KYLOSOPHY

The world of fitness training goes hand in hand with motivation and providing it to those that you work with. During this season of NBC's Strong (Executive Produced by Sylvester Stallone), the Athleisure Mag team was introduced to Ky Evans who was a professionally trained dancer turned top trainer (Shape named him in the top 50 in 2014). After seeing him for a few episodes, not only did we find his passion and energy contagious but we liked his methods and how he works with his clients.

Ky's classes have a month long waitlist in Studio City, Venice and in Hollywood. His clientele
includes Olympians (Carmelita Jeter), professional athletes (Ronda Rousey) and TV/film personalities (Giuliana Rancic, Hayden Panettiere, Sophia Bush, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Rosario Dawson) to name a few. We took a moment to find out about Ky's experience on the show, his fitness method and how he obtains balance in his life.

See Athleisure Mag's Interview with Olympian, Carmelita Jeter

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed seeing you on Strong and love your energy that you brought
during the weeks you were on! Prior to being a fitness trainer, you were in ballet - tell us how
you chose to work in that field, what company you were in and when you realized that you
were ready to transition your career.

KY EVANS: Strong was an incredible experience and it allowed me the opportunity to show the world that fitness is not about muscles, or medallions, but about the ability to truly express ones greatest gift – our body! I never really chose the career of dance, it chose me. I never really wanted to be a great dancer, I just wanted to feel free and alive, expressive, and safe. I spent a life time of feeling small, and not enough. Dance was the only time I felt alive and free. I started dancing at a very young age with ethnic Macedonian “Oro” circle dancing at church functions. This led me to study Ballet in college. The power and grace with the vulnerability and truth of ballet was the real reason I danced. I never wanted to be famous. I never danced in a company, never even auditioned, you see its much easier to have unlimited potential and
not try, then try and fail. I was so afraid of failing that after college I never put on ballet
shoes again. Instead I spent the next 10 years lost in complete state of fear, doubt, judgment and anger all because I was afraid to fail, afraid that I would never be enough, afraid that people would laugh at me! So I stopped doing the one thing that set me free, and started doing what most people do when they are that lost, drugs.

AM: How did you decide upon being a fitness trainer?

KE: It’s the same kind of theme, I never really thought about being a fitness trainer. I loved
expressing my body, but never really cared about the results, just the feeling and sensations that it gave me. When you train, you want to fail. Failure is a good thing when you train. You go 'till you fail, yet in life I was paralyzed by the idea of failure. I mentioned above that I spent 10 years in black hole of pity and self-hatred. At my lows, of lows at the age of 36, I had my awaking. I was homeless, couch surfing were I could, partying every night when I got a phone call from my father. It was the first time I ever heard him cry and he said to me, “I know what you’re doing. We did not escape the communists to get to this great country for you to end up like this. I want you to get up, stand up, and make it happen.” He then hung the phone up, I didn’t say a word, instead I walked down to Venice beach and took a plank position in the sand, closed my eyes and began to weep so hard that when I opened my eyes I was holding plank for almost 30 minutes. That’s when it hit me, that’s when I decide to dedicate my
life to teaching HOPE, and giving the gift of FAILURE!

AM: We know that your classes have quite the waitlist and that Shape noted you as one of the top 50 hottest trainers - what is it that keeps your clients coming back?

KE: I am truly blessed with the most amazing clientele on the planet. I am currently teaching
close to 500 people a week. I have been blessed with a lot of attention, but I think the real reason that people keep coming back is that it not about me. Its not what I can do, its not about how fast I can get you results, but what I can get them to believe in what they can do if they just embrace how truly great they already are! There can only be one you, so why do we spend so much time trying to change that. Instead we need to embrace how great we are through expressing or gift, or body! My classes are not about adding on, but rather the peeling away to the truth of how great we really are. But to do that we must first embrace failure. My classes are like a journey of self, but you're not alone. You are failing with others, proving the point that everyone fails, that we are not as alone as we might think. And when we fail together we realize we are all the same!

AM: What is Kylosophy?

KE: Kylosophy is just my interpretation of life and art. When I teach I go into a flow state where I take a lot of philosophical ideas and apply it to expression, life and failure. I studied a lot of philosophy in college and the fastest way to free the soul is to exhaust the body to complete failure so that the mind turns off and the spirit is set free. The fastest way to God is through the body. I believe that true meditation isn’t stillness, rather the ability to own one’s self during complete physical and mental failure. Adversity introduces us to our self, and failure erases the ego!

AM: What is the Megaformer and how integral is that to your training as well as to your clients?

KE: The Megaformer saved my life. It is the perfect combination of art and science. It allows me to create like no other and is limitless in its possibilities. It is my canvas and my clients are my paint. The machine itself is a custom built machine designed and created by Sebastian Lagree. Simply put it is the ultimate in neuromuscular non impact strength and conditioning. It’s the future of you!

AM: You worked with Sebastian Lagree who taught you the Lagree Method - what was that like?

KE: Sebastian Lagree was the only person that gave me a chance. After I had my awakening, I was washing dishes at a hotel on Sun got to see and train on his first machine in the “Proformer.” After that class my search was over. I found my vessel of truth, and the man to mentor me. He took me under his wing, and the rest is history. He still is my mentor and I am currently working at his newest studio with his newest creation the SUPRA.

AM: How was it being on Strong and what did you learn from being on the show?

KE: Strong for me was never about showing off, or look at me, I’m fit! It was never about
winning money or even the tower. Strong for me was about sacrifice. Sacrificing my ego for the benefit of my partner’s growth and success. It was about vulnerability and being able to fail in front of the world. Owning the idea that win or lose, I am enough. At the end of the day, it was just a TV show. The real tower started when I got back. The only tower that matters, is LIFE! And when I got back from filming the show, my partners told me that I was no longer needed and that the brand that I started was going in a different direction. So basically when I got back, I lost everything. At the highest point of my career, I was back to zero. Talk about the ultimate test of Strength! Losing one’s entire identity, career, and income in less than 10 minutes. Now the real Tower begins!

AM: Were you able to meet with Sylvester Stallone who Executive Produced the show?

KE: That was my only regret. I never got to meet Sly. But the wardrobe people keep telling me that I reminded them of him. Sly gets it. He trains to express who he is and how he feels. He is an artist. He writes, directs, produces, and acts. He does it all. All because he embraces his body, he lives to train because he knows that his training keeps him in total inspiration! The ROCK is like that too!

AM: Will there be additional seasons and will you be coming back for the next one?

KE: There is a good possibility that there will be a season 2, I am currently on hold by the
network and that I might be coming back. So I better get practicing on my climbing!

AM: What's next for you?

KE: Everything and anything! Right now I am working on opening my own super gym here on the west side of LA. I have spent the last 10 years helping others uncover there gifts and reach their goals. I have opened over 12 gyms in LA, and it is time for me to own my worth and create my own place. A place that is the ultimate in self-expression, creativity, and inspiration for all to experience. After that I need to finish my book, and hopefully turn that into a motivational speaking tour. I am a huge fan of Mastin Kipp, Bob Proctor, and of course Tony Robbins. And I hope to be that next generation of self help guru’s that end bullying, and show people how truly great they really are if they would just trust their body, embrace failure, and lead with
their heart.

AM: What exercises that can be done to get that lean ballet style body?

KE: No workout changes body composition better than the Lagree method. There are over 300 studios world wide, so go out and find one near you and get to class. Also nutrition will be key, I have an amazing program on my site. It was designed by PFC Nutrition and it was the same programming I used for my partners transformation. You are what you eat! Your sport is Life and your body your instrument. You can train all day but if you are not eating to support the demands of your daily life nothing will ever change!

AM: Do you guest teach in other cities?

KE: I would love to travel and do a guest teaching tour. We are currently working on getting
that up. With over 300 studios would wide I hope to be coming to a city near you very soon! So if there is a studio near you, have contact me and I would love to come out and do a little preaching and teaching! For more info go to my site: kyevans.com

AM: How do you maintain balance?

KE: HA! Balance!? It’s called no sleep and a lot of coffee! Actually when you truly embrace one’s higher purpose, it’s never work, and its play. I am truly blessed to be doing what I love, and I can never really get enough of it. I am driven with the simple idea that if I can just get through to one person day. Show that one person that he or she is enough. That there is one you, and there can never be another you ever. And that the worlds needs you. That you are enough! That we train to reveal how truly great we already are. So stop competing, and start creating. My fear is that if I stop, I wont be able to get through to that one person that needs me the most. And that would crush me.

Personally, I try to meditate once a day. Sometimes it's for 5 minutes, other times is an hour I try to train 6 days a week, again sometimes it's 30 minutes other times its 2 hours. I read a lot and on Sundays I go to a monastery and hang out with monks in Malibu to kind of recharge myself. The bottom line is, its not about how much you do, or how often you do it. It’s about doing the things you need to do so that you are always the best version of yourself at all times. To truly understand self, one must truly embrace failure. I try to fail at least once a day!

AM: Please feel free to share anything that you would like to from charities that you are apart of, projects that we may not have covered etc.

KE: I am currently working on getting with this amazing charity called “Defeat the Label.” It's an anti bullying organization out of Detroit, where I am from. I spent my life being made to feel small, not enough. And I am really excited to help teach others to take back their power by own their greatest gift, their body!

Pictures courtesy of Ky Evan

MOTIVATIONAL IMPACT

When you think of fitness luminaries and their famous systems, Tony Horton comes to mind without a doubt! With his innovative and successful systems that include P90X, P90X2, and P90X3, he is a household name. We caught up with Tony to talk about TH Care by Tony Horton, his new hair and skincare line, motivation seminars, 22 Minute Hard Corps, and living a consistent lifestyle. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you? 

TONY HORTON: Simply, you must be very consistent with your exercise and have a purpose beyond the aesthetic, weight, scale, tape measure, and what other people say about you. It's about eating whole foods as much as possible, from anywhere between 80 - 95% of the time, depending on the individual.

AM: What are your favorite experiences training celebs and are there differences training  them?

TH: I believe that there are nuances for sure. My first celebrity client was Tom Petty and when he called me up at my tiny two bedroom apartment, I hung up on him thinking that it was my friend pulling a prank on me. Once I met Tom, it was a really phenomenal experience because I was dealing with someone who hadn't really trained consistently or in the kind of way that I was trying to show him - with weight lifting, boxing, kick boxing, and cardiovascular exercises and basic stretching. It was a 3 month experience and I went on tour with him for 3 weeks in the middle of that tour after we trained, and I think that what was the most unique about it was that it opened up the door to other celebrities like; Billy Idol, Bruce Springsteen, Stephen Stills, Annie Lennox, Sean Connery, Shirley MacLaine, Usher, and so on. The Tom Petty experience opened all the doors to being a celebrity trainer.

AM: Is being on tour with clients hard for you in terms of staying on your training schedule for yourself?

TH: My training doesn't get affected. Tom was kind enough to know that I needed some time in the day to exercise too. On tour, he's got soundcheck and reheasals so there's hours between the workout in the morning and his show where I could workout. Then there were times that we would just work out together.

AM: What's the ideology behind your famous fitness methods?

TH: My trademarked phrase "Do your best, so forget the rest," explains everything. I think that in this industry, there are a lot of people that fail because they feel like they have to compete with the past, with others or with the expectations of how it is supposed to go throughout the course of whatever program they have decided to do. My philosophy is, you just take care of the basics and don't think too much about the aesthetic change (how many push- ups you have to do and how many pull-ups you need to do or how perfect your yoga Asana needs to be). These things are causing people to have too much angst. To be consistent for the process and the lifestyle is about making sure that you do what you can and it changes from day to day. From things as unpredictable as biorhythms, lack of sleep, hydration - there are just too many variables that are difficult to track that allow you to have the perfect fitness experience. Sometimes Lebron scores 40+ and sometimes he doesn't. Even the best athletes in the world don't have the same exact performance every time and neither should we expect that from ourselves.

AM: Does fitness go hand in hand with motivation?

TH: I think you need some kind of motivation to be consistent with your fitness. If your motivation isn't as important as food, shelter, water and breathing as it should be - then chances are you won't be able to sustain it. It's not about losing weight so that you can show your friends how great you look in an outfit. It's about being able to sustain how you look for decades. When your purpose is aligned, then there is a greater likelihood that you'll make the switch and stay with it for the rest of your life. 

AM: What are your motivational weekends like?

TH: It depends from event to event. A corporate one is different than a beach body event. If it's a 4 hour excursion, it's different than a 2 day excursion. On average, most of them are a workout or two, seminar based, and we do some autographs/photos. For example, at the Omega Institute coming up June 24 - 26. It's a 2 day intensive so we break off in groups and analyze aspects of our health/fitness lifestyle. Last year, it was motivation - how do we get it, why aren't we consistent, and what are the plans that need to be in place so that we can create accountability. These were the things that were important in last year's seminar. 

This year, it focuses on food and diet. In my opinion, exercise is about fitness but most people don't realize that health is the result of the food you eat. Food is either medicine or poison. You have opportunities throughout the day - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between that allow you to make healthy or unhealthy choices. When you make healthy choices, it seriously impacts the quality of your life, sleep, the likelihood of you getting sick and the ability for you to perform better when you exercise and for the body to recover so that you can come back the next day. That is the importance of food - it's not just exercising so that you can eat whatever or to try and watch your weight. That is about as archaic as driving around in a Ford Pinto. The goal is to be more sophisticated and to know that it's not complicated.

The Omega Institute has a session where we do a simple workout, yoga, meditation - there's three where we break off into groups to solve some of the food issues that people have. We also have obstacle courses and goofy games.

I want people to come away knowing as much new information as possible so that they can feel that they come away with how they can start over. So often, if it is a workout in a seminar, 8 out of 10 people will think that what they did was fun, but they won't apply it. Two days is almost like you're re-wiring people. That's why it works.

AM: Tell us about TH Care by Tony Horton and will there be additional products in the future?

TH: I have always been a fan of Patrick Dockry, who is the owner/creator of Ultimate Salon Professionals and I was on his TV show and part of his magazine. Out of courtesy of me doing that, he sent me boxes of his products. My wife and I loved them. One day she and I were talking and I said, "Why don't we see if we can come up with a line of products that will accomodate some of my personal needs?" Due to damaging effects of the sun, my skin and hair are dry. So, I asked him to mix a little nature and science together for my hair and skin and he did. It's been a great improvement to the quality of my skin and my hair is manageable and under control. I started sharing it with friends and they suggested that I should get it packaged. 

We came out with two products, one is called Fitness (face/skin spray) and the other is  Workout (hair/bodywash). They're unisex and we wanted to create something that was simple, effective, and traveled well for athletes and /or those that exercise a lot. The scent was important because it couldn't be too feminine or masculine. Everyone who smells it always says it's like summer in a bottle. I don't know what that smells like exactly but it's clean, fresh and warm. People love it and we're already looking at including a shaving cream within the line and a hair and skin oil that is just the bomb that we've been experimenting with. I really love this oil! When you think oil - you think greasy but this absorbs deep into the skin and makes the skin look younger and feel better. But we have to get the first two off the ground before looking at the next ones.

On Monday nights, I do a plyometrics class at my house and I wear TH Care all the time. When we're in a room, people will ask what I'm wearing and they really think that the smell is amazing. When I tell them it's my skincare, they say that they should put it on more. I let them know that you have to in order to smell good - a lot of guys who are younger don't realize that they need to maintain their skin. Doing it now will get them into the routine of taking care of themselves. You get out of the shower, dry off a bit and then slap on the lotion to go about your day. 

AM: Tell us about the fitness methods that you created.

TH: P90X was a departure from anything else that existed in the market. No one had created 12 separate discs with 12 different workouts on them. There are a lot of specific routines out there in the areas of yoga, pilates, body building, cardio etc. A lot of trainers like to just stick with what they know and a lot of them are very good, but the issue with sort of a one-dimensional myopic approach to fitness is that people will plateau. The lack of variety usually causes people to settle into a certain place. Maybe they're happy and maybe they're not. 

With P90X, it forced all users to work on their weakness much more than their strengths, due, to the extent of the variety. The offerings include: weight lifting, body resistance, core and functional, pilates, yoga, plyometrics and so on. That's always been my theme. When you look at the course of my week in training, every workout is different from the next. I try to train 7 days a week and maybe taking one day off, but I schedule 7. I need to do plyometrics. I need to do yoga. I need to do chest and back. I need to do shoulders and arms and I need to do core and functional and ski training. I need 9 days in a week but I only have 7 - sometimes I will take off a Sat. or a Wed. I usually train 22 - 25 days a month. That's how your body truly changes. 3 or 4 days a week, you're playing catch-up all the time.The days off always supersede the day on. If you only train 4 days a week, you end up with what I call, Exercise Bipolar Disorder and that's not a good thing. The goal is to be consistent with everything.

The thing I tell people on the Motivation Seminar is that I want everyone to take a deep breath and hold it. Then I never tell them to stop and people have to gasp to catch their breath. I let them know that consistency is as important as taking your next breath. This allows you to live the kind of lifestyle that I think most people want to live.

The brand new method is called 22 Minute Hard Core, and it's a big departure from P90X/2/3. P90X2 was more of a balanced functional fitness version of P90X. Many people thought it was more difficult and it was meant for those that are athletes. But it also took P90X graduates and turned them into athletes. P90X3 is half an hour because a lot of people who

bought the other two systems were not finishing the 3 month program. The half hour allowed more people to participate everyday to not skip workouts and P90X3's success rate was the best of all three.

22 Minute Hard Core is an 8 week bootcamp with a 9th that's a Hell Week that is optional. The routines are 22 minutes and from the minute they start - it goes. You sweat during routines of cardio, core spec and resistance because it is relentless and it has to be because it's only 22 minutes. It's intense with modifiers - 1, 2 and 3. You get profficient at 1 and then it transitions into 2 and then 3. The same with resistance as well. There is a modifier option that if you have Beach Body on demand or on disc, you can choose it where you only look at the modifier and are not distracted by people on the video that are at a higher level then you.

AM: How can we live in a preventive way? 

TH: I think that those things go hand-in-hand. If you are eating well and exercising regularly, then you are preventing a lot of the illness and injuries that occur to people that aren't. That's what prevention is. It's not about relying on your pharmacists and/or doctors to solve your problems through meds. It's about taking control of your life and healing thy self. It's not an easy solution, it's more of a difficult one. When we were growing up, we went from one grade to the next and for many on to college. You just did it. I'm only asking for you to work out for 8 weeks - good lord!

It's being able to understand that exercise is fitness and food is health. If you understand that those two things are true and you practice healthy eating and regular exercise, then it is a very preventative lifestyle right out of the box.

AM: How do you stay balanced?

From the outside, it may look like I'm busy as hell, but I'm not. I know how to find my own down time. Some days there is literally nothing, just emails, phone calls, doing interviews, making my bed, making sure I eat well, hanging out with friends, and working out. That's quite often, but there are other days when it's super intense. I am in the midst of development, voice-overs, rehearsals, media, and PR tours. But what I do (what anyone would do not to burn out) is that they tell the people around them that they need their down time and sleep etc. 

No one schedules anything during my workout hours. Those that know me are aware that I work out Tues./Thurs. from 7:15am - 9:00am,  Mon./Wed. and Fri. nights after 5:30pm are blocked off as well. Sat. is yoga, so don't bug me and Sun. is my track or gymnastic workout. Everybody in my life knows when these things occur and they don't plan something else there. Then I sit down and negotiate my time. 
  
AM: You have worked with the First Lady, Michelle Obama on the 'Let's Move Campaign,' are there are other organizations you're involved in?

TH: I am a real fan of Rain Catcher. They bring fresh water to people that are in Africa and Asia as they usually have to walk for miles and miles to drink mud. So the technology that they have created is amazing which allows them to have drinkable water in their own village. 

The other one is Go Campaign which is a charity foundation that started from my friend, Scott Fifer. He was an attorney and screenwriter who went on a working vacation to Tanzania and ended up in an orphanage for three weeks. These kids lived in squalor and he couldn't believe it and they were learning gymnastics. The people that climbed Mt Kilimanjaro would make donations at the tiny orphanage. Scott decided that he would re-route his entire life to help them. He's helped raise 100s of millions for orphanages in Africa, Asia, Russia, South America, Harlem, Mexico, and Indian Reservations etc. 

It's amazing work that he does as he lives in a one-bedroom apartment and drives a Mini Coo
per - he doesn't pay himself and gives all the money to the kids. He pays for schools, books, kids, instruments, shoes, etc. It's an amazing organization. 

Pictures courtesy of Tony Horton

ATHLEISURE LIST: UPLIFT STUDIOS

Uplift is a (women-only) fitness studio and female society that offers signature group fitness classes, specialized personal training, and a unique social community. Their philosophy is pretty simple, but powerful: in everything they do, they are devoted to the power of "US". They create an environment where strong women empower, inspire, and connect with each other, through fitness and in all areas of life.

Leanne Shear is the co-founder of Uplift. Before conceiving the idea for Uplift, Leanne was a professional writer and the author of 'The Perfect Manhattan and Cocktail Therapy: The Perfect Prescription for Life’s Many Crises,' and her writing has also been featured in The Nation, The New York Times, New York, Glamour, Maxim, and Men’s Health, among others.  Leanne graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and received a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies and Cultural Politics from New York University.  

Uplift offers five signature classes: Endurance, Power, Strength, Sculpt, and Uplift Express, which is a sampling of the other four formats. They offer personal training tailored specifically toward a range of female demographics. The studio also hosts a number of events including retreats, day trips, career panels, love/dating  events and nutrition workshops to name a few.

Uplift was on the top of the studio fitness game for amenities from the very beginning. In its full-scale NYC studio, they offer a range of beauty products, complimentary filtered water, coffee, tea, and post-workout refeuling snacks, and often  work with strategic partners to provide juices, nutrition bars and other goodies. The LA studio is providing similar offerings.

The studio will launch a new line of apparel in early July centered in "US"/aka the Uplift Studios moniker ("FocUS on the Good"). They will reintroduce their hugely popular muscle tee with the phrasing "Strong Women Uplift Each Other".

In addition to the NYC location, they also recently opened a second studio on the left coast in the heart of West Hollywood.

UPLIFT STUDIOS FACTS

LOCATIONS:

8254 Melrose Ave LA, CA
24 West 23rd St 2nd Fl NY, NY

STUDIO OFFERINGS: 

They offer personal training tailored specifically toward a range of female demographics.

ORANGE BLOSSOM

Our June cover girl is a part of one of our favorite Netflix shows Orange is the New Black. Vicky Jeudy plays Janae Watson and is back for season 4 with a number of shennanigans with our favorite girls in Litchfield. 

We took a moment to sit down to find out more about Vicky, what's she's working on and what we can expect from the new season which is available on June 17th!

ATHLEISURE MAG:  When did you realize that you wanted to be an actress?

VICKY JEUDY: I realized I wanted to be an actress when I was in college. It was a profession that I always found intriguing and wanted to pursue. It's storytelling of humanity.

AM: We love getting to know more about your character each season and hope to find out more about Janae Watson - what was the audition process like?

VJ: The audition process was great. My representatives sent me the audition material and I prepared for it. I went in and gave it my best.

AM: After being with you on set for our cover, we know you have an infectious smile and bubbly personality, how are you able to get into the character of Janae and what is the process like?

VJ: Aw! Thank you for that compliment. When I get into character I'm thinking of Janae's thoughts, how she is feeling in a particular situation and what is she trying to accomplish? I believe all of the characters are relatable and the audience can connect with feelings of loss, despair, happiness, etc. 

AM: How long do you guys film for each season and what's an average day like?

VJ: Usually it takes 5-6 months for filming. An average day consist of reporting to work,  greeting everybody, I'll grab breakfast and head straight into hair and makeup. From there my cast mates and I will gather together for rehearsal with the director and then we are ready to shoot. It's a huge blessing  to work with an entire team of people that are professional and friendly. Working on the set of OITNB feels like I'm surrounded with love.

AM: What are you excited about for this season of OITNB?

VJ: I'm thrilled for season 4 and I can't wait for the public to see it. It deals with heavy headline news. I hope it brings insight to the audience and soften their heart about particular matters.

AM: Outside of OITNB, are there other shows, movies etc. that we will see you in?

VJ: Yes! I did an amazing independent film called Armstrong and I can't wait for everyone to see it once it's completed. 

AM: When you're not going to castings, table reads etc. - how do you find balance and giving yourself the personal time that you need?

VJ: My personal time is extremely important to me. It's where I refresh myself. I believe in hanging out with my closest family and friends that I adore,  praying and having fun. I love bike riding, traveling, and exploring my city. It's so important to have a great time when going through this journey of life.

AM: How do you stay in shape?

VJ: I stay in shape by keeping active and eating healthy.  When the weather is nice, I have a weakness for outdoor activities such as biking, walking, running, whatever it is I'm doing it. I also go to the gym, but I'd rather be outside.

AM: What is your personal style when you're out and about in terms of favorite things to wear?

VJ: I love to look naturally pretty, simple and classy at the same time. I adore hats, a sophisticated bag and amazing pumps. Those are my daily fashion go to.

AM:  Do you have any charities or groups that you work with?

VJ: As of recently yes. I had the opportunity to observe the amazing work J/P HRO (Jenkins/Penn Haitian Relief Organization founded by philanthropist Sanela Diana Jenkins and actor Sean Penn) is doing in Port Au Prince, Haiti. Haiti is important to me because both my parents are Haitian. The organization has established schools, medical centers, community centers, housing and so much more. I'm excited to work along them.

AM: How are you spending your summer?

VJ: My summer will be spent on working, reading, traveling, and whatever I feel like getting into. It's never too late to discover more passions. 

Photo taken by Paul Farkas

We shot our June cover at a stunning penthouse at 75 Wall St. With a great location and stunning views, we wanted to know more about this luxury property. 

AM: The Hakimian Organization has developed a number of properties in the city, what sets 75 Wall apart from the rest that you own?

THE HAKIMIAN ORGANIZATION: 75 Wall Residences Atop Andaz is the most diverse and dynamic development in The Hakimian Organization’s portfolio to date. Since the condominium, which consists of 346 units, lies above 253 hotel rooms, retail space, and an onsite garage parking, residents share the benefit of having their own private space, alongside the privileges of staying in a hotel. The notable property, designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, was named a Best Mixed-Use Development in the prestigious Americas’ Property Awards. 

AM: 75 Wall is currently in the midst of a renovation, when will it be completed and can people purchase units now?

THO: The condominiums at 75 Wall are available for purchase now, with immediate occupancy. However, for the common spaces, 75 Wall has partnered with contemporary high-end furniture company, Ligne Roset, to make upgrades to the building’s lobby, 18th floor lounge and spacious rooftop, which offers sweeping views of lower Manhattan. 75 Wall is also adding a children’s playroom! This is all being done with no special assessment or increase in common charges, and will be completed this summer. 

AM:  With the Andaz Wall Street hotel as a neighbor, what are residents able to enjoy as part of their amenities?

THO: With the Andaz Wall Street as a neighbor, residents are able to enjoy the benefits of a hotel, right in their very own home! This includes hotel services such as room service, catering and the finest treatments from The SPA at Andaz Wall Street hotel.

AM: We shot our cover star, Vicky Judy of Orange is the New Black in one of your penthouse lofts. Tell us who was the interior designer and the thought process behind the decoration. Also, share with us some of the details of the loft in terms of the materials used.

THO: 75 Wall has just released its most luxury penthouses and condominiums onto the market, which includes the space Vicky Judy was shot in, PHL2. In addition to releasing this exclusive collection onto the market, 75 Wall also partnered with Ligne Roset to update the amenity spaces, as well as design the model unit that was used for the shoot. PHL2 has three bedrooms, and a space in the front that could be used for an office, or, as we designed it, for a children’s play space. 

AM: The roof deck is stunning with amazing views, your condos are in a historic part of town and there are great amenities available to residents - what are your key selling points of this space?

THO: 75 Wall’s location is definitely a huge selling point. The building is within walking distance to South Street Seaport, the Fulton Street Transit Center, and latest shopping mecca Brookfield Place, in addition to staples like Dean and Deluca, making it a prime choice for those looking to immerse themselves in all that lower Manhattan has to offer. Additionally, residents are able to enjoy the benefits offered by the building's latest onsite services and entertainment provider, Luxury Attaché, a premier concierge management company that is introducing music and art classes, children’s exercise programs and story time events into the space. Other programs include spa and salon services, event planning assistance, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, refrigerator and pantry stocking, technology installation, and personalized entertainment and nightlife recommendations. The rooftop lounge and terrace is set to go under renovation as well, and will soon include outdoor and indoor entertainment spaces with fireplace, bar and kitchen. 

AM: What elements are core Hakimian details that you tend to include within your buildings for those that seek out your developments?

THO: With our properties, we put an emphasis on lifestyle, outfitting each building with everyday luxuries that make them stand out. Whether it’s a partnership with a service that offers exclusive entertainment options, premier in-house workout classes, or furnishings from an award-winning design company, The Hakimian Organization strives to deliver unique indulgences to every property we have.  

AM: What is next for The Hakimian Organization in terms of residential properties that we should include on our list for those on the market?

THO: Next up, The Hakimian Organization is looking to build a few properties on the emerging Long Island City. This includes 41-31 27th Street, a 15-story, 45-unit rental building with interiors by David Howell Design; and 33-01 38th Avenue, a six-story, 94-unit rental designed by Greenberg Farrow. The Hakimian Organization is also developing Long Island City’s 44-16 23rd Street into a new retail space, slated to open in 2017.

| COVER + IMAGE 2 | Caftan MAISON DE PAPILLON | Necklace AMI CLUBWEAR | Ring Wrist Bracelet E SHAW JEWELS | OPENING SPREAD | Crop Top + A-Line Ball Gown Skirt JOVANI | Gold Bracelet KATE SPADE NY | IMAGE 1 | Mesh Zipped Jacket, Mesh Sport Bra, + Black Python Pant ALALA | Up4 JAWBONE | Yoga Mat JADE YOGA | Yoga Bag BAGALINI | IMAGE 3 | Crop Top + A-Line Ball Gown Skirt JOVANI |

Read more from the June Issue

#SUMM3RFRIDAY + ULTIMATE #SUMMERFRIDAY CANCUN GIVEAWAY

Throughout the summer, we're doing a number of weekly giveaways. We kicked it off during Memorial Weekend and we will continue on through Labor Day Weekend! Each week you and two friends will win a lifestyle package that all three of you can enjoy via our weekly #SUMM3RFRIDAY giveaways for our fans in Miami and NYC.

Don't forget that throughout the summer, you can enter to win a trip for you and two friends at the all inclusive Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resorts in Cancun, Mexico. We will select a winner for the ULTIMATE #SUMM3RFRIDAY on Labor Day (ground transportation, airfare, etc are not included).  Make sure to visit the links for eligibility for each of the giveaways. 

Read more from the June Issue

BY YOUR SIDE

Our Fashion Editorial, By Your Side showcases swim style that you'll want to include within your wardrobe this summer whether you're at the pool, the roofdeck or wherever your travels take you!

OPENING SPREAD | Brief HANRO | One Piece Swimsuit with Zip VYVE | IMAGE 1 | Geometric Mesh Black and White Bikini Top + Black String Bikini Bottom YANDY.COM | IMAGE 2 | Brief HANRO | IMAGE 3  LEFT PAGE | Brief HANRO | IMAGE 3 RIGHT PAGE, IMAGE 4, + BACK COVER | White Hooded Monokini YANDY.COM | Brief FRIGO |

Read more from the JUNE ISSUE

MAGIC HOUR

When you mix old school with the new, it's a great time had by all. We headed out to Brooklyn for the Magic Hour! This included outdoor roller skating, cool beats and Talib Kweli for a Sat afternoon.

Read more from the June Issue

GRAZE ON THIS

Around the offices of Athleisure Mag. we're always on the go checking out locations, coming back from set, or just being out and about. When you don't know what your schedule will be like or you need positive protein around you, Graze becomes the perfect item to include in your bag! We love that once you purchase a box, you receive 8 pre-packaged containers that include a mix of sweet and savory. The individual containers let you know what it is, the ingredients, calories etc. Whether you wish to share or eat alone, this is the perfect healthy snack that can go from work, the gym, your flight and more. You're bound to have some serious favorites and you can order and gift these boxes within the regularity that works for your lifestyle!

Photo Credit: Christina Emilie

Read more from the June Issue

FOR THE HIKER, MAY #ATHSPO

| GRIFFITH PARK - Los Angeles, CA | Hammock Sports Bra VALLEAU APPAREL | Cortelyou Jogger Pant in Pink Tropics ALEXIS MERA |  Pink/Yellow Sneakers NEWTON | Sparkling Water AQUA CARPATICA | Trekking Towel TRESPASS | Water Spray Bottle EVIAN |  Dylan Backpack LINEA PELLE |

Read more from the May Issue

MAY #ATHTRIBE

We're in the in between portion of the year as we transition from the cool breezes of the spring to the higher humidity of summer! With long weekends around the corner, there are so many excuses to take in phenomenal weather, whether you're enjoying a staycation, jetsetting, or simply staying at home.

| Peekaboo Top PHEEL | Legging I LOVE TYLER MADISON | Culmine Body Essence of Rose Silky Hand + Body Cream BELLE SCHNEIDER BEAUTY | Duffle CAMERON SCOTT GARDNER | Sandals TKEES | Grey Pearl Leather Choker CHAN LUU | Josa OLIVER PEOPLES | Orbital Cocktail Ring ALEXIS BITTAR | Coconut Water INVO | Cornbread Crisps FARMER'S PANTRY |

Read more from the May Issue

5 SUMMER WEEKEND MUST HAVES

| Wheatgrass Tablets CITRAGREEN | Flip Flops LIBERTY X HAVAIANAS | Milano TRAVALO | Studio Hatha Capri Legging LUCY | Dry Oil Bodywash DOVE |

Read more from the May Issue

BROOKLYN BOUND - THE BAR METHOD

by Nisim Frank

The Bar Method has been one of the fastest growing workouts nationwide. Friends who can do it seem to have unreal flexibility, flat stomachs, and toned arms. More than that, there is an air of relaxation that Bar Method enthusiasts have about them. Simple strong movements that engage your core muscles while stretching you out seems a lot easier than it actually is. Recently, I took a Bar Method class with good friend and instructor Rebecca Hidalgo and as a Soul Cycle regular, I expected it to be a breeze. Within three minutes, I was shaking, awakening muscle groups that a cardio class does not get to. Hidalgo, calling every person out by name as if they were life-long friends, corrected my form while giving the class pointers on how to improve - no matter what level you may be on. I sat down with Hidalgo after class to talk to learn more about Bar Method. We chatted about how she first started adding it to her workout regimen, how patience is a much needed virtue in Bar Method, and her advice to first-time skeptics and season veterans.

Nisim Frank: What was your inspiration behind starting with Bar Method?

Rebecca Hidalgo: I started taking Bar Method classes in high school- my aunt who loves trying new types of workout routines recommended I try it, being that I had been training in dance for many years. It's by no means a "dance" workout, however it does employ elements and forms of ballet, which I found very fun, safe and effective. What I found appealing about this type of workout was that the instructors were motivational, however very attentive to my form (and everyone's) when giving corrections. This was important to me because it helped me to be more aware of my body and the specific muscles I was supposed to be working and feeling in each exercise and stretch.  

I went to Bar Method classes more frequently my senior year of college, being that the Brooklyn studio opened up not too far from where I live. I was also still recovering from ACL/meniscus surgery, and Bar Method was a great supplement to my physical therapy, being that it can be very rehabilitative and has specific modifications in every exercise for certain injuries. I found myself going almost every day and really seeing and feeling results (more toned arms and shoulders, flatter stomach, increased flexibility, etc). The atmosphere of the studio really attracted me as well, it's very warm and welcoming to people of different ages and body-types. I auditioned to be an instructor, got chosen, went through months of intense and rewarding training, and the rest is history!

NF: Can you give three pointers for somebody who is just starting the Bar Method class?

RH: Patience in two ways. First, be patient with getting to know correct form. To some people it comes easier, for others it takes a little longer.

The Bar Method is an extremely mindful workout which requires focus and body-awareness. As instructors, we do our best to help you get into perfect form, both verbally and with hands-on adjustments. Sometimes for newer clients, they are simply not used to engaging certain muscles isometrically while working their alignment and posture at the same time. And that's okay! Even extremely seasoned clients (and instructors) sometimes need a reminder or adjustment. That's what makes Bar Method such a great workout, you are constantly learning how to engage new parts of your body, constantly improving your form and being constantly being able to challenge yourself further...which brings me to....

1. Be patient with results. We recommend coming 3-5 times a week to see and feel results, however everybody's body works differently and has different capabilities. If the person next to you can take the splits options during stretches, that doesn't mean that you are a worse student. There are days where even I (and I'm pretty flexible) choose not to take certain challenge options or stretch options because my body is telling me "not today". Listen to your body and your own capabilities. Especially for your own safety! Also, when it comes to your own personal goals, whether they be weight loss, toning, increased flexibility--again, everybody's body is different and will show results in different ways/take different amounts of time to do so.

2. Ask Questions! As instructors, we are happy to help when it comes to whatever question you have about the class, your own personal form, etc. Don't be embarrassed if after a few classes you still aren't understanding a specific exercise, please let us know! One of my favorite things about being an instructor is working with clients individually for a few minutes after class if they want to work on the form of a spe-
cific exercise we did in class that day. No detail is too small for us to be able to help you with.

3. Have fun. If you're struggling in the last set of thigh and your legs are shaking like a leaf (a good thing by the way), do whatever will make you feel like a superhero in those last 10 or 20 reps. Maybe that means sinking 3 inches lower, maybe that means smiling, maybe that means closing your eyes and letting the music pump you up. Have a positive mindset going in and you will feel super accomplished afterwards.

NF: Any nutritional advice to support yourself before/after the workout?

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RH: Definitely eat something before class- something that will give you fuel however not something too heavy. We do quite a bit of abdominal work and quick breathing, so let's just say that I deeply regretted the one time I ate a whole Chipotle burrito before class. ::laughs:: As for any workout regimen, you need to supplement your workout with a relatively healthy diet in order to feel or see results. Again, this is going to vary from person to person. What you eat before class will also depend on the time of day--if you're one of our 6AM warriors, you're most likely not going to wake up at 5AM and make yourself an omelette, coffee, and juice. Maybe a granola bar and yogurt is your vibe, or a smoothie. In any case, whatever fuels you at that time. Also remember to hydrate yourself! You are welcome to bring a water bottle into class with you, so hydrate before, during, and after class.

NF: For somebody a little more experienced who has gone 5-7 times, whats the next step in Bar?

RH: The great thing about Bar Method is that it never gets easier- the workout is what YOU put into it. As your form improves, you will be able to take more challenge options offered in class. If you've been coming frequently, I would say the next step is to set a personal goal as to how you would like to proceed and improve. Mixed Level is our basic Bar Method class-- That is to say, anyone can take it whether it is your 1st or 100th class. If you would like to focus more on your form and have a slightly slower paced class, maybe try out a Level 1 class. We offer Level 2 classes, as well as Bar Move (a faster paced, more cardio-based version), which require that you have taken 20 or more Mixed Level classes. Maybe set a goal for yourself to work up to being able to take a Level 2 or Move class!

NF: I took your class and love that you know everybody by name- How is the community aspect of it?

RH: Knowing everyone by name is very important for us at The Bar Method. Giving clients individual attention is an extremely helpful way not only to help them be more aware of their bodies, but to motivate them as well! Community is very important for us as well--fitness is a very personal journey, and being able to trust the people helping guide you along the path is necessary. The studio is also a great place to meet fun, welcoming, and like-minded people from all walks of life.

NF: What is a good supplemental workout to do with Bar?

RH: Bar Method is a great workout on it's own, however if you're someone who likes to do different types of exercise, it is also well paired with running or cycling. The reason for this being that Bar Method uses isometric movements and stretching to tone and elongate your muscles, as well as to improve posture. If you enjoy high-cardio workouts such as cycling or running
barre workouts will help to stretch out the muscles that tend to shorten and bulk up during those routines. It will also help with your alignment, which will make the way you approach other exercises a lot safer for your body.

NF: Any advice you've learned from your students?

RH: The more I get to know my students, the more I am able to see how I can help and challenge them further. I learn something new about someone every time I teach a class. It is extremely heartwarming for both me and them when I see someone accomplish something physically that they were maybe not able to do a month ago. My students (and fellow instructors) have taught me a lot about patience and progress.

Rebecca Hidalgo is a 23 year-old New York City-based actress, dancer, multimedia performer and creator. She loves that moment when your subway transfer is directly across the platform and is a proud cat mom. Follow her on Instagram at @r_dalgo and book a class at The Bar Method in Brooklyn at 267 Pacific Street.

Nisim Frank is based in NYC and is the Co-Founder of Labeling Men.

Read more from the May IssueMay Issue

TRAILBLAZERS - MIKE DUNN

Athleisure Mag tapped technology icon, Mike Dunn to start our new series on Traiblazers, devoted to giving a spotlight to innovators that rock the boardroom and hit it hard in sports, and lifestyle activities while on trips or away from work.

Mike's background is truly impressive, he has more than 30 years experience scaling top technology platforms for fast-growth companies. He is currently the Chief Information Officer of VER, a leading global entertainment services company. He was CTO of TrueCar, helping them to go public in 2014. Prior, he served as CTO of Hearst Interactive Media, the venture capital arm of Hearst Corporation; Corporate CTO for Time Warner; founding CTO for Dell Online; and technology executive roles with Turner and Hanna-Barbera. Mike makes frequent public speaking appearances on such subjects as technology due diligence, the semantic web and online video technologies. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: What got you interested in outdoor activities and how often do you get to do them?

MIKE DUNN: I grew up an army brat, living on numerous bases around the world, including the West Point. I spent lots of time outdoors as a kid, since the officer’s neighborhoods on bases were pretty safe places for kids. West Point is a very wooded campus, with tons of hiking trails, so I got into hiking and exploring at a very young age. 

I try to do some form of outdoor activity multiple times a week. My favorites are mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and surfing.

AM: What are your favorite activities and what were the difficult aspects learning them?

MD: I started surfing when I was 12. When my dad did his second tour in Vietnam we lived in Hawaii and then he was stationed there right after, so we ended up living in Hawaii for over 5 years. Normally we moved every 3 years. I took to surfing quickly and it came naturally. I loved the power of the ocean, and the adrenaline rush that came with surfing, especially big waves. I also use to ride my banana seat bike all over the dirt trails around the island of Oahu, a precursor to my mountain biking passion.

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I started mountain biking in the 80’s when I lived in Los Angeles. I was playing ice hockey at a pretty high level and riding a bike to stay in shape between practices and games. LA streets didn’t have many bike lanes back then so it was really dangerous on the roads. I saw one of the early mountain bikes in a local bike shop and decided to get one to get away from cars. It was a rigid steel framed bike with no shocks and cantilever brakes, it's very old school compared to today’s modern mountain bikes, but so much fun to explore LA trails.

Snowboarding I picked up later in life when we moved to New England, but it came pretty easy to me, given my surfing background, so I progressed quickly. I was mountain biking from the spring to fall but only playing hockey in the winter and I was looking for something to fill the adrenaline and exercise gap.

My two boys were little and they also took to snowboarding quickly. It's a great family sport because you spend time in the car getting there, time in the cabin together and then on the lifts. We love it. All three require a lot of practice and commitment. Speed and balance are critical but so is managing progression, thus it's not about getting ahead of your capabilities. The gold medalist Olympian Ross Powers held a camp in Vermont every spring that my youngest son would attend. Ross coined the phrase “easy stylin'” to remind kids to progress with your abilities while still challenging yourself to improve. It’s a great lesson that works for all the extreme sports I love.

AM: What are some key and advanced skills and mindset needed? How long does it take to hone in on these skills?

MD: All three of these activities require an understanding of the natural elements. So being aware of conditions and your surroundings is key to your safety and enjoyment. The other important similarity is they require single-minded focus. When charging a wave or trails, you cannot be thinking about anything else.

AM: What advice do you have about learning in general?

MD: I’m always learning new things and trying to improve, both in my career and my outdoor pursuits. Listening to experts, researching and trying new ways to do things that improve your abilities, whether at work or play.

AM: What types of mountain biking do you enjoy most? What trails and courses do you love most? 

MD: When I lived in New England, I loved riding the hilly technical terrain, wet slippery rocks and roots. Now that I'm back in SoCal, it involves much more climbing to descend. I still like technical challenges,  so I do some technical all mountain trails as well as #xc. I don’t really do bike parks anymore, the rush of catching air off of big jumps - I’ll leave for younger riders. I do like going fast, so love finding trails where you can let of the brakes and go for it.

AM: How often have you had the opportunity to enjoy recreational/outdoor activities when travelling? What have been your favorite? What are on your bucket list to go do and explore?

MD: My favorite resort is Whistler. I’ve been there snowboarding, but not for mountain biking yet. I would like to go back one summer. New Zealand is a bucket list location that I’d like to visit since it’s got world class surfing, snowboarding and mountain biking.

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AM: Do you measure performance, progress, and personal bests when going out and riding? What is being in the zone for you? 

MD: I track myself snowboarding and mountain biking. How many laps, distance, vertical, speed, heart rate are all great data points to understand, measure and learn. In the zone is about focus, being completely in the moment for the activity. Usually, it’s required so that you’re safe, so if you’re distracted then something may go wrong.

AM: What bikes and gear do you use and what’s on your wishlist?

MD: I ride Niner bikes. I have a hardtail steel cross country bike that’s great at climbing and can descend all, but the most technical trails. Then I have an all-mountain (#enduro) full suspension long travel bike that climbs good for its size but can descend at speed any trail except possibly a jump line at a bike park.

I use flat pedals and wear five ten shoes which I think are the best #mtb shoes made. I like gear from Alpinestars and Fox a lot so I tend to wear their kneepads, shorts, shirts and gloves. Kali Protectives is the helmet I like, their enduro model has saved me many times. Falling is a part of the sport. I also wear a helmet snowboarding.

AM: What were the best experiences you have had?

MD: A trip I took with my youngest son to Whistler years ago was amazing. Today, I get to mountain bike with him a lot in SoCal, so that’s pretty cool too.

AM: What do you love about nature, outdoor activities and adventure seeking?

MD: Doing fun stuff in nature, especially  mountains. For me it's about life-balance, escapism, seeing beautiful places with amazing vistas.

AM: What was one or two of the most breathtaking views you had?

MD: Whistler is incredible, but so is Stowe in Vermont, Sugarloaf in Maine and Tremblant in Canada. I’ve never been to the top of a mountain that didn’t have a view I loved as the prize for climbing it.

AM: Have you had any bad falls? What went through your mind?

MD: Oh yeah, I’ve had many. My favorite doctor used to tell me he’d much rather treat an active lifestyle, than a sedentary one. Most recently I endo’d on my mtb while navigating a technical section at to high a speed last summer and broke my collarbone, which required surgery to put in a titanium device. I was off the bike for 8 weeks, but started riding a stationary bike after a week to keep up my conditioning.

I’ve had to have 80 stitches to close up a gashed open thigh and over 50 micro-stitches to re-attach an ear from surfing incidents and I’ve broken my ankle snowboarding. These are fast contact sports.

AM: Who are your inspirations in recreational outdoor sports? Who would you want to share adventures with?

MD: I’ve been lucky enough to be around a lot of top riders and surfers over the many decades I’ve been doing them. Jake Burton, John Tomac and Derek Ho are favorites from each sport.

AM: Have you changed your diet to help your performance?

MD: I’ve been a vegetarian for over 35 years. I’m very regimented in what I eat and drink before, during and after any extreme activity. It helps me with endurance and recovery. I always drink a lot of water and I’m kind of a beer snob, so I never drink mass produced beer, but I do enjoy a good local craft brewed libation.

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AM: Do you wear any wearables or smart clothing when riding or doing other sports?

MD: I’ve used iPhone apps to track my #mtb and snowboarding for years. Strava with a heart strap helps me understand my performance zones, plus I also use my  watch health app to see at a glance what my heart rate is in real-time.

AM: Do you see new technologies impacting the sports?

MD: HUDs are entering into goggles for snowboarding, but I don’t think I’d welcome the distraction in a sport that requires so much focus. I have a heads up display on my car and even it can get distracting. VR for trail knowledge and exposure, especially for enduro and dh makes a lot of sense. New safety technology, such as helmet designs to reduce head injuries and soft pads that get rigid on impact but don’t cause restriction during normal use are very welcome.

AM: What are some of your core principles for well-living?

MD: Live a balanced life, food is fuel but can also taste good, drink lots of water, have fun.

AM: How do you maintain work-life balance? How often do you get to enjoy adventure activities?

MD: I try to ride between 40-60 miles of mtb a week. I do this by either riding early or at night during the week and then get in two longer rides on the weekend. I try not to go more than two days without riding. My vacations are usually used for snowboarding or mtb.

ATHLEISURE LIST - SURFSET NYC

Whether you're a surfer or always wanted the body without hitting the waves, - SURFSET NYC is one of the hottest methods right now! SURFSET New York City offers surf-inspired fitness classes, made popular by ABC's Shark Tank, that are designed to build strong, lean surfer bodies. The interval-based classes combine elements of aerobic fat burning, lean muscle building, and balance & core training in a fun and challenging 45-minute routine on top of a custom-made unstable surfboard.

Diana Garrett and Aaron Thouvenin, creators and co-owners of SURFSET NYC and two of the world’s first SURFSET® Fitness Master Trainers & Ambassadors. As surfers themselves, they bring the challenging and fun aspects of surfing to every class.

Diana Garrett, founder of SURFSET New York City, learned to surf more than 15 years ago in San Diego, and she’s been riding waves (in the ocean or on the RipSurfer X) ever since. As a surfer and former competitive gymnast, acrobatic performer, and gymnastics coach, her fitness focus has always been on core strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. It’s no surprise that her SURFSET New York City classes combine all four surf-inspired interval workouts!

While Diana has surfed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, you can usually find her riding her fun board at Long Beach, NY or Spring Lake, NJ. Diana’s SURFSET New York City classes bring the excitement of surfing to land, whether you want the rush of catching a wave, the lean strength of a surfer, or just a fun way to stay in shape. Diana is a certified SURFSET Fitness Master Trainer and NASM Personal Trainer.

Aaron Thouvenin, founder of SURFSET New York City, has always been a sport and fitness competitor and enthusiast. He developed a passion for surfing while attending college and pursuing a basketball career in Australia, and has never looked back. He combines the fun, free spirit of the surf lifestyle with the training regimen of a competitive athlete, and is a true believer in the fitness and spiritual benefits of surfing. Most importantly, he believes fitness should be as fun as surfing!

Aaron has personally experienced the benefits of SURFSET Fitness classes and the RipSurfer X since SURFSET first launched in 2011. After years of working and studying techniques with trainers from various areas, he tried SURFSET Fitness and was hooked. As a SURFSET Brand Ambassador, Master Trainer, and founder of SURFSET NYC, he is excited to share his enthusiasm for surfing, fitness, and coaching with the world. His motivation and focus on plyometric movements and core balance will have you in surfer shape in no time! Aaron is a certified SURFSET Fitness Master Trainer.

SURFSET Fitness creators Mike and Sarah Hartwick were on Shark Tank and secured a deal with Dallas Mavricks owner and billionaire investor, Mark Cuban.

The SURFSET NYC studio is located in the East Village at 64 East 4th Street (between Bowery & 2nd Ave), 4th Floor, NY, NY 10003. It is also available for on-site and off-site events, classes, and demos. In the summer, they are also partnering with Skudin Surf to offer surfing lessons in the water.

SURFET NYC studio is a beach oasis in downtown Manhattan! It offers bottled water, and SURFSET NYC workout towels at the studio. They currently sell Terez leggings in the studio. SURFEST NYC apparel is coming very soon!  

Read more from the May Issue

ATHLEISURE LIST - ((305)) FITNESS; NYC, DC + BOSTON

Named after Miami's area code, ((305)) Fitness is a dance cardio workout with a live DJ. Classes infuse dance moves, sport drills and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a total body workout.

This dynamic workout was created by its Founder/CEO, Sadie Kurzban, who has been featured in NY Observer, Good Morning America, TODAY Show, TODAY with Kathie Lee + Hoda, Harper’s Bazaar, Style.com, New York Post, Fusion, and The Washington Post, for her uncanny ability to make a greuling workout feel like a party. Known as a 26-year old "ball of energy known for her sweat and smiling inducing workouts," she created her original workout method while attending Brown University. While there, she taught her revolutionary dance cardio workouts part-time as a student.

Kurzban placed first in the University's Entrepreneurship Competition, receiving $75K to launch ((305)) Fitness in NYC. With packed classes and also in beautifully branded studios in NY, Boston and Washington D.C., the "rave meets workout" is an underground non-stop cardio experience to create a full body workout. Classes feature a live DJ, and burn up to 800 calories in one session.

She still finds time to teach cardio and Sculpt classes, overseeing a staff of over 30 instructors and 20 DJs. In addition, she has traveled the country and beyond, from LA to Las Vegas to Chicago to Berlin, teaching ((305)) Fitness.

((305)) Fitness has two locations in NYC (West Village  and Midtown), Washington, D.C., and Boston's Back Bay. Guests can enjoy full service locker rooms, showers and blow dryers. Soon, their apparel and boutique will be available as well.

Your workouts include the option between ((305)) Arms, ((305)) Legs and ((305)) Basics which is available at all locations. Recently, they launched Yoga 4 Better X and ((305)) Sculpt at their West Village location.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE TRUMON 

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((305)) FACTS

LOCATIONS: Midtown and West Village in NYC, Wasghington, D.C. and Boston's Back Bay

STUDIO OFFERINGS: ((305)) Arms, ((305)) Legs, ((305)) Basics, Yoga 4 Better X and ((305)) Sculpt

Read more from the May Issue

LASER FOCUS

Every second of summer (or almost summer) is meant to be enjoyed hanging with friends, spending every moment outside and more. Anything that we can do to ensure that we're able to enjoy is worth it for the ultimate optimization of the upcoming season. We chatted with Spruce & Bond specialist, Keiann Roberts about laser hair removal and how you can be prepared for your treatments. These tips will make your sessions easier, whether it's your first time or your a veteran.

1. Shave before your appointment so the technician can place the laser directly on the root of the hair.  

2. At Spruce & Bond our lasers have a setting that adjusts to not only your skin type, but your hair type as well. The laser fires a concentrated beam of light that’s directed at the pigment in your hair follicles. This kills the follicle at its root, preventing them from growing back.

3. Avoid waxing up to 4 weeks before your appointment. The laser targets the pigment of your hair follicle, and the follicle actually has to be there in order for this to work.

4. It takes at least 5-6 sessions to achieve perfection.

5. Stay consistent with your appointments. Space them out every 4-6 weeks so you hair has enough time to cycle as your hair follicles are on their own growth cycle.  

6. Some hair and skin types might be a little harder to treat, but it’s still possible. Dark hair follicles are usually easy to treat because, again, the laser targets the hair’s pigment. This is also why gray, white, blonde, and red pigments can be tricky. Spruce & Bond uses a Gentlelase Laser which is color blind, meaning that it has the ability to target any color hair on any skin tone.

7. Avoid direct sunlight on that area and always use a moisturizer with SPF to prevent additional redness.

8.  During your treatment, the sensation will feel like a rubber band snapping against your skin. Each session is about 20-30 minutes depending on what you are getting done. 
 
9. During the next day or two after, it’s normal for your skin to appear a little red. Avoid excessive heat and apply Aloe Vera to relive redness.
 
10.   The permanent results from your laser hair removal are something you will never forget!

LASER FOCUS AT HOME

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Whether you wish to use me™ in between salon treatments or at home, this compact, professional, at-home hair removal technology is for the face and body. Small and lightweight, you can use this at home or when you're in the midst of travels in mere minutes. Ideal for smaller, contoured areas like the bikini, underarm and face, yet as effective on larger areas like legs. 

The chic is the only FDA-cleared technology for permanent results on all skin tones. Used by dermatologists around the world, it is clinically proven to be effective on the widest range of hair colors, even on blond, dark blond and red hair. 

Read more from the May issue

AND 5, 6, 7, 8 .... KYM JOHNSON

Australian beauty, Kym Johnson is a Three-Time Dancing with the Stars Mirror Ball winner (2 in the US and 1 in Australia) as well as a judge for DWTS in Australia currently. We sat down with this busy dancer to find out about her new fitness program, DWTS and of course her upcoming wedding to SHARK TANK's Robert Herjavec.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We loved seeing you on Dancing with the Stars, how is it being on DWTS Australia as a judge versus one of the dancers?

KYM JOHNSON: I have to work out a lot more when I am being a judge since I'm not dancing every single day I like I did when I was on the show. So you're not getting that workout. But I love being a judge as I find myself dancing along with them under my desk. I really like it as I judge for DWTS in Australia so I get to be at home and see my family. It's 3 months of every year which is not a long time. I enjoy it - occasionally, I am used to being on the dance floor but you can't dance forever, so it's nice to transition into other things.

AM: When you were a dancer on Dancing with the Stars, what was a typical day like from doing your own workouts, preparing dances for each episode and practicing the dances leading up to each night?

KJ: Oh my gosh it's nonstop! When you are a dancer on DWTS you can seriously kiss goodbye a life for those three months, and even more. We rehearse with our celebrities 6 - 7 hours a day and then when we're not with them, we rehearse for professional numbers on the show or we are choreographing numbers for the next week - we do all of the choreography and we plan all of the costumes to fit the music!

AM: Costumes too!?!

KJ: We have an incredible design team, but we have to come up with the concepts and talk to them about to make it come to life. But creatively, it's a lot to do which is great to have that creative freedom. But it is a lot of work so you never switch off really, although it is very rewarding. When you're done, you sort of want to hibernate after!

AM: What was one of your favorite dances that you did on DWTS, favorite outfit and partner?

KJ: Well I will have to say that Robert Herjavec is my favorite partner, especially with how it all ended up!

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AM: Watching the show, we felt there was a spark there and that the two of you should totally get together! Now your planning your wedding, it's such a Cinderella moment!

KJ: I know!! I still have to pinch myself and say - like what ... it's crazy! But that's amazing. Jerry Springer was my first dance partner on DWTS in America and I just adore him, he's the nicest guy and it was really a special season and of course I won the first Mirror Ball with Donny Osmond. My favorite dance would be the freestyle that I did with Hines Ford with the half time act during the football game. We had a marching band, we dressed up in the Steelers colors. I got to live this dream as an American cheerleader. 

AM: What is a typical day like for you in terms of your fitness routine?

KJ: I work out everyday even if it is a half and hour and I'm traveling. I always fit something in. I really like to do hot yoga barre class (barre in a heated room) which always makes me feel cleansed when I leave. I do this about 3 times a week. I do a fit mix class that is essentially interval running. You run for 30 mins and the other 30 mins is on the pilates reformer machine. You get a bit of the cardio with the strength training. So I mix that up and I still dance. I have my own workout 5678 Fitness - cardio dance routine. It's really fun and I have my own workout. I take the cardio which has a little jive, samba etc., and in between I do strength routines like a 5 mins ab workout and legs. I still workout everyday as I feel better and motivated. I travel a lot and sometimes when I get off a plane I may not feel like it but once I do, it just makes everything feel the way it should. Even if it's a jump rope with interval training - doing 1 min with a jump rope and then a plank for another minute and another 1 min with hip raises. It's important to get that cardio with the strength - it's a great combination.

AM: How did 5678 Fitness and Nutrition Program come about?

KJ: People who watched DWTS would come up to me and couldn't believe that celebrities really lost all that weight on the show. But it's because they are dancing every day and you can see the transformation they have when they are on the show. I came up with 5678 Fitness with the dances that you see from the show being placed in a cardio way. When we did it on cruises, passengers enjoyed doing the steps and I knew I was onto something the way they embraced it no matter the age. You don't realize you're working out because you are doing the steps and enjoying the music - you burn a lot of calories. That's why I wanted to come out with it.

In addition to the fitness component, I came out with 5678 Nutrition because I am not dancing every day and I have to watch what I eat so the diet is important. When I did DWTS, I could probably get away with some fries and hamburgers because I was always dancing 8 hours a day (no one can train 8 hours a day). I still indulge in a burger and fries, but I switch it up where maybe I have some sweet potato fries or a burger without the bun instead. It's about making choices. With the book, I had the opportunity to work with a nutritionist and we came up with a diet that really works well for me. It's not one that you would fall off from - it's more of one that allows you to have an easy lifestyle. It has great exercises and a 14 day diet plan that you can follow along with the exercises as well as the DVD which has the actual workouts. It's also on my website and you can download it from there as well.

AM: How do you balance your busy schedule, staying fit and your upcoming nuptials with Robert (PS we're Shark Tank fans and think you guys are adorable)?

KJ: I love being busy! I would do DWTS for 3 months and then I would take a week off and be totally bored and ready for the next thing. It's essential for me to take time for myself each day whether it's a fitness class, doing a walk or just something where there is time for you. I do it every day.

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AM: When you're not busy, what's your go to look that we'd see you rocking to run errands, go to brunch etc.?

KJ: At the moment I am sitting here with white jeans and a white top with my runners. It's a nice hot day here in LA and I thought I would be springy wearing white. I love some jeans or cut offs with a T-shirt. It's all about relaxed and easy.

AM: To get fabulous summer legs like yours, what are 3 workouts we should include? 

KJ: Dancer legs are from pulling up all the time. Pilates is great for legs. The ballet barre is amazing as you want to tone your hips and your butt. Hip raises are really good as they work the back of your legs and give you nice definition to keep you long and lean. Any kind of ballet barre where you are pulsing your leg and you are getting the crease behind your butt - in dancing you're constantly engaging your legs and pulling up (all about your thighs and legs being pulled up). That's how you get dancer legs pack your butt under and pulls legs up even do leg lifts.

Read more from May Issue

SPRINT TO THE FINISH, ALLYSON FELIX

Last month we began our Olympic coverage (Kerri Walsh Jennings, Joe Jacobi) as the Road to Rio inches closer. This month we had the chance to hang out with Allyson Felix (track and field sprint athlete and Three-Time Olympic Gold Medal Sprinter) as she introduced a new initiative by her partner, Bounty at the YMCA for "The 2016 Quicker Picker-Upper Games". 

ATHLEISURE MAG: When we talk with athletes about what their training process looks like - it's always eye opening! What is your routine like? 

ALLYSON FELIX: I love Kerri, she's so great! Well, my workouts are pretty intense. In total, I work out for about 5 hours. About 2 -3 hours are spent on the track and I do about 2 - 3 hours in the gym. 

AM: What are 3 workouts that you would suggest to get great legs like yours?

AF: When I'm in the gym, I'm all about plyometrics, which a lot of people forget about doing. I like to do Box Hops where you jump with both of your legs onto a box and then go into a squat.

A core workout is an awesome way to stay fit and Russian Twists are my go to exercises.

Finally, I'm all about the track. I think that you should always go out and sprint the straights and run the curves for a total body workout.

AM: How do you mentally prepare for the Olympics?

AF: It's about practicing and avoiding distractions so that you can  mentally prepare. I am also a major believer in visualization as it's very helpful for me to run through the race in my mind as I look at the perfect race.

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Allyson Felix at the London Olympic Games in 2012

AM: What is the experience like being at the Olympics and is each appearance different?

AF: I'm nervous everytime, but it is a different experience for each one. The first one was very eye opening, I didn't know what to expect - everything was new. NOW going back a few times after that time, I am able to use the experience to be a bit calmer. You may still be a bit more nervous, but there is a comfort level there to be more effective.

AM: What's on your playlist when your training and about to hit the track? 

AF: Anything upbeat - hip hop is my go to before races and even in training. I really love Beyonce's 'I'm a Diva,' which really helps me with that transformation. I am super laid back when I am off the track, but when you have to get the job done, it helps me get into that different kind of zone.

AM: What habits do you have that change in terms of training and eating when you are closer to the games? 

AF: My stuff doesn't change too much actually. What I do in training and even getting closer, I try to keep my habits the same. When I'm eating, I eat a lot of fish, vegetables, and fruits. I don't like to have too many changes. How I am in training versus the races is the same so that I am consistent. I want to do the same thing when I am competing as for me. 

AM: Afterwards I'm sure you definitely enjoy a splurge fest?

AF: Icecream is kind of my go to! I love a good steak and just love to eat

AM: What is your track style versus when you're out and about going to brunch? 

AF: I like any detailed pieces and Nike has a lot of fun leggings and I love colorful and bright stuff - anything that is kind of unique. That's my go to. When I am out and about, I am very laid back and am a jeans and tee shirt girl. But when I dress up, I really like classic pieces - timeless pieces.

AM: When you're not training what do we find you doing in your down time?

AF: I'm an LA girl so I love going to the beach - I'm all about the beach cruiser and going into the water. I'm a homebody, since I travel so much - I like being with my family. When I have my off time, it's kind of great to do just nothing!

AM: How do you maintain balance?

AF: Balance is key and it's all about scheduling as you have so many responsibilities. I have a lot of help and an amazing support system with people that I work with as well as partnerships. 

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Bounty (in addition to being her partner, but also a sponsor of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games), has been great with everything that they are doing. Currently, their initiative on social media allows people to tweet a Quick Tip. I did mine as I have a Yorkie - she's so much fun but just a little messy. So I put a little Bounty paper towel underneath her water bowl to pick up any spills. I would tweet this to @Bounty with #QuickTip and for each of those tips they donate $1 to P&G Team USA Youth Sports Funds. It's something that I believe in and is just a great way that they have partnered with me.

Throughout the 2016 Olympics, Bounty will share the best tips on their social media channels. Select winners will receive prize packs. 

I also make sure that I have some time for myself is key which is important for everything else.

Pictures courtesy of Bounty/PG + Nike

Read more from the May Issue

In Step, Layla Luciano

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May 2016 Cover

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May 2016 Back Cover

MAY COVER + IMG 4 | Crossfit Sport Bra REEBOK | Legging ALO YOGA | IMG 1 + 2 | Lingerie Set HANRO | Karma Color Bracelets SEQUIN JEWELRY | Tree of Life Bracelet MOIRA ANN DESIGN | Lariate Layered Necklace STERLING FOREVER | IMG 3 | Lingerie Set + Kimono HANRO | MAY BACK COVER | Sport Bra + Graffiti Legging REEBOK |

Our May cover is graced by Layla Luciano, a celebrity fitness trainer based here in NYC who has not only been noted as one of the city's hottest trainers, and also was one of the stars of Bravo's Workout New York and is the Co-Founder of PACT PARK! We sat down with Layla to find out more about her, the show and what she is working on!
 
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to work in the fitness industry?

LAYLA LUCIANO: I have always been extremely active and full of energy ever since I was a kid. I played basketball, baseball, did track and field, gymnastics and martial arts. I started martial arts when I was 5, and because I was so dedicated, I earned my first degree black belt when I was only 11. When I received my black belt, I started assisting teaching classes for the children's program and I loved it! In high school, I volunteered to teach for my karate dojo to blind and visually impaired students. These experiences truly made me fall in love with teaching, and so when I went to college, I majored in elementary education. When I started student teaching in NYC public schools in Harlem, I thought I would automatically fall in love it. I fell in love with the kids, but not the curriculum system. I also saw all of the kids’ unhealthy eating habits, their school lunches and the fact that they only get half an hour of recess. Kids naturally have so much energy and need to burn some of that off throughout the day in order to really concentrate on school work! Instead of continuing on to teach the K-6 curriculum for NYC public schools, I started my own after school programs and summer camps for kids fitness. I taught a Latin dance program and a karate program, but the underlying idea for both of these programs was teaching my students the importance of building healthy bodies and lifestyles! I always knew I loved helping people better themselves, so two years later I continued to share my passion for fitness by developing and creating my own classes at various NYC fitness studios, including bootcamp, pilates and kickboxing.

AM: What areas do you feel are your expertise within fitness?

LL: In terms of training techniques and working with clients, because I'm fluent in a variety of workout styles, I feel like I'm very good at creating programs for clients so that they see the changes they want to see and they never get bored! I'm also very good at teaching two groups at once, like I did at Barry's Bootcamp for over 4 years.

AM: What's your style when training clients and where have you been an instructor in NYC?

LL: My style is tough love, but fun. I will make you work hard and push you to do so!  I've been an instructor at NDG Fitness, SLT and Barry's Bootcamp.

AM: We are fans of Bravo's Work Out New York, what was it like to be in the cast?

LL: Filming Work Out New York was definitely a rollercoaster ride. Some days I loved being in front of the camera, and some days I would be so tired from teaching, training clients, training myself and filming all day that I was cranky and over it! I was excited to share about my life as a fitness professional in NYC with a very different upbringing than most. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of how much editing could be done to manipulate any situation. As a fitness professional who wants to motivate and inspire, I feel like there were some aspects of my life that were highly dramatized that even made me a little uncomfortable watching, since it wasn't truly me (more like Layla multiplied by 1000).

AM: Is there another season for you/the cast and who from the show do you hangout with?

LL: We are still waiting to find out! I still hang out with Courtney, because we are from the same crazy person planet so we understand each other :P

AM: We know that you and Jay have your own studio fitness, tell us more about PACT PARK!

LL: PACT PARK is a high intensity, but low impact group fitness experience. The unique workout combines boxing and MMA strike training on a Nexersys machine that calculates strikes, accuracy, power AND friction training on a Lynx board, which concentrates on mobility, balance, control and coordination, using body weight training to maximize form, speed and power. PACT means Proprioceptive Aerobic Cross Training. Proprioceptive is about body awareness, knowing exactly what you're doing not by seeing, but just doing. The aerobic cross-training is by going back and forth between the Nexersys machine and the Lynx board. And a Park is just a fun place!

At PACT PARK, we give you metrics and data from the Nexersys machine to help you progress and give you results to improve your body & mind! You get a great release being able to hit the machine. We are also focused on training your body safely on the Lynx board because you're not jumping, you're sliding, which helps strengthen your joints and ligaments in a low impact manner. And on the machine, the pads give a little resistance when you punch them and are safer than hitting a punching bag.

In March, we started doing 30 minute pop up classes at Hub Seventeen in Lululemon Flatiron on 17th St. and 5th Ave before the studio itself opens to create some buzz and have people try out the new workout! We will continue these pop up classes throughout the summer until we open our first permanent location in NYC by Fall 2016 as that's the priority right now!

AM: For those who want an amazing booty this summer, what 3 workouts can we do?

LL: Understanding the three main parts of your booty will help you understand the movements you need to make in order to work it in every possible way for the perfect shape all around! Hip thrusters for optimal hip extension for the gluetus maximus. For gluteus medius and minimus fire hydrants with ankle weights and lateral band walks (with the band around the ankle).

AM: What's your personal style when you're at the gym and then going out?

LL: My gym style is the same as when I'm teaching a class or training a client because I usually go from one to the other. I love my sports bras to be a bright pop of color with sexy straps (like the Lululemon Free to Be Wild bra). I love tight tank tops that are either cropped or go just past the belly button (I usually end up cutting all of my tank tops to that length if they are too long). I love playing with different bottoms especially since I'm an ambassador for Carbon38. I get to try out all different designs and styles! When I'm going out I love to really play dress up since I live in workout clothes all day! My going out style is very sexy, but trendy.

AM: How did you get into aerial? how did you get into it?

LL: When I was about two years into my fitness career teaching bootcamps, lifting weights and doing boxing and muy thai, I felt like I was missing something. I've always loved competing in kata at my martial arts tournaments. Kata is a detailed choreographed of movements and strikes with a goal to internalize the movements and techniques so they can be executed and adapted under different circumstances without thought or hesitation. Competing in kata in tournaments was almost like a performance since you are judged on technique, style, balance, timing, and verisimilitude! I love being a strong, badass but I was missing the combination of that with style, grace and performance. That is how I discovered aerial three years ago!

AM: From the show, we can see that you have a great sense of self, are comfortable in your own skin and are able to speak your truth without reservation. How did you get that sensibility?

LL: I was born and raised in NYC (that alone will make you tough) with a strong, loving mom who truly taught me to love myself and that is how I was raised it wasn't until I start- ed modeling towards the end of high school and into college that I become very self concious. At that time my particular look was "too exotic" and I had "curves" (which is an
outrageous statement because when I look back at pictures of myself from then, I was so
skinny...I just had a little wider hip!)  As tough as you are, comments like that over and over again start to get to you. When I started com paring myself to other models, that's when I realized this world wasn't healthy for me and I found myself again through where I started, fitness! Everyone wants to look good but make sure you are also doing it for your health and for the good feelings you get when you make yourself better and stronger!

In Step, Layla Luciano fashion editorial was shot at The Colorado (201 E 86th St) and Pure Barre (1325 Lexington Ave) on the UES in NYC.

Read more from the May Issue

BODY TALK

If the summer makes you a bit nervous as you're still working towards your goal weight, we suggest listening to tips by none other than The Body  (5 time Sports Illustrated cover model) herself, supermodel, designer and co-founder of WelleCo - Elle Macpherson, who can get us there without binge exercises and detoxes.

We chatted with her about her Four-Week Body Plan which involves the much buzzed about - The Super Elixir. Not only will you look great but you will feel energized which is essential as we head into these warmer months.

Week 1

• Eliminate carbs after 5pm

• Take the Super Elixir Alkalizing Greens with 500ml of water once a day

• Drink at least 2 liters of filtered water each day

Week 2 (Build on Week 1 +)

• Replace one meal a day with the Super Elixir Nourishing Protein mixed with 400ml of cold almond milk 

Week 3 (Build on Week 1, 2 +)

• Add cayenne pepper to at least one meal a day to boost your metabolism 

Week 4 (Build on Week 1, 2, 3 +) 

• Cut out all added sugar, dairy and processed starchy carbs

• Increase your intake of green vegetables 

Read more from the May Issue