HE'S GOT YOUR SIX WITH BARRY SLOANE

With the second season of History's SIX coming out next month, we had to catch up with it's star, Barry Sloane about his road to success that began in Liverpool England, finding out more about this Navy SEAL show which includes Olivia Munn this season and how he enjoys his life in L.A.
 
ATHLEISURE MAG: We were a huge fan of ABC’s Revenge so it’s exciting to interview you.

BARRY SLOANE: Thank you it was such a fun show! I still stay in touch with a lot of the cast. It’s like a family that stays close with you. It’s great that you can be across the planet but you’re still connected. 

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor and what was your inspiration or road to get there?

BS: I grew up in Liverpool. It’s a very working class, kind of a blue collar kind of town and because of the British class system and the way that life is structured in the UK, it’s hard to get out of certain areas and so the arts, in Liverpool in the Northwest of England, has always been something that we’re very proud within the youth society there. It happens a lot in certain parts of London now as well. To kind of break that system and to achieve, the arts is always there. Especially in Liverpool, there was soccer, there was football and there was music -  I did all three. I threw my hand into every ring. And I was in a band from when I was about 13 and until 24, I played in soccer teams from the age of 7 until I was about 19 and I was in drama class, school plays from the same age until now! There was always something and I was always very creative.

I remember the day that I made it. My band that I was in at the time, we had a showcase for a record label which we had right outside of London in Oxford in England. We were playing our music and our songs for the showcase and I got a call from my acting agency and I had booked a regular role on a British TV show. It was like I had to decide then and there. We didn’t have the answers them from the label, and I was like, “Ok I’m going to go there,” and I had to tell the guys from the band that I was leaving the band and I was joining the TV show. They said that I was making a huge mistake and that they were going to be the next Oasis. And of course, they weren’t. But I think I made the right choice as I’m doing ok so far! 

AM: Clearly! The first time we were aware of you was in Revenge and then in ABC’s The Whispers which we were a fan of that as well!

BS: Thank you, thank you very much! 

AM: So tell us about History Channel’s SIX. Tell us about the show in general as we know you are coming back for the second season next month and who do you play on the show?

BS: I play a character Joe Graves, Joe “Bear” Graves. They all have pseudonyms or names that they use on operations. He is the appointed leader of Seal Team 6. The former leader of that team, played by Walton Goggins (Sons of Anarchy, Vice Principals) was working as a contractor in Nigeria and was taken hostage along with a group of school girls and our team is now taxed with trying to bring their brother home who served with them for the last 10 years of their career and he’s very much a father figure to my character, Joseph. Joseph is a very intriguing character – he holds a lot of weight of responsibility on his shoulders he’s a married man, he’s a man of God and he and his wife, recently lost a child. So there’s a lot of burden upon him. When we pick up his story (there are only 8 episodes in season 1) – what’s interesting is beyond these general war stories that we see, it's showing that they are contractors. They go in on a Friday, spend two days killing a bunch of guys and then they’re back doing their school run Monday morning. How do you differentiate from most? Keep in mind that although there is another SEAL show on another network, we don’t have the budget to just blow things up so we spend more of our money on script and characters which is why I am very proud of the show. I think it’ll hold strong to anything that has been out since.

AM: The cast seems very close as we’ve seen that you guys have done Tough Mudders together and the fact that you can take that off screen is definitely unique.

BS: Absolutely, it’s well documented that the kind of training that they put us through prior to shooting in Season 1 was unlike anything that we had done before and it bonded us in a way that we are pretty much in contact with one another, every day. Even if we don't speak on the phone, we're on the text message continuously. It just bonded us that we had a shared trauma and when we went through the training the first time, it was something that we all felt together and it was an experience that we were able to draw on. The Tough Mudder was something inevitable that we had done before. I feel like I can do anything as long as those guys are beside me – we do it all together and it’s very easy as we have it locked down.

AM: So Olivia Munn is now joining this cast, how is that and are there things that you can talk about in terms of Season 2 for those that have been watching the first season?

BS: It’s been great to have Olivia join the show. She’s brought in a completely different character then what we had last year. What’s interesting about her role is if you’ve seen Jessica Chastain’s role in Zero Dark Thirty, the interrogator of the CIA - the brain, Olivia has a similar role to that and she spends a lot of her time in the first part of the season with a character called Michael who anyone who has seen the show will know very very well. He manages to escape from being shot at the very beginning of the pilot and then ends up being saved again at the end of the series. And then, we start off with those two being locked in a room for a degree of the time and it’s fascinating to watch. Viewers will be able to pick up the story pretty much from where we left off at the end of Season 1. We’re not jumping ahead 5 years into the future, we’re picking it up right where we left off.

So that’s going to be great and we’re going to jump right back in there and the theme is revenge and vengeance. You know, I’ve done revenge before so I can do that. Everybody else is going to have their own form of, “what do we do" when a member of the US Armed Forces is shot on home soil by a terrorist - where do we go?
 

AM: You were saying that you had to do SEAL training – what other workouts did you have to do to prepare for being in this show as well what your general fitness is outside of it?

BS: For the show specifically, we tend to prep prior to filming because when you’re in it, it’s just a maintaining job. Last year, I gave myself a 12 week plan for building so that I could be in time for shooting and training. Of course, I got 5 weeks into a building schedule and then was told that we were taking up the story from the very second that the last season ended and I was like, that’s not going to work! I was like, “oh shit” I had to get back down to where I was. So this season there was a lot of body work and I was already kind of where I left off so it was all about maintaining. We have some pull up bars and we’re in the gear which is about an extra 60-70lbs. 

My daily stuff includes my home gym, which is all practical body stuff like calisthenics and just easy stuff. If it’s specific for a role, then I will get with a trainer and will bulk up job dependent. I like to stay around 200 naturally and if I have to go up or down it will be based on the role. 

AM: Do you have projects outside of SIX that we should keep an eye out for in TV or film?

BS: You can still check out last season of Longmire on Netflix at the moment - that's still going. SIX is coming next that I am working on now that I can't speak about. We're actually looking to shoot Season 3 in a few months time. 

AM: So you’re based in L.A. and we know you have your own home gym, do you have a fitness place you like to go to in L.A., where do you go for date night with your wife and do you have a favorite place that you like to go shopping?

BS: We lived in Santa Monica for about 6 years and we just bought a place in a different area which has been great! We’ve basically been trying to find new restaurants, new bars, and to see what we can find. We are very much so – beach people! We do a lot of beach walks, bike rides with the kids – easy beach days. Now, we have to get in the car and try to find some nice parks. We love it here and we love the lifestyle in L.A. as my wife is from the same town as me in Liverpool. So we grew up in the same place and this is a lot easier of a lifestyle then what we both had! We enjoy every minute of it and the kids know no difference. As it should be.

And now I’ve got season tickets for L.A. FC so I’ll be going to that. I kind of felt like I couldn’t support L.A. Galaxy because I’m an implant here. But then I thought, well this is a brand new team, they have just started out and I’m older than them – so I can support them! Now  I am a new supporter of L.A. FC - so there you go. 

AM: So how else do you take time for yourself as you’re a huge soccer fan – do you do anything else?
 
BS: Yeah we do, meditation – my wife and I do it regularly. She is a Reiki master she does spiritual healing. She has a great company called MeadoFace. We work together on that. Something that was interesting to me was when we did our first boot camp training with the Navy Seals, a good degree of it was meditation. We'd meditate in the morning, we’d use box breathing to focus and make the goals. They use the mental strength as it is infinitely more stronger than their bodies. To get through what they have to especially in the training levels, it’s all about focus. It’s about setting yourself micro goals and you can push through that self-imposed barrier. You keep drawing in the training levels, it's all about focus. It's about setting yourself micro goals and you can push through that self-imposed barrier. You keep drawing lines in the sand and that was something that we were given every day of our lives. It’s about how things happen and what you do when it happens and obviously with having one fit in it already with what my wife does already – it was a place that I could shift into quite easily. 

AM: Do you have any charities that you support your time to?

BS: Last year, I was apart of Movember and this year I wasn’t able to do it because I was filming and I couldn’t do as much work for them as I couldn’t grow a mustache. Another organization is 22Kill. Statistically, 22 Veterans die each day from suicide which is a tragedy so they encourage as many people as possible on social media to do 22 pushups for 22 days to post it and tag them in to help raise awareness for that charity. We have linked with a lot of military charities since doing this job. It was tough at first because I didn’t know how they were going to take to us until they saw the show and how we represented them. I think they saw that we came at it with a respectful approach and told the story and represented them well – so a lot more have reached out. A lot of them I link to in my social media which is a great way to see what I am up to. I’m very fortunate and I love to get behind charities like this that are doing such great work.

PHOTOS COURTESY | HISTORY

Read more from the April Issue and see He's Got Your Six with Barry Sloane in mag.

NUTRITION FOR YOUR SUMMER BODY 2018 BY VANESSA RISSETTO RD.

Vanessa We know that the summer is coming and with that comes the realization, for some that they need to get on it when it comes to showcasing the summer body that has been under layers for the last few weeks. Whether you've been a Disciplined Debbie or a Late to the Party Lucy, we sat down with Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, and gastrointestinal issues and was formerly a Senior Dietitian at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC.Rissetto, RD who specializes in Weight Loss Management and Medical Nutrition Therapy as it pertains to diabetes, cardiac disease

As you work on the physical goals of your summer body, Vanessa shares with us how to get our food plan in sync whether you've been diligent or just starting!
 
Summer bodies are made in the winter… at least that’s what my trainer tells me.  

Well, I’ve got news for him - Mother Nature hasn’t been on her meds this winter, so most of us have been hibernating more than usual since November. And, if you’re like me and you’ve been getting your cardio by pushing your cart down the aisles of your local grocery store, then I’m sure you’ve noticed that how, er, unappealing the produce is looking these days, while over in the chip aisle that strategically placed new Doritos flavor has never looked so good! Spoiler Alert: yes sometimes I do eat Doritos, and Original is still the best.

HOWEVER, this is not the time for Doritos (new or original), or cookies, or wine, or any of that fun stuff we have been making excuses for because it was from Thanksgiving, or a holiday party, or Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are getting married. 

Summer is upon us, people, and you're either going to be cool and comfortable basking in the sun with your shoulders exposed, or you're going to be searching for the a/c while hiding in leggings, and tunics. Side note - my daughter, who is six, only wears leggings, she doesn't see any reason for trying to squeeze into jeans when leggings are way more comfortable - her words not mine; clearly I’m raising a confident genius. 

Wait, where were we… oh right, summer bodies - DUH! Which is likely the reason you’re even still reading, hoping I get to the point soon! You want me to impart my pearls of wisdom so you can get to work on that summer body the Friday before Memorial Day. Don’t worry, I got you; and you got this, with a few tricks and tips to help.

Rome was NOT built in a day

Guys, if you’ve been boozing it up every weekend, and ordering a daily takeout, you’re not going to do well if you start to subsist on kale and lemon water all of a sudden. Let’s be realistic here - If you’re used to drinking 6 drinks over the weekend, let’s aim for 4 this weekend. 

“How can I even do that,” you ask. “Going out to bars on the weekends is basically what keeps me sane, with my job/office drama/family/single life (delete as applicable).” Well, I am a realist! So here are my tips:

Firstly, only drink spirits - vodka, rum, tequila – pure, no mixers. You’ll find you’ll drink less, which will make you consume fewer calories but still get your weekend buzz. And, if you’re tempted to drink more, (we’ve all had THOSE weeks) order a seltzer in between each drink since that will make you feel full, while disguising the fact that you aren’t really drinking. Which leads me to my next point.

Plan ahead

OK, I know that wasn’t the perfect segue way, but I’ll try to come up with something more clever for the next one…  So, you know when you’re watching RHONY and Ramona and Bethany are fighting over some nonsense that is the same nonsense they've been fighting over since the show's inception? This is the perfect moment for step two!
 

This is the time where I pick up my phone and start scrolling around for recipes that are quick and easy. Now I KNOW you’re on your phone while you watch TV, so instead of searching around IG and ending up on Beyonce’s mother’s European vacation, navigate towards pages that can actually help you. I personally love @SkinnyTaste for her easy recipes, @AllRecipes has pretty quick delicious meals, and you could also visit my page - @VanessaRossettoRD - but that would be a shameless plug and I wouldn’t do that sort of thing.

But do your own searches, find the things you like, and – if it’s really great, send it to me on IG in my comments, I’m always looking for new recipes!

To the Store!

Now that you’ve planned ahead, you can shop! 

Meal prep is less daunting if you know what you’re making. Staples on my grocery list are: eggs, oats, almond milk, arugula, lemons, limes, avocados, onions, garlic, raspberries (8 g fiber per 1 cup when you’re craving something sweet), individually portioned 100 calorie bags of nuts, skinny pop (individually portioned bags), mini Kind bars (100 calories), non-fat Greek yogurt, peanut butter packets (Justin’s has 80 calorie individual packs), frozen bags of broccoli, green beans, and frozen cauliflower rice.  

I then add in ingredients from the recipes I found. 

My tip here is to plan 3 proteins, 1 starch, and 6 servings of vegetables that you can have on hand at home for dinners when you get home. That way when you come home from a long day, you don't have to stare into the abyss that is your fridge wondering what to eat - especially when it probably doesn't have any food INSIDE it right now anyway, but has plenty of those takeout menus stuck to the OUTSIDE, amirite? If your fridge is stuffed full of delicious food, you will heat it up and eat it instead of making that tempting call to your favorite pizza place. Trust me this is a way to avoid temptation, save money, and limit waste.

Get out there and exercise

Exercise will definitely help your summer body cause. But it’s also really good for your brain. And, it’s a great way to break up your day and stop you from raiding your cabinet, you know, the one with all the chocolate. If you’re looking longingly at your cabinet where you hid the cookies but the weather outside is nice, then even going out for a quick 30-minute walk is a win. It shifts your focus, makes you feel good and by the time you come back, you probably won't want those cookies anyway.

35 opportunities for greatness!

Look at your week as a succession of chances to reach your goal: you have 35 of them, actually. Every day, you get to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner and two snacks – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That means you have 5 chances a day, and 35 chances a week to eat well! And, if you can eat well about 33 of those 35 times, you should be able well on your way to that summer body. 

And for those of you thinking to yourself “eat well” is not a tip, anyone can say that! Here are some specific guidelines: have 1-2 cups of vegetables at your lunch and dinner, make sure the serving size of carbohydrates is no more than about ¼-½ cup, and don’t drink your calories, try to keep to water and seltzer (or fizzy water as my kids call it).
Follow these five tips to get you ready for the summer, and you’ll see the difference – and whenever you decide to cast aside your leggings and tunic and dip your toes in the ocean, I’ll be right there with you.

See you on the beach!
 

Read more from the April Issue and see Nutrition for Your Summer Body 2018 by Vanessa Rissetto, RD. in mag.

IN & OUT OF THE CAGE WITH CODY GARBRANT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AM: How do you give of your time? 

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

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

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

PHOTOS COURTESY | CODY GARBRANDT
 

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

THE PICK ME UP

Read the April Issue and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

LUXURY ISRAEL HOTELS

Holidaying in style

When planning your vacation to Israel treat yourself to a luxury hotel. Israel really is a country of wonder and diversity: from incomparable beaches to dizzying mountains, mysterious deserts to the wonder of the Dead Sea and one of the most archaeologically-rich places in the world, as well as a hub of innovative technology. Choose your Israel hotel to match its magical surroundings and you will discover world-class hotels living up to these expectations.

Royal David's City

In Jerusalem you can find three incomparable luxury hotels; the world-famous King David Hotel is the crown jewel of Jerusalem hotels and has been for over 50 years. This 5 Star Israel hotel has that British colonial feel, coupled with its award-winning service and unrivaled convenience for those doing business.

The Dan Jerusalem Hotel and the Dan Boutique Hotel complete your choice of exceptional Jerusalem hotels. The Dan Jerusalem, situated on the slopes of Mount Scopus, gives unparalleled views of the Old City's skyline, and has the service and extravagance to match. The Dan Boutique is perfectly situated to take in all of Jerusalem's tourist attractions, while providing dedicated, personalized hospitality, all within cozy, old world surroundings.

Relax and unwind

Moving onto to the modern city of Tel Aviv, there is a vast contrast with the more pious and historical Jerusalem. Little over a century old it is the epitome of modernity in Israel and is not only a big commercial and technological hub but also a prime location for those who want a beach holiday and an activity-fueled stay. Tel Aviv hotels don't come any better than the Dan Tel Aviv and the LINK Hotel.

The Dan Tel Aviv is a perfect beachfront hotel, with views of the Mediterranean. This hotel is perfectly situated, being a leisurely stroll away from the port of Tel Aviv with its myriad attractions: boutiques, restaurants, shops and art galleries. Experience a VIP stay on par with A-list celebrities by spending your Israel vacation at a hotel that has hosted the likes of the Rolling Stones to Lady Gaga.

If you are looking for cutting-edge and ultra modern, at affordable rates, the newly-opened LINK hotel is for you. This hotel comprises comfort and technology while giving guests access to the LinkApp, which can allow you to do everything from checking-in to making free calls to anywhere in Israel. The LINK's amenities are almost endless, with a gym and spa, various meetings rooms, video games, massage therapists and much more. The LINK one of the most idyllically situated Tel Aviv hotels, so it makes the most of everything this modern city has to offer.

Dip a foot in the Red Sea

The waves of the biblical Red Sea lap up against Eilat, the Israeli city on the country's southernmost point. Eilat is all about beach fun, swimming with dolphins and scuba diving in the Red Sea's coral reefs, a few among its many attractions. The Dan Eilat hotel provides every family amenity imaginable, from a heated swimming pool in winter to a children's playground. There are also plenty of services and activities for adults, with a spa, disco, conference facilities, squash courts and much more.

Have a VIP stay in Israel

No matter where you are staying in Israel: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv or Eilat, make sure you reserve an opulent, convenient and unbeatable world-class hotel, where Middle Eastern tradition and culture meets Western luxury.

THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the April issue and see The Eight Best in mag.

5 ITEMS FOR YOUR DERBY STYLE

Read more from the April Issue and see 5 Items For Your Derby Style in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | FOR BRUNCH IN BED

Read more from the April Issue and see How To Dress | For Brunch in Bed in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | APR ISSUE

The April issue is live with one of our favorite cover girls who is the first to have 2 covers in our publication - Danielle Moinet! This stunning athlete has been in the Lingerie Football League with Chicago Bliss, WWE and has a number of projects she's taking on as she prepares to spread her wings. We enjoyed shooting her at Hotel Indigo LES and finding out what she's up to!

This month, we also have interviews with MMA's Cody Garbrandt, Erin Kommor of NBC's Rise, we chatted with Barry Sloane who returns for a second season of History Channel's SIX, we chat with Claire Thomas of the Kitchy Kitchen and visual food creative about gatherings, farmer's markets and more. We hung out with our friends at MCM for the launch of the trailer for an upcoming fashion documentary during Tribeca Film Festival as well as to see hip hop performances by this year's 2 time Grammy Nominee Rapsody and legend - Big Daddy Kane. We talk the future of crypto payments with Ben Way of Digits.io and we talk about exposing food with Nelufar Hedayat in her new series on Fuse. Of course we have more interviews as well as features that you love reading from us in each issue.

Check out the April Issue here.

BEST WAYS TO KEEP YOUR BODY AND YOUR FINANCES HEALTHY ON VACATION

A vacation is a time to kick back and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of day to day life, which is why 62% of Americans took a vacation during 2017. Whether you’re traveling from country to country, simply enjoying a break by the sea or are taking time out on the slopes, you’ll want to ensure your body remains in top condition. However, opting to participate in multiple activities to keep you physically active and healthy during your trip can be costly. So, if you’re planning a hiking vacation or something a little less strenuous, here’s how you can fund those all important activities.

Plan your fitness activities

It’s easy to book a vacation and worry about the spending money you’ll need in the lead up to your departure, so, it’s beneficial to gain an idea of how much cash you’ll require for all your planned fitness activities and adventures before booking. Therefore, when you’ve chosen your destination and secured your hotel room, there’s no need to worry about having to save enough money to enjoy it. Instead, any spare funds you have can be used to fill your suitcase with new clothes and fitness accessories for your trip.

Avoid booking in advance

Once you’ve booked your vacation, it can be tempting to scour the internet and tour brochures for information on all that will be available during your time away. But, don’t book anything before you head on your trip as this is a sure fire way of losing money. A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia found that 61% of individuals gained weight during a vacation, therefore, upping your physical activity during your break is vital to avoid piling on the pounds. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a whole range of different pursuits which you can partake in, many of which you won’t have thought or read about back home. And, on a week-long vacation there’s only so much you can squeeze in, so only book your hiking venture or snowboarding lesson a day or two before you wish to do it.

Book direct

For those that love the water and exploring the creatures that reside within it, there is a multitude of activities you can get involved in on vacation that you will keep you active and provide you with a memorable experience. Whether it’s swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, diving or discovering an underwater shipwrecked, there’s something for everyone. Of course, activities such as these come at a price. To get the best price, book directly with the organizer rather than with a third party agent in your hotel lobby or similar as they often charge more due to their time and fee being added on top.

Think about your outgoings

Before you head on your trip, review your personal finances and set a spending cap which you know you can afford. Make sure you take into consideration any debts you have and think about consolidating them to make your repayments easier to keep track of and more affordable, as this will free up a few extra dollars for you to take with you. It’s easy to go all out when on vacation and want to get involved in every excursion, activity, and trip available. However, be sensible with your funds and only do what you can afford. Most resorts have plenty of free or low-cost onsite activities that will keep you active and give your body a great workout. A swim in the pool, playing tennis, going for a long stroll around the complex and surrounding area are all brilliant ways to get moving at virtually no expense.

Staying fit on vacation is essential to maintain a healthy body and mind. To ensure you can meet the cost of multiple activities, be sure to plan your expenses and avoid booking in advance. You can avoid additional fees by booking activities direct with the organizer and remember to stay within your means and only spend as much as you can afford.

TO THE SLOPES WITH LINDSEY VONN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AM: What are you working on? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

G.H. BASS X HASPEL LIMITED EDITION LAUNCH

Last night we were at the launch of G.H. Bass X Haspel which released (available today) a collab between both storied brands that includes 5 men's shoes that merge the aesthetic of both brands. Haspel is known as a men's brand that includes seersucker within their day suits and adds a southern flair to your style. The event toasted the collaboration last night under the stars with food and cocktails indicative of Maine (G.H. Bass) and New Orleans (Haspel) at Bobo in the West Village in a garden like setting. 

SIRI SAYS

We love keeping it simple as we're constantly running in multiple directions. So when we had the chance to sit down with Siri Daly, Today Show food contributor, Author of Siriously Delicious, wife to Carson Daly of The Voice and mother of 3, we had to find out more about her lifestyle cookbook, dishes that are simple to make and where she eats here in NYC and in LA.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your food background and how this led to ultimately creating your own food book? 

SIRI DALY:  I am a self taught, passionate home cook. I grew up where my parents were great cooks. I loved cooking with them as a kid and then as I became a mother myself and found myself in this domestic situation, as I had to feed my family every night, that led me to start my own food blog – Siriously Delicious. I started that and it kind of gave me an outlet to just document what I was making every night for myself. Through writing and garnering an audience, it became something more. I was creating recipes then all the time documenting the good and the bad. This grew over time and allowed me to be on the Today Show and it was always a dream of mine to write a book. Especially, this type of book which is a love of food with simple and approachable recipes.

AM: Tell us about the book. In terms of approaching and writing it, how is it laid out and what should we expect?

SD: It’s sort of meant to be a snapshot of what my day is as a busy mom of 3 kids. The chapters are divided into Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour, Sides and Desserts. So, again it’s really about recipes that are no fuss and the ingredients are those that you probably have on hand. It’s not about sifting flour or tempering chocolate. It’s simple approachable recipes that you can easily adapt if you have picky eaters, allergies or whatever it is. It’s balanced as there are plenty of nutritious recipes and those that aren’t. It’s a real tasty approach.

AM: Do you also have smoothies and items within those healthy areas as well?

SD: Yes! We have a smoothie recipe in the breakfast chapter and mini parfaits. So there is really something for everyone – from homemade girl scout cookies to rainbow popsicles that have spinach in the green section. I definitely think that anyone can find something that they can eat.

AM:  Now, does Carson have a favorite recipe that he likes?

SD: That’s a good question as I don’t know if he has a specific recipe, but there are a ton in there that he requests pretty regularly. A few of our family’s recipes are in there like his mother’s Fried Chicken – she actually passed away this year so that’s a real special one. My mother’s Rhubarb Crisp that she has been making since I was a kid. There are recipes that really mean something to my family. Each one really tells a story and I try to convey that in my writing.

AM: What are 3 recipes that you love that are perfect for Spring for girlfriend get togethers?

SD: Spring – I would definitely say, one of the Bruschettas – one of my favorite being the smashed peas and the avocado toast – peas are so great in Spring. There is a great light chopped salad in there and a pasta with arugula pesto which I just made yesterday – it’s another favorite. I love making pasta salad in the spring as you don’t want to cook over a hot stove and make everyone crazy. 

Oooo there are also the rainbow pops although that’s more summer, but they are so beautiful to look at. You can eat one for breakfast and it’s really a treat. Aesthetically it’s gorgeous and makes me think of days to come.

AM: How long did it take to put this book together?

SD: When I started writing it was probably a year. I did the majority of writing over the summer which was awesome. I love to write and being able to focus on my food and my own. It was such a treat for me and you know it was really more whole life in the making. As these are recipes I grew up on like my mom’s Tuna Casserole and I made my own version of it. It was definitely a labor of love.

AM: What is it about food that you enjoy so much and when did you realize that you enjoy cooking and wanted to continue in that vein?

SD: That’s a good question. There was definitely a time in my life when I stopped cooking and not because I didn’t enjoy it, but I was a single person in my 20’s that didn’t have a ton of time and I would do the whole – come home and take out and have microwave Trader Joe’s meals. 

I remember feeling like something was missing and when I started to have children, I realized how much I love to create meals for my family. That’s what I love about food. It brings people together and the kitchen is that hub in our house. We’re always around each other and we try to really make eating together a priority most nights. Even if Carson and I aren’t going to eat because we’re not ready, we sit there with the kids. It’s just that shared experience over food which I love so much. It’s also so creative as you can have fun with it and not to take it so seriously. That’s why I created the blog and the book, Siriously Delicious. You don’t have to follow recipes to a “T”, you can use your own taste buds and your own ideas to make something your own. 

AM: What are 3 dishes from your cookbook that you feel are the easiest to make in terms of less prep time that a busy mom or person would be drawn to making?

SD: Definitely for breakfast, the Mini Yogurt parfaits because you can make them for breakfast and you barely need a recipe because you put the granola in the yogurt and you can customize them any way that you want. Then you can make them with your kids and they’re amazing on the go which is a huge time saver. 

For dinner, I’d say that anything that is some sort of a bar situation. So, I have a big potato bar. How simple is it to bake some potatoes and have all sorts of fun toppings? You can have it for dinner and you can also have it for a party as it’s customizable, fun and different. Something we make a lot is the Crispy Chicken Paillard! It’s customizable as my son is the only one that will eat a salad and my girls, they are against green things but they love the chicken. I will serve it to them with some carrots and I’m not a short order cook because I can make one meal and it’s great as a leftover because they can be chicken cutlets. It doesn’t take a lot of time.

AM: What are your favorite chefs and what are your favorite restaurants here in NY and in LA?

SD: When I wasn’t cooking at that time in my life during college – I was watching Food Network. Ina Garten is definitely one of my favorite idols. She just makes really elegant, simple meals that are comfort foods at their best. There’s something about the way that she does it on television that is really soothing. I LOVE her!

As far as restaurants and chefs, there’s in LA – we do a lot of Mexican (can’t think of a specific chef). There’s a place in Manhattan Beach called Love & Salt. There’s a chef called Michael Fiorelli who is awesome and one of my favorites. It’s a small place, but the food there is farm to table delicious that’s simple and seasonal dishes. We just recently went to Pizzana in Brentwood which is new. I believe it’s the people that are behind Sprinkles. Ridiculously – stupid good food!

Out here, there’s a place called Frankie’s 457. Frankie is actually a good friend of Carson’s. So when we go there, he sits with us. We don’t order and he tells us what we are going to eat. But it’s always delicious and one of our favorites out here.

PHOTOS COURTESY | MEREDITH

Read more from the March Issue and see Siri Says in mag.

SLUMBER BEAUTY

Read more the from March Issue and see Slumber Beauty in mag.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: TOP THREE US NATIONAL PARKS FOR WILDLIFE SPOTTING

The National Park Service states that the United States parklands are 52 million acres of land holding about 5,399 species of vertebrates. With so many animals living in the borders of the United States, there’s no need to travel to Africa for a safari or swim with the animals in the Galapagos Islands. You can find everything you need right at home. However, you have to know where to go and what you’re looking for. If you’re ready for your next wildlife spotting trip, check out one of these national parks, where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the nation’s most beautiful animals.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Although most people know Yellowstone for Old Faithful and many of its other geysers, the park is also known as the American Serengeti. This name was bestowed upon the park because of its extremely rich wildlife and gorgeous landscape. Yellowstone is 2.2 million acres and contains about 67 different mammal species – the largest of any national park. On a trip here, you can easily spot animals such as bison, elk, coyotes, wolverines, gray wolves, mountain lions, and black and grizzly bears. If you’re looking for some of the big animals, check out Hayden Valley or Lamar Valley for the best view of the park’s infamous wolves.

Everglades National Park, Florida

The southern part of Florida is home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire country. At about 1.5 million acres, the Everglades combines freshwater, seawater, and terrestrial ecosystems to provide you with an immense variety of animals. It is the particularly known as the only place in the country where you can spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. You will also see alligators, ibises, flamingos, bobcats, manatees, and the Florida panther. To make the best out of your trip, you should get closer to the wildlife on a riverboat, canoe, or kayak through the Everglades.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Encompassing five islands and their adjoining ocean, Channel Islands National Park is full of natural resources and beautiful views that you won’t find anywhere else. The park’s land has been isolated for thousands of years and therefore is home to many unique animals and plants that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet. Visitors here often spot common dolphins and the rare Pacific white-sided and bottlenose dolphins. During the winter, gray whales migrate and pass through the park’s channel and you can see them among humpbacks, blue, orca, and fin whales. You will also see sea lions, the Island Fox, Island Deer Mice, Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat, and the Island Night Lizard. If you’re interested in animals of the past, check out some of the archeological digs on the islands. There is an incredible collection of pygmy mammoth fossils, which represent an extinct animal that hasn’t been found anywhere else in the world.

If you're looking to get up close and personal with the animals, these locations and tips will help you find the best spot. You'll become introduced to some animals you'll never see anywhere else and become exposed to some of the most amazing views in the United States. 

THE ART OF THE SNACK | A PROPER LUNCH

Read more from the March Issue and see The Art of the Snack | A Proper Lunch in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | CLEANSING

Whether you're a cleanse queen or are new to the world of cleansing - this time of year makes us think about incorporating this into our routine! This month's Something You Should Know focuses on questions we have about doing your next cleanse. We enjoyed Raw Generation's range of flavors and sat down with Jessica Rosen to find out about their brand as well as what we need to know.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about the brand Raw Generation. 

JESSICA ROSEN: When I completed graduate school and was starting my career a little over a decade ago, I was exhausted, sick all the time, and overweight. In 2010, I lost both of my grandmothers to cancer within six months of each other. The abruptness of this loss changed my outlook on what it means to truly be healthy. 

I vowed to educate myself on nutrition so that I could help my loved ones lead long and healthy lives from then on. I began researching the role foods play in a person’s health, including how what you eat affects your weight, and I enrolled at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach. While enrolled, I personally tested different ways of eating and found that a diet emphasizing raw foods, and more specifically raw juice, was the key to a healthier body, including weight loss. Weight loss is a major component, not only of how you feel about yourself, but how healthy you are.

My father and I started developing Raw Generation early in 2012 because we saw a need for convenient foods that are truly healthy. We believe lack of time, money, or convenience, shouldn't be an excuse not to feed your body what it needs to thrive. My initial goal was only to help myself and my family, but since the beginning of 2012, I've expanded my goals to helping everyone.

Raw Generation's cleanses, juices, soups, and smoothies were designed for people who want to lose weight in a healthy way without counting calories, keeping track of points, or spending hours in the kitchen. Using whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and spices, without any preservatives, chemicals, and artificial ingredients Raw Generation is creating the highest quality products to help anyone lose weight, have more energy, feel better, and be healthier.- 

AM: How important is including a cleanse in your diet?

JR: At a minimum, I aim to cleanse once every three months. From time to time it is good to give your body a rest from the stresses of everyday life. Juice cleansing is a good way to:

Give your digestive system a break so your body can heal and repair itself quickly

Feed yourself pure nutrition that your body can absorb immediately

Help your liver and kidneys detoxify your body

Give your body what it needs to slim down and have more energy

AM: What happens during a cleanse and why should you do it?

JR: Toxic build-up is often the cause of weight gain and disease in our bodies. Dietary cleansing draws out these toxins, allowing for inner healing and a healthier, slimmer you. Cleansing approaches the body from a fundamentally different perspective than calorie-restricted diets. Instead of counting calories and eating less, a proper cleanse is comprised of eating nutritionally abundant foods so that the body can purge toxins and wastes that accumulate in organs and weigh us down.

Cleansing is a prime way to jump-start a healthy program or a tremendous way to boost an existing healthy program. No matter which type you choose, you will see very real benefits in your body, from weight loss to clearer skin to more energy to better sleep.

AM: How can someone cleanse in a healthy way?

JR: Ideally, cleanses should be done at a time when there is minimal stress and physical demands. Your body will be hard at work detoxifying, and so it’s best if you are able to rest and take it easy throughout. However, if you have an athletic, active lifestyle, you can still do a cleanse! The key is, you should be sure that your daily caloric intake is adequate and that your cleanse contains a source of plant-based protein to support your body’s demands.

It’s also essential that you ease into a cleanse so that it is not a shock to your system (and you avoid unpleasant detox symptoms). In the days prior, you should eat lots of whole, plant-based foods,  avoid dairy, grains, fried or processed foods, sweets, artificial creamers & sweeteners, soda, & alcohol, and drink LOTS of water.

Cleansing is NOT fasting.

An ideal cleanse should involve adequate caloric intake to sustain regular daily functioning, while at the same time, encouraging the body to eliminate toxic waste. This can be done in three different ways, each with varying levels of difficulty - juice cleansing, smoothie cleansing, or an all raw food cleanse (that also includes the juices and the smoothies).

Various Ways to Cleanse Your Body:

Juice cleansing is traditionally done for a shorter duration of time and promotes fuller cleansing at a quicker rate, while still being nutritionally sound if juice from leafy greens are a significant portion of the cleanse.

Smoothie cleansing is usually easier to sustain for a longer period of time, and also promotes full cleansing, just at a slightly slower rate. As long as dark, leafy greens are included in a good portion of the smoothies, this is also nutritionally sound for longer lengths of time. 

Raw Food cleansing would include juices, green smoothies, and a wide variety of fruits, veggies, raw nuts and seeds to ensure adequate nutrient intake. This can also include healthy teas and other superfoods. This type of cleanse can be the most satisfying because there are a lot more options.

AM: What are the various cleanse options that Raw Generation has available and how do you know which one is right for you?

JR: Skinny Cleanse - Our most popular cleanse option, providing 6 cold-pressed juices a day. It’s perfect for everyone who wants to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle and shed a few pounds fast. However, if you select the Skinny Cleanse you should be sure to do it at a time when you have minimal physical demands.

Protein Cleanse - A great option for those who want to detoxify without giving up their everyday level of physical activity. This cleanse has 3 cold-pressed juices and 3 protein shakes for each day, so you can stay energized and build muscle throughout.

Skinny System - Both a cleanse AND a long-term meal plan. It’s perfect for anyone who has a larger appetite and needs something to fight off savory cravings, providing 3 cold-pressed juices, 2 savory soups, and 1 protein shake for each day. The addition of fiber will help sustain your appetite and fight junk cravings.

Soup Cleanse - Our lowest sugar, highest fiber cleanse option. Great for anyone who is watching their sugar intake and prefers savory flavors to sweet. This cleanse gives you 3 soups and 3 cold-pressed green juices each day.

Keto Cleanse - Our newest product was designed for people who are already on a keto diet and want to detoxify, OR want to kick off state of ketosis. This cleanse is high in healthy fats with minimal carbohydrates. This is a great way to neutralize the unhealthy acidity that occurs if you are eating a diet that is particularly rich in meat and dairy while still maintaining ketosis.

PHOTOS COURTESY | RAW GENERATION

Read more from the March Issue and see Something You Should Know | Cleansing in mag,

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read more from the March Issue and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.

A MOMENT WITH CLAUDIA JORDAN

When it comes to a girl's girl, we'd add Claudia Jordan to our crew. In addition to being a hard worker (we remember her from her days as being one of Barker's Beauties on The Price is Right), is stunning and is never afraid to speak her mind! As a former BRAVO Real Housewives
of Atlanta, we always loved when she kept it real with her girls.Currently, she is a co-host of the Ice-T produced, The Raw Word talk show that launches this month and has had guests that have included Ludacris, Common, Tracy Morgan and more. We got the scoop on what she's up to, the show, her style and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you become attached to this show, and what about it made you feel that it was aligned with what you are doing in your career?

CLAUDIA JORDAN: I had recently moved back to LA, after passing an offer from “Real Housewives Of Atlanta” as a "friend of the show". I was having second thoughts on whether or not I had made the right decision. I knew I wanted to be on a talk show and I knew I wanted to be in film. I prayed on it. Out of the blue, I got a call to come in and meet with Andre Jetmir, about a possible new talk show. I went in, my heel broke in the interview and I walked out
limping. I saw it as sign that something was going to come of this!

AM: As the Co-Host, what can we expect from you, and what will you focus on during certain segments/stories?

CJ: I love the ability to say the first thing that comes to mind when our topics come up without sounding like it's a safe and rehearsed answer. I want to continue being authentic and say what
our viewers may be thinking. I think I have an almost childlike enthusiasm for life and love talking with people. I love hearing their stories and I hope people can feel my sincerity through the screen.

AM: What guests should we keep an eye on that you were excited to interview?     

CJ: I love interviewing anyone with an inspiring story, especially those recognized as an underdog whether they are a celebrity or not. We had Deon Cole (of ABC's Blackish) on the show, who encouraged people to keep pushing even when things get difficult. He's one of the
most sought after comics in the industry, but shared that he has never booked anything he auditioned for. Things just fell into his lap that were meant to be. Writers have even written roles to fit his character. Deon’s story is inspiring and shows that never giving up is truly important. Rapper Nipsey Hussle came on the show and discussed how he came from the streets. I truly enjoyed listening to him talk about his past and really peel back the layers. I felt honored to be a part of it. I love that I have the chance to show our guests in a different light
and show they are more than the boxes that they are put in to.

AM: In addition to your role here, you're also an actress - do you have any films/special projects that you can share?

CJ: Yes I do! I'm very proud of my budding acting career. I have a film with Brian White, Columbus Short and Kearia Shroeder that was directed by Dame Dash called “The List”. I think people will be surprised when they see me in this role as my character develops. I actually had to get into a coffin in a church for one of the scenes. It was amazing working along side such seasoned actors like Columbus and Brian. They made me a better actress! We start production on our next film “A Woman's Grief” in two weeks, focusing on police brutality.

AM: As an entrepreneur, we know that you have your own wine, handbag line, etc. - how do you take time for yourself?

CJ: Yes, I have my wine company - JUST PEACHY, my bag line - Claudia Jordan and Celfie Cosmetics - a cosmetics company that is expanding greatly in Africa. We are in two countries; Kenya and Uganda, and will be expanding this summer. I'm very excited about that. You can find my peach flavoured sparkling wine in all 276 Cost Plus World Markets. I love the flavor and I highly recommend picking up a bottle! As for time to myself? I barely have any!

AM: In LA, where can we find you shopping, grabbing lunch and a cocktail, and what is your favorite workout studio?

CJ: I love being outdoors, running on the beach, or the hills at Kenneth Hahn Park. I don't like being inside at the gym unless I absolutely have to. As far as shopping, lately I've been shopping online or at the Gucci outlet! You might still find me at the swap meet as well. It all depends on my mood. I'm all about mixing the highs and the lows! For lunch, I love The Ivy in West Hollywood for their stone crab claws.

For cocktails, I love Catch in West Hollywood. They have great lobster rolls and lobster mac and cheese. For din- ner, my favorite is Crustaceans, also in West Hollywood. I suggest getting the garlic noodles with the cracked crab. Thank me later!

AM: How would you describe your style for brunch versus running errands?

CJ: I enjoy being a woman and dressing "girly." I have a pageant background so I guess that's always going to be a part of me. I really don't own sweats and unless I’m working out, you won't catch me in a flat shoe!

AM: How do you give of your time in terms of philanthropy/charity?

CJ: One charity I'm supporting is “My Friends House”, run by my friend Tiffany Rose. Her commitment to helping the homeless is inspiring. She has been doing this for years. I jump at the opportunity to spend time with those less fortunate and do what I can to help whether it's bringing food, or supporting their fundraisers. Homelessness in our nation has always hurt my heart; especially knowing so many people are one paycheck away from being on the streets. I wish there was more being done by our government to help! I personally have started, “Claudia's Closet” where I personally gift young girls with prom dresses. It’s something I hope to continue expanding.

PHOTOS COURTESY | CLAUDIA JORDAN

Read more from the March Issue and see A Moment with Claudia Jordan in mag.

THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the March Issue and see The Eight Best in mag.