THE RED ROCKER | SAMMY HAGAR

We have been fans of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Sammy Hagar whether from his solo career, as a member of Van Halen, or in super bands! He is a noted singer/songwriter, guitarist, an entrepreneur with an amazing portfolio, and philanthropist. Whether it’s his music, restaurants, spirit brands, etc. he is about loving life and enjoying it to the fullest.

His latest venture is one that is important to him as it is about longevity and nourishing your body as he continues to tour and has his residency in Vegas at Park MGM. Red Rocker Essentials is a line of vitamins that he partnered with noted wellness supplement guru, Wayne Gorsek, who founded and sold Vitacoast, and with Nature Labs, has this new line of products, as well as Sammy’s own supplements. We sat down with this duo to talk music, life, and the importance of vitamins as we navigate our day to day.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Red Rocker Essentials, we’d like to talk a bit about your music.

When did you first fall in love with music? I have been a fan of yours for decades. And so being able to connect with you is definitely a pleasure, Sammy Hagar.

SAMMY HAGAR: Well, I’m thrilled. Thank you! But, you know, I think probably the first time I went crazy and said, “wow, I want to do that,” was when Elvis Presley - I was like 4 years old or something... My teenage sisters were watching his debut on TV or it might have been the Ed Sullivan Show or whatever it was, but Elvis Presley comes on and my sisters are sitting there going crazy right? Screaming, holding their faces - watching a guy in black and white on TV you know.

I’m going, “wow, that’s pretty cool you know?” I might want to do that right? I want to be that guy. But really, my dad was always singing and whistling and he could yodel country music. He was listening to Hank Williams and Hank Snow and people like that. I’d sit in the car and hear him sing to the radio. That kind of got my attention too. I was kind of raised around music, even though no one played music around me. Everyone kind of liked music. My sisters would dance and they’d dance with me, you know, and my dad would sing to the radio. I guess I was influenced by music right away.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a recording artist? You’re an amazing guitarist, a vocalist, you write songs...

SH: Well, I had an older friend that used to go to school with my brother and he played guitar. I used to always dress the part. My sisters always had me looking like the latest rock star, whoever it was. It was Elvis Presley or whoever the next person was, my sisters would comb my hair like that and roll up my sleeves. I swear, they dolled me up all the time like I was their playmate.

I think this guy who played guitar, he came over to my house to see my brother. He’s going, “did you ever think about being a singer?” And I’m going, yeah, you know, and he played guitar. So he started playing guitar and I started singing a couple songs. I knew a few songs from the radio, same kind of thing. So I started a band with him. He took me to see The Rolling Stones when they came to San Bernardino Swing Auditorium the first time they played in America and that was where I lived. George Babcock from a radio station, 590 AM, brought The Stones and we went to see them. And I just said, that’s it. Boom. I saw their first American performance and I wasn’t even driving a car yet, you know. So this guy had a car and we drove over and I think that’s what really did it.

Then to play guitar, that was just wanting to be a singer. My friend played guitar and I just sang all the time. Then I went to see Cream’s first American performance with Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker at the Whiskey A Go Go, I went into a music store the next day and I stole my first guitar! I mean, I hate to say it, but I wanted to play like that and I knew I was going to sing like Mick Jagger and I’m going to play guitar like Eric Clapton!

That really set me on my course and that’s all I wanted to do. You couldn’t have talked to me out of it. I thought I was going to be rich and famous someday and I was determined. Pretty lucky guy, I’d say, you know? But I did the work.

AM: Oh, you did the work. I mean, you have been part of so many different bands as well as being a solo artist!

Before we delve into Red Rocker Essentials, Wayne, can you tell me a bit about your background and what led you to the wellness industry?

WAYNE GORSEK: I just learned a little more about Sammy! I didn’t realize Elvis inspired Sammy. Look at my shirt (Editor’s Note: Wayne’s shirt is a button down that has Elvis on it).

SH: What a trip!

WG: It’s actually made by the clothier that supplied Elvis in Memphis.

AM: Oh, wow.

WG: It’s made in America. I got like 5 of them. I’ll answer your question 2 ways. What got me into music as I grew up in Illinois. My family had horses, so I started out learning, Glen Campbell, Country Western music. And then as I got in my teen years, I watched Smokey and the Bandit. I got a black Trans Am. I started to get into Classic Rock. First concert was Eddie Money. Then I discovered Sammy.

In fact, Sammy, I grew up by St. Louis. You said that you had the record amount of tickets sold in St. Louis I think you said.

SH: Yeah, I still do! I think I still hold the record of the most tickets ever sold by one artist in in one city in St. Louis and I don’t know how that happened! But you know, Wayne I’d tell you in a second if I knew how that happened! I would have made that happen in every city!

WG: Well, I think Sammy, his songs relate to us folks in the Midwest. I Can’t Drive 55.

AM: I’m from Indianapolis originally. So yes, it definitely syncs in with the Midwest.

WG: Yeah! Trans Am and Eagles Fly. I mean, so many great songs and the St. Louis rock station really supported you.

SH: Yeah, yeah, they definitely did.

But Wayne, I think your question is not how you got into Sammy Hagar. It’s how you got into vitamins, then you met Sammy Hagar, and then we did vitamins together. Now, can you follow the damn questions here, Wayne?

WG: Haha Yes! The way I got into vitamins, I grew up believing that doctors could fix everything. My grandparents raised me, adopted me, and I have a lot of good memories, but the bad memories were when I entered my teen years, they entered their 70s. This would be in the 80s, and they got a lot of diseases. They got Parkinson’s, arthritis, depression, heart failure, you name it. I thought the doctors could fix them, took them to a lot of doctors, and I saw a lot of side effects, a lot of big bills. The bills now are probably 4X higher now if you go to the doctor. I saw lots of side effects with the drugs, and I thought there’s got to be a better way.

So I went to the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Library, nights, weekends, and I studied what is Parkinson’s, and what is arthritis? How do you fix these things? I came across nutrition. I came across herbs, vitamins, foods.

So I take these articles from the medical journals to their doctors, and the doctors admitted they knew nothing about it. They don’t teach them in medical school. So I started going to the vitamin stores and buying 8, 10, 12 bottles of all these herbs, vitamins, and I saw that they helped them. I realized that the average person isn’t going to do all that research and they’re not going to go out and buy 8-12 bottles so I decided to start a company that made a good multi that would work. Put it all in one and it did work. My last company we sold billions of dollars, we did IPO, sold to Kroger, and this is my second now!

AM: Wow I am very familiar with your first company, Vitacoast so you are definitely well versed in this space!

How did the two of you guys come together? Sammy, you’ve always been focused on wellness and longevity. How did the two of you come together?

SH: Well, I guess Wayne came to see me in concert in Las Vegas, and this is a story that he told me. But he said, “wow, this guy at his age, sure has got a lot of energy! Of course he needs that energy to keep doing what he’s doing if he wants to keep doing this, you know.”

We had a little conversation and I said, no, I’ve always been in the supplements and here’s what I take and here’s what I do. He’s going, oh, “you can do better than that. You know, some of these supplements have things in them that really aren’t good for you, or they’re not the best quality of Vitamin B, or the C that has a little bit more, and those organic products out there. He asked me if I read about everything that I take. I’m spending about two seconds on the back of a bottle! It’s got the stuff I want and then he’s going yeah. but where’s it coming from?

He just said come on down to my lab and let’s work on some stuff. So I went to the lab. I didn’t just say, “oh throw my name on some vitamins.” No, hell no man! I went down there and put on the suit, the hairband and went through a sterilization program. And we spent the whole damn afternoon in there. I was really impressed and I was very interested in upgrading my supplements. So, here we go, you know?

AM: Wow.

SH: I also want to say that there were things that were important to me like energy, natural energy without the crash, heart health, and flexibility!

Over time, I have figured out what I needed because I know as I get older, my joints are getting stiff. I need flexibility on stage. If I go out there and I’m not warmed up and I really haven’t really stretched well before I get out there – it can be tough. You get out there in front of thousands of people and your energy level – that adrenaline spikes and you do crazy stuff and if you’re not flexible, you’ll throw your back out, which I have done many times. I have thrown my neck out. You’re coming off the next morning feeling like I have head banged too hard. But, yeah, things like that.

I’m concerned about my heart because my mother had heart disease. My brother had heart disease. It’s in my family. I get myself checked out all the time about that. So, you know, I mentioned that. And I like an energy boost, but I can’t stand the products that are out there. I won’t mention the names, but I cannot even take 1 sip out of 90% of the assortment that exists right onw of those energy drinks. I don’t do it. I don’t drink coffee before a show either because it dries out my throat. So I used to take a little sip of a Coca-Cola and stuff like that with my rum or my tequila in there to get the relaxed buzz for a relaxed energy rush.

But anyway, Wayne says, no, I got you. I got you on all this stuff. The energy without the crash. You’re crashing because of the caffeine. You have to have different intake for it. So he knows all the answers to all that stuff. He’s the one that created this stuff for me to fit my lifestyle and my fans are you know almost my age some of them are my age and older even and um so I thought, “hey this is a good thing to pass on to them.” If it works for me with what I do, it’s going to [likely] work for you in your everyday life and that’s kind of the way I’ve always went about my restaurants, the way I’ve always went about my music.

If I have a message in my music it’s usually something that I wanted to tell my fans that this is a cool way to live. You know, I wrote the song Cabo Wabo, because I discovered Cabo back when it was undiscovered sand I said, “man you guys got to go to this place, you know you got to go there!” I mean, I’m telling you right now you go there you’re gonna be happy. So, I built a place down there for them, it’s really the way I think about my fans. It’s my family first, and my fans, they’re my extended family. So I think about them right along with the rest of my family, you know? And so that’s why I wanted to create this stuff. I want to upgrade them. Everyone takes vitamins. I bet you 90% of my fans take them, but half of them are probably taking stuff that’s been sitting on the shelves too long. It’s about taking a better supplement. So I’m trying to help them out.

WG: Well, you know, Sammy, you’re accurate. The typical multi, there’s tons of studies showing they don’t work because they got too little actives and they use forms of B vitamins that most people can’t utilize and absorb. So, we put in the active Bs that you can utilize. And we put in enough to work, levels that are much higher than the worthless daily values. If you want to be healthy, you cannot take the minimum. You’ve got to take optimal levels, which are much higher than the minimum DVs.

SH: I didn’t mention when I take my supplements. I personally don’t take my supplements until I have a decent meal. You know, like I don’t take them first thing in the morning because I just don’t like the way they feel on my stomach. A lot of times I take my supplements if I have a big lunch, I take them with my lunch, but I take them with food. And I think it’s really important that that’s half of what they do. You’re not living on the supplements. You’re living on the food you’re taking. You take supplements with it and you. get more of the nutrients out of the food and out of your supplements and it goes into your body better. It’s all about assimilation to me.

WG: Well said, well said, spot on.

SH: Yeah, so he didn’t teach me that. I knew that already. It is better with food. It is better with food. I really recommend that. A heavy vitamin can be rough on your stomach in the morning with just water.

WG: When you look at Sammy’s supplements, it’s a vegetarian capsule, you absorb that in just minutes. It breaks down in minutes, not hours. Some of those tablets from other brand never break down.

AM: So you have the initial products that launched last month. Are there going to be additional products that you plan on adding to this line?

WG: Oh, yes. Absolutely. We started Sammy’s line with Men’s, Women’s, Multi Energy Drink Powder.

SH: I’m open to new products as I get older for more brain health and a little bit more cutting edge stuff. Right now, we’re doing a good job. We’re putting good stuff in the normal stuff.

AM: Right.

SH: I’m an experimental guy. I’m willing to say, let’s go for some life extension products here. I rely on Wayne to guide me through that because I don’t want to get out there and just start taking a bunch of stuff and find out later, oh, no, you shouldn’t have taken that. So Wayne’s my guru here, you know. He’s my nutritional guru, substance guru, you know. I’m so happy since I ran into Wayne because he’s just so knowledgeable about all this stuff. You know, a lot of people will just try and do anything. And, you know, you can do more harm than good sometimes. So, yeah, we’re looking to expand as soon as we get everything just right.

AM: And what does this look like in terms of like rolling it out to consumers? Obviously, people can go to the website and different distribution/retailer points. But when you’re on tour or on your residency, will you be sharing this with fans in terms of awareness?

SH: Well, the awareness part, I always wear shirts. Like right now, I got my Red Rocker Beer shirt. I’m always sharing my apparel with my products and I get tattoos on my arm like Cabo Wabo, Santo, Beach Bar products and that’s Bogus Otis. I’m just one of those guys like a NASCAR person, but I don’t have to put the suit on. I just put the tattoos on. I don’t want to take my shirt off. Rather than shove it down their throats or talk about it too much. I drink my tequila on stage. I drink my rum on stage. It’s real. It’s organic with me. I own these companies except for Wayne here, but it’s still my stuff. I can’t make vitamins. So I have Wayne to do it. I don’t just endorse things and I never have. So that’s why I’m willing to get the tattoos. That’s a real endorsement.

I wouldn’t sell vitamins in concert. People that follow me, they go to my website and look at it all the time and tell them where they can get things. You know, the world’s so much about online right now. But I think Wayne’s got it covered. That’s his distribution thing. He’s got it down with his stuff. His stuff’s good stuff. It’s in all the good stores.

WG: I currently manufacture about a million bottles a month for some of the largest retailers – my customers. As Sammy grows, he’ll never outgrow us you know and we do plan to expand as he said - products for brain memory, cognitive, and joints. We can pretty much help people with any health concern with the right nutrients.

AM: That’s amazing. Sammy, We’ve been a fan of yours musically as well as an entrepreneur. Santo is a great tequila, Cabo - we went with friends because we heard the song growing up.

What do you want your legacy to be known as since you have been involved in so many things in your life as a musician and as a successful entrepreneur?

SH: Oh, my! I want my legacy just to say that, you know, I want people to smile when they think of me. I want to make people happy to make their lives better. I want to help people that I can help. You know, Paul Newman said something one time I saw him in an interview and it just changed my life. It was years and years ago after he had died. But it was at a benefit where he said, you know, “when you’re in a position to be able to help people and you see someone that needs help, you have to do it. If you see a person fall down, you’ve got to stop and pick them up.” I thought, wow, it just really touched me. I thought, yeah, I can help people. You know, I got extra money and I’ve got the ability to make people happy. So, when I walk out on stage. I want to make people really happy. I want to bring them joy. And I want to make them cry, too. I want to touch them deep in their hearts. I always want to leave them at my concert with a ballad. I don’t leave you with this big, crazy, high-energy song that makes you want to run out in the street and get in a car wreck. I’m going, no, no, no, no. You’ve got to settle down. I like to touch their hearts at the end of a show so that they remember it. In the morning, they smile. They wake up, and they remember the show, and they think about it, and they start smiling. And it makes them feel good. That’s my legacy. I’m gonna make people feel good and enrich their lives in any way I can.

IG @sammyhagar

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Rob Shanahan

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see THE RED ROCKER | Sammy Hagar in mag.

WOMEN'S HEALTH AND SPORTS PERFORMANCE

We had the opportunity to talk with various team members from Women’s Health Sport and Performance (WHSP) Institute which was Co-Founded by Dr. Kate Ackerman which integrates research, education, and specialized clinical care under one roof to advance female athlete health. With over $50 million in funding, it focuses on closing the gap in sports science, offering evidence-based, personalized care for female athletes across all ages and levels.

We wanted to find out a bit more about her background, her connection to athletes, and what we can expect from the institute.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into WHSP Institute, can you tell us about your athletic background as you rowed in college and still row currently as well?

DR. KATE ACKERMAN: Yes. While I was an active kid, I was much more into music and theater before I got to college and discovered rowing. Rowing has been an integral part of my life ever since. I rowed throughout college, competed on the national team after I graduated, made lifelong friends and met my husband through the sport. I’ve been one of the US Rowing team physicians for almost 20 years and continue to row and sometimes compete as a masters athlete. That lived experience informs how I care for athletes and understand the physical and psychological demands of high-performance sport. It also reinforces my commitment to improving athlete health and safety across all levels.

AM: As a doctor, you have such an impressive background. Can you tell us about that and what led to you becoming the Co-Founder and Director of WHSP Medical and WHSP Institute?

DR. KA: My academic background really just evolved from curiosity. I believe in lifelong learning and I’m fortunate to have found things I’m passionate about. My clinical and academic career has focused on sports medicine and endocrinology, with a particular focus on female athlete health, and advocacy for women’s health and participation in general. Over time, it became clear that there were significant gaps in how we understand and care for female athletes and active women, from research to clinical practice. When generous donors with aligned interests came along (Clara Wu Tsai and Jane and David Ott), founding WHSP Medical and the WHSP Institute was a natural extension of that work. Our goal is to bring together clinical care, research, education, and advocacy in a way that is truly interdisciplinary and evidence-driven, while centering the unique physiological needs of women.

AM: You chair a number of committees from US Rowing Medical Committee, Co-Chair of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee Women’s Health Task Force, member of the World Rowing Medical Commission, member of the Women’s Tennis Association Women’s Health Taskforce, and are a Deputy Editor of the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Why do you like focusing on female athlete health?

DR. KA: For far too long, female athletes have been underrepresented in research and underserved in clinical care. That gap has real consequences from injury risk to long-term health outcomes. I focus on female athlete health because it is a health equity issue and a performance issue.

When we better understand female physiology (for example, hormones, biomechanics) and girls’ and women’s sporting environments (such as access to resources and how they’re treated), we can learn how biology and environment interact and work to optimize health and performance.

So much of our sports medicine and sports science has been based on men. I’m happy to continue to care for male athletes. But it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of advancing the field of female athlete health, which is finally gaining the attention it deserves.

AM: What are your day-to-day roles and responsibilities at WHSP?

DR. KA: That part is a bit daunting! My role spans clinical care, research leadership, education, and organizational strategy. Clinically, I care for athletes with basic sports medicine musculoskeletal injuries to those with complex conditions, such as REDs, hormonal dysfunction, bone health issues, and medical mysteries. I love teasing apart complex medical conundrums– a collection of signs and symptoms that seemingly don’t have a connection, but may all fit together with the right investigation. I also enjoy working with our team of providers (sports medicine, nutrition, psychology, rehabilitation) to ensure we’re delivering comprehensive, evidence-based care. It is deeply satisfying to be able to provide quality care all under one roof, putting the needs of the whole patient first. On the research side, I help set our research agenda and guide projects that advance our understanding of female physiology and performance– from sample collection to writing protocols, study manuscripts, and eventually clinical guidelines. In addition, a large part of my role involves building partnerships, mentoring trainees, and shaping the broader vision of the Clinic and Institute.

AM: What are some of the research projects that you are excited about or that have been released?

DR. KA: We’re particularly excited about work focused on energy availability, menstrual health, and bone stress injuries in athletes. We’re also advancing research on how hormonal fluctuations may impact performance and recovery, which is an area that has historically been overlooked. Another key area is improving screening and early identification of relative energy deficiency in sport (REDs) and related conditions, so we can intervene earlier and more effectively. As we continue to expand our team of WHSP-based researchers and our team of international collaborators, we’re growing our work in the postpartum and postmenopausal athletes space, as well. All of this is with the intention of translating scientific discoveries into practical tools that clinicians, coaches, and athletes can actually use.

AM: What are some topics that you are looking forward to finding more about?

DR. KA: There is still so much to learn. I’m especially interested in better understanding the interaction between hormones and performance, particularly across the lifespan from adolescence through menopause. There is a lot of noise in the media and online about what girls and women should do to train, what they should eat, what supplements they should take, what they should be tracking. So much of it is at best, anecdotal. At WHSP, we’re testing theories to advance the science, in addition to creating a space where people can come for honest answers about what is really known thus far. At this stage of my career, I’m fairly good at reviewing data, understanding the limitations of certain hormonal assays and sports science study protocols, and interpreting scientific literature. And I’m humble enough to know that I want to be surround by excellence in other fields to make sure we have lots of talent investigating an issue. I love working on interdisciplinary research teams, because we all know a bit about each others’ fields, but together we bring much more depth to a project, which always makes the work better and more reliable. I have a deep sense of responsibility for ensuring we enlist diverse expertise, so that we can to do quality work and share findings in an accurate way.

AM: As we navigate 2026, what can we expect to see in terms of WHSP, whether it’s studies that have been released, activations, etc.?

DR. KA: In 2026, you’ll see continued growth in both our research and clinical programs, as well as the expansion of the WHSP Academy within the WHSP Institute. We are launching new studies focused on female athlete health and performance, while also increasing our educational initiatives for clinicians and athletes. Additionally, we’re building strategic collaborations across sports organizations and research institutions to accelerate progress in this field. Our goal is to continue leading with data-driven, impactful work that improves outcomes for female athletes globally.

AM: Tell me about the Biennial International Female Athlete Conference and what takes place there.

DR. KA: The Biennial International Female Athlete Conference is a cornerstone of our educational mission. Before WHSP was even a figment of our imagination, I co-created the FAC in 2013 to bring athletes, coaches, parents, health providers, researchers, and other experts together every other year to connect and share the latest science and best practices for female athlete health and performance. It was the first of its kind, and like what we’d like WHSP to be, it has become a bit of a mothership for how to bring people together to connect, collaborate, and learn from each other about female athlete health and performance issues. What started as a 2-day conference with under 300 attendees has grown into an inperson and virtual, 4-day, international event that sells out during early-bird registration and draws about 1500 people representing over 40 countries. We’re currently deciding if it should keep its present size and location for consistency and opportunities for people to effectively meet and connect. Like everything I’m excited about, the conference is highly interdisciplinary and relationship-building is an important element there. The FAC covers topics such as REDs, hormonal health, mental health, injury prevention, and performance optimization. I hope the FAC and WHSP continue to inspire and foster advanced knowledge for female athletes and positive change for women.

IG @whsp_institute

@drkateackerman

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | WHSP Institute

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see WOMEN’S HEALTH AND SPORT’S PERFORMANCE.

BRINGING ROME TO NYC | GINGER RISTORANTI

This month, we made our way to Midtown to try Ginger Ristoranti for dinner on an unseanably warm day this Spring! We had heard a lot about this Roman-born Mediterranean lifestyle destination that comes together with it’s unique blend of wellness, design, color, and culinary come together! From healthy juices, satisfying appetizers, mains, and cocktails - this was defintiely a great meal to enjoy.

We sat down with Chef Gabriel Luca to find out more about the restaurant, its Roman roots and what we should order upon our next visit with friends, family, and colleagues.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Ginger Ristoranti here in NYC, we know that it started in Rome and has 3 locations there. What can you tell us about these locations?

CHEF GABRIEL LUCA: Ginger Saporie Salute was born in the historic heart of Rome, with three locations embedded within the city’s Centro Storico and close to landmarks such as the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Each address is deeply tied to Rome’s architectural memory and tells a different story. In Via Borgognona, an original Liberty-style skylight washes the room in soft natural light, while the building itself once housed the boutique of iconic Roman designer Laura Biagiotti, leaving behind a sense of elegance that still defines the atmosphere. At Corte Laica, inside Palazzo Raggi, the space was once a convent courtyard and today lives beneath a Rationalist skylight that preserves its openness while giving it a luminous, contemporary identity. Across all three Roman locations, the vision is consistent: to inhabit beautiful historic spacesand reinterpret them through a fresh, wellness-driven lifestyle lens.

AM: Can you tell us a bit about the background of the Roman restaurateurs?

CHEF GL: Ginger is driven by the vision of founder and owner Dario Asara, who, although born in Rome, has Sardinian roots - a heritage that deeply informs the philosophy behind the brand. Sardinia is one of the world’s Blue Zones, where lifestyle, food, sea air, and a strong connection to nature have long contributed to exceptional longevity and quality of life. That idea of living well is central to Ginger. Together with his wife, Corinna Bassetti Josi, who leads the creative direction of the brand and imagines each space with a strong visual identity, Dario built a concept where Italian tradition meets a more vibrant global perspective. Their travels, especially throughout South America, introduced a colorful fruit-forward energy that can still be felt across the menu today.

AM: Why did you want to bring Ginger Ristoranti to the US and to launch here in NYC?

CHEF GL: New York felt like a natural evolution for Ginger. It is a city where people move fast, yet think carefully about quality, ingredients, and how they want to feel. That makes it the perfect place for a concept rooted in balance - where Roman hospitality, Mediterranean freshness, and a contemporary wellness mindset can all coexist. Bringing Ginger to NYC meant translating our Roman DNA into a more cosmopolitan rhythm without losing the warmth, generosity, and sense of pleasure that have always defined us.

AM: You’re located in Midtown, steps away from Rockefeller Center which is a busy neighborhood that is a mix of the theater crowd, media conglomerates, and other businesses and then you open the doors and you step into an oasis of vibrant hues and calm that gives you the feeling of being transported to a resort like destination where Summer never ends. You are located in the former Exxon building and the restaurant is 7,000 square feet! Tell us about the aesthetic and interior design of this restaurant and why you wanted to be in this neighborhood?

CHEF GL: Our Midtown location, inside the former Exxon Building at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, is our most ambitious project to date: a 7,000-square-foot restaurant conceived as a contemporary Mediterranean escape in the middle of Manhattan. Being steps from Rockefeller Center placed us in a neighborhood that is constantly alive - from office workers and media to theatergoers and visitors - and we loved the idea of offering a sensory contrast to that pace. Warm terracotta tones, light woods, lush greenery, and tactile surfaces soften the city outside and create a feeling that is sunny, relaxed, and transportive. The space was imagined by Corinna Bassetti Josi in collaboration with Costa Group, with the goal of creating not simply a restaurant, but a destination where design, light, color, and lifestyle all become part of the experience.

AM: What are the spices and ingredients that are indicative a Roman-inspired menu.

CHEF GL: At the heart of a Roman-inspired menu are straightforward, yet deeply expressive ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, pecorino romano, black pepper, artichokes, chicories, anchovies, citrus, and fresh herbs. At Ginger, we build on that foundation with seasonal vegetables, ginger, tropical fruit, bright vinaigrettes, and a lighter hand overall. The result is a cuisine that still feels unmistakably Italian, yet more vibrant, contemporary, and naturally aligned with how people want to eat today.

AM: Guests can enjoy an all day menu that focuses on healthy interpretations of these dishes. Your menu is rooted Roman culinary traditions - can you tell us what those are?

CHEF GL: Roman culinary tradition is rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and intense flavor rather than excess. It is the cuisine of olive oil, vegetables, handmade pasta, cured meats, cheeses, and iconic pairings such as artichokes with guanciale or black pepper with pecorino. At Ginger, we keep that soul intact while reinterpreting it through a fresher lens: more produce, more brightness, lighter sauces, raw preparations, and fruit woven naturally into the menu. It is comfort food with energy - traditional in spirit, but more fluid and modern in execution.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that we should consider whether we’re coming in for Lunch or Dinner?

CHEF GL: 3 appetizers to try: A vibrant beginning that captures Ginger’s signature style: colorful, polished, Mediterranean, and full of freshness.

Suppli - Golden and crisp on the outside, with a comforting molten center; crispy rice and tomato balls filled with mozzarella, served with basil mayo.

Crudo di Ricciola - Bright, silky, and elegant; sliced hamachi with pimenton-marinated mango, shaved spring onion, and toasted macadamia.

Barbabietola - Earthy yet luminous, with a beautifully balanced sweettart finish; braised beets, green apple puree, pickled green apples, toasted almonds, and raspberry dressing.

AM: What are 3 pastas that we should be thinking about?

CHEF GL: 3 pastas to try:

Here, handmade pasta becomes both comforting and refined - a meeting point between Roman soul and Ginger’s lighter, more expressive style.

Paccheri - Generous and satisfying, with a delicate maritime richness; homemade pasta with wild branzino ragu and confit cherry tomatoes.

Gnocchi ai Carciofi - Pillowy, savory, and deeply Roman in spirit; homemade potato and parsley gnocchi with sauteed artichokes, guanciale, and crispy Parmigiano.

Bottoni di Burrata - Silky and gently indulgent, with creamy and briny notes in balance; burrata-filled ravioli with mussels, tomato sauce, and black pepper.

AM: In terms of Mains, what are 3 that our table should consider ordering?

CHEF GL: 3 mains to try:

Balanced, nourishing, and visually vibrant, these plates reflect the way Ginger brings together wellness, flavor, and polish.

Salmone - Luminous and gently sweet, with freshness in every bite; roasted salmon with ginger glaze, avocado puree, mango, cucumber, watermelon radish, and sesame seeds.

Spigola - Clean, elegant, and Mediterranean in tone; wild striped bass with red pepper reduction, shaved fennel, and black olive powder.

Saltimbocca - A timeless Roman classic with a refined touch; veal filet rolled with Prosciutto di Parma, butter and sage sauce, and broccoli rabe.

AM: What are 3 sides that we should or to compliment our meal?

CHEF GL: 3 sides to complement the meal:

Simple, intentional, and full of character, these sides bring contrast, texture, and a distinctly Mediterranean point of view.

Patate - Crispy, golden, and moreish; crispy russet potatoes served with mustard mayo.

Melanzane - Soft and smoky with gentle spice; seared Japanese eggplant with oregano and pimenton.

Cime di Rapa - Bold and savory with a pleasant bitter edge; sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic oil and chili.

AM: For those looking for pizza, what are 3 that we should keep in mind?

CHEF GL: 3 pizzas to know:

Our pizzas feel classic yet elevated, with premium ingredients, lively textures, and the kind of flavor contrast that makes them instantly memorable.

Barese - Bold, savory, and slightly spicy; smoked provola, Parmigiano Reggiano, sausage, broccoli rabe, and spicy olive oil.

Nerano - Creamy and indulgent while still feeling fresh; zucchini, Parmigiano fondue, and zucchini chips.

Parma - Airy, elegant, and effortlessly Italian; Prosciutto di Parma, arugula, and shaved Parmigiano Reggiano.

AM: What are 3 salads that we should know about?

CHEF GL: 3 salads to highlight:

Fresh, polished, and lifestyle-minded, these salads are designed to feel nourishing without ever sacrificing personality.

Seggiola - Crisp, colorful, and layered with texture; avocado, carrots, celery, fennel, grape tomatoes, Castelvetrano olives, watermelon radish, organic seeds, mixed salad, and balsamic.

Aurelia - Savory and gently sweet, with a satisfying crunch; steamed organic chicken, green apples, celery, parsley, toasted walnuts, mixed salad, and mustard dressing.

Botticella - Bright and contemporary with a tropical note; house-cured salmon, mango, shaved spring onion, toasted pistachios, dill, mixed salad, and citronette.

AM: Tell us about the Salumni Bar!

CHEF GL: The Salumi Bar is our celebration of Italian conviviality and the pleasure of sharing. It brings together premium cured meats and cheeses in a way that feels both classic and social, whether guests order Salumi e formaggi, Formaggi, Prosciutto e burrata, or hand-cut Patanegra. It naturally pairs with aperitivo and reinforces the idea that Ginger is as much about gathering and rhythm as it is about any single dish.

AM: We had the pleasure of trying one of your ginger juices which was amazing - what are 3 smoothies and/or juices you would like to highlight?

CHEF GL: 3 juices and smoothies to try:

This is the most immediate expression of Ginger’s identity: energizing, sunny, fruit-driven, and rooted in feel-good living.

Ginger - Zesty, refreshing, and cleansing; pineapple, fennel, ginger, and apple.

Buzz - Tropical and lively with a little kick; mango, soursop, ginger, and apple.

Floripa - Smooth, rich, and quietly nourishing; acai, banana, and apple.

AM: What are 3 desserts that we should have in mind?

CHEF GL: 3 desserts to finish with:

Dessert at Ginger feels indulgent without heaviness - polished, playful, and designed to leave the table on a high note.

Tiramisu - Classic and airy with comforting depth; organic coffee, savoiardi, and mascarpone.

Magnum - Textural and fun, with a crisp shell and creamy core; homemade gelato pop glazed with dark chocolate and almonds.

Acai Cheesecake - Fruity, lightly tangy, and unexpectedly fresh; acai-flavored cheesecake with banana.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have?

CHEF GL: 3 cocktails to know:

The cocktail list bridges Italian ritual and New York momentum: expressive, stylish, and built with the same colorful energy that defines the room.

Fresh n’ Cool - Crisp, herbaceous, and ultra-refreshing; gin, mint, lime, simple syrup, cucumber, and club soda.

Amore Amaro - Layered, citrusy, and gently bittersweet; vodka, lemon, simple syrup, Aperol, strawberry, and bubbles.

Ace - Bold and unexpected, with savory brightness and spice; whisky, carrot juice, lemon, orange, and a Tajin rim.

AM: What should we know about Aperitivo Hour?

CHEF GL: Aperitivo is one of the rituals that most clearly expresses our Italian side. At Ginger, it becomes a lively Midtown pause: a moment for spritzes, cocktails, selected wines by the glass, and light bites such as olives, Suppli, crispy potatoes, focaccia bites, cold cuts, cheese, and calamari. It is social, easy, and full of atmosphere - the bridge between daytime energy and evening conviviality.

AM: If you haven’t done so, please tell us about your outdoor patio, The Bar, and your private dining room?

CHEF GL: Each area of Ginger Midtown was designed to feel like a seamless journey between indoor and outdoor living. The outdoor patio is a small urban oasis, lush and intimate, where greenery becomes part of the experience through both planted vessels and the natural palette echoed in the furnishings. Inside, the restaurant opens like a contemporary piazza or indoor garden, with the bar acting as its beating heart: the colors of fresh fruit and bottles bring movement, rhythm, and visual energy to the room. Our private dining room offers a quieter, more intimate point of view. Enclosed by a Liberty-style glass partition, it is full of natural light and overlooks a public garden, creating a beautiful balance between privacy, openness, and nature.

AM: Are there any upcoming events that you have that we should know about?

CHEF GL: Yes - we are building a calendar of moments that reflect the lifestyle side of Ginger. Upcoming highlights include a brunch event to celebrate the opening of the new brunch season, a Mother’s Day opening celebration designed around shared dining and togetherness, and curated wine tasting experiences that explore both Italian and international labels. These events are meant to bring people together around food, atmosphere, and a sense of occasion.

IG @gingerristoranti.ny

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Ginger Ristoranti

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see BRINGING ROME TO NYC | Ginger Ristoranti in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | F1 ARCADE LAS VEGAS

You don’t have to wait for the next Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix taking

place Nov 19 - 21 2026, you can always enjoy heading to F1 Arcade Las Vegas, located in The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Guests can enjoy an unparalleled social gaming experience built around the venue’s full-motion Formula 1® racing simulators! You can also enjoy an elevated culinary and beverage offerings.

This venue spans 21,000 square feet across 2 levels. There are a number of semi-private, private rooms, and full buyouts for up to 690 guests. You can enjoy 87 bespoke racing simulators that are full-motion and designed specifically for their venues. Guests receive haptic feedback (vibrations for off-track excursions), custom-designed steering wheels and softwear that offers varied skill levels from Rookie to Elite. They also have 3 permanent bars, a portable bar, and 19 large televisions.

We suggest that you enjoy their Dynamite Fried Chicken (chili, lemon aioli), Impossible “Bulgogi” Tostada (Gochujang, shaved cabbage, kimchi, avocado cream), and Chipotle Tiger Shrimp Tacos (pickled daikon, cucumber, ginger, ponzu).

Having a great night out means pairing these savory bites with great cocktails. We suggest trying the My Night in Vegas (rye, ginger, yuzu, celery bitters, blueberry peat foam), She’s in the Lead (cucumber and rose gin, lemon, blueberry wine, rose, egg white), and Sparks Will Fly (rum blend, coconut, chamomile, lime, aromatic bitters, sparked spices).

For those that are looking to enjoy a great beverage, but without alcohol, there are a few drinks that we suggest that you should have in mind. Their Zero-proof Designated Drivers include Mule in the Paddock (Almave Mule, spiced ginger, lime, soda), Cool Down Lap (Pentire Adrift Negroni, Coastal Spritz, Roots Divino Rosso, Mallorca Melon) and the Phantom Overtake (Pentire Seaward Paloma, Cucumber, Cordial, grapefruit, dill air). This is just a sampling of the menu offerings which are filled with various options.

For those who may not be able to be in

Las Vegas, F1 Arcade has a number of locations which include the UK (London in One New Change and Birmingham in City Centre), Boston Seaport, Washington DC Union Market, Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta, and Chicago.

F1 ARCADE LAS VEGAS

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

3500 Las Vegas Blvd S,

Las Vegas, NV 89109

f1arcade.com

IG @f1arcadeusa

PHOTOS COURTESY | F1 Arcade

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | F1 Arcade Las Vegas in mag.

TRAINING TOGETHER | DINO MALVONE

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

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

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

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

AM: What led to you wanting to create SaltDrop?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IG @thesaltdrop

@dinomalvone

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Dino Malvone

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

GOLDEN HAPPINESS | ERIN JACKSON + JORDAN STOLZ

Although the Olympics have completed this cycle, for the Winter Games 2026, we enjoyed sitting down with Erin Jackson Team USA Olympic Speedskating Gold Medalist to talk about her love of the sport, how she got into it, competing at Milan-Cortina and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with speed skating, and what do you love about this sport?

ERIN JACKSON: I actually loved this sport for as long as I can remember. You know, some of my earliest memories of skating were just up and down my driveway and the little plastic skates. So it started out as just a hobby for me. I didn’t have any dreams of being competitive in the sport. I just started doing it because I loved it. So that was my intro which was through roller skating and then roller skating, led me to inline skating, and then inline skating led me to ice skating. So, yeah, it was just kind, I guess, a very natural progression, but it did just start with the love of the sport and the love of the hobby I guess!

AM: I mean, there are so many things you could have done! Why did you decide that figure skating wasn’t the thing, but speed skating was?

EJ: I actually did go that route first, so I did what’s called artistic skating. And that’s like figure skating, but also on roller skates. Who knows? That that could have been where I ended up, but my coaches in artistic skating they actually moved away to pursue figure skating on ice for their daughters. Their daughters ended up competing in Sochi, I believe.

AM: Wow!

EJ: So who knows? Maybe I could have gone that route, too? But when they moved, I just let that be the end of figure skating.

AM: Well, what does an average week look like when it comes to training for upcoming competitions?

EJ: So we train six days a week, most days, it’s two training sessions. One of those days, we’ll have three training sessions one of those days, we’ll have one training session, but we’re training most the time. It’s kind of like a full-time job, so we’ll have a morning session for probably 3 hours or so, and then rest in the afternoon for lunch and then come back and have another session later in the day.

Normally skating once a day, and then the other session can be, you know, like, bike intervals, or, you know, cardio or weightlifting or something like that.

AM: We were just going to ask about three workouts that you do to optimize for this particular sport? You kind of just answered it. Our minds are still wrapping around six days a week. I mean, clearly, that is what you have to do.

So this past Olympics marks your third, where you were competing in the 500 meter and the 1000 meter? What does it mean to you to be able to compete on such a global stage?

EJ: It’s a really cool honor, I guess, like just being part of the Olympics and just being able to be part of this really large thing where people from all over the world are coming to do the thing that they devote their lives to. We all just come here and do it together. It’s just a really cool community aspect, you know, part of this large community of Olympians and Team USA. And it’s, yeah, I feel like that’s the best feeling of it, just like doing it all together.

AM: What did you love most about your experience this year, and you know, being in the Olympics, and are you thinking ahead to 2030?

EJ: Yeah, I am thinking of 2030, yeah, I couldn’t imagine stopping the train at this point. I definitely want to keep going with all the progress I’ve made this season, and I really want to carry that forward. Some of my best memories from this games were a toss-up between watching my teammates this time around, because for most of them, it was their first Olympics. It’s getting to see all the amazing firsts that they were experiencing and then also watching other Team USA events, like with athletes from those sports. You know, they can give a lot of insight and behind the scenes info about the scoring and sometimes even the drama in the sport. So, yeah, that was a really cool thing too.

AM: Well, you are part of Happiness as The Real Gold Hershey Campaign, which is so fun to see that and to get to see other aspects of you while you’re talking. Why did you want to be involved in it? And what does happiness mean to you?

EJ: Yeah, the Happiness is The Real Gold Campaign, I feel like was a really important thing to get out there in a really important message, because it can just like remind athletes and just people in general that the people in your lives who love you and care about you like, they’re gonna love you, no matter what, because what they really want for you is happiness.

AM: Yeah.

EJ: Your achievements are just kind of a bonus for that. I feel like it was a really great message and one that was really heartfelt and emotional campaign, especially with having our families involved. I was really happy to be a part of it.

IG @speedyj

After chatting with Erin, we caught up with her Team USA Speedskater, Jordan Stolz. We wanted to hear about his passion, a successful Winter Olympics, and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you come to the sport of speedskating and for those that are not familiar with it, how would you describe it to them?

JORDAN STOLZ: I would describe it as a sport where you are constantly trying to keep progressing and a sport that is very satisfying when you improve. The feeling of being able to go fast on turns is a feeling that I can’t get anywhere else! I can’t get it in a car, I can’t do it on a mountain on a bike – it’s something that is very surreal and I think that people get addicted to it!

I first got into it because of Apolo Ohno (G2, S2, B4) back in 2010, and I was watching him compete and it was the first Olympics that I had ever watched in my life. I was just really into it and it caught my eye with the way that he was passing people. It was like a showman and I asked my parents if I could start skating. and I actually started with my sister on our frozen pond in our backyard. We shoveled a track and ever since then, I have been doing pretty good.

AM: What are workouts that you find beneficial for speedskating?

JS: I would say a lot of cycling. The number 1 thing that changed for me is when I spent a lot more time on a bike. The weight room too – just building up your squats. You have to have power on the ice. You want to combine those two, but you don’t want to go too far with either one. You don’t want to be this cyclist that weighs 130lbs, but you also don’t want to be a body builder and then you would be super slow on the ice – you’d have too much weight. It’s kind of factoring all of that in to work with the mechanics of skating and the technique. I have found that to be the most beneficial for me.

AM: What were the Opening Ceremonies like for you and what does it mean to you to compete on such a global stage?

JS: It means a lot to compete for Team USA on the Olympics as a global stage and to win 3 medals, the highest medal count. That means a lot, not just for me, but for speedskating itself and the whole country. It’s great that I can bring more awareness to speedskating, as it’s such a cool sport and I’m glad to be able to do that.

I didn’t walk the Opening Ceremonies, but I loved watching it on TV when I was in the Village.

AM: When it’s gameday, do anything that gets you into the mindset to compete?

JS: I try to relax a lot and not to think too much about the races. I want to be able to get into the zone before getting into the rink. Before that, I like to chit chat with people, sit in bed and watch some reels, and then I can get out there and be ready!

AM: You had an amazing Winter Games 2026! You won a Gold in the 500 M, and then another one in the 1,000 M - the first American male to do it in the same Olympics since 1980, and you got Silver in the 1,500 - you also made 2 World Records - what does it feel like to leave the Games with those accolades?

JS: It means a lot especially to have my name attached to Eric Heiden (5G) and it means a lot to be thought of as a successful speedskater in Olympic history for the US. I hope that I can continue to progress and do better going into 2030 and this is just one of those stepping stones. When I went to Beijing, I didn’t win any medals there and then 4 years later, I trained a lot and the World Cup had a lot of experiences and then I was able to come here to the Olympics in a very prepared way! Who knows what can happen over the next 4 years? Hopefully something very similar and I am feeling very good about the results that I have had this entire season and not just the ones that took place at the Olympics. I’ve been skating some fast times and had great track records.

AM: In your downtime in Milan, how did you take time for yourself to reset between competitions?

JS: It was just – there wasn’t a lot to do in the Village, so it was about laying in bed and trying to relax and focus.

AM: You partnered with Hershey’s For the Happiness Campaign. Why did you want to partner with them and what does Happiness is the Real Gold mean to you?

JS: I wanted to partner with them because they are a huge household name company. Having that name tied around you at the Winter Olympics is really special. It’s the highest achievement that you can have as a speed skater. First of all going to the Olympics, and then being able to win a Gold medal, with the name Hershey’s behind you – that just means a lot, especially how they support my family in general. It’s authentic and I feel that they really put the truth behind the slogan that Happiness is The Real Gold. They are 100% right about that!

AM: Post Olympics, are there any projects or upcoming competitions we should know about?

JS: I have the World Champions coming up – the World Sprints and the World All Arounds – it’s a combination race. It’s kind of like the 2nd thing to the Olympics if you are considering the Netherlands view. They view it super seriously here. I think it’s really cool and I will compete in both and try to win both of them. It will be fun and really hard! Everyone wants to hear if I will be doing anything in cycling and that’s probably not going to happen because I will be focused on skating.

IG @stolz_jordan_

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Hershey’s

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see GOLDEN HAPPINESS | Erin Jackson + Jordan Stolz in mag.

IN THE PLAYER BOX | MORGAN RIDDLE

We love when we’re in the midst of tennis season and we see great matches on the court, but the fashion and beauty that WAGS bring is always worth watching! Morgan Riddle is one that we are always watching while she cheers on Taylor Fritz. We took a few moments to find out about her beauty musts, her partnership with ISDIN to highlight the Get It On Campaign, and how we can incorporate our SPF into our routine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was your first beauty product that you fell in love with and is it still part of your routines?

MORGAN RIDDLE: My first beauty product that I fell in love with, I would say the Dior Face and Body Foundation. I have been using that for about 6 years now. So that’s been an OG staple.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Who would you say are your 3 beauty icons and what have they taught you about caring for your skin?

MR: I wouldn’t say that I have any famous beauty icons, but I would say that I follow a number of skinfluencers on TikTok, mostly more mature or older women that are in their 40s/50s. They have tried all the treatments and all of the products and I feel that they have all of the best recommendations.

AM: We know that you’re constantly on the go especially when you’re at tennis tournaments. What beauty trends do you love and how do you make them your own for your lifestyle?

MR: I always have SPF and so that is obviously a must. So the ISDIN Fusion Water Magic is great, especially with many of the tennis tournaments and because I am in the Players Box, I am constantly in the sun! If I don’t have SPF on that just wouldn’t work as I am always getting fried! My chest and my scalp - it can be a lot! So I always make sure that I have that. My skin is more dry so I always have one of those Hyaluronic sprays throughout the flight to just try and to prevent breakouts. I used to always breakout when I was traveling on planes a lot.

AM: Tell me about your partnership with ISDIN, how it came about, and why it is synergistic with you?

MR: I have actually known about this brand for awhile. They are really popular in Europe and they actually work a lot on the tennis tour. They are the biggest suncare brand in Spain. Then, they just launched in the US and since I had known about them for awhile as well as using European skincare for years ever since I first started traveling on tour, I think I was already a fan of the brand and then when I tried this product, it sits so well under makeup and I feel that I am always having issues with face sunscreens and pilling. As I said, I run more dry so sometimes it feels a bit more patchy, but this one has hyaluronic acid in it so it makes my skin really, really glowy under the makeup!

AM: Clearly we know that safe sun is important. For those that have yet to include it in their routines, how can they make sure to incorporate it in there?

MR: I always do habit stacking now because I read that book Atomic Habits. So as soon as I get up in the morning and brush my teeth, I just put sunscreen before I even go on my morning walks. I think that just adding it into something that you do in your routine so that it is synergistic. To reapply, I always have an extra one in my bag that every time I open my bag, I can see it and remind myself to put it back on.

IG @moorrgs

@isdinusa

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Morgan Riddle

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see IN THE PLAYER BOX | Morgan Riddle in mag.

CHECK YOUR HEALTH | JOSHUA JACKSON

Joshua Jackson has been on a radar since we fist saw him on The Mighty Ducks and of course, when Dawson’s Creek came out, we knew he would be an actor that we would want to see in various series, films, etc. Whether we see him in The Affair, the reeboot of Fatal Attraction, and Karate Kid: Legends. We wanted to talk with him about his love for hockey, why he partnered with AstraZeneca for their intitiative to bring cancer awareness with the NHL, and upcoming projects that he is working on and where we can see him on screen.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been fans of yours since Mighty Ducks. In thinking about hockey, our current cover is Jack Hughes, which we’re super excited about! People are loving Heated Rivalry, and everyone’s talking about the Olympics and the Golden Goal. What do you love about this game as we know you’re a hockey fan as well!

JOSHUA JACKSON: I mean, I’m a Canadian, so it’s a sort of in our DNA. We’re raised with it. The whole culture of Canada is steeped in the game. I’ve loved it since I was a little kid. I love the sort of balletic violence of it. I love the grace that these men find on the ice. Somebody’s trying to take your head off, it is incredibly fast-paced. It is incredibly athletic and in a way that maybe, European soccer fans get and American hockey fans get in this moment - the passion for hockey is the joy of hockey. So, like when it gets to playoff time when it gets to Olympic time and the whole nation, just like stops what it’s doing. It’s so much fun to be a fan.

AM: You’ve partnered with AstraZeneca for their Get Body Checked Against Cancer, which is a part of their Hockey Fights Cancer Initiative. What do you like being about being a part of this campaign? Why did you want to join it? And can you tell us a bit about it?

JJ: Well, first, there’s the hockey connection, right? This is a campaign that AstraZeneca has already been a part of before I was able to join them. I find myself at this age now, where my family has been touched by cancer, colleagues of mine - their families have been touched by cancer. I was shocked to find out that 65% of men and I think in general, in my cohort, have not actually been screened for cancers. I thought it was a great thing to be a part of. I also love what they’ve done with that getbodycheck.com website that you can not only find providers, not only find suggested testing, but also a list of questions to get you into the conversation with your doctor, which I think is really helpful, because I think it’s a hard and scary conversation to start. Nobody wants to talk about the Big C and no one wants to imagine that it could be part of their life. I think that it is just a great way to get that conversation started because we have come a long way and the earlier that you detect something, the better off your chances are.

AM: What does your involvement in the campaign look like in terms of what we’ll see from a consumer aspect?

JJ: I mean, from the consumer side, you’ll see me and Gritty in a TV ad. You’ll see just a variety of different outreach of things that we’ll be doing here over the course of the next couple months just to spread awareness about the specific website and the people involved, but just generally to spread awareness right? To hope to inspire people like myself as I, you know, you get a little bit older –

AM: Right!

JJ: You get a little older and you’re like, “no I’m this kid!” And then you’re like, wait, they’re talking about me!

AM: Yeah when you start talking with people about things to look out for when you’re in older ages, but you don’t see yourself that way – it reminds you that you are getting older and they are talking about you!

JJ: Right, and so we all have that. I think most people feel that way. Like our brains don’t keep up with our body after a certain point. So for important things like this right for women’s health things for men’s health things for cancer screenings, it is just important to not be embarrassed to be in this conversation and to be proactive in the places that you can be and specifically for cancer with the screening that is available to us. Now you can, you can find things way earlier than in our parents’ generation. So, this is all just outreach to say, just be in the conversation. Hopefully, it’s nothing, but it’s better to know, than to not know.

AM: Our college nights were filled with watching Dawson’s Creek, because that’s when it, aired originally. We’d be running back from the Psych Department back to our dorms trying to get in and you could hear the episodes throughout the halls. We’ve enjoyed you in The Affair, Dr Death, Dr Odyssey, and more. What is it that you love about acting?

JJ: I love the opportunity to be in a scene with somebody and to be surprised. It’s a wonderful silly thing to do with your life. I bumped in today to like two actors that I absolutely love and was really kind of star struck in a way.

You said that you were a Psych Major or that you just took a Psych class?

AM: We just took a psych course as one of our majors was Sociology and that professor knew that his class was right before Dawson’s Creek and he would stretch it out as long as possible and you could hear it and since I would watch it on VHS – I didn’t want spoilers!

JJ: Back in the good old days!

There is a psychology and maybe even a sociology component, but there is something fun for me to be able to pretend. To use pretending in order to be somebody else to try to examine what it means to be a human being. When you’re in a scene with another person or a bunch of other people, to see another person’s interpretation and be genuinely surprised - I don’t know you, you just kind of lose yourself in those interactions. That’s what really keeps me coming back. I have been doing this a long time!

AM: You have had such a longevity. When we see your name attached to it, regardless of the subject or genre, we know it’s going to be good because you really do in many ways transform where you forget what we may have liked about you, like in The Affair versus how you present in Dr Odyssey.

JJ: Oh come on, you’re going to make me blush!

AM: You do have two projects coming up, Happy Hours, and How to Survive Without Me. Tell us about them.

JJ: Well, they weirdly share a connection with Dawson’s Creek, so Happy Hours is with Katie Holmes (Ray Donovan, Poker Face, The Wanderers). She produced it, she wrote it, she directed it, and she stars in it. She wrote this story for the two of us to be able to tell a love story after all these years, having not worked together since we were kids on Dawson’s Creek. We got to do that last Summer, and I was a little - I think we both were a little bit nervous after all these years to, like, see if that thing was still there. But that thing is still there, and it was so nice. I’m so thankful to her as my friend, and in that - my boss, right, for her to have created the space for us to do that. I hope the movie comes out well, and I hope everybody enjoys it. But more than anything, it was such a joy to get to do that, and also to be, you know, to, to be impressed and supportive of my friend. You know, we’re not just doing the scenes together, directing, producing, and she’s writing. She’s just a wonderful, powerful woman.

How to Survive Without Me – well not oddly, is written by one of the Executive Producers of Dawson’s Creek. So, Greg Berlanti (The Flash, Arrow, YOU), way back in the day, one of his first jobs was on Dawson’s Creek before he went on to become that I think is the single most prolific producer in the history of television, so he’s done all right for himself. This just came back around that he has the show and it shoots in LA, which is very important for me right now, so I could be with my daughters and take them to school. It’s a beautiful, sad story about family - adult family, right? That story starts six months after the matriarch of the family has passed away and it’s her trying to sort of reach from beyond the grave to make sure that her family stays bound together. She’s not sure that they have the ability to do it without her!

AM: Can you share 3 workouts or modalities that you like to do?

JJ: It depends. The most consistent piece of my life, is boxing. As I’ve gotten older, I started doing Pilates, which has been amazing because as it turns out, I’m like, stiff, as shit, and not very flexible. It just doesn’t work for you as you get older! Then it’s really character dependent, right? The difference between say doing something like Dr Death, where I had to go from being very underweight to play the younger version of that character and the to progressively put on weight and to wear a prosthetic by the end of that show – to something like, say, Fatal Attraction, where you’re dealing with a man who’s kind of a little bit past it, and dealing with the end of his masculinity – a little paunchy or a little softer. It just really depends!

IG @vancityjackson

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Matrie Lombardo

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see CHECK YOUR HEALTH | Joshua Jackson in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | NEW YORK PILATES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW YORK PILATES

17 W 17 th St Ground Floor

NY, NY 10011

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

newyorkpilates.com

IG @newyorkpilates

PHOTO CREDITS | New York Pilates

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

MARATHON PREP | BECS GENTRY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IG @becsgentry

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Becs Gentry

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

ATHLEISURE LIST | CARLISLE BAY

We sat down with Spa Manager Michelle Plummer to talk about Carlisle Bay which opened in 2004 and is located on Antigua, specifically situated on the idyllic southern coast of the island. The Caribbean island is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and lush tropical surroundings.

The resort features 87 ocean facing suites, each with a private balcony or terrace and many leading directly onto the beach, ensuring guests have convenient access to Antigua’s shores. Suites are divided into six categories. The Garden Suites are ideal for couples or small families seeking a tranquil option surrounded by tropical gardens. These offer partial ocean views and accommodate up to 3 people. Ocean Suites are best suited for couples or guests who prioritize scenic views. These are positioned on a quieter area of the beach and feature full, uninterrupted ocean views. The Beach Suites are available as Beach Balcony or Beach Terrace Suites. Both layouts feature two bedrooms and sleep up to 4 guests. Balcony Suites offer elevated views, while Terrace Suites provide direct beach access and outdoor lounging and dining space. The Bay Suites are our Adults Only option featuring oceanfront privacy with butler service, a private bar, and a secluded location near the jetty. Lastly, the Carlisle Suites are our largest accommodations. These 3-bedroom villas include spacious living and dining areas and accommodate up to 6 guests. Some are suited with kitchens, as well.

There are a range of amenities for relaxation, activity, and entertainment. Dining is available across 4 restaurants and 3 bars, ranging from a diverse array of cuisine types. The resort boasts a private white-sand beach with calm waters and non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and snorkeling. There is a large free-form swimming pool, with both family-friendly and adult-only areas. For wellness, the CARA Organic Spa provides treatments, massages, and beauty services, alongside a modern gym and a yoga and Pilates pavilion with regular classes. Sports facilities include tennis and Pickleball courts, a water sports center, and guided activities like nature walks and fitness sessions. Additional features include an intimate private cinema showing kid-friendly films and classics with popcorn and cocktails, a library room with stocked bookshelves, and lounge areas for relaxation, a kids’ club for younger guests, boutique shopping, and event and wedding planning services for special occasions.

Carlisle Bay is location in Saint Mary Parish which is one of 6 parishes on Antigua, located on the island’s southwestern coast. It is quieter and more rural than other areas. The parish features scenic beaches with calm waters and white sand, inland hiking trails and lush rainforest areas, making it one of the greenest regions of the island.

CARLISLE BAY

Old Road

Antigua & Barbuda

carlisle-bay.com

IG @carlisle_bay_antigua

PHOTOS COURTESY | Carlisle Bay

Read the MAR ISSUE #123 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Carlisle Bay in mag.

HAPPINESS IS GOLD

We made our way to Olympic Week a few days ahead of the Opening Ceremony taking

place for the Winter Games in Milano Cortina courtesy of Hershey’s for their Fireside Chat at SOHO House’s LES destination, Ludlow House. We had the opportunity to sit down to hear from Paralympic Team USA Snowboarder Amy Purdy (1S, 2B), and Olympians Team USA Gymnastics Aly Raisman (3G, 2S, 1B), and Team USA Figure Skating Jason Brown (1B). The 2 of them participated in a panel moderated by Hershey’s at the Hershey Company Senior Brand Manager, Katrina Vatter to talk about their Happiness Campaign featuring US Olympians. We heard about their athleticism, their passion for their sports and how they enjoy the happy moments that take place on and off the podium.

KATRINA VATTER: We are so pleased to be with all of you during Olympic Week and to have you here! I’m so honored to be doing my dream job and having a dream moment right now being here! Coming into this role, this brand has been around for over a 100 years but I felt that we have had this opportunity and this moment to bring what we do into the relevancy of today! Hershey’s has always stood for happiness. But for us, now more than ever, as we look around the world you see where we want to get happiness – this is where we got to to get to this campaign!

We knew that this campaign is a moment where folks are really striving hard for an incredible accomplishment and you know, happiness is really the goal here. This is an important moment to celebrate the achievements, but also to look at all of the hard work along the way. You can see the film that we created with our Olympic and Paralympic athletes and then we’ll have a nice chat with our athletes to talk about what happiness means to them and what it is sparking for them as well as we launch this campaign.

It’s my distinct honor to welcome our esteemed Olympians and Paralympian. Give it up for Jason Brown, Amy Purdy, and last but certainly not least, Aly Raisman. Thank you for being here again and thank you for participating in what I am deeming is a heart to heart on a Tues that looks at happiness and the meaning of life. The ability to have the balance\ to strive for something that you are really passionate about but then finding those moments along the way that make everything worth it.

To start us off, I’m a mom with 3 kids and I’m curious to hear how you guys got started on this journey? When you entered into your sport, what were those initial moments of pure happiness? My daughter’s dabbling and skating a little bit of gymnastics, and she just seemed like pure joy out there, and I know at some point that shifts into the competitive intensity, but I’d love to hear from you. Jason, what were those initial moments on the ice like for you?

JASON BROWN: So I fell in love with skating, cuz I have an older sister, and she took skating lessons, and it led to the annual ice show at the local rink. I saw her in that ice show and I saw all these kids skating to music in costumes, expressing themselves together, having so much fun. And it just was, like, I want to be part of that world, and I want to be able to express myself and I want to speak to music and I want to work hard to perform like that, and it just was like that pure happiness and joy that I just instantly gravitated towards.

KV: I love that!

AMY PURDY: I grew up in Vegas, which is not exactly where you expect a professional snowboarder to come from, but my family skied. I was horrible at skiing, but my friends snowboarded, and the first time I got on my snowboard, I just felt freedom like, I’ve never felt before. My sister was a cheerleader, so I was trying to be a cheerleader, and I didn’t make it. But then I found myself, I found myself. I found my friends. I found my passion it made me feel alive. I’d snowboard every day after school, which we had a lot of snow outside of Vegas at that time. I literally found myself and I knew that it was something that I would want to do for the rest of my life, didn’t know I would go on to compete, had no idea I would lose my legs at 19, and then go on to compete in the Paralympics so, but I just knew that I wanted snowboarding to be a part of my life in some way for the rest of my life, and it took me places that I never could imagine.

ALY RAISMAN: I started gymnastics when I was 2, and I just fell in love with it. I started with Mommy & Me classes, and I just can remember that I would daydream all day about going to gymnastics practice. And then, when I was 8, I watched the ‘96 women’s Olympic gymnastics team, and it was on a VHS tape, and I just watched it over and over again. I loved it and I think part of the magic of being a kid is that for me, it felt like there was no dream that was too big, and so I watched them. And at 8 years old, it didn’t occur to me about how hard it would be to get there, and that it was so difficult to make it. Now there’s only five gymnasts on that team, so it’s just there’s so little room for error. But at that age, I just sat in front of that couch and watched it over and over again, and I loved it. And I knew I, that was my passion. And I wanted to be out there. When I look at little kids doing gymnastics now to see the joy they have it just brings me back, and it makes me so happy. You know, my hope is that every kid has something that they love and makes them so excited. Whether or not that is sports, but I think about if every person in the world has something they were passionate about and they loved, I really think the world would be a much better and happier and more healing place.

KV: I love that. I love what all you guys said, that thread of, I can be free - I can finally be myself in this moment, kind of lose yourself. I think that’s so powerful. As you shift ahead, then to your Olympic/Paralympic journey, what were some of those things those comforting elements along the way that either took you back to the beginning or would help ground you as the competitive intensity would get started?

AP: I think one of the things that always kept me grounded was visualization. So, I’m a huge visualizer, I’m sure all athletes, are. You really need to be because you need to be able to see yourself win, you need to be able to see yourself perform in the way that you want to perform. And even when I lost my legs, I was laying in the hospital bed, visualizing myself snowboarding again, and I thought so vividly, and it makes me emotional to think about. I didn’t know how I’d do it, but I knew that I would. And then I did, and so I just kind of took that visualization into everything that I did standing in the staircase at the Paralympic Games, like visualizing every single move that I wanted to make, or even the night before, when I would get nervous and I think about, I’m going to make a mistake and I’m going to mess this up. You’re feeling the pressure, the world’s watching, and I’d just go back to visualizing. I would take some deep breaths, remember why I was there in the first place, knowing the impact that it makes to actually just be there and get the opportunity to be there. I would also just visualize as a means to ground myself for what I want to do and how I want it to feel and then kind of just letting it happen. So for me, that was very much a pretty nice grounding practice.

KV: Thanks so much for sharing and it’s super inspiring to hear that even in these very difficult moments, kind of like envisioning how you want it to be, how you want it to feel. Jason, how about you?

JB: I mean, there is as you mentioned, so much visualization that goes on. And even when Ali was talking about just that, seeing the kids at the gym for me, you know, as we get older and as the goals get bigger, we can get this tunnel vision and this focus and just be on the ice with it’s better just aspiring to better themselves. There’s just this unbridled joy around them. For me, when you’re skating to music, it’s like they’re skating to whatever song like warms their heart, and they’re just like running around the rink. Seeing the kids have that camaraderie with their friends, and that always brings me back to why I am in this sport. We have the opportunity in skating to perform in shows and that is another outlet where, when that focus on competition gets really heavy - you have that opportunity to express yourself to different pieces of music, explore yourself and who you are in different ways. That outlet is just so special and unique to the sport.

KV: The outlet piece or the balancing the intensity of the competition is a great element to highlight. It is something to see the unbridaled joy of children when they’re doing sports. It’s so fun to see the world, through kids eyes.

Ali, how about you?

AR: I loved both of your answers! I’m trying to think about something else that has helped me because both the visualization and then also just being around kids and seeing their joy has really helped me and impacted me, I think. Also, for me, being honest with other people - my support system about what I’m experiencing and what I’m going through. I think people tune in and might see the highs and the exciting moments of us competing at the Olympics, but there’s so many days where I don’t feel my best or I’m having a tough day, and so I think leaning on people in my life that I can go to for help and support, where I’m having a tough day or I’m just feeling a little bit off has been really critical for me in my gymnastics career, but then also post gymnastics career is just knowing that I’m not alone. And I think when I was younger, it was when I was competing in 2012 and 2016 that you know anxiety and depression wasn’t as much of a conversation as it is now. It’s still very stigmatized, but it’s still too many people are suffering in silence, but I think, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve really realized that when I’m vulnerable with my friends and open about what I’m experiencing it, it feels scary, but it also allows other people to open up and share what they’re experiencing and then, I think we form a deeper connection and relationship, and then I can feel like I’m getting better from it and able to work on myself in a way, and so I, I think leaning on my support system and being honest, especially in a sport like gymnastics where a lot of the things we’re doing are very scary and very dangerous. So I think communicating with my coach and letting him know if I felt a little bit off or felt like I might need a little bit more of a spot on something one day was very important, because, it’s hard to be at your best all the time. And it’s impossible. So I think allowing ourselves that Grace has been something I’ve had to learn and work on and being okay with asking for help and being comfortable with that, I think, has been one of the biggest gifts I’ve given myself is just letting go of this perfectionist mentality or having to be the best because I think being courageous and brave is being able to ask for help because we all deal with stuff. We’re all human.

KV: Thanks so much for sharing that. I think that’s super powerful. I feel like sometimes there’s always this pressure to be fine. But really, that power in connecting with somebody and opening up, helps you realize that you’re not alone and things like that.

As you think through where you guys started from and then heading into our Olympic/Paralympic Journeys, how does the definition of success change for you? What did success look like for you in the beginning, how did that evolve over time, and what do you think about it now after all of your accomplishments and achieving the heights of your athletic careers?

JB: Oh my gosh! It’s changed drastically I think throughout every experience. You know, when I was younger and still to this day, but my parents, I’m so grateful, celebrated everything. They celebrated every win. They celebrated every loss. Because of skating, I got to travel the world and compete all over. And we saw the world, you know when I would go to an event good bad, however, you know what? We took the next day to really explore the city that we were in and, and that’s something that I really don’t take for granted. And we did that when I was. young, traveling the Midwest. I’m from Chicago, and like we would be in Iowa and we’d see the city there, or if we were in Des Moines, or wherever we were. We really took the time to explore that place and I think that it really grounded me. But also, there was this level of happiness and joy that this sport that I loved was this vehicle to see the country and to see the world.

As I got older, of course when you have that tunnel vision, you have those goals. It gets harder and harder, and you know you want to grip on tighter and tighter. Having that reminder and having that perspective that my family always gave me in those tough moments win, lose, or draw - you wake up the next day you, you’re hungry for more. And I think what’s so incredible about this campaign, but also about that search for happiness is that it’s, it’s a constant thing that we seek that we have at times that comes naturally that we also struggle with.

You know, Ali talked about that anxiety and that pressure and being able to say I’m not okay, I’m not happy. How could something that I love so much, also tear me down in some moments, and how can I struggle with something and be okay with that? Being able to share those moments and it’s a constant learning experience.

It’s not something I think that we ever master or ever reach. It’s a constant striving to grow, learn and adapt. And I think that, as I got older, and the more I achieved, the more I learned that you just keep waking up hungry for that next experience.

AP: Well, I love what both of you guys are saying and along the same lines, so for me, how happiness has changed, and maybe success has changed. So I think earlier in my career going into Sochi, I put so much pressure on myself that even though I loved my sport and I loved what I was doing, I felt the pressure and that took some of the happiness away because I felt like this is my first time to show what we can do as Paralympic athletes. It was the first time that snowboarding was a Paralympic sport, and I was kind of the one to watch. And I was, like, I’m still trying to figure out what I’m doing myself, you know, and I hope I do good. And so, I put all this pressure on myself. I’d see myself on billboards, and I’d see myself on like, you know, in magazines and all this stuff, and I would just get so nervous, and so then, going into my second Paralympic Games, I thought I don’t want all that pressure. I just want to enjoy the ride. I just want to enjoy it because I might not have it forever. I know I won’t have it forever, and so I loosened up. I allowed myself to just be present and enjoy the ride. And then, now I am retired. And I would say success for me now is not trying to be the best, which is kind of as a perfectionist self that I’ve had to overcome, it’s trying to take care of myself, the best. And when I do that, then I show up as my best self. When I can sleep good, eat good, relax, listen to my body, listen to my mind, and let that pressure go. It’s really hard as athletes because you’re competing against each other. Even though you’re on a team, so you don’t necessarily feel like you can always open up to your teammates about what you’re going through, so you’re kind of like this furnace, you know, like, ready to combust, sometimes with all this pressure that you feel, but being able to really focus on self-care. Like now, if I’m not comfortable, I don’t want to do it. I used to be uncomfortable all the time. I’m pushing my comfort zone all the time. And now, I’m like, no, I can actually sit back, take care of myself, and enjoy what I’m doing. I can be present and make sure my head’s on straight, like that, feels like success to me to have that breathing room and to be able to do that.

AR: Can I ask you, what age do you feel like you got to that point where you felt comfortable prioritizing how you feel?

AP: Okay, so I’m 46 now, and I will tell you what one of the best things about aging is that’s what comes with it, because even I think when I was 40, so I actually got injured, severely injured, injured my left leg that knocked me out of my sport and everything until now. I’m still kind of working my way back, and it was really hard because I still wanted to show up. I still wanted to compete. I still wanted to be the best because I felt like I was at the top of my game when it happened. And then I had to learn some real acceptance of, like, I’m not gonna be what I was and really be able to do it. I was grateful that I didn’t, but then with that came this aging thing that, you know, so many people, especially women complain about right now - of how it feels when you’re in your mid-40s in your mid 50s. But for me, there’s a sense of calm that I appreciate so much. I don’t feel like I have to compare myself with anybody else. I’m proud of my accomplishments. There’s more than I want to do. There’s just this calm confidence that I’ve never felt in my life, especially being an introvert. I honestly think it’s also just age, and it’s something that we can really look forward to. And I find myself more happy in the little moments now.

KV: I love hearing all of this and as we’re passing out some golden chocolate medals to you now, I would love to hear from you guys in your Journeys, whether growing up or at the Olympics and Paralympics, what was a moment where you’re like, no one knows about this, but like this deserves a medal! What are the small things that epitomize what it means to be happy along the way?

AR: I think I was pretty good at pin trading. Did you guys do that? It’s really cool, because at the Olympics, you have your credential and you’ve got pins, and not everyone speaks the same language. So it was really cool to be able to communicate with athletes from around the world and to trade pins, and I just loved it. And then you get to have all these really cool memories, and I became very competitive with it, and I loved it so much, and it was just a really nice, healthy distraction.

And then, I’d also say, my favorite moments from the Olympics, I love this Hershey’s Campaign because it really is meaningful to me when I think about my Olympic career. I’m not thinking about the podium. I’m thinking about really the fun times with my teammates, and we all still have such a great relationship, but we would laugh so hard when we weren’t at the gym, and we really, you know, when we’re at the Olympics, we’re in the Olympic Village. We’re training, eating, and sleeping. That’s it. And we just, it was, like, laughter, was the best medicine for us, at least for me. I can’t speak for my teammates. I was so stressed, and so to have that just being goofy and silly and just having fun together. I just cherish those moments so much because it really helped me stay grounded, and so the pin trading and the friendships that I made, I think, are my medal moments.

KV: I’ve heard about this pin trading situation. It sounds amazing and like the perfect balance to everything that you guys are experiencing.

AR: Do you guys have pins?

KV: We don’t! Next time for sure, we have to!

AR: Ok for LA the Summer Games for LA28!

KV: It’s happening!

Amy, how about you?

AP: I missed out on the pin trading in Sochi because I was so focused on competing and I didn’t realize that everybody was doing this whole pin trading thing until I went to my next Games!

It’s not really a moment, but I think it’s everybody who supported me on the path like they should get the medals because there was so much that went on behind the scenes that people don’t realize. I think about my doctors who saved my life, my kidney transplant doctor allowed me to do things that most transplant patients can’t do. I traveled the world, and you know, he knows that. So, he’s like, part of my team. I had engineers working on my legs. Prosthetists who make legs, literally working hundreds, if not thousands of hours on my legs, to get them comfortable enough for me to snowboard again. So for me, I think I’d turn the medal to give it to everybody who supported me on the journey.

JB: Truly what you guys both said, I wish I was a better pin trader to be completely honest. I was so nervous to go up to anybody. When I went to my first Olympics in 2014, I was just so star struck. I felt like a kid in the candy store! Just everything and everyone, I couldn’t believe that I was a part of something that I had grown up looking to. But what Amy said, it’s that support team. Many people don’t realize how much truly goes into it. You see these medal moments or you see these moments when we’re out doing the sport that we love and a lot of the times, it’s like game face on and you’re locked in. But like people don’t see all those scars or all those long days or all the good and bad moments and highs and lows that go into that. I think that those moments of perseverance, those moments of growth where you learn so much about yourself - and your team that unconditional support from them regardless win, lose, or draw. They’re like there the next day, being like, okay, how are we gonna turn this around, or maybe get better or learn from this moment? Or, and we’re here to celebrate. And I think that those are the moments that people don’t always see.

KV: I’m just curious if there’s any words of wisdom that you would give to your younger self or those striving to be where they want to be?

AR: I would tell myself to trust my gut. I think that we live in a world where at least I noticed this with gymnastics, where, from a very young age, I was kind of taught if I finished a cartwheel - I would immediately turn to my coach or the judge for approval, and I think along the way, I forgot to think about how it felt for me first. Because it’s a subjective sport, I was always seeking outside approval. I’ve just seen over the years, whether it’s parents or coaches and well meaning people. When a kid says, you know, oh, my foot hurts, or I’m kind of tired. They’ll say, no, does it. You’re fine, or they’ll push them to keep going.

And you know, sometimes, when we do ask for help, we don’t always get the support that’s important. So, to not give up until I find someone who does support me and does believe in me. It’s also about doing what makes me feel calm, gives me peace and prioritize what makes me feel good and be okay with saying no, which I’m still working on.

JB: I constantly struggle with the ability to trust my gut! I still, every single day, I’m fighting that battle, and like, trying and as Ali mentioned skating, being a subjective sport. There’s so many people giving so much input all the time that it’s very easy to lose your way in situations so huge, huge one.

I think another big thing that I learned along the way is there’s no one path. I think that we sometimes fixate on do X, Y, and Z - it will get to a certain point and I think that sometimes it’s A, B, and D. There’s just no formula in that sense, but if you are doing something because you’re passionate about it because you love it because you’re driven and motivated, that’s the formula to success, because as we have discussed today, the definition of success has changed drastically through our lives and what we think we want or what we think will be that definition or that defining moment, isn’t or may not be. I think some of the my lowest moments or some of the times where I haven’t trusted my gut and it’s gone poorly, I’ve grown the most because I’m never gonna do that again, and it’s taken me places that I never thought I could imagine. So, I think those are big things that I would definitely tell myself.

AP: I’m kind of along that journey as well. It’s not about the outcome talking about happiness and trying to find happiness. It really is the journey, and it really is finding purpose in the journey. If you can live in a way that you have purpose every day, a drive, whatever it may be.

Like what that taught us? It was just having this driven purpose is really what created so much happiness for myself, and so I would just ket my younger self know that that it really is in the pursuit of happiness that you find happiness, not once you win that Gold medal.

We truly enjoyed being able to hear from these 3 athletes while enjoying a very cozy lunch. We were given some time to sit with them to delve more into what they talked about on the moderated panel, as well as a few questions that we had that we know our readers and community would like to know more about as they were all heading to the Olympics as Aly was experiencing her first Winter Games, Amy is one of the Olympics Team USA Creators for the Olympics as well as the Paralympics, and Jason was a first alternate for Team USA Figure Skating.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed hearing you guys on the panel and I’m glad we have some time to chat as our readers/community are always happy to hear from their favorite athletes and I have a few additional questions.

Happiness means what to you and where do you find it?

AP: I’ve just learned it’s not really about the outcome. It’s not about, like reaching the thing that you’re going after. It really is having purpose, so if I can wake up and have purpose in my day, that makes me take action that keeps me busy. That keeps me moving towards something that’s meaningful. That’s where happiness comes from for me. And I’ve even found it in my darkest days, so I severely injured my leg years ago. I already mentioned that, but, in some of my darkest days where I wasn’t walking at all, and I went actually a couple years like that. I had 10 surgeries in a 3-year time frame. I wasn’t walking at all and I didn’t know if I was going to walk again. I definitely didn’t know if snowboard would happen again or any of that.

AR: I just think that’s really powerful.

JB: How you said purposeful action! I think that combination, because I think you can feel like I have this purpose, but you feel stuck. I think that feeling of actually taking the action, taking the steps to move towards something whatever that might be, whether that’s that athletic goal, whether that’s a mission that you have or honestly, a relationship, and any in any given way.

AR: Those answers were so powerful. I really appreciate what they both said, and I think it’s really feels like what you guys are saying is such a value-driven answer and so meaningful. I really think about the fact that I’m almost 10 years out from competing, which is a really long time, and I think I’m sort of at a point in my life where I don’t think about my gymnastics career all the time, and I think for a long time my worth was defined by how I did or didn’t do, and I was so devastated and so hard on myself. If I didn’t do well. I try to think about if I Googled myself and deleted everything on there, who would I be and what would I be doing? I think when I try to really give myself time to reflect on what makes me happy - who am I with, What am I doing, where am I an really reflecting of even going to dinner with friends. Do I feel good about myself after? Does it feel like a really meaningful relationship? Do I feel really drained, or what are the types of things that I want in my future, and what am I doing to get there?

I also saw this thing online that said, if you were a movie and everyone was watching, what would they be screaming at you, telling you to do? I just think that’s really powerful.

JB: Oh my God!

AR: I tried to also give myself Grace and realize we’re all human. We all have good and bad days, and I think as long as we are trying to be in alignment with what’s important to us. I think that that’s a recipe for success, and I think success means something different to each of us. But for me, now, it just means waking up and feeling peace and spending my time with people that are just really good people. And then I can learn and grow from, like, you guys.

AM: The Olympics and Paralympics is such a global stage that you have all done. What did you love about doing that, and what are you looking forward to and looking at? I mean, we’re days away from 2026, which is exciting.

JB: I think for me. I think the fact that you get to share what you love to do with the world is so special. I think that is something that’s so rare and beautiful about the Olympic Games. I think that’s a reason why there is so much pressure to get yourself there because you know how not only rare of an occasion, it is, but also how badly you want to do what you love on the biggest stage and really get to share your passion with the people around you! As I’ve gotten older, and as I’ve experienced more, I think you do realize that you’re able to do that everyday. Like, regardless of an Olympics or not, but I do think that heightened attention is also something that you just, you just also know, and everyone around you. There’s a different energy and a different intensity and a different focus and a level of –

AR: Scrutiny?

JB: That too! It’s interesting, too. I think it. It brings out the best and the worst. I think it tests you and it challenges you and it teaches you. And sometimes, it’s like magic happens and sometimes you fall. It’s really tough. I think that’s the beauty of the Games.

AP: Okay, the very first Games was incredibly special because it was the first time that snowboarding was in the Paralympic Games. Snowboarding was my passion before I lost my legs. I lost my legs below the knees when I was 15, and all I cared about was snowboarding again. So I went on a mission to figure out how to do it, and I ended up building my own feet to snowboard in because there weren’t any feet at the time for snowboarding. And I knew the motion that I needed, and so I like built a pair of feet where I took like an ankle from one brand and a foot from another brand and turned the ankle around backwards and added all this wood under the heel and a bunch of duct tape, and I realized that I could snowboard with prosthetic legs.

At that point, my boyfriend, who’s now my husband, but we started a non-profit organization called Adaptive Action Sports so that we could help other people with disabilities snowboard, and through that we were able to help to get snowboarding into the Paralympic Games for the very first time. So we really kind of in the US, headed the charge to get snowboarding into the Paralympics. So, then, to actually be at the Paralympics in the start gates, thinking of everything that I went through to get there, even walking out in the Opening Ceremonies that was incredibly euphoric and emotional because I thought, oh, my gosh, it took losing my legs to get here. It took every little step along the way and we created a sport, literally created a sport, and it’s here, and there’s people from all around the world competing in it. It was just the most powerful experience to go, we did it, and you can create something that doesn’t exist and you can. And there’s people who believe in you and there’s other people doing it. And like, you can have a vision and actually have it come to life on the biggest stage in the world! What a cool life experience to know that you can put something out there and make it happen. It wasn’t just me, but like, collectively, make something happen that didn’t exist before. Now to sit back and watch because now snowboarding has been in the Paralympics and will be in it’s fourth Paralympic cycle.

I did 2 out of the 4. Now, I watch all these athletes from around the world like, it’s just grown. It’s taken on the life of its own. There’s athletes, I don’t even know. It’s, like, I mean, it’s unreal. The level of competition is huge. So for me, I get to be a super fan, and like I was a part of the beginning of it, and now I get to sit back and just be like, you know, in awe of what the athletes are doing so. I’m just really. I’m proud of it. I think I’m in a spot where I get to be, like, proud of it because we helped to create it and let it kind of launch and do its thing.

AM: That’s amazing.

AR: I’m going to be in Milan, so I’m very excited, and I feel so grateful that I get to be there to watch. It’s my first Winter Olympics getting to watch in person. So I think for me, this it also kind of, I think, allows me to really reflect on my own career, so I’m really looking forward to watching it and just being able to try to be present and just take in. You know, I think that in the Olympics you use this word and I use it too - there’s so much magic, and I think it really brings people together from around the world, and it’s a really beautiful thing that I’m really looking forward to is to be able to cheer on athletes from the US, but also from other places around the world and to hear other people’s stories and experiences and to see sportsmanship and to see so many wonderful stories and I think positive with social media is that we’re not just now hearing about the athletes that are on the top of the podium, we’re learning about athletes who you know in Paris, there was someone that was going viral for eating a muffin on TikTok.

ALL: Yeah!

AR: My teammates call me Grandma because I never know what’s what’s happening, but there was someone talking about eating muffins. People are now being recognized, not just for their performance, but for their sportsmanship. And just like their personalities and who they are, and that was really not the case when I was competing, and so I really like that because it’s too much pressure. And I think it’s not right to only showcase athletes who are winning, and I think the fact that we can really get to know who these athletes are and to hear about the amazing charities and organizations they’re starting is really wonderful. And that’s what I’m excited about it. I think this will hopefully be a pinch me moment just to be able to be there in that experience, and I’m really looking forward to it.

IG @alyraisman

@amypurdygurl

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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Hershey’s

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see HAPPINESS IS GOLD in mag.

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​Lore Bathing Club is a membership-based, Nordic-inspired, and design-forward sauna/cold plunge facility located in NoHo, NYC, designed for regular, habitual contrast therapy (guests alternate between a 700-sq-ft Finnish sauna (up to 190°) and a 40–50°F cold plunge pool. It offers a 700-sq-ft Finnish sauna, infrared sauna, and cold pool, fostering community restoration and wellness in a 75-minute, phone-free setting.

​Swimsuits are required and water bottles are encouraged - glass bottles aren't allowed and if you bring a metal one, remember that they can get warm. Phones are not allowed outside of the lockers (they can't be brought into the sauna, pools, etc).

​Lore is a private space, and respect toward our fellow bathers is paramount to the community we are building together. Phones must be left in the changing room, and filming and photography are strictly prohibited in the space. If you do bring your phone past the locker rooms, a staff member will bring it up to the front desk, where we will keep it safely until your exit. 

​Lore is a space for quiet connection, we ask our members to speak quietly in a manner that is not disruptive to other members' use of the space. 

​Please be considerate when moving through the space and entering the cold plunge. Walk slowly and be mindful of yourself and others. Our goal is for Lore to be a place of quiet restoration and connection. 

RSVP here.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CALA DE MAR RESORT & SPA

With all of the cold weather and snowstorms we have been navigating, thinking about upcoming Spring and Summer vacations makes it easier to think of warmer days ahead. We’re thinking about Pacific views which can be found at Cala de Mar Resorts & Spa Ixtapa which is located within the Sierra Madre mountains. This resort is located on the cliffside above the ocean on the coast of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. This luxury resort is focused on a calming aesthetic, offers seclusion, and has personalized service with the ability to enjoy phenomenal sunsets and sunrises.

The resort has 59 private oceanfront villas that are tucked into the cliffside and provides uninterrupted views of the Pacific. No two villas overlook one another so that you can enjoy the sanctuary to fully disconnect whether you are traveling alone or with someone else. Each villa has its own palatial terrace and private plunge pool. You can enjoy a sunrise swim or a champagne toast when the sun literally sinks into the sea.

When it comes to enjoying a meal, you can do so on your private terrace where a team created a personalized culinary journey that you can enjoy under the stars. There is also a cliffside restaurant at the resort which has phenomenal views along with menus that can be customized along with wine pairings to elevate your meal.

The resort satisfies your wellness by offering its spa where you can enjoy side-by-side treatments that are inspired by indigenous traditions and local ingredients. You can enjoy a selection of treatments while having the waves create a soundtrack to truly allow you to disconnect from the world while having a reset that aligns with your goals and interests.

In addition to the restaurant and spa on property, guests can enjoy additional amenities to note include: personal assistant services, a welcoming amenity, nightly turn down service, 2 outdoor pools, a fitness center, and yoga deck.

For those who opt to leave the property, you can enjoy curated experiences from private yacht excursions, snorkeling, and enjoying the artisan culture. There is something for everyone whether your vacations lean adventurous, indulgent, or laid-black. It’s the perfect retreat to enjoy when you’re closing one season and moving on to the next one!

CALA DE MAR RESORT & SPA IXTAPA

Paseo Punta Ixtapa s/n Zona Hotelera II,

Ixtapa, Guerrero, C.P. 40884

Mexico

calademar.com

IG @calademarixtapa

PHOTOS COURTESY | Cala De Mar Resort & Spa Ixtapa

Read the FEB ISSUE #122 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Cala de Mar Resort & Spa in mag

THE ICE PRINCE | JACK HUGHES

We’re in the New Year, and whether it’s wrapping up things from 2025 or beginning the marathon of the months ahead, we have all got into the flow. With the holiday season behind us, we tend to countdown to the Spring. Part of that process is navigating Cold & Flu season. We took some time to sit down with NHL New Jersey Devils Center, Jack Hughes to talk about his love for the game of hockey, playing on this team, his Olympic debut, and his partnership with Mucinex Kickstart!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with hockey?

JACK HUGHES: Like honestly, super young I would say! Like, my older brother played (Editor’s Note: Quinn plays for the Minnesota Wild and his younger brother Luke plays for the Devils - they are the first trio of brothers to all be top-7 NHL draft picks and are cover athletes for EA Sports’ NHL 25), both of my parents played, and growing up, hockey was always around! I always had a stick in my hand. It was probably when I was extremely young and we were on the ice skating. My brother did it so I would say that I would have been 2 or 3.

AM: That is pretty crazy and amazing!

At what point did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

JH: I mean, I don’t think that you really realize that, I think that when you’re 8 years old, you’re playing to have fun and then it’s the same when you’re 12 and then 14. But maybe, when I was 16, that’s when I started to realize that maybe that would be realistic, you know? That’s when hockey gets more serious and the pyramid starts to shrink a little bit! Just growing up, that was always a dream of mine! I just wanted to play – to play in the NHL, but it just seemed so far fetched at the time.

AM: You got drafted in 2019 and you play for the New Jersey Devils, what does it mean to you to be on this team?

JH: Yeah, it’s good! I enjoy playing on the team and also living there. It’s the only team that I have played for in my career and I really enjoy it. It’s a place that I call home now and I love it, and I have really loved my time here.

AM: Clearly playing this sport is a total body workout! What are 3 workouts that you do to get ready for GAM3DAY?

JH: Well, workouts that I do, it’s kind of hard because you’re playing every night! You’re kind of just warming up and activating and you’re trying to keep your body feeling good and staying loose. But you also want to be kept strong and to keep it that way throughout the year. It’s important to get your rest obviously and your cardio is at such a high level because of all of the games and all of the skating, so there is so much that goes into it. But you’re just trying to keep your body feeling good for when you do play.

AM: What are your foods that are you’re go-to’s that you enjoy eating?

JH: I obviously love desserts, but I can’t have those all of the time! But things that keep me going for Game Day are things like sweet potatoes, a lot of high protein things like steak and chicken – you have to do all of that! Eggs, a ton of eggs in the morning is another one. I don’t know, it’s kind of like, you don’t really eat for food or enjoyment, it’s for fuel so that you can fuel yourself, feel good, and you can feel energized.

AM: With the Olympics coming up, you’re going to be competing on that global stage, what does it mean to you to be able to do this?

JH: It’s just a huge dream of mine. You know, I grew up as a proud American so it’s a big dream to be able to play for your country in the Olympics and it’s the biggest stage in hockey. So to be able to be a part of it is something that I have dreamed of for my entire life and I’m excited to be able to go through that process.

AM: You’ve partnered with Mucinex and Athleisure Mag is based in NYC and we’ve had a mix of some mild days and some cold days, but you know this is the time of year where we are navigating Cold + Flu season. Why did you want to partner with Mucinex and what are you doing to make sure that you are staying cold and flu free?

JH: Honestly, you have a ton of late nights traveling and you’re always moving around going from city to city. You try to stay at your best, but obviously, you get sick sometimes! I feel like Mucinex is at every locker room. Players are taking Mucinex for multi-symptom relief so that they can feel better and feel ready to try to be able to perform at their best. You have to do that and you have to get your rest as well. You just try to feel as good as you can!

AM: Can you tell us about the Kickstart to Greatness Campaign that you launched as you have partnered with Mucinex Kickstart, which honors the real key heroes of youth hockey - the mentors and programs that have helped shape young hockey players?

JH: Yeah! They have partnered with USA Hockey Foundation and have donated $20,000 to help fund the young American kids that are playing hockey. It’s something that I am super passionate about because I was super young too and obviously, youth hockey is something that is close to my heart. I was grateful to help Mucinex host a youth clinic with USA Hockey and Hockey in New Jersey to help kickstart the next generation of hockey stars. It’s an easy thing for me to be involved in this, as they donated to something that I care about, and it is an easy merger with something that I really care about and it is an easy thing to support.

IG @jackhughes

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 52 - 59 + PG 62 NJ Devils | PG 60 Adam Hunger/AP Content Services for Mucinex Kickstart |

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ICE PRINCE | Jack Hughes in mag.

GO GET'EM MODE | MICHELLE BUTEAU

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

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

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

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

AM: Yes it was such a good dinner and it’s great talking with you now.

MB: I love to hear that people love the show because it makes me feel like I am doing my job, so thank you for that! I will never get tired of that.

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

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

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

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

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

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

MB: Yeah, you get it!

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

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

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

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

AM: What is life without fresh veggies and hugs?

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

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

AM: Tell me about The Surviving and Thriving Tour!

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

AM: I mean, I will take in all the prescriptions that you’re providing!

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

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

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

AM: I cannot wait to see it!

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

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

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

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

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

AM: I was going to say you did!

MB: You got me!

AM: You did!

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

AM: That’s right!

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

IG @michellebuteau

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Netflix/Vanessa Clifton

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see GO GET’EM MODEL | Michelle Buteau in mag.

FINDING YOUR BALANCE

Avid readers of Athleisure Mag know that a few months back we had an article that was focused on fitness and menopause where we talked with Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Board-Certified OB/GYN, Chief Medical Officer at Hers, and Pvolve Advisory Board Member for Women’s Health & Longevity. It was the first time that we covered this topic.

She shared how menopause is comprised of perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. She also talked about symptoms that many of us may be familiar with from hot flashes, irregular periods, brain fog and more. We know that this tends to happen to women between 40 and 50. Although a number of elements of menopause seemed to be new to what we knew about, we were not prepared to learn so much more in Balance: A Perimenopause Journey which is a docuseries created by 2 monastic filmmakers, Sadhvi Siddhali Shree and Sadhvi Anubhuti, who not only started their menopausal jounrey, but wanted to share their experiences and how they are approaching it as they found that there was quite a bit of misinformation, lack of research/education, and stigme around this portion of a woman’s lifecycle. This docuseries premieres on Jan 30th on Apple+ and Prime Video.

We do not only hear from them and the doctors that are treating them as one focuses on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the other opts to do so utilize natural remedies. They also have medical professionals who have varying opinions, regular women along with their partners who weigh in, and even Executive Producers Alyssa Milano (Who’s the Boss, Charmed, Spin City) and Jeannie Mai (The Real, Raid the Cage, America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation) share their accounts as well. In watching this 4-part docuseries, we were constantly reminded of so many aspects that people don’t talk about and why we need to do the research necessary to assist us as we navigate this time as for many, this journey start 10 years prior to the target age of menopause which is in the 30s for many of us!

ATHLEISURE MAG: First off, we have to say that we’re positively frustrated in watching this docuseries. That is to say that this is an incredibly informative docuseries where we learned a number of things that we didn’t know about the menopausal journey and that it makes us want to do more research and yet to see the gaps that exist that shouldn’t be. We could go on and on but I am excited to sit with you to hear from you as filmmakers and women navigating the menopausal journey.

Why did you want to make this docuseries?

SADHVI SIDDHALI SHREE: We wanted to make this docuseries Balance, because we wanted to educate women. We are not prepared and because we’re not prepared, we don’t know what we’re going through. We often criticize ourselves, we blame ourselves and we feel all kinds of frustrations because we are going through this transition but no one told us how to navigate. So, to reduce that suffering is important to us as monks and filmmakers.

AM: What’s really impressive in this docuseries are the different voices that you have coming together to talk about this topic. You have different kinds of medical professionals, those who are pro HRT, as well as those that aren’t, I was so excited to see Dr. Jessica Shepherd who I met a few months ago and I had interviewed her about menopause as the event was on the topic, having regular women, Alyssa Milano, and a former cover of ours – Jeannie Mai – both who serve as Executive Producers of this docuseries. So why did you want to approach it in this way by having those on various sides of the issue for, against, and those in the grey area?

SADHVI ANUBHUTI: You said it right! We wanted to make sure that we covered everything. When you are treating perimenopause and menopause, you want to treat it holistically. So we wanted to make sure that we had nutrition, activity, and a full understanding of what is happening to us from the OB/GYNs and a full scope of everything. So it was very important that we included trusted voices.

AM: Why do you think that there is such a stigma around the transition of menopause from the awareness, the marketing aspect, the fact that there is this timeline of life prior to menopause, 1 day which is the actual menopause, and then after. I’m 46 and I will be 47 in Sept. When I went to my first menopause event last Fall I remember thinking well that is for people in their 50s and 60s – is this even a fit? Then learning about the menopausal journey, it was like, “oh no you are in that mode and you need to learn about this!”

SA: You are right! It’s that misunderstanding of what is happening in this space. It’s the fact that women have not been included in that research and we have been underfunded, under researched, and misunderstood. That needs to change. So information needs to be out there and that is why this series needs to be there.

AM: It covers so many things from the social, emotional, and physical aspects of this journey. How long did it take you to think about creating this, doing this, traveling all over the world, and the research? What was the process in creating this?

SSS: I would say, that we were going through the early perimenopause symptoms for a few months and as filming was going on, we realized that no one knew about this. We were researching for ourselves and so we knew we had to do a docuseries in 4 parts so that it would cover everything. So the whole process took about 2.5 years. So as soon as we knew that we could film our appointments because we wanted to show this raw and honest from the very get go.

AM: It took 2.5 years and it’s now coming out Jan 30th, the same day that our JAN ISSUE #121 drops, what Jan 30th, what has been the response that you have received from those with early previews/screenings? Even for those that have participated in it as we get to see other people’s journeys along with their spouses as well and how they are doing. You also have your journeys as well.

SA: I think that for the first time, many women are starting to feel seen, validated, believed, they’re not crazy – this is something that all women go through. I think that we are building our own community of women who are saying that they are not going to suffer anymore, they’re not going to go through it like their mom did, and so it is very empowering to see that response.

AM: Where should people go to find out more information about the movie as well as this journey of menopause? In watching this and hearing certain responses in the docuseries, I think about things I have noticed and just attributed it to other things. I’m someone who eats healthy, works out etc, but maybe something I felt that I just assumed I was tired could be a symptom so I know I will be rewatching and taking personal notes to get to the bottom of things that I didn’t know could be more aligned to this and not just something that is about age or being tired. So where can people go to find out more about this?

SSS: Our viewers can go to the Balancedocuseries.com website where there we will have resources and viewers can follow all the doctors that they resonate with featured in our series because they have education on this, they are posting all of the time on social media and you can always go to the Menopause Society as well. It’s one of those things that you need to go to a trusted resource so that you have the right guidance as that is critical in this time and that’s why Balance is such a trusted resource because it is raw and it is real and we’re not holding anything back.

AM: You guys are filmmakers and I have enjoyed seeing other documentaries that you have done. What do you enjoy about storytelling, and how was it to do this particular story because it is personal? You’re telling this story and you have also injected yourself in this as well as we’re following your journey, as well as others in this docuseries as being objective must have been something that was always in mind in navigating telling this story.

SSS: I think that it comes from our experience of being monks and filmmakers on 3 other films – 2 on human trafficking and another one on animal cruelty. So, these are very dark and human subjects and we are passionate people. What we practice in our system is that there are so many sides and you have to see them and there are various truths to those sides and how do you do it – no pun intended, in a balanced way? That is really important because you have to honor all voices and as you have seen in this series, I have taken the hormone therapy path and she (name) has taken the natural approach which will resonate with audiences and we have our own questions so it kind of covers the whole spectrum of the topic.

IG @siddhalishree

@sadhvianubhuti

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Balance: A Perimenopausal Journey

Read the JAN ISSUE #121 of Athleisure Mag and see Finding Your Balance in mag.

KEEPING COLD + FLU SEASON ON ICE

We’re in the New Year and whether it’s wrapping up things from 2025 or beginning the marathon of the months ahead, we have all got into the flow. With the holiday season behind us, we tend to countdown to the Spring. Part of that process is navigating Cold & Flu season. We took some time to sit down with NHL New Jersey Devils Center, Jack Hughes to talk about his love for the game of hockey, playing on this team, his Olympic debut, and his partnership with Mucinex Kickstart!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with hockey?

JACK HUGHES: Like honestly, super young I would say! Like, my older brother played (Editor’s Note: Quinn plays for the Minnesota Wild and his younger brother Luke plays for the Devils - they are the first trio of brothers to all be top-7 NHL draft picks and are cover athletes for EA Sports' NHL 25), both of my parents played, and growing up, hockey was always around! I always had a stick in my hand. It was probably when I was extremely young and we were on the ice skating. My brother did it so I would say that I would have been 2 or 3.

AM: That is pretty crazy and amazing!

At what point did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

JH: I mean, I don’t think that you really realize that, I think that when you’re 8 years old, you’re playing to have fun and then it’s the same when you’re 12 and then 14. But maybe, when I was 16, that’s when I started to realize that maybe that would be realistic, you know? That’s when hockey gets more serious and the pyramid starts to shrink a little bit! Just growing up, that was always a dream of mine! I just wanted to play – to play in the NHL, but it just seemed so far fetched at the time.

AM: You got drafted in 2019 and you play for the New Jersey Devils, what does it mean to you to be on this team?

JH: Yeah, it’s good! I enjoy playing on the team and also living there. It’s the only team that I have played for in my career and I really enjoy it. It’s a place that I call home now and I love it and I have really loved my time here.

AM: Clearly playing this sport is a total body workout! What are 3 workouts that you do to get ready for Game Day?

JH: Well, workouts that I do, it’s kind of hard because you’re playing every night! You’re kind of just warming up and activating and you’re trying to keep your body feeling good and staying loose. But you also want to be kept strong and to keep it that way throughout the year. It’s important to get your rest obviously and your cardio is at such a high level because of all of the games and all of the skating, so there is so much that goes into it. But you’re just trying to keep your body feeling good for when you do play.

AM: What are your foods that are you’re go-to’s that you enjoy eating?

JH: I obviously love desserts, but I can’t have those all of the time! But things that keep me going for Game Day are things like sweet potatoes, a lot of high protein things like steak and chicken – you have to do all of that! Eggs, a ton of eggs in the morning is another one. I don’t know, it’s kind of like, you don’t really eat for food or enjoyment, it’s for fuel so that you can fuel yourself so that you can feel good and you can feel energized.

AM: With the Olympics coming up, you’re going to be competing on that global stage, what does it mean to you to be able to do this?

JH: It’s just a huge dream of mine. You know, I grew up as a proud American so it’s a big dream to be able to play for your country in the Olympics and it’s the biggest stage in hockey. So to be able to be a part of it is something that I have dreamed of for my entire life and I’m excited to be able to go through that process.

AM: You’ve partnered with Mucinex and Athleisure Mag is based in NYC and we’ve had a mix of some mild days and some cold days but you know this is the time of year where we are navigating Cold + Flu season. Why did you want to partner with Mucinex and what are you doing to make sure that you are staying cold and flu free?

JH: Honestly, you have a ton of late nights traveling and you’re always moving around going from city to city. You try to stay at your best, but obviously, you get sick sometimes! I feel like Mucinex is at every locker room. Players are taking Mucinex for multi-symptom relief so that they can feel better and feel ready to try to be able to perform at their best. You have to do that and you have to get your rest as well. You just try to feel as good as you can!

AM: Can you tell us about the Kickstart to Greatness Campaign that you launched as you have partnered with Mucinex Kickstart which honors the real key heroes of youth hockey - the mentors and programs that have helped shape young hockey players?

JH: Yeah! They have partnered with USA Hockey Foundation and have donated $20,000 to help fund the young American kids that are playing hockey. It’s something that I am super passionate about because I was super young too and obviously, youth hockey is something that is close to my heart. I was grateful to help Mucinex host a youth clinic with USA Hockey and Hockey in New Jersey to help kickstart the next generation of hockey stars. It’s an easy thing for me to be involved in this as they donated to something that I care about and it is an easy merger with something that I really care about and it is an easy thing to support.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CARMEL RETREATS

Carmel Retreats opened its doors in 2020, after owner, Barry Shimo Farb navigated his own journey with cancer and realized how deeply restorative it was to spend time on this property. Guests told him, “I didn’t know how exhausted I was until I exhaled here,” and he felt that during his own recovery. He wanted to create a place designed around that moment — where the surroundings are healing.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of those rare places where nature and creativity comes together. This village sits beneath a veil of Monterey pines and ocean fog, and there’s a calm that you feel within minutes of arriving. The air smells of sea salt, woodsmoke, and blooming jasmine. Artists, writers, and wanderers have come there for a century to find clarity and inspiration - and that spirit is still alive.

Many people are living at a pace that our bodies are not designed to sustain. Recharging is not just an indulgence, but it’s maintenance. Barry believes that when we step out of our loops and into a quieter environment, our minds reorganize, our creativity resurfaces, and our emotional bandwidth expands. He believes that rested people make better decisions, show up more fully for the people they love, and feel more at home in their own lives.

There are 2 historic cottages: Cuddle Doon and Wee Hoos are private sanctuaries. They’re filled with soft natural textures, warm lighting, and handcrafted details that encourage you to slow down. You’ll find a fireplace, spa-inspired bathrooms, deep reading chairs, and quiet corners for journaling, meditation, or simply listening to the ocean in the distance.

Guests receive a curated wellness welcome basket, a personalized retreat guide, locally roasted coffee, organic teas, aromatherapy blends, yoga mats, and a weekly ritual schedule designed to help guests unwind the minute they arrive.

Retreats can be tailored to your own rhythms. Guests can enjoy guided meditation, breathwork, yin yoga, forest bathing walks through the pines, sound healing, journaling prompts, cold-plunge moments at the beach, and evening reflection rituals by the fireplace.

For couples or small groups, they also offer intention-setting ceremonies, relationship-centered practices, and creative expression sessions like photography walks or intuitive sketching. Everything is designed to meet you exactly where you are.

We like an initiative that they have known as Postcards for Healing. Anyone can nominate someone in their life who is coming through illness, grief, or major life transition to receive a free 2–3 night stay at Carmel Retreats. They use the “trapped dates” between bookings — nights that would otherwise sit empty — and turn them into an offering of rest, dignity, and care. It’s a way of letting the property give back to people who need a soft place to land.

CARMEL RETREATS

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

carmelretreats.com

IG @carmel.retreats

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Carmel Retreats

Read the DEC ISSUE #120 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Carmel Retreats in mag.

GO GET 'EM MODE | MICHELLE BUTEAU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MB: Yeah, you get it!

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

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

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

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

AM: What is life without fresh veggies and hugs?

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

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

AM: Tell me about The Surviving and Thriving Tour!

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

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

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

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

AM: I cannot wait to see it!

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

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

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

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

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

AM: I was going to say you did!

MB: You got me!

AM: You did!

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

AM: That’s right!

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

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

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.