ATHLEISURE LIST | THE RA RA ROOM

Phoenix is in the midst of a major cultural and culinary shift. It’s always had natural beauty and big energy, but now there’s this bold new layer of luxury, innovation, and downtown vibrance that’s impossible to ignore. You’ve got nationally recognized restaurants, a dynamic art scene, and a community that’s craving high-touch, high-style experiences. The Ra Ra Room, is a menbers-only supper club located inside the PHX Arena so you can catch a Suns or Mercury game.

Mat Ishbia (owner of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury) and Major Food Group (Jeff Zalaznick, Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi) who has built CARBONE, ZZ’s Club, The Grill, and Sadelle’s. They've redefined dining in cities like New York, Miami, Hong Kong, and now Phoenix.

This is paired with Mat’s commitment to transforming downtown into a true lifestyle destination making this a perfect blend of creativity and ambition.

The Ra Ra Room is designed as a sultry Art Deco (think Gatsby elegance) speakeasy tucked discreetly within the event level of the PHX Arena. It’s intimate and indulgent, with layered textures, moody lighting, custom finishes, and a sense of discovery in every corner. There’s a lounge that hums with energy, two private dining rooms for more exclusive affairs - a gorgeous bar.

Membership isn’t limited to locals! Whether you live in Phoenix full-time or travel in often for Suns games, business, or leisure, The Ra Ra Room is designed to be your go-to escape. They're looking for individuals who appreciate luxury, exclusivity, and community. With curated experiences, concierge access, and event perks, it’s more than a dining membership—it’s a lifestyle investment.

The menu includes some of MFG’s greatest hits, with signature dishes like CARBONE’s Spicy Rigatoni Vodka, Veal Parmesan, and Caesar Salad alla ZZ. There’s also a stunning raw bar—Dressed King Crab, Half Lobsters, beautifully plated oysters—as well as classics like sizzling Shrimp Scampi and their crave-worthy Steakhouse Burger.

We also like that their lavish gourmet pantry that has their house-made popcorn, it's buttery, aromatic, totally addictive. Then there's the candy dispenser bar filled with every gummy variety you can imagine, like something straight out of a candy store, plus boxes on boxes of fan-favorites from chocolatey to fruity and beyond.

Their white-glove service starts from the moment you enter through an unmarked door signified only by a glowing martini icon. It includes a personalized reservation system, the highest quality of table attention, complimentary valet parking, and exclusive access to last-minute reservations or event tickets. Whether it’s a special celebration or a spontaneous night out, everything is tailored for ease, elegance, and delight.

THE RA RA ROOM

201 E. Jefferson St.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

therararoom.com

IG @therararoomphx

PHOTO CREDITS | The Ra Ra Room

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | The Ra Ra Room in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | TACOMBI

We love throughout the month to pop into our local Tacombi (Flatiron and West Village is in our rotation here in NYC). We love popping by for a late lunch and if it's Tues, we're partaking in the Taco Tuesday Club which allows you to buy 1 and get 1 free taco! The vibe is always chill, it's fun music, and you can get in and out quickly if you're interested or hang out with friends and family!

Tacombi began in 2006 in the Yucatán which is all about balmy weather, palm trees, and eternal beach vibes. Regardless of the location that you happen to grab a bite, you'll find those vibes in there - even when it's in the winter! By 2010, it came to NY and began popping up in various neighborhoods, and is now in a number of cities across the country!

We have a number of our go-to's that are non-negotiables when we come in! The Al Pastor Tacos which are so juicy with Mexico-style free-range pork that is marinated in chiles and spice. We love the slice of pineapple and being able to squeeze a bit of lime on it. We always pair it with Rice & Beans as well. Every now and then, we also like to add another taco from their Beef Birria with Jalisco Brisket and Chihuahua Cheese that is served with a savory broth!

It's always fun to pair this with their Mezcalita, a strawberry Mezcal drink that we have enjoyed in their Flatiron location as well as their Sandia Santa which is a watermelon aqua fresca with lime and tequila. It's always refreshing.

They also have a selection of beers. that are great to enjoy with whatever you decide to eat whether you're there for lunch or for dinner!

Defintiely make sure that you keep an eye out on their Instagram as they do a number of culinary collaborations where new items are added to the menu for a limited time. There may also be different menus depending on the location that you happen to dine in.

Whether you're dining in or getting take-out, you are bound to have a satisfying meal!

TACOMBI

Tacombi Flatiron

30 W 24th St

NY, NY 10010

Tacombi West Village

255 Bleecker St

NY, NY 10014

Visit Tacombi's site to see a location near you.

tacombi.com

IG @tacombi

PHOTO CREDIT | Tacombi

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Tacombi in mag.

9LIST STORI3S | JOJO FLETCHER

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9LIST STORI3S | TAYLOR TOWNSEND

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THE 9LIST 9M3NU

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63MIX ROUTIN3S | KELLY CHENG

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63MIX ROUTIN3S | DILLON GABRIEL

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9PLAYLIST MULTI | BRIANNA COPE

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9CH3F ROUTIN3S | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO

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THE 9LIST

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9LOOKS | GIVENCHY

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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THE PICK ME UP

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#TRIBEGOALS

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GOJI BERRY BEAUTY

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IN OUR BAG | WHEN HEADING TO PICKLEBALL

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HOW TO DRESS | FOR BRUNCH ON MOTHER'S DAY

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COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY: HOW THEY CAN ENHANCE WORKOUT PERFORMANCE

Muscle recovery is an integral aspect of any fitness regimen. Optimizing recovery can enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and improve long-term results. While protein shakes and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are popular recovery aids, collagen supplements are gaining attention for their unique benefits.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, playing a key role in skin, joint, and connective tissue health. In this article, we’ll explore how collagen supplements can help with muscle recovery.

1. Supports Muscle Repair and Growth

Collagen is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, amino acids essential for tissue repair. After intense exercise, muscles experience micro-tears that require proper nutrients to rebuild stronger. Studies suggest that collagen peptides can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, aiding recovery by promoting the regeneration of muscle fibers. Additionally, collagen supplementation has been shown to increase lean muscle mass when performed with resistance training, making it beneficial for both recovery and performance gains.

For those looking to maximize benefits, choosing the best collagen supplements with hydrolyzed collagen ensures better absorption and effectiveness, as the peptides are broken down into smaller, more digestible molecules.

2. Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation

High-impact workouts can strain joints and ligaments, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Collagen helps maintain cartilage integrity, reducing joint pain and stiffness by replenishing the natural collagen lost through wear and tear.

Athletes can experience to significantly reduce joint discomfort, allowing for more consistent training. Furthermore, collagen’s anti-inflammatory properties may help decrease post-exercise soreness, enabling faster return to training.

3. Enhances Tendon and Ligament Strength

Tendons and ligaments, composed mainly of collagen, are prone to overuse injuries, especially in high-intensity sports. Supplementing with collagen may improve their elasticity and strength, lowering the risk of strains and tears. Collagen supplementation can increase tendon stiffness and resilience, which is crucial for explosive movements like sprinting and jumping.

4. Boosts Recovery Time

Collagen contains arginine, an amino acid that enhances nitric oxide production for better muscle blood flow. Better circulation means faster oxygen and nutrients- delivery to fatigued muscles, speeding up recovery and reducing fatigue. Additionally, collagen’s glycine content supports the production of creatine, which aids in replenishing energy stores post-workout.

5. Supports Gut Health for Better Nutrient Absorption

Be mindful of bloating or abdominal distension caused by bacterial overgrowth, as it can significantly impair digestion. Collagen strengthens the intestinal lining, which helps prevent leaky gut syndrome and improves nutrient absorption. This ensures your body fully utilizes the nutrients from food and supplements. Additionally, by promoting a balanced gut microbiome, collagen may help reduce inflammation linked to poor recovery and prolonged muscle soreness.

6. Combats Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

Intense workouts generate free radicals, leading to oxidative stress and delayed recovery. Collagen’s amino acids, particularly glycine, act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and reducing muscle damage caused by intense physical activity. This protective effect helps maintain cellular health, allowing for quicker regeneration of muscle tissues after strenuous exercise.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Gorilla Freak

7. Improves Skin Elasticity and Prevents Injury

As a key connective protein, collagen enhances skin strength and elasticity, helping it withstand friction and pressure during training. This reduces the risk of abrasions and tears—particularly vital for endurance athletes and contact sports participants, where skin injuries can hinder performance and delay training on recovery.

Studies using blood samples have shown that collagen protein ingestion supports natural collagen production, improving skin resilience. Additionally, different types of collagen (like I and III) contribute to connective protein synthesis rates, which influence tissue repair. For athletes focused on fat-free mass and myofibrillar protein development, collagen supplementation may also play a role in supplementation on body composition, though its primary benefit lies in structural support.

8. Complements Other Protein Sources

Collagen shouldn’t replace whey or plant-based proteins but can complement them by providing specific amino acids that support connective tissue remodeling and joint functionality. Since it lacks tryptophan (an essential amino acid), pairing it with complete proteins ensures adequate protein intake for muscle repair and recovery from exercise. Combining collagen with a post-workout protein shake (providing grams of protein) can enhance overall recovery, muscle synthesis, and deliver positive effects after a bout of resistance exercise.

For optimal results, consider your overall dietary intake and consult a healthcare professional to assess the effects of collagen supplementation on your individual needs, especially if you have concerns related to human blood markers or connective tissue health.

9. Promotes Better Sleep for Enhanced Recovery

Quality sleep is essential for muscle repair, collagen synthesis, and overall recovery. Research highlights that the amino acid composition of collagen, particularly its high glycine content. It plays a key role in improving sleep quality. Glycine acts as a calming neurotransmitter, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep, which enhances recovery, hormone regulation, and athletic performance.

A systematic review on the effects of collagen peptide supplementation suggests that bioactive peptides may help reduce muscle damage and support tissue repair in the human body. Different collagen types contribute to joint health and connective tissue strength, while bioactive peptides on muscle damage recovery further highlight collagen’s multifaceted benefits.

10. Supports Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Collagen’s amino acids, particularly proline and glycine, play a role in maintaining skin and tissue hydration. Proper hydration improves muscle function and recovery, as dehydration can lead to cramps, fatigue, and delayed healing. Some collagen supplements also contain electrolytes, further aiding in post-workout rehydration and muscle function.

Bottom Line

Collagen supplements support muscle recovery by aiding tissue repair, reducing joint pain, and improving recovery time. While not a substitute for a balanced diet or other proteins, they can enhance post-workout recovery, especially for athletes.

For best results, choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides (the most bioavailable form) and combine them with vitamin C to increase collagen production. Whether recovering from a workout or preparing for competition, collagen may help speed recovery and optimize performance.

ROCK THIS FOR VACATION VIBE POST BRUNCH STROLLS

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ATHLEISURE MAG #112 | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with Restaurateur Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto who we first saw via Iron Chef Japan and then continued to Iron Chef America. Whether he is judging, participating in culinary competitions, opening more restaurants, or more - he is always focused on the power of food and how he can continue to entice us with flavors! On May 10th, he will be the Grand Marshal of the Japan Parade on Japan Day in Central Park West. We caught up with him to find out how he got into the industry, his passion for cooking, upcoming projects, and more!

Last month we had an incredible series of conversations with Co-Creator/Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato as well as cast members from MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem. We caught up with 2 additional cast members of this series, Elvis Nolasco and Erik LaRay Harvey.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Esther Choi about her passion for Korean cuisine, her restaurants, and her upcoming season of Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing where she serves as co-host for this competition series. She also shared why she partnered with LISTERINE for a fun immersive culinary experience that we enjoyed as well.

This month, the NFL Draft took place and many people that we have enjoyed watching throughout their college career found out where they will be playing this season. We had the pleasure of connecting with QB Dillon Gabriel who played for the University of Oregon days before the draft to talk about his love for the game, how he trains, his partnership with Echelon Fitness, what the NFL Combine is, and what he is looking forward to in terms of the draft. We look forward to seeing him on the Cleveland Browns!

We caught up with noted designer Lele Sadoughi who collaborated with CHLOE Wines on a stunning bottle that we can enjoy. We talk about her line, creative process, and upcoming projects.

For over a decade, we have enjoyed seeing Titus Welliver playing Harry Bosch in Prime Video’s BOSCH and BOSCH: LEGACY! With BOSCH: LEGACY streaming its final season, we sat down with Titus to talk about how he came to this series, what it’s like to play this character, how he prepares, and the takeaways he learned from being in this series. We look forward to the spin-offs from this franchise.

We’ve been fans of Bachelor Nation from the first season and when we were first introduced to JoJo Fletcher in The Bachelor we knew that she was someone who we would continue to see - especially when she became The Bachelorette. Since then, she continues to share her entrepreneurial world with us. We talk with her about what it means to be part of Bachelor Nation, being an entrepreneur, and her latest project - Saint Spritz!

We’ve been a fan of WTA #2 doubles tennis star Taylor Townsend for years! When we caught up with her, we wanted to know more about what she loves about the game, how she trains, what it’s like playing singles vs. doubles and the legacy that she wants to leave!

We head to Singapore for this month's The Art of the Snack which takes us to 3 Michelin Star Zen. We chat with Chef TC and Chef Martin Ofner to find out about their culinary backgrounds, the ambiance of their restaurant, and what we can expect when we come in to dine there.

This month's Athleisure List comes from member’s only The Ra Ra Room located in Phoenix, Arizona - it’s definitely a culinary experience that you will want to know more about! We also talk about one of our favorite places to pop into after a day of running around - Tacombi. With multiple locations including a number here in NYC, it’s always an easy vibe.

This month we have our 9CH3F ROUTIN3S from our cover star, Chef Morimoto who talks about what he does Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes Pro Surfer Brianna Cope who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Dillon Gabriel and from Team USA Olympic Volleyballer Kelly Cheng they share what they enjoy having, doing, and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S comes from JoJo Fletcher as well as Taylor Townsend. This month's THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Chef Johnny Chan Boon of The Ra Ra Room in Phoenix Arizona, Restaurateur and TV Personality Chef Esther Choi of Mokbar and GAHM, and Restaurateur, TV Personality, Author, Master Chef Morimoto - who shares with us what they enjoy about the Spring, ingredients that they enjoy cooking with, and what dishes we should try when we are at their restaurants.

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out from our must-haves to yours!

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag.