THE BACHELORETTE S17. E7. | STEPS FROM HOMETOWNS

Tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelorette is getting us much closer to Hometowns. As the guys talk about how key this will be, we also see Kaitlyn, Tayshia and Katie Thurston connecting over what she projects this experience will be for Hometowns. The date card arrives with Greg getting a 1-on-1 with Katie (his second one). The other guys wonder who else will get 1-on-1 dates as the rosed given out today will be those that will be for Hometowns so that she can meet their families.

Greg’s date includes her giving a taste of Seattle. Instead of Pike Place Market, she has Katie’s Place Market. From throwing fish, eating oysters, creating bouquets etc - it’s a sweet moment. They play football because that’s huge there and they even have a replica of The Gum Wall (this was not one of our favorite things to see when we were in Seattle). It’s always interesting to see how the producers add these home-oriented touches when we’re not able to do them now due to being in a pandemic.

We continue onto the second part of Greg’s date and she lets him know that many times, she thought that he was just going to leave. She hopes that he knows that she wants him to stay; however, now that it’s getting closer to Hometowns, we’d think that his anxieties would be reduced with less people vying for her attention and being able to have more time. Plus, it definitely seems like those that were problematic have been removed so that it’s just about the interactions. He lets her know that he is there and he hopes that if he is there for the next week, he wants to show his family the girl that he is falling in love with. Katie lets him know that she does have feelings and she gives him the rose and he is heading to Hometowns.

The next date card arrives and we know that Brendan and Mike P. have yet to have a 1-on-1 with Katie. Justin, Andrew, Blake, Michael A. and Brendan are all on the group date which means that Michael P. will get the 1-on-1 date. Brendan is not the happiest about seeing that he didn’t get the 1-on-1 date. Although he’s frustrated and happy that Mike P. got 1-on-1 time, he decides to just go to her room and talk with her. He feels that since he didn’t have time to talk with her during the cocktail party and having the group date prior, he wanted to know more about what she was thinking. He lets her know that she has so much to offer and he wishes that he could have just one full day with her. Katie lets him know that although she felt a connection with him, she doesn’t think that with Hometowns being next week that they would be able to get there and she sends him home.

Since Brendan was sent home, only Justin, Andrew, Blake and Michael A. are on the group date. The date involves flowers that are sensual and self portraits of the artist. The guys are tasked with creating art that is inspired by Katie - most of them create paintings and Michael A does a sculptor. The second part of the group date begins and all eyes are on the rose. All 4 guys feel that they are on the bubble but at least they all know that they will have time with her alone to say what they need to say.

Blake kicks off some time with her and lets Katie know that although he is not in love right now, he knows it’s coming and that his mom will love her. Justin brings a butterfly picture that he painted for her and says that it means evolution and that that is what she has done for him. When he had time to make a second painting and to make another great rose, this could be quite a hobby! They both acknowlegde that they have a great and easy connection. In her time with Michael A., Katie says that she will figure out the dynamics of a relationship with him as she knows that his son, James is part of their life together. She tells him that every rose given is also given to James as well as Michael. Michael’s concerns that he had going in were taken care of when she said that everything will be figured out. Andrew A. takes his time with Katie and lets her know that every athlete dies twice once when they finish their sport and again when they pass away. He lets her know that he is willing to stop playing so that he can focus on her. She tells him that she wants him to continue doing his passion and they will figure it out and if it means traveling with him, living in separate places, pushing back on having a family, etc - she’s there for it. Her recreates their 1-on-1 date with the envelope in the cieling with lights and she reads his note, “I’m falling for you.” We have to agree that this group of 4 guys will be tough to decide who gets the group date rose and who she will have to choose when it comes to the end of tonight’s episode.

The group date rose goes to Michael A. - Justin, Blake and Andrew A. not have to wait until the rose. It’s great to see the guys that are left who definitely are sad that they didn’t get a rose, but they’re not attacking one another.

Mike P.’s date is a 1-on-1 and they meet a cuddle expert and they change into comfortable clothing so that they can get through the cuddle exercises on their first date. It looks pretty awkward as they do various positions with one another and he shares how he feels that Katie is nurturing just like his mom. The giggling throughout the date was a red flag to the cuddle coach. When they have the chance to chat with one another as they continue to cuddle, it’s nice to see him showing his vulnerability with her. From cuddling, they’re on a park bench and Katie is crying. She explains that they had a great time, and she knows they bonded more and she knows she has stronger relationships with the other guys. She feels that she can’t get there with him and she doesn’t want to make him go to a dinner, when she knows that it won’t work and is sending him home. She sends Mike P. home.

Andrew, Blake and Justin are fighting for the last 2 roses at the rose ceremony. Katie gives the first rose to Blake and the remaining one to Justin! We’re kind of surprised as we thought that Andrew was a shoe-in!

Katie is not completely settled with the decision that she made the night before. She felt that it was really hard to let him go. A knock on the door by Andrew brings a smile to her face. He didn’t want to leave on a bad note with her; however, she is still not bringing him back. He left her with a note that she can read when she is ready and he leaves - again. She reads it immediately and it says, “if you change your mind, I’ll be waiting.” She runs after him and gives him a hug - she asks that if he can stay longer, would he and he says it’s tough because even though he wants to be with her, this place is too hard. But he couldn’t say yes. She realizes that the journey wasn’t for them and as hard as it is, she feels that this process is worth it.

Katie sends the following home: Brendan, Mike P. and Andrew S.

Next week, Hometowns will include: Greg, Michael A., Blake and Justin.

Each night, when the season airs, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@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.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 17, EPISODE 7

Last week, we felt that Andrew, Blake, Greg and Michael A. would be on their way to Hometowns.

This week, we finally know who will be sharing their families with Katie during Hometowns: Blake, Greg, Justin and Michael A.

HEADING TO HOMETOWNS:

BLAKE 29 - Hamilton, Ontario Canada

GREG 27 - Edison, NJ

JUSTIN 26 - Ellicott City, MD

MICHAEL A. 36 - Akron, OH

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

AARON 26 - Walnut, CA

ANDREW M. 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

ANDREW S. 26 - Waukegan, IL

AUSTIN 25 - Mission Viejo, CA

BLAKE 29 - Hamilton, Ontario Canada

BRANDON 26 - Mokena, IL

BRENDAN 26 - Toronto, Canada

CHRISTIAN 26 - Newburyport, MA

CODY 27 - Montclair, NJ

CONNOR B. 29 - Columbia, IL

CONOR C. 28 - Edmond, OK

DAVID 27 - NY, NY

GABRIEL 35 - Charlotte, NC

GARRETT 29 - Salinas, CA

GREG 27 - Edison, NJ

HUNTER 34 - San Angelo, TX

JAMES 30 - NY, NY

JEFF 31 - Cranford, NJ

JOHN 27 - Santa Cruz, CA

JOSHUA 25 - Pembroke Pines, FL

JUSTIN 26 - Ellicott City, MD

KARL 33 - Miami, FL

KYLE 26 - Sarasota, FL

LANDON 25 - Bakersfield, CA

MARCUS 30 - Vancouver, WA

MARTY 25 - Reno, NV

MICHAEL A. 36 - Akron, OH

MIKE P. 31 - Surprise, AZ

QUARTNEY 26 - Arlington, TX

THOMAS 28 - San Diego, CA

TRÉ 26 - Covington, GA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | TYLER RICH

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Tyler Rich in mag.

9LIST ROUTIN3S | CATT SADLER

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST ROUTIN3S | Catt Sadler in mag.

BINGELY STREAMING

BLACKOUT

QCode

Spotify

Last Season, QCode's BLACKOUT, an apocalyptic thriller, introduced us to a small-town radio DJ, Simon Itani (Academy Award winner Rami Malek of Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Little Things) fights for his family and community when the power grid is shut down nationwide bringing on a devolving modern civilization.

In season 2 which started a few weeks ago, it picks up after Simon's family escapes. As they wait out what took place, their paths cross with an old family friend Wren (played by Aja Naomi King of How to Get Away with Murder, The Upside and Sylvie's Love). In the safehouse that she found them at, she tells Simon and his family what she experienced in Boston when the power grid went down and how she got out of Boston. As she talks about her life prior to the chaos and after, we are left wondering if she can be trusted and what can they find out about the origins of this blackout and who profits from the wide sweeping chain of events that took place.

EDITH!

QCode + Crooked Media

iHeart Radio

Edith! is a scripted political satire podcast by QCode and Crooked Media reimagines history starring Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, I Care a Lot and Jack Reacher) as Edith Wilson, the second wife to President Woodrow Wilson explores the untold true-ish story of America's secret First Female President.

We get introduced to Edith's life prior to her husband suffering a massive, paralyzing stroke in the White House. Telling no one, she does the unthinkable. For nearly a year, after the end of World War I, she acts as the de facto unelected President. She signed issue orders as her husband, fired people as him and caused international incidents in his name. A number of historians believe she took on this role near the end of his presidency.

While all of these activities are going on, enemies that are external and internal get closer to finding out her most guarded secret. In this limited series, we learn about how the events took place, the role that she played and her thoughts of doing so.

MARY J BLIGE'S MY LIFE

Amazon Original Documentary

Amazon Prime Video

With 13 albums, Mary J Blige notes that her second album, My Life, is her most important one. This documentary talks about the importance of this album which allowed her to speak to her fans as well as to survive what was happening around her. This 17 track album was a lyrical therapy for her and was mainly produced by P. Diddy and Chucky Thompson.

The documentary, Mary J Blige’s My Life, explores the making of the album and allows her to get candid with members of her family, collaborators, record execs (Andre Harrell, Jimmy Iovine) actors (Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson) and fellow artists (Method Man, Nas, Alicia Keys) as they talk about her transition from the projects to the upper echelon of the music industry. Mary also talks frankly about her struggles on camera.

Viewers are left thinking about how she was able to be involved in the shift of R&B as well as to buck the notion of what an artist of the genre was perceived to be. We also get an insider view on the obstacles that took place between her first album, What's the 411 and how that affected her as she was in the process of creating My Life.

Read the JUN ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Streaming in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

DADA EATS: LOVE TO COOK IT

Rodale Books

Samah Dada

We love that Dada Eats :Love to Cook It includes over 100 meals and dishes that include plant-based Indian dishes with a twist! Dishes included in this book are generally vegan, allergen-free, gluten-free, and grain-free as she likes to utilize the most nutritious ingredients and not because she is looking to cut something out.

Those cooking her dishes will see her creative take on Brookie Pie and Chocolate Chip Tahini Cake with Chocolate Frosting, as well as One Banana Only Muffin Tops, Pancake Bread, Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe, and Masala Mac and Cheese.

By drawing on her Indian roots for plant-based dishes like Spicy Eggplant Masala and the Best Dal Ever - you'll see how she is able to make twists on these classics. We're also excited to try her Kheer, Sweet Potato Aloo Tikki, Creamy Black Lentils, and more. You'll find that this Today Show favorite has removed dairy without sacrificing flavor.

Even her desserts rely on the use of unprocessed sugars, legumes, and grain-free flours, but they still satisfy every sweet tooth as you learn how to use these healthy ingredients for maximum flavor and joy.

LET'S MAKE DUMPLINGS!

Ten Speed Press

Hugh Amano + Sarah Becan

If you've yet to add a comic cookbook to your collection, we highly suggest the creators of Let's Make Ramen! who just released Let's Make Dumplings! This easy to follow cookbook will help you in making Asian dumplings into your kitchen with sweet and savory varieties, dipping sauces, riffs and more.

Chef Hugh Amano and comic artist Sarah Becan present them in a colorful book that gives you the history of wontons to potstickers, buuz to momos, gyoza, crab rangoon, Cambodian Num Kom, folding styles, various options to cook them and flavorful fillings that can be achieved by newbies as well as those who are familiar with creating them.

MALIBU RISING

Ballantine Books

Taylor Jenkins Reid

When the 4 famous Riva siblings come together for Nina Riva's epic end of summer annual party in August 1983, the next 24 hours changes their lives forever. Everyone is excited to attend to see Nina (surfer and supermodel who is not excited for her own party), Jay (championship surfer), Hud (renowned photographer) and their baby sister. They are the children of the lengendary singer Mick Riva that we meet in Malibu Rising.

Each sibling has something that they haven't shared. By midnight the party in Malibu will be in full swing and by morning the Riva mansion will have burned down. But before that, secrets will be revealed with the copious drinks that have been consumed. The next 24 hours will show what they choose to do with their lives.

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | CONCORD HILL

As the summer continues, there are more opportunities to go out and enjoy the long days with friends and family. For this month's The Art of the Snack, we talk with Owner/Chef Guy Kairi to find out about Concord Hill located in Brooklyn. He shares his culinary journey, what we should order on our next visit and what we can expect when we swing by.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your culinary background.

CHEF GUY KAIRI: I grew up in Tel Aviv in a family of Greek and Egyptian immigrants and food was always a big part of my life. I went to culinary school in New York and when I graduated, I kept thinking about working in Europe even though New York had a great culinary scene. I just wanted a more classic setting where I could perfect my skills. I spent some time in France, about six months since I could not afford to work for free for very long! I apprenticed in a few restaurants in Paris and a butcher shop in Normandy, absorbing whatever knowledge I could along the way. When I returned home to Israel, I wanted to put my classic training to use. My first five years were spent at a super busy bistro at a boutique hotel. I learned to work very fast in the kitchen while still maintaining the quality of food. This was a good first part of my career and made it easier to take a step up to fine dining. Then I heard about a Japanese chef coming from the UK to open a restaurant in Tel Aviv, also in a boutique hotel. It was a very interesting project as it took 13 years to renovate the building. A real passion project from a guy from London who wanted to have his favorite London restaurant, Dinings, in the hotel. [I actually was connected with him through some friends in the art world, his art dealer was my friend.] It was a complete switch from French to Japanese, like starting from scratch. The whole approach to the experience was completely different so I immersed myself fully into the process. Usually, to be a sushi chef, you need 7 – 10 years of training but the chef said I would be ready in 3 years. By the end of my time there, I was able to execute the menu at a very high level. I did learn that you can make amazing things in a small space. All it takes is to be adaptable, creative and have a skillful hand. By the time I was in my mid-thirties, I knew sushi was not my passion. My real passion is more connected to cooking with wood and live fire with a clear connection to nature and what’s going on around us. I was always drawn to the sea and seafood. My focus became more about cooking simple preparations but using the best ingredients. I’ve also worked in San Sebastian and was very inspired by my time there.

AM: How would you define your style of cooking?

CHEF GK: For me, it all starts with the ingredients, which is then backed up with Japanese techniques and classic French preparation.

AM: What led you to become the chef/owner of Concord Hill located in the Brooklyn?

CHEF GK: While I was in cooking school, I bartended in the West Village. Over the years, I kept in touch with the owner and whenever I came back to see what was happening in NYC, we’d meet up. I was scoping out what it would take for me to open in the city. He co-owned this restaurant with two people I used to work with but it wasn’t really working out. He was torn between closing or selling, really whatever came first. For me, coming from a foreign country, having a place that was plug and play was the best option. I had already lived in Williamsburg and it was natural for me to come back. Concord Hill provided me with a good platform to do what I wanted without having to build a restaurant first.

AM: When did you launch and what can guests expect when they come to dine at Concord Hill?

CHEF GK: I bought the restaurant in April 2019 and then spent several months slowly changing the menu.

Guests can expect a warm welcome, we’re sort of “fine casual.” I’m committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients, at the peak of the season and at peak quality. The menu evolves with the seasons and always features different types of seafood and flavors. Diners have the option for a lighter meal or more sophisticated multi-course dinner. I look for healthy ingredients, grown and harvested responsibly.

AM: Can you talk about the aesthetics of your restaurant for those that will be dining inside?

CHEF GK: The dining room is intimate, about 36 seats, but we nearly double the seating in the warmer months with the outdoors. We have touches of marble-like our bar countertop and some ledges but generally, the décor is simple and color palette muted. It’s really about what’s on the plate.

AM: When creating this menu, can you tell us about where the inspiration for your dishes came from?

CHEF GK: It always starts with the ingredients. I love talking with my purveyors about what they’re bringing in. From there, it’s all about how to prepare them in the simplest way.

AM: What are 3 signature dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy?

CHEF GK: Hay Roasted Chicken – if you like chicken that’s a great one to try.

Yuzu-miso Glazed Grilled Shrimp – it’s just a delicious combination of flavors.

Wild Caught Fish - I always have a wild caught fish on the menu. They’re caught off Long Island and brought to the restaurant whole. I butcher them here.

AM: What are 3 appetizers and/or desserts that we should try at Concord Hill?

CHEF GK: Mushrooms with Egg Yolk - our mushrooms are foraged and I only use free-range eggs.

Jamon Iberico on a mini baguette from Balthazar shows off one of the world’s greatest hams. It really brings me back to my time in San Sebastian in Spain.

Basque Cheesecake with fermented blackberry sauce has become a signature dessert at the restaurant. It’s also inspired by my time in the Basque country in Spain. The crustless cheesecake is baked at high temperatures to create a singed outer layer that gives it a burnt look on the outside yet it is airy and velvety on the inside.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest we should have when visiting?

CHEF GK: There’s a fun story with one of our signature drinks, the MandarAnna. It was a bespoke cocktail we created for the birthday of Anna, one of our great friends and loyal customers. It’s made with mezcal, mandarin, morita chile. St. Germain, thyme. She loved it and asked us to put it on the menu, which we were happy to do.

The Goose is Loose with pear vodka, lemon, ginger, jalapeño, pear puree – it has a little kick from the ginger and jalapeño tamed by the fruit. It’s light and easy to drink.

You've Gotta Be Kiwiing Me is made with gin infused with kiwi, cucumber and basil, boomsma bitter, aquavit and lemon. Our bar team loves to infuse spirits with other ingredients to create uniquely flavored, delicious cocktails that you can’t find anywhere else. The cocktails change seasonally and this one is perfect for summer.

AM: What vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free friendly items do you have?

CHEF GK: Fresh Herbs & White Beans and Grilled Mixed Cauliflower are both vegan dishes. For vegetarian options we have Mixed Lettuce, Almond & Pear Salad; Mixed Organic Mushrooms & Egg Yolk; Grilled Kale & Parmigiano Reggiano, and Truffle Fingerling Potatoes.

AM: During COVID-19, many restaurants have had to pivot on how they serve the guests and neighborhoods with pickups, delivery, reduce indoor dining, outdoor dining etc. – what have you been doing during this time?

CHEF GK: When the pandemic started, we pivoted immediately to pickup and delivery. It was just me and my GM working every day. I was cooking alone in the kitchen and it was incredibly stressful. We didn’t know how long we would have to do that. Thankfully, we had been doing some delivery beforehand so we didn’t have to start from zero. It grew pretty rapidly and introduced us to a lot of new customers. Our delivery volume today is actually still higher than before the pandemic so that’s a win. Now that everything is reopening and New Yorkers are dining out again, we are meeting people for the first time even though they have been delivery customers for over a year. That’s very cool. Outdoor dining has been amazing. Previously we only had a couple of tables outside but once the city loosened regulations, we were able to build a curbside structure and add several more tables on the sidewalk. We’re also part of Open Streets so in the summer we have a lot more seats.

IG @Guy.Kairi

@ConcordHillBK

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Concord Hill

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see The Art of the Snack | Concord Hill in mag.

IN THE STUDIO WITH DON BROOKS

Whether you've been enjoying your workouts or are adding items into the mix, we always like hearing about methods that people are doing. We took some time to chat with celebrity fitness trainer Don Brooks who is also known as Don-A-Matrix. We know of him from episodes on Keeping Up with the Kardashians as he has been the family's trainer for a number of years. We also know that he has sessions for his followers and fans to workout alongside him. We wanted to find out more about his journey into the fitness industry, his method, philosophy and some movements that we can include within our routine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with fitness and know that you wanted to work in the fitness industry?

DON BROOKS: I’ve always had a passion for fitness and a drive to stay healthy and in shape. Before I became a certified trainer, I was someone who loved working out and the accomplished feeling that comes afterward. When I moved out to San Diego years ago, I knew I wanted to be a trainer but I couldn’t have imagined where it would take me – it’s been a blessing to do what I love everyday with great clients.

AM: What was your journey into the industry as I know you were previously an NFL trainer?

DB: After moving out to San Diego to meet some family who had moved out here previously, I fell in love with the West Coast and it’s incredible weather. I started training a variety of athletes in the San Diego area – eventually working with players on the NFL Chargers – and then decided to move to Los Angeles (where it’s a larger hub) and open up my own location there.

AM: What is your fitness philosophy?

DB: If you put in the effort and hard work, you will see the results you were hoping for.

AM: Tell us about the Don-A-Matrix Method as I know you focus the workout around quarters?

DB: I came up with the Don-A-Matrix method as a way to have a specialized workout resemble a sports game. Similar to a normal basketball or football game, my workout consists of four quarters – but within each quarter, you have 3 sets of two different exercises, combined with a period of rest or relief after each quarter. The method delivers results by challenging the cardio and muscular endurance system to tone and sculpt the body, while burning fat. The rest period also gives participants the chance to rehydrate, which is key for sustaining performance throughout the workout. A natural, low-cal sports drink, like BODYARMOR LYTE is my go-to between quarters because it’s packed with electrolytes, coconut water and vitamins – and doesn’t have anything artificial.

AM: Tell us about your studio.

DB: My Don-A-Matrix Studio is located right in downtown Los Angeles, CA at 7704 Melrose Ave. It’s been a great location for me and my clients – I’m able to host a variety of classes DAILY inside my studio, as well as outside in the back lot.

AM: What is Don-A-Matrix Day?

DB: I’m a native of Petersburg, VA – and grew up in the area – going to Petersburg High School and Virginia State University. I was lucky enough to be honored by the city of Petersburg a few years ago – and they named an official day for me, called “Don-A-Matrix Day.” It’s an honor for me, and I love being able to give back to the community that raised me.

AM: What does an average day or week look like when you are personally working out?

DB: I personally work out every single day – and that could be before or after my personal sessions with clients or even during the sessions, where I'll personally do the workout with them. On any given day, I could realistically end up “working out” 2-3 times a day. Free time is certainly limited!

AM: What are your go to items that you think are important for people to have on hand to have a dynamic workout?

DB: BODYARMOR is #1. It’s important to be hydrated before, during and after a workout. And I LOVE my Don-A-Matrix x Sweet Sweat Fitness Bands, as they are perfect for any workout – and allows you to work in all sorts of different modifications to your standard workout moves.

AM: How important is it for people to have accountability in their workouts and as people are on their journeys of their fitness goals, what should they be looking at to know they are achieving their desired results?

DB: The biggest misconception is that working out will change your body overnight. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. So it’s 100% about accountability and the ability to stay the course. Results don’t happen overnight and there are going to be times when you want to relax, not workout, give-up, whatever it might be – but don’t. It’s important to keep going and workout even when you’re lazy and don’t want to. We all feel that way – celebrities, athletes, etc. – it’s just a matter of getting up and getting through it because you know that you’ll feel better and accomplished afterwards once you do start to see those results.

AM: For those that are finessing their summer bodies, what would you suggest for arms, abs and glutes?

DB: Here are three examples of specific workouts that target your upper body, lower body and core. Keep in mind, the below include a Bosu Ball and would come in a set, similar to my Don-A-Matrix method.

• Lateral Squats – Start from squatting position and keep one foot on the ground and the other on the Bosu ball. Leap into the air and switch feet. Repeat 20 times.

• Jump Switch Lunge – Start from the lunge position with one foot on the Bosu ball. Jump into the air and land on your opposite foot. Repeat 20 times.

• Push Ups – Start in a plank position, dome side-down, and your hands on the flat side on the Bosu ball. Lower down into a push-up position, hovering your chest off the bosu. Repeat 20 times.

AM: You’ve trained Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Travis Barker and more. When it comes to taking on clients, what are you looking for whether they are your celeb clients or someone who sees your work on TV or online?

DB: If someone wants to work with me, they just have to reach out! I always have open availability, and I enjoy working out with new attendees all the time. You don’t have to be a celebrity, just someone who is serious about wanting to better their body.

AM: We know that in addition to people looking to achieve personal fitness goals, you work with celebs that may have to transform their bodies for roles, how do you approach those projects?

DB: Any of my clients – whether they are celebs or not – have personal goals that they want to attain and that’s why they are reaching out. It’s all about accountability and understanding that you have to put in the work in order to attain those results. So as long as you’re willing to put in the work – and deal with the struggles that come with it – I’m happy to work with anyone who wants to get their mind and body right.

AM: You’ve been a long time trainer to the Kardashians. How does the Don-A-Matrix Method work with them and how is it customizable as we're sure Kim, Kourtney and Khloe have different fitness goals.

DB: Absolutely. To your point, they all have different goals from a fitness and body perspective. The Don-A-Matrix Method is great because it’s flexible for any body type, workout level and more. If we’re trying to work on a specific muscle group or just trying to tone down (or up) the workout, we can mold the Don-A-Matrix workout to each attendee’s specifications – whether that’s tweaking the workout, modifying the number of sets or adding another fitness item to change it up.

AM: We have had the pleasure of talking with a number of trainers such as Harley Pasternak, Gunnar Peterson and Jen Widerstrom about how they had to adjust working with their clients especially since they couldn’t get in the gym with them. Did you find last year’s lockdowns a difficult transition for your clients in terms of their preparation to work out and what did you suggest to them?

DB: It was truly a strange year or time-period for everyone, so it was all about trying to adapt and manage as best as possible. For a lot of my clients, we tried live-streaming workouts and doing at-home workouts – things of that sort. As time progressed, we transitioned into more outdoors workouts, given everyone’s comfortability. But I think overall, it just shows that you have to be adaptable for whatever barrier comes your way.

AM: How did you connect with BODYARMOR and what was synergistic between your brands that you felt this would be a great partnership?

DB: My partnership with BODYARMOR goes back several years now and it’s one that has been beneficial for us both. Obviously, hydration is key for working out – and BODYARMOR makes some incredible products that are better-for-you than the other sports drinks out on the market today. They have clean ingredients, potassium-packed electrolytes and vitamins, and their low calorie/low sugar BODYARMOR LYTE is great for fueling my workouts and helping me recover faster.

AM: How important is hydration while working out and of course, throughout the day?

DB: Hydration is critical to your performance – whether you’re working out or about to start your day. It can often make the difference between you being able to complete that last set or struggling to get it started. And part of that is preparation – you want to be sure that you’re hydrating before, during and after your workout – just so you’re giving your body exactly what it needs for fuel.

IG @DonAMatrixTraining

PHOTOS COURTESY | BODYARMOR

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see In the Studio with Don Brooks in mag.

AWARDS SEASON 2021 - 2022 | EMMYS NOMINATIONS

This year has been one that has been interesting to navigate and we have watched a number of shows to get us through! This morning Emmy winning father-daughter duo Ron Cephas Jones (This is Us) and Jasmine Cephas Jones (#FreeRayShawn) announced the nominations for the 73rd Emmys which will take place on Sep 19th at 8pm ET/5pm PT on CBS as well as being streamed live and on demand on Paramount+. Simply put a number of our favorites from The Mandalorian (24 nominations), Lovecraft Country (18 nominations), WandaVision were definitely enjoyed by all. Cedric the Entertainer will host the big night which is slated to have a limited live audience of those that are nominated and their guests as opposed to virtual shows that took place during the pandemic.

As always, we predict who will win in italics and on the big night, those that won will be in bold and those that we correctly predicted will be in bold italics. Categories and those that are nominated are below (for the complete list of nominees, see them here).

Outstanding Drama Series

The Boys

Bridgerton

The Crown

The Mandalorian

Lovecraft Country

Pose

The Handmaid's Tale

This Is Us

Outstanding Comedy Series

Black-ish

Cobra Kai

Pen15

Emily in Paris

Hacks

Ted Lasso

The Flight Attendant

The Kominsky Method

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Regé-Jean Page, Bridgerton

Sterling K. Brown, This Is Us

Billy Porter, Pose

Jonathan Majors, Lovecraft Country

Matthew Rhys, Perry Mason

Josh O'Connor, The Crown

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Emma Corrin, The Crown

Olivia Colman, The Crown

Uzo Aduba, In Treatment

Elisabeth Moss, The Handmaid's Tale

Jurnee Smollett, Lovecraft Country

Mj Rodriguez, Pose

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Michael K. Williams, Lovecraft Country

Bradley Whitford, The Handmaid's Tale

Max Minghella, The Handmaid's Tale

O-T Fagbenle, The Handmaid's Tale

John Lithgow, Perry Mason

Tobias Menzies, The Crown

Giancarlo Esposito, The Mandalorian

Chris Sullivan, This Is Us

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Gillian Anderson, The Crown

Helena Bonham Carter, The Crown

Emerald Fennell, The Crown

Ann Dowd, The Handmaid's Tale

Yvonne Strahovski, The Handmaid's Tale

Samira Wiley, The Handmaid's Tale

Madeline Brewer, The Handmaid's Tale

Aunjanue Ellis, Lovecraft Country

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jason Sudeikis, Ted Lasso

Anthony Anderson, Black-ish

Michael Douglas, The Kominsky Method

William H. Macy, Shameless

Kenan Thompson, Kenan

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Aidy Bryant, Shrill

Jean Smart, Hacks

Allison Janney, Mom

Kaley Cuoco, The Flight Attendant

Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live

Kenan Thompson, Saturday Night Live

Brett Goldstein, Ted Lasso

Brendan Hunt, Ted Lasso

Nick Mohammed, Ted Lasso

Jeremy Swift, Ted Lasso

Paul Reiser, The Kominsky Method

Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Hacks

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Kate McKinnon, Saturday Night Live

Cecily Strong, Saturday Night Live

Aidy Bryant, Saturday Night Live

Rosie Perez, The Flight Attendant

Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Hannah Waddingham, Ted Lasso

Juno Temple, Ted Lasso

Outstanding Limited Series

Mare of Easttown

I May Destroy You

WandaVision

The Queen's Gambit

The Underground Railroad

Outstanding Television Movie

Uncle Frank

Sylvie's Love

Oslo

Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia

Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Paul Bettany, WandaVision

Hugh Grant, The Undoing

Ewan McGregor, Halston

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Hamilton

Leslie Odom Jr., Hamilton

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Kate Winslet, Mare of Easttown

Michaela Coel, I May Destroy You

Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen's Gambit

Elizabeth Olsen, WandaVision

Cynthia Erivo, Genius: Aretha

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

Jean Smart, Mare of Easttown

Julianne Nicholson, Mare of Easttown

Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision

Phillipa Soo, Hamilton

Renee Elise Goldsberry, Hamilton

Moses Ingram, The Queen's Gambit

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Daveed Diigs, Hamilton

Jonathan Groff, Hamilton

Anthony Ramos, Hamilton

Thomas Brodie-Sangster, The Queen's Gambit

Evan Peters, Mare of Easttown

Paapa Essiedu, I May Destroy You

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series

Courtney B. Vance, Lovecraft Country

Charles Dance, The Crown

Don Cheadle, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier

Timothy Olyphant, The Mandalorian

Carl Weathers, The Mandalorian

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Alexis Bledel, The Handmaid's Tale

Mckenna Grace, The Handmaid's Tale

Claire Foy, The Crown

Phylicia Rashad, This Is Us

Sophie Okonedo, Ratched

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series

Chris Rock, Saturday Night Live

Dave Chappelle, Saturday Night Live

Daniel Kaluuya, Saturday Night Live

Dan Levy, Saturday Night Live

Morgan Freeman, The Kominsky Method

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series

Maya Rudolph, Saturday Night Live

Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live

Issa Rae, A Black Lady Sketch Show

Jane Adams, Hacks

Bernadette Peters, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist

Yvette Nicole Brown, A Black Lady Sketch Show

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

A Black Lady Sketch Show

Saturday Night Live

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

Conan

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Jimmy Kimmel Live

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Outstanding Competition Program

The Amazing Race

Nailed It!

RuPaul's Drag Race

Top Chef

The Voice

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

RuPaul, RuPaul's Drag Race

Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France, Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness, Queer Eye

Nicole Byer, Nailed It!

Padma Lakshmi, Tom Colicchio, and Gail Simmons, Top Chef

Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, and Kevin O'Leary, Shark Tank

Outstanding Variety Special Live

“Celebrating America – An Inauguration Night Special”

“Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020”

“The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards”

“The Oscars The Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show Starring The Weeknd”

Outstanding Variety Special Pre-recorded

“8:46 – Dave Chappelle”

“A West Wing Special To Benefit”

“When We All Vote”

“Bo Burnham: Inside”

“David Byrne’s American Utopia”

“Friends: The Reunion”

“Hamilton”

Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special

“My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman”

“Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special”

“Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy”

“United Shades Of America With W. Kamau Bell”

“Vice”

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HYDRATION CHECK WITH HARLEY PASTERNAK

We always enjoy catching up with Harley Pasternak, MSc, celebrity trainer, nutritionist and Propel ambassador. He is someone that is not only passionate about working out and food nutrition, but he also believes in the importance of hydration as these three things optimize your body as you go about your day. We wanted to see what he has been up to since we talked to him last summer; get some tips on working out; solo or with friends without equipment and what tools he enjoys using.

ATHLEISURE MAG: With everyone being able to enjoy summer weather, what are the best exercises that we can do outside that don’t require equipment?

HARLEY PASTERNAK: Walk! Walking is still my absolute favorite exercise because it does not require any special equipment, you can do it throughout the day, it can be a form of socialization, and you can even watch your favorite TV show or movie if you have access to a treadmill indoors. I make sure my Fitbit reads at least 12,000 steps every single day!

AM: For those that want to have their friends, family or small groups to workout together, what kinds of workouts do you suggest for this?

HP: Aside from walking as a group, fun games like pickleball or ultimate frisbee are great ways to get a bunch of people involved in a healthy competitive activity that burns lots of calories. Circuit is also a fun way to include a group of people, by having a few different stations, each of which has a different exercise that people can cycle through.

AM: For those continuing to build their home gyms and as you have designed and developed various equipment, what do you suggest should be added to people’s homes?

HP: I’m a big fan of dumbbells. Their versatility is unrivaled. Aside from having some dumbbells, I love a TRX suspension strap, sliders, a good exercise bench, and an elastic headband. If you’re looking for something a little upmarket, nothing comes close to FORME for a digital hardware solution, or you can access some awesome digital content that does not require any equipment at Alo Moves.

AM: What are some tips that we need to incorporate post workout for our recovery?

HP: Hydration is key! Most of the people that come to my gym show up already dehydrated. We actually focus on pre-hydrating, hydrating throughout the workout, and rehydrating right after.

AM: Hydration is important and even more so when we’re in the midst of summer heat, what are your suggestions for this?

HP: I’ve been a big believer in Propel Fitness Water for a few years. The fact that you can get fluids and electrolytes into your body without sugar, goes a long way. Also research shows that flavored water leads to people drinking more fluids than unflavored water. The Propel Powder Packs are super convenient because you can put them into an empty bottle – like the Propel reusable bottle – add water, and shake.

AM: How much hydration should we be consuming on average and what’s the best way to go about that each day?

HP: I tell my clients that 3 L of fluids each day is a must. If you are exercising in the heat, that number goes up relatively.

AM: We like heading to your IG to see recipes that you suggest that we eat such as your open faced shrimp sandwich. What would be a summer menu for the day that you suggest that we can enjoy for breakfast, lunch and dinner?

HP: I love starting my day with a smoothie, especially one that uses summer fruits like berries. Try my Red Berry Smoothie from the Body Reset diet. Lunch can be a nice salad using seasonal vegetables, seeds, and lean protein like grilled shrimp. And dinner usually focuses on the lean protein like salmon or chicken with a bunch of grilled seasonal vegetables, and a baked sweet potato.

AM: This summer, people will definitely be excited to go out and to do so with a number of people, so I think that people will be busy for sure. How do you maintain a balanced lifestyle that allows you to optimize your summer while setting you for success as we transition to other seasons?

HP: I think building your physical activity around walking is key, especially in the summer. Because of the high temperatures, I like to get most of my walking down early in the morning or at the end of the day while multitasking by doing phone calls or returning text and emails. Preplanning your meals is also very helpful to make sure you don’t feel overwhelmed every day of the week trying to cook.

IG @HarleyPasternak

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Jessica Nash

Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see Hydration Check with Harley Pasternak in mag.

THE BACHELORETTE S17. E6. | CAN WE GET AN EASY WEEK?

Tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelorette continues with Kaitlyn, Tayshia and Katie Thurston having a proper catch-up session to see where she is with the guys that remain. The guys are at the house and Kaitlyn announces Katie’s plan for Operation WOWO to see who will be able to hold out the longest. The guys take in this added element of self-care that they will not be able to engage in. Kaitlyn leaves the date card behind and Justin receives a 1-on-1 date. We can only imagine how many faces he will do during their date.

On Justin’s date, we see our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir. of Athleisure Mag’s friend (Kimmie Smith), Franco Lacosta who is back as the photographer of the wedding date. Katie and Justin write their vows and then they take a number of pictures in a wedding dress and a suit. Seeing Justin think about what it would be like to be married and to think about what he would say on his big day along with all of his facial expressions was definitely a great date to see. Franco shares some words of wisdom about being authentic and real.

The second date card arrives which will be a group date and includes: Blake, Andrew, Michael A., Greg, Aaron, Mike P., Brendan, James, Tre and Hunter are on the next date. They are halfway through this season so the need to have 1-on-1 time is important. Connor realizes that he will get the 1-on-1 date. As we return to the back half of James and Katie’s date, she shares that the experience was hard because her dad passed away and it reminds her of how important it is for her to love her family every day and then she found out prior to his death that he was not her biological father. She knows that her biological father wants to meet her and be involved, but she is conflicted as she is always reminded of the one she thinks of as a father that passed away. In telling her story, she is comforted by how Justin listened to what she was going through and she offers him the date rose. They end their night dancing to Max Schneider’s (from Nickelodeon’s Rags) performance.

The theme for the group date is a Bachelorette Party of sorts. She lets the guys know that she has enlisted the help of RuPaul’s Drag Race Shea Colet and Monet x Change. They will learn how to throw shade and cut the other guys down - this is not going to end well. Hunter will definitely have some words thrown his way. The guys let her know through their interactions that Hunter is a Bachelor Nation super fan who likes to read the blogs and comment on people. They’re dismissed to the second half of their date for the group cocktail party.

Connor officially gets his date card for his 1-on-1. We head back to the second part of the date and Katie says that she’s concerned about a few things that she heard during the date and lets them know that Hometowns are coming up and some of the guys are not exactly where they need to be. Andrew and Katie seem to have a great connection when they talk aside from the event. Greg lets Katie know that he is falling for her and that he just wants to make sense that they are on the same page and to be honest with him. She enjoys chatting with everyone and has a different vibe with each. Her and Blake engage in sexy banter and James shares that Hunter is not who he presents himself to be. Tre also shares his thoughts on Hunter as well as the interaction about whether he was in love with her. Aaron also puts his 2 cents in on the subject and she grabs him to find out more.

Katie asks him about being calculated and the fact that multiple guys are bringing it up. Hunter shares that he is being ganged up on and he’s trying to take care of his side of the street. Katie lets him know that she needs a minute because she is so conflicted. The guys are talking amongst themselves and not everyone got time with her she calls the night early and she says that she will not be giving a rose for the group date. The guys are dejected and are left in limbo.

We pick up with Connor which is prepping for his date with Katie. Although she was drained from last night’s date, we can see that she is excited to just have a fun date with the original cat man. She admits that although she loves their chemistry, she doesn’t feel that sizzle when they kiss with one another as she doesn’t feel that spark. Their date is a double with Kaitlyn and her fiance Jason Tartick. She hopes that because they have been in the process, they can shed some light. They begin with Volleyball and move on to maneuvering with coconuts as well as playing a game to ask questions to get to know one another better. Kaitlyn lets her know that time means everything and reminds her that she was friends with Jason first and then they started to date. Clearly, Kaitlyn feels that the last kiss will tell her everything that she needs to know. Connor asks what the other part of the date will be and she doesn’t really answer him - but they do kiss and it looks pretty passionate (we assumed that she felt all of her kisses with him were - then again, they did linger on his suitcase quite a bit).

We’re back from the commercial break and Katie visits Connor before the second part of the date wearing a cropped hoodie and her jeans. She lets him know that as much as she appreciates him, when they kiss one another, she feels something is missing. Although she is being honest, it’s pretty awful for him to hear that. Connor says goodbye to the guys and the bromance of Greg and Connor is now over on the show. It’s nice to see how people in the house do like him and how they respected him. Hunter with the faux tears though? Blake comes over with his radio above his head, outside of her window to send some love her way. Clearly, there is passion between the two of them even after their WOWO conversation from earlier. Blake shows how he is being supportive as he realized that while the house was having an emotional moment with Connor’s goodbye, he thought about how Katie must have been feeling to do that. We’re definitely starting to root for Blake as we’re seeing a lot more of his personality.

Tonight’s episode has definitely had a lot of emotion going on! Heading into the rose ceremony, Katie is looking ahead and knows there are some decisions that she will be making. She lets them know that she is going to be intentional with her heart and that there won’t be a cocktail party and they will go straight to the ceremony. She only wants to focus on the relationships that she has formed and time tonight won’t change her mind. Right when she is about to give roses out, she asks to talk with Hunter to get clarity.

At the end of tonight’s episode, the following receive roses: Justin, Blake, Andrew, Greg, Michael A., Mike P. and Brendan.

Katie sent home: Connor, James, Hunter, Tre and Aaron.

Each night, when the season airs, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@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.

We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!

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SEASON 17, EPISODE 6

Over the past few weeks, we have stayed with Connor B, James, Greg and Tré for who we thought will go to Hometowns due to not having a rose ceremony.

This week, we’re shaking up our picks that we think will go to Hometowns by removing James andTre and adding Andrew S. and Michael A.

WHO WE’RE PREDICTING WILL BE AT HOMETOWNS

ANDREW S. 26 - Waukegan, IL (Copy)

BLAKE 29 - Hamilton, Ontario Canada

GREG 27 - Edison, NJ (Copy)

MICHAEL A. 36 - Akron, OH (Copy)

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THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

AARON 26 - Walnut, CA

ANDREW M. 31 - Walnut Creek, CA

ANDREW S. 26 - Waukegan, IL

AUSTIN 25 - Mission Viejo, CA

BLAKE 29 - Hamilton, Ontario Canada

BRANDON 26 - Mokena, IL

BRENDAN 26 - Toronto, Canada

CHRISTIAN 26 - Newburyport, MA

CODY 27 - Montclair, NJ

CONNOR B. 29 - Columbia, IL

CONOR C. 28 - Edmond, OK

DAVID 27 - NY, NY

GABRIEL 35 - Charlotte, NC

GARRETT 29 - Salinas, CA

GREG 27 - Edison, NJ

HUNTER 34 - San Angelo, TX

JAMES 30 - NY, NY

JEFF 31 - Cranford, NJ

JOHN 27 - Santa Cruz, CA

JOSHUA 25 - Pembroke Pines, FL

JUSTIN 26 - Ellicott City, MD

KARL 33 - Miami, FL

KYLE 26 - Sarasota, FL

LANDON 25 - Bakersfield, CA

MARCUS 30 - Vancouver, WA

MARTY 25 - Reno, NV

MICHAEL A. 36 - Akron, OH

MIKE P. 31 - Surprise, AZ

QUARTNEY 26 - Arlington, TX

THOMAS 28 - San Diego, CA

TRÉ 26 - Covington, GA

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

IN THE ZONE WITH RIOT TEN

Over the past few weeks, we've started to see a number of our favorite artists hitting the road to perform at residencies, events and more! It's so exciting to see how we have begun getting into a modified new normal. We caught up with RIOT TEN, a producer and DJ who we have enjoyed including his songs in our playlist. We wanted to find out how he got into the industry, how he stays inspired when making his music, about his new album that launches next month on Dim Mak's label and his upcoming performance at Lollapalooza.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music and when did you realize that you wanted to work in the industry?

RIOT TEN: For as long as I can remember I always loved music. But it wasn't until the start of high school that I began experimenting with it. That's really where it all started. From then on, I knew I wanted to make music for the rest of my life and there was no one that could tell me otherwise.

AM: How did you get your start?

RT: Well, I guess it depends how you would define "start", but I'd say mine was when I first downloaded FL Studio. I was introduced to it by a friend of mine, Jack Bass, during my sophomore year of High School. The rest is just history.

AM: How would you define your style of music?

RT: I'd describe my style as loud, obnoxious, and high energy. Haha I know it doesn't sound very inviting, but when you're playing in front of thousands of people, and you feel the energy, it makes a bit more sense.

AM: Who would you identify as your mentors musically?

RT: That's a hard one to be honest. As far as producer mentors, I never really had anyone take me under their wing so to speak, but influences are a completely different ferent story. I still draw influence from so many artists, all different genres and different sizes. I also had some artists supporting my music early on that played a big role in my growth. I toured with Yellow Claw, Adventure Club, Excision, and others early on.

AM: You’ve been producing music since you were 15, when did you realize that you wanted to DJ and at what point did you feel that you made it in the industry?

RT: I was around 18 I believe, playing at house parties, when I realized I wanted to DJ. The energy from those parties was something I'd never felt and I was addicted to it. And I'd say I was around 25 when I began feeling "legitimate" in the scene. I know I still have a long way to go, so even though I may be on a larger stage, I still don't necessarily feel like I've "made it"... If that makes sense. When I start headlining festivals, and my music hits #1 on Billboard, maybe then I can rest.

AM: You’re known for dubstep and hardtrap, when you’re not making music, who do you enjoy listening to when you’re just relaxing at home?

RT: I'm a big fan of rap and hiphop, so when I'm driving I'm usually listening to that. Some Smokepurpp, DaBaby, Ludacris, Lil Jon, etc. If I'm relaxing at home, some chill house music does the job. Artists like Kaskade, Deadmau5, stuff like that. But if I'm in my feels, I love some Hans Zimmer, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Ryuichi Sakamoto. That might come as a surprise to some.

AM: Creatively, what’s your process like when you’re creating your music?

RT: It really varies. Sometimes I have a concept of what i want to do and other times I just play around with sounds and see if something cool comes out of it. There are also times where i'll just sit there for hours and nothing good comes out of it. Patience is key.

AM: This past year or so has been one that we couldn’t have scripted. With the lack of being able to tour and with plans being in the air, how did you approach continuing to make music?

RT: It was a hard time for so many of us, but I really do think I wrote some of the best music I've ever made. It gave me so much more time to really experiment, hone in on my craft with different sounds and styles, etc... Although financially difficult, in hindsight it was everything I really needed to continue my career.

AM: What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

RT: I realized that I wanted to help others more. I wanted to do more good deeds and be a better person overall. I've always believed in good energy, so the time off at home really helped me actualize it.

AM: We have been playing “Don’t You” on loop as it’s cool to listen to when you’re relaxing but is also awesome for working out. This song has such an ethereal quality to it, what inspired you in creating this?

RT: Honestly, this song was a bit of an accident. It was just one of those times when I was messing around with random sounds while warming up. I started to catch a groove and it literally all came together in the same session. For me, the vocals really opened up a lot of possibilities in the song and sort of became the glue.

AM: You’re releasing your latest album, Hype or Die: Homecoming in July on Dim Mak, tell us about the album and what can we expect?

RT: It's my best body of work, hands down. As far as expectations, you can expect a lot of different styles of bass music. Some of the songs are slow, some fast, some high energy, some more melodic, some aggressive, some tame. I think overall the listening experience is the best I've put out and I am beyond excited for this release.

AM: Who are 3 people that you have yet to work with that are on your list?

RT: Honestly an easy #1 for me is Meek Mill. The energy and rawness he has is something I've always wanted on a song of mine. For the more melodic stuff that I make I would love to work with Maroon 5, or at least Adam. His voice is A1. And on the production side, however cliche it seems, Skrillex would be the ultimate collaboration.

AM: With things reopening again, you’re back on the road performing and you have a number of festivals coming up – you’re playing Lollapalooza – how excited are you to play this festival as well as to get back to juggling a schedule?

RT: I think excited would be the understatement of the century. Haha playing at Lollapalooza has been a bucket lister of mine since I began touring and I'm going to make a major statement with that set. Overall though, don't get me wrong, I did enjoy being at home with the family, so I'm going to miss that a lot. But nothing beats delayed flights, airport food, and crying babies on a plane every week. I'm so ready for it all again. haha

AM: Are there additional projects that you have coming up that we should keep an eye out for?

RT: Sitting on A LOT of unreleased music right now. We have a new single this month with a music video, a full length album in July, and I just about have the follow up EP finished as well. In addition, I have a side project that I'll be announcing soon as well. We've released a handful of singles already under the alias, but I've yet to disclose my involvement. Excited to see the reaction to this!

AM: When you’re not making music or hitting the road, what do you do in your downtime?

RT: I'm at home with my 2 boys and my girlfriend. I really don't like to go anywhere when I'm not traveling, so you can catch me spending time with the family or playing Xbox with friends. I'd consider myself a gamer, so I definitely like to escape sometimes and play some Apex Legends and Rocket League.

IG @RIOTTENMUSIC

PHOTOS COURTESY | RIOT TEN

Read the Jun Issue #66 of Athleisure Mag and see In the Zone with RIOT TEN in mag.

NEW GENERATION LEADING TEAM USA INTO TOKYO OLYMPICS

The delayed Tokyo Olympics has all the makings of a watershed between generations of athletes. With no competing nation at the Games does that look more likely on paper than with the USA.

As with all Olympic squads, there will be a blend of youth and experience. While veterans of this grand sporting stage such as sprinter Allyson Felix, who we interviewed before the last Games in Rio, will be looking to represent their country one more time, for others it passes them by.

It was recently confirmed that one of the all-time greats of women’s tennis and former two-time Olympic singles champion Serena Williams would miss Tokyo, according to CNN. As she turns 40 in the fall, it is almost certain this was her last chance to compete at the ultimate sporting gala.

Team USA have other hopefuls for women’s tennis, based on the ever-fluid WTA rankings from the professional tour. In track and field, meanwhile, such is the strength in depth of American athletes that run, jump, or throw that the US Trials are like a mini-Olympics in themselves.

New Breed More Impressive Than Ever in Trials

This school of hard knocks and tough competition just for successful athletes to punch their tickets to major championships readies them for the ultimate challenge. There are disappointments for many, and big reputations count for nothing if you do not deliver on the track or out in the field.

Justin Gatlin was a mainstay of American men’s sprinting for much of the last two decades, but trying to reach a fourth Olympic Games as he nears 40 was just a step too far. Oregon Live reported that he limped out of the final, which was his final chance to make another appearance at the Olympics.

Such is the quantity and quality that has come through the US collegiate system that this country produced six guys running the 100m in a season’s best time of under 9.90 seconds this year.

If US Trials men’s 200m winner and reigning world champion Noah Lyles, who turns 24 before the Olympics, makes Gatlin feel old, the men’s 400m world leader Randolph Ross was born in 2001! America’s gold medal hopes are many and plenty are in their early 20s.

Grant Holloway, another who delighted in Doha at the last World Athletics Championships in 2019, was just a hundredth of a second outside the men’s 100m hurdles world record at the US Trials. This has also been a vintage year for the longer distance hurdle race too with Raj Benjamin running the third fastest time in history in Eugene only for Norway’s Karsten Warholm to smash the world record on home soil at the Bislett Games in Oslo just days later.

US Firm Favorites for Most Gold Medals

New names and fresh faces are popping up everywhere on the road to the Games of the XXXII Olympiad. In the field, JuVaughn Harrison has been a revelation in both the sandpit for the long jump and clearing the bar in the high jump. He is just 22 years of age. The youngest member of the American track team is Athing Mu at 19-years-old, but an exceptional talent at 800m after setting the world lead time for two laps. She’s also among the top five women in the world over 400m this year too.

We may not know this new breed of American track and field athletes as well as icons of the sport such as Felix, Michael Johnson and others from previous generations, but their performances just to make it to the Olympics have seen some serious markers laid down. With so many gold medals up for grabs through running, jumping and from the throws, it’s no wonder that the USA are -700 favorites, as of 5 July, in the sports betting on offer with Betway on which country brings the most home from Tokyo.

Track and field are just one major piece in a wider puzzle at this festival of sport. Team sports that are popular in America like basketball are expected to yield more Olympic golds for the USA, with the action in different disciplines coming thick and fast. They won’t have everything their own way, but the collegiate system produces battle-hardened competitors who have been training to peak at these Games.

ATHLEISURE LIST | CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT

As we all embrace getting back into travel, we're adding some stops to our list! Crystal Springs Resort boasts 2 properties that allow you to be one with nature while taking in a myriad of activities.

The AAA 4 Diamond Grand Cascades Lodge is a newly renovated luxury hotel set amid lush natural surroundings. The majority of the rooms are suites with a full kitchen and balconies. The recent extraordinary makeover of Grand Cascades Lodge, which was undertaken when the resort was closed during the pandemic, is highlighted by its biophilic design, which is a concept utilized to increase guests' biological connection with the environment through using natural materials and light.

Minerals Hotel is tucked into a mountain in Vernon, NJ just a few minutes from Grand Cascades Lodge. The hotel is family-friendly and features multiple pools, a state-of-the-art sports club, family-friendly golf course and a top-rated spa in the state – Elements Spa.

The Resort has an incredible array of amenities with something for everyone including three pool complexes (the Biosphere, a tropical pool complex plus two outdoor pools), two spas, 6 golf courses, putting green, free Wine Cellar tour, marshmallow roasting and family movie night, outdoor game deck, fire pits and more. There are also more than 4,000 acres of hiking trails including on the mountaintop, as well as archery and fishing at the Quarry. On weekends, guests can also purchase bottles from the renowned Wine Cellar at the resort’s new wine shop.

Crystal Springs allows city residents to reconnect with nature and also themselves, which is incredibly important after the stressful past 18 months. The newly launched Health & Wellness Program includes many self-café experiences and activities. Guests can choose a range of activities from strenuous hikes and kayaking on the mountain top to mediation, sound healing and yoga classes including goat yoga, to forest bathing. Crystal Springs is also the largest golf resort in the Northeast with 6 courses for golfers of all levels, as well as the David Leadbetter Golf Academy.

The 10,000 square foot Biosphere pool complex features multiple pools, lush tropical foliage, a sauna, underwater aquarium and a 140-foot long water slide. The indoor pool connects to an outdoor pool that is heated so guests can use it year-round. The Biosphere was the first structure of its kind in the U.S. to incorporate advanced German Foiltec roofing material, allowing nearly 100% light transmission for year-round natural tanning. The roof also retracts in the summer months.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT

1 Wild Turkey Way

Hamburg, NJ 07419

crystalgolfresort.com

IG @crystalspringsresort

PHOTOS COURTESY | Crystal Springs Resort

Read the Jun Issue #66 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Crystal Springs Resort in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | BIRCH AQUARIUM

We caught up with Beth Chee Marketing Director of Birch Aquarium Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Birch Aquarium is not only a place to see aquatic life and ocean views, but it shares the excitement of cutting-edge, world-class scientific discovery.

The Hall of Fishes features more than 60 habitats where guests can get up close to amazing ocean creatures including Leopard Sharks, eels, jellies, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and our rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Don’t miss the two-story Giant Kelp Forest, or the sea babies in our nursery — from Garibaldi to baby sharks and seahorse.

Their newest exhibit is a 600-gallon cylindrical Moon Jelly experience in the Hall of Fishes and is unique in how it curves out into the walkway, where even the littlest guest can go face-to-face with these stunning creatures.

Jellies are not the strongest swimmers and are technically a type of plankton, which means they go with the flow, rather than against it! They rely on ocean currents in order to swim around, which is where the cylindrical shape comes from — It's specifically designed with these planktonic drifters in mind! The round shape of the experience, along with the water flow, creates a current that helps the jellies drift!

Guests can also enjoy additional exhibits such as Seadragons & Seahorses, where they learn about these charismatic creatures and get a peek into the work that the Husbandry Team is doing to ensure their survival and the MPA Touch Pools on Tide Pool Plaza, where guests can get hands-on with tidepool creatures including juvenile sharks, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and other local species — all while learning about the areas' local Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

In the fall, the Moon Jellies will be replaced by iridescent ctenophore jellies, in a celebration of living light.

The safety of their staff, guests and volunteers are a high priority. They are continuing to require masks indoors and out. They are currently limited to a capacity of 50 percent and require advanced reservations for a specific date and time, to minimize crowding.

There is currently no re-entry, but you are able to stay in the aquarium as long as you would like. There are two designated eating areas, where masks may be removed, and you are welcome to bring your own food, or to purchase from Splash Café by the French Gourmet. If you can't make it in person, there are a number of virtual activities including the Kelp Cam and Seadragon Cam to name a few.

BIRCH AQUARIUM

2300 Expedition Way

La Jolla, CA 92037

aquarium.ucsd.edu

IG @BirchAquarium

PHOTOS COURTESY | Birch Aquarium

Read the Jun Issue #66 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Birch Aquarium in mag.

9LIST

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9LOOKS | THEMOIRE

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING ACCOMODATIONS IN MYKONOS

Mykonos is a destination that’s attractive to almost everyone thanks to its wide variety of offerings - bustling nightlife, fascinating culture, delicious food, and pristine beaches. Who wouldn't want to visit? The biggest problem you’ll have is deciding where to stay on the island, since there are many great options to choose from. The area you choose to stay in will largely depend on your personality and the type of vacation you are looking to have. 

Let’s look at some of the different areas to stay in Mykonos.

Mykonos or the Beach?

This will be your first and biggest decision to make when it comes to planning your trip. Should you stay in Mykonos, or stay on the beach? Staying in Mykonos will give you the best opportunity to experience the nightlife, shopping, and restaurants. But it’s also helpful to know that if you do decide to stay on the beach, buses run regularly between the beach areas and the downtown hub, so it’s easy to enjoy the benefits of either choice without missing out on the charm of the other. 

The old port of Mykonos is the most popular place to stay on the island and is known as downtown Mykonos. There are a large number of hotels, rentals, and luxury Mykonos Villas to choose from. 

What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?

The next decision you will have to make is whether you want a peaceful or adventurous vacation. Luckily, Mykonos has both - whether you are looking for a destination that is buzzing with life or you are after a quiet and peaceful retreat. If you choose to stay near the beach, they will be less crowded than downtown, but you will have to drive to get to the hub, where you will have a greater choice of restaurants and opportunities to mix with the locals. 

Stay In Mykonos Town for the Best Nightlife

If you’re the party-animal type, then you should probably stay in Mykonos Town. This is where you’ll find the most pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Downtown Mykonos is the most picturesque urban landscape on the island and is suited for the active traveler, those seeking culture, shopaholics, and art lovers.

PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash /Feel Greece

Psarou

Psarou is a gorgeous beach and a great destination choice for couples, families, and beach lovers alike. You’ll find a good choice of hotels as well as restaurants and regular bus links to Mykonos Town. Psarou is situated on a secluded bay and is one of the most exclusive corners of Mykonos. 

Platys Gialos: The Best of Both Worlds 

Platys Gialos is one of the most popular beaches on Mykonos. It’s set away from the Old Port and attracts beach-loving visitors from all over the world. Platys Gialos gets a good amount of sun and is never too breezy. There are also several other smaller beaches in the area for those who want a quieter time and a bit more solitude. These include Agia Anna and Cavo Psarou.

To Sum Up

Where you stay on Mykonos will largely determine what kind of vacation you will have. If you’re someone who craves being right in the action, where there’s the most activity, buzz, and things to do, then staying in the main town will be your best bet. Here you’ll find the most bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

If you crave a bit more relaxed pace, then you can consider staying in any number of the outlying beaches or smaller towns. For the best of both worlds, consider somewhere such as Platys Gialos which offers fast and regular connections to the main town.

LEARN ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR PET WITH THIS GUIDE

If you have a pet, you likely want to know absolutely everything you can about them. Unfortunately, that’s not always an easy thing to find out, particularly if you have a rescue. You can always ask your dog, of course, but somehow the mystery seems to remain. It’s honestly a little strange to think about the fact that they’re part of our families, yet we are often in the dark on such things like their ancestry, history, genetic predispositions, etc. Luckily, dog DNA tests have been on the rise and are getting increasingly more detailed and more accurate with each passing year. Here are some of the things you might be curious to learn about your pet and how a DNA test might just be the way to go about it. 

Breed

For those of you with mixed-breed dogs, it’s always a big question as to what kind of dog you actually have. You might be asked regularly by curious strangers or you might need to list their breeds for something like travel or housing, but whatever the reason, it's definitely a useful thing to know. At some point, you’ve likely researched it, asked your vet, etc. but there’s really no substitute for unquestionably knowing what breed or breeds your dog is. Knowing the specifics is not only extremely useful for vets to use for potential diagnoses, there are many additional characteristics that align with specific breeds, which might be extremely useful for things like training or rewarding your pet. 

Having a breakdown of your pet’s breed composition gives you an abundance of information about their physical traits. Things like the type of coat they're likely to have and how you can best care for it, whether or not they’re prone to things like shedding, overheating, snoring, etc. are just a few of the many details that are hidden in their genetics. Of course, it’s not only physical traits that can be identified. Certain breeds were bred for specific behaviors as well, and with a DNA test confirmation, you can use this knowledge to help provide a more attuned lifestyle for your pup. Questions ranging from how much exercise they should be getting to what is their preferred method of motivation can all be traced back to breeding. 

Health 

Another huge advantage to pet DNA tests is their ability to share pertinent health information about your precious fur-babies. In addition to verifying common breed conditions (like allergies, asthma, etc.), the information gleaned from your pet’s DNA can indicate other potential health risks as well, such as genetic disorders and certain predispositions. Of course, as this technology is still advancing, everything must be taken with a grain of salt (susceptibility does not necessarily mean inevitability), but it can still be a very useful tool in the early detection of some prevalent canine illnesses, particularly those associated with specific mutant genes. 

Additionally, newer DNA tests also offer features like “age tests” and “relative matches”. With your dog’s DNA there are definitive methods that allow for a fairly accurate age evaluation of your furry little friend, which, of course, is also quite a valuable piece of information to have when making decisions about their health, diet, etc. If your pet has had puppies or was part of a litter themselves, they might also be able to reunite with their relatives, so long as owners on all sides perform the same tests and agree to be in the company’s database. Can you imagine how adorable a long-lost dog-family reunion would be? 

Additional Benefits

There are other benefits to these tests as well, one of which is being a part of the funding efforts for further pet DNA research and testing. Genetic testing takes a lot of time and money (whether it’s for humans or animals), and if we want to extend the most cutting-edge research to include aspects that might help our canine companions, we have to put our money where our mouths are, so to say. The higher the demand for products like these, the more research and development will go into them. It’s one small way we can do our part to ensure that there are resources and methodologies in place to potentially save someone’s beloved pet. 

And finally, another amazing bonus with pet DNA tests is that they are simply a fun way to learn more about one of your best friends. You get to spend some quality time with your pup, which is likely their favorite part, so make your guesses, get the whole family involved, and find out whatever you can about your furry friend while you can!

ROCK THIS WHEN YOU'RE HEADED TO A SUMMER SOIRÉE

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WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT YOUR WORKOUT WITH SUPPLEMENTS

If you are serious about improving your workout results, taking some supplements can really help. Different supplements help in different ways though, so it is important you know which ones to take and how they can support your workout routine.

PHOTO CREDIT | Pixabay/Scott Webb

Beta-alanine Can Increase Muscle Endurance and Lower Muscle Fatigue

Whether you lift weights or cycle, taking a beta-alanine supplement can help you to improve your strength. It is an effective supplementation for increasing carnosine levels, which leads to improved lactic acid buffering. When your workout gets intense, lactic acid accumulates in your muscles and lowers their pH. The beta alanine effects help to support muscular endurance and fight muscle fatigue. Also, if you are bodybuilding, beta-alanine supplements can help you get more reps with a certain weight. There have been several studies on the effects of beta-alanine. Most suggest that a daily dose of between 4 g and 6 g of the supplement for a period of at least two to four weeks can improve workout performance. If you are performing high-intensity activities of any kind as part of your regular workout routine, you should consider using beta-alanine supplementation.

Creatine Can Make You Stronger

While you should not expect immediate miracles, creatine supplementation can make you between 5% and 20% stronger in your workout sessions. Creatine allows you to gain more muscle and lose weight. There are lots of different types of creatine supplements on the market. The best and most proven to work is creatine monohydrate. It is best to take creatine first thing in the morning or after you work out. That is because those are the times when your body is deprived of nutrients the most and therefore your body becomes more receptive to the creatine supplement. The amount of creatine you should take depends on your weight, but you should aim for between 3 g and 8 g per day. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, go for the higher amount. If you do not weigh much, stick to 3 or 4 g per day. You should start noticing results within three to four weeks. However, a few people are not responsive to creatine at all. If you are a non-responder, you will know it after using creatine for a couple of weeks. On the other hand, if you are seeing progress in your strength in the first few weeks after you start taking creatine supplementation, you will know it is working.

Intensify Your Workouts with Pre-workout Supplements

There are various types of pre-workout supplements available. They can intensify your workouts and help you to gain more muscle. The key ingredient in all pre-workout supplements is caffeine. The supplements also often contain whey protein, carbs, and water. Begin by taking small doses to evaluate your tolerance and then increase as necessary. Always follow the instructions on the packaging of the exact pre-workout supplement you are taking, but most pre-workout supplements should be taken between fifteen and thirty minutes before you work out. 

Supplements Enable You to Improve Your Overall Health

It should now be clear why it is a good idea to support your workouts with the right supplements, but it is just as important to take supplements in combination with a cutting diet. As your body becomes stronger, you will need more nutrients to support your intensive workout routines, which is where supplements come in. Supplements not only help you to build muscle, gain strength, and intensify your workout routines. They can also help to increase the growth rate of lean tissue, improve your immune system, and make your skin look younger. That is because they contain minerals and trace elements. The right supplements can even help your digestion, metabolism, and blood pressure. So, start using supplements to support your workout today!