PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | AQUA Studio NY
AQUA Studio NY | ANA ONO Jennifer Bra in Clay | YEBA McKenzie Birds Long Pants in Coral/Pink | RYKA Hydro Sport Training Shoe | TWIST-N-GO Fruit Blender Water Bottle | FOREVER 21 Hair Band | KATE SPADE Beautiful Day Reuseable Shopping Tote | COLDWATER CREEK Coral Delight Scarf |
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This month, we have a mix for you to enjoy whether you're off to work, rocking it at the gym or wherever your tunes take you. Check out our latest mix on Soundcloud, The Game is Mine Mix.
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Spring is in full swing and we have picked items that are an essential to rock whether you're stepping out or staying in. From beauty, accessories, ech and the perfect look - these are great pieces that you will use again and again. Athleisure knows a thing or two about keeping you well styled.
| PENTAX Q Series S1 | JBL Pulse 2 and Extreme | MINNETONKA MOCCASINS Fringed Shoes | PURA VIDA Bracelets | PALMERS Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E | FRANK & EILEEN Woven | SUN BUM Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70+ | SIMYSKIN Deep Hydrating Mask | FOSSIL Q DREAMER Tracker | LINEA PELLE Ryan Bucket Bag | IT COSMETICS Sunshine in a Compact Vitality Anti-Aging Matte Bronzer |
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KEY ART COURTESY | Netflix
With Emmy Nominations under its belt from the first season and created by comedic genious, Tina Fey - who isn't up for another season? The girl who was rescued from a doomsday cult in Indiana and heads to NYC is ready for more zany times with her friends on April 15th on Netflix!
We're ready for more Kimmy-isms, more Dong, bunker life, meeting her estranged mother, celebrity guest appearances and Tina Fey in front of the camera! If any of this doesn't ring a bell then you need to get your binge on from season 1 so that you're ready for proper Bingely activity for this season!
KEY ART COURTESY | M2M
M2M a fashion focused streaming platform created by WME/IMG and contains a number of films and series focused on style. This film presents one of NYC's most important fashion photographer. He can be seen in action on Sundays in front of Bergdorf Goodman, NYFW and a number of red carpets.
KEY ART COURTESY |Tone It Up
The Tone it Up duo, Karena and Katrina focus on burning fat and smashing calories within One Day Fat Blast which is available on the Netflix for fitness, Fit Fusion. Enjoy two workouts whenever you're ready to work out and get ready for a summer ready body!
In addition to this fitness team, there are a number of faces in studio fitness that you will remember on this streaming network run by none other then health guru, Jillian Michaels.
BOOK COVER COURTESY | Simon & Schuster
When Srinivasa Ramanujan writes a letter in 1913 to English mathematician, G.H. Hardy about his theories on numbers, he is invited to come to England due to his genius. The novel focuses on Ramanujan's theories alongside the eccentric Hardy. From India to Cambridge, readers enjoy a mental journey which ends in Ramanujan's death due to his creative intensity; however, his brilliance is still decoded to this day.
Robert Kanigel is the author of six previous books. He has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Grady-Stack Award for science writing. His book The Man Who Knew Infinity was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times Magazine, The New York Times Book Review, Harvard Magazine, and Psychology Today. He just retired as Professor of Science Writing at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts and now lives in Baltimore.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Angela Gilltrap
This gorgeous design book features exclusive interviews from more than 30 of London’s hottest jewelry designers. In their own words, each designer shares their inspiration, process, and role in shaping today’s contemporary jewelry world. Uplifting and insightful, this is the definitive resource for accessory lovers, stylists and aspiring designers.
Bejeweled is written by Angela Gilltrap, an award-wining fashion editor and author of five books, two television series’, several documentaries and countless articles for publications internationally. As Global Content Director of Lot 17 Media and Editor-In-Chief of Heaven Has Heels magazine and has a passion for showcasing independent talent and emerging designers.
BOOK COVER COURTESY | Simon & Schuster
Tara is a widow who is twice divorced and lives secluded within her San Francisco mansion. But a ski accident and being taken care of by surgeon Cavin Lattimore makes her notice a few suspiscious things about him. She must also evaluate family members in her life as well.
Ellen Hopkins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of eleven young adult novels, as well as the adult novels Triangles, Collateral, and Love Lies Beneath. She lives with her family in Carson City, Nevada, where she has founded Ventana Sierra, a nonprofit youth housing and resource initiative.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUA Katie Robinson | HAIRSTYLIST Rachel Hopkins | MODEL Brandon Keel/ADAMS Models |
LEFT | Mac Moto Jacket MARC NEW YORK | Jeans DSTLD PREMIUM DENIM | Owl Talisman Necklace SEQUIN JEWELRY |
RIGHT |Jacket VICTORINOX |
LOVE YOUR EYES: AWEAR
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| Yoga Straps NAMATTSTAYZ | High Top Sneakers CONVERSE | Win (Women in Need) Reversible Tote VERA BRADLEY | Dara Clutch ALEXANDRA CLANCY | Born Original Fragrance ADIDAS |
| Flagship Collection DAY DESIGNER | Cherry Blossom Handmade Leather Books JENNIBICK | Saddle Bag with Storypatch + Monogram COACH | Dawn DELMAN | Sapphire MOVADO |
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The clean revolution is coming – right in front of our eyes!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Dreamstime
Climate change is a topic on everyone’s mind – President Obama calls it the greatest existential threat of our time and the Paris Climate Change Conference in November 2015 attracted thousands of politicians and policymakers. What if I told you the solution is right in front of us? That all of the good intentions of governments worldwide won’t make a difference? That the problems are on the way to being solved, and all we have to do is let technology run its course?
It may sound crazy at first, but the problems of Co2 emissions is on the way to solving itself. We are on the cusp of massive changes in energy and transportation that are happening right before our eyes, and it’s going to happen just like the personal computer industry – everything gets faster, cheaper and more powerful over time. For all of these changes, what’s driving it is not positive environmental impact. Rather the economics of solar and electric cars become so compelling it will not make sense to do it any other way.
Would you believe that within a few years all new cars sold will be electric? Not because they are cool, or because of tax credits, but because you will be able to get better performance, reliability and value and they will be far cheaper than a traditional gasoline-powered car. How would you like to do away with heating and cooking bills? Within 5 years, you will be able to buy a house with rooftop solar panels and batteries installed that store enough power to meet most or all of your energy needs – for a total cost of about $1.20 per day added to your mortgage? Anyone born in 2016 may never need to learn how to drive!
How could this be? One of my good friends is Tony Seba, who wrote “Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation: How Silicon Valley Will Make Oil, Nuclear, Natural Gas, Coal, Electric Utilities and Conventional Cars Obsolete by 2030.” This fantastic book lays out in detail how declining costs and advances in solar, batteries, electric vehicles and self-driving cars together will revolutionize how we live. Tony predicts that by 2030,
– All new energy will be provided by solar or wind.
– All new mass-market vehicles will be electric.
– All of these vehicles will be autonomous (self-driving) or semi-autonomous.
– The car market will shrink by 80%.
– Gasoline will be obsolete. Nuclear is already obsolete. Natural Gas and Coal will be obsolete.
– Up to 80% of highways will not be needed.
– Up to 80% of parking spaces will not be needed.
– The concept of individual car ownership will be obsolete.
– The Car Insurance industry will be disrupted. The taxi industry will be obsolete.
Think about the smartphone you have in your pocket. It’s pretty amazing to think that the latest iPhone has millions of times the computing power used to send Apollo astronauts to the moon. The iPhone 6’s clock is 32,600 times faster than the best Apollo era computers and can perform instructions 120 million times faster. Plus it fits in your pocket for a few hundred dollars. That’s the power of exponential technologies – and solar is benefiting from the same dynamics.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Solar Power Satellite
A few years ago solar panels were clunky, expensive and not very efficient. Just like that ancient Macintosh computer stored in the garage. Over the past few years the cost of solar has dropped at an incredible rate – partly through improvements in technology and manufacturing and partly because when you make more (especially in China) it gets cheaper over time. In fact solar technology costs have fallen by 90% since 2008! World solar generating capacity is growing at 42% every year, doubling every 2.5 years.
Every other source of energy - oil, coal, nuclear and natural gas - has increased in price by 6 to 16 times since 1970. The output per dollar for solar panels (the amount of electricity generated per dollar of cost) has improved over 3000 times compared to oil, 2600 times relative to nuclear and nearly 3000 times relative to natural gas – and it’s getting cheaper every year. You see where this is going?
What’s the tipping point? It’s when the cost of solar power gets cheaper for the utilities – this is called “grid parity” and we are getting really close. In many parts of the U.S. the cost of solar for residential customers is the same as it costs to buy power from the utility. Within a few years it will be cheaper for utilities to buy solar power wholesale compared to other sources.
Energy storage is the next step. We need batteries to store power when the sun isn’t shining or to buy power when it’s cheap and use it when it’s more costly. Lithium Ion battery costs are declining by 16% per year - and will get cheaper when the Tesla GigaFactory in Nevada comes online in 2020 capable of producing batteries for 500,000 cars per year. When you buy a new home, by 2020 it will cost an average of $6,000 to have enough battery storage to power your home for 48 hours. If you just add that to the mortgage with the cost of solar panels, the financing cost will be just $1.20 a day on average – and no more electric bills!
Electric cars are coming too. Tesla’s Model 3 was announced with a $35,000 starting price for 2017 shipment and range over 200 miles. 40% of the cost of the electric vehicle is the batteries, which are declining 16% per year. By 2030 you should be able to buy Tesla Model S performance for $15-20,000. But since electric cars are basically iPads on wheels, you might buy a car from Apple, or Xiaomi in China, or FoxConn (who assembles the iPhones).
All of these cars will have self-driving capabilities. People will still choose to drive because they enjoy it, and traditional cars aren’t going away anytime soon, but we will have the choice to drive or be driven automatically. Already companies like Uber, Google, Tesla and Apple are leading the charge (and the traditional automakers are adapting) so that there will be fleets of self-driving cars that people can share – use them when you need, and pay for only what you use.
Get ready for changes to come fast. It took only 13 years for the gasoline powered automobile to completely replace horses between 1913 and 1926. We’ve got changes of similar scope ahead – and we will all be living in a cleaner, smarter world.
Ed Maguire has worked as an equity analyst covering the technology sector since 1999 for a variety of firms including CLSA Americas, Merrill Lynch and CIBC. Previously he led sales for independent music distributor Twinbrook Music while working as professional musician performing on bass, violin and keyboards, composing, arranging and producing a variety of styles of music. Ed holds a B.A. in Music from Columbia and an M.B.A. from Rutgers in Finance and Management Information Systems. He lives in Millburn, NJ with his wife Lily, their two kids and the dog Spock.
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Two is better than one-double trouble twins- especially when we're talking about Sophie and Eloise Lovell Andersen. Dubbed the "The L.A. Twins" originally from the United Kingdom, currently crossing over the pond and ready to take America by storm. Having just appeared on the FX hit series "The Bastard Executioner" (created by Kurt Sutter of "Sons of Anarchy") together, heads turned during their scene-stealing work, both by fans and amongst their veteran co-stars. Needing to learn more about them and their journey thus far into acting, we set up a Skype call while they were back in the UK to chat about all things Sophie and Eloise both as twins and as separate individuals. Bright, funny, and sarcastic, both Sophie and Eloise were ready to answer any and everything thrown their way. Find out which twin worked with legendary actor Anthony Stewart Head, who can't live without a "goddess headpiece", and what amazing work outs they both do to stay in the amazing shape that they are both in. Alone and together, they are ones to watch out for this year.
Nisim Frank: Tell us about how you decided to get into acting.
Eloise Lovell Andersen: Growing up, we were both vastly interested in film, I remember we used to do little plays together on camera- the first one we did was Indiana Jones, we had this natural gravitation towards film. We were at school and we did speech and drama, always in the plays together and it was inevitable that we were going to end up doing it as adults.
Sophie Andersen: We would act out our favorite films together and our dad would record us so we'd have a lot of home videos. We also did a lot of athletics and relay teams together, dance school, we got used to being a team and we both really had the same interests.
NF: Do you enjoy doing acting roles together or relish to do some work on your own?
SA: We love working together, it comes naturally to us. I know if I'm acting with Eloise, I always know that where I can bounce off with a person that I'm acting next to, which is always a great opportunity. It's a natural chemistry that we have and with other actors, it could take some more time to build that. It's always fantastic to utilize that but at the same time, we aren't the same person so it's nice to explore and experience life by yourself.
EA: I agree completely. It was super exciting for us to come together when we worked on "The Bastard Executioner". I relish the opportunity to work with my sister, I actually get most excited working with her because I think we can take it to this next level- which is a credit to her! We are both on this path and also embrace the opportunities we get as individuals collectively.
NF: That's great! Have you guys ever competed for the same role?
::Both twins laugh::
EA: Yes!
NF: Do you want to talk about it? Is it weird?
EA: I feel like there are times when it comes up- not recently- but when it does, we look at it as two people who are in the same craft going for a job. It's inevitable that its going to happen and you don't make a big deal out of it. When I go into any audition, I try to put myself into a headspace that I need to concentrate on what I'm trying to do.
:: Eloise to Sophie:: "I think you're the same."
SA: No no, I bring my hitman!
::All Laugh::
EA: Oh wow! That's a different approach!
SA: I think the way to look at it as "Whatever will be, will be and life will turn out the way that it should."
NF: Eloise, I know you've worked with Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Little Britain, Merlin). Tell us a little bit about how it was working with the legendary British actor.
EA: I worked with him on "Here After," he just switches it on! I remember he had this big speech and it was the first day we've met him, he had this giant monologue to go on for a lifetime and he was joking around with us all be-fore. He was even saying that he doesn't really know if he memorized it! He was just so professional and a lot of fun!
NF: Tell us a little bit about your personal style.
SA: I find that I've gone through phases but I feel like I'm mostly laid back but a bit paradoxical in my fashion sense. Half of me is very laid-back, tomboy, sportswear luxe, it's comfortable and bad ass at the same time! There is this other side of me that wants to wear a dress with the brightest color, so it's a bit of a strange mix ,at times but I try to keep the crazy side under control! I realize I can be a bit of a tomboy, so I feel the need to amp it up and go crazy and dress loud and fun.
EA: Like Sophie, we're both really into sportswear and are very athletic. Sophie is into kickboxing, I am into Muay Thai and I think the sport luxe thing runs prevalent to that. I'm a sneaker freak so I love my Nike Trainers and in my leg warmers at home. Where we differ, I idolize this "warrior mixed with boho thrown in there" look, I prefer high boots when I go out and love a goddess head-dress- I'm always thinking what goddess head dress I could wear next!
NF: Tell us what type of style you would like on a man?
EA: Wow! ::laughs:: How honest do I have to be!?
NF: As honest as you want to be.
EA: I love guys that have this sporty vibe to him. I love a guy that can look equally as good in the gym just around the house with their joggers on- preferably with no shirt on! Then I love somebody who is just really comfortable in their own skin. I think you can tell when the clothes are wearing them as opposed to rocking their own expression of themselves which is really powerful and sexy. I don't mind too much what a guy wears as much as it's incorporated into his personality and how comfortable they are with themselves.
SA: I feel like my type of guys style is "Rambo" at home but can put on a nice suit! I think that sums it up in one sentence!
NF: Absolutely! Tell us what you guys are both doing with FX and your future plans.
SA: "The Bastard Executioner" is our big thing that we got to do together and it's been a platform for us to really get to act together all the time like when we were younger, it's really our driving force. We love together, this has been such a great job, working with Stephen Moyer, he's a fantastic actor. Kurt Sutter as a creative force behind it was incredible and an amazing overall experience.
EA: That being said, we have a couple of projects coming up that we're filming in the States. We can't say exactly yet. The next two projects are together as well. We're very excited and ready for everything coming up!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Sophie + Eloise Lovell Anderson and FX Network
Nisim Frank is based in NYC and is the Co-Founder of Labeling Men.
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When you're hitting the studio to enjoy your favorite fitness session, you may want to add to the amenities that they have provided. We've rounded up some must have times that you can bring with you so that you're fresh and ready for the next thing on your list!
| TRANSIENCE NS Tote in Neoprene | PACIFICA Underarm Deodorant Wipes in Coconut Milk and Essential Oils | SIMPLY GUM Natural in Ginger | CHEF'S CUT Real Turkey Jerky in Teriyaki | YES TO CUCUMBERS Cooling Hydrating Mist | BOSCIA Green Tea Blotting Linens | THE BEACHWAVER Jetsetter Flat Iron | TATA HARPER Volumizing Lip and Cheek Tint | SKINN Olive & Enzyme Makeup Wipes | ELEMENT SNACKS Strawberry Rice Cakes |
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Tee Major
In our inaugural issue in January, we interviewed health and fitness guru, Jillian Michaels. Recently, we connected with her protege, Tee Major, who is known for his military based workout method and knew this was a great fit for our community. We chatted with Tee to find out more about his vision and method
ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to working in the fitness industry, did you always want to work in this field?
TEE MAJOR: No. I actually had the dream of being an MTV VJ! This dream influenced my decision to choose a University on the east coast while being recruited to play collegiate football. I choose a small school with an even smaller strength & conditioning program. Fortunately, my strength coach in high school was very good and instilled great fundamentals in me early on. This knowledge, along with a desire to help others, blossomed in college and became a focus after graduation.
AM: You have modeled for a number of top fitness brands, are there any campaigns/ads that stick out as your favorite?
TM: I had the pleasure of working with Adidas on an “Impossible Is Nothing” collegiate campaign. I loved the message and the images were on numerous collegiate campuses. I had friends all over the country “spotting” me. That was great.
AM: Prior to focusing on your fitness programs and courses, how did you get involved in training military members - how did that focus the style of working out that you do?
TM: I lost a studio to a bad flood in Rhode Island back in 2010. I relocated to Boston and started training outdoors in parks. I had no money and no equipment so I had to get creative with my bodyweight routines. I was home that year over Christmas (broke again because nobody trains outdoors in the winter in Boston) and my Aunt was talking about her position as a recruiter for a government contractor. I was curious what someone with my degree could do overseas. She said, “You’re a trainer right? Why don’t you go over and train troops?” A lightbulb went off in my head and I immediately went to work making contacts to secure a contract. I guess my particular skill set and experience was enticing as I found myself on a plane to Baghdad that February.
AM: What is the Kaizen Philosophy?
TM: Kaizen is a Japanese business philosophy that I adopted and adapted to fitness. Kaizen (Japanese for "improvement" or "change for the better") refers to a philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement of processes. When humanized, kaizen refers to activities that continually improve all function and aims to eliminate waste in movement and nutrition. We take large goals like weight loss and strength gains, and break them down into small attainable goals. We then spot and eliminate wasteful movements or “muri" and make small, systematic improvements. In all, my process suggests an efficient approach to fitness that strives to increase individual productivity during the journey of self improvement. Kaizen is a daily activity and when adhered to, can enhance our performance in sport, work, and even in our daily lives.
AM: Do you tailor the workouts differently for men versus women?
TM: Workouts should be tailored according to individual goals and level of experience. An athlete’s workout is programmed different from someone just starting a fitness routine. A dancer going on tour will train differently than a soldier going on tour.
AM: What sets your method apart from others that may combine workouts that are done within military training as well as using your own body as a weight?
TM: I tend to focus a lot on using movements that improve force, core strength and mobility. The core is the center of mass and center of all strength output to the limbs. If you improve core strength than all subsequent scores of strength usually rise with it. What you can do with that strength depends largely on your body’s ability to effectively transfer the energy to other parts of the body. If you lack mobility, the system tends to break down resulting in a loss of force. The troops I trained were often in austere conditions with minimal resources so I also tend to focus on creating quick and efficient workouts that can be done in a small space in a short period of time.
AM: The Athleisure Mag team was first introduced to you when we saw you on an episode of E!'s 'Just Jillian' show - how is it working with this health guru and how has it enhanced what you do in terms of your brand?
TM: Jillian is honest, sincere, and has an intense passion for everything she does. I love her aggression and desire to succeed. It’s contagious. Being around her has inspired me to create more professional content and create alliances with larger brands to expand my reach and reach more people with my philosophy.
AM: With summer a few weeks away, what workouts (or program) should we do to have great abs as we get ready to hit the beach?
TM: It’s never too late to start your journey! It’s definitely time to shred that winter weight. I would be mixing metabolic conditioning workouts with weight training like I created in my 90-day BW44 program. It’s days of bodyweight training that alternate with weight training. It’s the workouts routine I was on when I completed the “44 Best Bodyweight Exercises Ever!”. It’s not for the faint of heart!
AM: What are your ultimate power foods that keep you in shape that we should have within our diet?
TM: I eat a lot of nuts and seeds like walnuts, almonds, flax and chia seeds. Cayenne, apple cider vinegar, and garlic are also staples in my diet.
AM: Are there any projects you're working on that you can share or places that we can catch you next?
TM: I’m creating a 100% bodyweight program called “The Dirty Basics” that will be available soon at www.TeeMajor.com. It’s a 20 minute workout for beginners looking to jumpstart their metabolism and get into bodyweight training. The focus is on fundamental movements. I also toss in a few of my unique moves like the Hurricane Burpee and Plank Marches to keep it fun and challenging. I’m also going to be working on a program with TRX for use with their Tactical Box. It’s a mobile gym in a container. Reminds me of my days with the troops. It’s sick.
AM: Besides your website, are there other places that we can see you if we wish to add your workouts into our weekly plans?
TM: I created a workout called “MAX PT” on the Fitfusion platform. It’s probably the hardest bodyweight workout out there.
AM: As a trainer within Fit Fusion, how has that enhanced your visibility and outreach?
TM: Fitfusion has some of the worlds best trainers content in one place. We are now on Apple TV and ATT Uverse with more to come. To be placed on the same platform as these talents has put my face, name, and workouts in millions of households. Years ago that was only possible via TV or mail. If you could ever get all these trainers in the same room the overflow of knowledge and talent would be mind blowing. I’m happy to be a part of the rapidly changing fitness industry.
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Adrianne Haslet-Davis
On April 15, 2013, terrorist attacks hit the Boston Marathon, which killed 3 people and injured an estimated 264. The stories were heartbreaking, but as is the case with adversity, it's how one survives Since 2013, the Boston Marathon continues to run every year on April 18th (which is known as Patriots Day, commemorating the anniversaries of the Battle of Lexington and Concord). Although there are many stories that emerged from this tragedy, we are rooting for Adrianne Haslet-Davis who is not only a survivor but is returning to the 120th running of this race after sustaining injuries from the tragic race day.
Athleisure Mag applauds her courage and determination that Adrianne has shown, as she continues to live her life to the fullest without limitations is such a universal story. We took a moment with Adrianne to talk about all things #AdrianneStrong from her training, how she prepares, her playlist and Limbs for Life!
ATHLEISURE MAG: How has the training and preparation been for the upcoming Marathon?
ADRIANNE HASLET-DAVIS: Training has been both challenging and rewarding. Since I wasn't a runner before, I was going into it with an open mind and eager to learn. This allows for the small celebrations along the way, and more happy dances! Yet the challenge was using the blade itself. It took a lot of patience, and learning to lift my left knee high, getting back up after many falls, and finally able to run over cobblestones and curbs!
AM: Everyone has a reason for running a marathon, whether it's participating, placing and/or finishing - what is your focus/reason for running this race?
AHD: My focus since putting on the blade and hitting the pavement on day one is the same as it is now, Just try it. Try to be brave enough to hit that first curb, try to increase my stride, try to kick asphalt every time. Sometimes just showing up for a run and completing it is enough. My reason for running is simple; I run for those who cannot. There are 200,000 amputees and growing int his country and so many of them do not have prosthetics. I run to raise money for Limbs for Life to give limbs to those who cannot afford them. So they, too, can dream big, walk their child to school, stand upright to kiss someone, and return to life again.
AM: At Ted X St Louis Women, you focused on Tales of a Recovering Perfectionist - how has that process shaped how you see and do things now?
AHD: Oh goodness, I still am a recovering perfectionist! I am reminded of this daily when I try something new, or even re-visit something I have done before. I remind myself that while pushing myself to do my best is important, my best, whatever that may be, is enough. I let the space between where I am and where I need to be to inspire me.
AM: In preparation for the Boston Marathon, how do you mentally prepare to be there?
AHD: I have pictured the day every time I run. What will it be like to wake up that morning, take the ride into Hopkington, hit that start line, and go. I have tried countless times while running, for every reason possible. I mentally prepare by knowing that it is the journey, not the destination. That every step is another accomplishment.
AM: What has running taught you beyond the health benefits that it provides?
AHD: Running has taught me to let go of daily habits that keep us indoors or behind a screen. I thought at first, “I don’t have time to train!” Yet I looked at my habits and thought, I can spend less time on my
phone, computer, and I can even run while I am traveling. No excuses.
AM: After a run, what do you enjoy doing?
AHD: After my run, I sit and meditate. Before turning on gadgets and checking emails, social media, I just sit in silence. I think about the run, what I accomplished, those that cannot run, and how it is all for them.
AM: How do you achieve balance as you have your hands in a lot of projects and being able to take time for yourself is important?
AHD: Time to myself is key. I find the days that are most stressful to me are when I do not take an hour or two in the middle of the day to myself. If that happens, I get very stressed and overwhelmed. I love being busy and feel very fortunate to have the opportunities that I do to get my hands in so many projects. Yet sleep and a moment in the day to myself are number one priorities for me. If I have those, I can conquer anything!
AM: What is on your playlist right now (top 3 songs) and will you be listening to a playlist for the Boston Marathon, if so what is on that list?
AHD: I have had the opportunity to speak with some radio stations that will be along the route. They have asked the same thing and will play a few of my favorites while I pass! My top songs are Matangi by M.I.A., Brave by Sara Bareilles, and Fight Song by Rachel Platten. I’m also a fan of my go to Shipping up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys!
AM: Tell us about #AdrianneStrong as well as Limbs for Life.
AHD: #AdrianneStrong is my team name, filled with friends who will be running this year with me raising money for Limbs for Life. I have worked with them for years. It is an organization that provides limbs for those that cannot afford them. They give back hope, life, and dreams to so many. Imagine not being able to stand upright to kiss your love or walk your child to school. They give that back. Amputees are not broken. We are simply missing pieces, and Limbs for Life gives that back.
AM: What's next after the Boston Marathon and what projects will you tackle that we can keep an eye out for?
AHD: After the Marathon, I will continue my work with Limbs for Life, until every amputee has a limb. I will also dance at an event for the Felix Organization, called Dance this Way and I will again enter competitive dancing as well.
Follow Adrianne @AdrianneHaslet on race day!
Read more from the April Issue
Last month we spent the afternoon at one of NYC's fitness meccas on the west side of NYC. KT Tape (an elastic sports and fitness tape designed for muscle, ligament, a tendon pain and relief support) debuted their new line of USA branded tape with an Olympic theme just in time for this summer's global games as we continue on towards the Road to Rio.
In addition to presenting the tape, Athleisure Mag chatted with Kerri Walsh Jennings, a legendary professional beach volleyball player. We have seen her compete at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics with her teammate - Misty May-Treano. Together, they were named, "the greatest beach volleyball team of all time." Together they have won 3 gold medals.
As Kerri prepares for the upcoming Olympics in Rio, she has a new teammate and has winning gold, maintaining balance and a number of exciting projects.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You're a busy mom, training for the Olympics and have a number of businesses and spokeswork. How do you find balance and get personal time for yourself?
KERRI WALSH JENNINGS: I have a pretty intense schedule, but it came down to stop complaining and simply, get it done. Now, I get up before my kids at 4:45/5:15 am so that I can have the time to check in with myself, have a coffee, write in my journal in silence.
From the time they're up, I have 3 - 6 hours of physical training. Twice a week I have weight training, Pilates 3 times a week and then Versus with SenseLabs. This is a program that trains your brain like a muscle - I did this for the London games to prepare for it. I feel that this is an essential for me to perform at my best.
AM: How is it going to the games with a new partner and how do you prepare for this as you get closer?
KWJ: I loved working with Misty and my new partner, April Ross and I competed in Rio in March to qualify for the Olympics. We won a silver and a gold and got our 100th team win together. When we're on the court, we work as one which is important as it takes a village to get to where we are.
We just fit and in coming back after my injury, it was a blessing in disguise as it broke us both down to a point where we knew we needed each other in order to get where we want to go. We rise together.
AM: Is Rio a family affair?
KWJ: Absolutely my family and I made the choice together to get our fourth gold medal. My three children and husband (Casey Jennings, a beach volleyball player) will be rooting along.
AM: Off the court, you launched 'Kerri', a clothing line in collaboration with ASICS, how do you juggle that along with everything else you do?
KWJ: Everything I do is all about a team. It's a great support and it allows everyone to do what they know how to do to create a positive result. I love being able to put my design elements into these leggings (seen on pg 81) which has my signature braid interwoven into the design of the pants. Working with ASICS is a really seamless process and one that I find great to be a part of.
Kerri Walsh/Misty May-Treanor photo courtesy of Kitagaki Jr/ZUMA PRESS.com
Read more from the April Issue
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Zoku
Snacking just got easier with two recipes that allow you to get vital nutrients, while taking very little time to make! These are perfect for the Spring and the Summer.
We hit the Athleisure Kitchen with Chef Rosalie from Williams Sonoma and began thinking about how we can get fruits and vegetables into our meals. These treats are perfect now as well as when we head into the summer. When you master these recipes, you can add your own twists to them and both can be done rather quickly!
We love a good ice pop as it's cool and refreshing. A few seasons ago we learned about Zoku which easily makes and freezes your pops of choice. A huge trend is being able to include slices of fruit, adding yogurt creation and when you have really mastered it, a boozy option that is perfect for day or night! We created a POM-pop, Pear Pop and a Passion Fruit Pop.
POPSICLE INGREDIENTS
Your drink of choice (we had three different pops so we used Ceres Pear, Ceres Passion Fruit and POM Wonderful - no sugar free juices)
Sliced assorted fruit
Zoku machine
Make sure to slice your chosen fruits into thin slices. We used plums, kiwi and strawberries
Pour your beverage of choice into the Zoku maker
Place your sliced fruits into each slot with the beverage
Place the spill guard sticks in the Zoku
NOTE: You must place the Zoku in the freezer before using it to make your pops. The Zoku will freeze your treats within 12 minutes! Once it is frozen, you can make 3 servings of 3 (9 pops total) before you have to freeze it again.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Vitamix
Hummus is such a great snack that takes chickpeas to another level. The easiest way to make it is in the Vitamix. We have taken the classic recipe and added a few twists that give it an elevated taste while also being really quick and easy to make!
HUMMUS INGREDIENTS:
2 15oz cans of chickpeas (garbanzos), one drained , one with liquid
1/4 cup (35g) raw sesame seeds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
1 garlic clove peeled
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and crushed red pepper
Place all ingredients, except salt, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid
Select Frozen Desserts program
Press start
Allow machine to complete programmed cycle, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades
NOTE: It takes 5 minutes to prepare this recipe and it makes 3 3/4 cups which is great for a solo nibble or for a small gathering. As we're hummus fans, we always like to shake it up. In this version, once we made it, we added a little more olive oil, pine nuts, sliced red peppers and crushed red pepper. This added a bit of a zest to our recipe - but there are a number of items that work well with this recipe. In addition, it can be served with crackers, mini pitas (shown here) and so much more.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Zoku + Vitamix
Read more from the April Issue
We've all heard about taking a deep breath when you need to change your perspective. When it comes to scent, certain smells create a sense of calm. Here are some of our favorite pieces that are a sensory candy factory.
Jane Iredale is a natural beauty brand that is filled with rich nutrients. Whether you're looking for a quick refresher or just like breathing in a rosy scent, hydration is always key.
It's all about breathing in good air that is also beneficial to various moods that you want to embrace throughout your day. Monq's essential oil diffuser does not have tobacco, nicotine nor artificial chemicals. Breathe Therapeutic Air® inserts aromatherapy directly into your olfactory system. Whether you're focused on sexy, vibrant or zen - you'll find your perfect natural blend is a puff away.
Tazeka Aromatherapy has you covered with essential oils giving you Confidence, making Non Stop Thoughts become focused, Optimism, Motivation and more. Simply rub these essential oils on your wrist, breath in and see how these categorical aromas assist you in your targeted areas.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Botkier
Botkier is the quintessential NYC handbag that girls in the know love to carry no matter where they live. It's all about handbags in an array of shapes that truly work with your lifestyle. We sat down with Monika Botkier to talk bags, the collaboration with model, Cocoa Rocha and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: How does Botkier maintain its "cool girl" style as an effortlessly chic brand?
MONICA BOTKIER: Thank you! That’s our mantra. Our girl is 'street smart chic.' She knows what she wants and has an edge to her style... always confident. We think about her in every aspect of the brand, from product design to social media. When I started the brand, I was a downtown girl living my dream in Soho NYC and that moment resonates with the modern woman no matter where she lives.
AM: How much of a role does NYC play in the designs?
MB: In 2013, after 10 years, we added New York to our brand name officially. There is a certain strength and attitude to the women of NYC. We like to celebrate our city in this way, particularly in terms of style and functionality that informs our design process. New York is our muse!
AM: How much does your photographic background place into the design and/or the brand at large?
MB: I was very focused on fashion photography as I transitioned to design, so style was a big part of that artistic expression for me. Through the years I shot some of the campaigns which was a function of being an entrepreneur and an independent brand. We were now of the first contemporary brands who would even create campaigns because that was so second nature for me. Now we have amazing teams that we collaborate with I can tell you it’s very satisfying to see the product go from sketch to sample to shoot.
AM: What are your 3 favorite bodies in the collection for Spring '16?
MB: Our bags are names after NY neighborhoods or streets. My favorites for S16 are the Irving Hobo, Cobble Hill shoulder and the classic Soho Tote.
AM: Tell us about your collab with Coco Rocha?
MB: I was a big fan of Coco, her astute sense of style and social media saavy. I believe collaborations are really important for brands to keep things fresh and fun. We reached out to her and she was excited. The connection was instant, I had met her before at events around the city. She is a wonderful, energetic, super smart talent and a new mom to boot. Coco is the ultimate modern woman, our ideal Botkier girl.
AM: How do you juggle your time between business and friends/family?
MB: The million dollar question! Female power and promise are the touch points today for any industry. We see how we still have to fight for the respect we deserve as women in the working world. The truth is you’ll always have more on your plate when you have a family and a business. You can have it all but it isn’t some retouched version of what that looks and feels like. It’s hard work and the balance comes from within accepting that it will never be perfect. I try not to be too hard on yourself and be realistic. There are only so many hours in the day. It’s important to be present in the moment you’re in. Believe in yourself, your goals and keep pushing. Give and receive love starting with yourself.
AM: With the success of your brand how do you achieve balance and stay connected/present?
MB: Life-Work-Balance is truly a buzz phrase today and I think that's great. This means at we are collectively thinking how to achieve a healthy and happy life that isn't only about work! It takes effort to eat right, meditate and breathe through challenges. For me being grateful helps me keep perspective. I try not to get overwhelmed by media, social, news or otherwise, but to remain aware. All I can say there is no perfect formula and it takes work to maintain through consciousness. I belong to a group of creative and successful women, many of them designers I admire so having a group to lean on is also a nice way to find that balance.
AM: How do you prepare for the Spring personally and as a brand?
MB: I look forward and then make a list of goals. It’s a great time to refresh the vision board and make sure to recommit to New Year's resolutions like meditation, diet and exercise since summer is right around the corner! Same for the brand. We review, regroup and renew for the warm seasons to come. People feel inspired when the sun starts shining and the weather gets warmer, it’s a great time for new creative plans.
AM: What does Balance Next mean to you?
MB: The first thing I think of is the life/work/health/happiness/peace balance that should be a priority for everyone to feel grounded no matter what is happening at the moment. It’s the commitment to wellness which as I get older has started to become more of focus and brings me true joy.
AM: What are 3 musts for your personal time?
MB: Sorry for the cliche but I love Soul Cycle, also Y7 yoga studio, Dr. Frank Lipman’s protein shakes for breakfast and Roman’s for a neighborhood food spot (Brooklyn Fort Greene). Music in as much of the day as possible, car, kitchen, office everywhere!
AM: Athleisure is about comfortable clothes that can transition from the gym, to brunch, meetings and a night out or jetsetting (think Bandier leggings paired with a cashmere tunic and ankle boots) - what are 3 favorite pieces that are great within your athleisure look?
MB: Just what you mentioned above - my ideal atheleisure outfit to a T!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Nantahala Outdoor Center
The road to the Olympics® is one that involves a lot of training. Many athletes train in a number of areas and the Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company in North Carolina We sat down with Olympian and spokesperson/ambassador of the NOC - Joe Jacobi. In addition to winning gold in Barcelona during the summer 2008 games, he served as the CEO of the USA Canoe/Kayak and TV sports commentator for NBC. We asked about NOC for guests coming to enjoy nature as well as a place for future Olympians to train and those heading to Rio this summer.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the Nantahala Outdoor Center?
JOE JACOBI: The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based programs such as learning to kayak at NOC world-renowned Paddling School, test the latest outdoor gear, and shop at its LEED-certified flagship retail stores, or enjoy resort amenities such as its three restaurants and multi-tiered accommodations.
We are also one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 23 Olympians, including two Olympic Gold Medalists, have called NOC home.
NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the “Nation's Premiere Paddling School,” “The Best Place to Learn” by Outside, and as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure.
AM: Is this center open to the public?
JJ: Not only is NOC open to the public, it was the mission of our founders, Payson Kennedy and Horace Holden, Sr., to get our guests outside and experiencing the best that the outdoors has to offer. Whether on rivers, trails, or in the air, everything that happens at NOC is geared towards showing path into the outdoors for EVERYONE.
AM: In addition to enjoying water sports, NOC also contains opportunities to lodge here - how is that beneficial to the overall experience?
JJ: I grew up in the Washington, DC area so the noise and bustle of a big city was always present. I remember the first time I visited NOC as a teenager - that full experience of peace and quiet isn't just on the river but the way you experience evening, downtime, and rest. NOC is very accessible to many cities around the southeastern US making day-trips to our headquarters on the Nantahala River or one of the other 7 rivers which are rafter feasible but the full experience at NOC is the day AND night experience at NOC.
AM: How many Olympians have trained here and what is it like?
JJ: So we can't guarantee that every NOC guest or staff member will become an Olympian but our track record is pretty impressive. To date, 22 Olympians in the sport of canoeing have come from NOC and this summer, we are excited to send our 23rd Olympia to the Games, whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading prospect for a medal a the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
NOC is an outstanding venue in which to live and train in competitive paddlesports. There are incredible rivers that run year-around make the perfect practice courses for training; there is a deeply-committed and supportive community of high performance athletes; NOC provides flexible employment opportunities for athletes; and, you have 5-10 competitive events staged each year in your backyard, ranging from local and participatory events to national and international events such at National Championships or a World Championships.
AM: Are there any Olympians that you are currently training that you are sending to Rio this year?
JJ: I guess I jumped ahead on this one! NOC is so excited to send our 23rd Olympian to the Olympic Games - whitewater kayaker, Michal Smolen, is Team USA's leading contender for a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio this summer. Born in Poland, Michal learned to paddle at NOC when he was 9 years old. Today, our aspiring young paddlers (my own 15 yo daughter included!) look up to Michal as a role model on and off the water. Michal is very giving of his time, incredibly humble, and so excited to be representing the United States.
AM: How did your relationship with NOC take place and what is your role there?
JJ: I grew up training on the Potomac River in the Washington, DC area - a Malcolm Gladwell/Outlier story of sorts with the some of the most fortuitous circumstances in paddlesports. I grew up close to the training site on the river where the world champions and world medalists practiced every day with the legendary coach in the sport. When I was just 13 years old, they welcomed me into their group.
As I progressed and the Whitewater Slalom was added to the 1992 Olympic Games program in Barcelona, my canoe partner, Scott Strausbaugh, wanted to make a full-time commitment to our training. The DC area was very expensive so we chose to move to NOC where we could extend the length of our practice sessions, add more training sessions per day, and simply engage even more deeply in our Olympic pursuit.
When we stepped up on to the podium at the 1992 Olympic Games as the first Americans to win gold in Olympic whitewater competition, we did so as part of the NOC community, which provided with the ideal setting, support, and leadership to excel on and off the water.
That's what makes my current role with NOC so much fun and rewarding. I am a NOC spokesperson and ambassador. I love telling the story of our organization, our founders, the outdoors, and of course our next generation of Olympians like Michal.
AM: Will you be in Rio with your athlete?
JJ: No Rio for me this year, but we have a lot of Guest and Employee engagement opportunities with the Games here i the States, including a celebration of "Olympic Day" at NOC on June 18th of this year.
AM: Are there any milestones that NOC will enjoy in 2016 that Athleisure Mag should know about?
JJ: Not sure there is one so much as an Olympic year tends to spotlight ALL the elements of the outdoors that we serve (we were founded in an Olympic year, 1972.) On specifics, we have number of phenomenal events coming this year serving people from the high performance community to families who just want to compete together - you can check out our events here.
AM: What activities are offered at NOC?
JJ: We simply love rivers and boats in which people can propel with a paddle. Our guests choose from 8 different rivers in which paddle, raft, SUP, or float. Our Paddle School has an absolutely world class roster of instructors. On land, at our headquarters on the Nantahala River, we have a mountain top, over-the-trees zip line adventure include on zip that is about a 1/2 mile long - more on that right here.
Also, we prepare people via our our outdoor school for every kind of outdoor experience imaginable - not just paddling, but swiftwater rescue and wilderness medicine to name a few.
AM: Although people come to NOC for the activities, what takeaway do they get from North Carolina as a state?
JJ: North Carolina's diversity is amazing. From our shores and beaches to our mountains and rivers, the DNA of the outdoors lives in NC. My role with NOC takes me all over the state. When people see the NOC logo on my shirt, they smile, reflect, and typically share a family story about their experiences with their family and friends. It's very special to see the way NOC has touched and contributed to North Carolina's outdoor story.
The Olympics is a registered trademark.
Read more from the April Issue
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Exhale Spa
When it comes to obtaining peace and zen, Exhale Spa unifies the need of feeling and being good with the perfect blend of its spa and fitness offerings. With 29 boutiques in 11 markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to achieving the ultimate in luxury mindfulness.
Since 2003, its spa and fitness boutiques are in free-standing boutiques, hotels, resorts and luxury residential properties. Guests seeking spa therapies can enjoy a number of services including massages, facials, acupuncture, nails and massages. For those focused on a total workout, there are barre, cardio, HIIT and yoga sessions within their studios.
In addition to these options, guests can have a number of well-being programs to choose from including, retreats, Thai stretching, bridal boot camp, 6 week core evolution and personal training.
Exhale Spa has won a number of awards that focus on Best Massage, Best Couple's Massage, Best Workout, Best Guy-Friendly Gym Class, Best Facial, Best Yoga, Best Hotel Gym, Best Local Spot For Pampering and so much more.
Annbeth Escbach serves as Exhale Spa's CEO and founder. It started as a focus on knowing that what people wanted within the spa and fitness industries didn't exist. By placing these components under one roof, they had the ability to create a transformational mind body spa and fitness center together.
This idea became a reality when she reached out to her founding team members which ncludes Julia Sutton (COO). To fuse her vision of fitness and spa together, she looked no further then two of her teachers who worked at Lotte Berk Method Studio on the UES. Frank Devito (EVP, Mind Body Classes and Training) lends his expertise to the fitness portion of the experience. Elisabeth Halfpapp (EVP, Mindbody Programming) supports the spa portion of the program.
Together, the founders continue to bring innovation to their centers while selecting the best locations. Whether you're a member or purchase classes and/or treatments a la carte, continue to check on their website and social channels to see what they have available to in their quest to, "Come in. Exhale. Leave Better."
LOCATIONS: Atlanta, Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, CT, Dallas Hamptons, LA, Miami, NJ, NYC and Turks + Caicos
STUDIO OFFERINGS: Core Fusion Barre/Express, Core Fusion Barre + Cardio, Core Fusion Extreme, Core Fusion Cardio, Core Fusion Sport, Core Fusion Boot Camp, Core Fusion Cyclng, Power/Flow Yoga, Chill Yoga and Core Fusion Yoga.
Read more from the Apr Issue
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Havana Motor Club
This month, HAVANA MOTOR CLUB was released nationally in theaters across the US. This movie is a character-driven story that follows Reynaldo "Rey" López García, Carlos Alvarez Sanchez, Armando "Piti" Munnet Rodriguez, Jose "Jote" Antonio Madera, Reinaldo "Tito" López Fernández, Saul Garcia, and Milton Díaz Cánter. At its core, HMC showcases the change that is racing down the streets of Havana. Cuba's premier underground drag racers struggle to prepare their classic cars for the first official car race since the 1959 Revolution.
During the 84 minutes of this documentary, recent reforms are presented including: the owning of property, allowance of small businesses, and greater exchange between Cubans, Cuban Americans, tourists, and other foreigners. These changes affect the lives of these racers and their families. One racer enlists the help of a Cuban American patron in Miami to bring in parts for his modern Porsche. His main competitor is a renowned mechanic who uses ingenuity rather than resources to create a racing machine out of his father’s 1955 Chevy Bel Air. Another racer ponders whether he will participate in the race or sell his motor — one that he recovered on the ocean floor from a ship used to smuggle Cubans off the island — in order to flee Cuba on a raft headed to Florida.
Meanwhile, the race itself is in jeopardy of coming to fruition due to factors ranging from its status as an elitist sport to the arrival of the Pope in Cuba. Through the experiences of these racers and their community, HAVANA MOTOR CLUB explores how Cuba is changing today and what its future holds in light of the Obama Administration’s recent move to normalize relations with the island nation.
With the success of this movie that debuted at last year's Tribeca Film Festival and a recent
screening that we attended, we wanted to find out more about how this movie came together and chatted with the film's director and producer, Bent-Jorgen Perlmutt.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed the film and learning about these four characters juxtaposed against the changes that are taking place in Cuba - how did you decide to present the story in this manner?
BENT-JORGEN PERLMUTT: It was a process in getting this film created as there were a number of delays. As you saw in the film, there were a number of times when we were told that the race was happening and then last minute, it would be postponed or canceled - such as the Pope's visit. We spent about 4 months there, but there were months of delays. Even on the day that we filmed the race which was covered in the film, I wasn't really sure until we were there that it was actually going to happen!
When we looked at the amount of footage that we had amassed, 300 hours - a decision had to be made about how we tell the story. We decided that although we had followed a number of the drag racers that the best was was to bring these 4 men forward as they reflected distinct stories of where Cubans are. We have the man who wishes to leave Cuba for opportunities in the US, another who rejects the changes, a man who embraces what is happening and the one that embodies the everyday life of a Cuban who comes from a family of car fixers and is not affected by what is going on around him.
AM: We got to see a number of first hand accounts of the drag racing world, were there edits that were requested by the drivers and in filming this, did you feel safe during production?
BJP: We felt very safe during filming and we also took steps towards ensuring that, such as filming the races that took place during the day as opposed to at night. Many of the scenes where you see racing from inside the car, were due to our sponsor GoPro, which had their cameras from inside as opposed to having our teams in them during races.
Some racers did have concerns with filming how they received their parts for their cars; therefore these parts were taken out. In addition, scenes involving gambling were also taken out. In Cuba, if you are caught gambling, you will serve 3 - 4 years in jail. We have shown this film at a number of festivals including the Havana Film Festival last December and it was met with a warm reception.
AM: Since filming of HAVANA MOTOR CLUB has taken place, are there thoughts of following up with them?
BJP: We were so fortunate to come to Cuba when we did 4 years ago to film this movie as now there are many productions looking to film in the area. Unlike Cuban athletes that have been covered in films, this movie allowed the everyday Cuban to be portrayed as well as to present popular topics that are relevant right now. There have been talks to do a spinoff documentary series on the racers as a way to know their stories a bit more. Interestingly enough, the guys are being filmed for Fast and the Furious 8 which is taping in Cuba. Anthony Bourdain has also filmed with them as well.
AM: Since the film's production and with the current changes taking place in this country, has the state of racing changed there?
BJP: Racing hasn't changed in Cuba, but the amount of money coming into the sport has. There are racers that are now sneaking in Maserattis and BMWs!
Read more from Apr 2016
