Hydration is an ongoing need in our beauty routines. When the temperatures rise, it's even more important to give your body the TLC that it needs. This month's Athleisure Beauty has our favorite finds.
| KOPARI Coconut Melt | GARNIER WHOLE BLENDS Moroccan Argan Camellia Oils | GARNIER SKINACTIVE Moisture Bomb Essential Coil Elastics | TRILOGY Botanical Body Wash |
Read more from the July Issue and see Athleisure Beauty | Hydration in mag.
#TRIBEGOALS | Recommended for your Tribe to eat, work & play
On Aug 21st, we will experience a solar eclipse; however, you can visit NASA's site to see the best cities where you will see the total solar eclipse. We suggest viewing it from Westin Nashville's L27 Rooftop Bar to enjoy this phenomenon and to rock this look!
| JAY GODFREY Brunet Neon Coral Strapless Romper | URBAN DECAY Naked Skin ShapeShifter | GUCCI Patent Leather Sandal |
Read more from the July issue and see #TRIBEGOALS Recommended for your Tribe to eat, work and play in mag.
If you were a fan of MTV's reality show "The Hills", then you know and love this brunette stunner, Audrina Partridge. She had an easy sense of style and could always rock a bikini! After the show ended in 2010, like many of her co-stars, she went on to being in her own spin-off show, other TV opportunities and this month she launched Prey Swim for Resort 2017 at Miami Swim! We took a moment to talk to this busy mom about what she's been up to, her collection and how she keeps it all together.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It's not a surprise to us that you launched a swim line, how did it all come together?
AUDRINA PARTRIDGE: Everytime I traveled I was inspired by so many things and my lens would capture it! It didn't matter if I was in Mexico, South Korea or Costa Rica - there were so many things to see. I'm inspired by colors, textures and patterns. As I continue my collections, they will have an element of what inspired me or what I experienced while there.
AM: We know you love the beach - what are your favorites?
AP: I love Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Mexico. Australia has beautiful beaches in its Gold Coast and Byron Bay. Heaven on Earth can be found in Bora Bora!
AM: What is the inspiration behind your line and what can we expect from Prey Swim?
AP: I'm a Bohemian girl and love that lifestyle. I also love earth tones and patterns. Even though I have never been to Morocco (and really want to go) - it felt so natural to start here as my inspiration. I also love that a lot of the hardwear that we use in the line is actual shark teeth on the end of strings! I love the ocean, my husband (Australian extreme sports star, Corey Bohan) surfs and I love sharks as I feel that they are not our enemies and that we need them!
I also feel that my line is transitional as it can be worn from day to night depending on how you pair it! I want every woman who wears this line to feel good as these pieces will hug you in the right places!
The line has three collections: The Marrakech Collection (Summer 2017) focusing on Prey Swim's signature styles and is a nod to Marrakech in the 60's and 70's, as well as The Rolling Stones, The Riviera Collection (Pre-Fall 2017), which showcases the effortless style of The French Riviera in the 50's and 60's, and The Joya Collection (Resort 2018), which is inspired by Peru - the mecca of boho fashion in the 70's.
AM: What does it mean to you to show at this season's Miami Swim Week?
AP: I was so excited to show Prey Swim to Miami Swim Week! This is something I dreamed of when planning our initial brand debut, so to be showing here so soon after launching is a dream come true. There are so many amazing swim designers showing collections that I
have been a fan of for quite some time, so to be showing my line in their company, as a fellow swim designer, is an honor. Miami is such an amazing city with so many incredible cultures represented, so it is the perfect setting to showcase Prey collections, which draw inspirations from cultures and countries all over the world.
Read more from the July Issue and see Miami Swim with Audrina Partridge X Prey in mag.
NYC is a place filled with a hustle and bustle that moves at a dizzying pace, so the need for a spa to get back to self is essential. But there are some spas that are literally hidden gems that
take you to another world. AIRE Ancient Baths is a subterranean Tribeca spa destination that merges traditions of the ancient Greek, Roman, Ottaman and Arab empires together. Other locations of this decadent space around the world showcase bath traditions and revive this concept in restored historic buildings. Although this location opened its doors in 2012, the building was previously a textile factory that was built in 1883.
AIRE creates spaces and experiences to relax the body and mind according to ancient traditions of water with temperature contrasts as elements of relaxation and health. Its primary focus is to present the traditional ritual of relaxing and rejuvenation through water.
Guests will enjoy hot and cold pools courtesy of the Romans, the intimate tubs are a nod to the Greeks and the use of steam and hot stones come from the Ottoman and Arab empires. Entering the 16,000 square-foot space is an intimate affair as only 20 people are allowed to fill the marble and stone space which is lit by a number of lanterns from Marrakech! You can
alternate between four pools ranging from fiery (102 degrees) to icy (46 degrees); there is a saltwater bath (the Roman alvea), and a large, multiperson tub with aggressive bubbling jets. A
glass-enclosed hammam is accessible and there are heated marble benches where juices and teas can be enjoyed.
In addition to the pools, you can select an hour-long four-handed massage (or a fifteen-minute refresher) or a three hour ritual including a private bath upstairs (for one or two), infused with a choice of red wine, cava, or olive oil.
It's worth noting that all you need to bring with you is a swimsuit. Special slippers are provided by the spa which can be worn in the water. In addition, you are given a band that you wear
throughout your stay which electronically unlocks your locker.
Read more from the June Issue and Athleisure List | Aire Ancient Baths in mag.
We love having a smoothie to jump start our day as well as to keep us full in a healthy way. We also wanted to know more about what makes smoothies such a great item to include in our diets with Molly Breiner, Head of Marketing at ALOHA and Amy Geant, a nutrition expert.
She shares how this wellness trend has a number of benefits, its ability to boost energy and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why are smoothies having such a moment right now?
MOLLY BREINER: We’ve seen the “wellness trend” really take off over the two years, and people are becoming more mindful of what they are putting into their bodies. That said, we live in a world where everyone is constantly on-the-go and convenience is crucial. Smoothies offer us a way to pack tons of nutrients and vitamins into one portable package, which is a rare feat these days. Plus, they’re easy on the eyes - the Instagram hashtag #smoothiebowl has early one million posts. People want to eat a healthy, satisfying meal, but we also eat with our eyes and it’s important for food to look as good as it tastes.
AM: What nutrients do smoothies provide?
MB: Smoothies are a great way to incorporate plant-based protein into your diet. Our finely-ground powder blends in seamlessly, and with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, banana and mixed berry, it adds flavor and richness. Our unique blend of pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and pea protein is specifically designed to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
Hemp seeds are one of the rare complete source of protein and are rich in Omega-3, 6 and 9, which are all necessary for optimal brain function.
Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. These tiny seeds contain manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, a unique combination that keeps you feeling full and energized for hours.
And, unlike its whey counterpart, our plant-based protein is anti-inflammatory and free of the most common allergens (dairy, gluten, and soy), making it a perfect option for almost everyone.
AM: What are 3 smoothie hacks to boost energy?
MB: The reason we love smoothies so much is because you can add almost anything to them without altering the flavor too drastically. A few of our favorite energy-boosting additions include matcha powder, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea that is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and detoxifying properties - plus, ½ teaspoon
packs as much caffeine as one cup of coffee, without the jitters and eventual energy crash.
Maca powder is another one of our hacks - it has countless health benefits - far too many to explain in one paragraph, but we use it in our smoothies because it’s known for increasing
stamina and endurance. It is also an abundant source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, 20 different kinds of amino acids - almost all of them, and anti oxidants. Not to mention, it stabilizes your mood, clears your skin, and prevents diseases.
Our favorite energy hack, however, is adding our Superfood Greens. Not only do they provide 200% of your daily Vitamin D requirement, they are packed with superfoods like spirulina,
mushrooms, and wheatgrass juice, giving you a much needed nutrient boost.
AM: What are 3 secret smoothie ingredients that boost nutrients in our smoothies?
MB: The nutrients completely depend on the ingredients you decide to incorporate into your concoction. We love to pack our veggies with as many smoothies as possible (much more fun
than eating them, right?). Some of our favorites are kale (high in copper, iron, magnesium and calcium), cauliflower (great way to get that thick, smoothie bowl texture and packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6) and sweet potato (adds a subtle sweetness and is loaded with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber).
AM: How can a smoothie keep us full and what do you suggest should be in them?
MB: We asked our go-to nutrition expert, Amy Geant, to weigh in on this question. We always consult registered dietitians before giving out any nutrition advice.
AMY GEANT: Protein is one of the most important ingredients to help keep us feeling full. Carbohydrates like fruit are broken down by the body quickly, giving us a quick boost of energy, but not always a feeling of fullness for longer periods of time. Whereas protein takes
two to three hours to be fully metabolized, meaning your blood sugar, energy, and feeling of satiety should be quite stable for at least a couple hours. I usually recommend people put 10-15
grams of protein in their smoothies for snacks and 20-30 grams of protein if the smoothie is being used as a meal replacement. Protein powders are a great way to add the adequate lean
protein into a smoothie without taking in too many calories or carbohydrates.
AM: What does protein do in our bodies?
AG: Protein takes longer than carbohydrates the body to fully break down into glucose (sugar), so you get a gradual stream of energy over two to three hours after eating protein rather than a quick spike and then a crash. Keeping blood sugar steady is essential in keeping one's energy and metabolic rate stable (and avoiding that afternoon energy slump which can lead to cravings for sugar and carbohydrates).
AM: What smoothie would you suggest to someone who is new to adding this into their routine?
MB: Our favorite, easy, palatable combination is our very own Clean Green Smoothie. The best part is it’s low in sugar, high in protein and dietary fiber to keep you feeling full and energized
for hours. We have included the recipe below.
-½ frozen banana
-½ cup of frozen cauliflower (trust us on this one)
-One handful of fresh spinach
-2 scoops of ALOHA Vanilla Protein Powder
-Your choice of plant-based milk (¾ cup for a smoothie bowl, 1 cup for a drinkable smoothie)
Read more from the May Issue and see The Skinny on Smoothies in mag.
When the summer hits, you want to go to even more places. May we suggest you bring these items to the Spa del Bosque in Inketerra's El MaPi' hotel in Machu Picchu in picturesque Peru.
| YANDY Bikini | QUILTED KOALA Monogrammed Large Duffle Denim and East/West Denim Bags | BENDIWARE Silicone Wine Glasses |
Read more from the May Issue and see #TribeGoals Recommended For Your Tribe in mag.
When it comes to fragrances, there are so many questions - do you have a signature scent, who creates these phenomenal smells, what are the inspirations behind them and more! We chatted with Elisabetta Perris who is the CEO of Perris Group, who has Houbigant Parfums Paris, a noted French fragrance house within their portfolio of brands. Of course, we also wanted to know how she takes time when she's not involved with fragrances.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to the industry and being the founder of this brand?
ELISABETTA PERRIS: I’m not the founder of the brand, the brand was founded in 1775 by the Houbigant family. My parents have worked in this industry their whole lives, so as far as I can remember I have been living and breathing the world of fragrance at a young age. It was only natural for me to follow in their footsteps, as did my brother and my sister. You can say its a bit of a family tradition.
AM: Tell us about Quelques Fleurs?
EP: The first Quelques Fleurs was created in 1912 and it was the first multi-floral bouquet in the perfume world at that time. It was the most beautiful long lasting bouquet you can gift a woman. With Quelque Fleurs Jardin Secret, we wanted to stay within the tradition and capture the myth of a new generation. I wanted to create a fragrance that would appeal to my generation, to the young women of today. Women that are strong and elegant but also fierce and confident and know what they want in life.
AM: What inspires you to create fragrances?
EP: I draw inspiration from many things - sometimes the idea is inspired by the raw material that I fell in love with. With Houbigant, I am lucky to be able to draw inspiration from past archives, I have nearly 250 years of history to work with and sometimes I get to revive fragrances from the past such as Fougere Royale, it was originally created in 1882 and we relaunched with great success in 2010. It is an honor to keep the great tradition and to continue enriching the Houbigant brand with my designs.
AM: What is your favorite scent in your portfolio of fragrances?
EP: Iris des Champs, I love the iris as a raw material, it is made out of the root, not the flower itself and it is one of the most difficult to obtain, it takes 6 years and a lot of manual work to obtain this unbelievable raw material. The smell is soft, powdery, comforting and extremely elegant.
AM: What are your favorite ingredients that you enjoy working with when you are creating scents?
EP: All natural raw materials, especially flowers, they have so many different facets and can surprise you.
AM: When you're not creating or promoting your brand, how do you take time for yourself?
EP: My second passion besides perfumes is art. I design and decorate the limited editions every year.
I recently had a baby, he is 17 months - so recently, most of my time has been spent on him.
Read more from the April Issue and see Talking Scents with Elisabetta Perris in mag.
PHOTOS COURTESY | BETHANY O
More and more, the worlds of science and natural remedies and practices continue to work in tandem with one one another. We took some time to chat with Valerie Knopik who works with Tiffany Cruikshank, the founder of Yoga Medicine that blends these principals together.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to work with Yoga Medicine.
VALERIE KNOPIK: I have a PhD in Psychology and I am currently an academic researcher/scientist mentoring postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty at Brown University and will be moving into an endowed professorship in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University this summer. In addition to this career in science, I also teach yoga and have been a student in advanced training with Yoga Medicine since 2014. In late 2016 at a module in Sedona, Tiffany Cruikshank (founder of Yoga Medicine) and I started talking about the possibility of a research project and that was the exciting beginning of the Yoga Medicine Research Institute and my role as the Director of Research for Yoga Medicine.
AM: What is Yoga Medicine and why is this a way to blend science and nature together?
VK: Yoga Medicine is a thorough, anatomically-based training system that trains teachers across the globe to work more powerfully with their students. Yoga Medicine teachers are trained in the fusion of East and West to blend the best of anatomy and physiology with the traditional practice of yoga, including pranayama, mindfulness and meditation. It is this foundation that makes Yoga Medicine the perfect venue for building a research program that focused on the combined application of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to improve health and the human condition. Our vision is to educate and empower our global communities to use yoga therapeutically based on a deeper understanding through purposeful and well-designed research. Through this effort, I have the honor of mentoring and training our Yoga Medicine community of teachers in the nuances of conducting research and to deliver purpose-driven yoga, meditation and mindfulness instruction as a way to robustly examine its effects on various health outcomes. In my view, this continues the push, already started by Yoga Medicine, to raise the bar on what it means to be yoga teacher. Education. Experience. Results.
AM: How can one access Yoga Medicine?
VK: To learn about all things Yoga Medicine, you can start by visiting the website. On this site, you can find information about our mission, the Research Institute, the Seva (or service) arm of Yoga Medicine, trainings, articles written by our teachers and contributors and so much more. Our Find a Teacher platform is also available via the website or directly. This is a free service that Yoga Medicine provides to connect you directly with a Yoga Medicine trained teacher in your area. Through this service, you can find all teachers in your area and you can see what trainings they have completed with Yoga Medicine so that you can find a teacher that meets your needs.
AM: With Spring being upon us, what is a detox that one can do to get their summer body prepped?
VK: A detox is a process where one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. Spring is synonymous with the idea of spring cleaning and that doesn’t have to mean strictly of the house or closet variety of spring cleaning. There are simple ways to participate in a detox or cleanse (for more details, check out Tiffany Cruikshank’s book: Optimal Health for a Vibrant Life). Here are some simple strategies that you can do to get a jump start. If you can stay on this detox for about three weeks (the amount of time they say it takes to break a habit), you will notice some significant changes in how you look and feel!
• Eliminate coffee and alcohol. If possible, eliminate all caffeine, but if you must keep a small amount of caffeine in your routine, consider substituting green tea for coffee – the caffeine in tea is gentler on your system
• Eliminate added sugar – become an avid label reader – sugar hides everywhere
• Eat fresh and organic vegetables and foods
• Start your day with a large glass of water with the juice of one half of a lemon. Drink a lot of water throughout the day.
• Drink herbal, decaffeinated tea – not only will this increase your fluid intake and hydration, but the antioxidants in tea are beneficial as well
• Be aware of allergens and pollutants in your environment and add skin brushing and the neti pot to your daily routine.
• Consider eliminating dairy and wheat for the three-week period
• If you eat meat, try eating only local, free-range, organic, and grass-fed offerings. Find a local farm so that you are aware of where you are getting your meats from and (bonus!) you are supporting local businesses
• If you eat fish, try to find wild caught offerings
• Move your body! Yoga, exercise, whatever it is will increase circulation to all systems to help move toxins out
• Sweat – though exercise or the sauna – regularly!
AM: For those that have kicked into their workout methods of choice, how can we keep our bodies injury-free and what can we do when we have strained muscles in our arms, butts and legs when we start a new workout routine?
VK: To keep your body injury-free, it is important to make the time to restore the muscles that you challenge during your workout of choice. This can be something as simple as taking the time to stretch before and after physical activity. Other ways to make sure you restore your system include myofascial release, massage, mindfulness, water intake, sleep, and nutrition. A muscle strain implies damage to the muscle and can be a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. The most important strategy for muscle strain is a period of rest, followed by light stretching or myofascial release to encourage circulation to the area.
AM: Stress tends to creep in from time to time - what are three things that we can do in terms of breathing techniques and movements to manage it?
VK: Here are three techniques:
1. Basic Breath Awareness
Lay on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and at least hip-distance apart. Once comfortable, place a hand on your abdomen. Begin to just notice your breath. Does your breath feel strained or smooth? Just observe your breath without judging whether or not you’re doing it right or wrong. Gradually begin to make your breath as relaxed as possible. Introduce a slight pause after each inhale and after each exhale. Now begin to bring your awareness to your hand on your abdomen. Notice that with each inhale, your abdomen rises, and with each exhale, your abdomen contracts.
Without being forceful, just begin to gently try to expand the abdomen on the inhale and contract the abdomen on the exhale to support the natural movement of your diaphragm. Continue for 6-12 breaths.
2. Long Exhale
The long exhale is a 1:2 breathing practice that involves gradually increasing the length of your exhale until it is twice the length of your inhale. Start with basic breath awareness as outlined above. With a hand on your abdomen, mentally count the length of both your inhale and your exhale for several breaths. Start to gradually make the inhale and exhale the same length. Once your inhale and exhale are of equal length, then gradually increase the length of your exhale until it is up to twice the length of your inhale. If you start to feel stressed, back off to a ratio that is more comfortable for you. It’s important to note that an exhale that is even slightly longer than your inhale can have profound relaxing effects on the nervous system. Continue for 6-12 breaths.
3. Chandra Bheda – Lunar/Moon Breath
In this breath practice, you inhale only through the left nostril and exhale only through the right nostril. In Eastern traditions, the left side of the body represents the moon, or more yin and calming energy, while the right side of the body represents the sun, or more yang fiery energy. Therefore, in Chandra Bheda, we encourage the lunar, calming energy to enter the body, and we encourage the fiery yang energy to decrease – which will help bring the body back into balance. To try this breath: Sit in a comfortable position.
Allow your left hand to rest in your lap. Look at your right hand. Fold the index finger and middle finger into the palm. For this breath practice, you will only use the right thumb and the right ring finger. With your thumb on your right hand, close off the right nostril and inhale through the left side of the nose. Then use the ring finger to close off the left nostril, release the thumb and exhale though the right nostril. Start with an inhale and exhale that are about a count of 5-10 and are equal in length. Repeat for 3-9 rounds.
AM: What are 3 stretches that we can do when a short travel experience becomes a longer one due to flight delays, missed connections etc?
VK: One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you move around during these delays. We have a tendency to just sit and wait, but adding some gentle movement can have significant effects on mood, anxiety, and just the feeling of tension that accumulates in the body. Even just a walk around the terminal can help. Here are a few specific stretches that you can do to ease travel tension and anxiety:
1. Neck Release – Sit in a comfortable position with a tall spine. Allow the right ear to drop down toward the top of the right shoulder. Keeping the head in this position, try to send the top of the left shoulder away from the left ear so that you create a lot of space on the left side of the neck. From here, think of your chin like the rutter of a boat and gently shift the chin toward the right shoulder (keep sending the left shoulder away from the left ear as you do this). Move the chin slowly to find additional areas of neck tension. Stay for 5-10 breaths. To bring your head back to neutral, place the right palm on the right cheek and gently assist the head back to center. Repeat on the left side.
2. Standing (Or Seated) Side Stretch – reach the arms high toward the ceiling. If possible, clasp the hands over head. Imagine that you can lift and lengthen the torso out of the pelvis. Find this by reaching up towards the ceiling, then side bend to the right. Think about wrapping the right armpit toward the wall that you are facing so that you are less likely to collapse in the chest. Stay for 2-4 breaths. On an inhale come back to center and then side bend to the left.
3. Legs Up the Wall – Find a deserted or less busy part of the airport with a bit of wall space. Lay down on your back and send your legs up the wall – trying to scoot your sitting bones as close the wall as possible. Allow the back of the skull and the entire spine to rest on the floor. Allow the legs to rest on the wall. Find a comfortable position for your arms. Stay anywhere from 5-30 minutes.
4. Forward Fold (Seated in a Chair, Standing, or on the Floor) - Getting the head below the heart can be an excellent and accessible way to reduce anxiety and stretch the lower back muscles that tend to get tight when we sit for too long.
AM: Do you think that more doctors and practitioners are realizing that it is essential for new and old medicines to come together and where do you see that in the next few years?
VK: I do believe that there is a movement toward a more collaborative and blended approach to health and self-care. For example, I work with a client who has been experiencing chronic low back pain and, with his permission, I have worked alongside his acupuncturist and chiropractor to develop a plan for him. I think that both doctors and practitioners are open to this blended approach, but at this point, I believe it is still primarily on the shoulders of the practitioners/patients/clients to seek out ways to bring together Eastern and Western modalities for relief from anything as simple as the common cold to more complex situations such as low back pain. However, there are more and more initiatives for bringing mindfulness into the traditional Western medical settings, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices. These efforts lead me to believe that, in the near future, we will see more of the traditional Eastern modalities of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, pranayama, and mindfulness being more formally incorporated into approaches to health care and self-care. With information and education comes the possibility for more comprehensive approaches to health.
Valerie Knopik, PhD, is a Yoga Medicine instructor, Director of Research for the Yoga Medicine Research Institute, a Senior Research Scientist & Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, and a yoga teacher in Providence, Rhode Island.
Read more from the April Issue and see Let's Talk Yoga Medicine in mag.
Whether you're traveling for business or enjoying a staycation - it's a perfect way to take a moment before embarking on plans. As we travel a lot, we like to have items from home to make the journey a little easier. We always have our hotel favorites such as the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown when we're in DC! While enjoying a night's stay on their Gold Floor, you can enjoy their tea selection and honey (they have their own bee farm on their roof) or you can bring your own while you relax and decide what's next!
When you're traveling this Spring, once you settle in - it's time to have a bit of tea. As we're still waiting for temperatures to rise, a spiked hot tea is a great way to soothe your throat while also spicing up your tea leaves.
We suggest getting your favorite blend and brewing it with your favorite device (or calling room service) and add in Nautical Gin which has elderflower which adds to the floral notes of your tea as well as sweetening it with Truvia Nectar. Add these to taste.
.25 oz Truvia Nectar
1 oz Nautical Gin
1.5 oz Kusmi Tea Tsarevna
Read more from the Mar Issue and see Something You Should Know | Take a Tea Moment in mag
We're not kids anymore, but there are times where we need to take our cue from our favorite childhood past times to infuse in our adulting lifestyle. The Slumber Party was always a fun way to bring your favorites together. It was about having everyone in one room, eating pizza or snacks, trying beauty routines and of course having amazing gossip that hopefully never left the inner sanctuary. It was about coming together and bonding. To go to a slumber party was having an insiders access with your crew!
We're older, wiser, and sophisticated, but the need to connect is still as important as ever! We identify with a number of tribes and whether we engage with them in their set spheres or mix it up, the Adulting Slumber Party is one that you need to add to your plans as much as your next brunch! The options are endless whether you hold it in your home, book a suite at one of your favoite hotels or check out a fabulous place on Home Away. Set a date, send out your Paperless Post and make sure you create an experience.
Our slumber parties can incorporate meditation, a yoga session, testing beauty products, creating some cocktails, amazing dishes to snack on and of course, being able to gab about any and everything that brings you together!
We suggest some must haves to get your night off to the right start with our finds that can be introduced to your tribe as well as enjoyed solo or at a future activity.
| DULCE VIDA Grapefruit, Lime and Original | AVEDA Tulasara Wedding Masque Eye | GARNIER SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water |
Read more from the Feb Issue and see Something You Should Know | The Adult Slumber Party in mag
When you think of fitness studios that you have heard of from a number of friends and co-workers, SoulCycle is always in the conversation with it's mind, body, soul focus and music that makes cycling here an experience. We chatted with SoulCycle and Senior Instructor, Sydney Miller to find out more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: How long has SoulCycle been around?
SOULCYCLE: SoulCycle has been around since April 2006 -- it started as one studio on New York City's Upper West Side and has since grown to 72 studios and counting!
AM: We know that you recently opened a location in Austin and Bellevue - what are the next ones that we should keep an eye out for?
SC: We always look for active and dynamic communities to be a part of so we are very excited to now be in Austin and Bellevue. We are opening our first international studio in Toronto on March 2nd and have more Canadian studios opening soon as well.
AM: You guys have a great series of amenities available - what are some of the brands that one can find in your bathrooms?
SC: We always seek to provide a seamless experience for our riders and provide everything they need so our locker rooms are stocked with every amenity a rider could need, our front desks have hair ties, ear plugs, gum and more. We have also teamed up with local skin care companies in new markets to offer their products to our riders. In Bellevue, we have Herbivore Botanicals' incredible products in both of women's and men's locker rooms. Similarly, we have milk + honey in our downtown Austin studio and look forward to providing Saje products in our first Toronto location.
AM: There are so many choices for SoulCycle gear - are these all internal brands and do you also have collaborative brands as well - are there upcoming collabs we should be looking out for?
SC: SoulCycle produces 14 collections each year with 60+ pieces in each one. For the month of March, we are celebrating acceptance, collaboration and love as our collection is themed around the Army of Love. During a time of polarizing views and alienating sentiments, SoulCycle continues to be a sanctuary and a community of acceptance. SoulCycle is a workout to some, a community to most, and a safe harbor to all. We stand for acceptance, collaboration, and love. As team members and riders, we're a coalition of conscience - respect and compassion are practices we cultivate daily. We not only embrace each other's differences, we celebrate them.
Our studios are sanctuaries of unity, where we all ride together as a pack. We take that energy into the world, where we lift each other up. We are an Army of Love.
AM: When people are not in the midst of a class at SoulCycle - how can they still stay connected as a community?
SYDNEY MILLER: SoulCycle naturally lends itself to a community experience through the entire studio. Riders often become friends by going to the same classes week to week and building connection from the locker room to the studio. From juices after class, brunch, or trying a new fitness experience, riders can take the SoulCycle experience to other areas of their active lifestyle.
AM: What is the ethos of SoulCycle?
SM: SoulCycle is all about connecting mind and body to the music. We ride as a pack because we know there is strength in numbers. We support each other and get stronger together.
AM: We liked how you went about selecting a great class for us by asking what music we liked (our Kaskade x Swedish House Mafia theme ride was epic) - is this the suggested method that someone new to this ecosystem should follow?
SM: The music is what makes the entire experience, so it's important to go with an instructor who plays the kind of music you're into. There's really an instructor for everyone and each of us brings a different perspective to the table. On the website, you can see on each instructors' profile what kind of music they play and a little bit about them. It's fun to try different classes and then figure out what lights you up the most.
SOULCYCLE
• Check for current and upcoming studios in the US and Canada here.
Read more from the Feb issue and see the entire Athleisure List article in the magazine.
