THE BACHELOR S25. E6. | WHO'S REAL

If you have yet to see tonight’s 6th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with MJ and Jessenia doing a 2-on-1 with Matt to see about who is toxic and who isn’t. Matt James tries to figure out what took place between the girls. Jessenia shares that the persona that MJ does with Matt is not who she is and that she has been one of the people who was involved in the mean girl clique. MJ explains that she has gone through a lot in her life and doesn’t like that she is being defamed as she would never do that to someone. He likes both of the women and acknowledges that he has formed relationships with both of them, but knows he can’t continue the journey with both of them there. Although he is conflicted, he gives the rose to Jessenia and walks MJ out. MJ feels that she was sabotaged and wants nothing but the best for him.

Immediately after, it’s time for him to focus on the rest of the ladies. The ladies walk in and see the rose tray is empty and speculate on who will be coming back. The girls are ready to get on with the night and to spend some time with him so that they can get to know him and to get past the theatrics. They all talk about getting to have some time with Matt and how they will get to be reconnected. Chris Harrison walks in and lets them know that there will not be a cocktail party and they will go straight to the ceremony as he is exhausted and knows what he wants. Going into the ceremony, Jessenia, Rachael, Abigail and Kit already have roses - so 3 are going home. Serena P, Michelle, Pieper, Bri, Chelsea, Katie and Serena C receive roses. Magi, Brittany and Ryan do not receive roses.

We’re back at Nemacolin and Pieper gets the 1-on-1 evening date. Serena C pulls Katie to the side and lets her know that her antics take time away from her each time she wants to talk with Matt. Serena C feels that Katire is telling Matt everything that takes place in the house and lets her know that she actually allows the girls to speak for themselves and to tell their stories. She merely lets him know that there is general unrest going on and that he should find out more information. As the girls have their spat deciding who is here for Matt. Heather from Colton’s season decided to pop by and said that a friend told her that she should meet him. Chris lets her know that they are in quarantine so she just can’t just come in! He has to speak with other people on this and there are a lot of protocols involved.

Matt picks her up and drives her into the woods and gives her a flashlight as it is very dark outside. They walk through the dark and after flipping a switch, there is an entire carnival set up for them to enjoy! There are a number of rides, lights and more - which is such a fun date for them to enjoy.

While Pieper is on her evening date, Bri, Kit, Rachael, Michelle, Jessenia, Serena P, Abigail, Chelsea and Serena C are on the next group date. That means Katie will have the 1-on-1 date. Meanwhile, Heather from a previous season (she is friends with Hannah B) has begun the quarantine process and is on her way to seeing if she can be included as a potential woman to be involved in Matt’s journey. Clearly, the surprises never stop! Back at Pieper’s date, she lets Matt know that she is following in love with him - she does receive the rose. After a date with a carnival and a dinner, they get a performance by Temecula Road.

The group date begins and it’s a bowling date. After a few minutes, Chris lets that know that they will be divided into 2 teams. Whoever wins, gets the afterparty and the winner will get to go to the afterparty. From the pink team, Chelsea, Jessenia, Michelle and Bri get to have more time with Matt. Kit, Chelsea, Abigail, Serena C and Rachael are walking back home in the rain. The Blue Team is bummed because they don’t even get the rose that is up for grabs for that portion of the date. While the girls enjoy their time, the Blue team gets a special date card where they are told that they will get time as well. Apparently, they were invited back into the afterparty on the same night! Of course, it causes some of the girls to get annoyed as they thought that they would have an opportunity to have a 1-on-1 time. Chelsea definitely has an issue with more people being there and not being able to get the time. Michelle receives the rose from the group date.

Before his 1-on-1 date with Katie, Matt catches up with his best friend, Tyler which we all know from Hannah’s season on The Bachelorette. They are best friends, live together and they also run their food business together. Katie and Matt are going to enjoy a spa date with one another. They will be in the ear of the masseuse that will be massaging Tyler. It seems like this date will be more of a prank date. Thankfully, Tyler was good-natured about it and got to meet Katie (we hope he got to enjoy a real massage afterward). At dinner, the two connect and not so surprisingly, he tells Katie that he can’t give her the rose as his relationships with the other women have moved along faster. Although it’s not a shock, Katie was a huge reason for a lot of Matt’s awareness of what was going on in the house. Katie kept it classy wishing him good luck and letting him know that there were good women in the house. The women see her suitcase being wheeled out from the hotel lobby.

The girls assemble for the cocktail party and they look forward to being able to have 1-on-1 time. They recognize that there have been antics and distractions, but this will be the first night where it will be a regular night. Matt greets them and the cocktail party begins with him pulling Abigail aside to catch up with her. Heather is on her way to the resort. Heather walks in past the girls, waves and right into the conversation that he is having with Pieper.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

Even with all of the twists and turns, we selected Abigail, Bri, Rachael and Brittany to be the ones that we could see at hometowns.

THIS WEEK

Well, this week had more twists that were expected and unexpected. We’re shaking it up this week as Brittany was not given a rose and we see some great synergies between Matt and some of the ladies. We see Hometown dates including:

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CATALINA 29 - Caguas, Puerto Rico

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIM 28 - Cypress, CA

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

RYAN - Brooklyn, NY

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S25. E5. | THE OG'S VS THE NEW GIRLS

If you have yet to see tonight’s 5th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with the toxic OG versus New Girl dynamic. Matt James addresses what Katie brought up to him and he said that the “US vs THEM” mentality is a culture of bullying and rumors that had been going around that could hurt others. He explained that a person who has to push someone down, to lift someone up - that’s not the kind of person that he would want. Of course, he pulls Brittany to the side BUT now the girls want to know who said it. Brittany shares what’s been going on and that she was called an escort. MJ suggests to Anna that she should talk to Matt and let him know what she did.

Anna talks with Matt and lets him know that she heard rumors about Brittany and when she met her, she felt the need to share it with her. She says how bad she feels and that she feels like she is breaking out into rashes over this. He explains that he has to be true to himself and that he can’t imagine Anna being on the journey to find love with him. He swiftly lets her go and walks her out as she cries and apologizes.

The remainder of the women at Nemacolin watch in surprise as she leaves. The fact that the women that were initially there claimed that they were oblivious to the behavior in the house. Victoria tries to go on a campaign to make herself look better and even other girls apologize - no one believes this and it seems like it’s a night of cleaning house. Ryan tells Matt that Victoria told her that because she was a dancer, she thought that she was a whore and laughed about it.

Ryan tells Victoria was she said and Victoria goes over to Matt to try to commend him for what he said and to also try to make herself seem innocent. He asks her what part of being a ho could be taken the wrong way. Of course, he stops the cocktail session to go straight to the rose ceremony. Victoria also figures out that Katie is the one that looped him into what was happening. She is heard bad-mouthing the girls in the house to the producers.

The roses given at the ceremony are given to Brittany, Ryan, Rachael, Serena P, Magi, Kit, MJ, Jessenia, Katie, Abigail, Chelsea, and Serena C. Matt sends Victoria, Catalina, Lauren and +1 home.

Chris comes to the ladies and he says that things are changing as they are past the half way point. He gives them the 1-on-1 card which is with Rachael. Rachael meets Matt and learns that she will be spoiled. They see celebrity stylist Ty Hunter and she sees a number of gowns, shoes, champagne and more. She tries on a number of looks in front of Matt. She is also given a pair of Christian Louboutin heels and it’s so cute to see her reaction and to see how genuine she is to have time with him. Rachael comes in to see the girls and has a number of bags, wearing her dress and is gifted another dress that she is going to wear to dinner. She leaves the girls as they think about the time that they are not getting with them.

The next date card arrives for: Serena P, Bri, Katie, Pieper, Serena C, Ryan, Michelle, Brittany, Magi, Abigail, Chelsea, Jessenia and MJ.Kit receives the 1-on-1.

Back at the second part of Rachael’s date, she receives the rose and we can definitely see how they complement one another.

At the group date, they hit the farm and do a number of chores, He lets them know that although he lives in NYC, he is from Raleigh, NC and he grew up on a farm. Although MJ takes the lead to agree to do a number of the activities, some question whether it is authentic. Pieper takes a moment to get a few kisses from him and then other girls “just realize” that they are all dating the same guy. Matt does try to spend time with each of them, but it’s hard when the other girls see that he has connections with others. The second part of the group date brings the girls together with him.

After toasting the girls, he asks to have some time with Chelsea and pulls her first. He then talks with Abigail who says that being on the farm date allows her to understand her grandparents farm that she has never been too. She shares that if she were able to have children, there is a possibility that her children could be hearing impaired. Her birth father left her after she got cochlear implants and she voices her concern about whether others would be like that to her. Matt is really good about being able to empathize with others whether it’s a shared experience or not. He then reaches out to MJ to find out her role in the bullying. Of course she says that she brings the house together and doesn’t do that. Brittany comes in to take a moment with Matt. When MJ comes back to the girls, she lets them know that she was called an antagonist in the house. She asks if anyone wants to talk about it since she leads “by example.” Jessenia lets her know that she mentioned MJ because she stated that there was a Varisty and JV squad. Jessenia explains that MJ made the house uncomfortable for the girls. Katie hops in and supports Jessenia and agrees that MJ is deflecting.

Rachael and Kit hang out at home as Rachael sends positive vibes to her for the 1-on-1 date which will be at his place. Kit shares that her happy place is in the kitchen with her mom and that she loves to cook. She’s hopeful that that will be part of their date. Matt gives a rose to Abigail. MJ decides that she is going to clear up her character as she’s there to be with Matt and not the girls.

Kit’s date is pretty cute and chill. Matt likes to have his dessert first and they make cookies together. As much as Kit has grown up with a luxurious lifestyle as the daughter to Cynthia Rowley, she also has such a relaxed sense of being which is welcoming. She receives the rose.

As the girls talk about the upcoming rose ceremony, a card arrives say that Matt needs to know the truth from Jessenia and MJ. He asks them to arrive prior to the ceremony so that he can find out what happened. We see the women bring their luggage to the lobby.

At the end of tonight’s episode, Abigail, Rachael and Mari go into the rose ceremony with roses. We’ll definitely see how tonight’s episode will play out tomorrow between the showdown of MJ and Jessenia and then go straight into the rose ceremony.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

We learned a lot more about Matt James and the women that would be competing on the show. We thought that Hometowns would be given to Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Brittany.

THIS WEEK

Well, this week had quite a few twists and we’re glad that the most toxic girls have been removed and hope that makes the other girls stop all the mean girl antics - Abigail, Bri, Rachael and Brittany.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON (Copy)

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY (Copy)

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA (Copy)

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CATALINA 29 - Caguas, Puerto Rico

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIM 28 - Cypress, CA

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MICHELLE 27 - Woodbury, MN

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

RYAN - Brooklyn, NY

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S25. E4. | WHAT NEXT

If you have yet to see tonight’s 4th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with the women debriefing about Sarah leaving the show as they lounge at Nemacolin. The conversation is fine until Victoria begins bashing Sarah. Katie lets her know that since she is not there, there’s no need to continue to talk about her. Victoria says that she will say what she wants, when she wants. Clearly, Katie is next on her list for her to eliminate as she had the same plans for Marylynn and Sarah. The two talk separately and the tension between them continues. Matt James continues with his second group date and looks to connect with the women. The women ask how he is doing and he assures them that he is there to continue his journey. Ultimately, Chelsea has a heart to heart with him by telling him about her hair journey and how it is so important for women and personal to them. He explains that although he has never felt that way, he can sympathize with her on those feelings. She receives the rose.

We continue onto the cocktail party as Anna and Victoria plan on how they will grab him first so that they can talk. He actually talks with a number of the women and although Pieper gets to chat first! By the time Victoria sits with him, Chris Harrison walks in and lets him know that he needs to see him. The girls see him walk to the front and they assume that Sarah is coming back as they see a car pull up.

Brittany emerges from the car and is followed by 4 additional cars (including: Kim, Catalina, Michelle and Ryan - these women were teased initially as being on the show, so it’s interesting that they held them back to come in tonight). Each car has women in them and they are now being added to the house! This causes quite a stir understandably. With all of these women under the same roof, this is going to be a crazy situation for everyone. Matt comes in and lets the original group know that he didn’t know about this twist and that he just wants to be able to learn more about the women. The rose ceremony takes place after the cocktail party. Of the new girls, Kim is the only one that does not receive a rose. From the OG cast, Khaylah and Kalia do not receive one. Rachel, MJ. Serena P, Chelsea, Pieper, Bri, Magi, Michelle, Mari, Ryan, Kit, Serena C, Abigail, Katie, Victoria, Lauren, Brittany, Jessenia, Anna and Catalina continue on in the process.

The first date card is brought in by Chris. Mari, Bri, Abigail, Brittany, Ryan, Catalina, Magi, Anna and Victoria are all on the group date. Matt is in need of a pep talk and Ben Higgins (former Bachelor) comes by to point him in the right direction and has planned the date! Matt has created a fall race that has a number of activities like a field day as they race to Matt. The winner will get a prize and this is definitely an individual activity. Racing in a thousand-pound pumpkin as a canoe is pretty interesting. Mari wins the race and even Victoria acknowledges that she’s glad that an OG won. Victoria has visions of grandeur of being the “queen” of the group - even though a Miss Universe of Puerto Rico is now a fellow competitor!

Brittany and Anna come from Chicago and apparently, Brittany is suspected to be an escort. Anna lets Victoria this info and it adds fuel to the fire because they saw her deeply kissing him when she first met him. So the claws are out for sure. The group date rose goes to Bri - although he does shout out Brittany and Anna for loving the conversation that he had with them. Anna brings up that Brittany’s intentions are pure and lets her know that when she arrived, her friends let her know that she received warnings about her. She says that in front of everyone on the group date. Brittany says that

The next date card arrives and Michelle gets the one on one date. On their date, planned by Chris, he is having them take some leaps of faith and a scavenger hunt. Matt states that he felt something and that’s why he wanted to have her on this date to know more about her. Their day date includes a hot air balloon which is always a nice touch. At their dinner, they have a heart to heart talking about her being a teacher, how she talked about George Floyd to her students and more. She receives a rose as well.

The next group date card arrives and the claws continue to be out. Brittany tells Katie that there is a rumor being said about her that she was an escort. Katie is over the bullying and we think that she will step in for sure. The next group date starts and it seems like it will be a physical one. Mia St John is on the date and wants to know if they are ready to fight for Matt in front of a live audience. The live audience is the other half of the house. Why the show always thinks that these kinds of physical dates are a good idea is beyond us! The women are a bit battered and bruised and Matt calls it to have everyone go straight to the second part of the group date.

On this portion of the date which only has members of the original women on this date, they spend time making fun of the new ones. Again, Katie tries to reason with them and they’re not having it. She pops out to Matt and lets him know that there are a lot of inappropriate comments being said about the new women to the point of having damaging statements being made about them. She apologizes for telling him; however, he is glad that she let him know about what is going on. He let her know that he has no tolerance for that behavior.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

We learned a lot more about Matt James and the women that would be competing on the show. We thought that Hometowns would be given to Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

THIS WEEK

Well, this week had quite a few twists! This is the first week that we have a new pick due to Khaylah not getting a rose this week. We’re including one of the new girls in the mix as there could be chemistry there. We’re going to stick with - Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Brittany.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY 23 - Chicago, IL

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

BRITTANY

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIM 28 - Cypress, CA

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MICHELLE

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

RYAN - Brooklyn, NY

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

STOLEN MOMENTS WITH NIECY NASH

We have been fans of Niecy Nash for a number of years. Whether it was when we first saw her hosting one of our favorite shows, Clean House on The Style Network, her comedic talents in Reno 911! or her dramatic roles such as Netflix's When They See Us or FX on Hulu's Mrs. America - Niecy always steals the show with her dynamic personality and ability to absorb her role. Like many, we're fans of TNT's Claws where she plays Desna Simms who roles with some of the baddest manicurists who create nail art along with navigating the underworld of Palmetto, FL. Throughout the show, we have seen her rocking dazzling styles in front of the camera and bringing us into the world of nail artistry as well as showing usher directorial chops behind the camera! With the final and fourth season airing in 2021, we caught up with her in New Orleans where they are currently filming. She shares the importance of Christmas, the 2021 Staycation that we have all endured and upcoming storytelling projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment that you realized that you wanted to work in the entertainment industry?

NIECY NASH: I was 5 years old and I was watching TV with my grandmother and I saw the most gorgeous Black woman that I had ever seen in my little 5 years of living. I said, “Grandmama, who is that?” and she said, “Baby, that’s Lola Falana.”I said, “Ooo,” and I felt that in that moment, that was definitely stamped on my canvas of my imagination and I was like, that’s what I want to do – that right there.

AM: You know, you’re involved in so many projects and you’re constantly on the move, why is the holiday season so important to you?

NN: The holiday season is so important because there is so much connective tissue there. There’s so much time and space to bring families together. But because we have all been in this mandatory 2020 Staycation when we have had to stay in the house, it has really become about curating moments and memories in the best way that we can given the circumstances.

AM: What are ways that we can curate those memories as we continue into the holiday season since we are spending so much time at home.

NN: Girl, I’m glad you asked! I want to tell so many people what I have stumbled upon and that’s HP Printables. I just got married and I was able to through HP, create my own holiday card they offer free crafts and activities. I thought this was so interesting because we can’t go out. I can stay in and involve my family and to have fun. So I found the most gorgeous tulle skirt, all the way down to the floor. Guess where I went when I wore it?

AM: Where?

NN: To my sofa girl! I went to the sofa, laid out and took a picture. I made it into a holiday card! It was absolutely gorgeous! I have to tell everybody about this because it is something that you can do with your whole family. We were able to change and do different looks as well as wearing our pajamas. It was so much fun!

AM: Are there other things that this printer can also do?

NN: Well, girl, you’ve got some good questions today! Here’s the other thing that I love about it. It’s the fact that HP has a subscription program called InstantInk meaning that if you’re in the middle of a crafting project, or your children are using it or if you have an important task that you’re working on – you will never run out of ink. This is because the print-er will let it be known and like magic, the ink will pull up to your house so you don’t have to worry about that! I feel like they are really thinking about families because in this time that we are in right now, the fact that you have services that are free is good, the fact that they’re accommodating families so we’re not making extra trips – that’s good. And listen, here’s the uptick. It’s so easy that you can let the kids sit down and do the crafting and you can go take a much needed break, if you know what I’m saying! That’s the most important part.

AM: How do you take time for yourself especially during the holiday season when itis so busy?

NN: You know, I have what you call “stolen moments.” It may not be where you can sit down and have an entire hour, but you can curate maybe 10 or 15 minutes here and 10 to 15 minutes there to do those things that make you feel restored and renewed. Whether that’s a little book on tape, making a phone call to a loved one, going into the bathroom and closing your door to pluck your eyebrows and put on your favorite song. You just have to find stolen moments.

AM: We have enjoyed seeing you on a number of TV shows and movies over the past couple of decades. Being able to see you on screen and representing Black women is something that inspires so many people with the ability to see ourselves. We know that right now you’re filming the final season of TNT’s Claws and although you can’t tell us too many details, what can you say about this show and what can you tell us about projects that we should keep our eye out for?

NN: I’m filming Claws right now and we’re in our fourth and final season. So with big promises to our fans of the show, they will leave completely satiated with our show. They will not be disappointed!

In addition to that, in 2021, right at the top,I am doing a project for ABC that Jay-Z is producing called Women of the Movement and we’re going to be telling the Emmett Till story. That’s going to be great story-telling!

IG @NiecyNash1

PHOTOS COURTESY | Niecy Nash

Hear Niecy Nash on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Dec Issue #60 of Athleisure Mag and see Stolen Moments with Niecy Nash in mag.

THE BACHELOR S25. E3. | THE PLOT THICKENS

If you have yet to see tonight’s 3rd episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s episode with the rose ceremony which was a cliffhanger from last week of The Bachelor. We catch up with the ladies at Nemacolin, who learn who will continue to advance. Although we’re bummed, Marylynn is eliminated and Victoria is given the rose. Interestingly enough, she explains that she has Sarah as her next target. Matt also eliminates Sydney, Kristen, Lauren and Alana.

The first group date includes the women writing their love letters to him. Much like what happened in The Bachelorette last season, the other portion of the women in the house were also invited to the date to hear it. On this date is Anna,Bri, Katie, Rachael, Sarah, Kit, Khaylah, Victoria, MJ and Serena C. They see Ashley Iaconetti introducing them to the next date. She reads portions of Chris Harrison’s book. The girls work on what they will share and Matt James also shares his as well. Everyone enjoys the stories and the women who were not on the participating portion of the date are sent back home. The other girls are able to go to the cocktail portion of the date.

The next date will be with Serena P. as a 1-on-1 date. We’ve noticed that Sarah has definitely struggled with the fact that she is dating Matt with multiple people. We saw her faint even though she already had a rose, when the next date card came, she didn’t even hang out with everyone else. And while Katie is chatting with Matt, she interrupts them! Although she allows them to finish Katie lets her know later that she needs to figure out her situation because it wasn’t appropriate for it to happen. Rachael gets the group rose.

Serena P’s up next with her date. Sarah has yet to make her presence her known to the group, but Matt James swings by and wants to talk to her. It seems like they’re talking about the same things that they talked about the night before and he encourages her to stay the course.

FINALLY Matt is ready to hang out with Serena P. They have a horse back riding date and then a charcuterie date outside. In addition to donkeys hanging out with them, they talk about their families and how they came to being on this journey. It really was a great way for them to get to know one another on a deeper level. They have a nice dinner and she gets the rose. They end her night with champagne in the hot tub by the fire.

Sarah has yet to see the women and an entire day and night has gone by. The women want her to face the mess that she has made. The final date card arrives and Sarah just materializes before its read. MJ tells her that she was “worried” about her as she had not been down to see them all day and that it was rude to not come down. Sarah explains that she is having a hard time grapsing everything and that she considered leaving. They all ask why she is having such an issue when she has had a 1-on-1 date. The girls hold her feet to the fire and let her know that she is selfish, calculating and manipulative. We also know that Victoria is definitely not a fan and Kit lets her know that she hopes that her relationship is strong with Matt because her time in the house will be uncomfortable due to her antics. Sarah tries to connect with MJ; however that doesn’t work. Once again, we see her in her room.

The next morning, Sarah is still staying away from the group. Katie swings by and says that she didn’t like what happened last night. Sarah claims that she is going to leave and it’s because of a combination of a few things. Katie tells her that if she feels she has a connection, then she needs to stay because she doesn’t want to be his backup plan. Sarah admits that she is not in a good headspace because of her own insecurities, but also because of her father only having weeks to live. Katie says that her father passed in 2012 and that if she had the ability to see him, she would and she understands her decision in knowing the full story. She tells the camera that he deserves the best and that she isn’t operating at her best right now.

She packs her bags and makes her way to talk to Matt. Now, earlier in this episode, he said he would come to her every day if he had to if she needed reassurance. We’ll see how it goes. Katie lets the group know that Sarah is going home and she tells the group that they need to keep it classy as they don’t know all of one another’s stories. Sarah arrives at Matt’s door and tells him that she feels alone there, has been attacked by the women in the house and missing her family. Matt says that he understands that that environment must be tough and that he wants her to stay. She explains that she has prayed about this and she feels called that she needs to go home to her family and that she is not ready for this. He lets her know that he won’t stop thinking about her, praying for her family and her dad. He lets her know that when she is ready, there will be a great guy for her even though it’s not him.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

We learned a lot more about Matt James and the women that would be competing on the show. We thought that Hometowns would be given to Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

WEEK 2

We didn’t get to see the second group date yet and of course, there isn’t a rose ceremony either. We’re going to stick with - Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S25. E2. | MATT JAMES' JOURNEY

If you have yet to see tonight’s 2nd episode, spoilers are ahead! We started off tonight’s episode with Day 1 of The Bachelor by seeing the ladies checking out Nemacolin, their home for the next few weeks. Chris Harrison lets them know that there will be 2 1-on-1 dates and 1 group date for the week. He also says that not everyone will get dates. Bri gets the first 1-on-1 date (we think she will get to Hometowns and we love how she’s killing it working in communications at a major tech company).

The remaining girls remind one another that they need to be mindful of their time with Matt James; however, Victoria voices her frustration in not getting the date and having to be left behind. The ladies realize that she definitely has a bad attitude.

The group date is announced and will have Chelsea, Serena P, Abigail, Syndey, Illeana, Kristen, Lauren, Jessenia, Serena C, Kit, Kaylah, Katie, MJ, Mari, Pieper, Rachael and Victoria. Victoria tells the girls not to be negative tomorrow - although she is the one that has been doing that!

Bri gets the date and the girls hear the fireworks which means that they know that she received one as well. We move onto the group date which is the bridal shoot with 18 girls! Our favorite Franco Lacosta who has also been a friend of the magazine and our Style Director for years, is on hand! A number of the shoots are great and Victoria is as obnoxious as we have come to expect. Chris walks in on the date halfway through and lets them know that his date is about to take a turn! With some of the girls not having their picture taken yet, they wonder what this means!

The ladies are divided into 2 teams and will literally fight for his heart. There is paint flying, girls have cut their dresses up, they’re falling on the ground and Franco runs out to take pictures in the midst of the madness. The red team wins and the yellow team walks home in their soiled dresses. The red team will get to have some time with him (Victoria was on this team) - it will be interesting to see how that portion of the date goes. With a rose on the line within this date and getting time in front of him, the girls can feel that they have to step their game up.

As the group date continues, the 1-on-1 date card comes in and Sarah’s name is on it.

Back at the group date, Victoria takes her shot with Victoria and tries to prove that she is a well-rounded person by sharing her insecurities from how she looks. It seems like Victoria is saying what Matt wants to hear and she made sure to ask him for a date. She thought that she was getting the rose but, Lauren gets it. Victoria asks Lauren if she expected to get the rose and then says that she was vulnerable and shared things about herself (as if no one else did as well) and can’t believe that it wasn’t enough to get it.

The final date for this week is with Sarah which includes an airplane where they fly over the property to see everything at another vantage point. Sarah wants to dig into deeper topics. Matt asks about her father and you can tell that there is more there then what she said. He decides to continue into the dinner portion of the date. He wants her to open up more as he knows that other women that he has been around have been more open with him. Sarah finally shares that her father was diagnosed with ALS when she was in college. She knew that there was no cure for it and he has extended his life expectancy; however, there have been a number of changes that he has gone through. She shares that she quit her job in TV so that she could be his caregiver. Matt appreciates her honesty and the fact that she shared. He lets her know that he will pray for her and her family. Matt gives Sarah the rose.

The second rose ceremony seems like there will definitely be drama as Victoria seems to have her eyes on Marylynn. Abigail reaches out to Matt to have some time to chat with him as she was on the group date, but, they didn’t have a chance to chat. They come up with a secret code so that they can communicate even when they are unable to have a talk 1-on-1. Marylynn and Matt have a great time to connect as he gives her orchids because he remembered it from their first conversation. What a great way to show his connection with her. Victoria sees this and feels that Marylynn is toxic and so she goes off to find Matt because now she is an “empath.” Victoria tells him that she had to sleep on the couch (even though she chose this) and she says that Marylynn is the problem. Matt says that he wants to get to the bottom of it and he walks away thinking that Marylynn is a bully in this situation. Victoria tells the ladies that she thinks that Marylynn is toxic and the girls say that they have never heard that about her.

The first half of the rose ceremony has Matt giving roses to Pieper, Kit, Maggie, Rachael, Abigail, Jessenia, Katie and Serena C. When Sarah passes out, we’re left with a cliffhanger!

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST WEEK

It was a great episode where we got to learn a lot more about Matt James and the women that would be competing on the show. We thought that Hometowns would be given to Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

WEEK 2

Although the rose cerimony didn’t conclude, we feel that the following would get Hometowns - Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethiopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CONNECTION MATTERS WITH JEN WIDERSTROM

We've all had many stories to share about this year and looking into next year which is par for the course when it comes to this time of year. Of course with what we have gone through this year as a global community, stepping into 2021 in the most optimized way is definitely something that we're looking to do around the office of Athleisure Mag! That entails a series of efforts that combine mind, body and soul.

We caught up with one of our favorites Jen Widerstrom Celebrity Fitness Trainer, TV Personality, Best Selling Author, Entrepreneur and Fitness Expert who we have enjoyed since seeing her as Phoenix on NBC's American Gladiators, the undefeated trainer on NBC's The Biggest Loser, as a bestselling author and having the ability to take classes led by her in years past. Her approach to motivating people and joining her clients journey in their transformation is no surprise to us!

We're looking forward to taking her 60 day challenge with Transformation Protein beginning Jan 5th - Mar 5th to hit our goals and prepare to be our best selves in 2021. We talk with Jen about how she got into the industry, how she navigated the landscape, the importance of mentorship and being inspired and giving back to others.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We know that you love being able to engage and help people. Can you tell us how you found your way into the fitness industry?

JEN WIDERSTROM: You know, it was such an accident girl! I was always involved in sports growing up and we always had a set of weights in the basement. We still do! Movement was a part of my life and my parents who are in their 70’s have their own garden plot. They grow their own vegetables. Being physical was always present early on but fitness was different. I was working out for performance in a sport or to look good for TV for American Gladiators and stuff like that. What really happened was that I came to LA after American Gladiators in 2008, I said, "I've made it. I am famous, this is great." I was 24 and I was in the greenest pasture right now. The show went off the air and I didn’t have any money to stay. I started teaching classes at this local little fitness studio called Pulse Fitness Studio that’s here in Sherman Oaks. They’re still rocking and rolling. It was great because I could have a free gym membership as I couldn’t afford one in LA and I had no money. I needed to pay my bills and I needed a gym membership.

That was it. I started out of reasons for necessity – financial. Then, I just realized that i wasn’t just about the weight loss but the pride in being able to see the changes and the person that came along with movement. I saw them just being able to open up and just starting to see what a beautiful motivator this was right? The ability to accomplish and to do. Waistlines will always change as that’s a side effect of the real work and when I saw that, I never looked back. I thought, “oh my gosh, there’s an impact here that’s far greater then I have ever given credit for.” Doing the group classes in the valley, turned into doing DVD’s for Men’s and Women’s Health to being a MSN Health person to being on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. I’ve been very lucky and honestly, that’s just where it started.

AM: We remember when you were Phoenix on American Gladiator! How was it to be on such a physical show?

JW: Headline – dream come true! You have to realize that I was born in 1982. I mean we’re talking about Zap, Jazz – these fit strong women and then you’ve got Gemini and Nitro – who’s better than Nitro – Dan Clark was great! I was just obsessed and I always wanted to be a contestant – always wanted to be on the show. I think that I have been a Gladiator 3 times for Halloween. When I actually got to do the show, I really felt that I had made it, I could literally die happy and that I got to do everything that I wanted to be able to do. It was a blast and it was special for a number of reasons. I met some incredible people. Very few times does a cast and production meld so well together. Dave Hurwitz was our producer and he had been doing MTV’s Fear Factor and he was such a class act. All of the people like former MMA fighter Gina Carano, known as Crush (Deadpool, Fast & Furious 6, The Mandalorian) and Beth Horn known as Venom, Valerie Waugaman known as Siren – all the women were just wonderful people. They were great in the industry and everybody was somebody. Hollywood Yates known as Wolf, was a professional rodeo clown. We had stunt people and then there was me. I was like, “I’m a bartender in Chicago.” I had no idea how I got this job and I was excited.

But it was good and there was a lot of pressure! These were live tapings and you didn’t get redo’s. So you’re out there and you’re in the rings with contestants. If they get by you, you look dumb! There was real pressure and there was no faking it. We really got after it so it was a lot of fun, but it was a lot of intense competition – no doubt!

AM: Obviously on the Biggest Loser, why did you like being on this show? Once again, it was great watching you on this show as the amount of care that you gave and the fact that you were an undefeated trainer is mindblogging.

JW: It’s funny because it was a scary show. There was no other biggest show in our field. What I loved about it was the people – my contestants and also those that were on the other teams as well. I realized very quickly that I wasn’t here to fill Jillian Michael’s shoes, to replicate what Bob Harper has done – I had to do me. I mean talk about a formula for life – do you and that’s scary you know. Will you like me, will I be invited to the birthday party? Am I accepted for who I am and what I have shared? I was really scared because I had not been on TV in that way and I had never been in that scenario. The one thing that I knew was that if I put my people first, if they were my focus it would be right. If you ask anyone that I have trained in the decades that I have worked, ask anyone and they would tell you the same that my contestants would – they were my focus and I just knew that the rest would take care of itself. People were able to see my care and my heart and that came across the screen so clearly. I said, do whatever you want with the cameras. I still talk to them every day. I have group threads with all of my teams and we’ll do little challenges like Team Jen versus Team Jen. Colby and Hope Wright (Biggest Loser Season 17), they were contestants on the show and they were struggling to get pregnant before their show and they just had their first child. I love being involved in their lives and when I have had hard days, I can call them and they are truly family to me. That really comes down to the favorite part – the relationships that I made were real and now they’re in their own lives and the effects continue to ripple in their own communities of wellness and being able to inspire others.

AM: How would you define your approach or methodologies that you use when it comes to training your clients whether it’s in person or virtually?

JW: I think that for me, I don’t know when this happened, but at some point health and weight loss got hard and confusing. That happens in media because it’s sales and marketing and people want you to be able to buy their stuff and my approach is, take away the mystery, take away the fear and just really show people, base line health. It’s not very hard to take care of yourself and people get very nervous about failure and I just take the judgement away. There’s no judgment, there’s nothing to be afraid of and I really teach people to be students of the experience and of themselves. I start there because the rest takes care of itself.

Think about a kid learning to do a cartwheel. How many times do they do a cartwheel before they actually get it? They may never get it, but they never stop trying. They’re not judging themselves and I thought that we had to bring that back. The ability to say, “hey, I’m not a failure, I’m learning and I’m trying.” The way that I actually equate it which really helped me is that I used to be really fluent in Spanish and of course, I forgot everything. When I started to teach myself again, I was feeling stupid because my pronunciation was off or I wasn’t conjugating correctly or I said “la” when it should have been “el” – the fear of trying and looking foolish with the language became a light bulb for me with health and weight loss. They’re afraid of looking foolish and afraid to tell their friends that they are doing to do this now – going to the gym. People aren’t looking for you to fail but we get it in our heads sometimes that we are going to look dumb and that the failure is something that we can’t take it – why? Treat it like a kid during cartwheels. Keep trying. I always tell people that the great thing about the wagon is that I always let you back on it! Always! I think my approach is really putting a curiosity, the minds of the students in front to remove the judgment and just keep showing up. We all get stuck. I’m trying to normalize some of those bumps in the road. That’s what gives people the chance to learn. It’s all mental – it’s all behavior.

AM: We’ve had the ability to train with some amazing trainers. What’s your advice when it comes to people finding the person that they want to train with whether in person, via IG or virtually? What should they be looking for in terms of them opening themselves up to someone who will be working with them and directing them?

JW: It’s funny because my opening statement is find someone who doesn’t annoy you - #1. If they’re annoying, you’ll never go back. There has to be a likeability and then the connection will follow. If it’s an in person trainer, do they pay attention to you and do they make adjustments? Do they have a plan for the day? If you say that your knee feels weird and they don’t change anything, that’s a big red flag to me. A trainer is a beautiful job and we are in the service industry. Gunnar Peterson is a good friend of mine and he always says that effort is second. We love serving our people, we love being there and being that support system. So if you don’t have that support, that adaptation to your workouts, really asking how you are feeling – cut and run! You do not want someone that can’t adapt to where your body and your mind is that day. It’s just not possible. Adaptability to you is key, but when it comes to online, you want to find the people that when you leave their page, you feel good about yourself. You should keep going to that person’s workouts. If you leave feeling worse, then maybe don’t follow that person anymore. Since we’re digitally coaching and caring right now – even the challenge, I don’t keep friends that don’t make me feel good. Do the same with the trainer. There are plenty of us out there as Instagram shows you that will make you excited to go to their page and get your motivation on. Whether it’s the music that they play or the exercises that they do – whoever keeps you going is who you stay with.

AM: This summer while we interviewed Gunnar, we were talking with him about the early days of the pandemic and how we were early enough to fill in the equipment that we needed scouring through Amazon and other sites. We talked with him about how he assisted his clients in getting them what they needed. How did you do this with your followers and your clients?

JW: I felt this urge to be available. I was actually going to close all social media this year as a birthday gift to myself.

AM: That will be a delayed birthday gift ha!

JW: Exactly and when the pandemic hit, I was like well I’m a resource I care and I need to be there for them so I made myself available. That’s what was needed. There are millions of exercises on YouTube, social media all kinds of great resources, your magazine – there are all these great things. What people needed more then content was people and community. That is what I had them focus on. I said to find someone that they could be accountable to, FaceTiming, I was doing Facebook Lives 3-4 times a week and doing those workouts. Listen, I’m a good trainer and there are a lot of people that can tell you how to do push-ups and situps, but I’m GREAT at community. I wanted people to be able to know that they had time with me. They show up for you and they move as a result. So while they’re here, they might as well do the push-ups that I was talking about.

For me, it was an accountability. They knew that I missed them when they weren’t there. They needed people, support, a voice on the other line saying that I am here and that I feel what you’re feeling. That’s really it!

AM: What are your go to workouts that you really enjoy doing whether it’s for arms, glutes, abs or legs?

JW: You know it’s funny. I’m almost 40 and gravity is doing something weird to my body. My butt didn’t use to do that and anyone that reads this will just laugh and nod. Right around 39 ha! So I realized and it really hit me this year and I think part of it was not having a gym as well. I was doing more walking outside, I was in lockdown in Florida and thankfully the weather was great and it was warm so it was good for me spiritually. Man, my butt started to sink, there was a looseness in my arms. So what I really started to think was that weight training has always been in my life. As I said, I had weights in my basement. My go to exercises were those that allowed me to simulate muscle where I didn’t want to lose shape. I’m a big glute thruster person – whether you put a barbell on your hips or a dumbbell or a kettle bell on your lap. There are a number of ways that you can target it as a single leg or a double leg. Glute Thrusters to me especially when done correctly – which I can go into. A lot of people don’t realize that their chin, sternum and pubic bone all need to be in alignment. You want to keep that straight. I will see people who will try to sag their butt down because they feel it hurts their back but you have to keep that constellation aligned. It really loads your hamstring and butt. That’s been such a savior for my backside! I’m like, there you are! I needed it!

When it comes to upper body and what happens because I didn’t have a lot of equipment and people were in this position, I always remember that tempo training has been my go to. I was tempo’ing with the glute hamstring. Even an incline push-up which takes a little weight off of your body just go s-l-o-w. I’m talking, 5 counts down, hold the beats and 5 counts up. Let me tell you that your arms will start to change. It really brought the life back to my body. Using tempo for my arms and even my legs helps. And also, as far as core is concerned, I like having a toned stomach and not like abs because I don’t want to be ripped. But pilates for me, is my go to core work. Any type of pilates, sign me up! It keeps me long and I feel very connected in my lower core, it supports me in my other movements and I just love the shape that my body takes when I am doing pilates and especially in my stomach. So those are my go to’s if I had to pick one for each.

AM: We’re fans of pilates too and couldn’t agree more!

What is Transformation Protein and why did you want to partner with them?

JW: It’s kind of funny as I joked before that I don’t know who made me an expert. I think it’s because I try a lot, I ask questions, I give the truth and I lead people to things that work. Just live everybody else, I have questions! Are these supplements any good, is this product any good, does this company have integrity – just like any civilian looking at products. It was Gunnar – a dear friend of mine. I didn’t have a place to live so I was living in his backyard at his guest house. He’s the man that opens his door and his heart and his life to you and he’s such a great mentor and friend to me and he was working with it. I was really looking for a solution with collagen because it’s an incomplete protein and it’s sold in a way that you have to actually have a supplement with it to be affective and a lot of people don’t know that. I really wanted to look into what that solution would be for someone to get the collegen which is so critical as well as high quality protein. I remember I was at his gym literally just working out and mooching off his protein and I was like, “what is this stuff?” I started asking him and he was like, “this is Transformation.” He gave me the rundown over the summer and I thought that it was great and it tasted good, its plants and when I looked at the combination and the quality of the protein, I thought this is a really incredible thing going on. What company spends the time or the money to give you what your body actually needs. Usually it’s like, let’s take the leftover protein that’s shit and put another label on it and sell it to you by saying that it’s night time protein. The way that Brian Wargula (President/Co-Founder) and Transformation have sourced the ingredients and have found that combination is really some of the best that I have ever seen.

Ask any nutrition pro and I’m a nutrition specialist so ask anybody, they will tell you that there isn’t a better formula combination out there. The fact that there is probiotics – it’s really an all in one package. They have done a great job and they have spared no expense. But when you work with people that actually care, let’s put a ring on it and get married!

AM: We have tried a number of proteins and there are those that we like and those that we can’t get behind so we can’t wait to get ours. But we knew that Gunnar was a fan of it and also you, so we’re pretty pumped to include this in our routines and we knew it was legit!

JW: Oh yeah! I mean I had a hard fall, broke my foot, a week later, I got attacked by a dog and he bit my face. I put on about 10lbs. It was weird my body was just slower, I wasn’t training, I was doing what I could, but it was about getting enough food in. I just didn’t have an appetite and I started back with Transformation Protein and it really helped lean me out. I was getting enough good food in, my body was able to let go of the extra weight and it was critical for me.

AM: We love this 60 day Total Body Challenge and the fact that you and Gunnar are a part of it. Can you give us an overview about what this is and is it true that it’s limited to a set number of people only that can participate in this and why?

JW: Yeah and here’s why. Because I’m one person –

AM: Really? We thought you were 10?

JW: I know! I always keep my promise and what I mean by that is that my word means something to me and I want it to mean something to people that follow and trust me. When I took on this challenge, no one reads my emails, no one signs Jen for me, no one takes calls for me. When there’s quotes in magazines and press releases, those are my words and there is no one writing for me. It’s really important for people to know that when they sign up to work with this coach, they’re getting Jen. These days, there’s a lot of dishonesty around signing up for x,y,z coach and it’s actually not them leading you in the challenge at all. Because it’s me, I thought, what is my capacity to give and help that’s going to be the sweet spot of being able to have as many people as possible to be there without diluting my abilities to be there for everyone. That was that 100 person mark. I wanted people to be able to have me and again, it’s all digital. I’m creating the emails every week, I’m sending the videos, I’m answering the emails, I’m hosting the live meetings, I wrote and filmed every single workout. Part of me is like, “maybe I’m just really controlling and a micro manager.” But, I swear I’m not! This is what people deserve and I take pride in telling people that this is what a real coach does and I want to set the standard for them so that they don’t accept anything less in their lives whether it’s an in person training when things begin to open up or whether they want to do another challenge.

That’s really what it was and the 60 days as a timeframe was intentional! Because we’re after big transformations. We were talking earlier that of course you want to see transformations that’s the visual carrot and of course people are going to lose weight, that’s a blast but the transformation or me is the 6” between their ears and we all know that. I need that for that moment of time. I’ve done other challenges in the past, but I found that they did a 30 day challenge with me and then they signed up for the next one. So I’m like, ah they want more time, they need more time and that’s why we went with that.

AM: When this challenge is over, will people be able to go to other ones or will there be other things that are rolling out?

JW: What’s really great is, I don’t feel that I am separate from Transformation. It’s not like I get a check and do a few Instagram posts. I’m very part of the team. We’re really starting to allow it to be user generated content. People are wanting it to be more support around recipes, nutritionist support – so we’re building it. Putting in the blog that's around it, recipe support, our registered nutritionist that’s there. We want to be in a place that people can trust and come to. There will definitely be more challenges. I feel like I heard a conversation or an email where they said, “the next one,” and I’m like, “guys, I gotta get this one under my belt first.”

What we're doing is we’re kind of taking an approach like a bar. If you think about it as a 1 in 1 out situation. So we will have a waitlist and we’ll run another one and we will have other great coaches as well. It’s something that they have never done before and that’s why they’re really trusting me to take the reigns and runs with it. Based off of what I see in this challenge, I’ll know what I want to do and run with on it. That’s why it’s user generated so I’m not assuming what people want and feel. I need to know so that I can develop from there. You can assure your readers that there will definitely be more opportunities!

AM: We assumed. When you’re preparing to do a transformation whether it’s this challenge specifically or something else, you have to have the want to do it. But how else can people best prepare themselves in terms of maintaining the goal and sticking with it when they are approaching something like this?

JW: The #1 thing is that people just assume that there won’t be any roadblocks or obstacles. You have to make it different and I think we have to think about when you’re driving home from work and you hit a pothole and you say, “oh man, I hope my wheels still on.” We’ve all done that and then when you go home the next day, you know there is a pothole coming up and you remember. What we tend to do as humans is that we don’t want to address or to think about the pothole. So you hit it again and again as opposed to saying, “no I remember this. It was on this street and this street and I’m going to navigate around it.” People have to look at where there are going to be problems as there will be hard days, set backs, days where you pack your food and leave it on the counter – that’s ok. So instead of going into a panic mode and being like it’s all ruined and over, I just expect things to go wrong and I know that it won’t all be perfect. There will be some turbulence and when you know it and expect it, it kind of shocks you less and you can navigate it better. Go in with the interest to be ready for the change and the reality of knowing there will be some bumps. You’ll be ready for whatever comes and to look for them not in a pessimistic view but as a way to learn to adapt and to navigate. It’s a beautiful thing.

AM: How have you found ways to keep yourself motivated this year and as we head into next year?

JW: Man, good question. I care about where this road goes. I sometimes try to look at the destination and try to find my way back. This has not allowed me to do that. My motivation is that I have to practice what I preach. Am I learning, am I being curious? What’s really been fun is that I’ve learned how capable I am and it’s been a fun experience. I’ve hard weeks and I’ve had times where I drank every single day just like the rest of America! I’ve allowed myself to ask questions like why am I drinking every day this week? Am I bored – am I avoiding something? I’ve really let that motivation that I have in me at almost 40 to know that I have so much more to learn and that when I learn, I get to share! That’s the beauty of it. It’s not about being a public figure, being a celebrity like me, having millions of followers - it's what we do as humans. We get to learn and we get to share. My experience is I get to do this and to share it with other people. That’s the backbone. I love people and I love helping – I love being an everyday hero and that’s my heart. I had to learn the lesson first and I really had to do that by putting myself first. It’s changed my perspective in myself and the confidence that I have in myself as well. That’s the motivation because it feels great and I’m not going to stop doing this. I will tell you though, having people in your life – I’m always better with a teammate. I have a friend that we go on a walk together and she’s in Georgia. We walk and talk and I have my headphones in and we agree that on this time/that day, we’re going. I meet people – online for workouts. I have a few people that I’m potting with, I go in their backyard. I know I need the accountability and the other thing I would tell people if they are struggling to get motivated is create that accountability for yourself. It gets you going, it gives you that support and it’s a great thing to let them be there for you and it’s powerful. That’s what I have allowed the focus to be and it has just changed my outlook on the whole year. I had a great year. I don’t have young children, I’m not going through the school stuff and I feel that that is a whole other experience that I can’t even speak to or begin to understand what parents have been going through or how they have been able to cope. But I had a great year and I have used my time to get so much done personally and professionally. 2021 is going to be an excellent year for me regardless. I think that people need to feel ok in being able to ask for help when they need that support.

AM: Who are 3 people in your life that have inspired you to be where you are today?

JW: You know, I’ll tell you what. When it comes to life, I have won the lottery. I have been inspired by incredible people who have believed in me before it was cool to watch Jen Widerstrom. I’m going to tear up a little bit when I think about it. My parents are just such incredible people – they are incredible people. They have been married for 46 years. I look at my mom, she had a 4 and a 5 year old, 40 years old, pregnant 9 months with my brother and going with a full-time job in the inner city of Chicago, one of the most violent schools that there were. At night, my dad would drive her to Northern Illinois University at night so that she could get her Masters Degree. She wanted to work in higher education. She was so pregnant that she couldn't sit behind the wheel and drive any way and it’s like at least an hour driving each way! It was like, what if she has the baby in a cornfield so my dad’s driving her each way. Her commitment to her, their relationship, their love, their family – she took her finals early so she could have my brother, When people ask me about my work ethic, mom and dad they are incredible and they worked so hard to give us so much for us. We didn’t have a lot of money and we didn’t go on planes, but every year they saved up money to drive us to Florida or to get in the van and go to New Mexico and that’s what we did. It was really special. They still work, they still grow their own vegetables. They are such salt of the Earth and intelligent special hard working people. They inspire me and whenever I think that I have had a long day, I tell myself, “well you’re not 9 months pregnant with 2 kids and a fulltime job trying to get your Masters in night school!”

I think that the people who inspired me along the way. I had incredible teachers, I could just name a list of the teachers. I think back to my 7th grade science teacher, I was an average student, never talking and by the end, I had a 96% in the class and I was in the front. He taught me how to give a good handshake, he taught me how to feel confident in myself. My orchestra teacher Mr. Foley, he encouraged me to keep playing bass. I was playing sports and orchestra wasn’t cool, but he encouraged me to find a voice in music for myself. I look at my college track coach. I was a walk on in the rowing team and I was terrible. He saw me lifting and he said I should be a hammer thrower and I thought he was crazy and yet a year later, I was placing at the Big 12 Conference, earning a scholarship, winning the nationals to compete - he believed in me first! I use them as inspiration because the people along the way - people will say, how did you get here - what was it? It’s always the people. It’s the people that believed and saw something in you when you couldn’t believe it yourself. For me, that’s the legacy that I try to pass through those people.

I had a diving coach Steve Mazzerella – dear friend of mine until he passed away. He taught me how to see things in people and to help them let it shine. That’s what I do and I always joke, the waistline will change, bit it's the heart that I am really after and I know the difference that that will make. I know I can do that same difference and that's where I take it.

IG @JenWiderstrom

@TransformationProtein

PHOTOS COURTESY | Jen Widerstrom

Hear Celebrity Fitness Trainer, TV Personality, Best Selling Author, Fitness Expert and Entrepreneur Jen Widerstrom on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Dec Issue #60 of Athleisure Mag and see Connection Matters with Jen Widerstrom in mag.

THE BACHELOR S25. E1. | MEET MATT JAMES + THE LADIES

If you have yet to see season premiere of tonight’s episode 1, spoilers are ahead! We enjoyed ABC’s The Bachelorette and thankfully, didn’t have to wait too long before seeing The Bachelor which will have its first Black Bachelor, Matt James. The 25th season of The Bachelor is taking place at Nemacolin which is a stunning resort in Pennsylvania. Many of us know him through being best friends with Tyler Cameron from Hannah’s season. In addition, they co-founded a philanthropic platform, ABC Food Tours. Matt also works for CBRE as a researcher here in NYC.

Prior to meeting the girls, it was great to hear Matt talking through the weight of his decisions with Chris Harrison as he talked about being the product of an interracial marriage and how he doesn’t want to disappoint people in whether he will date someone that is white or someone that is black. Talking about race on this platform and having people of color in key positions as The Bachelor and the Bachelorette is just a great way to represent the array of people that we come across every day whether in person or online.

There are some amazing women in this group of contestants where you can see their personalities jumping off the page. Carolyn shares some lavender with him, Kaylah’s entrance with the pickup truck and who can forget Kaili walking with a styling rack of dress options while she rocks lingerie, a silk robe and abs in heels.

After meeting all of the women outside, he’s finally ready to see them all together. Having the prayer to kick everything off was a great touch and it lets them know more about him as well. He also talks about the importance of being mutually vulnerable and being biracial. Matt talks with a number of the women, but of course, Victoria does a double-dip by talking to him twice.

The first impression rose goes to Abigail. A number of the women have yet to have the chance to talk with him but it’s time for the first elimination of the rose ceremony.

On night one, Matt eliminated Alicia, Amber, Carolyn, Casandra, Corrinne, Emani, Kimberly and Saneh.

Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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WEEK 1

We’re not going to lie, The Bachelor casting crew found some amazing women that are beautiful, accomplished, passionate and you can see great fits. We think that these 4 women could very well be introducing their families to Matt at Hometowns - Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Khaylah.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

ABIGAIL 25 - Beaverton, OR

ALANA 26 - Toronto, ON

ALICIA 24 - NY, NY

AMBER 30 - Costa Mesa, CA

ANNA 24 - Chicago, IL

BRI 24 - San Francisco, CA

CAROLYN 30 - Los Angeles, CA

CASANDRA 25 - Newport Beach, CA

CHELSEA 29 - Brooklyn, NY

CORINNE 22 - Pomfret, CT

EMANI 25 - Albuquerque, NM

ILLEANA 25 - NY, NY

JESSENIA 27 - San Antonio, TX

KAILA 26 - Chicago, IL

KATIE 29 - Renton, WA

KHAYLAH 28 - Durham, NC

KIMBERLY 28 - Seattle, WA

KIT 21 - NY, NY

KRISTIN 27 - Jersey City, NJ

LAUREN 29 - Miami, FL

MAGI 32 - Adwa, Ethopia

MARI 24 - Odenton, MD

MARYLYNN 28 - Studio City, CA

MJ 23 - Hudson, OH

PIEPER 23 - Happy Valley, OR

RACHAEL 24 - Cumming, GA

SANEH 25 - Denver, CO

SARAH 24 - San Diego, CA

SERENA C 24 - San Francisco, CA

SERENA P 22 - Toronto, ON

SYDNEY 28 - Nashville, TN

VICTORIA 27 - Los Angeles, CA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E13. | TAYSHIA'S FINALE TO THE FINAL ROSE

If you have yet to see episode 12 spoilers are ahead! Tonight is the finale for ABC’s The Bachelorette begins with where we left off with Ben making his intentions known. Tayshia grapples with what she should do in this situation. She offers him the opportunity to come to the rose ceremony so that she has time to think about what she wants to do.

At the rose ceremony, the guys see Ben and are surprised to see that he is there. She pulls Ivan aside and lets him know that their religious differences are too much for her to want to continue with him.

Now that she is down to Ben and Zac, they are going to meet Tayshia’s family. First impressions seems to be great, but of course it’s seeing how Ben interacts with both of her parents that lets us see more about him. He acknowledges where he went wrong which both parents appreciated hearing from him.

Now it’s Zac’s turn and as we’ve liked him from day one, it should be interesting to see how he is embraced. Zac’s approach to talking with her parents and being open and honest is great to see how he lays it out as well as saying positive things about how her parents raised her. It was another great date.

While Tayshia has been thinking, her father came back and wanted to fill her in on the family’s thoughts about Ben and Zac. He wants to make sure that she makes the right choice so that she won’t have to deal with what she did during her divorce. Tayshia shares how involved her dad was in the aftermath of the divorce and feels the weight of the decision that she will need to make between the two.

Zac and Tayshia have a dancing date and you can tell that she’s still thinking about her father’s words. Zac notices, but continues to be as sweet as he always is. During their night time date, they talk about the day and she shares her fears. Zac lets her know that commitment has been essential to his sobriety and the concept is important to him and he loves her. She leaves their date feeling great.

The final date is with Ben and we hear her say that her heart is not with Ben and she knows what she has to do. She sends Ben home. When she meets Chris Harrison in the desert, she has a bit of a moment. Chris asks her if she is ok and happy. She says that she is, but she is also nervous. Zac heads over to see her and is nervous, understandably.

This season of The Bachelorette has come to an end. It’s always fun to share recaps after each episode and to chat with you on Twitter during the episodes (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what we think! We’ll be back on Jan 4th to do the same for The Bachelor.

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

Last night, Ivan and Zac continued through Hometowns and we were left with a cliffhanger on whether Ben would be included. We still hope for Zac to get engaged to Tayshia.

TONIGHT

Hometown dates with Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac were fun to watch. We’re pleased that our prediction practically from the beginning of Zac being engaged took place!

THE FINAL ROSE & NEWLY ENGAGED

ZAC

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E12. | FANTASY SUITES

If you have yet to see episode 11, spoilers are ahead! Tonight, ABC’s The Bachelorette begins with everyone getting ready for another key week, Fantasy Suites. Tayshia talks with JoJo about what to expect during this week. First up, Ivan gets his date card. They have an ice bath date where they will see how long they can kiss each other and to break the record. Of course, Chris Harrison pops in and lets them know that this is more then a date, it’s about breaking the world record. Not only do they do the date, but they also break the record and continue for another minute! During their dinner, Ivan talks about when he knew he was falling in love with her and apologized for not telling her sooner and she says that she has been falling for him too. They wake up the next morning and catch the sunrise. Ivan comes back happy about the date and shares portions of it with the Zac and Brendan. As happy as he is, he realizes that she will have experiences with each of them.

Up next, is Zac who’s excited to spend time with her. They create lifesize canvases where they will use their bodies to spread the pant. They also have a daydream about what their date could be like. As it turns to night, Zac realized he needs to tell her that he is falling in love with her. Tayshia shares that in her conversation with his mom, she learned that he didn’t want to have kids. He lets her know that he said that for years as a way to safeguard himself, but now he realizes that he wants to have a full life and not just being a cool uncle. He also tells her that he loves her. She then says that she is in love with him (she also told Ivan that she is falling in love with him as well). Another Fantasy Suite card is presented and of course, they take it. Zac comes back and makes a very low key recap of his date which is a nice way to handle the obvious elephant in the room.

Brendan gets ready for his date. They make their way to Neil Lane! We’ve seen that Brendan has been getting a little nervous about being with her and it makes us wonder what else might be going on with him that he has yet to share. We do know that like Tayshia, he has been married before, but is there something else going on with him? This date actually lets us get to know more about Neil as he shares how he attends the Bachelor/Bachelorette reunions and how he has been involved in so many couples’ lives. Brendan shares that there are parts of him that still needs time to heal and grow while they are at dinner. Just like that, Brendan heads home.

The next morning, Rachel pops in to catch up and to see how Tayshia is doing. She shares how Brendan’s Fantasy Suites went. Rachel just lets her know to follow her cut. Meanwhile, Ben heads over to Chris’ place to let him know that he would like to tell Tayshia how he feels and he doesn’t even know what he is asking for - but he has to try.

As Tayshia prepares for the rose ceremony, Ben tells her this and Tayshia becomes emotional at being blindsided by him being there. The episode ends with her talking to production saying that she doesn’t know what to do in this moment. This all leads up to tomorrow’s finale.

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

Ivan, Brendan and Zac made it through Hometowns. We felt that Zac would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 11 (TAYSHIA’s 8th)

This week definitely made it a twist! Brendan says that he couldn’t continue with her due to his own broken-hearted issue from his ex-wife. Ivan and Zac had succesful Fantasy Suites with her and it’s interesting to see where this will go. Ben is back - but we don’t know if she will let him stay or not (so we are leaving his image slightly filtered)! We’re still cheering on Zac and feel he will propose to her as well as get a yes!

WHO’S LEFT

BEN

IVAN

ZAC

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SMOKING AND GRILLING WITH CHEF DAVID ROSE

It has been quite a year and yet, 2020 continues to roll on. In the midst of a lot of uncertainty, there have been things that remind us how life was prior to living in the pandemic that has taken place across the globe. This holiday season will be a bit different than what we have experienced with us socially distanced and not partaking in holiday parties and events that we have been used to in the past. We caught up with Chef David Rose to hear some tips on how we can tackle this year's season.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed seeing you as a finalist on Season 13's Food Network Star, being a Food Network personality and a number of shows. How do you define your cooking style?

CHEF DAVID ROSE: My cooking style is kind of a mix of a couple of different things. First off, my family is Jamaican and I am from the tri-state area so there is a huge cultural melting pot. I would say that I cut my teeth in terms of cooking in the South. So you see a lot of Southern influences and twists on my recipes. But I was also classically trained in the French arts at Le Cordon Bleu where I graduated summa cum laude back in 2006 – very proud of that one right there! I would say that my cooking style is elevated Southern with a Caribbean French Twist and a bit of international influences. So I'm sort of a man of mystery and a chef of mystery! I like to keep people on their toes and to keep them guessing.

AM: The Athleisure team throughout quarantine has enjoyed a number of the dishes from Omaha Steaks so we know that they are more than just steak and chicken as they have sides and desserts. As the Executive Chef for Omaha Steaks, what is the synergy between you and the brand and what can we expect to see between you and them in this partnership?

CHEF DR: Definitely. I am a huge smoking and grilling fan and fanatic! I have about 4 or 5 grills so I think that smoking and grilling unleashes the natural amazingness and flavors that you can find over at Omaha Steaks. From one of my favorites, the Tomahawk Ribeye that nice luscious bone eye and then there is the file as well as the strips and the T-bone. You also can’t go wrong with a lobster tail as well. I’m pretty sure when offered a surf and turf, nobody ever ever said no! A lot of those things go really well together. As far as being Jamaican, you know we eat everything. Whether it be chicken, it’s beef, turkey – whatever. We love everything and you can find so many assortments of proteins from ready to eat sides and ready to eat desserts. It’s all on the web-site and I’m excited to be able to bring my Southern influence and Caribbean influence to an incredible company known for their meat and protein portfolio in order to exude and explore and to showcase my style of cooking with Omaha Steaks.

AM:We’re in holiday mode and obviously celebrations look a little different this year with virtual get-togethers and gatherings. What tips do you have especially for veteran hosts that will be putting on dinners that are slightly scaled back then what they’re used to.

CHEF DR: I think that 2020 is a year that nobody has experienced and I’m pretty confident in saying that. According to a new Harris Poll, more than half of Americans are planning to celebrate with 5or less people and 1/3 of Americans are opting or are considering Zoomsgivingwhich is through the joy of Zoom whichI’m pretty sure that everyone has become acclimated with during quarantine. You can celebrate that experience of cooking and eating even if you’re not able to do it in person but can through the magic of Zoom or other virtual platforms.

The holidays can be very anxious especially if it is the first time that you have ever cooked a turkey. We have a 10lb pre-bast-ed turkey that gets shipped to your door-step. What I recommend is that the #1mistake that most rookies make when they are tackling a turkey is not allow-ing enough adequate time for the turkey to thaw. You always want to allow for at least 3 days for that turkey to thaw. If it’s a 10lb one, you want to give it the full 3 days and if you want the crispy skin that we all love and is indicative of a turkey, you want to uncover it in a roasting rack for an additional 24hours. By doing that, it’s going to dry the skin out and give you that golden brown crispy turkey skin every single time. As far as doing all of that. We also suggest making your turkey a day ahead of time. It allows you to have a stress free, anxiety reduced day on Thanksgiving. When you do that, you want to take the turkey out, remove the breast, the thighs, the legs and the wings. The key thing is to allow the turkey to rest and come to room temperature. What you do then is put it inside of the fridge. When you remove the turkey from the fridge on Thanksgiving day, you just need to reheat it and then you’re just focusing on the sides, the appetizers and my personal favorite – the desserts. Another way to shave some time from the prep is to buy some mix and match sides from the site as there are a lot of options. We also have a great partnership with Wine.com where we have some packages that can be purchased.

I always say, that being ready, being prepared and keeping your freezer stocked with a plethora of goodness means that you’re always going to be the hero at any Thanksgiving or Zoomsgiving table.

AM: What are your go to mains and sides that you enjoy having around?

CHEF DR: One of my favorite things is a Prime Rib Roast. I think that this reigns supreme at any holiday dinner table. I just love to eat that bone when I’m done. I’m a gnawer Athleisure, I’m a gnawer. If you have dogs, the dogs will appreciate that as well. The great thing about a Prime Rib Roast is that I can be shared with families, it’s great for leftovers – you can make a prime rib sand-wich the following day. To me, nothing screams celebrations, nothing screams holidays more than an amazing Prime RibRoast. We have an amazing selection of those as well.

AM: What are some recipes that we should keep in mind as well as we are navigating this holiday season?

CHEF DR: What I would recommend is that you want to go and brine the turkey to add additional flavor. These pre-basted turkeys are already pre-brined. They have their brown sugar, their honey and so it’s not just about the flavor but the color so it has that golden brown deliciousness. Now some of my personal flavor recipes is that I love doing compound butters. They're great for steaks, they’re great for roasts and I recommend if you want to get that juicy lush turkey breast, is make that. A compound butter is a fancy way to essentially say a butter with herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage and garlic. To get that re-ally juicy and luscious turkey breast, you take that compound butter and you slide it under the skin and slather it all over the breast. Now what that does is that when that turkey slowly cooks and we know that that fat of the butter is where the flavor comes in – it just makes it taste amazing with great texture 10 out of 10 times.

AM: Like you said earlier, 2020 no one can say that we have ever seen anything like this! How do you plan on ringing in the New Year?

CHEF DR: I think everyone is looking for-ward to ringing in 2021 and what I’m planning on doing is having a nice Prime RibRoast, maybe a filet or Ribeye on the grill– one of these amazing food packages where you can’t forget about your libations! For me, a nice glass of bourbon and just enjoying one of my favorite pairings– steak and bourbon. You can’t go wrong with that.

IG @ChefDavidRose

PHOTOS COURTESY | OMAHA STEAKS

Hear Chef David Rose on our show, Athleisure Kitchen - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeart-Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AmazonMusic, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Nov Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag and see Smoking and Grilling with Chef David Rose in mag.

UNSTOPPABLE WITH TRACY TUTOR

As our long time readers know, a number of our cover photoshoots have taken place in phenomenal luxury residences here in NYC as well as other locales around the country. So it's no surprise that we love reality shows that focus on luxury real estate. The OG of these programs includes BRAVO's, Million Dollar Listing. Both NY and LA focuses not only on the housing market in those cities but also follows the brokers to understand what their lives and interactions are like as they are closing multi-million dollar deals.

Tracy Tutor is the first female broker to join the cast of Million Dollar Listing LA. Her no-nonsense ability to wheel and deal, put her clients in check when needed and her belief in empowering those around her comes through the screen every week. In addition, her understanding of the industry due to her years of work within residential as well as her work with her father, Ronald Tutor of Tutor Perini on the commercial side of the business makes her someone you enjoy watching. While she has had successes in her career, and in the show, we saw her navigate divorcing her husband and being a mom of 2 daughters. We took some time to catch up with Tracy to talk about her work, balancing being a mom, how she has embraced fitness into her lifestyle and what she thinks about the current market in these times.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed seeing you on BRAVO’s Million Dollar ListingLA by shaking it up as the show’s first female multi-million dollar real estate broker, with your industry know-how, business savvy, and amazing outfits! We know that your father is a noted civil and building contractor, Ronald Tutor, I’m sure that you were aware of the industry from a young age but, what was the moment when you realized that you wanted to work in real estate?

TRACY TUTOR: The truth is, that it was not at all what I had planned. I was an actor and had studied theatre in college. After a couple of years of auditioning post-graduation, I realized that I didn't want to wait around for someone to tell me I had gotten the part. I knew I was good at selling myself, so it wasn’t much of a stretch to sell houses. Candidly, I knew I could sell anything, so I’m glad I picked a product that happens to have the highest return on my investment.

AM: Prior to focusing on residential real estate, what was your path in this industry and what is it about residential that speaks to you?

TT: Residential sort of fell into my lap, after making the decision to stop pursuing being an actress. Residential is about an emotional connection but it’s still a business. I love the marrying of the two! As we know, emotion and business (one is not quite like the other) so when you are able to navigate between the two, that is what excites me.

AM: As one of the top agents at Douglas Elliman Beverly Hills within their Sports & Entertainment division. You’ve represented noteworthy brands, iconic architects, consulted for luxury five-star hotels as well as serving as a US Ambassador for the Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences in Dubai – just to name a few. How has it been juggling all of these roles, projects and opportunities?

TT: I always say if you are not striving for something new and pushing yourself, you are just surviving.

AM: What is your process when it comes to deciding on upcoming projects that you and your team will participate in?

TT: I rarely turn down a project, but when I do it will be about one of two things.

1. Unrealistic price expectation.

2. Ego. I think ego is the toughest to get beyond. I have learned how to get around unrealistic sellers and price, and have many have strategies to get around that in most cases, but ego....well, at my age, Idon’’t have time for it.

AM: Tell us about how you joined the cast of Million Dollar Listing LA and why you felt that this was something that you wanted to do with your brand?

TT: I was on season 9 showing a property of Josh Altman's and we were able to put a deal together on the listing. During the course of shooting, we had great chemistry on screen together. After the show aired, the producers approached me and asked if I had any interest in discussing joining the cast. The rest is history.

AM: What is it like filming each season with you and your team as well as with the other brokers that are also in the cast?

TT: It is a lot of work for all of us. Remember, we already have full-time careers and the show generally shoots for 12 months, so there are days where a normal 10 hour day becomes a 13 hour one. It is hard to juggle the clients and shooting, but we get out there and do it because it is the best marketing tool we could ask for and we are all grateful for it.

AM: One of the things that we have enjoyed watching you on the show is how you speak your mind, you demand more and how you’re not willing to settle. Have you always been this way and how can one get that mindset when they are in their boardrooms in their life?

TT: It really is about fear, isn’t it? That is what truly holds us all back from achieving our highest potential. I have always had the instinct to challenge the system and push back. But to be truly good in the proverbial “boardroom” you have to embrace fear every day, feel and acknowledge it and then put it away so that you can trust your instincts to guide you when you need it the most. If you can’t hear what your gut is telling you because there is so much noise and insecurity in the way, then you can’t win the room. It’s that simple.

AM: How important is it to you to empower women to own their space, handle ego and deflect power plays?

TT: I love women. I believe we are the stronger sex. Period. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually. We have unfortunately for centuries been told we are the weaker sex, so believing in our power, doesn’t come naturally to us. I love that discussion and reminding women that they are all lions, they maybe just haven’t heard their roar yet. We should listen to our intuition more. It’s our greatest gift and trusting it, learning how to use it to our advantage and giving it a real voice is what separates us from our male counterparts.

AM: What led you to creating your best-selling book, Fear is Just a Four-Letter Word: How to Develop the Unstoppable Confidence to Own Any Room?

TT: I knew that I was lucky to have the platform representing women on a show dominated by men. I was hyper-aware of my industry and felt particularly passionate about sharing my experience as a woman in this business.

AM: Do you think that you will continue to write additional books in this area?

TT: I think the next one might be a more personal journey. Who I am in business is greatly affected by my personal experiences. I want to take my own advice to be fearless enough to talk about it.

AM: What words of wisdom do you have for women who are navigating their careers?

TT: Read my book and don’t let anyone tell you what you are capable of. Only you can define that.

AM: How do you balance the demands of a full career, filming, being a mom of 2 girls and your personal life – how do you take time for yourself?

TT: I forgive myself every day for the lack of perfection and I am honest. I am stretched as most working moms are; add in a divorce and the desire to have love in your life again and you have to be forgiving. I schedule time to not do anything. I mean really. I will say I am booked on a Sunday so that I can have that time to do whatever I feel like doing and sometimes that is absolutely nothing and it is fantastic.

AM: We know through the show that you went through a divorce while still having a very full schedule. How did you take going through this process and putting those emotions into focusing on health, fitness, and wellness?

TT: I don’t think that divorce propelled me into health/wellness and fitness. I think owning my truth and finding happiness within myself propelled me there.

AM: What is your preferred method that you enjoy to do when working out?TT:I love to mix it up but what I have found with my body now is that I don’t try to kill myself with anything too high intensity. I love weight training because you have to be mentally strong to push up weight be-yond your comfort zone. I like that challenge. It’s a time where I don’t think about work or friends or family or stress. I focus on my goal for that hour and give it 100%.

AM: Our readers are always looking for routines to add into their workout. What are 3 workouts you do for arms, 3 for abs, and 3 for glutes that you do?

TT: Arms: when I am walking on the tread-mill (which I do 5 days a week for an average of 45 minutes,) I carry 3 lb weights and do arms. 4 sets of 30 reps of each exercise:

o Curls

o Tricep kick backs

o Bicep extensions

o Shoulder press over head

ABS: 3 sets of 30-45 seconds each – upper ab first:

o Slow bicycles

o Toe touch with 10 lb db

o Suitcases

o Then lower – grab a pilates ball and place under small of back

o Out an inch and in an inch

o Single leg toe taps with ankle weights

o Both legs toe taps

Glutes: 4 sets of 20

o Hip thrusts with band – warmup

o Hip thrusts with 20 lb ball on hips

o Barbell squats

o RDL’s

AM: 2020 has been quite a year to navigate from COVID-19, social justice and the election to name a few. How have you been dealing with this especially as a parent of children?

TT: Let’s just say that I am welcoming 2021 as are my children.

AM: In terms of the real estate market, what do you think the impact of COVID-19 will be as we close this year and transition to 2021?

TT: Despite a couple month shutdown, we have rebounded quickly and I anticipate a strong 2021.

AM: What is your advice for those that are debating on whether they should buy a personal home or even one for investment purposes?

TT: Interest rates are at an all-time low and that gives someone attempting to get into the market strong buying power. So my advice is get out there and speak to your banker or financial advisor and discuss your options.

IG @TracyTutor

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 119 + 120 Matt Sayles | PG 123 Tracy Tutor |

Read the Nov Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag and see Unstoppable with Tracy Tutor in mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E11. | TAYSHIA + THE ROAD TO HOMETOWNS PART II

If you have yet to see episode 10 spoilers are ahead! Tonight, ABC’s The Bachelorette begins with Tayshia thinking about Hometowns. Chris Harrison meets the guys and lets them know that they need to come up with fun dates that will let Tayshia get an idea of what it would be like to be with them. In addition, they are looped into who from their families will be there as they have also gone through testing and quarantine to be there to share this experience.

First up is Brendan which the two have had a great connection since day 1! Their date included carnival games complete with prizes and his niece being on the date. As we get to the evening, we finally meet Brendan’s brother and his sister-in-law. You can definitely see his connection with his family and how they are so close. While chatting with his brother Daniel, he lets her know that he would be ready to marry her.

Zac brings a NY inspired date and teaches Tayshia how to be a NYer so he teaches her how to hail a cab, they ride in their cab Flinstone style and they come to a bagel and coffee stand that is by a “brownstone”. They hop back into the cab and enjoy a slice of NY pizza and then they have a backdrop of Central Park. It’s such a cute date and feels very NY in the most simplest and epic ways possible. His brother gets down to business and asks her the hard questions. Zac’s dad lets her know that he is uncomfortable with the situation but is comfortable with her. Although his dad wouldn’t go through this process, he can appreciate that Zac’s smile says that there is something there. Zac tells his mom that although he has always said he didn’t need love or to have kids, he now realizes that he does and it’s because of Tayshia. Zac also thanks his mom for her strength and that it is a big reason why he is alive and can navigate through life.

Ivan introduces Tayshia to Filipino cooking and they get to bond on this fun date. Ivan’s parents are direct and sweet. They advise her on having the right conviction and doing what needs to be done if she intends on Ivan being her husband. Both parents are impressed by her. They also give him a reality check in leting him know that this would not be a process that they would go through! We finally meet Ivan’s brother! The love that he has for his brother and how he is inspired by how he raised his daughter is something that you can see as he speaks.

We finally come to the last date with Ben. Her date entails rollerblading in “Venice” and going to the “beach.” Seeing them transport themselves to another place and just being able to have a natural conversation is a great thing to see especially because he has been one of the mysterious contestants. Although his family vibed well with Tayshia, we’re bummed that he didn’t tell her he loved her.

The men head to the rose ceremony and Ben tells Chris that he loves her and of course, Chris asks if he told Tayshia. He admits that he didn’t and hopes that he has the chance to tell her. Brendan, Ivan and Zac are given a rose. Ben’s undoing is the fact that he kept his thoughts to himself and didn’t let her know what he was thinking. When she walked him out, it seemed like she was trying to give him another chance, but he just couldn’t formulate the words. We definitely can’t wait until the 2-night finale to see how everything ends up!

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all. Poor Brendan has responses that are deemed inconclusive which makes Tayshia hesitant. Zac answers that he has cheated on someone which makes Tayshia uncomfortable. Riley is asked his name to set a baseline and the red bulb goes off!

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

Ben, Ivan, Brendan and Zac made it to Hometowns We felt that Zac would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 10 (TAYSHIA’s 7th)

Hometown dates with Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac were fun to watch. We’re doubling down and cheering for Zac to propose to her as well as to get a yes!

WHO’S LEFT

BRENDAN

IVAN

ZAC

---

THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E11. | TAYSHIA + THE ROAD TO HOMETOWNS PART II

If you have yet to see episode 11, spoilers are ahead! Tonight on ABC’s The Bachelorette we get right into it with the impromptu 2 on 1 showdown which has a rose on the line between Bennett and Noah. She talks with both of them in the same setting and is shocked by their level of petty. She then talks with each one privately. In talking with Bennett, he explains that he doesn’t question her integrity and intentions. It seems like she sees his side. Then she talks with Noah and explains that she thinks that he is the common denominator. He defends himself by stating that he was given a “gift” by Bennett and he just wants her to know the kind of person that Bennett is. She says that she will think about it as she needs to be able to focus on finding a man and not being in between their petty drama.

After deliberating, Tayshia explains that she can’t give Bennett the rose and walks him out. When she comes back, she lets Noah know that this is not a win for him and she’s not giving him the rose right now, so he will have to wait until the ceremony. She continues to meet with the guys so that she can focus on the guys that she wants to continue her journey with. In addition to Bennett who was sent home earlier in the evening, Spencer, Demar and Ed are also eliminated.

After a crazy night, JoJo comes by the guys place and lets them know that Hometowns will be next week and she will be meeting with their families. Ben also finds out that he will have a 1-on-1 date. They will hop on a scooter to find their date location. They navigate themselves around the resort to end up enjoying a drink and chatting. She still feels that she is trying to figure out what makes Ben tick and at that moment, she doesn’t know if she would give him a rose. But with a dinner coming up, she will get her answers to make their path clearer than it is at the moment. When they sit down to dinner, Ben explains that he attempted suicide twice and that he owes his sister everything as she saved him, even though she has no idea that this happened. He also shares that he went to therapy and was intentional about it so that he could be the best person that he could be. Connecting over his vulnerability in sharing this story made her feel close to him and he received the rose as well as a moment in enjoying their private concert.

The group date includes Zac, Brendan, Ivan, Noah and Riley. Blake finally gets what he wanted - a one-on-one date with Tayshia. Nothing says date-time like a polygraph test. JoJo also lets them know that Tayshia will also be taking this as well. Answers that the detector deems true will have a green light bulb, those that it finds false are red and if the detector can’t tell, then the orange bulb will light up. Clearly, when she meets up with the guys after the group date, she has a number of questions. First up is Zac! Tayshia will not tolerate cheating and Zac admitted that he had. This is triggering for her and she addresses it as that is why her marriage ended. Zac admits that it was his first girlfriend in 6th grade - so it’s nice that she knows the full story and makes us like Zac even more for her. Brendan explains that as someone who had been previously married that he’s excited about her meeting his parents, but he also wants to make sure that whoever meets them is someone that he knows will not make them feel negative. Riley who even got his name wrong is the one we want to know more about. Apparently, he is sitting on some serious secrets that due to the proximity of Hometowns he has to loop her in on. He lets her know about his family and why the name change took place as well as his family issues. She is so impacted by the guys that she lets them know that she will hold off on giving the rose as it wouldn’t be right to do so and wants to think about it. She leaves the party feeling great and sees Bennett waiting at her place. He pitches himself and lets her know that he loves her. Next week, we’ll be treated to 2 nights (Mon and Tues) of The Bachelorette.

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all. Poor Brendan has responses that are deemed inconclusive which makes Tayshia hesitant. Zac answers that he has cheated on someone which makes Tayshia uncomfortable. Riley is asked his name to set a baseline and the red bulb goes off!

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

We cheered on Ben, Ivan, Brendan and Zac. We felt that Zac would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 9 (TAYSHIA’s 5th)

When it comes to Hometown’s we think that it will be Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac - but we still think Zac will find love.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

BEN (Copy) (Copy)

IVAN (Copy) (Copy)

BRENDAN (Copy) (Copy)

ZAC (Copy) (Copy)

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN (Copy) (Copy)

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY (Copy) (Copy)

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Copy) (Copy)

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA (Copy) (Copy)

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA (Copy) (Copy)

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA (Copy) (Copy)

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA (Copy) (Copy)

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX (Copy) (Copy)

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX (Copy) (Copy)

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT (Copy) (Copy)

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA (Copy) (Copy)

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY (Copy) (Copy)

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY (Copy) (Copy)

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL (Copy) (Copy)

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA (Copy) (Copy)

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK (Copy) (Copy)

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA (Copy) (Copy)

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY (Copy) (Copy)

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA (Copy) (Copy)

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV (Copy) (Copy)

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ (Copy) (Copy)

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E10. | TAYSHIA + THE ROAD TO HOMETOWNS PART I

If you have yet to see episode 10, spoilers are ahead! Tonight, ABC’s The Bachelorette brings Chris Harrison (JoJo did a great job) back into the show as he lets us know that he dropped his son off at college. He also gives a recap of how Tayshia has cleaned house while he has been gone. After their catch up session, we head straight into a 1-on-1 with Blake. The last time we remember the two of them having a real conversation is when he let her know that it would take time to get out of his shell. He was still caught up on Claire and Tayshia was understanding. The guys don’t know that Bennett has popped back in - that will definitely be a bit of drama. Their date includes a reiki master who will help them seek what they are looking for. Through a series of exercises that are meant to come together, she realizes that the vibe and connection isn’t there. Blake feels like he can get there, but they don’t make it to dinner and she sends him home. She’s not done yet, as she heads over to the guy’s place to talk with them. She lets them know how tough it is, but that she appreciates what they are doing. She then asks Riley to come with her so that they can talk. Although she feels connected to him and has enjoyed his vulnerability, she doesn’t feel that she can get there as her heart isn’t where it should be with him.

With 2 eliminations behind her from the night before, we head into the daytime rose ceremony with the remaining 5 guys (plus a secret Bennett spot) and Ben is the only one with a rose feeling a sense of security. As they all look at one another waiting for Tayshia, they share their feelings with one another until Bennett walks in. While the guys figure out his reappearance, Chris lets them know that there will not be a cocktail party and they will head straight to the rose ceremony as her mind is made up.

She sends home Bennett and Noah and is left with Ivan, Brendan, Zac and Ben! Tonight, we also get the Men Tell All which is always an interesting event that takes place as you head into Hometowns.

In terms of the Men Tell All, they have also included Yosef from Claire’s season! There is no audience due to the intimate nature of the times that we’re living in. We’re loving the set which they should think about continuing to do. But it’s good that they’re still doing the elements that we all enjoy watching when tuning into this particular show. It was great to hear more from Tayshia and we can’t wait to get into Hometowns tomorrow!

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all. Poor Brendan has responses that are deemed inconclusive which makes Tayshia hesitant. Zac answers that he has cheated on someone which makes Tayshia uncomfortable. Riley is asked his name to set a baseline and the red bulb goes off!

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

---

LAST EPISODE

We cheered on Ben, Ivan, Brendan and Zac. We felt that Zac would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 10 (TAYSHIA’s 6th)

Hometown’s will have Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac . Our predictions have been pretty spot on this season and we think that Zac will propose and get a yes!

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

BEN

BRENDAN

IVAN

ZAC

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SHE EMPOWERS WITH CHESLIE KRYST

We enjoyed talking to Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst who recently crowned Miss USA 2020 Asya Branch. During her reign, she competed at the Miss Universe 2019 competition and finished in the top 10 repre- senting the United States. She was also a part of a historic period where for the first time, all 4 major US based pagent holders were black women including Miss Universe 2019's Zozibini Tuni of South Africa, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin and Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris.

We talked to the longest reigning Miss USA on how she got into the pageant world, her platform, being an attorney and her work as a correspondent on EXTRA.

ATHLEISURE MAG: So what drew you to wanting to be in the pageants?

CHESLIE KRYST: My mom actually was Mrs North Carolina US 2002. She won this pageant for married women and I was 10 or 11 years old. I just remember feeling like my mom was famous. There were kids in my middle school who would ask me for my autograph. People who didn’t know my name before or who I was – I just remember saying that there was something cool about this. I knew at some point that I would compete.

AM: What drew you into wanting to stay in the pageant system in terms of initially competing and whether you plan on still being involved in activities that took place during your reign after the crown?

CK: Yeah! I think what kept me involved was seeing that pageantry could be a springboard into other places and that it could be a platform that you wouldn’t have otherwise had access to. I remember seeing photos of Halle Berry for years competing and she was the first runners up and then she was Miss USA and I was like, “oh my God. She’s an Academy Award-winning actress, I want to be that one day. How cool would that be?" Or seeing careers that people like Kenya Moore has had and to see how people who have been in this system, competed and how they have gone on to be these incredible public figures and I wanted that. I continue to compete not only because I wanted to reap the benefits, but because I was reaping the benefits. You prepare for interviews so your skills in that area are sharpened. You're thinking about what to wear on stage so you’re constantly thinking about styling so you have that more than someone else who may not be focused on what they’re wearing like that. It’s a big high-level goal that even if you don’t win you don’t lose either.

AM: You were recently the co-host of the Miss USA Competition as well as being able to crown the winner, what was that like especially as we’re navigating things in this time of COVID-19 that you were still able to put on a great show that people enjoy watching – especially with it being Graceland in Nashville as well as knowing your reign was over as you passed the baton?

CK: It was so much fun and it was a great transition out of my role into what my new life would be. For the final Miss USA Competition, I was an analyst and it was really cool to be able to go back and forth between the co-host interviewing me on stage and then back of house to talk about what we just saw on stage as well as to hear who I thought would continue to advance. It was so much fun and it was a literal translation of what my transition would be from being on stage and being a titleholder to being the person who assesses what is happening on stage guiding the viewers through what is happening. That was incredible for me and it took away those feelings of what would be sadness for the end of my reign.

AM: You have had the longest reign. What was the platform that you focused on during your time that you wanted people to be aware of?

CK: I focused on Social Justice and also became the Global Impact Ambassador for Dress for Success. I talked about on one hand as Dress for Success as an organization and on the other hand, criminal justice reform as a topic and continuing to advance on this issue obviously on the criminal federal level as well as the state level. Both of these topics were important to me. For Dress for Success, I got to go on a nationwide tour where I would meet with local affiliates and their clients, talk to professional women and to attendees about how important this organization is and how they could continue to support it. I got to see first hand the people that were being benefited by it and that was really important to me.

AM: Clearly you had a lot on your plate. How were you able to do the duties of Miss USA, you’re an attorney as well and also being a correspondent on Extra! How were you able to do all of that at the same time? Doing the prep for this interview, busy for you was an understatement!

CK: I was busy and it was quite a year and a half. Lucky for me, Miss USA is a full time job. So as soon as I won, I took a leave of absence from my law firm so I wasn’t actively practicing law while I was fulfilling my duties as Miss USA. I think that if I had been doing both, it would have been impossible for me to do both well. I did take the time away and now that I have ended my reign, I have decided to refocus on my career as a correspondent in working with EXTRA full time and have been placed on inactive status in North and South Carolina where my licenses were previously active so I’m not practicing law right now.

I mean, it was craziness when I was trying to go from appearances for Miss USA and then sprinting to red carpets to cover for celebrities for EXTRA like Gayle King.

AM: How did EXTRA come about as that’s such a fun show and you’ve been there for over a year!

CS: One of the producers for the show saw me win and she saw some of my interviews and had formed a close relationship with the President of the Miss Universe Organization, Paula Shugart as well as knowing others in the organization and she had served as a judge for us as well. She talked to them about being able to meet me and we talked about being able to do special correspondence. My first 3 interviews were Zendaya, Lizzo and Millie Bobby Brown. I just remember thinking, “wow you guys couldn’t start me off with someone that was less famous?” But Iike that they had confidence and me and in those interviews, they went well and kept bringing me on for assignments and eventually brought me on as a regular correspondent.

AM: What have been some of the most engaging things that you have done in your time as an EXTRA correspondent?

CK: There’s so many! Some of the red carpets have been really cool with actors and celebrities. I think it can be overwhelming sometimes when it’s your first one. I remember my first red carpet it was for a television show that had been turned into a movie. I just remember that there were so many celebrities and I remember Martha Stewart being on the carpet and she was randomly taking a picture on her phone in my direction while I was interviewing someone and I thought, “Martha Stewart is aware of my existence possibly.” That was a cool moment. I have been able to interview some great people like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Henry Golding a couple of times and he was so sweet. I remember asking him who he was wearing and he said, “my wife dressed me.” She was literally standing behind me and I said, “thank you, you did a great job.” I’ve learned that the celebrities that I meet, they’re just real people and a lot of them are so kind and giving of their time and cool to talk to.

AM: How is it for you to prepare when it’s a one on one interview where you have a set period of time with someone versus something like a red carpet scenario where it’s one right after the other?

CK: For sure. You still try to research on the red carpet and to be aware of celebrities who could possibly be on the red carpet from background information, the movie that they are involved in etc. If it’s an event or a release, you want to know that as well so that you have that general knowledge. For smaller one on one interviews, I have more time to just focus on that person which I like. You don’t have to worry about having that publicist who grabs their client to get them into the next interview or that they’re really really tired after doing 7 interviews on a red carpet. It’s always great when you get a relaxed environment and people feel that they can take their guard down to talk to you. There’s also junkets where they are more like to red carpet and you have that back to back. So you just always have to do that prep.

AM: Tell us about White Collar Glam. It’s such an interesting concept and our readers would love to know more.

CK: It’s a blog that I started years ago as workwear fashion for women. I started it because I remember being in law school and there was a competition that I was preparing for trial bar. We made it through our regional competition and made it to nationals. I made it to nationals for this multiday competition and I brought 3 suits with me and one by one they were ruined while I was there. There was no air conditioning in one court room so I sweated through my suit and you could see the sweat marks from the outside.

The next day, I wore a different suit and it ripped while I walked to the court! So I was left with my last suit which was a little too big for me and it was drowning me. I remember just being frustrated and I was like, “I have this important competition and I need to focus on that, but I’m thinking about this suit and I don’t even know where to get another one.” My trial coach offered to take me to Brooks Brothers to get another one. I didn’t know a lot about it at the time except that it was expensive. My coach offered to buy it for me and I was like, “you can’t buy me a $600 suit.”

Luckily, my fellow competitors who were on my team from my school had banded together and fixed my first suit and we ended up winning the competition. After law school, I wanted to think of a way to create a resource to other women who may have been in my situation. You ruined a suit and didn’t know where to shop, you didn’t know where to get a suit that was affordable, accessories questions etc – I researched this and started to put together my blog. I wrote articles to answer questions that I think every woman has had at some time.

AM: It’s very cool – unfortunate that you ruined your 3 suits!

CK: Right? But it had a happy ending!

AM: Right and it’s something that people definitely could use!

What do you look at in terms of the legacy that you want to leave behind not just with your involvement in the Miss Universe Organization but also just what you’re doing with people?

CK: I hope that people remember that women are multidimensional. This can’t be hammered into society enough! We constantly have to be reminded that just because a woman is beautiful doesn’t mean that they can’t be smart and have an interest to do business ventures. For some people they look at Kim Kardashian who is a beautiful woman and a reality TV star and she built from that but she is incredibly business savvy. She has built this empire because she is driven, works hard and wants to provide for her family. Women are these beautiful creatures who have varied interests and it shouldn’t be limited because society can’t broaden their own perspective! That’s what I hope people will remember about me. I am an attorney but I also like walking around in swimsuits and competing in pageants. It’s one of my favorite areas of competition but in my free time, I will advocate for Dress for Success and love spending time with my family. Women are multidimensional and shouldn’t be limited.

AM: Are there other projects that you have going on that you are able to share?

CK: For sure! Besides working with EXTRA, I have also signed with a few Speaker’s Bureaus that I really love doing. With Miss USA, I loved speaking on women’s empowerment and social justice issues which continue to be important to me. I will continue to do this traveling – well not traveling so much now, but talking largely virtually now about this. Beyond that, I’m also a Diversity Advisor for the law firm that I previously worked for as an attorney. I knew that in the immediate future, I didn’t want to practice law but I connected to my firm in this new capacity so that I could work on inclusion and diversity plans with the firm and helping them to make sure that they are achieving that especially in an industry that lacks diversity and needs help. I’m talking about the entire legal industry as a whole in terms of inclusion, diversity and equity.

IG @CheslieKryst

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 55 Sage Media Group Photography | PG 56 Miss Universe Organization | PG 60 Blue Method Films | Editors Note: Photos in She Empowers with Cheslie Kryst were taken prior to COVID-19

Hear Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst on our show, Bungalow SK - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Nov Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag and see She Empowers with Cheslie Kryst in mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E9. | TAYSHIA + THE SHOWDOWN

If you have yet to see episode 9, spoilers are ahead! Tonight on ABC’s The Bachelorette we get right into it with the impromptu 2 on 1 showdown which has a rose on the line between Bennett and Noah. She talks with both of them in the same setting and is shocked by their level of petty. She then talks with each one privately. In talking with Bennett, he explains that he doesn’t question her integrity and intentions. It seems like she sees his side. Then she talks with Noah and explains that she thinks that he is the common denominator. He defends himself by stating that he was given a “gift” by Bennett and he just wants her to know the kind of person that Bennett is. She says that she will think about it as she needs to be able to focus on finding a man and not being in between their petty drama.

After deliberating, Tayshia explains that she can’t give Bennett the rose and walks him out. When she comes back, she lets Noah know that this is not a win for him and she’s not giving him the rose right now, so he will have to wait until the ceremony. She continues to meet with the guys so that she can focus on the guys that she wants to continue her journey with. In addition to Bennett who was sent home earlier in the evening, Spencer, Demar and Ed are also eliminated.

After a crazy night, JoJo comes by the guys place and lets them know that Hometowns will be next week and she will be meeting with their families. Ben also finds out that he will have a 1-on-1 date. They will hop on a scooter to find their date location. They navigate themselves around the resort to end up enjoying a drink and chatting. She still feels that she is trying to figure out what makes Ben tick and at that moment, she doesn’t know if she would give him a rose. But with a dinner coming up, she will get her answers to make their path clearer than it is at the moment. When they sit down to dinner, Ben explains that he attempted suicide twice and that he owes his sister everything as she saved him, even though she has no idea that this happened. He also shares that he went to therapy and was intentional about it so that he could be the best person that he could be. Connecting over his vulnerability in sharing this story made her feel close to him and he received the rose as well as a moment in enjoying their private concert.

The group date includes Zac, Brendan, Ivan, Noah and Riley. Blake finally gets what he wanted - a one-on-one date with Tayshia. Nothing says date-time like a polygraph test. JoJo also lets them know that Tayshia will also be taking this as well. Answers that the detector deems true will have a green light bulb, those that it finds false are red and if the detector can’t tell, then the orange bulb will light up. Clearly, when she meets up with the guys after the group date, she has a number of questions. First up is Zac! Tayshia will not tolerate cheating and Zac admitted that he had. This is triggering for her and she addresses it as that is why her marriage ended. Zac admits that it was his first girlfriend in 6th grade - so it’s nice that she knows the full story and makes us like Zac even more for her. Brendan explains that as someone who had been previously married that he’s excited about her meeting his parents, but he also wants to make sure that whoever meets them is someone that he knows will not make them feel negative. Riley who even got his name wrong is the one we want to know more about. Apparently, he is sitting on some serious secrets that due to the proximity of Hometowns he has to loop her in on. He lets her know about his family and why the name change took place as well as his family issues. She is so impacted by the guys that she lets them know that she will hold off on giving the rose as it wouldn’t be right to do so and wants to think about it. She leaves the party feeling great and sees Bennett waiting at her place. He pitches himself and lets her know that he loves her. Next week, we’ll be treated to 2 nights (Mon and Tues) of The Bachelorette.

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all. Poor Brendan has responses that are deemed inconclusive which makes Tayshia hesitant. Zac answers that he has cheated on someone which makes Tayshia uncomfortable. Riley is asked his name to set a baseline and the red bulb goes off!

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

We cheered on Ben, Ivan, Brendan and Zac. We felt that Zac would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 9 (TAYSHIA’s 5th)

When it comes to Hometown’s we think that it will be Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac - but we still think Zac will find love.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

BEN

IVAN

BRENDAN

ZAC

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E8. | TAYSHIA + JOJO

If you have yet to see episode 8, spoilers are ahead! Tonight on ABC’s The Bachelorette we see that JoJo Fletcher is on tonight’s episode! Chris is taking his kid to college so she will be hosting this week - which is so fun (we also love that she can design a house, flip a house and has an amazing Etsy collab filled with fab decor). The first date is with our Style Director’s dear friend, Franco Lacosta (he has been apart of a number of the dates that involves photography and keeping the memories of that date) who styled the date, photographed it and had pieces from his line, Franco Lacosta NY as well. Tayshia and Zac had a fun date of different outfits wearing eveningwear and bridal. The date continued with their dinner which allowed Zac to share things that he went through from getting a brain tumor, beginning to take medications, getting married and realizing that he went down a dark road that led him to a 4 month stay in rehab. The very rehab facility that he attended, he is now on the board. We liked Zack initially when we first met him so we’re glad that he is continuing on as he will get the rose.

A group date of art and expression is next on the list. The guys will need to sketch a nude couple (although they were thinking that they would be stripping down again). Bennett gets the chance to sit with Tayshia as they are making their artwork. It’s essentially an arts and crafts date that allows them to share more about one another. She ends up hanging out everyone later on in the group date and getting to know them more. We find out more about Ben how he battled an eating disorder which is a topic that people don’t think about as it pertains to men. We have always liked Ben and we think that he’s definitely on Tayshia’s mind for sure! Tayshia gives a rose during the group date to Ben and it’s not just because he got buck naked during the artistic portion, but him sharing his story.

For Tayshia’s one on one date with Eazy, they decide to conquer their fears and go on a ghost hunt on the property that they are staying at. We were so excited to see how they were progressing and learned that she felt that she couldn’t get to where he was and ultimately, sent him home! This was a surprise for sure as we thought that he was definitely in the lead.

WIth Eazy being sent home, JoJo comes in letting the guys know that the cocktail party is still happening, but prior to that she will need to speak with Bennett and Noah to find out about the petty drama that is taking place. JoJo also shares that there is no way that both of them will be able to stay and one will be sent home prior to continuing on.

Prior to the cocktail party, we see Noah and Bennett waiting on Tayshia. After going back and forth, Bennett leaves and comes back with a present for Noah, It’s a series of gifts that refer to the fact that Bennett feels that Noah is young and too immature. When Tayshia arrives, she tries to let them speak but comes to the conclusion that she will not continue with their mutual childish games. We’ll have to wait until next week.

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

We cheered on Ben, Ivan and Eazy and added Brendan because Tayshia seemed to have an instant connection with them. We felt that Brendan would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 7 (TAYSHIA’s 3rd)

When it comes to Hometown’s we think that it will be Ben, Brendan, Ivan and Zac - but we still think Zac will find love.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

BEN

IVAN

BRENDAN

ZAC

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianapolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA (Copy) (Copy)

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA (Copy) (Copy)

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | #59 NOV 2020

ATHLEISURE MAG | NOV ISSUE #59

In this month’s issue as we continue into the fall, our Nov Issue #59 is covered by one of Athleisure Mag’s favorite EDM artists, SOFI TUKKER. Our virtual cover shoot showcases fun vibrant fashion worn by the duo ranging from varying forms of lounge and WFH looks. We talk to them about their musical background, how they came to working with one another, a number of their achievements and how they have navigated these past few months by continuing to stay connected with their fans and their upcoming econcert that takes place on Dec 4th! This month we interviewed Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst who is also a full time correspondent for EXTRA. We talked about her competing in the pageant system, recently crowning Miss USA 2020 at Graceland earlier this month. In addition we talk about her work in law, her focus on social justice and the importance for empowering women. We’re fans of BRAVO’s Million Dollar Listing franchise and this month, we interviewed Million Dollar Listing LA’s Tracy Tutor to talk about her work in the residential luxury market, being a broker in a competitive industry, how she balances her life as a mom, her focus on fitness and how she empowers women. Just in time for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holidays, we talked with Chef David Rose, Food Network Personality and Executive Chef of Omaha Steaks. He talks about how we can still celebrate even thought our holidays will look a little different. He provides tips and his go to meals that he enjoys smoking and grilling. We also talk with Chef Ruben Rodriguez in this month’s The Art of the Snack about his latest restaurant, Amigo Nia. He shares his culinary influence, what you can expect when enjoying pickup and delivery as well as his plans as he heads into 2021.

This month, our cover SOFI TUKKER shares their 9PLAYLIST as well as providing a fun video of their 9MIX. Normani shares her favorites and why in our 9LIST STORI3S.

Read the Nov Issue #59 of Athleisure Mag here.

THE BACHELORETTE S16. E7. | TAYSHIA MAKES MOVES

If you have yet to see episode 7, spoilers are ahead! Tonight on ABC’s The Bachelorette we find out that there is a group date for the guys to write a song about Tayshia. The winner will win a one-on-one date. We thought that Kenny (who manages boy bands) would be a shoe in on this one. Now of course, you can manage a band and not be able to sing or write, but we had hope. But it was Ivan who brought it home. Having the opportunity to hear about his Filipino-Black background, how important family is to him, his role as a big brother, how he processed his brother’s incarceration, stepping up to be there for his niece, his thoughts on 2020 in terms of social justice and more - made us really like him so much more! Hearing Tayshia recognize that he gets where she is as she is of Mexican-Black descent and grew up in Orange County, when she tries to respond on how George Floyd and other incidents have impacted her, she is brought to tears. This was such a moment that really made them bond and also grapple with the entire situation. Let’s not forget that she is only the second Bachelorette that is Black and the upcoming Bachelor will be the first Black Bachelor in the franchise which will kick off in early Jan! Needless to say, Ivan gets the rose and enjoys a night of wine, games, and watching home videos.

The next day, a group date (without Noah who ALREADY has a rose - we have to say, that he’s much better without the mustache) meets up with Tayshia, former Bachelorette Becca and previous Bachelor contestant Sydney. The guys in this date are broken up into groups on a scavenger hunt. This activity feels a bit interactive because everyone on the property can hear some of the tasks that they’re doing - but, it’s all in good fun. Although Zack gets the rose from this portion of the group date, you can tell that she is actively looking to make bonds and give each guy a chance.

It seems like a couple of guys got the same idea to visit Tayshia at her room to try and broker some time. Ben was scolded last episode for waiting to connect with her and she let him know that the date was over. Ed apparently went to the wrong door and knocked on Chris’ door. Chris did let him in - but I guess there aren’t any bonus points being made for being able to come to his room and to enjoy a drink with him.

Tayshia has the cocktail party with all the guys and Noah brings up a few things that include the guys questioning him getting the rose. So she talks to the guys to set the record straight and to cancel the remainder of the cocktail party. Needless to say, the tension has hit yet another level as a number of the guys who have yet to talk with her are concerned as well as those that have already secured a rose. So now, we move into the last portion of the night. Tayshia eliminates: Chasen, Joe, Kenny

Each night, we’ll tweet The Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns (it will be interesting to see how Hometowns will take place - we’re assuming families will be quarantined) if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!

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LAST EPISODE

We cheered on Kenny, Eazy and Joe and added Brendan because Tayshia seemed to have an instant connection with them. We felt that Kenny would propose to her and that she would accept.

WEEK 7 (TAYSHIA’s 3rd)

When it comes to Hometown’s we think that it will be Brendan and Eazy from last week are in the mix. We’re going to add Ben and Ivan into this group - but we still think Brendan will find love.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

BEN

IVAN

EAZY

BRENDAN

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THE BACHELORETTE’S CONTESTANTS

BEN, 29 - Indianpolis, IN

BENNETT, 30 - NY, NY

BLAKE, 29 - Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

BRENDAN, 30 - Milford, MA

CHASEN, 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

DEMAR, 26 - San Diego, CA

ED, 36 - Pittsburgh, PA

EAZY, 29 - Dallas, TX

IVAN, 28 - Dallas, TX

JASON, 31 - Rutland, VT

JAY, 29 - Langhorne, PA

JOE, 36 - North Woodmere, NY

JORDAN, 32 - NY, NY

KENNY, 39 - Chicago, IL

MONTEL, 30 - Boston, MA

NOAH, 25 - Tulsa, OK

PETER, 32 - Everett, MA

RILEY, 30 - NY, NY

SPENCER, 30 - San Diego, CA

TYLER, 27 - Morgantown, WV

ZAC, 36 - Haddonfield, NJ

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.