9PLAYLIST | PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, YOU, DOLLFACE AND FOUNDER OF BEIS, SHAY MITCHELL

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, YOU, DOLLFACE AND FOUNDER OF BEIS, SHAY MITCHELL in mag.

TRENDS THAT WILL REDEFINE SPORTS AS A LIFESTYLE CHOICE

Sport is becoming a lifestyle for many people, and now more than ever, it is becoming a critical topic that will continue to shape the coming decade. But our perception of sports is changing as a result of trends in mobility, fitness, globalization, and digital technology. The impact of these trends will significantly improve not only behavior but also the success of the sports industry in general.

Mobility means sports should be brought to the people and not the other way around

We live in a society that is continually moving. Most people now adopt a routine where certain fixed tasks are done on the go. Even sports betting has gone completely mobile with the help of devices. As the demand for increased productivity continues to grow, fitness and sports commodities should be able to keep up with the flexible lifestyles of consumers.

The shift towards informal sports communities

For many decades, there is a certain prestige to being a member of an exclusive or elite sports club. Nowadays, however, mobility and flexibility are challenging the status quo by doing away with expensive memberships and contracts. Many people like the aspect of socialization in these fitness clubs, but in a more informal setting. Since there is also a growing focus on living healthier lifestyles, there are online communities you can join if you want to take up a certain sport.

The generation of millennials is more concerned about convenience instead of exclusivity. As sports and fitness become more accessible, the market for sports equipment and merchandise is also experiencing steady growth.

Technology plays an essential role in training

Although there is an increasing trend in adopting a healthier lifestyle through sports and fitness, there is still an overwhelming enthusiasm for technology and consumerism. In line with this, tech giants have ventured into fitness accessories and gadgets like the FitBit, Apple Watch, and other tools used to monitor one’s health. These devices are not only helping people keep track of their progress, but also become more conscious about their health.

Wearable fitness tech in the coming years will likely become more sophisticated. And while the initial market is the general public, many of these manufacturers will also target professional athletes and provide them with next-level devices to augment their training.

Digitalization of the sports industry

Digital technology is only going to continue revolutionizing how we experience sports, whether as participants or spectators. Innovation such as augmented and virtual reality is likely going to be applied in sports entertainment as well. For example, fans may begin to experience the sport they love through virtual reality devices. This will not only add a new dimension to spectatorship but make the experience more interactive and engaging for fans.

Redefining sports as a lifestyle

Sports is becoming a lifestyle choice for many people. As such, everyone is now free to choose how they want to adopt the sport they love as part of their fitness regimen. Indeed the sports industry should listen and respond to the needs of consumers as they become more in tune with using sports not only as a pastime but as a significant part of their daily lives.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S24. E1. | LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Tonight is the night - 3 hours of just focusing on those looking to win The Bachelor’s heart, Hannah Brown and of course Peter! Moments ago, we just finished tweeting the season premier of ABC’s The Bachelor which you can join in show (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!

Each week we will let you know who our faves were last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns if we were choosing right now! We will also say who we think should take it all.

We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) talking about the 30 women for this upcoming season as they had just received the imagery as well as the bios!

---

LAST EPISODE

We were all about Courtney, Eunice, Natasha and Tammy. We had Eunice as the winner of Peter’s heart! Eunice will take it all.

WEEK 1

This week, we continue with Natasha from our initial post and added Hannah Ann, Kelley and Lauren. We think that Lauren could definitely take it all.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

KELLEY

NATASHA

LAUREN

---

ALAYAH, 24 - Miss Texas 2019; San Antonio, TX

ALEXA, 27 - Esthetician; Chicago, IL

AVONLEA, 27 - Cattle Rancher; Fort Worth, TX

COURTNEY, 26 - COSMETOLOGIST; Venice, FL

DEANDRA, 23 - Home Care Coord; Plano, TX

EUNICE, 23 - Flight Attendant; Chicago, IL

HANNAH ANN, 23 - Model; Knoxville, TN

JADE, 26 - Flight Attendant; Mesa, AZ

JASMINE, 25 - Client Relations Mgr; Houston, TX

JENNA, 22 - Nursing Student; New Lennox, IL

KATRINA, 28 - Pro Sports Dancer; Chicago, IL

KELLEY, 27 - Attorney; Chicago, IL

KELSEY, 28 - Professional Clothier; Des Moines, IA

KIARRA, 23 - Nanny; Kennesaw, GA

KYLIE, 26 - Ent Sales Assoc; Santa Monica, CA

LAUREN, 26 - Marketing Executive; Glendale, CA

LEXI, 26 - Marketing Coordinator; NY, NY

MADISON, 23 - Foster Parent Recruiter; Auburn, AL

MAURISSA, 23 - Patient Care Coord; Atlanta, GA

MEGAN, 26 - Flight Attendant; San Francisco, CA

MYKENNA, 22 - Fashion Blogger; Langley, British Colmbia, Canada

NATASHA, 31 - Event Planner; NY, NY

PAYTON, 23 - Biz Dev Rep; Wellesley, MA

SARAH, 24 - Medical Radiographer; Knoxville, TN

SAVANNAH, 27 - Realtor; Houston, TX

SHIANN, 27 - Admin Asst; Las Vegas, NV

SYDNEY, 24 - Retail Mktg Mgr; Birmingham, AL;

TAMMY, 24 - House Flipper; Syracuse, NY

VICTORIA F., 25 - Med Sales Rep; Virgina Beach, VA

VICTORIA P., Nurse; Alexandria, LA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

GOLDEN GLOBES 2020 | NOMINEES + WINNERS

The 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards took place last night to kick off the official Awards Season. Check out the winners below.

As usual our predictions (bold), winners (italicized) and predictions that became awards winners (bold italicized).

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

1917

The Irishman

Joker

Marriage Story

The Two Popes

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Dolemite is My Name

Jojo Rabbit

Knives Out

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Rocketman

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Cynthia Erivo, Harriet

Scarlett Johansson, Marriage Story

Saoirse Ronan, Little Woman

Charlize Theron, Bombshell

Renée Zellweger, Judy

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Christian Bale, Ford v. Ferrari

Antonio Banderas, Pain and Glory

Adam Driver, Marriage Story

Joaquin Phoenix, Joker

Jonathan Pryce, The Two Popes

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Awkwafina, The Farewell

Cafe Blanchett, Where’d You Go Bernadette?

Ana de Armas, Knives Out

Beanie Feldstein, Booksmart

Emma Thompson, Late Night

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Daniel Craig, Knives Out

Roman Griffin Davis, Jojo Rabbit

Leonardo DiCaprio, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Taron Egerton, Rocketman

Eddie Murphy, Dolemite is My Name

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE

Bong Joon Ho, Parasite

Sam Mendes, 1917

Todd Phillps, Joker

Martin Scorsese, The Irishman

Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE

Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story

Bong Joon Ho and Jin Won Han, Parasite

Anthony McCarten, The Two Popes

Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Steven Zaillian, the Irishman

BEST FOREIGN - LANGUAGE FILM

The Farewell

Les Miserables

Pain and Glory

Parasite

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

Frozen 2

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

The Lion King

Missing Link

Toy Story 4

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE

Alexandre Desplat, Little Women

Hildur Guonadottir, Joker

Randy Newman, Marriage Story

Thomas Newman, 1917

Daniel Pemberton, Motherless Brooklyn

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE

“Beautiful Ghosts” (Cats) - Taylor Swift + Andrew Lloyd Webber

“I’m Gonna Love Me Again” (Rocketman) - Elton John + Bernie Taupin

“Into the Unknown” (Frozen 2) - Robert Lopez + Kristen Anderson-Lopez

“Spirit” (The Lion King) - Beyonce Knowles-Carter, Timothy McKenzie + Ilya Salmanzadeh

“Stand Up” (Harriet) - Joshuah Brian Campbell + Cynthia Erivo

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

Kathy Bates, Richard Jewell

Annette Benning, The Report

Laura Dern, Marriage Story

Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers

Margot Robbie, Bombshell

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN ANY MOTION PICTURE

Tom Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Anthony Hopkins, The Two Popes

Al Pacino, The Irishman

Joe Pesci, The Irishman

Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Big Little Lives

The Crown

Killing Eve

The Morning Show

Succession

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Jennifer Aniston, The Morning Show

Olivia Colman, The Crown

Jodie Comer, Killing Eve

Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies

Reese Witherspoon, The Morning Show

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Brian Cox, Succession

Kit Harington, Game of Thrones

Rami Malek, Mr. Robot

Tobias Menzies, The Crown

Billy Porter, Pose

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Barry

Fleabag

The Kominsky Method

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Politician

BEST PERFORMANCES BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Christina Applegate, Dead to Me

Rachel Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Kirsten Dunst, On Becoming a God in Central Florida

Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL

Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method

Bill Hader, Barry

Ben Platt, The Politician

Paul Rudd, Living with Yourself

Ramy Youssef, Ramy

BEST TELEVISION LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Catch-22

Chernobyl

Fosse/Verdon

The Loudest Voice

Unbelievable

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Christopher Abbott, Catch-22

Russell Crowe, The Loudest Voice

Jarred Harris, Chernobyl

Sam Rockwell, Fosse/Verdon

Sacha Baron Cohen, The Spy

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Kaitlyn Denver, Unbelievable

Joey King, The Act

Helen Mirren, Catherine the Great

Merritt Wever, Unbelievable

Michelle Williams, Fosse/Verdon

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Patricia Arquette, The Act

Toni Collette, Unbelievable

Meryl Streep, Big Little Lies

Emily Watson, Chernobyl
Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Alan Arkin, The Kominsky Method

Kieran Culkin, Succession

Andrew Scott, Fleabag

Stellan Skarsgard, Chernobyl

Henry Winkler, Barry

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

CACAO BEAUTY

See the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and read Cacao Beauty in mag.

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEA PROTEIN POWDER

Protein is important in our body, whether we like it or not we need to have this kind of nutrient in our body. It gives us enough strength and energy to go on with our day. However, we don't naturally make proteins in our body, we have to intake it. This is why there is a variety of food that has protein which not all of them have good nutrients. You may consider eating your favorite meat or eggs but what comes next? A handful of saturated fats and cholesterol. And take note, "not-so-good cholesterol". Yes, you ingest it in your body but eating too much of it also causes health risk (read more).

Why Is Pea Protein Different?

You might remember when you were a kid, your parents will always force you to finish your meal even if it has peas on it. Some kids indulge to pair it with their meal, and some don't like the idea of eating such things. Well, the pea in the pea protein is quite different from what you usually saw and eat. It comes from the yellow pea then turns in to powder form, lastly used in juice and shakes. As I have mentioned there are many sources of protein but how is pea protein different? It’s because they are the top tier in the plant-based protein that has a lot of health benefits with no side effects.

Take note that some nutrient sources such as soy and whey have impacts on your health. In what way? Well, they can cause digestive problems in which it can bother your wellness and plans. Also, you can't escape the bloating that is really bothersome. For instance, soy can affect your hormones and a form of allergen that is not beneficial to many. Remember that you need to have a powerhouse of protein and not some sort of another problem in your body.

5 Health Benefits Of Pea Protein Powder

Benefit Your Kidney And Heart Health

Other forms of proteins have a side effect that causes cholesterol, but it does not work that way in pea protein. How come? Because it came from the yellow pea and studies have shown that it has components which help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Quite different from the other, in this way you are protected from heart disease and unwanted situations. It has been tested in animals and has a good point in the human study. Your kidney is also safe as it prevents any kind of problem as some source is harmful to the kidneys. Read more about this here: https://blogs.davita.com/kidney-diet-tips/green-pea-protein-powder/.

Help Muscle Growth

People who are regular in the gym and other training exercises must have heard that drinking protein shake or juice can really help your muscle growth. Testimonies everywhere, and guess what? It really does but not all practice it properly, because they think they can just rely on it without executing some workout. This is not the kind of mindset that you should have, you must know that to achieve your desired body you should also exert force and effort. You can intake it before or after your workout as it helps repair and rebuilds your tissue. It helps lower or regularize high blood pressure too (read more).

Essential Amino Acids And Allergen-Free Protein

There are nine required amino acids and our body needs it. To name these are leucine, lysine, histidine, isoleucine, tryptophan, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine and valine. See, they are really hard to remember and you might get a headache in trying to look for food and supplement that have all of them. That is why pea protein provides them easily for you, although it does not have enough methionine you can always have a minor alternative such as fish or brown rice. Pea protein is plant-based that is definitely vegan and tested and proven that it doesn't have the top eight food allergens. If it doesn't make you feel assured then it is up for you to check.

Can Help You Weight Loss

If it helped you with your muscle growth, then it can also help your weight loss journey. But on what terms? It keeps you full and controls your appetite that results in weight loss. You usually don't notice it at first as it has low calories that help your diet. It is a gradual process and you may or may not add some other source of protein to your diet. But if you have certain doubts which are understandable, you can ask your physician as it has different considerations in different types of bodies. Also, if you have any illness or conditions better make sure to have a professional opinion so that it won't cause complications.

Good Supply Of Energy

As this nutrient is essential to your health, it has a significant role in how your body processes and transports things. By now, you already have an idea about the cluster of foods and what it signifies. And it keeps your bone, muscles, and tissues healthy in this way you can exert and do many things. The amino acids will help you produce the energy that you need throughout the day. It is beneficial and pea protein is a complete package that can help you achieve it in one form. Check out this list on Urban Vegan for the best pea protein powder products to choose from.

Different Ways You Can Intake Your Pea Protein Powder

Even though you are aware that it is frequently mixed with juice or made into shakes you can always improvised and try other creative ways. People who want to have a unique and photo-worthy post-workout meal can mix it into waffles or brownies, which may or may not a good idea for many but why not? If you want to have a simple meal plus another nutrient source you can make brown rice cereal or wheat porridge. A morning head start can also be plain milk with pea powder, simple yet delicious and most especially healthy! And if you are not totally in a mood for a meal well, you can make it into a Popsicle or blended smoothie.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE PICK ME UP

Read Athleisure Mag’s Dec Issue and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

GAIN MONEY AT THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME VIA ONLINE SPORTS BETTING

Online gambling is a popular trend that is loved by many, and when you mix that with sports, you get a whole new different experience! You can do it easily at home without going anywhere, and the convenience of it all makes this pastime all the more enjoyable. Plus, you get to watch the sport you love.

Take a look at how lucrative sports betting can be with these simple steps.

Have a budget plan

A realistic budget plan is very important because you don't want to get carried away. You need to make enough money to compensate for bet placement fees and earn some extra cash as well.

This all partially depends on luck, so you need to have a specific amount of cash that you're willing to lose. That way, you won't get in big trouble if things don't go your way. Having a predetermined budget is easier for bet tracking purposes, too.

Choose a sport

This depends on the market and how good you know a specific sport. Sports scenes vary by country, so if you're in Indonesia, football or volleyball make the perfect choice for some judi online fun at home, while betting platforms have specified sections for those sports. Online platforms allow you to have fun while betting on a sport that you understand.

Plan everything out

When it comes to sports betting, a considerable amount of strategizing and planning is involved. You need to know which team is worth the risk and understand the odds and lines that other platforms have in store, too. You don't have to learn all the strategies, but know that some can make a huge difference. Also, you need to browse to see which platform has more bonuses or returns for you.

Research certain conditions

This is very important because it can make a huge difference to your bet placement decision; you need to learn about the players and their physical conditions. Make sure to check if any of them have had injuries that might hinder their performance. Moreover, you need to check weather forecasts because weather conditions can change the state of the game and make outcomes unpredictable. 

Bet on value

Whether you have a short term or a long term goal, you need to understand the concept of value. It's one of the best ways to make a profit in the long run. Remember to place your bets on games or teams that have a positive expected value. That way, your earnings are more profitable, especially when you understand the correlation between the odds and the expected outcome of the game. When the odds are higher, this brings in positive expected value.

Sports betting can be a great way to make some money on the side and if you do it right, you could make hundreds of thousands or even millions in profit! This type of betting is different than other gambling methods, so it's partially based on luck as well. You just have to be smart about it, and come up with the best strategy for placing your bets.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

STYLE FILES | PANTONE 2020

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Style Files | Pantone 2020 in mag.

IN OUR BAG | ALWAYS AT THE READY

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | Always at the Ready in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read the Dec issue of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.

HOW TO DRESS FOR A PLETHORA OF EVENTS

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress for a Plethora of Events in mag.

THE ESSENTIAL GEAR YOU WILL NEED WHEN FISHING

Going out fishing requires a decent amount of preparation beforehand as missing out on one small thing can mess up your entire trip. So, comprising a list of things that you need to carry along with you can help you remember to pack everything you need.

If you're still a beginner when it comes to fishing, then you don’t need to worry as this article will let you know all about the essential gear you'll require whenever you decide you want to fish.

The right fishing rod

A beginner might not know this, but there's a wide variety of fishing rods available, each serving a different purpose. Using the wrong fishing rod might result in a lower chance of catching fish. So, if you're thinking of going fishing, grab the right fishing rod for the type of fish you're expecting to catch. This also means that you need to know where you're going to be fishing as smaller bodies of water that contain smaller fish usually require a fly-fishing rod while fishing in the sea will require a sea fishing rod.

Extra fishing lines

Depending on where you're fishing, you're going to require multiple sets of different fishing lines to ensure that you have enough for your trip. You can run through a fishing line really quickly if it gets tangled up in the waters or there's a large fish that keeps biting it off, and this means that using another line that’s a little heavier and stronger might help you catch more fish. Using different weights of fishing lines heavily depends on the conditions of the water. If the water is very clear, you should use a thin line to make it difficult to spot. If the waters are a little rough, then going with a stronger string will be better as it can withstand the conditions of the water.

Fishing bait/lure

Stocking up your tackle box with a lot of fishing bait and the lure is one of the main things that fishermen keep forgetting to do. Running out of bait mid-trip can be really annoying, so making sure that your tackle box has enough bait for the duration of your trip is an essential thing before you head out to go fishing.

A flashlight 

Fishing heavily depends on the conditions of the water and during some seasons, like spring and summer, fishing is mostly done at dawn or dusk, which means that it can be pretty dark when you're outside on a fishing trip. Getting a flashlight to help you see while you're out there can greatly improve your fishing experience during those times. However, finding the right flashlight can be a little difficult without checking out the top rated tactical flashlights on the market. Checking reviews online is the best way to guarantee that the product you're thinking of buying will meet your expectations, so make sure you check out different websites that give detailed reviews of the best flashlights on the market.

Sunglasses

People often forget that the water reflects sunlight directly into your eyes, which can be really harmful to your vision in the long-run. Getting sunglasses with you when you go fishing can help prevent the sun from damaging your eyes and help you stay focused and alert during your trip.

A first-aid kit

Whenever you're out fishing, you must carry a first-aid kit around with, whether onshore or on a boat, you as fishing accidents are extremely common and having a kit for emergencies can help you tend to any cut, bruise or wound you encounter on your trip immediately and with ease.

Sunscreen

Having sunscreen with you on your trip and applying it before you begin fishing can save you from a nasty sunburn. While you're fishing, you're simply standing out in the sun for a long amount of time, so it's better to carry around some sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays while you fish.

While the things mentioned above are essential for any fishing trip, make sure you don’t forget your own personal preferences. If you enjoy snacking then carrying around a bunch of snacks can help you enjoy your trip a lot more, the same goes for anything that you prefer having with you on your trip. Writing a list and checking it before you leave to go on your fishing trip can help you not forget the important things you need with you. Just make sure that the list includes water as you need to always stay hydrated throughout.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ROCK THIS WHEN THE BALL DROPS AT MIDNIGHT

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Rock this When the Ball Drops at Midnight.

ATHLEISURE MAG | #48 DEC 2019

This month’s cover and back cover is the first female Iron Chef, Restaurateur and TV Personality Chef Cat Cora. Our shoot (as well as the interview which you can hear right now on Athleisure Kitchen) was photographed and recorded at 498 West End Ave #12A, a Louise Phillips Forbes Team property. We talked with Chef Cat Core about her phenomenal career, Cat Cora Inc, her caviar partnership and the phenomenal mentors that she has met along the way. In our feature, Something You Should Know, we sit down with Vello Virkhaus of Xite Labs to talk about his work as a visual designer for amazing EDM, pop artists and more at some of your favorite festivals. We talk about his upcoming project with Bad Bunny for his Puerto Rico concert as well as a number of iconic concerts he created visuals from. Another feature which can also be heard right now on Athleisure Kitchen is the owner of The Flatiron Room and Fine & Rare, Tommy Tardie who talks about his love of whiskey, creating an experience when coming to his venues as well as how he goes about selecting the whiskeys that are offered at his destinations. The Flatiron Room’s head bartender, Darron Foy also talks about cocktails that we should enjoy as well as what we need to know when we are making them at home.

In this month’s The Art of the Snack, we head to TSISMIS NYC to enjoy a twist to Filipino dishes as well as crafted cocktails. We also have our 2nd Holiday Gift Guide for this year for those that are still doing gift exchanges into the new year. 

As usual, we have our monthly roundups including our 9LIST (Athleisure Mag’s picks that we’re loving this month in style, beauty and fitness) featured roundups. This month’s 9LIST STORI3S (picks supplied by celebrities) gives us insight into the People’s Court Judge Marilyn Milian. This month’s 9PLAYLIST (9 songs that our celebs are loving this month) comes from, Actress (Pretty Little Liars, YOU, Dollface) YouTube and Founder of BEIS – Shay Mitchell. As always, you can enjoy Athleisure List ([solidcore] and Caffe Napoli and Napoli Pastry Co.), The Pick Me Up, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Style Files, Rock This When the Ball Drops at Midnight on NYE, Athleisure Beauty, How to Dress, In Our Bag, #TRIBEGOALS and Cacoa Beauty. We have a new pull out feature that we just launched in Athleisure Mag known as Bleisure Mag. Each month, you will see a hotel, restaurant, enjoying an array of experiences in that city and an airport lounge that’s worth checking out for your next flight.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag here.

WAYS TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME AT HOME

More often than not, we spend our days working to the very limit of our capabilities. The demands of being in the workforce are, as necessary as it may be, the biggest time constraint we have. Let’s say we take an eight hour day. Assuming we sleep anywhere from six to eight hours a night, work takes up almost a third of our lives, and more than half of our waking hours. That may as well be three-fifths of our perceived lifetime. With that in mind, it may be difficult figuring out what one would do during their free time. It’s almost a foreign concept that we pack with so many wants and goals. We often overlook the primary purpose of having free time: to rest and relax. So in the spirit of leisure and the enrichment of life, here are some of the best ways you can spend your free time at home. 

Learn About Wine!

Wine is a very layered and tiered subject. On one level, it’s all about enjoyment and celebration. It’s a drink. No more, and no less. On another level, it’s a massive industry that is focused on various markets and their perceived quality standard in each. And then you get to tasting and collecting. This is where wine turns into a blend of art and science. People spend their entire lives becoming high level sommeliers, cultured and experienced in every standard, the market offers, pitching the best in each sector. Now, you don’t have to be the best of the best, but gaining a bit of knowledge about wine is a great hobby to engage in. For starters, it’s fun. Wine tasting can’t be fun. To enjoy wine like the pros, you can pick a top rated wine aerator and pick up on the hints, flavors, and tannins that wine connoisseurs rave about. But in the end, it’s all about having fun. In no way is wine supposed to be 100% accurate, or toted as an exact science. It’s merely the fact-based perception of a good drink. 

Exercise!

Another wonderful and enriching activity is exercise. I know, I know, the big “E” word brings out some strange emotions. It conjures up bad feelings and self-conscious. We all think we’ve done everything we can do and that the ends don't justify the means. Well, that’s simply not true. That’s a perceived truth, not an objective one. The truth is that fitness is whatever you want it to be. It’s just the movement. You can set your own home workout routine with just your body weight and some space. Some people choose yoga—a mentally taxing and static endurance-heavy practice, to get their workout in. Not the biggest calorie burner, but there is a spiritual angle that people use to stay motivated. Others choose high intensity interval training. Choose a full body movement (like squat jumps or burpees) and to it to maximum effort within a period of time. Set a time and rest, and repeat it again. Get it to a pace where you can do it for about a half hour. Or, you can do any combination of body weight workouts. The fitness world is your oyster. 

Start A Podcast!

If you’ve got a skill or a base of knowledge that you’re passionate about, why not start a blog or a podcast? You can curate the information you put out and become part of a global community of content providers. You can do purely audio or both audio and video. The basis behind it is that whatever you’re into, someone else is into it, too. There’s nothing new under the sun, only interesting takes from individuals. The wonderful part of putting it out in the world is finding out how many people share your passion. There is, of course, a bit of a downside. We’re still dealing with the internet, so there are trolls and negative people that can potentially sabotage your desire to keep going. Don’t let them. Remember, you’re out there potentially reaching a billion people. Someone will find your content and agree. Those are your people. Cater to them and reward them with more content. It’s that simple. The best part is, if you’ve got a smartphone, you can start from there. You don’t need any special equipment. And if you get a following, who knows, you might even be able to sell ad space and such. 

Free time is best spent either doing nothing or doing something to better yourself. The latter may take time, but it will never feel like work. You're doing it for you, not some boss. So when you get the chance to finally breathe from your job, choose one of the above options. You will not regret it. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR KOMODO ISLAND TRIP

Komodo Island is one of the best-kept secrets in Indonesia. If you love engaging in adventure-filled activities, Komodo Island should be in your bucket list. Here, you will get an opportunity to explore wonderful beaches, color-filled exotic corals, and lush hills. 

If you are considering embarking on a Labuan Bajo to Komodo trip, these tips will ease the planning process. 

Plan Your Route

Komodo Island is situated along the minor Sunda Islands and lies east from Bali and Java. You can access the island through Bali or Jakarta via an international flight. Once you are in either city, board a domestic flight from Labuan Bajo to Komodo, an airport known as Komodo Airport in Flores, which also happens to be the center for Komodo tours.

Flying from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo will take you approximately 2.5 hours. If you choose to fly from Bali, the trip will take one hour. A multiple-day boat trip from Lombok is also quite popular among backpackers. 

Pick the Best Time of the Year

While you can explore Komodo Island any time of the year, it’s advisable to understand what to expect at different times of the year. For instance, the land is calm and green between April and June. the sea is also clear during that time.

You are likely to spot different wildlife such as whale sharks, mantas, and sperm whales between September and November. Between July and August is high season. This means that many visitors will be flocking the Island.

For the best experience, try to avoid visiting during peak season. However, if you have to visit, book your accommodation areas early in advance. The monsoon season happens between January and February and many tours don’t operate then. 

Have an Itinerary

There are many beautiful things to see in Komodo Island. These range from underwater coral gardens, to green scenic hills. The beaches are alluring and you will want to visit the popular Pink beach.

There are other small exotic islands dispersed around the mainland too. Creating an itinerary will help you make the most out of your Labuan Bajo to Komodo trip. You will have an easier time however if you are using the services of a tour company. 

Choose a Tour Company

Numerous tour companies operate in Komodo Island. Research their services and understand what they offer beforehand. Each tour company is unique and comes with different advantages. Some companies offer a wide range of packages complete with varying highlights.

Remember, you can select a tour or boat service on arrival. However, you may end up being overcharged or with substandard services. Enjoy exclusive and good quality services by placing early bookings. 

Pack Appropriate Clothes

To get the most out of your Labuan Bajo to Komodo trip, you will need to trek for long distances. Pick the right clothes such as cotton-based ones that can easily absorb sweat, and comfortable shoes.

Mountain sandals will be ideal. Remember, there are picturesque beaches in Komodo Island and dynamic marine biodiversity. Pack your swimsuit and take a dip in the sea for effective exploration. 

Have Enough Cash

Convert your money into Indonesian bills. There are no ATMs in the Komodo islands and surrounding small islands. Withdrawing money past Labuan Bajo will, therefore, be an arduous task. Having ready cash comes in handy when you need to purchase food or souvenirs for your friends and family.  

Sun Protection and Cameras

The weather on small islands can be unbearably hot. Remember to pack your sunscreen and make sure it has the highest SPF. wear a hat while exploring the Island in the open. A good quality camera is a must-have tool when you travel to Komodo Island.

There is a lot to capture both on the island and under the seawater. Include and underwater camera, telephoto lenses, and macro lenses. These tools will help you capture great memories that will always remind you of your trip.

Finally

Before you can embark on your Labuan Bajo trip, familiarize yourself with safety practices. While Komodos will not attack you unless provoked, you want to be on the safe side and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

5 SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE ILLNESS ANXIETY DISORDER AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT

It is hard not to suffer from illness anxiety disorder also referred to as health anxiety when each click of the mouse leads you to a news story about an illness or an alarming new study. With continuous medical research and findings, this can perpetuate health anxiety. Never before have laypeople had so much health information at their fingertips 24/7. What happens when this becomes an obsession and one is routinely convinced he/she is suffering from the “disease du jour?” We turned to Board Certified NYC Internist and Gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal and  New York-based Neuropsychologist, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, for a better understanding of the signs and treatment for health anxiety.

According to Dr. Sonpal, the following are signs that you may be too worried about your health and wellness:

Frequent Doctor Visits

Dr. Sonpal recalls the same patient coming in regularly asking him to “check this lump on my neck,” “is the color of my tongue normal?” “Listen to my heart, I think it beats too fast…  Those with health anxiety are consumed by the uncertainty of medicine and fearful that the disease is, in fact, inside them. If you find yourself “visiting” doctors regularly and you are found to be healthy, you may have health anxiety that requires the attention of a therapist not a physician.

Incessantly Online

From a medical standpoint, Google can be a great tool if used correctly.  “For those with health anxiety, Google is like crack-cocaine,” says Dr. Sonpal.   There is always a disease or a symptom listed online that they can correlate to themselves. Health anxiety sufferers tend to be more obsessive and convince themselves that if they feel something or see something on their body, it is always the worst-case scenario.

Avoidance

As a result of the overwhelming fear of getting an illness, individuals suffering from health anxiety may avoid certain places or activities that could potentially pose a health risk. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School states that an “avoidant group was found to have higher levels of symptom severity, functional impairment, and anxiety, as well as lower quality of life.” From these results, we can link avoidance to some of the characteristics of illness anxiety patients. If it’s flu season, the health anxiety patient may avoid airplanes, movie theatres or other enclosed crowded public areas where they feel germs are more likely to spread. This gives them a false sense of security from illness.

Repetitive Body Checks

Most individuals might not notice a bruise on their leg that occurred from a minor fall a few days earlier. Still, individuals with health anxiety analyze their entire body for signs of illness. The constant body checks often result in the mind being more likely to notice subtle changes that many people would not see. Another effect of health anxiety can be seen in obsessing over a specific organ in the body and repeatedly demanding that area be checked. 

Total Avoidance of Doctors

Juxtaposed to the patient who visits doctors all the time, is the person who is so deathly afraid of finding out something is wrong, that they skip important medical visits like yearly physicals, mammograms, gynecology visits, dental visits etc. For this group of people, this is dangerous.  By the time something is caught, it can be at an advanced stage.

Dr. Sanam  Hafeez provides insight on how to manage  and what steps to take to move forward: 

Find a Physician Who Understands That You This Anxiety:

Find a physician who you can confide in, and confess, “I have health anxiety.” This will enable the physician to treat you more effectively from a physical and mental health standpoint.

Stop Googling

In the age of health blogs, DIYS, and self-diagnosis tutorials, the internet is filled with erroneous information that can add to medical anxiety. Staying offline provides individuals with the ability to prevent the constant checking and worrying that increases their anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

C.B.T. breaks down unrealistic or unhelpful thoughts and encourages patients to replace them with more rational ideas. They can then learn to cope more realistically with anxiety-provoking situations. The therapy has been shown to remain effective in reducing symptoms of health anxiety for at least a year, and if needed, its benefit can be reinforced by a brief refresher.

Meditation

For individuals who want to try to manage their health anxiety on their own, meditation is advised. Health anxiety tends to stem from the lack of control over your body, which can lead to obsession over our health. Meditation allows individuals to connect with themselves while being able to manage their stress. This relaxation technique helps ease overall anxiety and additionally provides better coping mechanisms for improving your overall functioning.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE A HYPOCHONDRIAC AND HOW TO OVERCOME IT

It is hard not to be a hypochondriac when each click of the mouse leads you to a news story about an illness or an alarming new study. With continuous medical research and findings, this can perpetuate health anxiety. Never before have laypeople had so much health information at their fingertips 24/7. What happens when this becomes an obsession and one is routinely convinced he/she is suffering from the “disease du jour?” We turned to Board Certified NYC Internist and Gastroenterologist Dr. Niket Sonpal and  New York-based Neuropsychologist, Dr. Sanam Hafeez, for a better understanding of the signs and treatment for hypochondriacs. 

According to Dr. Sonpal, the following are signs that you may be too worried about your health and wellness:

Frequent Doctor Visits

Dr. Sonpal recalls the same patient coming in regularly asking him to “check this lump on my neck,” “is the color of my tongue normal?” “Listen to my heart, I think it beats too fast…  Hypochondriacs are consumed by the uncertainty of medicine and fearful that the disease is, in fact, inside them. If you find yourself “visiting” doctors regularly and you are found to be healthy, you may have health anxiety that requires the attention of a therapist not a physician.

Incessantly Online

From a medical standpoint, Google can be a great tool if used correctly.  “For a hypochondriac, Google is like crack-cocaine,” says Dr. Sonpal.   There is always a disease or a symptom that the hypochondriac can link to him or herself. Hypochondriacs tend to be more obsessive and convince themselves that if they feel something or see something on their body, it is always the worst-case scenario.

Avoidance

As a result of the overwhelming fear of getting an illness, individuals suffering from hypochondria may avoid certain places or activities that could potentially pose a health risk. A study conducted by Harvard Medical School states that an “avoidant group was found to have higher levels of hypochondriacal symptom severity, functional impairment, and anxiety, as well as lower quality of life.” From these results, we can link avoidance to some of the characteristics of hypochondriac patients. If it’s flu season, the hypochondriac may avoid airplanes, movie theatres or other enclosed crowded public areas where they feel germs are more likely to spread. This gives them a false sense of security from illness.

Repetitive Body Checks

Most individuals might not notice a bruise on their leg that occurred from a minor fall a few days earlier. Still, individuals with hypochondria analyze their entire body for signs of illness. The constant body checks often result in the mind being more likely to notice subtle changes that many people would not see. Another effect of hypochondria can be seen in obsessing over a specific organ in the body and repeatedly demanding that area be checked. 

Total Avoidance of Doctors

Juxtaposed to the patient who visits doctors all the time, is the person who is so deathly afraid of finding out something is wrong, that they skip important medical visits like yearly physicals, mammograms, gynecology visits, dental visits etc. For this group of people, this is dangerous.  By the time something is caught, it can be at an advanced stage.

Dr. Sanam  Hafeez provides insight on how to manage hypochondria and what steps to take to move forward: 

Find a Physician Who Understands That You Are a Hypochondriac

Find a physician who you can confide in, and confess, “I have health anxiety.” This will enable the physician to treat you more effectively from a physical and mental health standpoint.

Stop Googling

In the age of health blogs, DIYS, and self-diagnosis tutorials, the internet is filled with erroneous information that can add to a hypochondriac’s medical anxiety. Staying offline provides individuals with the ability to prevent the constant checking and worrying that increases their anxiety.

Cognitive Behavorial Therapy

C.B.T. breaks down unrealistic or unhelpful thoughts and encourages patients to replace them with more rational ideas. They can then learn to cope more realistically with anxiety-provoking situations. The therapy has been shown to remain effective in reducing symptoms of health anxiety for at least a year, and if needed, its benefit can be reinforced by a brief refresher.

Meditation

For individuals who want to try to manage their health anxiety on their own, meditation is advised. Hypochondria tends to stem from the lack of control over your body, which can lead to obsession over our health. Meditation allows individuals to connect with themselves while being able to manage their stress. This relaxation technique helps ease overall anxiety and additionally provides better coping mechanisms for improving your overall functioning.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW TO FIND A STUDIO FOR YOGA IN PHILADELPHIA

If you’re a yoga lover, then you know just how beneficial it is for your body. If you’re new to it, you can read more about the benefits of yoga here. And while doing yoga doesn’t require you to have a studio, it’s a lot more fun to do it than when you are alone.

Whether you’re new to yoga, just moved to Philadelphia or simply looking for a new studio, you’ll have plenty of options. But the problem is, how do you pick the right one?

A studio needs to feel comfortable and supportive, like home.

If you’re confused, here’s a simple list of factors to consider when picking a yoga studio.

Experiment

Most studios in Philadelphia will offer a trial run. So, you can just go in and try it out before making a final decision.

This will allow you to get a feel of how everything is going and what the studio is like before you have to commit. This is affordable for you and you might experience different yoga disciplines before you decide where to go.

You shouldn’t be afraid to try out a new thing. Maybe you’d be attracted to a specific style of yoga you’ve never tried before. Here are some of the types of yoga you could try: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/the-11-major-types-of-yoga-explained-simply

It costs you virtually nothing to just go in and try. If you feel that you may come unprepared for that specific class, you can always call earlier and find out what you’ll need.

Look at The Instructors

Studios in Philadelphia usually give you a list of their instructors. There you can read their biographies and see what their teaching style is like.

They will also share their beliefs and opinions in these biographies, so you can see that too and it can help you decide.

It’s very important to have a good connection with an instructor, maybe even more so than with a studio itself. If the studio offers it, try to work with all of the instructors before you make a decision. Once you find an instructor you like, you can easily follow them to any studio they move to, and it can be easier for you to feel comfortable.

Look at Reviews

The internet can offer you many things, and among them are reviews that can help you make a decision about which studio to go to. Social media, websites, review websites and so on can contain some of the most useful information for you in your studio search.  

Facebook can be a good resource as you can reach out to your friends or groups related to yoga. Then you can look up the page of that studio and see their reviews there. You can do a similar thing on Instagram - plus, you can meet a bunch of people interested in yoga.

Another useful resource is Yoga Finder which can help you find all of the yoga classes and studios you need. And of course, they can help you find a studio in Philadelphia that you like. 

Use an App

Apps are amazing for finding classes nearby. For instance, Lymber is an app that can help you book a class in all sorts of gyms and studios, especially yoga studios. There is an app called the ClassPass which can help you get into some of the best classes if you have a membership.

Of course, there are many other apps that can help you, but these two are great, and they can point you to some of the best studios in Philadelphia.

Bulletin Boards

A good way to find Philadelphia yoga studios is to take a look at bulletin boards. Yes, these still exist, and you can find them in cafes, in shops, bookstores and so on. Most yoga studios and instructors like to have their numbers here, so it’s a good way to find what you’re looking for. You may also meet some great people on the way. 

If you follow these handy tips, you’ll have no problem finding great studios in Philadelphia. Just make sure that you remain open-minded. Every studio has its own style and you never know what can fit you until you try.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.