Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see #TribeGoals in mag.
Featured #TribeGoals
Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see #TribeGoals in mag.
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Read more from the April Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.
Read more from the Mar Issue and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
We've walked by a number of Orangetheory Fitness studios here in NYC, as well as other locations across the country. Known for their interval training and having the data accessible for accountability as well as to create positive competition, we were thrilled to have an opportunity to talk to its founder Ellen Latham. We wanted to find out more about her motivation behind the creation of the studio, empowering others and how she gives back.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and were you always interested in being an entrepreneur?
ELLEN LATHAM: Before Orangetheory, I owned a pilates studio and my members were very frustrated. Pilates was giving them some fantastic core strength, but was not hitting their metabolism, so I opened a studio with a solution I called ‘Ellen’s Ultimate Workout’ that included cardio and strength training. A year later I was approached to franchise it and that’s how Orangetheory developed.
AM: What was the aha moment that made you realize that Orangetheory Fitness was something you wanted to create and what was the process like in realizing that this was something that should become a national chain?
EL: The members at my pilates studio were complaining it wasn’t affecting their metabolism. They were taking cycling classes, boot camps and working out at the gym and nothing was working. I wanted to find the best way to coach people in fitness. That’s why I committed to growing Orangetheory into something everyone can experience and enjoy.
AM: Tell us about HIIT and why you feel it is beneficial for everyone?
EL: Interval training is the most efficient way to increase calorie burn. At Orangetheory, we’ve made it very simple with our endurance, strength and power routines that push members to work harder in bite-size intervals to produce afterburn. Our members burn up to 20 percent more calories the first 24 hours after a workout.
AM: How important is it to motivate whether you're in the gym or outside of it?
EL: The coaches at Orangetheory focus on being inspiring and coaching with language that encourages people and makes them successful. This positive reinforcement, inside and outside
the gym, is the key to success at Orangetheory.
AM: What recent successes have taken place at Orangetheory and what should we keep our eye out for?
EL: 2017 was amazing for Orangetheory Fitness. We opened our first studio in Tokyo, Japan, which was a tremendous success for our international endeavors. We’ve also taken our technology to the next level and passed the 800-mark for the number of open studios.
Our primary goals for 2018 are to continue to open 5 to 6 studios a week and to continue bringing our fitness professionals to the next level. We’ve hired a clinical exercise physiologist
and have plans to build a lab at the corporate office to prove Orangetheory not only gives you more daily energy, but can extend your life. As always, I plan to continue to be an intentional
learner and work on being a better version of myself.
AM: When did you realize that in addition to giving people the keys to a great body, that you also wanted to empower others through motivational speaking and what do you enjoy about this portion of your work?
EL: I’ve always tried to connect with members beyond the physical benefits of a workout by speaking to the mind and spirit. I enjoy the motivational opportunities that public speaking provides.
AM: Are there charities/philanthropies that you give your time to?
EL: Orangetheory has raised more than $2 million dollars for Augie's Quest (ALS). We hope to raise this amount to $3 million dollars in 2018. Personally, I’ve been involved with Women in Distress and children's hospital fundraisers.
Read more from the Feb Issue and see In the Orange with Ellen Latham in mag.
Sometimes the highlight of the day is Lunch! We have some must have items to jazz up your lunch as well as tasty treats that you should keep an eye on for a pick me up or for when you're relaxing.
Read more from the Feb Issue and see #TribeGoals in Mag
If you don't know Brandi Rhodes, you're missing out on this stunner who embodies #GirlPower and #CoupleGoals. While you get to know more about her through her social, you can catch her wrestling with Women of Honor alongside her hubby Cody Rhodes (as she is apart of wrestling royalty)! You can also catch her this month in the debut season of E! WAGS Atlanta, where she is one of the breakout stars.
In addition to shooting her fabulous editorial for our anniversary issue, we talked with her about how she got into the industry from modeling, her start in the WWE, being in ROH/WOH, her busy schedule and how she maintains her site, Not a Basic B for her fans to get to know her more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into wrestling and what your journey was into the sport?
BRANDI RHODES: I was scouted by WWE as I was modeling in Miami, FL. They contacted my modeling agency and expressed interest. From there I had meetings and then a try out to assess my athleticism. Then I was offered a contract to come to Florida Championship Wrestling and begin training. The rest is history!
AM: We know you were with the WWE and are currently with WOH - can you tell us about your experiences with both and what you're looking forward to within this league?
BR: With WWE I was an announcer, and unable to wrestle (which is what I wanted to do all along, but once it was discovered that I was good on the mic, I was placed in that position and
unable to transition away from it). In WOH I am of course a wrestler and am able to spread my wings and grow and learn so much! I also am able to work with my husband in ROH which is so
much fun. ROH/WOH allow me to do everything in the realm of wrestling, which is very challenging and fun.
AM: What's it like being married to Cody, who is also a wrestler and is in ROH?
BR: I’m the luckiest woman in the world to be married to Cody. He is incredibly smart, ambitious, handsome and has such a big heart. It’s inspirational to get to work with him in ROH. I learn a lot from him, and I have a front row seat to this time, being the most successful of his career. In Wrestling, many times wives have to stay home and watch their spouses compete from afar. I’m grateful to be on the road with him and able to see some of his most important
matches.
AM: How do you balance your schedules as we interviewed WWE Superstar Natalya Neidhart last year and Danielle Moinet/Summer Rae last year and know that as an athlete, you guys travel a lot to global matches? When your husband is also doing these, how do you connect
and find balance?
BR: We are big on having our fun. We plan our downtime just like anyone else. This month we are looking forward to a long awaited ski trip after heading to Japan for WrestleKingdom, one of the biggest wrestling events of the entire year! But sometimes it’s a trip to Disney or Universal Studios to recharge and connect, others it’s a trip to our favorite movie theater, and other times, we have to find time to have dates on the road! Last week we had to see The Last Jedi, in New Jersey because we were working, but refused to miss out on seeing the movie right when it came out. No matter how busy our schedules are, we can always find time to do things we love together. We make it if we have to!
AM: When we looked through your blog, Not Another Basic B - we were obsessed with your accessories and style - tell us more about your blog, why you created it, and how important is it to you as a creative outlet?
BR: Initially I created Not Another Basic B as a way to express my creativity. I was very bored and just not satisfied in my previous career. I couldn’t control that at the time, but I could challenge myself by creating the blog and the content that I put into it. I loved fashion and often would have people tweeting me trying to find out what brands I was wearing on TV, and this blog made it easier to connect with these folks and get them that information! From there, the blog took off to become more than fashion. I started sharing my travels, things about my
family and my marriage and personal stories as well. Now people look to the blog as a place for everyone. From the fashionista to the wrestling fan, to the traveler! I’m so proud of what it has
become!
AM: How did you become apart of the cast of WAGS Atlanta?
BR: I was living in LA working on another TV project and Casting reached out to my management asking if I would be willing to do a Skype interview to get to know me. I did the interview and a week later was sent over a contract to do the show! It was really fast! I later
found out that I was the last member cast. They were looking for someone who had an existing fan base and presence, and thankfully I have the most loyal fan base and following from the
wrestling world and they are really excited to see me on the show!
AM: We know that the season just started, but would you come back for another season, and/or be open to future reality shows?
BR: There are a lot of factors that come into play when determining what happens next and when. But I am happy to have this opportunity to be a part of the E! family, and for viewers and our existing fans to have the opportunity to get to know us a little better!
AM: How do you stay in great shape?
BR: I train very hard daily! My workouts are 6 days a week and incorporate weight training, interval exercises and plenty of cardio. I’ve found a balance with training, it’s something that challenges me, but also that I enjoy greatly.
AM: What do your workouts look for a match versus just maintaining when you may be in a few days of downtime?
BR: I really don’t deviate from routine when I have a match coming up. I compete pretty frequently, sometimes multiple times in one week, so for me it’s important to stay consistent at all times. In the summer, however, I do tend to add runs into my workouts simply because I love running outside!
AM: What are 3 go-to power foods when you're working out versus 3 splurges when you're treating yourself?
BR: When I’m working out I love a good protein shake, my favorite is from a place called Kale Me Crazy. I’m also very big on tuna packets, because I can take them anywhere and they do the trick! Then I love almond butter. Put it on my toast every morning. Splurge foods: pizza, burgers and any kind of cake. I have a ridiculous sweet tooth!
AM: You travel frequently what are 3 beauty products that you swear by that keep your skin fresh and vibrant?
BR: I always travel with Foreo. It’s a face cleansing device (similar to Clarisonic) but they come in Travel sizes and are so easy to use and keep clean! I also need my Dermologica face lotion
which is lightweight and SPF50! Lastly, I always have a good mask with me, I tend to go back and forth between charcoal and mud masks.
AM: How do you take time for yourself?
BR: Honestly... I watch the Hallmark Channel and HGTV and grab a glass of wine in my big moments of relaxation ha! I’ll take a bubble bath if I’m feeling REALLY edgy :)
AM: What do you wear when you go out for brunch, versus when you're running errands?
BR: I definitely dress up for brunch! A sundress with jewelry and heels in always up my alley. For errands, however, most of the time I am dressed “gym fab” because I’ve either just
come from the gym, or I’m on the way to the gym! Often time that’s head to toe Lululemon or Lorna Jane!
AM: What are your goals this year in wrestling, business, the site, family etc?
BR: This year I’m hoping to chase the dream of becoming WOH Champion! I’m looking forward to taking the blog to new heights this year with some upcoming partnerships! There are a few exciting things underway so just keep your eyes and ears open for me!
AM: What charities/philanthropies do you give your time to?
BR: I’ve always had an interest anything that helps with cancer research. Over the past few years my family has known too many families that have lost kids to childhood cancer. I’m always passionate in that research and spreading the word about ways to help.
AM: Anything else you'd like to share?
BR: The best ways to connect and interact with me! Those are my social pages: @TheBrandiRhodes - Twitter and IG and of course NotAnotherBasicB.com! Aside from that I’d like to wish everyone an amazing 2018! It’s going to be as great as we make it!
Read more from the Jan Issue and see The Knockout with Brandi Rhodes in mag.
In today's age, whether you work for yourself or are looking to climb the corporate ladder, there are so many things that you have to juggle in addition to being skilled at what you do. Having someone that can ensure that you're well rounded by providing confidence and direction are essential skill sets that may not come natural to you or need to be tweaked. We sat down with Heather Monahan to find out how she got into this business, how she empowers, an exciting partnership with Perry Ellis' line - Rafaella and how she juggles this in addition to being a single parent.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to be a life coach and business expert.
HEATHER MONAHAN: Growing up poor, I had limited access to resources and mentors. Through sheer hard work, I muscled my way to the C-suite in media. What I realized once I got
there was, it didn’t have to be so difficult. Unfortunately, I had never had a female mentor along the way to help me and teach me the tips that I needed to advance so I took a much harder route. The more successful women that I encountered in business were cold and more concerned about holding women back instead of mentoring and advancing others. I realized that other women must be in the same situation that I was in. Once I realized this, I became dedicated to sharing my insight and offering the same mentoring that I provided for the people that worked for me and for others. This is how and why I launched my website initially and my social handles. Being qualified to be a business expert is a testament to my work experience and the various business segments that I have worked with or collaborated with over the years. In high school and college I, worked in the restaurant/bar business; after college I got into the
Wine/retail business; and finally into radio. What I was able to accomplish in radio was gaining insight into other industries and helping them to drive revenue in their respective industries. This opportunity to partner with so many companies in different industries really allowed me to see the commonalities in business that were necessary for success in any vertical. I had never
thought of myself as a life coach until Elvis Duran called me one on his show. The “life Coach” title came as a natural evolution from me advising businesses and then people on how to advance at work. The natural progression from advancing at work leads to how to advance in life in general and overcome adversity. This taps into my own personal life experience and is grounded in my transparency in my own struggles and fails.
AM: What does your job entail and how do you assist businesses and those who work within them to put their best foot forward?
HM: After 22 years in corporate America, I have finally taken the leap into entrepreneurship. My track record in business has attracted companies looking for my consultation on how to drive revenue, create a positive culture and connect with and win better talent. As my schedule allows I also work one on one with those trying to identify their superpowers, find their voice, get promoted, launch a personal brand or otherwise. My primary goal is to share what I have learned over the past 43 years with those looking to advance or get ahead at work and in life.
I recently finished my book on how to build confidence and leapfrog the villains along the way. My hope is to empower others to sidestep the landmines that I walked straight into. My job
entails identifying the right corporate partners for my brand to enable me to extend my reach and help more people achieve their dreams. I evaluate partnerships daily against my overarching strategy of empowering others to advance themselves. Every day there is a larger amount of companies looking to empower their employees and customers and impact change, creating an experience is the new way of doing business and this is what I am bringing to market.
AM: Tell us about #BossInHeels, why you're focused on this and what its purpose is.
HM: “Boss in Heels” means a few things to me. When people hear the term “Boss” often times they think of a male stoic figure. To me, “Boss in Heels” is representative of being you and for me that means celebrating that I am a woman while still commanding respect and delivering results in the workplace. “Boss in Heels” is about treating employees, partners and clients well and having a vested interest in their success. “Boss in Heels” is a more modern way of leading. I focused on this initiative because for me what I saw in leadership roles were older men or cold, frigid women. I didn't see leaders that looked different, we're open and transparent and rocked their own vie with confidence. I was always my own person and by not following traditional guidelines I found my superpower. My purpose is to help others find their superpower and through that, make the world a better place.
AM: Right now, the culture of women in the workplace, whether in film/TV, corporate ladders and even those that are entrepreneurs, are coming to light in the challenges that many of us have faced as we work in the space as well as advancing - how does this affect your work and guidance to women seeking your advice?
HM: It is amazing! I launched my initiative two years ago and now to see the world ready to receive and discuss these topics is overwhelming. Every day I wake up to some new opportunity and potential collaboration, this is a constant reminder to me that putting your best foot forward with good intent will always pay dividends. This timing has allowed me to have a much broader conversation that otherwise would have been limited to my social handles and my website. Media is not only open to the topic, they are looking for ways to address it daily. I am so appreciative to all of the women in the world that have started this movement and continue it daily. The outreach that I have received from various women has escalated over recent months. It truly is the domino effect where one story has allowed for the next, and now it is up to us to keep this momentum going to ensure we change the landscape moving forward.
AM: We know that you're partnering with Perry Ellis with their line, Rafaella - tell us about the line, partnership and what we can expect from this union?
HM: I am so excited to share this with you! Rafaella is all about fit, style and comfort which for me has been elusive most of my life. I will find brands I love that have fantastic style, but that
don't fit in a way I feel comfortable or confident in. Much like a recent conference I had in NYC when I put on my new and stylish designer pantsuit only to have the seam rip before I left the
hotel room. Comfort and fit are paramount! Rafaella shatters this story by bringing a form fitting, stylish line to women to empower them to feel and look their best. With sizes ranging from 4-24. Rafaella has built their business on the belief that women feel their best when they are in clothes that fit them best. Most importantly, Rafaella finds a way to do this that doesn’t
break the bank and makes it possible for women to invest in themselves. Our partnership is focused on bringing to life the element of empowering women which is so deeply ingrained
in both of our brands. I am proud to have the opportunity to represent the line and create content on their behalf while speaking to women on the power of our own choices in fashion and otherwise. Helping to create an experience around this heritage brand and bringing this concept to life is one of my most exciting opportunities for 2018. This is going to be an amazing partnership which I am hoping you will follow over the coming months because
you will LOVE IT!
AM: What do you feel are the biggest challenges or perceived obstacles that face women and what advice do you give to those that need a little push to take charge of their lives?
HM: The biggest challenge or perceived obstacle any woman faces is herself. The advice that I give to those needing to take charge of their lives is to accept that truth that they are the ones creating their lives and are to blame or to applaud for the life they have created.
I understand that some will say that is harsh, but I have been there on food stamps in awful situations and I have worked my way out of them, then I have gone through divorce, then I have reached the highest level of success and been fired, I have some experience in this whole thing and in understanding standing the role I play in it all. At the end of the day we are the
hero in our own story or we can be the villain that causes us to fail. We all have choices, they may not be easy choices, but they are our own and up to no one else. I suggest firing the negative people from your life, claiming responsibility for your life, stopping the blame game, picking your head up to see where it is you want to go and building a plan to get there. I suggest taking action each day to do something you are scared of and writing it down, what is
the worst that can happen? In order to change you need to do something different, why not start today?
AM: What philanthropies/charities do you give your time?
HM: City Year has been my preferred charity since I have lived in Miami. I have also worked with various charities across Florida to help those in need including Children’s Home Society among others.
AM: As someone who works on so many projects and is a single parent, how do you take time for yourself and how important is this?
HM: Getting divorced, while having been difficult, has forced me to make time for myself. When my son is with his father, I find myself free at night to go out and do things I want to do, which is fantastic. I now realize that making myself my number one priority is key to my success. When I was younger, I saw this as selfish, now I realize it is my job, If I am not happy and feeling
healthy and excited, how am I going to loft those around me up? Today, I put the oxygen mask on me first before I give it to everyone else. The airlines wouldn’t stay in business if they were
wrong.
Photos courtesy of Heather Mohahan
Read more from the Jan Issue and see When You're A #BossInHeels in mag.
When we have a day or two off due to bad weather or simply opting to take some personal time - you have visions of staying in and planning a meal or a few dishes that you have always wanted to get around to.
| PHAIDON PUBLISHING The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook | WICKED CRISPS Cheesy Cheese Pizza | THE COMFORT SOCK No Show Sock |
Read more from the Jan Issue and see #Tribegoals in mag.
Last month we introduced our readers to Dr. Greuner, a cardiovascular surgeon who has a passion for fitness. The response was so great, we thought that he should have a column to share various elements of fitness to get to where we want to be. This month we're focused on
kickstarting our workouts and are taking our lead from Dr. G!
ATHLEISURE MAG: With the notion of summer bodies being made in the winter, what should a work out week look like for men vs women to get great arms, legs, abs and butts?
DR.GREUNER: I’ve always stressed that there are two separate components to the look most of us want to achieve, and they should be targeted in two different ways. For toning and shaping, strength exercises are crucial. To put that hard earned, toned, and shapely muscle front and center for the summer's revealing ensembles, diet is absolutely crucial to lose any fat that might overshadow what lies beneath. To lose the weight, simple arithmetic is all it takes. You must eat less calories than you burn. A simple BMR calculator, or devices such as a FitBit are crucial to estimating what you burn daily, and I use these routinely. The mistake we see sabotaging diets most often, however, is an underestimation of the caloric count of foods. Things like sauces, dressings, and alcohol can foil an otherwise valiant effort at weight loss, and that is why I recommend on diet days, that you prep your own meals, so you have a firm grip on it.
When it comes to shaping, compound movements are not just the most efficacious in building muscle, but also in terms of improving function. For arms, dumbbell or barbell bicep curls are one of my favorites. Simple to perform, and work very well. I typically do 6 sets of 10, or to failure with strict form. For triceps, my faithful move is the French press, 6 sets of 10. It’s an easy exercise to do well, and form fails minimally with fatiguing muscles.
For legs, NOTHING beats the old-fashioned squat. 4 sets of 10. I typically follow that with 4 sets of weighted lunges 10 reps, each side. Trust me, simple but effective. This works well for your butt, as It is a direct extension functionally of your legs.
For abs, I work this muscle group 2-3 times a week, as opposed to most others once weekly. This is because your abs have a higher percentage of fast twitch, or endurance fibers, and recover quickly, but typically don’t require as much training as the other muscle groups at each
session. They are constantly under tension stabilizing your body. For advanced athletes, I recommend 6 sets of hanging leg raises, 10 reps, but this is a very difficult move to do correctly. For those of you that are newer to this, I typically recommend 4 sets of incline leg raises, followed by 4 sets of crunches, each for 10 reps. Simple and strict is the key to isolating these muscle groups.
Remember, If it isn’t uncomfortable, you aren’t stimulating the muscle to change. Get out of your comfort zone, you will thank me for it later.
AM: For those that may have slipped into not working out during the holiday season, how can they get back into putting this into their routine?
DR G: The easiest solution is to grab a partner. That is a quick way to ensure that you have an obligation to meet your schedule, or hear about it later. Other incentives include signing up for
work incentives, or competing with fellow employees if your job has a plan. In my company, we use Fitness Amigo, and award rewards to those that “win” their fitness goals.
Lastly, make a mental, or physical picture of what you want to obtain, and make sure you see it constantly to drive you. Other options include, entering a competition that mandates you get in
shape, or a self-awarded reward once you hit your goal.
My workouts change from mostly outdoor in the summer to mostly indoor in the winter. I take part in activities such as martial arts and group classes. I'll present some of my favorites in a future article, but some classes that provide a competitive environment, such as Flywheel that allows you to compete with you classmates, is always an impetus for me to push harder.
AM: For those who like working out outdoors who don't enjoy doing it in the cold, what would you suggest for workouts?
DR. G: Winter is the time I pick to explore new classes, and activities, and even pick up a new sport. I'll go into detail about these in a later story, including my pros and cons about each, but briefly some of my choices this year included:
1. Boxing and martial arts, including classes such as Rumble, Work Train Fight, Dogpound, and others, as well as true sparring one on one with some of the most talented coaches in NYC. Be
careful, it’s addictive!
2. I’m an avid cyclist in the summer months, so spinning classes are a mandatory part of my arsenal. In general, I prefer Flywheel given the objective power data they provide and the ability to compete with classmates.
3. Circuit training with weights, which is a constant part of my regimen.
4. Boot Camps such as Barry’s Bootcamp, one of my favorites.
5. Flexibility work such as Pilates, yoga, and capoeira.
6. Climbing walls are a great way to simulate the outdoors.
7. Other typically outdoor sports such as parkour are now omnipresent in NYC.
AM: How beneficial is a couple or buddy workout and how do you stay on track with this as it can also have distracting effects?
DR. G: Its crucial for me that my partner is as fitness inclined as I am, or its unlikely to work. Sports occupy so many categories of benefit in my life, from psychological, to meditative, to performance, that it’s absolutely mandatory for my overall well-being, and having a partner that is so inclined can be one of your best motivators to staying healthy. Everything is easier when your best friend is there beside you! At the same time, distraction can be an issue if one of you is self-conscious or less motivated. You can see this two ways…a chance to coach each other to be better, or as a roadblock. Decide early, and act accordingly.
AM: How long do you feel it should take to start seeing results and how do you think you should go about tracking these areas for proper motivation?
DR G: Although it may sound terrible, often the heavier you are, the longer it takes to see visible results as the layer of fat on top of muscle is thicker. Talk about an incentive to stay lean! Although you won’t see the results immediately, you will lose weight and increase function quickly, typically within a month if you put a significant effort in. The leaner you are able to stay, the less time it takes to see distinct results as the layer of fat covering your muscle is much thinner and disappears with less effort. The take home message? Keep lean, allow some discrepancies here and there, but make your hard work last with lifestyle changes that make the task less and less daunting with each coming year. It’s absolutely possible to enjoy your life, and still look great. Moderation is the key. I look forward to giving more guidance about doing just that in future articles!
We're excited for upcoming articles that Dr. Greuner will share with our readers at Athleisure Mag, and are looking forward to his future contributions! Make sure to follow him on IG @Doctor.DavidGreuner to see what he's up to and where he's working out.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Dr. Greuner
Read more from the Jan Issue and see Summer Bodies Are Made in the Winter in mag.
After the ball drops and you had the most epic night at the Marquee Las Vegas at The Cosmopolitan Hotel, to begin a prosperous New Year, you'll want to give your body extra love. We have our three must haves for proper TLC.
| VASELINE® INTENSIVE CARE Cocoa Radiant Smoothing Body Butter | CO2LIFT Single Pack Anti Aging Treatment | ICONIC PROTEIN Grass Fed Protein Drink |
Read more from the Dec Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.
The weather is seriously making the simple task of going outside a major task and now there's this whole topic about Bomb Cyclones (winter hurricanes)! We're sharing 5 Ways that we're staying warm this week from the desk of our Style Director, Kimmie!
Stay in and check out the Dec issue.
When you grow up in a creative family, you get to try your hand at a number of things to find out what works for you. Gia Mantegna grew up in the industry and has been acting since she was a kid, is a singer and in addition to her roles, can say that she has been able to spend quality time on set as a fellow actor with her dad, Joe Mantegna in the nail-biting series, Criminal Minds.
We sat down with Gia to talk about how she got into acting, what it's like to be on Criminal Minds, playing dramatic characters with a twist, her new show that is available now on CW Seed, what's going on with her music and some of her go to places in LA as well as when she's here in NYC.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did the acting bug hit you?
GIA MANTEGNA: I started acting at a really young age in school. I think I was about 11 when I started theater and that’s kind of where I got the bug. I had obviously grown up in the business
because my dad is an actor.
AM: We’re huge fans of him!
GM: Yeah, yeah me too! Growing up around that environment and being in that industry it was just something that was second nature to me. And I was like, "when is it my turn?" Being the second born child and always wanting attention, I was known for having this personality and having a need to be heard. The only outlet for that was to sing and to perform - so that’s how it started. Then after doing theater, I started working in film and going to TV and auditioning. It hasn’t stopped yet – knock on wood.
AM: What are some of the roles that you have been in?
GM: My first big gig was a Christmas film called Unaccompanied Minors which was a film directed by Paul Feig. He did Bridesmaids, The Heat, Ghostbusters (Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy) etc. That was my introduction into really working in Hollywood. It was such a great experience working with Paul and the cast. That was a fun role for me and I have done a lot of
spots on TV.
I’m really drawn to the darker roles naturally. I am a positive person, but I love those really weird roles. I did a role on Perception where I played this girl who swallowed knives and it was a strange one, but I loved it. Now comedy is where things are going for me which I also love because it’s harder and comedic timing is hard to do. The dramatic roles come easier to me but
comedy is where I am falling into and where the world is going, it’s nice to laugh a little bit.
AM: How much has your father been an influence on your roles and how has it been also appearing on Criminal Minds with him?
GM: YES oh my gosh. I can’t watch Criminal Minds – I live alone with a cat!
AM: When we travel, it’s always on as a marathon and we get sucked in, but we have to have a buddy and the lights on to watch it!
GM: Oddly enough, I never worked with him on the show. When I first auditioned for the show, I was 17 there was a different actor playing my father and I never had any scenes with him. Then one day, the writers came to me with an idea where my character came back with Aubrey Plaza’s character as they wanted two strong female characters to come back to shake up the
team. Aubrey and I came out to do it and I didn’t have any good dialogue with my dad, but there was this scene where he pointed a gun at me which was really exciting as that is always fun to work with a family member holding a gun in your face. I mean when is that going to happen? Hopefully not. But it was great because I have worked on a number of shows, but Criminal Minds – that cast is such a tight-knit group, they’re a family. They get along and it’s
been running for so long which is a testament to how great it is to be able to step into that show for a few weeks. It was the greatest gig in the world and to be able to hang out with my dad for a bit. The character was fun too as she was psychotic!
AM: Tell us about CW Seed and how we can watch it?
GM: A lot of networks have digital platforms as I think that they are trying to compete with Netflix and things like that. CW Seed (shows you can catch: Riverdale, Original Dynasty) is CW’s answer to that. It’s their digital platform where they create new media and they also run shows that have already been out on the website. You can watch on their website or their app.
Our show, Life After First Failure has myself and Breanne (who plays my best friend on the show), we received the script and we loved that there were two strong female characters
shaking things up – we fell in love with it. We did 3 episodes in Portland and CW Seed ended up breaking it up into 6 episodes - to make it more palatable for the audience.
The way it seems to be going is that it’s all about quick easy content for quick gratification. At first, I was a little disappointed, but it’s the way that things are going now. I like longer episodes, but the younger generation is easily bored and when they’re bored, you lose your audience. But the character was so much fun to play and it was different and new. Honestly, it was one of my favorite people to play.
AM: Is there a second season coming out?
GM: In a perfect world, yes – the hope was that the network would see that there was a strong response to it – but they’re kind of new. So a lot of it has been left to us and social media has really helped in terms of campaigning for the show. We definitely want to come back to do more episodes – right now we’re not sure so we want people to watch and tweet to request more episodes.
AM: We know that you are also a singer can you tell us about how you started that and what your plans are?
GM: I was always singing at a young age. My parents threw me into everything soccer, piano, saxophone etc. Singing stuck with me – my sister and I took lessons at a very young age. Both of my parents have a musical background and it was just one of those things that I always kept in my back pocket, but I was too scared to use and then it got to a point that I really wanted to do a show so I got a producer and a band and we put it together with a show at The Whiskey in LA. It was so great, but there aren’t really any plans as I was starting to work on an album and then acting picked up, but it's always something I go back to. Right now, I record things and sell them to shows and just kind of do it as a hobby.
AM: What is the genre?
GM: It ended up being a rock show when I was at The Whiskey. But the song I’m most proud of, ‘I Won’t Wait’ it’s alternative/electronic. It has a cool vibe to it as I’m inspired by Banks and Tove Lo - just I love that electronic ease and fun. But when I get back into singing, I want to do a lot of oldies covers as I listen to a lot of 70s music. I love Top 40, but I’m inspired by that era. I have been listening to a lot of THEM (Van Morrison’s old band) lately and I thought it would be really fun to do a lot of covers of music that my parents grew up with as that's what I listened to growing up.
AM: What is your personal style when you're going out for brunch versus when you're having a night out?
GM: It doesn’t change – it’s always the same – I’m all black everything – it makes doing laundry very easy. I always dress for winter or fall – I wear Doc Martins all the time, I live in them. I love skinny jeans and a baggy sweatshirt on top. I love jewelry which allows me to go a little crazy and I love makeup! My sister and I went to makeup school just for fun and my sister was really into it – she has autism and is really high functioning, but my parents didn’t want her to go alone so I went as her pal and I ended up loving it. I love playing with makeup looks and it taught me what I could do with makeup – so it’s all about the accessories.
AM: How do you take time for yourself in the midst of your busy schedule?
GM: It’s interesting as an actor, you’re your own boss and there is going to be downtime so you’re always trying to stay proactive. I do piano as much as I can to stay with my music.
I do meditate - big meditator. I tried running for 5 mins. - it was horrible, but I really love yoga. There is a huge yoga culture in LA - which I know is everywhere as well. But I have been doing
yoga for so long that I just do it on my own and I just do it in my trailer. Now that I have this amazing cat in my life, I love meditating and doing yoga at home. I don’t do any high impact – I
don’t. I can’t do it because I have this really weird jaw issue which is a severe form of TMJ where I have to get injections in my masseter muscles. So when I do anything high impact the stress goes to my neck and my face and then I have to go to the Chiropractor and it becomes this whole thing. Everything is low impact and easy – I walk a lot and although LA is not a walking town, I live in West Hollywood so I can do that.
AM: What charity/philanthropy do you do?
GM: Because my sister has autism, I have always been involved in that as it has been a big part of my life and to give back to the community. My family and I do not support Autism Speaks as they have paid celebrities to do endorsements which makes sense, but many don't know what they're talking about and funds have gone to the CEOs and very little of the money is going to autism research. More grassroots organizations is where we go and my dad does a lot of work with veterans so anything that involves them and the military, I am all about it. Autism is big for me and there isn’t one that I champion specifically.
AM: What's on your playlist?
GM: I’ve been listening to a lot of THEM, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan – I went to a concert of his last year and it was so great. I just really love him. Let me grab my phone out. I love Tove Lo and Banks of course. A lot of oldies - OH - Roy Orbison - he's the best for the holidays - I really love his stuff and I have been getting obsessed with Chris Isaak again. OH Tom Jones is my
go to when I'm getting ready, I go to Spotify, put in Tom Jones and listen to everything. It gets crazy and my dad makes fun of me and asks, “why do you listen to my music?” I love it and everything coming out lately now – it’s cool to vibe out to in the background, but I don’t connect with it and it’s not inspirational to me.
AM: When you're in LA, what's 1 place you work out, 1 place you eat at 1 place you shop? What version do you have for that here in NYC?
GM: The answer to most of those questions is home, home, home haha. In NY, I go to McSorley’s Old Ale House - I was just there last night with my mom and my sister. So only in NY
would this take place, we met these two guys where one had just broken up with his wife and one with his girlfriend and they wanted to recreate this picture that they had taken when they were with them at the same bar a few years prior! One ex was blonde and one was brunette and we re-created the picture.
In LA, people are very "don’t talk to me," but in NY it’s so different and they were from Orange County. It was hysterical and the picture was identical and I even arranged everything on the table the same way. McSorley's is my go to.
In LA, I go anywhere although there is this cool Australian bar called The Eveleigh. Serafina just opened in LA so I love that – they’re on Sunset. I work out at home in LA so I just go outside as there is so much hiking you can do and I want to try boxing. For shopping, I am all about ASOS – they have great stuff, affordable and they always have black options. In NY it’s anywhere.
I’m obsessed with shoes, so any shoe store. I love Opening Ceremony and I love Soho in general. Evolution is here and I love them, we have something similar in LA called Necromance, but I haven’t bought anything. Where am I going to put taxidermy squirrels?
My God mom has a store in Toluca Lake near my parents house called Pergolina and she has these beautiful taxidermy animals which she gets from Necromance. Her store is where I get my jewelry and I wear these bracelets all the time. But I’m not a big shopper – I’m an eater – I love to eat. My mom has a restaurant in Burbank called Taste Chicago.
AM: Wait we have heard of Taste Chicago!
GM: I know a lot of people think that it’s my dad’s, but it’s my moms!
AM: Which one is from Chicago?
GM: Both – my whole family is from Chicago and here. We’re here because one of my family members just bought a house in New Jersey. We’re the only ones in LA. We needed to bring Chicago to LA.
AM: So what are we ordering at Taste Chicago?
GM: Chicago dogs, Sicilian Pan Pizza, Deep Dish, Italian Beef, everything – it’s hard core. You don’t go there to get a salad, you go there to work! But I actually prefer NY style pizza haha but I go there for the Italian Beef.
Read more from the Dec Issue and see From LA with Love, Gia Mantegna in mag.
2018 will be many things, but we hope in addition to your other plans and goals, that focusing on your health will be at the top of the list! We took some time to talk to NYC Surgical Associate's head doctor and Co-Founder, Dr Greuner. He is an extremely exclusive and prestigious award-winning cardiovascular surgeon who is one of the most talented in his field. He is also a social media influencer for health and fitness. We wanted to find out about how he
found his calling to be a doctor, his passion for fitness (if you haven't checked his Instagram, check it out) and how we can have positive heart health.
ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you come to be a cardiovascular surgeon?
DR. GREUNER: Believe it or not, by accident. I was a NCAA athlete in college, and an economics and human performance major. My plan was to open a chain of objectively measured analytics for top tier athletes upon graduation, and this was a childhood dream of mine. I took medical classes to develop my knowledge of human anatomy and physiology for this reason in school, and became so enamored discovering how the human body functions. It’s beautiful, and completely logical. I could speak for hours on this, and I read about it more to this day for personal enjoyment, much the same way an art aficionado looks at beautiful pieces.
As my understanding grew, so did my desire to learn more, and soon, I had basically filled my requirements for medical school, solely via personal interest. My father and mother were in the middle of a divorce at the time I finished college, and I moved closer to my father to help him through this difficult time, as we had always been very close. I applied to medical school at
that time where he was living, and was accepted. I finished, but never planned on practicing, until my surgery rotation, which fascinated me. I applied to surgical residency and I was accepted.
During my surgery residency, I rotated through cardiac surgery, and it was love at first sight. The rhythm, the physiology, the technical prowess, and the nerves of steel required hypnotized
me, and I knew there was nothing else I would rather do.
To this day, everyone asks me why I am so happy heading to work in the morning. The truth is, I theoretically found the love of my life by accident…..
AM: How can we maintain positive heart health?
DR. G: There are so many answers to this question, but in short, regular cardio and a diet rich in essential fatty acids and low in foods that promote oxidative stress are the two main keys.
For the function of your heart, or “cardiovascular fitness,” you should maintain at least 3 sessions of active cardio where your heart rate is above 120 bpm, for at least 20 minutes per week to maintain your level of cardiovascular fitness. Less than that, and you will consistently deteriorate with time in terms of your cardiac function. More than that, and you will consistently improve.
The next category is maintaining pristine condition of your heart, to allow it to function effectively. Anything that causes tissue damage is called “oxidative stress”. I’m sure you have all heard of anti oxidants. These are the chemicals that act to buffer these oxidative stress. Think of it as a balance, like a mathematical equation. If you go into a negative number, because of oxidative stress, you must take in antioxidants to get back to a neutral state, and “balance it out” so to speak.
Oxidative stress can come from any source, such as chemicals in processed food, chemical injury such as smoking or pollution, and even extra strenuous workouts. It’s all about consistency, and awareness to keep you in the positive direction to avoid tissue damage.
AM: It's clear that you are also into health and fitness, why is this important and what are the benefits?
DR. G: Yes, fitness is a huge part of my life, and for a variety of reasons
1. its one of my main coping mechanisms.
I definitely have a very stressful job surgically speaking, and I also have a significant administrative role in a very large private practice, which let me tell you, comes with some unwanted stress. Given that role, I need some release mechanisms that don’t involve unhealthy habits, and working out is one of my go to methods, particularly cycling, running, and martial arts, all of which require an intense amount of focus and “zoning out” so to speak. I reach a sort of meditative state for lack of a better word, that allows me a tranquil period and a mental cleansing for other things that may be weighing on my mind at the time. Well, at least until the next hurdle…..
2. It preserves my form and function.
Lets face it. Whether we are 18 or 60, we are all aging daily, and aging takes its toll on the body. And none of that is making us more fit. In fact, it gets harder to maintain levels of fitness as we age for a variety of reasons. You can either accept that, or fight the trend by working harder to be better. I choose the latter. In fact, my lap times running, and some of my muscle functionality is better than where it was in my twenties as a result of me training so intensely these days, a fact that I’m extremely proud of. Now if only my back injuries would respond the same way…..
AM: Nutrition is key. How can we stay healthy during the holiday while splurging during this time of year?
DR. G: I’m a HUGE fan of cheat days. Both because I love to eat probably more than anyone I know, and also because there are definite benefits to them, if your diet is on track the rest of the time. In general, I’m sure you have heard of muscle confusion workouts. The basic premise behind this, is that if you do the same workout for a prolonged period of time, eventually,
your muscles become accustomed to it, and you will no longer push them to the point where they need to become stronger, as they simply become more efficient. How do you avoid this and enjoy improved function with every workout? By switching it up and keeping your muscles and body “confused” and not knowing what to expect.
It’s the same with your diet. If you keep to a strict, low calorie diet for a prolonged period of time, your body is programmed to preserve the status quo by nature, and it will simply become
more efficient and lower your metabolism in order to burn calories in an efficient way. In short, you will basically become a human Pruis metabolically speaking, which trust me, is NOT what you want. You want to be that big V8 that burns calories at a rapid rate. How do you do this? By implementing a cheat day once a week, where you consume a tremendous amount of calories, and make your body feel like endless calories will be available much like the credit market was in the 1990s. Then, just when your body is adapting, which takes a few days, you pull the carpet from underneath it, and drop it back into a low calorie state while it still thinks that endless energy is available. Just when it’s starting to sense that it needs to be more “financially responsible” from a calories standpoint, your throw a curveball again and bring in fat, carbs, and everything that it wants. Keep doing this, and your body will have to keep guessing, and you will always burn fat at a faster rate and keep it lean. Plus, you get to eat cake
and fries….
AM: What are 3 workouts that guys should do to get great abs and calves?
DR. G: You should always think of gaining muscle mass as a separate category than acquiring muscle definition. A muscular, ripped physique is the Holy Grail for most men, and there are
many reasons most of us are not walking around looking like Greek gods. It’s very difficult to achieve both. To gain muscle mass, we have to stress our muscles, beyond what they are used
to stimulate them to grow. Most of the gym theories on heavy weights with low weight vs light weights and high reps are false. The endpoint needs to be complete and total muscle fatigue so that your body is uncomfortable and is stimulated to adapt to be able to deal with the new level of performance you demand from it. It doesn’t really matter how you achieve that level of stimulation, as long as you achieve it. If you are trying to attain a different level of functionality, meaning strength vs endurance, the type of training you do definitely matters.
This being the case, I always pick the easiest way to look the best. And for me, that is doing heavy weights with low reps, as it’s the quickest, most efficient way to stimulate growth. My ab
routine typically consists of hanging leg raises with leg weights, ab pulldowns with heavy weight (150+lbs) and weighted, slant bench sit ups with a 40-50lb medicine ball. When it comes time to train for an event, I switch to more reps to improve my function. For calves I use weighted donkey presses, and weighted calf raises.
In order to allow your muscles to grow, you must also give them the fuel and rest they need, much like a growing child, which is why it’s difficult to stay ripped and build muscle. Girls have it so easy…..
To show off that hard-earned muscle, you must be in a calorie deficit, to make your body lose the fat and expose that hard-earned mass. Without a low body fat, you will never look good, regardless of the amount of muscle you build.
You may ask, “When I drop my calories, won't I lose muscle?” which is a legitimate concern. The short answer is, yes you will. But you can minimize muscle loss by manipulating your diet, as well as supplements promoting testosterone, and supplying branched chain amino acids, which are key to my routine. BCAAs basically fool your body into believing it has broken down muscle already, so it shifts to breaking down fat instead when you are in a caloric deficit, and are one of the keys to preserving muscle mass when dieting hard for fat loss.
AM: What are your energy foods that you enjoy eating that you can take with you when you have a hectic day and can't get out like you would like?
DR. G: I typically bring some lean, but very satisfying meat cuts to work with me, which promote satiety, but at the same time, allow me to not over indulge in calories. Turkey, lean beef, and chicken are my go to choices.
The key to any diet that promotes a lean, muscular physique is to avoid high blood sugar levels, which stimulate insulin release. Insulin is the main hormone involved in fat gain, so you want to minimize its presence in your blood.
The best way to do this is to avoid high sugar foods. So if you’re going to snack, use high protein snacks like beef jerky, or complex carbs, like high fiber or oat bars with low sugar content. As soon as you cause a sugar spike, you basically put yourself behind the 8 ball in terms of your physique. Yes, it's THAT important.
AM: As a stylist, I'm prepping a number of my clients for their red carpet moments during Awards Season what are food must-haves and workouts that you would suggest they incorporate into their routine?
DR. G: In general, I look at workouts and diet as trying to achieve two different goals. How you look is 80 percent a function of your diet, and how you perform is mostly dependent on your workouts. The only exception to this, is trying to attain a very high level of muscle in which case you absolutely must work out consistently to stimulate muscle growth.
That being the case, diet is the key to looking great. You could work out all day long, but if you eat badly, you will look terrible. If you barely workout, but your diet is clean, you will look much better than you think, which is often overlooked. Often I hear “I work out, I can eat whatever I want today.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. If you think about it, in a hugely strenuous workout for an hour, the average person would burn maybe 1000 calories, or one larger slice of cheesecake. Do the math on that. Fat loss is a simple mathematical equation. Eat
fewer calories than you burn, and you will lose weight. The easiest way to do that, unless you want to work out 6 hours a day, is to keep your diet clean.
Read more from the Dec Issue and see Form and Function with Dr. Greuner in mag.
Our second annual NEW YEAR N3W YOU is back as the next year is around the corner. It's time for some of our favorite friends to share THE GOOD, THE ADD and THE BUZZ that they're looking forward to for 2018!
GIA MANTEGNA
ACTRESS
+
SINGER
THE GOOD
I’m really excited about Life After First Failure. We filmed it in the spring and it came out a few weeks later. It was a really positive experience – great cast and crew. It was great to be a lead on the show in a new platform. I was really proud of it.
Another positive thing which is also a negative but they go together – it’s women speaking out, coming together and talking about the sexual allegations. Regardless of what happened, it’s an amazing movement that is happening in our industry and it’s kind of giving a lot of power and confidence
to women who didn’t have it before. I think it’s making parents aware that they have to teach their children to speak up, be bold, be independent and don’t let a man push you around. It’s great for all women. I mean, I go into these auditions all the time and it’s
usually men. Male directors, casting directors
and it’s this weird pseudo safety bubble that we have now where you can’t get away with it anymore. It’s a terrible time for men to be in the industry but a great one for us.
My sister is really good, she’s an artist and has had a lot of shows – her works have been showing in a number of art galleries across the Northwest in Seattle, Sacramento and I’m proud she’s pursuing it.
THE ADD
I think my singing is something that I want to get back in focus on. I want to perform, work with a band and be creative. As an artist I want to continue to create content.
I want to learn how to embrace social media. I have rejected it for so long as I didn’t want to do it and I wanted to be mysterious but I have learned, it’s part of the job! How many followers do you have, what’s your aesthetic – so many things around it and I always felt that it had nothing to do with me but now
I know that that’s not true. I have to embrace it and figure out what my voice is. I worked with 16 year old on Life After Failure and she had a million followers on Instagram and she was an influencer and it was interesting to be introduced to that world that I knew nothing about. Now I know how important is to use that platform to get the word out about the show and to use it in a responsible and positive way. So in the New Year I want to use it without focusing on vapid selfies and to keep it creative, inspiring and to learn about me in a connected way.
THE BUZZ
There’s nothing coming out just now as Life After Failure is out so it’s a little slow with the holidays and all the things that are going on so it won’t happen until after the new year when everyone is back in the office. But I will be sharing socially when everything is
able to be shared. But LAF is available now and we're the newest show, it's free, funny an a quick/easy watch - it's cute and you can throw it on.
CAT CORA
CHEF
IRON CHEF
PERSONALITY
+
RESTAURATEUR
THE GOOD
I got engaged to my fiancé Nicole and gained two sons, two more wonderful parents, a brother, sister-in-law and 3 nephews. Now, Nicole and I have 6 boys between us. This year my mom went into remission for cancer after a long 4 1/2 year battle. My family is healthy and I am personally happier than I have ever been.
Professionally, Nicole became CEO of our company. I was on Fox’s “My Kitchen Rules”, was on 4 magazine covers, created two new shows for 2018, opened my 10th restaurant, “Wicked Eats” in Brooklyn and began working with Team USA. I also did a lot of philanthropic work around hurricane relief,
fire crisis and other needs around the world. We have so much coming out in 2018 so stay tuned.
THE ADD
Our culinary/lifestyle line and running the New York Marathon.
THE BUZZ
In 2018 we have new shows that we are launching including, an animated show. We are also launching a culinary line and a new cookbook. But most importantly and the most exciting, I’m getting married to Nicole in April 2018, with our 6 boys by our side.
HOLLY RILINGER
CELEB FITNESS TRAINER
+
NIKE MASTER TRAINER
THE GOOD
I released my first book and I’m pretty darn excited and proud of it! LIFTED is a 28 day program designed to strengthen your body, focus your mind and elevate your spirit. Whether you are a trained athlete or simply trying to take your first steps, this book is
important. Meditation, exercise, goal setting, nutrition and visualization are just a few topics I’m excited to share with my readers.
Another amazing thing that happened to me in 2017 is love. I met my girlfriend and am madly in love. I think it’s important to mention that this happened on the tail end of a professional disaster. I took a position that wasn’t for me and at the time it felt like a huge failure. In hindsight, that “mishap”
allowed me to find balance in my life. It was the first time in 8 years that I wasn’t married to my work. I learned more about myself last year than I did in the last eight years.
THE ADD
I believed 2017 would be the year I started something new; a new chapter in my life. I’ve found great success as a trainer and coach, released my first book and was featured on a network television show; all great accomplishments, but to me, all catalysts for
something bigger. I’ve hired a personal coach named Sonni Talant who will mentor me and help me navigate this amazing new year. Big things are coming!
THE BUZZ
Expect to see me training and speaking in cities all over the country. Also, get ready to work with me wherever you are. I will be more accessible to more people all over the world. Streaming content, workshops, online coaching watch for it all. I’m also a big fan of the body positive movement after working
with Aerie and The All Woman Project. It’s time we all exercise more self love and acceptance. This will be a big part of everything I do in the new year.
TELLI SWIFT
E! WAGS ATLANTA
THE GOOD
2017 has been an amazing year for me! I’ve launched my website – complete with an online store and blog, and I’m currently working on an app that teaches you how to get the life you want, including your dream man! The app features daily empowerment quotes, my favorite recipes, fitness tips, live chats and videos, and so much more. I’m also expecting a child with my significant
other so I really couldn’t ask for anything more!
THE ADD
I’m still working on my app content which won’t be available until 2018. It’s a lot of work being pregnant, managing a household, taking care of your family, and being a business woman – but at the end of the day everything must be accomplished and will get done!
THE BUZZ
I have a number of significant events to come in 2018! My baby shower will be in January, my baby is due in early February, and my man (WBC Heavyweight title holder since 2015 - Deontay Wilder) fights at Barclays Center in NYC on March 3rd! We will also be building and buying a home by the lake for our growing family, so there is much more to come! Plus I can't wait to check out the first season of our show, E!'s WAGS Atlanta, when it premieres in January. 2018 is a year I’m definitely looking forward to!
Tune-In to the season premiere of WAGS Atlanta on Wednesday, January 3rd at 10p ET/PT on E!
There is nothing better than being able to hop a flight and head to a tropical destination such as Oasis Spa in Phuket, Thailand Known as an experience for the mind, body and soul - it's worth placing this on the bucket list. If you can't travel just yet, an at home spa isn't complete without an all purpose balm and beverages that replenish as well as energize you.
| THE BODY SHOP Amazonian Saviour Multi-Purpose Balm | APRES Mint Cacao | MATI ENERGY Citrus |
Read more from the Nov Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.
Thanksgiving is this month and while many of us are looking forward to family, friends, food etc. This year, an extra amount of anticipation for the national holiday means the debut of NETFLIX/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It' which begins streaming on the network for this movie turned series. Rafael V DeLeon plays Manny Garciela and we caught up with him in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We've seen you in print campaigns and we know that you have acted in a number of shows/films, tell us about your journey in both areas.
RAFAEL V DELEON: Yes, I have! Well, the journey is still ongoing, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I have been given so far. When I first moved to NYC, I worked the graveyard shift at a hotel. That was the bottom...I mean, “beginning” of the journey. lol
AM: Tell us about your role in Netflix/Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It', how long were you filming and what was the auditioning process like?
RVD: I filmed scenes over the course of several months. The audition process was like any other; you go in, do your best work, and leave the room knowing you gave it your best.
AM: In your opinion, how has 'She's Gotta Have It' been tweaked from the world it existed in 1986 to now?
RVD: Well for starters, in 1986, social media didn’t exist. The integration of social media and cell phones are the two biggest tweaks. Other themes like: racial inequality, gentrification, feminine empowerment, and social justice were already top-of-mind issues for Spike...back in 1986. “Been Woke” as Spike would say.
AM: What did you know about this movie prior to auditioning and what are your thoughts on this now that you have played the part of Manny Garciela that plays the best friend of Mars Blackmon played by Hamilton's Anthony Ramos?
RVD: I was familiar with the project but had not seen the film prior to auditioning. I had done my research on the film and prepared accordingly though. My thoughts now are “Whoa. What an experience!” To work with creatives at the top of their game both in-front of and behind the camera is a milestone moment for me. You find yourself surrounded by so much talent it’s awe-inspiring sometimes.
AM: With 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming on Thanksgiving, how excited are you to be a part of this iconic series?
RVD: As excited as Spike was when the Yankees won the World Series in 2009.
AM: We know that you live in Brooklyn, where are your 3 favorite places to eat, workout and to grab a beer?
RVD: 1.) Eat- I really enjoy Archie’s Pizza in Bushwick (I hope they read this).
2.) Workout- Any playground basketball court. Always good competition there.
3.) Grab a beer - The Rookery Bar (I REALLY hope they read this).
AM: Do you still play basketball as we know that you played Division I at Temple?
RVD: Temple is not only Division I, but is the 5th winningest Men’s Basketball program in NCAA history behind Kentucky, Kansas, UNC, and Duke; but I digress. ;)
I do still play! A colleague of mine has pick-up every week (shout out to DG) and gets a bunch of ex-division 1 guys together for weekly runs.
AM: What's your personal style when you're going out to grab a drink versus when you're running errands?
RVD: Oh man, when I’m going out I try to dress in something that is comfortable, individualist, and on-trend. When I am running errands? Whatever is clean.
AM: What roles can we see you in next?
RVD:I have a few opportunities in the pipeline, but nothing I can announce currently. I will just say that I am excited for what 2018 has in store.
AM: With Christmas around the corner, what are you doing this season and where will you spend NYE?
RVD: I am spending the week leading up to Christmas with my family in Prince Georges County, MD and will be traveling to Costa Rica on the 26th through the new year!
AM: Tell us about charities that you are a part of?
RVD: I work closely with the Make-A-Play organization, Camp Ryan, and volunteer at a middle school in my neighborhood. Lending a hand in my community is something that is very important to me.
AM: Is there anything else that you would like to tell us that we have not covered?
RVD: I love playing Chess, day-trading stocks, reading The Atlantic, and watching critically-acclaimed films with my Somali princess. Oh, and I still haven’t beaten a local chess-master in Union Square.
Our shoot took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the McCarren Hotel and Pool as well as the famed The Meatball Shop. You can watch Rafael V Deleon on NETFLIX in Spike Lee's, 'She's Gotta Have It' streaming now. You can also connect with him socially.
Twitter | @RafaelVDeLeon
Instagram | @RafaelVDeLeon
Facebook | /RafaelVDeLeon
We're big fans of The Meatball Shop at Athleisure Mag and it was fun to chat with their Marketing Director Natasha Miller about their history, menu, neighborhood locations and spirit.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about The Meatball Shop - what the concept behind the restaurant is, who are the co-founders, when it was created, and current as well as upcoming locations of this eatery.
NATASHA MILLER: The co-founders are Daniel Holzman (Chef) and Michael Chernow, a pair of childhood friends who opened the first The Meatball Shop location on the Lower East Side in 2010. Since then, they’ve expanded to open locations in the Upper East Side, West Village, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Williamsburg. The Meatball Shop is all about eating responsibly sourced, delicious food in a fun, hip location.
AM: What are some of the signature dishes and cocktails that are available at The Meatball Shop?
NM: The beauty of The Meatball Shop is that you can put together any dish you'd like! But, some of our guest's favorites combos are definitely our Classic Ball (a mix of beef and pork meat) with our Classic Tomato over Spaghetti. Our Kitchen Sink Salad is also a big hit with our guests. Our cocktail menu changes seasonally, but I’d say our Moscow Mule is pretty classic (and delicious).
AM: For those who are vegetarian, can they also enjoy the experience at The Meatball Shop?
NM: Totally! We have vegan veggie balls that are out of this world, I like them best with our pesto, but they can be served however you’d like! We're all about cooking seasonally and are always changing up our awesome roster of veggies sides. Currently were serving sides like Roast Brussels Sprouts and Apples, Braised Kale and Tomato Soffrito, and Butternut Squash Sage Rissoto.
AM: If you haven't done so already, can you tell us about Sidepiece?
NM: Sidepiece is the bar connected to our Hell’s Kitchen location – you walk to the back of the restaurant, past the restrooms, through a little hallway, and you’re there! Sidepiece has a totally different cocktail menu and acts as our meatball test kitchen where we serve some super fun dishes like Pretzels Balls and Meatball Nachos, in a speakeasy-esque space. It can also be rented out for private parties too!
AM: With a number of locations in NYC, what is the thought of the aesthetic of the restaurant in relation to the location of the neighborhood that it resides in?
NM: The aesthetic of each individual restaurant definitely changes based on the neighborhood that surrounds it. We want each location to feel like its own restaurant - the Williamsburg location, for example, is more subdued and looks lovingly worn in, while the Lower East Side shop has a poppy-feel, with a deep navy wall coated in bright white metal meat grinders.
AM: We shot a portion of our shoot in the Williamsburg location of The Meatball Shop. What can you tell us about this particular location (when it opened, those who tend to stop in)?
NM: We opened up our Williamsburg Shop in 2011 and it's become a stable of Bedford Ave. We get a lot of neighborhood locals for sure but as the neighborhood has changed we're also seeing a ton of tourists stop in which has been really fun. We recently started serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am-4:00pm – this was the first location we started doing so, and it’s been a nice change of pace.
AM: What can we expect with the upcoming holiday season in terms of events or promotions taking place at The Meatball Shops?
NM: We’re just about to launch our latest SHUT skateboard deck design, which will be available on our website. We encourage fans of the brand to check out our other gear as well, like our Ballers sweatshirt, Ballerina Tee, and our jarred Classic Tomato Sauce- which can all be found at www.themeatballshop.com.
AM: What are the Co-Founders' favorite dishes at The Meatball Shop?
NM: Michael Chernow loves a Kitchen Sink with Veggie Balls and Pesto and Daniel Holzman loves a heartier dish of Pork Meatballs with Spicy Meat Sauce over Polenta with a Family Jewel on top!
AM: Are there new dishes (whether ongoing or seasonal) that will be coming to The Meatball Shop?
NM: We just started serving our Grilled Cheese balls in all of our locations this week – they sit like dumplings atop a layer of cream of tomato soup and are dangerously good. Right before Christmas, we will be bringing back our Jingle Jingle Balls made with venison and paired with a traditional Cumberland Sauce. We also have a killer Bread Pudding special for dessert this month!
AM: We know that you can buy The Meatball Shops' sauce and cookbook, are there other items that are available that people can purchase when they can't get to the physical locations?
NM: We love designing merch! In addition to our sauce and cookbook, you can find our "Balls" shirts, Grinder Snapbacks, and Grinder Carhartt Beanies at all of our shops. We also carry limited quality items such as our Hedley & Bennet Aprons, "Mini Meatball" Onesizie, and (Baller)INA Pink T-Shirts that you can find in our different shops!
Read more from the Nov Issue and see Raf's Gambit in mag.
As the fall continues here in the states, we can chase the sun for warmer weather and there's no better place than to head out to Bondi Beach in Australia. Here's three things you should pack when you head out for your fall travels for warmer weather.
| QUAY AUSTRALIA Camden Heights | BODY GLOVE 80's Throwback Time After Time One Piece | ADIDAS ORIGINALS Superstar |
Read more from the Oct Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.
When it comes to working out, there are as many methods as personality types which is a great way to target what makes you feel your best you. Hot yoga has been around a number of studios but time and again, we always hear about the cool vibes of Y7 Studio and with their recent launch of their newest location in Williamsburg, BK we knew we were going to get a significant workout here.
Y7 Studio combines a vinyasa yoga (which is all about flowing and repeating movements in a fluid movement) with hip hop and beats that keep you focused while sweating your butt off in a candlelit studio. It's during each movement, that you realize that your body can seriously push past its limits to stay in sync and that the moves become central to your core.
Y7 has a number of locations that you can get your sweat on and those who attend the classes swear by their mantra of "A Tribe Called Sweat" and "We Flow Hard".
Co-Founded by Sara Levey, Y7 has two kinds of classes which include WeFlowHard™ which is a fast paced vinyasa class while Slowburn goes deeper into your tissue and allows you to hold the poses for a longer period of time. Both allow you to have a very successful sweat as you work out in their specially infrared rooms which make you feel like you have walked into a sauna but also ensures that you will be dripping. Music for WeFlowHard™ focuses on hip-hop and driving beats while Slowburn is more typical of yoga music and is condusive to the movements and vibe.
Although you can rent mats and towels, we suggest bringing your own as it's a good idea to have the mat that works best for you when you're doing the workouts. We definitely suggest laying a towel down on top of your mat as it definitely gets slippery.
Check your location for full amenities as all Y7 Studios have refresh spaces, but Soho has a shower while the Williamsburg location does not.
We also love that Y7 carries its own line of apparel which is great to wear when working out or after the gym. Their line includes their key phrases and definitely makes you feel like you're part of the cool set when you're entering/leaving the studio or wherever you're going next.
Most importantly, it's worth noting that the instructors really do operate on a "do what you can" mentality so as you're taken through each movement, if your body is not comfortable doing something - there are no judgments whether you pause or sit in the other pose.
You'll find that as you move and see those around you doing so that as a beginner, you pick up what is going and and begin to get into sync with the group.
Although it's suggested that beginners should do Slowburn first, you can also go right to WeFlowHard™.
NY
Willamsburg - 170 S 1st St
Flatiron - 25 W 23rd St, 4th Fl
Soho - 430 Broome St, 2nd Fl
Union Square - 58 E 11th St
UES - 1459 3rd Ave, 4th Fl
Lab - 262 Bowery, 4th Fl
CA
West Hollywood - 8270 Melrose Ave
Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List | Y7 Studio in mag.
The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang China from Feb 9th - 25th, and we're excited to talk with one of the athletes that made an appearance at the Olympic Summer games as a member of Team USA in Rio, Lauren Fendrick, American Beach Volleyball player whose teammate during the games in Brazil was Brooke Sweat in 2016. Since the games, she is currently partnered with April Ross who we interviewed last year prior to her Olympic appearance.
As we have mentioned in previous interviews with Olympic athletes, before and after the games there is a lot of work, tournaments and competitions that take place beyond what we see during the global games.
We wanted to know more about Lauren from how she got into the sport, how she trains (whether there is a different focus when she is preparing for her next game), what she is up to in between Olympic appearances, her goals as she prepares for Tokyo to medal, her foundation, her work with teammate April Ross, what tournaments she's apart of and her recent shoot with JOLYN.
In addition to finding out more about this powerhouse, we also wanted to know more about her partnership with JOLYN which makes swimwear that you will find her wearing when she is on the sandy court, as well as what makes this brand one that stands out in its support of athletes and models. We're getting in the sand as well as making a few notes on closet additions we need to make for our next trip.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us how you got into volleyball and what your journey was to make the decision to go pro.
LAUREN FENDRICK: I played a tiny bit growing up down at moonlight beach (I grew up in Carlsbad) with my friend Molly during the summers, but I honestly didn't even know you could play beach volleyball for a living until I attended my first AVP qualifier in Tempe, AZ in 2003. I was instantly hooked and so determined to do everything I could do make that possibility a reality. The hardest part initially was figuring out how to structure training and finding a way to make money. I worked part-time, trained on the Beach as much as I could, picked the brains of anyone who would let me, watched the top players habits, routines, playing styles and tried to be ready for any opportunity that presented itself within and around the sport. It was a lot of hard work and I made a ton of mistakes along the way, but I fell in love with the sport so I was willing to put in extra work and find ways to get around obstacles. I am also very grateful to have had a number of great mentors, coaches, teammates and competitors to learn from.
AM: What's your training/workout like when you are preparing for a game and when you're in the off season?
LF: My workouts and training leading to a match generally taper slightly with volume, but not with intensity. I'll hit my speeds and weights that I normally do, but I'll do fewer reps and sets to fully activate the muscles, while limiting fatigue. In the off-season most of my focus is in the gym on getting stronger, more explosive and balanced. I also like to take time to do other things; cook, read, journal, get out in nature (we went to Yosemite a few weeks back). I'm also coaching the Stanford beach team with the all-star cast of Andrew Fuller (my husband) and Karissa Cook and I've been thinking about signing up for an improv class.
AM: How was it preparing for the Olympics and are you in prep for the next round of Olympic trials?
LF: Preparing for the Olympics was similar in some ways (like format and teams), but very different in other ways to preparing for other matches and tournaments. In the Olympics, you have much more time to prepare everything (your strength program is at its peak, you can spend more time mentally preparing (meditation/visualization for me), more time to break down video, game plan and strategize and practice those game plans) and there is much more pressure and emphasis on this one event... the entire nation and a lot of the world is following your progress. So the pressure aspect was more than I expected and I didn't even realize I felt pressure until I had some distance after the Olympics to decompress. It's a little surreal with how much attention is paid to just this one tournament, when the actual tournament is so similar to other tournaments. I was so shocked when Matt Lauer knew who we were. Haha.
Originally, I thought I would be done after Rio, but I feel great, I'm in some of the best shape of my life and I'm still learning and getting better, so the goal is to get back to Tokyo, implement the lessons I learned in Rio (and over the years) and medal.
AM: We know that you and April Ross were teammates this year! What is the process like for you when you're training with new partners?
LF: April and I had some great results this season with winning silver at World Champs being the highlight. And considering that we didn't get an off-season together and that she had to take almost 6 weeks off for a broken toe in the middle of the season makes the success even more special. I learn something different from each person I play with. April is such a mentally strong competitor and she knows how to perform even when she's not 100% physically. It's definitely something that I admire about her and look to emulate in my game.
AM: Where can we see you playing next?
LF: I just finished my last tournament of 2017 in China and the schedule hasn't officially come out yet, but I believe my next tournament will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the end of February.
AM: Tell us about your foundation and why you created it and what it does?
LF: The foundation was created as a way to create mentorships within the beach volleyball community. I'd like to bridge the gap between youth, collegiate, aspiring pros, current pros and former pros. There is so much knowledge and beach volleyball is a community of incredible people and I believe each level has so much knowledge and wisdom and connection to share. Beach volleyball has some of the greatest people I've ever met. The foundation is on the back burner right now, but I'm working to find ways to expand it's capabilities and reach.
AM: When you're off season, what is your day to day like?
LF: So, typically I wake up and the first thing I do is check my pulse and oxygen saturation with this cool little device from Masimo. It sounds high tech, but having the data makes my training scheduling so much easier. Then I like to meditate and then I'll head to the gym for my workout for about 3 hours, followed by conditioning, and then I usually have some sort of sports psych, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, journal, or visualization session and then I head to practice with the Stanford beach team. Next up is cooking dinner with my husband and prepping for the following day! I try to cook all my meals in the offseason with an emphasis on organic vegetables and pasture-raised meats or wild fish.
AM: We have stunning images of you in JOLYN Clothing - how did this shoot come about and how long have you been associated with the brand?
LF: I've been wearing Jolyn since 2013 when Brittany Hochevar and I wore our one pieces in the AVP finals in Huntington. I had a mutual acquaintance with Tanya Gandy, one of the many rad people who work at JOLYN, and I instantly knew that this brand and their products were a perfect fit for me and beach volleyball. It's a suit that can withstand me diving around in the sand, with flattering cuts and styles and cutting edge prints And on top of all that, they use elite athletes as product testers and fit models and their suits are all made in the USA.
The photo shoot was the brain child of Mallyce Miller, the creative director at Jolyn, shot by Sarah Orbanic, hair and makeup by Lauren Urasek, and spirit animal Melissa Matheson. Honestly, they did all the hard work to make me look good and I had a blast doing it.
AM: What are 3 power foods that you eat to have great energy that we should consider when we're about to work out?
LF: I'm all about eating whole non-processed foods!! 1) I'm currently obsessed with bone broth!! But you have to find one that has top-shelf ingredients like grass-fed beef bones and organic herbs and spices. Kitchen Witch is my go-to brand. I love making an elixir by blending the broth with a bunch of fresh herbs and aromatics. 2) I love incorporating fresh herbs and garlic into my diet (see above). When I'm traveling I'm not able to cook and the first thing I do when I get home is, make a big salad with a homemade dressing that has garlic and fresh herbs blended into it or a pesto to put over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. And 3) avocado. I even try to bring a few when I travel. It's a great healthy fat that is natural and has all the phytonutrients that come with that!
AM: With the holidays coming up, having great arms, legs and a firm butt are great in glam outfits - what exercises do you suggest that we do to have a great physique?
LF: Get strong! There is a huge mistaken notion that building strength will add bulk! Not true! Building strength is not only healthy for your body but also your mind! I love walking through this world as a strong female and I'm proud that people on the street can pick me out as an athlete. I honestly think that the goal should be mental and physical health! I think you look your best and are your most confident self when you are putting health as a to priority and that healthy feeling becomes addictive!
AM: What is JOLYN Clothing and who is the JOLYN girl?
JOLYN: JOLYN is based out of Huntington Beach, California and creates swimwear and activewear for swim and turf, sand or surf! JOLYN is centered around creating fun and functional products for women who inspire us. At JOLYN we believe that competitive swimwear and activewear should be fun. We make products that will stay put through your hardest practice, longest slip-n-slide, and toughest dig, while looking super cool if we do say so ourselves. The “JOLYN girl” is any girl that is getting out there and going for it. Whether you’re an elite athlete competing for a world title or someone who just enjoys the occasional splish and splash, JOLYN is the suit for you.
AM: Who is the founder of the brand and what is their backgroung?
J: JOLYN was created by a lifeguard and longtime lover of the water. There was an abundance of badass water women and an extreme lack of suits as cool as they were. JOLYN was born to solve this problem and put women in the kind of gear they deserved to be in. The suits we make now reflect the spirit of the rad girls in the water, allowing them to perform at their best and look awesome playing the sports they love.
AM: How important is living an active lifestyle to the brand?
J: At JOLYN we’re always up to something. Our company is made up of ex-college athletes, olympians, and pros. We all love to get out there, tear it up at whatever adventure or sport we’re doing currently, and not have to worry about our swimsuits falling off. Living an active lifestyle is the bread and butter of JOLYN and everything that we represent!
AM: With the holidays coming up, what are three of your favorite pieces that we should keep on our radar as we begin to gift ourselves and others?
J: In support of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, we are dedicating 25% of sales on all suits sold in the print "Careberry" to the organization Breast Cancer Angels. We also have a brand new line of Activewear launching this fall featuring new styles of leggings, shorts, sports bras and sweatpants in all new prints! A lot of research and development went into this line and we are very excited to launch it to our fans. JOLYN is constantly releasing limited edition prints throughout the year that sell out extremely fast. In order to keep our fans up-to-date, we created a text message based alert system called “Print Patrol” to send out updates when we drop new prints!
AM: Had you previously worked with Lauren Fendrick prior to the shoot that is within this issue?
J: JOLYN Sponsored Lauren just before she went to the 2016 Rio Olympic games and that relationship has continued through her 2017 season! Being able to sponsor an elite level Olympic athlete has been really exciting for JOLYN as an up and coming brand. As our first official "JoPro," Lauren has embraced us and we couldn't be happier to have her represent JOLYN in beach volleyball globally!
AM: Are there other ambassadors that are associated with the brand that we should know about?
J: We currently sponsor professional athletes in a variety of different sports including other beach volleyball players like Betsi Flint and Kelley Larsen, wakeboarder Nicola Butler, freestyle kayaker Brooke Hess, stand up paddle athletes like Penelope Strickland and Harriett Brown, wakesurfer Stacia Bank, and a handful of other rad water women! Our greatest Ambassadors and JoPro's call themselves leaders, professional athletes, travelers, coaches, teammates and Olympians. All lead active, awe-inspiring lifestyles and have their own unique talents, but have one a common love for the water and inspiring others.
For more information about JOYLN and those that they sponsor that you'll want to see in their next competition, check out their site. Check out more about where you can see Lauren Fendrick as well as addition Team USA Olympians for the upcoming winter (2018) and summer (2020) games here.
Read more from the Oct Issue and see In The Sand with Lauren in mag.