63MIX ROUTIN3S | SARA HUGHES
9LIST STORI3S | LELE SADOUGHI
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/piotr szulawski
STYLE MAKEOVER: 7 EASY WAYS TO REFRESH YOUR LOOK
You look in the mirror and see the same look every day. The same clothes, the same hairstyle, and the same colors repeat without change. Over time, this pattern can start to make you feel invisible and uninspired.
Many people experience a drop in confidence due to routine style choices. Limited time, fear of making the wrong changes, or uncertainty about where to begin often hold them back. The result is a feeling of being stuck, even when they want to refresh their look.
There’s a solution that doesn’t require a full wardrobe reset or expensive help. A few simple changes can help you feel renewed. This article outlines seven practical and affordable ways to update your style and regain your confidence. You can apply them quickly and see results immediately.
1. Update Your Hairstyle for Instant Change
A hairstyle update is one of the fastest ways to change your look. It requires little effort but can shift how others see you immediately. A new haircut or a few added layers can bring your appearance up to date.
Changing your part can also make a difference. Whether you go from center to side or vice versa, it alters your face's frame. This small move refreshes your style without extra cost or commitment.
Visiting a trusted hair salon Miami locals recommend can also help you explore bold changes. Adding highlights or a gloss treatment gives your hair more depth and shine. These options enhance color and improve texture.
Hair is often the first feature people notice. It strongly influences your overall image and style presence.
2. Refresh Your Wardrobe with Key Staples
Start by picking a few solid basics that work across many looks. A tailored blazer, a crisp white shirt, and high-waisted jeans are reliable choices. These pieces build a strong foundation for everyday style.
Stick to clothes that pair well with what you already own. Focus on color, shape, and function. This makes it easier to create new outfits using fewer items.
Fit matters more than brand or price. Clothes that fit well always look better. Tailoring can turn even simple or budget items into polished outfits. A well-fitted piece adds instant value to your look.
Choose pieces that suit your lifestyle and match your routine. Your wardrobe should support you daily without extra stress.
3. Accessorize with Purpose and Personality
Accessories are simple tools that make outfits look complete. A bold pair of earrings, a stylish belt, or a printed scarf can shift your look fast. These pieces add detail without changing your whole outfit.
Layered jewelry like necklaces or rings give texture and depth to plain clothes. You can wear them in different ways to create new styles. These small updates take little time but make a strong impact.
Use accessories to move from casual to dressy with ease. A handbag or heels can elevate a basic outfit for the evening. This makes your wardrobe work harder.
Trendy accessories let you test new styles with little risk. They help you explore color, texture, and design without big changes.
4. Switch Up Your Footwear Game
Shoes can make or break your look. They speak for your style before you do. Replacing your regular pair with bold flats or ankle boots changes your outfit’s mood instantly.
Try colorful sneakers to add energy and variety. Choose a color that stands out or a design that breaks from your usual picks. Even one fresh pair can shift how your entire outfit feels.
Polished shoes show care and attention to detail. Clean soles, unscuffed toes, and smooth laces matter. These small things help you look put together.
New footwear also affects how you carry yourself. The right shoes can boost comfort and confidence. That impact is often immediate and visible.
5. Experiment with Color and Pattern
Adding color is a quick way to refresh your look. Move beyond black, gray, and beige. Start with one bold piece like a bright top or vivid skirt.
Try mixing patterns to add interest. Pair stripes with florals or checks with solids. Keep the color tones similar to maintain balance. Use one bold print and one subtle pattern to avoid clashes.
Color affects how others see you and how you feel. Warm tones can boost energy, while cool tones create calm. Choose shades that highlight your skin and hair.
Don’t overthink your first steps. A colorful scarf or patterned bag works too. Small updates still make a strong visual shift.
6. Play with Makeup or Skincare Updates
Makeup can refresh your look in minutes. A new lip color or brow shape can shift your whole face. Even trying a lighter or dewier foundation adds a soft, modern finish.
Small skincare changes also make a difference. Add gentle exfoliation once a week to clear dull skin. Use a serum that targets dryness, uneven tone, or fine lines.
These updates help your skin look smooth and fresh. When skin feels good, confidence grows. You may use less makeup and still feel more polished.
Stick to simple steps you can maintain daily. Focus on results that show without needing effort each morning. Healthy skin always enhances style.
7. Embrace a Signature Style Element
A signature item gives your look a clear identity. It could be red lipstick, vintage denim, or stacked rings. Pick something that feels natural and boosts your mood.
Use this element often enough that people notice. It should show up across different outfits and settings. This adds unity and makes your style feel intentional.
A strong signature doesn’t need to be flashy. Even a simple hairstyle or watch can become part of your image. The goal is to create a detail that sets you apart.
Having a go-to piece also saves time. You always know how to finish a look. That confidence adds ease and makes your style more memorable.
Conclusion
Small changes can shift how you feel and how others see you. Picking one simple update today can lead to a fresh and confident tomorrow. Every change you make reflects how much you value yourself.
Take five minutes tonight to choose one style tweak. Stick with it for a week and note how it feels. These efforts build momentum, turning small actions into real progress.
To stay inspired, start a private photo album on your phone. Track outfits, colors, or hairstyles that make you feel good. This visual record helps you find what works and spot trends that define your look. It’s a simple way to shape your evolving style with purpose and clarity.
9LIST STORI3S | CHEF ESTHER CHOI
9PLAYLIST | SABRINA CARPENTER
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THE 9LIST
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THE PICK ME UP
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IN OUR BAG | FOR IMPROMPTU CATCH UPS
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HOW TO DRESS | AFTER A LONG NIGHT OUT
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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY
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PHOTO CREDIT | Adobe Stock/Gatherina
WHERE TO BUY CAMPING GEAR THAT BALANCES STYLE AND FUNCTION
Camping has always been a wonderful way for some people to temporarily swap busy commutes and bustling cities with mountain views and crackling campfires. Recent research indicates that camping has become a mainstream travel choice, with an impressive 80% of all leisure activities involving camping or glamping for at least some of their trips. (1)
To truly enjoy your outdoor adventure, it’s essential to invest in quality camping gear. However, camping gear often gets a bad rap for being either stylish or downright ugly, like your tent is either a sleek minimalist's dream or an eyesore that your uncle 'borrowed' from a 1988 camping trip. Well, guess what? The days of settling for less stylish, purely functional gear are long gone.
Nowadays, outdoor brands recognize that durability and great design can coexist. The following guide explains where to shop for camping equipment that doesn't force you to choose between visual appeal and practicality.
Explore Specialty Outdoor Retailers
The first shop you should consider checking out for quality camping gear is specialty outdoor retailers like Land & Sea or other similar stores. Since these shops specialize specifically in outdoor gear (including camping equipment), you can be assured that they have all the high-quality and exclusive camping items you won’t easily find in big box stores.
These shops also carefully choose their products to ensure they not only perform well but also look great. Moreover, the staff they have here usually have plenty of outdoor experience themselves, so they’re much more capable of recommending the best gear for your specific needs.
Many specialty stores also offer rental programs, which means you can test an item before finalizing your purchase. That way, you can really determine if that stylish backpack can comfortably carry a full load or if that beautifully designed tent can be set up easily.
Browse Premium Online Stores for Technical Gear
You can also check out premium online retailers that specialize in technical outdoor equipment. Brands like Arc'teryx and other reputable names have really nailed the balance between sleek aesthetics and hardcore functionality that serious campers need.
Their lineup includes everything from weatherproof jackets like the men's Beta to versatile mid-layers like the Atom hoody, which are just as stylish in the city as they are on the trails.
One of the best things about shopping online is that you have all the product information you need from their site. You can find detailed specs about materials and performance features, along with user reviews from fellow adventurers who have tested the gear in real-life situations.
Sure, these high-end options might come with a higher price tag, but they usually offer incredible durability that makes them a smart investment for regular campers. Also, when you’re back in the city, you can wear them as one of your everyday clothes due to their timeless and classic style.
Shop From Direct-to-Consumer Brands
For campers who are looking for camping gear that uniquely stands out, direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands could be just what you need! Besides the fact that these brands sell directly to their customers without any middleman, these brands maintain full control over their designs and quality. So, what does this mean for you?
Many of these brands start producing products in small numbers, which allows them to focus on perfecting their camping items before eventually expanding their lineup. In other words, you can be assured that every camping equipment gets the attention it deserves. You can expect to see a wide selection of camping gear that not only performs exceptionally well but also looks pretty stylish compared to the usual outdoor equipment.
Besides the guaranteed quality and style, products from D2C brands also tend to have fairer prices and faster (often free) shipping, which is why it’s the third most popular online shopping channel in 2023, right after marketplaces and supermarkets. (2)
There’s a tiny catch, though. D2C brands aren’t always easy to find. But one effective way to find them is by following outdoor influencers, niche blogs, or industry magazines. D2C companies often grow through word-of-mouth, and their passionate fans would surely love sharing their favorite top-notch camping equipment with their audience.
Search for Secondhand Marketplaces
If you're trying to save some cash, you can find stylish and practical camping gear without going overboard with your budget by exploring secondhand marketplaces. The popularity of secondhand shopping has surged in recent years, with research showing that approximately 60% of Americans made at least one secondhand purchase in 2022, which is a significant increase from 49% in 2019. (3)
You can find online marketplaces dedicated to outdoor gear that connect buyers to sellers who want to upgrade or clear out their unused equipment. These sites often have barely-used items from top brands at lower prices. Many outdoor lovers tend to buy high-quality camping equipment with the best intentions, use it a couple of times, and then sell it off in almost new condition.
Another benefit of these marketplaces besides their quality and affordable prices is that they also foster connections between buyers and sellers who share outdoor interests. Previous owners can share insights with their potential buyers about how that particular gear was useful for them in real-world situations, which gives you a unique perspective you won't get from product descriptions alone.
Key Takeaway
Finding camping gear that performs reliably while staying sleek doesn't require compromise when you know where to shop. From specialty outdoor retailers to direct-to-consumer brands, the options for stylish, functional equipment continue to expand. So, start exploring these different stores to find gear that can enhance your outdoor experiences both practically and aesthetically.
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#TRIBEGOALS
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ROCK THIS FOR YOUR NEXT CLAM BAKE WITH FRIENDS
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ATHLEISURE MAG #113 | CHEF ESTHER CHOI
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with Chef Esther Choi of Mokbar and GAHM as well as a Food Network host on 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing. We talk about how she got into the industry, her food philosophy, love for Korean Cuisine and upcoming projects that we can keep an eye out for!
We shot Chef Esther Choi's beautiful cover editorial in Hudson Yards' The Maybury that gets you near all the exciting shops, beauty destinations and galleries in the area. We chatted with Phil Lavoie COO of Gotham Organization about their portfolio of developments, this property, and this neighborhood.
In this month's issue we have pre coverage of Governors Ball as well as Bar Convent Brooklyn. Make sure to check back in our JUN ISSUE #114 as we share the sights and sounds from both of these events which we will be attending next month.
We caught up with Gwen Conley, Head of Innovation and Global Expansion of Cutwater to talk about this Ready to Drink range of beverages. She talks about their tasting room, the process behind the creation of flavors, and their latest offering, Spicy Margarita.
Keith Bynum of HGTV's Bargain Block talks about how we can approach upcoming renovations and provides a few tips that we should keep in mind. He also talks about his partnership with American Standard and a giveaway that you will want to know about.
We sat down with Zuri Hall to talk about her career as a celebrity journalist whether you enjoy watching her on NBC's Access Hollywood or chatting it up with the stars during Awards Season E! Live from the Red Carpet. We also talk about her coming back for S17 of American Ninja Warrior. We talk about how she got into the industry, naviating Hollywood, being a safe space, and more!
We head to Washington D.C. for this month's The Art of the Snack which takes us to A.Kitchen + Bar which serves Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! We found out about dishes that we should have our eye on, the ambiance, and upcoming events that will take place there that we should have in mind.
This month's Athleisure List comes from Nordic Strong which launched in Copenhagen and is now coming stateside first as a pop-up in Sag Harbor now through Labor Day and then as a permanent studio in Flatiron. We find out more about the creation of this fitness experience, their studios, and the classes offered. We also take you to Park Hyatt Marrakech to immerse yourself in a luxurious and restorative experience filled will wellness options and a phenomenal menu.
This month's 9PLAYLIST comes from popstar Sabrina Carpenter as she shares with us the songs on her playlist that she is listening to right now. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from The Bachelorette and Co-Founder of Saint Spritz, JoJo Fletcher as well as Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyballer Sara Hughes as they share what they enjoy having, doing and being Morning, Afternoon, and Night. This month’s THE 9LIST STORI3S comes from our cover star, Chef Esther Choi as well as Founder/Designer Lele Sadoughi of her namesake accessory brand.
Of course, we have a number of roundups that you can also check out from our must-haves to yours!
Read the MAY ISSUE #113.
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THE ART OF THE SNACK | ZEN
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us back to Singapore at 3 Michelin Star restaurant Zén which is the sister restaurant to Frantzén located inn Stockholm which also has 3 Michelin Stars. We sat down with duo Executive Chefs Toraik Chua and Martin Öfner who combine their culinary creativity in this restaurant. Zén's ethos is based in a philosophy of balance and harmony that is woven into its very foundation.
We wanted to know more about how they came to embrace their passion for food, where they trained, and what guests can expect when they come in to dine here!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with food?
CHEF TORAIK CHUA: It's a mixed feeling. Like everything I do, I adore it most of the time, but sometimes, I just want to get away from it all. One thing I'm sure of: I love the moment I return to my hometown and get to enjoy the amazing dishes cooked by a talented chef from a tiny, run-down restaurant called MaBrown. I feel like I'm in love every time I'm there.
CHEF MARTIN ÖFNER: I never had a clear moment of realisation, I was always drawn to flavours, smells, and textures. It’s been a natural fascination from the start for me.
AM: Tell me about your culinary background from where you trained to kitchens you worked in.
CH TC: I have rather mixed, but refined experiences. I started off at a French culinary school, then moved into the world of French bistros. From there, I entered the world’s best restaurant, Noma. Later, I moved to Stockholm to work at Frantzén, and was eventually sent to help set up Zén on this small island called Singapore. I went through two Michelin stars, the pandemic, and then the third star. Still here, still cooking!
CHEF MÖ: My culinary journey began in the Austrian Alps, influenced by my grandmother's cooking and the region's seasonality. I pursued culinary training focused on Austrian cuisine with classic French principles, honing my skills in local hotels. My experience expanded to Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, including Restaurant Parkhuus in Switzerland, Rosengarten and St Hubertus in Austria, Geranium in Denmark, and De Librije in the Netherlands, where I specialised in pastry, fermentation, and R&D. An internship at Frantzén in Sweden led to a permanent position, where I found a strong connection to the restaurant's ethos and team.
AM: What is the cuisine that guests can enjoy when they come in to dine?
CHEF TC: À la minute cooking is at the heart of our cuisine—think of us as a Nordic Kaiseki. A natural progression of flavours runs throughout the entire menu, but always done in a way that’s deeply, deliciously satisfying.
CHEF MÖ: The cuisine blends Japanese and French techniques, with subtle influences from New Nordic cuisine.
AM: Tell us about the interior design and ambience of Zén?
CHEF TC: "Inviting" is the word I’d use—it feels like our home. You start off in the kitchen with small snacks and casual conversation, then move into the dining room for the main experience. Finally, you finish in the living room, wrapped in a cosy, hygge kind of vibe.
CHEF MÖ: The space reflects a purist Nordic sensibility, paired with Japanese aesthetics, all brought together by a Swedish design team.
AM: Tell us about your lunch menu and what we can expect when we are coming in at that time of day?
CHEF TC: A slightly faster-paced menu designed to cater to those with less time, while keeping the same flavours, spirit, and tone as our dinner experience.
CHEF MÖ: The lunch menu is more concise, but it covers all the essentials. We’ve intentionally shortened it to offer a quicker experience for our lunch guests.
AM: What are 3 dishes on the lunch menu that you are excited about?
CHEF TC: I like the Scallop dish with nordic elements! The White Asparagus dish is quite cool too, and I always adore the Fresh Fruits serving.
CHEF MÖ: I’m genuinely excited about the entire menu. Each creation has its own story — it’s hard to pick a favourite. A few highlights: French toast, marron, and Biwa Masu.
AM: For dinner, what can you tell us about this menu?
CHEF TC: We're now into a new season—warmer spices take the lead, while keeping everything deeply seasonal. Some of our signature dishes and bites have been moved around to make room for fresh, fun additions!
CHEF MÖ: The dinner menu is more extensive and includes a sweet course extension as well.
AM: What are 3 dishes on the dinner menu that you are excited about?
CHEF TC: Same as the lunch!
AM: You have a 3 Michelin Star, what does it mean to you to have this distinction?
CHEF TC: It simply means that everything we've been doing over the past few years has been great. Earning three stars takes incredibly high standards, top-quality ingredients, and exceptional execution.
AM: Are there any upcoming events that we should have an eye out for that are taking place at your restaurant?
CHEF MÖ: Formula 1 during Q3 here in Singapore will be an exciting new challenge for the team, and a different kind of energy to adapt to.
PHOTO CREDITS | Zén
Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Zen in mag.
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ROLAND GARROS 2025
We always enjoy the tennis calendar and currently Roland Garros (French Open) is bringing us major moments from on court action to great commentary that gives us the inside scoop on what is going on. You can watch the Tennis Channel to get the scoop on what is taking place as well as commentary.
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BINGELY STREAMING
HACKS
Max Original
Max
There are certain shows that when they're back for the next season we're excited for the writing, the exchanges between the characters, cameos, and seeing the humanity that takes place throughout the season. Hacks is back for S4 and has 10 episodes that will bring us on the ongoing journey of Deborah Vance (Jean Smart) who finally gets to enjoy her decades long dream of hosting Late Night!
The actuality of embracing your dream also has a number of real elements from seeing the writer's room in action, proving dissenters wrong, and ensuring that the show is one that will get high ratings quickly!
We also see the interaction between her and her headwriter who also locked in on a dream after spending so much time with Deborah! Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) pulled a major move to ensure that she would also be included in this once in a lifetime opprotunity.
How can these 2 as well as everyone else weather this storm and what will getting Late Night actually mean once the dust has settled?
BLACK MIRROR
Netflix Originals
Netflix
As a kid, we loved watching The Twilight Zone which was a social commentary sci-fi show that definitely made you think about the issues that were expressed.
Black Mirror takes that as a foundation and creates standalone dramatic episodes that really focus on techno-paranoia. In this series of episodes, there is also a bit of connective tissue with previous seasons. No spoilers here, but we do suggest after watching your episode googling your favorite sites to hear more about the episodes or where they fit in the larger scheme of things!
BOSCH: LEGACY
Prime Video Original
Prime Video
Of course, we're going to share one of our favorite series in the same issue where we interview Titus Welliver (Deadwood, The Town, Sons of Anarchy) who plays Harry Bosch! We have enjoyed the ride of Prime Video's BOSCH and continued on to BOSCH: LEGACY which is enjoying its final season!
We're back in LA as our favorite character fights for the victims to get the ultimate bad guy, working with the law while also taking a few pivots as necessary, and seeing how he has intricate relationships with a number of people in his world. Whether you're new to this series or are wrapping up, it's a watch you won't want to miss!
Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see BINGELY STREAMING in mag.
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EXQUISITE EXPERIENCES | CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO
Growing up, we enjoyed watching the original Iron Chef and being introduced to Japanese cuisine as well as the culinary icon Master Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Watching his techniques, the joy he has when creating his dishes, and how it all comes together is phenomenal. Years later, we enjoyed dining at Morimoto Chelsea and had the pleasure of seeing him with all of his flair! Even seeing him during a Citi Taste of Tennis event ahead of the US Open, his passion and love for food, community, and coming together is always present!
As our cover star for our APR ISSUE #112, we sat down to talk to a man who is a Restaurateur, TV Personality, Author, Ambassador and Entrepreneur to find out about how he became a chef, his upcoming projects, and being the Grand Marshal of the Japan Parade on May 10th here in NYC.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What dish made you fall in love with food?
CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO: Sushi is the dish that made me fall in love with food. The artistry and the freshness involved in preparing sushi truly sparked my passion for cooking.
AM: When did you realize you wanted to be a chef?
CHEF MM: Before becoming a chef, I was set on becoming a professional baseball player. After I had a shoulder injury, I fully turned my passion to food and the rest is history.
AM: Where did you train and what kitchens did you cook in prior to opening your own restaurants?
CHEF MM: I trained in Hiroshima, Japan. I worked in traditional sushi shops before moving to America and becoming a chef at Nobu.
AM: How do you define your style of cooking?
CHEF MM: I blend traditional Japanese techniques with global influences. While I always honor the roots of Japanese cuisine, I also adapt my dishes to reflect the unique customs and flavors of the places where I’m serving them.
AM: Why is it important to do TV shows in addition to being a restaurateur, author, etc.?
CHEF MM: TV shows give me the chance to share my love for food with people around the world. It’s a way to connect with those who may not be able to visit my restaurants, but can still experience the essence of my cooking.
AM: What do you look for when it comes to opening a restaurant or concept?
CHEF MM: I look for a place where I can tell a story through my food, and where guests are excited to try something new. It’s about creating an experience that challenges the senses and brings people together through flavors they may have never encountered before.
AM: What do you love about Morimoto by the Sea on Holland America?
CHEF MM: Morimoto by the Sea on Holland America is something I’m very proud of. It gives me the chance to bring my flavors and techniques to the sea, offering guests a unique experience they can’t find anywhere else. I’m especially honored to be the Fresh Fish Ambassador, sharing the best fish with everyone onboard. The freshness of the ingredients and the setting make it a special place for both guests and myself.
AM: What does being involved in Japan Day and the parade mean to you?
CHEF MM: It is truly an honor to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Japan Parade. I am excited to share my Japanese heritage and celebrate this meaningful occasion with so many people. This parade is a beautiful way to connect with the community and showcase the richness of Japanese culture. It’s a moment to celebrate the traditions that have shaped me and continue to inspire my work.
AM: What are you looking forward to for the parade?
CHEF MM: Seeing the joy and energy as Japanese tradition blends with the spirit of the New York community is very exciting. It reminds me of how food and culture can unite people, creating meaningful connections across different backgrounds.
AM: How can people keep the celebrations going at Momosan Lexington between Apr 26 - May 10th?
CHEF MM: At Momosan Lexington, we’ve created a couple of special dishes and cocktails to celebrate the Japan Parade. You can enjoy our Okonomiyaki and The Last Petal cocktail, available now through May 10th.
AM: When you are not in your restaurants or at festivals, how do you take time for yourself?
CHEF MM: I’m always on the move. I often joke that my home is the airport, since I spend more time there than anywhere else. When I’m not traveling, I cherish the moments I spend with my wife. I'm turning 70 in May, so I'm trying to also just relax more.
AM: What can you tell us about your new NYC restaurant or upcoming projects?
CHEF MM: My new restaurant is opening at 1255 Broadway in NYC, and it’s going to be something very new and fresh for the city. I’m bringing in some of my favorite traditional Japanese techniques, but with a twist that I think will excite everyone. I can’t give away too much just yet, but I’m really looking forward to sharing it all soon.
AM: You can enjoy Japan Parade here in NYC on May 10th from 11am - 5pm on 72nd street between Central Park West and Columbus Ave.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover, PG 16 + 22 Courtesy of Chef Morimoto | PG 19 - 22 Patrick Wymore/Netflix | PG 24 - 27 + PG 28 for 9CH3F ROUTIN3S Holland America |
Read the APR ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see EXQUISITE EXPERIENCES | Chef Masaharu Morimoto in mag.
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IT'S ABOUT THE GAME | DILLON GABRIEL
This month has been a busy one and for NFL prospects, it has special significance as they awaited the NFL Draft 2025 which took place Apr 24 - 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We had the pleasure of talking with quarterback Dillon Gabriel of the University of Oregon. As we talked with him prior to the draft, we had no idea where he would go although as of the release of this issue, he will be playing for the Cleveland Browns!
In sitting with him prior to the draft, we wanted to konw more about his love for the game, his approach to playing it, his partnership with Echelon fitness, what it's like to go through the NFL Combine and what it involves, being a finalist for The Heisman Trophy, and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with football?
DILLON GABRIEL: I think it was from a young age being able to watch my dad. It was just someone you look up to and someone that you wanted to be able to emulate and to be just like. I think that was just in life, but I also think that sports is a big part of our upbringing and of course, I have played all of the sports that you could play at the time. But I just fell in love with football because it has been something that I just – it’s just enjoyable, it’s something about it with it’s team aspect that you have everyone coming together to accomplish a goal. So, I would just say that at a very young age.
AM: What do you love about being a quarterback?
DG: I love the ability to have the ball in your hands for every single play. I think that the decision making and processing is a lot of fun. I think that it’s the combination of preparation and then actually doing it. Getting those 2 things in sync is actually difficult to do just by yourself.
AM: Yeah.
DG: Let alone having to do it with other people. You can’t throw the ball unless you have protection up front. You can’t get yardage unless there is a catch down the field and I just think that that teamwork aspect in every single play where 11 people have to be in unison, it’s just a lot of fun because you are doing it together. I think that more than that, the relationships, the people, and the friendships that last a lifetime. Those are memories that no one is going to be able to take from you and that’s good and bad!
AM: Well, that’s true too!
Did you always think that when you started playing that you would do this all throughout school and did you imagine yourself going to the NFL?
DG: I did. I always had this dream where I know that a dream is one thing, but in order to make it a reality, there has to be work behind it. I always felt like I was determined in that way of matching my habits with my goals. I think that for a lot of the time, I just stayed present. I tried to be really good with where my feet were and I learned that in college.
Now that I am here, it’s hard to believe in the sense of time has gone by so fast. But I’m not surprised that I’m here because I know that when I was in certain moments, I knew that I was going to maximize it and I knew that my love and care for my passion – how disciplined I am every single day. So when you match those 2, I knew that I’d be in a good spot and it’s still surreal. I’m back home and you see the kids – how excited they get and for me, I see it as myself being in their shoes once. But all it was was me committing to a goal or a dream. That’s always been a way for me to just ground myself and to understand that even though it's a higher level football there is still that passion aspect and love for it. It’s the work that I have done behind it that I have been doing from a younger age. Now, it just gets that much more challenging as a competitor.
AM: What’s an average week for you when you’re training in season versus the off season?
DG: I think that off season is very grind mode. I would say that it is physically more taxing. You’re always trying to get your speed work in and your strength work in. For a quarterback, throwing a football is a whole different aspect to your off season workout. So you attack those 3 while still being around ball and talking football. I think that that is a language, just like any other language to excel at it, you have to speak it consistently and live in it. That is what I try to do while still making the physical aspect more of a focal point.
In season, I think the physical aspect takes a back seat at least day-to-day until gameday comes, but mentally, it’s a lot more challenging. Learning a game plan, executing it, getting everyone on the same page, having conversations individually position wise as a unit and a team. Then there are aspects too that are more than Xs and Os. The motivation aspect and being able to keep people motivated and having themes of the week. So, you encompass all of that while having the physical tax on your body. If I looked at it like that, I would say those 2 things are different in the off season vs in season.
AM: Our community is always excited about workouts that they can include in the routines that they already do. What are 3 workouts that you do that you think could be beneficial for us to think about when we want to switch up our routines?
DG: I love rotational strength. Of course, I’m a throwing athlete, but I believe that being able to have strength in rotation is still good for change of direction. It’s done me well and I love the cable machine. So anyone who can do the cable machines, we’ve tried it from each angle – high, hip height, and low. I love cable rotation and I’ll do those 3 different angles.
I really love working with speed. I love speed and one that I love to do as well is a core bosu ball. I got put onto this core routine that I love. It’s a bosu ball, you put your back on it. You do single leg V ups 10 on each side and then you do cross leg kind of like elbow to knee. So I do 10 reps each and that’s 40 reps total. I don’t care how good you get at it, there’s a rush and a burn and that’s one of my workouts.
I’m also going to go with the curls and things like that. Those are our base workouts that we do with legs - you’ll always catch me doing core and arms at the end.
AM: Tell us about this partnership with Echelon Fitness and how it’s giving back to your high school, Mililani which we think is really interesting.
DG: Yeah, I think that what I love about Echelon is their ability to be able to make training fun, but also that coaching aspect that you still get. I believe that when you are able to have intent behind your lifts and workouts – there is that motivational aspect too where you get direct feedback.
Are you lifting, what’s the strength, speed – and that is where the strength is going. That’s strength training and working out in general. I used it every single day when we were doing team lifts. Being able to have that aspect in our workouts is huge, but I think that when you’re marrying that with what we are doing at Mililani High School, I think that that’s powerful. The impact that that will create for athletes that are trying to get back on the field – it’s like double the work that you’re trying to do. You’re trying to get healthy and you want to dominate when you’re on the field. Being able to have that direct feedback and have measurables, but also walk into state of the art equipment allows you to feel really confident in your workout. I think that for anyone to be able to work in that kind of an environment, you’re going to be better. You’re motivated that much more to get better and to benefit yourself so that you can see results on the field. I am just appreciative of them because they see the vision as well and they understand the youth and what’s up and coming is very important. Any way that we can protect them in any way – I always talk about protection with working out. How are they doing workouts that are beneficial to them and will translate to what they ae doing on the field. With Echelon, you have all of that information in that database on your monitor for each piece of equipment. That’s a unique and cool part to what we are all doing.
AM: That’s so exciting. How did that come together between yourself and Echelon to provide that equipment for your high school?
DG: I think it was about similar visions and being able to hop on the phone with them with Dara and their CEO Lou. We got both of them on the phone and it was just clear visions on both ends with what we wanted to accomplish and believing in that. I think that now that we’re here and you see it in person finally, there have been all of these conversations, but now to see it it’s just a whole different aspect to see things happening in real time. I’m glad that we got to this point and I know that they are a huge piece of what we are doing.
AM: You’ve had an incredible collegiate career, you were a finalist for The Heisman Trophy – what are you the most proud of in this portion of your life right now and what has this meant to you?
DG: I’m definitely most proud of the memories and I think just the journey. As a whole, it has had a lot of success. I’d be lying if I said that there was no failure. I think that when you’re able to learn from that failure, and grow, ultimately whenever there was an uncertainty or an unknown, that is where I have had the most ability to grow. I think that I’m just proud of that journey and how I managed that. I have always chosen good people to be around, but at the same time, the law of attraction. Who you are as a person is who you want to be around. I’ve always tried to live by that and I have faith in what God has in store for the future.
But then I also have those memories that are just day-to-day. The locker room stories – even to this day, I still laugh at those little interactions in the weight room. Just as little as that, on top of those big wins and great environments – the triumph of working through something that was difficult. Because everything worth having doesn’t come easy. For me, I think that all of that is what I think about. The awards and all of that is something that you appreciate because a bunch of people came together to accomplish a goal. There was success in that way. But more than those, I think that you just know that it is the ultimate team sport. Although we highlight individuals, there is no way that you do it alone. That is why I appreciate the game of football.
AM: Can you talk a bit about the NFL Combine, what takes place there, and how one prepares themselves for this so we have a better feel for the journey leading up to the draft and being placed on an NFL team (Editor’s Note: The purpose of the NFL Scouting Combine is to provide NFL teams with a standard platform to evaluate and assess the physical and mental abilities of 300 or so invited top draft-eligible college football prospects before the NFL Draft for 4 days. It allows teams to gather comprehensive data, including medical exams, psychological tests, and on-field drills, all in one location, making it easier to compare players and make informed decisions)?
DG: So the Combine, after going to it, I see it as if any questions that they might have, they’re going to answer them. I say that’s physically, mentally, background – anything prior and what you know about football. I think that that just all encompasses you as a person. Then of course, it’s also about what you can do on the field because you’re going to compete as well. This is all taking place in a high stress environment so it’s also about how you are going to handle it. Who are you as a person when things aren’t exactly perfect. I think that the Combine has a unique way of doing that. They definitely got answers to all of their questions all day every day! They separated those questions as I mentioned before mentally and physically. So there were 40 yard dashes and throwing and competing on the field. There was more football work. Then you get in your formal meetings and you have those 15mins speed dating meetings where you’re talking football that whole entire time. How consistent are you – all day every day? How much do you love football? I’d say that that is the biggest thing – they get every question answered from every angle in their organization.
AM: That must have been exhilarating to be there and to be chosen, but also exhausting as well as that is intense and you are doing that across 4 days and across all those teams.
DG: 100%
AM: Obviously, the NFL Draft is Apr 24 – 26th. How are you preparing for that and what are you excited about?
DG: Honestly, I think that midway through this draft process, I think that I just let go and I just trusted what God has in store for me and for my future. He always has you know? I think it has been a unique way of knowing that you have to be right where your feet are. I say that because there is unknown and uncertainty. You’re in and out, your life is in a backpack. There is no home base or consistency in that way. You have to be comfortable with that uncomfortable. Midway through I realized I had no control other than how I work and what I do every single day. But at the end of the day, when the draft comes, all of my work is out in front of all 32 teams and one team will be the believer in what I do on the field and off the field, who I am as a person and what I bring to the table. I just have confidence in that and at the end of the day, all of that pageantry ends on that date and then you’re back to work!
AM: Right!
DG: So, the work that you have been putting in is going to show and I have confidence in my preparation as that is what I have pride in myself for the past 6 years of my college career. It’s going to continue on in the NFL.
AM: When you’re not playing the game or are thinking about the game, how do you take time for yourself?
DG: It’s hard because we love football and inevitably, we’re talking about it, but I think that that is when I go back to my passion. When you love it, it’s not so taxing and like anything, it can be a lot when it is encompassing your life the whole time, but being able to relax is just being around family. Being able to be around people where you can truly just be yourself. You don’t even have to have a conversation because their presence is all you need and you can understand one another through short conversation. I’m a big relaxing guy, I love to be around family and to try new things. I love food believe it or not and I’m from Hawaii so whenever we can go to a new food spot and try new things – that’s always great! I love being outdoors as well. Going on a walk and being out there with people you love is so nice. I think that for me, that’s always how I recharge. Even daily, if it’s a phone call or in person – that’s my thing.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 43 + 44 University of Oregon | PG 47 @Thatsfye | PG 48 - 50 ESPN Honolulu
Read the APR ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see IT’S ALL ABOUT THE GAME | Dillon Gabriel in mag.
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