THE FIT SET

A day in the life of Team Athleisure Mag can be in the studio for a session, on set for a shoot, and checking out new brands/products coming to market. Earlier this month we spent the day at Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival here in NYC at the Seaport District  (the next stop is Chicago on Aug. 11th) for an entire day of workouts, sessions and we took some time to chat with celebrity fitness trainers and personalities in between workouts.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve enjoyed seeing you over the past two seasons on E! Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian – how did you get involved in that show?

HARLEY PASTERNAK: I have been good friends with Kanye for about 15 years. So I’m inherited into the family. I’m good friends with Kim and Kanye, and with Kris, Khloe and the whole family. So when they were doing the show, Khloe reached out – I said let’s go!

AM: How long have you been with Propel and what was it that made you want to connect with the brand?

HP: That’s a good question. My background was originally in performance nutrition so I ran the performance lab/nutrition lab for the military for a number of years and most of the information on performance – a lot of it came from years ago from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. That was the go to place for us as scientists to get our information to use with the soldiers. So the importance of functional foods and functional beverages has always been a big part of what I do and I really have had an issue with sometimes the sugar content of some of these beverages, and I met the Propel team through some mutual friends and I learned more about what Propel was doing. It reminded me so much of what Gatorade did back in the day and establishing itself as the definitive sports performance information source. Propel has really done the same with fitness and it’s not about the beverage, it’s about the lifestyle, the networking, the fitness community sharing with one another and celebrating together. Then they started explaining to me about Propel Co:Labs and it was really about the future and the present. I got so excited that I became a terrible negotiator because I said, “I’m in”.

The Co:Labs have been really great. As a fitness professional, it's often very individual and almost a very lonely experience. Everyone is so competitive with one another – so competitive but they have created these environments where people are sharing ideas and thoughts and celebrating moving together. They're bringing in pop stars and giving the due and professional attention to the fitness industry that most brands haven’t even come close to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Gunnar, can you tell us about your background?

GUNNAR PETERSON: I’ve been a personal trainer in Beverly Hills for 29 years. I started working with the LA Lakers last year as  the Director of Strength and Endurance and am reprising my role this year – should be a new challenge and a lot of fun. And I’ve been working with Propel for a number of years because I think that they do it better than anybody in bringing fitness and sports together by collaborating versus all the people that kind of horde information and don’t share and feel that their way is better. I think that Propel opens it up and makes it the way that it should be.

AM: What’s your method or the way that you like to work and train people?

GP: I do different workouts with people because everyone is different as they have different goals, perceptions weaknesses, injury histories, likes and dislikes – although that doesn’t play that much of a part. I'm strength based and I do a lot of cardio intervals to it, movement, mobility etc it’s pretty comprehensive. The one group that we don’t cater to or get asked to do something is body builders or those that are looking to put mass on – that’s not what we do.

AM: A lot of our readers loved seeing you in Khloe Kardashian’s Revenge Body on E! and wanted to know how you got involved in that!

GP: Well I’ve known Kris and the clan – I’ve known those guys for 20 years. I worked with Kris and Kim so when Khloe came to me to make a big change in her life, we got after it. She puts the work in like any athlete that I have worked with and she had her moment. She made huge changes into her body and I wrote the passage on fitness in her book and she created the show and asked me to be on it and there was no way that I was going to miss out on that opportunity to share a small part of what she did with other people and to put it out there for everyone to see. I mean I have had text messages from a lot of people that have had huge takeaways from this.

AM: So how excited are you to be here today for this event?

GP: This is terrific. I have done a number of these with Propel and they have exceeded expectations and they keep going above and beyond. I mean, every venue is great and this one with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background and this giant rooftop with no space constraints – this is going to be a great day today!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Rachel aka Yoga Girl, tell us about what you're doing at the Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival.

YOGA GIRL: I just taught a class on a rooftop overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s kind of insane. We have 300-400 people here, and it’s been super, super fun. I taught a class [at Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival] in L.A. and then taught a class here, and it’s been so community building and so great.

AM: What is the best way to get started in yoga practice?

YG: I always give the recommendation to go find a studio and go take an actual class. There’s so many things you can do online. There’s YouTube and there’s online yoga. But, having a teacher who you can ask questions to, especially if you’re a beginner, is great so you can learn the poses correctly and have someone to align you if you need help. It’s good to start off with a teacher and then transition a little bit more to home.

AM: What are several yoga postures you would recommend for stress relief?

YG: Anything forward folding or forward bending, especially seated, is really nurturing. Legs up the wall pose is a super distressing pose. A forward bend, legs up the wall, child’s pose and reclined bound angle are good poses.

AM: How do you maintain balance with your busy schedule?

YG: I try to find pockets of rest in my day. If I have a really busy day full of meetings and things, I’ll make sure that I have a whole hour to eat lunch and not do multiple things at the same time all day. I’ll take a bath with my baby in the morning, always. I keep that a super serious thing, and I rest in between all the hectic stuff. And then I find it’s easy to keep the energy up all day.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us what Akin’s Army is?

AKIN AKMAN: Well Akin’s Army is a mindset really. I like to say that it’s a higher standard with everyone that trains with me. The mindset is constant process. It’s a workout obviously but intended initially to tap into the athletes that didn’t have kind of training anymore. But then eventually it became more of a mindset.

AM: Can you tell us a little more about your fitness background?

AA: I grew up playing tennis and I went to IMG Academy which was known as Bollettieri when I went there at age 7. It was everyday except for Sundays which I had off haha. But now I train all day everyday – 7 days a week. So I started there and I got hurt around 16/17 and I was already coaching tennis at the time there too and was looking at playing pro and then when I got injured, I was out for a year and then in that time, I decided to go to college instead of trying to play tournaments. I thought that I would just go back to that when I fully healed. And then, it was tough to heal and when I came back and I was coaching at IMG, at 18, but I got hurt on my right wrist with bruising of the bone – so I moved on from playing tennis as much and started coaching. But it took me awhile before I started making coaching my everything.

I started coaching at Crunch Fitness in South Beach first in 2009. I was already teaching tennis at Flamingo Park in South Beach as well. Then I moved to NYC at the end of 2009/2010 and started teaching at Crunch here and then went onto SoulCycle in 2012 and then I really made it my everything and started teaching 40 classes a week.

AM: We have a number of friends who swear by your SoulCycle classes. How did you get connected with Propel and how did you get connected to Propel Co:Labs?

AA: Now you have to come! For Propel, I did a bootcamp with them awhile back through my sister who had a connection.

We did a roofdeck bootcamp around Chelsea – I don’t even remember the building! I met some of the head people that were putting this kind of a thing together – it was amazing and so much fun! Then we didn’t do anything until this year when they asked me to come back and we did LA and this – it’s been incredible!

AM: What are you doing today as we know you’re on the schedule of events?

AA: My class today is again, it’s a full body workout. The way that I teach, it’s tough but you do as much as you can and it’s more about the perspective and the approach that you come to with it. Staying positive and being in that mindset. I try to keep the people hyped up and just full of energy and to do whatever they can and to give everything that they have got! That’s the point of what today is about!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You train a number of celebs and have been on a number of tours! Can you give us a quick rundown on your background?

NICOLE WINHOFFER: I studied Kinesiology, Alexander Technique, collusive body, Eastern Philosophy of well being and after that, I went on tour with Madonna and started training her dancers. She had an audition after I met her at that, she asked me to be her trainer full time and I worked with her for 5 years and I was the head trainer on her MDNA World Tour and her Sticky and Sweet World Tour, and then after those tours, I started teaching underground classes in NY in the basement of my apartment building in 2013 and we  moved to the Standard Hotel on the 3rd floor of the Highline and I started to train trainers under me. I signed with Adidas by Stella McCartney as the first Global Brand Ambassador in 2014 and I partnered with Propel for the first time in 2016 when they did their first festival. Now we’re on our 3rd year and it has been such a great partnership!

and actresses, fashion designers and wealthy/affluent men and women) to bring my knowledge to people across all demographics across America and to be able to give them results and to instill in them that they have the power in them to achieve what they want. I really liked that process of being able to work with people in that way with those that didn’t really think that it was possible and were never felt to believe that way.  

AM: How cool was it to be able to do your session at Propel Co:Labs in LA with Ludacris performing on stage with you?

NW: It was amazing! I call myself a Fitness Artist because I believe in self expression and music and moving your body as there is no correct way. And when Propel told me that the artist that I was going to share the stage with was going to be Ludacris, I thought – wow! It was so exciting and amazing. We worked with the Ludacris team for 6 weeks to figure out the playlist, timing, and they were so great and we had a soundcheck and the Propel team was so supportive. There were a lot of fun moments – there was one moment on stage where I grabbed the Propel bottle and like landed on a split in the floor and Ludacris looked around like, “what is happening” and I was like “yeah that’s right – this is happening right now”. The crowd loved it because they were all sweating and they didn’t feel like a work out because it was so much fun!

AM: So what is the NW Method?

NW: The NW Method is a 55 minute experience that I take you through in order to free your spirit and to move deeper into your body and accentuate your curves. It’s a type of somatic training – there’s breath work, kundalini and it’s a bit more physical exertion like physical meditation – 20 songs that I match up the BPMs and I play songs that wake up your internal organs. Then it moves people past their brains to their bodies

AM: We saw you on Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian – what was the process like for you being on that show and what have you gotten from being a part of it?
 
NW: They found me on Instagram! The casting director told me that my moves were cool and different and how I encompass eastern movement and dance. So I flew to LA for the audition and got the job. I loved that the show took my message (which I train a lot of A-List actors so they can feel themselves and move into their personal truth.

AM: Why do you like working with Propel?

NW: They are a collaborative brand, they listen to my ideas, they support my ideas and they are always looking to stand behind myself and the other artists that they have. Their innovation and willingness to try something new is amazing. The first Propel festival was 3 years ago in LA and it was really different because it was the first time that different fitness people came together and they provided this great experience. The last thing is music – they did a song with Jessie J. last year and the first year they did this song that incorporated a music festival and I built my brand around music. They just really support music in general and it makes it really easy for me to work with them.

AM: We love the bodysuits and the cool legwear that you have – what are your favorite fitness items that you love wearing?

NW: Oooo I’m a dancer so I love wearing Capezio and Danskin. I have friends that are seamstresses and they make me personal outfits so that’s always fun. I love my unitards and wearing bathing suits and anything that’s just not too fitnessy.  

AM: You had this really cool look on your Instagram that was like chaps and a bikini bottom and embellished but it looked very cool!

NW: Yeah, yeah, yeah – that was from Patricia Field for the Propel festival. My friend who is a stylist came over and he sent them over for me to try, but they were way too heavy for me to dance in them haha!

AM: How do you give of your time?

NW: I am part of Girls Inc. which supports young girls in urban markets that don't have access to dance so I teach with them on tour and locally. I work with this group called Core Energetics which is a type of cognitive therapy and I work with some mental patients that don’t have things that healthy humans have through dance and time. I also volunteer once a week at an elderly hospital jut spending time, delivering food and playing games.

AM: Since music is so important to you and is so integral to your brand. What’s on your playlist right now?

NW: Well J Cole for sure – he’s my favorite he has a song called, Kevin’s Heart, I just downloaded the Carter’s album and I went ape shit! I love Rihanna – Needed Me, Ciara – Overdose, Disclosure's Latch featuring Sam Smith, those are my faves right now!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We're fans of Icona Pop as it's on a few of our playlists. You guys have a new album that you are working on – is there anything that you can tell us about that would be amazing!

CAROLINE HJELT: We’ve been writing on this album for quite a long time and we were just talking about it the other day saying, “how could it have taken us this long?” It’s just because we’re so bad at saying no to stuff! Like we love what we do and when we get fun things – we’re like, let’s squeeze it in and then we begin to go touring again. So it’s been taking a long time but we’re almost there and it feels amazing. I would say that I’m just as excited about this album as I am on the first one. It feels like when you're born. We've been working on it for so long and sharing situations and we’re very proud of it.

AM: That’s so exciting and your faces really show how much you’re pumped for this. Is there a drop date.

AINO JAWO: We don’t have a date, but the album will be done at the end of this year. It will be out earlier next year.

AM: So are you guys doing festivals right now?

AJ: Yes we’re doing a lot of festivals in Europe and a couple of shows as well here in the states. I think this is the last one here right?

CH: Yeah and then we move onto Europe.

AM: Did the Coppenhagen festival already happen – Soleima who is also on Big Beat was telling us about it.

CH: Oh yes, you're talking about Roskilde.

AM: Yes!

AJ: Yes Rosklide, we did that last year it was so AMAZING! We have big shows all over the place.

CH: It’s a lot of traveling but we love that!

AJ: We also just got a house in LA where we will have our studio in there as well.

AM: Do you guys also live together?

ICONA POP: YES!!!

AM: How cute is that?

AJ: It’s a big house so you get your space and we’re going to build everything – from a fitness center to a studio.

CH: So we’ll never have to leave and you’ll never see us again! But we’ll have everything that we’ll need haha.

AM: It’s like a glam compound – love it. So what workouts do you guys typically do or what are you building into your home to do?

CH: Well we bought our first thing – the Assault Bike, the first one an all retro one! It’s great for us to have all of those things. I think we’re also planning on putting in a mat so we can do different kinds of workouts.

AJ: Yeah like yoga and my boyfriend is our personal trainer – so he is taking care of all the lifting weights stuff there.

CH: We also love working outside so this gym will be outside. We spend so much time in our studios so it’s great to get that fresh air and to hang out with your friends outside. Meanwhile, we’re working out. We also love working out together and like sometimes you have a longer time and other times your schedule is crazy so it’s important to get it in when you can.

AJ: I like circuit training and that’s a good way to get strong with different types. We always say lift weights with cardio as a lot of women don’t lift weights and that’s stupid.

CH: Yeah and also you realize that it’s a thing that you slowly and slowly get better and that’s when you feel your body start to change. Your posture, you have so much more in your muscles.

AM: So how excited are you guys to be here today with Propel Co:Labs – how did that happen?

CH: I think that they reached out to us and we got super excited because we do work out so much and that’s a huge part of who we are and for us it’s important for us to jump on stage for 1.5 – 2 hours and not gasp for breath! We want to deliver to our fans and be in really good shape and that’s why we were so happy to be a part of this.  

AJ: I think that a lot of times, we do a lot of parties and people see us do shots on stage, but that's just a portion of what we do. There is another part!

CH: Yes, it’s just a part as we’re healthy and a lot of our fans say that they work out to our music. It lets them get over the hump and take their workout to the next level.

AJ: When you’re at the gym it just gives you that energy to say – yes! Sometimes I’m at the gym and I’m like “oh my gosh” this is us and I get a little embarrassed and then I sing along haha.

AM: What keeps you guys inspired when you’re making your music?

CH: I think traveling, hanging out with our friends which is so important to us but also what we’re trying to do right now is that every place we go to, we say what can we do here – what can we see? We really want to work on what we can see and to enjoy, experiencing etc. You can travel all over the world and just see a hotel room. But when you can go and taste the food that is special to that place or to meet the people from that region – that is really inspiring.

AJ: Then I feel like sometimes you need to get bored to like let things sink in. So take a little pause, get bored and then say hmm this is what I want to write. It works very well for us.

AM: Love that, it’s kind of like our belief in disconnecting to connect. So when you guys aren’t working, how do you relax and take time for yourself.

AJ: Mmmm Nature

CH: Yeah! It’s one of those things that’s so easy and sometimes you need a couple of days to say ok I can now breath and I’m not thinking about work too much. But when you come to nature, it happens instantly. Because you can look at water for hours and not feel stressed. You can look at the forest and animals and not feel stressed. This way you can connect with your body immediately as opposed to waiting to 5 days to come down.

AJ: I feel like a lot of times you don’t have that many days off. So we try to do mindfulness – just a couple of minutes a day and that usually helps a lot. It’s also about eating good food.

CH: Yeah just enjoying and appreciating eating really good food with people that you like. That’s also a luxury for me.

AJ: And exercise again. I mean you get so much endorphins from doing that. I don’t even see the workout as work as it’s just part of my routine. When I have a day off, I can do it longer and not be stressed about going someplace else. The worst thing is to be stressed in the gym as it breaks my heart.

AM: How do guys prepare before you hit the stage?

AJ: We drink coffee and listen to music.

CH: We usually, put on great music and get ready together as we have to be in sync. We talk about what we are going to focus on during the performance ….

AJ: Andwho we’re going to be on stage.

CH: Yeah like different personalities

AJ: Sometimes it’s David Bowie, sometimes it’s Prince, Michael Jackson – you name it and sometimes it’s just me haha!

PHOTOS COURTESY | Katie June Burton + Stephanie Noritz

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Fit Set in magazine.

ONE ON ONE WITH THE SHERIFF

We've talked about Obstacle Course Races (OCR) before and in this month's fitness focused issue, we sat down with Hunter McIntyre to talk about his upcoming Tough Mudder X Championship presented by KILL CLIFF race taking place on July 28th and airing on CBS. We wanted to know how he got into this sport, how he trains for it and why he enjoys doing them.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your athletic background as we know you were a cross country runner and champion wrestler in high school.

HUNTER MCINTYRE: My grandfather was an Olympic athlete and he really helped me believe that I could become a great athlete myself. He would constantly tell me that I was really fast and encouraged me to run track and field. My ability to run quickly and my experience with wrestling has really translated into my training now.

AM: How did you get into the world of Tough Mudder and other OCR competitions?
 
HM: While living with my friends in Malibu, my one friend challenged me to compete in an OCR race. At that point, I hadn’t been training for an obstacle race, just body building. In the short time I had to train for that race, I would run up and down my driveway for hours and I ended up finishing 6th place out of around 10,000 participants. I was all-in after that.

AM: What is it about OCR in general that you enjoy?

HM: The best thing is, the opportunity is what you make of it. It’s a sport that you can train for anywhere and everywhere. I can go for a run in Central Park, go to the gym to lift and I can mix in some rock climbing with my friends to train. Most of all, I just love being outdoors.

AM: How do you train for OCR versus just maintaining your workout?

HM: When training for a Tough Mudder, I’ll run once or twice per day, six days per week. It also depends on the distance and location of the event. For World’s Toughest Mudder, I’ll spend 2-4 hours per day training in the woods. When I’m not training for a race, I just like to get in the gym and challenge myself to get as strong as I can. That’s when my friends and I put a big emphasis on strength training.

AM: What are your go to foods that you  eat when you're maintaining your body and what  3 splurge foods do you enjoy?

HM: I stick to a high carbohydrate diet. I eat a lot of pancakes and Honey Nut Cheerios. There are some days when I’ll eat 10 apples per day. For two months leading up to the Tough Mudder X Championship I ate a 14oz or 16oz ribeye steak every single night. That steak every night became my sleeping pill and I always feel rejuvenated the next morning. I do splurge on Ben & Jerry’s ice cream from time to time.

AM: Where did your name, "The Sheriff" come from?

HM: One of my friends called me “The Sheriff” one day and it really just stuck with me from then on.

AM: With such an intense schedule how do you take time for yourself?

HM: When I’m not training or I’ve just finished an event, I really like to just chill and relax at my place in Malibu. Since I’m on the road a lot, I enjoy that time at home when I can.

AM: How important is travel to you and what are 3 of your favorite places that you enjoy going to?

HM: It’s important to disconnect work travel and travel for pleasure. I’m always traveling for events, but my top vacation spots would be St. Barts, Telluride, Colorado and Big Sur.

AM: On Sat July 28th, you will be defending your title in the finale of the Tough Mudder X Championship presented by Kill Cliff airing on CBS - how have you prepared for this competition physically and mentally?

HM: Preparing for the TMX Championship, I put myself in tough training situations. This year, I trained extremely hard in the mountains of Park City, Utah.

AM: What has it been like to compete alongside athletes that are comprised of Navy Seals, UFC Fighters, CrossFit, American Ninja Warriors?

HM: It’s great because you learn to respect and understand the ways these other athletes train and the way they approach the same events, differently. I really enjoy learning and picking up some tools from each of them.

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see One on One with the Sheriff in mag.

GOLF HOST | RESERVA CONCHAL BEACH RESORT, GOLF & SPA

On July 22nd, Reserva Conchal Beach Resort, Golf & Spa will host the final round of the 2018 Guanacaste Classic on July 22 on its famed Robert Trent Jones II golf course in Costa Rica. The 16th edition of the tournament offers four flights based on official United States Golf Association handicaps and occurs on Costa Rica's top golf courses. Audubon International bestowed this certification to Reserva Conchal which is the first course to have this in Costa Rica. It boasts a world-class practice facility and learning center with four green complexes, bunkers, chipping and approach areas, and an expansive practice tee.

“We are pleased to once again host the final round of the Guanacaste Classic, as it is one of the premier tournaments in the region,” says Carlos Rojas Soto, Director of Golf of Reserva Conchal. “The tournament boasts a full field and a wonderful roster of golf courses that will provide myriad challenges.”

Earlier this May, Reserva Conchal was the site of the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica’s Essential Costa Rica Classic. Reserva Conchal hosted the inaugural tournament in 2017, which was Costa Rica’s first PGA TOUR event in more than 30 years. Many players in the field raved about the golf course for its playability, scenery and conditions.

HITTING THE STREETS WITH POOCH HALL

We've been hooked and fans of Showtime's Ray Donovan since day one! The storytelling, the family - the fixing. With season 6 currently filming here in NYC, we were beyond excited to have Pooch Hall, who plays Daryll Donovan as this month's cover! Our shoot focuses on how he enjoys his down time in the city as we shot in various locations in Flatiron as well as hanging out with him on set! From playing Derwin Davis on BET's The Game, his current role as Daryll Donovan in Ray Donovan and being Frank Alexander on USA's Unsolved The Murders ofTupac & Notorious B.I.G. - Pooch shares it all with us.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We had such a great time shooting with you and then coming to your set! When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor and share with our readers about your journey as an actor and roles that you have appeared in?

POOCH HALL: I realized I wanted to become an actor, when I realized I could be a part of the world that entertains and influences, that I could be an influencer. I love entertaining and role playing.

AM: Regardless of our industries, we have had mentors that have really set the tone for our success - who has done that for you and what words of wisdom did they leave you?

PH: A few of the people who have been an inspiration to me are Jon Voight and Liev Schreiber. Jon with his caring and insight based on his experience and Liev based on pulling out my potential as an actor, whether we are acting together or he’s directing me. I have fun and I move based off what they give, or they share what is beneficial. Whatever they teach me, it’s always cherished and helpful.

AM: We've been fans of yours since "The Game" and when we saw that you had joined "Ray Donovan" we were so excited! As you're currently here in New York filming the 6th season, can you take us back to the audition process for being in this show and what have the past seasons been like in terms of being a part of this dynamic cast?

PH: The audition process was awesome it happened quickly. I was fresh off the end of season 5 of “The Game” and ready for the next move. I auditioned and then met with producers and we all connected. I’m blessed that they saw something in me to where I could be considered and recruited for the Ray Donovan star team.

AM: Do you find similarities and/or differences between yourself and Daryll and how do you prepare to play him on set?

PH: Daryll and I are different, but the same. Different because I’m in control of my life - where Daryll is still finding his way. Then the same because I play Daryll... and I want Daryll to be real and have qualities that people can relate to, an underdog trying to defy the odds and be someone who has a purpose...

AM: What if anything can you tell us about Season 6 and what are you excited about for the upcoming season?

PH: Daryll has finally come into his manhood and is exercising his independence as a man and as a Donovan.

AM: With filming being in NYC, how does this affect the show?

PH: Filming in NY is awesome. It’s different from LA. Their looks are different, their swag is different. New York offers a different energy and vibe. It makes people have to work and move differently.

AM: Watching the show there are so many dynamic personalities that interact with one another, we imagine that off camera, you guys are pretty close - how important is it to have that kind of camaraderie?

PH: Having a family camaraderie is amazing, but we have waited a long time to have a show like Ray Donovan and part of the show’s success is due to dynamics outside the show. We have been around Hollywood for a while and each one of us recognizes how important family is. And us being parents and having kids brought us together rather quickly. For example, my kids call Jon Voight "Papa Jon,” Eddie and my kids hang out and Liev fought for me to be in his movie "Chuck" where I played Muhammad Ali.

AM: Are you working on any projects that we should keep an eye out for in addition to the upcoming season of "Ray Donovan"?

PH: I’m working on writing my own story and I was recently in USA's “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.” where I played Frank Alexander, Tupac’s best friend and bodyguard. It’s now available on Netflix.

AM: In our shoot, we included a yoga session at Humming Puppy which is one of our Style Director's favorite places to work out. How do you stay in such great shape?

PH: I run, and I train with some great trainers. Boxing, Basketball and hot yoga are all a part of the regimen. I also try and eat as clean as possible.

AM: In LA, where can we find you working out, grabbing a bite/cocktails and where do you shop?

PH: I work out at 24hour Fitness & Wild Card West Boxing Club in Santa Monica. I love eating at Boa Steakhouse and shopping at Zara.

AM: As you have been in NYC for awhile, where do you work out here, where might we find you for drinks and where do you like to shop?

PH: I work out at Blink Gym and at Carmine Park & Rec where I used to work out back in the day. I also signed up my 10-yr. old son Djordan.

I love to go to Beauty and Essex and I spend a lot of time in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Wherever I can find a bar- gain... love me some Flight Club NY.

AM: We see you in front of the camera, but will we see you directing down the road as well?

PH: Yes like I said I’m writing and yes that’s the plan. You have to be a triple threat.

AM: How do you take time for yourself, especially when you are in the midst of filming for this role?

PH: When I’m sleeping lol and whenever I do have down time, I write or just explore the city.

AM: Philanthropically, how do you give of your time?

PH: I try and give my wife a hand by helping and supporting her fight in raising awareness for special needs. Our oldest daughter has cerebral palsy, and we are in a fight to give her and ones like her the best life possible.

AM: We know that your family man as we love seeing pictures of your wife and kids on your Instagram and we had the pleasure of hanging out with your son Djordan - how great is it to have him join you on set and to take him to the office with you?

PH: It was awesome having my son on set with me. He’s well behaved and constantly asking questions and to learn how Hollywood comes together. And I just love seeing my family, they are my everything.

Our photoshoot took place at a number of locations in Flatiron. We enjoyed including Patisserie Chanson and Humming Puppy NYC which is the sister location to their Sydney and Melbourne locations. Although they have only been open a few months in Flatiron, our team enjoys taking in some much needed zen! Jackie Alexander, one of the Co-Founders is not only in the shoot but took a moment to tell us about their newest studio!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of Humming Puppy back when we included you in our Athleisure List a year ago for your locations in Sydney and in Melbourne and now you're in NYC! We've taken a few classes and are huge fans. Tell our readers about the ethos of Humming Puppy in general and specifically about your Flatiron location.

JACKIE ALEXANDER: At Humming Puppy we want our clients’ experience within the space to begin when they cross the threshold from the busy streets of NYC and enter our studio. There are gradual points of reveal as you move through the different zones within our space, transitioning into a space of relaxation before moving into the sublime – the shala/studio - and onto the mat.

In the reception and bathrooms our aim was to create a luxurious space with a spa-like atmosphere. In the shala, the aim is twofold; provide a sacred and beautiful space for your practice but also a practical space where there is ample room between each mat, where the teacher is visible (thanks to a tiered floor) and where our trademark hum resonates within the studio to enhance and deepen the experience of your practice.

Our Flatiron location was also specifically chosen due to its high ceilings and it’s beautiful arched windows, which let an enormous amount of natural light into our lounge/reception area. Finally, the columns within the space are a stunning reference to the buildings heritage and played a big role our design process.

One of the unique things about our studio is that we actually inject specific frequencies into the studio to help ‘tune’ you while you practice.  Our yoga space or ‘shala’ is injected with a combination of frequencies to enhance and deepen your experience and make the shala feel as if it is humming. More specifically we use a combination of 7.83hz and 40hz. Being submersed in these frequencies helps you to naturally produce matching frequencies through a process of entertainment. 7.83hz otherwise known as the Schumann Resonance is actually the frequency of the earth itself and helps to 'ground' you through your practice. 40hz is specifically associated with ‘Gamma’ brainwave activity, integral for achieving states of peak performance. Elite athletes, top-notch musicians and high achievers in all fields, typically produce far more gamma waves than average.  

And whilst all of that sounds quite serious and complicated, on a much simpler level the hum just feels good!

AM: Why did you want to bring Humming Puppy to the states and ultimately to NYC - are there other cities that you feel you'd be interested in having Humming Puppy in?

JA: NYC is just an amazing city that has always held a special place in our hearts and it has been our intention, since before even launching our first studio in Melbourne, to bring Humming Puppy to NYC. Apart from personally being in love with the city, we also felt that the calming and restorative nature of our studio would provide an urban sanctuary where you can relax and take time out from the high paced NYC lifestyle.

AM: If you haven't covered already, tell us about the classes offered at Humming Puppy and what once can expect when taking them.

JA: We don't prescribe to any specific style but rather draw our inspiration from all of the lineages from which our teachers have practiced and learnt.  We believe this gives our students a unified and holistic practice. We base our teachings on the principles of breath-pranayama, movement-asana and awareness-meditation. These principles are the foundation of our 3 class styles in which we welcome beginners through to the most experienced yogi.

These 3 class styles include our Mellow Hum which is a super chilled class that may include gentle slow flows and postures held for 3-5 minutes at a time.

Our Unified Hum which is a medium intensity class that gives students an opportunity to link breath to movement to calm the mind and strengthen the body.

And finally our Dynamic Hum, which is a high intensity class that can include stronger, longer holds, Vinyasa flows and advanced postures that will energize and challenge your practise.

In all of our these classes we welcome beginners through to the most advanced yogi and will always offer variations for beginners for any advanced postures that are being practiced.

AM: We have a number of things that we love about Humming Puppy can you tell us about the phenomenal quartz light?

JA: Our beautiful quartz crystal light is an original piece by Christopher Boots who is a phenomenal Melbourne based industrial designer. When we first saw the piece, we immediately fell in love with it, not just because of its breathtaking aesthetic, but also because we loved the idea of showcasing an artist from our home town. Finally, crystals actually act as a resonator and amplifier of frequency and as such the piece is a beautiful compliment to the Hum that we inject into our shala.

AM: The shala is amazing from hearing you playing the bowls in the space, the dark interiors and the stadium like setup. Can you tell us why the space is laid out like this and how this is beneficial to doing yoga there?

JA: We have come to learn that many students actually have their favorites spots within a yoga class. And as a result of this we have built a mat booking system that allows you to reserve the exact location that you want to be within each class. However, we also didn’t want to disadvantage those who like being in the back over those who prefer the front and so we have tiered our studio (similar to stadium seating) so that no matter where you are located within the class you can always see the teacher.

AM: What is the connection between yoga and sound?

JA: Whist there here are many connections between yoga and the use of sound (through singing or the use of various instruments such as singing bowls), one of the more commonly known examples is the chanting of Om within the practice. The actual meaning of Om has many different interpretations, from it being the “sound of universe” to it representing that which is "mysterious and inexhaustible”.

AM: Tell us about amenities that are offered at Humming Puppy from products in the bathroom and the use of the lounge?

JA: At Humming Puppy we like you travel light - emotionally and physically - so we provide absolutely everything from our home town. Finally, crystals actually act as a resonator and amplifier of frequency and as such the piece is a beautiful compliment to the Hum that we inject into our shala. We also provide hair ties and phone chargers complimentary as well.

Our bathrooms are fully stocked with towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair dryers, straighteners and shower caps.

And finally in our lounge area, we serve complimentary herbal tea; coconut water and filtered water and students are welcome to make themselves at home before and after class!

AM: Being that you are in NYC now, tell us about where we can catch you grabbing after work drinks/meal, brunch on the weekends and shopping in NYC?

JA: I tend to be a creature of habit and go back to places I love a lot like Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, La Esquina, Café Dante and my local fav XYST but….. …..with that said I love exploring all the amazing food that New York has to offer and so you’ll find me trying out all that there is to offer most weekends. For shopping one of my favorite things to do is wandering through Barney’s on 7th Avenue and simply soak up the design aesthetic and creativity.

HUMMING PUPPY

119 W. 23rd St.
NY, NY 10011

www.HummingPuppy.com

IG @HummingPuppy

Read more from the June Issue in Athleisure Mag and see Hitting the Streets with Pooch Hall in mag.

WHERE WILL LEBRON JAMES PLAY IN 2018-2019?

Now that the NBA Finals are over, the NBA free agency period is here. To some, it is the most exciting part of the season. And that excitement is even more palpable now that LeBron James has the opportunity to opt out of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers. So where will James end up when next season tips off? And which team will give him the best chance to add to his championship count?

Los Angeles Lakers

It seems clear at this point that LeBron James will be leaving the Cavaliers. Even Cavs coach Tyronn Lue seems resigned to that fact. But are the Los Angeles Lakers the answer as to where James will end up next season? Given the team's ample resources, it is entirely possible. But there are definitely some obstacles to overcome if James is going to play for the purple and gold.

If James is going to put on the Lakers' NBA city jersey next year, the Lakers will have to assure him that they will bring in another talented player to join him. This is because the Lakers currently are full of young players but don't have a star that would bring James any closer to a title than the Cavaliers would. But with the Lakers having tons of salary cap space, they may be able to land another star like Paul George while they haul in the player who had 34 points per game in last year's NBA Finals.

Los Angeles also needs to get their Lavar Ball situation under control. Ball is convinced that LeBron is going to be a Laker, but James may not like all of the instability that Ball brings to the table. And though the Lakers faithful would sing his praises better than those responsible for the LeBron James Cisqo parody, that wouldn't mean much if the team wasn't any better than his hometown Cavaliers.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the best young teams in the league. They had a breakout season last year thanks to the inspired play of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. As a result, the Sixers are at +400 odds to win the NBA Finals as of June 14, 2018 at Betway. And, one would imagine that adding LeBron James would improve those odds in a big way.

Thanks to the distribution abilities of Simmons, LeBron wouldn't have to handle the ball nearly as much as he did in Cleveland. And while Ben Simmons has recently had some relationship drama with Kendall Jenner, he keeps things completely harmonious for his teammates on the court. Imagining him passing to a cutting LeBron James is tantalizing, and watching that duo with Embiid alongside them would be amazing as well.

Of course, the Sixers' instability with their general manager position could be a concern for the moment after the Bryan Colangelo Twitter scandal. Now that he is no longer with the team, the possibility for LeBron to join up with Philly could be just what the doctor ordered to complete the process.

Source: Pixabay

Houston Rockets

LeBron James was accused of quitting on the Cavaliers during the NBA Finals when the Warriors won all four games of that series. To combat that narrative, James would be well served to join the Rockets. Teaming up with Chris Paul would make sure that he never took a play-off again. This is thanks to Paul's natural leadership ability that always makes him someone that players want on their team.

Also, the addition of James Harden to LeBron's list of teammates would be a huge bonus for James. Harden is another player who can play on the ball, and lighten James' offensive burden. That will give him more energy to be a two-way player, something he struggled with at times during the 2017-2018 season.

The only concern with joining the Rockets would be how bad a fit James is with the rest of the team's offense. Houston shoots more threes than anyone in the league, even when they are missing like they did when they missed 27 straight threes in the seventh game of the Western Conference Finals against the Warriors. But if anyone can figure out how to make it work, it is LeBron James.

WATCH WORLD CUP 2018 IN STYLE

GOAL! Who are you cheering for this year as the World Cup 2018 takes place starting today through July 14th! As you embrace your hometown or your honorary hometown - there are a number of ways that you can rock great styles at your viewing parties! Throughout the season, we will add brands that have great style that you can add to your event.

We're kicking it off with our friends at Yandy.com who have amazing bodysuits that are a fun way to cheer on your favorite soccer team whether worn solo or with your favorite denim looks! 

You have to have options and UMBRO has a number of tees within their 2018 Geo Graphic Tee collection that lets you rock your country of choice!

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Mexico Football Bodysuit/Yandy.com

Brasil 2018 Geo Graphic Tee/UMBRO.com

PHOTO COURTESY | Yandy.com

Read more from the May Issue of Athleisure Mag.

WE WENT OFF ROADING WITH CHEVY COLORADO ZR2

Earlier this month, we had the chance to head about an hour or so outside of the NYC to the Monticello Motor Club, an automotive country club for race cars and those who love to drive them! We had the opportunity to go off roading with the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and we literally had a day of driving through a Jurassic Park-like setting which included muddy trails, bumpy terrain and so much more!

While driving up, we enjoyed utilizing Apple CarPlay (Android Auto also available) via 4GLTE Wifi which allowed us to connect up to 7 devices to it, 4 USB ports, and a 12V charging port. We also loved that there was a lot of room so that you could store your must have items as you head to wherever your travels take you. In addition, since it is a truck - there was ample space to hold whatever shopping runs you have. 

Interestingly enough the smooth ride that we enjoyed while driving to and from the raceway was an interesting contrast to still having a smooth experience when we went offroading. The ability of this midsize pickup to showcase its abilities in off-road technology is something that lends itself to weekend fun. Some of the highlights include a lifted suspension that is 2 inches higher and front and track widths widened by 3.5 inches. There are also segment first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damper technology and functional rock sliders to ensure better performance over rocks and obstacles.

An interesting feature involved Surround Vision which is a first Chevy that uses 4 strategically placed cameras that create a virtual bird's eye view of the truck when driving at a low speed. The camera seamlessly merges the vantage points to see what is behind as well as around you!

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Check out our Spring trip to Woodstock, Vermont with Buick

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On this trip, we had the pleasure of talking with and riding caravan style with Anita M. Burke, Vehicle Chief Engineer for North American and Global midsize pickup trucks at General Motors. In this role, she oversees all engineering aspects of midsize pickup truck development at GM. In her role, she covers Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the all-new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in the US. 

Pickups that have been developed by her team have won major industry awards, including back-to-back years for 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Colorado models as Motor Trend "Truck of the Year." Globally she covers Chevrolet Colorado/S10 pickup and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV. Collectively, she leads the engineering development of trucks sold in more than 90 countries. She even reignited the dormant midsize truck program at General Motors and since the launch of the Colorado and Canyon in 2014, GM has sold more than 400,000 midsize trucks - in the US alone.

“I feel like a proud parent of the revitalized midsize truck program at GM, and take a great deal of pride in enriching our customers’ lives throughout the world. I also love presiding over a team of some of the smartest and most passionate engineers in the business. This is my dream job, and it’s been a career highlight to both nurture and be challenged by some of the top talent in the automotive world as we help to make GM the most complete truck company in the industry,” said GM 26 year veteran Burke. 

GOLF PACKAGE | PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA - SUMMER ESCAPE PLAY UNLIMITED GOLF

The PGA National Resort & Spa, the home of the PGA TOUR's Honda Classic and former Ryder cup venue has just announced their “Summer Escape and Play Unlimited Golf Package” in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This package includes accommodations, full breakfast daily at the Palm Terrace restaurant, 1 round of golf daily on the Fazio, Squire or Estate course ($25 surcharge for play on the newly redesigned Palmer Course - which was originally designed by legendary Arnold Palmer), 50% off daily golf clinics, complimentary range balls (prior to play), daily bag storage and an additional $35 cart fee per person, per day

PGA National offers the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and David Pelz Scoring Game School for individual instruction and group clinics; Every Ball Counts – the world’s first science-based, statistics-driven training system for golf improvement offered at its off-site Estates Course; and state-of-the-art club fitting at the PGA National Club Fitting Lab. Located in South Florida, this world class vacation and meetings destination offers 90 holes of championship golf on 5 courses including the Champion Course, home to the popular TOUR Honda Classic and legendary "Bear Trap three-hole stretch.
 
Resort guests can also enjoy the new high-tech 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club featuring a wide array of fitness activities and classes including pickle ball and tennis on the 18 Har Tru tennis courts (11 lit for night play). Not to be missed is the striking zero-entry pool, chef-driven Ironwood Steak & Seafood restaurant, and chic iBAR in its glamorous lobby.

BEYOND THE ROPES WITH DANIELLE MOINET

We always love our covers and it's always fun to have the opportunity to work with someone that we have previously worked with before. We're excited to have Danielle Moinet as this month's celebrity cover and our first person to grace two covers for Athleisure Mag! We enjoyed our photoshoot with Danielle and we sat down to catch up on what she's up to since we last spoke to her. We talked about her life as an athlete, about her road to the WWE, new projects that she's excited to be apart of, running the Chicago Bears out of Soldier Field, the importance of empowering women and girls in and out of sports and her love for the fans that she continues to see on her many trips as she is always on the go!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your athletic journey as we know you have played a number of sports!

DANIELLE MOINET: For me I always played sports. I was an athlete growing up - I ran track, jumped hurdles and played tennis. In college and when I got out of it and moved to Chicago, that's when I joined the Lingerie Football League, the LFL, and I played for the Chicago Bliss and I played Corner Back and I loved it. I played 3 years and it's full contact 7 on 7 football - very aggressive.

Then I went on to wrestle and a lot of the girls that hadn't wrestled before in WWE had some form of an athletic background. Health and fitness has always been a big thing for me and getting to the gym, so I think that people that work out a lot too are athletic as well and being in a women's sport is very important.

AM: Specifically, tell us about your journey into wrestling, WWE and what you are currently doing.

DM: I was working a Comic Con in Chicago, and WWE was there and it was a dream of mine to get in. There was not an application process setup like there is now when I first started, so I ran over to their booth and told them that I was interested and that I had been wanting to do this for years. I decided to play football for another year and then that's when I went down to WWE to have my tryout and 6 weeks later I was down there training and working out and I got my contract. So it was really a great place in time. There were only 6 girls training at the time. I was the 6th girl and now there is something like 20 or 30 girls training. WWE was amazing - I wrestled there for 6 years and I was on the main roster on Mon. Night RAW, Tues. Night Smackdown for 4.5 years and got to live out my dream.

As of Nov, I left WWE to spread my wings to other avenues and to be able to enjoy life and live it through new eyes. It's bittersweet as I miss my fans and the people I worked with, but I see my fans more often because I do so many appearances where I get to travel the world to meet them.

AM: We caught up with you when you were in the midst of a media tour - can you tell us what you were promoting?

DM: During my time in NY when I did my photoshoot, I was doing a lot of things! I was taking meetings, doing photoshoots with a number of modeling agencies and then I was also there for my first non WWE appearance that was in Manhattan and so I was able to go onto CBS Radio and talk to them about women in sports and the importance of women having a presence in athletics and for young girls to have role models to look up to - being athletic and knowing that strong is beautiful. Body positivity is something that is very import ant to me and I think it's great to be able to speak out to that! It was so much fun and I love everyone in NY!

AM: On set, everyone loved your hair, what products do you use and what tips do you have for healthy hair?

DM: My hair! I'm very fortunate that my mom is a hairdresser and growing up, she never let me dye it crazy purple or orange and crazy colors. I had actually never even dyed it until my mid twenties. I am super blonde naturally and I was always in the sun as a kid by the pool. I always used great products like Biolage or Matrix. One thing that was really amazing that I started to use the last couple of years is a wet brush. The wet brush helps with the breakage in your hair and having bangs, I have really noticed the difference using the wet brush because my hair doesn't break as much and it's able to stay long and healthy - that is something I absolutely swear by and love. And also, good Moroccan Oil and having good oil everytime you blow dry your hair - it's very important.

AM: We know from your IG that you're constantly on the go, what are 3 beauty products that keep you looking fresh and dewy and are a must in your routine?

DM: I am always on the go so beauty products that I love - I always have a spray tan, I do not go in the sun a lot so I always try to protect my skin as far as sun exposure goes, so it's all about wearing SPF. I do not go into the tanning bed so I can keep a wrinkle free life. I love love love and swear by Skin Medica - they're TMS Serum is something that I really do love. I completely see a difference in my skin when I use that. Their eye cream - amazing - it's expensive and I have tried alternate routes and dfferent things and I just see such a difference with them and that's something that's just great. Another thing I love - my lips don't get too chapped too much because I'm always on the go in airplanes - I love the Lip Slip by Sara Happ. It's a lip balm and it's so thick and potent and it lasts you forever - I got it from Nordstrom and I love it. My lips never crack, never peel and I love it.

AM: What's your personal style - what do you work out in, what do you go out in for a night out and what is your beach style?

DM: My personal style is super super different - I look very girly, but I am actually super tomboy! I love my Jordans, I love my Jays, I've become a big sneaker person since living in LA so really ideally, if I could live my life I'd do it in workout clothes and athleisure vibe and tennis shoes. That's how you could catch me everyday wearing. If you catch me in jeans or everyday pants it's because I have to because I am going somewhere. What I actually work out in is - I'm very cute on Instagram with matching outfits, but that is not how I am. In real life, I'm not like that I don't think. I get a lot of workout clothes sent to me from different brands and people that I work with so I can never find anything that matches when it is time to work out. I am not that girl who matches in the gym - I'm getting in there with a hat the majorty of the time with no makeup. I hate wearing makeup - I love getting glammed up, but I don't like makeup. I am usually in a hat, with it pulled down super low and getting my workout done because I don't want anyone talking to me and workout time is not playtime for me.

For going out, now that I live in LA, I have a very different west coast vibe. I love everything that is oversized and I love a great Tor Merch long sleeve shirt 2 sizes 2 big with baggy pants and a cute heel. If I'm going out, you can catch me in jeans, boots, a body suit or tank top. That's my vibe and I rarely wear a dress - again unless I have to or if I'm in Vegas or a place that's dressy. LA is just not that dressy and NY isn't really either. I have very different vibes - sometimes it's Bohemian or Urban - I like to change up my style.

Style and music are very all over the place for me as there are tons of genres of music I like and tons of styles that I like to dress in.

Beach style is bikini, flip flops and a cover up. Nothing special - no makeup maybe a little chapstick - that's all - very low maintenance.

AM: What are 3 of your favorite foods that are your go to for energy to assist in working out and do you have splurge foods that you enjoy as a treat every now and then?

DM: I'm a big fan of black coffee before working out. I try to stay lately from pre-workouts that have artificial sugars in them and I am trying to go back to that coffee route or just getting enough sleep as that is very good. Protein is a must for my diets and if I don't have a protein shake, I see a huge difference in my legs and body as far as my abs and cellulite go. I can see a negative difference without them and I need my protein high up. I also need some nuts before the gym - healthy fats are good. I don't like to be super full when I go to the gym because when I am full, I want to take a nap. Cheat foods that I love, pizza! I am obsessed with pizza, Mexican food, I love Queso and chips. My friends make fun of me because I eat a whole tub of queso - it's just really ridiculous as I need to be nowhere near that and then cookie dough. Cookie dough is my downfall! I went through a phase where I was obsessed with cookie dough for like 4 months and my friends and I joke that that’s where my butt came from the four months that I ate it. So we call it my cookie dough butt! I still have it but now I am just training it in the gym!

AM: We saw that you did something pretty amazing with the Chicago Bears last fall, can you share with our readers?

DM: Chicago Bears – so in the fall, ran the Bears out of the tunnel and was the first women to ever run them out of the tunnel! They said it had something to do with the fact that the flag is really heavy and then at Soldier Field, the lake wind effect off of the lake is so strong that it just moves the pole around and it’s crazy heavy! They usually don’t have guests running people out of the tunnel BUT I knew someone that knew someone and they reached out to me and asked if I wanted to do it. I was kind of unsure if I could and then they said that a woman had never done it before and that’s when I said, “well of course then – I have to be the first at everything that I do”. Don’t put me up to a challenge and I will never say no, especially if it is the first woman. It was amazing and fun. The players were super confused as to why I was down there haha! I’m a huge Bears fan so I loved it!

AM: What travel plans are you looking forward to this summer?

DM: This summer I am very fortunate that I am traveling all over. I have so many bookings for appearances to see so many of my wrestling fans. I’m a little west coast, a little east coast. I may have a few things that are Canada and then I am really really really excited about something that we haven’t announced yet which we can’t announce yet but it’s overseas and it is taking me to one of my places on my bucketlist – so I’m very excited about that!
As far as trips go, I look forward to taking my girls trip which we are going to Mykonos, Greece and I have never been there. We are just going to have a great time and I am looking forward to that because I have a great group of girlfriends.

AM: In LA what is your favorite place to shop, a workout studio that you attend as well as where you love to grab cocktails and a meal?

DM: Living in LA, obviously we have great killer stores. All the stores on Rodeo Drive, Beverly Grove the Mall – that’s really good and we have large stores with all the name brands. Some of the places that I really love to shop and that are fun that I tell my friends to go to when they’re in town – hidden gems on Melrose that are kind of really trendy and inexpensive and I love them – one is called Eden Sky and the other one is Style Delivered and I get really cute fun sunglasses, earrings and bandanas. I got my stuff from Coachella there and it’s good finds that are inexpensive so when you pair them with other really good pieces, that’s great. And of course, we have things like Revolve out here and Pretty Little Things and House of CB, Mistress Rocks – LA’s great we have some really good shopping. As far as food goes, I love Urth Café, it’s one of my favorites. I’m pretty sure that I brought my mom and dad there, friends from back home in North Carolina. You just sit outside and have bubble tea – which is amazing and all different kinds of food which is really good. We actually just got a Joe & the Juice which they have in NY and I’m obsessed with so I am really happy about that being there. I love all the healthy food options we have out here the salad places and everything like that which is really good. And then we have great trendy workouts. I love SoulCycle – I swear by SoulCycle as it’s fun and it makes me feel amazing to just get out there and sweat – so I really love that. Unfortunately, I have been dealing with an ankle injury for the past 3 months so I have kind of been having to deal with that and it’s driving me nuts. But I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things soon.

AM: Are there any projects that you're working on that you want to let our readers know about?

DM: I’m just really excited to be working with so many brands right now! I have two clothing companies that I am working with and I will be able to get my own line out and then I have one kind of beauty thing I am working on. I’m taking meetings with other people as far as my appearances go and doing things overseas so it’s all in the beginning baby stages. I have only just started to be able to do this stuff as I wasn’t able to do this with WWE and am looking forward to spreading my wings. My sister’s charity is back home in North Carolina – The Dean Thomas Moinet Foundation - love working with them when I go back home and am looking forward to doing a special project with them when I am back home to raise money in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area for the charity!

We shot Danielle Moinet in Manhattan's Lower East Side at Hotel Indigo LES which is filled with a number of great hitoric sites. Christopher White, the properties' Director of Sales and Marketing talked with us about the hotel and how it connects with the community.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Are there different personalities that Hotel Indigo represents on the city/community?

CHRISTOPHER WHITE: Hotel Indigo’s ethos is design, art, music and embracing the neighborhood that we are in - so every hotel will represent those qualities in different way depending on the location.

AM: Specifically, tell us about Hotel Indigo LES - when did it open, what is the atmosphere and the amenities that are offered for guests.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES opened in the heart of the Lower East Side in November 2015. Reflecting the community, the hotel is an urban oasis that features spacious accommodations and breathtaking views of the Manhattan Skyline. Hotel Indigo LES is equipped with everything needed for the modern traveler - think a rooftop bar and pool, a gym, package handling, parking and we even provide amenities for your furry friends because we know kittens and pups are important too.

AM: Tell us about the lounges and pool.

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is the perfect spot to visit day or night - with stunning views of Manhattan from every place you look, the view is unbeatable - especially now that Summer is right around the corner! The 14th-floor lobby is decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around almost the entire room, spacious L-shaped couches, coffee tables and a cafe. Not to mention the ceiling is covered in a mural by the famous Lower East Side graffiti artist, Lee Quiñones.

Beyond the lobby, guests are invited to checkout the heated plunge pool and bar, Mr. Purple, both located on the 15th floor rooftop. The space offers summer drink menus for guests to enjoy, while taking in amazing views of Lower Manhattan.

AM: Is the pool for guests only?

CW: We prefer to keep the pool exclusive to hotel guests – if locals are looking for a pool break we recommend booking a staycation at the hotel.

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?
 

CW:The lobby, cafe, and of course Mr. Purple - come relax, get some work done, or have a drink - locals and guests can do it all at Hotel Indigo LES!

AM: What Spring/Summer packages do you guys have coming up?

CW: Yes! Our Mother’s Day and Royal Wedding packages are can’t miss. Check them out and more on the Hotel Indigo LES website.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that surrounds Hotel Indigo LES.

CW: Located right in the heart of the Lower East Side, there is nothing you can’t find around Hotel Indigo LES! Tons of art galleries of all different styles, music halls, bars and restaurants all surround the hotel. Think hotspots like the famous Beauty & Essex and Katz Delicatessen, Rockwood Music Hall and more.

AM: Tell us about Mr Purple!

CW: Located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, the space completely captures the vibrant and artistic spirit of the LES. Boasting a 360 degree view of downtown Manhattan from the two outdoor terraces and a beautiful interior, the venue recreates a hip, artist-loft ambiance. The larger terrace includes its own swimming pool (enough said) and outdoor bar, a perfect setting for yummy bites and signature sips against the backdrop of NYC.

AM: Does the Hotel Indigo LES have activities that they participate within that are local to the community?

CW: We sure do! Our goal is to hire all of our line staff from the community which is part of our ethos and culture. We participate in LESSEN which is part of the Henry Street Settlement in the Lower East Side and 30% of our line staff from pre-opening was hired from there. We also volunteer quarterly for Manny Cantor Center, Bowery Mission and am always working to always give back to the community that we are in.

AM: Please feel free to share anything that we may not have asked you but that you would like to share?

CW: Hotel Indigo LES is all about the art. From the moment you walk, to the sleeping rooms and lobby area, the spaces all reflect the art that can be seen all over the LES. With artwork featured from the likes of Mr. Brainwash and Lee Quiñones, guests can see the spirit of the LES at every turn.

Read more from Athleisure Mag and see Beyond the Ropes with Danielle Moinet in mag.

IN & OUT OF THE CAGE WITH CODY GARBRANT

There are a number of sports that we enjoy watching and MMA is on our list. We had the chance to find out more about MMA fighter, Cody Garbrandt from how he came into the sport, what it takes to say fit and ready in the sport, how much fighting takes place each year, being a new father and about his new book that is out next month. 

ATHLEISURE MAG:  When did you realize that you wanted to be an MMA fighter and what was your journey like in terms of making your way into the sport as well as joining the UFC?

CODY GARBRANDT: Early in my life, I knew that was what I wanted. I watched it on TV, my uncle was an amateur boxer, and my mom put me into wrestling at a young age, so I was around it plenty. Plus, I enjoyed it…I grinded. From being tigers, doing wrestling camps, working hard at practice, I really wanted to be great. Eventually, I got into boxing and then transitioned into the cage as a teenager, and set my mind towards becoming a world champion from the very beginning.

AM: Do you have mentors in this sport that assisted you on your way up?

CG: Yeah, I had a lot of them. Some were actual coaches and others were just people who I admired. For example, my pee-wee football and high school wrestling coaches gave me a lot of guidance throughout my life. As motivators, my Uncle Robert, who is my wrestling coach now, and of course my mom, were two people in my life that were always there for me, and I really appreciate them.

AM: We have interviewed a number of athletes from wrestlers, Olympians, NFL members and more. What is a typical workout like for you in terms of just maintaining your body versus what you do for a fight?

CG: The difference between some other sports and UFC is that other sports have an off season. We have to train all year round as if we are in season because at any moment we could be told we have a fight in two weeks, and that fight could be the “Super Bowl” of fights to us. So, if you’re not ready on any given day, you’re going to have a hard time being successful. I switch up my routines from day-to-day though, some days I’ll do spar training more, some days I’ll do more pad sessions or focus on strength. Everyday though, I do martial arts training with some of the best in the business in addition to those other workouts.

AM: In your sport, what is your schedule like in terms of how many fights you tend to do in a year?

CG: Realistically, the human body can only undergo so many fights in a certain period of time. For me, that’s about three fights per year, but once when I was still coming up and doing everything I could to get experience, I did eight fights in one month. In 2016, when I went from unranked to becoming the world champion, I did four fights that year. But on average, I’d say people fight about three times in a year. 

AM: We know that you're a new dad and you have a beautiful wife and family, how do you balance your time in terms of being with your family as well as having date nights?

CG: That’s definitely something we’re currently addressing, and with Kai just being born, we are trying to find the best ways to work it all out. Since it’s just me and Danny out here, if we go out to dinner, we take Kai along with us. But I love coming home every day, and when I leave to say goodbye, being able to kiss them both and work for them motivates me so much to take care of them and set up as best of a future as I possibly can. My friends and family told me what it was going to be like to have a kid, and they said it was seriously going to be "life changing", but I never really believed them until it happened. My wife and son have given me so much more purpose. 

AM: With you next fight coming up this summer with T.J. Dillashaw, what is the mental prep like for this fight when it's the day of the match?

CG: Fight day is all mental. The physical part is entirely done by then, so you have to prepare yourself mentally for the fact that another man is trying to get in a ring with you and hurt you. Aside from a quick morning workout the day of the fight, which we call a “shake out” to get out all of the junk and get a good sweat in, I make sure I relax, spend some time with my family, and try not to focus too hard on it. My final step is right before I go out, I say a prayer for strength, honor, and courage in the ring. 

AM: What is on your playlist when you're training?

CG: I actually have a really diverse selection, but I’m a country boy sometimes. I also really like rap and some Celine Dion. When I’m training though, I listen to a mixture of Post Malone, G-Eazy, Drake, The Game, Eminem, and even James Bay when I want to go for a couple hour jog. 

AM: We know that The Pact is coming out May 8th. Can you tell us about the process of making it, what it covers and what you want fans and readers to learn from this book?

CG: The process was just something that came forward and all about meeting the right people. I was trying to do it a while ago and now it just lined up perfectly with everything. I want people to be inspired and learn to chase their dream no matter the obstacle, and let people know that Maddux came into my life when I needed new direction. There is growth within life, and sometimes you have to bury down and blast through hardships. 

AM: What is your personal style like as we know you wear great suits and you have cool athleisure style. What's your style for training, running errands/hanging with friends and then date night with your wife?

CG: For training, I see some guys who wear those really tight shorts that go to your thigh, but I prefer just a nice simple pair of workout shorts. On top though, I wear Onnit bamboo shirts, which are really nice to workout in since I like my outfit to be as breathable as possible. I usually have to change multiple times in a workout. 

At home though, I’m in total dad-mode…sweatpants and t-shirts all the time. If I’m going to go out, I have few favorite designers, like Amari, John Elliott, Daniel Patrick, Da Vinci, and Gucci. I even work with a company out of Sacramento called R. Douglas that I make a lot of custom suits with and wear out on nice occasions.  

AM: Of all your tattoos, which one is your favorite or most significant and what is the story behind it?

CG: The tattoo of Jesus on my left shoulder that I got when I was fifteen. I added it at a time when I was really dedicated to going to church a lot and was growing my relationship spiritually. 

AM: Your based in Sacramento, when you are there, where can we find you grabbing a meal, going shopping and to go to a fitness studio in the area when you are adding to your work out?

CG: In town, my wife always wants to go to her favorite sushi place, Mikuni. We probably go there close to three times a week. But, if you don’t see me there, my favorite workout spot is P2O, which I go to for hot yoga and fitness classes.

AM: We've been going through your IG account and we love seeing your wife pop up in pictures - does she have a background in fighting too?

CG: Her father is from Thailand and he was a Muay Thai fighter, so sometimes she goes there to train. 

AM: Many athletes that we talk to talk about entrepreneurial endeavors that they are apart of in the sport. Should we expect to see you creating a clothing line or other projects?

CG: It’s definitely something I want to work on and have actually discussed in great detail with some people. Ideally, fashion is the place for me to go. Something involving workout clothes and styles, maybe try to spark some new trends. 

AM: How do you give of your time? 

CG: Yeah, I have a friend who works with Make-A-Wish in Sacramento, so I volunteer with them whenever I can. I also help with Strike for Kids and Rock Steady Boxing, who runs programs at my gym. I see people trying to live their life and succeed when they are faced with a lot of adversity, and it motivates me to be a better person and do everything possible to help. 

AM: Is there anything that you would like to share with us that we have not covered?

CG: I definitely want to mention my dog, Canelo. Give a follow to canelo_garbrandt, he lives a good life. 

PHOTOS COURTESY | CODY GARBRANDT
 

Read more from the April Issue and see In & Out of the Cage with Cod Garbrandt in mag.

TO THE SLOPES WITH LINDSEY VONN

One of our favorite Olympians to hit PyeongChang during the Winter Games last month, was none other than Lindsey Vonn. The stunning Alpine Skier not only went home with a little more bling, but went on to continue competitions. We caught up with her here in NYC to find out when she fell in love with the sport, what it's like to perform at a high level, her partnership with Bounty and her personal style. 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you got into the sport of Alpine Skiing.

LINDSEY VONN: My Grandfather was the pioneer of skiing for our family and he passed that love onto his kids and my Dad passed it onto me.

AM: We have interviewed a number of Olympians and have heard various fitness levels when preparing for the Olympics versus maintaining fitness goals. What was your training like leading up to the Olympics and then while you were there?

LV: Well, I’ve been training for this Olympics for 8 years! I’ve been in and out of rehab for my knee and elbow, but have still maintained a strict training program to keep me in shape. In between racing, I work out every day and during races I get up early and ride my stationary bike for a warm up.

AM: You're fresh off winning your Bronze Medal at PyeongChang - what was your biggest take away from the experience?

LV: The best part of my experience was just accomplishing my goals of getting a medal for my Grandfather. This Olympics has been such a long time coming that I’m just thankful I made it, I was healthy, and I did the very best I could.

AM: We know that you partnered with Bounty as we saw your commercials throughout the Olympic Games, tell us about this and why was it a natural fit to do?

LV: Bounty is a natural fit if you have 3 dogs! It was a great experience filming the commercial with my dog, Lucy.  She is now more famous than I am!

AM: The schedules of Olympians are always crazy, but you left the games and continued on with other races - tell us what you've been up to in terms of races that you have participated in as we know you were at The World Cup Finals.

LV: Yeah, I couldn’t take as much time off after the Olympics as I would have wanted. I had a press tour and then had to head to Sweden for the World Cup Finals. Getting 1st and 3rd in finals was a great ending to a perfect year. I’m that much closer to beating Ingmar’s record. I think I may have a chance to beat it next year!

AM: What does the racing season look like for you in terms of how much of the year it takes up?

LV: Well it’s not just the racing that takes up time, but the training—and that’s a full-time job.  So I have a weeklong vacation once a year and then it’s back to the gym, training, and head to Europe for the World Cup--I don’t give myself room to slow down.

AM: As we've been fans of yours for a while, we checked out your IG and see that you were on the set of Ballers - does this mean that we'll see you on the upcoming season with The Rock?

LV: I wish! I’ll have to work that out with Dwayne next time I see him :) I was on Law & Order though, so I have some experience with acting.
 

AM: Tell us about going to the Oscars and share with us details about your dress as it looked beautiful.

LV: The Oscars was amazing! I just took in every moment of it because it was such an honor to be invited. Well, my dress was supposed to be long-sleeved!  It was too tight to get my arm through so we had to cut the sleeves at the very last minute. It was crazy, but I loved that dress and I felt great it in.

AM: What are you working on now professionally coming off of so much activity?

LV: I have been busy in New York on a press tour and am headed back home to Colorado for my Foundation Gala event and to spend some time with my family and my dogs. 

AM: What are you working on? 

LV: Personally, I’m working on just taking it easy and having fun. Now that the Olympics are over I can relax!

AM: We know that this fall, you have a Signature Skiwear Collection with Under Armour coming out which we're excited to see. Tell us about your personal style - what would we see you wearing when you're going out for cocktails and a night out versus running errands about time?

LV: 99.9% of the time I’m in sweats. I live in head to toe Under Armour, so it's nice to dress up and feel pretty. For cocktails, I like to wear maybe leather pants and a fun top.  And heels… I love a great pair of heels.

AM: Wherever you're based, where could we find you grabbing drinks and a meal, shopping and then your favorite fitness studio to go to.

LV: You can find me at Starbucks anywhere. I need my coffee! For a meal it depends where I am—probably at the hotel restaurant. For shopping, I love going to boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind things. I am either in my gym at home, at the Red Bull gym in LA, a hotel gym or outside. 

AM: Tell us about the Lindsey Vonn Foundation - why it was created, what it focuses on and who it assists.

LV: My Foundation was created because Picabo Street inspired me as a young girl to be an Olympian within five minutes of meeting her. I know the impact that a little encouragement and inspiration can do, and I want to give that to girls. We have had three free camps helping 300 girls to be friends, leaders, and gain confidence.  I stay with them the entire 2-day camp and work with them. We will have our 4th camp in LA this summer with 200 girls. We just relaunched our Scholarship Program this spring focusing on enrichment activities for both girls and boys to help find their passions outside of school. Whether it’s a ski club, violin lessons, or cooking class—we want them to be able to find and do what they love.

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 128 Under Armour Launch of Lindsey Vonn's FW18 Under Armour Signature Skiwear Collection | PG 130 Bounty | PG 132 Bstefanov Lindsey Vonn (USA) at Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Ladies' Super G on February 26, 2012 in Bansko, Bulgaria |  

Read more from the March Issue and see On the Slopes with Lindsey Vonn in mag.

SPRING AWAKENING WITH ASHLEY BUSCH

It's been quite a winter! Thankfully, March reminds us that our dreams of sunny days and rising temperatures is closer to being a reality. This month's covergirl is one of our new faves, Ashley Busch - US Polo player, Global Brand Ambassador of U.S. Polo Assn, Wilhelmina model and wife of NASCAR's Kurt Busch! Our shoot incorporates Spring's must haves and we get the scoop on playing polo, hanging out with Ashley and seeing what she's up to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What does it take to be a polo player?

ASHLEY BUSCH: It takes a few things to be a good polo player. Of course, previous riding experience is always an advantage. To me, the most important skill is to have good hand-eye coordination. Also, the skill of the pony is just as important as the skill of the player.

AM: Are there things that people don't realize in terms of coordinating the mallet and riding?

AB: Most people do not realize that when we are riding we are standing up in the stirrups 90% of the time. In order to hit the ball it takes hand eye coordination. How far it goes has a lot to do with timing of where your horse is and where your mallet is in relation to the ball.

AM: What are your favorite plays?

AB: There are not really any set plays or off sides in polo. Any player can go anywhere on the field. Typically, I play number 1 or number 2 and those positions are the ones that do most of the scoring which are my favorite plays of course!

AM: What has been your favorite match that you have played in?

AB: My favorite match was the 12 Goal tournament I won with my dad at the International Polo Club.

AM: How has the Polo season been and what races are you looking forward to this year?

AB: Polo season has been great so far. I played my first tournament in January and we got to the finals where we only lost by one goal. The second tournament I played in February, we won
by 2 goals. So, I would say this season has been a success!

I look forward to all of the races whether I'm there or watching on TV. I get really into each race because each track is different and it’s fun to see how everything transpires. One of my favorite
trips is the west coast swing that we are on right now. From Vegas to Phoenix to LA. Some other tracks that I love are Bristol in Tennessee, Talladega, and Sonoma.

AM: As this month's cover girl of Athleisure Mag for the kickoff to our Spring Issue, what is it about this time of year that you find exciting?

AB: I am someone that has always gravitated towards warm weather. I love that the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is warming up. I look at springtime as an opportunity to do some spring cleaning and really hone in on my goals for the year. It’s a reboot in my opinion!

AM: The Spring is definitely a great time to add new pieces to your closet - what are some of your favorite spring must-haves that you love in your closet or will be adding to soon?

AB: With all the fashion weeks coming to an end, a lot of designers start putting out their spring lines, which I am always excited to see what new prints and styles are featured. I especially enjoy it because I am a designer myself and look forward to seeing what they come up with and what is trending. As far as new pieces, I am a sucker for a good pair of jeans that can be worn from day to night and I am always looking for fun shoes to mix it up!

AM: You do a lot of traveling and with NASCAR season starting back up, how do you juggle your calendar versus your days on the track to support your husband?

AB: The key for us is basically just looking ahead and scheduling everything accordingly. Some races I inevitably miss because I am playing polo. Regardless, though, we are both very supportive of each other and we make it work! 

AM: With such a busy schedule, great skincare is essential to ensure that you always look like you have a well-rested glow - what beauty products do you swear by?

AB: I typically do not wear much makeup, mainly because I am always on the go. Some of my go-to products are the La Mer oil-infused lotion to hydrate and smooth my skin. I also love Drunk Elephant's day and night serums to help balance out my skin tone. I use the Elta MD tinted moisturizer almost every day, especially when I have a polo match. It provides nice, even coverage, but more importantly has SPF to prevent wrinkles. When traveling, I always carry the Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist! I use it whenever I feel like my skin needs a little boost of hydration.

AM: The last time we chatted with you, you were working on your swim line, how is that going and what can you tell us about it?

AB: We are still in the creative process of my swim line and ironing out all of the details. What I can tell you is that 10% of the proceeds will go to charity, as philanthropy has always been a major part of my life. I will be posting updates on my social media as we progress and am shooting to launch this summer!

AM: When you're not training for your next polo match, designing your line, in a photoshoot or hanging out with Kurt, what can we find you doing when you're taking time for yourself?

AB: In my spare time, I am most likely spending time with friends and family. I also really enjoy being at home just relaxing with my dogs.

AM: When you're home, where can we find you shopping, grabbing cocktails and a drink and do you have a workout studio that you enjoy going to?

AB: My go-to store to shop is Intermix. I also love to check out local boutiques in the area. In Charlotte, Kurt and I enjoy going to Sushi at the Lake for dinner and drinks. In Florida, HMF is a super cool spot. Most of the time, Kurt and I will cook dinner together at the house though.

When I am in Florida, I train at the International Polo Club with polo trainers. In Charlotte, we have a personal trainer who comes to our house to workout. I also like to take aerial silk classes at Air-fit Charlotte.

AM: What charities or philanthropies do you give your time to?

AB: Children's National Medical Center in DC. Capital Hospice Care. Cancer Research and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Local Humane Societies.

We shot Ashley Busch in Brooklyn at the 1 

Hotel Brooklyn Bridge which has great views of Manhattan and is in a neighborhood with a number of options to enjoy. We chatted with General Manager, Cornelia Samara to find out why this property is one that you should get to know as we continue into the Spring and Summer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about 1 Hotels in terms of the family of properties within this group and what one can expect when staying here generally?

CORNELIA SAMARA: We currently have 1 Hotels open in South Beach, Manhattan, and most recently, here in Brooklyn. Soon guests will be able to get closer to nature in Cabo; Sanya, China; West Hollywood and Sunnyvale. While every property is unique in its design and offerings, you can always expect a home away from home, with thoughtful service and personal touches. Every 1 Hotel is designed to celebrate nature and bring touches of the outdoors inside.

AM: Are there different personalities that 1 Hotels represents depending on the city/community?

CS: Definitely. Each 1 Hotels property is directly influenced and inspired by their local surroundings – the natural landmarks it sits on or beside, as well as the community it is part of. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, for example, is inspired by the industrial history of the Brooklyn waterfront, and its design takes cues from the park it sits upon.

AM: Specifically, tell us about 1 Hotels Brooklyn Bridge - when did it open, what is the atmosphere?

CS: We opened our doors to 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in February 2017, making us just recently 1 Tree Ring year old. The atmosphere at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is first and foremost welcoming, and it has a special balance of energy, liveliness in the midst of tranquility.

AM: What makes the Brooklyn location one that is great for business travel, business meetings, vacations and staycations?

CS: Much like Brooklyn itself, what you can experience at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is very diverse in its offerings. We operate 6 different outlets that can cater to just about every traveler, with a spa providing treatments to relax and re-energize, a rooftop pool & bar that
is calm by day and energetic by night, a lobby lounge and café that are both great for settling in with a good book or hunkering down to get work done, visit The Osprey for an elevated dining experience, or Brooklyn Heights Social club for unparalleled views and an unmatched cocktail list.

AM: What amenities are offered by the hotel and what are the touches that are specific to this hotel?

CS: -Bamford Haybarn Spa

-24 hour Field House fitness center

-Seasonal rooftop bar and pool

-Full Service Restaurant, The Osprey, with seasonal outdoor seating

-Brooklyn Heights Social Club, a bar on the 10th floor with stunning views of NYC skyline

-Neighbors café located in the lobby

-24 hour in-room dining

-Complimentary Tesla electric house car

-Filtered water taps in guest rooms

-Location on Brooklyn Bridge Park

We put a great deal of effort into bringing nature into our public spaces and guest rooms. It’s important that people feel at one with nature even when they aren’t able to actually get outside.

For example, each guest room will have green elements like living green moss, small trees or even hanging gardens.

AM: The public areas are so welcoming, who designed this hotel and what was the thought process behind the design?

CS: The hotel was thoughtfully designed by INC Architecture & Design, guided by a specific vision from our founder, Barry Sternlicht, and our design team. From the beginning, we knew we wanted our guests, community and visitors to feel at home and close to nature. We like
to think of our lobby a place to gather, where you can find locals and guests busy at work or socializing with friends.

AM: We saw that you offer car services to the area - why is this an amenity that was added and tell us more about it?

CS: We do offer a complimentary Tesla house car for our guests, to whisk them away to destinations within 3 miles of the hotel with low-impact (it’s electric!) We chose an electric car to be our house car because it minimizes our contribution to air pollution and also gives our
guests the chance to see that electric vehicles can be true replacements for gasoline powered vehicles. We hope it encourages them to take measure to reduce their own carbon footprints when they head home.

AM: What can we look forward to for the Spring and the Summer that is offered at the Brooklyn Bridge location?

CS: -New seasonal menus items made with market-fresh ingredients throughout our food and beverage outlets and our in-room dining menu

-Our seasonal rooftop bar and pool will reopen in the spring

-Exciting outdoor programming from our partners at Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

AM: What do locals have the ability to enjoy whether they are staying as guests or just wish to stop by?

CS: -They can always expect warm and welcoming greeting from our team

-They can always expect amazing cuisine with ingredients locally sourced from their own communities

-Unobstructed views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge

-Locals are always welcome to get comfortable and work from our lobby lounge

-Special offers from the hotel and our outlets, extended specifically to our neighbors and local community

AM: Tell us about your commitment to wellness as we saw the yoga mats in the room and we know you have a gym as well.

CS: It’s important to us to encourage our guests to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. We can only put our best foot forward in taking care of the planet when we also take care of ourselves. We hope the yoga mats remind guests the importance of taking a moment each day to get centered and focused in their mind and spirit. We offer Mind & Movement programming to help create experiences that allow guests to do this.

AM: Two of our favorite places are rooftops and spas and we know you have both, tell us about this.

CS: You are definitely not alone in that! There are few things better than an amazing view or being pampered. While our service definitely sets us apart, there’s no question that our views are taken to the next level on our rooftop. At Bamford Haybarn Spa, the commitment to holistic treatments and organic ingredients is a major differentiator.

Read more from the March Issue and see Spring Awakening with Ashley Busch in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS | RECOMMENDED FOR YOUR TRIBE TO EAT, WORK + PLAY

Read more from the Mar Issue and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

WHERE TO WATCH THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TONIGHT

It all comes to tonight! In our March Issue, we had a number of March Madness oriented content from going to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as well as checking in with a number of ESPN analysts to see who they are rooting for, who they think will win and what they have been enjoying this season in terms of style, beauty and tech! Where will you watch the NCAA March Madness Tournament Game which starts tonight at 9pm with Villanova versus University of Michigan? If you're here in NYC, we have a few ideas!

Watch the National Championship Game at Atwood Sports Bar and Lounge which will be sharing the game on 15 of their HDTVs as well as offering specials that include: A Shot and a Beer ($8), Pitchers of Bud Light ($12), Fully Loaded Tator Tots Skillet ($25), Mozzarella Sticks Plate ($25), 20 Wings ($30), Bucket of Fries & Chicken Tenders ($30), Bucket of Bud Light + 20 Wings ($40), 24 Beers + Bottle of Fireball ($300) and Bottle of Don Julio, Jack Daniels, Jameson or Ketel One ($350).

Treadwell Park Downtown (where we shot our Oct 2017 cover with Food Networks Jaymee Sire) is a great place to grab a number of savory comfort foods, playing games at communal tables and getting your own Crowlers to take home to continue the good vibes. We also love that if the private room is available, you can rent it out so that you and your crew can have a private viewing party just for yourselves while taking in the game! Call ahead to see if its an option to take the experience to the next level!

One of our favorite places to enjoy meeting up with friends is The Ainsworth which has a number of locations in the NYC, Hoboken and the Hamptons. There are a number of TVs that you can take in the game and then menu is pretty fantastic as there is something for everyone from comfort foods to those that are healthier in nature! In addition, the craft beverages take a twist off of classics that will allow you to continue cheering throughout the game! 

Catch up on the March Issue.

ON THE ROAD WITH BUICK

It seems like snow has been an interesting challenge over the past few weeks and this month, Athleisure Mag editors decided to take a roadtrip to Vermont courtesy of our friends at BUICK to try out the BUICK Regal TourX, a crossover that has the dynamics of a car while having the versatility of a SUV.

The 5 hour drive to Woodstock, Vermont allowed us to enjoy a number of luxury amenities that included OnStar access, OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (essential for doing laptop work and
keeping our phones connected when we started to get into spotty coverage areas), plenty of USB ports, SiriusXM Radio (we loved Lithium, the Pearl Jam and Beatles channels), and navigation that kept us aware of accident areas and re-routing us as needed.

We're all about storage as we had a bit of equipment with us from camera gear, outfits for the slopes, snacks and more. The cargo space was quite substantial and as we drove into the night,
the illumination of key areas on the dashboard was a great way to keep areas lit.

While in Vermont, we stayed at the Woodstock Inn + Resort, which was a quaint resort that provides easy access to Woodstock Inn Nordic Center (we took the opportunity to go Snowshoeing), as well as a number of other mountain resorts such as Killington Ski Resort. Our room had a fireplace, as well which was a homey touch and there were attendants available to
start the fire if needed. In our downtime, we took advantage of our stay at the Woodstock Inn enjoying fine dining at the properties' Red Rooster and Richardson's Tavern, which had a
number of savory comfort foods and well-made cocktails. We also enjoyed our fill of basketball games as we're in the midst of March Madness!

There were a number of common areas with fireplaces that continued the woodsy vibe of this resort from the lobby, cozy nooks as well as a library that gave guests a number of places to connect with friends, family and other guests. We dove into chapters of Re-Engineering Humanity over hot toddies.

We explored the town of Woodstock, which had a number of churches, historical sites and covered bridges that highlighted the New England town.

When we added the trip to our calendar, we knew that we wanted to explore a few areas and decided to make a pit stop on our way home. Interestingly enough when we crossed Vermont's state line into Massachusetts, we saw the exit for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. With March being the month of one of college's biggest tournament's, NCAA March Madness we decided that we had to make a stop here.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is in honor of Dr. James Naismith, a physical educator who invented the game at the age of 30 in 1891. He wrote the original basketball rule book and founded the University of Kansas basketball program. He was the first Kansas Jayhawks' Coach (1898 - 1907) as well as the school's Athletic Director (1919 - 1937). Prior to his death, he saw the game become an official Olympic event in the summer games of 1936, the birth of the National Invitation Tournament (1938) and the NCAA Tournament (1939). At his tenure at Kansas, he would coach Phog Allen who later became the coach for Kansas for 39 seasons. He would also coach Adolph Rupp and Dean Smith.

This building is home to more than 300 inductees and has over 40,000 square feet of basketball history from NCAA teams, NBA, interactive exhibits and live clinics. Visitors can see signed memorabilia, sneakers, plaques, uniforms and more that have a place in Hardwood History.

It was a great weekend checking out the car, snow sports and paying homage to the inception and heritage of basketball.

Read more from the Mar Issue and On the Road with Buick in mag.

MARCH MADNESS

MICHAEL EAVES | ESPN SportsCenter Anchor

ADAM SCHEFTER | ESPN NFL Insider

BETH MOWINS | ESPN Play-by-Play Announcer NFL + Women's College Sports

JAY WILLIAMS | ESPN College Basketball Analyst

Read more from the Mar Issue and see March Madness in mag.

RIDING WITH HUSQVARNA NYC LAUNCH PARTY

We enjoyed Husqvarna Motorcycles' launch of their highly anticipated new range of “real street” motorcycles to the North American market in NYC. The VITPILEN 401, VITPILEN 701, and SVARTPILEN 401 feature new advanced technology for the world of motorcycling. Inspired by the minimal simplicity of classic Swedish design, Husqvarna's new urban motorcycles combine high quality, state-of-the-art technology and progressive technology to redefine the modern riding experience.

Guests enjoyed previewing the three sophisticated, urban-styled models to celebrate Husqvarna's return to street motorcycling. Hasselblad X1D camera demos were on hand for motorcycle photography amidst the backdrop of Husqvarna's VR experience, its 2018 fashion accessories preview and a cocktail party atmosphere at the Skylight Modern event space in Chelsea Gallery District, NYC.

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Riding with Husqvarna NYC Launch Party in mag.

MARCH MADNESS | SELECTION SUNDAY

It's that time of year again! Our eyes were glued to TBS today during the Selection Show that took place to see who was invited to the Big Dance for the NCAA Men's Division I Tournament. Of course a number of the team's alma mater's were not in this year but we have some favorites. We see Duke taking it all but as we go from one game to the next, we'll enjoy our fair share of hoops and wings!

You can join in the fun to see how many times you have to change your bracket by signing up for the Bracket Challenge.

2018 BURTON US OPEN | PODIUM SLOPE FINALS

Were checking in with the 2018 US Open Men's Slopestyle Finals. Enjoy the highlights as this festival ends a week of amazing activities.

2018 BURTON US OPEN | WOMEN'S HALFPIPE SEMI-FINALS

We've enjoyed seeing all the runs taking place at the 2018 Burton US Open. Today, we're all about recent Gold Medalist, Chloe Kim.