SMARTBEATS X SMARTWATER

We’ve been fans of smartwater ever since we can remember so last month when we had the opportunity to attend 2 events that focused on smartbeats X smartwater (also available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube), we attended. Simply put, SmartBeats X SmartWater is a first of its kind program designed to enhance holistic wellness through the fusion of music, tech and hydration. This was achieved through their partnership with artists Toro Y Moi, Nosaj Thing, Madeline Kenney, Washed Out and Empress Of. These artists music were powered by the sound technology app Endel. They created soundtracks and soundscapes that are designed to enhance your flow, mental balance, gets you to move or simply connect with friends. We were able to put 2 of these tracks through its paces in our first event where we did a guided meditation with The Big Quiet and smartwater partner, Jesse Israel as well as a workout with the brand’s Creative Director of Wellness and fitness expert (as well as Nike master trainer), Joe Holder which also incorporated the other track.

PHOTO CREDIT | Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for smartwater

The second event, held at Lightbox, was the launch party where we were able to sample all 4 of the tracks, meet the creators of these tracks, re-connect with Joe Holder and Jesse Israel and meeting the founder of Endel through presentations and conversations with the collaborators that were involved. In addition, guests were able to interact with one another while enjoying cocktails (Blood Orange Bourbon Sour and Raspberry Rose Basil Sangria) that were paired with sparkling SmartWater. smartbeat X smartwater includes 2 parts within the project where the A-Side has music artists that are featured as well as the B-Side having the soundscapes that are powered by Endel. A-Side’s soundtrack was produced by Toro Y Moi who created this via collaborations with featured artists that complimented the SmartWater varieties.

• MOVE | Record producer beat maker and DJ, Nosaj Thing makes music gets you pumped, moving and ready to break a sweat. Paired with the Alkaline line for hydration supporting active performance and recovery.

• CONNECT | Alternative R&B and electronica artist, Empress Of provides the perfect backdrop for entertaining and connecting with friends. Paired with sparkling smartwater for delightful hydration while socializing.

• FLOW | Folk artist Madeline Kenney’s classical sound reinforces focus and productivity. Paired with still smartwater for everyday need.

• BALANCE | Washed Out’s chillwave sound promotes mental balance is complemented by smartwater’s antioxidant line for cognitive rejuvenation.

Soundscapes (B-side) enhanced, personalized, sound experiences tailored to key occasions and will partner with Endel, an app technology that generates reactive, personalized sounds. Endel’s tools are able to synthesize location, time, weather and other factors in real time. Whether it’s Yoga, running, meditation and more, the b-side provides the perfect soundtrack for each activity.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

OUR FEMPIRE WITH ALYSIA REINER

This month's cover is one of our faves - actress, producer, activist and SAG Award winner - Alysia Reiner. She has been in a number of TV shows and films and we have thoroughly enjoyed seeing her each season of Netflix's Orange is the New Black as the dynamic force Natalie "Fig" Figueroa.

In addition to our cover shoot in Tribeca, we sat down to find out more about what drew her to acting, upcoming roles that she will be in, the importance of staying connected to your significant other and family no matter your schedule and her role as an activist.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We had such an amazing time shooting with you for our June cover as we've been fans of yours for years! Tell us about your background and how you got into acting.

ALYSIA REINER: AWWW Shucks! I am a native Manhattan girl and had a hard time deciding if I wanted to be a scientist or an artist - I still love both, studying human behavior and why we are who we are - I'm just curious, I guess. I love to discover, to wonder, to research, it's the joyful part of acting, the discovery.

AM: You've had a number of roles in TV and in movies, but one of our favorites is Orange is the New Black. We binged the latest season, and as fans, tell us what the process was like in trying out for the part and what process you go through to take on the character of Natalie "Fig" Figueroa.

AR: I auditioned for Alex, then Polly, then they offered me Fig and I was over the moon. It was 3 lines and I just said yes. To take on Fig, I visited prisons, spoke to wardens, spoke to other prison officials and spoke to previously incarcerated women. I also watched a ton of documentaries about prisons.

AM: What are similarities and differences between you and your OITNB character?

AR: SIMILARITES: NONE!

DIFFERENCES: The list is endless - I am happily married, a momma, an artist, an activist...

AM: You play bad women really well - what role or person would you like to play that you have yet to do?

AR: The possibilities are endless!!!!!! Doing our photo shoot for this cover I picked up that book about style and had the hit that I want to do a biopic about DIANE VREELAND! I so want to play her, she's my style hero. Also, I want Lena Dunham to direct.

AM: This past year you not only starred in, but produced the film "EQUITY," which went to Sundance and got sold to Sony Pictures Classics. How does this role as a producer challenge you, and what are you looking to achieve?

AR: I was just reading Jill Soloway's essay in LENNY LETTER "Downtime Makes Me Anxious," and I'm the same way: I just love creating. I love producing because it challenges me and works different muscles than acting does. Just like parenting - or trapezing ( yes I have - check my Instagram) - I love trying new things and challenging myself. That’s why I went on Celebrity CHOPPED recently. I love telling stories, I love hiring more women and I love changing the
appalling statistics every time I do.

AM: Positive female role models is something that we are extremely focused on at Athleisure Mag - who were your role models that assisted you in being who you are today?

AR: I find new ones every day. I was about to give you a list of actresses, producers, amazing women I love and know, but really it's the people you don't know. Like my friend Allison's mom who had the coolest arts and crafts cabinet growing up. The woman on the subway who defended another woman when she was being sexually accosted. The every day strangers who stand up for what they believe in and are courageous and unique and amazing and inspire us.
They deserve so much love and admiration, they are my role models.

AM: Activism seems like a major cornerstone of your work (in the midst of everything else) - what organizations/platforms are you associated with and have any of them been because of roles that you have taken as an actor?

AR: I lost my dad to cancer and got very active with the Cancer Support Community - I love them so much. They provide free emotional, social, and psychological support for people with cancer and their friends and family. And yes I said FREE. I was so honored that they gave me and my husband this year's Founders Award For Support.

The Women's Prison Association became my "Fig's karma charity." I love working with them, have been volunteering with them for 5 years now, made a piece of jewelry with 100 of proceeds to them, working on a new idea with them now about employing formerly incarcerated women, and they gave me the Sarah Huntington Powell award. What the Geena Davis Institute does for women in the media is soooo crucial and I love supporting them every way I can. And there are so many others!!! This could be an entirely new article! ;)

AM: During the shoot, we loved incorporating a meditation shot into the cover story, how important is this practice to you and how did you get into it?

AR: I LOVE MEDITATION. ADMISSION: I did a lot more before I had a kid. But now, I do it with my daughter, I do it at home, on the subway, I have a meditation room at home. I listen to a meditation as I wind down from the day, floss my teeth etc. I always feel like I don't have time, but somehow if you make the time, time bends and gives you more, magically.

AM: What's your personal style when you're going to set, when you're going to dinner with your family and then hitting the red carpet for an event?

AR: I have no idea - you are the stylist - help!

AM: Who are your style icons?

AR: Diana Vreeland, DVF, Valentino, Vivianne Westwood, Jenna Lyons, Stacey from Alice & Olivia, Tilda Swinton, Cate Blanchett, Emma Watson, Livia Firth, Chloe Sevigny, Natasha Lyonne, I could go on.....

AM: What are 3 exercises or methods that you do to stay so fit?

AR: 30-60-90 by Kristi Molinaro, Soulcycle and INTENSATI TABATA

AM: When you're having a busy day running around in the city, what are 3 places in NYC that we may see you pop into for lunch?

AR: Ha! I never have time to go out to lunch!

AM: After hanging out with you, you have such a mindful nature about you that seems to permeate the way you approach life as well as living within it - how important is this to you from a mental, wellness, culinary and related lifestyle aspects?

AR: When we can incorporate mindfulness into everything, it just makes every moment sweeter. Everything is more beautiful - you even see art in a garbage pile. Rats become cute. And then, of course, people think you're crazy. I don’t care.

AM: A number of our readers either work with their significant others and/or are in the same field with them. What advice would you give to those readers to assist them in having couple time?

AR: MAKE DATE NIGHTS AND STICK TO THEM!

Appreciate each other. Write love notes. Talk about the relationship. Seek outside help before you need it.

AM: How do you take time for yourself as a wife and mother, actress, producer, activist etc?

AR: Ummm….I need to work on that. I really do. :)

AM: What projects can you share with us that are coming up that we may not know about?

AR: We just wrapped season 2 of BETTER THINGS - so excited! And I did guest stars on BROAD CITY, YOUNGER and ODD MOM OUT! I am headed to Chicago in a few weeks to shoot The Pages - a political thriller, and then shooting EGG in which I star with Christina Hendricks
and Anna Camp, and I could not be more excited! #LIFEISGOOD

Our shoot with Alysia Reiner of Orange is the New Black, took place in Tribeca in a historic building. We chatted with Louise Phillips Forbes, Licensed Senior Associate Real Estate Broker at Halstead Real Estate to find out more about this property, 119 Chambers St #2.

ATHLEISURE MAG: The layout of this apartment, as well as having an elevator that opens into the home, was definitely a great feature and made it fun to shoot our June celebrity cover - what can you tell us about this property?

LOUISE PHILLIPS FORBES: What’s not to love?! It’s the quintessential downtown New York apartment as depicted in TV and movies. A split-level loft boasting 2,240 square feet with 3 large bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and soaring 14-foot wood beamed ceilings that take your breath away. Not to mention the awesome floor-to-ceiling windows facing south and the old-world exposed brick walls in the expansive great room that also has a wood-burning fireplace.
The open, contemporary kitchen is perfect for entertaining given the large marble-top breakfast bar, but it also features custom cabinetry and high-end, stainless steel appliances. A peaceful retreat, the master bedroom suite boasts a very large walk-in custom closet and serene spa-like bathroom with a double-sink vanity, deep soaking tub, and glass-enclosed shower. Stunning hardwood floors, recently purchased LG washer & dryer, ADT alarm system, and separate thermostats in each room

AM: What makes the building special and does it offer amenities for residents?

LPF: Built in 1858, the cast-iron building at 119 Chambers Street was fully renovated using high-end materials and finishes and converted to a condominium in 2008. It’s a boutique building with just 5 units total so privacy is assured. Each apartment has a substantial room-size
storage unit and there is a fitness room downstairs.

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

LPF: Tribeca is a very diverse and friendly neighborhood where the big city feels more like a small town, and Chambers Street is in the heart of it all. Very walkable and also bike-friendly, this area is filled with charming cafes and fine dining options, boutique shops and luxury
retailers, galleries, fitness clubs, and several local parks. There’s even a Whole Foods just a few blocks away, and Starbucks is on the corner of the block. Plus public transportation is very convenient with many local and express subways nearby, and you have easy access to the
West Side Highway enabling you to get just about anywhere in the city efficiently. It’s an ideal location for New Yorkers.

AM: Tell us about who represents this property.

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

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

LPF: It would be very easy to call this lovely apartment home given that it’s move-in ready. Simply bring your toothbrush! To schedule an appointment, people can contact me directly and I will be happy to give them a private tour and discuss the purchasing details. I can be reached via email at lphillips@halstead.com or at 212-381-3329.

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

LPF: Visit my website and click on the tab for “My Listings”. You can view pictures, 3D floor plans, and videos along with detailed descriptions of each property I’m working with from
downtown to uptown.

Read more from June Issue and see Our Fempire in mag with Alysia Reiner of Orange is the New Black.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SUNDAYS NAIL STUDIO

Getting your nails done is like a sanctuary and a place where you can simply zone out and get back to a balanced sense of self. Recently, we went to Sundays Nail Studio that took this mantra to the next level.

Upon entering this Madison Square area studio, you realize that there are a number of neutral palettes which presents a sense of calm, there are books that allow you to have moments of introspection and the way that things are seamlessly moved is not distracting as you enjoy your treatment. 

You can enjoy having a glass of wine, water, tea or a pressed juice whether you're having a manicure or a pedicure. We enjoyed being able to have headsets provided to us as we enjoyed moments of meditation via Inscape (they're in bite-sized sessions which you can find whatever suits you) as well as having a selection of polishes to choose from their own line! It is worth noting that their in house line (same name) is 10-Free, nontoxic natural nail care products. Their commitment to the health and safety of their employees and customers is an essential compoenent of what makes this salon so great.

The entire studio is known as a place where after your treatment, you can continue to relax downstairs or upstairs to reflect or continue your meditation. Other interesting items worth noting is that you can enjoy a massage.

The ethos of Sundays is based in wellness, confidence and simplicity. This extends to events that take place at the salon which includes a book club, trunk shows and more. It's a place that really fosters and empowers those that come from a body, mind and soul perspective. Make sure you keep an eye on their website for upcoming events as well as additional packages that are offered as we think it's a great place to enjoy with groups as well as to pop in during your lunch break or any "me moments" that you're looking to take for yourself.

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SUNDAYS NAIL STUDIO

51 E 25th St NY, NY 10010

Read more from the May Issue and read Athleisure List | Sundays Nail Studio in mag

ATHLEISURE LIST | PURE YOGA

Pure Yoga is a sanctuary of yoga with a number of practices from pilates, yoga, meditation and teachers that come to both locations (it's definitely encouraged to check the schedule for offerings). 

There are special events such as a recent one we went to from SoundOff Experience. These classes require you to wear illuminated headphones where you can hear the DJ play as the yoga teacher provides instructions. Interestingly enough, we found ourselves in the zone as if it was a one on one session. It's also cool to look out and see a sea of people flowing in the dark with lit headphones!

Founded in 2002, Pure Yoga became a leading yoga studio in Asia, before its arrival on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side of New York in 2008. 

The primary focus for these two locations is to continue to provide great services and quality to its members and guests.

We're fans of the common areas that allow for those who are in between classes or coming in earlier or staying later, can enjoy sitting on chairs and couches to catch up on their work or to interact with others. It's one of our favorite things about coming to this space. Bathroom amenities include shampoo, conditioner, and lotions provided courtesy of Kiehl's. 

Pure Yoga updates their website daily with new offerings, as well as their social channels at @PureYogaNYC for the latest details. Stay on the lookout for a community page that they are setting up as well as an in-studio installation later this year.

After taking a class or signing up for a membership you will notice that their ethos is, "Many practices. One intention." This means that they stay true and authentic to the lineages of yoga and its history, but offer a wide variety of practices.

To that end, they offer 350 weekly classes across 20 yoga styles including, but not limited to, hot yoga, meditation, ashtanga, and iyengar. They also offer their signature barre program Figure 4 Barre and a cross training class.

A variety of workshops, teacher trainings and retreats are hosted by a mix of their own on-scheule faculty, as well as some of the bigger named yogis around the world. They partner with many like minded brands to offer treats to beverages to students.

In addition to great classes, Pure Yoga works closely with the Shop team at Equinox to make sure that the trends in athleisure are offered in their boutique with Pure-branded apparel as well as lines that include Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoga, Lululemon, and more.
 

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 PURE YOGA WEST

204 W. 77th St NY, NY 10024

PURE YOGA EAST

203 E. 86th St NY, NY 10028

Read more from the April Issue and see ATHLEISURE LIST's Pure Yoga in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | INSCAPE FLATIRON

INSCAPE is a new meditation studio that taps into your senses during your session at its Flatiron location as well as on the app that you can download.
The former founder and CEO of Intermix, Khajak Keledjian, had his company acquired by Gap for $130 million dollars. 

Although he's quite active as he has invested in compaines that include Proenza Schouler, Flywheel, We Work, Aloha and more - meditation has been his way of finding happiness from within and his aim is to extend his love of various yoga and meditation practices that he has given his fashion friends over the years to the masses.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Why did you choose NYC as your first studio space?
 
KHAJAK KELEDIJAN: The first INSCAPE studio is in NYC because I live here, and I know first-hand the noise and over-stimulation that comes from an urban center like Manhattan. Also, this city is a true melting pot. Where else can you have so many different variables – lifestyle, age, occupation, income, background, schedule – in one place? If we can reimagine meditation here, and create a cohesive community and bring together like-minded individuals in an anonymous city like New York, we can do it anywhere.

AM: Who designed the space? How did the collaboration come about?
  
KK: Winka Dubbeldam designed the space. We first met when I was at Intermix about 10 years ago. A year and a half ago, I called her to ask if she knew any designers who would be interested in this project. I thought it was too small for her, but she was actually inspired by the idea. Turns out we have parallel interests in yoga and meditation – Winka’s been meditating since her early 20’s. She naturally recognized the interplay between aesthetics and meditation. We designed the space together, thoughtfully. Working with someone who authentically understands not only the design you’re imagining, but its essence, is invaluable.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name INSCAPE?

KK: I want people to focus inwardly which is why I called it Inscape. I  wanted to create a space that was safe, grounded, calming and a place that members could come to anytime. 

AM: Describe the studio. What’s unique about the studio? Why did you focus so much on the physical environment?
 
KK: Our intentionally designed 5,000 square-foot studio is a quiet space away from the distractions of everyday life, offering fully immersive group experiences for meditation and relaxation. The studio is an experience, not just a destination, and incorporates elements that address all sensory touch points - sight, sound, smell, temperature, light and taste.

Sound, light and temperature need to be precisely balanced (they can make you feel safe and enveloped like you’re in a womb) without distracting from the concept and feel of the space. 

AM: What is the layout? What are the separate areas like?
 
KK:The Studio – we’ve created a transitional space to just “be.” You can read, meditate, sit reflectively. On one hand, the area has no Wi-Fi, encouraging a tech timeout. On the other hand, we’ve created an interactive art installation that might inspire some selfies to capture that feeling of awareness and clarity when you finish a session … so you can remember it when you look back at the image.

The Dome – The room is circular to symbolize wholeness, lifecycles, togetherness, equality. The dome has a woven ceiling like ancient temples in India, a dreamcatcher, a mandala – like all of INSCAPE, meditators can interpret how they see it.
 
The Alcove – This area is inspired by the philosophies of Burning Man – self-expression and inclusion. It will transform seasonally to represent how we are also constantly changing.

AM: Who are your teachers?
 
KK: We’re reimagining meditation: we’re merging traditions with modern thinking & technology to create a new experience that's focused on the meditator.

Our work with teachers was completed prior to the sessions in our content development process. Our content was highly researched and tested in order to create our optimized experience. The sessions are audio-guided, rather than a teacher, so that everyone is an active participate in their own personal experience. We’ve created a neutral space where our facilitators empower the meditator to build their skills. By delivering our content via audio guidance, we bring a level of consistency otherwise impossible, since so many classes can vary based on which instructor is leading. Additionally, this innovative approach allows us to further marry our app and studio experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Inscape Flatiron

INSCAPE FLATIRON

45 W 21st St NY, NY 10010

ATHLEISURE LIST - EXHALE SPA, GLOBAL

When it comes to obtaining peace and zen, Exhale Spa unifies the need of feeling and being good with the perfect blend of its spa and fitness offerings. With 29 boutiques in 11 markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to achieving the ultimate in luxury mindfulness. 

Since 2003, its spa and fitness boutiques are in free-standing boutiques, hotels, resorts and luxury residential properties. Guests seeking spa therapies can enjoy a number of services including massages, facials, acupuncture, nails and massages. For those focused on a total workout, there are barre, cardio, HIIT and yoga sessions within their studios.

In addition to these options, guests can have a number of well-being programs to choose from including, retreats, Thai stretching, bridal boot camp, 6 week core evolution and personal training. 

Exhale Spa has won  a number of awards that focus on  Best Massage, Best Couple's Massage, Best Workout, Best Guy-Friendly Gym Class, Best Facial, Best Yoga, Best Hotel Gym,  Best Local Spot For Pampering and so much more.

Annbeth Escbach serves as Exhale Spa's CEO and founder. It started as a focus on knowing that what people wanted within the spa and fitness industries didn't exist. By placing these components under one roof, they had the ability to create a transformational mind body spa and fitness center together. 

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This idea became a reality when she reached out to her founding team members which ncludes Julia Sutton (COO). To fuse her vision of fitness and spa together, she looked no further then two of her teachers who worked at Lotte Berk Method Studio on the UES. Frank Devito (EVP, Mind Body Classes and Training) lends his expertise to the fitness portion of the experience. Elisabeth Halfpapp (EVP, Mindbody Programming) supports the spa portion of the program. 

Together, the founders continue to bring innovation to their centers while selecting the best locations. Whether you're a member or purchase classes and/or treatments a la carte, continue to check on their website and social channels to see what they have available to in their quest to, "Come in. Exhale. Leave Better."

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EXHALE SPA FACTS

LOCATIONS: Atlanta, Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, CT, Dallas Hamptons, LA, Miami, NJ, NYC and Turks + Caicos

STUDIO OFFERINGS: Core Fusion Barre/Express, Core Fusion Barre + Cardio, Core Fusion Extreme, Core Fusion Cardio, Core Fusion Sport, Core Fusion Boot Camp, Core Fusion Cyclng, Power/Flow Yoga, Chill Yoga and Core Fusion Yoga.

Read more from the Apr Issue