Let's Talk Yoga Medicine

More and more, the worlds of science and natural remedies and practices continue to work in tandem with one one another. We took some time to chat with Valerie Knopik who works with Tiffany Cruikshank, the founder of Yoga Medicine that blends these principals together.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to work with Yoga Medicine.

VALERIE KNOPIK: I have a PhD in Psychology and I am currently an academic researcher/scientist mentoring postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty at Brown University and will be moving into an endowed professorship in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University this summer. In addition to this career in science, I also teach yoga and have been a student in advanced training with Yoga Medicine since 2014.  In late 2016 at a module in Sedona, Tiffany Cruikshank (founder of Yoga Medicine) and I started talking about the possibility of a research project and that was the exciting beginning of the Yoga Medicine Research Institute and my role as the Director of Research for Yoga Medicine.    

AM: What is Yoga Medicine and why is this a way to blend science and nature together?

VK: Yoga Medicine is a thorough, anatomically-based training system that trains teachers across the globe to work more powerfully with their students. Yoga Medicine teachers are trained in the fusion of East and West to blend the best of anatomy and physiology with the traditional practice of yoga, including pranayama, mindfulness and meditation. It is this foundation that makes Yoga Medicine the perfect venue for building a research program that focused on the combined application of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to improve health and the human condition. Our vision is to educate and empower our global communities to use yoga therapeutically based on a deeper understanding through purposeful and well-designed research. Through this effort, I have the honor of mentoring and training our Yoga Medicine community of teachers in the nuances of conducting research and to deliver purpose-driven yoga, meditation and mindfulness instruction as a way to robustly examine its effects on various health outcomes.  In my view, this continues the push, already started by Yoga Medicine, to raise the bar on what it means to be yoga teacher.  Education.  Experience.  Results. 

AM: How can one access Yoga Medicine?

VK:  To learn about all things Yoga Medicine, you can start by visiting the website. On this site, you can find information about our mission, the Research Institute, the Seva (or service) arm of Yoga Medicine, trainings, articles written by our teachers and contributors and so much more.  Our Find a Teacher platform is also available via the website or directly. This is a free service that Yoga Medicine provides to connect you directly with a Yoga Medicine trained teacher in your area. Through this service, you can find all teachers in your area and you can see what trainings they have completed with Yoga Medicine so that you can find a teacher that meets your needs.   

AM: With Spring being upon us, what is a detox that one can do to get their summer body prepped? 

VK: A detox is a process where one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances.  Spring is synonymous with the idea of spring cleaning and that doesn’t have to mean strictly of the house or closet variety of spring cleaning.  There are simple ways to participate in a detox or cleanse (for more details, check out Tiffany Cruikshank’s book:  Optimal Health for a Vibrant Life).  Here are some simple strategies that you can do to get a jump start. If you can stay on this detox for about three weeks (the amount of time they say it takes to break a habit), you will notice some significant changes in how you look and feel!

• Eliminate coffee and alcohol. If possible, eliminate all caffeine, but if you must keep a small amount of caffeine in your routine, consider substituting green tea for coffee – the caffeine in tea is gentler on your system

• Eliminate added sugar – become an avid label reader – sugar hides everywhere

• Eat fresh and organic vegetables and foods  

• Start your day with a large glass of water with the juice of one half of a lemon.  Drink a lot of water throughout the day.

• Drink herbal, decaffeinated tea – not only will this increase your fluid intake and hydration, but the antioxidants in tea are beneficial as well

• Be aware of allergens and pollutants in your environment and add skin brushing and the neti pot to your daily routine.

• Consider eliminating dairy and wheat for the three-week period

• If you eat meat, try eating only local, free-range, organic, and grass-fed offerings. Find a local farm so that you are aware of where you are getting your meats from and (bonus!) you are supporting local businesses

• If you eat fish, try to find wild caught offerings

• Move your body!  Yoga, exercise, whatever it is will increase circulation to all systems to help move toxins out

• Sweat – though exercise or the sauna – regularly!
 

AM: For those that have kicked into their workout methods of choice, how can we keep our bodies injury-free and what can we do when we have strained muscles in our arms, butts and legs when we start a new workout routine?

VK: To keep your body injury-free, it is important to make the time to restore the muscles that you challenge during your workout of choice. This can be something as simple as taking the time to stretch before and after physical activity. Other ways to make sure you restore your system include myofascial release, massage, mindfulness, water intake, sleep, and nutrition. A muscle strain implies damage to the muscle and can be a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. The most important strategy for muscle strain is a period of rest, followed by light stretching or myofascial release to encourage circulation to the area. 

AM:  Stress tends to creep in from time to time - what are three things that we can do in terms of breathing techniques and movements to manage it? 

VK: Here are three techniques: 

1. Basic Breath Awareness

Lay on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and at least hip-distance apart.  Once comfortable, place a hand on your abdomen. Begin to just notice your breath. Does your breath feel strained or smooth? Just observe your breath without judging whether or not you’re doing it right or wrong. Gradually begin to make your breath as relaxed as possible. Introduce a slight pause after each inhale and after each exhale. Now begin to bring your awareness to your hand on your abdomen. Notice that with each inhale, your abdomen rises, and with each exhale, your abdomen contracts.

Without being forceful, just begin to gently try to expand the abdomen on the inhale and contract the abdomen on the exhale to support the natural movement of your diaphragm. Continue for 6-12 breaths.

2. Long Exhale

The long exhale is a 1:2 breathing practice that involves gradually increasing the length of your exhale until it is twice the length of your inhale.  Start with basic breath awareness as outlined above.  With a hand on your abdomen, mentally count the length of both your inhale and your exhale for several breaths. Start to gradually make the inhale and exhale the same length. Once your inhale and exhale are of equal length, then gradually increase the length of your exhale until it is up to twice the length of your inhale.  If you start to feel stressed, back off to a ratio that is more comfortable for you. It’s important to note that an exhale that is even slightly longer than your inhale can have profound relaxing effects on the nervous system. Continue for 6-12 breaths. 

3. Chandra Bheda – Lunar/Moon Breath

In this breath practice, you inhale only through the left nostril and exhale only through the right nostril. In Eastern traditions, the left side of the body represents the moon, or more yin and calming energy, while the right side of the body represents the sun, or more yang fiery energy. Therefore, in Chandra Bheda, we encourage the lunar, calming energy to enter the body, and we encourage the fiery yang energy to decrease – which will help bring the body back into balance. To try this breath: Sit in a comfortable position. 

Allow your left hand to rest in your lap. Look at your right hand. Fold the index finger and middle finger into the palm. For this breath practice, you will only use the right thumb and the right ring finger. With your thumb on your right hand, close off the right nostril and inhale through the left side of the nose. Then use the ring finger to close off the left nostril, release the thumb and exhale though the right nostril.  Start with an inhale and exhale that are about a count of 5-10 and are equal in length. Repeat for 3-9 rounds.

AM: What are 3 stretches that we can do when a short travel experience becomes a longer one due to flight delays, missed connections etc?

VK: One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you move around during these delays.  We have a tendency to just sit and wait, but adding some gentle movement can have significant effects on mood, anxiety, and just the feeling of tension that accumulates in the body.  Even just a walk around the terminal can help.  Here are a few specific stretches that you can do to ease travel tension and anxiety: 

1. Neck Release – Sit in a comfortable position with a tall spine. Allow the right ear to drop down toward the top of the right shoulder. Keeping the head in this position, try to send the top of the left shoulder away from the left ear so that you create a lot of space on the left side of the neck.  From here, think of your chin like the rutter of a boat and gently shift the chin toward the right shoulder (keep sending the left shoulder away from the left ear as you do this). Move the chin slowly to find additional areas of neck tension. Stay for 5-10 breaths. To bring your head back to neutral, place the right palm on the right cheek and gently assist the head back to center.  Repeat on the left side. 

2. Standing (Or Seated) Side Stretch – reach the arms high toward the ceiling. If possible, clasp the hands over head. Imagine that you can lift and lengthen the torso out of the pelvis. Find this by reaching up towards the ceiling, then side bend to the right.  Think about wrapping the right armpit toward the wall that you are facing so that you are less likely to collapse in the chest. Stay for 2-4 breaths. On an inhale come back to center and then side bend to the left. 

3. Legs Up the Wall – Find a deserted or less busy part of the airport with a bit of wall space. Lay down on your back and send your legs up the wall – trying to scoot your sitting bones as close the wall as possible. Allow the back of the skull and the entire spine to rest on the floor. Allow the legs to rest on the wall. Find a comfortable position for your arms. Stay anywhere from 5-30 minutes.

4. Forward Fold (Seated in a Chair, Standing, or on the Floor) - Getting the head below the heart can be an excellent and accessible way to reduce anxiety and stretch the lower back muscles that tend to get tight when we sit for too long. 

AM: Do you think that more doctors and practitioners are realizing that it is essential for new and old medicines to come together and where do you see that in the next few years?

VK: I do believe that there is a movement toward a more collaborative and blended approach to health and self-care. For example, I work with a client who has been experiencing chronic low back pain and, with his permission, I have worked alongside his acupuncturist and chiropractor to develop a plan for him. I think that both doctors and practitioners are open to this blended approach, but at this point, I believe it is still primarily on the shoulders of the practitioners/patients/clients to seek out ways to bring together Eastern and Western modalities for relief from anything as simple as the common cold to more complex situations such as low back pain.  However, there are more and more initiatives for bringing mindfulness into the traditional Western medical settings, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices. These efforts lead me to believe that, in the near future, we will see more of the traditional Eastern modalities of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, pranayama, and mindfulness being more formally incorporated into approaches to health care and self-care. With information and education comes the possibility for more comprehensive approaches to health.

Valerie Knopik, PhD, is a Yoga Medicine instructor, Director of Research for the Yoga Medicine Research Institute, a Senior Research Scientist & Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, and a yoga teacher in Providence, Rhode Island. 
 

Read more from the April Issue and see Let's Talk Yoga Medicine in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | OUTDOOR PREP

It's time to get ready for the best time of the year - the weather is warmer and you get the chance to be outside all the time! With that said, you want to make sure that you are protected from the elements. 

Being outdoors is always fun, but swatting insects isn't! Although there are a lot of options, they include sticky sprays, smelly candles or harmful topical chemicals! Halo, from Thermacell, allows your backyard, sporting event, picnic and other locations with a 15 x 15 Mosquito Protection Zone in minutes! It's silent, virtually odor free and there are no open flames. The 48 hour fuel system uses up to 4 butane cartridges at once. The ZoneCheck system allows you to check your unit's status.

We're a big believer in Safe Sun (UVA/UVB protection) but we need to be mindful of products that are "reef safe" as well! According to the EWG, an estimated 25 - 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. About 25 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of submersion. When we shower, these chemicals wash off our skin and can pollute wastewater that ends up in the ocean as well. 
 
Australian Gold’s New Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions, is reef-friendly, with antioxidant rich formulas free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils. Their non-chemical sunscreen lotions have a powdery-clean feel and aren't greasy which is great!

The last essential protection comes from Koru Swimwear, an eco swim and sport line whose fabrics come from sustainable and organic fabrics.
 

HALO/THERMACELL

AUSTRALIAN GOLD BOTANICAL SUNSCREEN

KORU SWIMWEAR

Read more from the April Issue and see Something You Should Know | Outdoor Prep in mag

COACHELLA STYLE | WEEKEND 1

The first weekend of Coachella is already in the books. The weekend included amazing music acts, branded parties and of course, tons of style. This week, we recap some of our fave Victoria's Secret Angels (Jasmine Tookes, Alessandra Ambrosio etc), Pretty Little Liars (Shay Mitchell) cast and more that made our heads turn as we deployed for amazing tunes in Indigo, California.

WELLNESS - SNEAKERS & CANDLES UNITE

We couldn't believe it until it was in a number of our feeds but Air Jordans being turned into mini candles and soaps were everywhere! From red, white, black, metallics and more! Currently available at Paris' Colette, these little odes to sneaker culture can be picked up for around $21! What The Shape, the creators of this wellness meets athletic inspiration has an Instagram page which has even more images available. 

Now we're just waiting for our next candle lit yoga with these babies in the room!

A FIT MOMENT WITH SEJO

We took a moment to chat with a fresh italian pop artist, Sejo whose debut single, "Too Young" has been playing on repeat in our studios whether we're traveling, trying new fitness methods and styling our celebs - we feel it's a song of the summer without a doubt! With such a catchy beat, we wanted to find out more about this new artist, her song and how she stays in shape as she is also a dancer! She also shared an exclusive video with us on some great ways that she keeps her physique to the tune of her new song of course! 

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your music and when you knew that you wanted to be a performer/entertainer as I know that you are a singer as well as a dancer.

SEJO: As a little girl I was always fascinated by the artistic World. I started dancing at the age of 5 and singing when I was 16. However, it was when I turned 19 that I decided it would be my life and future.

AM: Tell us about your single, "Too Young".

SEJO: When I read the lyrics and heard the track I decided it was for me because it inspires a carefree happiness that you only have when you are young and happy, like dancing in the middle of the road and just enjoying yourself.

AM: How are the areas of health, fitness, and exercise important to your career?

SEJO: Sports and Fitness is important for everybody in any line of work and the best and easiest way to keep fit is to jog.

PHOTO COURTESY | Luca Pozzaglio

AM: How does doing this work into your music?

SEJO: Being a dancer (ballerina) and a singer, I am always on the move but with music and to music, so I enjoy every minute of my workouts and just love dedicating myself to a body and mind fusion which is absolutely invincible.

AM: Tell us about exercises that you do for strong arms, legs and abs that are perfect to stay toned.

SEJO: First of all, you must remember that muscle build-up and strengthening for a ballerina is always not just a dynamic, but an emotional situation, it is never just a repeat kind of workout. Talking of which exercises that just everybody can do for your arms, bending and stretching; for abdominal exercises, I prefer sit-ups and for the lower abdominals, leg lift-ups while lying down. For your legs, I just love doing squats, with or without weights.

AM: As a dancer, what are 3 energy foods that are a must that we should have on our list to stay healthy?

SEJO: During workouts, Ballerinas and athletes must never eat foods that would give them a sense of heaviness, while training, they must eat nourishing food such as dried fruit, especially almonds, apples and one or two squares of chocolate.

SEJO TALKS HEALTH AND FITNESS WITH "TOO YOUNG" Add to your collection: https://EgoMusic.lnk.to/tooyoung Listen to more songs like this with our "Pop Dance" playlist! Spotify: https://EgoMusic.lnk.to/PopDance Follow Ego on Facebook: http://www.fb.com/EgoItaly Subscribe to EgoTV NOW: http://bit.ly/1hzlXkS Sejo is a beautiful 23-year-old Italian singer and dancer.

Listen to the acoustic version of "Too Young" here.

IN OUR BAG | BEAUTY TRAVELS

We love making each travel excursion a bit of a moment. Trade in your cosmetic zipped soft sided bags for these vanity cases that embody a bit of old world style with all of your must have goodies!

| MCM  Rockstar Vanity Case |  MERLE NORMAN Scrumptious | CURAPROX Ultra Soft Toothbrush | BUTTER LONDON Shadow Clutch Wardrobe Duo In Up All Night | BULGARI Eau Parfume au The Vert | FRE SKINCARE Customized Skincare Routine |

Read more from the March Issue or read In Our Bag | Beauty Travels i mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | TAKE A TEA MOMENT

Whether you're traveling for business or enjoying a staycation - it's a perfect way to take a moment before embarking on plans. As we travel a lot, we like to have items from home to make the journey a little easier. We always have our hotel favorites such as the Fairmont Hotel in Georgetown when we're in DC! While enjoying a night's stay on their Gold Floor, you can enjoy their tea selection and honey (they have their own bee farm on their roof) or you can bring your own while you relax and decide what's next!

When you're traveling this Spring, once you settle in - it's time to have a bit of tea. As we're still waiting for temperatures to rise, a spiked hot tea is a great way to soothe your throat while also spicing up your tea leaves.

We suggest getting your favorite blend and brewing it with your favorite device (or calling room service) and add in Nautical Gin which has elderflower which adds to the floral notes of your tea as well as sweetening it with Truvia Nectar. Add these to taste.

INGREDIENTS

.25 oz Truvia Nectar
1 oz Nautical Gin
1.5 oz Kusmi Tea Tsarevna
 

KUSMI TEA

NAUTICAL GIN

TRUVIA

Read more from the Mar Issue and see Something You Should Know | Take a Tea Moment in mag

BINGELY BOOKS

HOW TO MURDER YOUR LIFE
Cat Marnell
Simon and Schuster

Life is what you make of it - but then again it's about the lessons that you learn along the way as you create your world. Set in the world of the publishing industry, How to Murder Your Life is a candid memoir of Sex, Drugs, and climbing the ladder of the beauty industry within the coveted halls of some of the most iconic magazines. 

We follow Cat from her early days of creating zines and falling in love with magazines, rockers and more. In addition, she unabashadly shares her early spiral which led to boarding schools, medication, her determination to focus and eventually leaving school to come to NYC.

Cat continued to balance her wild lifestyle while also being committed to being a Beauty Editor. Throughout the novel, Cat's world comes into contact with Nev from Catfish, some of the most prominant beauty and editors in chief and more! 

Publishing history is woven throughout her memoir as it follows the rise of online, the need to maintain traditional magazines and the realization of the merger of old and new media together. Whether we follow Cat in the crazy nightlife scene, through the halls of Glamour, Lucky, Vice, xo Jane, or at her lowest points battling her addictions - we realize that Cat is a fighter who owns who she is and her desire to make a better place for herself. 

VERA BRADLEY FLORAL PATTERNS COLORING BOOK
Design Originals

You need a moment to collect your thoughts or simply to enjoy a mental vacation! Coloring is one of the perfect ways to escape! Vera Bradley, who is known for their print filled accessories and lifestyle wear has the perfect compliment for your coloring pencils. 

With a collection of books that offer an array of patterns, you will have a plenty of options for escapism. We suggest having a few at the ready on your coffee table, night stand or bookshelf for ongoing inspiration.

SQUEEZE LIFE
Karliin Brooks
Skyhorse Publishing

Spring is the perfect time to look back at what you've been doing to get summer ready! Squeeze Life, with a foreword by Russell Simmons, includes an  array of food, smoothie and juice recipes. With 150 available in this book, there are plenty of option to bring in positive nutrients into your body! There are even recipes for 3 Day Cleanses which is another great way to detox your body and to get it to where you want it to be.

Karliin Brooks' book is not only colorful but ensures that you are able to look your best at any age! 

ATHLEISURE LIST | HUMMING PUPPY; SYDNEY + MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

When taking a class at Humming Puppy, one of the first things you will notice is that the room quite literally 'Hum's'... and this is by no means an accident! The yoga space or ‘shala’ is injected with a combination of frequencies to enhance and deepen your experience. More specifically they use a combination of 7.83hz and 40hz. Being submerged in these frequencies helps you to naturally produce matching frequencies through a process of entrainment. At 7.83hz, otherwise known as the Schumann Resonance, the frequency of the earth itself and helps to 'ground' you through your practice. 40hz is specifically associated with ‘Gamma’ brainwave activity, integral for achieving states of peak performance.

Humming Puppy's founders are Jackie Alexander and Chris Koch, partners in both life and business.

Jackie managed dental practices and was led by her passion for yoga. She enrolled in yoga teacher training with the goal to open her own studio. 

In Jan 2014, Chris' company, 1Form.com which was formed with his best mate was bought by the ASX listed REA group. 1Form was launched in their living room and became Australia’s leading online tenancy application platform serving over 3 million tenants (and still growing) - more than  85% of the Australian real estate market. 

The pair conceived Humming Puppy over a Valentines Day dinner in 2013 and are passionate about sharing the gifts of yoga globally.

Humming Puppy has two studios, one in Melbourne and one in Sydney.

Melbourne is the original Humming Puppy and opened just over two years ago in Prahran, this area is the most populated area for yoga studios in the world with 40 studios located in a 4km radius!

The second Humming Puppy was opened in April 2016 and is located in Redfern in Sydney. It has always been their vision to open a third studio in New York!

At Humming Puppy, it is preferred for students to travel light and leave feeling even lighter. All yoga equipment is provided and bathrooms are fully stocked with everything you need: shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, hair dryers, straighteners, shower caps, hair ties and shower towels. Complimentary tea, coconut water and filtered water is provided in lounge areas for students.

There are five different styles of classes. Mellow Hum is a super chill class that includes gentle slow flows, restorative or Yin inspired postures dependent on the time of day. It's a slow paced, low intensity class that allows space and time to cultivate awareness and reflection. This is great for beginners to start their journey or students wanting to create inner stillness and a calm meditative state of mind.

Unified Hum is a medium intensity class that allows students to link breath to movement to calm the mind and strengthen the body. It's great for beginners wanting to mindfully progress their practice with a focus on alignment and for advanced students wanting to move at a steady pace.
 
Dynamic Hum is a high intensity class that can include stronger, longer holds, Vinyasa flows and advanced postures that will energize and challenge your practice. It is recommended that you feel competent  in a Unified Hum class prior to attending a Dynamic Hum.

Advanced Dynamic Hum is a high intensity class that is challenging but is delivered in a fun and interactive way as you build towards a peak pose. These classes have an emphasis on building physical strength and endurance and incorporates arm balances and inversions. 

It is recommended to practice regularly for at least 6 months in a Dynamic Hum class prior to attending.

Deepen your Hum is the studio's version of a workshop. Classes can be low, medium to high intensity dependent on the theme of the class and are open to all levels of students from beginners to advanced practitioners. Each month, the theme of our Deepen class changes with each week progressing from the previous. Classes are designed for those students wanting to deepen their yoga experience and knowledge and allow for interaction and engagement between the teacher and the student. Please refer to our timetable for monthly themes.

---

HUMMING PUPPY
 

2/22 Cecil Place Prahran Victoria  3181 Melbourne, Australia

Levels 1 & 2/146 Abercrombie St Redfern New South Wales 2016 Sydney, Australia

Read more from the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and Humming Puppy in Athleisure List in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | THE YOGA COLLECTIVE

The Yoga Collective is a group of teachers who are setting out to change the world by teaching a creative arts class, be it yoga, pilates, dance or other forms of exercise as well as workshops, meditations and health and wellness classes. They come to the Yoga Collective so they can teach in a relaxing atmosphere and exercise their creativity.

Jen Whinnen, Director and Founder of Three Sisters Yoga School created the space with her business partner in 2011. Jen teaches yoga all over the country and helps yogis become yoga teachers. She created the space to give teachers in NYC a studio so they can begin their classes without needing to be hired by a studio. Jen handed the studio over to some of her students. 

Nicole D'Angelo registered for Three Sisters Teacher Training in the summer of 2014, took over the studio in 2015 with fellow yogis, and is now the sole owner. 

The Yoga Collective NYC is currently in Chelsea, Manhattan at 135 W 29th St Rm 603 10001. 
 

The studio is fully stocked so someone brand new to yoga can enjoy the mats and all yoga props free of charge. Filtered water is provided and they ask for a small donation. The Yoga Collective NYC is free of plastic in the studio so people fill up their water bottles. Plant-based snacks are provided for some of the bigger classes and workshops and kale chips, energy bars and refreshing drinks. For summer classes, there is an air conditioner as well as a ceiling fan and various lighting.  

Keep an eye out, as TYC bags recently sold out; however, they are looking to expand their assortment later this year.

There are many kinds of classes at TYC.

The teachers teach everything from power to restorative yoga, martial arts and fitness classes and yoga nidra meditations. Some of our yoga classes are on-going and others are one or two time classes. Many of the classes can help you get in shape while also helping you to calm down and find inner peace. 

---

THE YOGA COLLECTIVE

135 W 29th St Rm #603 NY, NY 10001
 

Read more from the March Issue and read The Yoga Collective in Athleisure List in mag

SPRING MUST HAVES

Spring 2017 is underway which means we have a few items that we suggest for you to pop into your wardrobe, beauty routine, devices and of course for your nutrition!

| NUDWEAR  Olivia Backless Bra | REVABLEND Non-Electric Portable Blender | JIMMY CHOO L'eau | WELL - KEPT Screen Cleansing Towelettes|  NUGG BEAUTY Lip Mask | GOOD ZEBRA Spirit Animal Cookies in Chai, Lemon and Vanilla | L'OREAL Hydra Genius Liquid Care | MADALYNNE Nina Halter Bralette in Black |    

Read miore from the March Issue and see Spring Must Haves in mag.

ARE YOU DATING A NARCISSIST

With more and more people turning to dating apps and websites to meet people, we see a relatable pattern. You see someone’s photo. You’re attracted. You read their profile or brief description of who they claim to be. You reach out. You exchange emails. You text. Maybe you’ll speak briefly and then, you meet. You’re hitting it off. Things seem great. However, it seems almost too good to be true. Is it?
 
According to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, narcissists are everywhere and in varying degrees. She explains that the current “swipe right” dating culture only feeds their agenda, it’s important to understand who they are and how to spot them.

WHAT IS NARCISSISM?

Many mental health specialists agree that narcissism is basically an individual who has an excessive interest or admiration of a false self they created to cope with early hurts as children. “Narcissists are disconnected from their true selves and are constantly working to appear better than others. They have an idealized self-image and are in love with that image which hides their true wounded self,” says Hafeez.
 
Dr. Hafeez shares some “red flag” characteristics of narcissists along with tips and insights that can spare many people the heartache and mental anguish that comes with dating a narcissist.

1. Narcissists are off the charts charming. 

They are incredibly upbeat and bombard you with compliments. Immediately you are captivated by them and their focus on you. They have quick wit, can read people and know what to say to make them feel good. “Narcissists are great at building rapport quickly; however, they are doing so to serve themselves first and foremost. In other words, they feed off the attention, admiration and validation of others so they charm with an agenda,” cautions Dr. Hafeez.
 
2. In their mind, it's really all about them. 

The interesting thing about the narcissist is that they make it seem as if they are interested in you however they will always turn the conversation and back to them. “These are not team players. They look to their partner to be the source of their happiness and much of that happiness comes from getting approval or even sympathy,” explains Dr. Hafeez. “Early on in their childhoods the narcissist didn’t get the nurturing they needed to feel secure. They were neglected or made to feel as if they were bad, so they spend their time and energy showing how great they are,” she adds.

3. Rules don’t apply to the entitled narcissist.

They’re most likely to have a handicap tag hanging from the rearview mirror of their Porsche. When asked about the handicapped tag they'll launch into a descriptive, detailed 20-minute story about how they injured their knee, entitling them to the handicapped tag. They want to gain your sympathy. Other rule breaking behaviors, disobeying traffic laws, parking illegally in front of places leaving you waiting as they quickly "run in," cutting lines, and even stealing. “They truly believe the world revolves around them and expect others to cater to their needs. This is due to needs being unmet earlier in life,” says Dr. Hafeez.

4. They disrespect boundaries. 

Be mindful of your boundaries! Narcissists will do things like invade your physical space, borrow or take belongings or even money without returning or repayment. They break promises without remorse and may even blame the victim. “Protecting your boundaries is incredibly important when dealing with a narcissist. When over stepping is permitted, it leads to codependence and a lost sense of self,” warns Dr. Hafeez.

5. They look great on the surface.

Their desire to impress others may lead them to a lot of time and money on their physical appearance. They are all about status and achievement. They’ll brag about their education, their possessions, who they know, their accomplishments and typically, it’s exaggerated. “This again stems from the desire of approval. They care what others think of them so much that they use people and situations to fuel the false self they created,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

6. They’ll disappear like a ghost and you’ll feel discarded.

Narcissists will put you on a pedestal as they complement and charm you. You will feel incredibly special, caught up on their intent gaze upon you. However, once they see you’re just as interested in your own well-being, that you’re protective of your boundaries, that you have other interests and put them in their place; they swiftly move on. When they see you won’t allow manipulation, they disappear and will be incredibly cold. They may even give the silent treatment and blame you. 

7. Their past relationships are all drama.

They will make it seem like their exes were all crazy, will share horror stories and make you feel as if you are the best thing they found. They paint themselves as the victim and may add that their ex still wants them. “Pay very close attention to how the person speaks about their past relationships,” advises Dr. Haffeez. “Narcissists typically won’t keep answers brief, positive and forward moving when it comes to past relationships,” she adds.
 
About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 
 
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr. Oz.

Connect with Dr Sanam Hafeez PsyD via twitter @comprehendMind or her site. 
 

Read more from the March Issue and see Are You Dating a Narcissist in mag.

HIS SPRING EQUINOX

Obviously, the Spring has us all feeling a certain kind of way with changing temperatures, longer days and more. That's more time to take your workouts outside, run errands without worrying about the weather and eating outdoors. We sat down with menswear designer, Stan Cheung to talk about his line EYSOM, how he became a designer and how he will enjoy the upcoming Spring Equinox.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to being a designer.

STAN CHEUNG: It wasn’t a conventional route. I began my career in Los Angeles, working in the executive buying program for May Department Store. Up till then, the experiences I had at the entertainment studios didn’t ignite my passions, so my mentor – who was the Dean of the Business School at USC – recommended that I pursue retail. He was right. It clicked. I fell in love with buying menswear. Back then there was a lot of autonomy in this role. You could take risks. You could be creative with buying assortments. But my experiences were cut short when Federated merged with May, and so my life took a turn and I moved to New York to work on private brands for Macys. 

New York City is where I really learned about the design world. My buying experiences in L.A. were a good fit for brand strategies in my new role. I quickly transitioned into product development after Macys saw my talent in this area. 

Working on multiple Macys’ brands led me to source factories all over the world, collaborate with them to create collections that resonated across Men’s, RTW and Children’s. I became fascinated in thinking, not only about fashion, but also about the white space and what would appeal to each brand’s end consumer.

Everyone knows New York is fast paced, which I loved. What I loved less were the long and weary winters. I longed for the L.A. sun. I came back to So Cal to take a role as creative director in the fast-fashion business. I led a design team that created collections for many of the largest U.S. retailers. In the business world of Juniors, you’re bound to create collections non-stop, and at some point you eventually burn out. That’s what happened to me. 

I took a short sabbatical to re-center. I spent a lot of time working on myself, both spiritually and physically, lots of meditation and workouts. Unable to find the right gym clothes, I decided to make them myself. With luck and good timing, I got a push through the Axe/Esquire Mentorship, and so EYSOM was born. 

AM: Tell us about EYSOM.

SC: EYSOM is truly a concept and collection that’s been brewing in my thoughts for over a decade. I’ve always been a workout fanatic. I take as much pride in my workout clothes as my “work” clothes. I found it so perplexing why it’s always so difficult to find great gym shorts. Men can find great jeans, fitted blazers, and the best dress shirts with much less effort. Why don’t the same rules apply to workout clothes?

EYSOM stands for “Exercise Your State of Mind”. The name itself is really about the journey to find balance between the body and the brain. In the logo, we used the M for Mind to reflect the sign of the heartbeat to show this connection as a symbol of feeling good — inside and out. Wellness today includes physical and spiritual wellness — we are much more conscious today of this wholeness feeling. We want integrity and totality in all that we do. 

The company really started from this emotion of wanting to offer men some thing better and different. I wanted to use really beautiful, yet technically functional fabrics. I wanted to create a line that was tailored, sporty and elegant at the same time. EYSOM is all about effortless designs that make you feel good when you put them on.
 

AM: How did it feel to have John Legend pick your brand to be included in the Axe Collective and what is the nature of this partnership?

SC: I was so honored. He’s such an amazing talent. In addition to being a style icon, he’s just an overall good guy. It was fantastic to have him be so into the brand. This encouragement gave me the extra energy to go after my vision. Had it not been for the Axe Collective, ESYOM would not have started when it did, and be where it is today.

AM: Presenting at NYFW Men’s must have been a great experience, tell us what it was like.

SC: It was such an amazing experience – it was so fast, but at that point in time, it was incredible to see the collection all come together. Now onto my third collection, it’s nice to see how the brand has evolved, but stayed true to that initial concept.

AM: You currently sell at Equinox, what's next for EYSOM?

SC: Equinox has been such a natural and organic fit. They’ve been hugely supportive of EYSOM. It has been an amazing way to expose their clients to the brand. Next for EYSOM, we are looking to organically expand in markets where there’s most interest – Europe and Asia. 

Also, I am starting to explore categories that people have been asking for. We have been asked since day one to add swimwear, including by Esquire Fashion Director Nick Sullivan. During the time the product has been in Equinox, we’ve also had a lot of requests to create a women’s line.

AM: What are the trends in menswear for this spring/summer that we can find in your line?

SC: EYSOM is always about being effortless and stylish all day, and year-round. You’ll notice our introduction into camouflage, which is a trend across all activewear, but we’ve taken a much more designer approach by playing with our signature print in a range of more sophisticated colors including sage green, brilliant navy, and red.

With the activewear trend, we also have our assortment of joggers and sweatshirts. 

AM: What are your favorite pieces in the EYSOM collection and where would we find you wearing them?

SC: Living in LA, you’ll find me wearing EYSOM about 90% of my life! I love the training shorts, because they have a tailored elegant feel that allows me to wear them in and out of the gym. I’m obsessed with the tops – usually in black, because the fabric is amazingly soft and you kind of don’t want to ever take it off.

AM: Where do you workout and what are your three favorite places to eat in NYC?

SC: I work out at Equinox obviously, but I’m also a regular at Barry’s Bootcamp because I love running. When I’m in NYC, I prefer running outdoors on the WSH or Central Park and just zoning out for miles at a time. 

I am a big food lover, especially in NYC. I think the right balance of a great workout is that you can enjoy and indulge in some great meals. My consistent go-to places would be Morimoto for sushi and Balthazar after working out in Soho. Indochine is my classic staple.

AM: With the Spring Equinox and having 12 hours of sun, how are you going to take advantage of the day?

SC: I’m obsessed with being outdoors, so I always take advantage of the LA sunshine. Hiking Runyon Canyon in the morning, enjoying the beaches of Malibu and Laguna, and of course, dining al fresco whenever I can. My favorite is The Beverly Hills Hotel or the garden at Pailhouse.

AM: What Axe Collection items are a part of your rotation?

SC: The Axe Gold Signature dry spray and skin hydrator body wash. 

Axe Gold Signature Dry Spray

Axe Gold Skin Hydrator Body Wash

Read more from the March Issue and read His Spring Equinox in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

This month has been unpredictable with warm days that danced from Spring to Summer and reminders that Winter is still here with a lot of snow! Regardless, our skin needs love and these K-Beauty brands (and those that are inspired by their trends) are a must to get our skin nourished and summer ready!

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

BOSCIA

BONIVIVANT @ MEMEBOX

KNC BEAUTY

| TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Egg Cream  Face Mask | BOSCIA Sake Balm | BONVIVANT @ MEMEBOX Botanical Mellow Clay Mask | KNC BEAUTY All Natural Collegen Infused Lip Mask |

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Athleisure Beauty's feature in mag.

#TribeGoals

Read more from the Feb Issue as well as see #TribeGoals in mag

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | THE ADULTING SLUMBER PARTY

We're not kids anymore, but there are times where we need to take our cue from our favorite childhood past times  to infuse in our adulting lifestyle. The Slumber Party was always a fun way to bring your favorites together. It was about having everyone in one room, eating pizza or snacks, trying beauty routines and of course having amazing gossip that hopefully never left the inner sanctuary. It was about coming together and bonding. To go to a slumber party was having an insiders access with your crew!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

We're older, wiser, and sophisticated, but the need to connect is still as important as ever! We identify with a number of tribes and whether we engage with them in their set spheres or mix it up, the Adulting Slumber Party is one that you need to add to your plans as much as your next brunch! The options are endless whether you hold it in your home, book a suite at one of your favoite hotels or check out a fabulous place on Home Away. Set a date, send out your Paperless Post and make sure you create an experience.

Our slumber parties can incorporate meditation, a yoga session, testing beauty products, creating some cocktails, amazing dishes to snack on and of course, being able to gab about any and everything that brings you together!

We suggest some must haves to get your night off to the right start with our finds that can be introduced to your tribe as well as enjoyed solo or at a future activity. 

| DULCE VIDA Grapefruit, Lime and Original | AVEDA Tulasara Wedding Masque Eye | GARNIER SKINACTIVE Micellar Cleansing Water  |
 

Read more from the Feb Issue and see Something You Should Know | The Adult Slumber Party in mag

THE ART OF THE SNACK | MEALS IN A JAR

Read more from the Feb issue and The Art of the Snack in mag.

A TO Z OF D-TOXING

ATHLEISURE MAG: We are in that time of year where we are celebrating with friends for Super Bowl, Mardi Gras (whether you live in New Orleans or not) and St Patrick's Day. Whatever excuse we use to be with friends, how can we make these celebrations toxin free? 
 
SOPHIA GUSHEE: Before these events, I try to load up on wholesome, healthy foods, and hydrate before with lots of filtered water. Once at a party, I give myself permission to enjoy what I want, but since I'm usually not hungry or thirsty from filling up before the party, I find that I simply don't desire as much at the party. But I'll scan my options at the party and pick the one indulgence I'd really enjoy, and just cherish eating that! 
 
If I'm hungry at a party, I try to stick to foods that are simple, natural options (like veggies, guacamole, and hummus; or, meats, poultry, etc if I crave it); and I minimize or avoid processed foods (popular cheeses can be processed) or foods with chemicals (like anything with artificial colors, sugars, and preservatives). 
 
If drinks are served (the alcoholic types), I've reducing my sugar intake by choosing a  tequila drink with lots of lime and sparkling water. Choosing this tequila over wine (my preferred choice for years) significantly cuts down on my sugar intake. Plus, there are reported health benefits from drinking tequila so it might even be good for me.
 
And, always, if I'm eating or drinking something unhealthy and I don't LOVE it, or it's not making me more happy, then I don't finish it. It can become waste or waist: I better love it if it's becoming waist!

AM: Labels can be very confusing even when you are trying to do it the right way what is "Certified Organics" and how is that different than "Made with Organic Ingredients" - also are there other labels or verbiage that sound similar, but have very different meanings?

SG: Labels are so confusing! One important thing to know about labels is that the FDA does not define the word "natural," so food and cosmetic companies can use it to describe their products--even if the ingredients include some very synthetic components. "Organic" is similar in that it isn't defined by the FDA, but it is regulated by the USDA, so the "USDA Organic" seal is what you want to look for. However, there are still details within that "USDA Organic" label to consider. While this isn't exhaustive of those details, here's a cheat sheet to help:
 
USDA 100 percent organic: This means that all ingredients are organic (excluding salt and water). This label is most typical on farm products like fresh produce, grains, and flours.
 
Organic: This label indicates that at least 95% of the ingredients are organic (again, excluding salt and water).
 
Made with organic: This can be used on products that contain at least 70% organic ingredients (still excluding salt and water!).

AM: We heard and have read that although labels must let us know what's in our food, there are some gray areas such as spices not having to be detailed specifically, how can people who may be allergic to certain spices know what to avoid in these foods?

SG: The FDA doesn't require specific spices to be included on food item labels, so, unfortunately, someone with an allergy to one specific spice will need to research the food products they buy. Start by narrowing your product considerations to those whose ingredient lists contain simple, recognizable ingredients. Then contact those manufacturers to have them verify in writing (like email) that.

AM: When we're shopping at WholeFoods, Trader Joe's and Farmer's Markets - how can we ensure that we are purchasing items that are toxin free?
 
SG: This is an excellent question that doesn't have a simple solution. 

First, those retailers sell a wide range of product types (not just food but also cleaning and personal care products). And each product type has unique considerations because they have different reasons for toxic exposures. The toxic concerns vary by product type. For example, toxic concerns about cheese depend on various things. Key issues include: 1) the diet (antibiotics or growth hormones?) and farming conditions of the cow from whose milk the cheese was made; 2) the manufacturing process of the cheese (did plastics or other materials that came into contact with the food leach contaminants into it?); and, 3) food packaging (soft plastics that wrap cheese can leech toxic chemicals into the cheese). 

Second, toxin free food is rare when our environment is so polluted. For example, arsenic (the cancer-causing type has been detected in some rice and rice byproducts). Turns out, it's because arsenic can exist in high concentrations in some agricultural lands, like in Texas than compared to California ("white rice from California have 38 percent less inorganic arsenic than white rice from other parts of the country," according to Consumer Reports). Informed people can make safer choices, however. 

I prefer homemade meals so I can control the quality of the ingredients. For packaged foods, I choose products that have simple--and easy to understand--ingredients lists. No artificial colors, sugars, and preservatives. I buy local, seasonal, organic as much as possible. Frozen organic fruits and veggies are staples in my household too: They're convenient and can be more nutrient-dense.
 
AM: Is there a movement being made to

identify where our foods come from so that there is less of a murky feeling when buying foods that you think are correct?
 
SG: Yes! There are many dedicated activists that continually strive to achieve more transparency with food items (and all consumer products, really). However, it's complicated for several reasons. One, manufacturing food has become an international effort. For example, manufacturing juice boxes involves ingredients that are often created from several countries. While there are many advantages to this international approach, it also complicates our understanding of which foods are the safest ones for us to eat.
 
Second, changes in legislation occur slowly. Instead, change has sometimes come voluntarily (before legislation) because businesses responded to pressure from consumers who demanded healthier products. 
 
This is one reason why it's so important to spread awareness of our toxic exposures: So we can each contribute to both making safer choices for ourselves today and let businesses know that we care. They pay attention to what we buy, and respond when enough of us complain!

I'm trying to help others not only eat healthier, less toxic food but also help others select healthier household products at my online D-Tox Academy. It's still in development but people can register for my free newsletter to learn about it's rollout as well as other online D-Tox programs.

AM: For those looking to snack responsibly, what are go to's that you can list that we should keep on our radar?

SG: Healthy smoothies are popular. The kids love them frozen since the kids then feel like they're having ice cream. 
 
We have lots of unsalted nuts--like almonds or cashews, although they aren't allowed in all spaces, such as schools, because of the prevalence of allergies. Dried seaweed snacks are also popular in my home. As are apple slices, and, in the summer, frozen strawberries. 
 
We also have tons of avocados. Cutting them in half, removing the pit, and sprinkling Himalayan sea salt is always a satisfying snack! You can also spread avocado slices on toast (I'll spread Vegenaise on the toast too), add salt, but also curry: Yum!

AM: How can we detox our homes, medicine cabinets as well as beauty products - what would you suggest in terms of products whether they are masstige or prestige?
 
SG:That's such a great question but, again, hard to answer simply! As in the example of toxic exposures from cheese, the details matter. 
 
But, general strategies that would provide a great start to detoxing your home, medicine cabinets, beauty products, and more include: discarding items you don't need or use (assume most things contaminate your indoor environment); buy just what you really need; avoid spray products because inhaling the chemical formulas can be more risky; and, for similar concerns over spray products, be weary of powdered products. Not all spray and powdered products are necessarily toxic (many are) but it's hard to know which ones are safe. The Environmental Working Group has a great free online database where you can research your products to learn of their hazard rating.
 
As for masstige vs. prestige, you can't necessarily trust a product just because it's prestige and has a high price point (even if its labeling states that it's a healthier product). However, it has been my experience that the cheapest cosmetics products usually contain toxic compounds. However, I've also determined for my skin--after trying many masstige and prestige oils and lotions--my preferred products are those that are healthy enough to eat: organic coconut oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and shea butter (I look for the most unprocessed options). They just make my skin feel more comfortable!
 
I have also just started using 100% pure essential oils and really enjoy them. The lavender oil is exceptionally helpful for dry, itchy skin.

AM: How did you come into this line of work and what was your background?

SG: For about 4 years before entering, and then for about 5 years after graduating from, Columbia Business School, I worked in investment management; specifically, high-risk, high-return investments. This meant that key parts of my job were to investigate chaotic situations quickly. I'd gather facts, form key questions, pursue the best answers to those questions, assign different weights to information that I was considering, analyze the data to identify past trends of the "truth" and estimate likely future trends, estimate the likelihood that different outcomes may occur, and boil all our due diligence into a handful of key numbers. 

As a new mother, I couldn't help but apply these analytical and critical thinking skills to parenting. Each night, I reviewed books on how to care for my newborn: how to get her to sleep, how often to feed her, what to feed her, etc. It was through a nightly review of thoughtfully selected reading materials that I started to learn about toxic chemicals in our everyday consumer products, including baby bottles, toys, mattresses, and most everything else that we buy for our home.

Since I was shocked by what I was learning, my background in investment management naturally led me to research every alarming claim to see if credible sources could verify these claims. They always did. Sometimes I could verify the claims in a few hours, and sometimes it would take years because the studies and research are ongoing.
 
Frustrated by how I was learning about toxic exposures from what I buy, I wanted to gain control over the situation and so I decided to study this topic so I felt informed and empowered to make safe choices. I thought it would take me a year of focused work. But it ended up taking a total of 8 years. And I resigned from my investment management job, which I loved, when my first child was about a year old.
 
In October 2015, I finally released the guidebook that I wish I had sooner. It's titled A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures. I wrote it to be a must-have book for every head of household, and I believe that it is! I wrote it for my younger self, hoping to make it easier for anyone else who'd like to know what they should know and what they can do about our toxic exposures. 

AM:  Chemicals affect everyone, but who is the most susceptible to this the young, young adults, adults, elderly etc?

SG: Young, developing bodies are particularly vulnerable to the effects of toxic exposures, because they are still growing. As miraculous and intricate as our bodies are, they can be affected by even small doses of toxicants, and children are the most vulnerable. Since a mother passes on her chemical body burden to her child while she is carrying, and then throughout the breastfeeding stage, it's a great choice for parents (dads, too!) to begin detoxing as early as possible. 

The elderly and those with compromised immune systems are also particularly vulnerable. 

While the rest of us are less vulnerable, the potential adverse effects from exposures to compounds found in everyday products, including our diet, can be meaningful! They have the potential to disrupt various biological processes, like metabolism, sleep, mental clarity, energy, fertility, and more.
 
AM: What are your favorite places to eat from fast casual to a nice night out with cocktails that you would suggest that get your toxin free stamp of approval?
 
SG: Again, since our environment is more toxic than ever, toxic-free probably doesn't exist. But, studies suggest that a diverse, plant-based diet may offer protective and detox benefits to boost your body's resiliency. So my favorite restaurants are mindful of the ingredients that they use.
 
For a quick meal in New York City, I love Dos Toros, a tasty Mexican chain whose food feels relatively healthy. I always get the "Plato," with rice, beans, all the veggies I can get, guacamole, and lots of spicy sauce! 
 
For longer meals in New York City, I enjoy Blossom, which is a delicious vegan restaurant, as well as ABC Kitchen, which is an exquisite organic, local, and environmentally conscious restaurant.

AM: Why should we be so concerned about toxins and what are the effects in our bodies?

SG: With advances in science and technology, we've gained sharper insight into how complex it is to understand how our average toxic exposures may affect us and our kids. While there's a lot more to learn, what we do know is jaw-dropping. For example: 

With advances in science and technology, we've gained sharper insight into how complex it is to understand how our average toxic exposures may affect us and our kids. While there's a lot more to learn, what we do know is jaw-dropping. For example: tiny doses can cause adverse effects (note that one popular birth control prevents reproduction at 0.035 parts per billion; and that 1 part per billion is like 1 drop of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool); effects created from tiny doses can be different than effects created from high doses; timing of exposure matters (like when the brain or heart are still developing, and note that the brain develops into our 20s); our bodies store some of these toxic compounds and they can be released later, including to our future children when in the womb or through breastfeeding (and breastfeeding is still generally the superior way to nourish an infant); and, there can be a cocktail effect from the mixture of chemicals we are exposed to, and then there's the potential cocktail effect from when our daily exposures mix with those already in our bodies, and then different possibilities exist inside us.

We encounter many chemicals, from many sources, many times a day, from before we are born. We simply don't know yet how cumulative, chronic exposures may affect us over a lifetime, but common sense says that hacking our toxic exposures is a good idea.
 
Leading researchers and scientists (including those on the President's Cancer Panel, which is an organization that reports directly to the President of the United States) believe that exposures to these toxins have an important influence in the rapid increases in various health issues, including cancer, reproductive issues, allergies, birth defects, obesity, and neurological disorders. 
 

Read more from the Feb issue as well as A to Z of D-Toxing in mag

FIND YOUR SHIBUMI

As we grow up, many of us begin working on our life plan that consists of what is expected of us by friends and family, and influences from interactions and our informed opinions. Whether these are our actual passions or not can only be told in time. Sometimes, after following this plan, you wake up and realize that you need to hit the reset button and start from the beginning to reintroduce yourself to yourself. UNBOUND looks at this journey in understanding the ultimate self, honoring the past lessons and growing the seeds of a new life that can be truly embraced. We chatted with Steph Jagger, who found this connection through hitting the pause button and hitting the slopes, and shared her novel of self-discovery with us.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Steph, it's so good to connect with you as your book is the perfect blend of goal setting, humor, self-discovery, honesty, and weighted reflection - what are your 3 biggest takeaways from the Vertical Feat experience?

STEPH JAGGER: My three biggest take aways from my journey are:

• Moving from fear based motivation, which came with truck loads of ego, to what I call “love based motivation” – asking myself if this is going to help me grow and expand and transform versus asking myself what this will help me prove.

• I also learned so much about the feminine and what strength means for women. I used to have a masculine ideal, one that came with an “armor up and go into battle” mentality and know I see strength very differently. I see it as putting all the armor down, as being authentic and vulnerable with yourself as well as others.

• Last but not least…huge take away about the quality of red meat in Argentina. And chocolate, and wine!

AM: We fell in love with many of the people that you mentioned in the book
- do you still talk to or visit some of our faves, Tree, Joseph and the group that you met in Chile?

SJ: Of course! I just saw Tree this week. She’s still a close friend and Joseph is still very much my yoda…in fact, I call him my wizard. I wrote a fair chunk of the book at his estate in Tel Aviv and I plan on seeing him later this year. I’m still in touch with MANY of the others and of course, spoiler alert, Chris and I  are still sharing a bed!

AM: Going into the Vertical Feat you were set on check marking this goal, but did you have other matters you were wrestling with in order to find yourself besides realizing that you had been a goat who was really a Tiger?

SJ: Ultimately I wrestled with a lot of things – goat to tiger and also masculine ideal as my predominant belief system to a balanced masculine and feminine ideal. I didn’t have a clue that would be part of my journey, but that’s how the Universe works. It’s very smart. It baits you into adventures using something that will snag your ego just enough to pull you in – “Hey, over here!!! How about 4,000,000 feet???” – and once you’re on the journey the truth and the battles and the learning all unfold.

AM: What lessons can we take from Unbound when people are in a transitional experience?

SJ: I think that is the truth of transition. What you think you’re getting into is probably not what you’re getting into. I also think we need to look at transition (even positive ones) as part of the grief process. Becoming a mother means letting go of and grieving the woman you were in your teens and twenties. Becoming a person who values feminine ideals means potentially letting go of and grieving the people in your life that are still operating under a masculine-only ideal. If you’re looking to transition to the monkey bar in front of you, you HAVE TO let go of the one you’re holding on behind you.

AM: We were so happy to see that you and Chris got married and that you did embark on a different journey, what is your life like now in terms of career, where you live?

SJ: My life right now is very much based around the principal of having two things and two things only on my bucket list: Am I listening to what I am called to do…AND, when I hear it, do I have the courage to do it. That’s how I decide what projects to work on, where to travel, etc. To get technical, Chris and I currently live on the edge of a canyon on southern California with our giant black dog, Auggie. I run my coaching company from home and split time between that and writing.  Our plan…because we’ve felt the call…is to return to the mountains in the coming months. Our hope would be to move to Colorado or BC by the summer-time.

AM: Do you see yourself taking on other challenges of this nature?

SJ: Yes and no. I’ll refer back to question five…if I’m called to go on another adventure of this nature, I hope I’ll heed the call. That said, I just don’t feel it…I feel other adventures rolling towards me. More books, perhaps a career in speaking, MORE travelling for sure but perhaps with less of an agenda. So yes and no.

AM: We loved that you came to terms with being someone who could accept their femininity while also embracing an aggressive nature and that you could be both - why do you think that some women find that to be difficult?

SJ: I think a lot of women find that to be difficult. The idea of having it all. The concept of balance. The desire to be aggressive, persistent, ambitious, etc. with a career, at the same time as being a friend, a mother, a daughter, a sister…roles that often require a fair bit of nurturing, slowing down, etc. I think that’s the question of our generation – how do we first choose what it is we want (with consciousness and a lack of guilt) and then how do we actually make that happen in the real world…hint hint…this might be a theme of my second book.

The why behind it all feeling difficult has everything to do with the way our society is structured. The expectations placed on women (and men for that matter) to play certain roles, the patriarchical ideal. I could go on about this but I think it’s built into our collective thought process.

AM: If you were able to do this trip all over again, what would you change?

SJ: Nothing. Not a thing. It all lead me to where I am and who I am today and I’m very proud of that. From a technical standpoint I probably wouldn’t have planned as much so I could have responded better to the weather as it happened. Other than that…nothing.

AM: What mementos did you keep from your trip as a means to remember the experience?

SJ: What do I have to remember the trip…um, well, a book for starters! Ha! I don’t tend to lug mementos around, but I do have some gorgeous photos, a husband, and a small Japanese change purse that help me remember it all.

AM: What was your favorite mountain/resort to ski at during the Vertical Feat and what was your favorite place/experience that you went to unwind while you were on this journey?
 

SJ: Favorite resort – SO HARD. I still LOVE Whistler/Blackcomb, but Jackson Hole, and Alta are also standouts. I’ll always remember Cerro Catedral in Argentina, because it’s where I met Chris and Happo One in Japan is out of this world – in fact, the whole Hakuba Valley in Japan is out of this world. I’ll also make the latter the fav place to relax. A ski and then an onsen (Japanese hot baths) at the end of the day?!? You can’t get much better than that. Unless of course, you’re at the Scandinave Spa up in Whistler – that place is also to die for when it comes to pampering and relaxation.

AM: We love the concept of Shibumi and how you found it at various times, what is your Shibumi moment now?

SJ: My Shibumi moment now is the book tour. It can’t be perfect, travel plans get messed up, I’ve got a bit of a sore throat going at the moment, I lost my ski socks somewhere...BUT, I feel like my energy is aligned with the book and that when I go out and connect with people at event and local bookstores there’s an effortless perfection to the interaction and exchanges that are happening. That makes me very happy. It’s total Shibumi!

AM: What was the process like in writing this book and how is your book tour going?

SJ: Well, I just told you a little about the book tour and I think I would say similar things about the writing process. It’s utter shibumi – it’s a glorious mess, it's throwing words around and cutting and chopping and praying and surrender and faith that it will all work out in the end. It's discipline but also freedom. 

I loved the writing process, the concept of learning and honing my very rough skills as a writer. I hope I get to keep doing it. What a gift of an opportunity I’ve had to unravel my own narrative and sew it back up together again. If that’s not Shibumi, I don’t know what is!
 

AM: What's next for you?

SJ: What’s next for me is a question  I get a lot – most times it comes in the form of  “What’s on your bucket list” – there are two things – One, am I listening for the call to adventure. Two, do I have the courage to say yes when I hear it. I really do feel a second book coming to the surface and as I mentioned before, Chris and I would love to find the perfect home in the mountains. And a vacation! Maybe a visit to Greece to see my dearest Joseph! He just built a new home there and we’ve been dying to see it. Just thinking of the sun and calamari makes me drool.

AM: What would you tell someone who decided to go on a path of self-discovery (not necessarily in the same manner that you did) so that they could expect many of the feelings that you came to grasp with?

SJ: This is such a huge question. First I would ask them if they had three or four hours and a good bottle of wine or two. Then I would sit down with them and I would read them Joseph Campbell quotes for hours. I would tell them “you must let go of the life you have planned, as to accept the one that is waiting for you” and I would also go all Sue Monk Kidd on them and tell them that “the truth may set you free, but first it will shatter the safe, sweet way you live.” Then I would tell them to leave the rest of the wine with me. After that, I’d hand them my phone number and tell them they’ve got an open line and to call when ever they want, I would say, “Search for the best, most wildest version of you and when you find it grab it and don’t let go. Oh…and you know that when you’re on the monkey bars of life, you MUST let go of the one behind you in order to grasp the one in front of you…you know that right???” That’s what I’d say.

Pictures courtesy of Steph Jagger and book cover by Harper Wave/Harper Collins

Read more from the Feb issue as well as Find Your Shibumi in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | SOULCYCLE: VARIOUS US CITIES + CANADA

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

ATHLEISURE MAG: How long has SoulCycle been around?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AM: What is the ethos of SoulCycle?

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

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

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

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

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