HOW TO DRESS FOR SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Read the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress For Super Bowl Sunday in mag.

GRASSROOTS FITNESS PROJECT

For those in the NYC area, check out the Grassroots Fitness Project that is co-founded by Heather Gunn Rivera and Wil Rivera. We took some time to find out more about this gym that focuses on increasing the strength of those that walk through their doors regardless of their age or gender.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How would you describe Grassroots Fitness Project?

HEATHER GUNN RIVERA: Grassroots is a close-knit community that provides top-notch individualized fitness training (in private or small group format) in an empowering, judgement-free environment.

AM: What led to the creation of GRFP and what is its ethos?

HGR: Grassroots was created in 2004 by personal trainers, myself and Wil Rivera. I feel that we were ahead of our time, as we had a vision that would soon become the norm. 

Coming from a big box gym, in a time when there were only big box gyms, memberships, and large group fitness classes, we wanted to open a small mom and pop studio where community, one on one and small group training were the focus. 

This speakeasy gym was home to many on the Upper West Side, because it felt like home, and everyone was treated like family. 

Grassroots Fitness Project (originally named, The Studio on 80th), started out as a live-work space in a residential building, and eventually developed into a thriving business in a 2,200 square foot storefront on the UWS. Steeped in community, for over 16 years, this mom and pop space is still a place where clients come because everyone knows your name. 

AM: What are the programs that are offered at GRFP for those that are looking to get in a great workout?

 HGR: Grassroots offers the following:

• Small group training:

  • Hiit 

  • Hiit express 

  • Superset

  • Core and Restore

  • Women’s Strength 6 week Series

• One on one training (adult/child):

• 60/45/30 minute training programs with focuses on the following:

  • sport specific 

  • post rehab

  • general fitness 

  • pre/post natal

  • osteopenia/osteoporosis 

  • strength 

  • mobility and flexibility 

  • senior and youth 

  • climbing 

  • parkour 

  • yoga 

  • Pilates 

  • in-home training

• In-home Training

•  30 minute stretching or reiki sessions

• Youth Semester Programming:

• epic obstacle 

• parkour

• tween/teen strength

• Special Events

• Youth Camps

• Outdoor Climbing Trips

• Workshops

AM: Although we’re navigating winter at the moment, are there upcoming programs offered in the Spring that our readers should know about?

HGR: YES! Our women’s strength training program.

The women’s strength classes were created based on a need and want. At the age of 30 women start to lose 3-5% of their muscle every decade and after menopause, that number increases drastically. As personal trainers, for over 20 years, we have seen this to be true first hand, and with the saturation of cardio classes in the industry, we felt it was important for us to create balance. Clients (women ages mid 30’s through 50’s) were coming in and saying that they wanted to get stronger and work on strength. This willingness gave us the green light to start strength classes for women! The classes are programmed for a 6-week cycle. Every day is the same workout for 6 weeks so that women can work on form and see improvement via increasing weight. 

As an example, every Monday is the same for 6 weeks, but Tue is a different workout from Monday and so on. The program is set up for people to come every day or choose a few days or choose 1 day. We recommend 3-5 strength days per week. Depending upon goals. 

We also have our core and restore class Tue/Wed/Thur for recovery work. 

The strength classes focus on teaching and breaking down movements so that the client fully understands what they are doing.  Strength is the focus. 8-10 minutes at the end of the class is a higher intensity portion. 

AM: In addition to offering fitness classes, does GFP offer nutrition, post recovery options and more?

HGR: We don’t offer nutrition programs, as we are not nutritionists, but we do offer accountability sessions and food journal check-ins. We have found to be super effective and important for clients. 

If there is a need that is specific to weight loss, eating disorders or auto immune-related, we refer out. 

Post recovery, we offer manual stretching sessions, our core and restore classes and our CBD products.

AM: Are there additional services, equipment, on-demand features (for those that may wish to work out but can’t do this onsite) that are available that our readers should know about?

HGR: Additional services would be in-home sessions, online programming or Skype sessions coupled with access to our YouTube programs. 

We sell an eco friendly calf stretcher and a recycled heavy rope

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CBD BEAUTY

Read the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag and see CBD Beauty in mag.

GETAWAY PLACES FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2020

Sure, Valentine’s Day is much more about capitalism than love, let’s be honest. The “romantic” holiday makes the least sense of them all. After all, we ought to celebrate love every day, right?

But things are as they are, and you can decide to skip the day and just have a blockbuster marathon.

If, however, you are still in the mood for trying something new, check out our suggestions. In the list that follows, we tried to include some really cool things you can try this doomed Valentine’s Day. Furthermore, we will encompass the best getaway destinations for you – or you and your partner.

Whether you’ll be alone or not, it’s always a good time to try things out. Alright, let’s dig in!

On a side note, we made sure to include locations for everyone’s wallet.

Sofia, Bulgaria

Wherever you are in the world, Eastern Europe is the most affordable travel destination all year around. The developing countries will wholeheartedly welcome tourists pretty much anytime. If you’re looking for a cheap getaway destination, the capital of Bulgaria is the perfect way to go.

Flight tickets are typically low-cost and a great number of airlines are selling them.

If you end up visiting Sofia with your significant other, you’ll have many attractions to check out. Art lovers should certainly pay a visit to the National Literature Museum. Additionally, should you be interested in learning more about the country’s history, check out the Museum of Socialist Art.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Contrary to popular belief, not all metropolises are expensive to visit. Let’s take Buenos Aires as an example, the world’s eighth-biggest country’s capital. The visit to this place will surely not break the bank.

The best way to spend your time as a couple in this hot city is to feel the nightlife. Buenos Aires is alive at night, perhaps even more so than during the day. The city is swarmed with nightclubs and pubs. You’ll have your dreams come true if you’re a clubber. Buenos Aires has a truly serious house and techno devoted venues.

Furthermore, if you’re really into unveiling the secrets of the night, check out the city’s thriving underground scene. Just go to Nicky NY Sushi and ask to see the wine cellar. You’ll be surprised.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Now let’s move on to someplace a bit more extravagant. If you want to take the edge off this Valentine’s Day, go to Atlantic City. The city oozes with luxury and it’s a definite must-see in the American state. To live your childhood memories, go to the Steel Pier amusement park. There you can ride the Ferris wheel or you can try the trademark slingshot. Another option is the Disko, an adrenaline-charged ride that will spin both your guts and your brains out. Not literally.

The ultimate adult entertainment that you can experience in Atlantic City is gambling. Hard Rock Café Atlantic City is the place to go to feel opulence and hedonism. Treat yourself and your S.O. to a game of slot machines or Roulette. And when you get tired, head back to your lavish hotel room and play real money slots online. These games are the ideal alternative to in-person casinos.

Dominican Republic

Exotic countries, are we right? The Dominican Republic has some of the finest, most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re tired of the cold February weather, consider migrating briefly to the Caribbean.

There are few sweeter ways to celebrate the weekend of love. Plunge into the hot ocean and feel the air breeze on your skin. Dry on the golden, sun-drenched strands as you sip a cocktail.

To avoid sunstroke, keep the necessary gear on. When you need to relax your muscles from all the swimming, visit Los Haitises National Park. As you approach the island, you’ll float over the turquoise waters. The view is simply stunning. Then the area itself is packed with gorgeous greenery and rich wildlife.

Galway, Ireland

We will wrap up the list with a classic. And no, it is not Paris. Have you considered going to Ireland anytime soon? Well, you should, because there’s so much to see. Perhaps a single weekend won’t do it justice, but you can try!

Since you don’t have much time, we would not recommend going to the big cities. Instead, head straight to quaint, rural Galway. Everything is way cheaper than in the urban areas anyway, especially Guinness. Have it for almost half the price in Galway. And what better way to experience the tradition than going to the countryside anyway?

If you want to take a piece of history with you back home, drop by John F. Kennedy Park (Eyre Square). The square is the perfect place to observe locals and their daily routines. You can also have a stroll down the 600-acre valley and have the best of both worlds.

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THE PICK ME UP

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

OUTFIT IDEAS: SHORTS STYLE THAT LOOK GREAT THIS SUMMER

Incorporating shorts with your summer outfit is where comfort meets style, but they can also be a little challenging to style depending on the material you’re working with. You’ll also want to consider where you’re going in the outfit – whether you’re heading to the beach, a family brunch, or running your morning errands. You should always make sure that the kind of shorts you’re wearing match the occasion. If you’re wondering how to style your shorts this summer, here are some of the latest trends that will make you stand out. 

White Denim 

Denim shorts are perfect for a casual look, and they’re also quite comfortable if you’re expecting a long day. But if you want to tone down the casual, white denim will be your best friend. When you’re going out for a brunch or a casual meeting, high-waist denim shorts can be styled with a tucked-in a tank top. If you’re opting for a more smart casual appearance, you can top the outfit off with a dark or bright-colored blazer. 

Pattern Shorts 

The Coachella look continues to be a go-to casual style for running errands or shopping. You can browse through different shorts pattern options before you decide on a top to go with it. They go great with band t-shirts if you’re heading to a music festival, or with dark crop top. Never wear a pattern top with these, even if the print matches. You should also opt for subtle shoes, such as flat sandals or wedges. 

Ripped Denim 

If you want to go for ripped fabric, we recommend dark denim, such as dark gray or black to tone down the street-style look. The look can suit multiple casual occasions, and depending on where you’re going, you can opt for a flashy tank top to make the outfit pop, or tone it down with a cardigan. When styling shorts, always go with longer cardigans that go past the hemming. If your shorts are high-waist, you can also go for a crop top. 

Tailored Shorts 

You don’t have to sweat through your outfit if you’re heading to a professional meeting. Breezy high-waist tailored shorts can be styled to look formal. Black or creamy white shorts can be topped off with a buttoned collar blouse, or a blazer, for a formal look. You might want to pair that with a designer bag and some high-heeled sandals. Never wear wedges or gladiator sandals with this look; they’ll clash! 

Rock Denim Bottoms 

If you’re going for a rock-chick look, ripped light denim bottoms are your way to go. Styling these can be quite tricky, as there’s a fine line between edgy and tacky, and you want to avoid the latter. Top it off with a cartoon shirt, a band t-shirt and a black leather jacket if you’re going out at nighttime. For a sunny morning, ditch the jacket. As for shoes, avoid high-heels. Go for comfortable sneakers that match your top. 

Styling shorts can be a little challenging when you’re unsure if you’re dressed appropriately for the event. Always opt for tailored shorts if you’re going to a formal meeting, or white denim if you’re catching up with friends at brunch. For music festivals, ripped denim goes great with leather.  

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | #49 JAN 2020

This month’s cover and back cover is CNBC’s Global Markets Reporter, Seema Mody. Our cover shoot took place in the LES at Lamia’s Fish Market. We talked with Seema about her career, how she got into the industry and stories she has enjoyed covering. In our feature, Something You Should Know, we found out premium supplement nutrition brand, Ladder and their Results>Revolution challenge. We also share highlights from FRIENDSHIP, an EDM festival that took place earlier this year on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. In this month’s The Art of the Snack, we head to HYUN which is known for their A5 Wagyu beef and the unique ambiance that they provide for those who dine there.

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 MMA’s Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. As always, you can enjoy Athleisure List (Body Roll Studio and EVEN Hotels), The Pick Me Up, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Style Files, He Rocks This When He Is Out and About, Athleisure Beauty, How to Dress, In Our Bag, #TRIBEGOALS and CBD Beauty.

Read the Jan Issue of Athleisure Mag, Issue #49

AIRSOFT GUNS AND HOW THEY'VE NOW BECOME A GREAT SPORT TO TRY

Aside from paintball, airsoft is another combat simulation sport that has experienced a popularity surge in recent years. The difference between airsoft and paintball is that instead of using paint pellets as in paintball, a player shoots his opponents using plastic pellets or BBs in airsoft. The sport originated in Japan somewhere around the 1980s and has become popular in different countries, especially the UK, in recent years. If you're looking for a way to have a great bonding experience with your mates, then airsoft is worth a try.

The good thing about airsoft is that it's suitable for everyone. Being a team sport, anyone having a decent base fitness level can enjoy it. Please take note, though, that the game has age limits, so it's best to inquire about that beforehand at the nearest airsoft center in your area.

Airsoft involves military strategy and replicates magazine fed-weapons since it emphasizes realism. That said, make sure to buy airsoft guns, BB guns, airsoft accessories and tactical gear from a one of the UK's leading airsoft gun suppliers to save yourself from misfiring, misfeeding, or double-feeding low quality guns or unsafe gear. Whether you're a Counter-Strike fan or a Call Of Duty enthusiast, you'll surely find this sport interesting. Most airsoft centers are also accommodating enough to arrange themed events like Zombie matches that Resident Evil lovers would find exciting.

Read on to learn more about airsoft guns and how they’ve become a great sport that you can try.

Airsoft Guns: What Are They?

Having semi or automatic modes, airsoft guns are real gun replicas that shoot plastic pellets which are usually 6mm in size and reach a distance of up to 150ft. The good thing about airsoft guns is that they’re not actually going to do any damage to a person since they shoot pellets at relatively low speeds compared to the real ones. And even if you compare getting hit by airsoft pellets as opposed to paintball pellets, the ones in paintball tend to hurt more.

Airsoft Guns: Are They Dangerous?

Many people wonder if airsoft guns are dangerous in terms of causing physical damage. Well, the simple answer is no. Unless BBs come into direct contact with your eyes, they remain safe. That’s because they don't carry much force when fired and are unlikely to cause any harm to an individual, especially if they're wearing protective gear.

Airsoft guns are basically toys so they’re harmless as long as no one abuses them, and especially if you’re going to get them from reliable suppliers like Bespoke Airsoft.

Airsoft Guns: How Do They Work?

Airsoft guns come in three types - the spring-powered guns, the gas guns, and the electrical ones. All of these types have a common goal despite having differences in terms of their working mechanisms.

For example, a gas-powered gun makes use of compressed gas that propels the pellets once released. An electric one, on the other hand, uses a spring-loaded piston pump that's battery-operated. The piston pump compresses and moves the pellets through a cyclic oscillation.

Reasons Why Airsoft Has Become A Great Sport To Try

Airsoft has emerged as a great sport that now compares with other sports like golf and tennis in terms of popularity. More and more countries have started to embrace it as a game. It's essential to note, though, that there are guidelines and limitations such as underage monitoring that some countries stipulate, so anyone planning to establish an airsoft center or engage with the sport should ensure that they know about and follow the law.

Below are some excellent reasons for why airsoft has now become so popular.

1. The Materials Used For Airsoft Are Biodegradable

One of the many things that attracts people to the sport is the fact that airsoft materials disintegrate without causing any adverse effects to the environment. While it's true that this wasn't always the case in the past since its introduction, more and more manufacturing companies have started to do their share in making the planet a safer place by coming up with biodegradable BBs. They use organic materials that decompose immediately, and it's a win-win situation for everyone.

2. It’s Better Than Paintball

While both games offer remarkable fun to players, more and more people now prefer airsoft over paintball and rank the former higher than the latter. As already mentioned, airsoft is more realistic when compared to paintball, making it a more tactical game as well. Unlike paintball guns, airsoft guns are more pliant when it comes to future upgrades. Plus, the speed of Airsoft pellets when shot is faster than those of paintball.

In terms of actual gameplay, airsoft emerges as the more organized one between these two combat simulation sports. Airsoft guns are also more accurate and easier to put together than the paintball ones.

All of those things, and the fact that the military also uses airsoft guns during training, singles out airsoft as a great sport to try and explain the phenomenon of why more and more people are getting hooked onto it.

3. It’s Generally Safe

Airsoft is generally a safe sport as long as players play only on approved fields, wear protective gear, and comply with the appropriate laws of their country or state.

4. It Promotes Honesty

An essential element of airsoft is its honesty policy. Players have to respect the game's emphasis on honesty to sustain the fun and enjoyable experience that the sport offers to everyone.

Conclusion

Airsoft is a great sport that both kids and adults can take part in. Everyone from students, professionals, military personnel, video game players to gun freaks is bound to enjoy it.

THE BACHELOR S24. E7. | The Bachelor Rolls Onto Lima, Peru

If you have yet to check out this week’s episode, stop reading this and catch it on your DVR or On Demand as below we have spoilers! If you have watched it or just enjoy reading recaps, then continue on!

Tonight’s episode continues onto Lima, Peru! This episode also marks the final one before Hometowns so we’re expecting tons of drama as this is a pretty key week. As the girls pow wow, Peter swings by saying how important the week is. The first date card arrives and Madison snags a 1-on-1 with him to find out about their vibe. We can appreciate Madison being blunt about how important her faith is to her. Peter agrees; however, he says he has struggled with the strength of his face. Although it seems like there should be more to say here, he changes the conversation and shares that he is falling in love with her. They both seem to be happy about where they are and she takes the rose and she prepares for Peter to see her family during Hometowns. This date is interesting because Madison got the first date with him when she went to his parent’s renewal in the first episode of the season.

While Madison is on her date, Natasha finds out that she is getting a 1-on-1 date as she has yet to have one at all! When Peter and Natasha go on their date, we're not going to lie, there is a lot of ground to cover. Natasha has never had a 1-on-1 date with Peter although, there have been a number of times when he has sought her out to check in with her. Their date is definitely easy; however, is it enough to take it to the level of advancing to Hometowns or is it merely a great friendship?

While Natasha is on her date, the next date card pops up as a 3-in-1 with Victoria F, Hannah Ann and Kelley. Although Peter picked up the rose while talking with Natasha, he tells her that he can’t give it to her. We can’t think of anything more cruel than picking up an item that symbolizes moving forward and then telling someone that it isn’t for them.

Kelsey and Peter hang out on ATV’s and hang out on a mountain. Now that dinner is starting, both want to dig in to the nitty gritty to find out about one another. Through it all. Kelsey got her rose. Onto the 3-on-1 date. I never knew that Kelley had a bit of a negative side as she goes in on Hannah Ann and Victoria F (not to say that we don’t see what she is talking about) and even says that she “hates” that she will have to throw them under the bus. In her confessional she talks about the fact that their young age doesn’t make them eligible to truly be competition and doesn’t think that she should be on this date with them. I guess it’s good that this is the last time that everyone will be together as she definitely isn’t building a community among these ladies.

Once again Victoria F’s time with Peter is always filled with angst. She’s always either stomping off camera, rolling her eyes, being passive-aggressive and just being annoying. If only she could be honest as opposed to hiding a number of things - we think it would be easier for everyone involved. When Peter comes back to the 3 ladies, he announces that he doesn’t need to have a dinner to figure out who he will go to Hometowns with.

As always, every episode of ABC’s The Bachelor is tweeted by (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to give their commentary on 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 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) who continues to provide more scoop on what’s going on and what they anticipate happening in the next episode!

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LAST EPISODE

Last week, we were treated to 2 episodes which of course continued with more drama than you can imagine. We predicted that Madison, Natasha, Kelley and Hannah Ann would make it to Hometowns. We also felt that Madison would ultimately be the winner.

WEEK 6

We’re convinced that every week is going to have an issue. With that said, we still see Hannah Ann, Kelsey, Madison and Victoria F. are heading to Hometowns with Peter. This week, we think he will choose Madison to ask for her hand in marriage.

PETER’S HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

KELSEY

MADISON

VICTORIA F

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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 Columbia, 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

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THE TOP 5 NATIONAL PARKS YOU SHOULD VISIT THIS YEAR

The US is home to some of the most incredible scenery and beautiful landscapes in the world. From the mountains and valleys to wildlife and national parks, there’s so much to discover and explore when it comes to nature. With countless national parks available, the US has some of the most incredible views you can feast your eyes on. 

So, in order to fill your year with stunning scenery, here are the top 5 national parks you should visit this year: 

Isle Royale 

One thing that makes this national park a must-visit this year is that it isn’t nearly as widely discovered as the rest. An online guide mentions that when you’re visiting Isle Royale, you’ll be able to experience a secluded island that has some of the most incredible trails. With trails combining the greenery and water sides of the island, it is an experience you definitely don’t want to miss. 

Because it’s only accessible by boat or seaplane, it is one of the least visited national parks, but is also one of the most re-visited ones, as anyone who sets foot on its mesmerizing lands cannot stay away for too long. It also has many different kinds of landscapes, which makes it a hidden gem for backpackers. Whether you choose to paddle the rocky coast, hike the remote campsites or just get familiar with its wildlife, Isle Royale is definitely worth the trip.

Grand Canyon 

It’s impossible to mention national parks without adding the Grand Canyon somewhere near the top. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has so much natural beauty to offer, making it an amazing day trip to take to spend an interesting day surrounded by wildlife, nature, and serenity. One of the things that makes Grand Canyon a great national park to visit is that during the different seasons, the landscape completely transforms, making visitors experience something entirely new each time. It’s a great place to go hiking, fishing or just to sit back and enjoy the surrounding nature and have a picnic.

Denali National Park 

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage, you should definitely visit Denali National Park, especially during winter. While most people avoid hiking and exploring nature in the winter due to weather conditions, this national park offers exceptional activities, making use of the cold, snowy weather. From cross-country skiing and dog-sledding, it’s an experience any visitor will truly enjoy in terms of activities. The park is also incredibly picturesque, which makes it a great destination for its natural beauty. At Denali National Park you’ll also be able to get a once in a lifetime experience of seeing Mount McKinley which is the highest mountain in North America.

Yosemite National Park 

California is known for its beautiful landscapes as well as its gorgeous weather. That’s why it is an absolute must to visit Yosemite National Park when you’re in this heartwarming state. Whether you feel like relaxing near the water, soaking in the granite monoliths that are found there, or checking out the towering Sequoia trees, the Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point and Half Dome are bound to give you an incredible time at one of the most beautiful national parks in the area. While there are countless reasons to visit this exceptional park, the falls, scenery and incredible encounters with nature you can experience there make it worth the visit. Whether you’re going on a day trip or planning on a backpacking adventure for a few days, nature will have so much to provide to make your trip exciting. 

Gates of the Arctic 

One of the reasons why this national park is so special is that it is untamed and screams wilderness, making it a destination that is worth discovering. Its primitive nature without roads or trails makes it not as easily accessible to everyone, but highlights its vast landscapes filled with jagged peaks, sweeping tundra and unique wildlife. Visiting this park will help you appreciate nature in all its glory without any man-made interferences, allowing the animals to go about as they please. It’s secluded and truly unique, offering an experience you won’t find at any other national park. 

Depending on the type of national park you’re looking for and the kind of experience you’d like to have, there are countless options in the United States that suit everyone’s needs. However, these 5 national parks offer an incredible experience, making them definitely worth the visit in 2020. Just be sure to check the weather forecast and ensure that it’s a good time to visit within the year before you set out on your new adventure. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

OSCARS 2020 | WINNERS

This portion of Awards Season comes to a close with tonight’s Oscars 2020. As usual, those names in italics are our predictions, those in bold are winners and those that bold italicized are the ones that we guessed correctly. Make sure you check out the Academy Awards show and the presentation of the Oscars on NBC on Feb 9th!

BEST PICTURE

1917
Ford v Ferrari
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Marriage Story
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST ACTOR

Antonio Banderas for Pain and Glory
Leonardo DiCaprio for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Adam Driver for Marriage Story
Joaquin Phoenix for Joker
Jonathan Pryce for The Two Popes

BEST ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo for Harriet
Scarlett Johansson for Marriage Story
Saoirse Ronan for Little Women
Charlize Theron for Bombshell
Renée Zellweger for Judy

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Tom Hanks for A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Anthony Hopkins for The Two Popes
Al Pacino for The Irishman
Joe Pesci for The Irishman
Brad Pitt for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Kathy Bates for Richard Jewell
Laura Dern for Marriage Story
Scarlett Johansson for Jojo Rabbit
Florence Pugh for Little Women
Margot Robbie for Bombshell

BEST DIRECTOR

Martin Scorsese for The Irishman
Todd Phillips for Joker
Sam Mendes for 1917
Quentin Tarantino for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Bong Joon-ho for Parasite

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Knives Out
Marriage Story
1917
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
The Two Popes

BEST FILM EDITING

Ford v Ferrari
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Parasite

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

1917
Avengers: Endgame
The Irishman

The Lion King
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

1917
The Irishman
Joker
The Lighthouse
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

1917
The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

The Irishman
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Little Women
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

1917
Bombshell
Joker
Judy
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

1917 (Thomas Newman)
Joker (Hildur Guðnadóttir)
Little Women (Alexandre Desplat)
Marriage Story (Randy Newman)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (John Williams)

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

"I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from Toy Story 4
"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman
"I'm Standing With You" from Breakthrough
"Into the Unknown" from Frozen II
"Stand Up" from Harriet

BEST SOUND EDITING

1917
Ford v Ferrari
Joker
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

BEST SOUND MIXING

1917
Ad Astra
Ford v Ferrari
Joker
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World
I Lost My Body
Klaus
Missing Link
Toy Story 4

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

Dcera (Daughter)
Hair Love
Kitbull
Sister

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

American Factory
The Cave
The Edge of Democracy
For Sama
Honeyland

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

In the Absence
Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re a Girl)
Life Overtakes Me
St. Louis Superman
Walk Run Cha-Cha

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

Corpus Christi (Poland)
Honeyland (North Macedonia)
Les Misérables (France)
Pain and Glory (Spain)
Parasite (South Korea)

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

Brotherhood
Nefta Football Club
The Neighbors' Window
Saria
A Sister

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5 REASONS WHY ARCHERY IS BETTER THAN OTHER SOLO SPORTS

Many high schools offer a physical education class in solo sports. Individual or solo sports include things like golf, weight lifting, cycling, skiing, bowling, and archery. Some people consider an individual sport anything that isn't played as a team, such as singles tennis et al. Of all the individual sports, archery has a number of advantages.

Archery has played an important role in world history. Some form of the bow and arrow has existed almost as long as human beings have walked on the earth. A number of ancient civilizations used the bow and arrow as their primary weapon. It also has been used for hunting even to the present day. There are a number of designs to the bow. One of which is the recurve bow. Nowadays, there are still some of the archers who are interested in keeping up the tradition and use a vintage recurve bow rather than the ones with a newer design. This type of bow even features in archery competitions. Often, archery is a person's first or early introduction to solo or individual sports. But what makes it better than other solo sports?

1) Archery Can Be Done By Anyone

Anyone with relatively good health can participate in archery. Even for people with disabilities, archery can be more accessible than some of the other solo sports. It also is accessible to people of almost any age. Of the available bows for archery, Bows come in a variety of draw weights, and draw weight for anyone can be found. Other bows people use in archery include the longbow, the compound bow or even crossbows.

2) Archery Builds Confidence

Archery helps a person build confidence in their abilities. Other solo sports also build confidence in a person, but arguably archery can do this faster and create a sense of accomplishment as physical and mental abilities grow. It's a great feeling when the arrow releases and hits the target in the bullseye.

3) Archery Helps Physical Development

Every solo sport requires physical development, but archery, in particular, develops the upper body. Many muscle groups are involved in the arms, chest, and back. In some ways, archery provides better strength training than weight lifting.

4) Archery Is Relatively Inexpensive

A person can participate in archery without a lot of costs. Good bows are relatively inexpensive. Target arrows also can be inexpensive. As with any sport, expensive equipment can be purchased, but it isn't necessary to spend a lot of money to begin archery. Also, a number of communities even have public access targets for archery. These are free to use.

5) Archery Can Be Practiced Year Round

Archery doesn't have a "season" and can be done year-round. Archery also can be practiced indoors or outdoors. Several sporting stores that sell archery equipment also have indoor archery ranges, where the customer can try new equipment or even do a little target practice. Outdoor practice is easy and even has the potential for safe backyard target practice.

Archery has many other positive qualities. People can join archery teams or clubs and meet with people who share similar interests. Some high schools and colleges even have archery teams. Archery is a good sport for target practice, but it also can branch out into hunting activities, including fishing. People involved in archery often become good at guessing distances and are able to identify how many yards an object is away. It also connects a person to a time-honored activity, going back thousands of years. Archery is a great way to strengthen the mind and body while enjoying a solo sport.

HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

The world of advertising and social media has brought physicians' names to the public continuingly. Years ago, if a doctor called him/herself a cosmetic surgeon, the patient knew precisely what that term meant.  Doctors in various sub-specialties such as dermatologists, gynecologists, ophthalmologists, and even dentists are performing cosmetic surgery procedures.  This can leave prospective patients utterly confused about how to find the best and most qualified surgeons. But how, wonders Dr. Manish Shah who is an Ivy League educated Board-certified Plastic Surgeon in Denver, "is a prospective patient to know who is a diligent, excellent, caring physician and who is a charlatan?" Dr. Shah wants to disseminate information the public can use and heed as caution when selecting a cosmetic surgeon in a country now brimming with doctors who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons."

"Public law and policy do not necessarily protect us from unreasonable and untrue claims," says Dr. Shah.  "A physician needs to be licensed in medicine -- which means earning a recognized medical degree, From that point, he or she can hang out a shingle in any specialty he/she chooses; the state does not control what area of medicine he/she practices or which type of specialist they claim unless there are complaints and they are brought before the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Often, by then, it is too late." 

What can we look for before placing ourselves under a physician's care to ascertain the qualities and qualifications of that physician?  There are four basic areas that must be investigated to determine the qualifications of physicians. These are: a physician's training; a physician's certification; a physician's associations; and a physician's attitude toward his or her patients and the medical community at large.

"A physician should have and be willing to provide evidence that he or she has trained in the area of their expertise," says Dr. Shah.  "For example, patients want to locate a plastic surgeon who trained in plastic surgery, which means a post-surgical residency fellowship in the sub-specialty.  Each residency or fellowship program gives a certificate certifying the dates of service as well as the hospital and department in which the physician trained."  Physicians are usually quite proud of their achievements and keep these and many other framed diplomas in their offices.  If they are not available, then at least a curriculum vitae or a brochure describing a doctor's training should be available and should be carefully examined by the patient.  "If a physician is either unable or unwilling to disclose this information, it becomes a clear issue of 'medical consumer beware,' says Dr. Shah.

After training in their chosen field, each medical or surgical sub-specialty has a certifying board that is approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS).  After spending the requisite number of years training, a physician has to take an examination in order to be certified.  After being certified, a surgeon often applies to the American College of Surgeons for a fellowship.  These credentials can be checked in libraries, hospital libraries, and online.

"For example, The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery is not approved by the American Board of Medical Specialists and neither are a host of other so-called 'boards,' advises Dr. Shah, who is board-certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery which is the only plastic surgery board recognized by the ABMS.  A gynecologist, ENT or general surgeon may be an exquisitely trained physician--but if they did cosmetic surgery, where did they learn to do it?  Was it on-the-job training, or an online or weekend course? How often do they go for a refresher course?  Are they affiliated with a certified hospital in case of an emergency? "

Dr. Shah advises the would-be medical consumer "not to be impressed by a P.C. after the physician's name--it only means that they are incorporated. Jane Doe, M.D., F.A.C.S.', on the other hand, actually tells one something about the qualifications of the physician." It means, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons) It indicates to the patient that the surgeon has passed a thorough evaluation of both professional competence and ethical fitness.

If patients are still confused, Dr. Shah advises them, "check a third area: A physician's associations and affiliations.  If a physician is on the staff at a well-respected local teaching hospital in the department that is appropriate to their qualifications, then patients at least know that his or her qualifications have been appropriately researched by the hospital's committees and should, therefore, be valid and current.  "Today, however, because of skyrocketing hospital costs, the trend is toward more out-patient surgery and care," says Dr. Shah.  "Because of this, physicians have moved further away from the hospital.  This may be good for the patient from a cost standpoint, but a well-qualified physician--especially a surgeon--should maintain a relationship with a hospital just in case there is a problem with a patient that requires hospitalization."   Dr. Shah further advises patients to remember that, "when a physician is outside of an institutional setting, there is no quality control or peer review other than what the physician sets for himself."

Patients must look into many areas of a physician's training, especially certification, association, and personality prior to allowing a medical professional to manage their health care.  "If you do your homework well," says Dr. Shah, "you should end up with a compassionate well-trained competent physician with whom you feel totally at ease and in whom you have the utmost confidence."

Check if your plastic surgeon is board-certified

Since 1937, the ABPS has issued 9,499 certificates to plastic surgeons who met high standards in training requirements and successfully passed the examinations covering the breadth of Plastic Surgery. Approximately 6,900 are actively practicing.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF MYKONOS LUXURY LIVING

There is so much to enjoy while you are on vacation in Mykonos. Some of them are obvious and easy to find – like beautiful beaches, wild parties and entertainment venues. Some others need a little more information gathering – like the 3 ones that follow. The more you are informed about them the best prices and service you can achieve, so let’s see what hidden treasures Mykonos has to offer!

-          Extraordinary villas

There is a huge number of Mykonos villa rentals available and you only have to choose the perfect one that suits you. Some of the parameters you should have in mind while searching for your dreamy villa in Mykonos are:

Capacity: Some of the luxury villas in Mykonos can host more than 30 guests. But obviously, if you are traveling as a couple or with a small group you will not need that much space.

Orientation / View: The best villas are facing to the west, as the sunset in Mykonos is spectacular. The best views are those including the ocean. But again you will find a variety of orientations and views and you can choose the best one according to your likes.

Amenities / Services: Most private Mykonos villas offer VIP class amenities and services but it is better if you check with the rental agency before you book one. Usually, villas come with private pools, Jacuzzis, spacious bedrooms, bathrooms and balconies, gardens, stylish decoration and latest technology equipment.

-          Amazing concierge services

What would be an utmost luxury holiday without a genie, ready to fulfill all your requests? In Mykonos this genie exists and is called “concierge services agency”.

There are many agencies on the island offering a wide range of concierge services and the quality is really at the highest level. The concept is to make every human feel like a king or queen while spending a few days in this piece of Paradise called Mykonos.

Some of the concierge services you can find in Mykonos are:

·       Private Yacht Rentals with experienced skipper and staff

·       Luxury Car Rentals with or without a driver

·       Heli – Lear Jet Rentals

·       Private Tours

·       Private Butler / Chef / Babysitter / Bodyguard Hiring

·       Events Planning – such as weddings or private parties

·       Personal Trainer / Yoga Constructor / Spa Therapist at your room or villa

·       Personalized Shopping

·       Sun Loungers at famous beach bar Reservations

·       VIP Table Reservations at the best restaurants in Mykonos

·       VIP Tickets to the most popular night clubs

So you just have to check which services an agency offers and make the proper reservations, as soon as you book your accommodation and transportation to the island.

-          Gourmet flavors out of this world

Another thing Mykonos has become famous about is the plethora of great gourmet restaurants. Many international chefs have created their own space here, offering delicious, exotic dishes to their guests. You can find a lot of gourmet restaurants in Mykonos Town but there are also some near the most beautiful beaches all around the island.

In Mykonos Town, some of the best fine dining venues are:

·       Nobu Matsuhisa, one of the best places for sushi, located at Hotel Belvedere facilities

·       Interni, at the center of the city, offering fusion cuisine

·       Kalita at Fresh Hotel facilities

·       Ling Ling Hakkasan with oriental dishes and Cantonese decoration

·       Kiku at Hotel Cavo Tagoo – another great place for sushi

·       Sea Satin, with Mediterranean cuisine and delicious fresh fish dishes, located just under the Windmills

At the island’s beach gourmet restaurants you can enjoy a perfect meal with extraordinary dishes, an elegant environment and the refreshing sea breeze:

·       Scorpios at Paranga Beach

·       Nammos at Psarou Beach

·       Buddha Bar at Ornos Beach

·       Principote at Panormos Beach

HOW TO IMPROVE ON YOUR BASKETBALL SKILLS

How many times have you seen pro basketball players and wished you were just as good as they are? Countless times I believe. The truth is, wishing doesn't get anything done. You have got to take steps to improve your game. The likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and all the superstars on the court didn’t acquire those skills overnight; they had to work hard to master their craft. They don’t have two heads, neither do they have more than two hands. They learned to develop their skills with workout and training and that’s the same thing you need to do. 

There is no surefire way on how you can improve your basketball game and take it to the next level other than giving the game time. Practice, they say, makes perfect. If you keep at it, you will get there. 

Quickly, let's take a look at some tips on how you can take your game to the next level.

1.   Hard Work

You know it's easy to think that the game is not as hard as it is portrayed, but then you would be fooling yourself. Each time you get on the court, there are probably 9 other guys who are more determined than you are. They probably have more skills and more strength. They have what it takes to beat you every time. So how do you match them? You don’t have control over what they have but you have control over you and what you got is hard work and resilience. You have got to compensate for what you lack in skill and strength with hard work. Hard work always pays off. Get off your butt early in the morning. Workout late at night. Keep doing it for weeks, months and years. It may take time but it will eventually pay off. Ask the star players, they will tell you that they are out there on the court alone for hours each day learning new skills when every other person is lounging away. If you work harder than your opponents, there is no way you won’t be able to beat them on the court one day. It may not happen immediately but slowly and surely, your star will shine.

2.   Don’t Ignore the Little Things

Most basketball players who want to be great, focus only on the big things like making 3 pointers but it’s not all about that. Making the baskets is just a result of many other seemingly little things like footwork, form, workouts, the kinds of food you eat, etc. It will be easier for you to shoot, make the baskets and dribble when you have paid attention to the little things. It is pretty much like you can’t grow tall if your roots are not properly planted into the ground. So while you are working hard, do not ignore the little things. You will be sure to level up your skills in no time.  

Another thing you should not ignore is practicing your shooting skills, there are many basketball hoops out there in the market, but an adjustable hoop will for sure give you a challenge. If you want to try these adjustable basketball hoops then investing in one will be a great idea. Buying a basketball hoop, especially if you manage to get yourself the right one, will provide tons of fun for you and your family and the more you play, the better you become. However, whenever you are choosing a basketball hoop, you must ensure such a hoop is well suited for your family’s needs. 

3.   Trust the Process

It’s sad to see aspiring basketball superstars giving and bailing out on the process because they are not reaching their goals as fast as they would want to. Consistency is what pays off. Time is not in your power to control, but you can keep working hard while waiting. No one may be seeing all your hard work at the moment but very soon, your light will shine. Keep training and perfecting your skills. Keep building your confidence. Keep building your resilience. When you have injuries, don’t think the world has come to an end, pick yourself back up and get at it again. This time, put your entire mind into it and keep trusting the process. Eventually, the process will always deliver and your name will be the talk of the town. 

4.   Take Time to Ask for Help

There are some things you may not understand all by yourself, there are things that may be beyond your comprehension of the court. Do not be shy to ask for help, if you want to know how it is done. One of the biggest reasons players fail is because of pride. Just because you can do 3 pointers and dunks doesn’t make you a superstar yet. You have got to be able to replicate the same results and exceed your best each time and you might not arrive there if you are too proud to ask for help. Asking for help will not reduce you in any way; rather you learn and get better.

5.   Break Your Records

There are going to be bad days when you fall short of your expectations. There are also going to be days when you are invincible. Such days when you have a game, don’t settle. If you can do an alley-oop or Down and Back sprints in 5 seconds, don’t settle for 8 seconds and be cool with it. Find time to improve yourself each time. This is what makes a basketball superstar. Find ways to improve your basketball game and take it to the next level each time you are on the court and never settle for less, when you can improve on yourself.

You must come to terms with the fact that practice makes perfect. You need to put in the extra work, if you want to become the next basketball superstar. Watch as many videos as you can, listen to the pros and take the opportunity to make use of these skills during your games.  

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THE ROAD TO TOKYO 2020 | NIKE UNVEILS OLYMPIC UNIFORMS

Last week, Nike unveiled a series of uniforms that we will see during this year’s 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. Above are a number of sports that are represented in the US as well as additional countries that include Brazil. Since the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, US athletes on the podium have worn the brand which showcases a collection of high-performance apparel to footwear (including a soccer cleat made with 3-D printed materials and running spikes optimized for short-distance sprinting). This includes when they’re on the podium as well as when they’re competing in a number of events that include track and field, soccer, speed skating etc. The Nike kit will continue to be worn especially with the deal inked last year that will go through the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. This year, you’ll see the brand’s worn by athletes that are competing in track and field, basketball, soccer and skateboarding. The uniforms take into account that the weather in Tokyo in August will be extremely muggy and humidity as opposed to the 78 degree temperatures in Rio. In addition, sustainability has been something that has been of great importance since the 2000 Olympic Summer Games in Sydney, Australia. Below are some of the uniforms for the US, Brazil and France.

TEAM USA | Podium Outfits

TEAM USA | Skateboarding

TEAM USA | Track & Field

TEAM USA | Global Football

TEAM USA | Basketball

TEAM BRAZIL | Skateboarding

TEAM FRANCE | Skateboarding

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BENEFITS OF EATING A HIGH-PROTEIN LUNCH

While there is a lot of controversy surrounding fats and carbohydrates, most people agree that protein is a highly important part of the diet. There are numerous health benefits associated with consuming a high-protein diet, from increased muscle mass to lowering the blood pressure.

Let’s take a look at more reasons why you need to consume a high-protein lunch:

1. More Muscle Mass and Less Fat

Proteins are the building blocks of our bodies. Thus, consuming a protein-rich diet helps maintain your current muscle mass. Furthermore, when you incorporate strength training into your routine, the protein will consequently help increase muscle mass.

Secondly, people who want to shed some fat but do not want to lose muscle can benefit from eating a high-protein diet.

For physically active people, protein is a crucial part of their diet as it helps in tissue repair and recovery.

2. Lowers Your Appetite

Everybody knows that we need fats, carbs, and protein in our diet. Of these three macronutrients, protein tends to be the most filling and the most satisfying.

There are two main reasons why you feel full quicker after eating a high protein lunch. Firstly, protein lowers the production of ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone, while simultaneously increasing the production of peptide YY, which makes you feel full.

Studies have shown that by increasing the protein intake, people feel full faster for longer, causing them to consume less food through the course of the day. Therefore, if you are planning on losing some weight around your midsection, consider replacing those potatoes with fish or bacon.

3. Higher Metabolism and More Fat Burning

The food we consume has a thermic effect. This is where our body's metabolism increases for a short time as the body burns energy for digestion.

That said, different types of food have different thermic effects. Between the macronutrients, protein has the highest thermic effect at up to 35%. Compare this to fat or carbs, which can have anywhere between 5% and 15%.

In fact, research shows that you can burn as much as a hundred calories a day only through eating a high-protein diet. Other studies have even shown that people can lose up to 260 calories a day. This is equivalent to an hour's training.

4. Healthier Bone Structure

There is the misconception that protein causes weaker bones. The idea stems from the belief that too much protein, especially from animals, results in a high acid load to the body. Consequently, this causes calcium to leak from the bones to neutralize the acid.

However, more recent studies have proven that people who consume a high-protein diet develop much healthier bones. Furthermore, they significantly reduce the chances of fractures or osteoporosis when they get older. Check out why organic meat is the future of protein.

Women are especially prone to osteoporosis after they hit menopause. Therefore, it is important to at least consume a high-protein lunch.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure

Are you concerned about your blood pressure skyrocketing after eating a high-protein lunch? Don’t be! Research shows that high levels of protein in our diet lowers both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures by 1.76mm and 1.15mm respectively.

Furthermore, a high-protein diet will also lower triglycerides, as well as the bad cholesterol low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

High blood pressure causes heart disease, kidney problems, and stroke. Therefore, consuming a high-protein lunch regularly can help reduce the likelihood of developing these health issues.

6. Not Harmful to Kidneys

Contrary to popular belief, more protein in your diet doesn’t cause your kidneys to overwork, resulting in damage.

Granted, people with existing kidney issues should avoid too much protein as the situation can quickly become life-threatening. On the other hand, studies have shown that people with healthy kidneys need not worry about consuming a high-protein meal.

In fact, they can reap many health benefits associated with a high-protein diet.

7. Helps in the Healing Process After an Injury

You can speed up your body’s recovery with a high-protein diet. This is not surprising as proteins form the building blocks of our muscles and tissues.

8. Stay Strong as You Grow Older

Our muscles naturally become weaker as we grow older. Consequently, a leading cause of reduced quality of life is sarcopenia. It is associated with frailty, including weak bones that fracture easily.

The simplest way to reduce muscle and bone loss is with a high-protein diet. This, combined with physical activity, can slow down and even build more muscle mass as you get older. Consider adding high protein plant-based foods to your diet. 

9. Reduces Late-Night Cravings

You might think those late-night cravings are caused by hunger. However, they are more about providing satisfaction to your brain in the middle of the night.

Late-night eating causes us to consume more calories than we need, resulting in weight and fat gain. Consequently, it becomes extremely difficult to lose body fat.

A high-protein lunch will keep you full for the rest of the day. Moreover, it is shown to significantly reduce cravings in teenage girls who are overweight. A study done on men showed that increasing the amount of protein consumed reduced the rate of late-night cravings by up to 60%.

10. Helps You Maintain a Low Weight

We’ve already seen that a high-protein diet increases the metabolism of our bodies while simultaneously causing us to feel fuller for longer. Consequently, we consume less throughout the day, resulting in weight loss.

However, while losing weight is one thing, keeping the weight down is a whole different challenge in itself. Research has also shown that increasing the amount of protein consumed by just 15% is enough to prevent further weight gain.

Conclusion

There is no denying that protein is an important part of our diet. However, many people are not aware of the many proven health benefits of following a high-protein diet. If your food mostly consists of fats and carbs, perhaps it is time you started cooking and regularly consuming a high-protein lunch.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S24. E6. | DRAMA FINDS THEM IN CHILE

If you have yet to check out this week’s episode, stop reading this and catch it on your DVR or On Demand as below we have spoilers! If you have watched it or just enjoy reading recaps, then continue on!

Tonight’s episode kicks off in Chile! The girls toast to leaving the drama behind and focusing on their relationships. Of course, everyone begins talking about MyKenna making a mini party to force time with Peter. She defends her decision and the girls find out that Hannah Ann gets a 1-on-1. Tensions are high as the girls wish her well on her date - Hannah Ann gets her rose.

Hands down, this was one of our favorite group dates - the Novella that seemed to be never-ending! It’s interesting that whether you’re a die-hard soap opera fan or not, people have a soft spot for them even if it’s a memory of watching it with a family member! As they enjoy the cocktail party, Peter ends up sending Victoria P home - which was a bit of a shock as he bluntly stated that he didn’t see her as his wife. Although we totally get it, maybe he shouldn’t have let her sit on his lap as that seemed a bit awkward. In the beginning of The Bachelor, Tammy was someone that we liked; however, over the past few weeks, she definitely has been on a mission to belittle the other contestants. Her focus should be on Peter as opposed to the other girls. Picking on the other women is definitely a strategic position for her - we can only imagine who her next target will be.

From the group date, Peter goes on a second 1-on-1 date with Victoria F. On their last 1-on-1 date, her ex Chris Rice serenaded them which made it a bit awkward. So on date number 2, at least they’re riding horses in Chile and being low key. This particular relationship has been such an issue to us due to a lot of things that have come up about Victoria F’s modeling career. Interestingly enough, her date begins to bring up red flags which also makes us think of other things we have heard in terms of her dating life prior to the show. Her behavior at the dinner was questionable at best; however, Peter still gives her a rose even though he admits that this is the first time he has given one with doubt on his mind!

As the girls get ready for the cocktail party, Peter requests a 2-on-1 with MyKenna and Tammy - which means that someone is going home. Although we feel that both of these women are annoying, this pair has been an odd mix. Tammy seems to be unhinged and there’s a point where filling Peter in on all the details that are going on in the house, needs to be tempered. There’s a fine line between being informative and being a tattle tale. Tammy is sent home (MyKenna is not given a rose at this time, but is able to go to the cocktail party) and he continues with the cocktail party to find out more about the other women. He chats with Natasha, Sydney, Kelsey and Victoria F (although she has a rose already).

Going into the rose ceremony, Hannah Ann, Madison and Victoria F have their roses. 3 additional roses are up for grabs - 2 additional people will be heading home. Kelsey, Natasha and Kelley receives a rose. We’re seriously shocked that Sydney didn’t receive one - we’ll hold out hope that she comes back maybe? After all the drama, they’re jetting off to Lima, Peru.

As always, every episode of ABC’s The Bachelor is tweeted by (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to give their commentary on 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 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) who continues to provide more scoop on what’s going on and what they anticipate happening in the next episode!

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LAST EPISODE

On Monday’s episode, we felt that Sydney, Natasha, Madison and Hannah Ann would make it to Hometowns. We also felt that Sydney would ultimately be the winner.

WEEK 5 (2nd of 2 episodes this week)

We’re convinced that every week is going to have an issue. With that said, we still see Hannah Ann, Madison, Natasha and Kelley heading to Hometowns with Peter. This week, we think he will choose Madison.

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OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

KELLEY

MADISON

NATASHA

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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 Columbia, 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.

THE BACHELOR S24. E5. | THE DRAMA HITS THE FAN

If you have yet to check out this week’s episode, stop reading this and catch it on your DVR or On Demand as below we have spoilers! If you have watched it or just enjoy reading recaps, then continue on!

Week five begins with the continuation of the drama that took place at the end of last week’s episode! Alayah was given a rose, but then it was time for him to send her home. It’s kind of strange for him to invite her and then to send her home - especially since he said that he did like her. Either way, there was a lot of humble pie served his way and we walked away loving Natasha even more then we could have imagined as she always tells it like it is!

The rose ceremony at the beginning of the night sees Alayah, Deandra, Kiarra and Savannah leaving. He announces that they will be heading to Costa Rica. With hopes of being able to leave the drama behind, it seems like it could be a clean slate (which is obviously wishful thinking).

Sydney gets the first 1-on-1 date in Costa Rica with Peter and it was great getting to know a little more about someone who we feel is mysterious in the best way possible. Hearing her back story really makes us like her even more. Back at the house, the girls are seriously freaking out about how they can stand apart from one another so that he can get to know them.

Tammy makes a good point when attempting to talk to Kelsey about the fact that as much as it’s crazy, they signed up for this. Apparently this truth kernel fell on deaf ears. We continue to the group date where the ladies have the chance to be on the cover for Cosmopolitan Magazine. They will also get to shoot with him - that can’t be drama waiting to happen. The women and Peter find out that they will be able to do a feature shoot in Cosmopolitan’s March Issue. The winner who brings it the most will be able to win a digital cover with Peter. Of course Kelsey who is on the date is upset about how the girls interact with them. Victoria F wins this; however, as many know now, due to Victoria F’s modeling with a highly problematic site, Cosmo announced that they were pulling Cosmopolitan’s Digital Cover as she was the winner.

The new drama exists between Tammy and Kelsey which is bound to suck everyone into yet another round of feelings. Peter takes Kelley on a 1-on-1 date to find out more about her. Although he was intrigued as they met at a mutual venue weeks before filming, he wants to make sure that she is a fit as he isn’t as connected to her as he would like to be due to her reserved nature. Ultimately, Peter gives Kelley a rose.

The rose ceremony becomes another dramatic time as there is no cocktail party and they go straight into selections. With the next round of women selected, we can’t wait until this Wed’s show.

As always, every episode of ABC’s The Bachelor is tweeted by (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to give their commentary on 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 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) who continues to provide more scoop on what’s going on and what they anticipate happening in the next episode!

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LAST WEEK’S EPISODE

Since there wasn’t a rose ceremony last week, we will continue with our picks: Hannah Ann, Madison, Sydney and Victoria P. We thought Victoria P. would ultimately win The Bachelor’s heart.

WEEK 5 (1st of 2 episodes this week)

This week shows that the drama will continue throughout Peter’s season without a doubt! We’re still loving our faves that include Sydney, Hannah Ann, Madison and we’re bringing Natasha back into the fold as we liked his heart to heart with her. Sydney will definitely go all the way.

OUR HOMETOWN PICKS

HANNAH ANN

MADISON

NATASHA

SYDNEY

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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.

CAFFEINE & WEIGHT LOSS - DOES IT REALLY HELP REDUCE BODY FAT?

Weight loss is both a sensitive as well as popular subject. People everywhere want to lose weight as the issue of obesity becomes more prominent in today’s society. Thanks to technology and social media, health and wellness have been at the forefront of people’s minds as more and more are becoming aware of the dangers of what we eat, as well as the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle.

It’s undeniable that obesity is truly a big problem and a serious issue that should be addressed. There are certain ways to deal with this issue—and caffeine might just be one of them.

Does Weight Loss Actually Happen?

There are many ways in which you can stimulate weight loss, but the most common one is through raising your metabolism. Your metabolism is a biological process that determines how much fat your body will retain, and how much it will burn for energy. We all know some people who eat a lot but never get fat. That is because they have a high metabolic rate. Caffeine is one of the foods that is known to increase one’s metabolic rate over a period of time. This results in burning more energy from your stored fats, therefore leading to weight loss. Legwork.guide and other resource sites on the internet can help you learn more about weight loss effectively.

How Does Caffeine Help In Burning Fat?

People drink coffee to keep themselves awake and alert. Caffeine in the coffee helps accomplish this by blocking a neurotransmitter called adenosine. When caffeine blocks adenosine, it sends message to neurons to fire other transmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This is how coffee helps us stay awake and alert, and can also increase your physical stamina.

When you want to lose weight, caffeine should be your go-to element. Caffeine, when ingested, sends a message to your cells telling them to break down the fat by inducing adrenaline. Adrenaline travels through your blood and reaches the fat cells, and that’s exactly how it makes the fat cells burn and increases your internal energy levels.

So, caffeine, in many a sense, can increase the level of adrenaline in your body, which helps in not only providing you with more energy, but also helps in proper blood circulation and the breaking down of fat cells.

Can Caffeine Alone Help You Lose Weight?

No, most definitely not. Caffeine makes you feel more energetic and increases blood circulation, but it cannot make you lose all your flab alone. For that, you need to be on a calorie-deficient diet. Though caffeine can help in increasing your metabolic rate, which determines how many calories you will burn and is generally increased through exercise and blood circulation, it can’t do all the work all by itself. If you are in a proper calorie-deficient diet, then more calories will be burnt than normal, and you will lose weight automatically.

In case you’re not on this diet and are diagnosed as obese, then caffeine can only increase your metabolic rate up to a certain point. If you are lean, the percentage easily becomes doubled so you lose a lot more weight. Also, exercising at a steady pace or with high-intensity exercises can also increase your metabolic rate. Keep in mind that eating moderately and exercising properly can help you lose weight in no time.

What Are Some Of The Other Ways To Lose Body Fat?

There are several other ways in which you can lose your body fat. You can check out other ways to lose body fat with the help of the internet. You can also go for a number of different diets that are specifically made for losing fat, like the Atkins or the Keto diet. But before you go for any of these methods, it is best to do adequate research about all of them. But at the end of the day, if you exercise properly and eat clean, and are on a calorie-deficient diet, you will lose weight over time.

Conclusion

Losing weight is not only for having a great body, or even having a great body image. If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight may help you prevent diseases associated with excess weight, or those that can be aggravated by it. Caffeine, along with having a healthy diet and exercise, may aid in letting you lose an appropriate amount of weight so that you can live a healthy life. Of course, caffeine alone won’t result in burning your excess fat, but it can help give you the needed energy levels for exercise and proper blood circulation.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.