ATHLEISURE LIST | SOULCYCLE: VARIOUS US CITIES + CANADA

When you think of fitness studios that you have heard of from a number of friends and co-workers, SoulCycle is always in the conversation with it's mind, body, soul focus and music that makes cycling here an experience. We chatted with SoulCycle and Senior Instructor, Sydney Miller to find out more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: How long has SoulCycle been around?

SOULCYCLE: SoulCycle has been around since April 2006 -- it started as one studio on New York City's Upper West Side and has since grown to 72 studios and counting! 

AM: We know that you recently opened a location in Austin and Bellevue - what are the next ones that we should keep an eye out for?

SC: We always look for active and dynamic communities to be a part of so we are very excited to now be in Austin and Bellevue. We are opening our first international studio in Toronto on March 2nd and have more Canadian studios opening soon as well.

AM: You guys have a great series of amenities available - what are some of the brands that one can find in your bathrooms?

SC: We always seek to provide a seamless experience for our riders and provide everything they need so our locker rooms are stocked with every amenity a rider could need, our front desks have hair ties, ear plugs, gum and more. We have also teamed up with local skin care companies in new markets to offer their products to our riders. In Bellevue, we have Herbivore Botanicals' incredible products in both of women's and men's locker rooms. Similarly, we have milk + honey in our downtown Austin studio and look forward to providing Saje products in our first Toronto location.

AM: There are so many choices for SoulCycle gear - are these all internal brands and do you also have collaborative brands as well - are there upcoming collabs we should be looking out for?

SC: SoulCycle produces 14 collections each year with 60+ pieces in each one. For the month of March, we are celebrating acceptance, collaboration and love as our collection is themed around the Army of Love. During a time of polarizing views and alienating sentiments, SoulCycle continues to be a sanctuary and a community of acceptance. SoulCycle is a workout to some, a community to most, and a safe harbor to all. We stand for acceptance, collaboration, and love. As team members and riders, we're a coalition of conscience - respect and compassion are practices we cultivate daily. We not only embrace each other's differences, we celebrate them.

Our studios are sanctuaries of unity, where we all ride together as a pack. We take that energy into the world, where we lift each other up. We are an Army of Love. 

AM: When people are not in the midst of a class at SoulCycle - how can they still stay connected as a community?

SYDNEY MILLER: SoulCycle naturally lends itself to a community experience through the entire studio. Riders often become friends by going to the same classes week to week and building connection from the locker room to the studio. From juices after class, brunch, or trying a new fitness experience, riders can take the SoulCycle experience to other areas of their active lifestyle.

AM: What is the ethos of SoulCycle?

SM: SoulCycle is all about connecting mind and body to the music. We ride as a pack because we know there is strength in numbers. We support each other and get stronger together.

AM: We liked how you went about selecting a great class for us by asking what music we liked (our Kaskade x Swedish House Mafia theme ride was epic) - is this the suggested method that someone new to this ecosystem should follow?

SM: The music is what makes the entire experience, so it's important to go with an instructor who plays the kind of music you're into. There's really an instructor for everyone and each of us brings a different perspective to the table. On the website, you can see on each instructors' profile what kind of music they play and a little bit about them. It's fun to try different classes and then figure out what lights you up the most.
 
 SOULCYCLE

• Check for current and upcoming studios in the US and Canada here. 

Read more from the Feb issue and see the entire Athleisure List article in the magazine.

ATHLEISURE LIST | FITFUSION NYC

When you don't feel like working out outside of your home or you're traveling and don't want to miss your workout, there is a solution. FitFusion is the leading online workout streaming platform that allows you to access hundreds of different kinds of workouts, lead by the most sought-after trainers in the world. Created by Jillian Michaels, FitFusion has you covered with everything from pilates to weight-training to cardio. With FitFusion you can workout whenever and wherever you want, AND you can do any kind of workout that you’re in the mood for that day.  

Not only are you getting workouts led by the top trainers in the business, FitFusion also allows you to customize your workouts to keep things interesting and dynamic, giving you the most effective training possible. FitFusion has a wide variety of workouts, all lead be some of the best trainers in the world and shot with the finest production quality. It's a place you can go for great workouts by great trainers to give you the results you want!

You can find very basic beginner workouts, as well as intense total body HIIT
workouts, and everything in between! This makes it possible for anyone to find a workout that challenges them on any level.

For only $9.99/month, FitFusion members have unlimited access to any type of workout at any level. No matter what your fitness goals, FitFusion has what you need. There's even a free 2 week trial if you'd like to check them out to see how it works for you. 

Today you could do a killer full-body workout with Jillian Michaels, tomorrow you could do HIIT training with Zuzka Light, and the next you could do yoga with Tara Stiles. FitFusion's on-demand streaming premium workouts are available via the site, app, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, AT&T, Bell TV, DIRECTV, and U-verse. 

FitFusion will continue to add more videos to the platform such as the recent addition of Tone & Shred. This new series is a collaboration between Jillian Michaels and the founders of Tone It Up, Karena Dawn and Katrina Scott. This workout is exclusive to the streaming network.

The power packed fitness series includes three one-of-a-kind workouts: Tone & Shred: Total Body, Tone & Shred: Bikini Booty, and Tone & Shred: Abs. Each 20-minute workout combines techniques from the most popular, effective fitness modalities – HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, dynamic resistance training and more – to provide heart-thumping, body shredding variety and incredible results.   

We caught up with the Tone It Up ladies to find out more about Tone & Shred.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How is Tone It Up different then Tone & Shred?

KARENA DAWN: Tone & Shred combined our two styles to create a cohesive workout that works for both of our audiences. Jillian is known for really high intensity, while ours is amazing for toning, but also just having a great time. Together, we created workouts that not only bumped up the intensity and sculpting, but will make you laugh and feel like you’re just hangin’ out with your gal pals!

AM: How did the collaboration between you and Jillian Michaels come about to create this method?

KATRINA SCOTT:  Jillian, Katrina, and I had dinner a while back and we decided… why not do this?! Jillian loves the Tone It Up Community and she has always been such a fitness icon to us. We wanted to make something that combined both of our styles for a totally killer, amazing sweat sesh.

AM: Having this on FitFusion and being able to mix both of your followers together, how is that a benefit to your brand and your platform of fun fitness?

KD: We’re always looking to expand our brand to new audiences and other fitness-minded individuals. The Tone It Up Community is growing everyday with more and more totally boss babe women and we’re just so excited to see new faces - yes, we Instagram stalk ALL of our girls ;)

AM: Within Tone & Shred, what is your favorite move that you were able to add?

KD: There’s a bunch of totally different, sweat worthy moves in these workouts, but one of my favorites is the ninja burpee. It was by far the most challenging move of the series but it was so fun to learn and a female competitor will be chosen. 

 
Read more from the Jan Issue.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE ROPE & THE DANCE NYC

Originally from Ohio, Amanda Kloots has had a number of roles in New York, that have included being a Broadway dancer, Radio City Rockette and a head trainer at Body by Simone.

When methods are created, they focus on a concept. Amanda created the jump rope method after years of finding different ways to stay in amazing shape.  The jump rope became her focus when she realized that it's the quickest, most effective way to a full body workout. She also spent a number of years finding ways to use the rope for more then just jumping! 

The Rope NYC is a class designed by Amanda K as it is completely original and new! This interval based class has you use the jumprope to tone your entire body with moves created by her to use with the jump rope to keep your heart rate up.  

Amanda is the sole creator and instructor of The Rope and she also teaches a dance cardio class called The Dance. These two classes plus her one-on-one training complete her fitness brand, Amanda K. Her classes are a mix of dance and cross training, with a primary focus on form and details. This creates a unique and fun workout that will leave you drenched in sweat in minutes. Both classes are taught at Studio B at Bandier and Dance Workshop NY. Keep an eye out on additional venues that these classes will be held in 2017.

When taking her class at Studio B there are towels, toiletries in the bathroom, and the first level of Bandier is filled with an array of workout clothes for sale to shop from before or after class!

It's worth noting that Amanda K will have her own apparel as well as her own rope.

This class is high energy and is taught by Amanda, whose creativity is seen through her energy which is contagious and maintains a positive vibe through the workout. 

ROPE NYC

STUDIO B. 
164 5th Ave NY, NY 10010

Read more from the June issue

ATHLEISURE LIST | CROSSTOWN FITNESS CHICAGO

CrossTown Fitness is a group exercise studio that focuses on 50min scalable total body interval classes as well as 1 on 1 personal training with the industry's leading professionals. It's called CrossTown because of its multiple locations where clients can train at these facilities with their membership.

The founding location is in the West Loop on Madison Street between Halsted and Racine--1031 W Madison to be exact. A second location is located two blocks east of Wrigley Field at 3600 N Halsted St. They are currently scouting for their third location.

At CTF, there are full bathrooms with showers, towel service, toiletries, and hair care products provided by Solo Salon in the West Loop.  The front café is called the Daily Feed which has protein smoothies that make for a quick meal replacement after class. Also, there are protein shakes, protein bars, and other nutritional snacks available.

CTF offers hand-selected apparel and works within the company towards creative and comfortable clothing and designs. They carry everything from tanks and tees to winter hats and onesies for CTF babies as well as their branded apparel.

CTF specializes in High Intensity Interval Training which is showcased in Total Body classes. It's a  focus on attainable and challenging functional fitness. Total Body classes are 50/50 cardio and strength. There are also Total Body Strength classes which take out the pure cardio and focus on strength training and heavier lifting. Total Body Mobility is a mix of yoga recovery and stretching and Total Body Excursion Run includes 3-4 miles of outdoor running with bodyweight exercises.

The Winter Games Fitness Challenge is a competition that starts in January. This gives members the opportunity to show off their strength and athleticism that they developed throughout their time with CTF. In order to qualify for this competition, all members will have to demonstrate outstanding strength, power, endurance, and agility. Competitors will have to successfully complete and exceed the workouts and tests created by CTF trainers.  Those who make it through the qualifying and semifinal rounds will move on to the finals where the top male and female competitor will be chosen. 

| QUALIFIERS Jan. All Day 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26 & 31 | SEMIFINALS Feb. 4th 6:30am 2017 | CHAMPIONSHIP Feb.  18th 6:30am  |

CROSSTOWN FITNESS

1031 W Madison Chicago, IL 60607
3600 N Halsted Chicago, IL 60613

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Crosstown Fitness Chicago

ATHLEISURE LIST | INSCAPE FLATIRON

INSCAPE is a new meditation studio that taps into your senses during your session at its Flatiron location as well as on the app that you can download.
The former founder and CEO of Intermix, Khajak Keledjian, had his company acquired by Gap for $130 million dollars. 

Although he's quite active as he has invested in compaines that include Proenza Schouler, Flywheel, We Work, Aloha and more - meditation has been his way of finding happiness from within and his aim is to extend his love of various yoga and meditation practices that he has given his fashion friends over the years to the masses.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Why did you choose NYC as your first studio space?
 
KHAJAK KELEDIJAN: The first INSCAPE studio is in NYC because I live here, and I know first-hand the noise and over-stimulation that comes from an urban center like Manhattan. Also, this city is a true melting pot. Where else can you have so many different variables – lifestyle, age, occupation, income, background, schedule – in one place? If we can reimagine meditation here, and create a cohesive community and bring together like-minded individuals in an anonymous city like New York, we can do it anywhere.

AM: Who designed the space? How did the collaboration come about?
  
KK: Winka Dubbeldam designed the space. We first met when I was at Intermix about 10 years ago. A year and a half ago, I called her to ask if she knew any designers who would be interested in this project. I thought it was too small for her, but she was actually inspired by the idea. Turns out we have parallel interests in yoga and meditation – Winka’s been meditating since her early 20’s. She naturally recognized the interplay between aesthetics and meditation. We designed the space together, thoughtfully. Working with someone who authentically understands not only the design you’re imagining, but its essence, is invaluable.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name INSCAPE?

KK: I want people to focus inwardly which is why I called it Inscape. I  wanted to create a space that was safe, grounded, calming and a place that members could come to anytime. 

AM: Describe the studio. What’s unique about the studio? Why did you focus so much on the physical environment?
 
KK: Our intentionally designed 5,000 square-foot studio is a quiet space away from the distractions of everyday life, offering fully immersive group experiences for meditation and relaxation. The studio is an experience, not just a destination, and incorporates elements that address all sensory touch points - sight, sound, smell, temperature, light and taste.

Sound, light and temperature need to be precisely balanced (they can make you feel safe and enveloped like you’re in a womb) without distracting from the concept and feel of the space. 

AM: What is the layout? What are the separate areas like?
 
KK:The Studio – we’ve created a transitional space to just “be.” You can read, meditate, sit reflectively. On one hand, the area has no Wi-Fi, encouraging a tech timeout. On the other hand, we’ve created an interactive art installation that might inspire some selfies to capture that feeling of awareness and clarity when you finish a session … so you can remember it when you look back at the image.

The Dome – The room is circular to symbolize wholeness, lifecycles, togetherness, equality. The dome has a woven ceiling like ancient temples in India, a dreamcatcher, a mandala – like all of INSCAPE, meditators can interpret how they see it.
 
The Alcove – This area is inspired by the philosophies of Burning Man – self-expression and inclusion. It will transform seasonally to represent how we are also constantly changing.

AM: Who are your teachers?
 
KK: We’re reimagining meditation: we’re merging traditions with modern thinking & technology to create a new experience that's focused on the meditator.

Our work with teachers was completed prior to the sessions in our content development process. Our content was highly researched and tested in order to create our optimized experience. The sessions are audio-guided, rather than a teacher, so that everyone is an active participate in their own personal experience. We’ve created a neutral space where our facilitators empower the meditator to build their skills. By delivering our content via audio guidance, we bring a level of consistency otherwise impossible, since so many classes can vary based on which instructor is leading. Additionally, this innovative approach allows us to further marry our app and studio experiences.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Inscape Flatiron

INSCAPE FLATIRON

45 W 21st St NY, NY 10010

ATHLEISURE LIST: HARD ROCK HOTEL, ROCK SPA

In this month's Athleisure List, we include much needed me time as the hustle and bustle that the upcoming season brings means that we need to restore our senses. When your local spa doesn't do the trick, you find a vacation spot with one that does.

Hard Rock Hotel's properties are known for bringing rock and roll to you. With the belief in working hard and playing hard, it's worth noting that they are serious about the business of taking time for yourself as well. At their Riviera Maya, Mexico destination, Rock Spa® is located at Heaven for adult guests only. With a full menu of offerings, it's worth noting that their innovative massages and renowned Hydrotherapy is a must for guests to enjoy.

Massages are taken to the next level with the properties' Rhythm and Motion offerings which incorporate traditional Swedish Massage practices, blending music, light, beats and more
together in an effort to involve all your senses - mind, body, and soul to give it's guests the ultimate path to peace and tranquility. Music therapy works in tandem with the treatments provided. This methodology can be found in four treatments.

Synchronicity (50 or 80 minutes) plays the greatest hits and taps into memories to create an experiential journey, in sync with a performance of techniques, pressure and rhythm.

Face the Music (50 or 80 minutes) brings therapeutic benefits of sound vibration and clinically proven organic products to rejuvenate and hydrate facial skin.

Smooth Operator (50 minutes) utilizes a two-part treatment removing impurities and invites new nourishing elements.

Wrap Remix (110 minutes) is the ultimate healing experience warming guests up and wrapping them in bliss with a sweet finish. Guests enjoy a full body benefit, with a cleansing shot of
ginger tea to jumpstart the detox process, followed by a brisk, rhythmical Sweetgrass inspired dry brushing. Following the detoxifying wrap to nourish the skin, the 50-minute rhythm and motion massage and cleansing facial mask complete the treatment. A refreshing shot of Rock Spa® Detox Tea is then served, to keep guests in a state of ahhh even longer.

When enjoying treatments here, guests are encouraged to prep the body with the Hydrotherapy Pools which are 3 small pools that allow your body to go from various temperatures of hot, cold, and temperate in order to awaken the body and to get ready for
whichever services you have opted to enjoy.

ATHLEISURE LIST: FLORBLANCA SPA + RESORT

Known as a destination for photoshoots (Victoria's Secret shot Candice Swanepoel here) and films, Florblanca is an award-winning luxury Costa Rica resort on the shores of the Pacific coast - on the idyllic beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Guests come to this resort for many reasons including being in the presence of an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa,  to enjoy fresh, healthy, and locally grown food prepared by their chefs at Nectar. Senses are stimulated with spa treatments, surfing, hiking, horseback riding, or zipline excursions, just to name a few. 

But it is the retreat methodology that is a true star allowing guests to connect more deeply with the world around them with professionally guided sessions of Yoga or Pilates.

When taking yoga, Stefano Allegri is an instructor that is worth taking courses from, as he began the deep exploration of "mind body" years ago through the world of marital arts. He studied for more than ten years with Enzo Montanari, a legendary Sensei of Karate-Do. He received the second degree black belt of Karate-Do Shotokan style and became an international instructor of this ancient practice.

Stefano has lived and traveled around the world as he embraced yoga as a discipline. His love of nature, and respect for a country that had no army, moved him to Costa Rica where he took the first steps in Asana Yoga. He continues to train with a number of masters to perfect his craft with the world's  most recognized yoga masters in the world.

When taking his sessions, you realize that Stefano loves working with the anatomy and alignment of the body. His yoga practice is both on and off the mat - Stefano lives yoga. His classes are a journey of the mind and the body and he always teaches with passion, joy and a fabulous sense of humor. In his own words, "The expression of your face, is the expression of your practice…keep always the sense of humor." When scheduling your session, you can opt to be a part of an open class, create your own group experience or have a one-on-one session for indvidual guidance and immersion.

ATHLEISURE LIST: PHYSIQUE 57; NYC, HAMPTONS, BEVERLY HILLS, DUBAI + BANGKOK

Physique 57 is a boutique fitness studio that offers group fitness classes with its signature barre method. The first studio opened on East 57th Street in Manhattan with a signature class of 57 minutes, so it seemed like a perfect name.
 
Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi and Tanya Becker are the co-founders of Physique 57.  Jennifer came from a background on Wall Street and Tanya has always been a dancer and fitness instructor.  Physique 57 was born when Jennifer’s favorite studio, The Lotte Berk Method, announced it was closing its doors. Jennifer recruited Tanya, a beloved and leading Lotte Berk instructor and the two joined forces in an effort to reinvent the fitness industry.

Currently, Physique 57 has 8 locations – 4 in New York City, 1 in the Hamptons, 1 in Beverly Hills, and 2 internationally (Bangkok and Dubai).  It plans to continue expanding to various cities internationally.  In the meantime, anyone can access anytime and anywhere via our VOD platform.

All of the NYC studios have separate locker rooms for men and women with showers, towels, shower caps, hair dryers, brushes and all the essential (and not so essential) toiletries one would need to get ready for the day (specifically shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, deodorant, dry shampoo, hairspray, cotton swabs, etc).

Most Physique 57 locations have retail; they sell both branded merchandise as well as fitness and athleisure brands such as MICHI, Alo, and Spiritual Gangster.

All of the workouts are based on the essential principles of Physique 57: using your own bodyweight as resistance to target all the muscles in your body to the point of fatigue then stretch them for relief. The effective process, called Interval Overload, includes muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling ab moves, and fluid stretches. Each class blends the most effective elements of cardio, strength training, and stretching to sculpt your body and burn fat. Plus, workouts target all areas of the body, from head to toe, and all the small and large muscle groups in between, to get every inch cinched in just 57 minutes. No two classes are ever alike so you’ll never reach that dreaded fitness plateau. Expert and inspiring instructors make sure your form is correct so you're sure to get in the most effective, safe and challenging workout.
 
Special holiday classes and workshops are offered around the holidays. Some of these include a “Sizzle and Soothe” workshop around Thanksgiving and a “Barre Crawl” around St. Patrick’s Day. Plus special Black Friday promotions in both our studio and on VOD are offered to give our clients some extra motivation to stay committed during the festivities.

See more from the Oct Issue.

ATHLEISURE LIST: EAST END; SOUTHAMPTON + NYC

East End Row is a boutique rowing studio founded in Southampton NY.  The Hamptons is a region of Long Island that is colloquially referred to as “The East End,”  known for it’s world class beaches a perfect spot to conceive a fitness class based on a water rower.
 
East End Row was founded by husband and wife team, Liza and Alan Benson. Liza has been a boutique fitness addict since the late 90s. Liza introduced her husband, Alan, to her obsession and they both found rowing to be the most effective total body workout that treated their joints kindly!

Alan and Liza are joined by master instructor Jess Lynn who designed the unique program that focuses on rowing choreographed to music in “waves.”

Southampton’s premier rowing studio, is opening its first NYC location on Manhattan’s Upper East Sidein mid-October. East End Row launched on to the Southampton fitness scene in May of 2016 and quickly became one of the “hottest workouts in the Hamptons” according to the NY Observer and the “It” workout according to Beaches Magazine.

The first Manhattan outpost will be docked on East 74th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, just three blocks from the 6 train, making it a convenient fitness destination for more than just Upper East Side dwellers.

East End Row’s classes are conducted on The GX Water Rower, a high-end rowing machine outfitted with a water-filled flywheel.

The new studio will maintain the same high standards and amenities to which East End Row’s Southampton clientele has grown accustomed to including complimentary bottled water and fresh towels in a beautifully executed boutique studio setting. Their own high end apparel is also sold.

The East End Row method consists of an instructor led class on low-impact water rowers, incorporating weight-based strength training. This unique format choreographs traditional rowing pyramids to hit music – these “waves,” as they are known at East End Row, promise a heart pumping work-out.

See more from the Oct Issue.

ATHLEISURE LIST: ELEMENT FITNESS

Elements Fitness is a fitness, wellness and life style brand featuring boutique fitness studio locations, corporate and hospitality fitness activations, and on location small group and private training. The brand features a signature class series centered around functional training, barre, dance and hiit training that serves as the foundation for all of the fitness and wellness classes. While pulling together identity and messaging for the brand Andrea Hunsberger was looking for a name that would incorporate all aspects of a healthy, well balanced, rich lifestyle. In addition, the name Elements was also fitting because the idea behind each of the modalities that she teaches pull together all different parts of her training and career. She identifies as a Dancer, a Trainer, a Fit Fashion Lover, and Lifestyle guru, and the term Elements seemed fitting to represent the work that is done with her clients and the message of the brand. From theirBarre, Dance Fusion, HIIT, SUP, and SUP BARRE signature class series to their wellness boutique featuring Barre & SUP inspired Athletic and Athleisure wear, Elements is specific enough to deliver the brand message, and broad enough to cover our diversity.

Elements operates in The Hamptons, Manhattan, and South Florida, featuring our Flagship studio in East Hampton, In home private training & corporate wellness activations in Manhattan, and Pop up locations in Miami.

As the Founder, director, and head trainer at Elements, Andrea started the brand from inception in 2010, as a small private training and fitness consulting group and have grown into a large fitness wellness and life style brand. Having been in the industry for over 15 years she had a very specific vision of what she wanted and where she wanted it to go. She is a professional dancer, trainer, and has taught fitness and dance classes for high profile studios throughout Manhattan prior to starting Elements. She began teaching a survival job in between broadway gigs and then changed to her focus because of Andrea's passion and drive to create a successful meaning full brand and company.
 
Elements Fitness is currently located in East Hampton, and has private training and corporate wellness in Manhattan. Keep an eye out for Elements flagship in Manhattan in the near future, as well as pop up locations in Miami, London, and beyond.  

Elements Features is a three story facility featuring a large group fitness studio, lower level private training room and lounge, and a curated retail & wellness boutique. The studios feature Elements' signature wall mounted custom ballet barre system, sprung dance floor system, high ceilings and beautiful natural light. The retail boutique features a curated collection of luxury lifestyle, active and athleisure wear, an artisan tea collection and organic fragrances.

The elements lifestyle boutique features a curated collection of top brands such as Vimmia, Vie Active Wear, Prism Sport, Sondra Roberts handbags, Koral, Gracied by Grit and more.

Elements Fitness has a custom branded fitness tee that is powered by Phat Buddha, and features other emerging brands for trunk shows and events!

Elements Fitness offers Barre, Dance Fusion, HIIT, and SUP classes and feature a holiday inspired pre and post turkey burn! A HIGH INTENSITY fusion of strengthening and toning exercises perfect to pre burn or post burn before and after all of this delicious holiday meals.

ATHLEISURE LIST: SIN WORKOUTS

SIN, standing for Strength In Numbers, is an industry leading Fitness Concierge service that launched in 2012 in Manhattan Today SIN Workouts is servicing clients in major US cities and abroad assisting in client training scheduling, program design and bookings at boutique fitness studios.
 
Founded by Vanessa Martin, CEO. Vanessa got her start in the NYC fitness scene after graduating from The University of Tampa and moving to New York to begin her career with a Residential Design and Management Firm. During her time as an acting Director for this company, Martin took it upon herself to introduce the concept of the boutique fitness industry that was on the rise to these projects in the residential space. Vanessa began to take multiple classes a day at leading studios and soon understood the phenomenon of boutique fitness. She recognized niche opportunity in this industry on the customer service front and organically grew SIN Workouts to what it is today.

Currently, SIN Workouts does not have a physical location in which clients are trained. SIN partners with existing studios and training facilities to send their members to. These services take place in New York City, The Hamptons, Miami, Boston, Chicago, LA and oversees.
 
SIN Workouts sends clients to an areas most elite fitness studios. At these locations clients have juice bar options for pre and post recovery shakes, name brand toiletries and exceptional upkeep of the clubs. They also have an apparel line. The beauty behind what is offered through their Fitness Concierge services is that each individuals program is customized specifically for them. Since SIN partners with many studios and training facilities, we are able to schedule clients with an incredibly diverse fitness program ranging from Bootcamps, Indoor Cycling, HIIT training, Yoga, etc! As a company, they also host special event classes and workouts throughout the year, known as signature SIN CRAWL that takes place on the West Side Highway Pier in the Fall.

ATHLEISURE LIST: LUSH SPA

We're all familiar with LUSH, known for their natural skincare and cosmetics that come in naked packaging that also sourcing who put the items together for you, whether you're buying it online or in their fragrant sensory inducing stores.

A few years ago, LUSH SPA on the Upper East Side of Manhattan opened and its continued success has led to the launch of their Philadelphia location as well. LUSH infuses it's concept into a multi-sensory experience of sound, scents, sweet beverages, and more which leaves the body feeling a cleanliness on a level that has never been felt but also a total immersion into another place. 

Although there are a number of offerings that can be selected within their spa packages, it is the curation of their music treatments that are truly the star. Currently, guests can have a spa experience along with the Beatles, in Hard Days Night.

Guests who enjoy the spa are welcomed into a vintage kitchen and then continue into a room where a tartan set of PJs are left that are wrapped around a warm bottle so that you can not only put these on but begin to feel the coziness of the treatment that focuses on preparing your body for a 75 minute slumber. Throughout, you enjoy a series of stretches and pulls which  reduces muscle stress and tension and leave the body in a state of relaxation.

The sounds have been created from a commissioned collection of re-worked Beatles music from Simon Emmerson and Simon Richmond which goes along with the movements of the masseuse. 

Initially, it begins with an auditory montage of sounds from Liverpool that include voices that go into music from the Beatles, but in a way that you have never heard them before. The low lighting is also a way to infuse a sense of letting go during the treatment as the body is able to disconnect from the chaos as a means to reconnect with itself as it is realigned. As you come to the end of the treatment, "Let it Be" which you are encouraged to say during your mantra is said and you are left alone. You can still hear the sounds of a number of melodies. When the rooster crows, you are done and revitalized. 

Walking back into the vintage kitchen, you enjoy a pot of tea and cookies as your body is about to go back to the real world. You're also sent home with a bath bomb so that you can continue your experience within your own home with memories of what you enjoyed during the past 75 minutes. 

Without a doubt, this is an experience that is great for those that are not spa-goers as you can comfortably leave your clothes on (as it is provided), and this is more about muscle work as opposed to putting oils on you. It's a great entry way into this experience.

For spa vets, having this multi-sensory experience is such a treat as your body feels more alive adapting to what is taking place in its direct environment, while succumbing to it in a pleasant way. 

LUSH SPA FACTS

LOCATION: 

783 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10065 

1525 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Check out their locations in Canada and in London

SPA OFFERINGS:

A number of treatments are offered at LUSH SPA, but Athleisure Mag has always been a fan of those that are curated with sound and muscle conditioning. Continue to check in as they are themed, our initial one years ago was Harry Potter themed!

ATHLEISURE LIST: MODELFIT

Former stylist, Vanessa Packer is the Co-Founder of modelFIT, a bespoke workout and nutrition program(she is a holistic nutritionist) which makes it a lifestyle. At it's core, their process emphasizes mindful movement and a balanced diet. This can increase more fitness, increased energy, and balanced moods. These effects are benefits that she feels she has acquired since creating this method.

Clearly, the belief has resonated with its clients which include Taylor Swift, Chrissy Tiegen, Karlie Kloss (as well as a number of notable of Victoria's Secret Angels) who make sure that they are runway, tour, studio, and stage ready. Located in the LES of NYC's Bowery, Vanessa partnered with Celebrity Trainer, Justin Gelband in their 1,500 sq ft space where classes average $40 a session.   

modelFIT provides an effective workout in a space that is beautiful and refined. Signature workouts incorporate a mix of Pilates, Yoga, movement, motion, balance, stability, functional training and more. Instructors incorporate their various backgrounds in yoga, boxing, dance and intrinsic strength training and fuses it with the modelFIT philosophy of mindful exercise. The focus is on slower movement and working smaller muscles, which yields results that lengthen, sculpt, tone and tighten the body.

Guests enjoy a studio space filled with fresh flowers, organic beauty products, plush towels, and the latest magazines to round out their experience. Of course, modelFIT apparel is available for purchase.  It is minimalistic, clean, and modern zen. The space (a former factory circa 1900) sits atop the bustling corner of Rivington and Bowery to have a birds-eye view of the iconic city it sits within. Another service that is offered to members is one-on-one individualized nutrition consulting, in addition to an array of great workouts that are offered at this studio.

MODELFIT FACTS

LOCATION: 212 Bowery NY, NY 10011

STUDIO OFFERINGS: Train like a model is a mantra that is not a part of this gym but is infused within their clientele. Nutrition, zen, and a workout with a focus on smaller and mindful movement is brought together for this method.

THE ATHLEISURE LIST; NYC/HAMPTONS/CT/TURKS + CAICOS - ERIKA BLOOM PILATES

Erika Bloom Pilates offers personalized holistic fitness programs. They believe that fitness and movement are part of a fit, balanced lifestyle. The exercise programs are designed to make members strong and lean, and focuses equally on creating healthy, functional plans that fit into their routine and are sustainable for the long term. The end result is a body that’s free of aches and pains and that feels more graceful and toned.

This is possible by focusing on extensive training and education programs by their staff. Instructors hold advanced certifications in Pilates but also study yoga, Feldenkrais, Barteneiff, Alexander, Klein, and more. They work closely with their top practitioners in acupuncture, holistic health counseling, massage, structural integration, and more, so that a client’s care is fully coordinated. All of this is offered in serene, luxurious environments that are truly full body wellness destinations. The Erika Bloom Method combines the 100 years of wisdom from classical Pilates with modern anatomy research and exercise science.

The method was founded by Erika Bloom, who is still at the helm of all five studios. She was a professional dancer who first discovered and began practicing Pilates to aid her dance training and deal with dance related injuries. She fell in love with Pilates and immersed herself in studying many forms of movement, exercise, and wellness. She is extensively trained in anatomy and exercise protocols. Her many certifications include 650+ hour Pilates, yoga therapy, stand up paddle board, prenatal Pilates, and postnatal Yoga. She has additionally trained in diastasis rehab, gait correction, postural correction, Pilates for tennis, Pilates for golf, scoliosis, osteoporosis, back pain therapy, chronic pain therapy, fascia massage, Zero Balancing, joint replacement protocols, and more.

Erika Bloom's 5 studios are located in:  the Upper East Side in New York City, two in the Hamptons: one in East Hampton and one in Watermill that just opened this Memorial Day, Greenwich, CT, and one at Amanyara Resort in Turks and Caicos. The aim is to open where our clients need them and to expand purposefully to keep the focus on highly trained staff in beautiful spaces. 

Erika Bloom creates a toxin free, natural environment in all studios and their offerings
that adhere to the philosophy. Their bathrooms have hand soap and candles by Red Flower. In addition, they provide filtered water in glass Soma’s (sustainable, plant-based filters). The boutique at Erika Bloom sells a carefully curated selection of organic and natural beauty products including Tata Harper, Josh Rosenbrook, Bottega Organica, and more. While in studio, guests can purchase organic blends by Lulitonix and eco-friendly Pilates props.

Guests can purchase their internal eponymous label of organic cotton T's coupled with a perfect selection of luxury fitness clothing by brands like Alo Yoga, LNA, and Morrow.

The Erika Bloom Method offers private or duet sessions. In-studio sessions are done on the full Pilates apparatus including the reformer, cadillac, chair, and barrel. These machines provide resistance for challenge and assistance for perfect form so each session is maximized. The Erika Bloom Method combines lengthening and strengthening with specific biomechanically sound exercises that target the entire body with focus on the intrinsic musculature. It is perfectly designed to create long, lean, functional bodies. Within each session, highly trained instructors pinpoint imbalances to choose the most effective exercises and create programs specific to each person so that everyone can achieve healthy, long, lean, graceful bodies. 

In addition to the signature Erika Bloom Method sessions, acupuncture, holistic health counseling, craniosacral therapy, structural integration, massage, yoga, and meditation are offered. Practitioners are trained to tailor programs for prenatal, postpartum, diastasis recti, scoliosis, osteoporosis, joint replacement protocols, back pain, sports injuries, and more.

Read more from the July Issue

THE ATHLEISURE LIST; NYC - AXLE WORKOUT

The Axle Workout is a full body strength and conditioning program that is designed with a special emphasis on dynamic core exercises that are unique to the Axle training bar.  Given the ultra light (<10lb) nature of the bar, it allows for a variety of movements catered to every skill level. 

The philosophy behind the class is to pair foundational strength exercises with rolling core training exercises to minimize rest time between sets and create a greater metabolic effect for participants. The class also incorporates tempo training based to the beat of the music during sets.   

Andrew Page is a strength and conditioning coach based in NYC who originally conceived the idea for the Axle training bar while training Olympic Athletes. Anuj Patel is a healthcare professional with an engineer's mind who helped source, design, and manufacture the training tool.  They share the inspiration of improving human movement across all populations. 

The Axle Workout is offered out of Clay Health Club & Spa's indoor studios and outdoor roof deck, located in Union Square.  The Axle Workout will expand to three more locations by fall 2016 and will continue to grow throughout NYC.

Clay Health Club & Spa is a premier luxury health and fitness space.  It offers an array of amenities that include: showers, sauna, spa, steam, indoor and outdoor lounge area, fresh juice bar and cafe, towel service, and locker service. 

Axle Workout apparel is currently private label with eventual plans to partner with leading brands.  

This method is always a full-body and core-centric training program.  We offer three tiers of classes with the entry level focusing more on core strength and balance, mid level building on the first tier and they are introducing more athletic-based movements, and high-intensity classes with advanced classes placing emphasis on metabolic training.

AXLE WORKOUT FACTS

LOCATIONS: 25 West 14th St NY, NY 10011

STUDIO OFFERINGS: Axle Workout's full body strength and conditioning program is currently being enjoyed at Clay Health Club & Spa within their indoor studios and their outdoor roof deck.

Read more from the July Issue

ATHLEISURE LIST: UPLIFT STUDIOS

Uplift is a (women-only) fitness studio and female society that offers signature group fitness classes, specialized personal training, and a unique social community. Their philosophy is pretty simple, but powerful: in everything they do, they are devoted to the power of "US". They create an environment where strong women empower, inspire, and connect with each other, through fitness and in all areas of life.

Leanne Shear is the co-founder of Uplift. Before conceiving the idea for Uplift, Leanne was a professional writer and the author of 'The Perfect Manhattan and Cocktail Therapy: The Perfect Prescription for Life’s Many Crises,' and her writing has also been featured in The Nation, The New York Times, New York, Glamour, Maxim, and Men’s Health, among others.  Leanne graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania and received a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies and Cultural Politics from New York University.  

Uplift offers five signature classes: Endurance, Power, Strength, Sculpt, and Uplift Express, which is a sampling of the other four formats. They offer personal training tailored specifically toward a range of female demographics. The studio also hosts a number of events including retreats, day trips, career panels, love/dating  events and nutrition workshops to name a few.

Uplift was on the top of the studio fitness game for amenities from the very beginning. In its full-scale NYC studio, they offer a range of beauty products, complimentary filtered water, coffee, tea, and post-workout refeuling snacks, and often  work with strategic partners to provide juices, nutrition bars and other goodies. The LA studio is providing similar offerings.

The studio will launch a new line of apparel in early July centered in "US"/aka the Uplift Studios moniker ("FocUS on the Good"). They will reintroduce their hugely popular muscle tee with the phrasing "Strong Women Uplift Each Other".

In addition to the NYC location, they also recently opened a second studio on the left coast in the heart of West Hollywood.

UPLIFT STUDIOS FACTS

LOCATIONS:

8254 Melrose Ave LA, CA
24 West 23rd St 2nd Fl NY, NY

STUDIO OFFERINGS: 

They offer personal training tailored specifically toward a range of female demographics.

ATHLEISURE LIST - SURFSET NYC

Whether you're a surfer or always wanted the body without hitting the waves, - SURFSET NYC is one of the hottest methods right now! SURFSET New York City offers surf-inspired fitness classes, made popular by ABC's Shark Tank, that are designed to build strong, lean surfer bodies. The interval-based classes combine elements of aerobic fat burning, lean muscle building, and balance & core training in a fun and challenging 45-minute routine on top of a custom-made unstable surfboard.

Diana Garrett and Aaron Thouvenin, creators and co-owners of SURFSET NYC and two of the world’s first SURFSET® Fitness Master Trainers & Ambassadors. As surfers themselves, they bring the challenging and fun aspects of surfing to every class.

Diana Garrett, founder of SURFSET New York City, learned to surf more than 15 years ago in San Diego, and she’s been riding waves (in the ocean or on the RipSurfer X) ever since. As a surfer and former competitive gymnast, acrobatic performer, and gymnastics coach, her fitness focus has always been on core strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. It’s no surprise that her SURFSET New York City classes combine all four surf-inspired interval workouts!

While Diana has surfed the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, you can usually find her riding her fun board at Long Beach, NY or Spring Lake, NJ. Diana’s SURFSET New York City classes bring the excitement of surfing to land, whether you want the rush of catching a wave, the lean strength of a surfer, or just a fun way to stay in shape. Diana is a certified SURFSET Fitness Master Trainer and NASM Personal Trainer.

Aaron Thouvenin, founder of SURFSET New York City, has always been a sport and fitness competitor and enthusiast. He developed a passion for surfing while attending college and pursuing a basketball career in Australia, and has never looked back. He combines the fun, free spirit of the surf lifestyle with the training regimen of a competitive athlete, and is a true believer in the fitness and spiritual benefits of surfing. Most importantly, he believes fitness should be as fun as surfing!

Aaron has personally experienced the benefits of SURFSET Fitness classes and the RipSurfer X since SURFSET first launched in 2011. After years of working and studying techniques with trainers from various areas, he tried SURFSET Fitness and was hooked. As a SURFSET Brand Ambassador, Master Trainer, and founder of SURFSET NYC, he is excited to share his enthusiasm for surfing, fitness, and coaching with the world. His motivation and focus on plyometric movements and core balance will have you in surfer shape in no time! Aaron is a certified SURFSET Fitness Master Trainer.

SURFSET Fitness creators Mike and Sarah Hartwick were on Shark Tank and secured a deal with Dallas Mavricks owner and billionaire investor, Mark Cuban.

The SURFSET NYC studio is located in the East Village at 64 East 4th Street (between Bowery & 2nd Ave), 4th Floor, NY, NY 10003. It is also available for on-site and off-site events, classes, and demos. In the summer, they are also partnering with Skudin Surf to offer surfing lessons in the water.

SURFET NYC studio is a beach oasis in downtown Manhattan! It offers bottled water, and SURFSET NYC workout towels at the studio. They currently sell Terez leggings in the studio. SURFEST NYC apparel is coming very soon!  

Read more from the May Issue

ATHLEISURE LIST - ((305)) FITNESS; NYC, DC + BOSTON

Named after Miami's area code, ((305)) Fitness is a dance cardio workout with a live DJ. Classes infuse dance moves, sport drills and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for a total body workout.

This dynamic workout was created by its Founder/CEO, Sadie Kurzban, who has been featured in NY Observer, Good Morning America, TODAY Show, TODAY with Kathie Lee + Hoda, Harper’s Bazaar, Style.com, New York Post, Fusion, and The Washington Post, for her uncanny ability to make a greuling workout feel like a party. Known as a 26-year old "ball of energy known for her sweat and smiling inducing workouts," she created her original workout method while attending Brown University. While there, she taught her revolutionary dance cardio workouts part-time as a student.

Kurzban placed first in the University's Entrepreneurship Competition, receiving $75K to launch ((305)) Fitness in NYC. With packed classes and also in beautifully branded studios in NY, Boston and Washington D.C., the "rave meets workout" is an underground non-stop cardio experience to create a full body workout. Classes feature a live DJ, and burn up to 800 calories in one session.

She still finds time to teach cardio and Sculpt classes, overseeing a staff of over 30 instructors and 20 DJs. In addition, she has traveled the country and beyond, from LA to Las Vegas to Chicago to Berlin, teaching ((305)) Fitness.

((305)) Fitness has two locations in NYC (West Village  and Midtown), Washington, D.C., and Boston's Back Bay. Guests can enjoy full service locker rooms, showers and blow dryers. Soon, their apparel and boutique will be available as well.

Your workouts include the option between ((305)) Arms, ((305)) Legs and ((305)) Basics which is available at all locations. Recently, they launched Yoga 4 Better X and ((305)) Sculpt at their West Village location.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE TRUMON 

View fullsize

((305)) FACTS

LOCATIONS: Midtown and West Village in NYC, Wasghington, D.C. and Boston's Back Bay

STUDIO OFFERINGS: ((305)) Arms, ((305)) Legs, ((305)) Basics, Yoga 4 Better X and ((305)) Sculpt

Read more from the May Issue

ATHLEISURE LIST - EXHALE SPA, GLOBAL

When it comes to obtaining peace and zen, Exhale Spa unifies the need of feeling and being good with the perfect blend of its spa and fitness offerings. With 29 boutiques in 11 markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to achieving the ultimate in luxury mindfulness. 

Since 2003, its spa and fitness boutiques are in free-standing boutiques, hotels, resorts and luxury residential properties. Guests seeking spa therapies can enjoy a number of services including massages, facials, acupuncture, nails and massages. For those focused on a total workout, there are barre, cardio, HIIT and yoga sessions within their studios.

In addition to these options, guests can have a number of well-being programs to choose from including, retreats, Thai stretching, bridal boot camp, 6 week core evolution and personal training. 

Exhale Spa has won  a number of awards that focus on  Best Massage, Best Couple's Massage, Best Workout, Best Guy-Friendly Gym Class, Best Facial, Best Yoga, Best Hotel Gym,  Best Local Spot For Pampering and so much more.

Annbeth Escbach serves as Exhale Spa's CEO and founder. It started as a focus on knowing that what people wanted within the spa and fitness industries didn't exist. By placing these components under one roof, they had the ability to create a transformational mind body spa and fitness center together. 

View fullsize

This idea became a reality when she reached out to her founding team members which ncludes Julia Sutton (COO). To fuse her vision of fitness and spa together, she looked no further then two of her teachers who worked at Lotte Berk Method Studio on the UES. Frank Devito (EVP, Mind Body Classes and Training) lends his expertise to the fitness portion of the experience. Elisabeth Halfpapp (EVP, Mindbody Programming) supports the spa portion of the program. 

Together, the founders continue to bring innovation to their centers while selecting the best locations. Whether you're a member or purchase classes and/or treatments a la carte, continue to check on their website and social channels to see what they have available to in their quest to, "Come in. Exhale. Leave Better."

View fullsize

EXHALE SPA FACTS

LOCATIONS: Atlanta, Bermuda, Boston, Chicago, CT, Dallas Hamptons, LA, Miami, NJ, NYC and Turks + Caicos

STUDIO OFFERINGS: Core Fusion Barre/Express, Core Fusion Barre + Cardio, Core Fusion Extreme, Core Fusion Cardio, Core Fusion Sport, Core Fusion Boot Camp, Core Fusion Cyclng, Power/Flow Yoga, Chill Yoga and Core Fusion Yoga.

Read more from the Apr Issue

Athleisure List - LA, Elliptifit

With over twenty years in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, group fitness leader and active lifestyle enthusiast Annette Comerchero found inspiration to create something new. In 2012, she opened ElliptiFit in West LA centrally located between Century City, Brentwood and Santa Monica They also have a ‘Silicon Beach’ Marina Del Rey popup at The Shores, a luxury apartment community. There are additional plans to open locations in Santa Monica, Venice and beyond. Her vision for this studio fitness gym is to offer amazing fitness benefits with its high intensity, low impact calorie scorching workouts as well as sunshine for your soul which radiates from the warm community environment and authentically positive and engaging staff.

Elliptifit is the first group fitness with Sole Ellipticals. When taking classes, they offer two different workouts both based on the concept of HIIT. ElliptiFit is a forty five minute class on the elliptical machine that combines HIIT resistance, running, sprinting, with body toning rhythmic resistance exercises, utilizing the arms, core and lower body.

CrossElliptiFit is also forty five, minutes but it alternates between HIIT on the elliptical and Tabata style body weight exercises on the floor.

Before class, prep as you would for cycling. Make sure you’re hydrated and not hungry. But do avoid heavy foods at least 45 minutes before the class to avoid feeling bloated and or nausea. In addition to taking classes, members can purchase Elliptifit activewear and accessories. Keep an
eye out as they also host trunksales and pop ups for brands such as Lorna Jane and Lululemon. Modern bathrooms and amenities are offered. They also have a committment to using eco-friendly products when cleaning workout equipment.

ELLIPTIFIT QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: 11870 Santa Monica Blvd #207, LA, CA 90025
OPENED: 2012
STUDIO FITNESS FOCUS: The first elliptical group fitness studio classes with a focus on Elliptifit and CrossElliptiFit. 

WIN THIS:

For our Athleisure Mag readers in LA, we’re giving away 3 passes for 2 weeks for classes at ElliptiFit. Today through Feb 24th, you can enter to win by tweeting your favorite song to work out to and following us on @ ElliptiFit and @AthleisureMag and list your favorite song to work out to. You can enter our giveaway with the full details by clicking here.