5 PIECES TO ADD TO YOUR FITNESS WARDROBE
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Featured Style
US OPEN FAT BIKE BEACH RACE MAY DOUBLE IN SIZE IN 2019
Already the largest fat bike beach race on the East coast and named one of the Top-20 festivals and events in 2018 by the Southeast Tourism Society, the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship may double in size in 2019.
"For the past two years, the race has been limited to 100 participants," said Shawn Spencer, Race Director. "We're expecting a larger field in 2019 and had to raise the cap to two hundred."
To accommodate the increase, Spencer plans to have two race times, segmenting the elite category from the intermediate and beginner groups, limiting each race to 100 bikers. "The elite racers will have the track alone for the first time," said Spencer. "The elite, intermediate and beginner races will be more exciting with less congestion on the track."
The 5th annual US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will be held March 22-24, 2019, with activities and races based at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach. Blockade Runner is expected to reopen in early Spring following extensive repairs due to damages from Hurricane Florence.
"We'll have some cash prizes this year thanks to our presenting sponsor Alpha Mortgage," said Spencer. "This will attract a higher number of elite racers."
"The elite race requires conditioning beyond any other type of sport, plus the mental fortitude not to quit regardless of your suffering. It's just hard," said Spencer. "Skill is also needed to manage a fat bike through obstacles and tough terrain."
"With two months to go, we already have 73 bikers signed up for the races," said Spencer. "These athletes represent 39 communities in seven states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York." Spencer expects a full slate of 200 bikers in 2019, and is awaiting registrations from Georgia, Florida, Michigan, and California.
"The return of the last three champions is creating excitement surrounding the 2019 women's elite race," said Spencer. Mount Airy's Philicia Marion (Cycleworks Xpedo Professional Mountain Bike Team presented by Vittoria), will defend her 2018 championship against 2017 winner Zdenka 'Zoe' Worsham (Crank Arm Brewing Professional Team of Raleigh), and 2016 champ and "fat bike aficionado" Jesse Piersol of Downington, PA.
The field of women in the US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship has increased from near zero to sixteen-percent over the past four years. The growth rate is expected to continue in 2019.
The competition will be equally fierce in the men's division with a deep lineup of elite bikers seeking the top-spot. A top contender to watch is 2016 champion Robert "Fear the Beard" Marion of Mount Airy (Cycleworks Xpedo Professional Mountain Bike Team), recovering from a 2017 bike injury.
"Athletes check-in Friday at Blockade Runner Beach Resort to inspect the race conditions," said Spencer. "Saturday there will be a bike expo on the beach lawn before and after the races, followed by the awards ceremony. Competition includes a two-hour elite race; a 90-minute intermediate event; and a 60-minute race for beginners. Popular obstacles will be on the course this year with fresh surprises to challenge the bikers."
Sunday features an optional 18-mile social bike ride on the beach from Fort Fisher to Bald Head Island and back.
"It's amazing and very exciting to see so many people coming together to support the races and our community following Hurricane Florence. We are very grateful," said Spencer.
The US Open Fat Bike Beach Championship will benefit the Wrightsville Beach Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public parks and amenities for residents and the island's many visitors each year.
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Featured Athletes
PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash
CAN HAVING SEX BOOST YOUR TESTOSTERONE LEVELS?
Testosterone. Every man needs it. Not every man has enough of it - especially after the age of 30.
It’s the primary male sex hormone responsible for several things, including:
· Your ability to maintain an erection
· Your sex drive
· Your ability to grow and maintain muscle
· Your energy levels
· Your quality of sleep
Knowing this, you’ll understand why it’s important for a man to keep his T-levels high even past his 30’s if he wants to maintain good health as he ages. But how can he do it?
One rumor which frequently gets passed around is that the very act of having sex boosts your Testosterone levels. But is it really true?
Is sex a good way to increase your Testosterone levels?
In theory, the notion that having sex boosts your T-levels seems to make sense. After all, the more you have sex, the more sex you want, right? Well, that’s true, but it’s not necessarily down to a sudden flush of Testosterone caused by the act itself.
The fact is, when we have lots of sex, we have sex on our brains more. It’s as simple as that. Like any fun activity, the more we do it, the more we think about it, and the more we want to do it.
So, does having sex actually cause our T-Levels to rise? Unfortunately, not really. While having sex does very slightly increase your Testosterone levels, the amount is so minimal, it’s barely able to be measured. In fact, although it may not be what you want to hear, one study actually found that abstinence had much more of a positive effect on T-levels.
If you’re in a relationship and enjoy a lot of sex, this probably isn’t the news you want to hear - but if you just so happen to be single right now, you can take comfort from the fact that your sexless existence is not hampering your chances of boosting your Testosterone levels.
Bad news for sex lovers?
Does this mean that if we are in a relationship, we should all stop having sex if we want high Testosterone levels? No. That would be a very dull life indeed, wouldn’t it? Besides, sex has lots of other health benefits which can directly affect our Testosterone levels.
As a great form of cardio (and sometimes strength training too), sex is benefitting your Testosterone levels in the long term through this one benefit alone. Not only that, you’ll sleep better after sex - another vital component to increasing your sex drive.
So while your T-levels may not shoot through the roof during the act of sex itself, they will increase afterward due to the other health benefits you get from having an active sex life. In short, keep having lots of sex! It’s good for you, and good for T-levels.
And what of those who don’t have a partner to have sex with several times a week? Don’t worry, you can replicate the effects of the extra exercise with a light jog, or a quick gym session. Perhaps it’s not quite as much fun, but it could certainly be a good way to meet new people - and who knows, perhaps even a new partner?
How does Testosterone affect sex drive?
You may think this is all well and good, but I don’t really fancy having much sex anymore. Well, that’s exactly why you need to fix your T-levels - and even more reason to give sex a chance!
Low Testosterone levels play a key role in a flagging libido. In fact, having less interest in sex could be one of the first low T-level warning signs you notice. The good news is, the more you have, the more you want, so make time for sex. You may just find you enjoy it more than you expected once you get into the swing of things, and you’ll be improving your health (and your long-term ability to maintain high Testosterone levels) at the same time.
What causes low Testosterone levels?
There are various reasons your Testosterone levels may begin to dwindle. One of the main issues is age. Men past the age of 30 tend to suffer from a 1% drop in Testosterone levels each year.
In addition to this, alcohol has a devastating effect on your T-levels - and if you want them to stay high, you need to stay off the sauce as much as humanly possible.
High levels of body fat are another reason so many men struggle to maintain high Testosterone levels. And those man boobs? They simply wouldn’t be there if your body fat was normal and your hormones well balanced. When you lose Testosterone, you tend to increase your Estrogen levels (the female sex hormone), which is why you grow breast tissue.
As you can see, lowering body fat levels and keeping alcohol out of your system are both great ways to begin when fighting your war against low T-levels.
Symptoms of low Testosterone
How low is your testosterone? The truth is, without a blood test, you can never be sure. But you can look out for the early warning signs that your T-levels aren't all they once were.
Ask yourself, have you noticed any of the following recently?
· Your libido is slowing down
· You have less energy
· You struggle to gain muscle
· You’ve developed ‘middle age spread’
· You sometimes have trouble maintaining an erection
If so, you may want to consider booking an appointment to get those T-levels checked out.
The good news is the best treatment is completely natural, and mostly involves lifestyle changes. Weight training, cutting out alcohol, getting enough sleep and swapping carbs for veg are just some of the simple changes which can make all the difference very quickly.
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Featured Wellness
S1. Ep 2. | #TRIBEGOALS with Lacey Stone
We’ve been aware of Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Lacey Stone, for a number of years! She has parlayed her talents as a celebrity trainer on E!’s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian for the past 2 seasons of the show. We sat down with Lacey to talk about how this basketball player became interested in becoming a fitness trainer and how she catapulted it into taking on celeb clients, working with various fitness methods, how she inspires others as well as who inspires her. In this podcast of #TribeGoals, we get the scoop on a number of upcoming projects and the importance of body, mind and soul when you’re making changes in your life whether it’s meeting a fitness goal or taking other important steps. This episode of #TRIBEGOALS is brought to you in part by Core Power Protein Shakes by Fairlife and was recorded live at Brookfield Place.
Check out #TRIBEGOALS on Athleisure Studio, Athleisure Mag’s multimedia podcast network.
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ATHLEISURE LIST | MOVE & MEDITATE METHOD
As an athlete her entire life, Kait Hurley ran cross country and track competitively in high school as well as running at the Division 1 level in college. While her coach in highschool pushed her to be the best, there was a balance of staying focused while keeping it fun. But when she was in college, she realized that she was chasing perfection.
This drive to train harder, be faster and to lose weight to do better continued well after she stopped competing and thus created anxieties. As she began working in the health and wellness industry she tried foods, changed her exercises and reduced her anxiousness.
A breaking point after a series of anxiety attacks led her to consider meditation, although she was concerned that it would make her lose her edge and drive. She realized that by embracing this method she felt more steady and was better at responding to stress.
Even with the benefits of this practice, she still dreaded doing it and felt that after working long hours that she didn't want to choose between working out and meditating.
When she combined movement with meditation, she was able to start exercising and moving her body before she even meditated which let her lose the feelings of dread that she had. By harnessing the energy and endorphins created during her sweat sessions, she found that she was more patient and open to the experience of sitting, thus enjoying the practice. It was understanding this element that led her to launch Move & Meditate Method.
Kait and her husband Peter launched the KAIT app in November. It's the first app to fuse a variety of exercise styles with meditation. KAIT offers a wide ray of audio and video classes on the go to boost your energy, uncover your inner strength, and develop a more resilient body and mind. All classes focus on helping you be more present in your body and in the moment. Movement sessions are set to pumping music and include everything from high intensity sweat fests to audio-only-running workouts to grounded yoga flows to restorative, chill options if your body needs a break. Every class ends with a short, guided meditation to help you train your attention and refine your ability to work more skillfully with the energies of the heart and mind.
With KAIT, you can get your workout and meditation done in as little as 20 minutes. Most classes do not require any other props than a yoga mat or an optional set of 2-pound weights. Classes are available for download for offline functionality when you’re looking to fully disconnect and can be streamed to your TV via for the best visual experience.
KAIT offers a variety of guided programs to stay consistent and deepen your practice. With the app’s scheduling capability, you can pencil workouts into your calendar for up to two weeks, so you know exactly when you can make time for yourself. To optimize follow through, KAIT sends friendly follow up reminders and tips to get the best results. New classes are added on a monthly basis. Feedback from subscribers is appreciated as they received requests for a prenatal Move + Meditate class, so Kait teamed up with her friend Arianna Maag to make it available and it’s become one of the most popular classes!
Last summer, Move & Meditate Method partnered with Andrea Mason from Abhinaya to co-lead the brand's first retreat last summer in Bali. They will do it again in April 5th - 10th in 2019 (there are a few spots left so DM them to snag a spot).
In addition to the app and retreat, the method has partnered with nonprofits and organizations who are fighting racial and social justice. Due to their work to dismantle white supremacy and to make a safer world, those who do this work can feel burned out due to the emotional labor they extend. By providing this service to them, they can take better care of themselves and can continue making an impact.
MOVE & MEDITATE METHOD
KAIT APP
IG @kait.hurley
Read more from the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Move & Meditate Move in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | TONAL
A lifelong struggle with obesity, being a 20-year Silicon Valley veteran, engineer and serial entrepreneur led Aly Orady to become the CEO and founder of Tonal. Turning to weight training he was able to lose 70lbs, but this schedule wasn’t sustainable as a sizable chunk of his day was eaten up just getting to the gym. Once he got to the gym he had to wait around for machines and equipment to become available. Refusing to believe that he needed to sacrifice his time for a better body, and unable to find a better solution, he invented one. Using electromagnetics to create electronic resistance he created a way to replace the gym with a single digital weight machine.
Tonal launched in August 2018 and is available to demo in-person at their showroom in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow (1824 Union Street). Tonal is available throughout California and will be available nationally in early Q1 2019. For those in NYC, there is a showroom at Soho House as well to see this for members of this space.
It is billed as the world’s most intelligent fitness system and the first truly personalized approach to strength training.Tonal enables people to lead healthier lives by providing them with the technology, guidance, and community support to effectively reach their fitness goals.
Based on each individual's strength baseline assessment and fitness goals, Tonal recommends the ideal programs and workouts for you. Hundreds of hours of expert coaching, with a variety of personalities and styles, guide you through multi-week programs based on your goals, with different exercises each day to maximize results. Try stand-alone workouts with a variety of coaches, or choose a multi-week program that’s right for you, and switch as often as you like.
Their coaches represent a broad range of training philosophies and motivational techniques with programs designed for muscle building, mobility, injury prevention, weight loss, and sports performance.
Since Tonal can push over the air software updates and new content, expect several new training formats in the coming year, they are continually shooting new content, as well as new software-enabled features and social experiences that connect Tonal users to each other.
TONAL
Cow Hollow
1824 Union St
San Francisco, CA 94123
IG @Tonal
Read more from the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Tonal in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
CURLING + CATCHING WAVES WITH SARAH POTEMPA
When it comes to getting glamorous hair many of the world's celebs turn to Sarah Potempa, a bicoastal hairstylist whose clientele includes: Lea Michele, Emily Blunt, Ana de Armas, Busy Philipps and Millie Bobby Brown. Editorially, her work has graced shoots for Vogue, Paper, Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, Vanity Fair, Esquire, and W. In addition, she has been the hair partner for a number of Fashion Week shows as well as Victoria's Secret shows. She is the Creator and CEO of the best-selling Beachwaver Co. curling iron and styling tools.
We took some time to chat with this hair visionary to find out about how she came up with this successful line, upcoming launches and her participation as a partner in the World Surf League as the title sponsor of the first ever Beachwaver Maui Pro.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about the a-ha moment that took place for you to create The Beachwaver Co.
SARAH POTEMPA: My “aha” moment came when I was on the phone with a beauty editor describing how to get gorgeous, red carpet worthy waves at home. I explained to the editor, as I had done many times on tv segments, how-to videos, and beauty articles, how you had to hold the curling iron upside down and wrap the hair backwards. She said it was too confusing to write "upside down and backwards" and sounded difficult to do on your own hair. So when we hung up, I sat down and drew out the idea to have an iron that could be held upright, allowing you to curl both sides of your hair seamlessly with the push of a button. I saw a need for a curling iron that all women could use on themselves; one that would give incredible results without a hairdresser.
The Beachwaver is a rotating curling iron that you hold upright. It rotates in both directions and you control it with the touch of a button! All you have to do is clamp the hair, tap the arrow away from the face, hold the barrel for 3-4 seconds and release straight down for a perfect wave. It also has 350 custom parts and 3 computer boards, which control features like the digital temperature setting, dual rotation, and heat up and rotation speed allowing for more customized use.
AM: With the holidays coming up, what are items from your line that we should make sure we’re gifting to others or snagging for ourselves?
SP: We recently launched our Beachwaver S Series in a Dual Voltage model; this is a perfect holiday gift as it has the same user-friendly functions but is compatible internationally so it can travel with you anywhere! Its ceramic, rotating barrel provides easy, quality waves in minutes! The new launches from our new Beachwaver Co. Collection are must-haves as well – Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray to create a protective barrier while heatstyling and Second Chance Dry Shampoo to revive your hair and restore fullness. The holidays are a busy time so all these products combined will make sure your hair can withstand 2nd or even 3rd day hair, and make touch-ups super easy and quick.
AM: Tell us about your sponsorship of the World Surf’s League Maui Women’s Pro Championship – how did it come about, what will you be doing in this partnership and how synergistic is this with your brand?
SP: The Beachwaver Co. is thrilled to be partnered with the WSL as title sponsor of the first-ever Beachwaver Maui Pro. This partnership extends beyond a shared love of beautiful beaches and perfect waves. We are proud to partner with such strong athletes and role models and I am so excited to work with these incredible women, with equally incredible stories, who are inspirations to people around the world, and who inspire us, too. Our brand shares so many of the same philosophies as the WSL, between innovation, women’s empowerment, inspiration, and especially the fact that they just announced equal pay for all athletes – so amazing! We are the brand known for creating gorgeous beachy waves so it just made sense to partner up with the WSL and these phenomenal athletes and bring our fans and audience along to Maui as we chase the perfect wave together!
AM: With the holidays coming up, we all love doing something fun with our hair. What would you suggest as an easy quick do and let us know the tools of the trade that we need to get to do it.
SP: I love this Double Half-Up with Braids and Beachwaves using the Beachwaver and these super cute accessories we just launched. This is a really fun and festive look to try for the holidays!
Step 1. Prep the hair using The Beachwaver Co. Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray. Section off the top half of your hair and divide into two equal parts. Pull each section into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic.
Step 2. Using The Beachwaver Co. Half Up, create two topknots by pulling each ponytail through the Half Up and slide it towards the ends. Roll the Half-Up down towards the base and bend each side under. Create two 3-strand braids under each topknot and secure the ends with an elastic. Take two of The Beachwaver Co. Velvet Bows and clip directly underneath each topknot.
Step 3. Curl using The Beachwaver S1.25, rotating the hair away from the face and finish with The Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray for additional lightweight hold.
AM: Are there new products that you are releasing next year that we should keep an eye out for?
SP: Yes! Creating innovation in product development is a huge passion for us as a brand. With the success of the patented Beachwaver® Tools, our fans were constantly asking for products to pair with their Beachwaver or Coast Pro styling iron! As a women owned company, we wanted to create a vegan, cruelty-free line that was free of negative energy and we have spent over 2 years creating innovative formulas with strengthening benefits, as well as styling. The Beachwaver Co. Collection products are free of parabens, formaldehyde, sulfates, mineral oil, benzophenone, and phthalates, and that’s something my sisters and I are so proud of. We worked closely together on this for years and felt that we had a responsibility to future generations to create products that are not only good for humans, but also for the environment. Great Barrier Heat Protectant Hairspray and Second Chance Dry Shampoo are available now on Beachwaver.com and more will be launching in early 2019 so keep your eyes peeled on Instagram @sarahpotempa and @thebeachwaver!
AM: How are you spending the holiday this year?
SP: With my family!
AM: How do you take time for yourself to ensure that you have appropriate downtime?
SP: One of my favorite ways to unwind in my downtime is with Green tea, a piece of dark chocolate, listening to the Avett Brothers on our record player and sitting by the fire! I also have two kids and a huge 125 lb. Alaskan Malamute puppy!! On our days off, we love to go to the dog park, cook brunch, and go on a bike ride through the forest preserve by our house! To really unwind and relax, I go to hot yoga with my sister and get a good iced coffee cold brew after!
ATHLEISURE MAG: We had the chance to talk to Australian 6X world surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore briefly about her win. Since her entry into women's professional surfing in 2007, she has dominated the scene by winning her first world title as a rookie, then 3 consecutive world titles (no other surfer in men's or women's) can claim this accolade! In addition to her 6 ASP World Titles, she has 24 Elite World Tour victories as well!
What does it mean to take this title at the Beachwaver Maui Pro and what is the state of women's surfing now?
STEPHANIE GILMORE: This season has been incredible and to win my 7th WSL Title in Honolua Bay at the Beachwaver Maui Pro was so special. Women's surfing has never been in a better place - the level on the tour just keeps going up and up, the recent prize money equality announcement was groundbreaking and the amazing support of brands like Beachwaver is so important. I can't wait for 2019!
PHOTOS COURTESY | BEACHWAVER + WSL
Read more from the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Curling + Catching Waves with Sarah Potempa.
Featured Beauty
THE PICK ME UP
Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag,
Featured The Pick Me Up
PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash/Alison Marris
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROBIOTICS FOR MEN?
What Are The Benefits of Probiotics For Men?
We hear so much about probiotics and healthy eating, but do you have any idea what probiotics are, and why you should be taking them?
The health and wellness industry is always introducing new products onto the market, but probiotics have certainly stuck around for a good few years now. There is a good reason for that - probiotics have been proven to have a range of benefits for overall health and wellness, especially for the gut. Of course, further studies will need to continue, in order to ascertain whether there are any possible side effects, and the extent of the benefits too.
For now however, we simply know that probiotics are beneficial, but what are they?
Probiotics are actually bacteria and yeasts. Whilst that might sound troubling, it’s actually a good thing! Probiotics are healthy bacteria. Your body needs both good and bad bacteria to create a natural, harmonious balance. The good bacteria helps to stop the bad bacteria from running riot and causing disturbances, and also ensures smooth running of your overall digestive system.
As a man, why should you consider taking these healthy bacteria as part of your daily routine? Let’s check out some of the benefits of probiotics for men.
Probiotics Help to Treat And Prevent Diarrhoea, Caused by Antibiotics
If you are prescribed antibiotics by your doctor, you are at risk of developing diarrhoea, caused by that medication. Probiotics can help to prevent this from occurring in the first place, if you’ve been taking supplements for a while already, and can treat it if you’ve suddenly developed it. We all know how annoying and inconvenient diarrhoea can be!
Probiotics Help to Lower Cholesterol Levels
Do you have an unhealthy diet? Or, do you have a family history of heart issues and high cholesterol? According to Staci Gulbin RD, probiotics could help to lower your cholesterol levels, and therefore lower your risk of developing serious heart-related conditions in the future. Of course, you’ll need to take probiotics in conjunction with a healthy diet too.
Probiotics May Help to Reduce Anxiety And Depression
There is some suggestion that taking a regular probiotic supplement could lower your risk of developing anxiety and depression, and could also help to reduce the effects if you do suffer with it already. There are two main strains which are associated with this benefit, namely B. Longum, and Helveticus.
Probiotics Help With a Variety of Digestive System Conditions
The stressful and busy lives we lead these days can cause stomach upsets and conditions, such as diverticular disease and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). If you suffer from a gut issue, taking a regular probiotic could help to relieve your symptoms and cut down on the chances of a flare up from occurring. Soothing IBS symptoms is one of the most well-known benefits of probiotics overall.
Probiotics Boost Your Immune System
Giving your good bacteria amount a boost means a better immune systems. Studies have shown that those two take a regular probiotic supplement, or those who get a good amount of natural probiotics in their diet, fall foul of the common cold much less frequently as a result. This is useful for anyone who seems to be prone to catching every virus doing the rounds during the winter months, for sure!
Probiotics May Help You Lose Belly Fat
There are certain probiotic strains which are thought to help with weight loss, particularly around the belly area. L. Gasseri is one of those strains, as well as B. Lactis too. Obviously this needs to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, but the probiotic supplement could help you to target where you want to lose the weight from, more effectively than otherwise.
Probiotics Help to Cut Down on Ulcer Development
There is one particular type of bad bacteria which has been considered conductive to ulcer development, i.e. Helicobacter Pylori. By taking a regular probiotic, you are giving your body more of the good bacteria to fight this strain, and several studies have shown that by doing this, you reduce the chances of a H. Pylori infection, and therefore cut down your chances of developing an ulcer, when you lead a healthy lifestyle overall.
Probiotics Help With Gut Health Overall
Overall, probiotics are beneficial for your gut, and this ensures that you have less stomach upsets and more regular days when you don’t have bloating, excess gas, or any other gastric disturbances which cause upset and distress. Again, we live busy and stressful lives and all of this can contribute to a lifestyle of grabbing the quickest meal possible at the end of the day, perhaps not chewing your food enough and causing indigestion. When you follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and incorporate probiotics into it, you will find that your gut health is optimum as a result.
By choosing to incorporate probiotics into your life, you need to decide whether to go down the natural route, i.e. within your diet, or by taking a supplement. You won’t struggle to find a wide range of different supplements on the market, with tablets, capsules, and yoghurt drinks available. If you choose to up your probiotics content in your diet, you need to focus your attention towards live yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kale, fermented foods, kombucha, miso, dark chocolate, traditional buttermilk, and other foods which are known to be high in natural probiotic content.
Many people find it difficult to get their full amount of probiotics from diet alone, which is why supplements are so popular these days. Remember to show around for the best supplement for you, and to always seek the advice of your doctor before you start taking any new kind of supplement, which you haven’t taken before. There isn’t a lot of evidence to suggest major side effects of probiotics, but at the same time, not a huge amount of studies have been done into this either. A quick chat with your doctor will give you the information you need, to be able to decide whether probiotics are the best choice for you or not.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Featured Wellness
ATHLEISURE LIST | P.VOLVE
Steve Pasterino, Celebrity Fitness Trainer who is known for his work with Victoria's Secret models, is the founder of P.volve, a method that focuses on elongating the body. Steven's philosophy is steeped in the belief that fast and sweaty workouts were not resulting in making the naturally proportioned, lean bodies that women want. His method focuses on ensuring that women are able to obtain their desired tone and definition without straining, damaging or bulking muscles.
P.volve's fundamentals are about building strength through purposeful exercise. With a studio in NYC as well as the ability to take courses On Demand and two classes (Thigh Thursday
- activating glutes, hips and thighs by firming and trimming the thigh and butts by integrating the proprietary P.ball into the workout and P.Sculpt - a total body sculpting class. In addition
to reserving classes within a group, you can also have one-on-one personal classes).
The P.volve method is a low-impact, resistance based workout that is based in physical therapy. Classes integrate slow, controlled movements to emphasize muscles that are lengthened and strengthened. This is done in a way that protects the joints, increases range of motion and eliminates inflammation. In the studio, an array of equipment is used in addition to your own bodyweight. Those who take courses via streaming can do so without equipment. Although there are no showers available at the hardwood natural light studio,
there is storage for personal items (cubbies and coat racks), face/body wipes deodorant spray, hair dryers, dry shampoos and hairspray.
Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | P.volve in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | CHAISEFITNESS
Known for its innovative and body-redefining method, ChaiseFitness was designed and founded by mother-daughter duo Lauren Piskin, a former gold medalist figure skater, and Rachel Piskin, a former ballerina with the New York City Ballet. Their energy and decades of professional experience is the driving force behind the unique hybrid workouts at ChaiseFitness, which blends the sculpting and strengthening methods of Pilates, ballet, cardio and strength training. As a long-time professional Pilates instructor, Lauren always wanted to “get Pilates off of its back and bring it into the modern upbeat vibe of New York City,” but it wasn’t until Rachel’s ballet career came to an end that she started developing a way to make that happen. Rachel was struggling to maintain the healthy lifestyle she always had from dance, so she and Lauren began to experiment and create a new type of workout that eventually gave her an even stronger and healthier physique. ChaiseFitness and the Reinvention Method were born from Lauren’s professional experience was refined by Rachel’s personal journey to help everyone create long lean muscles, increase flexibility, and transform their bodies.
What makes ChaiseFitness stand out is the unique patented system designed with an overhead bungee system and a state-of-the-art fitness chair. This system provides the framework in which new programming is continually developed (right now there are 10 types of classes) fusing together Pilates, ballet, strength training and aerobics. Focusing on building long, lean, and sculpted muscles, clients improve their posture, spinal health, core stability and strength due to the overhead bungee system and use of resistance bands. ChaiseFitness is still a family business, that lends itself in creating a strong sense of community, which is why it is important that it always has small class sizes to ensure all clients get hands on corrections, connect with the instructor, and most importantly learn how to work in proper form.
With celebs such as Vanessa Hudgens, supermodels Anne V and Jessica Hart who have been trained in the method, it is for everyone. The college student, the working professional, young moms as well as clients in their 60’s and 70’s. The method is low impact with a focus on building long, lean strong muscles, improved core strength, enhanced posture and spinal health. Classes can be done at all the different phases of one’s life: wedding, pregnancy, post natal, rehabbing an injury and of course, just the daily work out to keep you in amazing shape all year long.
ChaiseFitness launched in 2012 with locations in the UES and Flatiron. They expanded their franchise model in Madison, NJ and plan to open of a studio in Maplewood, NJ in early 2019.
At the Flatiron studio, all of the signature classes with intimate class sizes (max 12 per class) as well as private sessions. There are over 10 types of class offerings which include: Chaise Reinvention; a signature class incorporating the fitness chair and overhead bungee system, ChaiseCardio uses the same equipment with the addition of cardio aerobic intervals, and one of the most popular classes BandSculpt using various resistance bands to sculpt and strengthen the body. At the Upper East Side location you can still experience intimate group classes, and have a full traditional Pilates floor dedicated to offering private sessions and small reformer classes. Unique to the UES location is the ability to take private sessions in all the various modalities - an hour session can include working on a reformer, TRX, and wrap with the chair and bungee system.
Both locations offer clients towels, a filtered water station, digital lockers, and select hair and face products so guests can refresh post-sweat session.
In February 2018 Chaise On Demand's platform debuted. Clients can access all of the content through the desktop or the ChaiseFitness app, which offers pre-recorded fitness videos such as 7min ab blast or a 20 min full body chair workout. Clients also get access to live streamed studio classes. The content is updated monthly so clients are constantly challenging themselves from the convenience of their homes.
CHAISEFITNESS
Flatiron
40 E 23rd St 3rd Fl
NY, NY 10010
UES
1204 Lexington Ave
NY, NY 10028
www.chaisefitness.com
IG @chaisefitness
Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List ChaiseFitness in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash
TIP: HIP THRUST FOR A STRONGER SQUAT
The hip thrust is by far the best exercise for an athlete who understands its benefits. But for the sake of the novices in exercises and the sports life, we will start by defining what hip thrust exercises are. They are exercises targeting the hip area, core, and glutes by actively moving these parts through one of many workouts. Some add weight as they move the hip area up and down while others do it without any weight. Doing it correctly has a number of benefits as confirmed by experienced fitness trainers and therapists.
A Word from the Experts
Most fitness enthusiasts and athletes from all over the world ignore this exercises since they are oblivious to what value it could add to their lives. But experts have something to tell them. If you want to prepare your body for the best squats, this is one set of workouts you should include in your exercise schedule.
Some research shows that people who were exposed to some form of hip thrust exercise a couple of times a week have better core strength, overall body balance, and power than those who do not. So from this, it is evident that experts confirm that hip thrusts make for better squats.
Hip Thrust Exercise with Increasing Intensity
It is always prudent to start small in fitness and grow the intensity of workouts as you get used to them. And that is the case with hip thrust exercises. If you find some exercises difficult, you can get motivation through reliable steroids at 120kgs.org. They have a wide variety of enhancement boosters that are legit. Here are easy ways of increasing hip thrust intensity for better squats:
● Increase the number of reps - All hop-thrust variations have some reps involved. You will notice that it is not possible to do many at the beginning of the exercises. However, you need to increase the reps after every week. Your ability to easily perform squats will also increase.
● Add more time - Hip thrusts are used as preparation for squats and other lower body exercises like leg presses. However, one can increase the duration of the exercise to get the most out of it.
● Add weight - Another wise way to make your core, hip, and glutes stronger is by gradually adding weight when doing hip thrusts. Some caution when doing this is to have a trainer or training buddy just in case things go wrong. It is better to prevent workout accidents and injuries than to treat them.
Relationship Between Hip Thrust and Squats
Squats have benefits to the lower body, especially the glutes and hamstrings. If you have a knee problem, this is the perfect solution. Heavy lifters add weights when doing squats to get the same effect as leg presses with a high-resistance force. But with all of these exercises, the hip and core areas play a major role of support. And this is where the hip thrusts come in to make this area strong and powerful. Those who put some work into hip thrusts can confirm that the fruits are incredible.
Read from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag
Featured Fitness
WHEN FANTASY IS REALITY WITH FIELD YATES
This month's cover is graced by Field Yates, an NFL Insider for ESPN who contributes analysis, breaking NFL news and fantasy football for the network. We enjoyed catching up with him to know more about how he got into the industry, shows he's on and more about Fantasy Football.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized you wanted to work in sports?
FIELD YATES: For as long as I can remember, I wished to work in sports. I often joke that I had an early realization that my future in sports was not going to be on the field forever - my college career at Wesleyan University on the football and lacrosse teams - was inglorious. But, without hesitation, I always knew that I wanted sports to be a foundational part of my life. So much of my life has revolved and will continue to circle around sports, which I'm grateful for everyday. So while pinpointing a specific moment is difficult, I'm hard pressed to remember a time when I didn't envision a career in sports.
AM: We know prior to coming to ESPN, you worked in the front office on the staff for scouting and coaching. Tell us about your background and how you transitioned your career into joining the ESPN family.
FY: My career at ESPN was, well, not by design. My desire growing up was to enter into the world of football coaching, and after spending several training camps working with the Patriots during my high school and college years, I was hired by the Chiefs in 2009 following my graduation from Wesleyan University. My summers with the Patriots were a combination of scouting and coaching duties, learning the ins and outs of each while contributing in any way that was asked of me. I draw the parallel to learning a new language: for me, training camps were my football Rosetta Stone. Learning from an organization with incredible success was my foundation and my time in Kansas City (2009-2011) provided me with a chance to put my football education into action. Both were truly remarkable opportunities.
AM: What shows on air as well as on the podcast are you a part of and tell us about these as well?
FY: My role at ESPN has some elements of a utility player, as my assignments span across almost anything tied to football. During the season, I serve as the co-host of the Fantasy Focus Football podcast with the amazing Matthew Berry and Stephania Bell. Our show is live-streamed daily on Twitter, making it a bit different than a traditional podcast -- it's TV-lite. On Sundays, I appear on our popular Fantasy Football Now show, with in-season work on NFL LIVE, SportsCenter and any other football-related segments on other shows. My work also includes extensive ESPN Radio opportunities and some writing for ESPN.com.
AM: What is an average week like for you as we know you are at ESPN HQ as well as work out of Boston?
FY: During the season, my week lays out as such: I depart Boston first thing Sunday morning, arriving to Bristol by about 7:30 AM in advance of our meeting for Fantasy Football Now. From then until Friday afternoon, I remain in Bristol (I'm familiar with all of the local hotels near Bristol by now!), as our podcast airs every Monday-Friday. It's a blitz from Sunday-to-Friday, but one that seemingly goes by at the speed of light. Between TV obligations, the podcast, developing our weekly rankings for those who play Fantasy Football and so much more, there is rarely a dull moment.
AM: How do you take time for yourself with such a busy schedule?
FY: My goal is to carve some time each day for myself to unwind from the ever-moving football news cycle. I'm a morning person - always have been - so my days begin with a workout every day. It's a chance to decompress and set the tone for the day ahead. As a creature of habit, I know that bypassing on a workout in the morning will inevitably result in it falling by the wayside later in the day. Get up and get going is my mindset.
AM: What is it about reporting about football, focusing on fantasy sports and giving fans analysis that resonates with you?
FY: I truly believe the advent of fantasy football has led to make the sport relatable in a way that is incomparable. Hardly a day goes by when I don't hear from someone who has a question about his or her fantasy lineup or favorite team. That connectivity to fans, readers, followers, listeners, viewers, etc. is something I am truly inspired by. The appetite for football is insatiable; from the 17 weeks of the regular season to the playoffs, the draft, free agency and so much more, everyone seemingly loves football!
AM: What is your personal style when you're on the air, when you're podcasting and when you’re at home with friends and family?
FY: I aim to be myself above all else. That's the starting point for how I approach my work, as it's easy to see others in the world of reporting or podcasting and try hard to emulate their style. But that is what works for them; it's important to be authentically yourself in any walk of life. Style-wise, specific to apparel, my goal is to always look sharp: an outfit that you aren't trying to draw attention to, but an outfit that when people see it, they understand there was thought put into pulling it together.
AM: How do you stay in shape? What are 3 of your go to workouts?
FY: My workouts do tend to go into phases: sometimes they involve more weightlifting, while other times I place more of an emphasis on cardiovascular activity. But three workouts that you can never go wrong with: a run around the Charles River in Boston, any sort of core workout and a full-body exercise.
“My desire growing up was to enter into the world of football coaching, and after spending several training camps working with the Patriots during my high school and college years, I was hired by the Chiefs in 2009 following my graduation from Wesleyan University.”
AM: What's on your playlist when you're working out and what do you listen to when you're hanging out?
FY: The world of podcasting is not one I live in simply as a host; I'm a huge consumer of podcasts as well. Be it the other fantastic podcasts we have on our ESPN feed (Adam Schefter or Mina Kimes football-themed shows) or anything related to the NBA - I'm a hoops junkie - podcasts are a perfect workout soundtrack for me.
AM: In Boston, where would we find you grabbing a drink/getting a meal, working out and shopping?
FY: Boston has such a great mixture of culinary options and I'm fully convinced its on the rise. Our local seafood is as good as and deserves to be advertised and the next time I ever grow tired of eating lobster will be the first time. During the summer, the Seaport area has seen tremendous growth, becoming one of the best areas to spend time in its mixture of top restaurant options, activities and shopping make it a can't miss Boston spot. For my favorite sandwich in the city, 3 Little Figs in Somerville is hard to beat.
AM: Let's talk Fantasy Football. How important is the draft and what are some tips if you are with a group you know well versus venturing out into new waters?
FY: The draft is supremely important in fantasy football, but it is unquestionably just the first step in the process. I always remind people, the team you draft is not the team you finish your season with! It's essential to be active on the waiver wire and fielding/offering up trades. Along those lines, the most important thing to remem ber in the draft is to find value; even if you start your draft with a surplus of wide receivers, it won't be long before someone with a dearth of pass catchers comes calling with a compelling trade offer. While NFL teams often draft for need in the NFL draft, draft is based for value in fantasy football!
AM: What are some surprises you've seen for this season?
FY: While I had an extremely optimistic outlook for Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen, his emergence into the best fantasy football wide receiver so far in the league has been tremendous to see. He does everything well, is consistent and represents one of the best values in this year's draft. On a non-fantasy side, the robust number of trades has been fun to see as well. NFL teams have often been hesitant to make trades when compared to what we see in other major sports league (i.e. NBA, MLB, NHL), but the spike in trades has been neat in the NFL. Teams are far more wheeling and dealing than we're typically accustomed to, as was evidenced leading up to the recent trade deadline (October 30th).
TWITTER @FieldYates
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see When Fantasy is Reality with FIeld Yates in mag.
Featured Athletes
I'LL TAKE VERMONT
Before the weather seriously dips into unspeakable temperatures, we took it upon ourselves to take a little weekend away to Stowe, Vermont to take in the peak time where the leaves change for fall. Now earlier this year, avid readers of Athleisure Mag know that we spent a weekend in Woodstock Vermont in March right after a snowstorm and we took in snow sports as well as learning about the area.
With this previous knowledge, we knew we wanted to enjoy hikes, the cuisine of the area and a number of the luxurious amenities offered at our host, Stowe Mountain Lodge a part of Destination Hotels. In addition, we partnered with GMC 2019 Canyon Denali and took it to make the journey for a classic fall weekend. When you’re taking a road trip, being able to have access to OnStar, access to GPS (perfect when you realize you need to re-route due to traffic) and of course being able to listen to SiriusXM radio or connecting your phone to not only charge in the vehicle but to play your own music - hands free - this is the luxury truck you want to be in.
We talked with a few people to find out more about this property. From a culinary perspective, we enjoyed a curated 4 course meal via Stowe Mountain's Chefs Table at Solstice with a wine pairing. In addition, we enjoyed a number of meals that focused on a handcrafted cocktail menu as well as beer flights from breweries that are local to the region.
Our Solstice Chefs Table menu incorporated aspects of what we had yet to eat at the restaurant (to highlight new ingredients), ingredients that we were interested in trying or staying away from as well as our chef's creativity. The dinner along with its pairing was perfection and we circled back to Executive Chef Sean Blomgren to find out about our meal as well as the ability to book a Chefs Table experience as a guest.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed our Chefs Table dinner which had a phenomenal wine pairing along with 4 courses. Is it typical that guests get to have an impact on items that could appear on their personalized menu?
EXECUTIVE CHEF SEAN BLOMGREN: That's the whole point. We want to know about the guest’s preferences as best we can. It is that information that helps us create a truly customized experience. If you tell us that you really like steak, that helps me to create an awesome steak course. Even during the meal we are able to adapt to feedback and collaborate on where the meal is headed. I still make sure that there are a few surprises mixed in!
AM: Where did you train, where did you work previously to this restaurant and how long have you been here?
EC SB: I have been here just over a year now. Previously, I was in Telluride, Colorado, Washington DC, Charleston, Aspen, and Boston working at some of the top hotels and resorts in the country. Culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu in Boston.
AM: What is your culinary style and what do you enjoy about making great meals at Stowe Mountain Lodge?
EC SB: I try and use the amazing bounty that Vermont has to offer. I also like taking something familiar to most people and adding something new or changing it a bit. The flavors of Asia play a big part in a lot of my cooking, but the French training is always at the core.
AM: Seasonality and sustainability are so important in the culinary world, how is this achieved and created at the restaurants at the resort?
EC SB: We have 4 very distinct seasons here in Stowe and that allows us to be able to change the menu often to highlight what is at its peak. Some of the classics remain year-round, but there are so many great producers around here that we try to focus on by always evolving.
People come to Stowe for a number of reasons and the fact that there are 4 distinct seasons and the backdrop is Stowe Mountain, guests can really enjoy a number of activities. Earlier this year when we were in Vermont, we went Snowshoe Walking - so this time, we knew we wanted to go hiking and take in a classic fall day in Vermont. Our walk was conducted by Tyler Royer, Director of Recreation at Stowe Mountain Lodge.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about the outdoor/recreational program? We enjoyed hiking with Tyler and learning about the area - what is his background and how did he come to the resort?
SPRUCE PEAK OUTFITTERS: Spruce Peak Outfitters is the focused point for Stowe Mountain Lodge guests and club members who are looking to explore all the activities and adventures the Stowe area has to offer. Our experienced guides organize and lead various seasonal activities to enhance and personalize every guest experience. We offer outings that range from hiking, snowshoeing, horseback riding to ice-climbing, kayaking, brewery tours, art classes, and more. For guests looking to find their own adventures in Stowe, we act as an informational resource and are more than welcome to provide our local guidance, knowledge, or advice.
Tyler Royer is the Destination & Conference Services Manager here at Stowe Mountain Lodge and manages our team here at Spruce Peak Outfitters. He has been an integral part of the Stowe Mountain Lodge family for more than 6 years. He is a born and bred Vermonter, although he obtained his Corporate Communications degree at the College of Charleston in South Carolina in 2007. Tyler has spent a portion of his career in New York City where he worked organizing corporate team-building, training, and group development events and activities. He has since returned to the Stowe Mountain Lodge to pursue his passion for group and recreational services within the close-knit and caring community of Stowe, VT.
AM: How are hikes created for individuals or groups that are interested in participating?
SPO: Each season Spruce Peak Outfitters publishes a schedule of hikes and other activities (including fly-fishing, rock climbing, boat tours, etc.) that goes out to guests and groups here at the Lodge. Guests interested in these excursions then reach out to our team to book their spot on the outing. We offer hikes ranging from easy to difficult with a variety of features along the way. Each hike is unique and has a different focus based entirely on the interests of our guests. We may focus on historical aspects of the area, foliage or seasonal changes, waterfalls, or scenic views and overlooks. Outside of the set schedule we also offer entirely customizable hikes based on guest requests or specific interests.
AM: Tyler shared a story about how skiing has a birthplace of sports in a way - can you expound on this?
SPO: Stowe is widely considered the birthplace and Capital of skiing on the East Coast. In the 1930’s the Civilian Conservation Corps cut the first purposefully-created ski trail in Vermont known as the Bruce Trail in the Ranch Camp Valley at the base of Mt. Mansfield. Remnants from this camp can still be found today in the Stowe Cross-Country Center. Local lore tells a story of two men; Craig Burt, the owner of the Ranch Camp Valley land and a prominent Nordic skier in the area, and Austrian-native Sepp Ruschp, a famous Alpine skier and instructor who saw the potential that Mt. Mansfield and Stowe had for the sport. Both men argued for their style of skiing and a competition from the peak of Mansfield to downtown Stowe ensued. Each man competed in his preferred style of skiing, and Sepp Ruschp won the race – fueling the development of alpine skiing we see in Stowe today. Stowe remains a mecca for both Nordic and Alpine skiing to this day.
AM: What are key things that one must keep in mind when taking a hike in Vermont - in terms of a checklist of sorts of things to have on hand, what to wear, pack and to stay mindful of!
SPO: We recommend always planning ahead and being prepared for every outdoor activity found here in Vermont. Bring a buddy or tell someone your plans ahead of time. Bring a map, water, food, extra layers, sturdy footwear, rain/snow gear, and a first aid kit. More difficult trails may require a headlamp or trekking poles to help you along the trail. The weather in the Green Mountains is not entirely predictable so always bring extra layers to add or shed along the trail!
With a number of activities available on site and nearby - as well as a number of places to eat, we wanted to find out additional information about this resort which really caters to any guest that is taking time here.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Stowe Mountain Lodge - who is drawn to this resort during the year?
STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE: Stowe Mountain Lodge at Spruce Peak is for everyone – Families, friends, couples someone looking for a solo adventure.
AM: What is the busiest time of year at Stowe?
SML: Stowe Mountain Lodge is thepremier slopeside resort in the East, so as you can imagine winter is definitely the busiest time of year. Having said that, we are a four season resort with two golf courses and the Spruce Peak Outfitters that creates daily adventures year round.
AM: What kinds of services are offered at Stowe's spa?
SML: The Spa at Spruce Peak offers a wide variety of treatments from our one-of-a-kind “Live Like a Local” series to the typical massage or facial.
AM: We enjoyed staying in our room which was a 1 bedroom suite - what are the offerings in the rooms and what are special amenities that are offered to guests?
SML: Our suites (1,2 &3 bedrooms) of fer guests a full kitchen, fireplace and balcony where guests can look out at the mountain views.
Our Studios offer a kitchenette, fireplace and balcony.
Our Classic rooms are more of a typical hotel guestroom.
Our Front Four units offer a private lobby with check in and departure as well as a private concierge. There’s a meeting room as well as a continental breakfast.
The rooms have a full living room, kitchen, fireplace and balcony.
You can see all of our accommodations at Stowe Mountain Lodge here.
AM: Can you share the different rooms available in terms of being a guest, being able to own one of the rooms (and how this also allows owners to rent them out etc)?
SML: All of the rooms at SML are available for purchase. Owners have the option of joining our rental pool where we maintain the room and they enjoy special benefits of being in our rental program.
PHOTO CREDITS | Stowe Mountain Lodge courtesy of Stowe Mountain Lodge and GMC Denali shot by Athleisure Mag
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see I’ll Take Vermont in mag.
Featured Travel
ATHLEISURE LIST | STRETCH*D
We find that throughout the week we are always selecting fitness methods based on what we are looking to target or to ease ourselves into the day. Sometimes, you're focused on legs, your abs and on others - you need a really good stretch! We all know that you are supposed to stretch before and after a workout and many of us own foam rollers where we can continue the practice at home.
Stretch*d provides a Stretch*r which is certified to be able to maneuver your body. Whether you have an appointment or not, you can opt for a Quick*e (25 mins), Flex*d (55 mins) and E*longated (75 mins) for a full body stretch out. Even if you only have 15 minutes to spare, they can work within this timeslot as well.
In addition to these packages, there are additional add ons. There are services such as the Anti*aging Stretch which which incorporates a Light Slim LED that focuses on your face, feet and lower leg. You can opt for Get Buzz*d which adds a Hyper Volt to your treatment, Get Relax*d that adds CBD Cream neck massage, Lengthen*r which adds 10 minutes to your base package, Get Puls*d which is a 20 minute leg compression with Normatec Recovery Bootie, Get Stimulat*d is a 20 minute massage with a smart muscle stimulator the PowerDot, and if you happen to not have the appropriate clothing, you can also rent an outfit so that you can be in comfort.
Pre or post your treatments, there is also an area that has foam rollers, stall bar and additional stretching aids that can assist you in further treatment.
The Stretch*d Method was developed due to work with pro-athletes, weekend warriors and those who experience the wear and tear of daily life (extensive sitting, driving, picking up children, etc). The team believes that this dynamic assisted stretching is the most effective form of stretching for all bodies, no matter the activities that you do.
Ultimately, this method will allow you to perform at your peak, improve your
range of motion and posture, reduce pain, increase longevity and keep you stretched out.
STRETCH*D
27 W 20th St
NY, NY 10011
www.stretchdspace.com
IG @stretchdspace
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | STRETCH*D in mag.
Featured Athlelisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | SWITCH PLAYGROUND
Switch Playground came to NYC in fall of 2016 by way of initially launching in South Africa in 2014! Steve Uria, a longtime fitness entrepreneur and personality launched this fitness method which is fueled by a DJ playing as you go through a number of circuits in 2 minute increments. One of our classes started with a quick yoga warmup and continues with a mixture of TRX workouts, treadmills, medicine balls, trampolines and of course, all done
within a blacklight setting! Although you workout individually, we found that we worked in groups of two and through a series of hand signals, we navigated the workout to figure out if
we would do it again or modify it within our 2 minute slot before moving into the next movement. With an array of instructors guiding you through this bootcamp style workout, you're able to see others who are in your class doing moves that you will do later in your
session, which consists of 20 stations. You have 20 seconds to get from one station to the next one before you start your 2 minute drills.
Those who do this workout find that it is truly a total body workout and it consists of plyometrics, strength training and cardio. It's a challenge that allows you to sync in with your instructors (which there tend to be around 10 that float throughout your session) and your partner as you continue with the workout.
Whether you take the class religiously or just from time to time, the workouts change from class to class so there is no way that you will be bored or be able to go on "autopilot". It's all about intensity, intervals and of course - variety.
This nightclub oriented workout complete with fog machines and dancing by the instructors while you complete your stations, are followed by access to bathrooms that have a number of
amenities including showers as well.
SWITCH PLAYGROUND
Soho Playground
180 6th Ave
NY, NY 10012
12th St Playground
130 East 12th St
NY, NY 10003
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Switch Playground in Mag.
Featured Athleisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | BRRRN
On May 1st 2018, Brrrn became the world's first cool temperature (45°F-60°F) boutique fitness concept and lifestyle brand, opened a 3,000-square-foot studio with a rustic, industrial-chic, lodge aesthetic in New York City's Flatiron neighborhood (107 W 20th Street). The research driven concept is disrupting the fitness landscape by pairing the benefits of routine cool temperature exposure (called mild cold stress) with exercise (called environmental conditioning) to optimize the fitness experience—as well as provide other health benefits, such as burning more calories than in ambient or hotter environments. Brrrn
debuted with a three-tier group of exercise programs: FLOW (Yoga-Inspired Mobility and Strength Series at 60°F), SLIDE (Cardio Slide Board Core & Conditioning Series at 55°F) and HIT (Battle Rope-Infused HIT Series at 45°F).
The flagship studio includes male and female identifying locker rooms with Nebia showers, an eight-person communal infrared sauna experience and exclusive Brrrn apparel. The Brrrn Coldture™ is a body-positive community that strives for progress, not perfection.
Jimmy T. Martin and Johnny Adamic are multi-hyphenates whose backgrounds extend beyond the real of fitness. Martin is a former Division I athlete who has 10 years experience as a private trainer to C-Suite executives and influencers in fashion and entertainment. He also worked as a freelance copywriter and background performer on Saturday Night LIve from 2011-2016.
Adamic's background is in public health and journalism. Prior to Brrrn, he worked for the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene and served on former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Obesity Task Force doing obesity and chronic disease prevention. He also wrote for The Daily Beast as their health contributor. He earned his yoga teacher training and personal training certificates. He met Martin at a private training facility in Soho.
When you exercise in cooler temperatures, you optimize the fitness experience because you burn fat, you can grow a tolerance to cold, and cooler temperatures provide the optimal temperature for working out.
In the long term, frequent and routine exposure to cooler temperatures can help you acclimate to cold. This means you can spend more time in cooler temperatures, allowing you to reap more of the benefits.
Guests can enjoy locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, full refresh bar, Orlando Pita Play Hair products, 8 person infrared sauna experience, state of the art sound system, exclusive Brrrn
Apparel and Unity Water.
BRRRN
107 W 20th St.
NY, NY 10011
www.thebrrrn.com
IG @Brrrn
Read more from the Sep Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Brrrn in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | B MVMNT
Bizzie Gold is one of the world's top Personal Development and Wellness experts with 5 global brands held by BUTI Inc, her parent company which started in 2012. It has grown into a global business in 27 countries. This parent company recently launched B MVMNT in May in the LES. With the success of her Buti Yoga in 2012 that included a number of streaming videos, in May 2018 she launched the brand's first brick and mortar studio.
The Stanton Street studio offers a carefully curated experience of Celebrity Trainer Bizzie Gold's unique movement and wellness methodologies. All B MVMNT class sequences utilize spiral structure technique® to facilitate the deep release and toning of the body - physical, emotional and energetic.
Through primal movement, dynamic asana and cardio-sprints, students breakdown the emotional barriers that hold them back from achieving self-love and true human connection. Music guides the classes like an internal GPS - no more 8 counts or reps. The beat blended movement forces you out of your head and INTO YOUR BODY. It is in this magical place that you integrate your human experience instead of escape it. All formats incorporate elements of shaking and vibration to help release stored trauma and stimulate cellular organization.
B MVMNT offers drop in classes in addition to 3 membership tiers, private training and nutrition counseling. The studio includes a community infrared sauna complete with BOSE sound system and chromotherapy lights, NKD by Bizzie Gold retail shop and Golden Ratio protein bar. Non-heated classes are taught in a room with ambient temperature of 78-80F while heated classes are taught with far infrared towers to gently heat and detoxify the body - the ambient temperature may rise between 85-90 degrees.
The lockerrooms are equipped with changing rooms, wifi equipped lounge, community vanity complete with DryBar blow dryers and products as well as a 4 person infrared sauna. Guests can also purchase NKD by Bizzie Gold at the retail shop as well as purchase items from the Golden Ratio protein bar/cafe.
B MVMNT
114 Stanton St #1506
NY, NY 10002
IG @bmvmnt
Read more from the Sep Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | B MVMNT in mag.
Featured Athleisure List
ATHLEISURE LIST | NEO U FITNESS
Located in midtown, in a 20,000 state of the art fitness hub, Neo U Fitness is not only about housing a number of concepts within its walls, but it is a live streaming and on demand platform for top trainers and brands that make itself available to a worldwide audience. This fitness center uses cutting edge technology to link people to these elite trainers. The focus is to highlight great fitness methods while exposing and growing fitness brands. With a belief in fitness and wellness, both are integrated into the offerings provided.
There are 3 studios where guests can take boxing, yoga, bootcamp, dancing and more. Check out the schedule to see who or what method will be showcased on your date and time of interest. Each room is designed with interchangeable equipment and atmospheric projectors.
In addition to the studios, the cafes come along with premium amenities are available for its guests. There are plenty of showers, daily lockers, and a NEO Cafe serving juices, smoothies and acai bowls.
In a recent class, we enjoyed the lounge area where we were able to chat with our fitness host pre and post class. There is also a boutique to purchase apparel as well. With live streaming cameras available in the studio, Neo U is focused on being the Netflix or Amazon of fitness to truly provide access to their offerings worldwide.
NEO U FITNESS
420 5th Ave
NY, NY 10018
IG @NeoUFitness
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Neo U Fitness in mag.
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