Photo: Marcus Tondo / Indigital.tv
Versus Versace hit London Fashion Week with a number of looks that embody the athleisure spirit. From track suits, fun outerwear, jersey dresses and so much more that are perfect for layering in the fall. Of course, there is that sophisticated edge that runs through the mens and women's collection. Our favorites are in the above carousel.
PHOTO COURTESY Marcus Tondo / Indigital.tv
The boho glam meets statement prints was on display to showcase Alice and Olivia's NYFW FW17 show. From the blush tones, neutrals, camo and intricate designs - this is making us excited for next fall's style which brings out our inner femme rockstar goddess!
PHOTO COURTESY Alice + Olivia
The wearable looks featured in Michael Kors' NYFW show present a number of looks that can be layered in a myriad of ways to take it from desk to dinner and beyond. There are a number of pieces that fit within the Athleisure style as it's comfortable pieces that work great for a transitional way of living. Check out some of our favorites above!
PHOTO COURTESY Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv
During NYFW FW17, See by Chloé presented essential items that are key for FW17 with soft layers, cozy outfits and great footwear.
PHOTOS COURTESY See by Chloé
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, it's essential to travel comfortably while also being able to hit the ground running as soon as you land. Our Style Director, Kimmie Smith shared must have pieces! She appeared on The Jet Set with host Nikki Noya to share finds. Check your local station to see whether it's on CW, FOX etc in your area.
ON THE SEGMENT | SPENGLISH Cropped Pants + Sweatshirt | BOY MEETS GIRL Tee Shirt + Denim Jacket | BELOFORTE Grey pants with leather strips on pockets | KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Olive Jacket with matching pouch |
WHAT KIMMIE'S WEARING| SPENGLISH White Tank | ABBY MAY JEWELRY Necklace | SHE'S KIMMIE Beaded Bracelets | MISFIT Ray | GIRLFRIEND COLLECTIVE Black Leggings | OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS Alt Girl Lip Tar | SALLY HANSEN Wine Stick in Miracle Gel |
And just like that NYFW FW17 is over but of course, this week we'll share a number of our favorite shows from this past season. Although LACOSTE will be showing in Paris starting with their SS18 collections they shared their FW17 line here in NYC. A number of men's and women's looks in earthy tones with a sci-fi flair and plaid a la 90's Kurt Cobain's Nirvana.
PHOTOS COURTESY Umberto Fratini / indigital.tv
Gap Launches Limited-Edition ‘90’s Archive Re-Issue Collection with ‘Generation Gap’ Film
“The ‘90’s is having a sartorial moment and we have an archive of pieces that set the tone for that decade commercially and culturally, so it seemed right to re-issue some of those pieces and the stories that come with them,” said Craig Brommers, chief marketing officer for Gap. “‘Generation Gap’ came together in a celebration of who was with us then and who we are with now – it has, at its heart, that simple truth that we can take from the past but also celebrate our future.”
Gap pays homage to the past and celebrates emerging talent with Rumer Willis, Coco Gordon, Evan Ross, Chelsea Tyler, Lizzy Jagger, TJ Mizell and Naomi Campbell
After an intense workout, you want to make sure that you get to have a proper rest to allow your body the time it needs to look its best! These are the perfect items to have on hand for your each and every studio session.
| DOVE Advanced Care Invisible Sheer Fresh 48h | SUNDAY CATS Freezie Pops in Watermelon, Pineapple and Strawberry Lemonade | KT RECOVERY+ Ice/Heat | COACH Rogue Satchel | SKINDINAVIA Post Makeup Recovery Spray | HYDROPEPTIDE Stimulating Relief Balm |
Read more from the Jan Issue.
After talking with Meik Wiking of The Little Book of Hygge in this issue, we put together some of our favorite finds to bring a little hyggelig in your lifestyle!
Hygge is all about coziness and taking time for yourself as well as with an intimate group of friends
| PAULA BIANCO Infinity Scarf | VOLUSPA Champagne Rose | BLOOMINGDALE'S Faux Fur Throw | GAP Over the Knee Cable Knit Socks |
Read more from the Jan Issue.
There's no excuse to stop working out or to change what you do due to equipment available in hotel gyms etc. Our Style Director, Kimmie Smith shared what she brings with her in her carryon to continue working out whether she's gone overnight OR for a few days! She appeared on The Jet Set with host Nikki Noya to share finds. Check your local station to see whether it's on CW, FOX etc in your area.
ON THE SEGMENT | TRX TRX Go Suspension Training | MANDUKA Yoga Travel Mat | W8FIT Wrist Weights | DYLN Alkaline Water Bottle | TOE SOX | SKLZ Jumprope + Gliders | MIEL Sport Bra + Underwear | AIR REPAIR SKINCARE Air Repair Kit | LO ROX Foam Travel Roller | SAJE Pocket Farmacy | VERA BRADLEY Packable Cube | HERSCHEL SUPPLY Bag | KARL LAGERFELD PARIS Sneakers |
WHAT KIMMIE'S WEARING | BELOFORTE Long Sleeve Shirt | FOREVER 21 X LA LAKERS Tank | 90 DEGREE BY REFLEX Rose Gold Leggings | ADIDAS Superstar | SHE'S KIMMIE Stacked Beaded Bracelets | MISFIT Ray | OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS Alt Girl Lip Tar | SALLY HANSEN Wine Stick in Miracle Gel |
BERENIK moved it's way into NYFW FW17 with its presentation last night at Pier59 Studios. on the first night of the season. The brand is known for its contemporary style which includes prominent visual aesthetic as well as its simplicity. Designed by Veronika Brusa, the line is comfortable, functional, and sporty femininity. The presentation showcased faux fur lined coats, short and long jumpsuits, bodysuits, pants, sweaters, leggings and unisex pieces. Attendees saw the functionality and veratility of the line with 50 movement and performance artists who moved throughout the venue to live music from Swiss based electronic performer BIT-TURNER.
This Spring, we've got GOOD news. Our Style Director, Kimmie Smith will be a part of The GOOD Festival in April. What’s GOOD? It’s an entire day dedicated to health and wellness - a festival dedicated to feeling GOOD and creating a life that fulfills you.
Join our Style Director this year in Philly. To put it simply, The GOOD Fest includes: good vibes, a kickass workout, serious inspiration from those in the wellness space, great food, and an unbelievable sense of community. GOOD is an event that will challenge and excite you - and leave you happier, healthier, and more fulfilled than when you arrived.
THE GOOD FEST
- All-day experience
- Date: April 22, 2017 // Location: Skybox Event, Philadelphia, PA
- Community of like minded women
- Work out and fresh lunch included
- Swag Bag (over $100.00 in product)
- Incredible Speakers
This month, we attended the launch party for POLO RED which announced the new face, Luke Bracey, for the high selling cologne. We took a few moments to find out about the actor who has been in a number of movies including, the Point Break as well as Hacksaw Ridge, which is enjoying a lot of buzz during this awards season.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was it like being selected for POLO RED?
LUKE BRACEY: The process of becoming the face of POLO RED has been so enjoyable and fun. I’m so honored to be the new face of POLO RED – being part of such an iconic brand is truly a privilege. Having the opportunity to work with Bruce Weber was also a great experience. He's a beautiful man and is so talented.
AM: What are your duties as the face of POLO RED?
LB: As the face of POLO RED I truly live and breathe the fragrance – I focus on bringing the speed, adrenaline, power of the POLO RED EXTREME lifestyle to men everywhere. Next I'll be joining the Ralph Lauren Fragrances team in Madrid to help kick off the global launch of the fragrance.
AM: Say 3 words describing POLO RED.
LB: Endurance, adrenaline, boundary-pushing.
AM: You're a busy man as you were in the remake of Point Break, you were in Hacksaw Ridge which had a lot of buzz this awards season, what movie will we see you in next?
LB: I’ve got a couple of movies in the pipeline, but being the face of POLO RED is the role that I’m really focusing on right now.
AM: You're in great shape, besides surfing what workouts do you do?
LB: I’m very no-nonsense when it comes to fitness. I do 100 push-ups and 100 sit-ups every day. When I get to the gym, I like to keep it pretty basic and my routine tends to vary. Sometimes I go through periods where I go to the gym 5 days a week, and then take a few weeks off and before getting back into it. It’s all about balance.
AM: How do you give time to yourself?
LB: One of my favorite things to do is read. Right now I’m reading a great book called "Prisoners of Geography" by Tim Marshall. It’s a captivating book about how geography still plays a pivotal role in politics today. Even though it's 2017, geography is still the biggest factor. In addition to reading, I like to be in the water as much as possible. I try to go surfing and swim as much as I can.
AM: What's your personal style?
LB: My style is pretty relaxed - I'm a tee shirt and jeans guy most of the time. I love my Blundstone boots, they’re definitely a staple in my personal style. When I’m hanging out with friends I’m usually in board shorts and flip flops.
As connected as we can be, it's refreshing to know that there are still things that can be embraced even if it has a strong heritage and culture that we have yet to adopt (or maybe have unbeknownst to be engaging in it without being aware). As the Co-Founder/Style Director, part of the rewarding experience is to find how I have been aligned to a number of concepts within Athleisure that I have done for years (as well as learning about things that I was previously unaware).
I say this as anyone who knows me knows that I am all about comfort (while looking chic), being cozy and being able to take moments for myself as well as intimate gatherings with others. I feel that in the midst of a fast paced lifestyle, these moments are essential to our wellness survival and it keeps my batteries charged when I work at dizzying speeds!
So when I started hearing about hygge, I became curious as I wanted to know more about this integrated way of being that has its roots in Danish culture and is making waves across the globe. There was no better person to talk about the intersectionality of hygge happiness, socializing and more, than Meik Wiking who has literally written the book about the practice for those of us who are not familiar! Clearly, he is well versed on the subject as he is from Denmark and is the CEO of Copenhagen's Happiness Research Institute.
Following this interview, I have curated items that you should have on hand in order to embrace hygge especially with the winter season when we could use a little extra comfort and centering!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to creating a career that focuses on the study of happiness and the creation of The Happiness Research Institute?
MEIK WIKING: As CEO of Copenhagen's Happiness Research Institute, I study what makes people happy across the world. In 2011, the UN published a resolution which stated that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal” and in 2012 it released its first World Happiness Report. Denmark regularly topped the list, and occurred to me that somebody should be trying to gather some intelligence about why we were doing so well in the happiness rankings, and then I thought “maybe I should do that.” In a matter of two months, I had quit my job and started paying even more attention to the global interest in what makes us happy.
AM: How did your work in the research of happiness bring you to creating The Little Book of Hygge?
MW: On a weekly basis, I am asked questions like “Why are the Danes so happy?” and “What can we learn from the Danes when it comes to happiness?” from journalists, researchers, nalists, researchers, and policy makers around the world. Denmark does have a strong social safety net, but so do other Scandinavian countries and Denmark still ranks highest on happiness surveys. I came to realize that there might be an overlooked ingredient in the Danish recipe for happiness, and that is hygge.
AM: Throughout the book, you share the feelings and sentiments that create hygge and how it can be experienced alone, as well as in a collective, what are your favorite moments of hygge?
MW: Hygge is something I practice every day. I try to build a little pleasure and gratitude into my daily routine.
AM: In your opinion, is hygge a component of mindfulness?
MW: Not to us Danes. We have been talking about hygge for the past two centuries, whereas mindfulness is a recent trend. Also, we don´t see hygge as a trend, but more a part of our culture and national DNA. But I understand why this question is being asked, because both mindfulness and hygge share a focus on being present.
AM: With an increase in meditation studios, candlelight yoga sessions, spaces where silence is encouraged to reconnect and retreats what elements of hygge can be included in these activities?
MW: Hygge mainly has to do with the absence of sounds, which enables you to hear even very quiet noises such as raindrops on the roof, wind blowing outside the window, the sound of trees waving in the wind, or the creaks of wooden planks that yield when you walk on them. Also, the sounds of a person drawing, cooking, or knitting could be hyggelig.
AM: For those who travel extensively, how can they make their hotel rooms or create a traveling hygge kit in order to feel that sense of comfort, when they're away from home?
MW: In THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE, I talk about hygge emergency kits which can include candles (good quality), chocolate, tea, a blanket and, naturally, a scarf. In Denmark, we suffer from scarf withdrawal syndrome, so it’s important to have one on you at all times. If you pack this up and take it with you, this can easily be your hygge travel kit.
AM: Although you grew up in the world of hygge, why do you think that other countries have begun to adopt it?
MW: There is so much interest in Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia because these countries often rank highly in the happiness lists. Also, I believe more and more people are recognizing that our societies have become richer, but we as people have not become happier—and that we in a lot of countries are failing at converting wealth to well-being—and therefore people are looking for new sources of inspiration to improve quality of life—and looking towards Scandinavia in general and Denmark in particular
AM: The book shares a number of stats that reflect the happiest countries, is there data that reflects the happiest US city or state or one that reflects a region that is the most hygge like?
MW: In the US, you have, for instance, the General Social Survey, which would tell you the level of happiness around the country—however, I think we have yet to see a hyggeindex—even in Denmark.
AM: We enjoyed hearing about how extroverts and introverts can experience the benefits of hygge, can you share with our audience how it can assist both groups?
MW: Introverts derive their energy from within, while extroverts derive theirs from external stimulation. Hygge can be labelled as socializing for introverts, because it is about being with others without it being draining. And extroverts can light some candles, put on some soothing music, and embrace their inner introverts on occasion.
AM: After reading this book, there are many notions of hygge that I have done for years without knowing the culture behind it and as the Co-Founder/Style Director of Athleisure, in addition to showcasing an active lifestyle, we are a major proponent of wearing garments that are comfortable and work with your lifestyle, taking moments to connect with friends in a myriad of ways and more. How can those within the athleisure culture mindset adopt hygge?
MW: It sounds like many of your readers are already maximizing hygge. I would suggest just talking about it more because our language shapes our behaviour and our behaviour shapes our happiness.
More from the Jan Issue
Athleisure Culture is all about how the different lifestyles come together and it lends itself to some pretty amazing mashups. We took a moment to chat with Y7's founder, Sarah Levey who has merged yoga and hip-hop together through her classes which have a great following of enthusiasts, who enjoy studio classes on the west and east coasts! In addition, she is a part of Cole Haan's StudiøGrand campaign, so it was the perfect time to talk with her about her involvement in this collaboration, how she came about creating Y7 and how she keeps it together.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you came to be involved in the Cole Haan StudiøGrand campaign?
SARAH LEVEY: As a young and self-funded woman I know every step I take needs to have meaning. Cole Haan reached out to me and pitched their StudiøGrand campaign concept… I knew immediately it would be a fit for me and the Y7 Studio. And it’s certainly been fun!
AM: What is StudiøGrand?
SL: StudiøGrand is a versatile women’s lifestyle collection born out of a need to fit the active on-the-go woman from the studio to work and everywhere in between. Making every step count, the collection features understated minimalist silhouettes and items such as outerwear, shoes, bags, water bottles, yoga mats - it’s a complete lifestyle collection.
AM: How does this campaign align with your brand and way that you go about your day to day?
SL: StudiøGrand is a great fit for Y7 as the collection offers style and function. So often my clients are trying to squeeze so much out of their day (work, kids, dating, etc) and this collection makes it possible for them to make the most out of every step. The collection is both stylish and comfortable, so you can wrap up a great yoga session at my studio and then head off to brunch with the girls.
AM: Tell us about Y7 Studio and what made you create this method of fitness.
SL: I love music. It is so powerful. For me it can elevate, motivate and relax my mood depending on the beat or song. I thought why not take two things I love and put them together. There are no rules for this. It's an opportunity for the client to work on what they want to focus on. If they want to make the flow harder and add in poses great, if they want to take it easy that day that’s good too. It's all about giving our clients the freedom they are craving in that moment.
AM: What should we keep our eye out for as we go into the spring in terms of new offerings that will be available at the studio whether it's a new location here in NYC, class etc?
SL: We are trying to take over! You can expect a ton of new merch collections dropping monthly, plus we will be opening more locations in NYC and LA.
AM: How do you stay balanced in the midst of running a business (especially with your significant other - which we understand that very well), being a Boss Babe and leaving time for yourself?
SL: It’s definitely challenging. I am almost always overwhelmed with emails, meetings and check-ins with my staff. What has been a game changer for me is putting our corporate team in place. Alex (Director of Operations), Melanie (Retail Coordinator), Natalie (HR) and Stephanie (Teaching Director) are incredible and really help keep me focused and hold me accountable. I also recently set a bedtime and do a nightly meditation routine just so I can take some personal time. It’s not much, but I am working on taking more time for myself so I can be the best possible person for my team.
AM: What are your favorite pieces from this StudiøGrand collection?
SL: The StudiøGrand Bomber for sure! It's the perfect weight and easy for layering. And to top it off, I got to wear it in the campaign shoot! The shoes are so comfortable and stylish as well. The entire collection is extremely versatile.
See additional notables that were tapped to be a part of this campaign including: New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer Sarah Mearns and Model, Entrepreneur and Author Coco Rocha.
Read more from the Jan Issue.
On February 5th, Super Bowl Sunday hits Houston, TX with the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots. In addition, we're all excited about Lady Gaga when she hits the stage for this year's half time show.
If you can't get to the game, or Houston, we suggest watching at American Whiskey at 247 W 30th St NY, NY 10001 to cheer on your team, as well as to get great eats!
| YANDY Raw Edge Pullover Hoodie | ADIDAS Superstar Silver Toe | 90 DEGREE BY REFLEX Ankle Mesh Ring Leggings - Black Label Collection |
Read more from the Jan Issue.
With the new year, we're all about getting on the right foot from being well to truly taking on those goals. We took a moment to chat with EDM DJ's NERVO - super cool and focused Australian twin sisters who have been taking the world by storm! As models, songwriters, producers, DJ's and more, we could seriously bottle their energy for any time we need a pick me up!
We talked with Olivia and Miriam Nervo them on what they are up to from being sisters who work together, how they travel so much from set to set, their personal style and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: So how did you two realize that you wanted to be DJs and what was your background to getting there as we know that you started as songwriters.
NERVO: We used to be full-time songwriters, working purely for other artists. When a song we wrote for David Guetta and Kelly Rowland - “When Love Takes Over,” won a Grammy, we thought we should give it a try ourselves at being artists. Besides, we had so many songs on our hard drives that we thought it would be such a waste to leave them there - so we had to become artists to release them. And NERVO was born :)
AM: As writers, producers and DJs what has been some of your favorite projects and people that you have worked with?
N: Everyone we have worked with has been truly amazing, but writing our own album and having it reach #1 was truly an honor. We were able to work with some really awesome artists like Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Alisa Ueno, Kreayshawn, and of course a favorite of ours and truly one of the funnest projects was getting to work with everyone on “The Other Boys,” with Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears and Nile Rodgers!
AM: You guys travel quite a bit, how do you stay centered when you're on the road going from stage to stage and where is your favorite place to perform?
N: Well we have become experts at the quick nap. We can literally sleep anywhere, on planes, in airports, in lobbies - literally anywhere, probably even standing up. To be honest, the energy we get from our fans always brings us back to life. Even when we are dead tired, we get to a gig and we see their smiling faces or their signs and we find some more energy.
We love performing in Ibiza and also Mykonos. Actually, everywhere in Europe during the summer is incredible. Europeans really enjoy their summers. They stay out late, they eat great food and they party hard. Of course playing the major festivals like Tomorrowland and Creamfields is also a real buzz.
AM: In addition to being talented songwriters, composers, producers, DJs etc - you have also left a fingerprint on the fashion industry as well from modeling, spokeswork and just having great distinctive style. How has all of these skills advanced your brands collectively as well as individually?
N: The fashion side of our business is just a lot of fun. We are lucky enough to travel to some of the most fun places in the world where we often pick up unique pieces of clothing. Tokyo is a favorite city of ours to shop in. We also wear clothes that are practical. We are constantly touring so Lycra is always good as it washes and dries quickly and is also very light weight - it’s a win win.
AM: As sisters, what is the process like in working with one another from behind the scenes as well as on stage.
N: We couldn’t imagine doing it without each other. Being able to travel and see the world with your sister is truly an amazing experience. We are each other’s support and also best critic so it really works out. There is an honesty that we have with each other that really helps our creative process too. We wouldn’t change it for anything!
AM: When you're about to play a set, what is the day like leading up to it and after, do you guys have rituals or things you do to relax after it?
N: Honestly, usually it’s traveling to that specific show, maybe catching a nap and a good meal, preparing a strong set for that specific venue, getting girl ready and then just having the most energy we can to put on a great show. We are constantly working on something new for the shows - whether it be a new intro, a new edit, new visuals, so we always have a bit to discuss before the gig.
AM: Describe your personal style, what do you wear on stage versus what you wear when you're going to brunch or running errands?
N: On stage, we love leggings or short leggings with platform tennis shoes (that must be comfortable) and a body suit or comfortable top because we do jump around a lot, so our clothes need to be something that do not affect the performance. In everyday life, we also really like to be comfortable and love comfy tees and cool jackets and definitely no makeup. We like to let our skin breathe whenever possible.
AM: What artists are on your bucket list that you have yet to collaborate with it?
N: We have had the pleasure of working with so many great artists and each one brings their own texture and vibe and would work with all of them again! But our future bucket list would include Lauryn Hill, Imogen Heap, Eminem, London Grammar, Jack Johnson… we could go on foreverrrrrr :)
PHOTO CREDIT Chloe Paul
AM: With so much time on the road, how do you stay in shape and where do you like to go to get away?
N: We stay in shape on stage! Think we must burn so many calories on each and every show haha…
We love to get away when on the road and sometimes take extra days in great locations like Mykonos, Ibiza, Mexico, and even skiing in Austria! Oh, and we always take a few months off a year to be with our family in Australia.
AM: Tell us about #TittiesTittiesYeah and will you continue to do shows that include this initiative?
N: We will continue to do everything we can to help raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer. Our mum is a survivor so we saw first-hand how important charities were not only for cancer victims but for their families, providing emotional support and also of course to the research that goes into finding a cure. We started #TittiesTittiesYEAH so we could raise money and donate it to various hospitals or organizations and can’t wait to do more in 2017!
AM: As female DJs who have received phenomenal achievements, do you feel that you're role models to women who are looking to be in the space?
N: We hope so and would love to be the inspiration for any woman in any career field to help them show that achieving your goals is possible and hard work and determination breeds success. We recently did a campaign for our “People Grinnin’” release alongside Made By Me in Australia that helped show how women can get into engineering and that even though some of these fields are male dominated it shouldn’t stop women from going after what they want.
AM: What are you working on that fans should keep an eye out for?
N: More music and touring. We have a big release coming out in February, as well as some great collabs we are super excited about. We’re also really excited to be launching NERVOnation in the snow in Solden, Austria this April. And of course, we will be launching NERVOnation in Ibiza at Ushuaia.
To stay connected to NERVO while they're on tour or enjoying their next trip to destinations unknown, follow them @NERVOmusic on Instagram.
Read more from the Jan Issue here.
We have some great suggestions to gift your honey this year!
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HER | STERLING FOREVER Gold Solid X Layered Ring | ISOLA Rose & Vanilla Cream Perfume Body Oil Set | RALPH LAUREN FRAGRANCE GIFT SET Ralph Lauren Romance Fragrance + Dylan's Chocolate Gift | DEEPA BY DEEPA GURNANI Chantel | LATIGO Kick | COLDWATER CREEK Scarf |
VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM | LULU DHARMA Argyle Weekender | HUCKLEBERRY 18K Satin Brushed Yellow Gold Black Diamond "Lucky You" Horseshoe Ring | THE BODY SHOP Maca Root Rescue Kit | DOLLAR SHAVE CLUB Subscription Kit |
Read more from the Jan Issue here.
SHOT AT DOGPOUND | PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas | STYLIST Kimmie Smith | MUAH David Stella |
Our cover shoot took place at DOGPOUND, NYC's hottest new gym. This boxing haven brings celebrities, Victoria's Secret Angels, models, athletes, and those that are truly enthusiastic about perfecting their look. DOGPOUND has become the prime location where this all comes together through their focus on training members through personalization of their individual goals.
After spending the afternoon shooting here for our anniversary issue, we had some questions for this temple of fitness. What started from a group of workout buddies, has grown into DOGPOUND founded by Kirk Myers.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us how DOGPOUND came to be before coming to your present location in Tribeca?
KIRK MYERS: DOGPOUND was originally called Kirk Fitness. I was working as a personal trainer, but my business started growing really rapidly. It was then I met Breylis Pena, who wanted to become a trainer, and we formed a group in the morning made up of clients who wanted to workout but didn't have a lot of time during the day. We started calling ourselves DOGPOUND. At the time we were renting space out of multiple gyms, but it wasn't long before we outgrew the spaces--even getting kicked out. So, we decided to build our own.
AM: What is DOGPOUND and what is the meaning behind the name?
KM: Some of our clients started bringing their dogs to the workouts.
AM: What is your background and what led you to create this studio?
KM: I was a chunky kid, but my health took a pretty big downturn when I suffered from heart failure. I knew I would need to make some pretty serious changes. I started working out, I started to see the results, they wanted to work out with me. My training business started to grow. I started at 23, and I've always been an independent trainer. I realized that in order to be the top trainers in the world, we needed our own home base.
AM: It's clear that beyond being a studio and a method, that it is a culture - what about it has made it a destination for models, celebrities, etc as a place to get the physique that your members want?
KM: I think there's a couple reasons why. It's because we are so passionate about what we do, and people see that and recognize it. That type of energy is infectious. We are in an up and coming neighborhood, we want our clients to feel safe and comfortable in the space and we are results oriented. We've created a community, so most of the celebrities and models who workout here, their friends workout here too.
AM: On the same note, how do you select trainers that you onboard to the DOGPOUND family?
KM: We hire passionate and positive trainers. That's our number one and number two. Our roster of trainers is pretty diverse. It is not really about what you've accomplished, but where you want to go. You really want to be a trainer, you really want to help people? That's the kind of trainer we want. We can develop the trainers and give them the education they need. We have our entire boxing program. No one ever boxed before the program, but we brought someone in who was a world class boxer and he taught us how to box and now we have a boxing program. You have to want to learn. Some of our top trainers weren't trainers when they started. We look for trainers who want to constantly seek improvement. Just like our clients come here to be a better version of themselves.
AM: We like that those who are members of your gym have the ability to be trained by a number of your trainers, what was the thought process behind that and how do you feel that that is beneficial to them?
KM: Because it’s always been my own business, I've had long term clients. The issue is that they can get bored working out with only one person. Not only do the clients get bored, but the trainer gets bored. When you have a team, you can offer strengths that you don't have personally in your service. It creates variety. Just today, I had a client who likes boxing, but I don't box, so I had him warm up with some boxing techniques with another trainer. Another client has a knee bothering him so I had a trainer that has more physical therapy background work with him. Workouts don't get stale. And, simply for a time standpoint, it allows for clients to make sure they can fit their workout in. If a client want's to workout but their only availabilty is at ten, but I'm booked at ten, they can work out with someone who has an opening at that time. Here you can always get into workout with somebody.
AM: Besides the location at Tribeca, are you planning additional locations?
KM: Yes.
AM: Do you sell apparel that is branded with DOGPOUND or other brands?
KM: As of right now, you can't really get apparel unless you come directly to the location. It's available only at the gym.
AM: What types of workouts are offered at DOGPOUND?
KM: Boxing, HIIT, Strength Training
AM: How important is offering nutrition as a service?
KM: It's extremely important. I think nutrition is 70% of your fitness goal.
AM: Clearly, you're a busy man, when you're not working, what can we find you doing on your "off time"?
KM: Relaxing and snuggling with my Pooh Bear. Oh, and watching the Raiders.
AM: When did you introduce the Machine Gun?
KM: Four years ago.
AM: What does the studio look like? Any signature decor?
KM: It was designed by Fabien Baron. Black, white, and concrete. Very sleek look.
AM: I know you have a varied clientele but could you generalize a bit and give me a brief description of the folks who go there?
KM: There are finance guys and girls, artists, athletes, celebrities, models and a lot of people who just want to get results.
AM: Can you be more specific about how the various disciplines are combined? Are you going from holding a yoga pose straight into a resistance exercise straight into a jump squat?
KM: Just want to paint a clearer picture of the progression of the class. The only class we offer is boxing, but we always start a one on one session with a dynamic warmup, but the workout is specific to each person's goals. All of our one on one programs are individualized. If you are a dancer, there will be more flexibility, toning and core work, but if you are looking to join the 1000lb club, there is going to be more strength training and heavy lifting.
Read more from the Jan issue.
Our Jan Issue, the Anniversary issue is out tomorrow but you can take a peek now, right here!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Paul Farkas
