Read the SEP ISSSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Jasmine “JB” Badie in mag,
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS in mag.
We enjoy a great documentary that allows us to immerse ourselves into a story where we even get to know more than what we assumed! We just watched Following Harry which focuses on the life of Harry Belafonte who in addition to being a phenomenal entertainer, he also had a passion for Civil Rights. He not only had an interest in organizing, but he also wanted those who were engaged in the work to think bigger about the impact that they were making. Although he passed away in 2023, this documentary looks at the last 12 years of his life. We had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Emmy nominated Director, Susanne Rostock to find out more about the film, her work with Harry, and what the takeaway should be in watching this film which will be available on a number of streamed platforms such as Apple TV.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into following Harry, what is it about storytelling that you enjoy and what topics are you drawn to?
SUSANNE ROSTOCK: Well, what I enjoy about storytelling is essentially a beautiful way for us to connect as humans. You know, it allows you to share intimacy and secrets and to really understand each other better. So I think storytelling is such a gorgeous way to do that. When I started out in film, I was actually in anthropology and doing ethnographic filmmaking, which is storytelling from around the world, hearing the stories of other cultures and how amazing people are and how they choose to live and how they choose to relate to each other and rear their children and eat their food and dress, you know. Just such a gorgeous way to connect. The topics I'm most interested in are humanity, you know, stories about healing and love. And, you know, I work on a lot of films that deal with horrendous injustice, but there's always light and hope in there because there are these beautiful people who fight and, you know, what we do, how we choose to live. and live justly and fairly, and as Harry says in the film, and enjoy the universe. How do we enjoy each other and life?
So those are the films I'm interested in, which is pretty broad.
AM: This wasn't the first time, obviously, that you've worked with Harry. You know, what did you enjoy about working with him?
SR: Well, first of all, I never, ever thought in my life that I would get to even meet Harry Belafonte, let alone be allowed into his life the way he allowed me in. So what I enjoyed was... know, his wisdom, his passion, the way he lives his life, witnessing somebody, you know, I'm not a young person, but he was considerably older than me even when we first met. He's always been older than me. The way he even approaches aging and what you do with your life.
So I appreciated his choices, witnessing how he chose to live his life and the love, the love that he shared, the generosity. of him, of Harry, the generosity of him and the purity of his soul and really, really wanting to do good. I just appreciated being in that realm. Plus, he was just a great guy. He was fun. You know, we would dance. He was, you know, I told him that I took tap when I was a kid. At the end of each day, he'd come into my side of the office because he invited me to share an office with him after I met him. first film yeah yeah after I made the first film he invited me he was moving into a new office he said move in with me so I moved into this big loft and then he invited Carmen Perez in with the gathering for justice which he had started how he had started and she became the head of and so but he would come at the end of each day to my my side of the office and sit down and talk.
Harry was a real guy. He was a real person. And he owned up to anything. You know, he didn't feel that he had the absolute word on anything. He just shared his wisdom and listened. He listened to what other people had to say. You can see that in the film, how it brought all these young people in and listened to them and wanted to just help them not reinvent the wheel every time. Every time there's a movement and a crisis, but let's learn from the past and build for the future.
AM: This film covers the last 12 years of his life and it is about his activism. It also looks at how he took on these projects, how he infused the thoughts of other people, and made them think larger about what they were doing. Throughout the doc, we’re reminded about 2 parallels I'm constantly drawn to is that you're the participants of history that understands that things are happening and then reminding people that everything in history repeats again whether it's by an era, a decade, or even a location. How did you tackle all of these topics in just an hour and a half of the film?
SR: Well, there were so many more topics that I had to leave out because, I didn't want to short change anything. It was a real challenge because there's so much more depth to each story. Yet, I didn't want it to feel glossed over and fragmented. So I'm glad that it worked for you. I'm very glad, you know, because it was a challenge. People's attention span is not great these days, so I didn't want to make it an epic length.
Although, you know, I did have a much, much longer version. I'm sad about what I had to leave out. You'll never know, I hope someday that the footage will be repurposed and used because it's so important and this film is so powerful. You can sit for 90 minutes and you can have a real-life experience that changes your whole worldview. So instead of having to talk and talk and talk at people - you are able to watch something and then they can decide for themselves for what they will take it in. They will take it into their bodies. They'll feel it. They'll live it. Then they come to a real understanding rather than just words - words are very valuable, but the film is so powerful. I wanted to be sure that I hit the points that spoke to the period that I was making the film in. Now, of course, I worked on that film for a long time, so the periods kept on changing and got worse. So when Angela Davis stands up there and says, “you have to vote now because you have no idea what will happen.” Now is the time that we wanted to make sure that we got this out in the world. And, you know, now I'm hoping that the film can continue to influence others which is why we are releasing it now.
We feel it's very important for young people and all people to see this and be reminded of our own power and what happens if you don't use it for good. I think will be a continued reminder, just like when you watch films about the civil rights movement, a reminder of our power and the power of love and the power of demonstrating peaceful activism and the need to continue to fight. So that's my spiel.
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PHOTO CREDIT | Alex Baxley
PHOTO CREDIT | Alice Baxley
PHOTO CREDIT | Emmie America
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Green Day in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | AP
This time of year is perfect for the continued transition into Fall, homegate/tailgates, and of course navigating cooler temperatures. We sat down with one of Bachelor Nations’ faves, JoJo Fletcher from The Bachelorette to find out how she is handling this time of year with her hubby Jordan being an analyst, taking care of her family, and what she is working on.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What does football season look like for you?
JOJO FLETCHER: Football season is one of the busiest times of year for our family. Jordan is on the road a lot for work, and I am home with Romy, the boys, and have my own work. So when Sunday comes around and we get to be together, I love making it a cozy family day with football on. It looks a little different with a baby now, but honestly, I love it even more.
AM: What are three football season must-haves?
JF: At home, its good snacks on had, a comfy game day watching outfit, & a cozy blanket to cuddle up with. For on the road, its a great pair of comfortable yet fashionable sneakers, sunglasses and the perfect little crossbody bag to carry all your necessities in.
AM: How do you stay healthy as the seasons change?
JF: I try to stay on top of the basics: sleep when I can, washing my hands, staying hydrated, and taking care of myself before I am completely run down. That said, having a baby has made me much more aware of how quickly a little congestion can throw off our whole routine, so when I do start to feel a cold or flu coming on, Mucinex 12HR Cold & Fever Multi-Symptom is a non-negotiable. I love that it not only helps manage my symptoms but also provides 12 hours of relief so I can focus on everything else I have on my plate.
AM: What do you love about football season?
JF: I have always loved the energy football season brings especially when you get to go to a game in person but I also love that it gives us something to look forward to as a family. Jordan’s schedule can be super hectic this time of the year, so I really appreciate those Sundays when he gets home after a long work week and we can slow down a little, and all be together.
AM: How do you stay connected with Jordan while he is broadcasting?
JF: FaceTime’s are always the best in between busy days, lots of pictures of Romy, and just sharing little updates throughout the day. Its those quick check-ins that help us feel connected when he is away, and then we make the most of our time together when he gets home.
AM: How do you balance motherhood and your businesses?
JF: I am still figuring it out! Some days I feel like I have a great rhythm, and other days the rhythm is whatever Romy decides it is. I have had to get better at prioritizing and being present with what is in front of me. I love my work, and I love being her mom, so I am learning what balance looks like in this season.
AM: Any projects we should watch for?
JF: Saint Spritz is something I am really excited about. Building a brand has been such a learning experience, and I love getting to do it with my family and share it with people. I am looking forward to what is ahead with it, alongside this new chapter as a mom.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Roc Nation
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | JAŸ-Z in mag.
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST 9M3NU in mag.
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see THE PICK ME UP in mag
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.
A good digital work routine isn’t about squeezing more tasks into every hour. It’s about setting up your day so your attention has somewhere to go, your energy isn’t drained by constant switching, and you can finish work without feeling mentally scattered.
Whether you work from home or spend the day in documents, messages, and meetings, the goal is simple: fewer decisions, clearer work blocks, and enough breaks.
Most digital workdays are built around whatever is making noise: email, chat, notifications, and browser tabs. A better setup starts with work that needs real thought, then fits communication and admin around it.
Notice when your mind feels sharpest. Use that period for writing, planning, analysis, design, or problem-solving.
If you start by answering every message, you may spend your best hour reacting instead of moving your own work forward.
Multitasking can feel productive, but switching between tasks carries a mental cost. Research summarized by the American Psychological Association shows that people lose time when they move back and forth between tasks, especially when the work is complex or unfamiliar.
Group similar work instead. Answer email in one block, review documents together, and keep research tabs open only for the project in front of you.
Long stretches of concentration sound good on paper, but many people can’t protect two hours every day. Shorter blocks are often easier to defend.
If getting started is the hard part, a pomodoro can give the work a clear edge. The classic method uses a timed work period followed by a short break, which can make a vague task feel smaller.
You don’t have to follow one exact interval. A 25-minute block may suit admin work, while a longer block may fit writing or design. The useful part is the boundary: one task for a set period, then a real pause.
Scrolling through social media in the same chair doesn’t create much distance from the screen. Stand up, refill your water, stretch, or take a brief walk.
The CDC’s workplace activity resources recommend short activity breaks during the workday, including options that need little or no equipment.
Edits, file cleanups, replies, and formatting changes can break a focused day into pieces. Giving these jobs their own place keeps them from interrupting deeper work.
Set aside one or two short periods for jobs that don’t need deep concentration. Rename files, resize images, check links, or clean up draft copy.
A paraphrasing tool may help you test another way to phrase a sentence, but you still need to check the meaning, tone, and facts yourself.
If you use a watermark remover on an image you own or have permission to edit, handle it inside the utility block rather than interrupting your main work session.
During a focus block, you’ll remember things that suddenly feel urgent. Unless they truly can’t wait, write them on a short capture list and return to your current job.
Clear the list during your next admin block.
Focus gets harder when basic needs are ignored. A useful digital work routine should leave room for movement and mental space between demanding tasks.
You don’t need to turn every break into a workout. A short walk, a few stretches, or standing during a call can break up a long period of sitting.
Attach movement to something that already happens: walk after your first meeting, stretch after lunch, or refill your water when a timer ends.
A recent feature on healthier digital habits makes a related point: small changes to how you use technology can make screen-heavy days feel less draining.
Back-to-back calls followed by writing and more meetings can leave you tired even if the calendar looks efficient.
When possible, leave a few minutes between demanding blocks. Look away from the screen, jot down the next step, or simply sit without taking in more information.
A digital work routine works better when it has a clear finish. Without one, work can spill into dinner, the sofa, and the last phone check before bed.
Spend five minutes closing tabs, writing tomorrow’s first task, and checking whether anything truly needs attention before you sign off. A recent feature on inbox habits and wellness also supports clearer boundaries around email.
Leave yourself a short note: what was finished, what is waiting, and what comes first tomorrow. That makes it easier to restart without carrying every unfinished task around in your head.
The best digital work routine isn’t the one with the most apps, timers, or productivity tricks. It’s the one that protects your best attention, keeps small tasks contained, and gives your energy room to recover.
Start with one change. Protect one focus block, group your admin work, or create a clear shutdown habit. Once that feels normal, add the next piece. A routine that works on an ordinary Tuesday is more useful than one that only works on your most organized day.
Read the SEP ISSUE #128 of Athleisure Mag and see JOJOBA BEAUTY in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Chuck Jackson
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with WWE Women's Champion, Chelsea Green. We talk about how she came to the WWE, how she trains, what it means being in this WWE as the Women's Champion, and what we can expect to see from her as we continue to watch her storylines in the ring!
We share a new brand and partnerships with long time collaborators Pharrell Williams and Pusha T with Grindin Coffee. We find out why they wanted to create it. their partnership with Lavazza and the roasts that are available.
This month we spent our time with legendary MLB players that are not only amazing for their athleticism, and commitment to their game - but they are also focused on making sure that we know about our bodies' needs. We talked with St Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols, NY Yankees CC Sabathia, and Manager of the Yankees Aaron Boone to find out more about heart awareness, checking out our numbers from our doctors, and why they have partnered with Merck along with the wider MLB community for Playing with Heart.
We sat down with Choreographer and Creative Director Jasmine "JB" Badie who has worked with such notable names as Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, Sabrina Chapman and so much more. She talked with us about how she came to dance, her creative process, working with her phenomenal clients, and more.
Emily Harrington is a phenomenal and noted Rock Climber who is known for free climbing El Capitan in under 24 hours! In her documentary, Girl Climber, she shows how resilience, dedication, and a team finally led to her carrying out her dreams over the year! We talk with her about the film, why she loves this sport, and what she has been up to since the film.
This month's Athleisure List comes from NY's Nofar Method, a studio fitness that combines Classic Reformer with the Cadillac Reformer. We also make our way to the East Village for an amazing meal at Salumeria Rosi.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Midtown East to Park Ave Kitchen by David Burke. We share dishes that you should enjoy, the ambiance of the restaurant, and more.
As the lights have gone down on this seasons NYFW for the SS27 season, we recap some of our favorite shows that you should know about.
It is an honor that our enhanced 9PLAYLIST comes from Green Day as they share 9PLAYLIST with us. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S is from choreographer and creative director, Jasmine "JB" Badie and noted rock climber, Emily Harrington.
Read the SEP ISSUE #129 of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | OktoberFest NYC
Once the weather takes a dip, you begin to think about all things fall and OktoberFest NYC is one of those events that we think about - lederhosen, beer, and massive pretzels! From Sep 10th - Oct 31st, you can experience authentic German beer, brats, pretzels, decorations and more for everyone! All of this takes place in 10,000 square feet with epic views of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges as well as Brooklyn’s skyline. Find out more and get your tickets here.
With the NBA starting up again, we are looking forward to the 2026-2027 season, which starts on Oct 20th. This month’s cover star is 9X NBA All-Star, 6X member of the All-NBA Team, 4X member of the NBA All Defensive Team - Boston Celtics’ small forward/power forward Paul George. We talk about the love of the game, how he stays in shape, recovering from injuries, and the upcoming season.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with basketball?
PAUL GEORGE: Growing up in Palmdale, CA, basketball was always around me. My older sister, Teiosha, played, and competing with her helped spark my love for the game. I spent countless hours playing at the park, and like a lot of kids in Southern California, I grew up watching Kobe and trying to learn from the way he approached the game. That’s when basketball became more than a hobby and turned into a real passion.
AM: When did you realize you wanted to go pro?
PG: My path was a little different because I wasn’t always viewed as a top prospect growing up. I got into organized basketball later than a lot of players, and even in high school I wasn’t receiving a lot of national attention. As I continued to develop at Knight High School and Fresno State, I started to believe in what was possible. From there, it was about staying focused, putting in the work, and seeing how far the game could take me.
AM: What are 3 workouts that you like to do that allows you to optimize your game that we can include into our fitness routines?
PG: I focus on mobility, strength, and conditioning, because all those pieces work together to help support performance.
First is mobility and stability work. Basketball puts a lot of stress on your hips, knees, ankles, and core, so being able to move well and control your body is huge.
Second is full-body and single-leg strength. So much of the game happens off one leg—jumping, stopping, cutting, absorbing contact. You want strength that actually translates to those movements.
Third is explosive conditioning. I like combining conditioning with basketball movements - short sprints, change of direction, footwork, and explosive work. You want to train your body to perform when you’re tired, because that’s what you’re asking it to do late in games.
AM: Heading into the 2026-2027 season, what have you been doing during the offseason to continue off the momentum that gave such a strong support to the team last season?
PG: Heading into the 2026-2027 season, I’ve been focused on carrying forward the lessons I learned last year, especially the importance of consistency and preparation. The offseason has been about training and making sure I’m taking care of my body – including getting necessary hydration, nutrition, and sleep I need so I can be ready for whatever the team needs. And I’m looking at where I can impact this team the most. Whether its scoring, defending, making the right play, communicating, helping a younger guy, or bringing some stability when we need it.
AM: What is your continued recovery/rehabilitation and return-to-play process been and what does it look like?
PG: My postsurgical recovery and rehabilitation process has been about trusting the plan my medical team set for me, staying patient and taking things one step at a time. Early on, the focus was healing, mobility and rebuilding strength before gradually progressing to movement, conditioning, and basketball activity. Throughout the process, I worked closely with my doctors, trainers, and rehabilitation team. Having one through major injuries before, I’ve learned that you can’t cheat recovery. You have to listen to your body, trust the people around you and put in the work every day. Now, my focus remains on building strength, staying healthy, and preparing for the season ahead.
AM: In terms of pain management and navigating surgery, what has that been like?
PG: Pain management was an important part of the conversation before surgery and throughout my recovery. I worked closely with my healthcare team to understand the different pain management options available, including a non-opioid, one-time injection called EXPAREL® (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension), which is used during a procedure to help manage pain for the first few days after surgery. EXPAREL does not fit every kind of procedure, such as certain childbirth surgeries, so it’s important to talk to a doctor about what’s right for you. Side effects can occur with any medication and for EXPAREL, the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, and low red blood cell levels. Having those discussions ahead of time helped me feel prepared and informed so I knew what to expect during those first few days after surgery and could stay focused on each step of the recovery process. (Editor’s Note: See full Prescribing Information and Important Safety Information at EXPAREL.com. Always consult with your doctor before considering or taking prescription medication.)
AM: What does training in the offseason look like?
PG: I’m working on my game - shooting, ballhandling, footwork, conditioning - but I’m also making sure I’m taking care of my body. As I’ve gotten further into my career, I’ve become much more intentional about that second part. Off season training is about balancing quality practice time in the gym with intentional down time to let my body recover from that work so that I can come back and do it again consistently. Mobility, hydration, nutrition, sleep, and recovery are all parts of training to me now.
AM: What lessons have you taken from last season that you will apply into the upcoming season?
PG: One of the biggest lessons I took from last season is the value of patience and trust in the process. I’ve been in this sport long enough to understand that every season is going to challenge you somehow. It’s how you respond that matters. What I could control was how I approached each day, whether I did the work and how I supported my teammates. I’ll carry that mindset with me into the upcoming season.
AM: What are the dynamics of leadership and how do you stay connected to your teammates as well as those that are new to the team!
PG: Leadership is about staying connected and supporting the people around you. Going through challenges, including postsurgical recovery, reminded me how important it is to lean on teammates and check in on one another. I try to bring that perspective into the locker room by helping new players get comfortable and making sure everyone feels included.
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PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | EXPAREL
Read the AUG ISSUE #128 of Athleisure Mag and see SMOOTH P Paul George in mag.
