ESSENTIAL HEALING WITH NICO MARLEY

As we all embrace a number of our work-outs, we find that recovery is an essential for our bodies to be the most effective. We're fans of stretching, foam rollers, restorative yoga and including CBD within our routines. This area of recovery continues to expand with no signs of stopping. This month, we caught up with Nico Marley, grandson of Bob Marley - who recently launched his CBD line, Lion X Wellness. He believes in the importance of CBD for athletes and fitness enthusiasts and as a former Washington Football player, we wanted to know more about the company, why he created it and what we should keep an eye out for.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we get into LionX Wellness, I’d like to talk about your background. Your father Rohan Marley was a linebacker at the University of Miami where he played with Dwyane Johnson, Warren Sapp and Ray Lewis. He played professionally in the Canadian Football League. He went on to co-found Marley Coffee and is involved in the House of Marley, helps run your family’s charitable organization 1Love and Tuff Gong Clothing Company. It seems like you have also walked within your father’s footsteps. Can you tell us about your athletic career and why you also wanted to embrace your entrepreneurial interests?

NICO MARLEY: My athletic career began at an early age. I started playing football in middle school and noticed I had a certain passion and love for the sport, and that became my life for the next 10 years. My passion for football grew throughout my high school years, and I ended up attending Tulane University, where I played football for four years and studied Business Management and Marketing. As a freshman, I was named Conference USA Co-Freshman of the Year and a member of the C-USA All-Freshman Team. I received other accolades, such as All-AmericanAthletic Conference Honorable Mention and All-American Athletic ConferenceFirst Team. Upon graduation, I signed with Washington Football and played for the preseason.

After I was cut from playing for the Washington Football, I wanted to find my new purpose in life. I worked with my father, Rohan Marley, shortly on Marley Coffee, and I quickly realized that I wanted to create my own legend. I'm proud of everything my family has done, and I want to continue to add value to our name. SoI started to think about my passions, and what came to mind is my love for performance, the collective impact we have on one another, and my family history.

AM: What is an average day/week like for you in terms of your fitness routine?

NM: I try my best to stay in shape and stay active throughout the week. Typically I try and run a few miles, include an ab work-out a few times a week, play soccer, and incorporate push ups every day.

AM: Tell me about Lion X Wellness. What led you to creating this company, why have you focused on CBD and what is in the cur-rent product range?

NM: I started taking CBD during my junior year of college when football season was beginning. This sport takes a lot out of you, and I wanted something natural that was going to help me focus before and game and help me recover after one. When I found CBD, it was perfect! My family had always spoken about natural healing for years, and this is something that could help me manage my pain as well as boost overall wellness naturally. As I searched for my new purpose, I thought about all the things I was passionate about; natural healing, my family history, and helping others. Lion X is all of those things for me. It incorporates a modern evolution of my family's philosophies and my passions for the game, performance, and overall wellness.

Lion X Wellness’s current product line features Vegan CBD Gummies, Full Spectrum CBD Oils (ranging from 500mgs to2,000mgs), a Muscle and Joint Cooling Balm, and Full Spectrum CBD Gel Capsules. In the future, I hope to expand the brand. Lion X Wellness isn’t just a CBD line; we’re a wellness company.

I hope to introduce other wellness products in the near future, along with comfortable apparel people can wear in their homes and on the go.

AM: What are the ingredients in your Muscle and Joint Cooling Balm?

NM: Lion X’s Muscle and Joint Cooling Balm is 500mgs of CBD. It contains Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Beeswax, a blend of mint and eucalyptus, CBD Rich Hemp Ex-tract, Lemongrass, and Aloe Vera.

AM: How important is CBD to recovery products for athletes and fitness enthusiasts that want to include this within your routine?

NM: Sports take a lot out of you, and many athletes tend to get hurt while playing. I found that for me personally, I preferred to take all-natural products and not prescription painkillers while playing sports. Soothing and cooling balms are extremely helpful for athletes that are seeking something to manage their pain. Topical salves are intended to increase circulation, ease aches and pains, as well as provide the athlete with some relief.

AM: What is Lion X Wellness focusing on as we begin to navigate 2021?

NM: We’re targeting people who want to make more conscious decisions about themselves and what they put in their bodies. We’re focusing on becoming a household name in the CBD industry. We hope that in the next year, we can touch as many people as we can while growing our company organically. We're also focused on expanding through more partnerships with leaders in this community, allowing us to educate new regions on CBD, social justice issues, and Lion X.

AM: Are there brand ambassadors/spokespeople for the brand?

NM: At the moment, we don’t have any official brand ambassadors. People like my father, Rohan Marley, former professional football player Ray Lewis, and my other close friends and family have promoted the brand on social media.

AM: Are there any collaborations that Lion X Wellness will be doing this year or in 2022?

NM: On February 6th we’ll be taking part in the 5th Annual Canna Business & Wellness Expo in Miami. The 5th Annual CannaBusiness & Wellness Expo is an outdoor event where you can learn more about the cannabis industry, growing business-es, opportunities, careers, and more. LionX along with Cannabis LAB will be taking every precaution to ensure the safety of the visitors. At the event, we’ll educate visitors more on Lion X, how we’re making a difference, and how they can enter to win up to $100 worth of Lion X CBD products.

AM: Beyond being used for recovery purposes, how else does Lion X Wellness assist the body?

NM: In addition to healing the body, LionX products are great for boosting your overall well being. Our CBD tinctures, Full Spectrum or Isolate, are amazing for promoting focus and relaxation. Our Veg-an CBD gummies are also a great way to maintain energy and to keep yourself focused throughout the day. Our gummies feature whole, organic hemp extract and have a mix of four delicious flavors in the same jar: strawberry, orange, green apple, and grape.

AM: In addition to Lion X Wellness, are you involved in other ventures, philanthropic efforts and/or are you involved in any of the family businesses?

NM: At the moment, Lion X donates a portion of its sales to Garden of Eden, a non-profit organization with the mission to empower women and youth by cultivating self-esteem and self-worth through mentorship programs in arts, education, and the development of sustainable community projects in underserved areas.

AM: What impact has Bob Marley had on you?

NM: Bob Marley said years ago, "Herb is the healing of the nation," and my family has lived by that saying ever since. My father would always say if you're going to use the plant, make sure you use it for the right reasons. Not just to smoke to get high but to connect to your mind, body, and soul. Although I have never met him, his words and his music have spoken volumes to me. I listen to his music when I need words of wisdom and it has helped me many times over the years right before a game or just getting up in the morning. Because of him I have been able to connect with myself on a spiritual level.

IG @Nico2Marley

@LionXWellness

PHOTOS COURTESY | Nico Marley

Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Essential Healing with Nico Marley in mag.

NEW YEAR, N3W YOU

THE GOOD

I feel so blessed that I’ve been surrounded by family since March. There were seven, and sometimes nine, people in our pod— three kids; two fiancé’s, my husband, our nephew and three to four dogs. We fought for office space but ate memorable meals and did at-home Peloton work-outs together.

I personally had no choice but to take it down a notch. I’m still not meditating but I did download the Calm app. I also said yes to Zoom panels, speeches and was able to virtually connect with tons of people — new and old.

The coolest thing was getting to launch my dream cosmetics company, JonesRoad Beauty, from the comfort of my home (with a few in-office days). Who knew the power of a young scrappy team mixed with a seasoned professional could simply just get it done.

THE ADD

Travel! It’s the first thing I’ll do when we can. My husband and I love our vacation time together and as a family. I miss the UK and Paris and had also promised my youngest son a trip to Tokyo as his college graduation gift. I miss the Bahamas, which is one of our favorite warm weather destinations, too. I also haven’t been able to see my family in Chicago and really want to see my 85 year-old Dad.

Two of our sons put their weddings on hold, so I’m really looking forward to those celebrations.

THE BUZZ

Jones Road s releasing 25 shades of face pencils and 4 shades of eye pencils in mid-January. We’ll also be fully back ins tock of our Miracle Balm, which we underestimated the demand for. There are a bunch of monthly launches in the pipeline after that.

My wellness brand, EVOLUTION_18 is releasing several delicious new products to support beauty from the inside out. Plus, new episodes of my podcast, Beyond the Beauty, with amazing founders. And hopefully, I’ll get a chill spa day with my sister, which we usually do once a year, or I’ll finally meditate...

IG @JustBobbiDotCom

@JonesRoadBeauty

@Evolution_18

PHOTO COURTESY | Bobbi Brown

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THE GOOD

With the Covid 19 crisis making 2020anunforgettable year for all of us, it was a strange time to have the most successful year of my career. This year I have won the European championship (ELMS) the world championship (WEC) and the 24 hours of Le Mans. I became the youngest British winner of the Le Mans as wel las the youngest winner of WEC (World Endurance Championship). This year has felt even weirder due the races held behind "closed doors", closed to the public spectators. Covid tests proved me wrong in thinking nothing would enter that high up my nose, it didn't take away from a year where I won 6 of the 9 races I entered.

THE ADD

I said to myself that I was going to rekindle my German this year, 2 phone apps and the subscription page to an online language platform later I still haven't given it the time it needs. It's one of those things that won't make me a faster racing driver and therefore doesn't take priority, but then again that's exactly how I excused myself this year. Maybe next year will be the year.

THE BUZZ

Next year I am signed for another season of WEC, and ELMS with the same team as 2020 alongside both returning and new teammates. Another strong season next year is almost a make or break for my career with new manufacturers on the horizon to enter in 2023 and their development likely to start in 2022. Next years performance could solidify my name amongst the top to be first in line fora seat in one of the upcoming campaigns to win the top class of sportscar racing. The pressure is definitely going to be piling on over the winter months of training to make sure I'm in the best shape possible to hit the ground running where I left off this year.

IG @PhilHansonRacing

PHOTO COURTESY | Phil Hanson

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THE GOOD

I think that on a very big level, there has been a massive awakening of people on the planet. There’s so much. Anytime there is an election year, the pandemic, the amount of variables that have been going on is massive. Where people saw protests, I saw people coming together. I saw so much alignment in a way that we haven’t had in my lifetime that I can remember as an adult. I thought that that was special.

For me personally, when things slowed down and got quiet, I had an opportunity to listen. It was a year for me to let go and listen. When you sit down and listen, the answers are there. I realized that there were people, places and things that I could let go of now. I wondered why I was holding and why I was chasing to-wards them which could take me off my path. Being still, I saw relationships that I could let go with love and without any drama. It also allowed me to see some of the most amazing people on the planet that I am able to call friends. That goes to my family as well. It’s been a crazy year. My brother’s fiancé passed away very early in March not COVID related and we have never been closer. He lost his fiancé, we've been separated by a pandemic, I’ve seen him once the entire year and you know my brother and I get to FaceTime and we’re closer now then we were 10 years ago so there are gifts within the loss and that forme was great. So relationships with my brother and others has been great.

THE ADD

There are a couple of massive things I’m really proud of! One being Openfit. It’s a brand that basically I’m going back to coaching. So we’re filming a massive program that will be out in the world and we will film it in Jan. It will go out in Feb. I want to be the modern day Richard Simmons - having great access to health. I can't dance as good as Richard but man, it's going to be fun and special. All this programming is so intense and there’s no place for people that are beginning or trying to get back in. So Openfit and I have built this wonderful program and I can’t wait to do it because I haven’t coached this way in years. It will be available in streaming and I’m really excited about it. It’s exciting that people will be able to bring me back into their homes and living rooms again.

The other big thing is my CBD company! I started GetUP, a CBD company a year ago.COVID was tough, I couldn’t do shipping and getting things out – it really helped me identify the purpose of what this was.I know that there are people who may not be familiar with it, but they trust me and this will be the people’s CBD. CBD is so expensive and this is going to be like, "hey pay what you can scale" and I will send it to you. I want people to have access to health and it shouldn’t be exclusive based on affordability. It’s a really big initiative that I have decided to put together and I’m really excited as that will be available in Jan. It’s a really good start to the new year. I wanted to demystify fitness and I did, food/nutrition and I did and now I want to do the same thing with CBD. I love the name because no matter how much you get down, you get back up and that’s the mantra of 2021.

THE BUZZ

I encourage people to sign up and go to my mailing list Widerstrom.com. I send an email out every week. Sometimes it’s what just in my head or little tips. If you’re getting that, you know about things that are going on with me, challenges that I’mlaunching, Transformation will be in there I’m sure and I have things like that happening but I always say get on the mailing list and we start from there.

IG @JenWiderstrom

PHOTO COURTESY | Jen Widerstrom

Read the Dec Issue #60 of Athleisure Mag and see NEW YEAR, N3W YOU in mag.

ORAL CARE WITH DR. BRIAN HARRIS

As we continue through the summer and begin to transition into the fall, many of us know that planning to take care of things that we need from hair appointments, doctor check-ups and more have been impacted by COVID-19 with closures of offices, feeling uncertain about the safety protocols and timing. Many have utilized services such as telemedicine, online/Zoom tutorials for their hair care and more. One of the most common questions our readers have asked us about involves whether they should go to their dental appointment, make one or if there is a way that they can do maintenance from home until their next appointment. In the current times, this makes sense to think about this and we talked with Celeb Dentist and founder of Klēn, Dr. Brian Harris. We talk about how we can take care of our teeth in between appointments, sustainable dental care and of course what to expect when we go back for our dental checkups.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell me about your background, how you found your way to dentistry and launching this line?

DR. BRIAN HARRIS: My father was a dentist so I grew up around dentistry and was always fascinated with the artistic side of the profession. I have been in practice for 15 years now as a cosmetic dentist and have helped thousands of people improve their smile. In doing so I recognized that a pretty smile is great but a CONFIDENT smile is what is most important. True confidence comes from looking good but also having fresh breath and healthy gums. For years patients would ask me what products I recommended but I didn’t particularly love any of them because of the harsh chemicals and abrasives used to make them. For this reason, the Klēn line of oral care products was launched.

AM: Growing up we were taught that having fluoride was a great ingredient to keep cavities away as well as alcohol in your mouthwash being great to kill germs. Your products have neither of these items as you use natural ingredients in Klēn. Can you share why you chose this and how are your products still beneficial to good dental health.

DR. BH: I understand that having an oral care line without Fluoride is blasphemy for a dentist but there is a good reason for it. I believe that Fluoride is extremely useful for preventing cavities and I use it in my office as needed for cavity prone patients. I do not believe that it is something that should be used in toothpaste every day especially if someone is not prone to getting cavities. I also believe that the amount of fluoride used in over the counter toothpaste brands is not strong enough to truly be effective so why put that into your body every day? Topical fluoride applications at the dentist and prescription based toothpastes with a concentrated amount are important for those that are cavity prone. Otherwise, a good non abrasive toothpaste free of chemicals and harmful products is the way to go.

As far as using alcohol in mouth rinse to fight cavity causing bacteria goes, it works. At the same time, alcohol is one of the leading causes for dry mouth which is one of the leading causes of cavities. It’s a little complicated right?! I don’t think the benefits of alcohol outweigh the consequences…. stick with an alcoholic free rinse.

AM: A number of people suffer with issues of irritated gums and you created a portion of your line that has CBD toothpaste as well as mouthwash. How does CBD as sist in oral care for those who have this issue?

DR. BH: When gums are red and inflamed and bleed on a regular basis, this is a condition of gingivitis or periodontitis. It is an inflammatory process of the body letting you know that the gums are not healthy and need attention. In these cases, the best thing is to see your dental office for a routine cleaning. Along with that I recommend the use the CBD toothpaste and rinse as CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It will help to calm and soothe the tissues.

AM: When we’re at home, what should be our routine in terms of engaging in good dental health as well as the tools necessary to do the job?

DR. BH: The answer to this question may seem a little boring but regular brushing, flossing and the use of a mouth rinse are the most important things you can do. Just make sure you use a non abrasive toothpaste and an alcohol free rinse. If you want to take things next level you can introduce the waterpik and a tongue cleanser to the routine. And for those that are meticulous and want to be free of all stains and build up, the In-Between Klēn mirror and scaler will allow you to get things as healthy and clean as possible.

AM: How often should we see our dentist in a typical year?

DR. BH: On average every 6 months is the safe bet. If someone is more prone to gum disease or other issues I recommend every 3 to 4 months.

AM: How does stress affect our teeth and gums?

DR. BH: Stress can cause excessive clenching and grinding of the teeth causing them to wear down and break. This excessive force can also lead to gum recession and sensitivity of the teeth. In some extreme cases high stress can lead to extreme gum issues causing inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. Try to minimize the stress or at least use some kind of night time dental appliance to minimize the destruction of the tooth structure.

AM: In this time of COVID-19, there have been concerns about doing a number of activities that we have taken for granted. Should we be concerned about going to our dentist?

DR. BH: I think going to the dentist is a personal decision like many of the other decisions we have to make. I f you are someone that is cavity prone or has a history of gum disease in your family then I feel you should go and not postpone it. If you have perfectly healthy gums with no history of cavities then it might make sense to postpone things for a few months to minimize the risk.

AM: If we go to our dentist, what protocols should be in place in terms of us visiting the dentist and what we should expect to see our dentists and assistants wearing and doing to ensure our safety?

DR. BH: Every office is different, but the most important thing is that you see your office taking extra precautions on top of what they would normally do to minimize the spread of the disease.

AM: For those that may want to push back their regular dental appointment as we wait for feeling more comfortable to resume appointments, how does your In-Between assist in maintaining good dental health and how do you use these tools?

DR. BH: The In-Between Klēn is not meant to replace the traditional dental cleaning. With a traditional cleaning your dental hygienist will clean the entire mouth including the areas of bacteria and build up below the gum-line. The In-Between klen is not intended to be used that way. It is to be used on the front teeth only for superficial stains and build up on the teeth above the gum line. Its for cosmetic purposes only and for those wanting to clean things up on their own In-Between their regular routine dental visits.

IG @KlenProducts

PHOTOS COURTESY | Klen Products

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see Oral Care with Dr. Brian Harris in mag.

HOW CBD WORKS IN YOUR BODY TO ALLEVIATE PAIN

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most popular components of cannabis, hemp, or marijuana plant. This is a non-psychoactive part of the plant, hence you can be sure that when using CBD, you don't get intoxicated. Because this compound doesn’t give you that high feeling, all that's left for you to feel are the positive benefits that it can bring to your body.  

While CBD oil may seem like a new trend, it's already been in use hundreds of years ago as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat and alleviate pain. It's only recently that it's gained widespread talk and acceptance because it's already been legalized for medical, and even recreation purposes, in some states and nations.

Of the many benefits that it brings to the human body, this article focuses on pain management. This piece gives you everything you need to know about using CBD oil to alleviate pain.

What Causes Pain In The Body?

Once the body starts to manifest pain, this can generally be a symptom of a disease or a physical injury. Pain can either be internal or external. With external pain, this starts during a bout of  inflammation or any tissue injury. It can also happen temporarily after going through some external treatments of the body. Internal pain, on the other hand, can be a sign of an impending disease.

When pain starts to be experienced, the common recourse is to take pain relievers. While these are generally harmless for the short-term, in the long run, using these medications may result in dependence. Then, all the other adverse side effects of dependence on synthetic medication will also start to manifest.

This fact is precisely why those who regularly experience pain are now looking for healthier alternatives, such as CBD oil.

How Does CBD Work For Pain In The Body?

To get things straight, yes, CBD does work successfully for pain in the body. This is made possible through the components of CBD, which interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It is responsible for translating and receiving information from the cannabinoids.

The endocannabinoid receptors of the human body are responsible for controlling functions, such as sleep, pain, and how the immune system reacts to diseases. These receptors are also referred to as the small proteins that are attached to the surface of cells that get chemical signals from CBD.

Thanks to technology, there are many ways to take in CBD oil. You don’t have to limit yourself only to pills. There are now CBD edibles, such as gummies for pain, tinctures, and topical creams, among others.

What Kinds Of Pain Can CBD Help Manage?

The human body experiences many different types of pain. Each one has its respective symptoms that need to be treated before it’s too late. CBD oil is found to be successful in treating conditions, such as cancer pain, arthritic pain, and chronic pain, among others.

1. Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis refers to an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, through the brain and the nerves. Muscle spasms, which can be painful, are a common symptom of this ailment.

2. Arthritic Pain

Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints of the human body. For patients who have arthritis, excruciating pain can generally be experienced in the toes, knees, and hips. It has been found that when CBD is applied topically, it is successful not just in alleviating pain, but inflammation as well.

3. Cancer Pain

It is important to note that CBD does not cure cancer. At the moment, there's no cure yet for cancer. But, CBD oil can help cancer patients in alleviating the pain they’re feeling,  as well as the symptoms of cancer treatments, such as nausea and vomiting. As a result, the quality of life of the patients undergoing cancer treatments is improved.

4. Chronic Pain

CBD oil is also an effective treatment form for chronic pain, which refers to the bodily pain that generally lasts for around three to six months. This usually happens after the patient has recently gone through a physical injury; after healing, the pain persists.

Some of the symptoms of chronic pain include lack of energy, throbbing, depression, burning, and stiffness.

Now, you may ask, “How long does it take for CBD oil to work?”  Generally, this is dependent on the kind of CBD oil that you use, as well as the dosage and concentration. This is precisely the reason why it’s better for first-timers to try out CBD oil in the evening, when it’s easier for the body to cope with the effects.

Conclusion

From reading this article, perhaps, all your confusion about CBD oil has finally been laid to rest. But, one essential thing for you to remember is that whenever you're unsure, always seek the advice of a health or medical professional. Moreover, never go beyond the dosage that’s been set for you.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CBD 101: HOW TO TAKE THE RIGHT DOSAGE FOR EVERY USE

CBD or Cannabidiol is one type of cannabinoid that you’ll find in Cannabis plants. It’s a natural compound that interacts with the human body’s endocannabinoid biological system. The endocannabinoid system or ECS regulates various physiological and cognitive processes such as pain-sensation, appetite, sleep, and mood. The ECS functions to promote equilibrium in the body or homeostasis. CBD and other cannabinoids help with regulation and homeostasis when they get introduced into the body. They assist in alleviating pain, improving sleep quality, increasing appetite, and reducing stress.

A significant result between the interaction of CBD and the endocannabinoid system is the easing of symptoms associated with conditions like HIV, cancer, chronic pain, mood disorders, stress, anxiety, nausea, epilepsy, and sleep disorders like insomnia.

How Much Is Too Much?

Well, you’ve probably already heard about the benefits of taking Cannabidiol products. Websites like https://cheefbotanicals.com have CBD products that use only pure, wholesome ingredients. But how much should you really take to feel those? Is there a correct CBD dosage? The short answer to that question is no. Yes, you heard it right, there’s no correct or perfect dosage for taking CBD. The optimal dose depends on several factors like the consumer’s body type, his/her Cannabidiol tolerance, as well as the level of discomfort or pain. Other essential considerations include the kind and concentration of CBD products since each can interact with the body differently.

In this post, you’ll learn how to take the right dosage for every use of CBD.

The Factors To Consider When Figuring Out The Right Amount Of CBD For You

The amount of Cannabidiol you should take mainly depends on several factors, including the CBD concentration in each gummy snack, drop, capsule, or pill, your body chemistry, the condition you’re going to treat, and your body weight. Below is a closer look at these essential dosage considerations:

1. Concentration

Strength or concentration refers to the amount of Cannabidiol in a given product. Concentration usually gets measured in milligrams (mg). It’s different from dosage, which is what indicates the CBD amount per serving. Say, for example, one CBD tincture bottle has a concentration of 1500 milligrams and contains thirty milliliters of a tincture, with one milliliter as the standard serving size. What that means is that each 1-milliliter serving will hold an approximate amount of 50 milligrams of Cannabidiol. It doesn’t mean that the consumer is going to ingest 1500 milligrams with each dosage.

2. Tolerance

Cannabidiol consumers tend to develop tolerance over time, and it will result in reduced effects even from the same dosage. What it means is that there will be a need for higher subsequent doses to continue achieving the desired results.

3. Desired Effects

More often than not, the optimal CBD dose comes down to the pain or discomfort level a person experiences. Those who suffer from severe anxiety or chronic pain may require a higher dose when alleviating their symptoms. An individual with a milder condition, on the other hand, may opt for a lower dose with less noticeable effects.

4. Body Weight

How little or how much Cannabidiol affects the body also depends on the weight of a person. Generally, higher doses suit heavier people in terms of experiencing the calming effects of Cannabidiol. A lower dose, on the other hand, should give the same effect to lighter individuals.

Calculating The Dosage

Some CBD products tell you how much Cannabidiol is present in one serving. This is true for products like pills, capsules, and CBD gummies, among others. A bottle of CBD capsules may have a packaging that indicates that there are five milligrams of CBD per capsule.

If you’re going to use CBD oil, it most likely will come in a dropper bottle. The bottle’s packaging might specify the amount of Cannabidiol present in one drop. You can start figuring out how many drops you’ll need from there. Sometimes, though, it can be challenging to figure out how much Cannabidiol is present in a single drop since the packaging specifies what’s the total amount of CBD that the entire bottle contains.

A single drop is around 0.05 mL. That’s for one drop, not the full dropper. What that means is that a 10-milliliter bottle of Cannabidiol oil, for example, contains 200 drops. Of course, if the packaging says that the bottle has 1000 milligrams of CBD, then each drop should hold about 5 milligrams of the compound. That said, to receive 20 milligrams of that particular type of CBD oil, an individual should take four drops.

Final Thoughts

When deciding for the amount of CBD to take, one should consider many variables like the ones mentioned and discussed in this post. If you’re not sure how to go about it, talk to a trusted physician to get advice on the appropriate dosage and the potential risks that come with it. Of course, stick to whatever recommendation the doctor gives.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CBD BEAUTY

Read the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see CBD Beauty in mag.

CBD OILS, TINCTURES AND CREAMS: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT METHOD FOR YOU

There is a high demand for CBD products in the market today, and everyone swears by their efficacy. CBD addresses many ailments, and everyone of any age can benefit from CBD products.

The number of CBD products out there can be vast and, therefore, confusing. There are CBD products that work more than others in addressing specific ailments because of their differences in concentration. But before purchasing one, you should ask yourself some vital questions, such as where you are going to use CBD products, so you will know the right item for you.

Below is a guide to different CBD products and where they are best used for:

1. CBD Tinctures

CBD tinctures are sometimes referred to as CBD Oil. These are quality CBD oils with a CBD extract that you can take sublingually. CBD liquid usually comes with a medicinal dropper and is put inside a bottle. The liquid inside has two properties:

●      CBD Extract

The CBD extract gives the product its therapeutic properties and is the reason behind its medical potency. It provides the phytocannabinoids and terpene components.

●      A Carrier Oil

The carrier oil is the thinning material that helps in delivering the CBD extract to the cells. These oils often include hemp oil or coconut oil, which help in the absorption of CBD into the body.

Effectivity of Oil-Based Tinctures

CBD tinctures are fast-acting and long-lasting. They are more effective when taken sublingually and held under the tongue for several minutes before swallowing. Sublingual application takes 20-40 minutes to take effect, which can last up to 6 hours.

The goal is to get the CBD into the bloodstream where it can then bind with the different endocannabinoid receptors in the body for it to take effect.

2. CBD Topicals and Rubs

Ingesting and inhaling CBD is not the only way possible to have the full effects of CBD. There are endocannabinoids receptors throughout the body, including the skin. With the aid of the receptors on the skin, applying topicals can help ease sore and irritated areas and can provide skin relief.

CBD topicals help with pain relief and are available as balms, creams, and salves. These products are made to help you in specialized ways like:

●      Relieves Muscle Soreness

 CBD is known as a substance that has anti-inflammation properties, and it can help ease muscle soreness as well as muscle pain when applied topically.

●      Acts as a Therapeutic Massage Oil

 CBD can have tremendous therapeutic benefits when applied to the skin as a massage oil. It will help melt away stress and ease muscle tension.

●      Treats Skin Conditions

 CBD is a good treatment against certain skin conditions that cause inflammation, such as acne, and blemishes.

3. Oil-Based Capsules

CBD capsules come in pill form and are swallowed just like any pill or vitamin. These capsules may be soft gels, two-piece capsules, liquid or powder.

Here are the properties of these capsules:

●      CBD Extract or CBD Isolate

There is a high concentration of CBD in the capsule, and it is the key to the overall quality of the pill. High-quality capsules should include an infusion that comes from a high-quality CBD hemp plant source.

●      Oil Carrier

The oil carrier increases the ability of the capsule to be actually absorbed in the body. Carrier oils are needed to help the cannabinoid bind to fat and make the absorption process easier. Common carrier oils are coconut, MCT oil, and hemp.

Benefits of CBD Capsules

CBD capsules offer a variety of benefits. For one thing, the dosage is easy to discern and there is no guesswork. It is also easy to take because you can just swallow the pill. Although it is small, the effects are also long-lasting.

Efficacy of CBD Capsules

When CBD is taken orally, the liver’s enzymes destroy most of the CBD and a little amount of it enters the bloodstream to be actually used. This process is called bioavailability. Despite this downside, there are quite a few benefits that make ingesting capsules highly advantageous.

Capsules are often the quickest way of taking CBD. The effects last longer, and the benefits associated with the pill or capsule forms are high.

Final Thoughts

There are many CBD products in the market today, which means that there are many ways for people to enjoy them. One way of knowing the right CBD product for you is knowing where you are going to use it for.

CBD can be used as a therapy for relaxation as well as a serious medication for ailments. Different CBD products have different concentrations and intensities of CBD, which differentiates them from one another.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW DOES CBD MAKE YOU FEEL?

There is plenty of information circulating about CBD nowadays, and it’s not surprising why. The popularity of CBD is evident in the way it is used in various products—from health supplements to vaping oils, skincare products, and even CBD gummies! But what is CBD in the first place?

CBD 101

CBD is a compound from the Cannabis sativa plant. Although the benefits and effectivity of CBD are still being studied, some researchers claim that the compound is particularly useful in relieving anxiety and pain. The FDA has also approved the use of CBD as an ingredient for drugs to treat Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, both severe and rare forms of epilepsy.

There are many possible uses of CBD. Some CBD users claim that it can help alleviate or treat:

●      Acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis

●      Arthritis, inflammatory and nerve-related pain

●      Anxiety and depression

●      Cardiovascular disease

●      Diabetes and obesity

●      Mood and sleep disorders

CBD, taken as a supplement to treat or prevent different health conditions, seems promising. But some people are also wary of CBD because of its possible side effects such as dryness of mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, irritability, light-headedness, and nausea. Also, it should not be taken along with certain medications. Avoid taking CBD with antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistamines, calcium channel, and beta-blockers. It also mustn't be taken when you are on steroids, anti-epileptics, anesthetics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

If you are interested in taking CBD supplements, you should know how it can affect you physically and mentally. Keep in mind that CBD impacts people differently, so that how another person’s body reacts to CBD could be different from yours. The points below explain how CBD affects you body.

1. There is no “euphoric” high with CBD

Although CBD is derived from hemp and cannabis, taking CBD-infused products will not get you high. Another cannabinoid, THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that produces a heightened sensory perception.

The common misconception is that since THC and CBD come from the same plant, both can alter the state of mind of the user. CBD can be extracted minus the THC, so there is no need to worry about any psychoactive effects. CBD can be legally obtained in many states and some countries since the compound has less than 0.3% THC, which is not sufficient to produce a “euphoric” high.

2. CBD can improve your mood

It would be wrong to say that a person will not feel anything after taking a CBD-infused product. CBD does not give the blissful effect that marijuana is famous for. There is no worry about feeling disoriented when taking CBD since it will not make you intoxicated like alcohol or marijuana. Although it will not alter your state of mind, CBD can make you feel less anxious. CBD works on the endocannabinoid system to reduce anxiety levels and make you feel more balanced.

3. CBD can alleviate pain

One of the most known use for CBD is to relieve pain. CBD can be very beneficial to people suffering from chronic pain. Taking CBD helps regulate an endocannabinoid called anandamide, which helps inhibit pain. Studies show that ingesting CBD or applying it topically can help alleviate inflammatory pain and provide relief from muscle pain. When you feel less pain, you feel better, and your mood improves, too.

4. CBD can make you feel hungry

If you’re worried that taking CBD will increase your appetite and gain more weight, remember that CBD does not contain THC, which induces hunger pangs and bingeing. However, CBD can boost the appetite, which benefits those who have lost their appetite due to illness or stress. CBD promotes a healthy appetite by helping the body overcome pain and anxiety, thus allowing the person to eat well and boost their immune system.

5. CBD can help you relax

Our day-to-day activities can expose us to a lot of stress. The problem with stress is that it can hinder you from functioning properly during the day and also prevent you from getting quality sleep. CBD puts your mind in a relaxed state without feeling loopy. CBD helps calm your nerves, so you feel more comfortable and focused on performing your daily activities.

Conclusion

The effects of CBD will vary from person to person because the endocannabinoid system of every individual is unique. While CBD may not wholly cure anxiety or chronic pain, it helps your body and mind cope with it naturally. Although the health benefits of CBD are still being studied, there is no harm in trying CBD products from reputable providers to help manage pain and stress.

PHOTO COURTESY | Shutterstock

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HIGHER ART & GOOD EATS WITH RON SILVER

We head to the studio office of Ron SIlver's restaurant, Bubby's in the Meat Packing District. Bubby's also located in Tribeca as well as 6 outposts in Japan and is known for its comfort foods. We found out about how he created one of the quintessential destinations for brunch with his passion for great food and keeping it simple. We also talked about how his interests and passions in CBD and THC that led him to create Azuca which compliments food as well as the love for creating art which you can see in his restaurants as well as his show in Mexico City.

ATHLEISURE MAG: So what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to be a chef?

RON SILVER: I would say that there were multiple moments where I realized that I wanted to be a chef. One of the things is that when I was a little kid, I realized that I loved to cook and part of that was because it was mischief – it was fire and knives. So, I take to mischief very well and then I would say another small thing was that my mother took my $5/a week allowance from me and I went to get a job washing dishes. That was $80/a week so that was another realization that was my spot. I washed dishes for a long time.

AM: So when did you wash dishes?

RS: When I was 13.

AM: Ok!

RS: And I washed dishes until I was 21 in and out.

AM: That was a long time to wash dishes.

RS: I liked washing dishes – I did other things in between. I was washing dishes in Alta Ski Resort and I wiped out and broke my rib, I was out for 6 weeks. So I decided during that time that I would be a chef. So I think that was when I really decided to go for it when I was 21.

AM: So what were all the places that you went to in terms of culinary school or restaurants that you worked for prior to coming up with Bubby’s?

RS: I worked for some hotels for awhile and then I moved to Atlanta because I lived in Salt Lake and there wasn’t any real good dining there. I moved to Atlanta and worked for some of the best restaurants in Atlanta and I was offered a scholarship to the Culinary Institute but I did a quick cocktail mathematics and realized that I couldn’t afford that scholarship and didn’t go to school. I moved to NY when I was 24/25 and just worked my way up and I opened Bubby’s when I was 28.

AM: What made you realize that you wanted to open this up and to create this kind of cuisine here?

RS: Well the style of cuisine in the 80s was really weird, nouvelle cuisine with small plates and small portions and I wanted a place that really had good home cooking and large portions on small plates. I really just wanted to cook the food that I wanted to eat.

AM: What’s the average day like for you, being at Bubby’s?

RS: I’ve been running Bubby’s for a long time, 28 years - so my average day at Bubby’s, I am sort of regimented about how I do what I do. I go to Tribeca and have a coffee and go around and talk to everybody. I go around and kind of see if things are looking good and then I come up to Highline and I do the same thing and then I come up here to my office and I’m a painter. So that’s what I want to do when I come up here, is paint. Once I know that everything is kind of locked down, I can paint. I am also in the cannabis business.

AM: We’re going to get that too as well. So you have the 2 restaurants here and the ones in Japan as well.

RS: Yes, 6!

AM: How do you decide where the next place will be for your restaurant and the community that it serves?

RS: Well I suppose that the world decides for me. I’m not a business person really. So the Japanese people called me 10 years ago and I was like, “there’s no way that I’m doing that” and then we were having lunch the next day and I was walking around the space about a week later. I don’t really make a plan.

AM: Do you think that you would create another concept that is outside of Bubby’s that’s something different?

RS: It’s a good question. I don’t have a lot of reason to do that, but at the same time, I do come up with a lot of ideas that are interesting sometimes so I think that the jury is still out on that.

AM: We were at the Specialty Food Show here in NYC and we saw Azuca. We know that you launched it last year. Can you tell us more about why you are in this space and what made you want to create this?

RS: I’ve been in cannabis space since I have been washing dishes really. So, I’ve smoked weed since I was a kid - like everyone in the kitchen does. I think what really inspired me to get into this business was that I felt that I really had something to offer it. Maybe 6 years ago, I discovered that there was a very large problem which is how cannabis edibles deliver. So I really set up to solve that problem in that regard. I was able to make really good progress with that. In a way, it sort of fell in my lap, but I did a ton of research.

AM: What did you initially launch and are there more launches for this year?

RS: So what we have is a technology really. Azuca is a cannabinoid edibles technology and what that means is that it allows edibles to be consumed in an understandable way which is helpful for people who want to take cannabis or CBD or also for people who want to make edibles. We’re very much in the business of helping people understand cannabis edibles.

AM: What are your plans for that looking at the rest of this year and going into next year?

RS: Well, we’re working with some of the biggest cannabis companies in the country and we’re just getting started with those guys. We are selling CBD, edibles – like our sugar Azuca packs which will be available online and in stores soon. We have THC edibles in Massachusetts with a partner up there and we are also talking to people and other countries about CBD stuff.

AM: You’re also a painter. How long have you been painting and what is it about that that draws you to that form of creativity?

RS: I’ve always been an artist and I started Bubby’s so that I could make art. I can’t really answer what draws me to it. I know that if I don’t do it, I get very crappy.

AM: How many paintings do you create a day?

RS: It depends. I am always working on something. At the moment, I’m doing it on paper which is a little quicker than oil paint. So then all these paper things will be mounted on fabric so that is going to be a big job. I can paint a bunch of things it’s just going to take forever to get them mounted.

AM: Will you ever or have you ever been in a gallery?

RS: I had a show in Mexico City in August.

AM: Wow how exciting! How many pieces were in that show and were you nervous?

RS: 40 pieces and yes it was my first show!

AM: Congratulations! What are 3 signature dishes that we should eat when we come to Bubby’s?

RS: Well the Fried Chicken and pancakes, that’s a thing to eat, we have really good Watermelon Lemonade – that’s a thing to drink and the biscuits! Well the burgers are great too!

AM: When you’re not painting and you’re not focused on Azuca and Bubby’s – what are 3 things that we could find you doing in terms of relaxing and getting your athleisure on?

RS: Smoking bong hits, reading and I have 4 kids.

AM: Do you have any philanthropic efforts that you are a part of that you would like to share?

RS: Bubby’s does a lot of philanthropy. We give stuff to people all the time and support a number of things like New York City's oldest men’s shelter - New York City Rescue Mission. Azuca will have a huge amount of social stuff to do because the cannabis business is very ripe for a lot of different opportunities for a lot of different people who deserve them and don’t have them. So we’re very focused on how we are going to sort of set our company up so that it is incorporating the social aspects of things that we need. Especially the War on Drugs that has been particularly hard on brown people and we’re very much focused on making sure that we’re staying aware of creating opportunities almost in an artificial way. We’re getting a lot of help thinking about that and it’s the biggest deal. In setting up our company it’s run by women and my CEO as well as everyone in the company really has a deep moral compass. I think the jury is out on how we are going to be helpful. Not just philanthropically but also responsible and opportunity creating way. Philanthropy is great, but I think it’s a lot of challenge to create actual opportunity and we’re very much so focused on that.

AM: What legacy do you look to leave behind with all of the fingerprints that you have put down on all these areas?

RS: That is a tough question. I hope that I leave something behind that my kids are part of and something that continues to do good work after I’m gone and maybe I hope to leave behind a bunch of beautiful stuff.

IG @Bubbys

You can hear Ron Silver right now on our show, Athleisure Kitchen which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the September Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Higher Art & Good Eats with Ron Silver in mag.

WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING ON YOUR SKIN? BEAUTY PRODUCT MARKETING CLAIMS DEBUNKED

It seems as if every week there is a new skin care ingredient trending on Instagram, From 24 Karat Gold, to Charcoal, Snail Mucin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Azelaic acid, CBD, and countless others.

We are all subject to marketing and advertising on a daily basis. It seems like even thinking about skin care will have you bombarded with sponsored posts on social media. But how trustworthy are some of the marketing buzzwords used to describe the effects of skincare merchandise? We reached out to an anti-aging expert and board-certified Denver Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Manish Shah. Shah advocates helping consumers understand what this frequently used language means.

“There are many ways marketers attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumer with empty phrases and jargon,” comments Dr. Shah. “A phrase such as ‘clinically tested’ and ‘doctor recommended’ is used to mislead consumers into thinking a certain product has more credibility than it actually does.” However, Dr. Shah explains, when these phrases are used it says nothing for the results of the clinical tests or what the products were tested for. In terms of products being “Doctor recommended,” Shah warns that “consumers don’t know what doctor recommended the product in most cases and if those doctors are getting some sort of incentive for endorsement.”

Dr. Shah shares common marketing jargon phrases used to mislead consumers.

A Product that claims “Patented Technology”

“Patents are not necessarily a foolproof sign that something is groundbreaking or effective,” explains Dr. Shah. “Marketers use this language to convey innovation and superiority that their product might not necessarily have over its competitors,” he says. Patents are sometimes authorized through technicality instead of breakthrough meaning any new combination of ingredients, methods or production process can be patented as long as it is new.

“Maximum strength”

This is a term used often by skin cleansers and moisturizers. “It’s a relative term and the consumer doesn’t really know what it is relevant to. It’s language that entices the shopper to make the purchase without really telling them how it accomplishes ‘maximum strength’ results,” says the Denver Plastic Surgeon. 

“Clinical strength”

From painkillers to hydrating serums, companies love to bill their products as having “clinical strength.” Dr. Shah says consumers should practice healthy skepticism with such claims. “A product that claims it has clinical strength, in many cases, could have been tested by the doctors developing it. If you think about it you can’t really pinpoint what that phrase means because it is relative and we have no context as to what the company considers clinical strength,” says Shah. The perception, explains Dr. Shah, is that the product is better because the world clinical makes it sound more credible.

“For All Skin Types”

“This is a difficult promise to deliver on,” says Shah who has practiced his specialty for 14 years. “Not all skin is the same. If someone has an allergy to an ingredient or some form of dermatitis they really should speak to their doctor about what products are best to include in their regiment instead of blindly trusting a label,” he says.  

“FDA Approved” 

The FDA has different protocols for skincare products that make cosmetic claims as opposed to those that make more medical claims such as promising to increase the production of collagen in the skin. Since that is a body function the FDA treats those differently than normal skincare products. However, the FDA just stipulates that the product being sold is safe to use in the manner in which it is directed to be used “FDA approval is not credential that shows the superiority of results,” says Dr. Shah. The plastic surgeon recommends that you not be sold on the sole factor of an FDA approval.

“Anti-Aging, Revitalizing, or Age Defying”

We’ve all seen these on the labels of some cream or serum or advertised in a commercial where beautiful models and actresses are displayed in all of their airbrushed and well-lit perfection. “These terms are somewhat misleading in that they give the perception of an unrealistic turning back of the clock,” says Dr. Shah. To many consumers viewing an advertisement, it might seem like buy and using that product will help them look like an ageless actress and that is not accurate.” Aging gracefully and maintaining a more youthful look has a lot to do with nutrition, exercise, genes, consistent skincare, stress levels, and cosmetic procedures when necessary. But according to Shah, people cannot cling onto just one aspect in order to look their best and no one product will reverse the clock.

Medical-Looking Packaging

Be wary of bottles that look like test tubes, labels or packages that include a medical or first aid cross, or feature type that looks like Rx suggesting that it’s a prescription-strength formula even though it’s sold over the counter.

Botanical

Dr. Shah explains that “An actual botanic is technically an ingredient that is derived from a plant. But, again, “botanical” may be used in advertising to refer to something that is synthetic but acts similar to a plant-based ingredient.”

Instant Results

Keep in mind that “instant results” aren’t the same as “long-term results.” Meaning, you may use a product that gives you instant moisture or has a quick-acting firming effect, but those results may fade after a few hours and require reapplication. Dr. Shah’s final advice: “Check a product to make sure it specifies whether its “instant” effects are long-lasting or short term.”  

Firming

What you think it means: Proven to make skin look tauter.

What it really means: Essentially nothing. “There is no objective way to measure firming,” says Dr. Shah “When a brand says their product has been shown to firm your skin, that claim can only be based on very subjective consumer perception.”

Natural

 What you think it means: Make from the earth’s own ingredients with no chemicals

What is really means: “Natural” doesn’t necessarily mean anything about the purity of a product. It’s a term that hasn’t been defined by the FDA. To determine what’s actually in a product, read the ingredients list. How many can you pronounce? If they sound like a list of chemicals, they are. There may be a benefit for some people to avoid parabens, usually absent from “natural” products, if their skin is sensitive.

Gluten-Free

What you think it means: That the product is not made with any gluten.

What it really means: Unlike foods, cosmetics labeled “gluten-free” aren’t regulated by the FDA. Do you need gluten-free beauty products? Maybe, if you’re gluten-sensitive and it’s a lipstick, gloss, or balm, which you could ingest in tiny amounts. Otherwise, it’s not necessary.  

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IN OUR BAG | WHEN YOU TAKE ON THE DAY

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | When You Take on the Day in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read the August issue of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

WHAT ARE TERPENES?

Smell that cheese?! Or as a vegan would put – the scent of nutritional yeast?

 One whiff of a cannabis flower perks you up with its lemon scent, yet another reminds you of a lavender essential oil your yoga teacher luxuriously massages your tense neck muscles with.

 Why does each strain of cannabis smell differently? And do different fragrant correlate with anything else, like the plant’s benefits?

The answer to your scent-related questions can all be answered by exploring one thing – terpenes! 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes, similar to terpenoids, are a combination of carbon and hydrogen that naturally occur in cannabis plants. Let’s refer to them as “hydrocarbons”.

What’s the difference between a terpene and a terpenoid?

Terpenoids are essentially terpenes that have been dried out via a chemical modification, which alters the oxygen compound, whereas terpenes are the organic, naturally occurring combo of hydrogen and oxygen before any alterations.

Terpenes are birthed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. What are the trichomes?!

Trichomes are the crystal-like part of the plant, on the outside of the plant’s leaves and buds. The trichomes’ duty is to protect the plant from invaders, like insects and animals.

Trichomes are smart and have the same idea as nasty-smelling skunks – they create pungent odors (terpenes) to repel outsiders. According to this review here, they are

As terpenes repel the bad guys, they also lure in pollinators.  

Different Types of Terpenes

The creation of terpenes are influenced by the plant’s environment – weather, time of day, soil, fertilization, maturation, etc.

Just as different essential oils perk you up or mellow you out, effects of terpenes vary.

There are two basic types of terpenes, sativa terpenes and indica terpenes. Sativa terpenes smell bright like an orange or lemon and tend to boost your energy. The opposite, indica terpenes, are more soothing, with scents similar to a pine cone.

Terpenes are broken down even further according to their specific smell and benefits. Here are the most common:

-        Limonene – smells like a citrus fruit, and is also found in… you guessed it - citrus fruits! Some benefits include treatment for anxiety, depression, pain and inflammation.

-        Beta-caryophyllene – fragrances like spices – black pepper, pine, cloves and cinnamon. A few benefits include easing pain, ulcers, and anxiety.

-        Linalool -  smells like florally plants such as lavender, with similar benefits – relaxation.

-        Myrcene – the most commonly found terpene is also found in fruits like a mango! Effects of myrcene are similar to the old tv commercials of cartoons melted into a couch – they have a sedating, calming effect.

Further Benefits of Terpenes

Terpenes are not only found in the cannabis plant – they are found in just about every plant!

Therapeutic effects of terpenes rise even more when mixed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Strands of the cannabis plant vary dependent on the terpenes, which correlate with an array of benefits, depending on the plant’s scent.

The more you train your nose, the easier it is to identify terpenes, thus identifying different strands of cannabis! Finally, your nose gets a chance to participate in the cannabinoid fun.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | STANDARD DOSE

Last month, Standard Dose launched its three-story space as a CBD based wellness experience in NYC's NoMad neighborhood. Their aim is to create an environment as a destination for elevated wellness that aims to facilitate an understanding of natural restorative practices. Guests can enjoy high quality CBD and plant-based products, daily yoga, meditation, education workshops and spa services. Educators are on site to inform shoppers on the benefits and uses of 100 curated CBD and plant-based topical and ingestible products.

Upon continuing in the space, a tea bar offers custom blends for detox, immunity and healing. Beyond this area is a meditation studio where guided sessions can be booked.

On the top floor, an outdoor rooftop hosts a number of additional meditation and yoga classes. In addition, there will be community events that focus on CBD and plant-based wellness.

This month, keep an eye out for a spa treatment room where select clean beauty services and body treatments can be reserved.

STANDARD DOSE

1145 Broadway

NY, NY 10001

www.standarddose.com

IG @StandardDose

Read the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | STANDARD DOSE in mag.

THE HOTTEST TRENDS IN SKINCARE FOR 2019. SHOULD YOU USE THEM OR LOSE THEM?

Each year brings with it fashion trends, decorating trends, and beauty trends.

The latter covers everything from nails, haircare, makeup and skincare. With the ubiquity of social media, beauty users now can pick up popular trends from anywhere across the world and follow them. Skincare is the biggest segment in the beauty industry with global sales that hover around $130 billion in 2019. There is so much for consumers to digest and decide on. We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and skin care expert. He takes a microscope to some of the hottest trends in 2019 to give you insight into what’s worth your hard- earned dollars.

CBD In Skincare

Much like it did in 2018, CBD is taking off in the new year. In fact, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has no plans of easing up its reign on the skin-care world in 2019. As a case in point, there are at least two MAJOR skin care brands that now include CBD in their skincare, not to mention the indie companies who have created CBD skincare. Dr. Shah’s take: “As far as it being good for skin, it acts as both an anti-inflammatory agent and an oil reduction agent. Theoretically, its addition to skin care products, especially those tasked to fight acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, is probably legitimate. It is also a good antioxidant that can help protect against free radical damage to skin cells. CBD can be made from hemp which helps skincare companies get around the federal ban on marijuana. Side effects of unregulated use include: Nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.”

Microneedle Patches

Some beauty editors and bloggers swear by pimple patches. According to experts, those patches are about to get even more advanced by way of a ton of tiny microneedles (or "microstructures").The logic is that you can out put a smaller amount of acne-fighting ingredients into these tiny little cones and apply it to the skin, it's a better, more effective delivery system.

Here's how they are purported to work: The small band-aid-like sticker has spikes coated with hyaluronic acid that are thinner than a hair follicle. Through these teeny painless pricks in the skin, the patch drives the active ingredients deep in to the skin. Dr. Shah’s take:

“There is plenty of good medical literature on the validity of these small patches that are impregnated with various chemicals. The patch gets worn and the needles (either metallic or made out of absorbable polymer) penetrate the skin delivering the chemical treatment. Their design takes advantage of the concept of transcutaneous delivery of drugs. Patches can be custom made to fit various areas of the face and deliver anti-aging or other chemicals while a patient sleeps. The efficiency of delivery is better through the tiny skin punctures than if you only put the chemical directly on the intact skin. In theory, aesthetic practitioners can make custom topical treatments and place them on the patches to deliver customized at home skin treatments for their patients.”

Is a Cryotherapy Facial Is the Best Way to Brighter, Tighter Skin?

Cryotherapy has gained popularity in recent years with spa treatments exposing clients to subzero temperatures to help relieve pain and improve their health. This wellness treatment has recently undergone another adaptation with the cryotherapy facial treatment. The Cryo Facial is a cryogenic treatment that is performed by what is considered a "cryo probe," which beams vaporized liquid nitrogen across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Different from the cryotherapy chambers that can be used for pain relief, the facial targets helping the face look younger. Dr. Shah’s take: “This may be more suspect. There isn't a great deal of study-based evidence that cryotherapy facials actually do what they claim. Typically, cryotherapy uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze exposed skin cells to kill them, like a wart. The facials use the same liquid nitrogen as a spray, but the aesthetician doesn't stay in one area too long to avoid frostbite to the skin. Some level of cold injury occurs, probably to a very superficial level of the skin, so there may be some exfoliation. But there are safer ways to get exfoliation without risking frostbite or hyperpigmentation.”

ANTI-POLLUTION SKIN CARE

Your skin is exposed to environmental aggressors on a regular basis. Although unseen, these pollutants can wreak havoc on your skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its bounce. To help reduce these unwanted side effects, anti-pollution skin care products are continuing to gain favorability among consumers. Just as SPF is now de rigor in skin care, this seems to be the case with anti-pollution ingredient. Dr. Shah’s take: “I think that this is a new name for old tech. In brief, our skin is exposed to environmental contaminants that create inflammatory conditions. These conditions lead to build up of free radicals in the skin. The ingredients in antipollution skin care are basically strong antioxidants that protect against the free radicals. But the skin is assaulted by more than chemicals. It experiences dehydration, UV exposure, temperature changes, etc. True antipollution skincare should guard against all this. Typical protective and reparative ingredients include vitamin E, vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, vitamin B3, and bisabolol.” 

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE EIGHT LIST

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Eight List in mag.

CBD BEAUTY

Read more from the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see CBD Beauty in mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag,

GRAB YOUR FORK AND KNIFE WITH JORDAN ANDINO

This month, we focused on foods and festive gathering as we begin to head into the holiday season. Our Nov cover is graced by Celebrity Chef and Owner of FlipSigi, The Original Filipino Taqueria, Jordan Andino. In addition to running his two fast casual restaurants on the UES as well as in its flagship, West Village location - Jordan is a man on the move! He has been named Zagat's 30 Hottest Chefs Under 30; was noted as one of People Magazine's Sexiest Chefs; he's hosting his second season of The Cooking Channel's Late Nite Eats; he has had numerous guest appearances on shows including: Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray, Worst Cooks in America and more. Jordan merges his world of chef, TV Personality and entrepreneur seamlessly.

We took some time out of his busy schedule (this week alone included a launch party for his pop up restaurant in Brooklyn and a dinner he is preparing in conjunction with James Beard) to talk about his career and of course to rock great menswear that is in line with his vibrant personality.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you know that you wanted to be a chef?

JORDAN ANDINO: I began cooking in kitchens since I was 9 years old with my father, as that was the best way for me to be able to hang out with him as he was always there since he was a professional chef. I remember one day when I was around 12 standing next to him and he was a man of few words, but he pointed out the other people in the kitchen that were in their 20’s and 30’s and he said, “Jordan, you are better then any of them!” I was taken aback but it really stuck with me when he said that. That's when I knew that this is what I wanted to do!

AM: Tell us about your culinary journey and what chefs/restaurants you were a part of as you made your way to launching your own restaurant.

JA: I was really fortunate to learn the business and techniques from my father. One of the chefs that my dad trained eventually went on to Jean Georges. Because of my connections there, I was able to work there and then go on to Spago with Wolfgang Puck at Spago in LA. I also went on to work with Thomas Keller at French Laundry in Napa.

AM: How would you define your style of cooking?

JA: I would say that my cooking style is Mediterranean with a French influence for sure.

AM: Tell us about FlipSigi. When it opened what was your vision behind this restaurant?

JA: I really wanted to introduce Filipino food to NYers via my grandmother’s recipes and give them tastes of the food that I love and keeping it familiar by including it in burgers, burritos and rice bowls. I wanted to bring my personality into the restaurants by being able to having fun energetic music, a vibrant mural and a high energy personality. I really wanted to kick off our first location in the West Village to show that this style of food would do well here and that's what I set out to do!

AM: Are there differences between Flip Sigi in the West Village and the one on the UES and is there a meaning behind the name?

JA: Nope the menus and the experience is the same at both locations. Well, it’s pretty simple, Flip is slang for Filipino and Sigi means ‘Go,’ so essentially it means Go Filipino.

AM: We know that you are opening up a new restaurant that will be a pop up. Tell us about this and how long will the pop up be?

JA: I’m pretty excited about our pop up that is at The Royal Palms Shuffle Board Club in Brooklyn. We have been open for about a week and we will run through the middle of Jan.

AM: What is the hope for this pop up?

JA: Well hopefully they like the pop up and we can continue to be there!

AM: How did Late Nite Eats come about and what is it about this show that drew you in to being a part of it as you are currently in your second season.

JA: I remember when I was talking with the executives at the network and we were throwing around ideas of doing a show. I knew I wanted to do a show where I could travel and introduce people to bars and their menus.

About two months later, I got a call and they were like, "do you want to host a show that focuses on bars/restaurants in the late night scene?"

I have been able to travel all over the US doing this show and being able to see whats out there and what's trending which is fantastic.

AM: Are you part of the cannabis cooking movement?

JA: I am really intrigued by it and interestingly enough, my business partners and I have been talking about it as I think that it is the next movement in terms of the culinary world.

AM: What is your style with that in terms of flavors and effects in savory and sweet specialties and will this be something that you will bring into your restaurants?

JA: Well I am still in the R&D phase and that's why I am excited about planning the menu and participating in this dinner tomorrow for James Beard. It's a great way for me to learn and try out! Since I'm still in R&D at this point, there are still a lot of legalities to figure out.

AM: We loved hanging out with you on the shoot, seeing you pop into the kitchen to make a few dishes and bringing out your inner model – you also have a great personality as evidenced by seeing you on shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Beat Bobby Flay, judging on Chopped etc – how important is it to you to be able to share your brand on these shows?

JA: First and foremost, I am a chef and today, it’s important for me to be out there to be able to share who I am as well as to promote my restaurant. Being on a number of shows allows me to do that and being on Instagram and all those networks allows me to continue to amplify me to a wide audience. It’s definitely important in addition to everything else that I am doing.

AM: Tell us about your personal style as we know via your Instagram, you can definitely rock fun colors.

JA: What can I say, my personal style is vivacious, colorful and high energy and I love my clothing to reflect that vibe – I’m a pretty happy guy.

AM: With all the things that you have going on, we're struck by how humble you are.

JA: Well I'm appreciative of everything that I have. I love what I do and although I am driven and can be hard on myself, I am thankful for what I have been able to achieve.

I know what it is to work hard and to come from humble beginnings and to know what it takes in order to be successful!

AM: Where would we find you grabbing a bite/cocktail here in NYC, shopping and of course working out?

JA: I love to go out – when you think about having 21 meals in a week, I probably eat out for 20 of them! When I’m not in my restaurant and want to grab a drink, you’ll find me at dive bars - I love them! I love to exercise – I love running in Central Park when I can, I’m all about cardio and weights and work out about 5 times a week. I fucking love Equinox as it’s the best gym in the world! I also love to skate. A lot of times I skate from Flip Sigi’s UES location to my West Village location which is about 10 avenues over and about 100 streets down!

AM: With the New Year around the corner, what projects can you tell us about that will launch/be released next year that we should keep an eye out for or should we just keep an eye on your social to find out?

JA: I’m excited about a number of things coming up! In a few days I have a new merch line coming out under my brand Fork Knife which will include tumblers, hats, wallets etc that are in really fun vibrant colors and goes right along with my personality! I am working on a book and I am working on another show that will be coming out!

AM: What’s on heavy rotation on your playlist to cook, entertain, workout and about town?

JA: My music taste is fun and eclectic and is like what you would hear if you were in my restaurants! If you went through my playlist you'd see that I have: Drake, Miguel, Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine, Marvin Gaye - Ain't No Mountain High Enough, J. Lo - Ain't It Funny!

IG @Fork_Knife

| CREDITS - COVER, PG 22 - 25 | AVIATOR NATION Velvet Sweatshirt | MAVI JEANS Denim |

| PG 16, THIS PG + BACK COVER | PARAJUMPERS Outerwear | AVIATOR NATION Velvet Sweatshirt | MAVI JEANS Denim |

| PG 18 - 20 | ANUAR LAYON Simpsons Leather Jacket | HANRO Muscle Tank |

| PG 30 - 31 | ANZ Cardigan | MAVI JEANS Denim |

Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Grab Your Fork and Knife with Jordan Andino in mag.

HOW CAN CBD GUMMIES BE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Today, almost everything is being infused with CBD from bath bombs to vape oils, body lotions, bud and drinks for health benefits. CBD is a cannabinoid compound sourced from the cannabis plants, which raises the question of why a compound from a controversial plant is all over a sudden gaining popularity.

Although research is still being carried out on the effectiveness of CBD, its popularity has been due to its effectiveness in relieving pain and anxiety. In addition to people suffering from chronic conditions, other people using various CBD products like CBD gummies include those suffering from epilepsy, endometriosis, fibromyalgia and drug cravings among others.

Why Choose CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are right for you if you would like to take your CBD in edible form. Top CBD gummies are not your normal gummies. They are 100 percent natural and do not contain any trace of the psychoactive THC compound. They also come in various flavors and texture that is similar to the gummy bears to make them enjoyable. Furthermore, the fact that CBD gummies do not contain THC compound makes them safe and effective for patients cautious of the mind-altering effects of THC.Health effects of CBD gummies

Analgesic Effects

When you take gummies, the CBD interacts with your brain and immune system receptors to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that CBD helps to alleviate pain without triggering the side effects of other alternative powerful pain medications.

Reduce Anxiety and Depression

People suffering from anxiety and depression are commonly treated with pharmaceutical medications that usually trigger unwanted effects like agitation, sexual dysfunction, headache, insomnia, and drowsiness. Other medications are addictive and may result in drug abuse. To avoid suffering from the side effects of pharmaceutical effects, people are opting for CBD gummies to treat anxiety and depression naturally. To test the effectiveness of CBD in lessening and fighting anxiety, a group of 24 people with a social anxiety disorder were grouped into two with one group receiving a placebo while the other received CBD before a public speaking test. The group that took CBD experienced significantly reduced cognitive impairment, anxiety, and discomfort. Today, CBD is being safely used to treat anxiety and insomnia in children suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder.

Alleviate Cancer Treatment Symptoms

Studies have shown that taking CBD gummies can help alleviate the side effects of cancer treatment. It has been proven that CBD helps in reducing the chemotherapy-related side effects like nausea and vomiting among other symptoms. Furthermore, although studies are ongoing, animal test tube studies have shown that CBD may have anticancer properties by inhibiting the spread of aggressive breast cancer cells in mice.

Neuroprotective Properties

Studies have shown that CBD has the ability to act on the endocannabinoid system as well as other brain signaling systems that offer benefits to those suffering from neurological disorders. In fact, the use of CBD among people suffering from multiple sclerosis has been proven as a safe and effective solution to reduce muscle spasticity, especially among individuals experiencing muscle spasticity that is resistant to medications. CBD is also proven to offer tangible benefits to people suffering from epilepsy, such as reduction of seizure activity.

Although CBD treatments are still in their early stages, their potential role in treating various health issues without triggering dangerous side effects has been proven. Other less known benefits when taking CBD gummies can provide include antipsychotic effects, anti-tumor effects, and diabetes prevention.

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.