#TRIBEGOALS

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

BREATHE IN WITH GUNNAR PETERSON + DR. CEDRIC JAIME RUTLAND

We're always promoting ways of optimizing your health and being able to bring you the best advice and tips on how to reach and push your goals. Each person has their own challenges and paths to getting there. This month we talk with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Gunnar Peterson and pulmonologist Dr. Jamie Rutland about asthma and how this condition affects this community when it comes to them engaging in fitness and sports, how they can approach these activities, the importance of checking in with your doctor and LungZone which both are participating in.

For avid readers of Athleisure Mag, Gunnar Peterson has shared his insights in a number of our issues. As a trainer to Khloe Kardashian, Kanye West, Hugh Jackman, professional athletes and more, he has always been focused on his clients reaching their fullest potential. It's great to get his perspective when it comes to training and working with those that have asthma and to also provide tips to those he isn't working with and has this condition so that you can set yourself up for the best success when navigating this portion of your journey.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve had the pleasure of interviewing you for Athleisure Mag and I always like getting your insights. What muscles are necessary specifically when it comes to breathing?

GUNNAR PETERSON: When you think about the muscles that are important for breathing, you want to think about the diaphragm, abdominal muscles and those in the chest and back that support lung capacity and postural awareness. The pectoral muscles, for example, are important when inhaling and exhaling. When I say postural awareness, I mean things like sitting up tall with your shoulders back and your chin is up high with an inhale and steady exhale. It's important to focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing, not shallow throat breathing, so that you can get more out of the body whether at rest or play.

AM: What exercises can we do to open our airways and strengthen the muscles that help us to breathe?

GP: Anything that challenges you from a cardiovascular perspective is a good exercise to open your airway and strengthen your muscles. In fact, you can visit JoinLungZone.com for my Get Moving class that provides movements and sequences in a way that will challenge you from a cardiovascular standpoint and help prioritize your lung health. Exercises include a push up with a t-raise – which strengthens your pectoral muscles – or a pull down – which opens you up in the front while you're taxing the latissimus dorsi muscles. All those things can help you to think about steady breathing during your resistance training. I should note that my class on www.JoinLungZone.com is for people living with moderate-to-severe asthma, and they should consult with their doctor before taking any of the classes. Each person should take classes based on their own fitness level -- you don't want to jump in particularly if you are coming in from a completely sedentary lifestyle. Once you get the green light from your doctor, then you can progress accordingly. Listen to your body. It’s something that everyone should learn to do, even those who might consider themselves advanced.

AM: What are routines that one can do to have a great workout while navigating a busy lifestyle?

GP: First, you need to determine your goals. Everyone has different goals. Your goal may just be to get up and get off the couch three times in one day. That’s ok. You must start somewhere. Once you determine your goal, you must create a plan and stick to that plan. You want to do something on a regular basis so that it’s consistent because it’s that consistency that keeps you going. My biggest piece of advice is to find something that you can consistently incorporate into your lifestyle. My “Get Moving” class provides exercises you can consider.

AM: Growing up, my sister had severe asthma that placed her in the hospital many times from the time she was 3 until her middle school years. At that time, going to gym class became a battlefield as the teacher didn’t understand the severity of her ailments or how to create programs that she could do – just recently she started running and was shocked that she could do it. As someone who has trained athletes, celebrities, etc., who live with asthma, are there things that you look out for and lean into so that they are still optimizing what they need to do while being mindful of their condition?

GP: First off, thank you for sharing that with me, and hats off to your sister for not losing interest in running despite what could have been a difficult experience when she was younger. I could easily see her throwing in the towel or checking out, but good for her for pressing on. We certainly have grown to understand how asthma can impact a person and have more resources available to us. Everybody is different and you can't push everybody at the same pace and same level. For many people with asthma, exercise can seem intimidating, especially when you are worried about having an asthma attack. But staying active is important, and certain exercises can help people focus on their breathing in a positive way. As a personal trainer, I’ve spent my life helping people focus on their physical well-being. Getting in shape is not something that happens overnight, and that’s true for lung health, too. That's why we have created a starting point for people at JoinLungZone.com.

AM: How important are personalized workouts to you when you’re working with your clients?

GP: Personalized workouts are everything to me when I'm working with my clients. That’s why they bring me in. They don't want something cookie-cutter. They don't actly what the person before them did, even if they had similar vitals and goals. When you think about sports teams not everybody does the same workout. Individualized workouts are very important to me, but they are also important for people living with moderate-to-severe asthma. Even if you are doing a group workout, there should be levels that fit various needs you should have a way to progress so that each person walks away feeling like they got the most out of it.

AM: Please share tips on how asthmatics and those who may be navigating related lung issues can still get a great workout.

GP: I know I’ve said this a few times now, but I am saying it because it’s important. Before trying a workout class, people living with asthma should speak with their doctor about what is right for them. Don't just jump in on your own. Think about your body as a whole-- don't try to isolate and narrow down to single, small muscle groups or single joint movements. You want to think about the broader picture and overall lung and cardiovascular health because that's what's going to carry you through the demands of your day. — whether that's biking or playing pick-up soccer with your kids or even just getting through the daily tasks of running your household, there are demands in all of those activities. Life is a sport, everybody's an athlete, so train accordingly.

AM: Tell me about LungZone and why you felt that this was something that you wanted to participate in.

GP: LungZone is a program – which you can learn more about at JoinLungZone.com – that aims to guide people with moderate-to-severe asthma toward better lung health. I’m excited to participate in this program and be here today on behalf of Sanofi and Regeneron because this is really all about inclusion. Once people know that they at least have an entry point, the sky's the limit. LungZone gives you everything from mindful breathing practices with Kelley Green who is a meditation expert to common questions about asthma that are answered by Dr. Cedric "Jamie" Rutland, and my Get Moving class so you can start anywhere on that continuum, and you can progress it or regress it as needed.

AM: How can we prioritize our lung health regardless of whether we have issues or not?

GP: The lungs are fundamental organs, and there are steps we can take to focus on better lung health in a very real way. Exercising, meditating for stress reduction, and practicing deep diaphragm breathing to train your body to breathe better are important ways that people can contribute to their lung health.

I believe first and foremost you should find a way to enjoy exercise. If you can find a way to enjoy it, you're more likey to stick to it, and if you stick to it, you're more likely to benefit from it and make it something that you can always build on.

AM: Are there any projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?

GP: In addition to my work on LungZone, I try to always have irons in the fire. I have some upcoming work with F45 Training which is a global workout company. I am really aligned with their philosophies and really like that they design their classes for all levels so anyone can do it. Again, that’s in part why I was excited to also participate in LungZone because it’s that same mentality.

IG @gunnarfitness

Gunnar shared how he is involved in LungZone and why this is important for those that are living with asthma. We wanted to take a step back and to take a look at asthma. It's important for us to take a step step back and look at what asthma is, how this condition affects the body and the areas that it targets specifically. Dr. Cedric "Jamie" Rutland, a pulmonologist, explains more about this to give us a better understanding about this and what are common triggers. It's impossible to think about asthma and its affects without asking about how COVID can also play into this condition and the importance of receiving the vaccine. He also shares his involvement in LungZone as well.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into asthma, LungZone etc, I’d like to know about your background as you’re a fellow Big 10 alumni. Why did you want to work with those who have pulmonary issues?

DR. CEDRIC "JAMIE" RUTLAND: It's a great question. The way that I ended up at a Big 10 school, University of Iowa for medical school, was really that it just happened to be a top 10 medical school. So when I got accepted, I decided to go there. When you think about a Big 10 school in the Midwest in general, that area of the country is very well educated. All the students within that area of the country are so talented, and so good at being a student that I picked up a lot of different skills from others in the process. That experience truly allowed me to understand what pulmonary and critical care offered me, which was the opportunity to not only specialize in a certain field of medicine, but also experience other parts of medicine that I enjoy because when you're an ICU physician you see everything. I still like to help people with kidney problems, liver problems, and GI tract problems. ICU medicine also gave me the opportunity to communicate with families and patients in critical situations. It allowed me to explain things and teach, which is something that I really like to do, and I think without the help of a Big 10 school, like the University of Iowa, I wouldn't be where I am today.

AM: For our readers that may not be familiar with asthma, can you talk about what it is and the areas of the body that are affected?

DR. CJR: Let’s first talk about the lungs and how it's structured. The lung is essentially a bunch of pipes that lead to a bunch of balloons stacked on top of one another. When you take a deep breath, that air travels down your windpipe and further down into smaller little pipes called the bronchi and bronchioles. Those bronchioles lead to the balloons where oxygen is picked up by your blood and used to keep your body functioning properly.

Asthma is an inflammation of those pipes. More specifically, it's inflammation of the smooth muscle layer of the pipe, which leads to airway narrowing. That means people have trouble taking a deep breath in, and more specifically, even have trouble releasing a deep breath out. We want to calm that inflammation down so people can breathe easier and feel a little bit better.

AM: Are there various categories or groups as I’m sure that not all asthma is the same for those that have it.

DR. CJR: Yes, there are different categories and different treatments depending on the type of asthma you have. If a patient comes in and tells me they are short of breath, I quickly determine what type of inflammation may be present in their body. Those patients might need an inhaler. But, often times, it's not just a localized type of inflammation. It's often a systemic type of inflammation, something we call Type 2 inflammation. When you identify that more systemic type of inflammation, then there are certain treatment options that work to block that inflammation, like Dupixent® (dupilumab). In clinical trials, Dupixent improved lung function in as little as 2 weeks and helped reduce asthma attacks by up to 81% when compared to standard of care alone plus placebo. I should mention that people shouldn’t use Dupixent if they are allergic to it or its ingredients, and it can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions and inflammation of your blood vessels. So, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see what type of inflammation you have and what type of treatment may be right for you.

AM: What are the symptoms of asthma and are there seasons where it can be more prone to happening?

DR. CJR: Common symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Those symptoms tend to happen as soon as you're exposed to irritants or anything that you are allergic to. If you go outside and its springtime and all that pollens around, and you start coughing or wheezing, that's going to be your trigger. If you are going outside during the wintertime, and you feel like your airways are narrowing or you start coughing then cold is your trigger. All these things can trigger your airways to become inflamed and that leads to airway narrowing, mucus production, shortness of breath and wheezing which are the classic symptoms of asthma.

AM: For those who are living with asthma, what do you suggest that they should be aware of when it comes to living a 360 life in terms of fitness whether they’re an enthusiast or an athlete?

DR. CJR: I think if you are an athlete or a fitness enthusiast who lives with asthma, then you have to understand your disease and listen to your body when it’s telling you that you don't have your disease under control. It's very important for people to be aware of their symptoms because the last thing you want is for that persistent inflammation to continue which could lead to a hospitalization, severe asthma attack and potentially death. If you're using an inhaler and you're still coughing or short of breath when you do things like going up a flight of stairs, you need to tell your physician – whether it's your primary care physician, your pulmonologist, or your allergist – that your medication isn’t working and see what else is out there.

AM: Can you tell me about what LungZone is, why you wanted to be involved in it and how you’re participating with this program.

DR. CJR: LungZone is a virtual community created by Sanofi and Regeneron to allow patients and their family members the opportunity to become educated about what asthma is, what inflammation is present in your lungs, and potentially how to treat that inflammation appropriately. The reason why I'm involved in LungZone is because as a doctor, it marries two things I'm in love with. One is immunology, which is the study of white blood cells and what they do in the body when there’s inflammation present. And the other thing is communication. I think it's very important for patients and their family members to understand what the body is going through. What I have found, is that people who understand what's going on in their body tend to tolerate their disease a little bit better, and they feel empowered by learning what's going on in their body and understanding how they can help control their disease. I think that that is something that is extremely important, and it's something I'm passionate about.

AM: How can our readers participate?

DR. CJR: Your readers can participate by going to JoinLungZone.com and taking my "Help Manage Your Asthma" class or take the other more dynamic classes from Gunnar Peterson and Kelley Green. I think what's good about these classes is that they truly help people understand what their body is going through, what they maybe need to ask their physician and other ways to strengthen their body and manage their systems.

AM: As we have all been navigating these past months due to COVID-19, can you share any information in terms of those who have actually battled COVID while being asthmatic or for those who have not had COVID but do have asthma how this may affect them?

DR. CJR: What's interesting about asthma is that there are different subcategories of asthma. Depending on the type of asthma, a person might deal with SARS-CoV-2 differently. Asthma leads to airway inflammation, and so does COVID-19. If asthma-related inflammation is uncontrolled, then COVID-related inflammation can be really problematic. If there's one thing that I've learned, it is making sure that a person's asthma symptoms and the inflammation are under control.

AM: Do those who are not asthmatic but have gotten COVID experience some of the issues that are similar to asthma?

DR. CJR: Yes, you can. Again, when you have that inflammation of lungs, whether it's caused by smoke, pollen, or COVID, the symptoms are going to be the same. I have had people who have never been diagnosed with asthma, that now have asthma due to this persistent inflammation in the post-COVID setting.

AM: For those that may not have received the vaccine for COVID and are asthmatic, what is your message to them to encourage them to get it?

DR. CJR: I love this question and I will tell you why. If you're a patient of mine, you're going to understand what asthma is and how it works. We talk a lot about targeting inflammation. The whole point of a vaccine is to calm down inflammation and not allow the immune system to overreact and cause more problems. It’s a lot easier for my patients to understand how and why a vaccine works. We also talked in the earlier questions about what complications COVID can cause when you have asthma, and that’s also what I discuss with my patients.

AM: You are a busy man without a doubt. You're the founder/ownder of West Coast Lung. Can you tell me more about this and why you wanted to launch your own office?

DR. CJR: When I was a young doctor, I understood that the most important people to be able to communicate with were not my colleagues, it was my patients. There was a particular incident when I was in the hospital, and a colleague of mine couldn't get a patient to open up. This lady looked exactly like my grandma. So, first thing I said to her was, "Good Afternoon Mama." And she just opened up to me. My colleague said to me, "How did you know to call her mama?" I said, "She's an African American female so she's mama, that's just who she is.” That's when I understood that I needed to make certain I knew how to communicate with patients. So, when I started West Coast Lung, I wanted to focus on messaging and education amongst patients and their family members, so they can understand what is going on with their bodies. I think it empowers people and allows them to more easily deal with what they have, and perhaps make some changes to their diet and exercise that helps them feel better in the long run.

AM: You’re also the VP of the Association for Healthcare Social Media. What is this organization and how are you involved?

DR. CJR: We knew that social media was going to be a place where people were going to get health information. We knew that 50% of people got their health information from social media, which was astonishing to us, but we also know with social media that you can post anything. We understand our role with messaging and how to combat misinformation, and that's what we are continuing to do. Our role in social media is continuing to evolve, and we partner with YouTube, Pinterest, and are always looking for other media partners to be able to express our message. We have physicians that discuss gastroenterology, fertility, and obstetrics. So, we really all understand the impact that social media has and as a company you want to be able to deal with it in a very positive way.

AM: You’re also the National Spokesperson of the Lung Association! What do you to bring awareness to lung health and how long have you been in this role?

DR. CJR: I've been involved with the American Lung Association for about four years. What I like about being a spokesperson, is that it gives you the opportunity to show that there are doctors who look like me on a national scale. I think that there's a lot of kids that look like me that may not know that they can be a doctor, or they can become a doctor, so I think that showcasing that was important to me. It also allows me to practice my craft around messaging and teaching on the national stage and explain things in a way that everybody can understand, which again I think is really important. Being in this position allows me to be that bridge between science and your everyday person.

AM: Going through your Instagram, it’s evident that you’re passionate about pulmonary issues and making it approachable through your videos. Why has this been important for you to share this kind of information socially?

DR. CJR: You have to be able to explain it in a way that people can understand. If you can't, you've done nothing. For example, with the COVID vaccines, within a year we went from having nothing to "go get the vaccine." We had a year to teach immunology.

I think in that moment I understood and said, "You know what, I am just going to teach how the body works." If people can understand that, maybe they can get to the conclusion of how a vaccine works. I teach why the vaccine may work, but I also teach about Onesimus, who was the African slave who brought the concept of vaccination to this country in the 1700s. I discuss why Onesimus had this belief in how smallpox should be treated and how that concept came from Africa to Boston during the smallpox pandemic. I want people to understand, and I use their language to make it happen.

AM: In addition to using your platform for health, it also looks like you enjoy having fun like your appearance on Game of Talents this past spring and sharing your wall of Js. How important is it to you that you have that work life balance as well as sharing that doctors come in many forms and can literally be a cool guy that you’d want in your friend group?

DR. CJR: I think it's important for people to be themselves and embrace who you are. I've done game shows with my friends. I'll still go out with my wife and my kids and coach them all the time. I think it’s just doing the things that I enjoy. Being a professional doesn't mean you need to ignore certain aspects of your life. I spent a lot of a lot of time learning that saying no doesn't mean you don't have to be you, it just means that you're focused on what you're trying to gain. I was focused on gaining my medical degree, my fellowship and ultimately my career. I'm just not going to let go of being me.

AM: As we get closer to the end of the year, are there any projects that you'd like to share that we should know about?

DR. CJR: In addition to my partnership with Sanofi and Regeneron on LungZone, another major project I am working on is developing a television program in which we educate people in a barber shop setting. There's a lot of education that happens at the barber shops. You know, I always have a dry erase pen with me so I can draw the science to help people understand, and I think taking that to a broader audience is extremely important. Being able to educate in any setting gives people the power to understand, and exposure to others who made them think about something in a different way. We have some prominent Hollywood producers and musicians involved and I think it’s going to a really positive platform that allows people to ask questions and find answers in an easy-to-understand way.

IG @DrJRutland

PHOTOS COURTESY | LungZone

Read the OCT ISSUE #70 of Athleisure Mag and see Breathe in with Gunnar Peterson + Dr. Cedric James Rutland in mag.

FITNESS IS A LIFESTYLE WITH HARLEY PASTERNAK

A lot has taken place over the last 20 months. We've learned new skills, become profficient in things that we never knew about, assisted others in their time of need and with all of that activity going on, it's important to make sure that we also keep the focus on our health so that we can continue to be our best selves. We checked in with one of our faves, Celebrity Fitness Trainer, Harley Pasternak, who has worked with Ariana Grande, Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga to name a few. He talked about how we can maintain our goals no matter the time of year and to make it an ongoing priority. He shares how we can stay on track as well as some healthy hacks along the way!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Now that we’re settling into the fall, how can people stay on track with our fitness and nutrition? It feels like a gateway as we’re coming off of the summer and soon we will be thinking about the holiday season as well and there are those that are also focused on getting rid of their Quarantine 15.

HARLEY PASTERNAK: The principles of being healthy and staying in shape, they hold true regardless of what month or season it is. Number 1, you’ve got trying to hit your step goal every day – that’s at least 12,000 steps a day. The fall is probably my favorite time of year to do that. It’s not too hot, but it’s not too cold. Get those steps in and take in the beautiful weather – rake your leaves, whatever you need to do. I love getting my steps. Number 2, is sleep! I think that it’s actually easier to get sleep come the fall because we fall back. There’s a little less daylight, so we actually get sleepier a little bit earlier and we tend to get a little sleepy. It’s cooler, the clocks change and these contribute to getting the best sleep. Number 3 is cutting back on screentime. I think that you should unplug for at least an hour a day from technology and it’s really important. It affects our health, wellness, wellbeing, our mental state and our physical state. Next is food, protein, fiber and healthy fat for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a little snack in between. Finally, you still need to strength train as little as 1 strength move a day. You can work your way up to 2 – 3 strength moves every other day.

AM: For those looking to round out their workout routines, what are some moves that you think that they should do so that they’re hitting the 360 of their bodies?

HP: I don’t believe in doing a whole body workout. I believe in splitting the body throughout the week. One way that I do it is 1 body part a day, 7 days a week. So each day of the week, you’re doing 1 exercise. Sometimes I will do 5 days a week of 2 body parts a day and sometimes I’ll do 4 days a week of 3 body parts a day.

AM: I know that you’ve partnered with Maple Hill. What is it about the brand that made you want to be involved with them and then what are some good recipes that you can make with their products as I know that you’re a fan of smoothies as we are too.

HP: I met them a few years ago at an event that I was hosting for Goop in Texas. I saw the product, I really liked it and we kept in touch. They reached out to me recently and they said, “would you believe that we figured how to filter out the lactose-sugar from dairy?” All that’s left is 2 different proteins, whey and casein, Vitamin D, calcium, potassium and water. I was like, there’s no way. They sent it to me, it was delicious, my kids love it, I love it! I have been using it for my smoothies in the morning – I have a few smoothies that I use such as the PB&J Smoothie. I also enjoy making an Apple Pie Smoothie and a Pina Colada Smoothie where I use it as the base.

APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE

Per Smoothie

15 raw almonds

1.5 red apples, peeled, cored and chunked

1 small frozen banana, chunked

1 1/4 Maple Hill organic plain Greek yogurt

1 cup Maple Hill Zero Sugar organic milk

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

PINA COLADA SMOOTHIE

1 medium orange peeled and sectioned

1/3 cup Maple Hill organic plain Greek yogurt

1/2 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons whey protein powder

1 frozen banana chopped

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (fresh, not canned!)

My kids will use Maple Hill in their cereals and in the afternoon, I will use their Greek yogurt with a little bit of cinnamon and I take a baked apple and pipette the cinnamon yogurt in the middle of the baked apple where I will core it out and it’s really good!

HARLEY'S FAVORITE BAKES APPLES

8 apples, cored

32oz Maple Hill organic plain Greek yogurt

Cinnamon

Core apples and place in a baking dish in one inch of water, sprinkle cinnamon over everything. Cover with foil and bake at 400 for 2 hours.

Mix 2 tsp cinnamon into yogurt, pipe yogurt & cinnamon mixture into the center of the apples.

I use a high-tech, fancy method of putting the yogurt in a ziplock and cutting the corner off to squeeze the yogurt into the apples!

AM: That sounds very decadent!

HP: It is!

AM: As always, it’s fun to look through your IG whether it’s looking at a fitness routine, seeing you introduce foods to your kids or just meals you’re making for lunch. You had a Cobb Salad with pretzel sticks! We love pretzel sticks and being able to see you present a hi-low meal with a twist really shows this fun food sensibility in terms of balance. How important is it to have these healthy hacks in your food lifestyle?

HP: I think it’s important because if you want to eat well, you want to eat well forever. If you’re too strict, regimented and limited – you can do something for a short time but not for a long time. I think that by adding a little hi-low into your foods, you have a fun time with it. So even when I do cereal with my kids, we’ll use the milk with the sugar removed like we talked about which is amazing and we’ll use a high fiber low cereal with it, but then, I will sprinkle in a little bit of the sugary cereal on top so that my kids don’t feel like we’re giving them weird health food all the time! They feel like there is some fun it and I think that that’s important to do.

AM: What do you suggest for people that splurge on having those extra cocktails or enjoying something that really yummy that’s off of their typical plan? What’s the best way that they can reset their bodies to get back on track?

HP: I wrote The Body Reset Diet which has now been a Number 1 – 3 times! I think that some people may want to jump in and hop in on Phase 1 or Phase 2 if they feel like they are spiraling out of control and it just puts them back in on that 3 meals – 2 snacks a day with protein, fiber and healthy fat at every meal. It tends to be helpful for people!

AM: We know that you’re always working on a number of projects so what should we keeping an eye out that you can share with us?

HP: Yeah! I design all the gyms for the Four Seasons Hotels around the world. I helped to develop a new technology called FORME which is a really cool technology. I’m the global fitness advisor for Alo.

AM: Yes! If we’re not rocking Adidas, we’re in Alo!

HP: I know, right? So all of these brand partnerships of mine are synergistic. Maple Hill for me, is a natural no brainer. I have been a fan of dairy for years. I even visited a number of dairy farms to see how the cows live, how milk is taken from them and what they’re fed. I think that every brand partnership that I have ever had has been very organic and natural and synergistic with the other ones.

IG @HarleyPasternak

PHOTOS COURTESY | Harley Pasternak

Read the OCT ISSUE #70 of Athleisure Mag and see Fitness is a Lifestyle with Harley Pasternak in mag.

SKY'S THE LIMIT WITH NOAH NEIMAN

This month, we've been sharing a number of people that have been focused on building their brands that impact the lives of others. Joining this group is Noah Neiman, who is known for his successful studio fitness gyms that include RUMBLE Boxing and Rumble Training. He's known for his dynamic personality and pushing people beyond their limit while also empowering them to believe in themselves. We took some time to talk about how he came to the industry, building his gyms, how he continues to grow his brand as well as his recent partnership with EASTBAY.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We remember the first time we saw you when Work Out New York premiered. How did you come to fitness and when did you decide to work in the industry?

NOAH NEIMAN: Wow! Not the Bravo throwback! Do you remember when Andy Cohen had me half naked on his show!? Sorry mom! My start in the fitness industry was one of those stories that was a lifetime in the making; I just didn’t realize it at the time.

I was one of those overweight kids that would always try to finesse my way onto the shirts team instead of skins playing pickup ball. T-Shirt on in the pool type. So early on, I started to study and learn all I could about physical fitness and nutrition. I had a lot of behavioral problems as a kid, and I found the more that I trained, the less likely I was to act a fool running around the streets of Pittsburgh, Pa. Fast forward to post-college, where I went to Hofstra and got my degree in accounting, a series of unfortunate events led me to leave NYC and returning to my hometown of Pittsburgh.

During my stint in Pittsburgh, I was being incredibly self-destructive again. I was heavily depressed, suffering panic attacks regularly, and forgot how training my physical body helped me keep me emotionally in control. I let myself spiral into a pretty dark place. I remember being in the hospital after a hard night of partying and seeing the concerned and disappointed look on my parent’s faces as they rushed to see me. Seeing that look is one I will never forget. That night, I stopped doing drugs! Now over 13 years ago!

That following week I happened to be driving by a new jiu-jitsu studio that was opening up near my hood: Warren Stouts Renzo Gracie Training Studio. I traded the drugs for jiu-jitsu. I trained with those guys for a year while going through on and off again anxiety issues; 'til finally my parents told me that I needed to head back to NYC. They conveyed in me the belief that I was destined to accomplish great things, but I had to do so in New York.

So I returned back to NYC with very little money and no real purpose. A friend asked me to attend a workout class with him at the newly opened Barrys BootCAMP; and that ended up being the serendipitous moment that most underdogs stories have at the beginning.

I was in that class cheering on my friend and losing myself in that workout. Fortuitously, the now CEO of Barrys, Joey Gonzalez, was the trainer leading the class. He approached me and asked if I wanted to become a trainer there. All my football, strength, conditioning, jiu jitsu, training and a lifetime of studying was about to pay off!! I was READY for a moment, I didn’t even know was coming; but you know the old saying “if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”

I found my purpose. For those hours I was training people and leading these big group classes; all my anxiety and all my depression seemed to just melt away. I had to focus on OTHERS. Making sure they were hustling and making sure they were having a great time. It was therapeutic to me. So I THREW every ounce of effort and energy into it. The world quickly responded; and I became one of the most talked about and featured trainers. Finding myself featured in everything to Vanity Fair to the New York Times, then ultimately landed that show on BRAVO!

Fast forward a few years of building my reputation, my now business partner Eugene Remm; the founder of iconic CATCH restaurants (CATCH HOSPITALITY GROUP) and I got together and started planning what our own gym experience would look like. We wanted to bring an elevated experience to the group fitness game; one the was highly effective, but highly FUN. One that had the aesthetic and vibes that only we could create because of our unique lenses built by decades of our own tastes…. and so RUMBLE was born.

AM: If we wanted to train like you do in an average week, what are your workout routines and what are the foods/meals that you are eating throughout the day?

NN: I actually take RUMBLE Boxing and Rumble training for a majority of my workouts each week. That’s why I created the space! For my body; strength training coupled with conditioning via running and boxing has always had me feeling and looking my best; and the MENTAL benefits of punching things, hard, throughout the week are immense! I try to eat as healthy as I can so I normally hit up my go-to spot HONEYBRAINS to eat fresh whole foods. Throughout the week I eat a lot of fish, steak, eggs, and chicken coupled with potatoes, white rice, spinach, salads, beans. Then when I feel like it, it’s burgers and fries..pizza and ice cream. I try not to be one of those holier than thou trainers. I like to keep it real, eat sloppy when I want, and then get right back to eating clean when I want.

AM: I remember a few years ago I took a class led by you at Barry's Bootcamp and then when Rumble Training opened, I attended an editor event that was led by you. As a well-known group fitness instructor, your passion for motivating and empowering people is so impactful regardless of your workout level - what is your approach to working out with your celeb as well as daily clients and why is this important?

NN: I call fitness the great equalizer! It doesn’t matter who you are, how many followers you have, I treat everyone the same! I keep that same energy like Teyana Taylor (coincidentally also one of our investors). My passion and energy is the driving force of what I do, and I treat every class like it’s Jay Z's My First Song; I treat my first class, like my last class, and my last class, like my first class, so my thirst and energy is the same as when I came!

Everyone is the same at the end of the day. You either do the work and get better by it, or you don’t. I think that’s one of the most refreshing things about training with me, and our philosophy at Rumble. We treat every like Jason Derulo, or Justin Bieber…you just might also happen to work out next to them one day.

AM: Boxing is one of my favorite sports to watch and I know you are passionate about it. Why is this your preferred workout method?

NN: The efficacy of boxing is undisputed as the champ! There’s a reason they call fighters “Lean mean fighting machines,” but to be honest, boxing was always mediative for me. I had a lot of problems growing up. ADHD, getting kicked out of schools. So training to me became therapeutic. It was an outlet for a lot of anger and the vast well of energy I had. Meditation comes in many forms, and this one is mine!

AM: You’re the Co-Founder of RUMBLE Boxing. When you were in the early days of launching this brand, what was it like to know that you had people such as Sylvester Stallone and Justin Bieber as investors?

NN: When you open a boxing gym, and have Rocky believe in you; the provides you with a certain level of confidence. However, at the end of the day, if the experience and workout doesn’t live up to that level of hype, you’re going to fail. It was important for us to come correct, especially knowing we had so many powerful and renowned personalities backing us!

AM: Tell us about RUMBLE Boxing, Rumble Training and Rumble TV and why you wanted to create this universe. For Rumble Boxing and Rumble Training, what cities are you located in and are there new cities you will open in?

NN: Plainly put, I wanted to bring boxing to the masses. Polish and package it in a way that I thought our clients would love! So Rumble Training, Rumble TV, and our OG RUMBLE Boxing were just ways we could positively impact our already highly engaged customers. We’re in NYC, DC, Philly, San Francisco, LA, Chicago; and with our new partnerships with Xponential; you’re going to see Rumbles popping up from Alaska to Australia with 100’s of locations opening up across the world.

AM: In terms of working on the Rumble brand, what is an average day like for you?

NN: As an entrepreneur in general, there are no average days. Especially living in NYC! My role is to really make sure our brand is staying just that; OUR brand. To ensure consistency and clarity in delivery; and making sure our trainers and staff have the discipline and help they need to execute. I’ve never been a great boardroom leader. I need to be in the mix with my team. Teaching classes, seeing how the front desk engages with clients, cleaning the benches and studio if need be! I try and keep that Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines approach; don’t tell. Show! Be there for your team and they’ll be there for you. It requires a tremendous amount of energy to lead in that manner; which is why I’m so passionate about health and mental wellness. It provides you with that unlimited well to tap into. You said you responded to my energy when you were at my classes long ago; and I told you I have to keep that same energy. So when I can; I’m investing in myself, so I can better serve others!

AM: What is the best piece of business advice that you received that has allowed you to navigate the industry as a fitness entrepreneur?

NN: I’d like to think I’m just an entrepreneur; working and consulting with companies in a variety of spaces; but my number one rule of thumb is 'chase relationships, not checks”. Everything I have been able to achieve has been a collaborative effort. I’ve earned my spot at the table by freely giving my energy and skills to whoever engages with me. You’d be surprised the return you get on an energy investment when you invest in PEOPLE.

AM: Recently you partnered with EASTBAY with the release of their new line EASTBAY Performance. You were a team captain for a flag football game in McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. We heard that your team was impressive through 3 of your games and you just missed out on the championship game. Why did you want to participate in this event?

NN: I’m on that Peter Pan! I was so honored to get the call to participate it was a no brainer. Thinking back on my childhood; running home to check out the EASTBAY catalogue, or taking a girl on the date to the Monroeville Mall in Pittsburgh to check out the FOOTLOCKER, is super nostalgic. To be surrounded by such iconic brands, in iconic Brooklyn, and most importantly surrounded by such positive and powerful PEOPLE; I HAD to be a part of this. I'm still rocking scabs on my knees as I answer this question. I look at it as a badge of honor. Young me would be so proud that I’ve worked hard enough to be recognized by EASTBAY and Footlocker; and to be honest, old me is too! Plus, that new EASTBAY line is fire, had to be one of the first to cop!

AM: What are your 3 favorite products from the Eastbay Performance line?

NN: The t-shirt, tights, and shorts combo is a trifecta. Deion Sanders said “if you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. If you play good, they PAY good!" I took that to heart as a child, so rocking the new line it not only LOOKS fresh, but it’s functional to enhance you playing good too...and you know what happens when you PLAY good. Ka-ching $$$!!!!!

AM: In looking at your IG, beyond your passion for fitness and style, we know that you love your dog Oz. How has he been impactful in your life especially when we were all going through the craziness of quarantine?

NN: I’m gonna go super mayonnaise corny on you now; Oz saved my life. He taught me firsthand what it was like to care about something, and have to take care of something other than myself. I learned not to be selfish from him. This dog has been with me from first blood; through thick and thing. Through happiness, depression, poor, rich; Oz has been by my side. During the pandemic I actually rescued two more dogs that look exactly like Oz from Buddy’s Rescue. I may be biased, but I have the sweetest and best-looking trio of dogs on the island of Manhattan.

During the pandemic, I was feeling very anxious and uncertain like the rest of us; so once again I found myself needing to get out of my own head. Who better to escape with than with two little puppies and one sage old pitbull. The puppies even earned a little money over the pandemic shooting for brands like KITH and PETCO.

AM: When you’re not working out, focusing on your business, appearing on TV etc, how do you take time for yourself?

NN: I’m an ambivert so to contrast the extreme extroverted nature of my job, I like to spend a lot of time by myself. I love to walk the dogs through Washington Square Park, read a book, going to ZERO BOND which is my friend’s members-only club. I like to ride my Ducati motorcycle around NYC like the island-ordered Batman on WISH! Sorry mom, I won’t sell it! It’s also meditative to me. The correlation between boxing and riding a motorcycle is strong. In both pursuits, you have to be present. You have to live in the moment. You can’t think about the past or the future; you have to live in the now. I think more people would be better served if they could find those things they love that ground them and bring them home to the present moment.

Growing up, I was never ok to be by myself, because I didn’t love the person I was spending time with; so as I get older, I’m learning to love and invest in that person more. To contrast all that; when I’m really trying to get after it. I will 100 percent get a table at CATCH and hit that dance floor full up on a belly full of the best steak, sushi, and tequila. The perks of being in business with Eugene Remm are numerous; but that is definitely one of the best!

AM: As someone who is always on the go and working on the next thing, are there any projects that you can share that you are working on?

NN: The universe provides if you know how to harvest, so I keep working on my universal agricultural skills. I’ve been fortunate to work with brands across a variety of industries, from NIKE, to BOSE, to Tag Heuer, to Vital Proteins, to MCLAREN to name a few, and each one has been a great learning experience. Its enabled me to spot opportunities across a wide spectrum.

The biggest things I’m focusing on now is helping EMERALD EQUITY GROUP create a brand around their new high end luxury rental building they just purchased 2 COOPER SQUARE. Helping create that elevated living experience people have come to expect from me, albeit in a different arena, with Rumble.

I'm a longtime fan and investor in HONEYBRAINS, the restaurant I mentioned before where I eat 80 percent of my meals. I used to just be a customer and ending up striking up a conversation with one of the owners. Now I’m an investor and helping them grow the brand! All because of giving off that welcoming energy that created the environment for me and the co-owner to strike up a conversation. Remember what I said about chasing relationships! You have to be open, aware, and receptive to the early stages of them!

I’m working with my boy Louis Denaples who owns Ducati New York City on some branding projects for his motorcycle shops; and helping him create a retail line around the Ducati lifestyle.

I’ve been in talks with SIRIUS and other networks about my own show which is something I’m extremely passionate about now. At the end of the day, I just want to impact people. I want people to engage with me, through a variety of platform; yet always know that they are going to get that positive energy and support they need to unlock the greatness within themselves. I pitched a lifestyle travel show with my own unique twist pre-pandemic that is picking up some attention and steam; so stay tuned for announcements on that!

IG @noahdneiman

PHOTOS COURTESY | Noah Neiman

Read the OCT ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Sky’s The Limit with Noah Neiman in mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | GUNNAR PETERSON

Read the OCT ISSUE #70 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | GUNNAR PETERSON in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | BODI

Over the past 19 months, we have figured out ways to get our workouts in from building up our home gyms, finding classes online, following our favorite influencers, and for some as studios have opened up, we have headed back to our favorite methods. Regardless of our choices, many of us have still stayed focused on maintaining our equipment at home while also investing in virtual classes as it's always good to have those on hand.

With a number of classes being offered BODi takes interactivity and an assortment of classes and methods offered to another level. With its initial launch this month, we have found cardio/HIIT, strength training, barre, pilates, yoga, meditation and more. Rolling out later this fall, those who have a MYX II bike will also be able to use this platform on their screen to cycle as well as to swivel your screen and do a number of workouts off bike as well.

You are able to select classes that are on demand as well as being able to join a class live - known as a BODcast where you can see others who are also participating as you are led by your preferred instructor. You can also receive live shoutouts from your trainers as well so that you feel you're in studio.

Other features that are worth noting is that in between classes, you can maintain accountability by participating in BODgroups where you can stay connected with your coaches as well as others that are also participating. You can also see what classes your friends are taking so that you can sign up as well.

BODi also offers nutrition programs so that you can continue to focus on your goals beyond the workouts themselves. The platform also allows you to take a range of programs that are within the Body by Demand universe such as P90X, Insanity, PIYO.

BODI

beachbodyondemand.com

IG @beachbody

PHOTOS COURTESY | BODi

9LIST ROUTIN3S | DON BROOKS

Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Don Brooks in mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | HARLEY PASTERNAK

Read the JUL ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Harley Pasternak in mag.

IN THE STUDIO WITH DON BROOKS

Whether you've been enjoying your workouts or are adding items into the mix, we always like hearing about methods that people are doing. We took some time to chat with celebrity fitness trainer Don Brooks who is also known as Don-A-Matrix. We know of him from episodes on Keeping Up with the Kardashians as he has been the family's trainer for a number of years. We also know that he has sessions for his followers and fans to workout alongside him. We wanted to find out more about his journey into the fitness industry, his method, philosophy and some movements that we can include within our routine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with fitness and know that you wanted to work in the fitness industry?

DON BROOKS: I’ve always had a passion for fitness and a drive to stay healthy and in shape. Before I became a certified trainer, I was someone who loved working out and the accomplished feeling that comes afterward. When I moved out to San Diego years ago, I knew I wanted to be a trainer but I couldn’t have imagined where it would take me – it’s been a blessing to do what I love everyday with great clients.

AM: What was your journey into the industry as I know you were previously an NFL trainer?

DB: After moving out to San Diego to meet some family who had moved out here previously, I fell in love with the West Coast and it’s incredible weather. I started training a variety of athletes in the San Diego area – eventually working with players on the NFL Chargers – and then decided to move to Los Angeles (where it’s a larger hub) and open up my own location there.

AM: What is your fitness philosophy?

DB: If you put in the effort and hard work, you will see the results you were hoping for.

AM: Tell us about the Don-A-Matrix Method as I know you focus the workout around quarters?

DB: I came up with the Don-A-Matrix method as a way to have a specialized workout resemble a sports game. Similar to a normal basketball or football game, my workout consists of four quarters – but within each quarter, you have 3 sets of two different exercises, combined with a period of rest or relief after each quarter. The method delivers results by challenging the cardio and muscular endurance system to tone and sculpt the body, while burning fat. The rest period also gives participants the chance to rehydrate, which is key for sustaining performance throughout the workout. A natural, low-cal sports drink, like BODYARMOR LYTE is my go-to between quarters because it’s packed with electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and doesn’t have anything artificial.

AM: Tell us about your studio.

DB: My Don-A-Matrix Studio is located right in downtown Los Angeles, CA at 7704 Melrose Ave. It’s been a great location for me and my clients – I’m able to host a variety of classes DAILY inside my studio, as well as outside in the back lot.

AM: What is Don-A-Matrix Day?

DB: I’m a native of Petersburg, VA – and grew up in the area – going to Petersburg High School and Virginia State University. I was lucky enough to be honored by the city of Petersburg a few years ago – and they named an official day for me, called “Don-A-Matrix Day.” It’s an honor for me, and I love being able to give back to the community that raised me.

AM: What does an average day or week look like when you are personally working out?

DB: I personally work out every single day – and that could be before or after my personal sessions with clients or even during the sessions, where I'll personally do the workout with them. On any given day, I could realistically end up “working out” 2-3 times a day. Free time is certainly limited!

AM: What are your go to items that you think are important for people to have on hand to have a dynamic workout?

DB: BODYARMOR is #1. It’s important to be hydrated before, during and after a workout. And I LOVE my Don-A-Matrix x Sweet Sweat Fitness Bands, as they are perfect for any workout – and allows you to work in all sorts of different modifications to your standard workout moves.

AM: How important is it for people to have accountability in their workouts and as people are on their journeys of their fitness goals, what should they be looking at to know they are achieving their desired results?

DB: The biggest misconception is that working out will change your body overnight. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. So it’s 100% about accountability and the ability to stay the course. Results don’t happen overnight and there are going to be times when you want to relax, not workout, give-up, whatever it might be – but don’t. It’s important to keep going and workout even when you’re lazy and don’t want to. We all feel that way – celebrities, athletes, etc. – it’s just a matter of getting up and getting through it because you know that you’ll feel better and accomplished afterwards once you do start to see those results.

AM: For those that are finessing their summer bodies, what would you suggest for arms, abs and glutes?

DB: Here are three examples of specific workouts that target your upper body, lower body and core. Keep in mind, the below include a Bosu Ball and would come in a set, similar to my Don-A-Matrix method.

• Lateral Squats – Start from squatting position and keep one foot on the ground and the other on the Bosu ball. Leap into the air and switch feet. Repeat 20 times.

• Jump Switch Lunge – Start from the lunge position with one foot on the Bosu ball. Jump into the air and land on your opposite foot. Repeat 20 times.

• Push Ups – Start in a plank position, dome side-down, and your hands on the flat side on the Bosu ball. Lower down into a push-up position, hovering your chest off the bosu. Repeat 20 times.

AM: You’ve trained Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Travis Barker and more. When it comes to taking on clients, what are you looking for whether they are your celeb clients or someone who sees your work on TV or online?

DB: If someone wants to work with me, they just have to reach out! I always have open availability, and I enjoy working out with new attendees all the time. You don’t have to be a celebrity, just someone who is serious about wanting to better their body.

AM: We know that in addition to people looking to achieve personal fitness goals, you work with celebs that may have to transform their bodies for roles, how do you approach those projects?

DB: Any of my clients – whether they are celebs or not – have personal goals that they want to attain and that’s why they are reaching out. It’s all about accountability and understanding that you have to put in the work in order to attain those results. So as long as you’re willing to put in the work – and deal with the struggles that come with it – I’m happy to work with anyone who wants to get their mind and body right.

AM: You’ve been a long time trainer to the Kardashians. How does the Don-A-Matrix Method work with them and how is it customizable as we're sure Kim, Kourtney and Khloe have different fitness goals.

DB: Absolutely. To your point, they all have different goals from a fitness and body perspective. The Don-A-Matrix Method is great because it’s flexible for any body type, workout level and more. If we’re trying to work on a specific muscle group or just trying to tone down (or up) the workout, we can mold the Don-A-Matrix workout to each attendee’s specifications – whether that’s tweaking the workout, modifying the number of sets or adding another fitness item to change it up.

AM: We have had the pleasure of talking with a number of trainers such as Harley Pasternak, Gunnar Peterson and Jen Widerstrom about how they had to adjust working with their clients especially since they couldn’t get in the gym with them. Did you find last year’s lockdowns a difficult transition for your clients in terms of their preparation to work out and what did you suggest to them?

DB: It was truly a strange year or time-period for everyone, so it was all about trying to adapt and manage as best as possible. For a lot of my clients, we tried live-streaming workouts and doing at-home workouts – things of that sort. As time progressed, we transitioned into more outdoors workouts, given everyone’s comfortability. But I think overall, it just shows that you have to be adaptable for whatever barrier comes your way.

AM: How did you connect with BODYARMOR and what was synergistic between your brands that you felt this would be a great partnership?

DB: My partnership with BODYARMOR goes back several years now and it’s one that has been beneficial for us both. Obviously, hydration is key for working out – and BODYARMOR makes some incredible products that are better-for-you than the other sports drinks out on the market today. They have clean ingredients, potassium-packed electrolytes and vitamins, and their low calorie/low sugar BODYARMOR LYTE is great for fueling my workouts and helping me recover faster.

AM: How important is hydration while working out and of course, throughout the day?

DB: Hydration is critical to your performance – whether you’re working out or about to start your day. It can often make the difference between you being able to complete that last set or struggling to get it started. And part of that is preparation – you want to be sure that you’re hydrating before, during and after your workout – just so you’re giving your body exactly what it needs for fuel.

IG @DonAMatrixTraining

PHOTOS COURTESY | BODYARMOR

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see In the Studio with Don Brooks in mag.

HYDRATION CHECK WITH HARLEY PASTERNAK

We always enjoy catching up with Harley Pasternak, MSc, celebrity trainer, nutritionist and Propel ambassador. He is someone that is not only passionate about working out and food nutrition, but he also believes in the importance of hydration as these three things optimize your body as you go about your day. We wanted to see what he has been up to since we talked to him last summer; get some tips on working out; solo or with friends without equipment and what tools he enjoys using.

ATHLEISURE MAG: With everyone being able to enjoy summer weather, what are the best exercises that we can do outside that don’t require equipment?

HARLEY PASTERNAK: Walk! Walking is still my absolute favorite exercise because it does not require any special equipment, you can do it throughout the day, it can be a form of socialization, and you can even watch your favorite TV show or movie if you have access to a treadmill indoors. I make sure my Fitbit reads at least 12,000 steps every single day!

AM: For those that want to have their friends, family or small groups to workout together, what kinds of workouts do you suggest for this?

HP: Aside from walking as a group, fun games like pickleball or ultimate frisbee are great ways to get a bunch of people involved in a healthy competitive activity that burns lots of calories. Circuit is also a fun way to include a group of people, by having a few different stations, each of which has a different exercise that people can cycle through.

AM: For those continuing to build their home gyms and as you have designed and developed various equipment, what do you suggest should be added to people’s homes?

HP: I’m a big fan of dumbbells. Their versatility is unrivaled. Aside from having some dumbbells, I love a TRX suspension strap, sliders, a good exercise bench, and an elastic headband. If you’re looking for something a little upmarket, nothing comes close to FORME for a digital hardware solution, or you can access some awesome digital content that does not require any equipment at Alo Moves.

AM: What are some tips that we need to incorporate post workout for our recovery?

HP: Hydration is key! Most of the people that come to my gym show up already dehydrated. We actually focus on pre-hydrating, hydrating throughout the workout, and rehydrating right after.

AM: Hydration is important and even more so when we’re in the midst of summer heat, what are your suggestions for this?

HP: I’ve been a big believer in Propel Fitness Water for a few years. The fact that you can get fluids and electrolytes into your body without sugar, goes a long way. Also research shows that flavored water leads to people drinking more fluids than unflavored water. The Propel Powder Packs are super convenient because you can put them into an empty bottle – like the Propel reusable bottle – add water, and shake.

AM: How much hydration should we be consuming on average and what’s the best way to go about that each day?

HP: I tell my clients that 3 L of fluids each day is a must. If you are exercising in the heat, that number goes up relatively.

AM: We like heading to your IG to see recipes that you suggest that we eat such as your open faced shrimp sandwich. What would be a summer menu for the day that you suggest that we can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

HP: I love starting my day with a smoothie, especially one that uses summer fruits like berries. Try my Red Berry Smoothie from the Body Reset diet. Lunch can be a nice salad using seasonal vegetables, seeds, and lean protein like grilled shrimp. And dinner usually focuses on the lean protein like salmon or chicken with a bunch of grilled seasonal vegetables, and a baked sweet potato.

AM: This summer, people will definitely be excited to go out and to do so with a number of people, so I think that people will be busy for sure. How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle that allows you to optimize your summer while setting you for success as we transition to other seasons?

HP: I think building your physical activity around walking is key, especially in the summer. Because of the high temperatures, I like to get most of my walking down early in the morning or at the end of the day while multitasking by doing phone calls or returning text and emails. Preplanning your meals is also very helpful to make sure you don’t feel overwhelmed every day of the week trying to cook.

IG @HarleyPasternak

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Jessica Nash

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see Hydration Check with Harley Pasternak in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | OPUS

If the past year plus has taught us anything, we have a lot going on and we've all found ways to take time for ourselves so that we can recharge. OPUS' ethos is that they exist to help empower people to heal themselves from the inside out and to create a more emotionally fit world through emotional sovereignty (becoming the master of our own emotions and feeling empowered and purposeful in our life), embodied service (showing up as an inspiring example for others and sharing our gifts with the world) and collective coherence (coming together as families, communities and a planet to create from a place of cooperation and compassion).

They're doing this through SoundBed, an at-home immersive SoundHealing platform that acts like a home gym for your heart, emotionally speaking. The SoundBed offers self-care, made effortless - all you do is lay down, relax and experience.

There are two elements that are utilized when using this: spatial vibration and spatial sound. Spatial vibration uses vibroacoustic technology to resonate your entire body with purposeful vibration and specific frequencies. This eases you out of your stress response, attunes your energy, and delivers you into a deeply relaxed, parasympathetic state. Spatial Sound can be experienced with headphones, envelopes you in a world of sounds that quickly captivates your attention, dissolves distracting thoughts and brings your attention back to your body.

Together, these targeted experiences create immersive SoundHealing, a unique and powerful method for relazing the body, opening the heart and expanding the mind.

While impactful on it’s own, SoundBed stacks the power of sound & vibration with guided support and proven self-care practices such as a meditation, breathwork and visualization, helping amplify the existing benefits of those practices to provide potent benefits to mental and emotional healing.

Through the OPUS app, users fill out a short emotional intelligence questionnaire that helps assess and personalize the experience. Based on your intention, OPUS recommends a particular journey to help you reach that desired state.

After selecting the desired experience, users lay down on SoundBed, put headphones on followed by the eye mask and weighted blanket. Next, the users settle in while the SoundBed begins the journey. Opus “Journeys” are crafted by a community of leading experts in meditation, peak performance, breathwork, relationships, emotional intelligence, and more. The exclusive content ranges from 7-60 minutes sessions; including shorter experiences designed for daily relaxation or mood enhancement, to longer format “Journeys” intended for deeper exploration and personal growth.

OPUS

feelopus.com

IG @feelopus

PHOTOS COURTESY | Opus

Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Opus in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | TRX TRAINING CLUB

When it comes to Functional Training, TRX is a global leader and creator in the Suspension Training category with its TRX Systems and accessories that assist in getting your desired workout wherever you happen to train.

This month, TRX launched TRX Training Club (TTC), a new digital platform that embodies TRX's "Let's Move" campaign by allowing users to utilize a variety of functions to optimize fitness needs anytime, anywhere.

TTC provides a range of ways to interact with the platform:

TRX On-Demand Classes: Users can choose from thousands of guided workouts aimed at specific body parts, total-body, cardio, yoga, recovery, etc. with a wide variety of TRX trainers leading each workout available at their fingertips, anytime, anywhere.

TRX Live Classes: Users can join a live virtual class with an unlimited number of participants scheduled at pre-determined times throughout the day/week.

Virtual Personal Training (VPT): Book a one-on-one training session with a TRX Trainer specifically matched to individual users.

With unlimited videos, users are able to find the training that they are looking for which is led by TRX Pros. Class options include strengthening, toning, stretching and everything in between and facilitates all skill levels. In addition to taking classes of your choice, you're able to track your efforts from how many hours you've been sweating, classes you have taken, videos that you’ve watched, personal training sessions you’ve taken, and more. Additional features will be added to the platform. Currently, TRX is offering 30 days free for TTC when purchasing a TRX Signature Suspension Trainer.

TRX TRAINING CLUB

club.trxtraining.com

IG @TRXTraining

PHOTOS COURTESY | TRX Training

Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | TRX Training Club in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | FORME LIFE

FORME Life is an at-home fitness mirror that features an elegant, full-length mirror that transforms into a complete body and mind fitness studio, featuring high-tech strength training equipment that disappears when not in use. When turned on, the display features a huge variety of on-demand classes as well as one-on-one personal training sessions to suit individual needs with a user-friendly touch-screen experience. When turned off, FORME Life is a sleek mirror that blends effortlessly into the rest of the home. Classes include strength training, barre, boxing, meditation, cardio, core, pilates, dance, and more.

FORME Life offers two models - Studio and Studio Lift. Both models boast an elegant full-length mirror that displays strength training and wellness classes when in use. The Studio Lift model also features stowable resistance training arms that use AI to adjust to the correct level of resistance for strength training exercises.

The Studio includes: A yoga mat, heart rate monitor, microfiber towel, screen camera covers, and mounting hardware.

The Studio Lift includes: 2 FORME handles, 1 rope grip, 1 short bar, 2 ankle straps, yoga mat, heart rate monitor, microfiber towel, storage cabinet, and screen camera covers.

Additional accessories available for purchase by bundle include, a removable and stowable wood bar for barre classes, an adjustable leather bench, a wellness mat, free weights, ankle weights, resistance bands, grip socks, and an exercise ball.

FORME Life features original training sessions in strength training, barre, boxing, cardio, core, pilates, dance, and more. Classes will be updated weekly to provide fresh and exciting options for everyone in the house. FORME Life also features classes aimed at mental wellness such as, meditation, sound baths and recovery. FORME Life believes in helping people live healthier and happier lives.

FORME Life’s Studio and Studio Lift are aided by computer vision and AI to adjust the correct level of resistance for strength training exercises while tracking users performance and fitness goals. Both models boast 43-inch 4K UHD display and two 12-megapixel cameras. Studios are activated by voice control and feature a touch screen to complement the dynamic training content.

Studio memberships are $2,495 or $69/month for 36 months + $39/month for unlimited multi-user membership for personalized workouts. Studio Lift memberships $4,495 or $125/month for 36 months + $39/month for unlimited multi-user membership for personalized workouts.

FORME LIFE

www.formelife.com

IG @ThisIsFormeLife

PHOTOS COURTESY | FORME LIFE

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Forme Life in mag.

MOMENTUM IS KEY WITH MARK WAHLBERG

We've been a fan of Mark Wahlberg since we first saw his music video for Good Vibrations and as a model for Calvin Klein underwear. We knew then that he would transcend his popstar status as a multi-hyphenated brand that we would continue to see. As he began to make the jump to the big screen in The Basketball Diaries and Boogie Nights, we knew that we would continue to see him taking on additional cool projects.

Since those early days, we have enjoyed Mark's range of characters in our favorite films from Martin Scorsese's The Departed, Patriot Day, Ted/2, 2 Guns, Transformer franchise and All the Money in the World. With the ability to oscillate between dramatic and comedic roles, Mark has proven to be a powerhouse and received A Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in The Departed. He has been equally as dominant behind the screen as an Executive Producer of HBO's Entourage, Ballers, McMillions, Boardwalk Empire, How to Make it in America, A&E's Wahlburgers, USA's Shooter (which he was the main character in the movie version) just to name a few.

We know him to be a man who has a work ethic and commitment to all of his projects whether it's an upcoming role, as an entrepreneur, his passion for his family and his ability to get up early to get his workout in so that he is in shape for whatever life throws at him.

We're excited to have Mark as the cover for this month's issue where he shares his words of wisdom that he has learned as he navigates life and the business. He shares how he continues to optimize his efforts, how he approached his roles, his upcoming film Arthur the King, his apparel brand, MUNICIPAL, and Wahl Street on HBO Max.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When we look at your career as an actor, producer, entrepreneur and investor what has been your mantra as you navigate these areas?

MARK WAHLBERG: Just get going. So many people get stuck over thinking whatever it is. But the key is just to get going. Any momentum is better than no momentum.

AM: You are known as a man with a number of optimized habits. What’s the best way that one can approach that?

MW: Get into a routine that allows you to be the best version of yourself.

AM: What’s the first 3 things that you do in the morning when you wake up?

MW: Pray. Then eat and workout.

AM: Obviously, you’re in great shape and we know that you get up pretty early to get your work in. What is the simplest, but most effective piece of workout equipment that you own?

MW: That’s got to be my PowerPlate Pulse. I feel like I have one in every room in my house. Soreness goes away in just a few mins.

AM: You have been in a number of our favorite movies, from Boogie Nights, The Departed and Transformers franchise. What has been the most physically taxing role that you’ve played on screen?

MW: There are so many because I love the physical aspect of some roles. People pushing themselves to the limit. The Fighter, Lone Survivor were like that. And my new movie I just finished shooting, Arthur the King, does the same.

AM: Which role that you’ve played — Tommy Saunders (Patriots Day), Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor), Mike Williams (Deepwater Horizon) — inspired you most personally?

MW: They’re all so different but the one thing that they have in common was they are all real people committed to something bigger than themselves.

That’s as inspiring as it gets.

AM: When you began as an entrepreneur, what was the best piece of advice that you received?

MW: Things never go exactly as you planned. But if you’ve put a great team together, and are persistent, you’ll find creative solutions together.

AM: Since last Oct, we became aware of your fashion brand MUNICIPAL and included it in our cover shoot with EDM DJ/producer duo SOFI TUKKER as well as in our cover shoot with Twilight's Peter Facinelli. We love that the line takes you from day to night. What’s your go-to pieces of MUNICIPAL gear?

MW: SuperBlend tees, Sport Utility Jogger, Everyday Boxer Brief, ICON Trucker Hat – can’t pick just one!

AM: So what’s your favorite new discovery?

MW: MUNICIPAL SuperBlend tees. I live in these things.

AM: When you’re not on set, brokering your deals or thinking of your next project, what is your ideal day?

MW: Spending time with my family.

AM: We love your commitment to your health and fitness, but when it comes to a splurge are you drinking wine, beer or liquor?

MW: Wine

AM: When it comes to athletes, who influenced you the most?

MW: I grew up in the 80’s so it was Larry, Michael, and Magic.

AM: So what music are you listening to right now?

MW: Lately I’ve been watching a bunch of old school hip hop videos with my kids. The stuff holds up!

AM: We’re all streaming a number of shows on various streaming platforms. Any suggestions on what we need to be bingeing?

MW: How about HBO Max? Netflix is Spenser Confidential. And on HBO Max, check out the Wahl Street series airing April 2021.

IG @MarkWahlberg

PHOTOS COURTESY | Mark Wahlberg

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Momentum is Key with Mark Wahlberg in mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

SS21 | ALO YOGA

We’re loving Alo Yoga’s drops that have fun colors and are perfect to wear when you’re hitting the studio. Check out some of the new pieces.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | JOHN REED FITNESS

JOHN REED is focused on creating a unique fitness experience and a space that’s more than just a gym. The combination of music, art and design is what creates the JOHN REED feeling – a vibe similar to when you’re in a nightclub. Its members go with fitness goals in mind, and also find they are meeting others who share similar interests and are ultimately becoming part of its growing community. The first JOHN REED opened in Germany in 2016 and grew to 30 locations globally. It's newest addition opened Mach 17th in Downtown LA.

Los Angeles is a hotspot for fitness, music and lifestyle and these qualities are also the DNA of the JOHN REED clubs. Downtown is a growing, metropolis section of LA where art and innovative concepts have merged.

JOHN REED offers a large and diverse range of training areas, classes, and equipment. From the massive Freestyle Area with every type and size of free weight, machine, and functional equipment to it speakeasy-style Group Cycling Studio, every space has been thoroughly thought through and outfitted with all top-of-line equipment to meet you wherever you are on your fitness journey. Members also get unlimited access to these areas as well as boutique studio style classes such as cycling, barre, yoga, and Pilates.

Before, after, or even instead of a vigorous workout, members may access amenities such as the Snooze Room and Sauna to relax, stylish locker rooms with salon quality blow dryers, hair and body care, and many small intimate coves as retreats for social interaction. Members can also enjoy a nightclub feel while with a professionally built-in sound-system and various lighting concepts.

The JOHN REED Juice Bar offers handcrafted smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and grab-and-go healthy snack options morning through night. Members have the choice to choose whey and vegan protein for their pre or post workout, they also have a variety of grab and go snack options to help fuel you.

JOHN REED offers one type of membership and it’s $100/month. There are no contracts, initiation or cancellation fees to worry about. At JOHN REED, members are empowered to take control of their fitness journey.

Cleanliness has always been a top priority at JOHN REED Fitness. That’s why they declare they have defined their cleanliness protocols and safety standards in accordance with the CDC, local, and state guidelines. Preventative safety measures taken include temperature checks, mask wearing at all times, social distancing, reduced capacity and the frequent deep cleaning and disinfection of the workout and locker room facilities.

JOHN REED FITNESS

1200 S Hill ST

Los Angeles, CA 90015

www.us.johnreed.fitness

IG @johnreedfitness_us

PHOTOS COURTESY | JOHN REED

Read the 63rd Issue of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | JOHN REED Fitness in mag.

GET FIT FOR NO KID HUNGRY

Mark your calendars as fitness lovers across the globe have the opportunity to “Get Fit for No Kid Hungry” with their favorite celebrity trainers and influencers with free livestream workout classes, including model Lily Aldridge and celebrity fitness trainer Simone De La Rue (creator of Body by Simone), as well as fitness expert and boxing trainer, Anthony Crouchelli (Liteboxer, GRIT BXING). 

 The livestream workouts will be hosted via Instagram Live and free to the public with donations encouraged to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end childhood hunger in America. Every $1 donated can help provide up to 10 meals to kids in need. Meal equivalency varies during COVID-19 relief. Learn more here.

WHEN: Friday, March 26 at 7 a.m. PST/10 a.m. EST

  Lily Aldridge & Simone De La Rue (they will be hosting the class together)

WHEN: Saturday, March 27 at 8 a.m. PST/11 a.m. EST

Anthony Crouchelli 

WHERE: The ‘Get Fit for No Kid Hungry’ livestream classes can be accessed via Instagram through the below handles of each participating celebrity and fitness influencer during the times specified above. 

You can join Lily Aldridge and Simone De La Rue’s workout fundraiser via @lilyaldridge or @simonedelarue.official (the class will be hosted through both IG handles), and Anthony Crouchelli’s workout fundraiser via @anthonycrouchelli. 

WHY: Due to the coronavirus, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger today. No Kid Hungry has a plan to make sure kids are fed, during this crisis and every day. Through a combination of emergency grants, strategic assistance, advocacy and awareness, the anti-hunger campaign is equipping communities across the country with the resources they need to feed kids. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

9LIST

Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.

STAYING MOTIVATED WITH BOB HARPER

We had a candid talk with one of the top Celebrity Trainers, Bob Harper. You know him as one of the trainers and eventually the host of The Biggest Loser, he has been on countless shows encouraging those to take care of themselves and their health and is known for the way he engages with others. We catch up with him to talk about how he got into the fitness industry, including TV into his brand, his latest project and how he has navigated these times.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been fans of yours since we saw you on The Biggest Loser as a trainer and then as a host – when did you know that you wanted to work in the fitness industry as your expertise has spanned over 3 decades!

BOB HARPER: Wow 3 decades! That makes me sound so old!

AM: Oh no it doesn’t! It makes you sound experienced and amazing!

BH: That’s true! I’m embracing my 50’s. I’ve been in the industry like you’ve said for over 30 years now. When I got into fitness, it was something that I fell into because I was living in Nashville, TN and there was a gym that I lived next door to and all of a sudden I just started going to the gym and I definitely got the bug of fitness. I decided that this was something that I really wanted to do so I got my certifications, started to do group fitness and then I decided that I would move to Los Angeles, CA to really make a full-time career out of health and fitness and then the rest is pretty much history! I went from being a Celebrity trainer out of Los Angeles to getting this gig on a new show called The Biggest Loser and at first, I was super skeptical because listening to the name, I didn’t know what it was about and then I found out that it was all about diet and exercise – it was something that I thought, “ok, let me try to pursue this a little bit more.”

AM: Did you ever imagine that when you first started in this industry that you would take the different avenues that you have taken and really expanding your brand as being as you said, a TV personality and being more than just a trainer and having your group sessions?

BH: It was never anything that I ever thought that would I do in terms of being on television because I was very happy with where my career was, but when I got this opportunity to work on Loser, I thought, you know what, it’s going to give me the opportunity to work on this platform to be exposed to this whole other demographic and I really found that as much as I loved all of the celebrities that I had worked with, this was just something that was just so much more rewarding in a completely different way.

AM: How would you define your approach when you’re working in a group setting or with your personal clients? Do you have a certain approach, focus or modalities that you like to focus on?

BH: Yeah, I have always described myself as a very pragmatic health and fitness trainer. I have never been one to beat somebody down as I have tried to lift them up. I want them to see themselves through my eyes when they are unable to do. That’s just something that has always been in me. That has always been me to be someone that has always looked at that glass as half full no matter how far off track someone has gotten. I realize that in health and fitness and especially when you’re working with people that are overweight, it’s something that they have to embrace for the rest of their life. There’s no endgame here when it comes to weight loss, managing weight loss and when I speak to people in that pragmatic way, it just me saying, “these are the cards that you have been dealt. This is something that you're going to have to be thinking about for the rest of your life.” I think that once you're able to swallow that pill, it makes it a lot more manageable. I feel like that there are so many avenues of health and fitness out there that kind of go, "I have all the answers, this is it and once you do what I’m telling you to do, then life is going to be great.” And I’m like, “ok, well once you have lost all of that weight or achieved the goals that you have achieved, what then?” I always try to look at the what then.

AM: Before we get into the Next Fitness Superstar, how did you decide to work with NEOU Fitness and what was the synergy there?

BH: Since the pandemic happened last year and it feels like –

AM: Like five years!

BH: Yeah, I’m going insane ha! Yeah, before the pandemic, I was never an at home fitness person. You would think when you look at my career – I mean people would say, “I’d love to see your gym at home!” I’ve always loved being in gyms, group fitness and being around other people. Then with the pandemic, I was forced to approach fitness in a completely different way. I started doing all the workouts that I like doing and I tried doing them from home. It wasn’t until I met with the people at NEOU that I really decided that I knew that I was really responding to the situation that we are in. NEOU has so many different options of working out and that’s what I wanted! I don’t know about you, but I was really getting bored with the things that I was doing and I really needed to mix it up and I also wanted to do things that was going to put a smile on my face. I don’t want to sound cheesy.

AM: Totally get it! We’ve been to NEOU for editor events, we miss our hot yoga studios and being around others in working out and having that experience with other people as well as enjoying the amenities –these past few months to keep it fresh has totally been a challenge!

BH: It’s totally been a challenge! I have to have those conversations with myself that I have had to have with my clients over the years when I’m saying to myself,“ I don’t want to work out” – those days when I’m dealing with low-level depression throughout this year and being like, “oh my God, this is never-ending, I can’t get motivated” and having to say to myself – “I know I’m going to feel better about myself when I work out.” My fiancé will say to me, “honey, you know you’re going to feel better after you do it. Just turn on the computer, get your workout going, jump in the pool and do whatever you’re going to do” and it’s true and I’m always having to remember that feeling. I remember telling that to every single person that I have ever worked with and I like NEOU in the way that it gives me so many different options and those options are what keeps me motivated.

AM: Tell us about The Next Fitness Superstar as the concept sounds fun and what’s your role in this project?

BH: I’m really excited about this creative idea. It’s something that I came to them with and I said this was the first thing that I wanted to do with them. I found it to be interesting and dynamic. Since the pandemic and looking at the different trainers, workouts, health professionals out there – people are always asking me how can they go to the next level? Going to the next level, whatever that means for you is trying to put yourself out there in a completely different way. That’s what the Next Fitness Superstar is about –show me what you’ve got! I remember being very clear, it’s not about the way a person looks. I see people with the best bodies in the world and their training ability for themselves is great – but what are you able to give that person that you're working with? So with the Next Fitness Superstar, I want to see how you are able to communicate, are you able to deliver, what your brand is, how you are able to get the workouts in to get me engaged and to keep me engaged. I think that when you deal with trainers, you have to see them from so many different points of view. It can’t just be you have great abs or you have great legs – what else do you have after that?

AM: It’s cool to see that you guys had over200 people competing, and you narrowed it down to 10. Can you share if you have any favorites or if you’re leaning towards anyone or anything that is standing out with you?

BH: Well I don’t want to talk about favorites, but I will say that it was super hard to get to the top 10! I love the top 10 that we have and I think that they’re really strong and really dynamic so it’s exciting! Let me tell you, we’re about to give it to the audience for their vote. I’m glad that they’re going to have to do it and not me!

AM: For sure! What’s going to happen over the next 4 week period with this?

BH: Well what is going to be really fun is that when we get to the top 3, we’re going to be putting them through a workout, a live workout on NEOU – I want to be able to talk with them and to hear how they are able to communicate. I think that that’s really important since I have been in this industry for a long time. Going from being a trainer to going live on the Today Show and a number of shows throughout my career, there’s an art there. There is an ability to speak and be concise. WhenI watch people and I see that people are starting to ramble, saying a lot and you're wondering if they’re really saying anything – I think at one point and I say this with any trainer that I have talked with or worked with, “don’t be afraid of the silence.” Especially if you’re in the midst of a workout. Don’t be afraid to let the room breathe. You know what I mean by that?

AM: ABSOLUTELY!

BH: I have been in a number of workouts with trainers that there is so much dialogue and it starts to make me a little insane it's like, enough with all of the talking. Let me know what you need from me, guide me in this way and allow for the magic to happen!

AM: Agreed! A lot of times when we’re working out, we just need that space so you have that moment for your body to go through what’s happening and to feel like the movements are becoming a second nature. When you’re talking too much, it becomes noise after a certain point and then it’s too distracting.

BH: Oh my God! I have actually done workouts where to the computer screen I'm saying, “stop talking!” Give me a minute!

AM: And sometimes you just hit that mute because you can’t!

BH: It really takes away from the times where they really have something important to say and people have to learn how to edit themselves! That’s the bottom line. I love that people are going to be able to vote by going to NEOU to vote for their favorite trainers. We have gotten really great responses from it.

AM: It looks like it. So when we get to the 3 people, they have the activities that they will do and people can vote. What does the winner get for winning it all?

BH: That’s what’s really exciting. Not only will they get a contract with NEOU, the publicity from doing it, being placed in a different arena for doing it which I think is the best part of the prize, there is also a $5,000 cash prize too. I thought that was pretty great!

AM: Sure. Even for the 10 people that were announced initially, there’s something to be said that you went through that process to get there. Will this be something that will continue to take place to have these kinds of competitions or are you just feeling this out to see how it goes?

BH: We’re definitely feeling it out, but I also have other ideas that I have been playing around with on what we can do. I do believe that at home fitness is here to stay for a while now and I want to be able to inspire people at home that aren’t working out with large groups of people anymore. How can I keep you going? I mean, that’s what it’s about as you know! You’ve got to be able to change it up and people are asking, what’s the best diet out there and I’m like, “you know what? It’s the one that you’re able to stick with and that you're able to continue to do!” That’s when everything changes. I have done every single diet that’s out there and it’s good for people to try different things because it keeps your head in the game.

AM: Outside of Next Fitness Superstar, are there other projects that you are working on that you can share that we should keep our eye out for?

BH: I know that one thing that has been very near and dear to my heart – literally and figuratively, is my partnership with AstraZeneca something that we call, Survivors Have Hearts. I used to travel around the country with heart attack survivors. Now with COVID-19, it’s been a virtual thing. So this year, I’m hoping that we can get out on the road maybe. The response that we have been able to receive by doing it virtually has been super successful and that’s something that as a heart attack survivor who is coming up on 4 years in 6 months, being a survivor – it drives me even more. Being able to talk to heart attack survivors, people who took care of them during that hard time has been super rewarding for me.

AM: During this pandemic, we enjoy your photography and being able to see the world through your eyes and seeing your pups, Karl and Vivienne because they’re so cute. How did you get into photography?

BH: Thank you for saying that! Photography means a lot to me and it’s always been something that’s really important for me. Ever since I was a kid and I got a little Instamatic camera – I’m really dating myself here.

AM: I had one growing up I’ll be 42 this year, so I know what you’re talking about!

BH: Well you’re a little younger than me, but you know what I’m talking about. I was very drawn to that media of art where you’re able to grab a second in life and that you can never go back to it. You have to remember that every photo that is being taken, especially the way I go about it– it’s that instant and that instant is gone and you’re able to document. I love being able to tell a story in that range finder of my camera. That’s how I look at it. I tell people all the time, everyone can take a picture as we all have iPhones, smartphones or whatever you call it. But whenever I am able to have my real camera in my hand and to not just take a picture but a photo and tell a story, it’s just something that I have loved for a very long time.

AM: I’ve loved looking at that second Instagram that has those photos. Growing up, my dad has the 35mm cameras where you go into the darkroom and we actually had one in our house. So seeing these single stories that you’re telling and how poignant that they are – I didn’t know that about you prior to the pandemic, but very cool to see the world through your eyes.

BH: I appreciate that and as far as your dad and working with film, that’s always been something, of course, I work with digital mostly, but I have my film camera and when I’m in NY, I have a darkroom that I go to in Brooklyn called Gowanus Darkroom and I develop my own film, print my own photographs and there is something very therapeutic about that for me. You’re in that darkroom and creating art and it just stimulates me.

AM: It’s been so fun talking with you. Who are 3 people that have inspired you to be where you are whether personally or professionally?

BH: Oh wow, that’s such a big question! I mean an immediate answer would be that I would talk about people like the trailblazers, Jack LaLanne – that man was in the business forever and continued to just inspire and be so inspirational. I’ll tell you another one – Richard Simmons, I mean what he did with his career – the heart on his sleeve. Everything from Sweating to the Oldies and what he did, people tried to emulate it. He had those diet cards, a deck of cards – that’s just what everything was built on!

If I’m going to stay in the old school world, I’m going with Jane Fonda! Jane Fonda and everything that she has done! I don’t even know how old she is, but LOOK AT HER! I like looking at people that are growing old gracefully because I’m of that world so when I look at Jane Fonda, I want to drink the water that she’s been drinking!

AM: To this day, as I’m the Co-Founder and Style Director here, there have been a number of shoots that I have styled and I have used her iconic fitness looks as an inspiration to the shoots that we have created. She is a style icon and a fitness icon and her look is something that has been a classic.

BH: I’ll tell you what and I’m thinking about the new and younger generation, there is someone on Instagram and TikTok if you have not seen him and I highly recommend – he has gotten me through 2020 in the darkest time and he’s called The Fittest Wizard. Have you ever heard of him?

AM: No, but just wrote it down!

BH: Oh my! He’s like a Crossfitter and he’s super fit and that’s beside the point! He does all this dancing and his physical ability and what he’s able to do and he’s having so much fun doing it. I’ve really become such a proponent of making fitness fun especially in 2020 and he has made me laugh and smile throughout this whole year!

AM: I’m looking at it now – wow!

BH: Wait ‘til you see him dancing around, he’s insane!

IG @BobHarper

IG @BobHarperGallery

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Bob Harper

Hear Celebrity Fitness Trainer Bob Harper on an upcoming episode of our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeart-Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AmazonMusic, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Staying Motivated with Bob Harper in mag.