| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | WARDROBE STYLIST Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | MODEL Holly Croft/MSA Models |
We're all about warmer weather and within our Birds of Paradise shoot, we showcased the hottest looks in swimwear and athleisure by Maaji, a Columubian based brand known for their vibrant prints.
BOOK COVER COURTESY | Simon Schuster
I always felt that when people chose their workouts it was based on their needs as well as a way to tap into their energy. My vivid memories of exercise include watching my mom work out to Denise Austin, Glad and a number of the 80’s stars. Aerobics, the step and squats were a part of my routine from high school through college as I loved the movement and that feeling – who doesn’t love a retro Jane Fonda moment? Towards the end of college, I met the Elliptical and I was hooked. As I transitioned to NYC as long as there was an elliptical – that’s the only gym equipment you would see me on for 45 mins to an hour. At home, I would do routines that focused on squats (loved them) and crunchies. For the last few years when it came to various workouts, I sampled the trends and methods like I would a flight of wines and beer. It didn’t bother me that I wasn’t committed to them – as long as I kept moving.
As a woman who has always been comfortable within my own skin, like many I have always had areas that I would love to tweak; however, I felt that there were things that were clearly off the table due to genetics. As the Co-Founder/Style Director of Athleisure Mag, I love how we showcase fashion, style, fitness, beauty and more within the athleisure lifestyle. Whether I’m visiting designers, on set for shoots for this publication or others or going on air – I always end up being in conversations about health, mindfulness and balance. It’s always interesting to see what’s out there and to try it out. At the beginning of this year, I decided that I would focus on certain areas in terms of my fitness. I was about 2 weeks in when I was connected with Exude Fitness and its CEO, Edward Jackowski, Ph.D., one of the country’s leading motivational fitness experts and best-selling author of Escape Your Shape (Simon and Schuster). A number of celebrities have graduated from Exude Fitness including Brooke Shields, Tina Fey
and more.
Prior to my first session, I was sent his book, Escape Your Shape, which breaks down our bodies into four shapes Hourglass®, Spoon®, Ruler® or
Cone®. With that said, these types have workouts that are geared towards each shape (as well as itemized no-no’s for each body type). Not surprisingly, I knew that I was an Hourglass. I also learned through the book that my sampling of various workouts wasn’t about being aware of
what was out there, but my way of saying that the methods weren’t helping me in my goals. Therefore, I would try it out for a bit and then move on. Frustration would set in and I would simply go back to the elliptical and squats - as I felt that that was benefiting me (although now I know this doesn’t work for me in terms of the goal of a leaner lower body).
When I arrived at Exude Fitness at Bliss Spa, I had already filled out a form that looked at my medical history, my goals etc., and I kept in mind the Hourglass focus. I had circled one of my goals that simply stated toning in all areas. I thought it was a reasonable answer and who wouldn’t want to just have it all. The next 20 minutes of working with Edward showed me that without even reading my answers he accurately identified areas that I wanted to improve upon. He also dispelled myths that I believed to be true (ie., having larger thighs is hereditary so it’s not something that I can really do anything about). As we sat there, he charted what we were working towards from reducing inches to losing weight as well as to benchmarks. Hearing that in 6 weeks I would see one series of results and that by July (right before the holiday) – I would hit the goals, I was shocked.
Just in case I had any more concerns on whether this was possible, Edward had me do one thing that made me a believer. I hadn’t been able to touch my toes standing up in a very long time. I chalked it up to having poor flexibility as I got older. Within a few stretches on the same day upon meeting Edward, I was able to touch my toes (sometimes when I am working on a workout and am challenged, I stop and touch my toes to remember that something I didn’t think I could do – I can do without effort).
Just in case I had any more concerns on whether this was possible, Edward had me do one thing that made me a believer. I hadn’t been able to touch my toes standing up in a very long time. I chalked it up to having poor flexibility as I got older. Within a few stretches on the same day upon meeting Edward, I was able to touch my toes (sometimes when I am working on a workout and am challenged, I stop and touch my toes to remember that something I didn’t think I could do – I can do without effort).
Although I was a little sore my first day as I had touched muscles that I hadn’t before, I was excited to get a workout program that was tailored to me for my body type. That night, I had a program that included minimal equipment (you can’t go wrong with 2 lb weights, a jump rope and a 4 lb bar). Within my routines, I have options for days that I do yoga or when I’m traveling and am unable to be on a stationary bike. Everything is thought out so that you can optimize your workout to reach your goals. In addition, he is only a phone call or an email away. Another key portion of Exude Fitness is the care that is taken to matching each person to a trainer. It’s not just about ensuring that you’re form is right or that you are increasing
your workout – it’s also about matching a personality that creates a relationship. Through the past 6+ weeks, working out with Fun Lee has been a treat as she knows how I have advanced within certain workouts that were previously a challenge, she knows when I can do a little more and keeps mixing it up – but she also makes me feel really comfortable in general. She also acknowledges my commitment to the process and that I am genuinely blown away by the results.
When it comes to results, I have to say that I saw toned areas throughout my legs pretty quickly and well before my 6 week target, I was pleased with the transformation that happened and of course with working out within what works for my body, it’s easier for me to push forward even through portions that are still a little tough. As Edward says, the “results and motivation are directly linked to each other - and the more results you see, the more incentive you have for continuing to exercise.” At the end of the day health, fitness and aesthetics are the core benefits to exercising and when these are met through picking, “the right exercises and activities that are based on your body type” – going back to sampling an array of
workouts is not even an option. For the past 25 years, Exude Fitness has studied and analyzed the aesthetic effects of exercise and holds the
world’s only medically-proven and patented exercise program based on body types - as he is the pioneer and innovator of this method. I’m pleased to share that I will check in with you on my results and findings with my training with Exude Fitness and even outside of the magazine, you will be able to see more about what they are doing throughout the website. As Spring makes everyone think about their fitness levels again (just in case some of you made those resolutions at the beginning of the year), I want to share with you Exude Fitness and its body types, as well as some key notes about each.
KNOW YOUR BODY TO GET TONED
No matter whether you’re an Hourglass®, Spoon®, Ruler® or Cone® (although these body types are genetically predetermined) it’s understanding your type that will allow you to work out your problem areas and to adjust your workout plan. In terms of diet, I can only speak to my plan, I really have not been restricted from any food; however, it is about when I am eating it. I have always been one that doesn’t eat breakfast, has a light lunch (depending on what’s going on it’s a salad) and then a larger meal for dinner. A nugget of truth came when Edward said that my larger meal should be lunch as that is when I need more energy and my lighter meal should be a salad. When you think about it, it makes sense and as we’re moving
into the summer, having this simple, yet effective advice will definitely be welcome. As someone who loves potatoes, learning that I don’t have to break up with it but can simply enjoy them during lunch with one cheat evening with them are just some of the examples of why this method works with your lifestyle.
To properly identify your shape, it’s simply a matter of seeing where your weight (which includes muscle and fat) is distributed on your frame. Once you know your shape, you’re able to make the proper adjustments. Most women are Hourglass and Rulers, while most men are Cones and Rulers; moreover, your height or weight doesn’t determine which body type you are. It’s also worth noting that if you are vastly overweight, you may have a hard time seeing what your true body type may be. It’s best to follow the Hourglass workout until you begin to reduce your weight to see where you are. At that point, you can assess your type and begin targeting the exact workout for your true body type.
HOURGLASS
* Carries weight in both the upper and lower body; however, slender at the waist
* Significant difference between the circumference of your chest and waist (or between hips and waist)
* Your body reflects a balanced and curvaceous appearance when looked at in the mirror.
It’s worth noting that those that are this type tend to look lighter than their actual weight and tend to gain most of their mass in the thighs and backs of arms.
BEST EXERCISES
* Jump Rope (this has become my new friend)
* Stationary biking with light to moderate resistance (when I am not accessible to a bike, I walk in non-inclined areas)
* Upper body exercises with light weights and high repetitions
EXERCISES TO AVOID
* Step classes (I gave a sigh on this one)
* Spinning
* Kick-boxing (another sigh)
* Elliptical (this took a moment for me to mark this passing)
THE DETAILS
As an Hourglass, my purpose is high reps (at least 25 – 50 repetitions for each exercise), low resistance and low weights for both upper and lower bodies. As my body slims down and lose weight and mass, I can then increase resistance and weight. Regardless, I have to continue high reps for each exercise.
THE GOAL: Trim upper and lower body.
RULER
* You’re straight up and down with very few curves due to equal body proportions
* Little difference in the circumference of your chest, waist and hips
* You gain weight around your midsection
It’s worth noting that those with this body type do not bulk easily, have less hamstring flexibility then Hourglasses and Spoons and have a tendency to lower back pain.
BEST EXERCISES
* Yoga, stretch/calisthenics classes, Pilates on machines
* Full sit-ups without locking feet, upper and lower abdominal crunches and leg outs
* Jogging with incline, step classes, spinning, lunges and squats
THE DETAILS
Those who are within this shape don’t have to avoid any exercises! If you are overweight and are looking to lose, then you need to use a moderate
resistance/weights until your reach your ideal weight!
THE GOAL: Focus on trimming your stomach/ mid-section which will make you a little curvy.
SPOON
* Your lower body is considerably larger than the upper body
* You carry most of your weight in your hips, thighs and buttocks
* You gain weight from the hips down
* When you look in the mirror, your eyes go directly to your lower body Spoons tend to have a weaker upper body and thicker thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
BEST EXERCISES
* Jumping rope with a speed rope
* Push-ups
* Standing knee to opposite chest
EXERCISES TO AVOID
* Squats, lunges and ankle weights
* All stair climbers/steppers, Elliptical and cross trainers
* Spinning
THE DETAILS
For a Spoon, it’s all about high reps and low resistance for all lower-body exercises and moderate to high resistance for all upper body exercises. For those that are overweight, the resistance should not be too high for the upper body either.
THE GOAL: A trimmer and more streamlined lower body and to have a stronger upper body so that you have a proportionate look.
CONE
* You carry most of your weight in your back, chest, arms and stomach
* You’re more slender from the hips down
* The upper body is considerably larger than the lower body
Cones tend to have weak abdominal muscles and they experience some back pain.
BEST EXERCISES
* All lower body exercises that have moderate to heavy weights and/or resistance
* Walking or jogging on incline
* Upper body exercises with lightweight and high reps
EXERCISES TO AVOID
* All upper body exercises with moderate to high weights/resistance
* Kick-boxing moves for the upper body
* All exercise classes with hand weights or weighted bars heavier than 2 lbs.
THE DETAILS
Although Cones tend to avoid abdominal and lower body exercises, they are essential to do to become proportioned. The focus here is high reps and low resistance or weighs for the upper body with high resistance and moderate to heavy weights for the lower body. In addition, Cones that are male tend to struggle with giving up heavy weight lifting for their upper bodies. They need to switch to push-ups, dips, chin-ups or upper body routines that use lower weight and higher repetitions.
THE GOAL: Getting a trimmer, less bulky upper body and strengthen the lower body to achieve better symmetry.
Over the next few months, I will check in with you on my progress as well as share additional items that are going on with Exude Fitness.
by Kimmie Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Villa del Palmar
By Kitty Bradshaw
The feeling of total peace brought me back to Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto where I spent some much needed down time. Not quite as popular as Mexico City or Cancun—Loreto Mexico offers a much more toned down, tranquil experience which resonates with travelers like myself that want to retreat from the world. This resort offers a respite that creates a stress free zone tempered at a frequency of Zen. Everyone leaves Villa del Palmar feeling light and free of any burdens or anxiety. Simply put, this resort is my quiet place off the grid.
The property of Villa del Palmar is a town within a town; a Spanish style Shangri-La of sorts. The resort spans 4,447 acres which includes a golf course, tennis court, multiple swimming pools of various sizes and visibility, full scale spa, 3 restaurants, private beach, and a reclining chair with your name on it. The elements of both land and sea come together to create a vibrancy rich in color and texture that makes it a worthy choice. Although its amenities are plentiful, I enjoy focusing on the feeling of a vacation in its truest sense and all its benefits.
FOODIE PARADISE
I pretty much ate everything that was set in front of me and then some. Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has an all-inclusive food and drink package through the restaurants and room service. Seafood, steaks, and tequila— they had to peel me away from the table by the time it was all said and done. Stand outs for me included the Chocolate Clams, Tortilla Soup, and Mexican style briskets, lobster, shrimp cocktails, and customized cocktails with each meal. Their award winning chefs created everything I could imagine. When I wasn’t intoxicated, dreaming, or working out; I enjoyed plenty of delicious meals and specialty drinks.
CULINARY OPTIONS
• Danzante Restaurant: Fine dining steak house and seafood with Mexican fusion, offering a large wine selection and a variety of cigars.
• The Market Restaurant: A brand new concept where you are able to make your own dishes! Just imagine preparing your own meal at home with the help of a chef. Open for breakfast and dinner.
• Casa Mia Restaurant: Authentic Italian food with fresh pasta and pizza. Open for lunch & dinner.
• Room Service: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight menu featuring international cuisine & snacks. 24 hour service.
GRAND SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS
Villa Del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has 181 deluxe ocean view suites that mimic large style apartments complete with full kitchen, bathroom with a spa size, Jacuzzi bathtub (drinking champagne was mandatory while inside), and living room with 2 separate entrances. Additionally, each room had a full wrap around balcony that was large enough to host 50 people for a small party.
Each of the one, two and three bedroom suites features stylish contemporary decor perfect for romantic getaways, families seeking the ultimate in comfort and style, business groups or corporate events.
WHERE TO GO - WHAT TO DO
The Bar!!!
The #1 rule while on vacation is go where the wind blows you. To my surprise and enjoyment; the wind placed me at a bar with every turn. From what I remember during my moments of sobriety on that particular trip, I was never less than one pace away from a bartender that didn’t know my name. Aside from the obvious drinking, guests have the option to take a 2 hour Tequila Tasting course which results in a certificate of completition at the end. My experience included partaking in drinking games during final exams-- the graduation ceremony was something dreams are made
of.
Town of Loreto
The resort provides transportation to and from the Town of Loreto. Tourists can shop local vendors selling homemade goods such as pottery, blankets, ponchos, beaded jewelry, and various wines and spirits. I brought back 2 bottles of 160 proof Mexican Vanilla Crème Liqueur that can be enjoyed straight or mixed with tequila.
Del Carmen Island
Off the sea of Danzante Bay resides a private island by the name of Del Carmen Island. Guests of Villa del Palmar resort can reserve a boat to take them out to the island where they can have lunch, swim, or relax on the beach. Depending on the season you can see both dolphins and whales swim along the boat as it makes waves.
Other activities include snorkeling, hiking, San Javier Mission Excursion, tours, cruises, Sun Salutations with the resident Shaman, and Spa treatments, to name a few. Regardless if you are there to relax by lounging in a chair or immersing yourself in activities that take your mind off the world back home-- Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto resort provides customized experiences that will exceed expectations and turn you into a repeat guest. If you are interested in visiting Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, rates run as low as $119 per night (Athleisure Discount Code: FAMNOV15) through April 2016.
* All pictures courtesy of Villa Del Palmar resort at Loreto
Kitty Bradshaw is a Passionate Traveler, Brand Ambassador and Lifestyle Influencer currently splitting residences between New York, Los Angeles,
and Hawaii. When she is not busy traveling, stalking airfare glitches, giving commentary on CNN.com, or watching classic films – you can find her on the beaches of Waikiki hanging out with friends. Some of her more memorable trips can be found through the digital pages of Tourist Meets
Traveler, Black Enterprise Magazine, and YRB Magazine to name a few.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas |
We always keep an eye out on interesting finds and the other day (thanks to Food Network’s co-host of The Kitchen, Sunny Anderson), we found out about Kalettes which is a hybrid vegetable that merges Kale and Brussel Sprouts together. With a little more research, we realized this relatively new creation is called Kale Sprouts or Brussel Kale. Those who are a fan of these vegetables, are definitely going to enjoy them blended together. We headed to Athleisure Kitchen and had Chef Rosalie from Williams-Sonoma create two must have recipes (you can find more recipes at Kalettes) that have minimal prep and cook time in order to give you a nutritious snack, side or meal. In case you have any questions on whether this should be incorporated into your food lifestyle, remember that Kale and Brussel Sprouts have a number of benefits.
KALE BENEFITS BRUSSEL SPROUT BENEFITS
Low in calories & high in fiber High in Protein
High in Vitamin A, C, K High in Vitamin C, K
High in Iron and Calcium
Filled with powerful antioxidant Is the perfect detox food
Tomato Feta Kalettes
SERVES: 4
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
5 ounces Kalettes™
10 ounce package grape tomatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil (we used Olio Santo Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (we used William's Sonoma White Balsamic Vinegar)
Salt and pepper
1/8 cup feta cheese (we prefered less of a salty taste and used French Feta)
Pre-heat the oven to 425 F. On a rimmed baking sheet, add Kalettes and grape tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and stir Kalettes making sure to coat with the pan juices. Place in serving bowl and top with feta cheese.
Kalettes with Mushrooms and Peppers
SERVES: 4
PREP: 5 minutes
COOK: 10 minutes
1 tablespoon olive oil (again, we used Olio Santo Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, sliced
5 ounces Kalettes™, sliced lengthwise
1/3 cup walnut pieces, toasted
In skillet over medium, heat the olive oil and then add the mushrooms and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until vegetables start to soften. Add Kalettes and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the Kalettes are tender crisp.
Place in serving bowl and sprinkle with walnuts.
It's all about using great tools that allow your work to be that much easier when it comes to cooking! We found that in making these sides, that the Shun Chopper Knife. The Kalettes with Mushrooms and Peppers was made with a Breville Stainless-Steel Electric Hot Wok. In addition, we suggest calling your local grocer to see if they have Kalettes, Kale Sprouts or Brussel Kale as we found that they are definitely a hot item! We suggest calling Whole Foods and Trader Joe's as we had success with these stores.
Spring means that being outside is a given. Any excuse/reason is welcome. To toast this, we put together three looks for after work drinks, impromptu poolside and post brunch beverages with our friend Rachel Sheen, who is in Marvel’s new movie, Deadpool.
We shot our brunch and after work looks at JIMMY Soho which sits atop the James Hotel and we’re sure these looks will find their way into your rotation.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Steve Zak | WARDROBE STYLIST Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | MUA/HAIR STYLIST Christina Padilla |
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the aesthetic/vibe of the JIMMY at the James Hotel?
JIMMY SOHO: JIMMY is a grown up, stylish, fun and unpretentious cocktail lounge that has indoor/outdoor capacity. We’re not a dance club although often people are bopping their heads to our DJs (THUR/FRI/SAT night and SAT/SUN afternoons in summer). We’re 18 floors above Soho/Tribeca with nearly 360 views of the city. JIMMY is a fairly intimate space, holding about 100 indoors with room for another 75 outside
in good weather. The vibe is for conversation and socializing, whether that’s after work or post-dinner.
AM: Since JIMMY lounge is a rooftop, what areas are guests able to enjoy now that spring is on its way?
JS: Our roof area is always open for people to step outside but right now people are more focused on staying cozy inside, sitting on couches by the floor-to-ceiling windows, grooving to some great music, and catching up with friends or making new ones.
AM: JIMMY Soho just had an Oscars party, what other events do you have coming up that we should place into our calendars?
JS: We always do Super Bowl and Oscar parties. The next afternoon we’ll have a special gathering will be for The Kentucky Derby. And we open
our afternoon pool-deck parties on May 21, which is when we start opening at 3pm on weekends with afternoon DJs. We’ll also be showing the Olympics this summer both out by the pool and indoors.
AM: What is the signature drink of JIMMY lounge and what are some of the favorite dishes that are enjoyed by guests?
JS: We don’t have one signature cocktail, but we have two cocktails since we have opened that we can’t take off the menu, the Legal
in Vermont-which is Bourbon, Maple, Cinnamon and Shisho over a cinnamon bark ice block, and the other one is The Grapes of Wrath-Vodka,
muddled Grapes and Cucumbers with Elderflower syrup and seltzer.
In terms of dishes the most popular are: Cheeseburger Sliders w/ Jalapeño & Parmesan Fries, Artichoke Flatbread w/ Garlic Ricotta & Fresh Basil
and Falafel Bites w/ Cucumber, Mint & Tzatziki.
AM: Who are the creators of JIMMY lounge and what are their backgrounds in terms of the culinary and nightlife/mixology scene?
JS: JIMMY was developed by David Rabin and Johnny Swet. David was a founder of Lotus and other well-known nightspots, and is now a partner in Cafe Clover, The Lambs Club, The Skylark and JIMMY. Johnny Swet worked at many of the most iconic spots in NY like Bowery Bar and Pastis before opening his own places, Hotel Griffou and Rogue and Canon. He’s also the cocktail consultant for the Dream Hotel, Cafe Clover, The Skylark and JIMMY, and several other prominent NYC venues.
AM: What makes JIMMY lounge distinctive in the nightlife scene?
JS: JIMMY is nightlife for people who are either “over” going to big clubs with EDM where they can’t hear themselves speak, or for groups to
gather for a cocktail or two before they head out for a real late-nighter. It’s also the ideal spot to spend a spring/summer weekend afternoon, sipping a cocktail out by the pool. In that way, it’s kind of “day-life”.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | JIMMY
JIMMY LOUNGE 15 Thompson St NY, NY 10013
Make sure you stay connected to us socially so that you can find out about what we are working on, behind the scenes and so much more!
Watch March Madness games within the NCAA host cities | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY The Century, The Onion, Iowa Taproom, Urban Johnnie Bar + Grille, 21st Amendment: The Brewery Bar
It's that time of year again with the arrival of NCAA March Madness which runs from March 15th through April 4th. We've put together a roundup of a number of bars and lounges to catch these NCAA games in the host cities.
1st 4 Games | DAYTON, OH The Century |
1st & 2nd Rounds | SPOKANE, WA The Onion | DES MOINES, IA Iowa Taproom | OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Urban Johnnie Bar & Grille | ST LOUIS, MO 21st Amendment: The Brewery Bar |
1st & 2nd Rounds | RALEIGH, NC Tobacco Road | BROOKLYN, NY The Grand National | PROVIDENCE, RI Ladder 133 | DENVER, CO Tavern Lowry |
EAST REGIONALS | PHILADELPHIA, PA Founding Father’s Bar | SOUTH REGIONALS | LOUISVILLE, KY Sports and Social Club | MIDWEST REGIONALS | CHICAGO, IL Old Town Pour House | WEST REGIONALS | ANAHEIM, CA ESPN Zone | FINAL FOUR | HOUSTON, TX Mezzanine Lounge |
Join our model party which we photographed at Sushi Roxx in NYC with a Q&A about this celebrity coveted hotspot!
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | PHOTO ASSISTANT | Patrick O'Brien | WARDROBE STYLIST Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | MUA Nydia Figueroa | MUA Kat Osorio | MUA Jarel Aerin | HAIR STYLIST Angel Morales/Bella Agency | MAJOR MODELS Mark + Spencer | MSA MODELS Maura + Nicole |
Our cover shoot took place at Sushi Roxx, which has been a hotspot by celebrities, invite only parties and more! In addition to our models from MSA and Major Model, our party included the performers from this must have Tokyo nightlife inspired restaurant that has entertainment throughout the night! Continue on to our photoshoot as well as the Q&A with this property.
Our Night in Tokyo shoot took place at Sushi Roxx which is located between Murray Hill and
Grand Central Station. Guests enjoy dinner and a show in this celeb approved spot. We took a moment to get the scoop and have a model party at this buzzed about eating destination.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the concept behind Sushi Roxx and what sets it apart from other
restaurant/nightlife properties in the city?
SUSHI ROXX: SUSHI ROXX is a Tokyo nightlife inspired restaurant where the servers, hostesses & bussers are also all professional singers and dancers performing every 20 mins throughout our guests dining experience.
AM: When did Sushi Roxx open and was the live entertainment always apart of the ambiance of this restaurant?
SR: We opened August 2015 and yes entertainment was always incorporated.
AM: What are the signature dishes and cocktails that are enjoyed here?
SR: Signature dishes include our Wild Ginger Edamame, the BIG MAC, Miami Vice and Surf &
Turk rolls and our Shitake Polenta. Our most popular cocktails are the Kung Fu Hustle & Marty
McFly.
AM: Are there plans to open additional locations in the city or beyond?
SR: We are currently looking to expand to Las Vegas, Orlando, London & Philadelphia.
AM: Are there plans for you to have lunch service in addition to dinner?
SR: There are no plans to open for lunch but a Saturday party brunch is on the horizon.
AM: Is there anything new that fans of Sushi Roxx can look forward to for summer 2017 (ie
new menu options)?
SR: We incorporate new performances every 90 days. And we are launching a new Sake Bomb program soon.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Carlos David
Our 3rd issue is out and of course, we're all about Spring and everything that comes with it from fashion, style, beauty and tasty treats from our Athleisure Kitchen. Make sure that you check out our issue in full right here!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Vans, Converse, Concepts.com, Sneakers Stuffs.com, Shoe Gallery, Nike
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Johnson’s Baby, L’Occitane, Australian Gold, Carmex, KIssament, Kiko Cosmetics + Dermaflash
Matcha Bar NYC | PHOTOGRAPHY Matcha Bar
Find your favorite bracelet at Ylang23.
Winter is not over by any means, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t prep our skin for our red carpet moments and spring which is around the corner. We took a moment with VERTERE® Skin Care Founder, Bethany Hilt on how you can boost the radiance of your skin within 48 - 72 hours! That means you could be ready for date night with your significant other, a night out with the girls and more with her collection and honed in tips.
STOP CONSUMING SUGAR AND EXCESS SALT
Bethany reminds us to, “avoid even the seemingly innocent sweeteners such as stevia and molasses. When using salt in cooking, use Pink Himalayan Salt”.
INCREASE YOUR WATER AND COCONUT WATER INTAKE
There are a number of options to stay hydrated outside of the classic water. Coconut water is also a great beverage to include. “Dehydration causes fine lines to appear prominent and creates a dullness. Hydrating from the inside will help counteract this,” she stated.
START USING A GENTLE DEEP CLEANSER
The creator of VERTERE® notes that their, “Refining Treatment Cleanser is a great choice because it visibly minimizes pores, plumps fine lines/wrinkles, brightens and clarifies - results are noticeable after the first use. The gentle deep cleaning action helps keep pores clean (which also helps pores look smaller and makeup look better) and the lactic acid eliminates flakiness and dryness so your skin looks gorgeous and supple.”
DAILY, APPLY DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION CREAM SPF 18
Dramatic Transformation is a, “patented powerful blend of multiple peptides, a safe lightener/brightener, lactic acid and loads of non-pore-clogging oils gives an immediate dewiness to the skin, and skin’s texture and radiance will be noticeably improved.”
APPLY NON-COMEDOGENIC OILS ON TOP OF YOUR NIGHTLY TREATMENT
“Toss the old idea that the thinnest product is the one to apply first in this instance. Press a small amount of argan, baobab or jojoba oil onto your skin after you’ve applied your night treatment - especially if it’s a retinol or prescription retinoid. Skin will reap the maximum benefit from direct contact with the active while the oil will seal in moisture to create a beautiful glow.”
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY VERTERE
FEB #ATHSPO
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Athleisure Magazine catches up with restaurateur Stratis Morfogen, who has recently launched Jue Lan Club, (pronounced “You Lan”, a new two floor, 275-seat restaurant, names after the 1930’s Chinese art society, situated in the legendary former NYC night-club, the Limelight. His all-star team boasts partners nightlife impresario Richie Romero and Executive Chef Oscar Toro.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We find much innovation comes through reconstruction by bold change agents, how does Jue Lan Club move the needle with cross-cultural and modern-traditional twists?
STRATIS MORFOGEN: Giving new life to such an iconic property was very important to myself as well as the whole team, but we wanted to make sure the spaces’ history wasn’t lost. We left many of the original elements of the former church built in the 1840’s untouched, like the exposed brick, stained glass, window fixtures and the original layout, while creating an edgy and modern Chinese menu. The design narrative of Jue Lan Club follows suit of three principles, Madame Adventurist, The Jue Lan Club and the 1930’s Glam/1980’s Grit.
AM: Over the years, you have rightfully advocated food, service, atmosphere and location are key elements for success in dining and hospitality. What makes Jue Lan Club spot on?
SM: For me, food and service are just two of the driving forces to our end goal - Jue Lan Club. Jue Lan Club is the perfect combination of an all-in-one entertainment as well as dining destination. A number of variables play into a successful dining and hospitality experience. Not only is the food the main driving force but the atmosphere and service are key as well. To bring the experience full circle is simply to meet the patron’s expectation. The attention to fine detail may seem simple, but my partners and I feel that paying attention to small details sets the mood which in turn aids in a successful dining experience.
AM: How did you come to meet Executive Chef Oscar Toro (former executive sous-chef of Buddakan)? How much work goes into making a unique, top-notch menu?
SM: I met Oscar years back when I was a fan of Buddakan under his watch. I revisited the restaurant after I had been there several times and I was ultimately blown away but all of Toro’s talents. I knew right there that Oscar Toro was the real deal. As we joined forces, Oscar and myself wanted to take a lighter and cleaner approach to typical Chinese cuisine, and we’re thrilled with the results! Oscar has made his own variation of raw dishes like the Salmon, Chinese Celery, Mustard, Toasted Sesame dish which he uses Chinese ingredients, swapping expected flavors for the unexpected.
AM: Pioneering a nouveau Chinese-style Raw Bar is an excellent vision, what new flavors will we taste outside established Japanese or Spanish raw bar offerings?
SM: We wanted to make sure we distinguished ourselves from the pack, and debuting one of the first Chinese raw bars in Manhattan was the perfect way to do that. Our raw dishes include what one would expect from a traditional crudo, but it’s elevated with unique Chinese flavors ranging from traditional, sweet, sour, salty and bitter, we now incorporate spicy.
AM: What are some must-have signature dishes and cocktails?
SM: Some of the must-have signature dishes stand for themselves on their taste, but also the artistic plating Oscar Toro conveys. For example, from the raw bar there is the Salmon, Chinese Celery, Mustard, Toasted Sesame, which ultimately melts in your mouth. Moving forward in the meal, the Braised Oxtail Sloppy Bao Buns, Chilean Seabass, Black Bean, Ginger Garlic Sauce, Pork Dumplings are handmade and perfectly portioned. We love to emphasize that the dumplings are handmade by the one and only Chef Toro, which he used flavored dumpling wrappers with its corresponding unique fillings to complete perfection.
We also have a specialty cocktail list, which are our in-house “Fresh Squeezed Juices” to compliment the Chinese inspired dishes as well as the history of the Limelight. The Tea & Symphony, Forbidden Cocktail and the Club Kid are just among the several cocktails we offer.
AM: How about for those looking for lighter fare or especially watching calories?
SM: The whole menu was created with a lighter, cleaner approach, which we felt would be a crucial selling point for all types of gatherings, especially for ones watching calories. The raw bar menu offers small plates ranging from, Salmon, Chinese Celery, Mustard, Toasted Sesame, to Yellowtail, with Ghost Pepper Oil, to Tuna, Avocado Puree, Red Pepper Jam and Cilantro. With the overall national trend of clean eating. Oscar and myself felt it was necessary to appeal to all types, leaving guests feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
AM: It’s refreshing that you brought an in-house art curator (Emerald Gruin, L.E.S. Rox Gallery) to feature rotating and permanent exhibitions alongside cuisine. What will we see?
SM: We embraced the art history of the Limelight by incorporating original pieces from artists that frequented the nightclub, such as Keith Haring, while paying homage to other like Andy Warhol with one-of-a-kind photographers taken by David Gamble of Warhol’s most prized possessions. We also have gorgeous black and white photos of the club’s VIPs on display.
For new and returning patrons, we felt that it was in everyone’s best interest to give them the best of both worlds, with incorporating a rotating art gallery. Every so often guests will be excited to see new handpicked pieces hanging on the walls.
AM: Your staff is known to make patrons feel welcome and anticipate a special experience, what is the recipe for a winning team?
SM: I feel that the recipe for a “winning team” is dependent on the management and staff. In order for me to execute this, I felt it was in the best interest of the patrons to hire responsible, friendly and welcoming staff members, versus only seeking out those with solely restaurant experience. The combination of interpersonal skills, responsibility, passion and diligence is key to success, which is directly correlated to our returning patrons, based on their overall experience.
AM: We are thrilled to hear you have plans to expand globally with friend and partner-hotelier Vikram Chatwal (Dream Hotel, Night Hotel, Time Hotel and more). Do you have any tips for those striving for consistency and timing when growing a business?
SM: My partners and I landed the Dream Hotel deal by us channeling our past knowledge and accomplishments and ultimately fusing them
together. To date, we are the only restaurant group to sign a global partnership deal with a top tier hotel, before opening the flagship restaurant.
With all that said, we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished leading up to today and forsee a great future in hospitality. Such opportunities could never have come to light without my partners and I preaching consistency throughout our careers in the realm of hospitality.
AM: New Yorkers love those giving respect to city icons. Jue Lan Club is filled with memorabilia from the 1980’s club scene. How is this seen
within the venue?
SM: The Limelight itself is such an iconic location and by reincarnating one of the 20th centuries’ most notorious nightlife venues, we are proud
to say that it was a labor of love for myself as well as my partners. We embraced the history of the space by incorporating details from the 1980’s
club scene with our art, music and fun atmosphere. We like to keep the heydey of the ‘80s and ‘90s club kid era alive and present.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Timor Raz
Jue Lan Club is located at 49 W 20th St NY, NY 10011
Soul Cycle. What exactly is Soul Cycle and how will I make it out alive? We all know about the fun clothing, social media shoutouts to your favorite instructors, celebrity cult following, and oh-so-much more. For newbies, it could be a daunting task to live up to the mystic of Soul Cycle - or even know how to properly get clipped into a bike. Whether you’re a spinning novice or a pro who is switching up studios, we have the answers for you! After an intense
class, we sat down with one of our favorite Soul Cycle instructors Samantha J who gave us in the inside scoop for both people who have never been to a Soul Cycle class and beginners. A friendly word of advice, book one of her classes noon on Monday (yes, make sure to book at noon), and after implementing these tips, get ready to tap it back!
NISIM FRANK: What’s your advice before your first Soul Cycle class?
SAMANTHA J: Introduce Yourself - First, make sure to arrive 15-20 minutes early and right off the bat, introduce yourself to the front desk as a first time rider. Although they know in the system, making them aware, they will help you get set up on your bike. When you enter the studio, make sure to introduce yourself to the instructor if they haven’t introduced themselves
to you and let them know you’re new.
Get yourself a gel cushion seat! They might not always tell you that they have them - but they do. With all the work in and out of the saddle, its important for a first time (or few times) to really get the gel seat.
Drink a lot of water - Stay fully hydrated at all times. I would drink a full water bottle before you even get to the class to stay hydrated throughout the class.
Don’t try to keep up at first. Don’t let the pressure of trying to keep up with people who are regulars get to you. Sit down and come out when you can. Try and hit the beat up out of the saddle and don’t do the choreography until you feel ready to do it with properly hitting the beat. Your body might not be ready to do it yet, so I would build up your endurance until you’re able to do those things.
NF: Once you get the Soul Cycle bug, what would be a tip that you would give somebody that starts to go a handful of times?
SJ: Soul 101 - Say you go to classes three to five times or so and aren’t getting how to do a tap back or how their feet are moving so quickly. Soul 101 breaks down each movement and each peddle stroke meticulously and seamlessly so at the end of the program (it’s three classes for a special rate) you’re confident and ready to go when you’re back in that room!
Be Consistent - In order to get good at anything, you have to practice at it, which means coming to Soul Cycle classes regularly. Taking a week off after a class because its exhausting doesn’t help. Some instructors are harder than others so I would try a bunch of different ones, everybody in Soul Cycle is hand-picked and is great.
Cross Train - You absolutely need to cross train. Now if you’re a Soul Cycle bad ass and are going three to five times a week, you want to do something else to compliment your workout. Pilates is my personal favorite, it’s fantastic for your body. At Soul Cycle, we’re working on a lot of core muscles and at Pilates, you’re working on tiny ones that help balance out your body to stay, strong, fit, and safe.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | SoulCycle
Nisim Frank is based in NYC and is the Co-Founder of Labeling Men.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLIST Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | MUA Risako Matsushita | HAIRSTYLIST Vi Huynh | MODELS Luke/Major Model + Audrey/Major Model |
By Tatiana Dellepiane
Imagine having a special feeling of oneness during lovemaking. Imagine feeling fully connected with your partner on the physical, emotional and spiritual plane. Nothing matters but the two of you being in waves of ecstasy and bliss. You are filled with satisfaction and a feeling of connectedness. All worries and doubts disappear, and you are completely relaxed. Your body tingles with delight and your heart is beating joyfully. You disappear into the eyes of your partner and everything you do, everything you feel, and everything you see suddenly has a
special glow.
Sounds great right? Wouldn’t we want to experience something so blissful (and free of charge) all of the time? Well unfortunately, in the modern world, we have a myriad of responsibilities, concerns, and challenges to deal with that keep us from feeling safe enough to relax into love. Most people are tired, overworked and overwhelmed and have trouble slowing down. Our bodies respond to these things with stress, and we frequently become ill and don’t make time for love. Tantra can help you counter the effects of modern living so that you can have long-lasting wellness, joy and a balanced life.
How about bringing the ancient wisdom of Tantra into the bedroom, and into your life as a whole? Tantra is an ancient art and science of the body and soul that has been around for thousands of years. Tantra believes in the awakening of all of your senses and the activation of your energy so that you can manifest your desires and become a magnet of love. It’s a practice that connects you to your self. Most of us spend much of our daily life in our heads. We rarely feel grounded in the body unless we are in the middle of a workout or just finishing one. We rarely feel grounded in the body unless we are in the middle of a workout or just finishing one.
Tantra helps us to plant our energetic roots in the earth all day long, and it brings us to the truth of who we are. Tantric practice encourages us to bring the energy from our spines up to the crown of our heads for maximum intuition and spiritual awareness, and at the same time circulate that energy back down to the earth so we remain grounded and embodied. The union between the feminine and masculine energy in our bodies is what allows us to do this energetic alchemy in a balanced way.
Tantra can help us fully feel whatever is arising within us. It can allow us to have more flow and surrender in our lives and help us expand our consciousness. It can help us use pleasure as a tool to heal parts of ourselves that we feel are wounded. It encourages us to slow down, become present, and take everything moment to moment.
Tantric techniques are not just another thing we “should,” do more of. They are not just another modality to add to our spiritual/emotional to do list. Tantra is more than just the techniques and methods themselves. The essence of Tantra is allowing ourselves to be 100% present until our minds slow down and we become one with what is. It is about taking a break from time bound reality and visiting the Garden of Eden once again. Some think that Tantra is only about sex, and that is why there has been such a focus on Tantra’s sexual practices. Sex is of course a divine vehicle of awakening and the more allowing we can be towards our sexual energy, the more allowing we will be with our life energy in general. But Tantra isn’t only sexual. We can actually bring these ecstatic experiences into all aspects of our life; it doesn’t even matter
if we have a committed partner or not.
What if you could become committed to infusing a sense of the sacred into every action? Even the most mundane task can become amazing when it is done with awareness.
This is the essence of Tantra. Whereas other spiritual traditions often encourage us to escape from the world in favor of a realm that is better or
higher…Tantra encourages us to get involved in the world and fall in love with it.
One thing that people are rarely clear on is that Tantra and Tantric sex are two different things.
There is Tanatra, and there is sex. Sex tends to bring awareness to what is arising in your relationship to your self, your partner(s) and your life. Sex
often reveals to you the truth of who you are beyond your personality. It shows you layers upon layers of your multidimensional being. It shows you where you are stuck in your life. It shows you who you are in relationship to others and to the world.
In sex you are naked, exposed and vulnerable. You are forced to see your own soul magnified.
Now imagine combining everything mentioned about Tantra and everything mentioned about sex. What you have is something potentially sacred, blissful, healing, revealing, ecstatic and vulnerable. This is what Tantric sex is really all about.
Here are a few practical tantric techniques you can use to bring sensuality and connection to your body: Some are rituals to be performed alone, and some are Tantric sex rituals to be performed with a partner.
BREATH OF FIRE
This breath helps increase energy and arousal. You can do it with your partner before engaging in sex or you can do it alone. It is especially potent in the morning when you need a boost of energy. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in lotus or half lotus pose. Make sure your spine is
straight and that you encourage yourself to release tension from your shoulders and face.
Inhale and exhale through your nose rapidly focusing more on the exhale. Pump your belly in and out. It should feel active not passive…like you’re doing sit ups. Close your eyes and focus on your brow center. After you do 1-3 minutes, sit still and check in your body.
CARESSING
When we caress each other with feather-light touch, we actually feel more sensation and pleasure. The more often we do it, the more you feel. Touching in this way raises the anticipation of sex, which increases dopamine levels in the body. Touch each other with feather-light touch using your fingertips to tease the body.
EYE GAZING
Eyes are the windows to the soul. Eye gazing takes us to another level of intimacy. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in lotus or half lotus pose facing each other. Breathe in sync together (use the breathe of ecstasy) and
look into each other’s left eye. Soften your gaze. Eye gazing creates instant connection. Looking into each other’s eyes can create increased intimacy
and can also be playful and sexy if done without too much pressure and seriousness.
HIP CIRCLES
This movement will help awaken your sensual energy in your body. Sit comfortably with your legs crossed or in lotus or half lotus or standing
pose. Using your breath, inhale and isolate your hips slowly by popping your booty back, chest forward (start with the right side). Exhale back and squeeze your pelvic floor. Repeat the same movement on the other side slowing from
left to right.
Tatiana Dellepiane is a sex and relationship coach born and raised in New York City. She is the creator of Sensual Awakening Movement. She is also a certified yoga teacher and Lead Trainer of Urban Kama Sutra School.
| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLIST Kimberly Nguyen | MUA Dara Pucci | HAIR STYLIST Anthony Payne | MODEL Marissa Hill/Major Models
By Joyce Marter, LCPC
Imagine how you treat yourself on a daily basis as if you were another person, in a relationship
with you. Are you good to yourself? Is your mind kind to your body and soul? In my practice and my own psycho-spiritual journey, I see that at times we all:
• Beat ourselves up with cruel self-talk
• Set ourselves up for failure with unrealistic expectations
• Deprive ourselves of things we deserve through self-sabotaging behaviors
• Abuse our bodies through neglect or harmful choices
These behaviors wreak havoc on our mental and physical health, our relationships, and our
careers. We must choose a different path.
After 20 years of counseling individuals and couples, as well as doing my own inner work, I’ve come to believe that perhaps our greatest life lesson is learning how to fully accept and love ourselves.
For only when we are truly aligned with our own beautiful and unique spirit, can we completely
and authentically give and receive real love. This is because when we love ourselves we know that we can give without becoming resentful, exhausted and depleted, and we can receive because we know we deserve it. Self-love is the prerequisite for complete immersion in the abundant flow of light and love in the world around us.
But how does one love oneself?
In The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman, he identifies the five ways in which we can give and receive love. Below, these languages are applied to self-love with practical suggestions:
1. Words of Affirmation: Think Self-Love
• Practice daily affirmations. Our thoughts precede our emotions and behaviors.
• Recite mantras often to encourage self-compassion. Bring your attention to being good to yourself.
• Journal your strengths and everything about you for which you are grateful. Document
everything you accomplish, feel good about, do right, like about yourself, etc.
• Keep your self-talk positive. Turn down the volume of your inner critic and choose to be your best coach or cheerleader.
2. Acts of Service: Do Self-Love
• Prepare healthy meals for yourself. Put thought and effort into grocery shopping and meal preparation.
• Create an organized, clean and aesthetically pleasing home environment for yourself. Love where you live, even if on a budget.
• Schedule regular physical, dental and mental health check-ups. Address any health concerns in a timely manner if and as they arise. Without your health, you have nothing.
• Groom yourself with love and care. Put yourself together so that you feel like the beautiful person that you are.
3. Receiving Gifts: Absorb Self-Love
• Buy only what you love. Don’t allow things in your home and closet that don’t bring you positive vibrations. (While you’re at it, purge that which does not bring you joy.)
• Gift yourself with an experience on your bucket list. Always wanted to sky dive or go whitewater rafting? Budget it out and plan it. Enlist the help and support of friends as needed.
• Invest in your education and advancement. Want to pursue a higher degree? Take a cooking class? Learn how to be a yoga instructor? Do the research, apply for grants and scholarships, volunteer to learn new skills. Gift yourself with knowledge.
• Treat yourself to the wisdom and perspective gained from travel. Limited funds? Consider volunteer or service work or pooling together resources with friends and traveling on the cheap.
4. Quality Time: Be Present with Self-Love
• Set aside time for daily mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These devotions will help you connect with your highest self.
• Make time for leisure and hobbies. Time for play and enjoyment is an important aspect of celebrating the gift of life.
• Prioritize sleep and exercise. You must reboot and revitalize your physical being.
• Do not over-schedule, over-book or over-commit. Your life is worth more than
being a gerbil on a wheel...
5. Physical Touch: Feel Self-Love
• Stretch your muscles and give yourself a massage with a foam roller. Relax into your body.
• Release toxins by taking a hot bath with epsom salts. Release the stress and soak in the love.
• Moisturize your skin with lotions or oils. As you touch your skin, thank each body part for all it does for you.
• Give yourself a spa treatment: manicure, pedicure, facial, deep conditioning
treatment, etc. Know you are worth extraordinary care.
Self-love is a journey. It takes dedication, devotion, and practice. Resolve to love yourself each and every day and watch your best self blossom and your greatest life unfold! Self-love is an exponential force.
“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.” ~ Buddha
Joyce Marter, LCPC is a licensed psychotherapist
and CEO of Urban Balance. She is a Licensed
Clinical Professional Counselor.
