SPRING'S EMBRACE

And just like that March arrived, which means we can seriously think about transitioning into Spring and eventually changing over our closets to the next season! This month's cover editorial includes two Wilhelmina models Theresa and Mietta who showcase some of the things that we truly enjoy about spring as well as trends that you can expect to see as we continue through this time of year. Our photoshoot took place in the Financial District and also includes how one can get around town with the new 2019 sporty midsize SUV crossover by Chevrolet's Blazer which keeps you connected due to their OnStar service, enjoying SiriusXM channels which makes commuting, shopping, errands and roadtrips as well as being equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and built in Wifi.

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's March cover story was shot by Paul Farkas, using Canon Mark IV; and selected Canon lenses: EF 50 f/1.2 L, EF 24-70f /2.8 L II, and EF 70-200 f/2.8 L II.

IG @PVFARKAS

BEAUTY CREDITS

To create the makeup looks for the March 2019 cover shoot, MAKEUP ARTIST Jessica Bonilla used the following products:

THERESA'S FITNESS LOOK

// FOUNDATION | BECCA Skin Love in the color Driftwood | Maybelline Concealer in the shade Sand Sable | Cinema Secrets Pro 300 Series for Cream Contour | Hourglass Veil Setting Powder | BH Cosmetics Blush and Contour | Dose of Colors Highlight in the Color Mirame |

// EYES | Morphe 3b Palette in the colors Kinda Natural and Deep Hue Brown eye liner | Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara |

// LIPS | Fenty Beauty Universal Gloss Bomb |

THERESA'S SWIM LOOK

// FOUNDATION + LIPS | Same as Theresa's Fitness Look |

// EYES | Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette-Ring the Alarm using colors Loli in the inner corners and Bomb Ass all over the lid |

THERESA'S OUT + ABOUT LOOK

// FOUNDATION + LIPS | Same as Fitness + Swim Look |

// EYES | We went back to a neutral tone on the eyes using the Morphe 3b Palette again in the color Kinda Natural and Deep Hue | Inglot Eyeliner | Ardell Lashes Wispies |

THERESA'S EVENINGWEAR LOOK

// FOUNDATION + EYE | Same as Out + About Look |

// LIPS | Fenty Beauty in the shade Universal Red |

MIETTA'S FITNESS LOOK

// FOUNDATION | BECCA Skin Love in the shade Cashmere | Cinema Secrets Pro 500B Palette Concealer and Contour | Hourglass Veil Setting Powder | Tatcha Dewy Mist for a glow | BH Cosmetics Blush and Contour | MAC Cosmetics Skin Mineralizer for highlight |

// EYES | KKW Beauty in the shade Albanian and Armenian | Inglot Eyeliner | Ardell Lashes Wispie |

// LIPS | NYX Nude Suede Shoes Liner | J Lo X Inglot Lipstick shade in Dolce |

MIETTA’S SWIM LOOK

// FOUNDATION + LIPS | Same as Mietta's Fitness Look |

// EYES | Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Ring the Alarm in the shade On Camera and Boom all over the lid | Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Ring the Alarm in Alert on the lower lash line |

MIETTA'S OUT + ABOUT LOOK

// FOUNDATION | Same as Mietta's Swim Look |

// EYES | Switched the eyes using the same Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Ring the Alarm in the shade Rush all over the lid and lower lash line | Added a second pair of Ardell Lashes Wispie for extra fluff |

// LIPS | Fenty Beauty Universal Gloss Bomb |

MIETTA'S EVENINGWEAR LOOK

// FOUNDATION | Same as Mietta's Out + About Look |

// EYES | Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Bling Boss in the shade Bling Bling for the inner corner | Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Hush Hush all over the lid | Morphe X Jaclyn Hill Palette Gluts and Glam over top | Inglot Eyeliner |

// LIPS | MAC Cosmetics X Aaliyah Collection Lipgloss in the shade Lili’a Motor City |

// BODY GLOW | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist used on both models |

IG @Laniidoa_Cosmetics

To create the makeup looks for the Mar 2019 cover shoot, HAIRSTYLIST Lea DeLoy used soon to be launched by Lea DeLoy and Styling Company:

Lea started each look with blow drying in Enlightenment medium hold mousse heat protectant and style memory. For the down styles sprayed in for heat protection and long lasting curls. Wrapped each section of hair in the same direction, on the inside of the curling iron, to create a wavy beachy and romantic texture.

Lea used Sunday Ritual Texture Spray to give volume and an undone, voluminous, texture. It simplified the 1/2 half up half down looks, as well as making up-styling easier. Sunday Ritual Texture Spray also added another layer of heat protectant for heat styling, and anti humidity to ensure frizz free all day.

She also added a glow and extra shine on each style with Moonlight Oil, Shine serum to add a glow to each final look. It adds super soft and weightless shine to each look.

Lea finished with Retrograde flexible hold spray for moveable texture hold.

IG @HairByLeaDeLoy

FASHION CREDITS

MIETTA'S FITNESS STYLE | OUT OF ORDER Illuminate Sport Bra | BEYOND YOGA Leggings | TRETORN Lexie3 Sneakers | KATE YOUNG FOR TURA Donna Sunglasses | CRISPY GREEN Freeze Dried All Pear Slices // THERESA'S FITNESS STYLE | PHAT BUDDHA WEAR Penn St Blueprint Sports Bra | GOLDSHEEP Neon Palm Leggings | UMBRO Runner M Sneakers | VINCE CAMUTO Sunglasses | GOLD TOE Socks |

MIETTA'S SWIM STYLE | OVID COLLECTIVE Funky Pineapple Print + Jungle Print Bikini Set | LOVE BINETTI Black Surger Girl Kaftan | STELLA + RUBY Calypso Earrings in Turquoise // THERESA'S SWIM STYLE | MEI L'ANGE Eve Bow Tie One Piece Swimsuit | OLIVIA VON HALLE Mimi Venus Short Length Kimono Robe | STELLA + RUBY Wilting Rose Earrings | LAGOS 18K KSL Dia 2 Finger 6 Pyramid Open Statement Ring |

MIETTA'S OUT + ABOUT STYLE | ROBERT GRAHAM Gabriella Beach Print Silk Shirt | MAVI JEANS White Denim | KELLY WYNNE 3-in-1 Belt Bag | QUPID Shoes | VINCE CAMUTO Aviator Sunglasses | LAGOS Maya Turquoise inlay 3 Circle Pendant on 2.5 MM, 18K Caviar, Icon Turquoise 6MM with Caviar Ball Stretch Bracelet and Caviar Icon Turquoise Beaded Bangle Bracelet | SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Touch Hand Cream | INNISFREE Lip Sleeping Mask // THERESA'S OUT + ABOUT STYLE | JUICY COUTURE Queen Bee Dragonflies Jacquard Jacket + Shorts | LAGOS 18K Caviar Color Amethyst Gemstone Ring | VINCE CAMUTO Acha Heels | DAGNE DOVER Essentials Clutch Wallet in Sunbeam | STELLA + RUBY Heart Drop Earrings |

MIETTA'S EVENINGWEAR STYLE | IMMACULADA GARCIA Gown | BE THE GOOD Good Necklace | NINA JEWELRY Earrings | LAGOS 18K Torsade Wide 23MM Rope Bracelet // THERESA'S EVENINGWEAR STYLE | HERNAN ZAJAR/GROUP 868 Macrame Gown | LAGOS Maya Drop Earrings in Turquoise |

IG @Shes.Kimmie

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Spring’s Embrace in mag.

ALL IN TOGETHER NOW

This month's cover story features Jonathan Jones, Brandon King and Obi Melifonwu of the Super Bowl LIII Winning Champions New England Patriots. The road to success is one that is truly a journey that isn't a straight line. In our interview we hear how these teammates fell in love with the game, made their way to the Patriots and how they get ready for their games every week! In addition, we also had the opportunity to talk with their Sports Agent, Sean Stellato of SES Sports, whose own life has been infused with sports as an athlete who then made the Jerry McGuire transition to being on the other side of the ball. The relationship between players and the agent is essential to their success.

Our shoot took place in Tribeca at the Serafina Tribeca, which is one of our favorite places for Italian comfort food. When it comes to hospitality and having the right vibe for a celebration, the General Manager, Christian Ferrara makes everyone feel at home while educating them on his cuisine and culture.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to play professional football and what was your journey to get to the New England Patriots?

JONATHAN JONES: I grew up loving watching the games as young as when I was 3 or 4 years old. I played high school football in Georgia and high school football in Georgia is just big! I went to Auburn, we won a National Championship. Leaving Auburn, I was a free agent and I chose to come to New England and it was probably the best decision of my life honestly as I have had the chance to go to 3 straight Super Bowls. It’s been a great journey as far as the NFL goes! But for my entire journey to come from where I come from to make it to the Patriots, it’s been a blessing!

AM: Tell us about the position you play and who do you work with closely on that portion of the team?

JJ: I play defensive back cornerback and mostly we work with the safeties and sometimes the linebackers.

AM: During the season what is your week like in terms of practicing to get to Sunday’s game?

JJ: After a game on Sunday, you come in on Monday and first thing you want to handle and collect everything from the previous game. You then want to start working on your body. Tuesday is a day of recovery for your body getting a massage, getting treatments for pains that took place from the last game. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday is all about training and practice. Saturday, it just depends on whether it is a home or an away game. But, it’s a full week and Tuesday isn’t like a day off, but more like a day to get ready.

AM: What are 3 songs that are on your playlist that get you ready for whatever game you’re playing?

JJ: It’s always a classic with me with Young Jeezy – it doesn’t even matter what song it is! Right now I have Little Baby on my playlist and I’m from Georgia so any of the Georgian rappers that are out right now – they’re there too!

AM: What does it feel like to be a 2 X Super Bowl Winning Champ?

JJ: It feels great to win Super Bowl LI and LIII. To get there every time is always the goal. I’ve been there 3 years in a row and to win 2 of them is amazing. A lot of people never even get there so for me to be there 3 times and to have won 2 is great! Every year you get there, you have to refocus and remember what you did last time to get there and how great you were at that time to win.

AM: What is it like in the off season as you prepare for the regular season?

JJ: The first thing is to get your mind and body right. You have to take the time during the off season. You want to make sure that you spend time for yourself, with your friends and family. But then it’s like you’re right back to when it’s time to go back and you also want to make sure that you stay in shape as well. It’s a quick turnaround and you have to be ready.

AM: What are your goals for the upcoming season?

JJ: My goal is to develop my game and become more of a leader within the team and to definitely work on my game with me being a young player. I want to continue to improve.

AM: How do you define your personal style? What do you wear when you’re going out for fun or when it’s a special night out.

JJ: My personal style is always about being casual with nice jewelry. I’m a laid back person. When it’s about going out, you can never go wrong with a nice shirt and jeans with nice shoes. It’s always an easy fix.

AM: Now that you’re able to relax what are 3 shows that you’ll binge on Netflix?

JJ: Oooo 3 Daredevil, The Punisher and Iron Fist.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was your journey to get to the New England Patriots?

BRANDON KING: I went to Thompson High School in Alabama that was home for me. It was a pretty small town and in my senior year there, we got a movie theater and a Walmart which was pretty big for our town. Now, my high school is the biggest high school in the state which just goes to show how much it has grown! When I was there it was much smaller. During my junior year, coaches started coming in and recruiting and I talked to a lot of teams, but ended up falling short in my senior year by .03 to meet NCAA requirements.

A lot of people in my family were so happy that they thought I would be going to a Division I school on scholarship. So when I didn’t, a lot of people just put me on the back burner and a lot of people stopped talking to me because they felt that I was just going to be back at the house. But I knew what I wanted to do and I played for 2 years at Highland Community College in Kansas. At the time, I thought that I would be there for a year and then transfer to a Division I school, but that’s not how it turned out. I kept my head down to do what I needed to do so that I could continue to play football. I did well there and I got a lot of awards which I’m not big on as I believe the past is the past. You need to continue to work to do the things you need to do to be where you are. By staying there and doing the work, I got a scholarship to go to Auburn and transferred there. I played safety there and shortly after getting there, there was an injury to Justin Garrett the star linebacker which was a hybrid position between linebacker and safety so I changed to that position and I played that for most of my Junior year and then moved to linebacker. My senior year, I ended up breaking my thumb a week or two right before my first game of that year. I did everything that I could do to just stay at full speed. I treated everything with full respect, all of my teachers and anybody that could or would help me. I always had a smile on my face when I walked around as just having the opportunity to be there at Auburn was everything. Even in the worse times, you still have to smile. While at Auburn, I played linebacker, defensive end and safety. I was always ready for any opportunity and for people to see that I could do those positions being 225-226lbs was important and showed that I am versatile.

My senior year at Auburn, I was trying to do an internship while I was a full time student and trying to train for the NFL. I didn’t have an agent or anything like that because I didn’t have any money for that. When I was at Auburn, I played multiple positions, I was still under the radar for the most part. When I first got to Auburn, I just worked out with the strength coaches and I really appreciate them, because they prepared us very well in developing the athletes overall. I ended up just being there and working everyday and working in the schedule to actually be able to workout and I had to be productive and just go about a different way. I just came to work everyday and I don’t think it really matters, I have been in the league for 4 years and I still haven’t gone to a facility or trained with a specific individual. Being at Auburn and being with those coaches, they laid out what you had to and it wasn’t a big deal for me to get it done that way. After Pro Day came, I think I did pretty well and I walked up to the Canadian coaches and whoever was there and I wanted to shake everyone’s hands and to tell them thank you for coming by. We had all 32 NFL coaches there for our Pro Day I believe, to check out the talent. I tried to take the initiative to shake everyone’s hands that I could to show my appreciation. I did the same thing my last day at Auburn. Whether you were a positive influence or a negative influence, that’s what makes a person a person. Sometimes, people don’t realize that there is beauty in the pain and wherever you are in life, you can smile and do what you have got to do in life.

After that, I went back to work and I didn’t get any calls and then I got a call from one team with a contract. I just wanted to put my best foot forward and did everything I could do to play professionally – I didn’t want any regrets. That team called me and woke me up out of my sleep and I knew the dream was still alive and then a few days later, I got another call from another team and then I got a workout schedule from the Patriots and I never visited the Patriots or anything like that. I never went to check out the facility. I just had a workout set up at Samford University in Birmingham, AL and had an individual workout with him and it was the only thing I did. I got an opportunity to go out to other teams for my time to shine as a free agent. I wasn’t worried about the money it was finding the right opportunity – I chose the Patriots and I have been there ever since.

AM: Tell us about the position that you play and what portion of the team you work with closely?

BK: Right now I play linebacker. For the last 4 years, I have been a core special teams player. My position coach is Joe Judge – the special team’s coach. I work closely with Matt Slater, Nate Ebner – I work closely with those guys and just try to get all the ins and outs from those guys the best that I can. Those guys have been a part of a lot of Championship football. They have a lot that I feel that I can learn from. Maybe one day the goals that they have learned, I can reach back and help someone else too. They are great guys to be around, they put their pride to the side and put the team first. They don’t complain and they get it done. I have a lot of respect for them.

AM: During the regular season, what is your week like in terms of practicing and preparing for those Sunday games?

BK: I wake up at about 5:00/5:30/5:45am depending on whether I have an injury to tend to or not and it’s best to get working on that first thing in the morning. During the season I work, 12-13 hour days.

AM: What has playing in the Super Bowl been like for you?

BK: It’s been amazing. My first Super Bowl (LI), my head was kind of spinning with everything going on – I was going at like 100 miles a minute. This one, it was my 3rd one that I was a part of, and everything was a great experience, but I just wanted to get to the game. I knew how it felt to win a Super Bowl game and what it felt like to lose one. I knew what we came there for and it was nice to see my family and everything, as I don’t get to see my family a lot as they still work and I don’t get to see them that much. It was great to catch up with them, but at the end of the day, it’s a very long season and trying as you’re playing 34 games a year, as you have the preseason also and to play at that level. I wanted to do what we came there for and to put those distractions aside. You know what it’s like to watch the game when you’re younger and for me, it feels like the game gets too big and we all have different ways to approach it. Winning felt like weight coming off your shoulders. There are people that you bonded with in the beginning during training camp that don’t make it or you play with them half the season and something happens to them and they may not be on the team anymore. The new guys have to come in and fill in the voids fast, because no one is going to feel sorry for someone that doesn’t know what to do or not knowing the system. Everything counts and everyone needs to be on the same page to be successful. Playing with your team for awhile creates a sense of comfort. Winning and going through all that adversity is a lot – this season wasn’t perfect by any means! We knew that no one was going to be able to fix it but us. Our job is to get it done. It felt good to get it done and to be at 3 Superbowls in a row and to know what it is like to win and lose one and then to look at these guys I play with. I mean I have only been in the league for 4 years and I know my body doesn’t always feel too hot and to play with guys that have played 8/9/10/11/12 years, I have a lot of respect for them. It’s like ok, then let’s go! It’s a respect thing and everyone in that building comes to work every day and it’s hard for you to not do the same thing.

AM: So what do you do during the off season to prepare yourself for the next upcoming season?

BK: I take a week or 2 off as I feel that that is well deserved. The off season is really short. I feel like it’s only a month and a half off. By the time I get home it will be around Feb 28th and we have to report in April. I bought a home in Tennessee last year and I’m trying to get everything there and get the family settled in and then I have to see the family in Alabama.

AM: What are the goals for the next season?

BK: I’m not really big on setting goals because disappointment is one thing and I feel that you can get really deterred if you do set the goal. I take one day at a time. People will say that they want to do this or do that and then people will look at you and say, “hey you said you were going to do this and now look at you.” I’m the kind of person, that I just let things ride and happen the way that they happen. I will figure out the pieces of the puzzle to get to where I want, but hopefully, I will be able to put it together in the right way for the way that I want. I just want to be productive, dependable and that I am doing things in the right way.

AM: Since you are on the road so much, what are 3 items that you like to have with you that make you happy or comfortable?

BK: I try to keep a pair of headphones with me. Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I listen to music in the locker room, sometimes I don’t. When I travel, I like to have headphones because you can block things out. This year I have been bringing my tablet with me more because I can watch my movies on Netflix and take my mind off of things. You’ve been putting in the work during the week to know who you are going against so I want to relax when I travel to the game. When I get to the hotel, then I like to be able to pick that back up again to think about the game.

ATHLEISURE MAG: So when did you realize that you wanted to play football professionally and tell us your journey on how you came to the New England Patriots.

OBI MELIFONWU: At the age of 9. Well it’s a funny story. I came to Massachusetts as the age of 3 and when I was about, I want to say between the age of 6/7, I watched the Patriots win Super Bowl XXXVI. I realized then that I really loved football and then at the age of 8, I brought a Pop Warner sign up sheet to my mom and she ended up throwing it out and saying it was too dangerous. I was crushed that year and I methodically thought about how I could get her to sign the sheet. So the next year, the same thing happened, I brought the sheet and she didn’t sign it and then I brought another sheet for her to sign and she ended up realizing that I was serious about it and she signed it. I’ve been playing football ever since!

My journey to the Patriots was one that I least expected. I went to high school and I got one offer from UCONN. It’s the only offer I got and I went there and had a pretty good year. Then I got drafted by the Raiders in the second round. Then after I got drafted I felt like that I was finally here and I could prove myself and play football. Unfortunately, I had injuries that happened to me that slowed things down. That last year, I ended up getting injured in August and I got cut. I was devastated. But I understood that everything happened for a reason. Nothing good good comes without perseverance and I really believe that God gives the strongest battles to the strongest war riors. I took that perspective and I just worked and got as healthy as I could and I got picked up by the Patriots. It was ironic as that was the team that I grew up watching playing. It was the team that I wanted to be on since I was little.

AM: Tell us about the position that you play and who do you work closely with in that portion of the team.

OM: The position I play is safety and that position is on defense. It is basically the last line of defense – you stop Receivers, running backs, any skilled position from scoring as that last line of defense. If stuff breaks through the line of the linebackers, even sometimes the cornerbacks. The Safety is the one that kind of has to save the day. Getting to the NFL and getting to the Patriots, I started to work really closely with the defensivebacks on the Patriots like Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Duron Harmon and Coach Belichik. They really helped me to improve as a player.

AM: During the regular season. What is your week like in terms of practice, working out, watching the game tape – what are the typical things that you tend to do as you prep for that gameday?

OM: A typical week is like a lot of studying and a lot of watching the games on your own. Everyone has their own routine and things that they like to do to help them get ready for the game. I just like to go into work and try to really take notes, implement the gameplan for that practice and do that everyday. As the gameday gets closer, just kind of take a step back from the physical part just really try to focus on what I need to do for that day. I’m visualizing different things like certain calls for certain formations and certain situations. Just mentally preparing to be ready for that game and I feel like that’s a good mindset to have. There are 53 people on a team, but only 47 people get dressed. Some weeks you might be up and some weeks you might not be. Some times you may be activated and other times you may not be activated. It’s almost like you have to take that approach every week because you don’t know when you’re number is going to be called. If you’re not ready for your number to be called, then you’re going to miss out on that opportunity at that time.

AM: You’re in amazing shape – how long are you in the gym and what are some of the key workouts that you do? Do you have 3 that are your go to in particular no matter what?

OM: Yeah, it’s funny that you say that because in college, I really just ate anything I wanted. In terms of healthy, I mean I just did everything and ate anything. But when I got further along in my career, I started really trying to watch what I ate. Even until now, I still do my best to stay healthy because I understand it will help me in the long run with my longevity.

In terms of gym workouts, I do the typical three which I feel is the bread and butter of bench, squats and power cleans. Then there are other things like core and I’m always trying to work on a lot of stability stuff to help maintain the strength of my arms. I’m really trying to get into yoga. I’ve tried it a couple of times and we just don’t have the best relationship right now haha. It’s something that I am going to try to continue to do.

AM: You’ll probably like Hot Yoga or a Cardio based one, it may make you feel more aligned to it more.

OM: Yeah.

AM: So what are your go-to foods in terms of what you do to maintain your body and then what splurge food do you enjoy eating?

OM: My go-to vegetable is broccoli. I love it grilled, cooked, sautéed, whatever! My go-to meal for fuel is pasta and meat sauce. I’m the type of person that when I am performing or doing any type of physical activity, I have to eat before. I feel like that I can feel my body using that to fuel me throughout whatever workout or activity that I’m doing. So that’s my go-to meal.

Splurge I mean – everything under the sun that’s sweet! I try to cut down on dairy – icecream not too much but chocolate, cake, cookies – whatever sweet that you can think of I will most likely eat. That’s really my splurge or any fast food.

AM: On game day, how do you prepare – do you have a routine that you go through or is it more of a mindset?

OM: It depends on how I am feeling for that game. I feel that how I prep is the same, but on that day of the game, some days I will listen to Future or Meek Mill to get hype. Then other times I will listen to Jhene Aiko’s, ‘The Calm Before the Storm’ to get ready. For game day the night before, I try to do a lot of visualization for the game. I try to put myself in the position of the game so if it should happen that way, it’s not the first time that that happened. I try to keep a level head and not think too above or below the game. I try to understand mentally that things will happen throughout the game and that I shouldn’t get too overworked about it especially as a DB because the position I play and that CornerBacks and Safety’s play you might get beat on the play or give up a touch down or you might give up a big chunk and in the position that we play – we have to have short memories. We can’t let that one play affect the rest of the game. So those are just things that I do before and during the game.

AM: What was Super Bowl Sunday like for you and what has it been like since the game? Obviously, we shot your cover days after the big win and we’ve been watching your Instagram.

OM: The experience has been really great. Like being able to be in a Super Bowl and just being able to soak it in – it’s a blessing because so many people go through a whole season, 10 seasons, 16 seasons all the way to get to here and they don’t win a Super Bowl. As a player, you play the Super Bowl for many reasons. I feel like you play to make it to the Super Bowl, win the Super Bowl and then become a Hall of Famer. The fact that I got to experience that in my second year is something that I will not take for granted.

AM: You have great style – how would you define it? What do you wear when you’re just hanging out with friends or for a night out.

OM: With my friends, I just like to be comfortable. I wear a lot of joggers, a lot of sweats, nice comfy sandals, sweatshirts – I love sweatshirts like the one that I wore in the shoot, that’s the kind of things that I’m talking about.

When I go out, I’m a simple person. Obviously I like my figure and I like to take care of my body. I want to wear things that show that off whether I’m wearing slim fit shirts as well as slim fit and tapered jeans to show off my legs. Just something nice on my feet, whether they’re Yeezy’s, Timberland’s – any sneaker that looks neat and fit. My style is simple. I wear a lot of solid classic neutrals with a simple fit – nothing too extravagant.

AM: Now that you’re in the off season what are you thinking about and what goals are you setting to prepare for next year?

OM: My goals in terms of next season is that first, I have to get away from football. You work and you train for 8 months and then you have to go and take time to get away. I have really learned that in my time in the NFL. You have broken your body down to play and now you just need time to step back so that you can ease into it. I want to get my body right so that I can come correct in April. I can compete and everything I need to do but this year I am very focused on my body and mind being right emotionally and spiritually. This way I can perform at the level that I know I can and that I can show everybody else especially the Patriots organization that they didn’t make a mistake in picking me up and in giving me that chance.

AM: You’re based in Foxboro, where can we find you grabbing a meal, working out and shopping?

OM: Working out – I haven’t figured it out. I have a couple of places that I might try as I just got here. You can find me at the Patriots Place at Showcase Cinemas – I love the movies! I watch too many movies or playing video games or find me at the mall. Not even shopping, just walking around seeing things. I’m really observant and I like to see things.

I also wanted to say thank you for the interview and having us. I just want to thank everyone that helped me to get to this point and I don’t want to leave anybody out. To all the friends, coaches, everyone on this journey that has helped me out and you guys putting me in this magazine. I just want to say thank you!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed having you a part of our cover shoot and we know that prior to being a sports agent, you also had a career professionally in football. Can you tell us about your athletic career and then what took place that led you to becoming an agent and then eventually launching your firm?

SEAN STELLATO: What a great question. Well I was born and bred in Salem, Massachusetts. I played highschool football there and had a very successful career there. Actually, the spinoff from my book, No Backing Down, came from my Junior football season which had a very diverse underdog team, a legendary coach that I always call a first generation Bill Belichick. As the team was projected to not win a game they found themselves undefeated playing another undefeated team. A major teacher strike shut down the school system – we ended up playing in front of 12,000 people and I had my career game on National Television and that was kind of my coming out party. After graduating Salem, I had the opportunity to go to a Boarding School for a year called the Gunnery Prep School.

I’m fully indebted to them because they taught me the value of education. They gave me the opportunity as it was such a political spinoff with the team after the Junior year, because of the coach being fired, that all of the kids who were going to be seniors were pretty much in harms way. The new person that they hired didn’t care. People were looking out for themselves and not for the kids. So a lot of the minority kids who had single parents, didn’t have a father figure to look out for them and it ultimately killed their careers. I was fortunate and was the Lone Ranger that was able to fly from the nest and get an opportunity – a true blessing was Gunnery Prep School – they gave me a full scholarship which was $33,000 to go there! I mean there were 8 of us together in a 3-bedroom house where I grew up in Witch Craft Heights in Salem. My mom was a stay at home mom and my parents didn’t have a college degree. They gave me that blessing and opportunity and I was on the basketball and football team there. I went onto Marist College – my mother doesn’t fly so I gave the Heisman to them. I did receive denial letters from a couple of schools and I still do read them a couple of times a year because if I let rejection define me, I wouldn’t have been doing what I am doing.

I played Division I basketball and football there which, is 45 mins north of the city on the Hudson. It was a beautiful campus and had a successful career there. My junior and senior years there I was the leading wide receiver for the 2000-2001 season. I finished there 9 straight semesters on the Dean’s List. The beauty of an education and just remembering the first time that I had been on an airplane to play basketball at Pepperdine – an amazing journey through college. But we played down in Florida after 9/11 about 10 days after that and I got scouted by an Arena Football coach and he ended up following up with me after the season and I had the opportunity to play 2 years professionally for the Arena Football League for 2002 and 2003. One of my head coaches for one of my teams is now the head coach at Purdue and he beat Ohio State this year.

You know, I saw the movie Jerry McGuire back in 1996 in high school and I fell in love with the movie. I thought about how cool it would be. I mean, as a football player, you think that you’re immortal and that you can play forever and I had to face that reality. I could have played in 2004 and I said, “I’m going to go hard on this sports agent thing.” I had 2 agents that I had hired and then I fired. I felt that there was this gap between how I wanted to represent players and the lack of transparency that I was fed when I played. I felt that I wanted to reshuffle this industry and threw my hat in the ring and got licensed late 2005. I didn’t know what I was doing and I spent a few years banging around on my own for a few years and then I partnered up with a firm and then I got exploited and in 2013, I was with the firm for a few years. We joined with a client each and then it grew into 10. I was flying our New Year’s Eve, Christmas Day signing guys getting exploited making pennies on the dollar. The night I got inducted into my high school Hall of Fame, I told my wife, “I’m not happy where I am in my career.” I told her that I wanted to have my own firm and she said, ”let’s draft the termination letter today.”

I walked away and I had signed a Non Compete so I had to walk away from all of those guys. I had one loyal client that said, “I signed with you, you’re my guy.” He never played a down in the NFL after that point and he said, “I’m leaving and coming with you.” Like Jerry McGuire walking out with Ron Tisdale, a receiver and goldfish – I walked out with an unproven long snapper and a pet boxer dog named Sly. I remember when I left that firm, they said that I would never make it in the industry. But my whole life people said that I was too small to play football, that I wouldn’t play Division I or play pro. I feed off of and that’s all I needed to hear and my wife was my witness and I put my head down and went to work.

I signed my first player, Bryan Braman, who won the Super Bowl last year, he kept me in business and I made a pact when I got into the business and I said I would never go to the SuperBowl unless I had a client in the Super Bowl, and the last 5 years I have had my guys every single year play in the Super Bowl. My drive to be an agent is to be the best and football lifted my soul when I would step onto the field. It brought me so much structure and joy to my family’s life and my life as well as the ability to have an education and to network with the ability to meet people and to interact. It's a special place in my heart. I have been inducted into 3 Hall of Fames which I am so proud of that as I was statistically not supposed to be here in terms of how I was raised, my size. I never let my greatest asset – my work ethic, down. That is what I stayed true to!

AM: What is your day like during the season vs off-season? For those players that you rep, how much contact to you have with the team and the league?

SS: My day to day – my mornings start off very early. I can only workout very early because my phone is always blowing up with 100s of calls and 100s of emails a day. That’s a big part of my lifestyle that I approach every day as I lift and I run. I get my mind right and I try to read a book every 2-3 weeks. I'm finishing my second book and it all comes down to time of year right? So obviously, if you have clients who won the Super Bowl, you just go balls to the walls to try to monetize and to expose them and align brands with them that are in line with their missions. In terms of post SuperBowl, when you win, you’re talking about shifting gears. So let me rewind.

In the fall, you’re talking about recruiting kids for the 2019 the following draft. You’re going to college games and evaluating films. At the same token, you’re servicing your guys with their needs and what they want. Then you have the guys that are on the street. You have to designate x amount of hours to make sure that they are employed. For the guys that are playing during the season, you have to make sure that you get them appearances for their marketing. Right when the season is over, you go into guys who are unrestricted free agents that are able to test the open market - so gauging what their value is and seeing which teams best suit their needs.

You’re constantly trying to work on your relationships with teams as that’s key. In terms of having that relationship and letting them know you have great guys and you’re not just throwing people at coaches. It’s 24/7 – 365. I don’t really call anytime that I travel a vacation because I am constantly fielding guys and am a hands on kind of guy. It’s how I believe I should run this.

AM: Is it hard for you to represent clients that are on different teams?

SS: I’ve got guys in a lot of different markets. It’s great to be able to interact with so many teams as no one usually stays with the same team – maybe Brady and a handful of others. Shuffling around is just human nature in the NFL especially with salary caps. With free agency, it’s a different landscape than what it was 20 years ago. That being said, it’s important that if you have guys on other teams where if – for contract extensions or just to broker deals – it’s new markets that are important because every market is different. My conversation with the Dallas Cowboys is different than the New England Patriots. Everyone has different core values and beliefs – obviously everyone wants to win in this league and to monetize opportunities as the league has crossed over to $15B in revenue. It’s a fine tuned machine.

AM: I’m sure you have a number of people who request to be represented by you. What process do you have in deciding whether someone will join your roster?

SS: I tell everyone that there is 1,440 minutes in a day and I have two lives, one as a sports agent with SES Sports as my infrastructure and I also have my family which is my wife and 4 kids. I try to keep that balance and sometimes I leave my self a little thin and I try to be better at that.

In terms of managing expectation. My phone is constantly ringing, when I first started I was the one seeking out guys and now I can cherry pick guys that I want to have. Obviously if you get a 1st or 2nd rounder, you don’t want to miss that opportunity. I think managing expectations, having that connection with a player who has the core values and beliefs that alignment is important. Some guys put a higher value on their skill set and it’s like having a house that you try to sell in the open market where you think it’s $2M and everyone else thinks it’s $1M – it’s going to be tougher to sell. You have to compromise, and you can’t sugarcoat it with your clients, you have to keep it real and be transparent with them and do what is in their best interest.

AM: What is a typical Sunday like for you during the season?

SS: A typical Sunday is impossible for me to be in every market. I have yet to be in every market on the same day. Last year in the Superbowl having 8 guys in the game – 5 in the Patriots and 3 on the Eagles – I mastered it that day! In terms of a typical Sunday, I try to at least see every player each year. If not I have the NFL package and thank God for cell phones! My Director of Football operations is phenomenal and he doesn’t take his eye off the ball. He’s always keeping me in the loop on things, from Social Media, research, staying current on guys and watching everybody. I take watching these guys very seriously. When I go to the Superbowl and people go as fans, it’s different, I go in as a business. I don’t change my preparation in terms of game rituals. I stick with them as a player as I do as an agent.

AM: What are those rituals?

SS: I make sure that I have the same things for breakfast every Sunday. I always say a prayer before kickoff. I kiss my crucifix. When I go to church that morning, I pray for each player individually. Sometimes I wear the same socks is he plays from one week to the next. I always have the same snack before kickoff or during the game. During the Super Bowl, I will put my phone in the cup holder and not touch anything until something happens. During the AFC championship, I was very unprepared weather wise, but when I am suited up, I always put my baseball hat on and turn it backwards and pretended I was playing Little League Baseball with a rally cap on. I didn’t move it until they won it in overtime. My wife thinks I’m crazy with my superstitions, but I don’t know. I get superstitious on certain things and whatever works – works for you right?

AM: With this last Super Bowl win, what was that like for you and what is it like that you’re a part of these guys careers?

SS: Just surreal and gratifying. I tell everybody that when you have that baby and hold it in your hands, it’s a life changing moment. When you have these players and you have such a passion for football like I do, I took them as far as I could take them and see them taking it further it just touches my heart like no other. This one was the most special win, because clients like Jonathan Jones – he led the defense in tackles, he had a sack and contributed so much to that win. Ryan Allen could have been the MVP of the game. Brandon King, he’s just an absolute beast and Obi with his story of how he ended up here.

AM: His story is incredible.

SS: With Obi, we had 4 teams to pick through and I don’t ever like to take credit, but I really pushed and stressed the fact that he needed to be a Patriot and not a Saint or a Chief. We picked the winning lottery ticket there.

This one in particular meant more because I felt like my guys contributed more to that particular win. I had bigger roles and obviously in my mind, it has increased more in the last few months. I mean last year, it was special because of Bryan – he pretty much kept me in business and kept the lights on in 2014 when I was a year into it. It’s been remarkable. You want to see all of your clients win a ring. Obi got his this year, Bryan got his last year, Trey Sullivan got one last year. This year I didn’t have any players on the opposing team. Last year I felt bad for my Patriots clients that lost, but on the same token, I felt good for Bryan. For the Falcons/Patriots Super Bowl, I had 1 client on the Falcons whose family was completely devastated and my Patriot clients pulled off the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. It’s been a blessing to be affiliated with history. The Patriots, whether you love them or hate them, are remarkable in what they do and they have done what no other franchise has been able to do in these times. You can talk about the Cowboys, Steelers and Green Bay Packers, they did not do it in a time period like this. There was no free agency, there was no salary cap. It’s a completely different animal today. What Belichik and Brady are doing – it’s remarkable. I’ve been able to grow up in this area and be able to model and build a sports agency around and learning from them – how they negotiate, how they do things at the organization to how I manage the kids’ careers.

AM: With the draft coming up, what is your role for that and what do you do?

SS: It’s to be a confidant to the players that I represent and to know that they are not going to be a guinea pig. To know that they are with someone who is not going to reinvent the wheel. Being with someone who has the relationships in the league who is going to sell them and brand them organically to make them successful in the NFL. It's a very trying long time, but at the same token it’s a lot of time and emails – the combine is a tremendous amount of leg time getting in front of people. It’s constantly selling, planning, promoting, These calls build for the combine for their pro day so they can be successful and play in this league. It’s a process that I take very seriously – you want to have all the guys that you represent drafted, but at the end of the day – you manage their expectations and you hold their hand and say, “hey, if you’re undrafted. That’s ok. Some of the greatest players that ever played this game went undrafted.” That’s sometimes your destiny and your fate.

AM: When we were on set for the photoshoot, we enjoyed hearing about a number of projects that you are working on outside of your life as a sports agent. Can you share them with our readers here at Athleisure Mag?

SS: My first book, No Backing Down, which is a human triumph story on 3 levels – my personal story, legendary coach and our team, has a forward written by Doug Flutie and it was endorsed by Bill Belichik, Evander Holyfied, Mike Ditka, Washington Post, NY Daily News and it goes on. It’s an incredible book and it’s now in it’s second edition. The screenwriter/producer of Hoosiers and Rudy will finish the script for the movie shortly as we’re in the very early stages of that, but I like my chances with such an established and well known screenwriter. If you go to SeanStellato.com you can order the book and obviously you can get it on Kindle via Amazon. I’m going to have a Draft party on April 25th that is going to be a great night if you’re in the Boston area as it will be at the Ferncroft Country Club as it will be a chance to meet with some of the Super Bowl Champions – Jonathan, Obi, Brandon and some of the college kids. It also includes a Celebrity Golf tournament that will raise money for the Junior Golf Fund. We’ll have one of th e top Sushi Chefs in the world appearing and providing phenomenal sushi and we’ll have good Italian wines. The Draft party will also reveal the title of the children’s book. I love to read and as a kid, I read a lot of books that I couldn’t relate to.

July 19th, will be the release of my children’s book which will also be a magical day! It will be held at the historical Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, MA which opened in 1925. This book is a Friday Night Lights meets Harry Potter and it is a magical football story that is mostly fiction, but there is a non-fiction component to it. It takes place in my home city which I am excited about. One of the main characters is my daughter who is suffering from psoriatic arthritis and I am looking to bring awareness to this condition. It will be an evening with some of my clients and we will celebrate a post Super Bowl party as well as to unveil the book which is going to be a magical night for everyone.

Our football camp takes place July 21st and it’s our 12th year doing this. I try to make it Disney World for a day for a young girl or boy where they can attend this non-contact camp. The day is hosted by my clients and myself and they have an amazing day with goodie bags, they get autographs and they get their jerseys signed. They compete and the winners get awarded cool swag. They leave feeling so inspired and uplifted and that they can do anything and that is the message that we try to convey. No Backing Down isn’t just a book title, it’s our motto. It’s for every man, woman and child regardless of your gender. It’s for someone with a vision, someone that maybe they have been denied and told that they can’t do that they can be relentless in the pursuit of following their dreams. That is what we convey to everyone that comes through these doors. It’s my baby and it’s one day a year which takes 6 months of preparation that we try to go all out for the kids.

AM: How many kids would you say are at this camp?

SS: We get anywhere from 100-200.

The thing about this camp is, we may not have the household marquis huge names coming. But I have blue collar guys that can relate to these kids because there aren’t a lot of kids on the planet that are going to be 6’5” and 275lbs like Gronk. Someone like Jonathan Jones who is 5’9” and 180lbs and flies like the wind or like myself, I was an underdog, but if I can do it – anyone can do it. Sometimes you just need that person to just push you along to give them that advice. They can be advised and pushed in the right direction. That’s a great day obviously!

AM: How do you take time for yourself so you have what you need to fuel others?

SS: It’s a good point. I’m a stickler on my diet and on my preparation. It’s all about those endorphins, whether I’m jogging or in a swimming pool. I get a high when I get to spend time with my kids, see my daughter to play basketball, ballet or gymnastics. Occasionally, in the summer I do try to get some downtime and I love the beach and the ocean to get a little Vitamin D. Every year I spend time to take my family down to Disney World, which is a bit more exhausting than a true vacation ha! A true joy and high for me is giving back and touching lives like going to an orphanage or a Children’s Hospital. When I was trying to make it as an agent when I was nearly out of the business, I used to pray that if I was allowed to do what I do then I would make sure to give Him the glory and honor Him every day and would help kids. I stayed true to that promise when He blessed me and anointed me with this skill set to make a difference in this industry. I go to the chiropractor 2 times a week, Dr Garrity in Naherty, MA is phenomenal and he keeps me so right. My wife is an amazing cook. I'm fortunate when I’m not on the road so much, that I get those homemade meals! I’m young enough – I want to leave a mark on the life and blessings that I have got! I’m so passionate about what I am doing. I know that I always think about my ancestors who came over from a boat from Calabria, Italy with only a couple of meals and a suitcase to come and take that and run with it. I want to preserve their legacy and that is the true joy. I’m passionate about my Italian heritage and what my family went through so that I can do what I do now.

AM: Since you travel so much, what are 3 items that you always have on you/you’re carry on that you have when you’re on the road?

SS: Great point! I have to have Jesus Calling my little meditation and prayer book that has scriptures for every day that my Mother in Law gave me. It really starts my day off right. I carry a journal with me wherever I go. My wife laughs at me, but I don’t consider myself a writer, although I have written 2 books – I never know when that next thought of book might come into my mind. I just shut down and take an hour or two to write. I’d hate to forget something that – I mean Walter Payton who I loved, used to have old school pictures of his family. So I have 16 pictures in an album in my portfolio – my wife, my kids, my dog, my parents – at the end of the day, I reflect on that when I need it. This journey isn’t all vertical and I have people that care about me, love me and support me – it’s not just for the man in the mirror. Those are the 3 and I feel like I missed something but I know it’s only three and I hope that they are ok ha!

AM: It’s what you do and it’s more than ok!

FASHION CREDITS

OBI MELIFONWU PG 16, 32, 36 | NATALIE FEDNER David Bowie Tank | G STAR Denim | FERRAGAMO Belt | YEEZY ADIDAS Sneakers | PG 18 - 23, 29, 30 +_ BACK COVER | CLAUDE RUSSELL NYC Zipped Mesh Jacket | G STAR Denim | ETHIKA Underwear | FERRAGAMO Belt | PG 38 | TED BAKER Sweatshirt | G STAR Denim | YEEZY ADIDAS Sneakers | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS Super Bowl Champions Player's Sweatshirt |

JONATHAN JONES COVER, PG 40 - 47 | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS SUPER BOWL Game Day Player's Jersey | PG 16, 18, 26 - 37 | TED BAKER Blazer | HANRO Tee | ALL SAINTS Jeans | OFF-WHITE Sneakers |

BRANDON KING COVER, PG 40 - 48 | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS SUPER BOWL GAME DAY Player's Jersey | Adidas | PG 16 -33, 37 | TED BAKER Short Sleeve Woven | KINROSS Cashmere Blazer | EMBELLISHMENT Jeans | PG 34 | KINROSS Cashmere Ombre Sweater |

SERAFINA TRIBECA FOOD CREDITS

Throughout the cover shoot, we shot within Serafina Tribeca's restaurant and in addition to the New England Patriots' Super Bowl Champions and their sports agent, Sean Stellato - we also had Christian Ferrara, the General Manager of the eatery included in our shoot who also shared a few dishes that appeared in the shoot as well as suggestions on what you should try when stopping in for a bite, wine or a few cocktails:

. 18oz Ribeye

Grass fed Ribeye simply marinated in extra virgin olive oil, pepper, touch of garlic and rosemary for three days. After that, naturally grilled without adding any butter.

It comes with crispy and flavorful roasted potatoes and string beans.

. Rigatoni Bolognese

Rigatoni al dente with the finest homemade 100% beef sauce.

. Spaghetti Carbonara

As our tradition says, we only use crispy pancetta, Parmigiano Reggiano 24 months aged and Pecorino, eggs and crushed black pepper.

. Pizza al Tartufo Nero

Our secret recipe made from a bouquet of Italian cheeses, black truffle carpaccio and white truffle oil.

. Short Ribs

Slow cooked (4.5 hours) short ribs in our Chianti Riserva red wine, mixed vegetables and homemade gravy sauce Served with saffron risotto and Tuscan mushroom porcini crostini.

IG Stay in the loop with what the New England Patriots Super Bowl LIII Champions are up to: Jonathan Jones @GetItOnJones31, Brandon King @_King205, Obi Melifonwu @Obi_1nOnly, their sports agent Sean Stellato @SeanStellato and one of our favorite places to dine @SerafinaTribeca.

Read more from the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see All in Together Now in mag.

WINTER CHILL

With a new year ahead of us, we wanted to showcase go to looks when it comes to living our lives - a lounge look, fitness look, an on the go look as well as an evening look. These ensembles take us through a number of the activities that we do throughout the week. There's nothing better than being able to share those moments with a friend and our Wilhelmina models from this shoot, Charlie (cover, right) and Alyne (cover, left) show us how to get out of the doldrums of what can be monotonous weather with hot bodies, fresh faces, fun prints and pops of color.

To create the makeup looks for the Jan 2019 cover shoot, MAKEUP ARTIST Jessica Bonilla used the following products:

CHARLIE LOUNGE STYLE + FITNESS STYLE // MAKEUP | Foundation/Concealer/Contour - Cinema Secrets 500A Series | Foundation Pallet Powder Contour - NYX Cosmetics Contour Pallet | Blush - BH Cosmetics Blush Pallet | Glow/Highlight - MAC Cosmetics Skin Mineralizing Highlight | Lips - KKW Beauty Lip Gloss in Super Nude | Mascara - Inglot | Eyeshadow - KKW Beauty Shadow Pallet in "Albanian" | Sweat - Kryolan Transparent Jelly |

CHARLIE ON THE GO STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | Lips - Tarte Cosmetics in "Cast" |

CHARLIE EVENING STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | KKW Beauty Shadow in "Loyalty"| Lips - Tarte Cosmetics in "Cast" | Lashes - Ardell in “812” |

ALYNE LOUNGE STYLE + FITNESS STYLE // MAKEUP | Foundation/Concealer/Contour/ Cinema Secrets 500B series | Contour - NYX Cosmetics | Blush - BH Cosmetics | Glow/Highlight - Dose of colors “Mirame” with the Tatcha - Dewy Mist Over Top | Eyes - KKW Beauty in "Armenian, Albanian, and Loyalty" | Liner - Inglot Gel Liner | Lashes - Ardell Faux Mink Wispies | Brows - Benefit Cosmetics Clear Brow Gel | Lips - NYX Lip Liner in “Nude Suede Shoes” with Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Over Top | Sweat - Kryolan Transparent Jelly |

ALYNE ON THE GO STYLE // MAKEUP | Same products above | Eye color was deepened with Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow in “Violetta” |

ALYNE EVENING STYLE // MAKEUP | The look was enhanced with adding a bold lip with the MAC X Selena collab in “I Could Fall in Love” |

To create the hairstyles for the Jan 2019 cover shoot, HAIR STYLIST Lea DeLoy used the following products to achieve the looks:

Lea started each look with Kevin Murphy Anti-gravity spray. Added a light layer of spray to each layer of the hair to protect from heat, hold the curl and add style memory for long lasting waves. Went through the hair picking up random pieces and wrapped on this inside of a classic curling inch iron. Use the inside of a classic iron in the same way as a wand because it gives a better wave. This also was how the finished down do was created on Charlie in the dress.

The lived in side braid- sprayed in KM Bedroom hair for that lived in volumized sexy hair look. Secured the top half if the hair with a hair tie, but placed slightly off to the side. Pulled at it slightly to create loose feel with random pieces pulled out. Pulled the rest over to the side and braided. Pulled the braid apart for a thicker more dramatic braid.

The up styles sectioned the hair into 2 or 3 ponytails. Top/middle/bottom keeping them all close together. Slightly pulled through each pony and pulling them apart creating a messy “bun” look on each pony. Wrapped the extra hair hanging out from each pony and secured them with bobby pins to fill in the voids between the pony tails. Finished up with Kevin Murphy Flex spray for a light moveable hold.

The dramatic bubble pony looks amazing for any occasion, from working out to a dressy evening out. Started with Kevin Murphy Bedroom hair to bulk up the texture. Sectioned hair into 4 pony’s starting at the top and working down to the nape. Secured hair together with a hair tie right below each pony and pulled apart to desired “bubble” size. Simply continued this effect by adding hair ties throughout the Extra hair below the nape and pulled out each section. Finished with KM Flex spray.

FASHION CREDITS

CHARLIE - FITNESS STYLE; COVER, 24-27 + BACK COVER | WOLVEN Sport Bra | HANRO Leggings | APL Sneakers | DAGNE DOVER Backpack // ALYNE - FITNESS STYLE; COVER, PG 24 -29 | HANRO Sports Bra | WOLVEN Mandala Shorts |

CHARLIE - LOUNGE STYLE; PG 16 + 18 | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cashmere Set | HANRO Tank | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace // ALYNE - LOUNGE STYLE; PG 18 -22 | THE OVID COLLECTIVE Sports Bra | AUM COUTURE Sweatpants | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cashmere Arm Warmers | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace |

CHARLIE - ON THE GO STYLE; PG 30 | SATURDAY SCHOOL V-Neck | MAVI Jean | MAISON DE PAPILLON Cardigan | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Jewelry + Belt // ALYNE - ON THE GO STYLE; PG 30 + 31 | HANRO Body Suit + Pants | KUT FROM THE KLOTH Denim Jacket | LAGOS Earrings + Black Caviar Bracelet |

CHARLIE - NIGHT OUT STYLE; PG 32 | LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | QUPID Shoes // ALYNE - NIGHT OUT STYLE; PG 32 +33 | LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | LAGOS Earrings, Black Caviar + Diamonds Necklace | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Ring |

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Select images from our January 2019 cover shoot were taken with Hasselblad X1D-50c and XCD 3.5/45mm and 3.2/90mm lenses. We find the X1D-50c to indeed be a game changer, bringing mirrorless technology to digital medium format for the first time ever. The 50MP CMOS sensor captures fine details with true natural colors for the studio and on travel. The feel is light and balanced and boasts a modern, sophisticated build per its iconic Scandinavian design heritage. We recommend it for endless opportunities for rich and dreamy professional and personal captures!

IMAGES TAKEN WITH HASSELBLAD X1D-50C | PG 21, 22, 27, 28 + 33 |

Our cover editorial was shot at 498 West End Ave on the UWS in NYC. We sat down with Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Assoc. Real Estate Broker, Halstead Real Estate located at 499 Park Avenue to discuss the property.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We were in this building a few years ago when we first interviewed you for Athleisure Mag. What can you tell us about the building as a whole, how you came onto this project and what your involvement is?

LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: I remember that interview well and it's always a pleasure to spend time in conversation with you. I'm a big fan of Athleisure! I have the privilege of being the director of sales and marketing for the development project underway at 498 West End Avenue, which is a pre-war conversion of a beautiful turn-of-the-20th century building from a rental residence to a luxury condominium by developer Samson Management. The magnificent bones of this quintessential Upper West Side landmark and its ageless edifice constructed in 1910 by

Neville & Bagge who provided the ideal envelope for CetraRuddy Architecture to thoughtfully design and reimagine it for a 21st century lifestyle. The result is sublime and we refer to it as "A story of exceptionalism."

AM: The lobby is stunning, please tell us more about this area.

LPF: The extensive renovation began outside the building with the restoration of the façade, which was re turned to its original splendor through an extensive cleaning and repair process. A highlight is the elegant and fully-restored ornamental metal marquee with glass canopy. It's a beautiful entrance to the building with period wrought iron doors that open onto a newly re-designed lobby. Complete with a 24-hour doorman, the lobby features decorative bronze wall panels in a geometric pattern, and walls and flooring in a composition of Vanillis Pearl polished and honed marble and St. Laurent honed marble. It's very inviting, and although more contemporary than how it was, it pays homage to the original pre-war splendor.

AM: This duplex penthouse for our January cover shoot has amazing views, multiple terraces, sun-drenched rooms throughout, and abundant bedrooms, what can you tell us about this property?

LPF: It's a spectacular, one-of-a-kind residence that possesses a grandeur, both in scale and workmanship, boasting spectacular finishes and impressive room scale. This newly-constructed, expansive, full-floor duplex penthouse is an addition to the building's architectural heritage, with 3,646 interior square feet containing grandly proportioned rooms, and 3,002 exterior square feet made up of five terraces, two of which are off of the master suite, with amazing views in all four directions. There are five large bedrooms, four full bathrooms, one powder room, and a huge eat-in kitchen with truly high-end appliances and finishes - custom chocolate-stained cerused oak cabinetry with light bronze accent trim and pulls, Calacatta marble slab countertops and backsplash, and appliances from Miele, Gaggenau, and Bertazzoni. The premium grade designer details that grace the interiors impart a pervasive sense of quality, and the curated design ushers in a new vernacular - a rare combination of prewar craft and contemporary artistry, perfect for entertaining as well as restorative time at home. This penthouse residence is a standout amongst its competitors, elevating it to a timeless sophistication satisfying the needs of the most discerning buyer.

AM: The interior design for this unit is gorgeous! Tell us about the interior designer and what was the inspiration behind the aesthetic.

LPF: As we do for most of our projects with this developer, we contracted with Robin Mayer of Robin Mayer Designs. Together with her team and my director of PR and marketing, Richard Johnson, they brought the space to life and created a home that everyone can see themselves living in. It's both inspirational and aspirational, with furnishings and accessories that while lavish and sophisticated, are also warm, comfortable, and inviting. Capitalizing on the abundance of natural light, breathtaking views, and voluminous rooms, they incorporated many notable brands. Highlights include: outdoor furniture and several indoor pieces from Restoration Hardware, rugs from ABC Carpet & Home, furnishings and accessories from Ralph Lauren Home, Keno Brothers Furniture Collection, Homenature, and vintage mid-century pieces from Italian designer Marco Zanuso. I'm so pleased and proud of the results.

AM: Tell us about the artwork that is in this unit and is there anything about the artist that you can share?

LPF: We have many stunning pieces of artwork showcased in the staging of this home, but I'm thrilled to feature two exceptional works by artist Aubrey Mayer - (1) Christopher Wool Contact Sheet v.3, 2016, ink jet on canvas 72"x59", hanging in the foyer, and (2) Laura Owens, Nate Lowman, Mark Grotjahn Contact Sheet, 2017, framed dye sublimation on aluminum 70"x50", hanging in the dining room. We are so fortunate to have his art on display in this home and everyone who's been here has fallen in love with these two pieces. They are simply stunning! Aubrey Mayer is a self-taught photographer and painter, and he has works included in the permanent collections of the Whitney Museum and the Columbia University Art Museum. I would like to see the two works we have in the penthouse become permanent additions here (wink, wink). They are so perfect for the space. Fingers crossed the future buyer agrees.

AM: What amenities are offered in the building?

LPF: The renovation of this pre-war gem includes the addition of a fully-equipped fitness center and children's playroom, along with the conveniences of secured storage units and bicycle storage, both of which are things New Yorkers appreciate in a city where space is limited.

AM: What neighborhood is this building located in and what can you tell us about the area?

LPF: This building is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the corner of 84th Street and West End Avenue. It's an ideal area of the city because it's convenient to so many things. Riverside Park is just one block away with a wide variety of outdoor activities - bike and jogging paths, skateboarding, dog runs, tennis and basketball courts, soccer fields, and much more. You have easy access to the West Side Highway, plus Equinox and SoulCycle are close by, as are boutique shops and retail stores, charming cafes and fine dining restaurants, grocery stores, and parking garages, in addition to the crosstown bus and subway. It's also the area of the city where I call home and reared my two sons, so I might be a little biased.

AM: For people interested in purchasing this apartment, how can they find out more information?

LPF: Showings of the home are by appointment only and interested parties are welcome to contact me directly on my cell at 917-846-8640 or via email at lphillips@halstead.com. They can also check out the online listing to view beautiful photographs and a floor plan here.

AM: Where can readers see other properties that you represent?

LPF: It's easy, simply visit my website at LouisePhillipsForbes.com and click on the tab for "My Listings." I represent a wide variety of homes and we have some very special active listings at the moment so I encourage people to check them out. They can also find out more about me and my team. I have negotiated deals all over NYC and even some in the surrounding suburban areas. I'm networked with the best brokers domestically and globally so I would welcome the opportunity to chat with folks and find out how I can best be of service. I consider myself more of an educator than a salesperson, and it's a privilege to be a part of the buying and selling process for people. After all, your home is the foundation upon which the rest of your life is built.

IG @LouisePhillipsForbesTeam

Read more from the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Winter Chill in mag.

NEXT STOP, TOKYO WITH DAGMARA WOZNIAK

This month's cover is a 2 X Team USA Olympian, Dagmara Wozniak who won a Bronze Medal in fencing as a member of the Women's Saber team. With the the Olympics a little less than 2 years away, Athleisure Mag is excited to turn our attention to the upcoming summer Olympic games that will take place in Tokyo 2020. Our shoot took place at the Manhattan Fencing Center where she has trained with her coach since 2005, and we talked about her goals for the upcoming season, what drew her to the sport and the importance of bringing positivity to the game.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When we met you at your shoot, you made a great analogy to what fencing is - can you share with our readers?

DAGMARA WOZNIAK: I look at fencing as a sport with three different weapons (Epee, Foil and Saber) and you specialize in one because the tactics and training is so different in an of itself. I compare Saber, the one that I do as the Sprinter of the sport. If you look at the sport like Track & Field you have sprinting, hurdles and marathon, it’s completely different. You may have some athletes that do both, but you’re working on specific techniques for the sport itself which is very similar to fencing. People think it’s one sport and that we just change weapons, but it’s like 3 mini sports within the sport. It differs by target area, differs by tactic, and differs by training, so it’s very specific and different then what most people think.

AM: What drew you to fencing initially and then the discipline of saber?

DW: I actually started off with the original weapon which is Epee when I came first. My dad just took me to a fencing class one day and it was at the Polish Cultural Foundation and I think it was more to keep me busy and to help me practice the language as my coach was Polish. It was an after school program kind of thing and I did it once or twice a week and I just started falling in love with it.

AM: What did you like about it after you started playing in the sport?

DW: I liked how different it was. People laugh, but I was definitely a tomboy, still am and beatng up kids and not getting in trouble was great. I did karate before that and I had a lot of fun with that. I had friends who were in it with me and when I had to go up to get a new belt or whatever, they would say, “don’t hit me too hard.” I was very ready to go all out. There is something on the line, “sorry we’re not friends right now.” The whole aspect of combat sport is just very appealing to me and I liked it a lot and it’s challenging. One of the things that I have grown to like about it is that there’s a lot of unpredictable factors. You might know what someone generally does and let’s say they are having a bad day or they’re fencing much better than they have ever done before, you need to be able to adjust to things like that. So the fact that you’re not sure how someone is going to necessarily compete, you can make a plan, but that’s not what’s going on and you need to adjust or you are going to lose.

So not to take away from swimming or track and field, but the ground is never going to move from you, the water is never going to dip and become a crazy wave. It’s the fact that it’s really a battle against you and yourself. And fencing and combat sports is a battle against you and yourself and you have the variable of someone else who also has a brain and can adapt to situations and make mistakes as well and capitalize on your mistakes. I like the cliché way of explaining fencing that it’s a physical chess game and it’s spot on. I love that about it.

AM: So what was the moment that you went from enjoying this personally to realizing that you could compete professionally and go to an Olympic stage?

DW: It came very late for me I guess! It was only when I qualified as an alternate for the Beijing Olympics that I even thought about it because people said that that would be my next step to go to the games and I would say, “you’re crazy.” But in the end it was like, if I wasn’t gunning for the Olympics then why the hell was I training so hard? For me it was the whole idea of wanting to be the best and doing something that I was good at and I loved it. I was nev-er upset or felt forced that I was going to practice – I was excited. The losses were so personal for me that I would cry for hours and keep telling my mom that it would never happen again, but even though it did – I was just driven to it without having a goal. I just wanted to win and that was the first goal. But then when I was graduating highschool, I had some teachers that were like, “you know what’s next – the Olympics,” and I was like, “no my God, don’t push it.” But shortly after that, my coach was like you should start thinking about it and I thought, “wow I didn’t know that this was possible for me.” Once my coach and I kind of made a plan, it was up from there.

AM: Your first trip to the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 was as an alternate, how did that affect 2012?

DW: I qualified in 2008 as a replacement athlete and the only way that I was able to compete is if someone from my team got injured. That didn’t happen and they got the Bronze medal and because I never set foot on the actual playing field, I went home with nothing. I remember a lot of people were saying that that was as far as where I could potentially reach and what was I expecting and why I was so  upset. They kind of wrote me off from ever being an actual Olympic athlete and I told my mom, "I was there for the experience and I saw how it was and these next 4 years it will be different.” I made sure that I made a plan that was going to get me there as an actual competing athlete. So qualifying for the team for the Olympic Games in London 2012 was a highlight and so much more meaningful because of the people that said I couldn’t do it.

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“But in the end it was like, if I wasn’t gunning for the Olympics then why the hell was I training so hard? For me it was the whole idea of wanting to be the best and doing something that I was good at and I loved it.”

— Dagmara Wozniak

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AM: We know that you have a 4 year gap between each Summer Games. There are a number of championships and tournaments that you do in a given period of time to get onto the team for your sport (the process is different for each of the Olympic sports). What is that snapshot like for you in terms of qualifying when you are getting into the next Team USA as we’re looking for The Road to Tokyo 2020?

DW: Right so there are many sports that just went to one competition closer to Rio and it could be as soon as just a month out! But that’s just what they are used to and it’s a completely different stressful situation. For us, it’s a year long process so when we start the actual Olympic year, we go to about 10 International competitions where we compete and we get points based off of that. Because now, all the team events are allotted under one big medal, before in 2012, our team event was rotated out so the IOC didn’t allow all of the events to compete at the Olympics so 2 of the team events – all of the individual team events were there so that’s 6 events and then we only received 4 team events the - relay. So in 2012, Women’s Saber got rotated out and we only got to qualify individually. In 2016, we had the opportunity to qualify as a team and we did. It’s a different qualification process, but now we have team events for everyone which is amazing and everyone has the opportunity which is more chances for Team USA as we’re doing well right now and we can bring more medals home, and it’s great for fencing, the sport and the development.

The qualification process is different. We go to competitions, we get points based on how high we rank and it’s the first 4 teams that qualify automatically and then to finish the bracket it goes by zone!

AM: So your Olympic year would start summer of next year. But yet, you are still doing championships and competitions leading into that.

DW: Yes.

AM: You’re having a well deserved rest.

DW: Right. Our season typically started in Oct and then we have 1 competition every month. It was ok, but then I felt like it never gave me an opportunity to necessarily peak. Now, they're giving us quite a bit of an off season which is going to let us have more competitions condensed together, but right now there is an opportunity to kind of change the training style, to change the schedule and to be able to capitalize physically and mentally and then just to ride out how much work you have put in through the season. You won't feel the need to play catch up and your peeked and you're ready to go.

AM: What is your training like when you’re preparing for a typical tournament, an Olympic one and then just maintaining in general?

DW: I don’t necessarily treat the Olympics any different then any other competition. I just think that you can’t treat it differently because of the environment because that is when you are going to put the pressure on yourself and I know that there are differences as there are more people, there’s more press and more points – everything that’s for sure. That’s why going into the Olympics for London 2012 which was my first time competing, I told myself that I wasn’t going to do a lot of interviews because we don’t usually get a lot of that stuff usually during the competition and I know that that’s at least how I work as an athlete as I would get distracted by trying to give everyone a story and all of that. I felt that if the result was going to be there, then people would want to talk to me after.

I focus on preparing just like I would for any other competition. I know that a lot of people function better when they are exposed to something for the first time. I’m not going to say beginner’s luck as they go in with no expectation and for me, it’s the opposite I put more expectation in when I am doing something for the first time. Now if I qualify for Tokyo which I am very confident that I will and that it’s going that way.

I feel more confident the more times that I have been on the Olympic stage.  Through loss, through heartbreak, through everything all together it’s learning experiences that make me stronger.

AM: What does your workout look like?

DW: Right now, I’m not fencing so I am taking a small break from that, but I am working with my trainer on capitalizing on endurance. Fencing during competitions lasts throughout a whole day. There is a lot of stop and go! You compete and sit around for an hour and a half, then compete and sit around for another hour and a half. Not necessarily until you get into the finals you win and keep going and you have about an hour and a half and maybe even 2-3 hours before the next match. So it gets tedious in terms of keeping up the endurance, the stamina and the focus. What we have been doing right now as you can’t really simulate an actual competition, but we have been training really early in the morning, I have been doing a lot of crossfit lately and catering more to fencing specific stuff. I’m not going really crazy with the weight, but focusing on building short muscle and fast push muscle – going down and up. I am driving really fast up and again focusing specifically on what will benefit me and my sport, but at the same time, having the intensity of the class and the timer. The repetitiveness is all there and that benefits me. I like to change things up when I feel that I am pushing myself a little too hard. There was a good portion of the time that I was doing pilates with the reformer and some mat work. What’s great about fencing and in fitness in general. Your body is always changing whether you’re in your 20’s, 30’s, a women, a male, come down with a sickness etc – there are so many things that are constantly changing. I never really like to stick to something all the time and kind of plateau. Keeping the body not in a rhythm in terms of a workout which is why I like crossfit so much as there is always a way to challenge yourself. It’s not more weight in terms of taking more time if there is a 12 minute gap, so maybe you get less rounds in or you put less weight and you gauge how many rounds you get in and next time you can keep the same weight and just try to push how many things you can do to fit in the time frame.

I like pilates, I was spinning for awhile but it’s about more sport specific stuff. Making sure that the right muscles are firing.

AM: What are three go to foods for the gym and what are your splurges?

DW: You say splurge foods and it’s the first thing that comes to my mind! I love donuts – I have loved donuts forever and if you give me one, I can’t resist. The homemade ones are amazing. I love how pretty they are and how creative they can be. I’m not a fan of cupcakes or cake, but donuts – yes donuts are my thing. It’s first, second and third. I can’t choose ha!

My go-to in terms of what I’m eating when training. I like protein shakes. They are something that I definitely include post workout as a meal replacement. There is a company I like, Athletic Greens and they are safe for athletes to use and they have dehydrated greens that you can throw in your smoothie as well or in your shakes and it’s easy on your stomach and doesn’t have a metallic aftertaste like most of them do. I’m all about safety and a clean sport. Having a trusted product like that makes me feel great and since I started using that which has been awhile now – maybe a year. I have really decreased how much coffee I have been drinking. I love the taste of coffee but sometimes I forget when the last time was that I had it because the proteins and the greens give me so much energy. Thats what I'm about.

Clean food yes – I think I’d have to say that I am a Paleo/Ketogenic diet – obviously not Keto like what people are doing out there limiting carbs etc., as I think after what I have read a lot about as athletes, it's not the best things especially for women. But keeping high protein and high fat and carbs is something that I have found has given me the optimal training and recovery.

AM: We enjoyed shooting at the Manhattan Fencing Center. How long have you trained here and do you have responsibilities there as well?

DW: There aren’t necessarily responsibilities, but I do think of it as a helping hand in terms of talking to my coach about athletes and my opinion. I am more of a mentor. My fencing gym is my second home. I’m a big stickler for organization, cleaning up after or organizing the lost and found and even small tasks. I love to be respectful of it and take care of it. I hope that others do the same.

I’ve been with my coach since 2005!

AM: Beyond your sport, what else are you interested in doing?

DW: For me, I feel like I have definitely gotten involved in and interested in clean eating and watching documentaries about processed items that are in our foods and how we are slowly killing ourselves with the items that are in our foods. Like a bunch of fries that are really filling is $1 but healthy vegetables for a little snack pack is $6 or $7. A family that can’t really afford too much will go for McDonald’s and fast food stuff. It breaks my heart that there are all these monsters in our country that are destroying food. So healthy food has been a huge working area for me. I love learning about it and I am very intuitive with my body. The second I eat something, I can feel how upset my stomach is and I know it's not good for me. It sucks because donuts have a lot of sugar, not just in terms of weight gain, but it upsets my gut bacteria and I am in tons of pain. Just seeing that I want to spread the knowledge because even healthy peanut butters are actually not healthy. People think that they always have to work out and work out to do so 2-3 times a day to get to whatever your fitness is, but there is so much that can be achieved through diet and what you put into your body. I’m passionate about that.

In terms of athlete preparation, I would like to be a strength and conditioning coach myself and it has become dear to me. Not necessarily just for fencing. I think being able to compete at the highest level mentally and physically – I may not always do it, but being there and known what it takes, and having that knowledge because of my experience, I would like to take that step and prepare those athletes that want to take it to this level and if not higher.

AM: You travel a lot. What have been your favorite places?

DW: I get that question a lot and people are always surprised at my answer. I have fallen in love with Belgium. I’ve never said that I could retire and live in Europe but it’s the first place I went to when I was like, I could see myself living there in terms of the food, the culture, the people are so nice and the architecture is beautiful. There’s a coffee shop and then there is a castle around the corner, you don’t get that in the United States. It’s very interesting to see that kind of setup. This past summer, we had a training camp in Japan before our World Championships in China and I have to say that Japan is such a cool place. The people are so cool and it's just a different world over there! I enjoyed my time in Japan and you know, my heart is in Cuba and I love that place and it's the top three of where I would love to go to.

AM: Where can we find you eating and shopping?

DW: The things that I love about Jersey City and Hoboken is that there are a lot of boutique places in terms of clothing that you can find great stuff and I'm not into labels, but when I do shop for that, I love All Saints - they're rugged and raw with colors that aren't too bright. I love denim with raw materials in terms of dressing up. So I love jean shorts and a black tank top which is my go to. I'm about comfort while still being able to express myself.

There are a lot of cool cafés here. Recently, my boyfriend and I got interested in some refreshing drinks, cheese and meat platters which I love. There is a place called The Archer which has a great selection of this. Down by Grove there are a lot of cool restaurants. We don’t go out too much because we try to just focus on eating healthy and when we go out, I love outside dining and the gardens. There is a lot of that here and it’s fun to jump around.

AM: Do you do any philanthropy?

DW: I find myself getting involved with the athletes in my club and giving advice. I have worked one on one with girls in my club. The pressure of being a female athlete and it’s interesting as everyone always deals with their problems and I don’t necessarily showcase what is going on with me as I  have gone through some troubled times. When they talk to me and say, "how do you seem so calm and confident?" I'm like, "woo you have no idea! That's so far from the truth." I am a thankful that I come across that way and everyone is dealing with their issues and I try to impart some wisdom on the girls and the guys at the club.

I talk to my middle school in Avenel, NJ and I have done a few high school talks in terms of setting goals and how many times that people have come and said I couldn't do something. If you listen to what people say, you're just going to dig your own hole and never crawl out of there. Especially when you're doing well, people seem to have more things to say. I think I did a lot of listening to those people for a long time and at 21, I thought that I had it all figured out, by 26 I thought I knew more and now at 30 I'm like, "damn I'm so far from when I thought I did have it figured out!" Life is a constant learning experience and being able to walk away from people that aren't good for you and are negative – I just get involved with the kids at my club. I have had the harsh talks with other coaches on what I am capable of and am supposed to do but when you follow your own plan, that’s when you can really blossom!

AM: What are your goals for the Summer Games?

DW: I’ve set the goal of coming home with 2 gold medals for individual and the team. It’s that goal or no goal for me. Maybe it’s my last time competing or I go another 4 years, who knows. I’m doing everything I can now and not looking back to say shoulda, coulda, woulda and I have a new game plan now. I don’t have injuries, there are a lot of things that are different then when I was training for Rio than how it is now. I may not be the kid that went to every Olympics and medaled in every one, but I have the opportunity to go out there and do some damage with an individual gold medal and team gold medal - even if it's one time. That's very important to me and that puts the icing on my cake in terms of a career.

IG @DagmaraWozniak

Listen to our conversation with Dagmara Wozniak on an upcoming episode of The Road to Tokyo 2020 on Athleisure Studio, our multimedia podcast network.

Read more from the August Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Next Stop, Tokyo with Dagmara Wozniak in mag.

THE FITNESS ARTIST WITH COREY CALLIET

This month's cover is with Celebrity Fitness Artist/Trainer Corey Calliet whose work can be seen on Michael B. Jordan, A$AP Rocky, John Boyega and has been hired by Walt Disney Pictures, 20th Century FOX, Marvel, MGM and Universal to make their stars look larger than
life! In addition, we have enjoyed seeing him on both seasons of E!'s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian. Our shoot took place at Soho's Work Train Fight, as well as around Soho and the LES as we talked with Corey about transforming his clients, his passions and what we should keep an eye out for next with the Calliet Way.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We loved shooting you for our fitness editorial for the July cover - tell us about your body building days, your journey to becoming a trainer and the types of celebs and projects that you have been a part of.

COREY CALLIET: If I’m being honest, my fitness journey started with me trying to impress a girl. Later it became an outlet for me during a time when things weren't the easiest. I started
body building and fell in love with the art form of creating an aesthetic with your own body. I became my own work of art. After body building I started working at a local gym and quickly
moved up the ranks as the best trainer there. One day I got a call to work with the cast of Fantastic Four, and on that set I met Michael B. Jordan. We started working out and honestly the rest is history, as they say.

Since then I've moved to LA, continued training Mike, got him into the best shape of his life for Creed and Creed 2, was able to work with the cast of Black Panther, and picked up a television show (Revenge Body). I'm currently working on several deals for lots of fitness-related projects to get people familiar with The Calliet Way so look out for it!

AM: What is the Calliet Way and how did you create this method?

CC: I based The Calliet Way on one concept and that is looking good. If you look good, you feel good and you do good, but it starts with YOU. The Calliet Way starts with a very strong foundation in fitness and from there I work specifically with each client that I have. I cater their workouts to achieve their goals. Everybody is different and you have to make sure that you are catering to them, their goals and their body types. The biggest component of The Calliet Way is having the right mindset and the right mentality because it is important that I not only inspire you to look good, but just to be good overall.

AM: There is a distinct relationship of trust, intuition and investment between a trainer and their client, how do you go about connecting with the people that you work with and deciding
whether there is a connection that will be a beneficial pairing in working together?

CC: Before anything, I get to know my clients on a personal level. I drop my guard and let them into my life so they become comfortable with me and trust me. Once the trust is established,
then I’m able to get down to business.

I do what most people don't do. I speak to them. Genuinely. I ask them about themselves, their lives, their day-today, their goals, their aspirations and their struggles. From there I know who
you are and if I can work with you. It all has to start from a REAL place.

AM: We loved the concept of this shoot because we wanted to shoot you in and out of the gym, which also included what it looks like when you're training your clients. We were struck with how you train your clients as if you're a conductor in a symphony as there is a melodic flow to what you do - is there a connection between working out and flow?

CC: Definitely. Working art is what I like to call it, not working out. Fitness is an art form just like music, dance, and painting. All of these art forms require a rhythm and flow so that the energy is right and is vibrating at the highest frequency. That's how you make masterpieces.

AM: We loved seeing you come back to E! Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian for the second season of the show. With the first season under your belt, what made you want to come back, what takeaways did you have from working with the clients in this season and will we see you for season 3?

CC: I'm for sure coming back for season 3!

I would say it's amazing to work with new and different people and help them achieve their goals. What made me want to come back is being witness to how much their lives have changed and knowing that I was a part of that. Having such a huge platform and knowing that their changes are inspiring change in others worldwide is incredible.

I have the opportunity to inspire people all over the world to make a change for the better and that is just humbling in and of itself. I will always be a part of something like that.

AM: When we shot with you, you were on set with Michael B. Jordan while he filmed CREED 2. When you have long set days, how do you stay in shape around a hectic and shifting schedule - how do you also take time for yourself in these situations?

CC: Discipline, discipline, discipline. You always have to be in tune with yourself, and know what you want and what you need. Working out is a necessity for me. It's like food and water. Rest is also a necessity, though sometimes it is lacking. I always have to make sure that I recoup. It was difficult at times, but because of the discipline I already have I was able to pull through.

AM: We saw via your IG the trailer that you were in front of the camera on CREED 2 - will we see more of you in front of the camera in upcoming films?

CC: Maybe, but I don't know. It's not necessarily a goal of mine. I'd rather be unscripted than play a role. The only role I want to play is myself.

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“Fitness is an art form just like music, dance and painting. All of these art forms require a rhythm and flow so that the energy is right and is vibrating at the highest frequency. That’s how you make materpieces.”

— Corey Calliet

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AM: When you work with actors such as Michael B. Jordan who are in a number of action movies, how do you create goals in terms of what their physique will be as he looked in Black Panther and how you prepared him for CREED2?

CC: I just wanted Mike to look like the biggest, baddest super villain on the planet. Nobody can mess with Mike, but everyone is going to want to be like Mike. I made sure he was in the best shape ever and you'll see in the film, he looked amazing.

AM: What does a Body Transformation Specialist mean?

CC: It’s self-explanatory. I transform bodies and it is my specialty. Not everyone can transform a body, and not everyone has the knowledge to do so. I feel like Michelangelo — I'm an artist and my clients are my canvases.

AM: What is the relationship between food/hydration, working out, rest, recovery and having the right mindset/goals - are all of these needed in order to gain the desired results?

CC: All of these are needed. If you slack in any of these areas you're not going to get to your goal. You have to make sure that everything stays on point.

AM: In terms of recovery what do you feel that people should have on hand when they are working out?

CC: Number One? Water.

AM: What is currently on your playlist?

CC: Teyana Taylor's new album has a really nice feel, but I'm an old soul and have a lot of old R&B on my playlist. (No one knows that so please don't let that get out.) However my overall favorite is Migos.

AM: When you're traveling what are 3 things that you have on hand no matter what?

CC: Charger, headphones and at home workout equipment

AM: When you're in LA where can we find you working out, grabbing a bite/cocktails and where do you shop?

CC: I'm a homebody, but I like to work out at the gym in my building or at Nike HQ. There's also a CrossFit gym that I go to now in my neighborhood. I'm starting to fall in love with CrossFit!

If I go shopping, I like to keep it simple and visit whatever mall is closest. Occasionally you may find me out and about at some Hollywood nightclubs, but it's usually to celebrate something!

AM: What's your personal style in the gym vs what you wear when you're going out with friends and your red carpet style?

CC: In the gym I'm not trying to look cute. I want to be comfortable and I want to work out. For events and out on the town, that's a different story. I always have to look clean and stylish, but very grown man sexy. On the red carpet you know you're going to catch me in a nice tailored suit and some mean shoes.

AM: As we're on the back end of 2018 and planning for Spring 2019 what projects should we keep an eye on that you are involved in and what are your goals for the upcoming months?

CC: Definitely keep an eye out for Season 3 of Revenge Body, and you know you're going to catch me in Creed 2. There are some projects in the works I can’t speak on yet, including some app and merch, so be on the look out for it!

AM: While we were on set with you, we loved the motivational videos that you did and even in speaking with us you're always giving words of encouragement and focus while being humble - how important has that been to your success in life?

CC: It's been instrumental. As someone who transforms bodies, I'll always have to transform lives and I have to speak as much as I train. It's important to minister life into other people — I believe that.

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Fitness Artist with Corey Calliet in mag.

HOLDING COURT WITH LALA KENT

| MAVI JEANS Tank | MCM Skirt | MARC NEW YORK Jacket |

Readers of this magazine know that we love Reality shows and BRAVO is a personal favorite of our Co-Founder and Style Director. Any show that involves the Real Housewives franchise and their spin-offs is always a winner in our studio. Lala Kent is a fan favorite on Vanderpump Rules which showcases the lives of hostesses, servers, bartenders and DJs that work at SUR with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump. In addition to watching this self assured hostess, Lala has a passion for music and this past season we see her perform, and she has also launched a beauty line which we included in a number of looks within her editorial.

From the time Lala came to our set for this shoot, we realized that she is just as stunning, witty and as personable as she is on the show. This girl’s girl talks about how she became a part of this show, where we can find her in LA and more about her beauty line, Give Them Lala. Of course we had a great time incorporating some must have summer looks that are chic with a twist!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours since you first appeared on Vanderpump Rules. What were you doing prior to this show and how did you end up connecting with the show and what was the audition process like?

LALA KENT: Before the show, I was going on casting, auditions, and fit modeling was paying my bills. Vanderpump Rules came to me when I was eating at Sur. Lisa saw how I interacted with some of the people that worked there and offered me a job as a hostess. With that came a position on the show!

| TITIKA ACTIVE COUTURE Sport Bra | YEAR OF OURS Football Leggings |

AM: Throughout the seasons that you have been on, we have seen you join the cast, feel out the cast, make bonds, adjust and in this past season it seems like you really came into your own - how has being on the show allowed you to grow and what are you proud of after all these seasons?

LK: Being on the show has been amazing. I think being able to look back and reflect on my actions has helped tremendously. I’ve been able to see when I stand up for myself and when I’m acting like a fool! Everyone that is part of the show has brought a lot to my life and continues to help me evolve.

AM: Can we assume that you will be back for another season?

LK: Yes! I will be Giving Them Lala for another season.

AM: You and Lisa have such a great relationship and seems like the ultimate mentor and life coach rolled into one - what is it about Lisa that makes you comfortable to hear her feedback and to take her advice?

LK: Lisa has such a kind heart and offers such motherly love and advice. That, on top of seeing that she is a successful woman, you can’t help but go “I need to listen to her because she’s got it figured out”.

AM: We know that Stassi is a fan of the goat cheese balls at SUR. What are you fave dishes and/or cocktails that you enjoy there?

LK: Oooh I love the goat cheese balls too! They are insane. I also love Joe’s pasta and the Penne Sicilienne...and the dumpling. The sauce is epic.

AM: This season we actually see you perform! How long have you been interested in music, what were the elements that came together to make you embrace performing and what can we expect next within this portion of your career?

LK: I grew up in the arts. From choir to plays to musicals, I was just obsessed with it all. Once you leave high school and it’s no longer something you have the luxury of just doing everyday, you slowly lose the confidence you worked so hard for. James really reminded me of my roots and what I love to do. From here, I just hope to keep making music. It is extremely therapeutic for me.

AM: Tell us about BOY - what inspired you to make this song, how is it doing and what's the next single? When does your album drop?

LK: My song BOY just hit number 1 on iTunes in the Electronic genre. That is amazing to me. I was inspired by how it was so EDM but also trap. It gave me creative freedom to think of myself in a different setting, which was very “club”. That’s out of the box for me. I have another single out called “4 U” on iTunes and Spotify. It is a completely different feel than “BOY”. We also just finished recording a song called “What’s it For”. That will be out within the month. As far as an album goes... my schedule is crazy. I think an EP is going to be my next venture. I can’t wait.

| YANDY Swimsuit | GRACE ELEYAE Turban | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace + Ring | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace | SWEETGREEN Salad |

AM: We're living in a time of women taking things to the next level and creating a strong community of support - this season you were embracing this belief and really rallying the cast as a whole and especially the woman on the show to do the same. How important is women's empowerment?

LK: I’ve always been a girl’s girl. I know that women get the job done and that there is nothing more powerful than a gang of females. We all have our differences- for me it’s about embracing one another and realizing we are stronger together than we are apart. This is an outlook that’s evolved as I get older. The things that used to make me insecure or second guess myself, are suddenly things I’m thankful for.

AM: We knew you were stunning, you came to set this way and then of course, we created amazing looks for you - so it was not a surprise to us that you have a cosmetic line coming out. Tell us me about the line from the thought behind it, what is currently available, what will be available down the line and where we can get it!

LK: #Give Them Lala Beauty has grown so much in such a short period of time. I started with only 6 lip colors and now have over 50 products. For lips we now have mattes, glosses, and liquid lipsticks. We also expanded into highlighters, eye shadow, eyeliner, and are still growing! My brand is my baby and she is growing up so beautifully. I’m extremely proud.

AM: We were sad to hear about your father passing last month and we remember that your mom was with us on set - how important is it for you to ensure that in addition to all of the amazing opportunities that you have enjoyed that you also spend time with family for the balance that we all need?

LK: Family will always come first. That’s how it has always been and it will always be. If an opportunity comes my way that is meant to be, it will never take away from my family time.

AM: What are 3 skincare products that you swear by?

LK: My Clarisonic, Lancer Skin Polish, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizer, and let’s add one more... I die for Desert Essence Original Face Wash. Pair that with your Clarisonic and all your skin dreams will come true.

AM: Since you're in LA, where is your favorite place to eat and grab drinks, where do you workout and what's your studio of choice to work out?

LK: Oooh, this is tough. Obviously, I love me some Sur. I love Mr. Chow, but I’m always a sucker for the Polo Lounge. I go crazy for caviar. I have a gym where I live. It’s got great equipment and everyone is familiar with everyone- we all know each other’s routine so no one is ever fighting or waiting over a machine.

| LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace + Ring | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Crown | ISABELLA ROSE Bikini Bottom Reversed |

AM: You have a great body, what are 3 workouts that you do that keep you looking summer ready?

LK: I owe the bod to my trainer, Jenna Willis. She is amazing. I love my food and I love my drink. Somehow she puts together routines that kick my butt into great shape even with my undisciplined diet. I love my sumo squats, side planks help my tummy get firm, and the rowing machine is a great warm-up!

AM: How do you give of your time or give back from a philanthropic standpoint?

LK: My family and I are very into animals. My mom works for the humane society. I contribute my time and money to the Humane Society of Utah. I’m also an advocate for our whales- I’ve teamed up with PETA for Empty The Tanks. That is the cause I am most passionate about.

AM: Feel free to tell us anything that you haven't been able to or would like us to know!

LK: I have a really hard time walking in heels unless I’m slightly drunk.

Read more from the May Issue and see Holding Court with Lala Kent in mag.

BEYOND THE ROPES WITH DANIELLE MOINET

We always love our covers and it's always fun to have the opportunity to work with someone that we have previously worked with before. We're excited to have Danielle Moinet as this month's celebrity cover and our first person to grace two covers for Athleisure Mag! We enjoyed our photoshoot with Danielle and we sat down to catch up on what she's up to since we last spoke to her. We talked about her life as an athlete, about her road to the WWE, new projects that she's excited to be apart of, running the Chicago Bears out of Soldier Field, the importance of empowering women and girls in and out of sports and her love for the fans that she continues to see on her many trips as she is always on the go!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your athletic journey as we know you have played a number of sports!

DANIELLE MOINET: For me I always played sports. I was an athlete growing up - I ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. In college and when I got out of it and moved to Chicago, that's when I joined the Lingerie Football League, the LFL, and I played for the Chicago Bliss and I played Corner Back and I loved it. I played 3 years and it's full contact 7 on 7 football - very aggressive.

Then I went on to wrestle and a lot of the girls that hadn't wrestled before in WWE had some form of an athletic background. Health and fitness has always been a big thing for me and getting to the gym, so I think that people that work out a lot too are athletic as well and being in a women's sport is very important.

AM: Specifically, tell us about your journey into wrestling, WWE and what you are currently doing.

DM: I was working a Comic Con in Chicago, and WWE was there and it was a dream of mine to get in. There was not an application process setup like there is now when I first started, so I ran over to their booth and told them that I was interested and that I had been wanting to do this for years. I decided to play football for another year and then that's when I went down to WWE to have my tryout and 6 weeks later I was down there training and working out and I got my contract. So it was really a great place in time. There were only 6 girls training at the time. I was the 6th girl and now there is something like 20 or 30 girls training. WWE was amazing - I wrestled there for 6 years and I was on the main roster on Mon. Night RAW, Tues. Night Smackdown for 4.5 years and got to live out my dream.

As of Nov, I left WWE to spread my wings to other avenues and to be able to enjoy life and live it through new eyes. It's bittersweet as I miss my fans and the people I worked with, but I see my fans more often because I do so many appearances where I get to travel the world to meet them.

AM: We caught up with you when you were in the midst of a media tour - can you tell us what you were promoting?

DM: During my time in NY when I did my photoshoot, I was doing a lot of things! I was taking meetings, doing photoshoots with a number of modeling agencies and then I was also there for my first non WWE appearance that was in Manhattan and so I was able to go onto CBS Radio and talk to them about women in sports and the importance of women having a presence in athletics and for young girls to have role models to look up to - being athletic and knowing that strong is beautiful. Body positivity is something that is very import ant to me and I think it's great to be able to speak out to that! It was so much fun and I love everyone in NY!

AM: On set, everyone loved your hair, what products do you use and what tips do you have for healthy hair?

DM: My hair! I'm very fortunate that my mom is a hairdresser and growing up, she never let me dye it crazy purple or orange and crazy colors. I had actually never even dyed it until my mid twenties. I am super blonde naturally and I was always in the sun as a kid by the pool. I always used great products like Biolage or Matrix. One thing that was really amazing that I started to use the last couple of years is a wet brush. The wet brush helps with the breakage in your hair and having bangs, I have really noticed the difference using the wet brush because my hair doesn't break as much and it's able to stay long and healthy - that is something I absolutely swear by and love. And also, good Moroccan Oil and having good oil everytime you blow dry your hair - it's very important.

AM: We know from your IG that you're constantly on the go, what are 3 beauty products that keep you looking fresh and dewy and are a must in your routine?

DM: I am always on the go so beauty products that I love - I always have a spray tan, I do not go in the sun a lot so I always try to protect my skin as far as sun exposure goes, so it's all about wearing SPF. I do not go into the tanning bed so I can keep a wrinkle free life. I love love love and swear by Skin Medica - they're TMS Serum is something that I really do love. I completely see a difference in my skin when I use that. Their eye cream - amazing - it's expensive and I have tried alternate routes and dfferent things and I just see such a difference with them and that's something that's just great. Another thing I love - my lips don't get too chapped too much because I'm always on the go in airplanes - I love the Lip Slip by Sara Happ. It's a lip balm and it's so thick and potent and it lasts you forever - I got it from Nordstrom and I love it. My lips never crack, never peel and I love it.

AM: What's your personal style - what do you work out in, what do you go out in for a night out and what is your beach style?

DM: My personal style is super super different - I look very girly, but I am actually super tomboy! I love my Jordans, I love my Jays, I've become a big sneaker person since living in LA so really ideally, if I could live my life I'd do it in workout clothes and athleisure vibe and tennis shoes. That's how you could catch me everyday wearing. If you catch me in jeans or everyday pants it's because I have to because I am going somewhere. What I actually work out in is - I'm very cute on Instagram with matching outfits, but that is not how I am. In real life, I'm not like that I don't think. I get a lot of workout clothes sent to me from different brands and people that I work with so I can never find anything that matches when it is time to work out. I am not that girl who matches in the gym - I'm getting in there with a hat the majorty of the time with no makeup. I hate wearing makeup - I love getting glammed up, but I don't like makeup. I am usually in a hat, with it pulled down super low and getting my workout done because I don't want anyone talking to me and workout time is not playtime for me.

For going out, now that I live in LA, I have a very different west coast vibe. I love everything that is oversized and I love a great Tor Merch long sleeve shirt 2 sizes 2 big with baggy pants and a cute heel. If I'm going out, you can catch me in jeans, boots, a body suit or tank top. That's my vibe and I rarely wear a dress - again unless I have to or if I'm in Vegas or a place that's dressy. LA is just not that dressy and NY isn't really either. I have very different vibes - sometimes it's Bohemian or Urban - I like to change up my style.

Style and music are very all over the place for me as there are tons of genres of music I like and tons of styles that I like to dress in.

Beach style is bikini, flip flops and a cover up. Nothing special - no makeup maybe a little chapstick - that's all - very low maintenance.

AM: What are 3 of your favorite foods that are your go to for energy to assist in working out and do you have splurge foods that you enjoy as a treat every now and then?

DM: I'm a big fan of black coffee before working out. I try to stay lately from pre-workouts that have artificial sugars in them and I am trying to go back to that coffee route or just getting enough sleep as that is very good. Protein is a must for my diets and if I don't have a protein shake, I see a huge difference in my legs and body as far as my abs and cellulite go. I can see a negative difference without them and I need my protein high up. I also need some nuts before the gym - healthy fats are good. I don't like to be super full when I go to the gym because when I am full, I want to take a nap. Cheat foods that I love, pizza! I am obsessed with pizza, Mexican food, I love Queso and chips. My friends make fun of me because I eat a whole tub of queso - it's just really ridiculous as I need to be nowhere near that and then cookie dough. Cookie dough is my downfall! I went through a phase where I was obsessed with cookie dough for like 4 months and my friends and I joke that that’s where my butt came from the four months that I ate it. So we call it my cookie dough butt! I still have it but now I am just training it in the gym!

AM: We saw that you did something pretty amazing with the Chicago Bears last fall, can you share with our readers?

DM: Chicago Bears – so in the fall, ran the Bears out of the tunnel and was the first women to ever run them out of the tunnel! They said it had something to do with the fact that the flag is really heavy and then at Soldier Field, the lake wind effect off of the lake is so strong that it just moves the pole around and it’s crazy heavy! They usually don’t have guests running people out of the tunnel BUT I knew someone that knew someone and they reached out to me and asked if I wanted to do it. I was kind of unsure if I could and then they said that a woman had never done it before and that’s when I said, “well of course then – I have to be the first at everything that I do”. Don’t put me up to a challenge and I will never say no, especially if it is the first woman. It was amazing and fun. The players were super confused as to why I was down there haha! I’m a huge Bears fan so I loved it!

AM: What travel plans are you looking forward to this summer?

DM: This summer I am very fortunate that I am traveling all over. I have so many bookings for appearances to see so many of my wrestling fans. I’m a little west coast, a little east coast. I may have a few things that are Canada and then I am really really really excited about something that we haven’t announced yet which we can’t announce yet but it’s overseas and it is taking me to one of my places on my bucketlist – so I’m very excited about that!
As far as trips go, I look forward to taking my girls trip which we are going to Mykonos, Greece and I have never been there. We are just going to have a great time and I am looking forward to that because I have a great group of girlfriends.

AM: In LA what is your favorite place to shop, a workout studio that you attend as well as where you love to grab cocktails and a meal?

DM: Living in LA, obviously we have great killer stores. All the stores on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Grove the Mall – that’s really good and we have large stores with all the name brands. Some of the places that I really love to shop and that are fun that I tell my friends to go to when they’re in town – hidden gems on Melrose that are kind of really trendy and inexpensive and I love them – one is called Eden Sky and the other one is Style Delivered and I get really cute fun sunglasses, earrings and bandanas. I got my stuff from Coachella there and it’s good finds that are inexpensive so when you pair them with other really good pieces, that’s great. And of course, we have things like Revolve out here and Pretty Little Things and House of CB, Mistress Rocks – LA’s great we have some really good shopping. As far as food goes, I love Urth Café, it’s one of my favorites. I’m pretty sure that I brought my mom and dad there, friends from back home in North Carolina. You just sit outside and have bubble tea – which is amazing and all different kinds of food which is really good. We actually just got a Joe & the Juice which they have in NY and I’m obsessed with so I am really happy about that being there. I love all the healthy food options we have out here the salad places and everything like that which is really good. And then we have great trendy workouts. I love SoulCycle – I swear by SoulCycle as it’s fun and it makes me feel amazing to just get out there and sweat – so I really love that. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with an ankle injury for the past 3 months so I have kind of been having to deal with that and it’s driving me nuts. But I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things soon.

AM: Are there any projects that you're working on that you want to let our readers know about?

DM: I’m just really excited to be working with so many brands right now! I have two clothing companies that I am working with and I will be able to get my own line out and then I have one kind of beauty thing I am working on. I’m taking meetings with other people as far as my appearances go and doing things overseas so it’s all in the beginning baby stages. I have only just started to be able to do this stuff as I wasn’t able to do this with WWE and am looking forward to spreading my wings. My sister’s charity is back home in North Carolina – The Dean Thomas Moinet Foundation - love working with them when I go back home and am looking forward to doing a special project with them when I am back home to raise money in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area for the charity!

We shot Danielle Moinet in Manhattan's Lower East Side at Hotel Indigo LES which is filled with a number of great hitoric sites. Christopher White, the properties' Director of Sales and Marketing talked with us about the hotel and how it connects with the community.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Are there different personalities that Hotel Indigo represents on the city/community?

CHRISTOPHER WHITE: Hotel Indigo’s ethos is design, art, music and embracing the neighborhood that we are in - so every hotel will represent those qualities in different way depending on the location.

AM: Specifically, tell us about Hotel Indigo LES - when did it open, what is the atmosphere and the amenities that are offered for guests.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES opened in the heart of the Lower East Side in November 2015. Reflecting the community, the hotel is an urban oasis that features spacious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. Hotel Indigo LES is equipped with everything needed for the modern traveler - think a rooftop bar and pool, a gym, package handling, parking and we even provide amenities for your furry friends because we know kittens and pups are important too.

AM: Tell us about the lounges and pool.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is the perfect spot to visit day or night - with stunning views of Manhattan from every place you look, the view is unbeatable - especially now that Summer is right around the corner! The 14th-floor lobby is decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around almost the entire room, spacious L-shaped couches, coffee tables and a cafe. Not to mention the ceiling is covered in a mural by the famous Lower East Side graffiti artist, Lee Quiñones.

Beyond the lobby, guests are invited to checkout the heated plunge pool and bar, Mr. Purple, both located on the 15th floor rooftop. The space offers summer drink menus for guests to enjoy, while taking in amazing views of Lower Manhattan.

AM: Is the pool for guests only?

CW: We prefer to keep the pool exclusive to hotel guests – if locals are looking for a pool break we recommend booking a staycation at the hotel.

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?
 

CW:The lobby, cafe, and of course Mr. Purple - come relax, get some work done, or have a drink - locals and guests can do it all at Hotel Indigo LES!

AM: What Spring/Summer packages do you guys have coming up?

CW: Yes! Our Mother’s Day and Royal Wedding packages are can’t miss. Check them out and more on the Hotel Indigo LES website.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that surrounds Hotel Indigo LES.

CW: Located right in the heart of the Lower East Side, there is nothing you can’t find around Hotel Indigo LES! Tons of art galleries of all different styles, music halls, bars and restaurants all surround the hotel. Think hotspots like the famous Beauty & Essex and Katz Delicatessen, Rockwood Music Hall and more.

AM: Tell us about Mr Purple!

CW: Located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, the space completely captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the LES. Boasting a 360 degree view of downtown Manhattan from the two outdoor terraces and a beautiful interior, the venue recreates a hip, artist-loft ambiance. The larger terrace includes its own swimming pool (enough said) and outdoor bar, a perfect setting for yummy bites and signature sips against the backdrop of NYC.

AM: Does the Hotel Indigo LES have activities that they participate within that are local to the community?

CW: We sure do! Our goal is to hire all of our line staff from the community which is part of our ethos and culture. We participate in LESSEN which is part of the Henry Street Settlement in the Lower East Side and 30% of our line staff from pre-opening was hired from there. We also volunteer quarterly for Manny Cantor Center, Bowery Mission and am always working to always give back to the community that we are in.

AM: Please feel free to share anything that we may not have asked you but that you would like to share?

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is all about the art. From the moment you walk, to the sleeping rooms and lobby area, the spaces all reflect the art that can be seen all over the LES. With artwork featured from the likes of Mr. Brainwash and Lee Quiñones, guests can see the spirit of the LES at every turn.

Read more from Athleisure Mag and see Beyond the Ropes with Danielle Moinet in mag.

SPRING AWAKENING WITH ASHLEY BUSCH

It's been quite a winter! Thankfully, March reminds us that our dreams of sunny days and rising temperatures is closer to being a reality. This month's covergirl is one of our new faves, Ashley Busch - US Polo player, Global Brand Ambassador of U.S. Polo Assn, Wilhelmina model and wife of NASCAR's Kurt Busch! Our shoot incorporates Spring's must haves and we get the scoop on playing polo, hanging out with Ashley and seeing what she's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it take to be a polo player?

ASHLEY BUSCH: It takes a few things to be a good polo player. Of course, previous riding experience is always an advantage. To me, the most important skill is to have good hand-eye coordination. Also, the skill of the pony is just as important as the skill of the player.

AM: Are there things that people don't realize in terms of coordinating the mallet and riding?

AB: Most people do not realize that when we are riding we are standing up in the stirrups 90% of the time. In order to hit the ball it takes hand eye coordination. How far it goes has a lot to do with timing of where your horse is and where your mallet is in relation to the ball.

AM: What are your favorite plays?

AB: There are not really any set plays or off sides in polo. Any player can go anywhere on the field. Typically, I play number 1 or number 2 and those positions are the ones that do most of the scoring which are my favorite plays of course!

AM: What has been your favorite match that you have played in?

AB: My favorite match was the 12 Goal tournament I won with my dad at the International Polo Club.

AM: How has the Polo season been and what races are you looking forward to this year?

AB: Polo season has been great so far. I played my first tournament in January and we got to the finals where we only lost by one goal. The second tournament I played in February, we won
by 2 goals. So, I would say this season has been a success!

I look forward to all of the races whether I'm there or watching on TV. I get really into each race because each track is different and it’s fun to see how everything transpires. One of my favorite
trips is the west coast swing that we are on right now. From Vegas to Phoenix to LA. Some other tracks that I love are Bristol in Tennessee, Talladega, and Sonoma.

AM: As this month's cover girl of Athleisure Mag for the kickoff to our Spring Issue, what is it about this time of year that you find exciting?

AB: I am someone that has always gravitated towards warm weather. I love that the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is warming up. I look at springtime as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning and really hone in on my goals for the year. It’s a reboot in my opinion!

AM: The Spring is definitely a great time to add new pieces to your closet - what are some of your favorite spring must-haves that you love in your closet or will be adding to soon?

AB: With all the fashion weeks coming to an end, a lot of designers start putting out their spring lines, which I am always excited to see what new prints and styles are featured. I especially enjoy it because I am a designer myself and look forward to seeing what they come up with and what is trending. As far as new pieces, I am a sucker for a good pair of jeans that can be worn from day to night and I am always looking for fun shoes to mix it up!

AM: You do a lot of traveling and with NASCAR season starting back up, how do you juggle your calendar versus your days on the track to support your husband?

AB: The key for us is basically just looking ahead and scheduling everything accordingly. Some races I inevitably miss because I am playing polo. Regardless, though, we are both very supportive of each other and we make it work! 

AM: With such a busy schedule, great skincare is essential to ensure that you always look like you have a well-rested glow - what beauty products do you swear by?

AB: I typically do not wear much makeup, mainly because I am always on the go. Some of my go-to products are the La Mer oil-infused lotion to hydrate and smooth my skin. I also love Drunk Elephant's day and night serums to help balance out my skin tone. I use the Elta MD tinted moisturizer almost every day, especially when I have a polo match. It provides nice, even coverage, but more importantly has SPF to prevent wrinkles. When traveling, I always carry the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist! I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost of hydration.

AM: The last time we chatted with you, you were working on your swim line, how is that going and what can you tell us about it?

AB: We are still in the creative process of my swim line and ironing out all of the details. What I can tell you is that 10% of the proceeds will go to charity, as philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I will be posting updates on my social media as we progress and am shooting to launch this summer!

AM: When you're not training for your next polo match, designing your line, in a photoshoot or hanging out with Kurt, what can we find you doing when you're taking time for yourself?

AB: In my spare time, I am most likely spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy being at home just relaxing with my dogs.

AM: When you're home, where can we find you shopping, grabbing cocktails and a drink and do you have a workout studio that you enjoy going to?

AB: My go-to store to shop is Intermix. I also love to check out local boutiques in the area. In Charlotte, Kurt and I enjoy going to Sushi at the Lake for dinner and drinks. In Florida, HMF is a super cool spot. Most of the time, Kurt and I will cook dinner together at the house though.

When I am in Florida, I train at the International Polo Club with polo trainers. In Charlotte, we have a personal trainer who comes to our house to workout. I also like to take aerial silk classes at Air-fit Charlotte.

AM: What charities or philanthropies do you give your time to?

AB: Children's National Medical Center in DC. Capital Hospice Care. Cancer Research and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local Humane Societies.

We shot Ashley Busch in Brooklyn at the 1 

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge which has great views of Manhattan and is in a neighborhood with a number of options to enjoy. We chatted with General Manager, Cornelia Samara to find out why this property is one that you should get to know as we continue into the Spring and Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about 1 Hotels in terms of the family of properties within this group and what one can expect when staying here generally?

CORNELIA SAMARA: We currently have 1 Hotels open in South Beach, Manhattan, and most recently, here in Brooklyn. Soon guests will be able to get closer to nature in Cabo; Sanya, China; West Hollywood and Sunnyvale. While every property is unique in its design and offerings, you can always expect a home away from home, with thoughtful service and personal touches. Every 1 Hotel is designed to celebrate nature and bring touches of the outdoors inside.

AM: Are there different personalities that 1 Hotels represents depending on the city/community?

CS: Definitely. Each 1 Hotels property is directly influenced and inspired by their local surroundings – the natural landmarks it sits on or beside, as well as the community it is part of. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for example, is inspired by the industrial history of the Brooklyn waterfront, and its design takes cues from the park it sits upon.

AM: Specifically, tell us about 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge - when did it open, what is the atmosphere?

CS: We opened our doors to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in February 2017, making us just recently 1 Tree Ring year old. The atmosphere at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is first and foremost welcoming, and it has a special balance of energy, liveliness in the midst of tranquility.

AM: What makes the Brooklyn location one that is great for business travel, business meetings, vacations and staycations?

CS: Much like Brooklyn itself, what you can experience at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is very diverse in its offerings. We operate 6 different outlets that can cater to just about every traveler, with a spa providing treatments to relax and re-energize, a rooftop pool & bar that
is calm by day and energetic by night, a lobby lounge and café that are both great for settling in with a good book or hunkering down to get work done, visit The Osprey for an elevated dining experience, or Brooklyn Heights Social club for unparalleled views and an unmatched cocktail list.

AM: What amenities are offered by the hotel and what are the touches that are specific to this hotel?

CS: -Bamford Haybarn Spa

-24 hour Field House fitness center

-Seasonal rooftop bar and pool

-Full Service Restaurant, The Osprey, with seasonal outdoor seating

-Brooklyn Heights Social Club, a bar on the 10th floor with stunning views of NYC skyline

-Neighbors café located in the lobby

-24 hour in-room dining

-Complimentary Tesla electric house car

-Filtered water taps in guest rooms

-Location on Brooklyn Bridge Park

We put a great deal of effort into bringing nature into our public spaces and guest rooms. It’s important that people feel at one with nature even when they aren’t able to actually get outside.

For example, each guest room will have green elements like living green moss, small trees or even hanging gardens.

AM: The public areas are so welcoming, who designed this hotel and what was the thought process behind the design?

CS: The hotel was thoughtfully designed by INC Architecture & Design, guided by a specific vision from our founder, Barry Sternlicht, and our design team. From the beginning, we knew we wanted our guests, community and visitors to feel at home and close to nature. We like
to think of our lobby a place to gather, where you can find locals and guests busy at work or socializing with friends.

AM: We saw that you offer car services to the area - why is this an amenity that was added and tell us more about it?

CS: We do offer a complimentary Tesla house car for our guests, to whisk them away to destinations within 3 miles of the hotel with low-impact (it’s electric!) We chose an electric car to be our house car because it minimizes our contribution to air pollution and also gives our
guests the chance to see that electric vehicles can be true replacements for gasoline powered vehicles. We hope it encourages them to take measure to reduce their own carbon footprints when they head home.

AM: What can we look forward to for the Spring and the Summer that is offered at the Brooklyn Bridge location?

CS: -New seasonal menus items made with market-fresh ingredients throughout our food and beverage outlets and our in-room dining menu

-Our seasonal rooftop bar and pool will reopen in the spring

-Exciting outdoor programming from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?

CS: -They can always expect warm and welcoming greeting from our team

-They can always expect amazing cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from their own communities

-Unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge

-Locals are always welcome to get comfortable and work from our lobby lounge

-Special offers from the hotel and our outlets, extended specifically to our neighbors and local community

AM: Tell us about your commitment to wellness as we saw the yoga mats in the room and we know you have a gym as well.

CS: It’s important to us to encourage our guests to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We can only put our best foot forward in taking care of the planet when we also take care of ourselves. We hope the yoga mats remind guests the importance of taking a moment each day to get centered and focused in their mind and spirit. We offer Mind & Movement programming to help create experiences that allow guests to do this.

AM: Two of our favorite places are rooftops and spas and we know you have both, tell us about this.

CS: You are definitely not alone in that! There are few things better than an amazing view or being pampered. While our service definitely sets us apart, there’s no question that our views are taken to the next level on our rooftop. At Bamford Haybarn Spa, the commitment to holistic treatments and organic ingredients is a major differentiator.

Read more from the March Issue and see Spring Awakening with Ashley Busch in mag.

THE KNOCKOUT WITH BRANDI RHODES

If you don't know Brandi Rhodes, you're missing out on this stunner who embodies #GirlPower and #CoupleGoals. While you get to know more about her through her social, you can catch her wrestling with Women of Honor alongside her hubby Cody Rhodes (as she is apart of wrestling royalty)! You can also catch her this month in the debut season of E! WAGS Atlanta, where she is one of the breakout stars.

In addition to shooting her fabulous editorial for our anniversary issue, we talked with her about how she got into the industry from modeling, her start in the WWE, being in ROH/WOH, her busy schedule and how she maintains her site, Not a Basic B for her fans to get to know her more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into wrestling and what your journey was into the sport?

BRANDI RHODES: I was scouted by WWE as I was modeling in Miami, FL. They contacted my modeling agency and expressed interest. From there I had meetings and then a try out to assess my athleticism. Then I was offered a contract to come to Florida Championship Wrestling and begin training. The rest is history!

AM: We know you were with the WWE and are currently with WOH - can you tell us about your experiences with both and what you're looking forward to within this league?

BR: With WWE I was an announcer, and unable to wrestle (which is what I wanted to do all along, but once it was discovered that I was good on the mic, I was placed in that position and
unable to transition away from it). In WOH I am of course a wrestler and am able to spread my wings and grow and learn so much! I also am able to work with my husband in ROH which is so
much fun. ROH/WOH allow me to do everything in the realm of wrestling, which is very challenging and fun.

AM: What's it like being married to Cody, who is also a wrestler and is in ROH?

BR: I’m the luckiest woman in the world to be married to Cody. He is incredibly smart, ambitious, handsome and has such a big heart. It’s inspirational to get to work with him in ROH. I learn a lot from him, and I have a front row seat to this time, being the most successful of his career. In Wrestling, many times wives have to stay home and watch their spouses compete from afar. I’m grateful to be on the road with him and able to see some of his most important
matches.

AM: How do you balance your schedules as we interviewed WWE Superstar Natalya Neidhart last year and Danielle Moinet/Summer Rae last year and know that as an athlete, you guys travel a lot to global matches? When your husband is also doing these, how do you connect
and find balance?

BR: We are big on having our fun. We plan our downtime just like anyone else. This month we are looking forward to a long awaited ski trip after heading to Japan for WrestleKingdom, one of the biggest wrestling events of the entire year! But sometimes it’s a trip to Disney or Universal Studios to recharge and connect, others it’s a trip to our favorite movie theater, and other times, we have to find time to have dates on the road! Last week we had to see The Last Jedi, in New Jersey because we were working, but refused to miss out on seeing the movie right when it came out. No matter how busy our schedules are, we can always find time to do things we love together. We make it if we have to!

AM: When we looked through your blog, Not Another Basic B - we were obsessed with your accessories and style - tell us more about your blog, why you created it, and how important is it to you as a creative outlet?

BR: Initially I created Not Another Basic B as a way to express my creativity. I was very bored and just not satisfied in my previous career. I couldn’t control that at the time, but I could challenge myself by creating the blog and the content that I put into it. I loved fashion and often would have people tweeting me trying to find out what brands I was wearing on TV, and this blog made it easier to connect with these folks and get them that information! From there, the blog took off to become more than fashion. I started sharing my travels, things about my
family and my marriage and personal stories as well. Now people look to the blog as a place for everyone. From the fashionista to the wrestling fan, to the traveler! I’m so proud of what it has
become!

AM: How did you become apart of the cast of WAGS Atlanta?

BR: I was living in LA working on another TV project and Casting reached out to my management asking if I would be willing to do a Skype interview to get to know me. I did the interview and a week later was sent over a contract to do the show! It was really fast! I later
found out that I was the last member cast. They were looking for someone who had an existing fan base and presence, and thankfully I have the most loyal fan base and following from the
wrestling world and they are really excited to see me on the show!

AM: We know that the season just started, but would you come back for another season, and/or be open to future reality shows?

BR: There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining what happens next and when. But I am happy to have this opportunity to be a part of the E! family, and for viewers and our existing fans to have the opportunity to get to know us a little better!

AM: How do you stay in great shape?

BR: I train very hard daily! My workouts are 6 days a week and incorporate weight training, interval exercises and plenty of cardio. I’ve found a balance with training, it’s something that challenges me, but also that I enjoy greatly.

AM: What do your workouts look for a match versus just maintaining when you may be in a few days of downtime?

BR: I really don’t deviate from routine when I have a match coming up. I compete pretty frequently, sometimes multiple times in one week, so for me it’s important to stay consistent at all times. In the summer, however, I do tend to add runs into my workouts simply because I love running outside!

AM: What are 3 go-to power foods when you're working out versus 3 splurges when you're treating yourself?

BR: When I’m working out I love a good protein shake, my favorite is from a place called Kale Me Crazy. I’m also very big on tuna packets, because I can take them anywhere and they do the trick! Then I love almond butter. Put it on my toast every morning. Splurge foods: pizza, burgers and any kind of cake. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth!

AM: You travel frequently what are 3 beauty products that you swear by that keep your skin fresh and vibrant?

BR: I always travel with Foreo. It’s a face cleansing device (similar to Clarisonic) but they come in Travel sizes and are so easy to use and keep clean! I also need my Dermologica face lotion
which is lightweight and SPF50! Lastly, I always have a good mask with me, I tend to go back and forth between charcoal and mud masks.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

BR: Honestly... I watch the Hallmark Channel and HGTV and grab a glass of wine in my big moments of relaxation ha! I’ll take a bubble bath if I’m feeling REALLY edgy :)

AM: What do you wear when you go out for brunch, versus when you're running errands?

BR: I definitely dress up for brunch! A sundress with jewelry and heels in always up my alley. For errands, however, most of the time I am dressed “gym fab” because I’ve either just
come from the gym, or I’m on the way to the gym! Often time that’s head to toe Lululemon or Lorna Jane!

AM: What are your goals this year in wrestling, business, the site, family etc?

BR: This year I’m hoping to chase the dream of becoming WOH Champion! I’m looking forward to taking the blog to new heights this year with some upcoming partnerships! There are a few exciting things underway so just keep your eyes and ears open for me!

AM: What charities/philanthropies do you give your time to?

BR: I’ve always had an interest anything that helps with cancer research. Over the past few years my family has known too many families that have lost kids to childhood cancer. I’m always passionate in that research and spreading the word about ways to help.

AM: Anything else you'd like to share?

BR: The best ways to connect and interact with me! Those are my social pages: @TheBrandiRhodes - Twitter and IG and of course NotAnotherBasicB.com! Aside from that I’d like to wish everyone an amazing 2018! It’s going to be as great as we make it!

Read more from the Jan Issue and see The Knockout with Brandi Rhodes in mag.

MAI TIME WITH JEANNIE MAI

Our issues are always filled with our faves and range in various areas that we are intrigued and enlightened by. We've been fans of Jeannie Mai ever since she appeared on the Style Network's "How Do I Look"? Her approach to making all women feel beautiful and comfortable in their own skin is such a refreshing one in an industry that is not known for embracing these values.

We had the chance to hangout with Jeannie and shoot her cover at NYC's 575 Park Avenue while finding out more about her style career, being a fashion correspondent as well as being one of the co-hosts of FOX's The Real. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as we remember you first from your days on Style Network 'How Do I Look' and your use of 'wearapy'. Share with our readers what wearapy is.

JEANNIE MAI: My mom taught me that my style is my business card. After I graduated high school I was teaching women in my hometown of San Jose on how to dress for their body type and helping celebrities perfect their makeup for the stage. I knew my message to brand your beauty needed to be taught to millions, so I moved to LA to promote that message. I was honored to take on being the host of "How Do I Look" and began teaching my philosophy about "wearapy" - the idea that you can change your opportunities from the outside in. 

AM: We know that you started as a MUA. Share your path from transitioning from a Celebrity MUA, to a Stylist to an on air personality.

JM: Makeup is the most inexpensive tool you can use to transform your image. Again, my mom was a key player in teaching me all the power that comes in owning what's most unique about me. I marketed myself well throughout the Bay Area as a makeup artist and stylist and was blessed to be at the right place, at the right time...while I stayed prepared for my moment. I went from painting faces of stars like Christina Aguilera, Cyndi Lauper, and Alicia Keys to styling them whenever they needed because at the time there were no assigned stylists from record labels. While I enjoyed helping celebs, empowering everyday women was my passion. So I moved to LA to begin sharing my message on television.
 
AM: You have a number of shows you're a part of! Tell us about The Real - what was the process like to getting a spot as one of the co-hosts and what is it about this talk show format that is so exciting for you?
 
JM: The Real is the sickest celebration of authenticity and girl power in a daily talk show. I am thrilled to work beside Tamera Mowry Housley, Loni Love, and Adrienne Houghton - we are a dream team. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work and we don't rest until we put our hearts out there at our Girl Chat table every single day. But what's most exciting is listening to our fans and hearing the incredible stories of lives being changed and affected through our stories of truth and progress to be our best.

AM: The fashion industry is glamorous, but it's also one that many find is harsh in terms of over photoshopping, representing diversity, weight etc - we have always been struck by how you represent and carry the message of women being comfortable in the bodies that they are in - do you feel that you are a role model for this and what led you to representing this acceptance/platform?

JM: I am the best role model for me. At 38 years young I embrace all it took for me to really enjoy the body I'm in and the woman I live to be. I wouldn’t be keeping it real if I didn't say I haven't touched a photoshopping app or struggled with my image, but being a woman means owning the right to do what makes you fabulous as long as it helps you serve your mission in life. 

AM: We love #MaiTips - share 3 of your tips with us on achieving great effortless summer style and what are 3 tips that we should consider when we go to summer weddings?  
 
JM: I have 3 tips that can work for both!

1. Invest in head wraps, scarves, and hair accessories. It’s the most effective piece to pull an outfit together, frames your face, and is always a classic stylish touch.
 
2. Before leaving the house work on the best poses and stride with your outfit and shoes. After all, it’s all about making an entrance and a lasting impression in pics!
 
3. Use deodorant not just under your arms, but behind your knees, inside your elbows, and down your cleavage as well. Nothing worse than feeling sweat after sitting in the sun, especially at a wedding, but a little help in those areas help you feeling dry and fresh day to night.
 

AM: You're always on the go, what are your must haves to travel with in terms of makeup, snacks and style finds?
 
JM:- Makeup: Minnavi skin care masks are a must for hydration and luminescence, they have a time release of nutrients that keep my skin in check through any type of weather. I use them religiously before any red carpet or date night with the hubs!
 
- Snacks: Chia seeds are necessary for energy and digestive health & Dang coconut chips are delish as a healthy fat and sweet!   
 
- Style Finds: I am addicted to eyewear. I purchase glasses from every city I visit, and love how every style frame can add instant sophistication to my looks.
 
AM: With the summer upon us, how can we get a great glow for our skin to have that sun goddess kissed look?

JM: See my Minnavi skin care tip above. No really, these masks save lives. Prep it with Tulura skin oil (both the serum and the oil set) and I swear you will skip foundation. 

AM: Do you have any travel plans this summer?

JM: I'm thrilled to be executive producing and shooting my series of "How Do I Look Asia" in Singapore that will be airing in 33 countries, and taking mom to Sri Lanka and Korea after. The girls and I from "The Real" will be going on vacay this summer, and my besties Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson from Too Faced Cosmetics and I will be headed to Italy immediately following that trip. 

Did I mention I’m obsessed with travel?
 

AM: As a busy woman, how do you achieve a balance between work, life in general and assessing your own needs for personal time to recharge?

JM: First and foremost I start my day with a prayer of expectation of what's to come, and I end my day with gratitude for the unexpected. I feel that balances me for anything to come that day. Second, I prioritize spending time with what’s most important to me, like my husband, my family, the outdoors, great friends, and a really good Old Fashioned at the end of it all!

AM: What projects are you working on at the moment that you can share with us and where will we see you next? 

JM: I have an exciting project I'm working on with my awesome Mama Mai, I'm writing a book, starting a YouTube series, and we have a whole new side to "The Real" coming out for you next season!

AM: If there are additional items that you would like to share with us, please feel free to share!

JM: I appreciate the heck out of Athleisure Mag for taking this time and can't wait to hear more from your readers. Please do connect with me on my socials so we can keep in touch! Mad love.
 

AM: We loved creating this shoot for so many reasons and another character that plays throughout the luxury apartment's unit 1507 at 575 Park Ave, which had great touches that brought an additional layer of character to our cover shoot! We interviewed Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Senior Associate Real Estate Broker at Halstead Property in Manhattan.

LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: It’s simply stunning! I absolutely love the renovation that was done here. There is an abundance of designer details and high-end finishes that discerning buyers really appreciate.  Plus it has open city views, including Park Avenue, and sun-drenched rooms throughout so it’s a delight to be in day or night.  It also has a well-proportioned floor plan with separate bedroom wings providing ultimate privacy.  Entertaining here is a pleasure with a loft-like great room that beautifully combines living and dining. The living room boasts a decorative fireplace and thoughtfully designed custom built-in bookshelves, while the dining area is complemented by a built-in banquette flanked by crafted custom display cases. The bold designer choices in the kitchen are very chic, featuring a stunning mosaic tile floor, dark custom cabinetry, black granite counter tops, and high-end appliances. It looks like something right out of the pages of Architectural Digest.

AM: Tell us about who represents this property.

LPF: I am very honored to be the broker representing this exclusive listing.  I have been working in residential real estate for more than 28 years and currently hang my hat at Halstead Property’s Park Avenue office, where I’m proud to lead the firm’s #1 team.  My portfolio of clients includes buyers, sellers, and luxury developers all over NYC and my career sales are in excess of $3 billion.  I consider myself more of an educator than a sales person and it’s a privilege to be a part of this process with people, after all, your home is the base upon which the rest of your life is built.

AM: The interiors of this property really made us feel at home, who were the interior decorators of this space?

LPF: I agree, it is a sophisticated aesthetic but still very warm and inviting, a home you feel comfortable in.  That is credit to the current owners, an elegant husband and wife team who love to entertain and appreciate family time. They had a vision for the renovation and made it a reality.  She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design so it’s her impeccable taste reflected in the interior design choices throughout, but he also has a discerning eye and would consider himself a collaborator in the final result.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with them on several transactions in the city and I’ve thought each of their apartments was designed to perfection, but this one is very special.

AM: What amenities are offered in this building for residents?

LFP: Built in 1927, The Beekman is an elegant residence designed by George F. Pelham with an Italian Renaissance style that embodies a global lifestyle. Pied-a-terres are permitted and the full-service, white-glove amenities include: 24-hour doorman, concierge, valet, maid service (five days a week and monthly thorough cleaning), fitness room, central laundry room, private storage, engineering staff, and an onsite building manager who is terrific. Situated on Park Avenue at 63rd Street, the building is also home to the alluring French restaurant, Vaucluse, Chef Michael White's masterpiece serving impeccable food with an interior fashioned by Meyer Davis, that beautifully integrates contemporary design elements with the natural grace emblematic of Provence.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that is directly around the building.

LFP: The coveted location is convenient to Central Park, fine dining and charming cafes, luxury boutique shopping, art galleries, museums, and gourmet grocers. Plus Equinox is just one block away and there is public transportation nearby if needed.

AM: For those that are interested in purchasing this unit, how can they find out more information? 

LFP: It would be very easy to call this lovely apartment home given that it’s move-in ready.  Simply bring your toothbrush ;)

To schedule an appointment, people can contact me directly and I will be happy to show them the apartment and discuss the purchasing details.  I can be reached via email at lphillips@halstead.com or at 212-381-3329. 

AM: Where can readers find out about additional properties that you represent?

LFP: Visit my website and click on the tab for “My Listings.” You can view pictures and videos along with detailed descriptions of each property I’m working with.

Read more from the May Issue and Mai Time with Jeannie Mai as well as more info on the unit we shot in via our chat with Louise Philips Forbes of Halstead in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | MAY ISSUE

Our May Issue of Athleisure Mag is live! Before Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Fridays kick off, we're excited to share our celebrity cover, Jeannie Mai of FOX's The Real! This issue also includes a Travel Editorial with Club Med, an interview with Jack Maxwell of Travel Channel's Booze Traveler, an interview with iconic photographer Ed Caraeff who shot Jimi Hendrix, Iggy Pop and more, we chatted with Aloha about smoothies and their nutritional impact, talked with artist Sam Rodriguez on his new collaboration with 1800 Tequila and PUMA, and have a fun chat with Food Network personality and celeb baker - Duff Goldman. As always, we have a number of our classic features from Athleisure List, #TribeGoals and more. In addition, we have 2 guides for Father's Day as well as Graduation Guides. 

See more from the May Issue here!

KISS ME AT MIDNIGHT

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ATHLEISURE MAG: Nice shooting here, what amenities are offered at Nine52?

NINE52: Every detail of Nine52 has been designed to accommodate the modern city dweller’s needs and to provide the comforts and services of a luxury building. The full-service building is attended by a 24-hour concierge and offers a children’s playroom, a state-of-the-art fitness center with separate yoga and spinning rooms, private storage units, an expansive interior courtyard with a tranquil fountain, a large resident lounge with a bathroom and entertainment area with a full kitchen, a wine cellar with dining area and a co-working space complete with two conference rooms and individual workstations. Atop the building sits a fully furnished and landscaped rooftop deck complete with 360-degree views. Residents may also use a complimentary bike service offered, which includes twenty single-speed Joulvert bikes. The vast amount of amenities is incomparable to other buildings.

AM: What is the concept of the layout?

NINE52: Developed by Gaia Real Estate, Nine52 offers 155 residences with architecture by SPIVAK Architects and interior design by Erik Galiana. Danny Fishman, Managing Partner of Gaia Real Estate not only wanted to target “attainable luxury” for residents, but also include as many amenities within the building as possible. Gaia has a very large rental business and did a lot of research when planning this building – they did a survey with a few thousand tenants and asked them what they wanted.  Ultimately, instead of creating something they thought people wanted, they used direct results to actually give them what they are looking for - which, one of the top things was a co-working space. In terms of style, they wanted to keep it very "New York". 

AM: What are its selling points?

NINE52: Nine52 provokes a sense of discovery. This striking building in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen – a neighborhood rich with history and intrigue – features a brick façade and winding, maze-like corridors that lead to thoroughly modern and new condominiums. Like the city itself, Nine52‘s duality of space blends old with new, masculine with feminine, metal with wood, and thoughtful design with unique details to create a harmonious whole.

Comprised of studio through three bedroom and garden duplex homes, each residence is well-appointed with rich finishes, such as stained white oak floors, oversized windows and sleek kitchens with custom lacquer cabinetry and Caesarstone countertops.  Each home is also equipped with a washer and dryer.  

There is also a large array of floorplans, which helps cater to a wide variety of buyers and is unlike anything else available in the neighborhood.

AM: What is building's occupancy?

NINE52: The building is open and is now fifty percent sold.  Residences are priced from approximately $819,000 to more than $3,000,000. Park River Properties is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the property. 

AM: What is the neighborhood draw?

NINE52: Located between 9th and 10th Avenues, with entrances on both 51st and 52nd Street, Nine52 conveniently located just steps from Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Times Square and shopping outlets at Columbus Circle, and residents will find a magnitude of resources and sought after destinations, including renowned museums, educational institutions, and a vast assortment of fine dining and shopping.

Read more from the Dec Issue

ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS/17

Earlier this month, Athleisure Mag presented its first event during NYFW with ATHLEISURE HOUSE, a fitness, fashion and branded showcase event. We showcased: HOM, a mens underwear and activewear line (this show was paired shoes by Sand by Saya as well as Pikolinos), Maaji Swimwear, a vibrant swim line (paired with feather accessories by SoundChick Accessories, gold jewelry from Kemi Designs, shoes by Sand and Saya as well as Yosi Samra), and pool floats by Big Mouth Inc),  and Noli Yoga, a NYC based activewear line (with accessories from Misfit, Apple Watch, Yosi Samra, and Sand by Saya)  which took place in a private luxury residential property, 535 W 43rd St, in Hell's Kitchen.

Our event was supported by a number of partners including: TRULY Spiked Sparkling Water, JUST WATER, Maple Water, Bai, Truth Bars, Macro Bars and Organic Gemini. Guests enjoyed a lifestyle curated bag filled with Nature Republic, Trilogy, Victorinox Swiss Army, The Green Blender - placed in a Quilted Koala market tote.

For the backstage, a number of our food and beverage sponsors were enjoyed by our models and creative team members. Our Official Makeup Sponsor was Eve Pearl which created 3 great looks to showcase the lifestyle of each of the lines that were presented.

To the right, you can find out more about our teams and brands featured within this immersive event during fashion's biggest week.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE CREDITS

| MENSWEAR SHOW Hom | FOOTWEAR Pikolinos, Sand by Saya | ACCESSORIES Sand by Saya |

| SWIM SHOW Maaji Swimwear | FOOTWEAR Yosi Samra, Sand by Saya | GOLD ACCESSORIES Kemi Designs| FEATHER ACCESSORIES SoundChick Accessories | WEARABLE ACCESSORIES Misfit |

| YOGA SHOW Noli Yoga | FOOTWEAR Yosi Samra + Sand by Saya | ACCESSORIES SoundChick Accessories, Quilted Koala | WEARABLE ACCESSORIES Apple Watch, Misfit |

| MAKEUP LEAD Nydia Figueroa | MAKEUP KEY ASSISTANT Kat Osorio | MUA TEAM Angelica Alberti, Agnes Barnet, Sasha Dalger, Lorena Ferreira, Auralis Flores, Jordan Norberto, Hadar Sagi, Aleck Zajac | HAIRSTYLE LEAD Brooke Bogle | HAIRSTYLE TEAM Saidy Cepeda-Criado, Lea DeLoy, Diva LaSha |

| ATHLEISURE HOUSE ASSISTANT Christina Sanchez |

| PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEOGRAPHY Paul Farkas |

| MODELS | MSA Callie G, Deandra, Johanna, Julie D, Taylor, Becky B, Jordan | COUTURE MODELS Jessy L, Lauren A | TRUE MODEL Nicholas, Oheni Morris, Christian, Lance| Vicky, Margo, Fazon Gray |

See more from the Sept Issue.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS17

Today, Athleisure Mag launched its first New York Fashion Week event, ATHLEISURE HOUSE which showcased active fashion, fitness, wellness and lifestyle activities in luxury Manhattan residences in Hell’s Kitchen (535 W 43rd St NY, NY). Invited attendees were treated to three stylish presentations in the property’s bi-level courtyard, lounge, and game room.

Athleisure, lounge and swim brands included: HOM (men’s active/swim), MAAJI Swimwear (women’s Columbian swimwear line), and NOLI YOGA (NYC based yoga line) presented by Athleisure Mag via ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS/17.

These shows were complimented with accessories from Big Mouth Inc, Dharma Yoga Wheel, Kemi Designs, Melt, Misfit, Pikolinos, Sand by Saya, Quilted Koala, Soundchick Accessories, and Yosi Samra. The shows were styled by Celebrity Stylist and Athleisure Mag’s Style Director, Kimmie Smith. Backstage teams created the edgy and tribal hair and makeup looks led by Lead Makeup Artist Nydia Figueroa of Eve Pearl (Official Cosmetic Sponsor) and Assistant Key
Makeup Artist Kat Osorio, and Lead Hairstylist Brooke Bogle.

Attendees included fashion and fitness industry, athletes, actors, celebrity fitness trainers, Bravolebrities, celebrity publicists, personalities, and influencers. Guests of Athleisure House enjoyed food and beverage sponsored by Truly Spiked Sparkling Water, JUST WATER, Bai, Organic Gemini, Maple Water, MacroBar and Truth Bar. While enjoying a sunny NYFW evening,
attendees listened to Athleisure Mag’s NYFW Slaylist mix which played during and after the show. Goodie bags included items to continue the athleisure lifestyle courtesy of Green Blender, HOM, Nature Republic, Quilted Koala, and Trilogy Products, and Victorinox.

Click here, for ATHLEISURE HOUSE sponsors.

Fashion Stylist: Kimmie Smith
Official Makeup Sponsor by Eve Pearl: Led by Nydia Figueroa
Hair Team: Led by Brooke Bogle
Music by: Athleisure Mag Slaylist & DJ Eloy