9LIST ROUTIN3S | TROY AIKMAN

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Troy Aikman in mag.

KING OF THE RING WITH RYAN GARCIA

This month's cover is WBC Interim Lightweight, Ryan Garcia who has held the WBC interim lightweight title. WIth a record of 21-0 and 18 KOs, he is known as having one of the fastest hands in the sport. In addition to making waves in the sport, he shares how he has navigated boxing from training, meeting fans, being signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and taking them with him to his fights via his social media. His passion and love for the sport also allows him to diversify his brand between his sponsorships with Gatorade, 1800 Cristalino and Gymshark to name a few. We talk about how he got into the sport, his career and being the Co-Owner and Chief MARLOWE. officer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you start boxing and fall in love with the sport?

RYAN GARCIA: I started boxing at seven years old. I fell in love with it because I was shy as a kid. Boxing gave me confidence inside and outside of the ring.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

RG: I got to the point my life where I had to decide either go for it all or give up on my dreams and I decided to pursue my dreams. It was right around when I turn 17.

AM: You fight in the interim lightweight class, are 21-0 with 18 being by knock out, you’ve held the WBC interim lightweight championship title and are signed with Golden Boy Promotions. What are you looking forward to for upcoming fights?

RG: I’m looking forward to the big fights against top competitors. I’m looking forward to showcasing that I am the best fighter in the world of my division.

AM: You’re trained by Eddy Reynoso. What is a typical day like for you in terms of training and staying ready for your next match – can you walk us through what training with him is like and what you do?

RG: We stay in shape by going on morning runs, eating healthy, sparring, strength and conditioning, and reviewing fight tapes.

AM: Is there a difference between your working out/training when there isn’t a fight coming up versus when you’re in preparation for an upcoming one?

RG: Big-time when I’m not training for fight my workouts are much lighter and I like to do things that are fun for me like playing video games or playing poker. When I’m getting ready for a fight it’s completely different. It’s like a switch is turned on and I’m completely focused and locked in. I don’t know anything else that’s going on it’s just tunnel vision and I’m super hyper focused on that fight.

AM: For those who want to workout like a boxer, what workouts do you do that we should incorporate into our daily/weekly routines?

RG: I think that the cardio element in boxing is super important for people; things like hitting the Mitts or hitting the Fierce reflex bag would be great for non-boxers to do to get in shape because it will really tone up your arms and help your cardio.

AM: Nutrition is essential to optimize what you do in the ring. What do you eat when you’re in training mode and what foods do you like to splurge on to treat yourself?

RG: In the past I did not optimize my nutrition but now I really understand the importance of eating right. I work with my chef to make sure that I’m eating the right foods especially during training things; like lean proteins fish chicken etc., rice, and vegetables are typically staples. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for your body and sometimes that means not eating. I found that when I skip breakfast in the mornings I tend to work out better.

I would say my one guilty pleasure is McDonald’s. Two cheeseburgers with a large fries and a large soda.

AM: After a fight, what do you to unwind?

RG: I’ll have a couple shots to celebrate with 1800 Cristalino tequila and then right after look to take my family on a nice little vacation where we can all relax and unwind.

AM: Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you in the sport?

RG: Manny Pacquiao and Canelo have been mentors that I look up to within the sport. There are also boxers who I like to watch like Roy Jones Junior, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

AM: You have a large and engaged digital footprint, how important is using social media in terms of reaching out to your fans and letting people know about you inside and outside of the ring?

RG: I think it’s very important. Social media allows me to connect more intimately with my fans. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to see a lot of my fans in person or do meet and greets so this really helps us to keep connected and engaged with one another. I love my fans. I want to stay connected with them and keep them updated and this is the best way to do it.

AM: You are the co-owner of MARLOWE. Can you tell us about the brand and what your role of Chief MARLOWE. Officer entails?

RG: MARLOWE. provides men with high quality, easy-to-use, perfectly formulated skin care and grooming products without all the fuss and high price tags. We believe that life is complicated enough, looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. As the Chief MARLOWE. Officer, I am excited to be the face of the brand and to help spearhead the digital marketing content strategy along with my content partners Liquid Light. I have been very involved in the entire process from the second I came onto the brand. Everything you see on the packaging for my signature SKU's is all me -- from the exact gold color we used, the thickness of the carton and the overall design. I have so many creative ideas - this partnership was beyond a great fit.

AM: How important is your skincare routine to you?

RG: I have always had an up and down relationship with my skin. During training, I get right into it at the gym with hours of sweating - it can take a toll on my skin causing some breakouts. Also, during training I am constantly taking multiple showers a day, burning through so much product.

When I first discovered MARLOWE., I was so impressed by the effectiveness of each product and the affordability. I wanted to make sure the product was affordable to my fans and following so they could enjoy the products just as much as I do.

AM: Why did you want to be involved with this brand and what can we expect to see from you and the brand as we go into the holiday season and into 2022?

RG: The quality of MARLOWE. products is what attracted me to the brand right away. The No. 102 Body Scrub Soap Bar was by far the greatest soap I’ve ever used and it's a true experience. I found that to be true with almost all of their products. The No. 102 bar is the only soap tough enough to get me clean after a hard training session! I liked them so much I knew I had to be a part of the brand in a bigger way as co-owner & now Chief MARLOWE. Officer. We have a lot in store coming down the pipeline - stay tuned for some greatness. As for Holiday, we have some cool virtual bundles launching on marloweskin.com in December including all my faves in one exclusive bundle! This is perfect for those who want to give a gift with 1 click - perfect for any guy on your list.

AM: What are your 3 go-to products that you enjoy using from MARLOWE. that we should think about using?

RG: By far, my favorite product is the No. 102 Body Scrub Bar. It is a true experience and has become my solution for getting clean after training and working out super hard. I also love using the No. 171 Classic Pomade for my hair and the No. 002 Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion for my dry skin. I am taking so many showers after working out multiple times a day while I train and it can take a toll on my skin. The 002 lotion gives me the replenished hydration I need.

AM: From a fashion perspective, how would you define your personal style?

RG: I like to stay classy and gentlemen like it’s important to add a little nuance to your style and some uniqueness that’s you. So I like to stay classy but for me add a little edge, maybe wear an oversized T-shirt, or add a little bit of jewelry that really pops.

AM: When you’re not in the ring or working on other projects, how do you take time for yourself?

RG: I’ll take the time to study other things that interest me, things that I’m passionate about, because ultimately that’s what keeps the fire going. Whether it’s a business passion like MARLOWE., or learning about Poker strategy, or playing tennis.

IG @KingRyan

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | MARLOWE.

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see King of the Ring with Ryan Garcia in mag.

DARE TO BE YOUR BEST WITH MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON

We're all about pushing boundaries and standing in our truth to showcase our authentic selves. So when we had the chance to sit down and chat with 2 X Team USA Olympic Foil Fencing Bronze Medalist, World Champion, model and ambassador, Miles Chamley-Watson. He talks to us about how he got in the sport of fencing, what made him realize that this was something that he could do professionally, how he has blazed his own path, and his focus on growing the sport by bringing it into the mainstream while also empowerning children to bring them into the sport.

We also talk about how he continues to create a multi-faceted brand that incorporates the sport, his interest in fashion and ambassadorships that are synergistic with his brand. We also talk about his latest partnership and documentary with Daring Foods, a plant-based brand. Miles also gives us insight on how he trains as an athlete each day.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How and when did you fall in love with fencing and when did you realize that you wanted to go pro and do this as a career?

MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON: I was born in London and was playing football, cricket and rugby. I moved to NY when I was 11 and I was kind of a pain in the butt kid and would get into trouble. So as punishment, I had to pickup tennis, fencing or badminton. I ended up picking up fencing and got it right way and I thought, “wait, I can stab people and not get into trouble? This is awesome!” So, when I was 12 years old, I fell in love with it and I never looked back!

AM: Wow! As a kid I played badminton.

MCW: Woah and that’s a hard one too!

AM: It is a hard one and I didn’t like it, but we played it at every function.

MCW: Oh yeah, it gets intense!

AM: It does. But we can appreciate that you took that on. You’re a 2X Olympic Champion, who won a Bronze medal and you’ve won various World Championships. Can you tell our readers who are not familiar with foil fencing, what it is, what’s involved and how you win?

MCW: The key is to hit the person and not have them hit you back. It sounds easy, but it’s first to 15 points and it’s 3, 3min periods. So that can be from anywhere from 10mins to 30 mins depending on your fencing style. I’m very defensive so my matches don’t go longer then say 15 mins or so. I’m a quick one, I have ADHD and I don’t have the patience. So I’m more aggressive. So it’s 15 points and then there’s right of way action so there are 2 lights and then there is a referee who will look at the video machine and see who hit the person a little bit earlier and my goal is to simplify the sport so that it’s easier for the audience to be able to understand. That’s why it’s one of the reasons why it’s not on TV because it’s kind of hard to understand. I want to bring more visibility to the sport by doing stuff like this and being able to simplify the rules a little bit.

AM: That’s really interesting. Back in 2018, we had Dagmara Wozniak as our cover for our AUG ISSUE #32 and we shot her editorial where she trains at Manhattan Fencing and when we saw the lanes and could visualize what takes place, we understood it more and it was so different then seeing it on TV. Being able to see the mechanics up close, it was intense to watch that.

MCW: Right and that is saber so in foil, it’s different.

AM: When we think of fencing, it’s a powerful and an elegant sport. What do you do physically and mentally to prepare for the sport?

MCW: I’m lucky that my sponsor has a facility right here in LA which I will be heading to in an hour. I get up in the morning and I do meditation and journaling in the morning as the first thing. I then go to the gym and I do fitness. Today is Wed and it will be explosive work: deadlifts, running and sprints and then after that, I will go into fencing. If I’m feeling up for it, I will go into sparring. Now I’m learning that everyone is good at doing certain things, but how do you get to the point of being the best and I think that that is the mental aspect. So that’s a lot of reaction training, journaling and manifesting and this is incorporated into my routine everyday as well. It’s a full-time job.

AM: How long would you say that you are doing these things daily in terms of blocks of time?

MCW: I’d say journaling is 30 mins, I have my cup of coffee or tea outside of my balcony, then I go to the gym which ends up being about 3 hours because cool down and warm-up is 45 mins and then to workout is about an hour and a half. Then I eat, come home, relax for an hour and do some work and meetings like this and then I go fencing for about 3-4 hours. All in all, I would say 6 – 7.5 hours.

AM: In terms of your nutrition how does this play into staying in shape, optimizing your sport and ultimately supporting your lifestyle in general?

MCW: There’s nothing more important than nutrition! At one time, I didn’t care about what I ate. It’s a whole game changer for me and I just got my blood test back and I have to load up on all of these things. I have to start drinking these random things like coconut water, eating the white part of watermelon – it’s really weird. But now, I’m noticing the importance of nutrition and how important it is and to know about your body and how it fuels you. So I try to keep a healthy diet.

AM: You’ve partnered with Daring Foods and have a pretty exciting documentary that is out now. Tell us about Daring Foods and how this partnership came about.

MCW: Yeah yeah – I’m so excited! I actually knew about Daring for awhile because I was trying to incorporate plant-based in my diet so that I could have a well balanced diet as well. I’m not just vegan or plant-based, I like to incorporate both. I love the product, it tastes good and the ingredients didn’t make my stomach rumble. Because nowadays, there are so many companies that have kind of saturated the industry and I got the chance to look up the company before and to meet Ross and the Daring team. It was a perfect match because they are disrupting a space that has been around for a number of years and I’m doing the same thing in my sport. It was literally the most organic relationships that has fostered this campaign and you can tell that this is powerful and we’re speaking to kind of just challenging ourselves and making Daring Moves and kind of pushing the boundaries and limits which is what I’m all about and what they’re all about. It was lovely to like the product before meeting them and then meeting them was the cherry on top and it’s been great and we’re all a family now!

AM: How was it participating in Daring Moves?

MCW: It was phenomenal! It was amazing! Molly Schiot who directed it, the entire team – they were so professional. It was one of the most creative and fulfilling projects and campaigns that I have done in a long time. It speaks to things that are bigger than just me. I think that it will inspire people and just the message of being daring, everyone in their walk of life is able to understand. In your job and in my job, it’s important and a great characteristic to have. It’s literally a match made in heaven.

AM: Will you be involved in anything else with Daring Foods that we should keep our eye out for?

MCW: I think that this is just the beginning, it’s a beautiful relationship and it was great to get this campaign out, but I think that we will do loads of things together because I love the products, I love the people and I love the messaging overall – it’s powerful. Definitely be on the lookout for more. It’s just the beginning.

AM: As an athlete, how do you find that balance between eating the foods that are good for you while also enjoying splurge foods as well?

MCW: That’s the best thing about having a healthy balance right and having a happy medium? I incorporate some of the vegan, non-dairy products. I eat dairy literally for lunch and then I incorporate having some meats here and there. My diet also allows me to have cheese. I love to eat and I also love to eat candy! I can never be fully vegan for that reason. I’m sorry, I’m never going to stop that! I think it’s important to have a balanced diet right and to be healthy? People ask me, “are you vegan?” I eat a very healthy and balanced diet. So, I incorporate meat with non-meat and I do what works for my body. I think that the most important part about creating that balance is the ability to have your cake and eat it too.

AM: In preparing to chat with you, it’s interesting to look at your background as an athlete, being an ambassador, modeling for fashion brands – how important is it for you to be able to push boundaries and to be able to represent yourself the way you want to be seen and to engage with these brands in all of these different ways?

MCW: I think doing work with different companies brings a new audience to me and also fulfills another passion of mine. I don’t want to be in a box. I’m a professional fencer yes, but I think that I have been able to branch out and get a lot of endorsements and sponsorships because I think that everything that I do, I do with love and I don’t work with brands that I don’t believe in. I’m a firm believer in not saturating your brand and doing things that you love. I’m able to kind of build my brand just being myself and organic and that's whats transferable. You can see people doing things and it's forced, but I like to keep it organic and natural. Just keep growing and do more modeling stuff and getting that audience. Getting mores sponsorships and doing these things. I’m in a very interesting sport that has the ability to change on my own, but working with companies like this helps to grow the sport organically.

AM: One of the things that's so intriguing is the fashion element of you. You’re a stylish guy, you have these tattoos, you’re at the Met Gala with Lewis Hamilton, you’re sitting front row at global Fashion Weeks, you’ve worked with Todd Snyder – what is it about fashion that you love so much as being in these different worlds and having the ability to include your creativity is a lot of fun.

MCW: I think you said it perfectly – creativity and fashion is the one world where you can wear whatever you want and it’s subjective. You may like it, you may not like it and I think that being able to do the fashion shows, it gives you a rush and a different kind of adrenaline. Fashion was kind of one of the first worlds to embrace me – they invited me to the Met Gala twice with Vogue and all of these companies and they love the sport of fencing because it does have that fashion element to it. A lot of brands do some of their collections based off of fencing. A lot of athletes like fashion and a lot of fashion likes athletes and I think that I am in a sport that is elegant and has that uppityness to it and I’m bringing a new face to it. I love fashion and I think that there is nothing better than putting a fresh outfit on and for me, that’s what I would like to bring to my fencing world too – a uniqueness and not being afraid to take risks. I think that I have always done that in the sports world and also in fashion just naturally.

AM: And you recently partnered with Richard Mille which is phenomenal – how did that come about and how excited are you about it?

MCW: I mean that’s a dream come true! It’s like woah you know? It’s a little surreal seeing my wrist, but I think it makes sense right? I’m all about timing and precision and changing the watch game. That’s what they’re all about and they love me and I love them like a family. I was able to meet the team and there’s this great relationship. When that happened, my phone exploded and it’s cool to be able to work with the companies that you love and you never think it’s possible and then you’re sitting there right next to Rafael Nadal! I mean to work with them, it shocked me a little bit and then I thought woah and then I’m working with a company like Daring too! I mean, what can’t you do? When you believe in yourself, there is nothing that you can’t do.

AM: You have a great mix of brands that you work with. How do you decide what makes sense to you as many of them like you said, are organic to you or are things that you are passionate about?

MCW: I think it comes to that if I have a feeling, I never second guess myself. I just go with the feeling. I also have a great team too and they know who I am, my values and I think that having a great team around you makes it a lot easier. I always go with my gut and I pick brands that align with me and just natural.

AM: It’s almost the end of the year. Are there projects that we should keep an eye out on are their championships that are coming up? What’s going on in Miles’ world?

MCW: I have a competition in Dec. next month – a national. Then we go to Paris in 2022. I have a lot of projects that are coming and in 2022 we have some amazing things dropping in 2022. I’m ending the year very strong and I’m just very grateful that I get to do what I love during a crazy time. Definitely be on the lookout as there are a lot of projects coming.

AM: Can you tell me about the Miles Chamley-Watson Foundation and what its focus is?

MCW: I want to empower the youth through fencing and I hated seeing the talents of kids being wasted because they couldn’t afford it as fencing is an expensive sport. So I thought, how do I help because I have the ability and I can use my connections to help the generation. I wanted to create the tools that kids needed to be successful in life whether it’s going to the Olympics or being the next John Doe. We want to give them the wings and the tools to succeed through my foundation. I have all the necessary elements as I know what it takes and I’m able to fly through the hole and make a success of it. I’m kind of the only one that has been able to branch out and make it in America. I thought that it was my duty to give back to the kids and that’s what we launched and it’s exciting and has also given me a sense of purpose and it’s awesome.

AM: You have a mantra of “create a legacy and not a moment,” what does this mean? Also, what do you want your legacy to be in the sport as well as the body of work in general?

MCW: Create a legacy not a moment, is something that I came up with in 2016 on the way to China at the Grand Prixe. I was on the train and someone had left a horoscope book and it was 18 hours so I was reading the damn thing and I thought that it made a lot of sense. I asked myself what my purpose was. I knew that I had won all these medals, but I wanted to create a legacy and not a moment. I wanted to create something that would last forever. That’s something that everyone wants whether it’s creating a kid, their first product or whatever that may be. I think that being the first is the best feeling.

I want my legacy to be someone that changes the sport, gives kids hope and also sticking up for the kids that are ADD/ADHD or whatever that got a negative stigma and I want to change it. I want to shed a light and just give kids hope that you can do whatever you want. I can win medals, that’s easy, but to inspire kids to do what they want to do in life that’s amazing. Kids see me in campaigns that I am doing with brands and that to me is my legacy.

IG @fencer

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | PG 126 - 131 Daring Foods | PG 132 -137 Kyle McKenzie | 9DRIP PG 28 - 30 Richard Mille |

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Dare To Be Your Best with Miles Chamley-Watson in mag.

Hear 2X Team USA Olympic Foil Fencing Medalist, World Champion, Model and Ambassador, Miles Chamley-Watson on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

9LIST STORI3S | ZION WRIGHT

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Zion Wright in mag.

LET IT FLOW WITH CORY JUNEAU

We love the fact that in many ways, the Olympics highlight athletes on a global stage so that you can know more about them and can continue to watch them throughout the year as they do a range of exhilarating and heroic competitions. The Summer Games in Tokyo introduced the debut of skateboarding with Team USA's Olympic Skateboarding Men's Park Team was comprised of Heimana Reynolds (our June cover), Zion Wright (this month's 9LIST STORI3S) and this month's cover, Cory Juneau who won the Bronze medal. These 3 represented the entire Park USA Skateboarding team!

We caught up with Cory to talk about his approach to the sport and how in addition to it being his job, it's a passion and something he truly enjoys! He talks about how the sport authentically creates a culture of positivity where they hype each other up. We also talk about his upcoming schedule which includes the Copenhagen Pro as well as the Venice International Film Festival with Golden Goose who he is sponsored by.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When was the moment that you fell in love with skateboarding?

CORY JUNEAU: Probably the first time that I got on my board. I saw my brother get a skateboard and he started skating and I kind of just got one right after and so that was it!

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro and do it as a living?

CJ: That’s never really been a huge thought of mine! It’s just been about going out and having fun and skating with my friends, which has always been my motivator and I always just want to do whatever I can to be able to continue to skate for the rest of my life. I push myself to be able to do better and it’s not about being any type of typical thing that people would assume.

AM: How do you approach skating? Do you have a process when it comes to tricks that you want to incorporate into the runs that you want to do?

CJ: My process is kind of me getting there and just figuring it out when I’m skating and I want to be comfortable. I have been skating for awhile now and skating is 90% mental. If you’re confident and you know what you want to do, it will work out you know? I just like to take it slow.

AM: We love that you have a very chill and relaxed style!

CJ: Haha thank you, thank you!

AM: So what’s a day like with you when you’re practicing?

CJ: A typical day for me is pretty chill honestly! I kind of just wake up and see what the homies are doing and then make a plan to go skate somewhere – if it’s in the street or in the park or some spot. We’ll just figure it out at the time. We just kind of get a group together of all the homies and we just go, skate and vibe off of each other.

AM: When it comes to working out, what do you do that allows you to optimize you in your sport or do you simply skate?

CJ: I usually just skate, but I just started doing yoga and PT because I was battling an injury in Jan. So, I kind of got into a routine. So I have been doing yoga twice a week and PT twice a week for my ankle. My body is healthy, strong and flexible. I think its great to do this to just keep it that way and to prevent injuries.

AM: What’s a typical skateboarding season like for you? I know that pre-COVID it was probably different and now things may still be a bit different, but what’s a season like in terms of competitions and how many months out of the year are you doing this?

CJ: Honestly, the skate competition season is pretty hectic. There's a lot of travel and I'm probably gone 6-8 months out of the year normally. Like you said, it’s been pretty chill the last year and a half because of COVID, but before that, it was pretty hectic and I was always traveling, always doing stuff and trying to get there and to stay on top of it.

AM: Because you travel so much around the world, do you have a favorite series that you like to compete in?

CJ: My favorite series are the ones that are not so oriented around the contests, but it’s about having a good time. A lot of the skate events are set up on the beach and have that Venice type vibe. I’m a big fan of Australia, it’s one of my favorite places and it reminds me of home. I used to enjoy going out there a lot, but there hasn’t been a series out there for a few years! But I’m missing it and I’m itching to go back.

AM: When it’s game time for you, do you have a routine or series of things that you do before you go into a competition – are you doing extra yoga?

CJ: It’s pretty mellow honestly. I just like to get a visual of what I want to do and get my line down and then I like to get it all down in one run. I just want to make it happen, you know? Like I said before, skating is 90% mental. It’s just knowing that you can do it. I just like to stay relaxed because what’s going to happen is going to happen.

AM: It’s a great mindset to have!

CJ: Yeah! I think it works really well for me and it keeps me relaxed.

AM: Before we get into talking about you competing in the Olympics, just the idea that you were part of the inaugural group of people that had your sport on such a global stage – how big was it for you to be in that group and to also have your sport represented like that?

CJ: It was huge! It’s such a surreal feeling to having everybody around you being so supportive and having your back. For me, I didn’t realize how crazy it was going to be and how much backing there is. I mean, obviously, I have watched a few Olympic events, but it’s something you can’t take in until you’re there and you see it for yourself. To go out there to support my city, Southern California, California as a whole and the US is huge and super humbling. To go out there and do well, it was great!

AM: We were excited to watch skateboarding and to see the preliminaries as well as the finals! How did you feel winning the Bronze medal?

CJ: It was so surreal and honestly, it’s been 2 weeks and I’m still taking it in! Because, it’s been such a long build up, like such a long journey and road to just get there. I changed my diet, I started doing yoga, PT, I was battling an injury for 4 or 5 months and I’m just grateful that I was able to make it there and do well. Coming from the US, we have the largest skate scene in the world and the fact that I was able to make it there, I was blown away. I wasn’t so stressed about the results, I was just glad that I was there.

AM: Is there a difference between competing at the Olympics versus your other tournaments in terms of game play?

CJ: I don’t think that the judging is any different. What everyone is doing out there is so authentic and so original and themselves – you can only be judged against yourself.

AM: One of the things that struck us when we were watching especially in seeing the prelims and then the finals, as a community, to watch all of you hyping each other up – it was like a party that you wanted to be invited to. What is it about the skateboarding culture that creates this kind of camaraderie? What are you guys doing that fosters that feeling?

CJ: Yeah, the camaraderie between us is truly one of a kind! I think it’s just that we're all so passionate and we all love skateboarding so much and it’s so authentically ourselves. It’s not like anyone else out there is doing the exact same thing. So you get hyped up when someone does their run and does good. So we feed off that and we take that energy and we put it into our skating. It’s not like someone does a good run and it scares you! When you do it and love it, it’s a good session! You vibe off of that good energy in the air.

AM: Looking at the Summer Games in Paris 2024, do you anticipate adding that to your plans?

CJ: It’s something that I would like to do. It’s a few years away, but everything will come down again soon and when it starts up, I will definitely try to make the cut! I’d love to go back. The experience that I had was so surreal like I said and I’d love to go and do it again.

AM: What’s the next tournament that you’re going to be in?

CJ: Yeah, I’m actually leaving the 31st of this month to go to Copenhagen for the Copenhagen Pro. It’s not a serious competition but it’s where we can get together with tons of skaters who meet up and there’s spots all over the city where you can go from place to place to skate. It’s a lot of fun! I’ll be out there for a week and then I’m flying from there to Italy and I’m meeting up with a lot of the Golden Goose team as we have a little event out there that I’m excited for. It’s great to be able to start some traveling and to have some fun and to relax a little bit.

AM: How would you define your personal style? We heard that you like to collect gold chains – what do you look for when it comes to adding them into your assortment?

CJ: I wouldn’t say that it’s a collection, I would say that I have a style of chain that I wear and I lost a bunch ha! So when I lose them, I go find another one! My dad gave me his when I was a kid and then I lost it so I have always been attached to that style I guess. They don’t really make that style of chain anymore because it’s pretty fragile – when you bend it, it will break.

AM: How did the partnership between you and Golden Goose come together? You wore a custom style at the Olympics while you competed. What is it that you love about the brand and why did you partner with one another?

CJ: I’ve actually been a fan of Golden Goose for years. I love their sneaker brand and I used to ride for a couple of other shoe companies, but it was never the style that fit me the best. I just love the distressed and authentic look to them. There’s nothing like them and they’re good forever. They don’t get dirty in a way. My partnership came together all in good time! I spoke to my manager and asked him to reach out and we were in talks back and forth for about a year and a half and it’s been coming together for awhile.

It came down to timing. Skateboarding has a huge influence on the fashion community and now we’re getting a lot of recognition because of the Olympics and I think that these companies are putting more thought into it and seeing that they need to support this.

AM: It was interesting to hear that you designed the shoes that you got to compete in for the Olympics. There’s something about taking a brand that is known for their aesthetic and adding in elements that you like personally or that optimizes you for your sport. What was it like for you to do that?

CJ: Working with them has been super fun and everyone there is super family oriented. They are focused on making the best shoes that they can. They really care about it just like I do. It was great. I kind of pitched them ideas and they were cool with everything I had to say. I didn’t really design a new shoe, I recreated the Ball Star that they already had, for skateboarding.

We went through different materials and compounds for the rubber and suede on the side. We looked at the stitching so it wouldn’t rip and would be more durable for skateboarding. It was great and everyone there was so great to be with.

AM: Do you envision being able to do more with them whether it’s a collab line or something along those lines?

CJ: I hope so! I want to work on a collection with them! I always want to expand what I am doing to grow and this is the perfect place for me to do that. They obviously want to do that too which is really great. We’ll see what happens.

AM: Tell us about From Venice to Venice. You’ll be debuting this at the Venice Film Festival which sounds awesome and you will be performing. So what is the film and how excited are you to be part of this?

CJ: It’s huge and I’m super excited. From Venice to Venice is like a 3 part series that we’ve done where a lot of Golden Goose’s style is taken from Venice’s, Southern California style, vibes and community. They get a lot of inspiration from there. I’m from San Diego, but Venice has a huge impact on all of us. This is like a 3 video series that has an in the life kind of vibe from Venice, California, then on the road to the Olympics and then the final one in Venice, Italy. So it should be fun. I’m excited for everything that they have going on out there. It will be a video on it, but stay tuned!

AM: When you’re not skateboarding, are there additional sports that we would find you doing?

CJ: Yeah – I enjoy everything with my friends! We go out and play basketball, soccer, we go to the beach, we play some pool – you name it! We’re all just a hands on friend group. Whenever we’re doing something, we’re just having fun with it.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

CJ: Skateboarding is my job, but it’s also what I love! I never think that I’m waking up going to work, I’m waking up doing what I want. We all need some me time. It’s all free time for me! Me talking with you right now was all that was on my list to do today.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of your impact on the sport?

CJ: That’s a great question and I’ve never thought about that. I’ve just gone out and had fun. I want people to know that when you’re going out, you need to make sure that you’re having fun. You need to take it one step at a time! The community of skateboarding is so small and there is so much love in it. You go to the park and you just start talking to people because everyone wants to mingle and talk to one another and support one another. It allows you to go to the park and to just try something. They’re rooting you on. It’s tough because it can be hard on your body and on your mind when you’re trying over and over again. But you just have to get back up, be patient and try again. But make sure you are enjoying it and everything will come.

AM: We always like to ask our trailblazers, people who are killing it who others look up to – who are 3 people whether you know them or don’t that have inspired you to be where you are today?

CJ: I grew up watching all of the Rocky movies and I know they’re not real – but I’m a fan of Rocky! Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant - I have had a lot of influences from people that push hard and are determined. That’s what motivates me – people who push hard enough to get what they want.

IG @CoryJuneau

PHOTOGRAPHY | Andrew James Peters

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Let it Flow with Cory Juneau in mag.

9DRIP | TRINITY FATU

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see 9DRIP | Trinity Fatu in mag,

ATHLEISURE MAG | #67 JUL 2021

In this month’s issue, our cover shoot is with WTA 4th Ranked, Australian Open Champion 2020 and French Open 2020 Finalist, Sofia Kenin. We talk about when she fell in love with the sport, training as well as participating in a number of tournament around the world and what she’s focused on this season as we get closer to the US Open. We talk with one of the fashion industries most respected people, Tim Gunn who talks about his career and the 2nd season of Amazon Original’s Making the Cut which is releasing episodes now. We also catch up with Chef Nyesha Arrington about her culinary career, falling in love with food, appearing on a number of shows including BRAVO’s Top Chef, the importance of identity and her upcoming show that she will co-host with Gordon Ramsay in FOX’s Next Level Chef. We talk with Ghanian-American Chef Eric Adjepong who is also a Top Chef Alum. He talks about why sharing his West African culinary POV is so important, projects that he’s working on, his upcoming books and his latest foray with AYO Foods. We became fans of London Brown when we first saw him in HBO’s Ballers. We talk with him about his career as an entertainer, how he frames his characters and his current role as Uncle Marvin in STARZ’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan. He also talks about the importance of giving back and manifesting where you want to be.

This month, country music star, Tyler Rich shares his favorite songs in 9PLAYLIST. Our cover star, Sofia Kenin shares her favorites and why in our 9LIST STORI3S. One of our faves and previous cover, Ray Donovan and The Game (which is getting a reboot on Paramount+) actor, Pooch Hall shares his 9DRIP with us. We also have another former cover, Chef/Restaurateur/TV Personality Jordan Andino, share his 9DRIP with us as well. Celebrity fitness trainer and nutritionist, Harley Pasternak shares his favorites and why in our 9LIST ROUTIN3S. In addition, celebrity chef + TV Personality, Nyesha Arrington shares her 9LIST ROUTIN3S that she enjoys in the morning, afternoon and night. This month’s 9LOOKS shares our favorite looks from Miami Swim Show with a brand that we have always enjoyed sharing, Camilla.

Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack focuses on YUCO in Greenwich Village. This month’s Athleisure List comes from PJ Bernstein and Citrovia. As always, we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.

Read the JUL ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag.

MINDFUL DEDICATION WITH CHRIS BRICKLEY

As we head closer to the NBA Playoffs, we caught up with Chris Brickley, a Player Development Coach who played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino, worked with players at the NY Knicks and launched a successful training company, BlackOps Basketball. His training has been sought after by a number of basketball players, entertainers and more.

We took some time in between his busy schedule to find out about how he built his career, how he became so influential in the sport as well as his personal projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with the game of basketball?

CHRIS BRICKLEY: I fell in love with the game at 11 years old. I realized I could use the game to do some amazing things and I became obsessed with it.

AM: You played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino and went on to coaching at Ole Miss and being the youngest assistant coach at an NCAA Division I school at Fairleigh Dickinson University. What is it about coaching that you enjoy?

CB: Being in love with the game of basketball and learning from Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to teach young men the game of basketball and the game of life.

AM: How did you transition from coaching there to being at the NY Knicks?

CB: When I was coaching at FDU, I would workout JR Smith at night at Manhattan College. That season JR was 6th man of the year. The Knicks heard about me and hired me.

AM: What is a Player Development Coach and what do you do in that role when it comes to interacting with your players?

CB: My role was to make development plans for all of the players and to make sure during the off-season and season they were constantly improving. I loved it.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to start BlackOps Basketball and why was that important for you to do?

CB: Being with the Knicks for 4 seasons, I believed that I had enough connections to branch out on my own. Even though leaving a guaranteed Knicks contract wasn’t easy, I’m glad I made the decision. BlackOps Basketball is something I am proud about.

AM: What are your days like with your clients during the season and off season?

CB: During the season, it’s a lot of text convos and dinners, taking about their games and what they can do better. The off-season is grind time - we make a plan and work extremely hard to attack that plan.

AM: When it comes to taking on clients as you have a number of NBA stars, those looking to hone their skills for college as well as those that are entertainers, what do you look for?

CB: I look for players and people that genuinely love the game and want to get better. You don’t need to be an NBA star or a celeb, you just need to be urgent about getting better. Simple as that.

AM: What kind of intake questions do you ask for those that have worked with you for the first time? Do you ask what they want to improve, athletes that they want to play like etc?

CB: We have many conversations before we start up. I ask them what they think they need to improve & work on. I tell the them what I think they need to improve and work on and we come to a common ground. Then we work.

AM: In working with your clients, how much interaction do you have with their teams’ coaches?

CB: I have a lot of interaction. In the off-season players coaches will come in the gym and watch the workouts. They will also give me stuff to focus on.

AM: You have also been working with J. Cole who will premiere this month playing for the Rwanda Patriots BBC for the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League. I know this was a dream for him to play at a pro level, what was it like working with him to get him to this dream?

CB: J. Cole was someone I looked up to way before working with him. So to work with him every night for 4-5 months was amazing. He got so much better and now he’s a pro!

AM: I know that Quavo has worked with you for a while and introduced you to Travis Scott, which brought you on tour with him, how do you schedule your time as your work can literally take you anywhere?

CB: So Quavo is one of my close friends so shout-out to him. When he introduced me to Travis, Travis asked me immediately to come on tour with him. His tour hit all the NBA cities and it was during the winter so it worked perfectly. I could work with Travis and also see my clients in their cities. Shoutout my guy Travis!

AM: We’ve enjoyed looking at your feed over the years where you’ve shared pick up games at Life Time Athletic with LeBron James, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony etc. – how did these come about and did you realize that this would be such a draw for others to want to participate in as well?

CB: One night Melo and I were hanging out in Puerto Rico and he said when we get back to NYC schedule a pickup game. He said he wanted to play some 5 on 5. The first one I scheduled had Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, JR Smith along with 10 other NBA players, it went viral and the rest is history.

AM: How do you take time for yourself when you’re not watching games, prepping for your clients, working with them in person, etc.?

CB: I listen to music, hangout with friends and go on walks. Music and walks are my peace of mind.

AM: You’ve partnered with BODYARMOR. How did this partnership come about and what is it about your synergy that made sense for you to work with one another?

CB: I’m very excited about my new partnership with BODYARMOR. Seeing the growth they’ve had in the last few years and the potential they have to do more – along with the fact that they have incredible athlete investors who I regularly work with like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Trae Young – it was a no-brainer for me. I know my brand and company is still on the rise too, so we’re both grinding to be the best out there and that makes it even more special.

AM: Why do you like including BODYARMOR within your routine?

CB: Now more than ever, athletes and trainers – like myself – are paying close attention to what we put in our bodies. To perform like the best, you need to prepare like the best – and hydration plays a major role in that. BODYARMOR is my go-to because it gives me exactly what I need – potassium-packed electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants – to ensure I’m feeling my best out on the court and can perform to my highest level.

AM: Tell me about Color Blind. What’s the ethos behind it and what is the product assortment that’s currently available?

CB: Color Blind is my baby! It means so much to me. I love fashion and I love the meaning. It represents the light in all of us Doesn’t matter your race, your gender, your religion, we are all humans. I have some amazing collabs coming soon! I can’t wait for you guys to see.

AM: What other projects are you working on that you’re able to share with us? Based on your IG, it seems like you’re working on some music?

CB: Yes BlackOps Presents ‘Welcome To The Grind’, it is going to be the soundtrack for all hoopers and athletes across the world. When athletes and people in general are working out I want them to play this album. The album has some of the biggest names in music. It’s going to be a classic!

IG @CBrickley603

@BlackOps.basketball

@ColorBlind

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 56 - 61 Chris Brickley/Social | PG 64 BODYARMOR |

Read the May issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see Mindful Dedication with Chris Brickley in mag.

9PLAYLIST | MEB KEFLEZIGHI

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Meb Keflezighi in mag.

9PLAYLIST | APRIL ROSS

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | April Ross in mag.

9PLAYLIST | LEBRON JAMES

Read the Oct Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | LeBron James in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | Mike Piazza

Read the Sep Issue #57 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S in mag.

CATCHING WAVES WITH COCO HO

We've always enjoyed watching surfing as athletes catch each of the waves and make maneuvers that push space and time. We had the chance to catch up with Coco Ho a few weeks after her recent performance at World Surf League in California. As a member of the Hawaiian surfing dynasty family, her lineage includes her late uncle Derek Ho, who was the first Native Hawaiian to win the world championship at the age of 29. Her father, Michael Ho also grew the sport by winning the Hawaiian Triple Crown, The Duke Classic, The World Cup and the 1982 Pipe Masters. Her brother, Mason Ho is also a pro surfer.

We caught up with Coco from Oahu's North Shore to talk about her effortless style at 5'2", her focus on growing her empire within and outside of the sport as well as her passion for the ocean.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’re excited to have you in this month’s issue. We actually saw you at the World Surf League’s a few weeks back in California. You come from this amazing Hawaiian surfing dynasty with your dad being Michael Ho, your uncle Derek Ho and your brother, Mason Ho. What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to join surfing as well and then to compete professionally?

COCO HO: I probably didn’t recognize it until I was about 8 or 9 and I was already surfing because that’s what you do when you’re growing up in Hawaii. I was surfing with my brother after school and then all of a sudden, I recognized their power and then got super consumed into the sport and their accomplishments. I kind of already drew parallels and said, “I want to go to Australia with them” and I definitely used them as my mirror of what I wanted to be.

AM: That’s insane to be so young and to know at that moment. Do you remember the first time that you were on a surf board? Was it strange for you or because you were seeing all of these people surf, that you just felt like, “yeah this is what we do?”

CH: My dad played it so cool with us when we were kids. He was so consumed in his career so it wasn’t a focused effort on us. It became a natural thing. Thankfully, I had a big brother where I was able to follow his lead and that’s kind of how I learned how to surf – just with Mason. And then, once my dad kind of paused and looked, he was like, “wait, my kids really like it.” He started giving us his time and his tips. It was never from him like, I’m surfing and I need to make sure that my kids are surfing too.” It was very natural and I think that that’s why it was so successful.

AM: Wow, that’s really cool and because of the accolades that you have received and the way that you have been able to dominate in the sport, what is the legacy that you want to leave behind in terms of surfing?

CH: I think that the most important thing is that our family just oozes the love of the sport. It’s a true passion with my dad and with Derek who were over 50 and still surfing – the best that they have ever surfed in their lives. So I think it’s definitely about a pure love for surfing and obviously, Mason and I are coming in as more of a lineage to show and draw inspiration from family, friends and cousins. It’s just a really tight bond and strong love for the sport and for each other.

AM: How would you define your surfing style?

CH: I would describe it as definitely effortless. I don’t mean for it to look effortless, but sometimes I wish it wasn’t ha. As a competitor, you need to show that grit and grunt. So a little effortless, but hopefully very strong and graceful.

AM: You do make it look so effortless and as someone who is surfing competitively, how does one go about winning this sport? Many of our readers know this sport and have seen it, but how do you accrue points and how do you know when you have won versus someone else?

CH: Yeah, I think it’s pretty broad. Speed, power and flow are a big part of that and wave maneuvers are another part as well. Wow factor is huge too. It’s pretty vague and can be anything. In my career, I have noticed that being a little smaller and sometimes making it look too easy or that I’m not trying, but I’m technically doing harder things – it’s kind of been my downfall as it’s not being recognized in terms of what I’m doing. So I’ve been learning that and just to make everything look bigger because I am only 5’2”. So that’s why on certain beaches with bigger waves, from girls that are larger then me, it may look like their maneuvers are more powerful as they are bigger then me. But I am exerting the same power and technical ability.

AM: We don’t know if we’re using the right terminology, but when we’re watching you surf through what looks like a water tunnel, how does it feel? Is it like time stops – what is going on for you when you’re in that moment?

CH: Oh yeah that’s the barrel and it’s TOTALLY a water tunnel! It’s like a silent/loud moment where time definitely does stop and it’s just the best feeling in surfing hands down. It feels like slow motion.

AM: What is the surf season like typically? Is it a year round sport because you can go to other locations and then obviously as we’re all dealing with this COVID-19 situation, are there upcoming events that you are training for that we can keep an eye out for?

CH: Surfing is 100% a year around sport. I have never actually experienced a break ever in my life until I started dating a snowboarder and I was so confused how he could take the summer off and I was like, “you can’t snowboard for a month or two?” That was like foreign to me! We have so many elements with our sport like paddling and those are things that you kind of lose if you take a month off, but in the same sense, I found that there are a lot of positives to taking even a week off. You come back so fresh and excited. It’s year around and in Hawaii, you don’t even have to leave the island and you’re going to get waves – year around. I know that some places it’s hard for them to be year around, but everyone can travel and that’s what makes it so beautiful. During COVID-19. I never stopped, I never stopped training because I wanted to be at my best, I can still film and I can always still work. Through COVID-19. I never felt any less motivation because we’re always filming. My brother is a very big YouTuber so I hopped into a lot of his projects which is very nice because I’m kind of more the competitor and he’s the free surfer guy. It’s cool to be able to experience his world.

AM: Do you have certain workouts that you do that benefit you in the sport of surfing?

CH: Definitely. Nothing beats practice in the water. I definitely learned that after my knee injury that it is also important to maintain everything that supports the knees. I train with my boyfriend’s Olympic coach and we have been doing that on Zoom since April 1st about 2-3 times a week so it has been very beneficial for me. He changes it up and does things for my core, my legs. I think that I’m strong in my shoulders and then we will do something and I’m like woah – what is that? It’s good to do everything for surfing because we paddle and we hit it all – core, back.

AM: You also have your own fragrance line, Pirette Beach. Tell us more about this and why did you want to launch this?

CH: This is such a fun project. The flagship scent already existed before I became a part of the brand and it’s interesting because I already had it and loved it. It was in my purse and I had already gotten it as a gift. Years later, the brand was doing so well without marketing and a large team as ours is skeletal. I became a co-owner and it's awesome. It came at such a good time and I was already looking at other options in surfing besides the jersey and fashion was obviously one of them. But beauty and taking care of our skin was top notch. It fell into my lap and now it’s my baby!

AM: Last year, you became the Global Footwear Ambassador for REEF. So what is it about the brand that you felt was synergistic with you and what does this partnership look like?

CH: My thing about REEF is obviously the legacy that we have had with my late uncle Derek who was on REEF as a World Champ. So obviously, that was special to me. My brother is also a part of the team. Moving forward, it’s still such a lifestyle beach brand that represents surfing and this lifestyle so well and actually represents it the best! I want to make sure that everything that I represent is the best and having REEF and Pirette Beach doing that is important to me.

AM: You have been directing people to shop from your REEF picks. What is it about the assortment of shoes that you’re highlighting and want people to get that you embrace?

CH: My 3 choices involved my goal of traveling. You can’t really bring everything and look cute at night or be at the beach. My whole goal was to make it easy and to look cute for every time of day that you’re booked. I did a casual white slide that can go from the morning heading out to the beach to at night with a cute top and a cute skirt. I tried to make everything look day to night. My favorite was a wedge platform and it kind of spiced every outfit up. Sometimes, you feel weird to dress up and I love that this shoe did that so casually and cute.

AM: How do you give back to the surfing community?

CH: I have done a lot of things in the past with the Boys & Girls Community in Hawaii. That was a lot of fun. You can surf, chat and I think giving time is the most important thing. As a little girl, I liked to be able to go and to look at my heroes, touch them and I was fortunate to be able to do that. I was under the reign of a lot of the older pro surfers. So that was my goal with the Boy & Girls Club to sit in their classrooms and to interact with them. Let them ask questions, teach me games they want to play and let their goals and dreams spiral and blossom as they hang out with me.

Lately, with all of the ways of the world and where it’s going, I have been involved with Surfrider Foundation and trying to use my platform to help the environment, awareness and it’s such a crazy time. I thought we were doing so well and now we need to circle it all back.

AM: That’s awesome. We love Surfrider Foundation’s Long Beach chapter with their initiatives to clean up the beach and to get people involved.

CH: They are so consistent!

AM: For our changemakers, we know that you inspire a number of people within and outside of your sport. We always like knowing who are 3 people that have gotten you to where you are in life?

CH: I have my family as I have explained! I think the pro surfer women that I have gotten to know and love and admire since I was 10 years old is Rochelle Ballard and Megan Abubo. They gave me that model to hang out with the generation below me and to be there and present with them. That’s how I am now here in the North Shore. I hang out with every little girl. They have done a huge number on who I am today.

Thinking huge, Beyoncé. She’s been such an inspiration in terms of how to structure your career, be vulnerable, be honest and that’s what gets people to be able to believe in you and to know who your are.

I've been obsessed with her since I was 16. I have mimicked and copied how she has gone about dropping her collections or a cool interview. I model a lot of my big career goals and interviews off of her.

Lastly, I would say, Maria Sharapova and I would say that when I was 17, I realized that she showed how you could be so strong and yet feminine. That you could also do a number of things in terms of collaboration, fashion etc. That you don’t have to be ashamed to wear heels and that you can be a bad ass athlete and still into fashion.

IG @xococoho

Hear Pro Surfer, Coco Ho on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read Athleisure Mag’s Sept Issue #57 and see Catching Waves with Coco Ho in mag.

ZEROING IN WITH DWYANE WADE

We're excited that we're in the midst of the playoffs for the NBA season, whether your team is playing or you're just happy to have basketball back on TV! Even though we're socially distancing, it's a way for us to feel like we're together. We caught up with Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers veteran, 3 X NBA Champion Dwyane Wade who is also commentating the games for TNT in 'Inside the NBA'. In addition to number of projects that he is working on, Dwyane is the Co-Founder of Budweiser Zero which is a non-alcohol alternative to enjoying a beer solo, with friends or after a great workout.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to the launch of Budweiser Zero, tell us about your initial work with Budweiser and your synergy with the brand?

DWYANE WADE: I started working with Budweiser a little over a year ago when they did the “This Buds For 3” film for my retirement. Most recently, I was part of the Whassup reboot that came out a few months ago with DJ D-Nice, Chris Bosh, Candace Parker and my wife, Gabrielle Union, focusing on checking in on your friends when COVID first hit. I’ve always respected what Budweiser has built and their continued work with athletes. Entering the non-alcoholic market has always been of interest to me and this project seemed like a natural progression of my relationship with Budweiser.

AM: There has been a rise in the beverage industry for zero alcohol beers. Why is this important for those that are athletes or are focused on their fitness endeavors to have this as an option for their celebratory moments?

DW: The non-alcohol category of beer is rapidly growing and with Budweiser Zero, we are able to bring some familiarity into the category. Budweiser’s brewing heritage alone helps redefine pre-existing expectations and associations with non-alcoholic options.

Oftentimes, people feel like they are giving something up with a non-alcoholic option, but we are trying to change that perception and create more opportunities to celebrate life’s moments, both big and small. A focus for me when helping to develop the product was thinking about the athlete’s experiences during the season. Being in the game for so long, I can understand the need for a drink option that lets a player stay on their game but still enjoy social moments and celebrations.

AM: You are the Co-Founder of Budweiser Zero, what drew you to being involved in this and to take on such a role with the brand?

DW: It’s important for me to work with brands who have similar values and priorities that I want to accomplish. When I sat down with Budweiser to start talking about what Budweiser Zero would become, the synergy was there and felt like a great use for my platform, post-basketball.

AM: What can we expect to see for roll out of this launch and how will you be involved?

DW: Budweiser Zero started rolling out in the US in March, but officially launched at the end of July, and will soon be available in Canada and the UK. Budweiser Zero will play a huge role in the sports world, for both athletes and fans. Athletes who are in training or in season, but still want that classic, refreshing beer flavor without compromising their game now have that option. Once fans are able to return to stadiums, Budweiser Zero will become the beer of the ninth inning and fourth quarter. While alcoholic beverages can’t be served at this time, fans can continue to enjoy Budweiser Zero till the last moment of the game. Beyond athletes, I think this product will resonate with consumers looking to cut back on sugar or alcohol and those looking to participate in social occasions without feeling the effects the next morning.

Budweiser and I worked together on this from the start to bring Budweiser Zero to life and I’ll also be sharing the beverage with my friends currently playing in The Bubble.

AM: Tell us about Budweiser Zero as well as elements that you had a direct impact on in terms of bringing the product to market.

DW: Budweiser Zero is Budweiser’s first zero-alcohol product with zero-sugar and only 50 calories. Budweiser Zero is light and crisp and has the same refreshing full-flavored taste people know from Budweiser. I worked with Budweiser from the inception of the idea and helped design the attributes and packaging of the product.

IG @DwyaneWade

PHOTO COURTESY | Budweiser Zero

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and read Zeroing in with Dwyane Wade in mag.

S2. E7 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH 3 X TEAM USA SWIMMING GOLD MEDALIST RYAN MURPHY

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we had the honor of having 3 X Team USA Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist, Ryan Murphy as Athleisure Mag's 55th cover. Known as a decorated backstroke swimmer who also has a world record in the men's 100-meter backstroke, we talk with Ryan about how he got into the sport, transitioning his interest to going pro, his experiences at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio as well as being part of that riveting 4 x 100m medley. As Ryan looks forward to the Olympics in Tokyo that's slated for next year, we talk about how he trains and modifies his routines as we all navigate COVID-19, the importance of mental health and how he is approaching his goals. He also shares how he is focused on impacting the sport of swimming whether as a competitor or simply enjoying water activities. He also talks about how he gives back to others and how this changemaker has been inspired by others.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S2. E6. | #TRIBEGOALS WITH 4 X NBA CHAMPION, ENTREPRENEUR & PHILANTHROPIST JOHN SALLEY

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we catch up with 4 X NBA Champion, John Salley. Avid listeners know that we spoke with him last season on this podcast show and always enjoy when we have the chance to get his thoughts. He talks about gifting for dads and grads, his appearance and commentary on ESPN's The Last Dance and words of advice as we navigate what is going on at this time.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | #55 JUL 2020

This month’s cover and back cover is 3 X Team USA Swimming Gold Medalist, Ryan Murphy. Our cover shoot editorial – Always Topping with Ryan Murphy, talks about Ryan’s career, how he got into swimming and his love of the backstroke, his success in the Summer Games in Rio in 2016, his approach to the upcoming games, how he is furthering the sport of swimming as well as encouraging others to embrace water sports. This interview will also be in an upcoming #TRIBEGOALS podcast episode. We also have an interview with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Harley Pasternak as we talk about working out from home, how he advises his clients in terms of what they needed on hand, his thoughts on gym and studio openings, a correlation between sugar and COVID-19 and how he has been passing his time for the past few months. We check in with Team Canada Pole Vaulter Ashlyn Newman who recently participated in The World’s Greatest in Greenville, South Carolina, this year’s first USA sanctioned Track & Field event. She talks about how she got into the sport, her training focus and what she looks forward to for the upcoming Olympic Games. Her interview will also be on an upcoming podcast of Bungalow SK. We check in with one of the Co-Founders of Huda Beauty, Mona Kattan. She talks about her role with the brand, their product assortment, KAYALI fragrance which is a part of this beauty empire, the power of fragrance and how she is spending her time in Dubai. We also talk to Head Winemaker of Cupcake Vineyard, Jessica Tomei. She talks about how she got into her career, harvest season, their newest line Cupcake Light Hearted and the importance of keeping it delicious. This episode will also be an upcoming podcast episode of Bungalow SK. In this month’s The Art of the Snack, we talk with James Beard Award winner, Food & Wine winner and runner up on BRAVO’s Top Chef Season 11 and Fan Favorite, Nina Compton. She talks about her culinary journey, her two restaurants, how she has navigated COVID-19 and signature dishes and cocktails that can be enjoyed there.

Read the July Issue #55 of Athleisure Mag here.

AUTHENTICALLY MATT BARNES

This month, we caught up with retired NBA Champion Matt Barnes who played 14 seasons in the league. His ability to bring his energy and focus to the court was seen on a number of teams from the LA Lakers, Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings just to name a few. His unapologetic honesty and loyalty to himself as well as who he works with shined through on the court and continues to be seen through his philanthropy, his skincare brand HUE For Every Man, the cannabis industry, as well as his focus on social justice. With the confluence of COVID-19 and the movement of #BlackLivesMatter, he continues to be at the forefront of ensuring that voices are heard and that people understand the importance of voting at the local, state and national level for changes to be made. He has lent his voice to rally's in his hometown of Sacramento for George Floyd as well as Stephon Clark. We talk about this as well as his successful podcast All the Smoke on SHOWTIME, his enterprises and the upcoming NBA season and playoffs and the importance of sports as we navigate challenging times.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We just wanted to kick it off that we’re excited to be talking with you about your basketball career, your skincare brand as well as the current state of things that are taking place right now. We’ve always enjoyed seeing you and have been following your career since you got into the league and how unapoligetically authentic that you are as a team player and someone that plays hard and how you use your platform to benefit others and to just bring awareness to the forefront.

MATT BARNES: I appreciate that very much. I try and I enjoy it so thank you.

AM: Of course! When did you fall in love with the game of basketball and what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to play in the NBA?

MB: I’d probably say that I fell in love with the game of basketball – hmm. I actually grew up as a football fan. Football was the sport that I was better in and naturally more gifted in. But I continued to grow so basketball, I kind of picked it up and started taking it more seriously probably around 7th grade. That’s when I started really playing a lot more. But back then, we just played, it wasn’t so much working out. It was just another sport that I took seriously. It kind of took me to being lucky enough to make it to the NBA.

AM: You played on a number of teams with amazing athletes. What do you feel your legacy is in terms of the sport?

MB: Just a real guy that was a great teammate. I played as absolutely hard as I could and I never took a play off, never took a game off and I left it all on the court.

AM: In your opinion, when a player is going on in their career, what is the process like when you realize that you’re going to retire and that you’re about to transition to that next phase of life and did you find that hard?

MB: My retirement was kind of subtle. I had just signed a new contract for 3 years at the beginning of the season. I had actually just retired and it was actually just a perfect storm of winning a championship although it didn’t really pan out the way that I had planned it but, winning a championship and missing my kids – I mean, I was going through a divorce at the time when I wasn’t able to see my twin sons as much as I wanted to. I figured that I had gotten 14 years in the NBA and I wasn’t supposed to be there. I figured it was time to transition and to see what was next. I was actually excited about my transition so I ended up retiring at 37.

But I started to think about business and what was next. I mean, the average NBA career is only 3 years and I beat that. At about year 8 or 9 when I was in the NBA, I started thinking about what’s next. So I started investing in things that I kind of enjoyed, that I liked, that I could use and that I could promote. Most people think that kind of stuff happens fast – they don’t realize how long the process is until if the company actually makes it and until you start making some real money off of it. A few business decisions that I had made 4 or 5 years prior with me being in my final season when I had made the championship started coming into fruition and showing a little bit of money, so that’s when I said that now was the time to retire. My transition has been smooth for me, luckily. I’ve been able to transition into media, then social justice and all the things that I am passionate about along with first and foremost, being a single father of 3 kids. I coach my kids, and I am a very hands on dad with my 18 month old son, so retirement has been amazing and I feel like, I’m going to be able to have an impact on the world post-career than during my playing career.

AM: We love seeing you as an analyst on ESPN for The Jump (we recently had Rachel Nichols as our cover for issue #51 earlier this year) and Get Up. What do you like about sports broadcasting?

MB: What I like to do and why I got into the space, is to give them the other side from a players point of view. From what we’re thinking with 2 mins to go in the fourth quarter of a big game or overtime of a big game. How we deal with injuries or how we deal with family and travel. Like, you can be a great reporter, but would never be able to give that kind of insight or detail because you’ve never played. I think as a player, it’s our duty to give the raw and real integral details of what makes our job so unique and so special. I see these days that so often so many people that have never played the sport, want to disrespect people and talk crazy about people and kind of don’t appreciate how hard it is for us to be in that position in the first place. You know what I mean – to be a professional that’s like 1%. You have a better chance of being struck by lightening than being in the NBA. To give a clear cut understanding of what it’s like to walk in those shoes and then to be able to also talk about it for the first time – well not for the first time, it’s slowly but surely becoming more popular to have African American men that are able to get our point across. They don’t have to tell our stories anymore. You know, there are so many guys that have their platforms now that have a voice and they can tell our own stories now and sports is just part of it.

AM: What led you to being a part of HUE For Every Man which is a natural, multi-cultural brand. What stars aligned to do this and why was it so important that you wanted to be attached to this?

MB: I was always known during my career for having the best haircuts and cleanest hairline.

AM: This is true.

MB: I mean my hair, when I was approached by HUE and I found out first and foremost that it was a great product line, but then Jessica Estrada (CEO of HUE For Every Man), she has been amazing. She pours her heart and soul into this company. She’s a blue collar worker and that’s what I was in the NBA, so part of me really wanted to help her to fulfill her dream and to get this off the ground. I wanted to see what we could really do with it. On the multi-cultural side, I’m Italian and Black. Now more than ever, we’ve been divided and so many things are targeted for either a white audience or a Black audience. There’s no real in between and there are a lot of people who are in between these days. There are a lot of biracial people out there. So really, the message for every man is that at the end of the day, we’re all men, we’re all human and it kind of speaks to more of an understanding of what this country needs right now.

AM: What are your 3 must haves that are go to products within HUE For Every Man?

MB: I use the pomade but my favorite product is the awakening mist. Because, I’m a cannabis user and I smoke throughout the day and the awakening mist is always something that refreshes me. Obviously, it helps my skin and I really enjoy it and I give it to all my friends and they really appreciate it so those are my 2 favorites along with the shampoo and the conditioner. The conditioner has a really special smell to it that I really like. Most people, when you get a celebrity or an athlete, they attach their name to it and it may not even be a product that they use everyday. I’m such a person that has always been real and true and I speak my truth. This is something that I really believe in and something that I really use and I want to make it work.

AM: Are there new products that are about to launch that you can tell us about?

MB: I’m also going to get into the CBD skincare line. I’m an advocate of cannabis and realizing how amazing CBD is and educating people on the plant as a whole, I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity to jump into the space. I’ve been told that I have nice skin, so it just made sense and I also realized that there are not too many people in this space that talk to my demographic. Skincare is something that we care about, but it’s not really spoken on. So if I make it with the movement to make it cool to care about what your appearance is as many people think of it as something that only women do. Men care just as much about their appearance as women do. So, if we can do something for lines and get people on a cleansing routine, moisturizing and realizing how important moisturizing is for your skin. It’s on a personal level, but it’s also on an educating level. We need to let guys know that this is the only face that we have. You have to take care of your skin and your appearance.

AM: We recently started listening to your podcast All the Smoke with you and Stephen Jackson, it’s such a clever show. How did you come about creating the concept, the two of you deciding to work together and what’s your process like in terms of booking the people that come on your show?

MB: We were former teammates and he’s one of my closest friends. We were both respectfully working with ESPN and FOX Sports. We would always get people on social media asking if we would do something together, but we were working for our networks. One day I said that we had to do something together. With me being with ESPN/Disney and FOX – we need to kind of walk the line, but I know that the podcast – even though I didn’t really know what it was, I knew that people felt it would really speak to them. He and I would be good at. We tried it and SHOWTIME took a chance on us not really knowing what we were capable of and we struck gold! We wanted to come in as a sports podcast because obviously, that’s what we’re known as. We also wanted to shift more towards culture as a whole.

We wanted to humanize our guests and let them know the other side of their favorite celebrity, athlete, musician or whoever it may be. Everyone already knows what we’re known for. I play basketball, I rap or I play football – you know that, but what are they really like off of the court? What are they in to, what are their day to day lives like – so humanizing people was something that I wanted to do. Through our long careers, we’ve been able to make a lot of friends and connections. The majority of our guests – all of them, we have booked them ourselves based off of personal relationships as well as our ability to being real. A lot of our guests will somewhat let their walls down and really freely and comfortably speak to us. It’s worked.

AM: Well 2020 has been an interesting year between us quarantining with COVID-19, #BlackLivesMatter, tackling social justice issues and the 2020 election that is around the corner. In looking at your Instagram, you’re out there on the forefront. How important is it for you to use your platform, to push for changes and to get other people to raise awareness regardless of people’s skin tones to ensure that this movement keeps progressing?

MB: I think it’s important. I experienced a lot of racism growing up and it culminated in high school where my school was vandalized and the building was nearly burnt by the KKK. I faced racism growing up and I have always been really sensitive to the subject. Just to see the current state of America, we have never been more divided. Things have continued to happen and it’s almost normalized to where you think that this is normal – Black people being killed now. It’s unfortunate but it has been happening so much. I think what happened with George Floyd obviously boiled not only our country but the whole world to say that we have had enough. We’re upon a big change and as someone who has always been vocal, I am speaking on different matters and this is just something that I am very passionate about. I feel like that this is the first time in over 400 years that the world hears us and particularly the United States. So now, we have to have a plan and me using my platform, showing people what I am doing and trying to educate people. I think that we have to have a plan of intelligence. Now that they are listening, we have to know what we want and the only way to get what we want is to vote. It’s not just about voting for the president, it’s about your local level. People don’t know that most laws are made and passed on the local and the state level. Just continuing to educate people, trying to do my part and getting my friends to help and really understand the power of our community and when we come together that we can change the world.

AM: Being able to see how people have come together and to know that we have to follow through to continue to make our voices heard by making our votes is essential. In addition to this taking place, with the absence of sports, I’m sure you like the rest of us were riveted to ESPN’s The Last Dance as we get ready for the NBA basketball season to resume. What do you think about the format that will take place to complete the season and to head to the playoffs?

MB: I think it was great you know? Normally, when the world is having a crisis, sports is something that we can always turn to. It’s been a hell of 2020 like you mentioned, and 2020 took away sports. So for the NBA to be coming back, it’s slowly but surely becoming America’s past time. I love that they were able to come to some sort of solution or understanding to get back on the court and to really help start the world to heal. We obviously have so far to go, but sports has always been that one time that people can come together. I think that now, more than ever, that’s what we really need. I’m every excited about it and it wouldn’t seem right if we didn’t have a champion this year and now we’re going to be able to get a chance to get that.

AM: We couldn’t agree more. We’re sure that you have a number of projects going on, whether you’re talking about in front of the camera or behind it, are there things that we should be looking forward to in order to keep our eye out for it?

MB: Obviously, you can catch All the Smoke on SHOWTIME right now although we’re in negotiations for a new deal so hopefully, that happens! Also, I’m continuing to produce and create content that I’ll start really getting out there on different networks and platforms as it’s taken over my love of sports – just being able to create content and being able to share true stories, real stories and do inspirational stories. I’m starting to that and I just signed with ICM to help me build my goal and that will be cool. I’m doing a lot in the cannabis space right now trying to educate people on that. Continue to follow that. Last but not least, educating people in a fun way on politics and teaching them on how meaningful it is. Not so much about not being passionate overall in voting for the president or whatever, but finding causes that you’re passionate about and building on those. That’s a small step to getting people first and foremost to register, getting them interested and hopefully getting them all the way interested in being able to understand how powerful their voices are to this country.

AM: We always like to end our interviews asking our changemakers who you clearly are – who are you inspired by. Who are three people who have inspired you to be at the point that you are at now?

MB: Nipsey Hussle RIP. Kobe RIP. These guys because of their focus and dedication on their craft and their obsessive nature – like their beautiful mind to be great. I think that both of those guys were great in their own way and they would have only become greater before their lives were cut short. Someone else that I look up to which is a big thing – I look up to someone like Michael Strahan. Someone who is able to be a formal athlete, able to speak on sports, crossover to mainstream media as well which is something that I would like to do.

IG @Matt_Barnes9

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 25 Matt Barnes + Editorial Design by Athleisure Mag | PG 27 + 33 Ray Chavez | PG 28 - 31 SHOWTIME |

Read the June Issue #54 of Athleisure Mag and see Authentically Matt Barnes in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW WITH JOHN SALLEY

We enjoyed talking with 4 X NBA Champion, John Salley, last year and always enjoy when we have the chance to catch up with him again. This month, we talk about gifting for dads and grads, his appearance and commentary on ESPN's The Last Dance and words of advice as we navigate what is going on at this time.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We always love being able to chat with you and love our annual Father’s Day chats while also getting your thoughts on what’s taking place at the moment!

JOHN SALLEY: I love speaking with you and thank you for having me! Hopefully I will speak with you next Father’s Day as well.

AM: It’s a date.

JS: It’s a date ha!

AM: It has been quite a year to say the least, but thankfully, we’re still celebrating and with Father’s Day coming up, what’s on your list this year?

JS: Oh my God do I have some things for you! This is the deal. I have Old Spice, they are coming out first to market with their beard conditioning set! Now you hear a lot from Old Spice talking about how it smells on you, but this – I have been sporting a beard for the last 2.5 years and I have the beard wash, beard conditioner, beard balm and I really love the beard oil as it sits around and it nourishes my beard and gives that glisten. It doesn’t look scruffy, it looks well kept and it looks organized. I love that so I’m going to tell you to get the Old Spice Beard Kit and it’s graduation season. Boys now in high school that have beards – this is going to be a big one for them too. It's not just for the dads but graduating guys as well.

I also have something else with an app that I use and get he family to use, it’s called Slickdeals. They have 12M users on the app and on the site. They vet and vote for different deals so any given time, a new deal will pop up but you know that you’re going to get a really good deal – the best of the best of the deals. They came up with a thing called the Front Page. This way, you can shop with confidence and know that you’re getting the best price. You don’t want to have to buy something and go somewhere else and see it for a less price, it makes you feel bad. You don’t run through that with slick deals. You can also take the knowledge of the community of Slickdeals and through an extension browser on Chrome and Edge, when you shop online as soon as you put the product into the cart, the code goes with it and you don’t have to look around for savings. It pops right in and it’s going to be the best deal that you can possibly get. When you go to checkout with your merchant, all of a sudden, all of the codes are in the place and you will see all of the savings. The best thing about this especially for Father’s Day is the editors over at Slickdeals have curated an unbelievable Father’s Day section so you can go in there to get tips and ideas and the best deals possible.

AM: These are definitely good things to know about especially with the quarantine going on, there are a lot of people sporting those beards!

JS: Oh I know – there is a lot of hair out there and I know! Here in California a lot of barbers and hair salons are still not open.

AM: We have been dying for our sports fix and we were so excited to see you on ESPN’s The Last Dance. How was that to be on the documentary and to provide all your insights into this show that captured everybody?

JS: It was unbelievable. I know that when they told me about it, after I did the interview they said to forget I did the interview because we weren’t allowed to talk about it. When I saw it, I was like, “wow that was a whole year ago.” I think that it was definitely needed during the pandemic because there is nothing on television to watch except for more and more of fear. Just seeing how much my friend Michael Jordan had to go through, I had no idea that he had to go through that much trauma. Having to deal with being a Bull going up against the Detroit Pistons! So I got to see the inside workings of the Chicago Bulls which we had no knowledge of. I think that if we had known that, we would have seen that as a weakness definitely. I think that they did a good job of that!

AM: With the NBA resuming the season partially as well as having the playoffs, are you excited and how do you feel about the format? Who are you cheering on?

JS: I live in Los Angelos now so I’m a LeBron – well I have always been a LeBron fan – never a Cleveland Cavalier fan. So having him wearing the purple and gold, being an established 3 X World Champion – I think it’s really important that he wins Championships here and continue the legacy. With the focus, he has had time off to – no one has had the time to grieve over the passing of Kobe, but we had time off to deal with it and time off for athletes to deal with nagging injuries of their bodies, to rest their bodies – this is the first time that this has ever happened. To be able to rest your body and not have to worry about getting traded. I think that coming back, I’m really going to be watching the Lakers to win a Championship this year!

AM: Same.

We’re huge fans of the Lakers. One of the things that we love about you is that you are such a positive person. Right now, there are so many things going on from the quarantine, protests for #BlackLivesMatter – what is a positive mantra that you are using to continue going forward that we can use in our day to day?

JS: Well I have a lot of friends talking to me – Caucasian friends asking what they can do and asking me if I see it my way and I say, this is the one time to be quiet. Don’t deal out of ego, don’t deal out of entitlement of any sort – literally listen, pay attention to each thing you say and feel. You don’t have to walk on eggshells, but check yourself to find out if you are in the right spot on this world and in the right spot in this life which is what you have to do. I say this all the time. Meditate, breathe, pray and enjoy the life that you have.

IG @JohnSalley

PHOTOGRAPHY | John Salley

Hear retired 4 X NBA Champion, philanthropist, entrepreneur, vegan and activist, John Salley on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the June Issue #54 of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know with John Salley in mag.

TO THE BEACH WITH APRIL ROSS

Back in 2016, we interviewed 2 X Team USA Beach Volleyball Olympic Medalist April Ross after her Bronze win at the Olympic Games in Rio. Flash forward to this month's cover, we caught up with April Ross to talk about indoor vs beach volleyball, the AVP Tour and the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo that are slated to take place next year. We also talk about April joining the KT Tape team and how she uses her social platform to inspire and motivate her followers to stay motivated in their health and fitness journey.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When was the moment that you realized that you wanted to transition from an indoor volleyball player to a beach volleyball player?

APRIL ROSS: There was no specific moment, it was kind of a process and I had kind of given up indoor and just fell out of love with it. My big thing is that I just want to be able to enjoy my journey always. I just wasn’t enjoying my indoor journey. My teammate from USC was playing on the beach and asked me to play in some qualifying events on the beach with her to just help her out. I went out there and we didn’t do very well and I wasn’t very good, but I just fell in love with the sport of beach volleyball. I stuck with it and played it for a while, struggled for a while and I finally broke through and started to have some success and then you know, I just kept riding that wave.

AM: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between indoor vs. beach volleyball?

AR: There are two biggest differences for me – obviously the surface, it is so ridiculously hard to move and jump in the sand – that just creates a totally different challenge in beach volleyball than when you are playing indoor volleyball. The other big difference is that you touch the ball every single play. You are involved in every single play. You can go through an entire rally during indoor and not touch the ball once. On the sand, when you want a point, you have to touch the ball. I feel like there is a lot more accountability on each player in beach.

AM: Last summer, we attended the AVP NYC Open which was a lot of fun. Obviously, you and Alix Klineman won and typically, right now you would be in the thick of the AVP schedule. How have you been spending your time since you’re not doing that at the moment?

AR: Life looks a little different right now. I’m at home pretty much all day. I’m working on some home improvement stuff that I have never had time for. That’s actually really nice. I checked out a big amount of gym equipment from the USA Volleyball Gym and I cleaned out my garage which has been full of storage stuff for the last 10 years. I created a home gym and I am able to get my full lift in there which is about 2 and a half hours. I’m going to Home Depot today to get supplies to make a wooden squat rack. Because I do a little bit of woodworking too and I am getting back into the hobby now that I have some time to explore that so I thought putting my time into making a wooden squat rack would be great. I looked at some designs online that I want to try. Working out, visioning, I’m doing a lot reading and a lot of reflectioning as well as journaling. I’ve been doing a lot of Zoom calls. I mean, everyone is doing the Zoom calls.

AM: For sure. Obviously, with the Olympics being pushed back to next year, what does this next period look like for you especially in regards to training and getting prepared for that?

AR: That’s a constant discussion with my team. We’re trying to grasp onto something in the near future that we can train for and that’s proving hard to do obviously. So, we’re kind of waiting and seeing the government guidelines are when we can get back out on the beach. We want to take advantage of this time, but it’s really hard if we can’t get out on the sand. We can do so much off of the sand, but you have to be able to practice. We’re trying to see how we can have a training camp and if we can do it safely if there is a private court somewhere and we take the proper precautions, maybe in June at some point we can get on the sand and do 3 – 4 weeks of training camp. If there is still nothing on the schedule, maybe we can take a week off. I mean, it’s tough. I’ve never ever had to do anything like this.

AM: It’s a day-by-day thing.

AR: Right, it’s literally a day-by-day thing. It’s a constant brainstorm and getting creative and with each new piece of information, it changes so we’re trying to be really go with the flow!

AM: The weekend of May 22nd, I love that you have partnered with KT Tape to do an Instagram Live event where we can train like an Olympian, actually work out with you and get off of our butts to get a good workout in. Why is this so important for you to participate in this?

AR: I’m really excited for this KT Tape Instagram Live workout. Because I’m not playing and I can’t really interact with fans to encourage and motivate people through my competitions and stuff, I love doing this and engaging people and helping them while they’re at home. Maybe I am creating a little bit motivation or making it a little bit easier for people to have access and information on how to work out and to stay healthy during this time – as well as how to do it while you’re staying at home. I feel like I’m still of service in some way and I just really like to have some kind of positive influence on whoever decides to follow me on social media. I don’t want it to just be “look at me – look at what I’m doing.” I want to give back and I want to help people accomplish their goals and to stay healthy.

AM: You just joined KT Tape earlier this year. What is it about the brand that is such a great synergy with you and how you operate?

AR: I think KT Tape is essential to being an athlete, to staying healthy in general especially in this time. I don’t have a lot of access to physical therapy and therapists. That’s essential to my program and to staying healthy as I have these aches and pains. Because I have KT Tape, I’m able to use that to support my joints and my muscles. All of last season, it was huge as it was for qualifications. I strained my quad early on in the season and it was kind of a big factor and without being able to use KT Tape and tape it all summer, I think I would have been in so much more pain. I had to tape it through World Championships and all through our biggest tournament. Throughout my whole career, I have leaned on my ability to tape myself and literally keep myself together – so it’s a natural fit. As I get older, I need it more and more.

AM: What kinds of workouts will you be including for your Instagram Live with KT Tape?

AR: Well it’s going to be a shoulder stabilization and strengthening workout. I’m trying to think of things that maybe people have not hit so far and that there aren’t a lot of information on. I think that a lot of us are probably on the couch a good amount hunched over and we’re sitting on the computer a lot with Zoom calls. To try and rectify our posture a little bit, I’m going to touch on that stuff.

AM: Who have been 3 people that have inspired you in your career whether you know them personally, follow them online etc? We like asking our changemakers this question as it’s a key one for our podcast #TRIBEGOALS.

AR: Oh wow! People that have inspired me – I would say that one person who has really helped me get through this time is Glennon Doyle. I’m reading her book and she does little Instagram TV videos daily. I love following her. I have recently been inspired by Megan Rapinoe and how vocal she has been for everything, that is amazing. Then, Dr. Michael Gervais – he is a sports psychologist. I was on a panel for Victoria Garrick, she played at USC and is kind of a mental health advocate. She has me, another athlete and Dr. Gervais on to speak to her and her following. Just listening to him, he gave me a lot of ideas that I could be doing in this time to kind of just get my vision right, my mission, my life philosophies etc. so that when we get out of this, I’m all in alignment – spiritually. He’s definitely someone that has influenced me as well.

IG @AprilRossBeach

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 21 + 29 Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire | PG 22 - 27 + 30 KT Tape - Editorial Design by Athleisure Mag |

Hear 2 X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist, April Ross on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the May issue of Athleisure Mag and see To the Beach with April Ross in mag.