Supporting this BBBS in makes matches like ours possible.

AM: In Dallas where should we eat, shop and get a cocktail?

CD: I love Nonna for great food and cocktails. It’s one of our family go-tos and not too far from home! Stanley Korshak, Neiman’s, and Lululemon are probably my most visited shopping spots in town. As a mom on the go, I’m usually on a tight schedule and need a place with a good variety to pick up everything I need! 

Bistro 31 always has a great cocktail menu upstairs, but I have to be completely honest… I’m really partial to Mark’s world-famous Deuber-Ritas! He should bottle that recipe and sell it!

AM:  For the holidays, what are you looking forward to and how does the Deuber family celebrate?

CD: We are all looking forward to things slowing down a bit. Our family just likes to get together and really spend time with those that matter the most. I miss my stepson so much during the year, as he’s away at college, so we all look forward to having him home with the rest of the Deuber bunch. I can’t wait for cold weather, tree decorating, and holiday SALES! 

A typical Deuber family holiday includes Mark and I actually cooking together for once, everyone around the table, and lots of thankful hearts. It’s a great opportunity to teach our little one about sharing and helping others, so we always find a special way to involve the family in giving back to those in need.
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see The Texas Star Shines on Cary Deuber in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | Y7 STUDIO

When it comes to working out, there are as many methods as personality types which is a great way to target what makes you feel your best you. Hot yoga has been around a number of studios but time and again, we always hear about the cool vibes of Y7 Studio and with their recent launch of their newest location in Williamsburg, BK we knew we were going to get a significant workout here.

Y7 Studio combines a vinyasa yoga (which is all about flowing and repeating movements in a fluid movement) with hip hop and beats that keep you focused while sweating your butt off in a candlelit studio. It's during each movement, that you realize that your body can seriously push past its limits to stay in sync and that the moves become central to your core. 

Y7 has a number of locations that you can get your sweat on and those who attend the classes swear by their mantra of "A Tribe Called Sweat" and "We Flow Hard". 

Co-Founded by Sara Levey, Y7 has two kinds of classes which include WeFlowHard™ which is a fast paced vinyasa class while Slowburn goes deeper into your tissue and allows you to hold the poses for a longer period of time. Both allow you to have a very successful sweat as you work out in their specially infrared rooms which make you feel like you have walked into a sauna but also ensures that you will be dripping.  Music for WeFlowHard™ focuses on hip-hop and driving beats while Slowburn is more typical of yoga music and is condusive to the movements and vibe.

Although you can rent mats and towels, we suggest bringing your own as it's a good idea to have the mat that works best for you when you're doing the workouts. We definitely suggest laying a towel down on top of your mat as it definitely gets slippery.

Check your location for full amenities as all Y7 Studios have refresh spaces, but Soho has a shower while the Williamsburg location does not.

We also love that Y7 carries its own line of apparel which is great to wear when working out or after the gym. Their line includes their key phrases and definitely makes you feel like you're part of the cool set when you're entering/leaving the studio or wherever you're going next.

Most importantly, it's worth noting that the instructors really do operate on a "do what you can" mentality so as you're taken through each movement, if your body is not comfortable doing something - there are no judgments whether you pause or sit in the other pose. 

You'll find that as you move and see those around you doing so that as a beginner, you pick up what is going and and begin to get into sync with the group.

Although it's suggested that beginners should do Slowburn first, you can also go right to WeFlowHard™.
 

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Y7 STUDIO

NY

Willamsburg - 170 S 1st St
Flatiron - 25 W 23rd St, 4th Fl
Soho - 430 Broome St, 2nd Fl
Union Square - 58 E 11th St
UES - 1459 3rd Ave, 4th Fl
Lab - 262 Bowery, 4th Fl

CA
West Hollywood - 8270 Melrose Ave

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List | Y7 Studio in mag.
 

ATHLEISURE LIST | REVERB

Reverb launched in its current home in April 2017; however, it began as outreach classes in Nov 2016 by founder, Ashley Bell who first taught dance and group fitness in the early 90s.

At Reverb, Center classes and Unwind classes are among their most popular offerings. Center classes allow folks to find the fluid nature of vinyasa practice at a slower pace, and without the shoulder and wrist heavy transitions of that practice.  Unwind classes focus entirely on mobility and breath work, allowing the teachers to call on their preferred techniques, such as yin yoga and myofascial release, to unpack stress and tension.  People also enjoy the studio's Lotus Flow classes.  This dynamic style was created in NYC by Dana Flynn and Jasmine Tarkeshi, and Ashley has 300-hours of training from the Manhattan outpost of that studio, Laughing Lotus.

Community outreach is approached in a variety of ways. On-site, the studio offers a self-selected drop-in rate, allowing students to choose a cost from a price range that works for their budget.  Space is also donated to two lo- cal non-profits each week so that they can use the income from those classes to raise funds for their organizations.  One of those classes is a Recovery Yoga class, for those affected by the disease of addiction.  Residents of a local treatment program also participate each week.  They recently added a free class for local F&B workers in conjunction with the Heirloom Foundation, a group that champions health initiatives for folks in the food and beverage industry – a cornerstone of our local economy. 

Reverb’s studio includes the “Light Box," a 33’x33’ square space with three of the four 20-foot walls made entirely of polycarbonate – a transparent material that allows for ample natural light that shifts beautifully throughout the day.  There is a smaller studio as well, a lovely lounge area with a library of inspiring books and writing/drawing materials, a sizable dressing room, and restroom with shower.  Reverb also offers a small selection of yoga mats and branded gear.

There is a deck that is shared with neighboring offices that overlooks a courtyard adjacent to several restaurant concepts: Bad Wolf, a coffee shop with tasty pastries, homemade ice cream, and a small but crafty cocktail menu; Workshop, an upscale food hall featuring five different rotating restaurant concepts; and Edmund’s East Brewing Company, the tap room/brewing and bottling facilities for a successful neighborhood eatery with a celebrated bar program.

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REVERB

1503 King St
Ste 200
Charleston SC 29405
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List Reverb in mag.

OLYMPIC STYLE | RALPH LAUREN CLOSING UNIFORMS TEAM USA

100 days from now, the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 will take place. Today, the United States Olympic Committee unveiled Team USA’s closing ceremony uniforms, designed by Polo Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams for the sixth Olympic Games in a row.

Olympians Alex and Maia Shibutani in the 2018 Team USA Closing Ceremony Uniforms.

The uniforms worn for the closing ceremony parade are done in patriotic shades of red, white and blue, and include a white water-repellent down jacket; navy double-fleece pants with red stripe detailing, and a vintage ski-inspired sweater in a bold red, white and blue block stripe. They are accessorized, by wool gloves with a winter-inspired intarsia pattern and a matching ski hat; a graphic bandanna featuring the American flag, and brown suede mountaineering boots with red laces.

As always, Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection will be available next month in select Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores as well as Team USA Shop!

IN THE SAND WITH LAUREN

The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang China from Feb 9th - 25th, and we're excited to talk with one of the athletes that made an appearance at the Olympic Summer games as a member of Team USA in Rio, Lauren Fendrick, American Beach Volleyball player whose teammate during the games in Brazil was Brooke Sweat in 2016. Since the games, she is currently partnered with April Ross who we interviewed last year prior to her Olympic appearance.

As we have mentioned in previous interviews with Olympic athletes, before and after the games there is a lot of work, tournaments and competitions that take place beyond what we see during the global games. 

We wanted to know more about Lauren  from how she got into the sport, how she trains (whether there is a different focus when she is preparing for her next game), what she is up to in between Olympic appearances, her goals as she prepares for Tokyo to medal, her foundation, her work with teammate April Ross, what tournaments she's apart of and her recent shoot with JOLYN.

In addition to finding out more about this powerhouse, we also wanted to know more about her partnership with JOLYN which makes swimwear that you will find her wearing when she is on the sandy court, as well as what makes this brand one that stands out in its support of athletes and models. We're getting in the sand as well as making a few notes on closet additions we need to make for our next trip.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into volleyball and what your journey was to make the decision to go pro. 

LAUREN FENDRICK: I played a tiny bit growing up down at moonlight beach (I grew up in Carlsbad) with my friend Molly during the summers, but I honestly didn't even know you could play beach volleyball for a living until I attended my first AVP qualifier in Tempe, AZ in 2003. I was instantly hooked and so determined to do everything I could do make that possibility a reality. The hardest part initially was figuring out how to structure training and finding a way to make money. I worked part-time, trained on the Beach as much as I could, picked the brains of anyone who would let me, watched the top players habits, routines, playing styles and tried to be ready for any opportunity that presented itself within and around the sport. It was a lot of hard work and I made a ton of mistakes along the way, but I fell in love with the sport so I was willing to put in extra work and find ways to get around obstacles. I am also very grateful to have had a number of great mentors, coaches, teammates and competitors to learn from. 

AM: What's your training/workout like when you are preparing for a game and when you're in the off season? 

LF: My workouts and training leading to a match generally taper slightly with volume, but not with intensity. I'll hit my speeds and weights that I normally do, but I'll do fewer reps and sets to fully activate the muscles, while limiting fatigue. In the off-season most of my focus is in the gym on getting stronger, more explosive and balanced. I also like to take time to do other things; cook, read, journal, get out in nature (we went to Yosemite a few weeks back). I'm also coaching the Stanford beach team with the all-star cast of Andrew Fuller (my husband) and Karissa Cook and I've been thinking about signing up for an improv class. 

AM: How was it preparing for the Olympics and are you in prep for the next round of Olympic trials?

LF: Preparing for the Olympics was similar in some ways (like format and teams), but very different in other ways to preparing for other matches and tournaments. In the Olympics, you have much more time to prepare everything (your strength program is at its peak, you can spend more time mentally preparing (meditation/visualization for me), more time to break down video, game plan and strategize and practice those game plans) and there is much more pressure and emphasis on this one event... the entire nation and a lot of the world is following your progress. So the pressure aspect was more than I expected and I didn't even realize I felt pressure until I had some distance after the Olympics to decompress. It's a little surreal with how much attention is paid to just this one tournament, when the actual tournament is so similar to other tournaments. I was so shocked when Matt Lauer knew who we were. Haha. 

Originally, I thought I would be done after Rio, but I feel great, I'm in some of the best shape of my life and I'm still learning and getting better, so the goal is to get back to Tokyo, implement the lessons I learned in Rio (and over the years) and medal. 

AM: We know that you and April Ross were teammates this year! What is the process like for you when you're training with new partners? 

LF: April and I had some great results this season with winning silver at World Champs being the highlight. And considering that we didn't get an off-season together and that she had to take almost 6 weeks off for a broken toe in the middle of the season makes the success even more special. I learn something different from each person I play with. April is such a mentally strong competitor and she knows how to perform even when she's not 100% physically. It's definitely something that I admire about her and look to emulate in my game. 

AM: Where can we see you playing next? 

LF: I just finished my last tournament of 2017 in China and the schedule hasn't officially come out yet, but I believe my next tournament will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the end of February. 

AM: Tell us about your foundation and why you created it and what it does? 

LF: The foundation was created as a way to create mentorships within the beach volleyball community. I'd like to bridge the gap between youth, collegiate, aspiring pros, current pros and former pros. There is so much knowledge and beach volleyball is a community of incredible people and I believe each level has so much knowledge and wisdom and connection to share.  Beach volleyball has some of the greatest people I've ever met. The foundation is on the back burner right now, but I'm working to find ways to expand it's capabilities and reach. 

AM: When you're off season, what is your day to day like?

LF: So, typically I wake up and the first thing I do is check my pulse and oxygen saturation with this cool little device from Masimo. It sounds high tech, but having the data makes my training scheduling so much easier. Then I like to meditate and then I'll head to the gym for my workout for about 3 hours, followed by conditioning, and then I usually have some sort of sports psych, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, journal, or visualization session and then I head to practice with the Stanford beach team. Next up is cooking dinner with my husband and prepping for the following day! I try to cook all my meals in the offseason with an emphasis on organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats or wild fish.

AM: We have stunning images of you in JOLYN Clothing - how did this shoot come about and how long have you been associated with the brand? 

LF: I've been wearing Jolyn since 2013 when Brittany Hochevar and I wore our one pieces in the AVP finals in Huntington. I had a mutual acquaintance with Tanya Gandy, one of the many rad people who work at JOLYN, and I instantly knew that this brand and their products were a perfect fit for me and beach volleyball. It's a suit that can withstand me diving around in the sand, with flattering cuts and styles and cutting edge prints And on top of all that, they use elite athletes as product testers and fit models and their suits are all made in the USA.

The photo shoot was the brain child of Mallyce Miller, the creative director at Jolyn, shot by Sarah Orbanic, hair and makeup by Lauren Urasek, and spirit animal Melissa Matheson. Honestly, they did all the hard work to make me look good and I had a blast doing it. 

AM: What are 3 power foods that you eat to have great energy that we should consider when we're about to work out?

LF: I'm all about eating whole non-processed foods!! 1) I'm currently obsessed with bone broth!! But you have to find one that has top-shelf ingredients like grass-fed beef bones and organic herbs and spices. Kitchen Witch is my go-to brand. I love making an elixir by blending the broth with a bunch of fresh herbs and aromatics. 2) I love incorporating fresh herbs and garlic into my diet (see above). When I'm traveling I'm not able to cook and the first thing I do when I get home is, make a big salad with a homemade dressing that has garlic and fresh herbs blended into it or a pesto to put over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. And 3) avocado. I even try to bring a few when I travel. It's a great healthy fat that is natural and has all the phytonutrients that come with that!

AM: With the holidays coming up, having great arms, legs and a firm butt are great in glam outfits - what exercises do you suggest that we do to have a great physique? 

LF: Get strong! There is a huge mistaken notion that building strength will add bulk! Not true! Building strength is not only healthy for your body but also your mind! I love walking through this world as a strong female and I'm proud that people on the street can pick me out as an athlete. I honestly think that the goal should be mental and physical health! I think you look your best and are your most confident self when you are putting health as a to priority and that healthy feeling becomes addictive!

AM: What is JOLYN Clothing and who is the JOLYN girl?

JOLYN: JOLYN is based out of Huntington Beach, California and creates swimwear and activewear for swim and turf, sand or surf! JOLYN  is centered around creating fun and functional products for women who inspire us. At JOLYN we believe that competitive swimwear and activewear should be fun. We make products that will stay put through your hardest practice, longest slip-n-slide, and toughest dig, while looking super cool if we do say so ourselves. The “JOLYN girl” is any girl that is getting out there and going for it. Whether you’re an elite athlete competing for a world title or someone who just enjoys the occasional splish and splash, JOLYN is the suit for you.

AM: Who is the founder of the brand and what is their backgroung?

J: JOLYN was created by a lifeguard and longtime lover of the water. There was an abundance of badass water women and an extreme lack of suits as cool as they were. JOLYN was born to solve this problem and put women in the kind of gear they deserved to be in. The suits we make now reflect the spirit of the rad girls in the water, allowing them to perform at their best and look awesome playing the sports they love.

AM: How important is living an active lifestyle to the brand?

J: At JOLYN we’re always up to something. Our company is made up of ex-college athletes, olympians, and pros. We all love to get out there, tear it up at whatever adventure or sport we’re doing currently, and not have to worry about our swimsuits falling off. Living an active lifestyle is the bread and butter of JOLYN and everything that we represent!

AM: With the holidays coming up, what are three of your favorite pieces that we should keep on our radar as we begin to gift ourselves and others?

J: In support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are dedicating 25% of sales on all suits sold in the print "Careberry" to the organization Breast Cancer Angels. We also have a brand new line of Activewear launching this fall featuring new styles of leggings, shorts, sports bras and sweatpants in all new prints! A lot of research and development went into this line and we are very excited to launch it to our fans. JOLYN is constantly releasing limited edition prints throughout the year that sell out extremely fast. In order to keep our fans up-to-date, we created a text message based alert system called “Print Patrol” to send out updates when we drop new prints! 

AM: Had you previously worked with Lauren Fendrick prior to the shoot that is within this issue?

J: JOLYN Sponsored Lauren just before she went to the 2016 Rio Olympic games and that relationship has continued through her 2017 season! Being able to sponsor an elite level Olympic athlete has been really exciting for JOLYN as an up and coming brand. As our first official "JoPro," Lauren has embraced us and we couldn't be happier to have her represent JOLYN in beach volleyball globally! 

AM: Are there other ambassadors that are associated with the brand that we should know about?

J: We currently sponsor professional athletes in a variety of different sports including other beach volleyball players like Betsi Flint and Kelley Larsen, wakeboarder Nicola Butler, freestyle kayaker Brooke Hess, stand up paddle athletes like Penelope Strickland and Harriett Brown, wakesurfer Stacia Bank, and a handful of other rad water women! Our greatest Ambassadors and JoPro's call themselves leaders, professional athletes, travelers, coaches, teammates and Olympians. All lead active, awe-inspiring lifestyles and have their own unique talents, but have one a common love for the water and inspiring others.

For more information about JOYLN and those that they sponsor that you'll want to see in their next competition, check out their site. Check out more about where you can see Lauren Fendrick as well as addition Team USA Olympians for the upcoming winter (2018) and summer (2020) games here.

Read more from the Oct Issue and see In The Sand with Lauren in mag.

FIND YOUR WANDERLUST

On any given day, there is a festival taking place and although the concept may convey images of DJs, rock bands etc - there are other gatherings that also exist in this category. We learned about Wanderlust a few months ago and finally caught up with the trio to find out about their wellness-focused festivals that are four-day weekend retreats filled with yoga, meditation, live
music, speakers and outdoor activities as well as those that are single day mindful triathlons. These take place throughout the country and overseas to allow a series of people to come together as a means to become a like-minded tribe.

We found out more about these events, what's new this year and a quick snapshot of their growth.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Wanderlust launch and who are the creators of this wellness festival?

WANDERLUST: Wanderlust was founded in 2009 by three friends: Sean Hoess, Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant.

AM: We know that Wanderlust has operated in a number of cities, are there cities that are new to you that will have festivals in 2017/2018 - will you be in NYC anytime soon!

W: Our NYC event happened just two weeks ago at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. And we broke a Guinness World record at that event.

AM: What takes place at Wanderlust?

W: Wanderlust holds two different kinds of events—our multi-day festivals which are four-day weekend retreats combining yoga, meditation, live music, inspiring speakers and outdoor adventures for an entirely unique mindful getaway. And, our single-day “mindful triathlons” called the Wanderlust 108 which take place in public parks all over the world. The Wanderlust
108 includes a five-kilometer run (or walk), an outdoor 90-minute yoga class, and a guided meditation. New for 2017, participants can add a scheduled class such as aerial yoga, acro-yoga, hooping, walking meditation, photography or essential oils workshops, or a community yoga experience from favorite local teachers. At all Wanderlust 108 events, the Kula Marketplace will showcase local craft vendors, including clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted
items. Local and organic food vendors will be on site, as well as a retail store and juice bar collaboration between Wanderlust and Adidas housed in a 60 foot, geodesic dome.

AM: At the end of September, you will be in Tampa which was affected by Irma. How are you supporting the community and will there be any changes to the event because of the hurricane?

W: It was important to us to be of service to the local community. It’s our intention at all our events to come together as a community to lift each other up, and we wanted to help who might be in need in the local Tampa area. $1.08 of each Wanderlust 108 Tampa ticket sold in 2017 will be donated to the Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund (TBDisasterFund.org) is a strategic collaboration of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation, United Way of Citrus County, United Way of Hernando, United Way of Pasco, and United Way Suncoast. This fund provides a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to local storm recovery efforts. 100% of the funds collected through this effort will be directed to address immediate and mid- to long-term recovery needs through grants to select nonprofits.

AM: How many times a year do you host these festivals?

W: Wanderlust 108 first launched in New York’s Prospect Park and Atlanta’s Piedmont Park in 2014, bringing the mindful triathlon experience to over 10,000 participants. After this overwhelmingly positive response, Wanderlust 108 expanded to 17 cities in 2015, 32 cities in 2016 and now, to over 60 cities in 17 countries in 2017.

Read more from the Sept issue and see Find Your Wanderlust in mag.