PHOTO COURTESY | Bernard Kamungo
FOR THE LOVE OF SOCCER | BERNARD KAMUNGO
When we watch our favorite sports or athletes, each person comes with a backstory, dreams, aspirations, and inspirations that come together through their love of the game and what it means to them. We sat down with Bernard Kamungo who plays for FC Dallas as well as joined the USMNT team earlier this year. He talks with us about how his love for soccer which started in the refugee camps of Tanzania kept him on a positive path and continued when he came to the US as a child. Unbeknownst to him, his love for the game would result in him going pro and being able to live his dreams of going out on the pitch throughout the season. We also talk about the importance of proper tools for recovery when injured as well as what he does prior to and after his matches.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with soccer and at what point did you realize that you wanted to play it?
BERNARD KAMUNGO: I started playing when I was very young, probably as soon as I started walking. Growing up in Tanzania where soccer is the main sport, that made it easy for me to fall in love with playing soccer.
AM: You grew up in a Tanzanian refugee camp and began playing there. Can you tell me about the early days of you playing the game?
BK: I was born in a refugee camp and playing soccer helped me avoid a lot of negative stuff going on in and around my life. My family could not afford a living. We could not afford food, clothes, etc. So, most of the time, my friends and I were playing soccer after school for fun. 1v1, 2v2, and so on, just to get away from the negativity. It was the only thing that brought joy into my life at the time.
PHOTO COURTESY | Bernard Kamungo
AM: When you turned 14, you came to the US and continued playing. What was it like coming here and playing this sport?
BK: It was a dream come true coming to the US. I had seen a lot of movies, videos, and pictures of how amazing the country was, and I always wanted to come to the U.S. The freedom, jobs, and the culture. It is amazing. Some of those things, we don’t have them back home. Soccer played a big part for me to adapt and connect with people in the U.S., besides my family. I had to get out of my comfort zone. It was great getting to use the real soccer ball and cleats to play soccer. I believed one day I would get to do that, and it felt great to be able to do so for the first time.
AM: At what point did you want to go pro?
BK: I hate saying this now that I’m a pro footballer, but honestly, at that time, I had never thought about going pro. It was not realistic for me, so I tried not to think about it. Even though I had a lot of people that believed in me and knew I could make it.
AM: You signed with FC Dallas in 2021, what did it mean to you to join this team?
BK: It was surreal. Especially for someone like me who had just come from a refugee camp with such limited dreams. Being able to achieve that in such a short amount of time was unbelievable.
AM: When you're in season, what's it like when you're training for your games? Tell me about what an average week looks like in terms of training, working out, etc.
BK: My weekly schedule is not that bad. We mostly practice Monday through Friday and play games on Saturday, with an off day on Sunday.
Our practice time changes depending on the month we are in, and we adjust based on the weather. Right now, our report time is 8:00 a.m. I wake up at 6:50 a.m., pray, shower, meditate, have some tea, and head to the stadium for breakfast. I get to the stadium around 7:50 a.m. After breakfast, I go to the gym to foam roll, stretch, and for mobility training before I am ready for practice starting at 9:00 or 9:30 am. Depending on how long meetings take after practice and training, I take an ice bath and get a massage, if I’m sore or tired. I am always looking out for my body and overall well-being, so whether that means settling in for some TLC after practice or suiting up with The BetterGuard during practice and games, I will do what I can to make sure I am performing at my best and preventing any injuries that I can. After that, I’ll eat at the stadium or go home and have lunch, about an hour or two after practice.
When I’m home, I spend time with my family for a bit, take a 30-minute nap, sometimes more, depending on how I feel. I will read, play FIFA, or watch a movie, while I’m wearing my Hyperice recovery boots. I end my day by eating a healthy dinner at 7:30 p.m. and going to bed around 10:30 p.m. before repeating this same schedule the following day.
AM: What are you looking forward to this season as I know you're currently in the regular season right now.
BK: This season, my goal is to lift a trophy at this wonderful club with all my amazing teammates.
PHOTO COURTESY | Bernard Kamungo
AM: Do you have any routines that you do before a match to get ready for the game and what do you do post-game to come down from all that energy on the field?
BK: My game day routine is so simple. Most of our games are played at 7:30 p.m. and we report at 5:40 p.m. I’ll sleep as much as I can the night before the game. I normally wake up between 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and have brunch. I keep my mind and body at ease, preparing for games by wearing my recovery boots and relaxing for a bit by reading, while getting in the game day mindset by playing a bit of FIFA or watching clips of soccer games. I then take a 30-minute nap and, when I wake up, eat my pregame meal by 3:00 or 3:30 p.m., at the latest. Once I shower and meditate, I head to the stadium. My head is in the game, and we hopefully come home victorious. After the game, I go home, but I find it hard to sleep after a game. I’m not a talker after games, so I just sit and take it all in, whether I am sitting alone in my room, playing FIFA, or with a small group of friends.
AM: What are your must-haves that you use to assist you in playing the game?
BK: Before the game, I must have either tea, hot milk or rice as my pregame meal. On the field, I rely on kinesiology tape to keep my wrist stabilized and The BetterGuard ankle brace to keep my ankle protected from serious injury. I went down during the end of the first game of the playoffs last season against Seattle. All I want to do is play soccer and compete and, when injury gets in the way, it is the most frustrating thing. Wearing The BetterGuard, I have been able to recover faster and get back on the field quickly, rejoining my team in Dallas to finish the 2023 season and join the USMNT to start 2024. The Betterguards’ team has been working to take their signature product to the next level, and I am excited for everyone to get their hands on The BetterGuard 2.0, launching July 31, to experience the peak athletic performance I have while wearing the brace.
AM: When you're not on the field, how do you take time for yourself?
BK: I like to stay indoors, so I spend most of my time inside, hanging out with my family and friends while trying to stay focused.
AM: Are there any projects coming up that you would like us to know about?
BK: I am so thankful for everyone’s support and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming FC Dallas match. Our season runs through October, and you can find more information, including where to watch or how to buy tickets at fcdallas.com. You can find me on Instagram @bernardk17.
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Featured
THE PICK ME UP
Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see THE PICK ME UP in mag.
Featured
PUSHING NEW LIMITS | JENNA WILLIS
Focusing on our health is multi-layered as it's about working out, nutrition, recovering our body, and wellness. By combining these elements together you're on the track to creating a 360 approach to doing what is best for your body.
We caught up with Jenna Willis who is know for her celebrity clientele that includes Liza Koshy (Boo! A Madea Halloween, Transformers: Rise of the Beast, Good Burger 2), Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules, The Valley, MAY ISSUE #29 cover in 2018) and Camila Cabello. We've gotten to know her through seeing her on Vanderpump Rules as well as on her Instagram.
We wanted to find out how she became a celeb trainer, the impact of fitness on her life, her approach to working with clients, how we can approach our fitness goals, and her upcoming projects.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We’re so excited to talk with you as the first time we became aware of you was when we had Lala Kent as the cover and we shot with her. In her interview we were asking about her physique and how she got to looking so amazing and she was like, “oh my God, Jenna Willis!”
JENNA WILLIS: Oh that’s so nice - so thank you! Truly and it makes me so happy.
I was literally with Lala today training with her as we’re now in her 2nd pregnancy now and we’ve gotta keep her body on track to snap back the day after!
AM: She always looks great and you also have other clients that I’m a fan of like Liza Koshy and I know our readers will love learning more about you and your fitness approach!
When was the moment that you fell in love with fitness?
JW: Wow, you know it’s one of those things where you look back and it all makes sense. But when you’re in it, you don’t realize how impactful it is and how it has pretty much supported me my entire life! I started off doing Tiny Tots Gymnastics when I was 3 years old. So fitness – what’s interesting to me is that fitness is fun! A lot of people forget that. My true ah ha moment, I have actually had 2. I transferred colleges and I went to a school in NY called Wagner College where I was actually the tiniest Division I volleyball player in the nation so I was playing volleyball for this school. I always knew I wanted to move to LA to pursue acting because that was my dream. I was literally like going to my parents saying that I was up and moving and going to LA. They were like, “cool, good luck!” But they also added that I could do that or I could transfer and study whatever I wanted and graduate. So at the age of 19, I packed up a bag, moved across the country with 6 girls that I had never met before – this was back in the day! I was on a call with the girl in LA and she was like, “do you want to move into this house with us for the summer?” I was like sure. I show up and girl, we were sharing a bed for the summer and we had never met in my life – to this day, she is one of my best friends!
AM: Wow!
JW: The point of the story is that I moved to LA, I didn’t know what a sesh is like a Surf Sesh – all of these terms. All of these boys and all of this lifestyle stuff. I was like, I’m just going to live and enjoy extracurricular activities like Beer Pong right? About 5 months in to doing that, this was the first time in my life that I was not exercising. In the middle of a sorority meeting, I was laid out with a panic attack and it was the first time in my life that I had realized that fitness literally saves me. That was the first realization. I think that because it had always been part of my life because I always played sports, I played volleyball in college, and I never realized how impactful it truly was until that moment.
The second time, it was 2015 and I was actually on Vanderpump Rules at that time and I was also on a TV show called, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story - which was one of the best years of my life and then quickly went to one of the hardest years of my life. I stepped away from Vanderpump Rules, I was engaged to someone for 8 years and then we broke up and that ended, and then my management at the time left the industry and I just felt that I was left with nothing! My fiancé and I had broken up, I was no longer on Vanderpump Rules, and my acting career had not gone the way that I thought it would after booking the OJ series and I went into a very bad situational depression and my anxiety was through the roof and I summoned up the energy to get to the gym one day. I told myself that enough was enough. I go to the gym and I quickly realized that one of the few times out of my day that I felt present, I felt alive and felt good – that was how I became a trainer.
AM: That’s what I was going to ask you, how did you know that this was going to be your career because working out for yourself and knowing what to do for your body is so different than having clients and doing this for them.
JW: Yeah, I mean, honestly you can’t make this shit up! I was going to the gym and I knew I was feeling better. I got a call one day and a friend of a friend from college said, “hey, we need a fitness model for this job.” I thought, I’m not a model, but sure!
AM: I’m not a model, but I am today haha!
JW: This fun day of shooting and doing fitness stuff made me think, “wow, this is really cool!” So I'm going to the gym, I’m starting to workout and I’m feeling better, I’m doing this fitness modeling thing. I’m at the gym one day and I’m working out. Mind you, I’ve been let go from Villa Blanca which is how I ended up on Vanderpump Rules. They were like, “Jenna, you haven’t made a shift in a month.” It was a dream for me to not ever have to go back to a restaurant again and I mean that in the most kindest way, but it was a goal that I had set for myself to try something new in life and to pursue my dream of acting.
I’m at the gym working out and a girl comes up to me and says, “oh my gosh, that move! Do you work here?” I told her no, but that this is how you do it. I kid you not, the next day I go to the gym, I’m on the cable machine, I’ll never forget it doing some chest on my massive non-existent boobs and another girl comes up and says, “woah, you’re really strong, do you work here?” I told her no, but this is what you do. Next day, at the gym, doing something for my butt of course, and a girl comes up and says, “I have really been trying to target the glutes” – she didn’t know what to call it, but I call it the Booty Dimples. Right like that little side part that we all want to focus on and I was hitting that real hard and she was like, “my gosh that move! Do you work here?” I’m not kidding, I looked at her and I said, “yes, I do!” I was like how can I help you? Then I helped her and I let her know that I didn’t really work there, but I went home and I was 30 at this point and I was like, if I have ever gotten a message in my life, this is it!
I went online and figured out the certification that I needed to get and which one I was going to do. I completed my certification in 2 months and it was a goal of mine to hit the ground running in 2017 and I got certified as a trainer and in CPR First Aid and I hit the ground running.
It changed my life! Yet again, fitness changed my life on a whole other level. I will tell you 1 thing. When I was 9 years old, I went to see a musical, The Newsies and I was sitting in the audience and I had this feeling of euphoria and that’s when I knew I wanted to be an actor because I wanted to give people the same thing I feel right now for the rest of my life. I get to do that now with training. I get to make people feel amazing. So you put the dots together and you get this path together! Now, there’s a lot of road there and there’s going to be a lot of bumps on that path.
AM: Oh yeah!
JW: It makes sense.
AM: It will be a mix in terms of result and what happens along the way. So it’s amazing that you found it and made it make sense.
JW: It’s been really cool and what I will say is when I made that decision from being on Vanderpump and being in that world some what – all of the girls got very excited. Lala was literally like, start training me.
AM: You were just on an episode the other week of the current season.
JW: Yeah! So that’s so cool, well it’s full circle as I get to go back and I can train them on the show. It’s so cool!
AM: It’s amazing, you have trained her, Camila Cabello, Liza – you have has so many amazing people. How important is that client to trainer relationship? What are you looking for when it comes to deciding to train someone as a client?
JW: You know what’s funny? It’s such an intimate relationship to train someone. What someone looks for in me is what I am also looking for in them. Which is a partnership and the ability to go through thick and thin together as well as the high and lows with one another – there will be both. I am definitely a supporter kind of trainer. We’re going to laugh in our sessions and you’re as sure as shit going to feel the burn and hate me a little bit. But the session will be over and you’ll be like, wow that went fast! I think that that’s what a client looks for. You’re hanging out in very strange circumstances and in those circumstances, you’re going to feel the burn, you’ll hate me a little, but then you will love me because you walk away feeling amazing.
AM: How would you describe your fitness method?
JW: My whole thing is that I have always been the weird kid and my thing is that we should embrace the awkward of fitness. I grew up an athlete, I have 3 older brothers, I had to be an athlete, I had to defend myself. My whole philosophy is to make fitness tangible and fun and something that can be done anywhere and anytime truly. People get so caught up in the major overhaul of life and what I like doing is to make it part of life.
AM: So for those just starting this journey, what would be the focus that they should be looking at or maybe beyond the goal of what it is that they want to do?
JW: Totally, there’s a few things that I recommend right off the bat. Start walking! It sounds so simple, but it makes such a difference. Once you create a routine of just getting up and walking outside, you’re creating that window to move - you release those endorphins and serotonin to move. You’re awake and your body doesn’t feel as tight. When you realize that your body is moving and that you’re getting that energy, you’re more motivated to want to take it to that next step. I always say the 5 mins rule. Sometimes, you just need to get to the gym. You show up, you get to that treadmill for 5 mins and you can leave. It’s all about creating a habit or a routine.
Another thing that I like to do for someone who is just getting started is a calendar program. Look at your calendar for the week and the meetings that you have to go to – those things that you cannot move and schedule 20 mins in between whether that’s in the morning, your lunchbreak, or right after work. Because when you build it into your schedule, it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
AM: Makes sense as you literally see it in your calendar and you feel horrible clicking it off of Google calendar.
JW: That’s exactly right – it’s accountability!
The other thing that I love is just to find something that you enjoy! You know, some people feel that fitness has to be in the gym and lifting weights, I do it and I live for it. But not every person wants to do that. Maybe it’s that weekly dance class – it’s that one commitment that doesn’t feel overwhelming and that it’s social.
AM: How do you approach those that do have a specific goal that they’re looking to achieve in their workouts? Maybe it’s a wedding, an anniversary, reunions, etc? They’re looking at a set time and a set place where that goal is able to actualized.
JW: So that’s when I get a little more intense. If someone has a very specific goal, we talk about what that is, we look at the timeframe, and we break it down to what will truly heed results in that length of time. I am talking about a meal plan and a workout plan. Everybody is different. It also depends on the timeframe that we have.
AM: How important is the nutrition and recovery plan. What are all the things that people should be thinking about when it comes to a workout session on a given day and over time?
JW: Wellness. Truly and when I say wellness, I mean mind, body, spirit, and soul – all of that. I think that the goal for me with any of my clients is to create a program that is sustainable and enjoyable because if it doesn’t have those aspects, it won’t continue. I never want to feel like I am having to overhaul someone’s life. That’s not fun. It’s picking small goals that heed big change. Little things like the way that you eat your meals makes such a difference. People don’t realize that you start with your veggies – it creates a block so that you don’t get that glucose spike and it prevents having those crashes in the afternoon. Then you move to your fats and your proteins and you finish with your complex cards. It’s little tips and tricks that make a huge difference. All of a sudden, you’re not eating as many of those snacks or craving those foods because you are satiating your body in other ways.
AM: How can we make sure that you’re establishing achievable goals as you’ve been talking about? Because I also have those friends who feel they have a goal and a plan, but in life, what they’re going for would not be able to happen whether the goal is off or the time allowed doesn’t make sense.
JW: Exactly, this is my philosophy. Anything that seems too good to be true, it probably is. And anything that comes so easy, goes easy. I truly believe that. A healthy amount is a pound a week and that’s an aggressive weight loss plan. If you are doing that, you are doing incredible. Anything over that, you’re kind of traumatizing the body to some degree and I hate to say that and to use those words.
AM: Well, it’s shocking the body.
JW: When people are leaning into taking things or doing things where this aggressive weight loss is happening, you can be losing muscle mass, you’re stressing your hunger, and how are you supplementing that to then create longevity?
I’m not just promoting myself so even if it’s not you working with me, maybe you are doing Pilates – you’re allowing your body to be supported and to create a strength for itself during that process. When you do go off of it, you’re still in a healthy mindset that will still support your mind and body.
AM: For those that may not be able to work with your 1:1. Tell us about Don’t Sweat It Alone! I love that everything in your world is so bright and approachable as there are a number of methods or trainers that sometimes have a very different look to their site and their approach and for some people that can be a bit too much for them.
JW: Yesss! Thank you for saying that and I really do appreciate that!
Just going back for a moment on what we were talking about before, if you’re just starting out – you may want to consider breaking up your workout. For some people that only have 20mins like a lot of my clients are working moms. That’s a busy job and 20mins is better than no minutes. If you’re waiting to have that block of an hour, you may tell yourself you don’t have it today, but you will do it tomorrow, and then it just keeps happening and ultimately, you never worked out. Give yourself some grace and set that timer for 20mins, that’s time you put in for yourself, you nourished your body and gave it what it needed.
AM: I agree even for myself, I prefer to workout at 8am and be done by 9am, but then I may have a day of meetings, editor appointments, interviews, creative, etc – I know I will catch up with it again later in the day, and won’t let the day go on without it. But it can be tough as sometimes things start moving.
JW: I love that! That’s how I operate it and not everyday will go the way you want it to. Sometimes schedules are crazy and that is ok!
AM: You do the best you can, my newest component has been meditation as I have found that just as necessary as working out my body. I am not someone who likes to sit for a second in silence, but when I am in the meditation groove that follows after my workout, I can do it.
JW: You’re inspiring me – like meditation and affirmations is part of every morning of mine, but I would say that meditation is the one that I struggle with the most. So you're inspiring me right now so we're always a work in progress.
AM: You have to find what works for you. I use Hyperice’s Core App and the fact that they break down the sessions to whether you’re feeling anxious, whether you want to be moved by music, or to have guided meditations, I have the group of instructors that I enjoy listening to and if I’m pushed for time I can find the one that is where I am at mentally within the time frame that I have to give.
JW: Do you ever do the nose breathing thing?
AM: Yes! I love Breathwrk App!
JW: Oh my gosh! It’s so good and if I’m having a crazy day, there are some days that you’re just not here! If I do that one technique, it’s like, “hey, I’m back!”
My Don’t Sweat It Alone, what’s really beautiful is that the only blessing in COVID that I experienced is that it gave me the ability to reach anyone all over the world. So what I do is that you don’t sweat it alone. I offer online programming, personalized month-to-month plans, and meal plans to anyone in the world. I’m also certified as a life coach as well through Jay Shetty, do you know him?
AM: Yeah!
JW: So, that’s a buddy of mine. I also do live check-ins as well. So you can be anywhere in the world and still have access to me. I call it the Power Hour and a member can sign on during that time and we set goals for the week, we talk about SHREDS – how’s your Sleep, how’s your Hunger, your Rest, your Energy, and your Digestion? We go over everything and go live every Monday and Friday with my HIIT workouts.
AM: I like that SHREDS thing and I’m all about gut health.
JW: It’s so important!
AM: During the pandemic, I also took time to really focus on my sleep and to change some things in that area as well. I feel it’s way more optimized then it was before. I still have moments that aren’t great, but it’s so much better than what it was before.
JW: I love that!
AM: Are there any retreats that you have coming up?
JW: Yes!!! Oh my gosh! Thank you for asking me! I’m a work horse.
AM: Same!
JW: Girl, of course you are! Look at what you’re doing. Teach me your ways!
I did my first retreat and because I’m a work horse, I had such a hard time stepping away truly. So I thought how could I step into my work while also exploring the world to do what I love? I got an opportunity last year to partner with a friend of mine and we did a wellness retreat in Bali. We called it Balanced to Bali and it was amazing! It was 6 nights/7 days, there were workouts every single day, yoga, meditation, it was so incredible and then I traveled before and after. It was such a hit, so euphoric, and so beautiful. I just announced Elevated in El Salvador 5 nights/6 days in El Salvador Dec 22nd – Dec 27th. It’s on the black sands of El Zonte. I am so excited. I have always wanted to explore Central America and to get down there that way. I can’t wait. I have been looking for a place and there is a beautiful and quaint resort right there on the ocean there will be yoga every single day and sound baths!
AM: The retreat seems amazing!
Obviously this can be different for everyone, but what are power and energy foods that when we’re running around and don’t want to snack idly and we want to put nutrients in our bodies intentionally – what are things that you suggest that we should have?
JW: Oh, I love this! Anything that supports the system more than process foods. I know that that is a very vague answer. But I can share some of my personal favorites – roasted chickpeas.
AM: We're such a fan of them!
JW: I love them – they’re just natural from the Earth, it’s a true whole food ingredient – it has the good fats, some carbs, great fiber – talk about what’s great for our digestive system! So, many great things, in one food! Another one that I enjoy and not everyone eats beef but grass fed beef sticks is absolutely amazing. Hard Boiled Eggs! It’s one of the best snacks that you can have! Protein bars are great and they are a great alternative to a protein bar, but I always say, look at the ingredients in those protein bars because a lot of time there is a lot of fillers and processors in those bars that we don’t even realize. Raw trail mix – I geek out. Some people geek out on wine tastings and don’t get me wrong, I love that! But I geek out on creating my own trail mix!
AM: Oh that’s so smart! Because then you know exactly what’s in it.
JW: Almonds are great or even pistachios.
AM: I’m ok with pistachios. I’ve also been someone who loves customizing and personalizing a number of things from clothes, office supplies etc, and a number of my foods – never thought to extend it to trail mix!
JW: Oh my gosh put a little goji berry in there and a little dark chocolate!
AM: Love both of those too!
JW: You have to live a little bit here right? We don’t want anyone miserable – it’s about healthy choices 80% of the time!
AM: You also have resistance bands! I love and I think it’s so great. I always have a set in my luggage so no matter which bag I take with me, I have them with me when I’m traveling. Do you foresee expanding your brand into a workout line or more devices and gear?
JW: Girl, that’s the dream and we’re living in it. Yes, 100%. I have had some merch in the past. I have had requests to bring it back and I was so excited to bring these pink bands out with my slogan, Get Sweaty. I just like it because to be honest, I’m so inappropriate and I’m ok with who I am. Get Sweaty just means so many things and that’s why I love it so much! The dream is to come out with more products and I definitely have aspirations when it comes to that. Nothing that is locked in that I can share.
AM: I can so see it and how the brand lends itself to being able to hammock so many things.
Are there any projects that you’re able to share that you would like for our readers to know?
JW: Anyone who is looking for any kind of fit tips or workouts, I share those. I have more videos launching with PopSugar which I am very excited about, Fabletics is a great partnership of mine.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | JENNA WILLIS
Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see PUSHING NEW LIMITS | Jenna Willis in mag.
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FORM, FUNCTION, & RECOVERY | LAGREE FITNESS + HYPERICE
We think that it's always a good idea to find the workout that speaks to you whether you do it at home, take it outside, to your favorite studio, or the gym! We've been enjoying our Micro by Lagree Fitness which allows us to do so many workouts to target our desired areas and we also love their Lagree On Demand where we have a number of options that we can do depending on what we're feeling.
We've had a few weeks to use it and defintiely enjoy using, but we always like to check in to see how we can optimize what we're doing. We previously interviewed the Founder and creator of Lagree Fitness, Sebastien Lagree. But we wanted to ask a few questions specifically about this machine to ensure that we're staying on target! So we sat down with the man himself to find out a bit more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why did you want to create the Micro and why is it great for home use?
SEBASTIEN LAGREE: In 2019, we were getting an overwhelming amount of inquiries for an at home machine but the Megaformer was simply too big to fit in most people's home, so I created the Micro to go and fit anywhere.
You can now do your favorite class or exercises on our micros from the comfort and safety of your home! You can also transport your micro anywhere and do a class anywhere you want!
AM: For those who have never worked out at Lagree Fitness and it's their first time having the Micro, are there any tips that you suggest that we should know so that we can be ready for our workouts?
SL: Yes, we have all the tips and tutorials available at www.lagreeod.com; the most important tip is to move slowly; Lagree is a slow speed and isokinetic method, so super slow and constant speed.
AM: Can you tell us about the springs on the machine and how we can optimize our workout by understanding how they work or in what combination they should be used in?
SL: Yes, the springs are the best source of tension for the body (better than a bungee or rubber tension; and far superior than weights).
The springs also allow you to quickly adjust the tension simply by positioning yourself differently, so either by sitting or standing further forward or back, you can lessen or augment the tension.
AM: Can you tell us about the accessories that can be used with the machine for our workouts?
SL: Of course, you can use our equipment on its own without the accessories. The accessories either add an element of safety, like the platform or carriage straps; or an accessory can allow you to perform new and additional movements like the long black cables that add hundreds of new exercises and variations.
You can perform well over 1,000 exercises on any of our machines.
AM: What are workouts that you suggest that we can do on this machine to target abs, arms, legs, and glutes? Please let us know the accessories that would be used in order to do those workouts.
SL: To target these muscles, you don't need any accessories, you can just use the machine on its own; however, the cables will allow you to target these muscles more efficiently.
AM: Tell us about Lagree on Demand and what are workout videos you suggest that we can use when we are on our Micro.
SL: Lagreeod.com is a new virtual platform that I created for both students and teachers, to make sure that they teach the method correctly (many studios will actually add their own technique to the method which is not good).
This platform demonstrates how each exercise must be performed and we also have almost 2,000 workouts already available on demand.
It is is the official source for everything Lagree.
AM: If there is a Micro video that includes an attachment/accessory that a user may not have, are you able to modify so that you can still do it?
SL: Sure, you can always modify on any of our models.
AM: Can you tell us about Seb's 6 week course as well as Michael's?
SL: Yes, the 6 week course is for people to get acquainted with the machine.
We are adding more 6 week courses and will also offer an 8, 10, and 12 week courses as well. These seems to be very popular.
AM: Is there anything that you would like to share that we haven't covered that we should know?
SL: Lagree is a live method, the method is evolving as the technology evolves. Watch out for our new digital line coming very soon.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 39 + 40 Lagree Fitness
Having a great workout is essential but also making sure that your body has the tools it needs to engage in proper recovery is also an essential. We've been a long time fan of the suite of products by Hyperice that allow us to target desired areas on our body pre and post workout. We also love that with all of the options you can have a great stretching session. In addition, they also have included meditation which if great for a wellness needs. We have been a fan of using this to work on our breathwork and to also utilize practices that will allow us to reduce our anxieties and to give us the mental space that we need to navigate throughout our day.
We caught up with the Jim Huether, CEO at Hyperice to find out more about the brand, their products, and how we can implement them within our routines.
ATHLEISURE MAG: At Athleisure Mag, Hyperice's products have been our go-to when it comes to recovery post workouts. You have a number of devices that target various areas. When you're thinking of creating a new device or upgrading one that may already exist, what are the things that you think about when it comes to bringing them into your assortment?
JIM HUETHER: Hyperice’s mission is to help everyone on Earth move better. We make innovative products to help everyone from elite athletes, weekend warriors, executives who are always on the move, or the busy parent prevent injury, and increase longevity and overall performance in their day-to-day routine.
In the early stages of Hyperice, much of the focus was on elite athlete performance and had not yet spilled over to the everyday consumer. During that time, we listened to and worked closely with athletes and trainers to develop technology that can be utilized and trusted in the locker rooms or on the sidelines.
Today, as consumers are becoming more aware and in tune with their health, we are seeing Hyperice products becoming ingrained into everyday wellness routines. As a result, Hyperice prioritizes listening to our core consumers and partners to push our existing offerings to new heights and further use cases. We aim to broaden our portfolio to offer more products at varying price points, providing access to a broader consumer base for recovery technology, while prioritizing a premium experience with the latest innovation.
AM: Your devices target muscles in various ways whether it focuses on Percussion, Air Compression, Heat, Contrast, Vibration, and Ice Compression. Can you tell us why these methods work well for the body?
JH: Hyperice’s diverse product line promotes recovery in various ways, from percussion technology to air compression and contrast therapy. Each of these methods is beneficial in relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, optimizing blood flow, and speeding up muscle recovery. This also goes back to listening to athletes and trainers across multiple sports disciplines to see where the needs were, and how could we come in and provide a more premium experience with the same recovery modality.
AM: For those that are working out at home or do their post workout recovery there, what are 3 products from Hyperice that you suggest that we should have on hand?
JH: Normatec technology is great for those who have an at-home workout routine. The Normatec line features specialized products for different body parts including legs, hips, and arms, offering dynamic air compression while you relax on the couch. Normatec delivers dynamic air compression, which promotes increased blood flow and range of motion.
The Hypervolt, our line of percussive massage guns, is our most universally used technology. The device offers users the ability to work on sore or stiff muscles to help with pain sensitivity as well as enhanced mobility. This past year, we added a new heated head attachment, compatible with all of our Hypervolt models, that heats up to 120℉ (think of blending a Swedish Massage and hot stone into one massage experience). This brings a new element to the at-home massage gun experience that cannot be replicated.
Lastly, I’d recommend the Venom 2 Back. Back issues can creep up on anyone, especially as we age, and we know how debilitating back issues can be from a pain and mobility perspective. The Venom 2 Back is a heat and vibration wearable that offers nine different combinations of the two features while reaching temperatures of up to 130 degrees. Whether you are managing a stiff or sore lower back, or you make this a proactive part of your daily wellness routine to promote preventative care, the Venom 2 Back is a great tool.
AM: If we're traveling or even working out with friends, what should we add into our bag when we're on the go that you suggest?
JH: Hyperice’s Go line is specifically designed for easy use on the go. Venom Go, our revolutionary heat and vibration wearable is a compact device that provides spot treatment to loosen and relax muscles anywhere on the body. Its convenient size is especially useful when traveling. At only 1.5 pounds, Hypervolt Go 2 is another great tool to use for percussion massages on the go. The Normatec Go has become very popular with air travel, as they are designed to be worn on the calves (which are known as the “second heart” because they promote blood flow back upwards in the body).
AM: If someone has never used a Hyperice product such as the Hypervolt, Normatec, or Hypersphere, what would be your advice in using them so that they can get the most out of it?
JH: For those who are new to using Hyperice products, I recommend following the guided warmup, recovery, and maintenance routines available through the Hyperice app. The routines are professionally curated by the world’s best athletes, trainers, and physiotherapists who guide users through their exclusive routines and share personal tips. I’d also recommend that people look to find ways to integrate these into their daily routines in an effort to promote and enhance movement and overall wellness. Too often, we associate “recovery” with the idea that something has happened, or an injury has taken place. Recovery should be a standard practice to help enhance longevity.
AM: We have enjoyed using the Core by Hyperice and love how it has actually helped us get into guided meditation/breath practice that was previously difficult to do. Why is it important to have this as part of your product offerings and can you talk a bit about its design?
JH: Core is designed to help individuals develop consistent meditation and mindfulness habits. Mindfulness is a foundational part of elite performance and is essential for a holistic approach to wellness.
AM: There are a number of options for practices that one can engage in when using the Core by Hyperice. How do you go about deciding what experts are available on the app for this?
JH: Similar to the guided warmups, cool-downs, and maintenance routines in the Hyperice app, where we worked with the best trainers and practitioners to develop routines and protocols for almost any wellness lifestyle or fitness modality, the Core app features such of the brightest minds in the mindfulness space to deliver a premium experience to the users. In some cases, there has been cross-over from our athletes, such as Naomi Osaka, as well as collaborations with other notable names, such as Chris Hemsworth, another outspoken proponent of meditation.
AM: What should we keep an eye out for from Hyperice as we continue to navigate 2024?
JH: Hyperice continues to push the limits on innovation and how people can find ways to improve or enhance their approach to or adoption of wellness technology. We will continue to provide innovative technology and best-in-class resources so individuals can align the products to meet their needs and lifestyles.
IG @hyperice
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 43 + 44 Hyperice
Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see FORM, FUNCTION, & RECOVERY | Lagree Fitness + Hyperice in mag.
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ATHLEISURE'S 100TH ISSUE GIVEAWAY
Athleisure’s 100th Issue Giveaway launches officially on April 2, 2024, at 11am ET! No Purchase Necessary. Limited to 3 Entries per person only. Giveaway ends May 15, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. 3 Winners will be randomly selected and announced on May 16, 2024. Each winner will receive one (1) full package containing one of each of the following: Cambridge Satchel Co - The Mini, Farmacy - Whipped Green, Google Pixel - 8, Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2, Kosas - Lip Fuel, Make Up Eraser - Recycled 7 Day Set, Manta Sleep - Sleep Mask Original, Soundcore - Boom 2 (item may be 1 of 3 colorways), and Thesis - Starter Pack (30 Day)! [Note: Soundcore will be given in 1 of 3 colorways–Adventure Green, Blue, Phantom Black as randomly selected for winners’ packages].
TO ENTER GIVEAWAY TO QUALIFY TO WIN: Entrant must do ALL of the following:
1/ Follow @AthleisureMag and all Participating Giveaway Partners on IG: @cambridge_satchel; @farmacybeauty; @googlepixel_us; @hyperice; @kosas; @makeuperaser; @mantasleep; @soundcoreaudio; and @takethesis; and
2/ Must also like the IG post that the APR ISSUE #100 Giveaway is on @AthleisureMag; and
3/ Must share why you would like to win the APR ISSUE #100 Giveaway; and
4/ How it will help your wellness goals on said @AthleisureMag Giveaway IG Post; and
5/ Also must tag two (2) people that you would like to know about this giveaway in said comment on that post.
For an additional entry, sign up for Athleisure Mag’s Newsletter.
For an additional entry, sign up for The 9LIST Newsletter.
No more than 3 entrants per person. Must be 18+ years old and a US Resident. Qualified Winner must have a shipping address for this giveaway in the United States Continental 48, as winning giveaway package only shipped to continental 48 US States.
Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE’S 100th ISSUE GIVEAWAY in mag.
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