TCS NEW YORK CITY MARATHON 2026

On Nov 1st, the TCS New York City Marathon connects all the boroughs together with an epic run! People from all over the world come together for this epic race and throughout the week, there have been a number of events to commemorate this event! For those who are spectators or are following someone who is participating, it is such a good time as you can track your friend’s number through the app and coordinate places where you can cheer as they navigate the city! With the great weather slated for the event, it’s bound to be a good time!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR AESTHETIC TREATMENT

You’ve probably seen med spa treatments all over social media, from glowing skin after a laser session to smoother texture after a chemical peel or subtle enhancements that make someone look refreshed without appearing overdone. Your first visit can feel exciting but also a little confusing. If you’re considering aesthetic treatments in Vancouver, it’s important to distinguish professional medical treatments from social media trends. Knowing what a med spa offers, how appointments work, and what factors to consider before booking can help you make an informed decision.

What a Med Spa Is and How It Differs From a Day Spa

A med spa combines cosmetic treatments with medical care. Unlike traditional day spas, which mainly focus on relaxation and basic skincare, med spas offer specialized procedures that require medical oversight, advanced equipment, and professional knowledge of skin health.

Common treatments include neuromodulators, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microneedling, laser resurfacing, and body contouring. These procedures are usually part of personalized treatment plans designed to address specific skin concerns and aesthetic goals.

Because these treatments involve medical considerations, consultations should include a detailed assessment of your skin and overall health. 

How to Choose the Right Aesthetic Treatment Provider

Before choosing an aesthetic treatment, it is important to research the clinic and its medical professionals. Many people rely on before-and-after photos when comparing providers, but these images only show selected results and may not reflect every patient's experience.

Check who performs the treatments, who provides medical supervision, and whether the clinic clearly explains potential risks and conditions that may make certain procedures unsuitable. Choosing experienced professionals is important because different treatments require specific techniques, equipment, and safety precautions. A proper consultation can help identify suitable procedures and reduce the risk of unwanted results. If you're considering going to a med spa Vancouver has several options that offer personalized aesthetic treatments designed to help clients address skin concerns, enhance their natural features, and achieve their cosmetic goals with professional guidance.

During your consultation, ask whether the provider evaluates your skin type, skin barrier health, expected recovery time, and possible side effects. These may include changes in pigmentation, bruising, swelling, or temporary skin irritation. A reliable provider should explain why a particular procedure is suitable for you.

Why a Detailed Consultation Matters Before Aesthetic Treatment 

A detailed consultation can help you determine which aesthetic treatments are most suitable for your skin concerns and personal goals. Sometimes, the treatment you initially want may not be the best option. For example, you might consider dermal fillers when your concerns also involve dehydration or uneven skin texture. Similarly, certain resurfacing treatments may not be suitable if your skin is already irritated or sensitive.

During your first consultation, the provider should discuss your treatment goals, budget, medical history, pain tolerance, and expected maintenance requirements. You should also mention any upcoming events, because some procedures require recovery time and temporary restrictions on sun exposure.

Your provider may also take photographs under consistent lighting to document your skin condition and monitor treatment progress. These images can help identify subtle changes that may be difficult to notice without a direct comparison.

By the end of your consultation, you should have a clear idea of how the recommended treatment works, how many sessions you may need, and when results are likely to appear. 

Choosing the Right Aesthetic Treatments for Beginners

Your first med spa visit does not have to involve complex or intensive procedures. Starting with a less invasive treatment can help you understand how your skin responds and what to expect during recovery. 

For beginners, common options include gentle chemical peels, hydrafacial-style treatments, and LED light therapy. Microneedling may also be suitable for individuals concerned about uneven skin texture or acne scars. If you are interested in injectable treatments, starting with a conservative approach can help you achieve subtle, natural-looking results without making several changes at once.

Laser treatments are another option, but they require careful evaluation before proceeding. Factors such as skin tone, a history of melasma, recent sun exposure, and certain medications can affect treatment safety. Different laser devices also serve different purposes. A qualified provider should explain how each treatment works and whether it addresses your specific concerns. 

Why Choosing Cheaper Aesthetic Treatments Can Cost More Later

Choosing the cheapest option may not always provide the best value. Lower prices may sometimes reflect limited consultations, less experienced providers, outdated equipment, or insufficient follow-up care. Unsatisfactory results or complications may also require corrective treatments, leading to additional expenses.

Before booking an appointment, request a detailed breakdown of the total cost and ask what services are included. If the clinic offers treatment packages, clarify its policies regarding cancellations, adverse reactions, and unused sessions. A reputable provider should explain all charges and help you understand the expected results and maintenance requirements. 

Why Proper Aftercare Matters 

Proper aftercare is essential for achieving realistic results and supporting recovery after aesthetic treatments. Even mild procedures may require temporary changes to your daily routine. Following the recommended precautions can help reduce the risk of complications, support the healing process, and improve overall treatment outcomes.

It is important to understand that results may take time to become visible, depending on the procedure and your body's response. Some treatments may cause temporary swelling, redness, or sensitivity during recovery. Following your provider's recommendations and allowing enough time for healing can help you maintain realistic expectations.

Why Social Media Trends Should Not Influence Your Treatment Decisions

Social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have made aesthetic treatments increasingly popular. However, many people become interested in certain procedures without fully considering their suitability, maintenance requirements, or potential risks. Choosing a treatment based only on online trends may lead to unrealistic expectations.

Popular treatments such as jawline contouring, lip flips, Botox, skin tightening, and collagen-stimulating procedures often receive attention on social media. While these treatments may offer benefits, their effectiveness depends on individual facial features, skin conditions, and aesthetic goals.

A procedure that produces natural-looking results for one person may not be suitable for another. Similarly, treatments that improve certain skin concerns may cause irritation or unwanted reactions in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin.

Rather than following trends, it is important to seek professional advice and choose treatments based on your individual needs. 

Making an Informed Decision About Your First Aesthetic Treatment

Your first med spa appointment should help you feel confident and informed about your treatment options. Even if you decide not to proceed immediately, you should leave with a clear understanding of the available procedures, their benefits, and expected results. Avoid making rushed decisions based on promotional offers, discounted packages, or pressure to book additional services.

During your consultation, feel free to ask about treatment ingredients, equipment, provider qualifications, safety procedures, and maintenance requirements. A professional clinic should answer your questions clearly and give you enough time to consider your options before committing.

Successful aesthetic treatments depend on open communication between you and your provider. While the provider offers professional knowledge and recommendations, your personal goals, budget, recovery preferences, and expectations should guide the final decision.

STILL GRINDIN' | PHARRELL + PUSHA T

When it comes to tackling your day, a caffeine pick me up is essential for so many people. Pusha T and Pharrell Williams (super-producer, multi platinum artist, entertainer, world renowned designer and entrepreneur) have partnered together this month to launch Grindin, powered by Lavazza and is available in dark and medium roasts for ground and whole beans. Longtime collaborators, Pusha T and Pharrell wanted to create coffee that allows us to enjoy our everyday hustles to work harder whether you’re an early riser, late-night grinders, and don’t simply stick to the storied 9-5. To enhance this partnership, they connected with Lavazza, the legendary Italian roaster whose legacy and heritage in coffee quality and craftsmanship dates back to 1895.

“Pusha and I have been building together since the beginning,” says Pharrell Williams. “From making Grindin back in 2002 to now, it has always been about intention and focus. Coffee has always been part of that discipline. It has been in the room with us when we create. Now it has a name.” Their love for coffee came from working an array of sessions in the recording studio, heading to the gym, being on the road, and creating a sharp contrast to a ritualistic experience.

“P and I were waking up really early. Like 5 a.m. early,” shares Pusha T on the origins of their coffee brand, Grindin. “That was our routine. Alarm goes off at 5, we’re up, and the first thing we’re doing is black coffee or the strongest espresso we can find. That’s how we were working. That was the fuel. We’d be in the studio creating, locked in, just grinding. And then from there we’d go ride 25 miles on the bike. That was the whole rhythm, create, move, create again. Coffee was part of that whole cycle.”

Grindin was roasted for superior taste and quality. The dark roast is sourced in Central and South America as well as in Southeast Asia with tasting notes of cocoa, caramel, and brown spices. The medium roast is sourced in South America and has notes of bittersweet chocolate, caramel, and roasted hazelnut. Whichever blend you choose to enjoy, they are both suitable for filter, espresso, and cold brew methods.

Born from that creative cycle, the hustle continued with a number of great sounds. Pusha’s instant classic, It’s Almost Dry in 2022 was followed by Let God Sort Em Out, which dropped in 2025 and was the first new album in 16 years from Clipse – the iconic and legendary duo that combines the creativity of Pusha and his brother Malice, which produced entirely by Pharrell. This album went on to be nominated for 5 Grammys including Best Rap Album and Album of the Year and ultimately, took home the prize for Best Rap Performance. That same night, Pharrell was honored with 2026 Dr Dre Global Impact Award to recognize his multi-decade influence on music, fashion, and culture.

With an exciting launch ahead with Grindin, Pusha wants us to know that their, “…customer is someone who builds things. The kind of person who wakes up and gets to work, who works out every day, who builds a strong community around them. It’s all about the grind, it’s the first move before you build something. That’s why this brand exists. It’s not about sipping and easing into the morning. It’s about ignition. It’s about the grind – the first move before you build something. That is why this brand exists.”

This belief in ignition has fueled Grammy-winning albums, award winning designs, global tours, runway shows and more. Without question, they understand the business of supply, demand, and hustle!

IG @grindin

@kingpush

@pharrell

PHOTO COURTESY | Grindin Coffee

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see STILL GRINDIN’ | Pharrell + Pusha T in mag.

SIMPLE ONLINE GAMES WITH A LOW BARRIER TO ENTRY (AND UNDERSTANDING)

Plenty of games are designed to reward hours of study and practice. Others work because the basic idea can be understood almost immediately.

That low barrier to entry has become especially valuable online. People can move between games quickly and often decide within a few minutes whether something is worth sticking with. A simple control scheme and very little setup can make a game far more approachable than something that asks for a long tutorial before anything interesting happens.

This does not mean simple games are always shallow. Plenty of them become surprisingly demanding once the pace increases or the decisions start to matter more…

Casino Games Often Keep the Basic Idea Very Simple

Casino games are often a good example because many of them are built around extremely clear actions. The majority of games played at casinos are built on really simple premises.

Slots are probably the most obvious. A player chooses a stake and starts a spin. The game handles everything else. Many slots include bonus rounds and other features that have become more advanced than in the early days of slots. The basic process remains easy to follow.

That simplicity is useful because there are so many slot games available online. New titles are released constantly, often with different themes and mechanics, yet players do not need to relearn the entire format every time. The interface may look different, but the essential controls usually remain familiar.

The rise of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has also brought new ideas into online casino gaming. Crypto-focused platforms helped popularize games built around very simple concepts. Many of the Bitcoin casino games that have grown in popularity recently do have an extremely understandable premise. Crash games are one of the clearest examples.

A multiplier starts low and rises over time before suddenly crashing. The basic decision is whether to cash out before that happens. There is no long set of rules or huge list of controls to learn.

The whole game can be understood in a few moments.

Bitcoin casinos have also helped push other compact formats such as Dice and Plinko-style games. They rely on simple visual ideas and very little setup. Newer slot games continue to appear alongside them, creating a mix of traditional casino formats and newer digital ideas.

Word Games Are Easy to Start and Hard to Put Down

Word games are one of the strongest examples of low-entry online entertainment.

A game might ask players to guess a word or build words from a small set of characters. The instructions can often be explained in one sentence.

That makes them perfect for short sessions. There is no need to remember a complicated story or spend ten minutes working out what each button does. A player can understand the goal and begin almost immediately.

Daily word games work particularly well because they create a simple routine. One puzzle appears each day. This keeps the experience small and manageable.

The interesting part is that the rules stay easy even when the puzzle becomes difficult. The challenge comes from language and deduction rather than from learning how to control the game. Games are published on sites like the NYTimes but are also made by platforms like Merriam-Webster.

Tetris Still Has One of Gaming’s Clearest Ideas

Tetris is another great example because the entire game can be understood just by watching it for a minute. It is also incredibly popular (it is one of the best-selling games ever). Shapes fall from the top of the screen. They can be moved and rotated.

Complete a full horizontal line and it disappears. That is almost everything a beginner needs to know.

Tetris players know that difficulty then grows naturally as the pieces (tetraminos) start falling faster and the available space becomes more awkward.

This is a good showcase of what makes simple games so effective. The game does not need to keep adding more weird controls or systems to become harder.

Agar.io Keeps Everything Stripped Back

Browser games such as Agar.io show how little a game actually needs.

The player controls a colored circle moving around an open area. Smaller objects can be absorbed to grow larger. Bigger players become a threat by trying to absorb your dot.

That’s it…

There are no complicated attack combinations or long lists of abilities. Movement is the main skill.

The situations created by those controls can still become chaotic.

Geoguessr Uses a Familiar Real-World Idea

GeoGuessr is another good example of an online game that can be understood immediately. It is not easy (often far from it) – the game is a good example of simple rules.

A location is shown on the screen. Players can use their intuition and detective skills through street imagery and has to work out where in the world it might be.

Road signs, architecture, landscape, and even the position of the sun can all become clues. None of that needs to be learned before the first round.

Players can simply look around and make a guess. It is the sort of game that can be played while enjoying a snack or chatting to others.

Simple games are popular because they respect time. Not everybody wants to spend half an hour learning controls before anything interesting happens. A game that explains itself quickly can fit into a lunch break or relaxed evening without much commitment.

DESIGNKIT: FREE BACKGROUND REMOVER REVIEW: TESTING IT ON FASHION AND ACTIVEWEAR PRODUCT PHOTOS

Introduction 

Ever‍‍‍ tried capturing the perfect product photo and then realized the background completely ruined everything? 

That is a common problem experienced by fashion and activewear sellers. 

And let's face it, no one wants to waste hours trying to beautify a pair of leggings or a sports bra just to make them listing-ready.

That's where Designkit Free Background Remover comes in. It promises clean cutouts in seconds, but can it handle tricky straps, fabric folds, and fine edges? We put it to the test with fashion and activewear photos to see if it really delivers.

The Pile of Product Photos Waiting to Be Edited

Sneaker boxes on the desk. Activewear, still in shipping bags. And a phone, full of product photos that you need to post by Friday. Does that sound like your life?

The trouble? Half of the photo library has cluttered backgrounds. A sneaker shot on a cluttered floor isn't attractive. Neither is a legging set shot in front of a wrinkled bedsheet. And bothering to manually retouch every photo? That would take forever.

So today wasn't actually a shoot day. It was a clearing-up day. And we put that to good use to see if Designkit's Free Background Remover could manage the actual workload of a fashion shoot.

Why Fashion and Activewear Photos Are a Harder Cutout Problem Than They Look

You‍‍‍ may easily separate the background of a bottle of water or a phone by following these steps, but… fashion? No doubt it will be challenging. Fabrics have soft edges, minute holes, and detailed work, which might easily be overlooked by background removal tools.

A few of the areas that may lead to a lot of challenges:

• Sneaker laces and eyelets: When laces make small holes, they could leave some parts of the background.

• Bag straps and hardware: Metal parts and straps if the bag is so small, may be removed, or the shape of these parts may be distorted.

• Mesh and knit fabrics: Fabric holes (like mesh) and soft edges are hard for software to see where the background starts.

• Fringe and drawstrings: The software might cut loose threads and hanging strings of the fabric during background removal.

• Overlapping garments: Layers of fabric with similar colors might be hard for the tool to distinguish.

Backgrounds with sharp borders are very simple. Background removal algorithms often fail with fabrics. And guess what, that's exactly what we wanted to check with Designkit.

Meet Designkit: The Tool Behind Today's Cleanup

So many product photos still needed to be edited; we needed something fast and simple. That's where Designkit comes in. Designkit is an AI-powered e-commerce visual creative platform that covers everything from product photography and background removal to virtual try-on and marketing assets.

We were most interested in the Free Background Remover for this test. The tool runs right from your browser and requires zero additional installations. Just choose a JPG, PNG, or WEBP file, and the AI takes care of the background removal in a matter of ‍‍‍seconds.

It also offers some useful extras besides background removal:

• Batch editing: Remove backgrounds from up to 15 photos at once.

• 100 free exports daily: Sign in to download full-size images.

• Background options: Keep it transparent or switch to white or any custom color.

• Easy resizing: Prepare images for Shopify, Amazon, Instagram, and other platforms.

Sounds handy for a pile of fashion photos, right? But the real question is whether it can keep those tiny fabric details intact.

The Rack — 5 Pieces We Put Through the Test

Time‍‍‍ for real fun! We selected five items of fashion and activewear to experiment with various fabrics and shapes, and tricky edges. Here is how the tests turned out with each item.

Item 1: Laced Shoes

It started with a shoe photograph taken in a cluttered scene. The biggest issue would be those tiny holes in the eyelets.

Result: Designkit eliminated the background mess without altering the shape of the shoe. The edges of the sole seemed quite neat, and the laces also seemed to have their own identity rather than turning into a hazy ‍‍‍blob.

Item‍‍‍ 2: Leggings Laid Flat

Here, we tested a pair of leggings laid flat against a busy background. Compared to sneakers, leggings have very soft fabric edges that may be hard to cut out due to their softness and irregularity.

Then, you can further edit the picture in Designkit and remove the extra things manually. 

Result: Designkit got rid of the background pretty well without leaving the leggings stiff or unrealistic. The fabric curves remained smooth and the edges sharp. 

Item 3: Gym Bag with Straps and Hardware

On this round, the subject of our test was a gym bag featuring long straps, a couple of buckles and a zipper. 

Result: The result of the background removal on Designkit was surprisingly good. It kept the straps separate from the background as well as highlighting the metal accessories. What's more, the space between the straps and the bag's body looked quite ‍‍‍realistic.

Item 4: Mesh Performance Top

Without a doubt, this was the most difficult clothing item at Designkit testing. Mesh fabric is a type of fabric that is thin and has a lot of holes or semi-transparent parts.

Result: A good portion of the background was removed with Designkit, while the overall pattern of the mesh is still in view. 

Item 5: Jacket Over a Base Layer

In the end, we checked a complex outfit of layers; jacket on top of a close-fit t-shirt. 

Result: Designkit has deleted the background very cleanly while both shirts were preserved. Clear outlines; the overlapping of the layers has become ‍‍‍natural.

Where It's Worth a Second Look

Designkit did a great job on all five fashion and activewear images. Everything from shoelaces and narrow bag straps, mesh fabrics, to layers of overlapping clothes felt crisp and natural, and even more complex fabric edges held up well, with no background residue.

We didn't notice any glaring problems in our test, but we do recommend zooming in before uploading high-end campaign shots, particularly where every single pixel counts. For simple product pages and social media posts, Designkit produced great results with no editing at all.

The Verdict: Is Designkit Rack-Ready?

So, did we clear that pile of product photos? Yes, and without spending hours editing!

The sneakers and gym bag came out clean enough for publishing as shown. The leggings and layers also looked perfect. 

If you're a fashion brand, activewear seller, stylist, or content creator struggling to get through dozens of product images, Designkit's Free Background Remover will free you from time-consuming background clean up so you can get back to uploading products.

WORKOUT AND STUDIO CLIPS THAT LOOK SOFT ONLINE: CONVERT TO HD BEFORE YOU PUBLISH

It's 6 a.m., and you are in your favorite workout class, trying to get that great video of you in action. You are sweaty, your phone is on top of a kettlebell, and the first take was perfect. When you post it, however, it's fuzzy! Even your newest matching workout set looks strange. 

Here's what it comes down to: You want the video to show off your look and your sweat and the vibe of your workout. Now, do you need to redo that video? Not necessarily. Here's how to troubleshoot your problem, convert your video into HD, and post it.

The 30-Second Clip Audit: Know What You’re Fixing

Before‍‍‍, you start trying ways to make a blurry workout video sharper, spend 30 seconds figuring out what the problem is. 

Not all blurry videos can be fixed with the same solution!

• Clothes details are blurry: If you can't see the fabric, threads, or logo, it might be because of low quality video or compression. Converting to HD may help a bit.

• Video too grainy or dull? Is your studio too dark? Bad lighting is usually the cause. Try removing noise and fixing the color.

• Uneven jerking or shaky motion video: Did anyone hit the phone in mid-exercise? Try the option on camera app for video stabilization of that movement.

• Blurry fast action: Jumps and reps that are fast and look streaked out? That's called motion blur. Your HD conversion can't do anything about it but try again with better lights and a faster shutter speed.

Quick tip: Always start with the original video from your phone. It usually has better quality than a copy downloaded from social media.

The Fix: Convert to HD Before You Post

Got a blurry workout clip but would hate to re-shoot the entire thing? Fix it with Wink. Wink is an AI video and photo enhancer that upscales videos and images to 8K resolution, eliminates noise, sharpens soft clips, and enhances videos and photos that are blurry.

Ever thought about making your fitness videos look their best? Well, we tried this 4K HD Video Converter, and here's what we loved. You can upscale your old videos into 4K. Grain, color and details are all improved simultaneously. So textured fabrics, signs, and logos will appear crisp and clear, and all those flat studio light colors will look better than ever before.

Here's something we liked. Wink adjusts each scene based on its lighting, movement, and depth. So, a dark Pilates session and a bright outfit check in the same Reel get different fixes.

Got a week's worth of workout clips? No worries, batch conversion allows you to upload the entire week's content in one shot. However, HD conversion isn't magic. It can improve soft images, but it can't fully restore serious motion blurs or salvage information that isn't there.

The LIST: Studio Clips That Go Soft, and the Fix for Each

1.‍‍‍ The Matching-Set Try-On

Your outfit looks great, but the video is too hazy? Use HD conversion to enhance fabric details and seams of the garment. This matters even more with natural-fiber activewear, where texture is part of the look.

2. Reformer Pilates in a Moody Studio

If the lights are dim, videos can get grainy. To get rid of that graininess, use Wink's HD converter. As an extra, try out night scene enhancement on darker videos.

3. Hot Yoga and Red-Light Rooms

Under such lights, your skin tones and outfit could look different. Video color correction is one way to restore the natural color balance. Flickering can also happen, so double-check that.

4. Hyrox, HIIT, and the Burnout Round

Love the energy of Hyrox-style workouts? Capturing it on camera isn't always easy. Fast moves and shaky phones can ruin a good clip. Use video stabilization first, then HD conversion to improve clarity.

5. Spin and Rhythm Rides

Some flashlights turn spinning videos into a jumble. Get clarity out of your Wink concert video enhancement model. Double check the color prior to publishing.

ROCK THIS WHEN: Choosing Your Export

Don't know which video quality to select? Follow this simple guide.

• Rock 1080p for Instagram Reels, Tik Toks, and Stories. Pretty good for most social posts.

• Rock 1080p or 2K on when adding workout gear. Those seams and material texture should be sharp.

• Rock 4K or 8K for studio websites, brand spots, and screens. It only needs to be an original quality to start with.

• Choose one resolution when editing clips together. It'll create a cohesive look for your feed.

The Form Check: Four Things to Inspect Before You Post

Your‍‍‍ video looks a lot clearer now. Is it time to post? Hold on! First make sure you've checked these four things.

• Fabric and fit: Can you see the seams and fabric textures? Be sure that they don't look overly sharp or manufactured.

• Natural movement: Watch the jumps, squats, and stretches. Nothing should appear stiff, bent, or overly smooth.

• True colors: Ensure skin tones and outfit colors look real. If it's a sponsored post, always keep the color and fabric of the product as it is.

• Studio feel: Does the video still look like your actual workout space? You should keep the lighting and mood natural.

One more advice: A‍‍‍ final tip: Enhance the video rather than the body. Stay away from body reshaping tools that set unrealistic fitness goals.

Workout requires sweating and exertion! Besides, you should always seek permission from other class members before uploading clips that show ‍‍‍them.

Conclusion

Got an awesome workout clip that is blurry when you post it online? Save it! Wink's HD video converter lets you bring the sharpness back, enhances hues, and minimizes grain and noise without a second go-round. Simply pick the resolution, ensure the motion and clothing colors look appropriate, and click to upload. After all, it's only fair when your workout videos look as good as your workout!

FROOJI REVIEW: FULL BRAND BREAKDOWN & INGREDIENT GUIDE (2026)

Frooji is a functional lemonade brand built around three Switch formulas for different moments in your routine: Energy for the afternoon, Calm for the evening, and Immunity for everyday immune support. Each comes in a single-serve fizzy stick pack designed to mix with water.

In this review, we break down what is in each Frooji Switch, how the formulas differ, how the products compare with traditional electrolyte drinks, what they cost, and what to consider before adding them to your routine.

Key Takeaways

•    Three formulas for different routines: Energy, Calm, and Immunity.

•    Clearly listed ingredients: Each formula provides specific ingredient amounts rather than hiding them in proprietary blends.

•    Simple drink format: Lemonade-style stick packs are designed to mix with water.

•    Pricing: A 30-stick box costs $49 one-time, or $39.20 with the subscription discount.

Is Frooji Legit? A Quick Answer

Frooji is a functional lemonade brand manufactured in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility using globally sourced ingredients. The brand publishes ingredient amounts for its Switch formulas and offers both one-time and subscription purchasing options.

The current lineup includes three Switches: Energy, Calm, and Immunity. Each uses a lemonade-style drink format but has a different combination of functional ingredients.

Based on Frooji's published product information, formulas, pricing, and customer account policies, the brand has a clearly defined product line and purchasing process. The rest of this review looks more closely at what is actually in the formulas and how they may fit different routines.

What Is Frooji?

Frooji is a functional lemonade brand built around single-serve fizzy stick packs. Each Switch combines purposeful ingredients with a different everyday use case: Energy for the afternoon, Calm for the evening, and Immunity for everyday immune support.

The current lineup includes:

•    Energy Switch: A caffeinated formula with L-theanine, Panax ginseng, B vitamins, and electrolytes.

•    Calm Switch: A caffeine-free formula featuring KSM-66® Ashwagandha, magnesium, electrolytes, and vitamin B6.

•    Immunity Switch: A formula combining vitamin C, zinc, vitamins A and E, botanicals, amino acids, and electrolytes.

The overall concept is straightforward: keep your routine simple and change what you are drinking depending on what you want from that part of the day.

How Frooji Fits Into Your Routine

The three Switches are designed around different moments rather than trying to make one formula work for everything. Energy is positioned for the afternoon, Calm for the evening, and Immunity for everyday immune support.

Energy Switch

For the second half of the day, another coffee can be an obvious choice. Frooji's Energy Switch offers a different format by combining caffeine with L-theanine and other functional ingredients.

One serving contains:

•    800 mg electrolyte matrix

•    50 mg green tea caffeine

•    200 mg L-theanine

•    100 mg Panax ginseng

•    B vitamins

The formula provides 200 mg of L-theanine for 50 mg of caffeine, giving it a 4:1 L-theanine-to-caffeine ratio.

L-theanine and caffeine are commonly studied together for their potential effects on attention and alertness, although individual responses can vary and the research does not mean everyone will experience the same effect.

Energy Switch is available in Lemonade and Raspberry & Lemon.

Calm Switch

Calm Switch is a caffeine-free evening formula designed around winding down at the end of the day. Unlike Energy, it is caffeine-free and centers the formula around KSM-66® Ashwagandha.

One serving contains:

•    300 mg KSM-66® Ashwagandha

•    100 mg Magnesium

•    Sodium and potassium

•    Vitamin B6

•    No caffeine

Ashwagandha has been studied for areas including stress and perceived well-being, but results vary depending on the study, dose, and individual. Calm Switch is therefore better viewed as a functional evening drink rather than a guaranteed way to produce a particular outcome.

The current flavor is Cloudberry.

Immunity Switch

Immunity Switch is designed to make a range of immune-supporting nutrients easier to include in a busy daily routine. It is not positioned as a product that prevents illness; instead, its formula includes nutrients that support normal immune function, alongside botanicals and other ingredients.

One serving contains:

•    1,000 mg vitamin C

•    8 mg zinc

•    600 mcg vitamin A

•    13.5 mg vitamin E

•    A seven-botanical blend

•    Glutamine and lysine

•    Electrolytes and minerals, including 150 mg sodium, 40 mg magnesium, and manganese

•    Selenium

The current flavor is Strawberry.

How to Use Frooji: A Simple Guide to Each Switch

Frooji comes in individual stick packs designed to be mixed with water. Each Switch is formulated around a different part of your daily routine, so you can choose the option that best matches what you are looking for rather than using the same formula for every occasion.

For general use:

•    Pour one stick into cold water.

•    Let it fizz, then stir until mixed.

•    Use the Switch that matches the part of your routine you are targeting.

Energy is designed for the afternoon, but because it contains caffeine, people who are sensitive to stimulants may want to avoid using it too close to bedtime. Calm is caffeine-free and is designed for evening use, while Immunity can fit into a general daily wellness routine.

You do not need to use all three Switches to use Frooji as intended. The idea is to choose the formula that fits your routine and the ingredients you want at that time.

Always check the current product label for serving instructions, since formulations and directions can change.

How Frooji Compares to Other Electrolyte Drinks

Frooji overlaps with the electrolyte category, but its formulas are somewhat different from products focused primarily on hydration or electrolyte replacement. Products such as Liquid I.V. and LMNT emphasize hydration and electrolytes, while Frooji combines electrolytes with ingredients such as caffeine, L-theanine, ashwagandha, vitamins, and botanicals depending on the Switch.

Product	Main Use	Price/Serving	Calories/Sugar	Key Difference
Frooji Switch Series	Daily Functional support	$1.63 one time/$1.31 subscription	5-10 cal.	Lemonade + Functional ingredients
Liquid I.V.	Electrolyte hydration	~$1.56	45 cal./11 g sugar	Electrolytes + carbohydrates
LMNT	High-sodium electrolyte replacement	$1.50 one-time/$1.30 subscrition	10 cal./0 g sugar	1,000 mg sodium

*Prices and product formulations can change. Check current manufacturer information before purchasing.

The main difference is the role the products are designed to play. Frooji is not simply an electrolyte replacement drink; the specific Switch determines what additional functional ingredients you are getting. That makes the formula itself an important part of choosing between Frooji and a more traditional electrolyte product.

For general sodium guidance, the CDC recommends that adults and teens consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day.

Frooji Pricing & Subscription

Frooji currently offers both one-time purchases and a subscription option.

•    One-time purchase: $49 for 30 sticks, or $1.63 per serving.

•    Subscription: 20% discount, bringing the box to $39.20, or $1.31 per serving.

Prices and subscription terms can change, so check the current checkout page before purchasing.

30-Day Switch Test

Frooji's 30-Day Switch Test works a little differently depending on the order type. For one-time purchases, you have 30 days from purchase to request a refund, no return required. For subscriptions, your first order is eligible for a full refund within 30 days of purchase; renewal orders aren't refundable, except for your most recent shipment if you contact Frooji within 30 days of that renewal. Either way, refunds go back to your original payment method, and all you need is your order number.

Eligibility and current terms may change, so review the manufacturer's current refund or return policy before ordering.

Managing Your Subscription

Subscribers receive 20% off and can manage upcoming orders, including skipping or cancelling. To avoid the next charge, Frooji's current policy requires cancellation at least 48 hours before the next billing date.

Because subscription policies can change, the current terms shown in your Frooji account or at checkout should be treated as the most up-to-date information.

Is Frooji Safe? Key Ingredients & Considerations

The three Frooji Switches contain different active ingredients, so considerations depend on the specific formula you choose. Check the current label, and if you have a medical condition, take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have questions about regular use, speak with a healthcare professional.

Energy and Caffeine

Energy Switch contains 50 mg of green tea caffeine per serving. If you are sensitive to caffeine, consider this amount alongside other caffeine you consume during the day.

Calm and Ashwagandha

Calm Switch contains 300 mg of KSM-66® Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha may not be appropriate for everyone and can interact with certain medications. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, or take medication should discuss its use with a healthcare professional.

Sodium and Electrolytes

Frooji products contain electrolytes, including sodium. The CDC recommends that adults and teens consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. If you have been advised to limit sodium or fluids, discuss regular use of electrolyte supplements with a healthcare professional.

Frooji Reviews: What We Know So Far

Customer feedback can be useful for practical details such as flavor, mixing, convenience, and everyday use. However, individual experiences do not establish that a product will produce the same result for everyone.

For that reason, this review separates verifiable product information from individual customer experiences. The main focus is on Frooji's published formulas, ingredient amounts, product format, pricing, and customer policies. Where customer feedback is discussed, it is treated as individual experience rather than evidence of a specific health or performance outcome.

What to Consider Before Trying Frooji

Frooji has several features that may appeal to people looking for a simple functional drink, but there are also practical considerations to keep in mind.

What May Appeal to You	What to Keep in Mind
Ingredient amounts are clearly listed	Energy contains caffeine
Three formulas are designed for different parts of the day	The right fit depends on the ingredient you want
Lemonade-style stick packs are simple to mix	It is not a high-sodium electrolyte replacement for prolonged heavy sweating
Energy provides a 4:1 L-theanine-to-caffeine ratio	Prices, formulas, and policies can change
Subscription pricing is lower than one-time pricing	People who prefer pills or capsules may not want a drink format

The biggest consideration is what you are actually looking for. Frooji is built around a functional drink routine, rather than being a straightforward high-sodium hydration product or a capsule-based supplement.

Who Might Like Frooji?

Frooji may appeal to people who want functional ingredients in a convenient drink format without adding several separate products to their routine. The three Switches also make it possible to choose a formula based on the time of day or intended use.

People With Packed Schedules

Single-serve stick packs are easy to keep at work, at home, or while traveling. The format can make it simpler to incorporate a functional drink without measuring several ingredients.

People Looking for an Afternoon Alternative

Energy Switch combines 50 mg of caffeine with L-theanine, Panax ginseng, B vitamins, and electrolytes. It offers an alternative to reaching for another traditional caffeinated drink in the afternoon.

People Looking for an Evening Wind-Down Option

Calm Switch is caffeine-free and uses KSM-66® Ashwagandha alongside magnesium, electrolytes, and vitamin B6, making it the evening-focused option in the lineup.

People Who Prefer Simple Wellness

The Switch concept lets users choose between different formulas instead of taking the same product at every point in the day.

Final Verdict

Frooji is a functional lemonade brand built around three formulas for different everyday moments. Energy combines caffeine and L-theanine for an afternoon-focused option, Calm uses caffeine-free KSM-66® Ashwagandha for an evening routine, and Immunity combines vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and amino acids for everyday immune support.

The main differentiator is the Switch concept: instead of using one formula for every occasion, you choose the drink that fits the moment.

Before buying, check the specific formula, ingredient amounts, serving guidance, current price, and subscription or refund terms to make sure the product matches what you are looking for.

FAQ

Is Frooji a legitimate company?

Frooji is a functional lemonade brand manufactured in the USA in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility using globally sourced ingredients. Its published product information includes ingredient amounts, pricing, and customer purchasing options.

What is the difference between Frooji Energy, Calm, and Immunity?

Energy contains 50 mg of green tea caffeine, 200 mg of L-theanine, Panax ginseng, B vitamins, and electrolytes.

Calm is caffeine-free and contains 300 mg of KSM-66® Ashwagandha, magnesium, electrolytes, and vitamin B6.

Immunity contains vitamin C, zinc, vitamins A and E, botanicals, amino acids, electrolytes, and other minerals.

Does Frooji have added sugar?

The current products contain approximately 5–10 calories per serving, depending on the formula. Check the current product label for the most up-to-date information on sugar and added sugar.

Does Frooji contain caffeine?

Energy Switch contains 50 mg of green tea caffeine per serving. Calm and Immunity are caffeine-free.

What is the Frooji 30-Day Switch Test?

The 30-Day Switch Test is Frooji's refund policy. One-time orders have 30 days from purchase to request a refund. Subscription customers get a full refund on their first order within 30 days of purchase; renewals aren't refundable except for the most recent shipment if you reach out within 30 days. No product return is required, and you'll just need your order number.

Can you cancel or pause a Frooji subscription?

Yes. Frooji subscriptions can be managed, skipped, or cancelled. To avoid the next charge, cancellation needs to be made at least 48 hours before the next billing date under the current policy.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Caffeine, ashwagandha, electrolytes, and other ingredients may not be appropriate for everyone or may interact with medications, so consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take medication. Product information, formulations, pricing, and policies can change, so check the current label and manufacturer information before use.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sponsored Disclaimer: This article was created in partnership with Frooji and does not use fabricated customer reviews or testimonials.

THE MACHINE CARES | ALBERT PUJOLS

This month, we spent some time with HOF MLB greats to talk about the game, the importance of heart health, and educating others. We kicked off this time by sitting down with St. Louis Cardinals hitter, Albert “The Machine” Pujols who is a 2X World Series Champion, 3X National League’s MVP in 2005, 2008, and 2009. He is an 11X All-Star, 6X Silver Slugger and has won 2 Gold Glove awards. He will first become eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on the 2028 ballot.

In addition to these accolades, he is also the President of Baseball Operations for the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM) and he managed Team Dominican Republic in 2026 for the World Baseball Classic where they took Bronze.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the first baseball game that you remember watching and what drew you to the sport?

ALBERT PULJOS: I mean I have to say I’ve spent a number of times watching and playing this game growing up! It was incredible to be in my home of the Dominican Republic and to see the game in action! My dad was a local softball and baseball pitcher. I would play in the street – how could you not want to play this game? I was able to have that dream and was able to have that opportunity to have an amazing career!

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

AP: I think that I was around 11, 12, or 13 years old when I realized this. I know that thing I had a special talent even as a kid. To love the game and to be able to win, what an opportunity.

AM: You have had incredible seasons playing with the Cardinals, Anaheim, and the Dodgers, what has it meant to you to have longevity in this sport?

AP: I think it’s all about work, education, and discipline. I knew what I wanted to accomplish in the end. I know that this game is not easy! You can learn a lot from it. I think for myself, it was just knowing what the mission was and that was to, you know, to try and to have a decent career! I was able to have an amazing career. I was so blessed to be able to do that, but through that – it was a lot of hard work, you know? I was in the gym. I had a lot of dedication and there was sacrifice. Sacrifice from my parents, to my family, and being able to have them love me along the way.

AM: As someone who is a MLB veteran, how do you stay in shape when it comes to maintaining your fitness goals? Are there 3 workouts that you do that we can look into including in our routines?

AP: Yeah, I think that besides your workout, you need to really watch what you eat, you know? I think that people say, “well, I want to lose some weight.” So they go to the gym and they burn 1,500 calories, but they put 3,000 calories in their body! So when you look at it from the numbers, it doesn’t add up!

I think at the end of the day, eating the right food can help you stay healthy, give you more energy. For myself, it’s been that. I mean, I was an athlete for a long time. I think when I retired, I took a couple of years off, I just wanted to give my body a break.

But then I got back into my workout routine and just really watched what I did. It wasn’t about just looking good, but I think that the most important thing is to be able to stay healthy and health is more important than just trying to look good, you know? So that’s something that I continue to do.

AM: You’re known as one of the greatest and most complete hitters in MLB with a 22-year career, primarily with the Cardinals. What does that mean to you?

AP: I think I was blessed to be able to stay long in this game and play for 22 years as a professional in 3 different organizations. But I was able to have great teammates, great people around me along the way to help me to have the success and put me in the position to be able to have the success because that’s something that you also need to give credit to the position, you know as well as to take advantage of that. I think for me, having great people around me that help me along the way. I give a lot of the credit there as well.

AM: Tell me about Playing with Heart and how did you get involved in this initiative?

AP: I had a friend of mine, I lost a really good friend of mine in 2002, Darryl Kile (Editor’s Note: Darryl was a Cardinals pitcher who died in his sleep from a heart attack caused by severe coronary artery disease.) who died at a young age. That was kind of somebody that was really special in my heart. Knowing what we went through that year, that season as a teammate, and knowing this program, you know, Playing With Heart. It is an initiative that educates to raise awareness about high cholesterol as well as to make sure that you go and get checked. Check with your doctors and make sure that everything is good with your numbers. That’s something else, you might be in the greatest shape ever and you know, without checking those numbers, you don’t know what’s going on. The leading cause of death in the United States is heart attacks and stroke. So, I think that to be able to partner with Merck and to have this opportunity to also raise awareness and also partner with the Kile family has been a blessing and a great project.

As much as I have done in the game, I also want to be able to do more off the field. I think that that is part of the opportunity that I get to raise this awareness for such a great cause.

AM: Why is it important for us to be proactive in terms of our health?

AP: You just need to be regular! You need to go visit your doctor and check yourself. I played for 23 years. Every year, I did a physical. I made sure to check myself. Now that I’m retired and 3 years into it, I still get 1 or 2 physicals during the year as well, just to make sure that everything is ok. I watch what I eat, I exercise, and I do anything to help with the longevity of my life. That the kind of message that I want to get across and you can also visit playingwithheart.com where you can find out more information about how you can take care and prevent this from happening to you.

AM: Since playing, you are the President of Baseball Operations for the Estrellas Orientales in the Dominican Professional Baseball League. You also managed the Dominican Republic team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic where your team received a Bronze medal. What does it mean to you to continue to leave your mark in the game?

AP: It’s about giving back. I think we all have a responsibility. We’ve got our family, our community, and for me, my country. To be able to give back, it means a lot. Trying to be just an example for others to follow, just like I have. Just like so many people before me that paid that price. So, I’m just another outlet out there that can help out.

It’s really important for me to try to be around the game, especially with young talent, especially for my country and the Dominican Republic.

AM: Outside of the game and your focus with Playing with Heart, you are a God fearing man, a family man, and a father. You give back through the Pujols Family Foundation. Can you tell us a bit more about it and why this is so important to you?

AP: Yes, my why is because of my daughter who has Down Syndrome. I think for me, having a daughter with Down Syndrome it’s really easy for me to choose to help out. I still call them kids, but some of them are older than me. They’re just special. You know, we do a lot of work in the Puljos Family Foundation for Down Syndrome as well as going to the Dominican Republic and working in the community building homes and cleaning water. I just building different programs. It satisfies me more than hitting a Grand Slam! Being able to do this through the Puljos Family Foundation with a great team such as Todd Perry who is our Director of the Foundation and a great group of people that believe in our program and support the fans as well!

AM: Tell me about your recent Cardinals Hall of Fame Ceremony!

AP: It was an incredible honor. It was a great weekend to be able to join with my wife, my family, my kids, my friends, and people that are really close to me. It was really special. Getting into the Big Leagues when I was 21 years old and seeing the red shirts and all the Hall of Famers wearing that red jacket was a really unique moment for me. And now to be able to be part of those legends who accomplished that before me – it was really special to share that honor with them. I know some of them are no longer with us anymore, but they have a really special place in my heart. That’s because they were there when I was young and they taught me so much about the game of baseball. And now having that opportunity of wearing that red jacket, it is really special for me. So it was just an incredible weekend. I think I get to enjoy it now more. I’ve seen highlights and stood when I was there because it was so overwhelming and there was a lot of things to do. But it was worth it. It was worth every moment, every minute. I got to enjoy it with the best friend in baseball, St. Louis Cardinals.

IG @albertpujols

@merck

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Paul Farkas shot with SONY

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see THE MACHINE CARES | Albert Pujols in mag.

THE TANNING PEPTIDE TREND: WHAT MT2 RESEARCH SHOWS, AND THE RISKS NOBODY POSTS ABOUT

Scroll long enough through summer content and you will find it: before-and-after clips of deep, even tans with no beach in sight, credited to “tanning peptides”, nasal sprays or tiny injections. The compound behind most of these posts is Melanotan II, usually shortened to MT2. It has a real scientific history and a genuinely interesting mechanism. It also has a set of risks that rarely make it into the captions.

Where MT2 came from

MT2 began as a cancer-prevention idea. In the 1980s and 1990s, researchers at the University of Arizona set out to make a synthetic version of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), the hormone that tells skin cells to make pigment. The goal was a “sunless tan” that could protect fair-skinned people from UV damage and skin cancer.

Natural alpha-MSH breaks down in minutes, so the team engineered more stable analogues. Melanotan I (now called afamelanotide) was one. Melanotan II was another: a smaller, ring-shaped (cyclic) seven-amino-acid peptide that proved far more potent.

How it works

Pigment cells in the skin, called melanocytes, carry a receptor named MC1R. When alpha-MSH or a mimic like MT2 binds it, melanocytes produce more eumelanin, the brown-black pigment behind a tan. In a small 1996 pilot study, MT2 darkened skin in volunteers without sun exposure.

The catch is that MT2 is not selective. It also activates MC3R and MC4R, receptors in the brain involved in appetite and sexual function. That explains its best-known side effects: nausea, facial flushing, reduced appetite and, in men, spontaneous erections. That last effect was striking enough that researchers developed a related compound, bremelanotide, which the FDA later approved in 2019 to treat low sexual desire in premenopausal women.

The safety picture

MT2 has never been approved as a medicine in any country, and regulators including the US FDA, the UK’s MHRA and Australia’s TGA have warned consumers against unlicensed melanotan products. The concerns fall into three groups:

   Mole changes. Dermatology journals have published case reports of new moles, darkening moles and changes in existing moles in people using unlicensed melanotan, along with a small number of melanoma diagnoses. Causation has not been proven, but stimulating pigment cells across the whole body is exactly the kind of exposure dermatologists want to be cautious about.

   Unknown products. Online tanning products are frequently unlabelled, untested and of unknown purity or dose.

   No long-term data. There are no large, long-term human safety studies.

There is a useful contrast here. Afamelanotide, the more selective sibling, went through full clinical trials and won FDA approval in 2019 as Scenesse, an implant for erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare condition that makes sunlight painful. The difference between an approved drug and a social media trend is precisely those trials.

Why researchers still study it

In the lab, MT2 peptide remains a valuable tool for studying the melanocortin system: how pigmentation is controlled, how MC4R shapes appetite and energy balance, and how these receptors influence behaviour. Research-grade MT2 is supplied for exactly that kind of laboratory work, not for personal tanning.

Skin-focused peptide research worth watching

If peptides and skin interest you, the more grounded story is copper peptide research. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, and its levels decline with age. Cell studies show it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan production in skin fibroblasts, and it has been used in topical cosmetic formulations for years. Laboratories studying skin remodelling use research-grade GHK-Cu peptide to explore those pathways.

How to get the glow, safely

1.   Use a self-tanner. DHA-based self-tanners react with proteins in the outermost skin layer for a temporary, safe colour.

2.   Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily. A tan is not protection.

3.   Check your skin monthly and see a dermatologist about any mole that changes in size, shape or colour.

4.   Skip unlicensed tanning injections and nasal sprays.

The science behind MT2 is fascinating. The trend built on top of it is not worth the risk.

This article is for educational purposes only. Research compounds referenced are supplied for laboratory research and are not for human use.

RHODIOLA ROSEA BENEFITS: WHAT THAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT STRESS, MOOD AND MENTAL FATIGUE

Ever have days when your brain feels like a browser with 47 tabs open? It’s not just the lack of focus. Stress and a bad mood ride alongside. Many people looking to bounce back from that kind of fatigue look up rhodiola's benefits. 

Rhodiola rosea is a tough little root from cold mountain regions and one of the most studied adaptogens for stress-driven fatigue. Let's walk through what the studies say, how to read an extract label without a calculator meltdown, and where rhodiola benefits fit in a daily nootropic like Avantera Elevate Gummies.

What Is Rhodiola Rosea?

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering plant that grows in cold, high places like Scandinavia, Russia, and the Alps. People use its root as an adaptogen, a plant studied for its ability to help your body handle stress. You'll also hear it called golden root or arctic root. 

Supplements use extracts made from the dried rhodiola root, which contains two compounds: rosavins and salidroside. Rosavins are found almost exclusively in Rhodiola rosea. Hence, researchers use them to confirm an extract is authentic, while salidroside is the compound most studied for its role in the body’s stress response. 

People in Nordic countries and Russia have used rhodiola for centuries to get through long winters and hard work. The European Medicines Agency's herbal monograph, last updated in May 2024, recognizes rhodiola as a traditional remedy for temporary relief of stress symptoms like fatigue and weakness, based on its long-standing use. However, it also noted that more clinical trials would be needed to establish guaranteed benefits.

How Adaptogens Work

Adaptogens are plants believed to help your body stay balanced when stress shows up. Researchers think rhodiola works on your stress-response system, mainly the HPA axis, the chain linking your brain to your adrenal glands that controls cortisol, your main stress hormone. The goal is a steadier stress response that wears you down less.

Picture your stress system as a thermostat. Short bursts of heat are normal and even useful when you're racing a deadline. Trouble starts when the dial gets stuck on high. Cortisol stays up, sleep gets choppy, and your energy drains like a phone at 12% battery. Running on fumes makes it harder to focus, and your mood dips right after.

Most stressed people know this loop well: stress load, then fatigue, foggy focus, and a low mood. Mood and concentration drop together because they share the same first domino. Adaptogens like rhodiola are studied for their potential to support a healthier stress response right at that point.

Rhodiola and Mental Fatigue: What Studies Show (and Their Limits)

Several small trials on rhodiola found that people under stress felt less tired and more focused after two to four weeks. Reviews call the results encouraging but mixed, mostly because many studies were small, short, or had design gaps.

The standout trial is a 2009 study in Planta Medica by Olsson and colleagues. Sixty adults aged 20 to 55 with stress-related fatigue took either a standardized rhodiola extract called SHR-5 or a placebo every day for 28 days. Neither group knew which one they had. 

The rhodiola group did better than placebo on burnout scores and on several measures of a computer-based attention test. Their morning cortisol response also shifted compared with the placebo group. However, general wellbeing scores rose in both groups.

Other trials with night-shift doctors, military cadets, and exam-season students also reported less fatigue with rhodiola.

A 2012 systematic review in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine pooled 11 studies with 446 people. The authors found design or reporting gaps across the set and asked for bigger, cleaner trials.

The signal is real, and the science is still catching up, which is normal for herbs tested mostly in small groups. Results also vary with the extract and dose.

Rhodiola, Stress and Mood

Rhodiola supports healthy stress levels. Trials in stressed and burned-out adults saw stress, fatigue, and mood scores improve over a few weeks with the adaptogen. 

The longest study ran for 12 weeks. In a 2017 trial published in Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 118 adults with burnout symptoms took a rhodiola extract twice a day. Their stress, fatigue, and mood measures improved over the study period, with initial changes appearing in the first week.

The 2017 trial had no placebo group, and the authors called their results early findings. It still lines up with the Olsson data on morning cortisol. Together, these studies suggest rhodiola may help keep your stress response steady, so your mood stays more even through the busy spikes of your day.

Want to dig into the science yourself? The National Institutes of Health's NCCIH rhodiola fact sheet is a solid place to start.

Reading an Extract Label (10:1 extract = 300mg equivalent)

A 10:1 extract means 10 parts of dried root were concentrated down to 1 part extract. So 30mg of a 10:1 rhodiola extract equals about 300mg of dried root. 

Avantera Elevate Gummies make a handy example. The label lists "Rhodiola Rosea Extract 30mg (10:1 extract equivalent to 300mg)." The same format appears for other ingredients, including lion's mane (50mg, equivalent to 500mg), bacopa (30mg, equivalent to 300mg), and turmeric (10mg, equivalent to 100mg).

Number	What it tells you	Example
1. Extract amount (mg)	How much concentrated extract is in one serving	30mg
2. Ratio and root equivalent	How concentrated the extract is and how much root it represents	10:1 = 300mg
3. Standardization (%)	How much rosavins and salidroside the extract carries	Often 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside on single-herb capsules

Quick tip: Labels and research papers don't always use the same unit. Some list extract weight while others list root weight. Check which one you're reading before you compare. A third-party testing seal is another good sign you're getting what the label says.

Rhodiola Inside Avantera Elevate Gummies, Alongside L-Theanine

Elevate gummies pair rhodiola with L-theanine, caffeine, and four other brain-support ingredients in one daily serving. Rhodiola supports cognitive function and healthy stress levels. L-theanine smooths out the caffeine so the focus feels calm and steady.

Ingredient	Amount
L-Theanine	200mg
Citicoline	200mg
Caffeine (from green coffee bean)	95mg
Organic Lion's Mane (10:1)	50mg, equal to 500mg
Bacopa (10:1)	30mg, equal to 300mg
Rhodiola Rosea (10:1)	30mg, equal to 300mg
Turmeric (10:1)	10mg, equal to 100mg

L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves. It helps you feel calmer. Team it with 95mg of caffeine, roughly a cup of brewed coffee, and you get that alert-but-chill zone people chase. Rhodiola handles the stress. The whole stack works like a dialed-in package, with each ingredient doing a specific job.

PHOTO COURTESY | Aventura

Some people notice a shift in focus within 20 to 30 minutes, while the full benefits build after about 30 days of steady daily use.

Each serving has 35 calories and 4g of sugar. The gummies are pectin-based, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, third-party tested, and made in the USA, with 28 servings per bag. Take them in the morning or early afternoon.

Safety and Who Should Ask a Doctor First

Most people handle rhodiola well in short-term use. The NCCIH says it may be safe for up to 12 weeks. Reported side effects include dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, and either dry mouth or extra saliva. 

Have a quick chat with your doctor before starting if you:

• Take blood pressure medication, since NCCIH notes a reported interaction with losartan

• Take blood thinners, antidepressants, or other prescriptions

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, because safety data is limited

• Are sensitive to caffeine, which matters for combo products like Elevate

• Have liver disease or raised liver enzymes, per Avantera's label guidance

• Are under 18, since Elevate is made for adults

Ready to try it? Run the check: review the label for key details, choose a third-party tested product, take it in the morning since rhodiola can feel mildly energizing, and give it a few steady weeks before gauging the results.  

FAQ

What does rhodiola do to your body? 

Rhodiola is an adaptogen thought to support your body's stress-response system, mainly the HPA axis that controls cortisol. In small studies, people under ongoing stress reported less fatigue and sharper focus after a few weeks, likely because their stress response was steadier.

Does rhodiola reduce cortisol? 

Early research suggests it may help regulate cortisol. In a 2009 placebo-controlled trial, 60 stressed adults taking rhodiola for 28 days showed a different morning cortisol response than the placebo group. It's a promising clue that bigger trials still need to confirm.

How long does rhodiola take to work? 

Most trials ran two to four weeks before measuring results. In one 12-week study of 118 adults with burnout symptoms, some improvements appeared within the first week and continued to build. Steady daily use gives you the clearest picture.

What should not be taken with rhodiola? 

Talk to your doctor before combining rhodiola with blood pressure medication, blood thinners, or antidepressants. NCCIH notes a reported interaction with losartan. With caffeine-containing products, track your total daily caffeine too.

What is the downside of rhodiola? 

Rhodiola can cause dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping, or dry mouth in some people. The research is also still growing. Taking it in the morning and checking with your doctor first helps address the most common concerns.

Are there rhodiola rosea benefits for women? 

Rhodiola studies have included both men and women, and the findings on stress and fatigue apply to both. In one 12-week burnout trial, 58% of participants were women. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should skip it unless a doctor says otherwise, because safety data are limited.

Can you take rhodiola every day? 

Yes, most studies used rhodiola daily. NCCIH describes it as possibly safe for up to 12 weeks, which covers the length of most trials. For longer use, check in with your doctor.

What does 10:1 rhodiola extract mean? 

A 10:1 extract means 10 parts of dried rhodiola root were concentrated into 1 part extract. So a label showing 30mg of 10:1 extract equals about 300mg of dried root. The ratio shows concentration; the extract number shows the serving amount.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information and isn't medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. The product here has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

MIGRAINE FREQUENCE DURING GLP-1 TREATMENT: A SIGNAL, A NULL RESULT, AND A PLAUSIBLE CONFOUNDER

Pharmacovigilance analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System has found an association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and migraine, with a reporting odds ratio of 1.28. A separate analysis drawing on a cohort of roughly 189,000 people found no meaningful increase in new triptan prescribing after semaglutide initiation, which is a reasonable proxy for clinically significant migraine attacks and argues against a population-level effect.

Two credible studies, two different answers. The disagreement is not a flaw in either. It reflects the fact that they measure different things, and reconciling them is more useful than picking a side.

Headache is common; migraine is specific

The first distinction worth making is between headache as a symptom and migraine as a disorder. In the STEP clinical trial programme, 16.8 percent of participants taking semaglutide reported headache. These were generally mild to moderate and tended to settle over a few weeks as exposure stabilised, which is the behaviour of an adjustment effect rather than of an exacerbated primary headache disorder.

Migraine is a different entity with defined diagnostic criteria, characteristic features and an established treatment pathway. Lumping the two together is how a common and transient symptom becomes an alarming claim about a specific condition.

A category delivered at scale and at a distance

The global GLP-1 telehealth platforms market is valued at approximately 0.76 billion US dollars in 2026 and projected to reach 2.12 billion by 2033, a compound annual growth rate near 15.7 percent. A large population means even a small relative effect produces a visible number of reports, and a remotely delivered population means those reports arrive as self-description rather than as clinical characterisation. Both factors push toward over-attribution.

Why a reporting signal is not an incidence estimate

Disproportionality analysis asks whether a particular adverse event appears more often in reports about a given drug than would be expected from the rest of the database. It is a well-established method for generating hypotheses and a poor method for estimating how often something happens, because the denominator is reports rather than patients.

Reporting rates respond to attention. A drug class under sustained media and legal scrutiny attracts more reports of everything, including events that would not have been reported for a less prominent medication. A reporting odds ratio of 1.28 in that environment is a modest signal, and it is consistent with a small real effect, with reporting bias, or with a mixture.

What the prescribing-data study adds

Triptan initiation is a behavioural endpoint. A person whose migraine attacks become more frequent or more severe tends to seek acute treatment, and a new triptan prescription leaves a record. Finding no surge in such prescribing across a large cohort after semaglutide initiation is reasonably strong evidence against a clinically meaningful population-level worsening, because the measure does not depend on anyone deciding to file a report.

The limitation is that it would miss an effect concentrated in people who already have acute treatment available and simply use more of it, and it says nothing about individual patients in whom a genuine relationship exists.

The confounders that cut in both directions

Several features of this treatment course are independently capable of provoking headache in a migraine-prone person, which makes attribution to the drug difficult.

Reduced food intake means longer gaps between meals, and skipped or delayed meals are among the most consistently reported migraine triggers. Reduced fluid intake follows the fall in food volume, and dehydration is another well-recognised trigger. Patients reducing caffeine as part of a broader change in habits can experience withdrawal headache. Sleep disruption is common during a period of substantial dietary change. Each of these is a plausible cause of exactly the symptom being attributed to the medication.

The effect runs the other way as well. Work on idiopathic intracranial hypertension has found GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment associated with significant weight loss and favourable headache outcomes, and obesity is itself a recognised factor in migraine chronification. For some patients, sustained weight reduction is expected to improve headache burden rather than worsen it.

How this works in practice

The clinically productive approach treats a new or worsening headache pattern as a question about the modifiable contributors before it becomes a question about the medication. Meal spacing, total fluid intake, caffeine changes and sleep are all adjustable, and all of them have shifted in a patient who has recently started this treatment.

Timing is diagnostic. Headache that appears within days of an exposure increase and settles over the following weeks behaves like an adjustment effect. Headache that tracks long gaps between meals points at the trigger rather than at the drug. A headache pattern that is genuinely new in character, rather than more frequent, deserves assessment on its own terms, as does any headache with features that would warrant investigation regardless of what medication someone is taking.

Programmes that review these variables alongside the escalation decision catch most of it early. TrimRx runs a clinician-led telehealth weight management model in which tolerability, including headache, is reviewed with the prescribing clinician at each adjustment rather than raised only when a patient escalates a concern. The practical benefit is that it puts the question in front of someone who can distinguish a meal-spacing problem from a medication problem, which is the distinction that determines what should change.

What would settle the question

Resolving this properly requires something neither current line of evidence provides: prospective headache-diary data in a cohort with characterised migraine, tracked across initiation and escalation, with meal timing and fluid intake recorded as covariates. That design would separate the drug effect from the behavioural changes it causes, which is the actual question.

Until that exists, the defensible position is narrow. There is a modest reporting signal. There is no population-level signal in prescribing behaviour. There are several strong confounders operating in the same direction as the suspected effect, and at least one operating against it.

Attribution before escalation

Headache during this treatment is common enough that it will be encountered, and ambiguous enough that it should not be assumed. The sequence that serves patients best is to work through the triggers that the treatment itself has introduced before concluding that the treatment is the cause, because three of those triggers are correctable within a week and the fourth conclusion ends a course of treatment.

That is not scepticism about patient experience. It is an argument for finding the right cause, since the wrong one leads to a decision nobody wanted to make.

This article is general information about clinical research and treatment practice. It is not medical advice. Decisions about prescription medication or the investigation of any new headache pattern should be made with a qualified clinician.

Content Repurposing Service · editorial

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS PLAYING WITH HEART

After speaking with St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols about his career, achievements and why he partnered with Merck for their Playing with Heart initiative, we followed up by spending a day at Yankee Stadium to listen to a press conferenece with Chris Regent, who is the CV and Metabolic for Merck, as well as HOF Leader World Champion, 6X All Star Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia who also got his number No 52 retired that weekend as well. He was also joined by Yankee Manager, Aaron Boone.

Together, they talked about the importance of heart health, staying on top of your health, and their heart journeys. From CC’s stent to Aaron’s pacemaker, and Chris having a number of male relatives who passed away from heart issues. They also talked about Playing with Heart and how the MLB is assisting in this effort.

CHRIS REGENT: Good afternoon, everyone. It is great to be here with you. On behalf of Merck, I’m Christopher Regent. I lead CV and metabolic in the US. And I’m joined here by the Skipper, of course, from the Yankees, Aaron Boone. And, of course, the great Hall of Famer, C.C. Sabathia. And, you know, we’re all here today to talk about something that is very important. We’re here in National Cholesterol Education Month. Okay? I want to talk a little bit about what cholesterol is. And I want to talk about the bad stuff. which is called LDL. And LDL, you may or may not know, runs through the blood. It could be in your blood. And if it’s high, if it’s high, and there’s too much in the blood, it’s this fatty kind of sticky stuff. And it will build up on the wall of the artery. And what could happen is it could break off. It could clog the artery. And if it does, then you could have a heart attack. Heart attacks and strokes are the leading cause of death in the U.S. More people die from them than anything else in the U.S. And high LDL bad cholesterol is a major risk factor. Okay, so that’s important for us all to know. Now, why are we all here today?

We’re here today because Merck has partnered with 9 teams, clubs, from MLB with the Skipper here, with CC. We’ve come together and we have with this program called Playing With Heart. Playing With Heart is about how do we raise awareness? How do we educate?

I need all of your help for this. How do we make people aware of what the leading cause of death is and what they need to do? And what they need to do... is they need to understand what this bad cholesterol LDL is. They need to talk to their doctor. They need to go in and ask about it. They need to know the number they have. Very important. And if it’s high, they need to do something about it with the doctor. And the doctor can figure out the plan that’s right for them.

Why am I here? What motivates me? So, you know, many years ago, I’d say close to 50, I was a young boy, and I grew up with the Yankees. Right? And, you know, back then it was Reggie, Willie, Thurman, all of those guys. Phil Rizzuto on the TV. And I grew up with them, and, you know, I love the team. And my love for the game had started back then. And I looked at the players and I said, boy, you know, they’re all in great shape. I would love to be like them. So I started to play the game. I tried to eat right. I worked out. And through the years, what I found was that, you know, I did all of that. And I felt like I looked good on the outside, but on the inside, I was not so good because this LDL was starting to rise. It was starting to rise. And one day my doctor came to me and said, look, Chris, you need to do something. You need to get on a plan to reduce it. So I did at that point in time. And I realized that, you know, it’s not just me. It’s many people out there. It’s why the leading cause of death is there because you may look good on the outside, but it’s kind of silent what is happening on the inside. And you need the blood test, you need the LDL check, you need to talk to your doctor. So that’s kind of the way I look at it. That’s the story that I have. That’s why I’m here.

Next I want to turn things over to the skipper here just to, you know, tell your story. Talk a little bit about why MLB, why the Yankees, baseball.

AARON BOONE: I’m glad to be here. I think one thing that stands out is I think you guys have done a great job, and Mark Loretta (San Diego Padres) has done a great job, of getting out a simple message. I watch MLB Network all the time, so I’ve seen all of CC’s commercials and Jimmy Rollins’ (Philadelphia Phillies) commercials, and it really is simple. Like you said, this is a silent killer that can lay dormant that you can feel totally fine. But it’s so critical to know your number. I mean, you know, there’s obviously cancer and there’s many diseases out there. But as he said, you know, heart attack and stroke are the number one killer. And this is something that can lay dormant in you as far as how you feel. And that’s why it’s so important that you know your LDL-C number. You know, with your doctor, playingwithheart.com where you can go and get information about this. And this is something that you can stay on top of and be on top of and really be a life changer for you. So I know CC’s had a very real scary situation with cholesterol.

My heart journey is a little bit different in that I was born with a condition where I had open heart surgery in 2009. I have a pacemaker now that I got put in several years ago, not related to high cholesterol. I understand the importance of knowing this number and making sure that it’s at the right level. And you can have a lot of control in that. And your doctor and getting these tests and knowing what that is goes a long way in you preventing something that you may not even feel that exists right now inside of you.

CR: Thank you. Anything else you want to say? What do you think about what we’re doing with baseball and how it connects in here?

AB: Yeah, I love it. I mean, you know, baseball is Americana and, you know, it’s our national pastime. So I think it’s a great platform to get out. That is so critical. And again, that is something that you can absolutely get out ahead of and take care of and prevent. And this is what we want to do. We want to prevent as many strokes and as many heart attacks as we have. And this is the number one way to do that. And I think the simple message that is going out, again, going back, when I see CC, when I see Jimmy Rollins talk about their personal stories, talking about Charlie Manuel, the Skipper for the Phillies and their World Series team, like those simple messages resonate with me and I’m sure thousands of baseball fans out there that tune in and see those commercials And this is something that we can all be on top of and and should be!

CR: All right CC. So let’s hear a little bit about your story here. You have a very real one I think it’s very powerful. It’s very touching, but we’d love to hear from you.

CC SABATHIA: Yeah, so I’m here with Merck and playingwithheart.com because 2018 November I had a heart scare. More than a heart scare, I had a stint put in. But November 2018, me and my wife were in California, and I wake up in the middle of the night, and I started throwing up. And I looked at her, and I yelled at her, and I was like, “babe, I’m having a heart attack. I can just feel it.” I felt like something wasn’t right. But it kind of went away. Like, it subsided, went away. And then for two months, the next eight weeks, I was trying to figure out what was going on. I would get these little mini attacks. I was going to the doctor, but my symptoms weren’t normal of heart failure, which was like tingling down the arm or some of these other symptoms. Mine was, I was throwing up allof the time. So we thought it was something wrong with my stomach. I’m trying to figure out.

I was actually coming down here to the stadium. I was working out here with Stevie at the time. And there was one day I came down here. um and Stevie just looked at me he was like, “you don’t look right.” This was the beginning of January. I had still been dealing with sleepless nights by this time, sitting up on my couch, I couldn’t even lay down. Stevie goes, “you need to go to the doctor right away.” I went over to the hospital. They gave me a stress test. I couldn’t even give them 30 seconds of the stress test and they brought me into the operating room and put the stint in. Had I not known or not been on top of anything, I could have passed away at 38 years old from a massive heart. I think it is important for me to share my story, to be here, and talk about this with people so that they can understand.

You could be out pitching. You could be at the top of your game. I was pitching. And even when I pitched, there would be times when I would go out and throw in the bullpen before the game, and I’d have to come in. I would have to come in and sit down. I’d have to kind of undress and reset my whole self to get a second wind and I had no idea. I was like 90% blocked in my widow maker! I’m out here pitching and I could have passed out on the mound. So it’s important for people to understand their number and really check in with their doctor and understand what’s going on!

CR: Thank you so much for sharing all of that! It’s a very real thing. It happens a lot. That’s why there’s so many deaths. The important thing is we don’t wait until we get to that point. As you said, talk to your doctor about these things. Know what your number is for LDL. See if it’s in the right place. The doctor can determine what the right goal should be. But you see if you’re in the right place and you do the best you can, I’d like to say from a proactive standpoint - instead of waiting until we get there because again the scary thing is - this is silent until it’s not. You know, every man in my family has passed away from a heart attack except for my dad. He has a stint. I’m trying my best not to! It’s real, and I appreciate all of you here today to hear the stories.

AB: Hearing CC talk about November, I mean, I remember that very well. It was after my first year of managing, so I remember him coming in. I remember Stevie telling me. I remember going in and getting the stint in and how scary the moment was, but also how fortunate we were. That, man, we found this and that he was going to be okay. But I remember that. I remember hearing about the story of him being in California and having that feeling and what was going on. So thankful that he was able to get to the bottom of it.

CCS: But that’s a reality for so many people out there. And you can get out in front of this and it’s important that you do. The men in my family, we do suffer from heart disease. So I’m trying to do the best that I can. I have a stint, but I’m doing the best that I can to change my diet and make sure that I’m here as long as possible!

CR: You look great! I mean, he could pitch again I think! Aaron what do you think? Is he gonna pitch again?

CCS: Looks can be deceiving!

AB: Yeah, so I just want to say, you know, the key place that folks should go is playingwithheart.com. We have a lot of information there for them to start. And, you know, they really need to research this, to educate themselves, to talk to the doctor, to be empowered about it!

MEDIA POOL: CC, before your stint, had doctors told you about your LDL and where you were at for a certain amount of time? Since you felt fine, did you kind of just think you’d get to it later? Was that your situation?

CCS: You know, we have physicals every year in Spring Training and I would always have to go and get an extra EKG, but I never looked into why I had to go. I would get my EKG at the stadium and they were like, “oh, you got to go over here to the doctor. We got to just make sure everything is fine.” So, I had that going on. I knew I had high blood pressure for a long time and ignored that. I think that helps contribute to the heart disease. As far as knowing what was going on with the LDL, I didn’t. But I did ignore EKGs, didn’t follow up, and the high blood pressure – these things had been going on for a long time.

MP: Is that kind of easy to do when you’re feeling mostly fine?

CCS: When you’re in your 30s and you’re pitching for the Yankees, yeah, it is. It’s really easy to do for the longest time. I was just telling somebody over here, I put so much salt on my food for the longest time. All these different things that I knew was bad for me, but guess what? I’m out here like every fifth day pitching, so I got to be okay, right? In my mind, that’s what I’m thinking, and, you know, I’m slowly killing myself, you know, throughout my 30s.

MP: CC and Aaron, you guys had different cardio journeys. I’m just curious, what are some of the biggest adjustments you guys have made as, you’ve learned more?

AB: I mean, for me, it’s just obviously diets. You know, a very important part of it. Making sure you’re picking your spots to have your sweets and things like that. Exercise, obviously, is very important. I’m 53 now, so, you know, you get in your 50s, you know, you feel a lot more and do things that are going to prolong your life and allow you to be here for your family as long as possible. So, I think just taking responsible steps whether that’s diet, sleep, excercise, all those things. Like, you know, for me right now, it’s a busy time of year, obviously, but prioritizing, like, getting in there and making sure I’m walking and lifting weights and doing those kind of things is also very important.

CCS: Yeah, the biggest thing for me was diet, changing my diet. Now it’s like straight Mediterranean diet. You know, I feel good. I’ve lost a bunch of weight. I know I always lifted, but now I can do it at my rate, kind of my terms. I have a better routine. I’m in bed by 9:30pm most nights. I don’t have the stress that this guy has every night. So I think getting out of the baseball life is really, really huge for me and being able to set a routine and kind of live a normal life.

MP: Fans are accustomed to hearing you guys talking about performance and recovery. Do you think as athletes, there’s an opportunity and maybe even a responsibility for you guys to normalize more of these conversations about heart health, long-term wellness in the organization?

CCS: I do for sure. I mean, especially in my situation, I think, anybody that knows me knows that. Anything I’ve been through, I talk about it publicly, whether it’s alcohol dependency, my heart, anything that I have going on, I want people to know that I’m going through the same things that some other people are going through, and maybe my story can help.

MP: Talk about some of the women in your life and how you talk to them about their heart health. I know you’ve partnered with Women Heart, and I know women present very different symptoms when they are having heart attacks in particular. But talk about the conversations that you have with some of the women in your life as well.

CR: Okay, and I just want to introduce Celina Gorre. She’s in the back. She’s the CEO of Women Heart, and she’s been a great partner with us as well along the way. I think women, it’s very interesting when you take a look at what happens. You know, I’ve heard so many stories of a woman presents in the hospital with chest pain, and potentially they’re sent home, you know, because there’s this belief that... Well, because they’re women and the hormones, they’re protected to some extent.

But you know what? When someone shows up like that, it could be this, and it needs to be looked at. So I think a lot of the data shows that they’re undertreated to a certain extent, and I think more needs to be done about that. I think having Women Heart is very, very important.

I think the partner, the spouse, the person in the house is also important. I know for CC, your wife has been very important as part of this as well in the discussions that you’ve had.

CCS: Yeah, for sure. I mean, my wife, we talk about it and I’m open about how I feel, symptoms. I’ve had a lot of these conversations lately with my mom, my mother-in-law, my wife, aunts that are older now. It’s like, man, first of all, Cholesterol, knowing your number is crucial. You want to know that because you can prevent a lot of unforeseen things or things you’re not even feeling. But the importance of moving, like getting out and moving, especially here in the Northeast when it gets January and February, move. You need to move. You need to exercise. You need to know what you’re eating and be responsible with what you’re eating. You need to sleep. Those are eating, sleep, and exercise are, to me, the three critical pillars of not only how you feel during the week, but your long-term health as well.

MP: CC, you mentioned putting a lot of salt on your food when you were younger, thinking that you’re indestructible. How do you reach the younger generation of athletes?

CCS: Yeah, this generation athletes are not like my generation athletes. They are very in tune with their bodies. There’s no candy in the lockeroom right now. It’s a completely different clubhouse than what I came up in in the early 2000s. Even just thinking about my son, my 23-year-old, the way he’s in rookie ball and the way that he’s in tune with his body is incredible. It’s something that I wish I had as a young player. You know what I mean? But yeah, I mean, these guys don’t. They are locked in! I mean there’s nobody in that clubhouse that looked like I did when I played so they’re doing pretty good in there!

MP: So if you have an issue with LDL at least in the medical community has been full known and many times pushed their patient visits etc but do you think there’s a communication issue in terms of communicating the importance of that more broadly and how should that change? I know that that’s one of the efforts that we’re trying to do right now?

CR: Yeah, I think when we look across the U.S. at this point in time, there’s a lot of things that, let’s say, when you go into the primary care physician that they’re looking at. There’s blood pressure, there’s diabetes, there’s all these things they’re trying to look at. And I think more attention can be put on LDL. It is the leading cause of death. It’s a risk factor for the leading cause of death in the U.S. So I think as we look across how it’s being treated and looked at, as we look across the people in the U.S., what can we do? How can we be more educated about it? How can we be more empowered about it? That’s another important part of it. So I think... I’m not blaming anyone. What I’m saying is that I think everyone can do a part here. And that’s the importance of the partnerships that we have across 9 or 10 teams with Major League Baseball, with the legends of the game here that have come together to help us with Women Heart.

It’s going to take a village to just raise awareness of what we’re trying to do and to change the curve of what’s happening. In today’s world, we shouldn’t be sitting there saying, well, you know, Chris just died of a heart attack. What we should be saying is, well, what should Chris have done, right? And I think more of us could, you know, start to think that way. And you all have an important role here to spread the word on this, raise the awareness on this.

AB: Yeah, I mean, my heart situation, again, I had open heart surgery in 09, unrelated to high cholesterol or LDL-C. Honestly and even up until CC - it was an eye opener for me in that regard. And then now this campaign has even kind of crystallized it more of like, oh, this is something that we can all simply get out in front of, frankly. And so that’s why this has been cool for me to be a part of.

MP: Seems like this is affecting all areas of life. Obviously, Boone, you said you had a condition when you were younger, but CC, growing up watching you throw the ball, I would have thought you were thriving on the mound. So how soon would someone be getting checked out for this? Could it be when you’re young?

CR: Yeah, I think, you know, as I think about it, and there’s probably folks that could talk a little better about that than me, but as you’re younger, I think you get a blood test, and the HCP, the physician, could take a look at it. And there’s some conditions where it’s very high, and it runs in the family. So it should be looked at when you’re younger. because then you can determine if it is real high and it needs to be. But I think, you know, a person should be checked at some time as they’re growing up, see where it is, and then, you know, the doctor determines how they’re checked as they go through life, right? But each year, we should get a blood test and see.

AB: I mean for me it’s a perspective thing you know the season is filled with so many quote-unquote stressful moments highs lows and you know a lot of times it’s in those highs and in those lows that I have some of the best perspective that, you know, there is a, you do have to separate a little bit and you have to have that ability if you’re going to, you know, stay in this game or thrive, you know, from a family standpoint or from a health standpoint.

So it’s kind of a non-negotiable for me. Like there’s days that I’m going to go home and as best I can leave it here. I think I do a pretty good job of that. But there’s things throughout the season when things are going as good as possible and you think, oh, this is all great. I try to have perspective in those moments. And the same when it’s really rough, you’ve got to be able to get away and understand that this is our livelihood. We pour so much into this every single day, all year long. But at the end of the day, it’s also a game. And try and keep that perspective as much as I can as you go through the season.

CCS: I didn’t have the luxury of seeing it that way. I was in it all the time. So everything I thought about was winning every single time, all the time, the whole time I played for 25 years. I could be on vacation to Hawaii in the middle of December, and I know at some point in the middle of the summer, I’m at the picture of a big game against Boston and Fenway. There was no stress relief ever for me. So it was just a part of the job. You know what I mean? It was just the nature of the beast. That’s what kept me good for so long is that waking up in the middle of the night in the middle of December, like, oh, I got to get ready to pitch against Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers) or whoever else is out there. That was always in the front of my mind. So now that I don’t play baseball, it’s a lot better now.

Our day at Yankee Stadium after this informative press conference also included private tours of the Yankee Museum, Memorial Park, finding out various facts about the stadium, attending batting practice, and of course catching a thrilling game against the Tampa Bay Rays!

IG @cc_sabathia

@aaronboone

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Paul Farkas shot with SONY

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see KNOW YOUR NUMBERS PLAYING WITH HEART in mag.

ON THE STAGE | JASMINE "JB" BADIE

When it comes to watching your favorite entertainer, there are so many components that come together to bring their songs, performance, and personalities to life. Choreography is a major component! We sat down with Jasmine “JB” Badie who has worked with Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion to name a few!

We sat down with this noted Creative Director and Choreographer to find out about how she got into the industry, the importance of movement, her creative process, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you enjoyed dance and movement?

JASMINE BADIE: I don’t know if there was one exact moment where I realized it. I think I understood the feeling before I understood what I could actually do with it. Music would make me see things — a certain sound could give me an idea, a character, an attitude, a whole visual. Movement eventually became the way I could get those ideas out of my head and make them real.

What’s funny is that I didn’t start out feeling like the strongest dancer in the room. I actually struggled a lot when I first started training. So my relationship with movement wasn’t built from, “Oh, I’m naturally great at this.” I had to find my own confidence in it, and I think that journey is a big part of why I create the way I do now.

AM: At what point did you realize that you wanted to be a choreographer and what do you love about doing it?

JB: I think I realized I had more to offer as a creator when the opportunity just kept knocking at my door. Eventually, I decided to walk in.

I’ve always believed you should wear as many hats as you can, get as much experience as you can and learn everything possible in the field you’re passionate about. Sometimes you’re so focused on one dream coming true that you don’t realize you’re also watering these other inspirations you never even knew you had.

That’s what happened for me. Dance opened the door, but through dancing I was learning so much more — about music, artists, performance, staging, storytelling and eventually what I wanted to create. Choreography became another way for me to use everything I had been picking up along the way.

What I love now is being able to see an idea become something real. Something can start in my head or in a rehearsal room and eventually end up on an arena stage, in a music video, or become a moment people want to recreate themselves. That’s still really special to me.

AM: Can you tell me where you trained and how you would define your style?

JB: My training was a little unconventional. I didn’t grow up in a studio training from the time I was three years old. When I started taking classes, I was actually SUPER insecure. Remembering choreography was hard for me and I would get in my own head about how I looked or what everybody else in the room might be thinking.

Once I moved to LA, I took as many classes as I could from different teachers and went to conventions like Monsters of Hip Hop. I wanted to learn, but eventually I realized part of my training had nothing to do with learning another step. It was learning to trust myself. Once I stopped looking around the room for validation, I realized, “Oh wait, I’m a performer.”

I don’t know that I would define my style by one genre. I think you can definitely feel where I’m from in my movement — Atlanta is always going to be in me — but I’m much more interested in how something feels. I like personality. I like groove. I like a little sauce. And I want the person doing my choreography to still look like themselves.

I also feel like if you have the ear for music and genuinely love the art form, you can do any style you put your mind to. For me, it’s less about putting yourself in a box and more about understanding the music, continuing to learn and being willing to stretch yourself creatively.

AM: Who have been some of the people that you have worked with?

JB: Whew! I’ve been blessed. Between my career as a dancer and my work as a choreographer and creative, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredible artists — Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, Pharrell and N.E.R.D., Megan Thee Stallion, Ariana Grande, Missy Elliott, Cardi B, Tate McRae, Victoria Monét, Rihanna and so many others. The list really makes me stop sometimes and say, “Girl… look at your life.” LOL.

And I’ve been fortunate to experience this industry from different sides of the room. Being a dancer first gave me an education that I still use as a choreographer today. Working with so many different kinds of artists also taught me very quickly that there isn’t one formula for being great. I think all of those experiences helped shape the creator I eventually became.

AM: You are a creative director, choreographer, and creative architect behind Sabrina Carpenter’s most talked about performances. How did you connect with her and when you are working with someone, what is your creative process when it comes to bringing your visions to life?

JB: Sabrina and I started working together when I was hired to choreograph Fast Times. We started rehearsing in October 2021, and honestly, it was kismet from there.

We clicked FAST. We’re both Tauruses, so it was very much, “Ohhhh, you get it, get it, got it!” LOL. And she has the same birthday as my sister, which I’ve always found so special. There were just these little connections from the beginning. But beyond that, I saw soooo much for her. I saw possibility. I saw where we could go creatively, and thankfully she trusted me enough to go there with her.

My process now is very instinctual, but it’s also incredibly detailed. I pay attention to the person in front of me. I want to know what makes them comfortable, what makes them uncomfortable, what they naturally do well and what we can pull out of them that maybe they haven’t seen yet.

I’m also a HUGE movie buff, especially old films. I’m obsessed with raw cinematography — when something can be captured so artistically and delicately and then you pair that with good writing? Ugh, it fills me up. I think that naturally affects the way I create. I’m not just thinking about an eight-count. I’m thinking about what you’re seeing, what you’re feeling and what the whole picture is saying.

AM: How do you approach working with someone for a music video, a multi city tour, or an intimate performance?

JB: I think the biggest difference is understanding what each space is asking from you.

With a music video, I have the luxury of the camera. I can make something really small feel huge because I know exactly what you’re going to see. We can do another take. We can change an angle. We can catch that ONE little moment perfectly.

A tour is completely different because whatever we create has to survive. LOL. This person has to do it over and over again, sometimes for months. So now I’m thinking about the whole journey — where we’re giving energy, where we’re conserving it, what happens between songs, how the artist feels physically and whether the person in the very back of the arena is still getting a show.

And intimate performances are fun because you can let people come to you. You don’t always have to yell creatively. Sometimes a whisper is enough.

That’s really the challenge I love: figuring out how big or how small something needs to be without losing its impact.

AM: How important is fitness, endurance, strength, mobility, coordination, and recovery of the body when it comes to preparing women’s bodies for these incredible performances?

JB: EXTREMELY important. LOL.

What people see is the final two or three hours onstage. They don’t see everything the body has already done to get there.

Especially for women, we’re asking the body to do A LOT. Sing, dance, remember choreography, breathe correctly, run around a stage, sometimes do it in heels, change clothes in two minutes and then walk back out like none of that just happened. That’s an athlete to me.

So I don’t look at conditioning as separate from the performance. It is part of the performance. I want to know that when the lights come on, your body already understands the assignment. And recovery has to be respected just as much as training. You can’t constantly ask your body to give without giving something back to it.

AM: Where do you start when it comes to building a dance routine especially one that becomes a storytelling element to an entertainer’s arc that we can enjoy on stage?

JB: I usually sit with the song before I decide what it needs.

I want to know what catches me without forcing myself to find it. Sometimes it’s a lyric. Sometimes it’s something way underneath the track. Sometimes it’s literally a pause. And sometimes the thing that makes the most sense is not dancing at all.

Then I start asking myself what we haven’t seen yet. If we’re three songs into a show and I’ve already given you BIG, BIG, BIG, maybe the next moment needs to pull you in instead. I think choreography becomes storytelling when you stop treating every song like its own little island. Especially in a full show, I want one moment to lead you into the next. By the end, hopefully you didn’t just watch a bunch of dances — you went somewhere with us.

AM: As you have worked with so many people as well as creating iconic moments and dances from Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion, Missy Elliott, Tate McRae, and Pharrell Williams to name a few — what are 3 performances that you are most proud of being part of?

JB: Oh this is MEAN. LOL. There are so many.

But right now, I would say Short n’ Sweet Tour first. Choreographing a sold-out arena tour is something I’m incredibly proud of. The amount of work and detail that goes into creating an entire show is completely different from creating one performance. Watching all of those pieces finally live together in front of thousands of people every night was very special.

Manchild would absolutely be another one. You create something in a room and hope people connect with it, but you can’t manufacture what happens after you let it go. Watching that dance go viral and then seeing it make its way into Fortnite was WILD. LOL. That’s when you realize something you made has officially left the room and belongs to everybody now.

And Sabrina’s Headlong performance at Coachella 2026. I’m just really proud of what we created there. Coachella gives you this huge canvas, and being able to create on that scale while still finding moments that felt specific was exciting.

And listen, I know you said three, but the BRIT Awards is getting an honorable mention because I LOVE that performance. LOL.

AM: How do you keep your body at its peak when it comes to being able to have the physical and mental resources needed to work with your clients?

JB: I play tennis whenever I can. I like that it gets my heart rate up without me standing on a treadmill staring at a wall thinking, “When is this OVER?” LOL. I’m competitive too, so give me a racket and now suddenly cardio is fun.

I also weight train with my trainer Oscar Cayetano. Strength has become really important to me because my work is physical even when I’m not the one performing. I can be on my feet for hours, demonstrating, rehearsing, traveling and then waking up to do it again.

Mentally, I’m still learning balance. I can get VERY locked into the work. So for me, taking care of myself sometimes means remembering that I am a human being outside of whatever I’m creating. Rest, getting quiet, playing tennis, watching a great movie — those things refill me too.

AM: What are 3 workouts that you do that we should consider placing in our fitness routines?

JB: I’m definitely a strength-training girl. I work my legs a lot because I need them! LOL. Squats are always in the mix.

I also focus on my arms and back. Push-ups are simple, but you feel them and you don’t need a bunch of equipment to do them.

And then core. Crunches, core work — all of it. I think having a strong center helps everything else, especially when your day requires you to be on your feet and moving as much as mine does.

So if we’re keeping it simple: squats, push-ups and crunches. You can do all three almost anywhere, so no excuses. LOL.

AM: How can choreography be a form of athletic training as well as building confidence?

JB: Anybody who thinks choreography isn’t athletic should come do a full-out rehearsal and then we’ll talk. LOL.

You’re using your entire body while your brain is doing ten things at once. You’re remembering movement, listening to music, thinking about timing, spacing, the people around you, your breath and what comes next. Then somebody says, “Again!”

But I think movement can do something even bigger for your confidence.

I know that personally because I wasn’t always confident in class. I used to worry so much about forgetting the steps or what somebody else thought about how I looked doing them. Eventually I realized I was giving everybody in the room more power over me than I was giving myself. When I stopped doing that, I found the performer in me.

SO yes, choreography trains the body, but learning to move without constantly judging yourself can train something else too. You start trusting yourself. And that confidence doesn’t have to stay in the dance studio.

IG @mssjb

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 90, 94, 100 Tommy Flannagan | PG 91, 97 Mason Rose | PG 98 COURTESY Jasmine Badie

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see ON THE STAGE | Jasmine “JB” Badie in mag.

8 BENEFITS OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR

Choosing a primary care doctor shapes how a person handles routine care, new symptoms, prescriptions, and long-term conditions. The right clinician learns a patient’s history, explains decisions clearly, and provides a reliable starting point before a concern becomes urgent. That relationship also makes preventive care easier to plan and follow. Eight practical benefits show why this choice deserves careful attention for families and individuals alike during every stage of life.

1. Builds a Useful Medical History

A doctor who knows a patient’s baseline health spots meaningful changes sooner. For people comparing Janesville primary care doctors, useful questions include how visits are scheduled, whether the same physician handles follow-ups, and how records are reviewed after an urgent issue. Continuity gives each appointment context instead of treating symptoms as isolated events.

That context helps the doctor connect family history, prior results, and current concerns before ordering care.

2. Improves Preventive Care Follow-Through

Screenings, vaccines, and routine measurements need a schedule that fits age, history, and existing risks. A primary care doctor tracks what is due and explains why a test matters. Patients get clearer reminders and don't have to rely on memory during busy periods.

Regular visits also create time to discuss sleep, nutrition, activity, and stress before symptoms interrupt work or family routines. That discussion turns prevention into an ongoing plan.

3. Makes Urgent Decisions Clearer

When a new problem appears, patients need to know whether it requires home care, a prompt visit, or emergency attention. A familiar doctor assesses symptoms against the patient’s history and gives direct next steps. Clear guidance reduces avoidable delays and unnecessary uncertainty.

Office instructions also help patients prepare useful details, such as symptom timing, temperature readings, or recent medication changes. Better information supports safer triage decisions.

4. Supports Chronic Condition Management

Chronic conditions require repeated decisions, not a single appointment. Care for blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and arthritis depends on symptom reports, test results, and treatment response over time. A primary care doctor keeps those details connected during medication adjustments and referrals.

Regular follow-ups identify barriers such as side effects, cost concerns, or missed doses. The doctor revises a plan before a small issue becomes a serious setback.

5. Reduces Duplicate Tests and Conflicting Advice

Medical care becomes fragmented when each visit begins without prior records or a clear treatment plan. A regular doctor reviews previous diagnoses, imaging, and specialist notes before deciding what information remains necessary. That review prevents repeated questions and flags advice that doesn't fit.

Coordinated records also make follow-up after a hospital visit more orderly. Patients leave with one plan, including responsibilities and timing for the next appointment.

6. Creates Better Medication Oversight

Medication lists change easily after urgent care visits, specialist appointments, or a hospital stay. A primary care doctor checks doses, refill needs, and side effects against the full record. This review catches duplicate drugs and directions that no longer match.

Patients should bring every prescription, supplement, and over-the-counter medicine to every visit. A complete list gives the doctor a sound basis for discussing safety and cost.

7. Gives Families a Consistent Care Home

Families benefit when one office knows their health patterns, caregiving duties, and practical limits. A regular primary care doctor addresses a child’s illness, an adult’s screening needs, or a caregiver’s stress within the same relationship. That familiarity saves time when priorities compete.

Parents and caregivers also know where to begin when a concern arises. Consistent access makes routine questions less likely to wait until they become urgent.

8. Encourages Honest, Practical Communication

Honest communication improves decisions because patients share details that affect diagnosis and treatment. Trust grows when a doctor listens, explains uncertainty, and respects a patient’s priorities. People then ask questions earlier, rather than postponing a discussion.

A good fit also includes practical communication preferences, such as phone access or clear written instructions. Patients who understand a plan are better prepared to follow it when symptoms change at home.

Conclusion

Choosing a doctor should involve more than checking location or office hours. Patients should ask how the practice handles follow-ups, urgent concerns, preventive visits, and medication questions. They should also consider whether communication feels clear enough to support honest conversations. A first appointment provides useful evidence. Afterwards, patients should decide whether the doctor’s approach fits their health needs, family responsibilities, and preferred method of contact before committing to ongoing care and scheduling their next visit with confidence when needed.

FREE CLIMBING | EMILY HARRINGTON

A few years ago, we started watching free soloing (Editor’s Note: Free Soloing is a style where you are only allowed to use climbing shoes for grip and chalk for the hands. No safety equipment is use to catch climbers if they fall. This is different from those that do Free Climbing where your hands and feet are used to move up a rock, but you still use ropes and safety gear to catch you if you fall.) within a number of documentaries. Emily Harrington is a 5X US National Champion in competition lead climbing, runner-up in the 2005 IFSC climbing World Championships, and has made the first female free ascents of several routes. In 2020, she became the fourth woman to free-climb the 3,000 ft (910 m) granite wall of El Capitan (Editor’s Note: This is the largest exposed granite face in the world in Yosemite National Park, California. Generally climbers take between 2-5 days to climb this wall and sleep suspended over the Yosemite Valley. Alex Honnold, a professional rock climber who became world famous for completeing the first ropeless free solo climb of El Capitan and was featured in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo) via the Golden Gate route, in a single day. She completed this task in 21 hours, 13 minutes and 51 seconds.

ATHLEISURE MAG: In prep for this interview, I watched Girl Climber, which was an incredible documentary and I love seeing your journey. We get to see that you were introduced and played a number of different sports growing up. What drew you to rock climbing and what is it about the sport that makes you so excited about it?

EMILY HARRINGTON: I think for me, when I first experienced climbing, I was 10 years old and I had been a ski racer and a gymnast. Those were sort of my two main things before I was 10 and I discovered climbing on a little artificial wall. I think I was naturally quite good at it because I was a gymnast, so I had some strength, flexibility, and body awareness. But I really liked the problem-solving aspect of climbing. It was different from gymnastics, which can be a bit rigid and kind of regimented. In climbing, you kind of get to solve your own puzzle. You get to find your own way, and it’s very expressive, and it can be very creative. I really enjoyed that aspect of it. I felt quite a bit of fear when I first climbed so I sort of felt the exposure and felt the air under my feet, but I was able to keep going and keep climbing! For me, I think that felt pretty empowering as a young girl.

So you know, immediately after I climbed for the first time I just said to my dad, I want to do this more. How do I do this more?

AM: Obviously, it’s a total body workout when you’re doing it. But what are workouts that you do to optimize yourself to be able to really do all the things you need to do?

EH: So I spend a lot of time in the climbing gym, which is the best way to train for climbing. You know, you’re doing climbing movements. It really distills the whole thing down. So most of my training is done in a climbing gym. I lift weights a little bit more for injury prevention. As climbers, we do a lot of pulling, so I try to do some pushing as well in the gym to sort of balance things out. I also really love running. I like trail running. It’s good for your fitness, but then obviously I think for me mentally, it’s really good. It’s very meditative. I really enjoy trail running. We have a lot of trails near my house, and so that’s kind of like the sport that I do on the side a little bit. And then I ski a lot in the winter, actually.

AM: Wow.

EH: So I think it’s kind of nice to have these different activities because climbing can be very hard on your body, and I think it’s important to kind of like mix up the activities a little bit. So I do a lot - gym climbing, a little bit of weights, and I stretch. I try to stretch. It’s hard for me. And I do some very specific strength training for my fingers.

AM: When you’re thinking of sports, there’s these set seasons. The NBA is around the corner. NFL just started. So from a climbing perspective, are there competitions or other things like that that you’re doing in addition to taking on the solo challenges that you create that are independent of the schedule?

EH: I mean, climbing, there is a competition aspect. I used to do competitions a lot. I don’t compete anymore, but it’s its own thing. As you know, It’s actually an Olympic sport.

AM: Exactly.

EH: It’s been in the last two Olympics. I love competition climbing. I follow it super closely. It’s very difficult. It takes a lot of sacrifice. Like nowadays, if you want to be a high level competition climber, that’s all you can do is train for competitions.

AM: Wow.

EH: Climb in the gym. So yeah, there’s a season for World Cups and Olympics and all of that. And then, in terms of outdoor climbing, there’s certain areas that climbers travel throughout the year and there’s seasons based on that and it kind of depends on what you want. The beauty of climbing is it is very much a lifestyle sport much like surfing or skateboarding or whatever you can do without competing. It can still be very meaningful and you can still do things with it and that’s more like the side that I’m on now. So I have specific goals in specific places. Some of them are locally and then some of them are in other parts of the world and I’ll just kind of base my training off of what my goals are and what objectives I want to do outside.

AM: That’s amazing. In watching the film, it’s interesting that it spans a lot of years. So what led to you deciding that you wanted to release this into the world and to show everything that goes on it. There’s a lot of vulnerability, frustration, challenges, and then kicking it into the next level. What made you want to put all of that out there?

EH: I mean, when it started it didn’t happen, like, that. That wasn’t exactly how it was going to be. I was filming with my friend Jon Glassberg on this project and he was just filming for who knows what? Maybe it was going to be a The North Face piece? We didn’t really know what it was for. So, you know, he was just sort of filming the story. And for me, I think I didn’t really think about it like that. I didn’t think about that it was showing my vulnerability. I think that’s just sort of how I am and I appreciate those kinds of stories. I think they’re very honest. In addition, it was just my friend Jon filming. So I didn’t really think much about where the footage was going to go. It was more like, it’s just me and my friend going out and he’s shooting me and that’s a part of my job. It’ll be cool to tell the story. So I didn’t really have those thoughts of like, “oh my God, you’re going to see this. What’s it going to be like?” I just didn’t think of it like that, honestly.

AM: When I first started to know more about this sport, it was through seeing Alex Honnold in his documentary, Free Solo. It was also the first time that we know about El Capitan and how important it is in the climbing community! Why does everyone like that particular mountain? Why did you want to do it as a free climb?

EH: Yeah, that mountain. It’s the most iconic big wall in the world. It’s really difficult. It’s really beautiful and sheer and it’s super historic. Climbers have been going there to test themselves for decades. And it’s interesting because it not only is it one of the biggest and most beautiful and most difficult, but it’s actually like... It’s right there off the road. It’s not like in some far away place. It’s not at high altitude. It’s not in like Kyrgyzstan or Pakistan or these other places where there are walls like that, but they’re just much more difficult to get to. The travel is complicated. This is in California. And so the accessibility of it makes it super famous. And the quality, it’s just very high quality. And every rock climber knows about El Cap. Everyone knows the history of it. And so everyone sort of aspires. climb up there.

I think one unique part of its history is that the first person to free climb El Cap in under 24 hours was a woman and her name was Lynn Hill and she did it in 1993 I think so a really long time ago and she had already done that when I started climbing I knew who she was and I just felt like the fact that this like really groundbreaking achievement and really meaningful achievement was sort of pioneered by a woman was really important and immediately I felt like climbing was a cool space for women and girls to excel at and I think for me that was just like something that stuck out in my mind as something that was inspiring and you know as I grew older and developed as a climber and started going outside getting more out of competitions and thinking about what my goals and objectives were going to be, El Cap was there because that’s just, it carried so much meaning.

AM: When you know that you’re going to do a climb, what is an average week like leading up to that in terms of you preparing, whether mentally or physically?

EH: Well, the week before, you’ve basically already done all the work. So it’s kind of about resting and recovering and kind of just like any sporting event like you’re kind of tapering at that point and getting mentally ready and hopefully you’re you know sleeping well and rested and then getting all the logistics in place for an attemp like that. You need everything to kind of fall into place - the weather and all of that so there’s a lot that goes into it but hopefully like the training part is over by the time you get to that week.

AM: You’re a 5X US National Champion and you have summited Mount Everest. What is your thought process like when you’re like to get all this gear on and tackle this big wall?

EH: I think you try to not think of it like a big wall. You try to think of it as just one move at a time. It’s about being present and thinking about what any athlete would do. You’ve been at the US Open this week, they’re thinking about one point at a time. Thinking about a whole entire match, that’s too daunting. Of course, they know they’re going to play a whole match! Of course, I know i’m going to climb the wall, but I’m not thinking about it in its entirety because that doesn’t mentally help you! You’re just really trying to be present and focus on what’s right in front of you and taking it one step at a time. So, I think that that is actually hard to do that. It takes a lot of training, practice, and mental preparation in order to do that. But for me, anytime I climb something difficult, it’s about trying to be very much in that moment. I know that I’ve prepared for the moment and that I’m ready. Having a lot of trust in that is really important. So having that confidence, I’m ready for this. I deserve to be here. I’m going to try to be as present as possible.

AM: Well, you trained with Alex in portions of your journey when you were focused on El Cap. How did you guys meet, and what did it mean to you to have him as part of that portion of your journey?

EH: Alex has been a friend of mine since we were really young. I was probably like 18 when I met Alex, and he was 19, so we were kids. It was be fore he was Alex. He was just a climber - a young climber and through the years, we kind of peripherally spent time around each other climbing in the same areas and then he joined The North Face team around the same time I did. That’s when we really started to climb together and hang out more and go on trips. So yeah, we have a history of climbing together and knowing each other really well. So that was really helpful to have him as a partner for that reason. Just that personal connection. And then also, he’s one of the best climbers in the world and in particular, he’s one of the best climbers on El Cap. That’s a very specific skill set that you need. And he’s probably done more than almost anybody up there. He’s one of the most comfortable people in that environment. It’s very much his happy place. He loves being up there so having that attitude and that positivity was really helpful for me and he’s actually a great supporter in several ways. He’s super honest so you know that what he’s telling you - he’s not blowing smoke! You can really trust that and so we had that mutual trust. You knew he was going to say exactly what he thought and that was actually really helpful and i’m really grateful for his friendship and support throughout my career.

AM: You could really see that bond between the two of you because he said what he said and that was it!

EH: With Alex, you know exactly what you’re going to get. There’s no fluff and he’s not going to bullshit you. It’s just like that is what it is. I do appreciate that.

AM: You had various attempts climbing El Cap. You had a 50 foot fall that I was so triggered by it that I had to pause the film for a bit. We kept thinking, “my God, how mentally can you come back and say, you know what? I’m still going to do this again?”

EH: I get asked that a lot, and I think it’s interesting because it never occurred to me not to try again. And I think that was because, you know, as climbers, we’re very used to failing, so that really, the whole failure part wasn’t really a part of it. And then in terms of, like, the accident, it was the worst accident I’d ever had in my career, and it was really traumatic. I don’t watch that part of the movie. Like, I don’t need to see it over and over again. But I think the key for me was I recognized the series of decisions that I made that put me in that position that made it dangerous.

And I recognized that it was a lot of my own doing and that in the future, I could avoid that. This wasn’t, like, a random accident. It’s not like, oh it could just happen again at any moment. No, actually, I could make decisions to change the situation and then it won’t happen again. So I took responsibility for it and then I was like okay, well now moving forward I’m going to avoid being in that situation and there’s a lot of ways to do that. So I had a lot of confidence moving forward! I got lucky and I learned a lot from that and I’m going to make a different decision moving forward.

AM: That’s amazing as going through something like that was just something that couldn’t be unseen and it was very cool to see you go back again!

In that last attempt, it was great to see that you had a literal crew that was there. Your husband, Adrian Ballinger (pro mountaineer and founder of Alpenglow Expeditions) was also there. What did it mean to you to have him part of your training and just being there?

EH: It was super special. It was really fun to feel like I had a team around me and feel like everyone was being really supportive and really wanted me to succeed. But at the same time, I didn’t feel that much pressure because we’re all climbers and we all know how it goes. And we know that failure is such a part of it. It was a great environment to try hard. And Adrian is one of my biggest supporters. He’s like so good at that. He’s just so wonderful when it comes to being that person. Without them, I just I don’t think it would have been possible.

AM: To go after this for so many years and to finally be able to achieve that dream that you climbed El Cap, what did that mean to you? It must have been so many levels at play there.

EH: Yeah there’s a lot of levels. A lot of times, after you do something like that, I think you hear a lot of athletes talk about there’s a bit of emptiness.

AM: Right.

EH: You had so much direction for so long and you can achieve this thing and you can be so psyched but at the same time, you can feel sort of empty and sort of like what’s next? Some people think that they thought this would make them feel one way and maybe it didn’t. You know, you think it’s going to solve all your problems and you’re going to be satisfied and you’re going to be happy. None of that is true. Like no amount of gold medals or whatever can make you feel like completely fulfilled I don’t think.

So I think learning that was a big part of the process because I did feel a little bit – lost I think. It wasn’t until years later, actually, when the movie actually came out that I was like, oh, “actually, that was so cool that I did that.” I really tried hard and I put all this effort. So I think I needed a bit of space between it in order to come full circle and be really proud of what I did. And now I’m at the point where I’m like quite proud of it. And it did take a lot of effort and I do recognize that now. But when you’re really close to it and you’re really in it, sometimes it’s hard to recognize that.

AM: What do you want viewers to see whether they are a climber, an enthusiast, or just someone that enjoyed watching something about resilience?

EH: I think they do see the resilience. I hope that they see the resilience and that they’re inspired by that, whether they’re a climber or not. I think it’s just a very human story about failure and struggle and all of these emotions that we tend to avoid in daily life.I think that actually confronting those things and sort of existing in that space with those uncomfortable feelings is something that we all should do a bit more of. We can learn a lot about ourselves and we can grow as humans through that. So, I hope they’re inspired to try hard things, fail, learn from failure, struggle, feel fear and sort of understand fear and risk and things like that. I hope they also see that story of partnership, friendship, leaning on your people for help, and recognize that as a very valuable part of the human experience as well. Lastly, I think it’s a cool story about rock climbing. I hope people who maybe never have seen climbing before are inspired to maybe check it out or learn a little bit about it because it is a really beautiful sport and it is something that is for everyone. It is something anybody can experience now! Any urban center has so many climbing gyms. People can literally walk in just experience the movement of climbing!

AM: We see a little bit of in the movie that over the years, you focused on the challenge of El Cap, but you were still doing other climbing and expeditions. What have been some of those projects since this movie came out?

EH: I’ve done a lot! I mean it’s been 6 years now. I continue to climb and I’ve had a lot of goals - nothing quite as all-consuming as Golden Gate. Thankfully, climbing is a sport that you can find all these different ways to challenge yourself. I’ve traveled a bit since then.

I actually went to Kyrgyzstan the next year and climbed a big wall there. I’ve gone back to Yosemite and climbed some things and done some hard routes around the world for me. I had a kid, so there’s that too. But yeah, I just continue to climb and find unique and interesting things that I’m curious about and ways to push myself. I just continue to do more of the same, essentially.

AM: Earlier this year, I enjoyed watching Alex do Taipei 101 and hearing your commentary on Netflix’s Skyscraper Live. What did it mean to you to be a part of that moment? I mean, it was so gripping!

EH: It was so fun, honestly. It was so cool. I’m so glad I got to go there and be a part of it. It was, of course, stressful. But at the same time, I just knew Alex so well. I just knew how within his ability it was, despite still being quite serious. There’s still nobody that can do what he did without a rope right. I knew that the climbing was so within his ability, but of course it’s stressful and of course none of us had ever been a part of anything like that before. The live aspect was great, but honestly it was so fun because almost every person on that job – I mean climbing is such a tight community. In order to pull off something like that you needed camera people who were climbers. You needed people who were rigging the whole scene to be climbers. And so basically every person on that job was a dear friend of mine and of ours. So it just felt like we were all having this crazy life experience all together as friends. And it was just so fun. You know, it’d be like having your best friends with you to do this crazy cool thing that just so happened to be like on live tv right but like you’re all experiencing it together. I’m just so grateful that we got to be a part of it.

The camera guys worked so hard they were out there. I was just commentating it which wasn’t that hard. The camera guys were just out there for weeks, all day, every day trying to figure it all out make sure they weren’t going to be in his way. All the logistics of it even the guy flying the drone, the helicopter, everything - every person that had a camera in their hand was a friend and it was awesome!

AM: Do you have any other projects coming up that we should keep our eye out for?

EH: It’s more core climbing stuff, a little bit nerdy. I have a lot of local things. I live in Tahoe, so there’s a lot of climbing there. And I’ve been trying to push myself and challenge myself. We’re going to go to Yosemite again in October. We go quite often. There’s always goals. I would love to go back to El Cap in the next year or 2 and try to do another route up there.

AM: Oh wow! How many routes are on that?

EH: There’s probably 15 to 20 now. Then there’s even more if you count aid climbing. Aid climbing is when you’re placing the gear and pulling on the gear. So there’s aid routes and then there’s free routes. Free is when you’re just climbing your hands and feet. So there’s several different routes. There’s like a dozen or so free routes and they all get climbed on.

AM: Seeing the graphics of what these routes looked like and where you had to go, really drove home what it’s like when you are up there. When you’re not climbing or planning a climb, how do you take time for yourself?

EH: It’s about family time. It’s important to me because I have a 3 year old. I like to chill with my husband and child, we like to cook dinner together, we like to watch shows! I’m actually really trying hard to learn Spanish. That’s my, non-active hobby. I’m really putting effort in it because we do spend a lot of time in Spanish-speaking countries. We go to Spain a lot and all of that. And I’ve been trying to learn for 10 years now. Finally, I was like, okay, this is... going to be my thing. And I have a teacher, so I like doing my homework and I’m trying really hard.

IG @emilyaharrington

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Emily Harrington

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see FREE CLIMBING | Emily Harrington in mag,

ACTIVE COAST TO RESORT EASE: HOW TO CHOOSE SWIMWEAR THAT MOVES WITH YOU

Vacation swimwear has a bigger job than it used to. A swimsuit might start the morning in the ocean, move to a paddleboard before lunch, dry off during a walk along the coast, then stay on underneath an oversized shirt for the rest of the afternoon.

That shift has made the best beach wardrobes feel increasingly close to athleisure: pieces still need to look good, but comfort, stretch and freedom of movement matter once the day gets going.

That balance is where BERLOOK's women's swimwear fits naturally. Alongside its more minimal bikinis and resort-ready textures, the collection includes cross-back straps, high-stretch fabrics, adjustable details and one-pieces with both regular- and long-torso sizing—details that make it easier to choose a suit for more than the pool chair.

Here are two ways to build a beach-day wardrobe around swimwear that can keep up.

1. ACTIVE COAST: CROSS-BACK DETAILS & TEXTURE

A morning by the water rarely stays completely still. There is the swim you planned, the walk you didn't, and occasionally the paddleboard someone convinces you to try after breakfast.

For days like these, start with the back of the swimsuit.

Crossed straps have a naturally sportier feel, but they can also become one of the most interesting parts of the design. They sit neatly across the shoulder blades while creating enough detail that the swimsuit still feels styled rather than purely functional.

Textured movement with the Dark Green Jacquard X Cross One-Piece Swimsuit: BERLOOK gives this deep-green one-piece a jacquard texture, contrast piping and an open cross-back that feels equally at home at a resort pool or walking down to the beach. The fabric is listed as high stretch, while the moderate-coverage bottom keeps the silhouette clean rather than overly athletic.

One especially useful detail is easy to miss in the photos: BERLOOK currently provides both regular- and long-torso measurements for the style. If one-pieces usually look perfect on the hanger but pull uncomfortably once you put them on, torso length is worth checking rather than automatically sizing up.

Style it with loose linen shorts, flat leather sandals and a woven beach bag for an easy coastal uniform. Once the swim is over, add an open white shirt and the one-piece does the work of a fitted bodysuit without requiring an outfit change.

DARK GREEN JACQUARD X CROSS ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT | BERLOOK

If you prefer two pieces, the same idea works with a cross-back bikini.

The Blue Print O-Ring Cross Back Bikini Top uses a bright coastal print, slim crossed straps and a small ring detail at the front. BERLOOK lists it as high stretch with removable soft cups and 3/4-cup coverage. Customer feedback on the current product page also includes women mentioning that the top stayed secure while swimming—useful context when a swimsuit needs to do more than photograph well.

Pair it with its matching bottom for a full print moment, or break up the pattern with a solid navy or white bottom for a more relaxed look.

2. RESORT EASE: SEPARATES THAT LET YOU SET THE RULES

Not every beach day needs a sportier swimsuit. Sometimes the real luxury is simply wearing something comfortable enough that you stop thinking about it.

This is where separates become especially useful.

A bikini top and bottom do not have to solve the same fit problem. You can choose more structure through the bust while keeping the bottom minimal, or pair a triangle top with more coverage through the hips. And if your top and bottom naturally fall into different sizes, buying them separately avoids asking one size label to do two jobs.

BERLOOK's current bikinis collection leans into that mix-and-match idea, with triangle, underwire and cross-back tops sold alongside bottoms in different rises and coverage levels.

For a resort day, the styling can stay simple.

Take the Blue Print O-Ring top and add wide-leg white trousers, an unbuttoned linen shirt and a pair of sunglasses for lunch by the water. Later, lose the trousers, add the matching bikini bottom and you are back at the pool.

BLUE PRINT O-RING CROSS BACK BIKINI TOP | BERLOOK

The trick is not trying to make every swimsuit perform like athletic gear. It is choosing the details that make sense for the day.

If you know you will actually swim, look at how the straps connect and whether the top feels secure when you raise your arms.

If you love one-pieces but always feel them pulling through the body, check the torso measurement.

If you usually need different sizes above and below the waist, start with separates instead of trying to force a matching set.

And if the plan is simply a lounger, a book and something cold to drink, choose the beautiful suit. Vacation wardrobes are allowed to have fun.

The best swimwear works much like the best athleisure: it moves easily between the different versions of your day without making you think too hard about what you are wearing.

Explore BERLOOK's women's swimwear for one-pieces, textured styles and more active-inspired silhouettes, or browse its bikinis to build a mix-and-match combination around the fit and coverage you prefer.

WHY COMMUNICATION BREADOWNS CAN CHANGE THE COACH OF THE YEAR MARKET

Communication problems can change a football game before anyone notices, because the visible mistake often arrives several seconds after the information problem that caused it. A wasted timeout, late substitution, uncovered receiver, or hurried snap may begin with a call that arrived too slowly or was understood differently by two players.

That makes communication part of coaching performance, even though it rarely receives its own box score column. A head coach is responsible for much more than speaking into a headset, but organization, delegation, terminology, situational preparation, and the speed of information flow all shape whether a team can execute under pressure.

For bettors, those details provide useful context around results, and following the Coach of the Year market at https://www.betnow.eu/nfl/coach/ can show how expectations change as a season produces new evidence. A strong record carries more weight when the team also looks prepared in difficult situations rather than repeatedly losing control before the snap.

This is why NFL Coach of the Year odds should not be read as a simple standings table. Wins remain essential, but bettors also need to ask what the coach is contributing to them and whether recurring operational problems are starting to weaken the case.

Communication Is Part of Game Management

The Call Has to Arrive in Time

NFL communication operates under a real deadline. Coaches can relay information to the designated player between plays, but the system cuts off with 15 seconds remaining on the play clock. From that point, the quarterback or defensive signal caller has to manage the final adjustments on the field.

That short window turns communication into a chain. The head coach may speak to a coordinator, the coordinator sends the call to the quarterback, the quarterback delivers it in the huddle, and players still need time to line up and process possible checks.

A current example shows how quickly the chain can fail. After Washington's October 2026 overtime tie with the Giants, Dan Quinn said his team's late sequence was too slow and specifically traced the problem from his own message to offensive coordinator David Blough, then to Jayden Daniels before the headset shut off. The account of that late-game communication breakdown is useful because Quinn treated the issue as an execution process rather than blaming one final decision.

When Does One Error Become a Pattern?

One failed sequence should not redefine a coach. Noise, injuries, unusual substitutions, and individual mistakes can disrupt even a well-prepared team. The betting value comes from identifying repetition.

Several signs deserve attention when they begin appearing across multiple games:

●       delay penalties or emergency timeouts before important snaps;

●       repeated formation, substitution, or assignment confusion;

●       players looking toward the sideline late in the play clock;

●       different units making similar situational mistakes;

●       the same communication problem surviving from one week to the next.

The pattern matters more than the isolated highlight. A coach who corrects a problem quickly may even strengthen the case that the staff is adaptable.

The Record Needs Context

The Coach of the Year race usually rewards visible achievement, especially when a team exceeds expectations. Still, record alone cannot explain how that improvement happened.

Communication offers one layer of context. A team can win because its quarterback improvises around confusion, or it can win because every unit consistently knows what to do in high-pressure moments. Those results look identical in the standings, but they say different things about the coaching operation.

The management principle extends beyond football. Good leaders have to turn information into action without adding confusion, which is why skills such as clear communication under pressure matter in any complex team. Clear instructions, active listening, feedback, and well-defined responsibilities become more valuable as the number of moving parts increases.

For bettors, that means separating communication evidence from general criticism. A coach shouting on the sideline is not proof of a broken process. Repeated late calls, unclear responsibilities, and preventable procedural errors are much more meaningful.

Backup Players Expose the Strength of the System

Simplification Can Be a Coaching Strength

Injuries provide one of the best tests of communication. A backup quarterback may know the playbook, but knowledge on paper is different from processing full-speed information against an NFL defense.

Strong staffs often reduce the burden. They can shorten calls, narrow the menu of checks, emphasize familiar concepts, or adjust terminology so that the replacement player can execute quickly. That is not evidence that the offense has become less sophisticated. It can be evidence that the coaches understand what information the player actually needs.

This is particularly relevant when comparing NFL head coaches whose teams have dealt with very different levels of disruption. Keeping an offense functional with its intended starter is one challenge. Maintaining organization after several lineup changes can reveal more about preparation and adaptability.

Look for the Response, Not Just the Problem

A communication mistake is most useful when bettors watch what follows. Did the same error return? Did the staff simplify the process? Did timeouts decrease? Did substitute players look more comfortable?

A practical review can focus on four questions:

●       Was the original problem clearly identifiable?

●       Could coaching realistically correct it?

●       Did the team change its process afterward?

●       Did execution improve over the next several games?

Those questions keep analysis tied to observable behavior rather than reputation.

Communication Matters Most When It Produces Results

PHOTO CREDIT | Magnific/8photo

Clear information flow does not make a coach an automatic award candidate. A well-organized team that keeps losing will struggle to build a serious case, just as a winning coach will not be eliminated because of one confused series.

Communication is valuable because it helps explain the quality behind the record. It can reveal whether players understand situational demands, whether substitutes are prepared, and whether mistakes are being corrected instead of repeated.

That makes it a useful secondary signal when a close award market contains several coaches with similar records. Results establish the case, but organization helps explain how those results were produced because clear communication keeps good decisions connected to execution.

BINGELY TV/STREAMING

A DIFFERENT WORLD

Netflix Original

Netflix

Growing up, we enjoyed our weekly episodes of A Different World that took us to Hillman College which was the spinoff from The Cosby Show that followed Denise Huxtable as she made her way to this fictional HBCU. For fans of this show we fell in love with a cast of characters that were coming into their own as they transitioned from living at home with their parents to the beginning stages of adulting!

In Netflix’s A Different World, we are introduced to new characters as well as those from the original series whether they appear as reoccuring castmembers or cameo! The merge of old and new comes together seamlessly in this 10 episode series!

This series tackles what it means to find yourself when you’re going to college, finding your people,

finding/using your voice, and being impactful intentionally.

THE TRAITORS: NEW BLOOD

Peacock Original

Peacock

We always enjoy any edition of The Traitors and this season, the US version is back! This time, they have regular contestants (the US celebrity version will launch shortly) known as The Traitors New Blood and they are just as entertaining as season’s past! There have been a few twists that we have already seen so, we know that we will be in for quite a ride!

Whether the contestant is a Traitor or a Faithful, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our favorite part of this show is seeing people put their theories to the test and seeing how long they stay once everything comes together. When you’re watching on Peacock, they release 2 episodes every Fri.

UNDERGROUND

BCB

Spotify

When it comes to fictional podcasts, we always enjoy those that are produced by BBC Sounds as they are an audio delight regardless of the focus of the series.

BBC Radio 4’s Limelight is a great storytelling podcast and in their latest series, Underground has 5 episodes, they are focused on high networth individuals that have opted to live in opulent doomsday bunkers. As part of sustaining their lives while waiting out what is taking place, those that have children hire private tutors.

Thornfield is a luxury underground that ensures the survival of the wealthiest people. Although there are a number of amenities from culinary options, swimming pools, farms, and saunas - the inhabitants are in constant fear for their lives as well as the way that they live. They also follow a strict series of rules.

We meet Charity a tutor who has been accepted to teach children in her assigned home. She notices strange things that take place as well as begins to wonder about the tutor that she replaced - what is going on in this secure underground and how can she survive?

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely TV/Streaming in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | EMILY HARRINGTON

Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Emily Harrington in mag.

HOW GAE OFFERS A NEW PATH FOR PERSISTENT OSTEOARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN

Persistent osteoarthritis knee pain can limit walking, sleep, work, and exercise despite medication, injections, or physical therapy. When conservative care no longer controls symptoms, many people face a difficult choice between continuing discomfort and considering knee replacement. Genicular artery embolization, or GAE, gives selected patients another treatment pathway. The procedure targets abnormal blood flow around the knee through a catheter rather than an incision. Its purpose and patient selection deserve a closer look.

GAE focuses on the small arteries that supply the synovium, the knee lining involved in osteoarthritis-related inflammation. Imaging helps the interventional radiologist map these vessels before treatment. For people seeking genicular artery embolization for non-surgical knee pain relief, the approach provides a catheter-based option that does not remove bone or replace the joint. The procedure addresses pain biology around the knee while preserving the joint’s structure for later decisions.

Why Persistent Osteoarthritis Pain Continues

Osteoarthritis changes cartilage, bone, and surrounding tissues over time. The synovium can become irritated, while weakened muscles increase load across the joint. Bone spurs, stiffness, and altered movement then reinforce painful activity.

Standard treatments often begin with weight management, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicine, or injections. These measures can reduce symptoms, but relief may fade or remain incomplete. Persistent pain after appropriate conservative care signals a need for reassessment, not automatic acceptance of surgery.

How GAE Works

GAE uses a thin catheter inserted through a small artery, commonly in the wrist or groin. The physician guides it toward blood vessels supplying the painful knee, using live imaging for precise positioning. Tiny particles then reduce flow through selected abnormal vessels.

The reduced blood supply lowers inflammatory signaling around the joint. Because the treatment does not remove damaged cartilage, it does not restore the knee’s original anatomy. Instead, it targets a contributor to pain.

Who Might Receive GAE

A typical evaluation includes a review of symptoms, prior treatments, medical history, and imaging. The clinician checks whether pain matches osteoarthritis and whether another condition explains the symptoms.

Physical examination helps assess alignment, stability, strength, and range of motion. GAE suits selected adults with ongoing knee pain who have not achieved adequate relief from non-surgical care. A detailed discussion should cover expected recovery, possible complications, alternatives, and the chance that symptoms will persist.

What Recovery Involves

Patients usually return home the same day, although the care plan depends on health status and the access site. The catheter entry area can feel sore or bruised for a short period.

Activity restrictions protect the puncture site while it heals. Knee discomfort does not always change immediately, and improvement can develop over the following weeks. Follow-up appointments track pain, walking ability, medication use, and any skin or circulation changes near the treated area.

How GAE Compares With Other Treatments

GAE has a different role from physical therapy, injections, and knee replacement. Physical therapy addresses strength, mobility, and movement patterns, while injections deliver medication into the joint.

Knee replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with implants. GAE uses vascular treatment without implant placement or bone removal. That distinction matters for people who need symptom control but are not ready for surgery, cannot undergo surgery, or want to discuss another option with a qualified clinician.

Limits and Safety Considerations

No procedure suits every person with osteoarthritis. GAE does not reverse cartilage loss, correct severe deformity, or guarantee lasting pain relief. Risks include bleeding, infection, blood-vessel injury, and reduced circulation to nearby tissue.

A clinician also considers allergies, kidney function, blood-thinning medicines, and other conditions before using contrast imaging. Patients should ask which symptoms the procedure targets, how results will be measured, and what alternatives remain if pain continues.

Questions to Discuss Before Choosing GAE

A consultation should clarify the treatment goal, access, contrast use, and follow-up schedule. Patients should also ask how existing medicines affect preparation and which changes require urgent contact after discharge. Clear answers help patients compare GAE with continued conservative care or knee replacement.

Conclusion

Persistent osteoarthritis knee pain deserves a treatment plan based on symptoms, imaging, health status, and personal goals. GAE gives selected patients a catheter-based approach that targets abnormal vessels without replacing the joint. A consultation with an interventional radiologist can clarify candidacy, expected recovery, risks, and available alternatives. Before scheduling treatment, patients should bring prior imaging, a medication list, and a clear record of daily limitations to support a focused discussion.