COCONUT BEAUTY

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Coconut Beauty in mag.

MORE POWER WITH ADAM CAROLLA

When you think of Adam Carolla, Loveline comes to mind immediately. He co-hosted this call-in show with Dr Drew on MTV and you learned a lot of information while having levity throughout the show. He is also known for The Man Show, being a host of a number of TV and radio shows including, The Adam Carolla Project, which focused on home improvement on TLC. In addition to appearing on Dancing with the Stars, The Celebrity Apprentice, his voiceover work, his own sangria line known as Mangria writing a number of books and more – his passion for cars is undeniable! Last month, we interviewed Adam at The Chicago Auto Show where he shared where his passion for cars emerged, investing in Paul Newman cars, working on cars, Exotic EVs and of course his bromance with Jimmy Kimmel.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment that you knew that you fell in love with cars?

ADAM CAROLLA: I have always loved cars since I was a little, little boy. I was a big fan of cars, I just never had any money and my parents, they didn’t have any money. My dad didn’t like cars and my mom didn’t like cars – it was kind of crappy because it was like being a musician and never having a guitar to play. I got older and I was poor again and drove pickup trucks, worked as a carpenter and at some point, I got into show business and made some money and was finally able to buy some cars.

AM: How did it happen that you became the guy that had so many Paul Newman cars?

AC: I always liked raced cars and I liked Datsuns for some weird reason. Paul Newman drove for Datsun at the beginning of his career and then he drove for Nissan. So I was collecting these Datsun race cars and these Paul Newman cars kept coming up! So I would go, “well it’s a Nissan race car – I’ll take it.” The Newman name was not as important to me at the time, but at a certain point it dawned on me that I was actually collecting Newman race cars and not Datsun race cars and that's when it started to turn and that’s when I started to focus a little more on just collecting the Newman stuff.

AM: You’re at The Chicago Auto Show. What do you love about the show and what are you looking forward to seeing?

AC: I love all the cars, they are all my children – sort of like Michael Jackson felt about the children of the world – but in a wholesome way! None of the later year stuff! I look at the cars like all of my children. You know the electric cars are like my step kids that have been in and out of juvi – I’m not that into. He can still sleep at the house, but he has to stay away from my beer.

AM: What do you think of the whole Exotic EV movement that’s going on?

AC: I think it’s fine, my wife has a Tesla, but it just died in the garage literally 2 days ago – there is nothing that we can do about it. They took it and said that they didn’t know what was wrong with it. We don’t know when we will be able to get it back to you. I like a car with an internal combustion engine in it and a car that I can dump some Castrol Edge into versus and electric car that doesn’t have a crank case.

AM: Well, I guess there won’t be any additional Exotic EV’s being added to your collection.

AC: No! We needed one car with an internal combustion engine in it to get around. Like I said, when the electric cars die – they just die! I’m pretty good at wrenching on cars, but I’m looking at a Tesla and it just says that it is dead and I don’t even know where to begin. Where if it was an old school car, I’d put it in neutral and bump start it or get out the cables and jumpstart it or try something.

AM: What trends are you seeing at the show that we should keep an eye out for?

AC: I'm seeing smaller motors - V8's giving way to V6’s, V6’s giving way to straight or in-line 4 Cylinder engines. They’re putting turbo chargers on them. They’re asking more of smaller engines and that’s where Castrol Edge comes in for maximum engine performance. You need a better lubrication because you’re asking for more out of a smaller engine.

AM: What are your 3 must hav3s that you have in your garage when you’re working on your cars?

AC: My 3 must hav3s are a metric set of sockets because I’m working on foreign stuff mainly, an IPA beer and Castrol Edge. And I’ll take a swig off of both of them – oh yeah!

AM: In terms of your tribe, who are 3 people that have influenced your career?

AC: Well, I would say God, but I am an atheist and then I’d say my dad, but I don’t really like him. I’ll say Paul Newman oh and there’s Jimmy Kimmel – I mean come on, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Jimmy Kimmel! I don’t like my dad, but I like Jimmy’s dad! So, I’ll say Jimmy’s dad, Paul Newman and Jimmy Kimmel!

By the way, Jimmy’s dad is a Jim Kimmel, but for some reason, we don’t call him Jr!

AM: Alright, those are some pretty great picks. It was so much fun talking to you about Paul Newman, cars and Jimmy Kimmel! Is there anything that we should keep an eye out for?

AC: If you guys want to see a pretty cool video, go to Castrol Edge USA’s channel on YouTube and see me driving the wheels off this Audi RA!

IG @AdamCarolla

You can also enjoy hearing Adam Carolla's interview with us right now on our show, #TRIBEGOALS which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast shows

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see More Power with Adam Carolla in mag.

NEW YORK BRIDAL FASHION WEEK | LEGENDS ROMONA KEVEZA

The glamour of the 40’s and the 50’s came to LEGENDS Romona Keveza’s runway show at her stunning Rockefeller Plaza salon during New York Bridal Fashion Week for Spring 2020. This collection included regal looks and of course we’re sharing our 3 favorite looks.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | GET YOUR SWIMWEAR READY

We know that some of our readers may be battling the remnants of snow, while others have enjoyed amazing weather. No matter where you're based, we're thinking one thing - swimwear. Pretty soon, all of us will be able to rock our favorite suits and with so many days of summer coming on the horizon - we had to talk with Monica Hansen of Monica Hansen Beachwear. This swimwear model, Miss Norway 1997, reality show star and host launched a line that has been a cult favorite and opened FUNKSHION's Miami Swim show last year. We talked with her about her passion for swimwear, how she goes about creating her collection, her upcoming show for Miami Swim and where we can find her hanging in Las Vegas where she is based!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to creating your swim line, tell us about what you are up to previously as we know you modeled and were Miss Norway 1997!

MONICA HANSEN: I started modeling when I was 14, so it was a long time. I started out as a model and I used to do a lot of swimwear modeling, everything from runway to then getting into TV, hosting, some reality shows. Some people when they want to become models, they want to do it so that they can become famous or to become an actress – for me I was really into fashion photography and things behind the camera as opposed to being in front of the camera haha! Believe it or not, I am actually camera shy! I can’t take selfies unless I’m really drunk. I’m fine when it is a professional camera or it’s in my mind that I am going to be on TV to host, I’m fine and I’m on it. But when a friend or someone close to me wants to take a family or a group picture, I become shy and I just can’t do it – but I made a living doing it this way! It’s always been out of my comfort zone. When I’m modeling, I’m thinking that I creating art – professional work and so I know that it makes sense that I will be a part of this art. It’s really strange, I don’t know why I am like that, but it’s just the way that it has always been for me!

My passion is that I really do love photography and I do love art! I love creating and I have always been a business woman – even when I was modeling, in order to get work, you have to manage yourself like a business as there is a lot of marketing. Many people think that just because you have an agent, you’re set – but you really have to take charge to put yourself out there. Since I have always been an artist at heart, creating bathing suits was a natural transition for me from a design standpoint as well as other parts of this business. I really do enjoy doing this even more then modeling!

AM: What was the moment that you told yourself that you were going to create your own swim line?

MH: I guess that I always wanted to – it was just a matter of time. The timing was right because I was starting to get some recognition in my home country because I did a lot of TV and I thought, I should probably get some product out there. Previously, I had done a lot of swimwear and had worked for a line that is very well known now and one time the owner told me that she didn’t have a sales rep, but that she knew that I had worked with her for so long that I knew the line by heart. She had an emergency as she had buyers coming and didn’t have the sales rep so I ended up being the sales rep and I got to see all of the numbers and I was like, “I’m in the wrong business!”

I started with swimwear not because it’s the easiest – it’s actually complicated. You have to understand the bodies, the fit and the stretch and how it changes with different cuts of fabric with your patterns. I never went to design school, but I make all of the paper patterns myself.

AM: Really!

MH: Yeah because I can draw and I had a mentor that would help me and a designer girlfriend of mine. She taught me how to do the paper patterns, I was able to pick it up and now I am able to do them myself. I do the whole collection myself, I run the business myself as well! We’re a small business so I’m the CEO, but I still manage everyone as well as doing the designing. It’s a lot, but with swimwear, it’s cheaper production in general although all of my fabrics are 100% Italian and I wanted to create something that I could produce and not have to worry about a larger production where I would have to worry about investors. Hopefully we will expand into more beachwear, but right now we’re focused on swimwear.

AM: Who would you say is the Monica Hansen Beachwear girl?

MH: It’s interesting because our target market is that we are trendy so we focus on a younger girl, but believe it or not, we have a 95 year old woman wearing our line and sending me pictures! It used to be that you could say that a number of swimwear designers were focused on younger generations, but now I feel like more people are wearing it and it’s more acceptable to wear it out even outside of the beach. I mean we had Christie Brinkley just wear it in Sports Illustrated and she was just in my bathing suit and she looked amazing! I would say that any confident woman that is all ages. What I did with my swimwear is that we have a lot of mix and match so I have like 7 bottoms that can go with a top. So the good thing about that is that you can buy 2 tops with 2 or 3 bottoms and every time you pair them together, it looks like a different suit. Also, everybody’s body is different. I purposely did it like that because sometimes you will go somewhere and say I love the top, but I don’t love the bottom with it – and that happens with every woman! Were all so different and we cater to everyone. I have suits for everybody in every shape. Some of our suits are a little more sexy and more revealing, but I feel that every woman in any shape wants to feel sexy and hot no matter what you are. Regardless of your shape, you’re not saying, “I want to wear this big diaper.”

AM: That is what has drawn us to your line the versatility, recognizing that that there are a number of shapes out there and the quality construction and fabrication!

MH: When I first started, I began with small, medium and large. Now, we have XS and XL and actually, the grading is a lot tighter. I made them as opposed to a whole size up – doing a half size up.! Because when you do 3 sizes, you’re missing the in-between and the grading becomes a bigger gap. So when you add the XS and XL, you’re bridging the gap where someone would say that it is a little too small or a little too big. Because of the fabrics that have stretch, you’re even luckier due to the 4 way stretch which makes it fit just right.

I used to have 100s of bathing suits and yet I would only wear 2 that were my favorite. They were the most comfortable, they didn’t have metals on them, etc. So when I design, I think of something that’s classic, great style and colors that go well with the skin tone. It’s also about having fabrics that feel good because you don’t want something that feels tight sitting on top of you and that makes marks. I’m trying to focus on fabrics that give you that hold and stretch but when you wear it, it doesn’t feel like you have anything on. My focus was keeping it fashionable and also being inspired by the 90s as I love that time period because it’s kind of my generation also! These suits are a higher cut because it gives women a longer look and it compliments every woman’s body. It’s more of a minimalist approach.

AM: We couldn’t agree more. When we looked through your Instagram, we know you have a number of the 90s supermodels on your page. But even when you don’t see them, the suits do give off the 90s “It Girl” vibe which is so classic and timeless juxtaposed against the Bardot elements of the line. It’s fun and has core pieces that you can truly wear over and over.

MH: Absolutely, I mean think about leopard that is a classic print that someone can wear as it will always come back and never fade. All of my colors are custom made and I’m very particular. When I first got into this because I didn’t go to fashion school or anything, I would look at these suits that just came with these stock colors and I would look at this bright orange and say, “Oh my God how do you wear this?” As it’s something that my grandmother would wear.” What sets us a part is that even though everyone can copy and try to do the same thing, people will copy you and that is part of what happens when something becomes part of the trend they make similar items. There is no copyright unless you make a print. It’s a compliment when I have seen some of the big brands copy us – it means that you’re in fashion and it will become trendy and there is a market for what you make.

What I have noticed is that when you have custom colors it makes it harder to do that as you’re mixing colors. It’s about the tones of the suit. We try to get colors that work on every skin tone as well.

AM: We can appreciate this because you have a gold tone on your website and it’s not brassy or more of an ancient, tone it’s just a great gold hue that we can see whether you’re fair, caramel complexion or olive in tone – it will work for you.

MH: I’m particular, I custom make every color except for black and white. Everything is made in Italy and I am proud of the fact that everything is Italian made! We have that stamp that says that we are 100% Italian made because from start to finish that is what we did. It wasn’t initially the plan to go that way, but when I started sourcing I consistently kept picking Italian fabrics. Our prices are in keeping with our competitors pricing but the difference is that when you buy their suits it’s not these quality fabrics manufactured in Italy, but our pricing is the same. I wanted to have quality.

AM: When you’re creating each season, what is this process like for you when you’re seeking inspiration and what is this process like for you when you’re deciding on your styles and cuts?

MH: Well that is the difficult thing. You have to be almost two years ahead when you’re designing. Because I have been in the fashion industry for so long and I was so tuned into it by looking at the editorials, photography, models and more – you can’t really go to school for that. It’s all about going into cycles were certain things are trendy and the predictions are difficult because it can be a bit hit or miss. All year around I pay attention to all of these factors and I see where the trend is going. The process is constant. I take tearsheets, screenshots and more and I have them in a folder where I put them together and label what that inspiration is. Then I start sourcing the fabrics. Right about now, the vendors have their 2020 selections available, so I sit down to then design. The process is that I get the idea and I do the sketches, the flat drawings and the paper patterns. Of course, the paper patterns – when they come in, there is a lot of back and forth between Italy which means a lot of late nights. There are a lot of video calls and more. It goes back and forth and then we get the final product – some works and some doesn’t. It’s a lot easier now because I have my classics that I do season to season and I can change the fabrics/colors or the trend idea. I also do runway pieces as well to have a little difference and we build them around the core collection. It’s a long process and it’s a difficult one. Being creative is not logical – when you’re creative, you can’t just always do it on demand. Some days you’re more that way and other times you’re not. So when you are pressured by time and a deadline, it’s not easy. Creating for yourself is great because you know what you like, but there are more elements involved when it’s for a range of women so it’s like being locked in a box and still being creative!

AM: Will Monica Hansen Beachwear be heading to Miami Swim this year?

MH: YES! We opened their Fashion Week last year and that was the first year to do a big show with the FUNKSHION platform. It was a big show and we had 30 models along with a full house. It was amazing we has Sports Illustrated, Elle Magazine. It was overwhelming and a lot of pressure because we knew that some people didn’t know who we were as we’re still a growing brand. People had heard enough that they were curious. More then just opening Miami Swim it was also my first show to do. I wanted it to be a big brand and I learned a lot from last year and we will do it even bigger this year!

There are a lot of brands that don’t have to do the fashion shows but where we are, we’re in that phase where we need to do that. We do 3 big events there that include the stores, the influencers, and it’s becoming such a big deal with that show and it’s like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and it cost a fortune too!

AM: How would you describe your line for 2019?

MH: Definitely 90s influenced, retro and the main piece of our line is called Bardot. The reason that we called it that is because we did that shoot in St Tropez and our model looked like her! That particular suit that she is wearing is actually from the 70s and so it’s a little like a spin off of that, but is inspired by that time. We have the animal print, there are colors that are more earthy tones and a bit of a safari/military aesthetic because we have the olive green. The summer/spring will still have the leopard which started last summer and trended into the winter so it will be there through the summer.

AM: So when you’re sitting poolside or at the beach, what are your 3 must hav3s that you love having?

MH: Obviously one of my bathing suits that I have made! There is a sunscreen that I like with a doctor friend of mine, Dr. Garth Fisher MD – Doc Block, that it’s the only medical sunscreen that you can actually wear makeup over and it’s healthy for the skin. It is clinically approved and I swear by it! I also bring a spray bottle with water and I like to bring virgin coconut oil for my hair. Coconut is also a natural sunscreen and is really good for you! I’m a huge fan of natural products and hydration.

AM: So you’re based in Vegas, we’d love to know where you enjoy going out for a meal/cocktail, where we could find you working out and of course where you like to shop!

MH: Oh boy! So I do Mega Pilates and it’s not like your grandma’s pilates. It’s called Mega Pilates and it has a reformer and it’s called Studio Remixx. It’s one of the toughest things that you can do and I have done everything because I’m a fitness fanatic. I do that 4 times a week. My favorite place to go out to for dining is Estiatorio Milos at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I love the Apex Social Club at the Palms Casino Resort – which is more loungey. I love to shop at the Fashion Show Mall, but I also like the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace as they have the high end shops like La Perla! It’s always so packed with people but it’s one of the most beautiful malls.

PHOTOS COURTESY | Monica Hansen

IG @MonicaHansenBeachwear

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Get Your Swimwear Ready in mag.

NEW YORK BRIDAL FASHION WEEK | BERTA

Yesterday, we enjoyed seeing Berta’s Milano Collection during New York Bridal Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2020 which included bridal gowns as well as evening wear. This ethereal pieces floated down the runway with shimmer, glitz and cut outs. Once again, we came away with a number of pieces for our athleisure girls that showcase the hard work that we put into our studio workouts!

Check out the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

NEW YORK BRIDAL FASHION WEEK | ROMONA KEVEZA COLLECTION

This morning, we spent our morning at Romona Keveza’s NYC headquarters at Rockefeller Plaza in order to see her Romona Keveza Collection Spring 2020 which showcased stunning bridal wear that is for the modern bride regardless of her personality which is reflective of The Minimalist, The Fashionista, The Aristocrat and The Principessa.

The favorite from this show omes from The Minimalist aesthetic. She presented the first look, a Pearl Halter Gown which features a criss-cross front and back detail made of stretch crepe. The first look entered with a stretch crepe floor length cape which can be worn with any gown to add that dramatic flare while keeping your shoulders covered in a glamorous way. This silhouette allows for this bride to showcase her physique from her studio sessions at her favorite barre and jump rope class.

From The Fashionista, this Rose Petal Fluted Gown is made of 5-ply silk crepe and features a plunging v-neckline with embellished bodice and side illusion cut outs. In addition, the gown has detachable floor length sleeves. It’s yet another gown that presents the athleisure girl’s silhouette that is toned to prepare her for her wedding that day. The inclusion or the removal of the sleeves adds a dramatic regal element.

With The Principessa, the final look from this morning’s show is the Candlelight Illusion Ball Gown Made of Stardust Lace, Featuring a Plunging V-Neckline, String of Diamonds at the Waist and a Detachable Shoulder Tails. This ball gown silhouette which evokes princess vibes and has such an angelic look.

Read from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | TSION CAFE

Beejhy Barhany, an Israeli Ethiopian opened Tsion Cafe in 2014 in Harlem's historic Sugar Hill district. Her goal was to bring the Ethiopian and Mediterranean healthy culture and living to the Harlem community because this area was her home. The location of Tsion Cafe is famously known for being Jimmy's Chicken Shack. Back in the 40's, that's where Malcolm X and Redd Foxx were frequently spotted hanging out and where jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker Jr., washed dishes before his big break.

She sees Tsion Cafe as a medley of Ethiopian, Israeli and American cultures. Guests can enjoy these foods,

live music and art of the community when dining at Tsion Cafe.

Three signature dishes that should be enjoyed is the Ethiopian Veggie Combo - Shiro atakilt, red lentil, kik alicha, gomen, beets served with injera; Tsion Eggs - caramelized onions, smoked salmon with injera and Shakshuka - 4 poached organic eggs sauteed with organic tomato, onion, pepper, spices and cilantro with bread.

Inerja comes with a number of the meals at Tsion Cafe, it is made with teff grain, a tiny round grain that is native to Ethiopia, it is also gluten free. The fermentation process takes about 3-5 days. This process is what gives injera its mildly vinegary (sour) taste. At Tsion our injera is made in-house, so it is always fresh.

Teff is rich in protein and contains many essential vitamins and minerals that are good for your digestive system, metabolism and immune system.

The dishes are from recipes that were passed down from her grandmother and mother and live on as a legacy to celebrate them at Tsion. These women influenced and shaped her into the woman she is proud to be today. Due to her global travels, she has added her twist and flavor to these already flavorful dishes.

Beejhy wanted to tell her story. As an Ethiopian-Jewish women in Israel and then the US, the narrative of Judaism did not include the thousands of years of history and cultural relevance that the Ethiopian Jewish community added to the larger story of Judaism. She started a non-for profit that created cultural showcases in the NY tri-state area, encouraging filmmakers and artists to have the opportunity to exhibit their works while promote the cultural heritage of the Ethiopian Jewish community. In doing these regularly, food became a cultural staple at these showcases. The response encouraged her to open the restaurant. It was an important way to showcase her culture in the community, and food is the gateway to learning a new culture.

Guests can enjoy a brand new menu that includes appetizers/bar menu, dinner and brunch which included Falafel. Recently, they introduced new handcrafted spirits to the drink menu. Patrons can enjoy their outdoor patio area while enjoying their meals.

TSION CAFE

763 St Nicholas Ave

NY, NY 10031

www.tsioncafe.com

IG @tsioncafe

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Tsion Cafe in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | AKT

Anna Kaiser is the Founder of AKT, one of the nation's fastest growing luxury boutique fitness franchise concepts. Growing up as a dancer, Anna constantly struggled to find ways to keep herself in shape. She opened her first studio on the Upper East Side in 2013. Anna wanted to create a culture and a brand that combined the personalization of private training with the community and electric experience that a boutique studio offers. AKT has an incredible fit following, with notables such as Kelly Ripa and Shakira.

She found that the consumer would plateau after only a few months of working out at a single modality studio (barre, Pilates, yoga, spin, etc.) because the workout wasn’t changing. AKT was a solution to provide members with an ever-changing workout experience focused on something no other fitness concept does — a kinetic approach to physical wellness with a cutting edge in pop fitness culture.

AKT is a full-body workout that combines cardio-dance intervals with strength and training. AKT offers four unique class modalities: Dance, Bands, Circuit and Tone.

Dance: A dance-based interval workout that pairs dance, cardio and toning.

Bands: A unique interval workout that uses overhead bands and a box to work on full-body conditioning.

Tone: Tone is our strength-focused low-impact muscle endurance class, that ends with a guided foam roll.

Circuit: Circuit is our timed full-body power and strength class.

Guests at AKT have access to towels, water and an AKT retail shop.

AKT On Demand is available to download and has over 800 subscribers per month. From the beach to the gym or your hotel suite, AKT's streaming workout videos are available to help you continue your AKT program. New content is added every week and you can choose which class to take based on what equipment you have with you any how much time you have.

AKT

Locations are currently in NYC, The Hamptons and Connecticut. Additional locations will open in LA, Miami, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Westchester, Charlottesville, New Jersey and Arizona.

www.theakt.com

IG @TheAKTStudios

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and read ATHLEISURE LIST | AKT in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

DAISY JONES AND THE SIX

Ballantine Books

Taylor Jenkins Reid

When an iconic band comes together and then splits, everyone wants to know what were the reasons behind it - especially when it happens at the height of their career when they seemed unstoppable! We're introduced to Daisy in the late sixties who hangs out on the Sunset Strip sneaking into clubs, sleeping with rockstars and dreaming of her own turn when she can perform at Whisky a Go Go. When she hits 20, she's beautiful and is getting noticed.

At the same time, The Six, a band led by Billy Dunne is also doing well and on the night of their first tour, he finds that his girlfriend is pregnant and he gets a bit wild on the road.

A producer realizes that if Daisy and Billy combined their powers, they would become legendary and this coupling is the baseline of this novel. We learn about the journey of these two forces in the sixties and seventies and how they eventually would fall apart when they seemed so unstoppable.

GINGERBREAD

Riverhead Books

Helen Oyeyemi

We have all read our share of children's books where gingerbread is talked about. In this book, the magic of gingerbread hits another level in looking at it as a family legacy in the form as an inheritance as a recipe.

We meet Perdita Lee a British schoolgirl and her mother Harriet Lee who is looking to step into the school social hierarchy. As normal as they seem, the two share a gold painted 7th floor walk up with verbal vegetation and there is the fact that they make gingerbread. Although it goes unnoticed in London, it is sought after in Druhástrana, her mother's hometown.

Throughout the book which spans decades, we learn of family grudges, jealousies, real estate and more with the backdrop of gingerbread which binds the family together and holds their true value.

GIRLS WITH SHARP STICKS

Simon Pulse

Suzanne Young

When reading this, you will think of Westworld meets The Handsmaid's Tale. The Girls of Innovations Academy are beautiful and well-behaved. Under the watchful gaze of their Guardian, they receive a well-rounded education as obedient girls, free from arrogance, troublesome opinions or individual interests.

But the controlled existence is a facade. As Mena and her friends uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually happening there—and who they really are—the girls of Innovations Academy fight back.

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

S1. E7. | #TRIBEGOALS WITH RON BOSS

On this week's #TRIBEGOALS we caught up with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Ron Boss whose clients include: Ne-Yo and Kevin Hart. He shares how he came into the fitness industry, his approach to working with clients, his partnership with Cellucor, how important it is engaging audiences at fitness events, as well as his social media is in order to showcase his brand and vision.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE EIGHT LIST

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Eight List in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read more from the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

THE THREAD

OZY

Spotify

When things happen in life, they are not only isolated events - even when you think that they are disconnected. In this podcast by the OZY team, they explore an event that takes place and showcases the connections throughout history (even when they are decades apart) to make them happen. If you have to check this out, you can go back to Season 1 in order to see how John Lennon, JD Salinger, Eugene O'Neill and Lenin are all connected to historic events that led to their iconic moments.

As you binge the seasons, you'll hear more threads that will give you pause about cause and effect and the power of influence and how intersectionality really is a motif that takes place in our history.

THE BURGER SHOW

First We Feast

Youtube

Earlier this month, we attended the launch of Season 3 of The Burger Show, sponsored by no-contract wireless service provider, SIMPLE Mobile. This season launched on March 5th on First We Feast’s YouTube channel with 6 episodes, highlighting the history of burgers through the celebration of innovation within the industry.

To kick off its season, Chef Alvin Cailin of EggSlut and NYC's The Usual located at the Nolitan Hotel - unveiled his latest cheeseburger "The Transformer" (a mixture of a Oklahoma fried onion burger and a Tennessee deep-fried patty, blanketed by Connecticut-style crispy cheese) to foodies while enjoying the premier episode with Tony Hawk which was projected on a massive screen outside of the restaurant across the street. Chef Cailin loves that he can translate his love for burgers into this series. Unlike the first two seasons, viewers will enjoy seeing burger culture across the US, whether Chef Cailin is remaking iconic burgers from Shake Shack or In-N-Out or he is making creations with a number of his celeb friends and tastemakers. It's worth noting that fans won't have to wait too long for Season 4 as this will debut later on this year with new burgers to explore and to create!

#TRIBEGOALS

Athleisure Studio

Apple Podcast

We’re all about tribes. We join those that speak to us and align with our vibe. In #TribeGoals, we sit down with key changemakers as they share some of their inspirations, thinking and flow with creating, building and joining their communities.

#TribeGoals features guests who share stories and memorable moments with Industry and lifestyle leadership from wellness, fitness, and style to sports, entertainment and entrepreneurship. Hear about how our featured guests #TribeGoals and what fuels those tribes, passions and members.

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THE REWIND | CATCHING UP WITH MIA KANG

A few weeks back, we had the chance to hang out with model, body activist and Muay Thai fighter, Mia Kang. In addition, our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie had the chance to take a class with her, spar a bit and more courtesy of Built with Chocolate Milk Campaign. It’s worth noting that a number of athletes enjoy a glass of chocolate milk after working out or playing a game as it has a lot of protein and nutrients that fuel your body. We have to say that after taking the class with her at Church Street Boxing Gym (a place that she goes to frequently), we will definitely add this to our routine. After the class and a great panel of amazing women who are changemakers in their industries, we took a few moments to chat it up with Mia as we always know that she’s on the go, creating change and looking fabulous doing it!

ATHLEISURE MAG: It was so fun being able to work out with you and to get great tips. As someone who has been in the industry as a model, we are intrigued by how you identify 3 body types can you share this with our readers?

MIA KANG: In the fashion world, there is a Sample Size. All fashion models, and I have known this since I modeled at 13 years old - there is a strict measurement list where you must fit into sample sizes. These are the sizes that designers make clothes in and you have to fit into them and there is no wiggle room That’s roughly between a size 0 and a size 4. Then came the breakthrough of Plus Size and that technically within the fashion industry is a size 14 and above. And that in itself is an entire industry - there are certain agencies as well as designers that specify in that size range and models that support that. There was no representation for anything in between! When I got healthy and I moved out of Sample Size range and I was in the middle, between these two - I kept getting calls by designers, casting directors and companies that I was too big or too small. That really started to bother me because I couldn’t understand why that middle range which is what most women identify with was totally underrepresented by in the industry. It’s the idea of being too something - none of us are too anything and if we’re supporting diversity, why are we representing the two extremes? What we should be focusing on is health.

I am someone who has been a size 14 and a size 0 and I wasn’t healthy or happy either way. Finally, now that I am healthy and I am happy, how can I be too anything? It was too counter-intuitive for me. I kind of decided to make space for myself and I deemed that middle/in-between size as Street Size.

AM: Being in a healthy space and you recently walked Christian Siriano’s show during NYFW FW19 - how was that for you and what does it mean to have designers that embrace across the spectrum?

MK: Walking for Christian Siriano was amazing for me. That was something that I said to myself that I wanted to do. Christian is so authentically and genuinely - not only representative of diversity but also understanding and appreciating the female form. A year ago, I was told that I was never going to be able to walk NYFW - I either needed to be bigger or I needed to be smaller and the fact that I walked his show and managed to make space for myself in the industry, I think is hopefully the beginning of true diversity.

AM: So you’re a Muay Thai fighter as apart of your fitness - will you be doing fights where you are looking to go after titles?

MK: I want to fight more. I can’t wait to get back into the ring It is something that is very special to me. It’s not something that I do as my career. It is something that brought me back to my health. It’s a really precious part of me and I don’t ever want to ruin that. I never want to turn it into a business or something that I have to do. I want to keep it as part of myself and my soul - do you know what I mean? So, first and foremost, I want to protect that so whatever happens - happens. I don’t know - I wake up everyday and make it up as I go along and see what happens.

AM: You have beautiful skin. What are your 3 favorite beauty products? I know you were talking about masks earlier as I love a good one as I’m all about J-Beauty and K-Beauty!

MK: My 3 favorite beauty products oh my God! I’m a really simple person and not into elaborate beauty so I am going to go with Dr Jart Face Masks - all the way! I’m going to go with Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I’m all about a face mist! Basically, hydration is my thing so I like to stay hydrated all the time. I’m also all about lips and I need to have them moisturized at all times and I just found, the greatest product of all time - Dr. Lipp Nipple Cream. You put a little bit on your lips and you’re shit is glistening and you feel amazing. It’s bouncy and looks great. It sounds crazy but I put it there, on my cuticles and under my eyes - I swear by it!

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STYLE FILES | SS19

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CHANGE UP YOUR LOOK FOR YOUR NEXT STUDIO SESSION

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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ATHLEISURE MAG | #40 MAR 2019

This month Athleisure Mag is covered by Wilhelmina models’ Mietta (Front Cover) and Theresa (Back Cover). This issue also includes interviews with Celebrity Fitness Trainer to Ne-Yo and Kevin Hart – Ron Boss, model and swimwear designer Monica Hansen of Monica Hansen Beachwear, Adam Carolla with car trends and Chef Navarro of TREVI in Las Vegas in this month’s The Art of the Snack.

As always, we have a number of our features and roundups that we include in each issue and on some articles, you will see links to our multimedia podcast network, Athleisure Studio (#TRIBEGOALS, Athleisure Kitchen, The Road to Tokyo 2020 and Bungalow SK) and is on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and additional platforms.

Read more from the March Issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE SECRET TO LESS STRESS: HAVING A PET AROUND

PHOTO COURTESY | Roberto Nickson

Have you been looking for a way to deal with your stress?

Here's a secret that many are not aware of – simply having a pet around can significantly reduce your stress levels!

This is something that has been proven by science countless times, and the fact that owning a pet brings with it so many other advantages too is just another bonus.

HOW DO PETS HELP WHEN DEALING WITH STRESS? 

The idea that pets can help with stress is hard for some to believe, but there are now more studies than ever that prove this.

When you are stressed, your body releases certain hormones, such as cortisol. These hormones put your body into “fight or flight” mode, which is something that used to help our ancestors deal with stressful situations (since these were usually life or death matters!).

In small amounts, there is absolutely nothing wrong with cortisol. In fact, it can even have its benefits.

However, today's modern day lifestyle means that cortisol levels often remain elevated in a person's body for an extended period of time. This chronic stress causes a number of different health problems, from high blood pressure and muscle weakness to mood swings, depression and anxiety.

So, how do pets help with this?

Simply having contact with a pet, or even just watching your pet, has the effect of lowering the amount of stress hormones in your body.

Not only that, but this contact can also lower the heart rate and blood pressure while calming feelings of fear and anxiety.

HOW DO PETS HELP TO PREVENT STRESS?

Helping to lower your stress levels in times of stress are just one of the ways in which pets can help...

Having a pet around also helps to prevent stress from occurring in the first place!

How?

Well, to begin with, owning a pet means that your blood pressure, heart rate, anxiety levels, and everything else are kept more steady and consistent. This makes you so much better equipped to deal with stressful situations in a calmer and more rational way.

Pets also help to combat feelings of loneliness, which is something that exacerbates stress. Not only do they provide so much unconditional love and companionship, but they also encourage socialization with other pet owners.

Certain pets, such as dogs, also require plenty of exercise and outdoor time. This has been proven to make a huge difference when it comes to keeping stress at bay (learn more here).

FINDING YOUR PERFECT PET

When pets are mentioned, most people immediately think of a dog or a cat.

There is no denying that those animals can really make a huge difference when dealing with stress, and bring with them a number of other benefits too.

However, a dog or a cat isn't for everyone...

If you aren't at home much, or have physical limitations, you may be better off with a pet that is easier to care for, such as a bird or a fish. These animals can provide the same stress-busting benefits as a dog or a cat, so keep an open mind when choosing a pet.

Stress can really take its toll on a person's overall health, which is why it is so important to minimize your stress as much as possible. Having a pet around is one of the easiest ways to do this, and will also make your life so much more enjoyable in general too!

Read more from the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.