WATER BEAUTY

Read more from the July Issue and see Water Beauty in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | JUL ISSUE

This month's celeb fitness editorial (front and back) is Corey Calliet, Celebrity Fitness Trainer who has A$SAP Rocky, Michael B. Jordan as clients. He also trains a number of actors who are in some of your favorite blockbuster action movies. He has also been a trainer on E!'s Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian. Our editorial focuses on what inspires him, explains the Calliet Way and his approach to training. Our July issue is focused on fitness which includes our day of training (as well as interviewing) along with Celebrity Fitness trainers Harley Pasternak, Gunnar Peterson, Akin Akman, Nicole Winhoffer and Swedish pop duo Icona Pop. We also talked with Hunter "The Sheriff" McIntyre who competed in the Tough Mudder X Championship presented by Kill Cliff.  

Within beauty and wellness, we have OB/GYN Dr. Sherry Ross with us sharing Part II of our conversation that we had with her. awareness of a number of issues. We talked with the Co-Founders of Australian cult beauty brand, Bali Body. Our second editorial, Bring it On has tips on how to look stylish from what you're wearing, beauty, hair, drinking and hanging out.

We have a number of features that are in each month's issues including The Art of the Snack - focusing on Kelvin Slush Co, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Something You Should Know with Emirates Airlines, Athleisure List, Athleisure Beauty and more roundups that focus on tennis style, 5 must have sports bras and more. 

Read the July Issue

MILAN TRAVEL TIPS TO EXPLORE THE CITY OF FASHION LIKE A PRO!

Milan travel tips to explore the city of fashion like a pro!

In the case of Milan, it can be said that innovation and creativity have always been part of the city's history. Not only, therefore, when things are running for the best, but also when, as in the 90s of the last century, not everything has run the right way. In short, the Milanese spirit is what makes the city so fascinating with evident reflections in different fields: fashion, design, gastronomy and the entertainment industry. Here come the best Milan travel tips for you

The dome has so much more to offer!

It must be said that the centrality of the square also contributes to the popularity of the building, a hub for almost all the Milanese tourist attractions, and for this reason, it is generally used as a starting point for visiting the city. Furthermore, do not miss the climb on the roof (by elevator) and the visit of the underground with the archaeological remains of the original Basilica of Santa Tecla, on whose foundations GianGaleazzo Visconti ordered the construction of the new temple.

Marveling at the famous iconic Galleria is not be missed

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a real shopping center with boutiques of the leading brands of high fashion alongside historic cafés and fast food chains. Together with the so-called "Quadrilaterod'Oro", the gallery is one of the "stages" of the Milanese star system and showbiz. In short, there are those who come to look and who, instead, to be looked at. Beautiful always, at Christmas time, according to many, is transformed into the most "in" place of the city.

Shopping for some luxury items (or simply look at the windows!)

In Milan, it is impossible not to make purchases. We have already seen it with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II but it is the so-called "QuadrilaterodellaModa" (via Montenapoleone, via dellaSpiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea) the shopping temple in Milan. Ferragamo, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Krizia, Dolce &Gabbana, Trussardi, Chanel, Moschino, Versace and other big brands are practically all present in a concentration that is not found anywhere else in the world, even in New York.

Missing CastelloSforzesco would be a pity

CastelloSforzesco, another obligatory stop for a visit to Milan, is not far from the Duomo. And, just like the city's cathedral, the construction of this fortress is due to GianGaleazzo Sforza who, continuing the initial work of his predecessor Galeazzo II Visconti, built housing for the troops, rearranging the park and the moat at the same time about. The park nearby is great to chill and relax!

Relying on public transportation could be a mistake

This Milan travel tip is a good one. Italian public transport could be quite a nightmare. Especially when it comes to long distances paths for example from the airport or the train station to the very center of the city. Hiring a car could be a life-savior option. When I went to Milan last summer I used holidayautos.com. How amazing was that! It gave me the opportunity to compare car hire in Milan and have a cheap and stress-free ride to explore the city in a quick and practical way.

3 MUST HAVES FOR GLOWING SKIN

We have a few favorite items that you should keep in your cosmetic bag so that you can always enhance your glowing skin wherever you are. Here are our 3 favorites that are on our list:

CIATE

Dewy Sticks are perfect to create a highlighter with minimal shimmer for a summertime look.

1. Ciate Dewy Sticks; $26

The sticks are a great way to customize your look for the perfect shimmer that can be as subtle or as prominent as you like.

L'Oreal

True Match is a wide range of blendable foundations that makes your skin glow.

2. L'Oreal True Match Foundation; $10.95

No matter how well stocked your makeup bag may be, it's always good to know of a few drugstore buys that you can snag should you have left your foundation home during travels, need to add to what you have etc. With a number of shades you can find your match or blend a few together to get your hue.

Jane Iredale

A great glow should always include your lips and these crayons are always a do.

3. Jane Iredale PlayOn Lip Crayons;  $20

We feel that these sticks should always be tucked away in each of your bags as tey have a number of hues.

ARE YOU STRESSED OUT?? WHY STRESS IS A BEAUTY BUSTER

Stress - We all have it but some of us deal with it better tan others. If you look at any recent United States President from their first day in office until their last, you will see that all aged appreciably in only four years. Why? Because carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders took its toll on their appearance. Even if you're just an everyday lady boss or Mom trying to make her way in the world, stress can cause you to age before your time. Here's how and why according to New York Neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez.

Dr. Hafeez says that, "Aside from the unattractive scowl that stress brings to the face, it creates direct physiological changes. Stress is defines as the reaction of the body to a stressor or stimulus that causes stress. Stress can be acute, which affects the body in the short term, or chronic, affecting te body in the long term. Synonyms for stress include anxiety, nervousness, apprehensiveness, impatience, fear and restlessness."

Dr. Hafeez explains that, "Stress that is not controlled most certainly affects the body's physical characteristics or beauty. It affects skin, hair, fingernails, digestion and sleep patterns. Stress-induced conditions include hair loss, heart disease, obesity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, sexual dysfunction, tooth and gum disease and ulcers or indigestion."

Some Common Symptoms of Stress Induced Beauty Busters

Under-Eye Bags: Tomorrow's to-do list can weigh on your mind, keeping you from getting enough beauty sleep. This can cause fluid to pool below your lower eyelid area, and what you end up with is a puffy mess in the a.m. Stomach sleepers, bad news: You can expect the puffiness of your under-eye bags to be even worse because of gravity.

Flushed Face: "When you're stressed, you breather in short, shallow breaths and can even find yourself holding your breath for periods of time, which can lead to flushing and redness," says Dr. Hafeez.

Hair Loss: Stress can trigger alopecia areata, which causes patches of baldness anywhere on the body, including on your head. Stress can also trigger a tick where you pick at head hairs out of bad habit. This condition is called trichotillomania. Usually, this hair can grow back, but it doesn't even have to fall out in the first place. Pay close attention to your own habitural responses to daily stress, to avoid sparseness.

Gray Hair: Hair can also age prematurely due to stress, If you are genetically predisposed to have premature gray hair, stress will further decrease your production of melanin, easily increasing the number of gray or white hairs. By increasing your consumption of biotin, protein, and vitamin E you can reduce these negative effects to keep your hair strong and youthful.

Pimples: Stress alters your hormones. It increases cortisol production, which in turn increases the oil production in your skin. All of this leads to greater odds of clogged pores. Stress can also multiply the number of acne-causing bacteria in the body, which might require a high-dose antibiotic prescription from your dermatologist.

Mini Menopause: Dr. Hafeez says this isn't proven, but some believe increased levels of stress hormone cortisol can cause a dip in estrogen that's similar to the decrease during menopause. Less estrogen means less collagen production which can leave your skin dull and dry.

Wrinkles: Anxiety, crying, feeling down and a lack of sleep can cause deeper lines around the eyes, forehead, eye area and mouth.

Dark Circles: Stress can break the fragile capillaries under your eyes, leaving you with under-eye rings and a tired appearance.

Lines on the Fingernails: The appearance of vertical lines on your fingernails is fairly common and is related to both the natural aging process and nutritional deficiencies. But when they extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, it's a clear sign that your stress is having an effect on the body.

Stress and Weight Gain: Most of us become overeaters when we're feeling a lot of pressure. This happens thanks to your fight-or-flight response, a.k.a. survival mode -- once your body reaches a certain stress level, it does what it feels it needs to. In most cases, that means overeat. Why? Because your body thinks you've used calories to deal with your stress, even though you haven't, says Dr. Hafeez. She adds, "As a result, it thinks you need to replenish those calories, even though you don't. Levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, rise during tension-filled times. This can turn your overeating into a habit. Because increased levels of the hormone also help cause higher insulin levels, your blood sugar drops and you crave sugary, fatty foods.

How Can We Mitigate Stress?

Countless books and articles have been written about dealing with stress. Dr. Hafeez explains that, "The first step is recognition. To help deal with your stress, write down a list of what you are most worried about before any event, or what chronically causes worry in your life. Identifying your stressors is the first step in managing them. If you are chronically late or find that it is hard to get organized, figure out what you do that makes you late or disorganized. Write it down and acknowledge it. Then you can come up with a plan to preemptively tackle what may drive you and your loved ones into a stresed-out situation. Another trick in dealing with stress is plain old reasoning and the realization that you cannot control everything. Sometimes we trap ourselves into worrying about things that we have no control over, and recognition of that fact can reduce stress immeasurably.

THE PICK ME UP

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

TAKE IT OUTDOORS BY DR. GREUNER

It's summer, the time we have all been trying to get in shape for. Now that summer is here, who wants to spend more time in the gym? Not me. And why should we? This is the PERFECT time to break up the routine a bit, take advantage of the outdoor weather, and stimulate new muscle growth and tone with a different type of workout.

Personally, in the summer I switch to body weight and plyometric workouts for strength training. The awesome part of these workouts, is that although they are excellent at toning and strengthening your muscles, is for the most part, no gym is needed.  They can be done on simple pieces of equipment such as pull up and dip bars, stairs, or resistance bands, most of which are found in regular public parks, or can be easily acquired at home. If you’re like me, NOTHING beats breaking a sweat in the outdoors with the sun shining down…..just replenishes your soul.

What do you need?

Less than $70 to $225 in equipment, depending on your preference. That’s pretty short change for being able to work out in the beautiful outdoors.

1. Resistance bands – typically $30-40 for a decent set
2. Push up bars - $30
3. If you really want to get fancy, you can purchase your own “power tower” for around $150, which typically is a simple piece of equipment that has a pull up bar and leg raise bar and dip station.

So here’s my routine:

In the summer, I’m typically trying to stay a little leaner and am less focused on putting on size, so my workouts typically involve a good amount of cardio, and maintain a very brisk pace, with less than 30 seconds of rest between each exercise. This type of training, which is typically called “circuit training", keeps your heart rate up, and burns fat as well as keeps you toned.

Prior to each workout, I warm up with a 15-20 minute run, during which I try to cover at least 2 miles of distance, depending on pace, followed by a warmup of 2 sets each of the following exercises, each one minute long.

 1. Burpees
 2. Jumping jacks
 3. Squat jumps

for a total of 6 sets. You should be about 30 minutes in at this point.

*If you are near a beach, try sand running instead. A piece of advice, sand running KILLS your calves and abs, so ensure you plan ahead knowing that you will be very sore in those areas for 2-3 days after the workout.

1.    Day 1 – Chest/Back

Pull ups
a. 3 sets of wide grip, 3 sets of close grip – this exercise is great at targeting your latissimus and serratus muscles, as well as biceps. If you cant do a full pull up, or have trouble doing more than a few, you can use resistance bands or a partner to help assist you in lifting your body weight. Don’t worry, before long, you will be stronger than you think.

Push Ups
a. Alternate each set with one set of push ups. 2 sets of close grip, 2 sets medium grip, 2 sets wide grip. I use a set of push up bars that allow a better range of motion, and help in isolating your chest and triceps.

2.    Day 2 – Legs and Abs

Abs

For More advanced athletes:

Hanging leg raises
a. 3 sets of straight leg followed by 3 sets of bent leg raises. The key to doing this movement properly is ensuring that you have FULL flexion of your spine, meaning that the thigh portion of your leg must make contact with your chest. If that is not the case, you are not engaging your abs properly. When Im feeling particularly enthusiastic, I wear 10lb ankle weights for straight leg raises, and trust me, that’s all you need.
        
Hanging Sit Ups
a. You can also combine these exercises for a more thorough workout
            
b. Use a partner here for SURE, as not doing so can result in slippage and injury
        
For more intermediate and beginning athletes:

Crunches
a. 5 sets of 40
    
Decline bar sit ups
a. 4 sets of 20

Bicycles
a. 4 sets of one minute each

Legs

Resistance band Squats
a. 6 sets of 10 total. First 3 sets using a wide leg stance, then 3 sets of ten using shoulder width stance. this is basically the same exercise as regular body weight squats, but using resistance bands to add extra resistance instead of weights. Ensure that you keep your chest forward that could compromise posture and cause injury resistance band lunges

b. 3 sets of 10, first one leg, then the other, for a total of 6 sets)

Day 3 - Shoulders and arms

Resistance band Military press 4 sets of 10

Resistance band lateral raises 4 sets of 10

Resistance Band Bicep Curl, 3 sets of 10

Resistance Band French Curl, 3 sets of 10

Resistance Band Concentration Curl, 2 sets 10 of each arm, 4 total

Resistance Band Tricep Kickbacks, 2 sets of 10, each arm, 4  total

This sequence I repeat twice each week, with one day off during the week, or mixing in some other activity such as cycling, swimming, or boxing into keep it interesting. This is just enough to get you a full body workout as well as some decent cardio In without having to spend a lot of time on either. After all, the goal is to enjoy the summer right?

“Personally, in the summer, I switch to body weight and plyometric workouts for strength training. The awesome part of these workouts, is that although they are excellent at toning and strengthening your muscles, is for the most part, no gym is needed... If you are like me, NOTHING beats breaking a sweat in the outdoors with the sun shining down...”

— Dr. David Greuner

In terms of my summer diet….very little changes. But I do take advantage of seasonal things such as the BBQ and salads that tend to be EVERYWHERE as well as fun to cook during this season. Its the perfect time to switch to a paleo type diet with the abundance of meat around.

Some simple changes that can make your summer a WHOLE lot healthier include:

1. Switching out regular hamburger meat for bison, ostrich, or turkey meat

2. Using mustard instead of ketchup as your main condiment

3. Swapping out mayonnaise for lighter options or miracle whip

4. Curbing the alcohol intake

5. Using balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil instead of salad dressing

These minor changes can keep your overall calorie count at less than 50% of what it was prior, enjoying almost the same amount of fulfillment in the process.

So get out there, grab a friend, have some fun, catch some rays, and enjoy your summer!

---

Dr. David A. Greuner MD, FACS, FICS is a contributor to Athleisure Mag and is the managing director and co-founder of NYC Surgical Associates. He is a double board certified surgeon (Minimally Invasive Surgeon and Cardiovascular Surgeon) with over 10 years of experience. Dr. Greuner is also an athlete and fitness expert .

IG @Doctor.DavidGreuner

PHOTO CREDITS | Sabina Plestilova

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Take it Outdoors by Dr. Greuner in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | THE 411 ON READING ETHICAL BEAUTY LABELS

Choosing beauty products is tricky enough without having to translate all the ingredients and scientific lingo on product labels. But knowing what we put on our bodies (hello, rose gold highlighter) is just as important as knowing what we put in them, so we recruited beauty expert, founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc. Gabriel De Santino to school us on some label-reading basics.

When it comes to understanding beauty ingredient labels, knowledge is definitely power. Even though it takes up your precious time to learn how to decipher everything that’s listed on your favorite product, in the end your skin (and your body!) will be better for it. Not only will you be able to confirm that the product you’re using is free of harmful add-ins, but you’ll also be able to better understand how it stacks up to others on the market. Plus, you’ll be certain that you’re choosing earth conscious and ethical items—how extra woke of you.

Want to ensure that the products you’re spending your hard-earned cash on are cruelty-free and made with clean ingredients? When perusing the aisles of your favorite store, the easiest way to spot a cruelty-free brand is through one of three certifications that appear right on the packaging—Leaping Bunny, PETA’s cruelty-free logo, and the Choose Cruelty-Free logo.

Familiarize yourself with these symbols and it will make shopping a breeze. If you’re filling up your cart online with time to kill, take a few minutes to check out each of the certification sites mentioned above for a list of cruelty-free brands so you can purchase from companies with like-minded val ues that you can trust. And always remember—if you see an ingredient listed that you can’t pronounce, Google it! Sometimes a complex-sounding word is a totally harmless additive, and sometimes it's as dirty as dirty gets.

Other tips to keep in mind: the higher up on the ingredient list something is = the higher the concentration, paraben-free is always the way to be, and the term “fragrance” can be used to mask unclean ingredients so be wary of brands that use it.

It’s also important to note that just because a product is formulated vegan that doesn’t mean it’s cruelty-free and vice versa. Vegan beauty products are made without animal ingredients or by-products, while cruelty-free refers to products and ingredients that aren't tested on animals --- however, this doesn't necessarily means the products are vegan. Why choose makeup and skincare (like our own Gabriel Cosmetics) that's vegan and cruelty-free? The answer is simple—they advocate healthy living and sustainable practices for both you and the environment.

Congratulations, you’re now significantly more label-savvy and well on the way to living a cleaner and greener life.

---

Gabriel De Santino is the founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., a global  natural beauty empire starting in 1992, whose brands include Gabriel, Clean Kids Naturally and ZuZu Luxe.

Gabriel Cosmetic's Inc.'s prestige and diverse brand portfolio was created out of one man's vision of clearly defining natural beauty and being able to provide affordable and accessible vegan beauty products to consumers worldwide. Gabriel Cosmetics Inc. stared with a vision of natural beauty and has evolved with the philosophy of sustainable individual natural beauty while continuing to advocate healthy living.

IG @GabrielCosmetic

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | The 411 On Reading Ethical Beauty Labels.

GOLF HOST | RESERVA CONCHAL BEACH RESORT, GOLF & SPA

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

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

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

STYLE, WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING

We're in that stage of life where we are going through milestones or watching those going through - rocking our careers of choice, launching businesses, getting engaged, married and having babies. We're aware of these benchmarks but the one we thing we hear after someone announces that they are expecting, there is a bit of a groan about what they can wear, what options exist and if they can go up a size. We sat down with corporate veterans and Co-Founders of of Mia Tango to talk about connecting mommies to be with brands that won't sacrifice their style and how this company was conceived.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background pre Mia Tango as our readers love knowing about trailblazing women.

STEPHANIE RETCHO: I began my career working in direct marketing - the great precursor to the digital age (darn, did I just age myself ?!). I remember so vividly interviewing for my first job in advertising at Leo Burnett in Toronto. It so perfectly combined my love of data with my creative talents - my inner geek did a happy dance. After working at Leo Burnett for a few years, I took a big leap of faith and moved to New York City. I played hookie for a week and flew to NYC,  to interview with 6 or 7 different agencies. By the end of it, I had 2 job offers. 3 weeks later, this was home. I worked in agencies most of my career until moving to KAYAK. KAYAK was a marketer’s dream - the chance to work with smart people, building something you believed in, and then to watch it fly. KAYAK is where Melissa and I met, and working on Mia Tango feels like the perfect next step. This time, the journey is even more personal - it’s a problem that we truly believe needs solving!

MELISSA BIRGE: After college, I went to work for Arthur Anderson as a CPA in the adult division. I have always loved puzzles and solving problems, and that's what accounting felt like to me. Working for a large professional services firm gave me the opportunity to see a lot of different industries and company environments, and I found I preferred working with emerging companies that were in a high growth mode. After Andersen went under following the Enron crisis, I went to work for one of its clients: Orbitz. I loved the fast paced, demanding environment and the “newness” of the internet, plus travel is a big passion. I learned a lot about building a team, creating processes and working with different disciplines. Orbitz was acquired and a year later, I took some time off to travel the world on a solo journey, and then enjoy the Chicago summer before I started my new position as the Controller at a restaurant chain called Potbelly Sandwich Works. I loved learning about managing multiple retail sites and helping to profitably grow this beloved sandwich shop, but when I got the call to join the team at KAYAK, I packed my bags and moved to the east coast. KAYAK was a dream job - earning the CFO title and taking the company public before selling it for $2.1B. Having achieved everything I wanted to in finance and after having worked for some great start-ups, I felt it was time for the next great challenge: creating my own business.

AM: What was the moment that led you to creating Mia Tango and tell us more about this e-commerce platform.

MB: Mia Tango was really conceived from my own experience in buying clothing during my pregnancy and 4th trimester. I like to tell a story about my ultimate humiliation when I had to wear slippers to an important business meeting because I could not find any shoes that were wide enough to accommodate my big fat pregnant feet, and that's because there is no such thing as shoes made for pregnant women. But there were so many things that I found dissatisfying aout the whole experience  - it felt like no

one really cared about pregnant women and new moms. It was like retailers were just putting forth the minimum effort because it wasn’t a big enough market to really care about. Well, I care about it deeply. I feel you pregnant women and new moms!

My husband and I were enjoying a glass of wine after we’d put our twins to bed, and he just asked me what I wanted to do next in my career, because he knew I was ready. The answer came out of my mouth so quickly and so naturally, and yet I was surprised to hear myself say it. I told him, “I want to start my own business.” From there, I just told him everything that I saw that was broken about buying maternity clothes and how I would change it. Retail was changing, the sharing economy was growing and millennials were embracing new ecommerce brands. Maternity was the last to adopt the trends, which really came as no surprise.

One of the things I really wanted to address head on was the guilt factor in buying maternity. When I was exploring the idea of Mia Tango, I interviewed dozens of pregnant women and new moms. I started out asking them to tell me about their pregnancies.  Every last one of them described their pregnancy in joyful terms. Mind you, many of these women suffered horrific physical effects: debilitating morning sickness; a full body rash that itched like mad; preeclampsia; gestational diabetes. These are not little inconveniences – these are painful and frightening experiences – and yet, the women still felt their pregnancies were wonderful, because they all know, as every mother does, that the birth of a healthy child is a miracle.

Then I asked them to tell me about getting dressed for pregnancy and I got an entirely different reaction. Frustration. Resentment. And Guilt. A lot of guilt, which is kind of bullshit given the burden they’re carrying. Woman after woman told me where they usually shop and what they usually spend on clothes, and then described how they completely changed their entire shopping strategy after they got pregnant. They went from buying high quality, well made and fashionable items to cheap basics. Most often, the brands they knew and loved didn’t care maternity, so they were forced to shop brands they weren’t familiar with. The service was nonexistent at most big box stores and online, and they felt confused by what to buy and how to make a new wardrobe. They bought as little as they could get away with, focusing on plain tees, leggings and jeans. The result? They hated their clothes. The poor quality made their sensitive skin itch. The colors faded and the materials pilled and sagged. They wanted to burn their clothes in the end. Worse yet, like me, they felt like a lesser version of themselves. At the exact time they should have felt their most beautiful, they felt anything but.

AM: Mia Tango allows shoppers to be introduced to brands that provide maternity and new moms with attire as well as the ability to purchase pre-loved items - how important is having these avenues for your audience?

SR: We’ve heard time and time again - and experienced ourselves - how uninspiring shopping for maternity clothing is. The brands you like most often don’t make maternity, it’s hard to find things that you like, that are good quality and that you feel like yourself in. There are some really great designers out there making high quality, beautiful and intelligently designed pieces...it’s just that no one knows about them and they’re hard to find. First and foremost, we want to bring these great products together for moms-to-be and moms - all in one plae. The other side to the struggle is that mot women view buying maternity as a "temporary" thing. They feel guilty about investing a lot of money in it, but as a result they end up wearing things that they don’t feel good in. Our trade-in program lets mamas trade in most items purchased new at Mia Tango for 30% cash back. We also offer pre-loved items at 40-60% off the new purchase price. These programs are both designed to help mamas look great and feel great about their purchases. We really just want to be the brand that gets it. It’s so needed.

MB: Prior to starting Mia Tango, we talked to dozens of moms who told us all about their frustrations when searching for maternity and postpartum clothing. Chief among them was the challenge of finding chic clothes that fit their personal style, and so we felt it was vital to do this work for them and bring the best brands together. Then there was the conflicting feeling of wanting to look great, but not wanting to make a big investment in a temporary wardrobe. This was especially hard when they weren’t sure if they’d grow out of the clothes and they didn’t know the quality of unfamiliar brands. So we’ve designed our store to have generous and easy return policies, along with the option to have us buy back items within nine months of purchase. We also heard that many women love to shop pre-loved clothes because it makes them feel good, whether because they reduce their carbon footprint or because they score a great bargain. All of these features were designed to address the wants and needs of our customer.

AM: How do you go about finding designers that are featured in Mia Tango?

SR: All credit to Melissa on finding simply the best designers out there for pregnancy and new moms! She has a great eye! We’ve also benefited a lot from networking with other mom-preneurs. Many of the best styles in maternity and postpartum clothing are coming from women who saw a need and decided to solve the problem themselves by designing their own line. (Shocker, right? Moms making it happen!) We want to make it easier for other moms to find these great brands. That’s a huge part of why Mia Tango exists.

MB: We started with four designers and have now expanded to over 20! We’re always on the lookout for great new brands. When we see someone wearing something that we love, we research the designer and what they’re about, and designers seek us out as well. Quality is important to us, as is the designer’s vision - it’s got to fit with our woman’s lifestyle, values and aesthetic. We really believe in the brands that we carry.

AM: Will you extend these offerings to baby clothes as well?

SR: We have so many great ideas about how to expand our offering - we’re excited about all of them.

MB: At our heart, we are about the mom and what she needs, so any product extension that we consider has to pass through that filter first.

AM: As mothers who run this boutique, how important is it for women to ensure that they maintain self-care, take care of their families as well as to find outlets whether they are creative levels of expression and/or entrepreneurial?

SR: Whether a woman works outside of the home or in the home (and let’s be clear - it’s all work, and it’s hard work) so often, as moms, we’re told to put ourselves last when really we should be putting ourselves first. That’s a tough shift in thinking. But, it’s a crucial one. Everyone needs a base level of care in order to be able to function as a human. But, to really share your gifts with others (yes, you have gifts!) you need to be fed spiritually, mentally and physically. Family is a big part of that, but something to feed your brain and maintain your body and mind is equally important. How you feel about how you look is a big part of your physical being and your physical presence. That’s where Mia Tango comes in and it’s a big part of why I love it so much. Pregnancy and motherhood should be a time when you feel great about yourself, and clothing plays a huge part in that. For all the sacrifices you make, getting dressed should make you feel like, “heck ya, I’ve got this!”

MB: When I feel like I don’t have time to even take a shower, I always remind myself of what the flight attendants tell you during the routine safety demonstration: put your own mask on first before assisting others. As moms, this is so unbelievably counter-intuitive, but you really can’t help anyone if you aren’t well yourself. For me, self-care is about sleep, exercise, proper nutrition, a bit of meditation and quality time with my husband. When anyone of those things is missing from my routine, I find that I’m less patient and less able to cope with whatever hijinx three little boys cook up for me during the day. And work for me has always been a creative outlet, which sounds funny given that I’m an accountant by trade, but it’s been a way to use my mental energy to solve problems and it really feeds me. Our children are not ours to keep forever - we are here to teach them, guide them and then let them go. It brings me to tears to talk about, but that’s our job. And when they leave our home to start their own journey, we better hope that we have something else in our lives that keeps us engaged and energized, or else the void is going to engulf us.

AM: How important is it for women to encourage other women within business?

SR: It’s critical. While I think it’s also important (and much needed) for men and women to support each other, I think that women are truly able to understand each other’s situations - to be able to relate to the challenges, fears, and - yes - insecurities, as well as knowing first-hand the hurdles we have to get over every day.

MB: I remember hearing Sandra Day O’Connor talk about how the conversations and arguments on the Supreme Court changed as soon as there was one other woman on the Court. Suddenly, her views were amplified because there was another person in the room who could understand where she was coming from. I’ve noticed it in management meetings as well when I’m the only woman in the room vs. having at least one other, and it’s vital that women be heard and our needs be considered. So if you want to have products and services designed with women in mind, if you want women's specific healthcare issues researched, if you want better childcare, then you better make sure there are women in the room when these topics are being discussed. The best way I know how to do that is to help them. Network and make introductions. Serve as references. Give them feedback. Help them think through an issue or prepare for a presentation. Tell them how you managed through maternity leave. Advocate for policies that help women in the workforce. We all win when women succeed.

AM: How do you give of your time from a philanthropic standpoint?

SR: I so wish I had more time to give to the various causes I believe in. Right now, my philanthropic efforts are really focused on giving as much as I can in support of those causes, and to get involved where I can, which is mostly working with my girls to put together donations for various local drives. I think a lot of people - men, women, whether they are moms, dads, or entrepreneurs - struggle with adding this into the mix of their everyday lives. I’m no different.

MB: Having three young boys and running a new company is taking everything I have, so volunteering my time is something that I’ve had to set aside for now and instead focus my philanthropic efforts around giving donations of cash and goods. I feel that it’s important for my children, even as young as they are, to take part in passing along their own clothes and toys, and so we do this together whenever possible. One day, I’ll be able to give my time as well.

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 92 + 97 Nynne Schrøder | PG 95 Stephanie Retcho (left) and Melissa Birge (right)

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Style, When You're Expecting in mag.

IN OUR BAG | ATTENDING A SIP & SEE

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | Attending a Sip & See in mag.

LIFE CAN BE FABULOUS AFTER DIVORCE

Getting a divorce is the second most stressful event on The Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, second only to death of a spouse. Some of the most difficult aspects of divorce include losing the powerful attachment marital bond, having to move home, potentially losing common circles of friends, and having to adapt to new economic circumstances. As difficult as divorce can be, it is also a time in which to grow, and find meaning from the loss of a bond spouses thought they could count on forever. It is also a time to bring a new, more mature self to another relationship. A report by the Pew Research Center has revealed that in four out of every 10 weddings (one fifth of all weddings), one partner was previously married.

Gray Divorce Rates are on the Rise

The fact that people are living longer means that a substantially larger percentage of older people are getting divorced. People are realizing that they have much longer to live and they wish to make the most of it. Sometimes, longstanding marriage do not stand the ultimate test of time because partners grow apart, they have money problems or lifestyle difference, their sex life is waning, or there are past mistakes that couples simply cannot be over.

Tying Loose Ends

To make the most of life after divorce, it is important to end the relationship in as positive a way as possible. For instance, working together to partition common property can reduce the stress and expense that arise when divorce is litigious. Selling the home, providing spousal support if this is due, and aiming to work as a team if children are involved, can make more much smoother sailing and enable one to feel positive about starting a new relationship.

Boosting Your Own Wellbeing

Before even thinking of dating, divorcees can consider ways to improve their wellbeing. Studies have shown that taking part in learning activities can increase self-confidence and expand social networks. Stress, meanwhile, can be reduced through mindfulness activities such as Tai Chi and meditation. Finally, general happiness can be increased through spiritual pursuits – which can range from church worship to yoga or any activity that promotes togetherness and unity.

Time for Dating

When you feel like it is time to date, you can either do so with people you meet through acquaintances, or give online dating a go. As noted in a recent study on the subject, “"Cyber dating permits multiple partner choices in real time, which allows for a significantly greater available choice of potential mates. This increased pool means greater opportunity for selection of partners with lower, similar or even higher levels of certain characteristics.” Other ways to meet people include community activities, religious and/or spiritual groups, and sports.

For some people who are undergoing the pain of divorce, finding love again can seem like an impossibility but the stats are definitely on their side. People are living longer and conforming less with a less-than fulfilling life. If you are undergoing a divorce, take all the time you need to work on yourself, learning from your experiences and bringing your knowledge to any new relationship you undertake in a positive way.

HITTING THE STREETS WITH POOCH HALL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AM: What is the connection between yoga and sound?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HUMMING PUPPY

119 W. 23rd St.
NY, NY 10011

www.HummingPuppy.com

IG @HummingPuppy

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

MUSHROOM BEAUTY

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Mushroom Beauty in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE CUBAN AFFAIR
Nelson Demille
Simon & Schuster

What's not to love in Daniel "Mac" Graham MacCormick's life? At 35, he lives in Key West, owns a 42 foot charter fishing boat (which has a large bank loan), was an infantry officer in the Army and returned after 5 years with a Silver Star and 2 Purple Hearts.

With looming debt, he agrees to take on a job for $2 million for a 10 day fishing tournament to Cuba which he suspects has more involved than an outing that could include anti-Castro groups.

He learns that his charter involves obtaining $60 million in Cuba. His client's grandfather stashed the money in Cuba prior to fleeing from Castro's revolution. With the "Cuban Thaw" taking place between Havana and Washington, they are now in a race to find the money before someone else does. Mac will either be rich or not at all.

RUN FOREVER
Amy Burfoot
Center Street

Former Runner's World editor-in-chief, Boston Marathon winner and runner that have logged over 100,00 miles - Amy Burfoot gives advice on how one can enjoy running and the health benefits that will last for a lifetime.

The act of running starts at an early age and is as natural as breathing is to us. But this simple act has become complicated with trendy gadgets and thought processes that hinder this native act.

This book focuses on the basics and the root of lacing up and running. She provides guidance to runners of every age and ability level.

Readers will find that regardless of their skill level, that they are properly motivated, learn how to avoid energy and see how they can increase their speed and endurance in order to reach their goals!

DINNER SPECIAL
By the Editors of Food & Wine
Oxmoor House

Food & Wine Editors as well as celebrity chefs such as Daniel Holzman of NYC's Meatball Shop shares meals in a cookbook that literally share menus that you can create! You'll find a classic recipe with two sides, wine pairings, tips for leftovers and technique for the dish  in an easy to use cookbook!

In addition to the stunning imagery, the techniques are clearly illustrted. We're excited about the Meatball Shop's Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (the leftover option as well as the technique to make the uniform balls is great to know).

Ted Allen's Pan-Roasted Salmon with Tomato Vinaigrette is another winner that's perfect to enjoy as the temperatures continue to climb. The technique of learning how to remove salmon skin is another sill that's worth knowing (or being able to share at your next cocktail event.

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

GOLIATH
Season 2; June 15th
Amazon Prime Originals

If you haven't caught up on Goliath, we know you're marking your calendars to catch up as the new season will release on June 15th on Amazon Prime. Season 2 continues with Billy McBride (Billy Bob Thorton) continuing to fight new giants (just like last season)! He finds that the client he is meant to defend has an issue that involves a mayorial candidate. In addition, there is a new villain in town that makes the season interesting and creepy.

GLOW
Season 2; June 29th
Netflix Originals

You know that the team at Athleisure Mag is a fan of wrestling (just check out some of our previous covers) so of course when the first season of GLOW came our last year we were hooked! With it's 80's nostalgia as well as focusing on the beginnings of the "Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling", this dramedy is an easy one to binge if you need to catch up.

The second season focuses on the launch of GLOWs' late-night cable television show which was taped in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel and Casino (which was demolished in 2016).

This season focuses on activities that take place around the show from Debbie wanting to be a producer but finding it difficult to break through the boy's club, another wrestler has a flirtation with a camera man, another character has a sexual epiphany while another has their version of a #MeToo moment.

NO OFFENCE
Season 1
Acorn TV

From the creator of Shameless comes an exhilarating, ballsy and funny police comedy-drama with dynamic female characters and a unique take on police procedurals mixed with cutting edge humor. Joanna Scanlan and Elaine Cassidy star as Manchester detectives working in a crumbling cop shop who hunts for a serial killer. The series focuses on how these women got here on this side of town while also working to keep the

streets clean. This close knit teams works on the toughest cases given to them. If you enjoy this season, the second will air on Acorn TV this fall and the third season is currently in production.

Read the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.

5 LEGGINGS WE'RE ROCKING AT THE STUDIO

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 5 Leggings We're Rocking at the Studio in mag.

5 FLAT BELLY FOODS AND FITNESS TIPS WITH ERALDO MAGLARA

We are firmly in the summer season and although we have been working out and watching our intake, we know that there are other tips that are important to keep in mind when it comes to working out. We decided to tackle 5 Belly Foods by getting tips from Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT.   

If I had a dime every time someone has asked me “can you get a six pack just by doing 100 crunches a day?” I would be a very wealthy man. Most of us have cometo realize (by now) that no amount of sit ups, leg raises or “crunches” can sculpt your abdomens to look like a pro bodybuilder. On the other hand, a well-balanced approach of foods and fitness tips can get you ready for that summer beach body you will be proud to share with everyone.

1. YOGURT

One of great things about yogurt is that it has evolved over the years. Just a while back, I could count the number of varieties on my hand. Today, there are over twenty manufacturers and an array of varieties. However, what makes yogurt so appealing to your belly is that it is low fat, low calories and it helps improve your digestive system.

Fitness Tip: Having a yogurt mid-morning can help you avoid unwanted calories at lunch and /or give you the boost you need for your evening workout.

2. BERRIES

Research has shown that eating cherry’s or blueberries can help reduce belly fat. The chemical (which gives the fruit it’s color) helps burn stomach fat. Moreover, berries are good source of antioxidants which play a big role in protecting your body from free radicals which can play a big role in heart disease, cancer, etc.

Fitness Tip: After a great training session, your body depletes itself of vitamins and minerals. Having a cup of berries can replenish those lost nutrients and help you keep unwanted fat around your waist.

3. AVOCADO

There is no doubt that eliminating the bad fat from your body (i.e. trans-fat, heavy saturated fat) will lower your cholesterol levels; which has been linked to heart attacks, strokes and type 2 diabetes. Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat (good fat), low in cholesterol and a great source of fiber.

Fitness Tip: Avoados contain a great amount of potassium. Eating them, can maintain proper function of your vital organs (such as your heart and your kidneys) which is necessary to maintaining a strong and fit body.

4. EGGS

Having a well-balanced breakfast is key to starting off your day on the right track. Eggs (over the years) have played an integral part in our morning routine for good reason. The vitamin content in eggs include Vitamin D (which attacks the visceral fat around your organs) and Vitamin B12 (responsible for burning fat cells) is an ideal choice to help maintain your belly looking “eggstra”ordinary.  

Fitness Tip: Protein is the cornerstone for building your muscles. Eggs contain a good amount of it which makes it an ideal food to have post-training.

5. CUCUMBERS
 
Personally, I believe cucumbers are underrated. Given the fact that they are loaded with H20, low in calories and help with bloating, cucumbers are a great source of vitamin A, B and C which boosts your immunity and supply you with an abundance of energy for the day. Did I also mention they are great for reducing puffiness around your eyes? Underrated....nevermore.

Fitness Tip: Flushing out toxins is a great way to keep your system running optimally. While working out, slice up a few cucumbers in your water and enjoy the best of both worlds.   

---

Eraldo Maglara, NSCA-CPT is a personal trainer, author of The Real Fountain of Youth: Simple Lifestyle Changes for Productive Longevity, a book on healthy aging. He is also a contributor to media outlets across the country, has been featured in numerous publications and is the host and Executive Producer of the show "Healthy Lifestyle with Eraldo" seen in Philadelphia.

IG @EraldoMaglara

Read more from the June Issue and see 5 Flat Belly Foods and Fitness Tips with Eraldo Maglara in mag.

6 WAYS TO OBTAIN THE ULTIMATE IN HYDRATION

Water is the key to life and it seems like as much as we know that we need it, there seems to be a bit of confusion on how we get through our water journey. Interestingly, much like everything in life, there is a schedule that we can use to stay on track!

I. WAKE AND HYDRATE

It's no joke, drinking water as soon as you get up is a great way to kick start your day! Especially when you're a coffee drinker, you want to ensure that you have established your hydration block as soon as you're up and moving.

II. HOLD OFF ON THE COFFEE

Many people hit the floor, go to the bathroom and the hunt for coffee is on - but drinking coffee actually makes you want to go to the bathroom which increases the feeling of dehydration. By waiting 2-3 hours, you've given your body some time to hold onto the water that you put in.

III. DURING MEALS, DRINK WATER

As you enjoy your meal, drink water. This allows you to come up for air while also allowing your body to feel full. It's best for the digestion and it ensures that your intake of water continues throughout your day!

IV. EAT FOOD THAT HAVE A HIGH WATER CONTENT

If you're water bottle isn't nearby, think of other ways to incorporate water such as cantaloupe, spinach, oranges, celery, cucumbers and of course watermelon (we're always on the hunt for yellow watermelon which we find super hydrating). Of course, when consuming them, go ahead and take refreshing sips of water as well.

V. AVOID CAFFEINE 6 HOURS BEFORE BED TIME

Just like you should make sure that coffee is consumed after you have been up for a few hours, you need a little bit more of a buffer before you go to bed. 6 hours means that when you hit that slump at work, you'll have to find other means to give you a bit of a burst to continue throughout your day.

VI. GRAB A GLASS OF WATER BEFORE BED

Think about it if you haven't consumed a lot of water throughout the day as noted above, by the time you get to the evening, you're not only dehydrated BUT you're sleeping throughout the night without any water! Drinking one glass will keep you refreshed and make it easier for your body to do what it does while you slumber!