IN BALANCE WITH LAURIE HERNANDEZ

We fell in love with Laurie Hernandez's personality and energy when she competed in her inaugural debut at the Summer Games 2016 in Rio! She showcased her skill and commitment to the sport of gymnastics with the Final Five and left with a team gold medal and a silver as an individual.

We wanted to know what she has been up to since we last saw her on the global stage, how she maintained her training during the pandemic as well as a number of projects she has taken on - including, winning ABC's Dancing with the Stars in season 23 with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. We're also looking forward to seeing her in Golden, a docuseries on Peacock that takes us behind the scenes on what it takes to make the Team USA Women's Olympic Gymnastic team as she prepares for the Summer Games in Tokyo.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with gymnastics and what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to go professional?

LAURIE HERNANDEZ: I fell in love with the sport when I was watching it on TV as a little girl. The gymnasts were such an amazing mix of power and grace that I looked at my mom and told her “I want to do that!” and not long afterwards my parents started me in gymnastics.

AM: What is a normal day or week like for you when you’re in training mode and do you have go to movements that you enjoy incorporating into your fitness routine?

LH: I practice Monday-Friday around 5 hours a day and Saturdays for about 3 hours. I also have physical therapy twice a week to help with any aches and pains. Before training I use Hyperice tools like a Hypervolt gun to help with warming up my muscles and at home Normatec leg compression for recovery.

AM: Did you always feel that the Olympics would be part of your journey as an athlete and what does it mean to you to represent the nation on such a global stage?

LH: It was always a dream to go to the Olympics but of course when I first started I had no idea where it was going to lead.

AM: In terms of the sport of gymnastics, we’re familiar with the activities that take place; however, do each of you have your specialties that you take on and if so, what are yours and why do you gravitate to them?

LH: Absolutely! Every gymnast has their own strengths that they bring to the sport and that’s what makes it so fun to watch. I love to perform and get the crowd involved so floor exercise is one of my favorites!

AM: At the Summer Games in Rio in 2016, you received a gold medal as the Final Five team and silver individually for beam. What was it like to be there for your first Olympics and competing with your team?

LH: It was such an honor to represent the USA and I will never forget the feeling of standing on the podium, listening to the National Anthem with USA on our uniform. What hit me even more once I got home was the impact it had on the young Latinx generation. I had parents come up to me and tell them that their child had started gymnastics because they saw me at the Olympics and I looked like them which gave them the confidence to start the sport. That has really stuck with me and something I will forever cherish.

AM: Last year at this time, the Olympics was in limbo although it seemed like it would be postponed. We have talked with a number of athletes about how they had to modify their workouts as they didn’t have access to their normal facilities. Did you find yourself doing workouts that were modified (ie Ryan Murphy was pushing a car up his hill, April Ross created a gym in her home, Steele Johnson was walking on his hands in his backyard) in order to get in a good workout and to stay on track?

LH: Of course. I was doing stretches and yoga in my home to keep up my flexibility, going through routines mentally, running in my neighborhood, etc.

AM: You just competed at the Winter Cup earlier this year which you choreographed and was Hamilton inspired – what was that like and what are your personal goals as you anticipate a second appearance at the Summer Games?

LH: I loved being back out on the competition floor and had so much fun with my new floor routine! I did go back and do a few small choreography edits so stay tuned for my next competition. One of my biggest goals this whole journey is to comeback for myself and to have fun with the sport.

AM: Tell us about Golden. I know that LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterrupted are creating this docuseries that includes you and additional gymnast Olympic hopefuls to obtain the remaining 4 spots. What can we expect from this show, do you know when it’s available on Peacock and why did you want to participate?

LH: It will focus on the day-to-day repetition it takes to become an elite athlete in our sport and a behind the scenes look at the ins and outs of our daily lives. I love all the girls that are participating alongside me and some are my close friends, so it made it a fun project!

AM: The Road to Tokyo has a number of events to qualify for being on the team. What’s your schedule look like right now and what competitions should we keep an eye out for?

LH: My next upcoming competition is the U.S. Classics on May 22nd.

AM: Part of the fun of the Olympic Games in addition to the actual competition, is being able to navigate the city outside of the Olympic Village. As we’re all emerging from lockdowns, have you been given a sense of what being at the Summer Games will be like outside of when you’re training and competing?

LH: We have not been given any specifics, but I know that without family and friends in the stands it will feel a bit different than previous Games.

AM: After a successful debut at the Olympics, you took some time off and won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, published 2 books and were the inaugural host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Junior – why was it important for you to take the time off to take on these projects?

LH: It was super important for me to take time off and find out who I was and what I liked outside of gymnastics. Something my mom always told me was you are Laurie who just so happens to do gymnastics, there is much more to you than just one thing. Finding my love for dancing, acting, and hosting was very rewarding and also helped me realize I still loved the sport too.

AM: How important is it for you to balance your competitive nature while also embracing positive mental health and fueling your creative side?

LH: Extremely important. Mental Health awareness is something I am very passionate about sharing and embrace fully. This was actually another reason partnering with Little Words Project was a great fit. Spreading kindness and self-love is huge and I hope others benefit from wearing some of my favorite words and affirmations.

AM: We know that you love poetry and are a fan of words. Tell me about Little Words Project. Why did you want to collaborate with them with your collection of bracelets and how excited are you that it is available at Nordstrom?

LH: Words have always had a big impact on me and Little Words Project was the perfect partner to share my affirmations with others. I loved creating the sayings/words on each bracelet and am so excited to see others showing kindness to themselves and others by wearing them.

IG @LaurieHernandez

PHOTOS COURTESY | Laurie Hernandez

Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see In Balance with Laurie Hernandez in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE GOOD LORD BIRD

Riverhead Books

James McBride

If you enjoyed watching Showtime's limited series, The Good Lord Bird starring Ethan Hawke (Training Day and The Purge) as John Brown and Daveed Diggs (Hamilton and Snowpiercer TV series) as Frederick Douglass, you will enjoy the novel that it is adapted from.

We meet Henry Shackleford who lives in the Kansas Territory in 1856 - a battleground between those that are pro and anti-slavery. Henry is a slave and meets the infamous abolitionist, John Brown, and ends up joining him in his vision of freeing slaves - doing so as a girl. Their exploits result in working with one another leading up to the events of the historic raid on Harper's Ferry in 1859 which is a catalyst in the start of the Civil War.

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MODERN CIDER

Ten Speed Press

Emma Christensen

The concept of drinking and creating cider has had a renewed interest over the past couple of years. Back in the 1700's cider was considered a medicinal beverage that people consumed. Today, there are restaurants that are creating menus around this and a big growing movement to even make these at home as opposed to buying subscriptions to have them on hand.

Homebrew guru Emma Christensen created this book to talk about this movement, sourcing the fruits and juices as well as instructing us on bottling these beverages.

This book includes an array of recipes along with pictures. In addition, she looks at the world of cider by also sharing the cousins which include perry. In addition, she shares techniques that beer brewers use that are perfect for those working with cider.

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PIE FOR EVERYONE

Harry N. Abrams

Petra "Petee" Paredez

If you have yet to enjoy pies from Petee's Pie Company and/or Petee's Café, then her new cookbook, Pie For Everyone has 80+ recipes that you can enjoy learning to make. She breaks down how to make her sweet treats and focuses on her prime goal - creating the perfect crust that's tender and flaky. Once you have the crust down, it's about making the perfect balance of filling so that each bite has the intended textures together.

She creates an easy to follow cookbook with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. In addition, her step-by-step instructions take the stress out of making her creations. Recipes include pies that are made from fruit, custard and cream. She even has savory pies which is perfect as we continue to go through the upcoming winter season.

Read the Nov Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

ON THE RISE WITH ERIN KOMMOR

NBC's Rise, from the producer of Hamilton, Jeffrey Seller, focuses on the lives of highschoolers who are navigating family, friends and teachers. One of the breakout stars, Erin Kommor chats with us about how she got into the industry, parallels in her character and being a yoga teacher.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you got into acting and what your journey in the field has been as we know you have done theater, film and TV.

ERIN KOMMOR: No one believes me now when I say this - but when I was younger, I was cripplingly shy. I hated talking to people and would hide when I was introduced to any person I did not know. When my mom started bringing me to the theater, I had this sudden pull. I wanted to be up on the stage, but I could barely speak to a stranger. For some reason, it was much easier for me to be someone else/engage with the audience & humanity when I was on stage. After doing theater for a while, I became less shy & more comfortable in myself, and in that, much more personable/friendly. I think theater helped me find myself by way of becoming someone else, in a manner of speaking.

I started acting & singing classes as a kid on the weekends in Louisville, Kentucky (where i’m from), and began doing community theater shows. From there I auditioned for our Youth Performing Arts High School, and got accepted. Those years really shaped me and prepared me for the next steps. I auditioned for my dream school, The Boston Conservatory and was thrilled to get accepted. From there I moved to New York and continued doing shows and taking class.

AM: Who have been mentors of yours whether in film, theater or TV?

EK: I owe so much of my success to the generosity and kindness of my mentor, Paul Hardt. He is an exquisite casting director in New York City. I met him a few months before I graduated college and he immediately took me under his wing. He has always been there to give me advice about everything in the industry, and to check in and make sure own I am okay (career wise & emotionally!). He is like a father to me. His guidance, wisdom and humor have gotten me through my time in New York. I would not be the performer I am if it were not for him, and for that I am so grateful!

Another big hero of mine is Jeffrey Seller (producer of Hamilton, Rise, Rent, Avenue Q, the list goes on...) I first auditioned for him a little over a year ago for a new show he was directing called “The Man in the Ceiling”. I ended up getting that job and working with Jeffrey was an absolute dream. He is so genuine in everything he does and he has helped me grow immensely as a performer. He is the reason I even got to audition/book Rise, as well. I adore Jeffrey, and respect and admire him in so many ways.

AM: For those that may not be familiar with Rise, tell us about this show and about the character that you play.

EK: Rise is a new drama about discovering inspiration in all different ways. It takes place in a modern high school where these students are navigating their way through some challenging life experiences. The show really focuses on the relationships between these kids and their families, peers & teachers.

I play the role of Sasha Foley. Sasha is a student at Stanton High, and a part of their theater department. She absolutely loves the theater troupe and that gets her through her days. Her family life is challenging - she is an only child with just her dad. Her father lost his job and they are really struggling financially. She doesn't have much support from any adults in her life. Tracey becomes a beacon of light for Sasha.

AM: Are there any parallels between yourself and Sasha Foley?

EK: Sasha and I are both extremely passionate about theater & music and use those art forms as an outlet to express ourselves. We take our hardships from our lives and pour it into our art. For both Sasha and I, theater is immensely healing, theraputic & transformative.

Sasha and I also both value friendships and what it means to be a good friend. We have both in a sense chosen our families from the friends and loved ones around us, not necessarily blood related. We are sensitive & vulnerable, though we may put up a tough exterior as a defense mechanism at times.

AM: What is the social impact of this show in today's climate with many being concerned about the reduction of funds for the arts in schools?

EK: NBC Rise started a R.I.S.E America project where NBC awarded 50 high schools with a $10,000 grant! The grant covers the theatre department’s needs such as production expenses, technical equipment and master classes. NBC partnered with the Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), an organization dedicated to shaping lives through theater education, to administer the grant applications and award process.

Rise is making a huge effort to help high school’s theater departments, and I think that is SO important and special. Theater has been proven to help students in a myriad of ways.

AM: What has Rise been like from the audition process, to being accepted and then filming the current season?

EK: Rise has been such a dream to be apart of from day one. The audition process was very quick and I actually didn’t initially audition for the role of Sasha. I went in for Jolene, and a few days later my agents called to inform me I landed the role of Sasha. I was over the moon. I had been dreaming of being on TV since I was a little girl, and this was my television debut. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. The filming process was a dream. Jason Katims is my favorite writer of good all time (I grew up obsessed with Parenthood & Friday Night Lights), and to get to bring one of his characters to life and work with him was surreal. He is such a brilliant man, and his work is so incredibly powerful and touching. The whole cast and crew was amazing to work with, and I feel insanely lucky to be able to say “work” and living my dream are one in the same.

AM: When you saw the promos running during the Super Bowl, what was your reaction?

EK: I cried when I first saw the Superbowl commercial. I actually was drinking coffee in bed and spilled it all over myself. I just could not believe how stunning the commercial came out. Seeing myself and my friends on TV is still so surreal. The reaction has been overwhelmingly lovely from everyone around me.

AM: We know there are a number of phenomenal actors including Rosie Perez, what was it like working with her?

EK: Rosie Perez is easily the best scene partner I have ever worked with in my entire life. She is such a brilliant and generous actress and human. The scenes we shared together were so very meaningful to me. She taught me a lot in the work we did together, and I’ll never forget those special moments we shared. Between takes and offstage, she was so amazing and kind as well. Not to mention- she is HILARIOUS. She was always cracking me up. Rosie is a goddess!

AM: Do you have any upcoming projects that you are apart of that you can share?

EK: Not that I can share... yet. I’ll keep you all updated! :)

AM: In addition to being an actress, you are also a yoga teacher - why did you embrace yoga in this manner?

EK: Yes! I love yoga and meditation. When I moved to NYC, in the mix of auditioning and working, I needed something to ground myself. This city and industry can be overwhelming, and it’s nice to have yoga to center me. I practice yoga daily and on set before I film. It’s a way to check into the present moment, be aware of your breath, and really get in touch with the here and now. I love being a teacher and sharing the gift of yoga with others. It has done wonders for my anxiety and I love helping other people find that same sense of calm. Yoga is really a key part of my life and I would not be the same person or actress without it.

AM: In NYC, where can we find you working out, grabbing a cocktail and a meal and shopping in the city?

EK: Working out, you’ll find me at my yoga studio, Yoga to the People!

Grabbing a cocktail and a meal, I really love a spot in my neighborhood, Harlem Public. Amazing vibes and great food & drinks! I love shopping in Soho — that area is adorable.

AM: Do you have any plans to travel this summer and if so, where?

EK: I don’t have any travel plans as of now, but I love traveling and I would love to plan a trip. Somewhere tropical ideally. I love the sunshine!

AM: How do you stay balanced between auditioning, preparing for roles, and taking personal time?

EK: It takes a lot of time management skills. My friends and family are so important to me, and they are also very understanding of my demanding schedule. I make sure to schedule set time with my loved ones and hold myself accountable. As for time with myself, that’s what my hour of yoga a day is for. It’s a time to unwind, refocus and come back to myself.

AM: Do you give of your time in terms of philanthropy/charity and if so, what?

EK: In the next couple months I am starting to volunteer at an animal shelter in NYC. I love animals and want to give back and help animals in need.

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 50 VIRGINIA SHERWOOD/NBC | PG 53 CINDY ORD/NBC

Read more from the April Issue and see On the Rise with Erin Kommor in mag.

RAF'S GAMBIT

Thanksgiving is this month and while many of us are looking forward to family, friends, food etc. This year, an extra amount of anticipation for the national holiday means the debut of NETFLIX/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It' which begins streaming on the network for this movie turned series. Rafael V DeLeon plays Manny Garciela and we caught up with him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've seen you in print campaigns and we know that you have acted in a number of shows/films, tell us about your journey in both areas.
 
RAFAEL V DELEON: Yes, I have! Well, the journey is still ongoing, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given so far. When I first moved to NYC, I worked the graveyard shift at a hotel. That was the bottom...I mean, “beginning” of the journey. lol
 
AM: Tell us about your role in Netflix/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It', how long were you filming and what was the auditioning process like? 
 
RVD: I filmed scenes over the course of several months. The audition process was like any other; you go in, do your best work, and leave the room knowing you gave it your best. 

AM: In your opinion, how has 'She's Gotta Have It' been tweaked from the world it existed in 1986 to now?
 
RVD: Well for starters, in 1986, social media didn’t exist. The integration of social media and cell phones are the two biggest tweaks. Other themes like: racial inequality, gentrification, feminine empowerment, and social justice were already top-of-mind issues for Spike...back in 1986. “Been Woke” as Spike would say.    

AM: What did you know about this movie prior to auditioning and what are your thoughts on this now that you have played the part of Manny Garciela that plays the best friend of Mars Blackmon played by Hamilton's Anthony Ramos?
 
RVD: I was familiar with the project but had not seen the film prior to auditioning. I had done my research on the film and prepared accordingly though.  My thoughts now are “Whoa. What an experience!” To work with creatives at the top of their game both in-front of and behind the camera is a milestone moment for me. You find yourself surrounded by so much talent it’s awe-inspiring sometimes. 

AM: With 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming on Thanksgiving, how excited are you to be a part of this iconic series?
 
RVD: As excited as Spike was when the Yankees won the World Series in 2009. 
 
 

AM: We know that you live in Brooklyn, where are your 3 favorite places to eat, workout and to grab a beer?

RVD: 1.) Eat- I really enjoy Archie’s Pizza in Bushwick (I hope they read this). 

2.) Workout- Any playground basketball court. Always good competition there. 

3.) Grab a beer - The Rookery Bar (I REALLY hope they read this). 

AM: Do you still play basketball as we know that you played Division I at Temple?

RVD: Temple is not only Division I, but is the 5th winningest Men’s Basketball program in NCAA history behind Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, and Duke; but I digress. ;) 

I do still play! A colleague of mine has pick-up every week (shout out to DG) and gets a bunch of ex-division 1 guys together for weekly runs. 

AM: What's your personal style when you're going out to grab a drink versus when you're running errands?
 
RVD: Oh man, when I’m going out I try to dress in something that is comfortable, individualist, and on-trend. When I am running errands? Whatever is clean.  
 
AM: What roles can we see you in next?
 
RVD:I have a few opportunities in the pipeline, but nothing I can announce currently. I will just say that I am excited for what 2018 has in store.
 
AM: With Christmas around the corner, what are you doing this season and where will you spend NYE?
 
RVD: I am spending the week leading up to Christmas with my family in Prince Georges County, MD and will be traveling to Costa Rica on the 26th through the new year! 
 
AM: Tell us about charities that you are a part of? 
 
RVD: I work closely with the Make-A-Play organization, Camp Ryan, and volunteer at a middle school in my neighborhood. Lending a hand in my community is something that is very important to me.
 
AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us that we have not covered?

RVD: I love playing Chess, day-trading stocks, reading The Atlantic, and watching critically-acclaimed films with my Somali princess. Oh, and I still haven’t beaten a local chess-master in Union Square.

Our shoot took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the McCarren Hotel and Pool as well as the famed The Meatball Shop. You can watch Rafael V Deleon on NETFLIX in Spike Lee's, 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming now. You can also connect with him socially. 
 
Twitter | @RafaelVDeLeon
Instagram | @RafaelVDeLeon
Facebook | /RafaelVDeLeon

We're big fans of The Meatball Shop at Athleisure Mag and it was fun to chat with their Marketing Director Natasha Miller about their history, menu, neighborhood locations and spirit.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about The Meatball Shop - what the concept behind the restaurant is, who are the co-founders, when it was created, and current as well as upcoming locations of this eatery. 

NATASHA MILLER: The co-founders are Daniel Holzman (Chef) and Michael Chernow, a pair of childhood friends who opened the first The Meatball Shop location on the Lower East Side in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded to open locations in the Upper East Side, West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Williamsburg. The Meatball Shop is all about eating responsibly sourced, delicious food in a fun, hip location. 

AM: What are some of the signature dishes and cocktails that are available at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: The beauty of The Meatball Shop is that you can put together any dish you'd like! But, some of our guest's favorites combos are definitely our Classic Ball (a mix of beef and pork meat) with our Classic Tomato over Spaghetti. Our Kitchen Sink Salad is also a big hit with our guests. Our cocktail menu changes seasonally, but I’d say our Moscow Mule is pretty classic (and delicious).

AM: For those who are vegetarian, can they also enjoy the experience at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Totally! We have vegan veggie balls that are out of this world, I like them best with our pesto, but they can be served however you’d like! We're all about cooking seasonally and are always changing up our awesome roster of veggies sides. Currently were serving sides like Roast Brussels Sprouts and Apples, Braised Kale and Tomato Soffrito, and Butternut Squash Sage Rissoto. 

AM: If you haven't done so already, can you tell us about Sidepiece? 

NM: Sidepiece is the bar connected to our Hell’s Kitchen location – you walk to the back of the restaurant, past the restrooms, through a little hallway, and you’re there! Sidepiece has a totally different cocktail menu and acts as our meatball test kitchen where we serve some super fun dishes like Pretzels Balls and Meatball Nachos, in a speakeasy-esque space. It can also be rented out for private parties too!

AM: With a number of locations in NYC, what is the thought of the aesthetic of the restaurant in relation to the location of the neighborhood that it resides in? 

NM: The aesthetic of each individual restaurant definitely changes based on the neighborhood that surrounds it. We want each location to feel like its own restaurant - the Williamsburg location, for example, is more subdued and looks lovingly worn in, while the Lower East Side shop has a poppy-feel, with a deep navy wall coated in bright white metal meat grinders. 

AM: We shot a portion of our shoot in the Williamsburg location of The Meatball Shop. What can you tell us about this particular location (when it opened, those who tend to stop in)? 

NM: We opened up our Williamsburg Shop in 2011 and it's become a stable of Bedford Ave. We get a lot of neighborhood locals for sure but as the neighborhood has changed we're also seeing a ton of tourists stop in which has been really fun. We recently started serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm – this was the first location we started doing so, and it’s been a nice change of pace.

AM: What can we expect with the upcoming holiday season in terms of events or promotions taking place at The Meatball Shops? 

NM: We’re just about to launch our latest SHUT skateboard deck design, which will be available on our website. We encourage fans of the brand to check out our other gear as well, like our Ballers sweatshirt, Ballerina Tee, and our jarred Classic Tomato Sauce- which can all be found at www.themeatballshop.com.
 

AM: What are the Co-Founders' favorite dishes at The Meatball Shop? 

NM: Michael Chernow loves a Kitchen Sink with Veggie Balls and Pesto and Daniel Holzman loves a heartier dish of Pork Meatballs with Spicy Meat Sauce over Polenta with a Family Jewel on top!

AM: Are there new dishes (whether ongoing or seasonal) that will be coming to The Meatball Shop? 

NM: We just started serving our Grilled Cheese balls in all of our locations this week – they sit like dumplings atop a layer of cream of tomato soup and are dangerously good. Right before Christmas, we will be bringing back our Jingle Jingle Balls made with venison and paired with a traditional Cumberland Sauce. We also have a killer Bread Pudding special for dessert this month!

AM: We know that you can buy The Meatball Shops' sauce and cookbook, are there other items that are available that people can purchase when they can't get to the physical locations? 

NM: We love designing merch! In addition to our sauce and cookbook, you can find our "Balls" shirts, Grinder Snapbacks, and Grinder Carhartt Beanies at all of our shops. We also carry limited quality items such as our Hedley & Bennet Aprons, "Mini Meatball" Onesizie, and (Baller)INA Pink T-Shirts that you can find in our different shops!

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Raf's Gambit in mag.