9LIST STORI3S | TAYLOR TOWNSEND

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THE 9LIST 9M3NU

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63MIX ROUTIN3S | KELLY CHENG

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63MIX ROUTIN3S | DILLON GABRIEL

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9PLAYLIST MULTI | BRIANNA COPE

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9CH3F ROUTIN3S | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO

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THE 9LIST

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9LOOKS | GIVENCHY

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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THE PICK ME UP

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#TRIBEGOALS

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GOJI BERRY BEAUTY

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IN OUR BAG | WHEN HEADING TO PICKLEBALL

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HOW TO DRESS | FOR BRUNCH ON MOTHER'S DAY

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COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS FOR MUSCLE RECOVERY: HOW THEY CAN ENHANCE WORKOUT PERFORMANCE

Muscle recovery is an integral aspect of any fitness regimen. Optimizing recovery can enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and improve long-term results. While protein shakes and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are popular recovery aids, collagen supplements are gaining attention for their unique benefits.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, playing a key role in skin, joint, and connective tissue health. In this article, we’ll explore how collagen supplements can help with muscle recovery.

1. Supports Muscle Repair and Growth

Collagen is rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, amino acids essential for tissue repair. After intense exercise, muscles experience micro-tears that require proper nutrients to rebuild stronger. Studies suggest that collagen peptides can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, aiding recovery by promoting the regeneration of muscle fibers. Additionally, collagen supplementation has been shown to increase lean muscle mass when performed with resistance training, making it beneficial for both recovery and performance gains.

For those looking to maximize benefits, choosing the best collagen supplements with hydrolyzed collagen ensures better absorption and effectiveness, as the peptides are broken down into smaller, more digestible molecules.

2. Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation

High-impact workouts can strain joints and ligaments, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility. Collagen helps maintain cartilage integrity, reducing joint pain and stiffness by replenishing the natural collagen lost through wear and tear.

Athletes can experience to significantly reduce joint discomfort, allowing for more consistent training. Furthermore, collagen’s anti-inflammatory properties may help decrease post-exercise soreness, enabling faster return to training.

3. Enhances Tendon and Ligament Strength

Tendons and ligaments, composed mainly of collagen, are prone to overuse injuries, especially in high-intensity sports. Supplementing with collagen may improve their elasticity and strength, lowering the risk of strains and tears. Collagen supplementation can increase tendon stiffness and resilience, which is crucial for explosive movements like sprinting and jumping.

4. Boosts Recovery Time

Collagen contains arginine, an amino acid that enhances nitric oxide production for better muscle blood flow. Better circulation means faster oxygen and nutrients- delivery to fatigued muscles, speeding up recovery and reducing fatigue. Additionally, collagen’s glycine content supports the production of creatine, which aids in replenishing energy stores post-workout.

5. Supports Gut Health for Better Nutrient Absorption

Be mindful of bloating or abdominal distension caused by bacterial overgrowth, as it can significantly impair digestion. Collagen strengthens the intestinal lining, which helps prevent leaky gut syndrome and improves nutrient absorption. This ensures your body fully utilizes the nutrients from food and supplements. Additionally, by promoting a balanced gut microbiome, collagen may help reduce inflammation linked to poor recovery and prolonged muscle soreness.

6. Combats Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress

Intense workouts generate free radicals, leading to oxidative stress and delayed recovery. Collagen’s amino acids, particularly glycine, act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and reducing muscle damage caused by intense physical activity. This protective effect helps maintain cellular health, allowing for quicker regeneration of muscle tissues after strenuous exercise.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Gorilla Freak

7. Improves Skin Elasticity and Prevents Injury

As a key connective protein, collagen enhances skin strength and elasticity, helping it withstand friction and pressure during training. This reduces the risk of abrasions and tears—particularly vital for endurance athletes and contact sports participants, where skin injuries can hinder performance and delay training on recovery.

Studies using blood samples have shown that collagen protein ingestion supports natural collagen production, improving skin resilience. Additionally, different types of collagen (like I and III) contribute to connective protein synthesis rates, which influence tissue repair. For athletes focused on fat-free mass and myofibrillar protein development, collagen supplementation may also play a role in supplementation on body composition, though its primary benefit lies in structural support.

8. Complements Other Protein Sources

Collagen shouldn’t replace whey or plant-based proteins but can complement them by providing specific amino acids that support connective tissue remodeling and joint functionality. Since it lacks tryptophan (an essential amino acid), pairing it with complete proteins ensures adequate protein intake for muscle repair and recovery from exercise. Combining collagen with a post-workout protein shake (providing grams of protein) can enhance overall recovery, muscle synthesis, and deliver positive effects after a bout of resistance exercise.

For optimal results, consider your overall dietary intake and consult a healthcare professional to assess the effects of collagen supplementation on your individual needs, especially if you have concerns related to human blood markers or connective tissue health.

9. Promotes Better Sleep for Enhanced Recovery

Quality sleep is essential for muscle repair, collagen synthesis, and overall recovery. Research highlights that the amino acid composition of collagen, particularly its high glycine content. It plays a key role in improving sleep quality. Glycine acts as a calming neurotransmitter, supporting deeper, more restorative sleep, which enhances recovery, hormone regulation, and athletic performance.

A systematic review on the effects of collagen peptide supplementation suggests that bioactive peptides may help reduce muscle damage and support tissue repair in the human body. Different collagen types contribute to joint health and connective tissue strength, while bioactive peptides on muscle damage recovery further highlight collagen’s multifaceted benefits.

10. Supports Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Collagen’s amino acids, particularly proline and glycine, play a role in maintaining skin and tissue hydration. Proper hydration improves muscle function and recovery, as dehydration can lead to cramps, fatigue, and delayed healing. Some collagen supplements also contain electrolytes, further aiding in post-workout rehydration and muscle function.

Bottom Line

Collagen supplements support muscle recovery by aiding tissue repair, reducing joint pain, and improving recovery time. While not a substitute for a balanced diet or other proteins, they can enhance post-workout recovery, especially for athletes.

For best results, choose hydrolyzed collagen peptides (the most bioavailable form) and combine them with vitamin C to increase collagen production. Whether recovering from a workout or preparing for competition, collagen may help speed recovery and optimize performance.

ROCK THIS FOR VACATION VIBE POST BRUNCH STROLLS

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ATHLEISURE MAG #112 | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with Restaurateur Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto who we first saw via Iron Chef Japan and then continued to Iron Chef America. Whether he is judging, participating in culinary competitions, opening more restaurants, or more - he is always focused on the power of food and how he can continue to entice us with flavors! On May 10th, he will be the Grand Marshal of the Japan Parade on Japan Day in Central Park West. We caught up with him to find out how he got into the industry, his passion for cooking, upcoming projects, and more!

Last month we had an incredible series of conversations with Co-Creator/Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato as well as cast members from MGM+’s Godfather of Harlem. We caught up with 2 additional cast members of this series, Elvis Nolasco and Erik LaRay Harvey.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Esther Choi about her passion for Korean cuisine, her restaurants, and her upcoming season of Food Network’s 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing where she serves as co-host for this competition series. She also shared why she partnered with LISTERINE for a fun immersive culinary experience that we enjoyed as well.

This month, the NFL Draft took place and many people that we have enjoyed watching throughout their college career found out where they will be playing this season. We had the pleasure of connecting with QB Dillon Gabriel who played for the University of Oregon days before the draft to talk about his love for the game, how he trains, his partnership with Echelon Fitness, what the NFL Combine is, and what he is looking forward to in terms of the draft. We look forward to seeing him on the Cleveland Browns!

We caught up with noted designer Lele Sadoughi who collaborated with CHLOE Wines on a stunning bottle that we can enjoy. We talk about her line, creative process, and upcoming projects.

For over a decade, we have enjoyed seeing Titus Welliver playing Harry Bosch in Prime Video’s BOSCH and BOSCH: LEGACY! With BOSCH: LEGACY streaming its final season, we sat down with Titus to talk about how he came to this series, what it’s like to play this character, how he prepares, and the takeaways he learned from being in this series. We look forward to the spin-offs from this franchise.

We’ve been fans of Bachelor Nation from the first season and when we were first introduced to JoJo Fletcher in The Bachelor we knew that she was someone who we would continue to see - especially when she became The Bachelorette. Since then, she continues to share her entrepreneurial world with us. We talk with her about what it means to be part of Bachelor Nation, being an entrepreneur, and her latest project - Saint Spritz!

We’ve been a fan of WTA #2 doubles tennis star Taylor Townsend for years! When we caught up with her, we wanted to know more about what she loves about the game, how she trains, what it’s like playing singles vs. doubles and the legacy that she wants to leave!

We head to Singapore for this month's The Art of the Snack which takes us to 3 Michelin Star Zen. We chat with Chef TC and Chef Martin Ofner to find out about their culinary backgrounds, the ambiance of their restaurant, and what we can expect when we come in to dine there.

This month's Athleisure List comes from member’s only The Ra Ra Room located in Phoenix, Arizona - it’s definitely a culinary experience that you will want to know more about! We also talk about one of our favorite places to pop into after a day of running around - Tacombi. With multiple locations including a number here in NYC, it’s always an easy vibe.

This month we have our 9CH3F ROUTIN3S from our cover star, Chef Morimoto who talks about what he does Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes Pro Surfer Brianna Cope who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Dillon Gabriel and from Team USA Olympic Volleyballer Kelly Cheng they share what they enjoy having, doing, and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S comes from JoJo Fletcher as well as Taylor Townsend. This month's THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Chef Johnny Chan Boon of The Ra Ra Room in Phoenix Arizona, Restaurateur and TV Personality Chef Esther Choi of Mokbar and GAHM, and Restaurateur, TV Personality, Author, Master Chef Morimoto - who shares with us what they enjoy about the Spring, ingredients that they enjoy cooking with, and what dishes we should try when we are at their restaurants.

Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out from our must-haves to yours!

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag.

MUTUA MADRID OPEN 2025

The tennis schedule continues as the Mutua Madrid Open 2025 is taking place Apr 21st - May 4th! We’re looking forward to enjoying great matches between my favorites as we navigate the season. Check out who is playing who and when by visiting the schedule.

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ADVENTURE TRAVEL IN PERU: TOP 9 THRILLING EXPERIENCES

Peru is a dream destination for active adventure seekers, offering a diverse landscape of towering Andes peaks, dense Amazon rainforests, and ancient ruins. From heart-pounding treks to adrenaline-fueled water sports, the country can provide endless opportunities for thrill-seekers. Whether scaling high-altitude trails or exploring remote jungles, Peru’s adventure travel scene is unmatched.  

Read on to learn top nine thrilling experiences in Peru.  

1. Trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 

The Inca Trail is one of the world’s most famous hikes, a four-day journey through cloud forests, past ancient ruins, and over high mountain passes. The trek culminates at the Sun Gate, where hikers are rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise view of Machu Picchu. However, permits are required and sell out quickly, so booking in advance is essential. The physical challenge and rich history can make this a must-do adventure.  

Furthermore, travelers wondering how to get to Machu Picchu quickly may consider getting reliable travel services to ensure an unforgettable expedition in Peru.  

2. Conquering the Auzangate Trek 

The Ausangate Trek is a breathtaking 70-kilometer journey around the sacred 20,945-foot Nevado Ausangate, offering one of Peru's most challenging and rewarding alpine experiences. Hikers and trail runners can traverse high-altitude passes above 16,400 feet, passing surreal rainbow-colored mountains, glacial lakes, and geothermal springs while encountering roaming vicuñas and traditional llama herders. The six-day circuit also demands proper acclimatization but rewards it with unparalleled Andean scenery far from tourist crowds, with nights in rustic mountain refugios or under star-filled skies.  

3. White-Water Rafting in the Apurímac River 

The Apurímac River, known as the "River of the Gods," delivers world-class white-water rafting with relentless Class III to V rapids. Cutting through steep canyons and untouched wilderness, the river can offer multi-day expeditions where rafters navigate thrilling drops and camp on remote banks, surrounded by Peru’s rugged natural beauty. The combination of adrenaline, isolation, and stunning scenery can make it a top-tier adventure. 

4. Sandboarding in Huacachina 

Huacachina's massive dunes—some reaching 500 feet—can create the ultimate desert playground. Adrenaline seekers can sandboard face-first down steep slopes at 40+ mph or hold on tight during wild dune buggy ascents up near-vertical faces. As the sun sets, the landscape glows golden, with buggies carving dramatic shadows across the rippling sands. The nearby oasis lagoon can also provide a surreal contrast to the surrounding sea of sand, making this South a perfect destination for a thrilling adventure trip.

5. Exploring the Amazon Rainforest 

Peru’s Amazon basin teems with biodiversity, offering unparalleled wildlife encounters. Guided jungle treks can reveal vibrant macaws, playful monkeys, and elusive jaguars, while night safaris uncover nocturnal wonders like caimans and tree frogs. Canoe trips along winding rivers also immerse travelers in the rainforest’s rhythm. Lastly, remote eco-lodges can amplify the adventure, blending sustainability with deep wilderness immersion.  

6. Climbing Huayna Picchu 

Scaling Huayna Picchu's ancient stone staircases rewards adventurers with Machu Picchu's most spectacular vantage point. The approximately 45-minute climb winds through cloud-kissed terraces, culminating in 360-degree panoramas of the citadel between emerald peaks. With just 400 daily permits issued, this vertigo-inducing ascent remains one of Peru's most exclusive - and breathtaking - archaeological experiences. The dizzying heights and Incan engineering marvels can create an unforgettable adventure trip. 

7. Surfing in Mancora 

Peru's northern coast serves up world-class surfing conditions year-round, with Mancora standing out as the crown jewel. This tropical surf paradise offers warm waters, consistent beach breaks, and long right-hand point waves suitable for beginners to experts. Beyond the surf, Mancora's energetic vibe shines through its oceanfront cevicherías, bohemian beach bars, and pulsating nightclubs that keep the party going until dawn. 

8. Paragliding Over Lima 

PHOTO CREDITS | Unsplash/Wallace Fonseca

Paragliding from Miraflores' coastal cliffs offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of Lima's dramatic shoreline. Tandem flights launch from the Parque del Amor, where thermal winds carry adventurers 1,000 feet above the Pacific. As you glide past Larcomar's seaside mall and along Costa Verde's beaches, pilots often perform thrilling maneuvers for an extra adrenaline rush against Lima's stunning urban-ocean backdrop.  

The 15-minute flights can showcase Peru's capital in its full coastal glory, best experienced at sunset when golden light washes over the city. 

9. Zip-Lining in the Sacred Valley 

Soaring across the Sacred Valley on zip lines offers an exhilarating way to experience the Andes' majesty. Adventurers can reach 60 km/h speeds while flying over steep gorges, ancient terraces, and the rushing Urubamba River. Many operators can combine this with via ferrata climbs up sheer rock faces, creating a perfect adrenaline-packed duo. The longest cables stretch nearly half a mile, delivering extended thrills with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and traditional Quechua villages below.  

Final Thoughts 

With the information presented above in mind, Peru’s diverse landscapes and rich culture heritage can make it a top destination for thrilling adventure travel. Whether trekking ancient trails, rafting wild rivers, or soaring over deserts, the country delivers unforgettable experiences for thrill-seekers. However, proper planning, physical preparation, and respect for local environments ensure a safe, rewarding, and unforgettable journey. 

EXCITED FOR DERBY WEEK

For us, you know the Summer is around the corner when you hit Derby Week! It’s a series of events that begin Apr 26th and culminates through an array of experiences that end with the Kentucky Derby! With the 151st running taking place whether you’re watching it at Churchill Downs, at home, or your favorite lounge, you can still get in on the fun by having your preferred Woodford Reserve cocktail and to dress up for the occasion.