TRAINING TOGETHER | DINO MALVONE

This month we held our Athleisure Mag Summit Series where we invited a select group of our readers and community together to enjoy a class at SaltDrop in the East Village. It was a great way for them to be introduced to their Heated Sculpt 45 class, to meet the founder Dino Malvone who led us through our session, and they were gifted Sticky Be Socks as well as a 3-piece beauty skincare routine from Aeston West.

Avid readers know that last Winter, we included SaltDrop in our feature Athleisure List in our JAN ISSUE #109, and we wanted to find out more about Dino, how he came to the industry, why he wanted to create his own method, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We had the pleasure of having you in Athleisure Mag last year to kick off the year in our feature Athleisure List and we took this class then which was my first introduction to you! How did you come to the world of fitness and what made you want to put your flag in the fitness industry?

DINO MALVONE: Fitness found me before I was looking for it and honestly that’s the only way I think it actually sticks. I wasn’t chasing a career or a brand. I was a person who kept coming back to movement because it was the only thing that made me feel like myself when everything else felt like noise. And then at some point I realized I was spending all this time in spaces that didn’t fully see me or the people around me and I thought someone should do something about that. So I did. I don’t think I chose fitness as much as I just stopped pretending I wasn’t already in it.

AM: What led to you wanting to create SaltDrop?

DM: My time with Barre3 was genuinely formative. I learned so much there, about how to lead a room, how to lead a team, and what it means to build something that people actually want to come back to. I have real gratitude for that chapter.

But at some point I started feeling the edges of the formula and I wanted to reach beyond them. I wanted to add jumping sequences, choreography that had a little more life to it, more effervescence. Things that didn’t fit inside what Barre3 was built to be and honestly shouldn’t have. That wasn’t the right container for those ideas. So I made a decision that I think a lot of people think about, but not everyone actually does. I decided to put my energy into building my own dream instead of continuing to build someone else’s. SaltDrop was what happened when I finally took that seriously.

AM: I love how you call out and encourage modifications. Why is it important to you to have this as part of your philosophy when you’re leading a class?

DM: Because the fitness industry has a savior complex and I’m not interested in participating in it. The idea that an instructor pushing you past your limits is somehow doing you a favor is something I actively reject. Your body is not a project that I get credit for fixing. When I offer a modification I’m not being easy on you. I’m being honest with you. I’m saying I trust you to know yourself and I’m not going to perform toughness at your expense. That’s a different kind of rigor and I think people feel the difference immediately.

AM: How would you describe SaltDrop as a fitness concept?

DM: It’s the antidote to fitness culture. Which I know sounds like something everyone says, but I actually mean it structurally. We are not optimizing you. We are not tracking your output or gamifying your progress or making you feel like you need to earn your place in the room. We’re just creating conditions for you to actually connect to your body and to the people around you. That’s it. And it turns out that’s pretty rare which says a lot about where the industry is right now.

AM: For those who have not taken your classes in person or virtually, what kinds of classes do you offer?

DM: We have three formats right now. Signature is our OG, the one that started everything and still hits the way it always has. Then we have Sculpt and Sculpt Heated, both are no cardio, and the difference is exactly what it sounds like because Sculpt Heated is at 90 degrees and that room does something to you. We are also currently building out a Flow class and a Strength class which I’m excited about because they expand what SaltDrop can be for people depending on what they need on any given day. And all of it is being developed inside something much bigger because we are in the middle of a major rebrand right now. So everything coming is being built with a lot of intention and a very clear vision of where this is all going. It’s a good time to be paying attention.

AM: How do you go about deciding the kinds of classes you will offer and do you foresee adding something new to the lineup?

DM: I don’t really look at what’s trending, because by the time something is trending it’s already starting to die. I look at what’s missing. What conversation is nobody having yet in this space. What does the person who feels unseen by the wellness industry actually need right now. That’s where I want to be. And yes there is always something new taking shape. I’m not someone who gets comfortable easily and SaltDrop reflects that. We grow when I grow and I’m always growing so.

AM: For those that may not have gone as far in their fitness journey as they wanted, what is something you would say to encourage them to get on the mat?

DM: I’d say stop treating your body like it owes you a different version of itself before you’ll be kind to it. That negotiation you’re having with yourself, the one where you’ll start when you lose the weight or have more time or feel more motivated, that’s not a plan. That’s a way of staying stuck that feels responsible. The mat is not waiting for you to deserve it. It’s just waiting for you. Show up as you are and let the rest figure itself out, because it will.

AM: What do you want people to walk away feeling after taking one of your classes?

DM: Like they remembered something about themselves they had been forgetting. That’s the only way I know how to put it. Not accomplished, not exhausted, not like they checked a box. Like something that had gone a little quiet in them got loud again for a minute. That’s what movement does when it’s done right, and that’s what I’m always chasing in a room.

AM: What can you tell us about the SaltDrop community?

DM: They ruin you for other fitness communities honestly. Once you’ve been around people who actually show up for each other and I mean in real life not just in the comments, you can’t really go back to the transactional version of this. I’ve watched people meet at SaltDrop and become each other’s emergency contacts. I’ve watched people move through genuinely hard seasons of their lives and have this community hold them. That doesn’t come from a good class. That comes from something much harder to manufacture and much more worth protecting.

AM: Recently, you were part of a multi-day event at Canyon Ranch Lennox. What can you tell us about this?

DM: Canyon Ranch Lenox is one of those places that makes you realize how loud your regular life actually is. There’s a stillness there that isn’t forced. It just exists and you settle into it pretty quickly. Being invited to teach in that environment was meaningful to me on a personal level, because the people who come to Canyon Ranch are not there to be seen. They’re there to actually do the work. That kind of room brings out something different in me as a teacher and honestly as a person. I left feeling clearer than I had in a while.

AM: Thankfully, we’re in the Spring and looking forward to Summer. Are there any upcoming projects or things that SaltDrop will be doing that we should know about?

DM: I’m in a very creative season right now personally and professionally and SaltDrop is going to reflect that. There are collaborations coming that I think will surprise people in the best way, and the podcast is taking shape in a way that feels really right. I’m not going to give everything away because I think the element of surprise is underrated. But I’ll say this, if you’ve been paying attention to what SaltDrop is building toward, what comes next is going to make sense in a very satisfying way.

AM: You’re coming up on your 4th year with your studio! What are 3 lessons that you have learned?

DM: One, the community is the whole thing. Not a feature, not a selling point, the actual thing. If you get that right the rest follows. Two, sustainability is not a compromise. I used to think that slowing down or resting was somehow at odds with ambition, and I was wrong about that in a way that cost me. You cannot build something lasting from a place of depletion, full stop. Three, your taste is your business model. Stop trying to appeal to everyone. The more specific and true you are to your actual vision the more powerfully the right people find you. The diluted version of your idea helps nobody.

AM: You launched a podcast, I Hear You Babe. Tell me about it and why you wanted to start it?

DM: It started because I kept having the same conversations over and over with people in my classes. About relationships, about their jobs, about this feeling of living someone else’s life instead of their own. And at some point I thought, what if we just put that in a room together. The format is simple and I think that’s why it works. Every week I give listeners a prompt, something specific enough to actually unlock a real story. Things like tell me the moment you realized you’d been chasing someone else’s version of success. Or tell me about the comment that was small but stayed with you. And people send me emails. Long ones, short ones, funny ones, devastating ones. I read them on air and I respond in real time, not from a script, just the way you would if a friend was telling you something that mattered. And I always go first. I talk about what’s actually going on with me that week, building SaltDrop, navigating New York, whatever is real. Because I think you have to earn the vulnerability before you ask for it from anyone else. That feels important to me. The audience is mostly women, the girliepops as I call them, and they are incredibly engaged. They write back. They send photos. They say hi to my cats. It has genuinely become its own community and I think that’s because the show doesn’t try to fix anything. It just tries to make people feel less alone in whatever they’re going through. That’s the whole job.

AM: You also have a project called I Fear You Babe. Tell us about that.

DM: Most true crime makes the victim the opening act. You get thirty seconds of who they were and then it’s all killer, all investigation, all spectacle. And I sat with that for a long time before I understood why it bothered me so much. If you don’t know who Linda Dewey was, not her case, her Tuesday mornings, her job, the way she probably moved through the world, then the justice part is just plot. It’s entertainment dressed up as something important. I Fear You Babe is built around the opposite idea entirely.

We spend real time with who these people were before everything happened. Because I genuinely believe that is the only way any of it matters.

We do two episodes a week. Thursdays are the deep dives, the full portrait, the story behind the story. Mondays are specifically about what broke that week in active cases, not recaps, not whatever went viral, but things that actually moved. Because the news cycle does not wait and neither do the people still waiting for answers. I built this show because I was tired of true crime that forgets the whole point.

AM: When you are not working on your business or prepping for your podcast, how do you take time for yourself?

DM: I protect my mornings like they are sacred because they are. That quiet before everything starts is the most honest part of my day and I will not negotiate on it. Outside of that, it’s long dinners with people who actually make me laugh, music that I’m a little too emotionally invested in, and coming home to Rocco and Vito who have never once been impressed by anything I’ve accomplished and I genuinely think that’s good for me.

IG @thesaltdrop

@dinomalvone

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Dino Malvone

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see TRAINING TOGETHER | Dino Malvone in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | NEW YORK PILATES

New York Pilates opened in 2013, at a time when Pilates was basically locked behind private sessions. With locations in various neighborhoods in NYC as well as in a number locations in the Hamptons, it is a destination that many people talk about when they are hitting the studio!

Former ballerina and Celebrity Pilates Instructor Heather Andersen created a class-based format that made it easier to book, easier to show up, and easier to stick with, while still staying completely true to the method. It made Pilates feel more athletic, more part of your lifestyle, without losing what makes it work.

Her husband Brion Isaacs comes from the nightlife scene and designed the studios to be spaces people want to be! They are open, airy, clean, and honest, each one reflecting the raw, individual nature of their history and neighborhood. Always timeless and never trendy - like New York. Each location has its own personality. You might find yourself in Bob Dylan’s old rehearsal studio at their West Village location or in a loftlike apartment setting at their Bowery location. Montauk is so beachy and relaxed with it’s water views, while Bridgehampton is elevated and chic. What ties them all together is their signature pink lighting.

When attending a session, NYP uses traditional Pilates reformers. They give you range, control, and so much room to actually move with intention. It’s giving you resistance and support at the same time, so you can make something feel insanely hard without ever losing precision. And that precision is where the results actually come from.

For those taking their first class, start with your breath. That’s the foundation of Pilates and what keeps you connected to everything you’re doing. Stay with the baseline version of each exercise. Don’t rush to level up. It’s not about doing the hardest option, it’s about doing it right. Understanding the movement and dialing in your alignment is what actually changes your body.

And don’t worry about being perfect. No one is. The goal is to feel the work, not just get through it. It clicks over time, and when it does, it’s kind of addictive.

We offer one signature total body class, Abs Arms Ass, and it’s very intentional. Pilates was always meant to be a full-body system, not split up like a gym workout. It’s one body, one flow.

They have some big Hamptons events planned that feel more like full experiences than just classes. They’re fun, social, and a little elevated.

In the city, they keep things smaller, more spontaneous pop-ups, little moments, things you have to be in the mix to know about.

NEW YORK PILATES

17 W 17 th St Ground Floor

NY, NY 10011

Check the website for additional locations in NYC and the Hamptons.

newyorkpilates.com

IG @newyorkpilates

PHOTO CREDITS | New York Pilates

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | New York Pilates in mag.

MARATHON PREP | BECS GENTRY

This year’s is the 130th Boston Marathon which takes place on Apri 20th. so marathon season is in full swing! Peloton instructor Becs Gentry is in the final stretch of preparing for this marathon. We wanted to talk about her passion for fitness, training for this race, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into the Boston Marathon that is coming up, I’d like to know about your background as we know you’re a Peloton instructor and avid runner!

BECS GENTRY: I used to work in PR. I now work in fitness. I got disenchanted by PR and I discovered that I had a very strong love and passion for fitness. I trained hard and became a fitness instructor. Essentially over the past, gosh, just over 10 years my career has been fully in fitness. Before that, it was about a good mixture of the two.

AM: We have a number of our readers and community that enjoy running marathons and travel all over the world as well as race here in NY at the NY Marathon! What is it about running that you enjoy and why do you enjoy participating in marathons?

BG: I love running because it frees me. It allows me to organize my brain. It gives me freedom. It gives me a great endorphin high and I absolutely enjoy the actual motion of doing it. It’s also a really good community spirit. It’s great to meet people and it is an awesome way to keep feeling really healthy in your body too. I don’t actually really enjoy participating in marathons that much, as I know there’s a lot of people who enjoy them a lot more than I do. I find them to be very high stress environments, especially big races. I enjoy them once I’m going, but I think the lead up to it I find very, very stressful.

AM: Because we have friends who are training for marathons, we hear about their training runs and are always amazed that they can balance work, a family life, and training - what are some tips you have on achieving that?

BG: Okay, balance doesn’t exist. Balancing work, family, training life, it doesn’t exist at all. You have to understand that when you’re going into an 18-week training plan ahead of a 26.2-mile race, that some things are going to skew towards being more focused and other things are going to skew towards having much less energy put towards them. As long as you’re okay with that, then that’s cool. You just have to make sure you’re doing the best you can in every single one of those elements. The most important thing is to enjoy it all.

AM: What kind of mindset should we have as we have a number of commitments from friends, family, and work while navigating our long-term fitness goals!

BG: This is a big question a lot of people ask me and I think it is a lot about us not being full-grown adults and looking at our schedule and saying, is this the right time for me to be training for a marathon or do I have 101 commitments in my personal and professional lives that are going to impede my training and therefore make me feel miserable about the fact that I have not fully completed the training or I’ve had to skip days due to travel? So, we do need to start kind of growing up in that respect and looking at our schedules ahead and thinking this race is going to be here next year when I have potentially nothing on the cards. But this year when I have four weddings in four different countries, I have an exam, I have a potential job promotion, etc. Maybe it’s just not the right time for you. So put that into your mindset before you agree to training for a marathon. Because as I said, you want to set yourself up for success and happiness, right?

AM: Weather can be challenging especially with the snowstorms we have navigated here in NY as well as entering Spring (it climbed to 70 degrees) so we know allergy season is definitely popping up! How do we prepare for these elements while staying motivated?

BG: Weather can be really challenging! It is rough. Anyone knowing that they’re running a spring marathon is going to know that they are going to have to run through a winter. We’ve had a particularly awful winter here in New York. And trust me when I say I’ve done a lot of treadmill miles. When it flips the other way and we go from winter into spring and the trees blossom and we get all of the pollen coming out, it can really hamper people because they’re feeling those allergies come through. We’re feeling snotty, we’re feeling congested, we’re feeling itchy eyed, we can’t sleep at night because we’re trying to mouth breathe and when we’re out running, we’re feeling all those things and we’re also feeling really dehydrated because we’re also trying to breathe through our mouths while we’re running. So that’s why working with a brand like Xyzal has been amazing because it has helped me so much knowing that I can take this tablet before I go to bed and wake up feeling no repercussions of seasonal allergies and I can just get out there and do my run.

AM: You have partnered with Xyzal for the Boston Marathon. Why is allergy management something that is overlooked when it comes to race preparation?

BG: I do think allergies are something that are overlooked for marathon race prep. One in four runners is actually affected by seasonal allergies and so I don’t think the voice has been loud enough to understand that there are things that are useful for runners to use in order to keep their training really strong. But also race day, like race day is spring, so you definitely want to keep this in mind.

AM: How does training during allergy season need to be tweaked without sacrificing your performance?

BG: Marathon training during allergy season is huge because you just need to be aware of what and how you are affected by seasonal change. So for most people it will be when the trees start to bloom and there is a lot more pollen in the air. So from winter to spring people are going to really feel those allergies kicking in. You’re going to get those scratchy eyes, blocked up nose. You’re going to feel just a little bit off. So by taking a product like Xyzal the night before, it’s the first allergy medicine that you take at nighttime. This means that the night before your training, your long run or your race, you’re going to take this and you’re going to wake up feeling absolutely normal. You know, you’re not going to have all of those allergy symptoms. Also, there are many apps and obviously the weather forecast app that you can look at to double check. Say the middle of the week and you’re planning on doing a long run at the weekend, you can see the forecast, you can see if there’s going to be a high amount of pollen predicted to be in the air on the weekend or when you’re going to be doing your long run. So plan ahead, make sure you have your Xyzal by your bedside and ready to use should the allergies really be kicking off.

AM: What are the recovery aspects that should be done while you’re training so that you can stay on your training schedule?

BG: Everyone is different. There’s lots of recovery things that you may want to do that the other person may not do. I’m just going to give you a few suggestions that people can try to do. I love my Normatec recovery boots. They’re compression boots. They help provide blood flow stimulation. Therefore, you’re potentially going to have a lack of DOM, delayed onset muscle soreness, which is accumulated regularly. DOM is basically lactic acid accymulated when you work your muscles hard. So this just means that there’s a better potential for you to get up and get on with your workout without feeling sore the next day. Taking a magnesium salt, epsom salt bath after a workout is also a really, really lovely way to help the muscles relax and regenerate. Getting a massage. Most of these things are about flushing out the toxins that are generated when you stress your body out. So a massage is wonderful for that. Making sure that you’re eating well and rehydrating as part of your rest and recovery is also very, very, very important.

AM: When you are a month out or 2 weeks out from a marathon, what do you suggest should be done to get you ready for the big race?

BG: When you’re two weeks out from a marathon, that is when taper starts. Taper is a decrease in intensity of the workout routine that you have been doing throughout your training program. So you’re still going to probably be running around the same amount of days as you have been all the way through, but your intensity, i.e. how fast you run, how long you run for, will be very much different to the rest of the program. This enables your body to make the adaptations and progressions it needs in order to thrive on race day. That is one of the most important things that you do need to do is to taper and let yourself feel good ahead of the big race.

AM: The day of the marathon, what are things that you do to prepare yourself for the marathon?

BG: On the day of the marathon, there is a lot to prepare for. It’s a huge deal. I mean, you’ve been preparing for it for 18 weeks, more than likely. The night before, though, is the key to preparation, not the day of. So the night before, you want to get your whole race kit laid out. You want to make sure your bib is pinned onto your clothing. You want to make sure your gels, if you’re using them, or whatever fuel you’re using in the race, are securely in pockets or in a running belt. Like, I make sure everything is in my SPI belt. You want to make sure you know your route to the start line if you’re taking public transport, if you’re going to be getting an Uber, if you’re walking, etc. You want to also know a backup route just in case the chosen route that you are taking has anything affecting it. Make sure you know two ways to get to your starting point. You also need to know the starting times and the corral opening and closing times for your race. Both are very, very important. If you miss your closing time, it’s not like you’re not going to run. You will just have to go to the corral behind. On marathon day, that should mean that you’re basically just going to get up, get dressed, eat your breakfast and get out there. You want marathon day to be as smooth sailing as possible.

AM: Once the marathon is over are there post-training activities that you do to come down from all of that energy?

BG: Once the marathon is over, there is so much joy in that walk from receiving the medal to friends and family or to however you’re going to celebrate. A lot of people don’t really talk about the post-marathon blues, the post-race blues, because you’ve just put so much time and work into this training for such a long time. And then all of a sudden you have this void in your life. So be ready to feel a little bit kind of lost in a way when you look at your schedule and it’s not filled with miles. But also please make sure that you do give your body the grace period after running a marathon to recover. It doesn’t mean you have to stop running, but give yourself a time until you feel you want to go for a run and go for a nice, short, gentle, easy paced jog and work your way back to whatever level you want to be at.

AM: You have a lot going on from being a noted Peloton instructor, Global Brand Ambassador of HOKA, and cohost of Set the Pace Podcast for NYRR. Is there anything coming up that you want us to know about that we can keep an eye out for?

BG: Yes, a lot of things coming up. Nothing of which I’m going to be talking about right now though, but lots of races on the horizon, and lots of fun to be had…!

IG @becsgentry

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Becs Gentry

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see MARATHON PREP | Becs Gentry in mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | DINO MALVONE

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Dino Malvone in mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see THE PICK ME UP in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG SUMMIT® SERIES X NRTHRN STRONG

Join us for our Athleisure Mag Summit Series for a fitness class at NRTHRN Strong in NYC’s Flatiron! In addition to taking this low-impact, full-body, Nordic-inspired workouts that center on the Nordic Trainer machine and mimics cross-country skiing, and cardio with strength training class, you’ll receive a goodie bag that will be perfect for your upcoming Spring workouts.

Join us on 04.06.26 at 5:30pm (make sure to show up 15 minutes early to check in).

Thank you to our goodie bag sponsors Goody, Gruns, AG1, ESW Beauty, Iris Nutrition, and Elemis.

​FOLLOW US ON IG | @athleisuemag @nrthrnstrong

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER | Athleisure Mag Summit

​​ABOUT ATHLEISURE MEDIA LLC

​​A leading voice in Athleisure Culture, Athleisure Mag features celebrity, athlete and artist covers, high editorial, and active lifestyle stories. Athleisure Mag receives 30M+ Imp/mo, and is carried on airlines, luxury hotels/resorts, cruises and lifestyle distribution partners. Catch our Athleisure Studio podcast shows featuring Top Chef judge/restaurateurs, athletes, artists, trainers, actors and entrepreneurs at your favorite podcast platform.

​​ABOUT NRTHRN STRONG

NRTHRN Strong is a boutique fitness concept born in Denmark — rooted in Nordic values, inspired by nature, and built on the foundation of cross-country skiing, one of the world’s healthiest sports. Grounded in functional training and fueled by community, NRTHRN brings the strength, resilience, and spirit of the North into every workout.

ATHLEISURE MAG SUMMIT® SERIES X SALTDROP

Join us on 03.23.26 at 7:30am for our Athleisure Mag Summit Series for a fitness class at SaltDrop in NYC’s East Village! You’ll get to kick off the morning by taking SaltDrop’s Heated Sculpt 45 in their 90 degree studio focusing on targeted sculpting. In addition, you’ll receive a goodie bag from the Athleisure Mag team that will be perfect for your upcoming Spring studio to street.

Thanks to our goodie bag sponsors Sticky Be Socks and Aeston West!

RSVP here as there are limited slots that are available for this event.

FOLLOW US ON IG | @athleisuemag @thesaltdrop

​​ABOUT ATHLEISURE MEDIA LLC

​​A leading voice in Athleisure Culture, Athleisure Mag features celebrity, athlete and artist covers, high editorial, and active lifestyle stories. Athleisure Mag receives 30M+ Imp/mo, and is carried on airlines, luxury hotels/resorts, cruises and lifestyle distribution partners. Catch our Athleisure Studio podcast shows featuring Top Chef judge/restaurateurs, athletes, artists, trainers, actors and entrepreneurs at your favorite podcast platform.

ABOUT SALTDROP

Ther beat-driven, mat-based classes push and inspire every fitness level, helping you build functional strength, endurance, and a real understanding of your body’s capabilities. Classes are inclusive, welcoming, and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for everyone to move, sweat, and explore their own stories. At SaltDrop, they’re deeply grateful for the opportunity to move, which is why they prioritize genuine self-expression and personal reflection over empty platitudes.

The SaltDrop Heated Sculpt 45 class is held in the warmth at 90 degrees for SaltDrop Heated Sculpt, a 45-minute experience focused on targeted sculpting through our signature choreography. This class builds heat and strength progressively, guiding you through intentional, muscle-activating sequences that leave you feeling powerful and energized—perfect for those wanting a steady, focused burn.

9LIST STORI3S | BEA KIM

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Bea Kim in mag.

THE 9LIST

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see THE PICK ME UP in mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

THE 9LIST

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.

GO GET 'EM MODE | MICHELLE BUTEAU

We’re 2 days into the New Year and we’re making sure that we are setting ourselves up for the best success! Although we know that the 1st is the beginning of the year, it’s that first Monday that really lets us know what we’re in for. Jan 5th, is really the beginning of a series of days and weeks where we really have to get in gear!

We sat down with actor, standup comedian, producer, Co-Creator and star of Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest Michelle Buteau to talk about her career, her creative process, her projects and why she partnered with Premier Protein! She talks about the importance of showing up for herself and being good to herself.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Hello! We met briefly at Chuks Collins dinner this Fall when he shared his collection at Bryant Park Grill. I was waiting to be seated, turned around and then there you were looking stunning walking by and all I could get out was, I love you in Survival of the Thickest!

MICHELLE BUTEAU: Oh yes, that was a great dinner and Chuks is so special!

AM: Yes it was such a good dinner and it’s great talking with you now as the interaction was so quick and a bit rushed on my part as I was just spitting out the words - so hello!

MB: Oh no it wasn’t! I love to hear that people love the show because it makes me feel like I am doing my job, so thank you for that! I will never get tired of that.

AM: Well you looked phenomenal and I was a table away from you and kept saying (in my head), that’s Michelle!

I am a fan of your energy, your humor, your authenticity and all the things! Honestly, I don’t know where I was in life, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that I was like wait who is this – I loved you on Netflix’s Barbecue showdown, you were the host of a social reality show that I loved watching, being on BET’s First Wives Club – I was like this woman is working! You literally got me through the pandemic which then brought me to watching the other things that you do as well!

You’re an actress, a comedian, a producer, a host, you can do drama – when did you realize that you wanted to be an entertainer?

MB: Oh my goodness! I feel that every kid thinks that they can be an entertainer. I think that it was when I was around 12 or 13 that I was like, “I think that I want to do this” to my parents and they were like, no you don’t. I don’t think that I really told myself or gave myself permission or license to really go far with this until my 20’s which is so crazy, but you know, whatever makes you happy!

AM: Well, whether you’re preparing for a character or an upcoming film, or series, what is your creative process or what do you pull from when you’re trying to get ready for things that you’re working on?

MB: You know, that’s such a great question! I don’t really have a process, the main thing that I have to do because I have a husband, 2 dogs, 2 kids, and responsibilities at home and in life. The main thing for me to do is that I am happy and healthy, that I have all of my vitamins, and I am taking care of myself because my brain is working! When I have a good amount of rest because I like to be busy – the main thing is that I am taking care of me throughout the day!

AM: In Survival of the Thickest, I love it with the energy of that show! You are showing the industry and what goes on in it. I am the Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir of Athleisure Mag but I am also a Fashion Stylist. So when I am watching the show and your character, I’m like oh yeah – that is what it is!

MB: Yeah, you get it!

AM: Yup, I’m like, that’s pretty much it! It’s glam when it’s glam and then it’s just not.

MB: Yeah and I love that about it. It’s a parallel to comedy which is why I chose that job for my character. That job will humble you real quick and the next day you could be flying first class or private in this whole different realm so I think it is important to know that there are a whole of different places that you can live especially with the job that you love.

AM: What made you want to be a Co-Creator of this show and also star in it as well? I know that you’re back in production on S3 and I am so bummed that this will be the final season – but the series has everything!

MB: I mean, it was just really natural right? I have been doing standup for 24 years and it has helped me figure out my voice, my platform – and when I wrote this book when I brought my kids home from the hospital. I was like, “oh, I have twin babies now and I guess I will be at home so I need to write a book – I mean what? What?” But I will say, hot tip, I do put some Premier Protein Shake in my coffee because that’s how I get my protein! I get my coffee kick, my caffeine kick, my protein kick! So that was very helpful! Obviously lots of hugs and fresh hugs too – but anyways!

AM: What is life without fresh veggies and hugs?

MB: Ok now! Downward dogs and everything – cat/cow!

I mean, I wrote the book and then when Netflix optioned the book, they said, “do you want to build this world yourself or would you like to work with someone?” There’s nothing better than collaborating. When you find the right person it just sings and so I am so happy that Netflix introduced me to my Co-Creator Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (My Name is Earl, New Girl, The Carmichael Show) because we had a time! We had a whole kiki! It’s been so fun! It is 3rd and final, but that’s ok because I think that it is a gift knowing that you are not coming back so that you can do what you want to do. Also, no one is a 1 trick pony! We can go out there and do other things – I mean look at you!

AM: Tell me about The Surviving and Thriving Tour!

MB: Oh my goodness! Well, you know, everybody has got – the whole point is that we can live in 2 places at once. While we feel like this is really hard, there also some really good things too. You have to wake up really early, but isn’t it really good that you get to wake up really early and get to do all the things that you want to do? I feel like being busy or stressed is a privilege – I get to have the responsibility to do these things which is really fun. So Surviving and Thriving is named kind of after that. I love standup and I can’t wait to go back out on tour. I love performing and just writing hard jokes, hard jokes. I want people bending over with laughter! I want people to just be cackling because laughter is medicine and I’m a doctor!
AM: I mean, I will take in all the prescriptions that you’re providing!

MB: Yeah! There’s no Co-Pay, come get you some laughs!

AM: Spa Weekend looks amazing! It’s a great cast! Why did you want to be part of that project?

MB: I mean, there is just this beautiful, wild and comedic powerhouses coming together! I love Isla Fisher (Now You See Me franchise, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Nocturnal Animals), Leslie Mann (The Other Woman, Blockers, Motherless Brooklyn), Anna Faris (Scary Movie franchise, Mom, The House Bunny) and how could I not want to be part of that team? I also love the idea of strong female bonds and relationships when we are from different walks of life. The one thing that we have in common is that the women of Spa Weekend, go on a spa weekend because they need it. They are really busy with the responsibilities and the mundane things that are done in life and they have to go away. They just go away for a wild weekend and they just have a lot of fun stuff going on and a lot of hijinks!

AM: I cannot wait to see it!

You recently partnered with Premier Protein as a part of their New Year campaign and Go Get ‘Em Mode. Tell me about this mode and what it is and why did you want to partner with this brand?

MB: Oh my goodness because I like to Go Get’ Em so let’s Go Get ‘Em, come on sis – let’s roll! Are you for real? So I remember and this was a full circle moment. My dad, he was like the busiest man alive. He would lift weights in between meetings, take me to the mall and he was so busy. He would always have a Premier Protein Shake! So I grew up watching the busiest man I know always being in Go Mode and getting it done and always taking care of his body. So when Premier Protein Shake approached me, I said yes! Everyone knows about that hard start of the year at the top of January 1st and it isn’t always that and then people beat themselves up – it’s the Monday – it’s the January 5th of it all. It’s really exciting because Premier Protein wants to set people up for success by going to goget2026.com and you can go on there and try them out for free! They will send it to you in your house in select cities (Atlanta, NY, Chicago, LA, Philadelphia and Miami). We all know what that is! We know what the pre-party is before you have to go to work so it’s that 5-9 where you’re like, uh-oh how am I going to do this, who am I going to be, what am I going to wear? You know, can I touch my toes, will I have enough energy – yes you can! It’s Premier Protein and they want to help you get that energy sis so let’s go!

AM: I love that and a shake is a great way to do all of that!

What do you love about drinking these shakes? Do you have a special flavor?

MB: I’m a Chocolate or Caramel girlie! What I love about it is that I am doing something for myself. I feel like because women – I mean, I’m no doctor – I only play one on TV – actually I did!

AM: I was going to say you did!

MB: You got me!

AM: You did!

MB: We need between 40 and 65 grams of protein a day. So you get 30 in one shot with the bottle, it’s like pretty great! When I have more energy, I’m nicer to people! There’s no road rage you know what I mean? I hope you heal! Oh my God there’s a spot! I found a parking spot? Yes you can cut me in line! You go –

AM: That’s right!

MB: I’m just a nicer person when I have more energy. So yes, I do that for myself - treat yo’self all year long!   

We want to make sure that you have your best foot forward when it comes to kicking off the new New Year right and being able to kick off Jan 5th right! Premier Protein is giving away free morning shaked from January 5th - 9th in select cities. To fuel people 5-9 before their 9-5, Premier Protein will be giving away free protein shakes delivered straight to their door in under an hour (powered by GoPuff!) between 5-9am from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9 on GoGet2026.com in NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami and Atlanta. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

NAVIGATING CHANGES | HERS X PVOLVE

We all know that working out is essential whether, you are maintaining various goals, ensuring that you have movement, or a means to hang out with others while doing an activty together. As we navigate our life cycles, we know it’s essental to continue to work out. For those that are hiting menopause, it’s essential to continue your efforts as well as to figure out how to optimize this in this stage of life. Earlier this month, we went to Pvolve’s studio to take a class that focused on this while learning about how Hers plays into this as well.

We sat down with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Board-Certified OB/GYN, Chief Medical Officer at Hers, and Pvolve Advisory Board Member for Women’s Health & Longevity. We talked about Hers and how they are focused on menopause initiatives.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you became the Chief Medical Officer at Hers.

DR. JESSICA SHEPHERD: Joining Hers as their first Chief Medical Officer is helping me reach more women on their healthcare journeys in a way I never could before. Hers shares my vision: to break down barriers and make personalized, effective healthcare accessible to every woman, wherever she is on her journey. We’re not just offering solutions; we’re building a community and platform that equips women with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to take charge of their well-being. This isn’t just about health; it’s about empowering women to show up fully in their lives, confident and strong. Whether it was building my own practice in Dallas, or writing my first book, Generation M, to guide women through menopause, my driving force has always been empowering women to live their healthiest, most vibrant lives.

AM: For those that are not familiar with Hers, what is this brand and what are the kinds of products that we can get from them?

DR. JS: Hers is a 100% online, one-stop platform for women’s health and personal care that connects patients to licensed healthcare professionals for support for weight loss, hair regrowth, mental health, and skincare.

Through Hers’ simple online process you can connect with licensed medical providers who can recommend customized treatment plans including prescription treatments, if appropriate, shipped right to your door.

Some products include treatment for perimenopause and menopause, GLP-1s for weight management, treatment for anxiety and depression, treatment for hair loss, and much, much more.

AM: Why is Hers expanding into menopause care and what products are available in this category?

DR. JS: For too long, women have been forced to navigate an outdated healthcare system that’s often impersonal, inconvenient, and dismissive – a system fundamentally built for men, by men. This is precisely why women need access to healthcare that offers holistic, empowering healthcare treatment plans and support that are discreet, accessible, and tailored to their unique needs and dynamic lives.

Menopause impacts every woman. When estrogen levels drop too low, imbalances lead to a mix of symptoms — like mood changes, sleep problems, and dry skin and hair. But only a third of OBs are trained in menopause care. This can leave women feeling dismissed and left to find solutions on their own. In October, Hers introduced access to a new line of treatment plans built specifically for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. Based on health history and personal preferences, patients can work with a provider to get a combination of treatments tailored to their needs. If eligible, tailored kits could include estradiol, a hormone naturally made in the body, in a patch or pill to help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Tailored kits may also be combined with progesterone to help protect the uterine lining and improve sleep quality, and estradiol vaginal cream to alleviate discomfort as-needed.

AM: What can you tell us about menopause and its 3 stages, and at what age does this tend to happen?

DR. JS: Menopause is a hormonal transition that happens in three distinct stages, typically between ages 40 and 55, and each woman experiences it differently.

The first stage, perimenopause, can begin in the early 40s, or even late 30s. During this time, estrogen levels fluctuate unpredictably, leading to irregular periods, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and subtle shifts in metabolism and body composition.

Menopause is medically defined as the point when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle. During menopause, hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are at their lowest, and symptoms tend to peak.

Post-menopause is everything after that 12-month mark. While symptoms may continue, they do often stabilize at this point. During this stage, long-term health truly becomes the focus: protecting bone density, preserving muscle, maintaining heart health, and supporting metabolic and cognitive function.

Understanding these stages allows women to anticipate changes instead of being surprised by them. It’s also why having trusted guidance, whether medical, nutritional, or movement-based, is so important.

AM: What symptoms are associated with menopause so that we can be aware of coming into that phase of life?

DR JS: Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but there are definitely some that are more common:

• Irregular periods

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Sleep disruptions

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Mood swings, irritability, or increased anxiety

• Weight changes, especially around the abdomen

• Loss of muscle mass

• Vaginal dryness or discomfort

• Decreased libido

• Joint aches or stiffness

• Changes in skin elasticity, energy, and stamina

While these symptoms are common, I always emphasize that women are not meant to simply “push through” them. With modern science and technology, we have far better solutions than past generations ever did.

For example, at Hers, we offer personalized menopause treatment plans that help women manage symptoms with modern, individualized care. From a physical perspective, Pvolve’s functional movement programs help address muscle loss, stability challenges, and energy fluctuations that often accompany this life stage.

AM: What is the link between nutrition and movement when you are entering these stages?

DR JS: Movement and nutrition form the foundation of how well women navigate menopause. As estrogen declines, we naturally lose muscle mass and bone density, which slows metabolism and impacts energy, strength, and even cognition.

From a nutritional standpoint, women should focus on:

• Protein at each meal to maintain muscle and stabilize blood sugar

• Fiber to support digestion and metabolic health

• Healthy fats, especially omega-3s, to support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation

• Hydration and minimizing ultra-processed foods to keep energy and mood more stable

  From a movement standpoint, women benefit most from a combination of:

• Strength training to rebuild muscle and support metabolism

• Mobility and stability work to protect joints and maintain balance

• Short, strategic cardio bursts like SIT training for heart and bone health

• Intentional recovery to regulate stress hormones and improve sleep

This exact combination is what inspired the Menopause Strong program at Pvolve. It’s a six-week progressive movement plan that blends all four pillars – strength, mobility, stability, and recovery – to help women feel strong, energized, and in control.

AM: What are the challenges that women face when they are entering menopause?

DR JS: Women typically face challenges on three fronts: physical, emotional, and informational.

Physically, declining estrogen leads to changes such as muscle loss, slower metabolism, weight redistribution, sleep disruptions, joint stiffness, and lower energy or stamina.

Emotionally, women may experience mood fluctuations, increased anxiety, irritability, brain fog, and a general sense of “not feeling like myself.”

I always emphasize that these experiences are very real and a result of hormonal and biological shifts. On that note, perhaps the biggest challenge is the knowledge gap.

We’re still battling decades of silence and stigma around menopause. Many women feel dismissed or unprepared because fewer than one-third of OB/GYNs receive dedicated training in menopause care.

That’s why work like ours is so critical. Hers provides accessible, personalized medical support, while Pvolve delivers movement programs like Menopause Strong that help rebuild strength, improve mobility, and support hormonal and emotional well-being. When women have access to both quality health care and science-driven movement, they’re equipped not just to manage this transition – but to thrive in it.

Now that we understand more about menopause, its phases, and why Hers partnered with Pvolve and Dr. Shepherd’s role in the Menopause Strong program, we wanted to find out more about Pvolve’s role and why this specific workout is great to incorporate in your routine. The fitness brands’ Chief Training Officer Antonietta Vicario talks with us about this and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Pvolve and your role as the Chief Training Officer of this fitness method.

ANTONIETTA VICARIO: Pvolve is a clinically backed functional fitness method that uses resistance based equipment to build strength, mobility and stability, helping people both look and feel better now and long-term. Our Method is truly in a league of its own, helping our mostly female client base embody strength in every capacity. We build muscle, the powerhouse for our metabolism, energy, and power. Our mobility work opens up the joints of the body by taking them through their full ranges of motion to help us prevent injury and feel good! Last, the stability work fires up the deep core and helps to create better balance, giving people greater control over their bodies.

As Chief Training Officer, I oversee all things Method, from our on-demand platform to our growing in-studio footprint with studios throughout the U.S and Canada. I ensure that everything that relates to our trainer team and this method delivers on our brand promise- to help people feel the transformative power of our method and community. This means I create class content, learning and development plans for our trainers, grow our class offerings, lead instructor training, and ensure every experience is truly second to none. I also ensure our content reflects what science shows to improve longevity, joint health, and functional strength, as proven in our Healthy Aging Clinical Study. The study found benefits, like building lean muscle without weight gain, a 19% increase in lower body strength, 10% improvement in balance and mobility, a 21% increase in flexibility,and 23% overall enjoyment of exercise and improved quality of life!

I work closely with an amazing team of core trainers and our medical advisory board, including OB/GYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd, to ensure our programs are grounded in evidence and meet the needs of women at every life stage.

AM: Tell us about the classes that are offered at Pvolve.

AV: Our three core class offerings at Pvolve are Strength & Sculpt, Progressive Weight Training, and Sculpt & Burn. In Strength & Sculpt, we build the foundation on our movement pillars – mobility, stability, and strength – the tenets of a body that moves and feels better at every age. This is a sculpting class that moves the body in 3D- through diversified movements in all planes of motion that feel energizing, opening and intense all at once.

Our Progressive Weight Training class adds heavier dumbbells to these functional movements to help build muscle. As we age, we lose 3-8% muscle mass each decade starting in our late 30’s and so preserving and building muscle is vital to increase not only our lifespan but our healthspan. Muscle is key for optimising our metabolism, it helps us maintain bone density, fuels mitochondria to keep us energized, supports our joints, helps regulate blood glucose, and truly is our tissue of longevity.

Last, Sculpt & Burn layers cardiovascular bursts throughout to build bone density and protect our most important muscle - our heart! It is also proven that regular cardiovascular exercise improves our brain health and can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later years!

We offer both in-studio classes and a robust Digital Streaming Experience platform, giving members access to thousands of workouts they can do anytime, anywhere.

In our studios, classes typically run 50 minutes and there is nothing like the accountability of moving in person with a trainer and the community! The music will be cranking, the vibes will be high, and the form adjustments will help make the movements even more effective.

Online, the experience becomes fully customizable. Our streaming platform includes workouts ranging from 5 to 60 minutes, so members can choose the exact intensity and duration they’re looking for on any given day. It’s the ultimate “choose your adventure” model with everything from a quick energizing burn to a full-body strength session or a calming recovery class.

Every workout is designed to meet members exactly where they are, whether they’re total beginners, returning to movement after time away, or seasoned fitness lovers who want a smarter way to build muscle. The goal is simple: movement that fits your life, strengthens your body, and supports you at every stage.

AM: Prior to attending the event, we knew that Jennifer Aniston has been a fan of this particular fitness method, and we have various accessories from the brand to do a workout, but have never done it with the mat. Can you tell us about the mat as it’s interesting how it is incorporated into the workout.

AV: The Precision Mat is one of my favorite teaching tools because it helps members understand proper alignment and foot placement, essential for good form. The numbers and lines act as visual cues, making it easier to hit consistent positions with exact foot placement. Because we integrate some very unusual hip rotations throughout the class to unlock mobility, proper placement referencing the mat is especially helpful!

I always say it’s not what you are doing but HOW you are doing it that really makes a difference. You can track progress and challenge yourself to get deeper as you progress, using the mat as an accountability tool. I love the Precision Mat for streaming workouts at home or for anyone new to functional fitness, because it removes the guesswork and helps you nail form.

AM: Tell us about the Pvolve’s Menopause Strong Plan as it was a great workout to do that we definitely felt the next day.

AV: The Menopause Strong Plan is a six-week, science-backed program we created specifically for women navigating perimenopause through post-menopause. The calendar consists of 24 workouts with 6 optional recovery videos to help mitigate some of the physical symptoms of menopause. We also include educational bonus content with Pvolve’s Head of Medical Affairs, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a leading expert in women’s health and longevity.

The plan is built around four pillars:

• Strength Training – To build lean muscle, boost metabolism, fuel energy, manage blood sugars and support joint health

• SIT (Sprint Interval Training) – Short, powerful bursts of plyometrics to increase bone density, and for heart and brain health

• Mobility & Stability – To maintain balance, protect joints, prevent debilitating falls and improve overall movement

• Recovery & Pelvic Floor Health – To regulate stress, support hormone balance, and restore energy

It’s progressive, empowering, and designed to help women feel strong, capable, and more connected to their bodies. The goal is to arm women with all the information they need to move into this life phase feeling empowered with an exercise plan based on their changing physiology. My hope is it is an act of defiance against notions that the best years are behind us, but rather that we can be our strongest and most radiant selves yet, redefining misconceptions of women in midlife!

AM: For those who can’t come to the Soho Studio, how can they access Pvolve’s Menopause Strong Plan?

AV: The entire Menopause Strong Plan is available through our Digital Streaming Experience platform, which includes thousands of on-demand workouts, structured programs, and new content added weekly. You can follow the full six-week calendar from home!

For those who want the full experience, I recommend the Longevity Bundle, which includes all the equipment used throughout the program. It allows you to train exactly the way we do in-studio, with necessary resistance, diversified programming, and proper weekly progressions. All you need is space for a laptop or phone, and we’ll guide you through the rest.

AM: How important is movement for those specifically entering menopause?

AV: Movement isn’t just “helpful” during menopause; it’s one of the most powerful tools women have. As estrogen declines, women naturally experience faster muscle loss, decreased bone density, changes in body composition, higher inflammation, joint stiffness, lower energy and slower recovery. Functional movement and strength training counteract all of those changes.

In our Healthy Aging Clinical Study, women who followed Pvolve’s program saw significant improvements in muscle mass, balance, flexibility, and strength across pre-, peri-, and post-menopause. Hormonal shifts didn’t blunt the results; in fact, the women gained strength and felt more capable than they had in years.

Movement supports not just physical health, but mental clarity, emotional resilience, sleep quality, and confidence – areas that can feel disrupted during this transition.

That’s exactly why we built Menopause Strong: to give women a roadmap for feeling good in their bodies again and to show that this phase of life can be one of power, strength, and deep renewal.

IG @pvolve

@hers

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Pvolve + Hers

Read the NOV ISSUE #119 of Athleisure Mag and see NAVIGATING CHANGES | HERS X Pvolve in mag.

FITNESS ANGELS WITH KIRK MYERS

The month of Oct has a number of events that are iconic and one of them is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that blends the brand, models, personalities and entertainers together here in NYC. Walking the runway, rocking the wings and harnassing all of that energy means preparation. Some of that preparation involves working out so that each person has the confidence in how they feel and look. Kirk Myers, founder of DOGPOUND Gym has been working with models since 2016. We wanted to know more about how he approaches this show with his clients, how we can incorporate their workouts into our own sessions, and the power of recovery and hydration! If you missed the show, we have soem of our favorite moments.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How long have you been doing this runway-model prep work? What’s your ideal timeline when a client has a target date?

KIRK MYERS: I’ve been a trainer for over 20 years, and The Victoria’s Secret Angel work began around 2016 when I was introduced to Jasmine Tookes by her hairstylist Marty Harper. The ideal timeline would be around 12 -16 weeks, but can be adjusted according to their goals. If I know ahead of time that someone has a runway show, we can adjust quickly.

AM: What are your go-to tips you give in prep for the show?

KM: My go-to tips are:

○ Core control & breathing over “abs for show.” Engaging the core properly (with breathing) supports everything—not just aesthetics.

○ Train for function and movement, not just isolation. For models, strength, mobility, stability, sometimes boxing, and other low-impact work, like resistance bands, help keep the body balanced.

○ Volume + consistency wins. We usually go through repeated higher-rep cycles (bands, sliders, and bodyweight) to fatigue.

○ Recovery & rest built in. Models don’t want to be constantly sore. So I suggest rest days, lower-impact exercises, stretching, and hydration to aid recovery. Replenishing electrolytes with something like Vita Coco helps restore balance and supports muscle repair after training.

○ Tailor every plan - I like to tailor each plan to the client. Taking into account what they’ve done before, while adapting our training to include what they enjoy most.”

AM: For a beach-body runway feel (or just prepping for a vacation), what are 3 workouts to include?

KM: Here are three I would include with some variation:

○ Circuit of Resistance Bands + Bodyweight Supersets - Combine exercises like banded glute bridges, lateral band walks, pushups, inverted rows, core planks, etc., in supersets. Very model-prep friendly.

○ Core & Anti-Rotation Movements - Moves like planks, side planks, and medicine ball slams. These help define the waistline and improve posture.

○ Low-to-Moderate Load, Metabolic Strength Rounds - Use lighter weights with higher reps in a circuit style (e.g. walking lunges, dumbbell swings, overhead presses) to build lean muscle while metabolically challenging the body (i.e., burning fat). You can layer those with mobility work, active rest, and light cardio (walking, incline treadmill, etc.) for extra burn without overtaxing the body.

AM: How important is functional strength training and what does that look like?

KM: It’s pretty important to help create a balanced look. Functional strength means strength you can use: stability, balance, core control, coordination, and mobility integrated for daily life.

What that entails:

○ Multi-joint movements (squats, deadlifts, lunges, and presses)

○ Single-leg, unilateral work (e.g. single-leg deadlifts, Bulgarian split squats)

○ Core + anti-rotational work (to resist twist and torque)

○ Mobility + stability paired (e.g. loaded carries with anti-lateral fl exion as well as crawling patterns)

○ Dynamic & reactive work (e.g. plyometrics, mini bounds, and stability challenges) where appropriate

AM: Recovery is essential. What recovery rituals do you suggest?

KM: I would suggest the following:

○ Active recovery and mobility days (light movement, yoga, stretching, as well as foam rolling)

○ Massage, soft tissue work, and percussion devices

○ Quality sleep

○ Hydration + electrolytes through beverages such as Vita Coco

○ Compression and stretching post-workout

AM: Let’s talk hydration! How important is it before, during, and after a workout?

KM: It is important before and after! I recommend hydrating well in the hours leading up, especially with something electrolyte-heavy like Vita Coco. Coconut water is one of the most effective natural ways to hydrate since it is packed with potassium, magnesium, and sodium to help your muscles perform at their best. Bring a water bottle filled with Vita Coco to sip on throughout your workout; it’ll keep you refreshed without the artificial dyes found in many sports drinks.

Post-workout, hydration is just as key. Vita Coco helps replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, supporting faster recovery and preventing that sluggish, dehydrated feeling that can follow a tough session. Think of it as the natural way to power your performance and bounce back stronger.

AM: How can we juggle fitness goals and holiday season indulgences?

KM: I don’t want clients to go into guilt mode. We can plan to be smart, be fl exible, and stay consistent with habits even during the holiday season. Clients do virtual training to maintain balance and also focus on nutrition so they can continue to make healthier choices, even while traveling. Going for a walk is always a good idea!

IG @kirkmyersfitness

@vitacoco

@victoriassecret

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 156/Kirk Myers | PG 159 - 161 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show |

IN PHOTO | CANDICE SWANEPOEL

IN THE PHOTOS | L: Angel Reese + R: Emily Ratajkowski

Read the OCT ISSUE #118 of Athleisure Mag and see FITNESS ANGELS WITH Kirk Myers in mag.

THAT IT VIBE | SOMMER RAY

This Summer we have enjoyed a number of our favorite songs, ticked off things on our bucket lists and with a few weeks left, we continue to add to our playlists. We need to make room for Sommer Ray - DJ, fitness influencer, and entrepreneur who has been dropping singles and touring here in NY, Las Vegas, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas to name a few must visit destinations as she finishes phase 2 of her Summer tour.

We wanted to find out more about her background, her passions, and the importance of fitness in her life. Of course, we explore who she has worked with as a DJ, music she has dropped and what we can keep an eye out for. We also wanted to lear more about projects that she is working on from beverages to Imaraïs Beauty.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your recent tour and DJing, we’d like to get to know more about you. When did you fall in love with fitness?

SOMMER RAY: Fitness has been part of my life since I was a kid. My mom was a competitive bodybuilder, so I grew up in the gym and around that lifestyle. I loved the way training made me feel, both physically and mentally, and that connection never left.

AM: As someone who is constantly on the go, what are 3 workouts that you enjoy doing as we are always looking to add to our routines?

SR: I love weight training, Pilates, and yoga. Weight training keeps me strong, Pilates works my core and improves posture, and yoga helps me stay flexible while giving me a mental reset.

AM: What led to the launch of your fashion brand of fitness apparel and what do you enjoy about designing it?

SR: I wanted to create pieces that I would actually wear myself, things that feel good, move with you, and look great both in and out of the gym.

AM: Tell us about Imaraïs Beauty.

SR: Imaraïs Beauty is a plant-based beauty brand that focuses on gummies for skin, hair, and overall wellness. Everything is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ingredients that really work. It’s about beauty from the inside out!

AM: We grew up as kids drinking Shirley Temples and have loved the trend of Dirty Shirley. You have Tempted. Why did you want to create this brand?

SR: I can’t share too much yet, but I’ve been teasing something in that space and there are some big things coming. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and I think people are going to be really excited when they see the full picture.

AM: What do you love about EDM music?

SR: I love the energy and the way it can instantly change your mood. EDM brings people together without needing words, it’s all about the vibe and the shared experience.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?

SR: I used to host club nights, and after a while I realized I’d rather be the one curating the vibe than just sitting in the club. Once I started learning to mix, it clicked for me that this was how I wanted to be part of the energy.

AM: What is your creative process like when you are creating music?

SR: It usually starts with a feeling or a vibe I want to capture. I’ll think about the energy I want people to feel, then start building around that, whether it’s a beat, a hook, or a bass line that sets the tone.

AM: You dropped No Sleep last fall with Martin Jensen and earlier this year LaLaLa (Everybody’s Up) with a remix by HEDEGAARD. What was it like to release these songs?

SR: Both were amazing experiences. No Sleep had a fun, uplifting energy, while LaLaLa was heavier and more club-focused. Seeing people connect with them live has been the most exciting part.

AM: You recently dropped She’s A DJ. Why did you want to create this song and what was the process like for you?

SR: I wanted to make a song that was cheeky and empowering, especially as a female in a space that’s still very male-dominated. The process was fun, I leaned into personality and made sure it captured that “own the room” vibe.

AM: As you continue to navigate your music career, what artists would you like to work with?

SR: Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix are both at the top of my list. They’re legends in dance music who know how to make tracks that hit globally while still feeling fresh. Collaborating with either of them would be a dream, and I think we could create something high-energy that really connects with people.

AM: You have been touring for the past few weeks. What do you love about sharing your music with those in the cities that you are stopping in?

SR: Every city has a different energy. I love seeing how crowds react to certain tracks and how the vibe shifts depending on where you are. It keeps every show fresh.

AM: Since you’re traveling so much, how do you make your hotel and the city you’re in feel like home?

SR: I make time to hit the gym, explore local food spots with my team, and meet people at the shows. Those little routines and experiences make each city feel personal and keep the travel from feeling too repetitive.

AM: What upcoming projects do you have that you would like to share with us?

SR: I have more singles coming this year and a few exciting collaborations in the works. I’m also building out my live shows to make them even more of an experience.

AM: How do you take time for yourself as you have a lot going on as an entrepreneur, DJ, etc.?

SR: I carve out small daily routines that keep me balanced, morning workouts, staying active, and making time to unplug from my phone. Even when life is busy, those little moments to reset are important.

IG @sommerray

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sommer Ray

Read the AUG ISSUE #116 of Athleisure Mag and see THAT IT VIBE | Sommer Ray in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | FORZA PILATES

In the Winter of 2023, Sydney Dumler launched Forza Pilates as a high-end space where design, wellness, fashion, and community can coexist beautifully. With her background of being a group fitness instructor for 9 years as well as working with a number of wellness and fashion brands, she wanted a fitness space that was elevated, warm, and welcoming.

The studio features soft wood floors, ornate brass mirrors, and fresh branches from the local flower shop—every detail feels artfully curated. When you walk in, you’re greeted by their custom candle scent and clean linens, a personalized Reformer setup, and a sense that someone has anticipated your comfort even before you arrive.

Reformer Pilates strengthens the body in a way that’s smart and sustainable. It builds core stability, improves posture, and supports mobility—all while being gentle on the joints. Beyond the physical benefits, it trains your mind to move with intention, which translates into every part of your life.

If you are new to this method, it's worth noting that it is a full-body experience. It's about precision over pace - pilates is not about going fast, it's moving with control. Your exercise can be modified or advanced whether it's adjusting spring tension, grounding a hand or knee for support, or limiting your range of motion to protect from a previous injury.

There are 4 classes offered at their dio. Their signature Forte class offers a contemporary, intermediate-level flow designed for clients who love creative sequencing and fresh challenges. Foundations leans into classical principles, focusing on precision and control—proof that slowing down can be just as (if not more) demanding. Aria brings the energy with a cardio-infused workout set to an upbeat playlist, making it the perfect excuse to move, sweat, and have fun. Finally, Recovery is their foam rolling and mobility session—the ultimate “hurts so good” release your body craves after a week of classes.

There are a number of amenities that include a warm and attentive staff, a curated retail selection, and in the bathrooms they have Aesop and Oak Essentials. In many ways, the atmosphere of the space feels more like a boutique hotel versus a traditional gym.

For Soho House members in Nashville, they can enjoy Forza Atelier there. They offer the Forza Method in an intimate setting. With just 6 Reformers, clients enjoy a highly personalized experience—where it’s not unusual to move alongside Nashville’s creative talent, including some of the artists on your own playlist. The Atelier also features a curated retail space, their creative extension that brings the Forza lifestyle beyond the studio.

FORZA PILATES

724 Merritt Ave #103

Bashville, TN 37203

forza-pilates.com

IG @forzapilates

PHOTO CREDITS | Alyssa Rosenheck

Read the JUL ISSUE #115 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Forza Pilates in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | OLADA YOGA

When we're traveling, we enjoy dropping into a class and if you happen to be in the beach town of Carpinteria, CA, we suggest Olada Yoga at Linden Square, which opened this month. Casey Glassman earned a BS from Cornell University and a Master's Degree and is a licensed mental health therapist. Through her work, she found the impact that yoga has as a means for balance and well-being in a demanding profession. She saw the connection between mental health and yoga and became a certified yoga teacher and completed her 500-hour training under Meghan Currie in Bali. She trained in mat and reformer Pilates at the Pilates Sports Center in LA.

She created Olada Yoga where Ola is Hawaiian for life, health, vitality, and wellness Lada is the Baltic goddess of love, beauty, and harmony. Olada revolves around mindfulness, connection and holistic well-being. They emphasise the importance of fostering a deep connection between the mind, body and spirit through the practice of yoga and Pilates.

The studio space is one that evokes calm, serenity, warmth, and inspiration. It is an airy, inviting space, where natural light pours in. You can look forward to an experience that looks and feels more like a luxury wellness spa or home, than a fitness studio.

You can enjoy taking Reformer Pilates and yoga in 2 spaces that are separated by a movable wall that can be opened to creaye a large space for immersive wellness workshops and events. One studio is fully equipped with Allegro 2 Reformers by Balanced Body, supporting dynamic, athletic-style Pilates classes. The adjacent studio hosts a variety of yoga styles, including vinyasa, power, and sculpt, providing something for every level and preference.

There is also a beautifully curated retail space that reflects its holistic approach to wellness. Guests can shop a selection of curated stylish activewear, and premium skincare products.

OLADA YOGA

5010 7th St,

Carpinteria, CA 9301

oladalife.com

IG @oladalife

PHOTO CREDITS | Olada Life

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Olada Yoga in mag.

THE 9LIST

Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.

STARCHAT WITH ZURI HALL

We've all enjoyed a number of our favorite shows that recently wrapped from their fall premiers and we're now in the Summer portion of the season with an array of shows to watch. One of those shows is NBC's America Ninja Warriors which will kick off S17 on Jun 2nd at 8pm ET. Hosted by Zuri Hall, we wanted to catch up with her to talk about her career as a journalist and host. You can see her on the network's daily celebrity show Access Hollywood, E! Live From the Red Carpet as well as Miss USA and Miss Universe competition shows. We wanted to talk with her about her work, Awards Season, and how she navigates the balance between a career and mental health.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It is so great to chat with you again as we spoke a few years ago.

ZURI HALL: Oh I remember you!

AM: Great – well I love that we’re fellow Midwest girls, attended Big Ten universities -

ZH: Big Ten all day baby – let’s go!

AM: Exactly! It’s so phenomenal to see how you continue to navigate through your career and I always love your IG feed as the outfits are always on point. What you wore recently to the Met Gala, Bishme is a genius and we had the pleasure of attending his NYFW show a few seasons back – your look was truly a moment.

ZH: He’s so good, right? He is always the sweetest soul too. He is so humble but his talent!

AM: It’s next level without question and of course, you killed it again which is never a question.

ZH: I mean, he did take it to the next level!

AM: Without a doubt, but then there is also the Zuri factor – you know how to wear a look!

ZH: Thank you!

AM: I’m glad we’re able to connect again and to talk about all the things that you have going on.

ZH: Thank you and I’m glad we get to chat again.

AM: When you look back at your career and all of the things that you have been able to do at this point, did you think that you would be in this space that you are in right now?

ZH: Honestly, yeah – it was always kind of the vision! I mean, I know that some people are always tempted to demure and say that they don’t know how they got where they are. But I kind of meticulously planned and worked towards getting here since I was a kid. Honestly, I always knew that I wanted to be in Hollywood and in entertainment and I knew that at the age of 6 or 7. In Junior High, that is when I aggressively pursued it. Every choice that I made outside of academics was to kind of lay down the foundation for the future career. All the activities I chose from theater workshops, trying to get a commercial agent from Toledo, Ohio – so this was always the plan. But I think that this is what leaves me also humbled and in awe of what God can do. Because for better or for worse and with all of the ups and downs, being this little girl from Toledo to make it to where I am and to live this life that I have always dreamed of against all odds, I am very very blessed.

AM: I enjoy Access Hollywood and watching it when I’m traveling or prepping for a project. What do you enjoy about being part of this show?

ZH: Ooo Access Hollywood what I can say that I love and appreciate most is that they are family now! I love my co-hosts, I love our team, our Executive Producer Mike is incredible, and there is a team of Supervising Producers. Everyone is just on board with the vision and we all work together not to just make the show work, but to support one another in each person’s personal endeavors and our personal ventures, as well as professionally. It feels like an environment where everyone wants to see everyone win. It feels good to wake up every day and to go to work and I know that everyone doesn’t always get that lucky and I haven’t always worked in places where I could say that. That’s a big blessing and I take a lot of pride in the fact that we center around celebrity news and entertainment news, but we very much so pride ourselves on being seen as friends to people that we speak to – so it’s very welcoming and warm – a safe space.

AM: That’s what I love about it!

ZH: That’s what I love about it too! I couldn’t do it otherwise.

AM: What is your process in terms of preparing for interviews like this? How do you make sure that you are getting out those conversations that you are looking to achieve?

ZH: You know when I am going in to do interviews like this, we have incredible producers that do research on the front end. I’m talking about that we have so many people on any given week and it’s a lot to keep up with. Our producers, they cover us. They give us the help that we need to have.

What I most pride myself on is really prioritizing thoughtful questions and thoughtful conversations. I want people to feel safe in talking with me. I said this on a podcast recently with a dear friend of mine who has a podcast called Why Not Me with Mike Jackson from Get Lifted Productions. I was saying that I have always prided myself on not being a gotcha journalist and after 10 years in Hollywood – 10 years at NBC Universal, I’ve started to feel the dividends. I have a rapport with all of these incredible actors and musicians. They know me and they see me. They come and they want to talk because they know it's a safe place where they will be able to say what they need to say and they can trust that it won’t be taken out of context. They are comfortable and funny enough, they may even share more because they are comfortable to share. Joining Live from E! as the Red Carpet host, from my first season ever, one of the biggest things has been the way that I have asked the question around fashion. Everyone has said, “oh, we notice that you ask how do you feel in this look or how are you feeling in this look,“ and I think that that just speaks to my approach. I think fashion can be feelings and it can be hard to get in touch with my feelings over the years, so I try to bring that to my interviews. That is what I try to bring in – the emotions, the heart, and I hope that whoever is speaking with me that they feel the connection with me and I trust that it will allow the viewer to connect with them so much more. I just look at myself as hopefully a safe platform or vessel as a way for them to be able to share their message or their story.

AM: I mean watching you there is always warmth and authenticity, and a genuine curiosity to your style as a journalist. Regardless of whether you’re on the red carpet doing an interview, or being on Access Hollywood, and then you have American Ninja Warrior which I love that show! It’s back for another season – how did you get attached to it and what was it about this show that you wanted to take this on within your portfolio?

ZH: I can’t believe – you know I’m getting up there when I have to say, what year is this for me on this show? We had the regular seasons and then we had the COVID years and so it throws it off because we batched 2 seasons. There was a lot going on then, okay?

AM: You made it work!

ZH: Right? I will never forget my first season, my rookie year I was over at E! News. I think that I had just turned 30 and it was a new chapter in my life. This was the biggest show that I had ever gotten to this point. When I got the call that I got the position, I knew that my life was going to change and I don’t say that to be dramatic – I just felt it and it absolutely has. The reason that I was most excited to sign on to American Ninja Warrior, the show is just fun, it’s awesome, it’s big, and it’s buzzy. These athletes are incredible with what they do and I have always watched in awe. So to now realize that I was going to be part of it, it was just really humbling and exciting. Then, when I got into the show, I fell in love with the community of ninjas so quickly and I really prioritized building friendship with them on the sidelines even when the cameras were not rolling. Interacting with them on social and on IG all year around and not just when we are filming. We built that trust with one another so quickly. The biggest compliment that any one of the ninjas can give me is when they get to the sideline and they say, “Oh my gosh, I have been dreaming of getting to the sideline when I finally get to interview you,” because it just means that they finally got to run through the course. So for me to be part of the ninja experience and for them to be just a kid at one time and now they’re old enough to compete and finally they get to compete, and then they get what they say is their “Zuri interview” that really means something to me. I’m usually the first person that they talk to after they hit a buzzer and they’re excited or go down early or their run ends in a way that they hadn’t hoped for and they’re devastated. Sometimes, there are a lot of tears. I take a lot of pride and responsibility in being able to show up for them emotionally or in whatever way they need – whether it’s a hug or a, “I hope I see you next year” so they have that encouragement and don’t quit or give up. Sometimes it’s let bring the family in ASAP because you need your mama right now. I just take pride in being that emotional support on the sideline for the ninjas. That’s my favorite part.

AM: It’s crazy because we had Jessie Graff as a cover a few years back for our AUG ISSUE #20 in 2017 and to have her styled in couture gowns and doing stunts – it’s not something that I will forget for a very long time. I mean what is life and that’s why I love this show as she was doing things I could never do, but you can see the training, athleticism, art, creativity, and pride!

ZH: Yeah! That’s incredible! I love Jessie. She’s the OG for real – for real!

AM: Exactly!

ZH: What’s so cool about the show is how it is a springboard for people’s careers! People have Ninja Gyms across the country. Jessie is in Hollywood doing all of these incredible stunts and stunt work on Wonder Woman and other big blockbuster films! Ninja really does launch people into the next chapter of their careers.

AM: It truly is special!

What can we expect from this season?

ZH: This season is S17! It’s super special because it’s premiering on my birthday! So if you want to celebrate with me, you guys need to tune in on Mon Jun 2nd on 8pm Eastern on NBC of course and you can see it the next day streaming on Peacock. I think that the biggest thing that I am excited about for this year, it’s all taking place in Vegas. Normally, you would see us in different cities across the country which is really special. But for the first time ever, we’re doing qualifiers, semi-finals and national finals all in Vegas which I

think is really interesting too because it allowed for the Ninjas to have this adult summer camp! We all descended upon Las Vegas to create this magic in this chunk of time. For all of the Ninjas, the production team, us as the hosts – we were all there together for all of that. It was really fun and beautiful and allowed us to buid this sort of momentum and spirit. We didn’t have this starting/stopping and new city cycle as in previous seasons. So that was really cool and also, the finals are nuts! We’re doing the side-by-side races and the head-to-head races and there is a new bracket style tournament for this season as well. That’s what’s going to determine the Ninja Warrior Champion right? So I think that the bracket style is really kind of like raising the stakes. It’s feeling very – Ninja Warrior is a sport and as each season progresses, you can see it coming together in a way that you could see where this has come to head to the 2028 Summer Games [Editor’s Note: For LA28, a Ninja Warrior-style obstacle course will be part of the Summer Games making their debut in the Modern Pentathlon portion of the program]. It’s true athleticism and it’s going to be fun to watch. It’s going to be a different viewing experience then what fans have seen before. The stakes are crazy high and to think that some of our Ninjas could be winning gold medals someday because of the Olympics play, it’s bigger than ever!

AM: That is amazing and then once again, you have such a medley of things that you do. I have enjoyed seeing you at the pageants as a host. That is such an amazing world and I started to know more about it when I had the opportunity to style Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin as well as Miss Ecuador Universe 2018 Virginia Limongis for projects. Seeing you on that platform was yet another level. What do you like about being involved in those shows?

ZH: That is such a great question! What do I love about being part of those shows? I love the pageantry, the poise, I love glam of it all. I love a little glam moment. I am so night and day as the Gemini that I am. What’s great, is that I can only fully appreciate hosting a show like Miss Universe of Miss USA because I get to pull up in my sneakers and my jeans and host a show like America Ninja Warrior. I need both. Because I very much so live in sneakers and jeans, but in that 15%, I’m going to give you glam ok?

Miss USA and Miss Universe has been a great opportunity for me to be able to do that! The women are just so brilliant and just so beautiful – the least beautiful thing about them is how they look which is saying a lot because those women are stunning. They are so smart, they have incredible human interests, from philanthropy, to non-profit causes, to raising awareness on Mental Health or children living in poverty. I am just so inspired by them and that competition is not easy – those competitions are a grind! I have so much respect for the pageant world and that is something that I have come to after hosting this show. I didn’t grow up in pageants and now I have such an appreciation and respect for it. So it’s really fun and it’s really fun to play dress up on a superficial level too! It’s just wearing those gowns, those sequins, more, is more and nothing is too much in a space like that. It’s a lot of fun.

AM: When you’re doing the red carpets, we just came off of Awards Season, it’s a big run and this year it was compounded with the LA fires – I can’t even imagine the navigation around that. How do you approach that hectic time of the year?

ZH: Ooo Awards Season! I approach Awards Season with a lot of intention and a lot of calm before the storm. I intentionally carve out a lot of calm leading up to Awards Season because I know after the clock hits midnight, it’s a New Year and we’re hitting the ground running with the Golden Globes and it’s not going to stop running until after the Academy Awards. That is 3 months of grind for me.

This year as I mentioned, stepping into this new position – in the main position for Live from the Red Carpet on E! and the carpet specials, I took it all the more seriously! I have always taken it seriously. It’s really about the holidays for me being about rest, it’s research, I’m celebrating Christmas, I’m celebrating New Years Eve, but I have a research packet as thick as a Bible with all of the films, the nominees, the categories, the storylines we’re following throughout the season and doing that research ahead of time allows me to step into the New Year locked and loaded - I'm ready. I make time for meditation and prayer every show day, all week long, all Awards Season. It’s important for me to have those moments so that I can recharge and I can fill my cup because you give a lot on those show days. You’re live sometimes 3 hours – 3 and a half hours straight! It’s non-stop so just taking care of my mental, spiritual, and physical health before the in between time is how I get through a season like that!

AM: Oh wow! Well you always do it so well as you always look great on the carpet and the questions and engagement that you have makes those conversations enjoyable to watch.

ZH: Thank you – I’m trying!

AM: Going back to Met Gala, I loved your outfit, Bishme is always taking it to the next level and what he created for you was something to see. What was that process like in terms of getting dressed? Were you working weeks or months in advance?

ZH: No! You know what was so crazy? He is so talented that we met probably a couple of weeks out from Met Gala.

AM: Oh wow!

ZH: Yes for the first time. I’m so busy, he is so busy, everyone just has so many things going on. I couldn’t even mentally pivot to Met Gala until the last thing was done. If Grammys is coming up, I’m like, don’t ask me about the Oscars until after I get through Grammys. Don’t ask me about Grammys until after I get through Globes. I literally have to take it a step at a time or I would go crazy.

AM: Oh yeah!

ZH: So Met Gala, I couldn’t think about mentally from a fashion perspective until probably Aprilish because I had to get through Oscars and I had a few things going on in the office. So I meet with him and he shows me these sketches and pulls out these fabric swatches and I am immediately blown away. He is crazy talented. We landed on a sketch that felt right. For me, I just can’t think about the fashion statement which I absolutely want to make, but it also has to be practical because I’m working. I’m not just going in hanging around and partying. I have to stand on a red carpet in a really tight space for up to 4 hours. For the Met Gala, I was in that dress and in those heels standing for the most part for 6 hours. We have to get there so early before the gridlock so it has to be practical and it also has to be fashionable because I love a moment.

It was kind of funny because Bishme, we had our first fitting a week and a half out. Then it was probably 2 or 3 days ahead of the Met Gala that we had a fitting and he literally brought some fabric and I was like, “ok, let’s see how this goes.” He made a dress out of thin air with a piece of fabric – I think it is called muslin.

By the end of that 15-20 mins fitting, I was low key wearing a dress. Him and my stylist were laughing because he is used to that Project Runway life. He was not stressed and we were like, Met Gala is in 2 days” and he was like, “I got this. Say less.” We had that final fitting and he finished the gown within 3 or 4 days. It was a perfect fit. It was better than anything ever and people loved it.

It was a total hit. He works so well under pressure. It was a super fast process and extremely efficient and only someone as talented as him could pull something off like that. I was just grateful to wear his design because he had great vision.

AM: This year's theme was amazing. What were 3 looks that you enjoyed seeing on the carpet?

ZH: The theme was incredible Super Fine Tailoring Black Style and I loved that it was a celebration of Black Dandyism because I am really big on joy and I think that the Met Gala night really exemplified that. My 3 favorite looks – I loved Diana Ross’ (The Wiz, Mahogany, Lady Sings the Blues) entrance. To be there watching that happen and for her making us remember what it is like to have one of those divas in the best way possible entrance – it was like yesss – you are giving the people what they need right now!

Her look was incredible and I loved her daughter’s look – Tracee Ellis Ross (Girlfriends, Black-ish, American Fiction). She is such a style maven and she gets it from her momma.

AM: Yup.

ZH: I love that she raids her mom’s closet and she calls it shopping. Tracee’s look was fun.

Zendaya (Euphoria, Dune franchise, Challengers) always gets it right. I loved the tailored suit and sort of the minimalist silhouette with that beautiful gorgeous fedora – that hat that she wore.

The fellas brought it too – A$AP Rocky as a Co-Chair was incredible and he has always had such awesome style and of course with Rihanna to pull up and with the baby bump as the final arrival on the Met Gala Red Carpet! She said that A$AP brought the umbrellas and she brought the +1 – the baby to the party. She looked great!

I loved Ciara, her in LaQuan Smith looked gorgeous. Her and Russell Wilson being able to walk this Red Carpet for the first time ever because he’s usually occupied at that time. So to see them walk that for the first time together was special especially since he is playing for the Giants now. There were so many really fun looks that was enjoyable to see.

AM: With all the worlds that you’re involved in – how do you make sure that you don’t have burnout? We love what we do, we’re immersed in what we do, but I mean – you need a breath. How do you get that balance?

ZH: For me, it’s something that we have heard before, but I have only recently appreciated it in the last few years in what it means and taking it to heart. My no’s are just as important if not more important than my yeses. I used to say yes to everything. You kind of have to have that chapter of grinding it out and saying yes to everything as you never know what opportunity is going to open that next door. But then you get to a point in your life hopefully where you look up and say, there is a lot going on and I need to get more intentional with my yeses. If I can’t show up with a full cup at max capacity for the things that I have said yes to, do I want to show up? I want to show up fully and I deserve to experience this thing fully and also the people who have asked me to be part of it, they deserve the best of me if I say yes. So it is less yeses but they are hell yeses! So, the ones I am really excited about that I can show up for fully means that there were no’s that had to be said. I have to be ok with potentially disappointing some one who would have hoped that I could do a thing. But I can say next time – it’s not no forever it’s just I can’t right now and I am honoring where I am at my max capacity bucket.

I think carving out slow moments is really important on the day-to-day. I like counting down to a vacation. I have been counting down by the way to a non existent vacation in my head since Jan 1st! There is no trip booked, no flights, but I’m like, “I can’t wait to get to that beach,” and my dog is looking at me like what beach?

AM: You mean beach at home haha!

ZH: Haha – the living room, basement – what are we talking about?

But, having those slow moments to look forward to on any even given day – even if I have a 20mins coffee break that I carved out for myself with my favorite Lavender Latte at 3 o’clock. That is a slow moment. It’s a gift to myself. A massage that I booked for myself after a long day. That’s a moment and that’s a gift to myself. I think it is important to give ourselves small little gifts so that we have earned small wins. It doesn’t have to be a big thing or a long weekend away. It can be 10mins to yourself with the lights off and if you have kids, your spouse is like – I got them. I will take them upstairs and lock them away for 15mins. You just sit in the dark if that is what you need.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be? You have done so much and such a beacon for people. I think about when I was growing up, I didn’t have a lot of people I could think of except for Oprah – there weren’t other people like that out there. But we live in a time where those coming up have Zuri’s and others that they can look towards.

ZH: Wow, oh man. Well first of all, thank you for saying that. To hear, we have the Zuri’s is kind of a moment. I haven’t been able to wrap my mind around fully – you kind of left me speechless with that one. That means a lot just because, what do I want my legacy to be? I want for people to feel good and I want people to be unapologetic about prioritizing feeling good. I want people to feel good at work, I want people to feel good in their home and personal lives. I think why I bring that into the legacy conversation is because I work really hard and for a long time, all I did was work. My career was everything and to be quite frank, that wasn’t healthy. I realized I needed to build up the other pillars of my life because if 1 pillar shook and it was the career and that’s the only pillar – my world was shaking, my home was shaking – there was no foundation. A part of my legacy is that I want other people to say when I watched her I felt inspired and I felt entertained. I also felt that I was given permission or really encouragement to feel good in my life to take time and to prioritize myself. Even if it is just because they see me having the career that I have and then seeing me have the kinds of conversations that I have around mental health and spiritual wellness and how important it is to make rest, to avoid burnout it’s important. Seeing me crush it in my career maybe that is what someone came to see, but then realizing how I am doing it – I very much so want to make sure that that is part of my legacy.

If I can inspire even one little girl, little boy or one kid – who looks at me and sees a trajectory that they would like to follow, that is really special. I have a mom who DM’d me a couple of months ago and I have had moms reach out to me in the last few years. She let me know that she named her daughter after me. I thought it was incredible and it was so nice to hear. But then I was like, “how old is your daughter?” She’s like 6 and I’m like, “dang, I haven’t been around that long!” I’m old now! How do I have a 6 year old Zuri running around? It’s special and at the end of the day, I hope that my legacy and the biggest part of it is that people can look and see that I really enjoyed this life that I lived and that I rode it until the wheels fell off. She wasn’t just having a career that was incredible, but I get the sneaking suspicion that she really enjoyed it fully!

IG @zurihall

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 76 - 79 Matt Sayles | PG 80 IG/Zuri Hall |

Read the MAY ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see STARCHAT WITH Zuri Hall in mag.