Athleisure List - Chicago, Studio Three

The allure of boutique studio fitness gyms is primarily because of the focus of various methods within the community that the creators generate. When the privately held group, BlitzLake opened Studio Three in Chicago’s River North Neighborhood, it was the culmination of peeling the layers behind a number of fitness centers across the country to unveil a niche that had yet to be exposed.

In late fall 2015, the first of it’s kind (having these disciplines under one roof), Studio Three has 16,000 square feet featuring Peloton® Indoor Cycling, Interval Training and Yoga on three separate, synergized levels, all under one roof. In addition, the group selected instructors that are leaders in their industry with elite fitness backgrounds to create classes that are complimentary for maximum results across disciplines. By providing the necessary ultimate fitness experience, they also facilitate a sense of community and comfort for its members. The very name denotes the three places that matter – home, work and your third space.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Studio Three

In addition there are an array of amenities that are best in class for guests to enjoy. These include natural, organic skincare and grooming products by EO. An exclusive partnership with Real Good Juice Co, provides a cold-pressed juice bar and cafe with lounge area that has complimentary Wi-Fi. As the space is meant to be a retreat, there are additional common seating areas on each level which allows guests to continue to come together and socialize beyond classroom walls. In addition to Peleoton® Boutique assortments, Studio Three guests will also enjoy the fitness studio’s athletic apparel within the main floor of the retail space starting this month.

As the first and only facility in Chicago, and the second in the country to feature live Peloton cycling classes, an in-studio and at-home fitness solution for live and on-demand spin classes comprised of trackable metrics and a fun, competitive edge, on its main floor. Peloton has been
heralded as “the best cardio machine on the planet” by Men’s Health and described as “easily the best indoor workout” by the lower level of Studio Three houses their Interval studio which features true interval training based on your effort (and not miles per hour) and strength-based classes, including TORCH60, TORCH45, AMPED60 and AMPED45. They believe that everyone is an athlete and classes are inclusive and
accessible to all fitness levels.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Studio Three

Their Interval Training sessions are group experiences designed to create a body that moves, feels and performs better while burning calories long after the workout is over. Its advances sound system and lighting immerses you in the experience to assist in driving you forward. You’ll use the latest in advances Woodway treadmills, water rowers and loaded movement technology to transform your body and break your barriers.

On the upper level, a number of hot, restorative and athletic yoga classes are offered to allow minds and bodies to detox, relax and rejuvenate. Featuring floor to ceiling windows and space for more than 50 mats, the yoga studio is also outfitted with radiant heat panels and fully adjustable
temperature and humidity levels. 

In addition to the newly launched Interval Training classes. Those who attend Studio Three will launch new Yoga classes in the upper level! This also includes a class to complement current classes available in the interval and Peloton studios.

This studio definitely offers a number of options for those that are dedicated to a specific workout or to switch it up depending on your mood.

STUDIO THREE QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: 648 N Clark St Chicago, IL 60654
OPENED: Nov 18, 2015

STUDIO FITNESS FOCUS: Choose sessions that utilizes Peleton® Indoor Cycling, Yoga and Interval Training

COLD PRESSED JUICE BAR: In partnership with Real Good Juice Co which includes a cafe

Kara Ross

When it comes to accessory designers that know how to make a statement, Kara Ross is one of those talented women we’ve admired for years. With her recently launched venture, DIAMONDS UNLEASHED, we took a moment to find out more about this line that is not only an accessory but an empowering movement.

Athleisure Mag: What is DIAMONDS UNLEASHED and how did you come up with this?

Kara Ross: DIAMONDS UNLEASHED is a brand with a social purpose that symbolizes, promotes and supports women’s empowerment. Brought to life through a collection of products, a network of influential ambassadors, and a platform of compelling content, DIAMONDS UNLEASHED celebrates that women, like diamonds, are brilliant, multi-faceted and unbreakable.

After an extensive education and career in fine jewelry I found myself resetting my own diamond engagement ring. As I worked, I wondered why, with all of the change women’s empowerment has seen in today’s society, do diamonds still have such an antiquated meaning? With the connections I had already built in my jewelry career, I made it my mission to create a brand that surrounds and supports a cause which I strongly believe in - women’s empowerment.

AM: How important is DIAMONDS UNLEASHED?

KR: It’s really everything. I completely closed my fine jewelry and handbag wholesale business to focus solely on the DIAMONDS UNLEASHED movement. At this stage in my life I want to give back and I believe that by creating a business that supports organizations that empower and educate girls will help make posivite change because you give a girl an education it not only gives her opportunity, it gives opportunity to her family and strengthens the whole community.

AM: What is Stilettos on the Ground?

KR: Stilettos on the Ground are what we call our network of ambassadors who are supporting us and helping us spread our message. These ambassadors are the living, breathing embodiment of DIAMONDS UNLEASHED. They agree to give us a statement about what their Diamond means to them, photos, and a commitment to share our messages via their platforms. Many ambassadors become more actively engaged, speaking at our events, creating opportunities to showcase our mutual commitment to women’s empowerment (for example, co-hosting salons) and providing advisory services.

AM: What do you mean by unleashing the diamond?

KR: It’s about disruption. Diamonds are probably the only item that women shy away from buying themselves. DIAMONDS UNLEASHED is about
looking at a diamond, the hardest most beautiful substance on earth, and having that symbolize women’s strength. My mission is to engineer a
great rethink about how diamonds are bought, given and perceived and then to use that shift as a platform to address issues that enable women to achieve their potential.

AM: Why did you partner with CanadaMark™ Diamonds?

KR: We partnered with CanadaMark™ to ensure that each diamond comes directly from Dominion’s share of production from either the Ekati or Diavik diamond mines. Dominion is Canada’s largest independent diamond producer and the third largest diamond producer globally by value. CanadaMark™ is committed to promoting a safe and healthy workplace, protecting the environment, developing local communities and delivering a
high quality product.

AM: What was your decision behind the brand being accessible and available at Neiman Marcus and HSN?

KR: We wanted the DIAMONDS UNLEASHED collection to be available at a variety of price points and have something for everyone. This is an inclusive movement reaching all age demographics and different income levels. Each of our retail partners are “best in class” for their category, offering different income levels as well as providing a unique perspective for the collection and an existing core customer for us to reach.

AM: How do you juggle your time between the Kara Ross brand and DIAMONDS UNLEASHED?

KR: I completely closed my fine jewelry and handbag wholesale business to focus solely on the DIAMONDS UNLEASHED movement. This is such a big undertaking and with a small team and myself, we need to focus just on one thing.

AM: What are your 3 favorite pieces from your Diamonds Unleashed collection?

KR: Three is so few to choose! I love the diamond and key necklace from that collection. Our #ShesBrilliant Collection for Neiman Marcus will be
available in May and there are so many beautiful pieces. I love the section necklace which has three sections of the DIAMONDS UNLEASHED
symbol back to back with pave set diamonds and the ear cuffs that feature the diamond encrusted symbol climbing up the ear.

AM: With the success of your brand how do you achieve balance and stay connected/present?

KR: I try to get a little exercise everyday, and on others a lot of exercise. I also take time for myself where I really can “check out” and recharge – I
do that by reading and also watching films. I also spend time with my family everyday and put away the devices so I can really focus on them without interruption.

AM: How do you prepare for the new year personally, as a brand as well as igniting women’s empowerment?

KR: Myself and our entire team have taken a few weeks to work remotely and spend time with friends and family. I think it’s helping us recharge
after such a busy Fall with the official launch of the brand and our premiere with HSN. I have a lot of fresh ideas and am more energized than ever
about what we’re doing. We’ve had some time to reflect on what we accomplished this year and plan for the new collections and projects coming
in 2016. I think it’s important to have some downtime, it allows for creative ideas to flow.

AM: What does Balance Next (a mantra for us) mean to you?

KR: To me it’s all about balance in life. To be my best self in my career, I also need to take care of myself by exercising, eating healthy, doing things
I enjoy outside of work and most important to me spending time with my husband, daughters and extended family.

AM: What are your 3 must do’s in your personal time (ie favorite studio fitness, brunch spot, etc)?

KR: Exercise – my 3 favorite studios are SoulCycle, Physique57 and Exhale. I am not a foodie, but when I am home, I love Landmarc in the Time
Warner Center for breakfast. Read – I love losing myself in a great book.

AM: Athleisure is about comfortable clothes that can transition from the gym, to brunch, meetings and a night out or jetsetting - what are 3 favorite pieces that are great within your athleisure look?

KR: I am in love with the Bandier Fitness line, Jennifer is a friend and also a DIAMONDS UNLEASHED “Stiletto on the Ground”. I love her airbrushed leggings and hooded wrap with a simple tank underneath – great weekend wear for me!

Read more interviews, features, editorials and more in the Jan issue.

Yogi's in the Bu

JAN ISSUE

| PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLING Kimmie Smith/Accessory2 | HAIR/MAKEUP Kat Osorio | MODELS Pierce/Adams Models + Stephanie/MSA Models |

Photographed at El Barrio Art Spaces, NYC

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SHOP THE LOOK

Jillian Michaels, NO EXCUSES

As we continue to challenge ourselves in all things, we must be mindful of balance. We got an earful and learned a thing or three when we chatted with Jillian Michaels to be properly motivated.

There are some people that inspire and it has nothing to do with their path in life but the way that they go about just getting it done. The method to
their madness and how they apply it to all facets in their life are great takeaways for how you can do the same.

As a health guru, Jillian Michaels never stops and knows how to stay focused on her goals. This Terminator that we love can motivate masses of people to stay on the path of eating right and exercising, while she continues to embrace opportunities that come her way. The Celebrity Trainer,
author, TV personality, fitness designer, consultant, mother of two and partner to Heidi Rhoades is a powerhouse as a brand and individual. She pushes her boundaries means through hard work and keeping it real. With each lane that she takes on, we get the opportunity to learn more about her insatiable drive as well as the woman behind the system.

Later this month, the E! series Just Jillian, gives access to the driven (this we know) and softer side of Jillian through her home life, appearances,
adding more layers to her dynasty. It’s the inner workings of the woman who essentially works every day to figure it out through the day to day and challenging parts of life. At the end of the day, it’s about making it happen and staying even keel in the process. Jillian is certainly no stranger to reality TV by any means as we all know her from NBC’s Biggest Loser and last fall, she was the co-host of Spike TV’s Sweat Inc which was a Shark Tank for those creating fitness systems/methods. In this show, she challenged, motivated and questioned participants on what they created and how it was applicable within studio fitness systems. In addition, she personally worked out each method providing ample feedback.

She took this same approach when she collaborated with Kmart on her fitness line, Impact by Jillian Michaels. This came out of a need to have an athletic line that she notes as “progressive and cool” while being accessible to the masses. In true Jillian style, she shared that it had to be functional and performance driven with fun style. In addition, true to her brand she stands behind the fact that it can be worn multiple times without falling apart, is at a moderate price point and every item is wear-tested by her.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | JILLIAN MICHAELS

We know that all of this is merely a drop in the bucket within the world of Jillian Michaels in terms of her day to day. The Athleisure Mag team will definitely set our DVRs to check out the golden nuggets of truth on her show as she’s a straight shooter. But what can we do right now to be healthy, crush our responsibilities and find time for a friends, family and ourselves. 

2016 is a blank canvas to our health vision and she gave Athleisure Mag her no nonsense answers to eliminate any excuses that you may attempt to utter when you need a little encouragement. With the New Year comes the commitment of many who are ready to get fit (seriously); however, some lose their way. Jillian explains that she has, “heard every excuse in the book for why people can’t make the time to work out or completely fall off track”. “There are few things you can do to ensure you don’t lose focus. First off, set a specific, realistic goal. It can’t be ‘ I want to lose weight,’ “ she says. Make the reason, I want to get into a dress or get in shape for a vacation. This goal is achievable as it is anchored into an experience that you want o be in. “Once you have that, make sure to write it down in places that you will see it and for an added dose of accountability”, she suggests “to place it on Facebook”. We all know that once you post, it’s officially a thing and you’d be surprised at the amount of motivation that you will receive from those within your network.

With the initial motivation set, the fitness guru has an interesting piece of advice, “don’t let one slip up completely derail you. It’s OKAY to miss a workout, we all get off track some times — just make sure you find your focus the next day”. Coming from her, it’s easy to see that she understand
that no one is perfect; however, we have to get back up if we are truly committed.

The decision to work out and to stick with it is one of many steps that you’ll take on the road to fitness. But there are so many options out there and many are fads within dieting as well as fitness trends. We had to ask what she thinks about this. “Fads are considered fads for a reason - they go out of style just as quickly as they came in.” By trying all of these options, it can be really confusing and can cause your body to get off track!

Jillian keeps it real. “I’m old school in the sense that hard work - regular strong interval training, eating right, tracking everything you put in your mouth and burning more calories than you consume - is the key to losing weight and getting fit”. As a side note when it comes to weight loss and eating, she is a less is more kind of girl. Her 80/20 rule focuses on eating healthier foods 80% of the time and having treat foods at 20%. In addition, “avoid fake foods and chemicals” when you can.

Jillian is focused on the whole body, she reminds us that we should build a better life overall and not just a better body. It is important to have good health as well as to connect and cultivate your passions.

Read more interviews, features and see our editorials in our inaugural Jan issue.

Beauty in Transition

STUDIO FITNESS LOOK 

We all need a go-to to make things easier throughout our day. As we’re in constant motion from one activity to the next, it’s great when our look can pull a bit of double duty! Each month, our beauty editorials show how you can recreate these looks from our team of MUA and hairstylists that
you should know about. This month, we’re focused on the braided updo which is truly versatile and can be worn when relaxing as well as for special occasions. Within the makeup look, the sun-kissed with a hint of pink hues is one that looks great on an array of skin tones. These essential looks allow you to transition from your studio fitness class to brunch and then the office to a night out! In a few steps, you can adjust between them as you see fit.

This tutorial includes tips from MUA Nydia Figueroa whose work has been seen on the runways of New York Fashion Week, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Broadway charity events and published editorials. Dori Sligh created the hairstyles within this shoot. Her work has also been
published within a number of editorials. 

STUDIO LOOK (ABOVE): Hair by Dori

STEP 1: Prep the hair with Texture or Volumizing Spray. My favorite products are Kevin Murphy Anti Gravity and Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. Once hair is prepped, it’s easy to control and style!

STEP 2: Make a center part in the hair to create two sections and braid both down the sides of the head towards the back.

STEP 3: Bring the two braids to one side and pop it into an elastic band on the ends. This is an easy look that can be worn to workout and onto brunch right after, as the hair stays in place.

STUDIO LOOK: Makeup by Nydia

STEP 1: I prep the skin with Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer because I believe it helps reduce moisture loss without drawing and absorbing moisture from the air.

STEP 2: Prime the skin with Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer to prepare the skin for foundation. Think of it as double stick tape; which locks moisture in underneath it and keeps the foundation flawless for a longer period of time on top.

STEP 3: I let the skincare sit as I start working the model’s eyes. I do this to let it absorb into the skin. I start with grooming her incredible eyebrows and use Shobha Brow Pencil in the color Earth. I used hair like strokes to achieve a more natural and consistent look throughout the brow. I love
how the pencil is soft and has a sharpener for the finest point.

STEP 4: For the eyes, I did three different types of looks. I gradually added to each look so I can show how easy it is to take a natural look and transform it to a night time look with a few easy steps. For the Studio Look, I did a soft brown color in the crease and popped a center highlight to
give a clean yet glowing look to the makeup. I applied a thin layer of liner on the top lash and applied mascara. I did not apply bottom eyeliner for this look.

STEP 5: I do the eyes first to then wipe off any fall out left under the eyes from the beautiful shadow looks we created. I used the Shobhha Rosewater Freshening Cloths. I love it because it leaves the skin clean with no oily residue.

STEP 6: Now that we let the skincare set, it’s time for foundation and concealer. I used the EVE Pearl HD Dual Foundation and her Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment. It is amazing because it has skincare built into it. It was originally made for HD cameras and allows your skin to breathe while
diminishing the look of imperfections! The Dual Salmon Concealer neutralizes dark circles and is even pigmented enough to cover tattoos.

BRUNCH LOOK

STEP 7: Next, I set the makeup with Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder. It has a soft focus effect that creates smooth and silky texture to the skin. I also used a MAC Cosmetics Blush in “ Mocha” to add a touch of color to her cheeks.

STEP 8: For the Studio Look I pressed a soft neutral pink into her lips with my finger tips. I used MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in “ Vivaglam V” for a natural sheen.

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OFFICE LOOK

BRUNCH LOOK (PREVIOUS PAGE): Makeup by Nydia
STEP 1: I kept the gym look and added a slightly darker brown color in the outer third of the
crease and took that same color down to the lash line. Using an angled brush I pressed the color
half way from the corner of the lash line to just below the iris of the eyes to open them up a bit
more.
STEP 2: For the Brunch look I did a baby pink lip to give a pop of color that is wearable for
everyday. MAC Patent Polish Lip Pencil in “ Kittenish”.

Above is a bun that is an updo that works for heading to office. On the right this same look transitions into an enhanced makeup look for a night out. The makeup in this look carries over from brunch to the office. It is then built upon again for the final look.

OFFICE LOOK (ABOVE): Hair by Dori

STEP 1: Hair is prepped with texture spray or volumizing spray.

STEP 2: Starting side part in front and continue the part diagonally into two sections.

STEP 3: Braid both sections down to back and put elastic on the ends.

STEP 4: Pull out little pieces of hair around ear, these wispies will soften the look.

STEP 5: Adjust the fluffiness of the braids and finally pop some bobby pins in to make the braids into a cute bun!

NOTE: Braid them tight first then make it loose for long lasting result. Totally appropriate for the office and night out! An added benefit of this look is that the braids worn here provide nice waves for the next day!

NIGHT OUT LOOK Makeup by Nydia

STEP 1: The office look is the same makeup look from brunch. For the night out look, I used a fluffy brush and added a shimmery brown shade to the inner and outer portions of her eyelids. I left the middle bare to then with a denser brush, add a highlighting color to her center of her eyes. I also added a highlight shade shade to the inner corner of her eyes.

STEP 2: For this look I chose a more dramatic eyeliner and filled in her waterline with a highly pigmented black eyeliner. I then used a pencil brush and using back and fourth sweeping movements, smoked out some of the brown shadow below her lash line. This created a sultry, yet diffused drama effect to her eyes.

STEP 3: For the night out look I left the Kittenish color on and added a deep berry gloss to dress it up a bit. I used Kiko Cosmetics 3D Instant Volume Lip Gloss in the shade “214 Mauve”.

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NIGHT OUT

SHOBHA

Our shoot for this beauty editorial took place at Shobha at their Financial District location in NYC. This beauty destination is the go to for women and men for hair removal whether they choose sugaring, threading or laser treatments. In addition, their locations and website have an array of brands (including those made by the brand) to keep up your beauty routine.

During this shoot, we used items from the salon including their rosewater cleansing cloths, eyebrow pencils and their elastic hair ties (proceeds from the purchase of the hair ties goes back to their ongoing efforts in empowering women through education and employment.

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Fold Festival 2015

Festival season continues with a new city being added to the list. FOLD Festival kicked off Aug 4th for its two day event of musicians across genres coming together to perform at Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, NY. Athleisure Mag attended this inaugural festival which focuses on Grammy winning producer and musician Nile Rodgers' love for Freak Out Let's Dance. Check out exclusive behind the scenes as well as performances that took place on both days.

The festival included performances from an array of musicians including Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, Chaka Khan, Duran Duran and Janelle Monae.

SOUND CHECK

Nile Rodgers

Pharrell Williams

Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers

Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Nile Rodgers and Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Pharrell Williams

Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams

Chaka Khan

Nile Rodgers and Chuck D

Nile Rodgers and Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Janelle Monae

Nile Rodgers, Duran Duran and Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monae and Duran Duran

Nile Rodgers and Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae and Duran Duran

Janelle Monae