GLAMPERS GONNA GLAMP

We were inspired by camping gear and the concept of glamping and enjoying the outdoors when we're with friends and family! Although of number of these items can be enjoyed in your home, they are also perfect to elevate your next time outdoors for the day or at night!

GLAMPERS GONNA GLAMP EDITORIAL | TEAM CREDITS

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Farkas | FASHION STYLIST + CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kimmie Smith |

IG @pvfarkas

@shes.kimmie

GLAMPERS GONNA GLAMP EDITORIAL | STYLE CREDITS

MOVIE NIGHT | PG 126, 134 + 138 | DOD Uma Folding Wagon, Uma Folding Table Top | NEBULA Capsule 3 | FULL WINDSOR Magware Magnetic Bowls/Plates/Cutlery Single Sets | PIXEL 9 Pro |

TENT | PG 128 | DOD Kamaboko Super Tent (M) + Kamboko Theater Screen |

GAMING OUTDOORS | PG 130 | DOD Uma Folding Wagon, Uma Folding Table Top + Sugoi Chair | LACOSTE Baccarat Game | STETSON Trapper Hat | NIKE Pegasus 41 | ATHLEISUREVERSE Bomber Jacket | THE NORTH FACE 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket | KANE Revive AC | STETSON Faux Leather Trap Hat | SOUNDCORE Boom 2 | SLOFLO WORLD 100% Cotton Crescent Meditation | DAGNE DOVER Denver Convertible Duffle | NOBIS Hat |

WELLNESS | PG 132 | TECHNOGYM Power Bands + Loop Bands | WILD MINGO Swell Eco Yoga Blocks | OCEANFOAM Wave Ball Rollers 5 - Pack + Premium Travel Mat | FLEXBEAM Portable Red Light Therapy Device |

AT THE BAR | PG 136 | DOD Multi Kitchen Table | DELONGHI La Specialista Opera with Cold Brew | ANKER 548 Power Bank (PowerCore Reserve 192Wh) | BY DR DRE & SNOOP Still Gin | JOHNNIE WALKER Black Label Squid Game Edition | NEST NEW YORK Limited Edition Scents of the Season | HARLOW Hobolite Micro 8W Portable Bi-Color ContinuousLED Lighting Kit |

GLAMPERS GONNA GLAMP EDITORIAL | PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

| SONY Alpha ILCE 7RM5, FE 50mm F1.4 GM, FE 70-200 mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FE 24-70 mm F2.8 GM II + HVL-F45RM Wireless Radio Flash | SIRUI Dragon Series Bendable RGB Panel Lights Set of 2 of B25R*2 Kit + DJ280 |

Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see Glampers Gonna Glamp in issue.

THE REALITY OF SELF-CARE | KAMIE CRAWFORD

For the past few years, we have enjoyed seeing Kamie Crawford on our screens in one of our long time favorite shows, Catfish! It's always fun to watch her dig into their cases, assist those being catfished, and offering a shoulder to cry on as she looks to understand what they are going through. In addition to her role here, she has expanded her TV Personality work in such shows as Are You The One, and she launched her own podcast, Relationsh*t where she talks about various relationships with her guests.

We caught up with Kamie while she was here in NY at a coffeeshop on the UES which felt like the perfect place to talk about her journey, how she engages in self-care, how she navigates this season and boosts her immunity, as well as some of her favorite reality shows.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been fans of yours since you were Miss Teen USA in 2010.

KAMIE CRAWFORD: Oh we go way back then. Oh yes, it’s so good to meet you!

AM: So good to meet you and it’s been great to see how you have built your career, and just all the different things that you've done! Did you ever think looking back that you would have been the co-host of Catfish for a number of seasons and doing TV personality, work, and being a voice of women and just all of these different things coming from the Midwest, which I am also from.

KC: I had no idea! So I was born in Cleveland, and as you know, I grew in Maryland, but my roots are still in Cleveland. My grandma still lives there.

I think that when I was younger, I always had it in my spirit that I wanted to do something to make people feel good about themselves. At the time, I thought that I wanted to be a dermatologist so my life was going to look completely different than it does now. But then I realized that I could do that through TV work.

AM: Yeah.

KC: Like, that is what I do on Catfish, it is what I do on my podcast. It’s what I do just in my everyday life. That is something that I strive to do. So, I think that I didn't think that it was going to look like this –

AM: Right

KC: But I knew that my life needed to be in service in some way.

AM: I love that

KC: Thank you!

AM: It's very cool.

You're constantly on the go traveling, where do you enjoy going and how do you stay healthy when you're going from place to place?

KC: Oh, well it is hard because I'm always on a plane and for some reason I always get sick when I travel.

AM: Yup.

KC: So, the good thing is that Mucinex Nightshift is now in my life and I have it as a part of my wellness kit - always with me. It's amazing because you can take it at night, so you can sleep better.

AM: Exactly.

KC: And then have a better morning the next day and be able to Girl Boss your way into things. But you can't Girl Boss when you're not feeling well!

AM: 100%

KC: It's very difficult for me. So that's definitely one tip that I have. The other one is making sure that I'm staying up to date with my vitamins. When my hormones are out of whack, I feel it.

AM: Oh yeah!

KC: I definitely feel it. I feel like newly into as a couple months, like cycle tracking and trying to balance my hormones. So taking the right supplements has been vital for me because you don't realize how many nutrients like you're depleted of. So that's definitely key. And then just like, making sure that I stick to my routines. My workout routine is not just a part of my physical health and well-being, but my mental health and well-being. So while I hate working out just as much as anyone else, I love the way I feel right when I do it. Like I just feel so accomplished.

AM: Yeah

KC: When you finish a workout class and you're like, oh I feel like that you feel good about yourself versus when you like go weeks without doing it - I hate that feeling.

AM: It's the worst feeling. You're like, all right I gotta get it together.

KC: Exactly.

That's why I like living a life with no regrets! It’s part of Mucinex's campaign. So that's what I like to do to make sure that I'm setting myself up right for the week.

AM: Wow.

Tell me about the Living With No Regrets Campaign.

KC: So Mucinex is all about, No Regrets and making sure that you are taking your next Nighshift the minute you feel those symptoms coming up that night. Take that medication so you can wake up the next day and have no regrets because sometimes we'll go through the symptoms and we'll be like “I'll just sleep it off.”

AM: Yeah.

KC: Then you wake up the next day and you feel like you just got hit by a bus! I've been there many times. It's always good and the right decision to set yourself up from that night so that you feel good the next day. But then also the funny thing is that Mr. Mucus, the Mucinex drug is now on Tinder. So if you're swiping and you see him –

AM: Ok –

KC: Make the decision that's best for you. But I went on a date with him today –

AM: Ha!

KC: And it was not great!

AM: Oh

KC: Don't make that regretful decision. Thank you.

AM: So this whole nighttime aspect of this product seems great.

What do you do for your self-care?

KC: Therapy is a part of my self-care. I am in therapy once a week. It's funny though. I've never met my therapist in person, only on Zoom.

AM: Nice.

KC: If we were to cross paths, I don't know what I would do. I think I would give her a huge hug because she's just amazing. So that's a part of my self-care, working out is a part of my self-care. Honestly, some people would say this is not self-care, but Doom Scrolling on TikTok. Sometimes when you're feeling down, you just need a laugh.

AM: I can see that.

KC: TikTok has all the laughs that I need. So I like to do that. But then I also like to spend time off my phone, with my friends, with my family, with my man, like I want to be out at, you know, a cafe with some chips and some Spinach and Artichoke Dip.

AM: Yes.

KC: Having a juicy conversation. Like that is self-care to me.

AM: That's amazing and well-rounded and nicely balanced. I got stuck in The TikTok of WTF Did I Marry! It was a busy time and at first I was like, what is this and then I remember a number of nights where I was on episode 42 getting all the details!

KC: Oh I saw all of the parts – all of the parts every single one!

AM: I'm still following her. Like what what's your life? Like what's going on?

KC: She's doing amazing!

AM: For sure, her life now got optioned into a show. I'll be watching all of it.

KC: She is doing great! I love her and shout out to Reesa Teesa!

AM: You’re killing it Reesa!

it feels like this time of year, you know, obviously we're in the Fall, but we're looking at the Holiday Season. So there's just a lot of stuff that's going on and then you also have the cold and flu season. So how do we prioritize our health and our wellness routines during this criticla portion of the year?

KC: Well I would say, you know, the change in weather and even the change in time affects everyone. It affects everyone. I don't know anyone who is like absolved from seasonal feelings, whether it's using depression, or just like seasonal sadness, we all go through it. The Holiday Season especially isn't happy and jolly for everybody.

AM: True.

KC: So I think that, you know, when you can spend your time with people that love you and care about you, you should prioritize that? Also making sure that you're not getting sick because then you will really miss out! I have had that. I have had the flu on Christmas one year and it was terrible.

AM: Oh no!

KC: This was before Mucinex’s Nightshift as it didn’t exist then, obviously. But I literally had to go to the hospital on Christmas night.

AM: That’s the worst!

KC: Terrible and that's not what we want. So make sure you're taking care of yourself. I'm sure that you're doing that mind-body and spirit all of it together.

AM: What are foods that you like to eat to boost your immune system? Like, I am always about keeping that immune system as high as I can.

KC: Oh yeah! Supplements, I take a lot of supplements, like I said, you know, balancing my hormones. That's a part of it. As women too, I feel like we're depleted of a lot of nutrients and we don't think about. So like B-12 is important, taking vitamin and making sure that you're getting all those things. Outside of vitamins, there's ways to get vitamins out of your food. Leafy greens have been a part of my life. It feels like a pain to have to consume as many leafy greens as we should -

AM: But that is what it is.

KC: That is what it is.

AM: Your body will thank you later!

KC: Kale is a necessary evil.

AM: I’m a big fan of kale!

KC: And then, you know, vitamin C, making sure that I'm drinking orange juice when I'm not feeling well. Another thing that I realized that helps me is like eliminating any kind of milky substance and I love a nice matcha latte, but when I'm feeling mucusy, anything with milk even if it's not whole milk no bueno. So that's like an elimination thing that I do.

AM: It’s always good to know what you have to navigate when you’re working around your health.

KC: Yeah, a lot of like spicy soups to get that nose going - I like to just drain it out.

AM: That’s always a smart one!

Tell me about your podcast.

KC: Relationsh*t!

AM: Yes!

KC: It's like my baby. It is - I love it. It's a relationship advice podcast. So we air every single Friday and I have different guests on every week to talk about a whole range of relationship topics. We say, we talk about all things relationships, the good, the bad and the straight up shitty. Because sometimes it's like that.

AM: Yeah.

KC: And it doesn't even just have to be romantic relationships. It could be the bad Tinder date that I went on. It could be the relationship that I have with myself, which I think is the most important relationship, sometimes even more important than a romantic relationship. But it could also be like I'm having a co-worker dispute or, you know, I'm having difficulty talking to my parents about coming out or anything and I like to bring on guests who can relate to the topic and, you know, we have celebrities, we have influencers, we have experts, you don't have to come on and like, spill your tea, but if you have something that relates to the topic – you’re more than welcome to share.

AM: I love that.

KC: Yeah. So it's a really nice little corner of my universe that I treasure.

AM: That is amazing!

Now I know you love reality shows, because I enjoy reading your posts when you're watching Love is Blind. Love is Blind is so good and I cannot wait for the last episodes.

KC: Exactly.

AM: And I think I'm going to start watching Love is Blind Habibi because I've heard so many things about it.

KC: Yeah I started that too!

AM: Yeah, I mean I have seen a number of the other global editions. Another fave is The Anonymous which just completed its first season.

KC: What is that?

AM: So The Anonymous is created by Studio Lambert which also does The Traitors, The Circle, Squid Game: The Challenge and Undercover Boss! It’s a social competition and when you’re watching it you can see elements from those shows in this. But basically people are all competing for something and then they go Anonymous and talk shit about someone, basically to get the person out. A lot of the competitors come from Survivor and other shows and they even have Andy King from Fyre Festival, but it’s on USA so you can see it on Peacock as well.

KC: Oh, okay. I’m going to have to watch The Anonymous!

AM: What reality shows are you watching?

KC: Love is Blind is everything and I highly recommend Love is Blind UK also!

AM: Same!

KC: It was so good.

AM: So good!

KC: So good - love that one. Love – Love Is Blind Habibi. Obviously I’m watching that. I love The Golden Bachelor.

AM: Yes!

KC: It's so good.

AM: In the best way possible in that the contestants in the house are just besties!

KC: They’re lika a little community. They are so loving and so sweet. Yeah. Just like, you know, they just are older and like don't care about the nonsense. So I love that. I did not watch this season of Love Island USA but I have been an avid Love Island UK watcher. I binged 6 seasons during the pandemic.

AM: Nice.

KC: I started thinking with an UK accent as it was so deeply ingrained in me. So, I love Love Island in general. I also love RuPaul’s Drag Race. Honestly, I don't think there's a reality show, that I haven't, at least tried once!

And obviously, the shows that I'm on, I love those too!

IG @kamiecrawford

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 40 - 45 Courtesy Kamie Crawford's IG | PG 46 MTV/Are You The One | PG 48 Joey Andrew |

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see THE REALITY OF SELF-CARE | Kamie Crawford in mag.

FOOTBALL + FILM | TAYE DIGGS

After coming off of a full summer which is filled with food, events, and friends, the Fall continues our ability to enjoy staying outside and thankfully with Football season, it gives us a lot of reasons to enjoy games in the stadium, tailgating outside of it, and even having events in our homes. We caught up with actor Taye Diggs (How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Best Man franchise, All-American) to talk about what he loves about football season, how he enjoys taking in this season's games, his partnership with Lysol and upcoming projects that we'll want to keep an eye out for!

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

TAYE DIGGS: When I saw my mother on stage, she went from being my mother into this other person that I didn't know in front of all these people watching her. I was so taken aback and impressed, scared, curious. That was all it took.

AM: We're in the midst of football season - from watching game day with friends whether that’s at the game or elsewhere, tailgating, and just having good vibes. What do you love about football season?

TD: I like going over to a pal's house and watching the game and eating various sundry snacks. I like it a lot better now because I don't have to worry about germs as much because I use Lysol® Air Sanitizer. I used to be one of those people that would just glare at people that used to cough - people don't like to be around that. So I don't have to worry as much and I can enjoy the game and the company without worrying about getting sick. I don't like getting colds and it's that simple.

AM: What are your go-to watch party must-haves when you're watching the game and who are you cheering for?

TD: No specific team, I’m with my son and we like players. That's what the young people are into these days, I don't know that I agree with it, but it's not worth the argument with my son. So when we watch the players, I make sure that the fridge is stocked and that nobody gets too out of hand. I don't like when fights break out. So people know not to bring that mess into my house.

Lysol Air Sanitizer is another must-have for me during watch parties. It actually sanitizes the air - so I use it before people come over to get my space ready and after they leave to sanitize after all that cheering!

AM: You partnered with Lysol Air Sanitizer - why did you want to work with them and how important is it to have whether at a watch party or the stadium?

TD: Football season is one of my favorite times of year, especially hosting game-day watch parties at-home. But I learned through my partnership with Lysol that cheering for your team can result in viruses and bacteria expelled in the air – shouting can produce up to 100,000 droplets per minute (Source)! That’s why Lysol Air Sanitizer is my game day must-have. It kills 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria† to eliminate odors in the air*, so you can protect your home while cheering on your favorite team all season long!

AM: In All American, you played coach Billy Baker, a high school football coach. What did you love about playing this role and how did you look at football after doing this?

TD: I thought I knew a little bit about football before that role and realized that I knew nothing about football. I gained a ridiculous amount of respect for professional athletes because we were exposed to so many and the intelligence that these athletes have that people assume they don't. Which is really, really cool. Getting to understand something that you thought you knew. Being able to yell at all these young people, that's a situation where pretending was really, really fun because that is so far from who I am as a person. Which is one of the reasons why I took the role and it was so much fun because in this career, a lot of times you play characters that are kind of close to you and this one wasn't, and I really had a great time.

AM: You're always working on a number of amazing projects. The first film I remember seeing you in was How Stella Got Her Groove Back and I know that you are working on another project from Terry McMillan, Forever on Lifetime. What do you love about her work? Tell me about Forever.

TD: They're great stories and that's where all of this begins. If you don't have this story, for me, you don't have anything. That's where my interest begins. I've had experiences with her, so it was a no brainer. What was interesting about this film was I got to kind of chronicle how far I've come from How Stella Got Her Groove Back and that was kind of cool. I'm a different actor, the way I approach a role, all of that was different, and I noticed it. So that was cool.

AM: Do you have any other upcoming projects that you would like to share that we should keep an eye out for?

TD: I'm a judge on this new show coming out called Second Chance Stage where it gives performers that had a dream and put their dream by the wayside another chance to pursue this dream. It's very eye opening, it's very emotional. These folks are terribly talented and we were put in the positions to give them more opportunities and it was kind of life altering.

IG @tayediggsinsta

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 32 Joey Andrew | PG 34 Second Chance Stage/Magnolia Network | PG 36 - 38/Taye Diggs Social

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see FOOTBALL + FILM | Taye Diggs in mag.

FALL STAYCATION | THE MARMARA PARK AVENUE

We love when we hit the Fall and one of the reasons in addition to football and the start of basketball season is that there are so many activities that take place and it always gets us thinking about a proper Fall Staycation! Since we covered the Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ as well as New York Comic Con, we partnered with The Marmara Park Avenue hotel to stay for a few nights!

In addition to being blown away by our epic 2 level suite, we loved that we were in the thick of Midtown East and were able to navigate everywhere we needed to go while being able to relax in style and to enjoy premium luxurious amenities. We wanted to share more about this hotel and took a few moments with Mina Isa, Executive Assistant to the COO of this property to find out more about the portfolio of hotels by The Marmara and to delve into why this hotel will definitely be on our list for a future visit and should be for you whether you're planning a staycation, a night out, a vacation, or organizing a business meeting for your company!

We stayed in room 1801 and loved not only the views of the Empire State Building as well as the Chrysler Building, but also having 2 floors, as well as the stunning space which we enjoyed relaxing in. Can you tell us what room we stayed in in terms of the above categories and provide more details about this?

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us a bit about The Marmara as a hotel group as you have locations around the world. What is the ethos of the properties that you have?

MINA ISA: The Marmara Group besides, The Marmara Park Avenue, owns three full service hotels in Istanbul along with a historical venue on the Bosphorus, Esma Sultan, one high end luxury resort in Bodrum and another five star hotel in Antalya. Marmara group operates each of its hotels with a unique signature under a core experience concept. Each property maintains its individual identity while incorporating the Marmara standard of excellence and service within a comfortable welcoming environment invoking a home like atmosphere. While most of the hotels competes with third parties owners and managed by branded management companies, The Marmara prides itself on providing a superior level of service with the pride of a true owner operator.

AM: We had the pleasure of attending your Derby party earlier this year and we enjoyed staying in your suite during the Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival. When did The Marmara Park Avenue hotel open?

MI: The soft opening was in August 2016 . It took us quite some time to settle in so we consider 2017 our first year.

AM: Tell us about the design of this boutique hotel. The lobby is upscale and yet has cozy elements with pieces that are included that have an intimate vibe as well. We'd love to know about the thoughts behind the design as well as about the designer, Joe Ginsberg.

MI: The Marmara Park Avenue, a 128-key artisanal boutique hotel in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the most recent projects by designer Joe Ginsberg. All of the distinct architectural components and sculptural focal points in the Marmara Park Avenue hotel amass influences and techniques from the past, reimagined in a contemporary style, combining historic details with chic elegance. The lobby’s artisanal features are handcrafted and fabricated by the designer and his team.

EXTERIOR

The facade of The Marmara Park Avenue is clad in black riveted iron creating an industrial, yet elegant entrance in contrast to the illustrious brighter lobby.

ENTRANCE

The main lobby is accessed through a jewel-box atrium, consisting of a blackened steel frame featuring 700 panes of prismatic, faceted glass and a paved walkway, the concept of bringing the outside in. This conservatory serves as an intimate and tranquil oasis, bringing the outdoors inside. The atrium is lit by a cast-bronze and hand blown glass pendant light, its design mimicking the atrium. A hand forged bronze diamond patterned door, consisting of 750 individual panels opens into the lobby.

CONCIERGE

Upon arrival, the hotel guests are greeted at a monolithic pair of sculptural, cast limestone concierge desks, each weighing 900lbs. The custom bronze detail of the single leg evokes a pirates “peg” leg.

The seamless concrete floor is punctuated by an inlaid brass motive pattern throughout the lobby, the original design inspired by Kings and Queens.

MAIN LOBBY

A curvaceous, mirrored, stainless steel column fireplace takes center stage separating the lounge from the bar. This massive “glam” sculpture is supported by the demure nature of its surrounds. The suspended abacus is designed for interaction, its’ tactile bird shaped beads invite you to spin and play. Other carved woodland creatures beside the fireplace bring a playful sense of nature and whimsy to the space. All were hand carved and dipped in concrete and buried in the woods for 6 months, giving them life to take flight. Seven applications of seamless Carrera marble and limestone, burnished to a high gloss, cover the walls. A limestone relief wall clock sports custom bronze hands. The basket weave patterned, lime-etched reclaimed wood ceiling adds a warm, rustic tone in contrast to the cool, polished nature of the lobby.

LIBRARY

The rich walnut bookshelves in the library offer a grand sense of “Totem” while reading in this quiet space and relaxing at the monolithic fireplace. Guests can contemplate the relief pattern on the large fireplace wall, which reinterprets the story of extraterrestrial travel in a contemporary way. A diminutive, hand-carved owl watches over you from its prudent perch.

LOBBY FURNISHINGS

Gem-toned accents and rich textures add tactile contrast against a neutral palette in the lobby. Neoclassical inspired sofas line the front wall in a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. The hand-beaded linen drapes feature a custom embroidered bird pattern border. The lush and inviting embroidered quilted banquette in the bar area is upholstered in a quilted leather, inspired by the Matador’ Bullfighter costume. A lit stone water feature functions as a central accent table, reiterating the tranquil natural essence of the grand lobby. Original artwork, Don’t Forget Your Umbrella, by Joe Ginsberg is featured in the lobby.

The seamless cast glass side tables, wooden ottomans, low benches, metal barstools and coffee table were all custom designed and handmade by the designer and his team. The prismatic kaleidoscope glass pattern on the two-tiered oval coffee table creates a conversation piece. The barstool design refers back to a traditional era in New York hospitality, while the glass side tables add a contemporary feel.

WINE BAR

Glass vessels were hand-blown as homage to the Marmara Vineyard conveying Mediterranean charm. The illuminated silver glass walls at the wine bar reflect light in contrast to the dark walnut used in the bar. The custom brass ribbon pendant over the bar spans 10 feet and suspends as an architectural halo over the bar.

The hallways on the ground level features monochromatic lacquer panels, concealed storage, and custom brass sliding doors with bronze hued glass. Four distinctive jewel toned glass public restrooms are concealed behind lacquered panels. Antique mirrored ceilings create height and illusion throughout the corridors, elevator foyer and business center.

ELEVATORS AND CORIDOR

The acid-etched, blackened steel plaid panels of the elevator interiors are Burberry inspired. The wood veneer corridor panels are a contemporary nod to the Chrysler Building. The custom corridor carpet is an abstract rendition of the city streets. Dark and elegant corridors are lit by custom, hand-blown, glass pendant lights and laser cut steel room numbers identify rooms and suites.

GUEST SUITE LIVING ROOMS

Custom details are the focal points in the guestrooms. A photograph by Joe Ginsberg of the Third Avenue Bridge, restored in the past by the Marmara group owners, was used to create an intricate Mylar wall covering graphic in the guestroom entry foyers. Selected works from Joe Ginsberg’s fine art collection are featured in the suites. All rooms include custom, hand tufted rugs, inspired by original Joe Ginsberg watercolors.

GUEST SUITE BEDROOM

Joe Ginsberg’s classic style offers the creative atmosphere that hotel guests seek. The beds were designed exclusively for the hotel, with an upholstered base, velvet drawer inserts and attached custom side lamps. On the floor, a lattice wall-to-wall carpet complements the artisanal furnishings designed for the bedrooms.

GUEST SUITE BATHROOM

The marble details in the guest bathrooms make a floor to ceiling statement with the deco inspired geometric chevron pattern and the marble and polished stainless steel vanities. High-end fixtures were specified in a polished nickel finish. Open linen closets in dark wood with antique mirror backing add refined style while providing additional storage.

LUXURY PENTHOUSE

A luxurious palette of grays and neutrals bring understated elegance into the penthouse quarters with modern furnishings, traditional accents and contemporary fine art.

Expansive glass and Scavolini kitchens, uniquely designed stone baths, travertine floors in living rooms and terraces with sweeping city views make the penthouses at The Marmara Park Avenue the place to be.

AM: Tell us about the Tuti Lounge and Bar as we know it serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

MI: The main food and beverage outlets in all the other Marmara Hotels’ are called “Tuti” so we also use that cute name for ours.

AM: We enjoyed attending your Derby party earlier this year which was held at the Balcon Rooftop Bar. Tell us about this space and what are 3 Fall oriented cocktails that you suggest that we should enjoy while there?

MI: The rooftop is closed for the season – will reopen in May.

3 cocktails that you cold enjoy during the season: Paloma, Lola and Misunderstood

AM: One of the best parts about staying at a hotel is to enjoy the amenities that are available and your wellness portfolio is one worth noting. Tell us about the pool, your Turkish Hammam, and the gym!

MI: GYM

The gym is accessible with your room key 24 hours.

POOL

Size of saltwater pool – W10.66 x L45 x Deep 4feet

AM: For those looking for spa treatments, what do you offer and can they be in-room?

MI: Yes, we offer in-room massage service with charge of $20.

SPA MENU

Experience varieties such as Deep Tissue-, Sports, Swedish or Prenatal massage and receive the pampering you truly deserve. In-Room service is available when suitable.

• Deep Tissue Massage (60 minutes & 90 minutes)

• Aromatherapy Massage (60 minutes & 90 minutes)

• Traditional Hammam Ritual (45 minutes)

• Classic Swedish Massage (90 minutes)

• Prenatal Massage (60 minutes & 90 minutes)

• Sports Massage (60 minutes & 90 minutes)

AM: Tell us about your membership option. I assume that this is something that those who are visiting (but not staying at the hotel can do) or those who live in the city can use?

MI: MEMBERSHIP

Members of the Wellness Center at The Marmara Park Avenue have access to our indoor pool and other fitness facilities. Currently we offer a daily pass or a monthly membership.

DAY PASS $80

• Indoor pool daily between 7am - 9pm

• Use of the gym, experience shower

• Access to Turkish Hammam

• 10% discount on Tuti Lounge & Bar

MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP $275

• Indoor pool every day between 7am - 9pm

• Use of the gym, experience shower

• Access to Turkish Hammam

• Bringing a guest to the Wellness once a month

• 20% discount on Tuti Lounge & Bar

AM: Tell us about the hotel rooms that you have for guests who are staying on property as you have Rooms, Suites, Residences, and the Penthouse.

MI: During the programming of the building we wanted to keep the original layouts as much as possible thus many different sizes and different layout units. There are 3 Penthouses (the main entrance to them being on 18th floor) Each one has been decorated differently than each other and the rest of the other units.

Rooms & Suites are for short term stays with standard hotel room amenities such as minibar or kitchenette.

Residences are for stays for more than 30 days, they come with full kitchens- some even has kitchen islands and in room washer and dryer – like home away from home.

AM: Can you provide the options within the Residences and what kind of guests does this appeal to?

MI: The residences that we offer are the Junior Residence, Classic Residence, Deluxe Residence, Premium Residence, & Two Bedroom Residence. This mainly appeals to guests that need an accommodation for a few months as they are either, an intern in New York, visiting for medical reasons, their house is under construction/renovation, or if they are actors/actresses they would need a longterm accommodation until their show is doen shooting.

AM: What room amenities do you provide?

MI: AMENITIES

We have pillow top mattresses with 400 thread count and hypoallergenic bedding. Our suites with fully equipped kitchens have Fisher & Paykel appliances. Studio Suites have Wet Bars. Extended Stay accommodations have a washer/dryer. ADA Rooms are equipped with roll in showers with grab bars and tub seats. There are mobility-accessible doors with at least 32 inches of clear door width. Televisions have closed captioning for the hearing impaired. There are bathrobes in each room. Kid friendly suites are also available. iPads are in each room as well as desks with an electrical outlet. Individual Climate Control is also available. You'll find an iron and ironing board. All suites are non-smoking. Turn Down Service is available upon request and we are pet friendly. We have 120 AC, a cocktail lounge with light fare, a 24-hour front desk along with 24-hour security. There are banquet facilities, bell staff/porter, bilingual staff, and boarding pass print-outs available. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast, carryout breakfast, we have a business service area, child programs, children are welcome, complimentary newspaper in lobby, conference facilities, direct dial telephones, connecting rooms, communal bar area, and a concierge desk. We have a doctor on call, dry cleaning, a gym to exercise in, express check-in/express check-out, a family plan, elevators, we are fire safety compliant as well. You have access to free high speed internet, grocery shopping sevices that are available and full service housekeeping that is daily and weekly.

You can also enjoy hair dryers, handicap rooms, heated pools, indoor pools, laundry/valet service, lobby coffee service, massage services, kitchenettes, pet amenities are also availables, there are even pet-sitting services.

For our residences and lease guests - the residences are all fully furnished apartments, that provide full kitchens and washer & dryers. Aside from that, we offer 24/7 staff, once a week housekeeping, and room service from 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM. Access to the Wellness Center, featuring a subterranean pool, authentic Turkish Hammam, and 24/7 fitness center. 2 complimentary bottles of water, In-room Nespresso coffee and tea selection, Bathrobes and slippers, Enhanced Wi-Fi access for all your devices, Smart TV connectivity, In-room iPad, with access to nearly every amenity the room, hotel, and neighborhood can offer.

AM: For meeting spaces at this property, what can you tell us about this for those that may be looking to book a sales meeting, product/brand launch, or a party?

MI: In regards to meetings spaces, we offer two spaces referred to The Nook, & Lexington. Each of the spaces provide a distinct feel and functionality. The Nook can accommodate up to 8-10 guests, whereas Lexington can accommodate up to 25-28 guests (depending on the seating). We are able to provide a breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, coffee/snack break, or even a dinner buffet. We also have an audio-visual packaging where our on-site IT manager and team is available to assist with any presentation set-up required for the next meeting or event. Capabilities include microphones, video recording, built in monitors, speakers, and PowerPoint Presentations. For meetings we have a total of 926 square feet of space to accommodate a request. We have hosted multiple meetings in our spaces when it comes to corporate private meetings, tradeshows, and delegations during UNGA. In regards to events, we are able to host private events in our Balcon Rooftop (open seasonally), and our Tuti Bar & Lounge. These spaces are mainly used for cocktail reception style parties where we provide an open bar package, with passed hors d'oeuvres.Our premium liquor & cocktails from our bartenders with passed hors d'oeuvres from our world class chef will set the scene for your event. Our staff is dedicated to the guest’s total comfort and convenience. We provide 1,000 square feet per event space. We have hosted multiple engagement parties, tradeshows, and private corporate events in our event spaces.

AM: We love how accessible this hotel is as you can comfortable walk to Midtown, the 6 train is nearby to make it easy to go uptown and downtown. What can you tell us about this neighborhood?

MI: You can see everything close by on our site at Explore New York City.

AM: What are 3 things that you suggest that guests who are visiting out of town on vacation can do that are near the hotel?

MI: I recommend our guests explore our website, where they can discover more about our offerings and even check out a map of New York - atNeighborhoods To Explore and Best Things To Do.

AM: For those that are here on business, what are 3 things that they can enjoy?

MI: The first thing they can definitely enjoy is our complimentary Apple computers available in our Lobby Lounge. They also can enjoy our high speed WiFi and can provide a complimentary usage of one of our meeting spaces. Lastly, after a long day of conducting business, step inside to our Turkish Hammam and fully immerse in the relaxing heated marble room.

AM: For those who are here for a staycation, what are 3 things that you suggest that can be enjoyed in the neighborhood?

MI: Our blog articles are a great resource for those looking to explore and learn about New York and its neighborhoods, including dining, parks, museums, and more at Quick Trips and Free Things to Do.

AM: Thinking ahead to the Holiday season, are there any special events that are coming up that we should know about?

MI: We do special offers during the holiday season.

Autumn in the City invites you to experience the stunning fall foliage of New York City with our Fall Getaway Package. Enjoy discounts of up to 30% off your stay—save 20% for three nights, 25% for four nights, and 30% for five or more nights. Relax with a late checkout at 1:00 PM and consider a suite upgrade for an additional 10% off. Book now through November 15, 2024, for stays until February 28, 2025.

Romance in the City is the perfect package for couples looking to reconnect in the heart of New York. Indulge in a spacious one-bedroom suite with stunning city views and choose between a daily continental breakfast or a relaxing 30-minute Turkish hamam experience. Arrive to a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, and enjoy the luxury of a late checkout at 1:00 PM. Book your romantic getaway today and create unforgettable memories.

Celebrate New Year's Eve with A Night to Remember, our exclusive package featuring luxurious accommodations with guaranteed views of the Empire State Building. Enjoy festive amenities, including a selection of Christmas cookies and a bottle of champagne, along with a beautifully decorated in-room Christmas tree. Book by December 1, 2024, for stays between December 15, 2024, and January 2, 2025, as availability is limited.

Escape the everyday with our Weekend Retreat package, offering a luxurious two-night stay at The Marmara Park Avenue. Enjoy complimentary parking for stays that include Sunday, makign it the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax. Available every weekend in November, this getaway is calling your name!

IG @marmaranyc

PHOTOS COURTESY | The Marmara Park Ave

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see FALL STAYCATION | The Marmara Park Avenue in mag.

COURT TO WELLNESS | SLOANE STEPHENS

Over the years, we have always enjoyed when we have connected with 2017 US Open Grand Slam winner Sloane Stephens. Most recently, she was our DEC ISSUE #84 2022 cover. We always enjoy catching up with her about her sport, new projects, as well as her philanthropic focus.

We had the pleasure to catch up with Sloane and this time we caught up with her to find out what she has been up to since we last talked with her! We were also excited to hear about her new wellness beauty brand, Doc & Glo that she launched during the US Open this summer! We also talked with her about her partnership with Athletes for Good which is a joint initiative between P&G, the IOC and the IPC that recognizes the efforts of athletes to improve their communities off the field of play, while also giving their best every day on their journey to their ultimate performance at Paris 2024. P&G awarded 20 Athletes for Good grants of $24,000 each to support causes championed by recipient athletes.

Sloane founded the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds dream big, both on and off the tennis court, by offering year-round tennis, education, mental health and financial literacy programs. The foundation uses tennis and education to change the narrative of poverty, health inequity, and educational development. With programs up and running in the Compton Unified School District – reaching 15,000 children in the area so far, the Slone Stephens Foundation will use the Athletes for Good grant to continue to grow the community.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We always love when we get the chance to catch up with you as we have enjoyed previous inbooks as well as a cover with you! You have had a busy year, what does your schedule look like for the remainder of this season in terms of upcoming matches?

SLOANE STEPHENS: I’m currently in Asia for the final tournament swing of the year. After this, I’ll head home for my off-season to spend time with my family before beginning my pre-season training block and playing in some exhibition matches.

AM: Are there any routines that you do before a match to get ready to play that you feel that you need to do?

SS: I always make sure to have a well balanced meal – usually chicken and rice with some type of veggie. It really depends on the time of my match but I prefer being the first match of the day so I don’t have much down time beforehand.

AM: Are there any routines that you do once you have completed a match to come down from all of the energy that you had to exert?

SS: Yes! I always get a massage and try to do some sort of self care whether it be a mask or just lighting a candle and relaxing.

AM: We always love following along your social media to see what you are up to and it's fun to see campaigns you're part of, your collaborations, and travels. Last month, you launched Doc & Glo which is amazing! Tell us about why you wanted to launch this brand as well as the meaning behind the name?

SS: I’ve always loved self care and this was always something I wanted to do. It’s a really exciting passion project for me! Seeing it all come together has been so special. The brand is named after my grandparents - Doc & Glo. My grandfather was an OBGYN – they called him doc, and my grandmother Gloria was a fabulous woman who taught me so much about self care starting at a young age.

AM: You launched 2 products - tell us about them and why did you want to start with them? Do you envision tackling other areas that will be available at Doc & Glo?

SS: We plan to launch more items in the body care space! Stay tuned!

AM: What has it been like in terms of coming up with this brand, doing all the R&D behind it, and finally releasing it for us to enjoy?

SS: It has truly been a labor of love! I’ve been working on Doc & Glo for 4 years so to finally see it out in the world is an amazing feeling. This brand was made from scratch – custom formulations, custom packaging, and months and months of testing. I’ve learned so much during this process and I can’t stress enough that entrepreneurship is not for the weak!

AM: How is your Sloane Stephens Foundation going and are there any upcoming projects that are going on that we should know about?

SS: Everything is going really well! 2025 marks our 10th year of programming in Compton and our programs are stronger than ever. We’re also expanding more meaningfully into South Florida, which is very special to me.

AM: How did you and the Sloane Stephens Foundation connect with Athletes for Good?

SS: I'm incredibly proud to be a member of Team USA. They've provided so much support throughout my career, including a scholarship for my MBA degree. I saw this funding opportunity for P&G’s Athletes for Good in an email and immediately wanted to apply on behalf of the Sloane Stephens Foundation.

AM: What did it mean to you to be awarded the grant?

SS: It means so much to be recognized for the work of the Sloane Stephens Foundation and to stand alongside so many other hard working athletes who give back to their communities across the country. When I started SSF in 2013, I sought out to create opportunities for youth to have tennis change their life. I believe in the power of grassroots sports and want all kids to have an amazing first interaction with whichever sport they choose. I appreciate the support of P&G in making these dreams come true.

AM: Are there projects or initiatives that you will be able to grow or incorporate in your plans because of the grant?

SS: This grant funding supported our summer camp in Compton, which just wrapped up after an amazing 8 weeks. We're constantly looking to improve and add new elements to our summer camp to give our kids the best possible experience. This summer, we were able to incorporate group sessions with our social worker as well as art therapy led by our social workers every Friday.

AM: Are there any other projects you have going on that you would like to share with us that we can keep an eye out for?

SS: We’re preparing to launch our next 2 Doc & Glo SKUs this winter and I’m really excited for everyone to experience them! I want to take over the home and away body care routine.

IG @sloanestephens

@docandglo

@sloanestephensfoundation

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Sloane Stephens

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see COURT TO WELLNESS | Sloane Stephens in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE DOMINICK HOTEL

SoHo is a neighborhood filled with art, culture, and luxury, and at The Dominick Hotel, they weave this energy into a wellness-driven guest experience. For fitness enthusiasts, they’ve collaborated with Dogpound to offer the Sky-High Full Body Workout on their 46th-floor SoHi event space. These 45-minute classes are complimentary for hotel guests and require no equipment. For runners, the hotel's proximity to Hudson River Park offers the perfect outdoor trail.

For those staying or are in the neighborhood, El Ta’koy is located on Terrace on 7. It has a modern Hawaiian-inspired gastronomic experience.

The venue offers an abundance of outdoor drinking and dining spaces accented by plush seating arrangements and ample greenery, including an offset lounge area with cabanas.

The Dominick's SoHi Suites and penthouse are located on the top floors of the hotel offering stunning views of NYC's gorgeous skyline. Reserving these spaces includes the personal service of a Luxury Ambassador team from pre-arrival through checkout, and complimentary amenities.

Guests can enjoy a number of amenities such as Diptyque Philosykos Collection bath amenities, as well as the Sisley Spa Bath Butler service, offering wellness rituals with Eau de Champagne bath & body oil or Antara CBD bath truffles. For added indulgence, fitness enthusiasts can request a Peloton bike, yoga mats and bands for a private workout. For the ultimate wellness stay, our Spa Suites feature Hyperice Core Meditation trainers, a private en suite sauna, a connected massage room, jacuzzi tubs, and rainfall showers.

Enjoy some time at the luxurious SISLEY Spa services. We suggest The Black Rose Facial, their Moroccan Hammam a 90-minute ritual inspired by ancient purification techniques, and the exclusive Dominick Honeybee Ritual is a 90-minute indulgence featuring a body mask derived from honey harvested from The Dominick's own rooftop hives. It also includes a revitalizing scalp massage, energizing exfoliant, and a velvet-smooth moisturizing massage for the ultimate spa experience.

We enjoyed a Soundbath, led by Lucia Luminate, which offers a transformative wellness experience by using sound frequencies to promote relaxation and healing.

They are hosting their 2nd Annual Halloween Event, in conjunction with the Village Halloween Parade. Guests can enjoy a pre-parade cocktail party at Mezzanine, VIP float access, and an afterparty at Webster Hall. A special discount package with seasonal amenities will be available. Their Holiday Corner at Café Mezz will feature complimentary cocoa, popcorn, gift wrapping, and a partner gifting corner to get into the festive spirit.

THE DOMINICK HOTEL

246 Spring St

NY, NY 10013

thedominickhotel.com

IG @thedominickhotel

PHOTO CREDITS | The Dominick Hotel

Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | The Dominick Hotel in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | ABACO INN

The Abaco Inn is part of the Enthusiast Hotel Collection (EHC) which focuses on those who like to travel to off-the-beaten-path destinations and prefer to stay at hotels that have a story to tell. They are a kaleidoscope of boutique hotels, inns, and travel getaways carefully chosen to delight the senses, expand the imagination, and inspire adventure. All the properties in the chain are intimate, close to nature, and offer experiences one can’t find anywhere else. Each property sources everything locally and maintain the pristine standards of their locations. Enthusiast Hotels has also partnered exclusively with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to help conserve the earth’s biological diversity and enable guests to connect with fellow ornithology enthusiasts to explore birds from California to the Bahamas.

When visiting the Abacos, it's a community known for top boating and sailing destination. This 120-mile-long chain of islands is dotted with quaint towns, beaches, two golf courses, and a picturesque candy-striped lighthouse. They are perfect for travelers who seek quaint, antique charm; those who love secluded villages and cultures; sailors and surfers; fishermen; artists and romantics.

The Abaco Inn has 4 Oceanview rooms with a queen bed, a small fridge, cooler, and bathroom; 8 one-bedroom villas with one king bed, a queen size pull-out sofa bed in the living area and a kitchenette (microwave, small fridge, coffee pot); and 13 rental Sunset Point cottages that include 1 - 4 bedroom options that have their own dock space with complete kitchens and amazing views. Some have private plunge pools as well.

Guests can enjoy the pool, restaurant, full bar, free dock space (rental size boat – up to 38’ ft), Wi-Fi and close proximity to other resorts, restaurants and gift shops.

In terms of activities, guests can swim at their freshwater pool or in the sea to enjoy snorkeling, fishing, island-hopping, sailing, kayaking, biking, surfing, paddle boarding, and checking out the small towns and shopping.

The Abaco Inn Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has a full bar and an extensive wine list. Locals enjoy this as well!

There are direct commercial flights from Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Nassau to Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH). There are also options to charter private flights as well as to travel by boat to dock at the Inn's marina.

As the summer transitions to the Fall, the off-season is the quieter period which is September to mid-December. Keep in mind that a number of businesses and restaurants are closed, while Abaco Inn stays open the whole season.

ABACO INN

Elbow Cay

Abaco, Bahamas

abacoinn.com

IG @abacoinn

PHOTO CREDIT | Abaco Inn

Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Abaco Inn in mag,

CHARTING HER COURSE | SYDNEY LEROUX

We love this time of year when we have all of our favorite sports happening during this time of year. We turn our attention to soccer and Angel City FC. We took some time to sit down with one of their star athletes, Sydney Leroux, Team USA Soccer Gold Medalist for London 2012 as well as being a World Cup Winner for USWNT at the 2015 FIFA World Cup.

We wanted to catch up with her to find out how she got into the sport, playing for Angel City FC, her partnership with TYLENOL as well as how it assisted her through recovering from her injuries so that she could get back to the game and team that she loves!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with soccer and realize you want to play professionally?

SYNDEY LEROUX: I fell in love with soccer probably when I was around four or five. My mom put me in every sport possible because I was crazy and she wanted me to burn off some energy. I just loved scoring goals and so I continued to play. I also played baseball, but I played with boys. And so my mom was like, “Okay, you need to make a decision”, and I decided to stick with soccer.

AM: Was there anything behind that decision to pick soccer for baseball?

SL: Well, the boys started getting huge and I stayed the same size. And I just felt like I gravitated towards soccer.

AM: We know the season has started for Angel City FC, but what are you most looking forward to this season? What have you enjoyed so far?

SL: I'm looking forward to just continuing to push, we're midway through the season now and I think we've seen really good things. I think just like working off of that and trying to be a good teammate and do as much as I possibly can.

AM: What does it mean to play the sport you love and represent your passion? Whether it's on the global stage or whether it's just playing in LA? What does that mean to you to get to represent?

SL: It means so much. I think that I've been able to see the growth of women's soccer and women's sports, like being in it and being involved. The NWSL started like 13 years ago, and I was there for that. There was this fear about like, are we going to continue or is it going to fold like all of the other women's leagues before the NWSL. I was playing in Boston at a little high school field with a couple hundred fans. Someone had a little camera and it went on YouTube, and now I play in front of a sold out stadium with 22,000 people in Los Angeles. I don't think anyone could have ever thought that, but I think we pushed for that and this is what we want. So yeah, I'm just so happy to be a part of it and know that the future can even be better.

AM: Why have you partnered with TYLENOL and what is the Care Commitment?

SL: I partnered with TYLENOL because I realized that it's everywhere in my life- from my muscle aches and pains to the kids having a fever. I just realized it's everywhere, so it made sense. Coming back from my injury, I knew how hard that was. I'm really excited to announce the TYLENOL Care Commitment, which is a recovery fund to help injured athletes get back into the game. TYLENOL is committing funding to help injured athletes recover and compete once again, starting this year with a sponsorship to the Women’s Sports Foundation.

AM: How do you manage training during the in-season and how does that compare to when you're in the off-season?

SL: Training in season is tough. But I would also say that training in the off-season and getting ready for a grueling season, we play like 10 months a year, so the offseason is very short. I just try to stay healthy, that's my number one right now, and it's been going good so far.

AM: As a mom, how do you balance that training and playing soccer in the games with the activities with your kids and being their role model?

SL: I think that there's no perfect balance, you just have to do as best as you can. For me to be a role model to my children and to other moms, too, has been amazing. I also think just being able to play with them and do what I do and bring them along with me, I think that that's been really helpful. But it's just about sometimes getting outside and playing.

AM: Do you have any advice for moms balancing that busy career with raising a family?

SL: I think don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself grace. Your kids just love you and as long as you're present there when you can be, I think that's all that matters.

AM: Any other upcoming projects we should keep an eye out for? What's the next thing for Sydney?

SL: Yeah, I actually play in my 150th game coming up against Orlando, so I'm looking forward to that.

IG @sydneyleroux

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 135 Sydney Leroux| PG 136 George Orozco | 9PLAYLIST MULTI PG 138 - 141 |

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see CHARTING HER COURSE | Sydney Leroux in mag.

FROM BEAM TO COURT | NASTIA LIUKIN

Every four years when we watch the Summer Games, we enjoy connecting and reconnecting with those competing, veterans, analysts, and personalities. It's a great time to come together to support an array of sports that we all enjoy. Of course with Team USA Gymnastics, we know that we'll be cheering this group along and we took some time to talk with 5X Team USA Gymnastic Olympic Medalist, Nastia Liukin (G1, S3, B1). We caught up with her on what she's doing, her thoughts on competing at Paris 2024, her advice for the women's team, what she will do in Paris, her collaboration with Recess Pickleball and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It has been quite a year in gymnastics and we have enjoyed watching the road to seeing who would be on this year's Team USA Women's Gymnastics Team! As a 5X Olympic Medalist, what have been some of the biggest moments that you enjoyed while competing at the Olympics?

NASTIA LIUKIN: Competing at the Olympics is a surreal experience. One of the biggest moments for me was winning the all-around gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Standing on the podium, hearing the national anthem, and realizing all the hard work had paid off was indescribable. Another unforgettable moment, and perhaps the most memorable, was standing in the tunnel with my teammates before we stepped onto the competition floor for the first time. We all looked at each other, not exchanging any words, knowing that our lives were about to change forever.

AM: Like many, we are excited about the upcoming Summer Games and of course, to see Team USA Gymnastics hit the floor! What are you looking forward to this year with this team?

NL: I'm incredibly excited to see the new talent and the routines that Team USA will bring to Paris. This year's team has shown such resilience and dedication, and I can't wait to see them shine on the world stage. I'm biased because Hezly Rivera (G1) trains with my parents, but I cannot wait to watch her realize her dreams in Paris. I’m also so excited to see Suni (G1, S1, B1) step onto the competition floor after the year she has had.

AM: Do you have any words of advice for the ladies as they head to Paris?

NL: My advice would be to trust your training, trust your muscle memory, but also, enjoy it! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that some will never have again. Leave it all out on the competition floor, but take time to soak in the small moments.

AM: Will you be in Paris and if so will you be broadcasting/being an analyst or will you be there with another brand? What are you excited about for the Olympic Games?

NL: I’m so excited to be in Paris right now. I recently announced that I’ll be ELLE Magazine’s official gymnastics correspondent, I’ll be filming my own show that dives into the psychology of the Olympic journey, and working with the USOPC on numerous events throughout the Games. I’m also excited to watch in a spectator capacity for the first time! My favorite part of any Olympics is to witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication that these athletes have given to their sport. The Olympic spirit is truly special, and being there to experience it firsthand is always inspiring.

AM: You are no stranger to collaborations. You just launched your latest one with Recess Pickleball!

What do you love about this sport and how/why did this partnership come about?

NL: Pickleball is such a fun and engaging sport that brings people together. I love the social aspect and how it can be competitive yet enjoyable for all skill levels. The partnership with Recess Pickleball came about so organically because I was always a fan of their brand. I actually sent them a DM a year and a half ago telling them that it was on my vision board to launch a collaboration with them leading up to Paris, and here it is!

AM: We have seen a number of athletes that have embraced this sport. Will you be playing in tournaments?

NL: I hope to, yes, but definitely more social tournaments than competitive! It’s a great way to stay active and challenge myself in a new sport. Plus, the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming, and I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow players.

AM: We know that you're a big advocate of mental health. How do you take time for yourself when you're not in the midst of projects?

NL: Meditation has been a learned skill that I’ve incorporated into my mental health routine after a close mentor shared how well it worked for him, specifically TM. The Calm App or Headspace are great ways for beginners to get into meditation, too. I’m also a fan of hot and cold therapy, which is a huge mood booster. Something else that I look forward to every day, now that I live by the water, is catching the sunset along the beach. It’s incredibly grounding, sets me up for a good night’s sleep, and I do it with my dog, Harley, who makes everything better!

AM: Are there any other projects that you're working on that you would like to share with us?

NL: I’m excited to share a few big things once I’m in Paris, so you’ll have to stay tuned!

IG @nastialiukin

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Recess Pickleball

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see FROM BEAM TO COURT | Nastia Liukin in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | OTHERSHIP

Othership launched in Toronto in February 2022. The COVID restrictions ended in late January. Due to the success and the demand that took place in its first month, their second location in Toronto opened. They knew that a number of cities have people that are stressed and struggle and are ultra social. The Flatiron location opened in July 2024 and 25 Kent Ave. They will also have another in Williamsburg, BK next year with 6,168 sqft.

The 5 founders include Robbie Bent, his wife Emily Bent, and their best friends - Amanda Laine, Harrison Taylor, and Myles Farmer. With a focus on developing healthier communities in Toronto, they started by building a makeshift ice bath and sauna in Robbie's backyard together, they discovered that the combination of hot and cold immersion acted as a powerful social tool, breaking down barriers and fostering connection.

For each location, the goal is to create an environment that embraces emotions and vulnerability, empowering people to be kind to themselves, adopt a healthy mindset, and build community - free from alcohol. We want people to start their day with a reset, or come in and socialize for a night out away from bar culture.

Othership’s custom-designed ice baths are kept icy cold as low as 32°F. The benefits are many, including a sense of pride after class, improved focus and enhanced mood, and a complete reduction of stress. The ice bath also enhances recovery and reduces soreness after workouts, along with benefits like reduced inflammation and a stronger immune system.

Othership’s performance saunas are designed to provide a clean, fresh heat up to 190°F, with aromatic snowballs providing humidity that feels like 200°F. Users find focus and meditative experiences, increased blood circulation, and reduced cortisol levels.

Free Flow classes allows you to use the space how you like. You can hang out with friends and there are quiet free flows as well throughout the day. Social replaces the bar or nightclub as a place to meet people at night. Sometimes there are DJs, music, and even comedy nights. Classes fall into 3 categories (up, down, and all around for energy, relaxation, or emotional connection) and they offer breathwork, aromatherapy via essential oils, towel waving, and a curated soundscape.

Journeyers should wear a bathing suit and make sure to bring a water bottle (no glass). Towels are provided.

Othership offers a performance sauna, the coldest commercial ice baths in North America, and a beautiful amphitheater seating social commons area with three kinds of tea. They have showers, changing stalls, and washrooms as well as lockers for storing belongings. It is also wheelchair accessible.

OTHERSHIP

23 W 20th St

NY, NY 10011

othership.us

IG @othership

PHOTO CREDITS | Ian Patterson

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST Othership in mag.

RIDE THE WAVES | GRIFFIN COLAPINTO

This month we're excited to share a number of stories from athletes who will be competing at this year's Paris 2024 games! While the majority of athletes will assemble in Paris for this year's Summer Games, those who are competing in surfing will make their way to Tahiti in Teahupo’o. This month's cover story is with World Surf League's #2 ranked pro-surfer Griffin Colapinto who will competing with Team USA Surfing, and will make his first Olympic appearance this year.

In addition to the success that he has had throughout his career and this year, we know he has an array of fans which includes Matthew McConaughey who has shown his public support of him at a number of meets. In addition to surfing, he is also in a film that is currently in the film circuit, Trilogy: New Wave and will be released this September. He stars alongside Australian Olympic surfer Ethan Ewing and Hawaiian Seth Moniz. The film focuses on the non-competitive side of surfing.

We wanted to know more about how he got into the sport, going pro, Paris 2024, and his partnership with Procter & Gamble's Athletes For Good alongside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and his chosen charity which focuses on mental health.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with the water?

GRIFFIN COLAPINTO: I fell in love with the water when I was about 3 years old!

AM: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to surf professionally? Where did that journey come from as we know that you love the water, you loved surfing, and then you wanted to do it as a professional.

GC: Well, the journey started down at my dad’s surf camp. He started a surf camp down at Santa Clemente the year I was born and he ran that for 20 years. So I was just growing up with the beach and him and he was in love with surfing and the ocean and he was a lifeguard and a teacher so that carried over to running a surf camp in the summer time. He just created a rad family dynamic down there with all the instructors and I was just growing up on the sand every summer! That and I just started – I don’t know it was natural, I wasn’t forced into surfing and being a competitive person and playing games. I just took to it naturally because I was on the beach and the sand. I remember a lot of the kids that were down there and the instructors that were there would always be on the beach. I just wanted to be able to impress them with the things that I was able to do in the water. I remember taking a surf board out there in front of them and wanting to surf for them.

I had this one moment where I was probably 7 or 8 and I felt like I caught some air on a pipe and I remember looking at all of the instructors on the beach and they were cheering. That feeling right there triggered competitive surfing for me right there! Being able to perform for people made me really happy!

AM: What is an average week like for you when you’re out there surfing whether you’re training for competitions or whatever?

GC: Yeah, well! I definitely think that there is a lot of discipline on my routines whether I’m waking up early and doing everything that makes me feel good like meditation, writing, and surfing of course! Working out and all of those things are important. It’s also essential to give yourself time to rest and to recover and I also have fun! I enjoy golfing a lot so that’s a nice way to take my mind off of surfing because sometimes you can just plow yourself through into the ground too much! It's a good balance.

AM: Congrats on qualifying for Paris 2024! What are you looking forward to?

GC: Yeah, it’s pretty wild! So our Olympics, we will be in Tahiti which isn’t near Paris, but it’s going to be on its own little adventure over there! It should be pretty exciting from what I have heard! They have put in a lot of work over there in Teahupo’o and although I can’t say what it will be like yet, I’m excited!

AM: And you’re ready for it!

GC: I’m ready!

AM: Tell us about Athletes For Good as we know it’s an initiative between P&G, IOC, IPC – can you give us a little background on that?

GC: So the Athletes For Good, P&G granted us money to donate to our favorite charity. I donated funds towards To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) a mental health organization that provides the tools and mental health resources for anyone that is going through challenging times in their lives due to suicide or maybe there is a close family member in their family that did commit suicide and needs someone that they can talk to about it. You can go to TWLOHA and you can get a local counselor nearby and they just provide rad things like that. It is definitely a big deal these days with social media and everything going on and it can take you away from the source of where we came from. I’m really proud to be able to represent it.

AM: Had that been an organization that you had been involved with before? What drew you to picking TWLOHA in terms of where you wanted the donated funds to go to?

GC: Well, I originally got into mental health through surfing. My dream of being on the World Championship Tour and being a World Champion, it comes with a lot of challenges, and anytime you have a big goal in mind, there is going to be a lot of ups and downs with that. So, through that, the mental side of things plays a big role and I realized that and it opened my eyes to a lot of different perspectives and other people. I just kind of realized that there are a lot more people on similar paths that go through hard times. For me, I was super fortunate to grow up with amazing parents and to grow up in a beautiful community with a lot of support and I still find myself on days struggling with some slight depression and not very happy and not knowing why. I just felt that there are people who got dealt with a bad set of cards, a lot worse than me and I can only imagine what they are going through. So that’s what drove me into this space and it's really cool that P&G gave us this grant and I’m excited!

AM: You mentioned that when you’re taking time for yourself, you play golf! Are there other things that you do to take time for yourself to be in the place that you need to be so that you can infuse that energy into other areas of where you also want to be?

GC: Just kind of being aware of how I am feeling and what is best for me in the moment. As an athlete, it’s easy to over do it, to over exert yourself and to just be addicted to the hard work and you feel like you need to work, work, work, work, but in reality, half the battle is just being good at resting too! So learning that has been a big part of it and I feel that slowly but surely, I’m getting better every day!

AM: Which is an awesome skill to have too!

You can find out more about Athletes For Good that recognizes the efforts of athletes to improve their communities off the field. Griffin shares more information about TWLOHA and why he is involved with them in his IG post.

IG @griffin_cola

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | FRONT COVER, PG 16 + 20 Trevor Moran/Red Bull | BACK COVER, PG 18 + 22 Ryan Miller/Red Bull | PG 24 P&G |

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see RIDE THE WAVES Griffin Colapinto in mag.

KEEPING IT CLEAN | KEEGAN MICHAEL-KEY

We had the pleasure of catching up with Keegan Michael-Key who is an actor who always leaves us in good spirits! His ability to make you laugh and think is something that we appreciate. We enjoyed talking with him about his work as a teacher, investing in children’s lives through learning, partnering with Lysol to promote clean environments in school and at home, and of course his work on one of our favorite shows Abbott Elementary and other projects we’re excited about!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been a fan of yours for a number of years and have loved your shows and of course most recently, Abbott Elementary. But you actually have teaching experience at Penn State and at Second City. Can you tell us more about this?

KEEGAN MICHAEL-KEY: Yes, I was a graduate student at Penn State and I taught Fundamental Acting, Non-Majors and I had a really fulfilling and fun time doing that. I had a great time with the students and I also interestingly learned a lot and it helped reinforce the training that I was getting.

When I was a performer at the Second City Theater, both in Detroit and also in Chicago, I spent a good deal of time teaching improv as well as communications techniques to people. And also in Detroit at the Mosaic Youth Theater of Detroit, I spent time going to classrooms and teaching children improv skills. That was also a very fulfilling experience too. So I have done a lot of teaching in my past and I really really loved it.   

AM: That is such a great story! When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

KMK: I realized that I wanted to be an actor probably when gosh, I would have been around 14 or 15 and that would put me in high school. I was encouraged by a family friend and my drama teacher in school was really hands on and very supportive. She really helped to pull me into that world! Once I was in it, I was in love!

AM: Why do you feel that hands on learning is so important and can you tell us about HERE For Healthy Schools?

KMK: Yeah, to answer the first question, I think that when kids have an opportunity to do things hands on and interactive, I really feel that the information that they are being given that the teachers desires for them to receive, really gets into their minds better and they can practically handle things and move through things. It’s more effective learning and that is kind of why I wanted to work with Lysol at the HERE for Healthy Schools Program this particular year. Because, what they are doing with the initiative this year, is that they are putting together the Lysol Minilabs Science Kits and the kits are going to contain educational materials that are designed to be hands-on so that the kids can learn about germ education, healthy habits, and how to keep the classroom environment as well as the general environment clean.

AM: Whether you have children that are going back to school, maybe you’re an aunt or uncle, or you just live alone solo, what are some healthy habits that we need to know about so that we’re not transferring germs and we’re reducing all the ick?

KMK: Ha – all the ick! You know, I think that the first thing across the board that everyone can do and that we can always teach children, is of course, washing our hands. Washing our hands after an activity, washing our hands after using the bathroom so that we’re not the germ spreaders if that makes any sense? We’re so mobile as humans, and then we’re the ones spreading the germs! So cutting that off at the pass if you will and then also, when you think about countertops, and desktops, and door handles which are things that we come into contact with every single day, and many times during the day, it’s just a wipe here or a spray there that can hopefully keep the germs down. Then we’re allowing ourselves to be in a cleaner environment!

AM: 100%!

Obviously, you have so many awesome things that are coming up obviously Season 4 of Abbott Elementary is slated to premiere on ABC on Oct 9th! Every time that we see you on the screen we just know that it’s going to be good. What can you tell us about – obviously not a lot – as we prepare for the next season?

KMK: Well, without giving away next season, you can stream Season 3 now of Abbott Elementary now which I am really happy for people as you can enjoy repeat viewings if you feel so inclined! I have a small arc on the show in the season where I play the Superintendent of Schools in Philadelphia which is where Janine, Quinta Brunson’s (A Black Lady Sketch Show, History of the World: Part II, Weird: The Al Yankovick Story) character works now and she feels encouraged to affect more change in the school system. You get to watch that story play out and really the big thing that you get to watch playout is this struggle between her love for everyone and the students at Abbott Elementary and then this more macro environment with the Superintendent and there is this struggle of being pulled between these two things. Can I do more good here? Should I go back to Abbott and be more of a boots on the ground? She’s trying to figure out what way can she be more effective for the students?

AM: We enjoyed watching the 3rd season and getting that layer.

What attracted you to want to be on this show? So many people love this show and so many actors and other people are trying to find ways to get into this show!

KMK: Oh yeah!

AM: What was it for you that made you want to do it?

KMK: First of all, I think that Quinta is a real amazing talent and I have known her for years and I have watched her grow as an artist and the pride I feel for her is overwhelming because what she has done is such an achievement! But also, within that, is the humanity of the show. I think that just the thematic subject matter of the show is about nurturing and investing in our future which is about children. It’s also this kind of intrinsic, American underdog story – an underfunded school district, how do we pull ourselves up by the boot straps and do what we have to do for the betterment of these children. So that is really heartwarming in a way it is very inviting because they are letting the world in and it is inspiring. That is why I wanted to be part of it. It’s also very funny!

AM: Oh it’s very funny!

KMK: So funny!

AM: Well you’re also in Transformers One and Dear Santa! That’s 2 amazing additional projects that are coming out! We’re sure that you’re excited about them and can you tell us about them?

KMK: Well, Transformers One will be coming out in September 20th and it’s a really exciting project to work on. The director is a gentleman by the name of Josh Cooley (Up, Inside Out, Soul), very talented animation director. He directed Toy Story 4 that I starred in with Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Nope). We played partners – we played a little stuffed duck and a little stuffed rabbit that were connected to each other and we had such a great time that Josh asked me to come on and play Bumblebee in Transformers One which really is an honor because he’s a very popular character in the Transformers universe!

Dear Santa is a holiday movie that stars Jack Black (Jumanji universe, Kung Fu Panda universe, The Super Mario Bros. Movie) and he is absolutely fantastic and I hope you go see it and everyone that you know goes to see it! It’s really fun and it has a lot of heart. It’s silly and zany and it’s going to be great!

AM: Do you have any other projects whether it’s TV, film, or just philanthropic that you would like for us to know about that we should keep an eye out for because you’re always doing great things! It’s great to see you in a number of commercials as well as you are a busy man!  

KMK: Ha ha yes I am praise God!

Well one thing in September that is coming up, I wrote a book with my partner at Elle Key (August, Fair Game, The Blackout), we wrote a book called The History of Sketch Comedy: A Journey Through the Art and Craft of Humor, and the audio version of that book is coming out then. So again, I know that it is early for the holiday season, but if people want to, they have the opportunity to download that or to send it as a gift and it was a real passion project for us and we’re really proud of the book. So there is also that! So that’s about it for right now if that’s not enough!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE ROOT OF IT | MARIA CAMILA GIRALDO

We always enjoy watching our favorite shows and the actors that portray characters that are memorable. In addition to enjoying their creative pursuits, it's always interesting to see when their life experiences initiate an entrepreneurial endeavour based on issues that they may have come across.

We sat down with Maria Camila Giraldo who we recently enjoyed watching her in Netflix's Griselda. We wanted to know more about how she came to acting, how she approaches her characters, how she came to this series and to find out about her wellness brand, Fungiments. Co-founded by her and her fiance, Cole Garson they set out to create this brand that uses mushrooms and adaptogens.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first film or TV show that made you realize the power of acting?

MARIA CAMILA GIRALDO: The first film that made me realize the power of acting was V for Vendetta. The performances were so compelling and intense that they truly demonstrated how acting can convey deep emotions and complex ideas, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

MCG: I think I was born an actor. Ever since I was a baby, I would grab the camera and perform different characters. As I grew older, I started producing my own short films and homemade talk shows. This passion for performance and storytelling has always been a part of me.

AM: How do you approach playing your characters as we know everyone has their own process.

MCG: My approach to playing characters depends on the character and the story. Currently, I'm very influenced by Ivana Chubbuck's technique. It's an amazing method that helps me connect my own reality with the character's reality, allowing for a more authentic and powerful performance.

AM: We enjoyed watching Netflix's Griselda - how did you become attached to the project and what drew you to this series?

MCG: I started auditioning for Griselda in October 2021. It was a lengthy process. Initially, I was considered too young for the original role I auditioned for, but they eventually called me in for a different role. I didn't hear back until the end of November 2021 – that’s when I received the exciting news that I had to move to LA for the project. I had always wanted to be in LA, having visited on and off for the past three years, so it was a perfect opportunity for me.

AM: The storyline and telling Griselda's story was amazing. On your IG, you shared that you had a vision board where you noted that you would be on a top show and Sofia Vergara (Modern Family, Chef, This is Me ... Now: A Love Story) was also on there and of course we saw that come to pass this year! What was your biggest takeaway from doing this show?

MCG: My biggest takeaway from doing this show is the importance of dreaming big, working hard, and preparing for the opportunities you want. If you do, the moment you’ve been waiting for will eventually show up. Having a vision board was a constant reminder of my goals, and seeing it come to fruition was incredibly rewarding.

AM: You're going to be in a film with Al Pacino (The Godfather, The Irishman, Serpico), is there anything that you can tell us about this?

MCG: Initially, I was hesitant because I didn't like horror movies. However, my managers insisted I take a look at the project. When I did, I realized it was more than just a horror film—it was a psychological thriller that delved into mental health, a topic very close to my heart. After my concussion and personal struggles with mental health, I felt deeply connected to the story and its significance.

AM: You were recently at the Cannes Film Festival and we loved seeing your look on the red carpet. What was it like attending this festival and were you there promoting a film?

MCG: Attending the Cannes Film Festival was a dream come true. We were there for private screenings of The Ritual (Editors Note: This is her upcoming film with Al Pacino). The experience was incredible - the magnitude of the event, the glamour, and the sheer amount of talent present was amazing. It was an honor to be part of such a prestigious event and to witness the global celebration of cinema.

AM: As someone who has been playing a number of roles, you are also an entrepreneur in the wellness space! What led to your wellness journey to becoming an entrepreneurial aha moment?

MCG: When I went through a concussion, I realized that there weren't many natural alternatives for managing my anxiety or improving my focus and concentration that didn't involve medications, and I didn't want to go that route. So, I tried everything and looked everywhere. I found a lot of relief in mushroom supplements and adaptogens. After searching through pharmacies and supermarkets and not finding anything similar, I saw a big opportunity to create a fun brand that people can connect to. That's what led me to create Fungiments and become an entrepreneur.

AM: Tell us about Fungiments and its use of mushrooms and adaptogens.

MCG: Fungiments uses mushrooms as the hero ingredient, blending them with other adaptogens to enhance their targeted effects. This approach allows us to create products that truly work, unlike other mushroom supplement brands that often include mushrooms in low milligrams, leaving you unsure if they are effective. Our formulations ensure that each product delivers tangible benefits for your specific needs.

AM: Tell us about your assortment and although you just launched, do you have plans on additional items to add to your offerings?

MCG: Our body is like an ecosystem, and our goal at Fungiments is to create products that support each system within it. For example, we have Super Prune gummies which support digestion with Turkey Tail mushrooms along with other functional ingredients. Super Bouncy is for those lacking energy and focus, made with Cordyceps, ginseng and more. We recognize that we are holistic beings, and one issue, like lack of energy, can often be connected to another, such as poor sleep. Although we just launched, we already have plans to expand our offerings to cover a wide range of needs, including sleep, energy, and overall wellness, ensuring that every aspect of your health is supported.

AM: When you're not working on your next project or working on Fungiments, how do you take time for yourself?

MCG: When I'm not working on my next project or Fungiments, I take time for myself by exercising. I have chronic pain, so movement helps to alleviate my symptoms and keep me feeling better. Additionally, working out has a positive impact on my mental health, and I also focus on skincare to take care of myself both physically and emotionally.

IG @maria.giraldo

PHOTOS COURTESY | Fungiment

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ROOT OF IT | Maria Camila Giraldo in mag.

CLEARLY AHEAD | DIANA TAURASI

We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves showing their talent on the world stage! We also love finding new faves and rooting them on! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!

We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball; her passion for the sport; how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?

DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!

AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era!

You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist, what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?

DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.

AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?

DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!

When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.

AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?

DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!

We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.

For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?

DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-severe eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.

IG @dianataurasi

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Sanofi + Regenerson

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see CLEARLY AHEAD | Diana Taurasi in mag.

THE POWER OF SMOOTH | LYDIA JACOBY

The road to the Olympics is one that is filled with an array of timelines and schedules that become hectic as well as important as athletes from around the world qualify to head to the Summer Games! Paris 2024 is only a few weeks away and we had the pleasure to sit down right before the 100 Days of the Games. We were excited to sit down and chat with 2 X Team USA Olympic Swimmer Lydia Jacoby (1G, 1B)! This Alaskan native was the first swimmer from her state to qualify for the Olympics for Tokyo 2020 and she came back from those Games with a Gold medal in the 100-Meter-Breaststroke with a time of 1:04:95 which was the fastest time ever achieved by a female American swimmer in the 17-18 age group. She also received a Silver medal for the 4X100 Medley as well! We wanted to find out how she came to the sport, swimming for the University of Texas at Austin, how she prepares for her meets, her partnership with Gillette Venus, what the weeks ahead look like for getting to the Olympics, and living that mermaid dream!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with swimming?

LYDIA JACOBY: I think at a really young age, I grew up in a maritime community. So I was always around the water growing up and it was very natural for me.

AM: What drew you to the breaststroke? What do you love about swimming this?

LJ: It’s funny! I always say that you don’t choose the sport, the sport chooses you!

AM: Right!

LJ: Yeah, and that’s the same for strokes as well. I was always a breaststroker it just came to me! Even when I was little and on the floor playing with my dolls, I would be in that position. So it just came to me naturally.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to swim competitively?

LJ: I’d say that I started seeing some success when I was 12 when I broke my first state record and that’s when I kind of realized that I was pretty good at this and it was time to make this happen.

AM: Oh wow!

Being an Olympian, that is a major feat! You were the first Alaskan to qualify for the Olympic Games as a Swimmer. What did it mean to you to be able to go to the Summer Games in Tokyo?

LJ: I mean, it meant the world to me to be able to be there and to represent for my state as well as the community – all of the people that supported me. I mean, literally since I was 4, my whole life they have been there, so it really meant so much for me to be able to be there for them!

AM: What did you enjoy the most about competing in the Summer Games in 2020 – obviously, winning your medals was a great experience! But what did you enjoy most?

LJ: Just the experience and the people! I feel like I truly made some lifelong friends when I was there especially because we couldn’t have our families there then. The people I met there, were like my family during the games when I was there. It was really special connections!

AM: You also swim for the University of Texas at Austin which is phenomenal as in 2023, you were the NCAA Championships for the 100 yd Breaststroke where you won Gold and in the 4X100 yd Medley you took Bronze. What have you been enjoying about swimming with your collegiate team?

LJ: It’s very different than home growing up in Alaska. I mean, I have so many people on the team right now that have similar goals to what I am chasing. It’s just a really positive environment for me to train in.

AM: What is an average day like hanging out with you in terms of working out or training to optimize yourself in the sport?

LJ: In Austin? Ooo, it changes every day! My schedule is crazy! I’d say that in an average week, I would wake up around 5:50am, go to morning practice, come back, eat some breakfast, try to fit a nap in, get good food, go to class, get in some homework, answer emails, lots of trips to coffee shops as they have some great ones in Austin, practice in the afternoon, - and then it just takes me a long time to unwind before I go to bed. So I take a long shower, get a shave in and then get to bed early so I can do it all again the next day!

AM: That is quite the schedule!

Right now we’re just about at the 100th day mark in terms of Paris 2024. It’s hard to believe that and yet, here we are! What do the next few weeks look like in terms of qualifying and all of the different things that are going on before you get to the Summer Games?

LJ:  So we’re about 100 days out! Our Olympic Trials are mid to end of June. So we will find out literally a month before the Olympics. I’m just trying to do everything that I can to prepare and I have done everything that I can so that I can really lock in for the next couple of weeks.  

AM: Of course there are a lot things that we’re sure that you do to get prepped when it comes to swimming in the Olympics. Why did you want to partner with Gillette Venus and why is The Power of Smooth so important to you?

LJ: I feel like swimming is such an exposing sport! It’s so important to feel absolutely confident in your skin and to feel just really smooth and powerful. Ever since I was little, I always talked about how I wanted to be a mermaid! I probably thought that I was literally going to be a mermaid until I was a little too old to think that I was literally going to be a mermaid – but channeling that smooth skin and powerful feeling in the water, I feel like that is just about as close as I will get to being a mermaid with Gillette!

AM: Well we do have The Mermaid Parade that happens in Brooklyn!

LJ: Oh! Ok! Send me the dates!

AM: Yeah the 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade is on June 22nd in Coney Island. You’ll see plenty of mermaids then and it’s definitely an event that people get excited for!

LJ: I love it!

AM: What can we expect from you and Gillette Venus in this campaign?

LJ: I mean, we won’t know until we get there, but we have some big goals! At the end of the day, I feel like I have put a lot of pressure on myself over the last couple of years and I have just been trying to go into the Summer with a healthy mentality. I have already done this, I have nothing to prove. I want to allow myself to swim freely and put it out there!

AM: That’s amazing and a great perspective to have!

When you’re about to do a meet or competition, are there things that you have to do to prep yourself for that? Is there a certain kind of music that you’d like to have and what do you do to come down from all of that energy?

LJ: For sure! I mentioned before that it takes me awhile to unwind before bed and sleep before a meet is so important! So I really do like to take a long shower, do the girl everything shower – exfoliate, shave, wash my hair, deep condition, and just to feel really good! I’m definitely a proponent for look good, feel good!

AM: Absolutely!

LJ: I’ll do makeup before I go out to the pool. I just want to feel completely confident in my skin. I feel that that is a huge part of my routine. I love good food as well. But music, I mean it’s so much different stuff and it changes all of the time.

AM: Outside of the sport, you do so many different things. You are so talented in music, you model, what are some upcoming projects – obviously in addition to cheering you on at the Games that we can expect to see from you?

LJ: It’s been so busy and I have had so much going on – I mean there’s Olympics and I’m hoping that there will be fun stuff that is taking place after the Games! I have so many amazing sponsors like Procter & Gamble and Venus and some others so just keep an eye out for those from me!

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see THE POWER OF SMOOTH | Lydia Jacoby in mag.

PLAYING IN MY SKIN | DIANA TAURASI

We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves and soon to be faves showing their talent on the world stage! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!

We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball, her passion for the sport. how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?

DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!

AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era! You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?

DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time also to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.

AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?

DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!

When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.

AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?

DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!

We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.

AM: For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?

DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-sever eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE THINKING TRAVELLER

If you're thinking about a vacation in Sicily, Puglia, Ionian Islands and others across the Mediterranean region, we suggest The Thinking Traveller which is known for their luxury villa rentals. They offer unique and luxurious experiences that reflect the beauty and charm of the region. Villas options range from expansive, secluded nature retreats to historic homes just steps away from beautiful beaches and charming towns.

When booking, you can use the site's user-friendly search tools on their website that filters specific wants and needs in a villa. You can select the number of bedrooms, amenities, locations, experiences, and special features like proximity to the beach or a private pool. You can also speak to their villa Specialists who travel to Italy, Greece, and Corsica who travel several times a year and stay at the villas to share their experiences.

Amenities vary depending on the villa, but typically you can enjoy, private pools, landscaped gardens, fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and outdoor dining areas. Many have sea views, private gyms, home theaters, tennis courts, direct beach access, and staff to help cater to guests for personalized preferences.

If you're considering add-ons such as private chefs, cooking classes, wine tastings, massages and more, you can enhance your trip with Think Experiences for a truly amazing stay.

Should you need anything during your stay, you can connect with your Local Specialists which is a network of villa owners and caretakers that are locally based. In addition to knowing the region, they are your point person to ensure that your needs are met.

Upon arrival, you will receive a Welcome Pack provided by The Thinking Traveller which typically includes a selection of local delicacies and essentials to help guests settle in and start their vacation smoothly. This might include items such as bread, pasta, wine, olive oil, and regional specialties. The pack is designed to give guests a taste of the local culture and cuisine as soon as they arrive.

THE THINKING TRAVELLER

London Office

The Old Truman Brewery

91-95 Brick Lane

London, E1 6QL

United Kingdom

Athens Office

Ethnikis Antistaseos 73

Halandri, Athens 15231

Greece

thethinkingtraveller.com

IG @thethinkingtraveller

PHOTO CREDITS | The Thinking Traveller

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | The Thinking Traveller in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | HOT BONES

When you're in Detroit, head to HOT BONES which opened December 2023. HOT BONES' speaks to:

• Hot yoga and pilates classes which range from 85-100F, using an advanced infrared heating system, that heats the body from the inside. They believe that their community deserves the benefit of both modalities without multuple memberships. For Pilates, they offer HIIT Pilates and a Sculpt Pilates class, For Yoga, they have Sculpt Yoga (with weights), Power Yoga, Slow Flow Yoga, and Restorative Yoga.

• Hot bone broth is made and sold in small batches of beef and chicken bone broth made from organic bones that simmer for 48 hours.

• Hot architectural bones, as the studio is located in an adaptive reuse building with beautiful historic architectural bones.

• Hot Bones, believes that every person, despite ethnicity, body type, and socio-economic background, is made from the same bones.

For centuries, bone broth has been a foundation for health, immunity and healing in most cultures — ramen, pho, matzo ball soup, brodo, and chicken noodle soup to name a few. Bone broth is beneficial for:

• Recovery and athletic performance: Post-workout recovery that replenishes essential nutrients and promotes muscle repair and growth.

• Joint and bone strength: Collagen to strengthen bones, reduce joint pain, and improve mobility.

• Electrolytes & other nutrients: Nutritional powerhouse, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids such as glycine and proline to support a healthy immune system and overall well-being.

• Detoxification and immunity boost: Rich nutrients boost the immune system, assisting the body in fighting off illnesses and infections.

• Improved sleep: Amino acid glycine has a calming effect on the body to improve sleep quality.

• Social connection: Opportunity to connect with friends after class when endorphins are released to reduce stress and improve mood. Before and after classes, people often meet in the lobby or outdoor patio to connect while sipping on a cup of bone broth. The studio is thoughtfully designed to feel like an extension of a curated home and has a collection of print publications from the local magazine store.

While at the studio, enjoy all necessary equipment, including mats, towels, weights, resistance brands, and balls at no cost for each guest.

HOT BONES

2895 E Grand Blvd,

Detroit MI 48202

hotbonesdetroit.com

IG @hotbonesdetroit

PHOTO CREDIT | Christina Stoever

Read the MAY ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Hot Bones in mag.

LOVE IS THE GAME | MATT BARNES + ANANSA SIMS

Relationships and their dynamics can be difficult, but they are also fruitful as well! We sat down with veteran NBA Champion Matt Barnes (All The Smoke, (R)Evolution, JUN ISSUE #54 in 2020 cover) and his fiancé, top model Anansa Sims to talk about their Reality TV show that dropped this month on WE TV, The Barnes Bunch which focuses on their relationship, their busy lives, their family, and how they keep it all together!

We wanted to know more about why they wanted to do this series, how it came about, why they wanted to make sure that they were realistically sharing their lives, and what they have learned to do in the process. We talked about this and more as the keep it all together with their family and busy lives!

ATHLEISURE MAG: So, why did you guys want to share how you’re navigating a family, being a dynamic couple, and your busy schedules in this show?

ANANSA SIMS: For me, it was more so an opportunity that was given to us! I do a lot of sharing already on my Instagram. So, a good friend of mine Datari Turner (Day Shift, They Cloned Tyrone, The Burial) who is partners with Jamie Foxx (Ray, Miami Vice, The Amazing Spider-Man 2) who Matt is friends with said, “you know that your family is dope and this could be a show.” I’m like, really? I never thought about it because I just share to share because I love them so much. The more he started talking to me, I brought it to Matt and he was a little hesitant at first and over time you know, we built trust and decided that we had a good team around us, maybe we could make it into a positive thing and I think that it is more about trusting the people that you are working with. So we decided to go for it.

AM: That’s really interesting. We watched the first screener a bit ago. The vulnerability that is laid bare here and the amount of ground that you guys cover – couple’s therapy, talking about your journey together, your family, and your friends! What are some of the things that you are excited about that we get to see this season?

MATT BARNES: I think normalizing Black positivity in the reality space. Because you see that in the first episode, we are already arguing and we are in counseling and everything, but it’s real you know what I mean? I just think that there’s been such a negative portrayal of the Black community through Reality TV unfortunately. That was one thing that I know that we had both discussed and to just normalize that we are all not crazy and throwing drinks and fighting all the time! I mean, I might fight sometimes haha but not all the time.

AM: Right ha ha not all the time!

MB: But normalizing 1, positivity through the Black family and also normalizing blended Black families which in families in many ways is kind of the new norm. To be able to bring 3 kids from her previous marriage, 2 kids from my previous marriage, and creating a baby together – people out there are going through that. To be able to see us navigate that and for the world to see, not only again promotes positivity, but also realness and humanizes us and lets people know that you’re not alone out here on this journey. Whether you’re going to couples counseling, individual counseling, whether you’re trying to blend a family, trying to get pregnant, or you’re doing all of these things in your 40s like us – it's just about again promoting positivity and letting people know that they’re not out there on your own. Just hang in there!

AM: Anansa your mom, Beverly Johnson (Editors' Note: Beverly Johnson is a model, actress, singer, NY Times Best Selling Author, and entrepreneur who became the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in Aug 1974 after Donyale Luna was the first Black model to appear on British Vogue in 1966. In many ways her placement as the cover in this magazine created a change by 1975 where every major American fashion designer began using Black models.) is an icon and a trailblazer! Years ago I had the pleasure of accepting a fashion award in the same award ceremony where she was being honored for her legendary career!

AS: Oh, that is very nice!

AM: She is stunning, beautiful, and so poised! She also isn’t a stranger to Reality TV as I enjoyed Beverly’s Full House. So what were your thoughts when it came to you guys deciding to have her on the show and to be able to see her in an entirely different light which I love her! Then there’s also the fact that you have your children in this show as well! That’s a big decision to make!

AS: Well, my mom, you know we wanted the show to be real to our lives. My mom is a big fixture in our lives. She helps with the kids, she helps with Matt and I in our relationship as far as giving advice and just being around. She’s always just there and so for me, it’s a no-brainer to just have her to be part of it! I’m happy of course that she agreed to be on and she’s happy to support Matt and I in anything that we do – especially the kids! They top us now as they’re her favorites!

As far as the kids you know, Matt and the twins – Isaiah and Carter are already so visible on social media. The twins have their own podcast, The Barnes Boyz. Matt has been posting them since they were little kids so they are very visible. I also made my kids visible on my Instagram from when they were little so I think that having them on the show, we know what we instilled in them. So we weren’t as worried about it, we’re very hands on parents you know. We have a super open line of communication and we talk to the kids about everything so we check in with them to make sure that they are comfortable and good! None of our kids are shy! These are like 6 very outgoing children. So no one felt like, "oh my God, we don't want to do this.” No, it was the opposite! They wanted to know when we were filming, are they going to be on again, are they in the next scene, why did Matt and I have so much screen time haha! They’re telling the crew when we’re not around that they can do a cartwheel and that they can show them various things. So, they’re willing and ready and we’re super hands on so we don’t let anybody mess with our kids or our family! I feel like we know that we can hold it down and that they will be ok.

AM: What are the biggest takeaways that you guys learned in this experience? It’s a lot of weeks of filming and you talk about a lot of things in that time on and off camera!

MB: It’s a lot of weeks of filming, holy shit!

AS: I think that we filmed double than the normal shows because of our busy schedules! All 6 kids play 1 to 2 to 3 sports, Matt at times is traveling 3-4 days out of the week, and I’m running kids all around town. So, it was a lot and we filmed over a long period of time – we did, we really did!

Luckily, we had a really great crew that we were blessed to have people in our home so it wasn’t dreadful. But it was a long time.

MB: And I mean, you just learn again. We have both done this in the past! I was shoo 15 years ago and I don’t know how long ago that she did it –

AS: 13 years ago.

MB: It’s a lot of work! People think that shooting a show is easy and you’re just capturing what’s going on, but it’s a lot. It’s a lot and then when you’re bringing 6 kids into it – that’s just a lot of communication, a lot of bribing when it came to the kids, when they're not on camera, you're trying to keep them quiet when they are in other parts of the house. Again, I think that it was super important for Anansa and I to be on the same page which we were, but at the same time, you got to see a dynamic of a real couple. Shit isn’t always sweet! We argue like everyone else, we get along, we have bouts where we’re not talking, and then there are bouts where we’re all over each other. So us being on the same page to kind of set the tone for the crew, our kids, and the show in general.

AM: What are some upcoming projects that you guys are working on. Obviously All the Smoke always has something going on and it’s always exciting to the podcast and was just listening to the episode with Deion Sanders earlier today – so what are some things that you’re working on and then Anansa what can we keep an eye out for that you have going on?

MB: Well we’ve built a production company for All the Smoke so we now have All the Smoke Productions now so we have a list of people from Rachel Nichols (Headliners with Rachel Nichols, Hometown with Rachel Nichols, MAR ISSUE #51 in 2020 cover) from ESPN, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, and DeMarcus Cousins, so we’re just kind of building a monster over here and through that, we’re not only in sports, but we’re crossing over to different genres and opportunities.

And also, with this show, one of the things that I really wanted to be able to do is to brand our kids. We love our kids and we think that they’re all unique in their own ways and they’re all funny and crazy in their own little ways. So to be able to kind of get them out there a little bit more and to see what opportunities can come from that.

AS: For me, my fulltime job right now is the kids and supporting Matt. You never know, tables can turn in a couple of years when they’re older and Matt will be supporting me in whatever I’m doing. Right now, that is a lot! David and Dean both play baseball, basketball, and football season is about to start. Ava plays basketball and she is running track, and Ashton plays basketball. Of course you know that the twins play basketball and they are in high school so they have AAU tournaments and Matt’s traveling all around the country with them for these tournaments so it’s a lot to navigate on top of them wanting to be A/B students. I spend most of my time yelling and checking homework, rushing to different practices and games from literally 8am to sometimes 7pm on a Saturday and of course, there’s another practice on a Sunday. Those are my projects right now, so making 6 amazing humans that are good people and that can be successful when they go out there in life and when they step outside of our doors, they know what they are doing and they have a good head on their shoulders. They can be successful in life in their own right.

IG @matt_barnes9

@anansasims

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | PG 28 - 32 WE TV/The Barnes Bunch | PG 35 All the Smoke/Paramount Plus |

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see LOVE IS THE GAME | Matt Barnes + Anansa Sims in mag.

CHASE AND MILO

We always enjoy catching up with those that are in our favorite series. As we navigate Spring, we caught up Chase Stokes of Netflix's Outer Banks! We wanted to find out what drew him to acting, Outer Banks and it's upcoming Season 4 that will be out soon, what it's like being on this successful series, and about upcoming projects.

He also shares being a dog dad to and spending time with Milo. He talks about how he navigates this time of year as we head into allergy season. He shares why he uses ZYRTEC® and why he partnered with them and their Pet Pawsitivity Walk Challenge, encouraging pet lovers to log their walks in the WoofTrax App to earn donations for nonprofit Mutual Rescue.

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

CHASE STOKES: I realized that I wanted to be an actor in high school actually. I was doing TV production and I had a friend who was shooting commercials and I somehow got stuck into a job making a little money and I thought, “oh my gosh, the things that I love to watch is actually a career.” So, it was like Sophomore/Junior year of high school when I got the bug.

AM: We’ve been a fan of yours since Tell Me Your Secrets and a number of our readers have enjoyed seeing you on Outer Banks. What drew you to this show and what do you enjoy about playing John B?

CS: It just felt really fresh and it felt like I hadn’t read anything in the vein of anything in the world that they created in this show. If I’m being honest, I was super broke and on unemployment and as any young starving actor or artist would know, you kind of don’t say no when it comes to opportunities knocking! I did originally and then I had another look at it and I really really thought that the show and what the writers had created was something special. So, I went against my better judgment in the beginning and I auditioned for it and the rest is kind of history.

AM: What is it like filming this show?

CS: It is tough, it is demanding. We shoot outside for the majority of the season which is why this partnership with Zyrtec was kind of a no-brainer. I’m someone who suffers from allergies and I’m kind of a chronic sneezer to say the least! So to get quick relief and to have it extend for a 24-hour period was something that was super important to me.

So for this show, and for the elements that we shoot in, it’s tough, but it’s very, very rewarding.

AM: What can you tell us about Season 4 of this series?

CS: I can say literally nothing about Season 4. No, I can say that we left Season 3 with the time jump and this big revelation about Blackbeard and it definitely provokes the Pogues interest and we will see whether or not, after this time jump if after all of the death and trauma that they have gone through, if they still want to go back out into the world of hunting treasure or if they want to do life as normal teenagers.

AM: You have a busy schedule from traveling, filming Outer Banks etc. So it must be nice to be able to take time as a dog dad and to spend that time with Milo! What do you love about being a dog dad?

CS: It’s just the unconditional love! I think that dogs have this inherent ability to just connect and attach in a way that is so hard to comprehend as a human. What they give to you, you feel that you need to immediately give it back except for pet dander as that is something that they definitely give to us. It’s just a really rewarding relationship and to be able to watch them from tearing things up to just wanting to lay in your lap is a really beautiful thing.

AM: This time of year is always great because you want to be outside to do any and all activities! You love spending tie with Milo! Why is it so important to do it outside with him?

CS: Milo is a German Shepheard Golden Retriever mix which is just a cocktail for energy! He has to be active, he has to be moving and that’s just the mental stimulation that dogs deserve! He’s one of those dogs that do so much better when he does have physical activity in his day and so as a dog owner, I feel a responsibility in the same way that I feel a responsibility in being able to work with my physical health in order to get the things that he needs so that when we’re walking, I just make sure that it’s in an environment that gives him the stimulation that he deserves as a pup. That’s also the other side of this partnership that really made sense because with this, Zyrtec has partnered with this app, WoofTrax and just like the 500,000 other apps that I have on my phone, this app actually tracks the walks that I do and the cool thing about it is that the walks that you do do, directly goes to donations for a charity called Mutual Rescue and that partners dogs with people who are deserving of pet ownership. I just know how much joy and love that Milo has brought into my life and the memories that I have shared over the years with him whether it be on walks, or trips, or the random weekend getaways that we have done – so for me to be able to see this partnership and as someone who deals with allergies, this is a beautiful partnership that just really made a lot of sense to make this happen.

AM: Why did you want to partner with ZYRTEC for their Pet Pawsitivity program and can you tell us about this initiative?

CS: I just know how much being a dog owner has impacted my life and it’s shifted the way that I operate where it was like, I’m going to go out for a drink with friends and now I’m like, I want to get back to Milo. It’s just really really honing in that they are raising money for such an incredible charity and really creating the opportunity for dog ownership as well as the focus on allergies as well. It was just a really aligning partnership and something that I really felt inclined to be part of and wanted to help them grow as well.

AM: Are there any other upcoming projects that you would like to share that we should keep an eye out for as we know Outer Banks Season 4 is one of those things.

CS: Netflix just announced that a film that I had done a couple of years ago called Uglies with Joey King (The Act, Bullet Train, We Were the Lucky Ones) will be coming out soon. I don’t have an actual date. But I am really proud of that as it was a book series that was adapted for film. It’s just a great cast and a really great experience.

Then I had the opportunity to work with one of the greatest directors, Nick Cassavetes (Alpha Dog, John Q., The Notebook) in his return to the romance genre and in another book adaptation called Marked Men. So, those 2 in particular I’m very excited about and it’s just a different chapter. I’m excited to step into new roles, new characters, and new worlds so all things are coming, no dates yet, but I’m very excited about those.

IG @hichasestokes

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 48 Jason Lee Davis/Netflix | PG 51 Michael Simon |

Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see CHASE AND MILO in mag.