ATHLEISURE LIST | THE PILATES CLASS

For 25 years, dancing and performing was a huge part of Jacqui Kingswell's life as she was a dancer for Beyoncé, and One Direction to name a few. Prior to becoming a pilates instructor, she had always included this as a supplement to her dance practice.

She launched The Pilates Class Method which focuses on the connection between your mind and body and is a holistic approach to wellbeing that teaches you to tune into your body and what it needs. It is a sustainable practice that is kind to the body and embodies strength, control and connection. No matter what your goal is or how active you are, you are able to practice this method and experience how it serves you both on and off the mat.

At TPC, they have 10 class categories so that you can find a class for whatever mood you are in. They have a variety of classes such as traditional Pilates, Barre, stretch, HIIT, calm, pre and postnatal and many more. The platform offers classes ranging from 5 to 45 minutes so that no matter where you are, what time it is or how active you feel, you can find a class that transforms your body and mind. Whether you’re craving a stretch session, an ab workout, a cardio burn, or all three, there’s a TPC class for you.

Class categories are based on selecting a class level that will serve you on that day. Their 'chill' classes are really nourishing and are designed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and grounded. The 'satisfying' classes are all about lengthening and scultping while still feeling a nice burn. Finally, the 'intense' classes focus on challenging their members to experience that deep burn and really sweat it out. Each of the levels focus on your Pilates technique and applying the TPC method the entire time.

From these levels, TPC offers two tailored weekly schedules; chill-satisfying and satisfying-intense depending on what your fitness goal is or how intense you would like your workouts to be that week. That way, your classes are chosen for you each week in an easy to follow format.

A brand new weekly workout is introduced and incorporated into the schedule so that members can try something new.

TPC encourages members to set sustainable habits and goals for themselves throughout the year which is why the January Challenge is a favorite. It is totally natural to fall out of your routine or feel low in motivation which is why the challenges encourage regular movement and committing to making time for yourself on the mat.

If you are new to Pilates, take the time to learn the foundational movements and how your body feels and what it is telling you.

THE PILATES CLASS

thepilatesclass.com

IG @thepilatesclass

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | The Pilates Class in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | SARASHINA HORII

This month's The Art of the Snack introduces our readers to the historic Sarashina Horii which opened in Japan in 1789. We connected with Chef Tsuyoshi Hori and General Manager Rui Higuchi which shares the historic nature of the restaurant as well as its location here in NY. We also learn more about soba and the culinary heritage that is involved. As always we find out about what appetizers, entrees, cocktails and desserts we should keep in mind when dining their next as well as what they are offering during NY Restaurant Week.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Sarashina Horii here in NY, can you tell us about the history and when it was initially established?

CHEF TSUYOSHI HORI: Sarashina Horii has a history that dates to 1789 and has served its soba noodles to the Shoguns and Japanese Imperial Household. It is now overseen by ninth generation soba maker and owner Yoshinori Horii. Japan has three main families associated with the art of soba making and Sarashina Horii is known for its unique white soba using only the very core of the buckwheat seeds. The husk of the seed is polished off the way rice is polished to make sake. This white soba is much different type of soba and has been made this way by the family since the late 1800’s and the Sarashina type of soba is quite rare in Japan as well.

AM: You have three restaurants in Tokyo and one here in NY. Why did you want to have a location here and what are the differences/similarities to those that are in Japan?

CHEF TH: Yoshinori Hori chose New York for their first location outside of Japan because New York is known for its diversity, which will allow him the opportunity to introduce his soba to many people. Mr. Horii is also proud of the historical connection between the U.S and Japan as the founder opened the first restaurant the same year George Washington was inaugurated as President of the U.S.

AM: Is there anyone from the Horii family here in NY that ensures that this restaurant has the same standards as those that are overseas?

GENERAL MANAGER RUI HIGUCHI: Many of the recipes we use are from Sarashina Horii in Japan and made within their standard. While no Horii family members are in New York, Sarashina Horii is in good hands with Chef Tsuyoshi Hori. Chef Hori started to make soba at a young age since his family also runs a soba restaurant in Japan. And at the age of 20 he started working at “Sarashina no Sato” in Japan and learned to make handmade soba as well as Sarashina Soba. Throughout his training, he developed a strong desire to keep the soba tradition alive, his goal is to make everyone enjoy soba. Introducing Sarashina soba outside Japan is a big step toward achieving that.

AM: Tell us about your Executive Chef, Tsuyoshi Horiand how he came to Sarashina Horii?

GM RH: Our chef is Tsuyoshi Hori trained at the highly regarded “Sarashina no Sato” in Japan with Yoshinori Horii, the current ninth generation owner of Sarashina Horii. When the Sarashina Horii project was in the works in New York, Tsuyoshi was working in California. When he heard about it, he did not hesitate for a moment to reach out to us to be able to collaborate with Yoshinori again. Tsuyoshi has a strong passion for making soba and honing his craft in the art of making soba.

AM: Can you tell us about soba noodles and why this culinary heritage is being featured for guests to enjoy?

CHEF TH: Soba has a history of more than 300 years and in order to preserve this tradition it was necessary to make soba available to people outside Japan as well. Most people these days look at soba as a healthy alternative compared to the other noodle options, mainly be cause soba is known for its low glycemic index. But soba has more to offer than just a healthy meal. Soba noodles are known for its aroma and refined flavor. Also, it can be enjoyed equally hot or cold. Those who already tried different types of soba should definitely try Sarashina Soba to enjoy a unique experience.

AM: Are there key soba noodles that are available and how are they made?

CHEF TH: We recently started to offer Kawari soba with different ingredients kneaded into the noodles, giving the soba the aroma, taste and color of the ingredient. Every two weeks, we feature a different Kawari Soba. We started with our Shiso Soba a couple of weeks ago and just introduced a new one this week: the Kuro Goma or Black Sesame Soba. Kneading the black sesame into the soba dough gives it that nutty aroma which is quite a different experience compared to the Shiso. We only serve the Kawari soba cold because it’s the best way for to enjoy its aroma and refined taste.

AM: Can you tell us about the ambiance of Sarashina Horii when guests are coming to dine?

GM RH: The New York location has a full bar displaying our selection of sake and Japanese Whiskey, which is different from Japanese locations. Sarashina Horii logo is placed discreetly on the door but our stone mill displayed by the front window always helps indicate where our restaurant is located. Many of our patrons love to take pictures by the window to showcase the stone mill and our logo.

Unlike in Japan, here we do not offer Ozashiki seating where customers can take off their shoes and sit on a flat cushion to enjoy their meal but many of our guests are blown away by the chic design - the soaring dining room features a ceiling installation inspired by soba noodles as well as a rock garden inspired by traditional Japanese temple gardens.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should try when we eat there?

CHEF TH: I would highly recommend ordering the Tsukune Japanese Duck Meatball, Kakiage Shrimp Tempura with Mitsuba (a parsley-like herb), and Tamagoyaki Egg Omelet appetizers. Tsukune is often made with chicken but we make ours with Rouen duck thigh, it is served on a hot stone plate in a shape of a hamburger steak.

The Kakiage is one of our signature appetizers, we put a lot of effort into it – it has to be carefully fried one at time to preserve its presentation. We also highly recommend guests save some of their crispy kakiage batter flakes for their soba soup coming later as the flake gives it additional flavor.

Lastly, our Tamagoyaki is something you must try. It is common for people to judge a sushi restaurant by their tamago egg cake - you can see how much effort a chef puts into the flavor, showing proficiency and skill. At a soba restaurant, it is important to try tamagoyaki because every soba restaurant’s version will taste slightly different because of the dashi broth that they use. Dashi is a quintessential ingredient for most of our soups and sauces.

AM: What are 3 entrees that we should order when we’re there with family and friends?

CHEF TH: Well, you certainly must try the soba. Hot or cold, you can’t go wrong either but ideally you should try both on your visit. When you eat the soba cold, you can fully enjoy its aroma and texture. It is accompanied by a dipping sauce “soba tsuyu” which is saltier than the hot soba broth. Hot soba is served in a bowl of hot light broth, we make it that way so that guests can enjoy drinking the broth at the end.

Our Sarashina Soba is a must try when visiting the restaurant. When using only the inner most part of buckwheat seed, the noodles are pure white in color with a delicate aroma. The texture is very silky smooth and flavor refined.

Our Duck Soba either hot or cold Kamo Nanban or Kamo-Tsuke is very popular. We locally source our Rouen duck breast from Hudson Valley, which we sous vide right away when the are delivered in order to offer the best flavor. The duck adds great flavor to the soup and pairs well with the leek served in the dipping sauce and soup as well.

AM: Are there 3 desserts that we should be thinking about when ordering?

CHEF TH: Our home-made desserts that should be tried are Matcha Tiramisu, Hoji-cha Blancmange and Blueberry Apricot Pudding. The Matcha Tiramisu is the signature and most popular.

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

GM RH: Three signature cocktails not to miss are Shitakiri, Sarukani, and Momotaro. The names are all inspired by traditional Japanese folktales. Shitakiri is with mezcal, tequila, chili tincture and yuzu is spicy and smokey – the crowd favorite. Sarukani is made with Japanese gin and shochu and fresh persimmons now in season. Momotaro is our smoked twist on the classic Old-fashioned with Japanese whiskey and limited-edition sake. It is great for whiskey lovers and has a show-stopper presentation with smoke released at the table.

AM: For those with dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan - what are dishes that you suggest that they should keep in mind?

CHEF TH: We have some meatless options but, unfortunately, we currently do not offer any gluten-free and vegetarian options due to the fact that the dashi stock for our soups, cold dipping sauce and vegetables is bonito-based. And while Sarashina soba is low in gluten, it is not 100% gluten-free.

AM: Tell me about your tasting menu - why were the dishes on it selected.

CHEF TH: In Japan “Soba Kaiseki” is a soba tasting and we wanted to present a similar menu to show there is much more than soba, spanning all the sections of the menu and include ingredients such as “Kaeshi” infused soy sauce that has been aged. Our tasting menu was created to pair well with soba but, of course, hot or cold soba is the centerpiece of the tasting menu.

AM: Are you participating in restaurant week and what are you offering guests?

CHEF TH: Yes, we’re participating and offer a 3-course tasting menu for $59 that features a choice of Salmon Carpaccio or 2 types of Sashimi to start, followed by Sarashina Soba with Vegetable Tempura and choice of hot duck soba, hot mushroom soba, cold soba with a hot dipping broth with duck or mushrooms. For dessert: Hojicha Tea Blancmange; Blueberry Apricot Pudding and Matcha Tiramisu.

IG @sarashinahorii

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sarashina Horii

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see The Art of the Snack | Sarashina Horii in mag.

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY OF A PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE LOOK LIKE?

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A lot of people want to become professional athletes. They get to travel a lot, visit different places and meet a lot of people. They also enjoy fame and glory that’s quite appealing to a lot of people. 

But have you ever wondered how much do athletes actually sacrifice to get where they want to be or where they are now? 

Being an athlete requires tons of discipline, hard work and effort so that their bodies can perform exceptionally. How strict their daily routine is depends on whether or not they’re getting ready for a major sports event. 

A basketball player's routine isn’t the same when they are awaiting March Madness predictions compared to the routine that helps them stay in shape, for instance. Therefore, here’s what an average day of a professional athlete actually looks like. 

Daily routine

Professional athletes usually work out six days per week. Depending on the weather conditions, they’ll either be outside or in the gym. Each day begins after at least eight hours of sleep. 

If you want to become a professional athlete, creating a healthy sleeping schedule is of the utmost importance. Sleep is the time when your body rests and heals from all the exercise. That said, a lot of athletes have custom-made beds, pillows and mattresses that help them sleep better.

The breakfast

An athlete’s breakfast serves a specific purpose. It provides fuel for their bodies and keeps them hydrated for the upcoming training session that comes almost right after breakfast. 

Therefore, proteins, carbs and supplements can almost always be found in an athlete’s breakfast. However, breakfast must also be light so that it doesn’t hinder the workout. 

Morning training session

Morning exercises are usually endurance training that improve an athlete’s stamina. That includes walking, stretching, jogging and sprint runs. 

It all depends on the athlete and the sport they’re preparing for. In most cases, it’s the coaches that prepare a workout routine for athletes every day so you never really know what to expect.

The lunch

Lunch comes right after the morning training session which is the time when athletes are the most hungry. A well-balanced meal is what’s needed. 

You can usually find fish, eggs, steak, fruits and vegetables, pasta and a lot of salad in a typical athlete’s lunch. Preparing food and dishes comes down to personal preferences but it’s important for athletes to intake all the nutrients that their body needs as they tune it to perfection.

Power nap

Napping is not something you’d expect from professional athletes to do but a lot of them actually do it. Power naps are crucial because you must let your body rest at least for a little while. A 20-min power nap is usually enough to let your body rest after a long day of working out, especially when there’s more workout awaiting you. 

Afternoon workout and dinner

Afternoon workout routine is the toughest one. This is where all the hard work actually happens. Again, what the routine looks like depends on the athlete. In most cases, exercises consist of sled pulls, blocks, acceleration runs, plyometrics and so on. Unfortunately, the more tedious the workout routine is, the better the results are. 

After workout comes dinner. A balanced diet is crucial for athletes so even dinner must be plentiful and nutritious. Some athletes go out with friends after that but they are not allowed to drink or smoke because it can negatively impact their health, workout and results. 

Closing Words

The life of a professional athlete does seem glorious when you watch them on the TV or online. However, what happens when you don’t see them is what makes a professional athlete, in the first place. That means tons of workout and tons of sacrifices.

OFF THE MAT | NIA DENNIS

We have been a fan of National Championship Nia Dennis' gymnastic routines for a while, but then it was her iconic routine set to Beyoncé that went viral and this UCLA athlete alum popped up on everyone's radar! We've seen her at the Met Gala in 2021 and on the Gold Over America Tour alongside Olympians Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Laurie Hernandez to name a few.

We chatted with Nia to talk about her sport, how she got into it, recovering from her injury, giving us that Black Girl Magic moment and her partnership with Pressed. In this issue, you'll also hear about her 63MIX ROUTIN3S and NEW YEAR, N3W YOU.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What drew you to gymnastics?

NIA DENNIS: When I was younger, I honestly tried a couple of other things, such as ballet, and piano lessons but I cried at every lesson! My parents told me that I used to flip around on the playground as a young child kind of unsafely lol so they decided to put me in gymnastics lessons & I didn’t cry for once!! Haha. And ever since I could remember, I’ve absolutely loved gymnastics, the feeling of flying and being free had me hooked.

AM: You tore your Achilles 3 months before the 2016 Olympics. What did you learn and how have you approached the sport since?

ND: During that time I was feeling really depressed about my injury & honestly wanted to quit the sport. I no longer found gymnastics enjoyable. Through digging deep and understanding there were other goals in the sport that I wanted to accomplish, such as, competing for team UCLA and getting an education, I discovered how resilient I was. Once entering UCLA I was able redefine my identity as a gymnast, and also rediscover the joy I used to feel for the sport. I began to approach gymnastics as I used to when I was a child, when it was fun and freeing.

AM: I remember seeing your Beyoncé themed floor routine and being blown away by the energy, skill, and confidence that you exuded. How did you come up with this routine and I know when I watched it, I loved seeing this Black Girl Magic moment and it made me proud and excited – how has it impacted you?

ND: Thank you so much!! This routine was inspired by my annual Thanksgiving trips to New Orleans. Every year we would go to battle of the bands because a lot of my family down there went to the big school that battles in the event, Grambling. I loved the majorette dancers and loved the energy they brought to performing. Ironically enough, while I was beginning to come up with my theme for my routine, Beyoncé dropped her Homecoming album that was just perfect for what I wanted to do. I wanted to bring some of Black culture to the sport of gymnastics and it was so personal to me because a lot of my family went there. The response my routine has received truly has blown me away. I feel overwhelmed with love and light. Ya know I used to be that young girl who looked up to Gabby and Dominique Dawes & representation is so important, so I feel honored to be in this position for the next generation of young girls.

AM: As an athlete, you’re always focused on optimizing your body and mind and you recently partnered with Pressed – why did you want to work with them and what are you doing together?

ND: This year it’s not about making big resolutions but taking small steps to make big changes and my first step is getting more fruits and veggies into my day. To do that, I’m so excited to announce my new partnership with Pressed and share my new Limited-Edition Nia Dennis Routine featuring my three favorite Pressed juices and three Pressed well-being shots which is available in store and on pressed.com.

IG @niaadennis

PHOTOS COURTESY | Pressed

Read the JAN ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see Off the Mat | Nia Dennis in mag.

63MIX ROUTIN3S | MOLLY SEIDEL

Read the JAN ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Molly Seidel in mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E6. | HOW LONG WILL THE DRAMA CONTINUE?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, we are left with the one question that continues to follow us from one episode to the next - will the drama continue? Now, regular drama/tension is expected, but when it is obvious and seems fueled by production that encourages these shenanigans to continue, it just feels like a number of lines are being crossed. It’s our hope that a key element of recent drama will finally be put to rest so that we can just watch the interactions of everyone else without so many interruptions.

We go right into the date with Shanae and Genevieve. He takes 1-on-1 time with Genevieve first and she lets him know that she may not seem like she shows her emotion, but she is there for the right person. Shanae mocks her during her confessional. When Clayton Echard takes time to sit down with her, he asks how everything is going. Shanae says that Genevieve is saying that she wants to go home and doesn’t know why she is there. How Clayton is able to hear that Shanae always has an issue with someone - how can he not see that a lot of this is made up. He asks Genevieve if she has been acting and she says no. Ultimately, he gives the rose to GENEVIEVE! He sends Shanae home.

We head to the cocktail party where Clayton acknowledges that Shanae was sent home and he knows that the women are happy too as he heard them singing in the elevator. He takes some time with the women and the fact that there isn’t this frenzied drama that has existed over the past few weeks is a nice change.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Gabby, Rachel, Genevieve, Sarah, Serene, Susie, Teddi, Eliza and Mara.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

They continue onto Hvar, Croatia and everyone recognizes that there are less people and they need to make their moments count. Clayton meets them and lets them know that a 1-on-1 will happen now and he will explore the city with Teddi. The women say that they’re happy that Teddi got that as they know she wanted to time. Mara is bummed that she didn’t get it and she’s feeling discouraged.

Teddi and Clayton are on their date getting to know one another and of course, Teddi seems to have something that she wants to share with him that she hopes is not a deal-breaker. With a great day date, their night portion is where Teddi knows that she has to be transparent. She lets him know that she is a virgin and that although she doesn’t need to wait until she is married, she wants to do it with the person that she is in love with. Clayton understands her point and asks if she has been in love with someone. She has not been in love, but she feels that in the past she has put up walls and she lets him know that she has been working on makign sure her walls are down so that she can fully be in the experience. She lets him know that being in love to her, seems like when you have a trust with someone - then there is a way to fall in love and it may not be a feeling in one way, but it is in another.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

The date card arrives Serene, Rachel, Susie, Gabby, Eliza, Genevieve and Mara are on the group date together. Sarah will have a 1-on-1 and they had just talked about how more than likely whoever has had a 1-on-1 wouldn’t get another and she did!

The group date assembles outside and they watch medieval soldiers fighting in their armor. They met Croatian knights and learn that women fought alongside men! Everyone must be happy that Shanae is NOT on this date! They learn fighting skills and are loving their uniforms and it’s reasonably light-hearted. Their next challenge is a table filled with foods where the women are surprised to eat various delaciies of that time - fish eyeballs, pig brains and more. Serene and Mara go to town on the food. They final challenge is to kneel in the square to let him know why they are fighting for him. Not going to lie, Mara busted out a rhyme and clearly won that particular battle. The knight crowns Serene as the winner and we feel a bit for Mara. Clayton carries Serene out and the girls watch them.

At the after party, Clayton is pleased to get know more about each of them. He chats with Rachel and she lets him know that she is falling in love with him. When Mara sits down with Clayton, she lets him know that what he’s asking for isn’t in line with his actions. She tells him that some of the women have been vocal about not being ready to get engaged and others she feels are too young. He says that Sarah is one of the younger people in the house and asks if she is talking about her. Mara says yes, but also says that she wants to be true to who she is and to let him know that she is not just there for a good time. Mara feels good about the conversation.

The group date rose goes to Rachel and Mara feels that she’s exhausted and not getting anything back.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

After the group date, there is a knock on Clayton’s door where he finds an envelope that tells him to meet “me” at the Clock Tower. We thought it was Mara but it was Susie who wanted to meet him! He sees that she’s happy so he’s glad that it’s not going to be something out of left field. Susie planned an outing knowing that there is a 1-on-1 date happening. Susie takes him on a little tour and tells him that she is falling in love with him.

Mara talks with Gabby about what she talked about with Clayton as Sarah prepares to go on a date with Clayton. Jesse Palmer meets him prior to their date and Clayton takes some time to talk about falling in love with someone who doesn’t feel the same way back. Jesse acknowledges his feelings and shares that this is normal to feel at this time in the process; however, he needs to figure it out so that he can make the best decision. Sarah meets up with Clayton for their dinner and has no idea how serious this evening may get. She proposes a toast and he lets her know that he wants to know more about her to make sure they are on the same page. He lets her know that he has been told that some people may not be here for what he is exactly looking for in terms of leaving engaged. He lets her know that because of Hometowns, he needs to know and can she see leaving being engaged and is she prepared for it. Sarah looks shocked and says that she is ready and has always felt that way and has not been lying as she was there because it was him. After their 1-on-1 initially, she felt that way even more. He thanks her for being vulnerable and lets her know that he is concerned as he doesn’t want to give and lose everything. He steps away for a few moments to assess what he has heard from Mara and what she just said.

Back at the house, Mara continues to share with the other women that because she felt that when she was 23 that she wasn’t ready for a commitment, she finds it hard to believe that Sarah could be. He lets her know that he was concerned by giving her a 2nd date that a target would be placed on her back. He gives her the date rose - what will this mean for Mara? Will she continue and will Sarah demand to know who said this about her and will the women in the house tell her?

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE AT THIS POINT | Teddi, Rachel and Sarah

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Shanae, Hunter and Marlena

Until next week to find out how Sarah will address what took place!

Each night during the season, we 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 from the 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!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 6

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the halfway point. We’re going to stay with this group of Hometown possibles!

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

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9LIST STORI3S | CAROLINE MARKS

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9LIST ROUTIN3S

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63MIX ROUTIN3S | NIA DENNIS

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9PLAYLIST 9COLLAB | CHEFS KRISTEN KISH, JUSTIN SUTHERLAND, JEREMY FORD

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9LIST

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HOW TENNIS UNDERDOGS CAN UPSET THE ODDS

Tennis is a hugely popular sport all over the world, with millions of fans following the exploits of their favorite players and many more checking out the latest odds on the big tournaments and matches.

One of the difficulties for those who like to bet on tennis is that the odds on the established big-name players available at tennis betting sites are often extremely small. But occasionally, even in the big tournaments, an underdog will spring a surprise at huge odds, to the delight of both spectators and those who simply enjoy tennis betting.

Mats Wilander – 1982 French Open

One of the biggest shocks in modern tennis came in 1982 when Mats Wilander became the youngest men's Grand Slam winner at the French Open at the age of 17. In a battle that lasted four hours and 42 minutes, the Swedish star upset third seed Guillermo Vilas in the final. Wilander, of course, had an illustrious career, winning seven grand slams and rising to the top of the male tennis rankings in 1988. At the time of this initial success, he was an unheralded youngster and his victory rocked the tennis world.

Boris Becker – 1985 Wimbledon

German star Boris Becker will always be remembered as one of the greatest grass-court players ever, but back in 1985, no one was talking about Becker. The 17-year-old was still technically a schoolboy and had turned pro only one year before. No one was tipping him to make any progress in the tournament, let alone win in. However, Becker stunned everyone, beating Tim Mayotte, Henri Leconte, Kevin Curren and fifth seed Anders Jarryd on his way to the trophy.

Gaston Gaudio – French Open 2004

Gaudio’s success in the 2004 French Open was a classic underdog tale. He went into the tournament having never won a Grand Slam but battled through to the final where he faced Guillermo Coria. He won just three games in the first set of the final, trailing 0-6, 3-6 but then staged one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history to claim the trophy. His live tennis betting odds would have been almost as long as his pre-tournament odds, but Gaudio came through, to the delight of all.

Emma Radacanu – US Open 2021

Emma Radacanu is a name that most tennis fans have quickly become familiar with. She is just 19 years old and was virtually unknown until mid-2021, when she began her tennis career. At Wimbledon, she made her Grand Slam debut, reaching the fourth round before retiring with breathing problems. What came next was remarkable. At the US Open she battled through to the final to claim her first, but no doubt not her last, Grand Slam event, against the women’s tennis betting odds and in defiance of all predictions.

Of course, the long odds on Radacanu soon disappeared. She started at a much shorter price for the Australian Open last month and bookmakers will be wary of underestimating her for the foreseeable future. This just underlines the importance of looking into tennis betting tips, which can be helpful in spotting these potential champions before they make a big splash on the world tennis stage.

Such predictions are obviously tough to make, and the progress from talented young hopeful to Grand Slam contender can be quick, slow or may never happen. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try, and there are a couple of names worth considering in 2022.

Leylah Fernandez

Leylah Fernandez was, of course, the player who Raducanu defeated in the US Open. The fact that she fell short in the Final may mean she flies under the radar for a little. Before Flushing Meadow, she had only once made it to the third round of a Grand Slam event, so her 2021 efforts represented a sudden and dramatic improvement as she beat three top-five players along the way. She went out in the first round in Melbourne, but she will be back and potentially at long odds.

Brandon Nakashima

The United States is a big tennis-supporting nation, but while fans have been able to enjoy the dominance of Serena and Venus Williams in the women’s game, US supporters have not had a US male Grand Slam winner since 2003. Could Brandon Nakashima be that man? Nakashima is only 20 but has been climbing the rankings steadily and has huge potential.

The future star experienced the main rounds of a Grand Slam event for the first time in Melbourne last month and could be the type of player to rise rapidly through the standings in 2022.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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9LOOKS | MICHEL COSTELLO

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IN OUR BAG | FOR A V-DAY GETAWAY

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AWARDS SEASON | OSCARS NOMINATIONS

This morning, nominations for the Academy Awards, known as The Oscars were announced. It’s definitely going to be interesting to see who the winners will be. Ahead of the big night. we’re sharing who we predict will win in bold, winners that we predicted correctly will be in bold italic and those that won that we didn’t get correct will be in italics.

BEST PICTURE

“Belfast,” Laura Berwick, Kenneth Branagh, Becca Kovacik and Tamar Thomas, producers

“CODA,” Philippe Rousselet, Fabrice Gianfermi and Patrick Wachsberger, producers

“Don’t Look Up,” Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, producers

“Drive My Car,” Teruhisa Yamamoto, producer

“Dune,” Mary Parent, Denis Villeneuve and Cale Boyter, producers

“King Richard,” Tim White, Trevor White and Will Smith, producers

“Licorice Pizza,” Sara Murphy, Adam Somner and Paul Thomas Anderson, producers

“Nightmare Alley,” Guillermo del Toro, J. Miles Dale and Bradley Cooper, producers

“The Power of the Dog,” Jane Campion, Tanya Seghatchian, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning and Roger Frappier, producers

“West Side Story,” Steven Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger, producers

BEST DIRECTOR

Kenneth Branagh (“Belfast”)

Ryûsuke Hamaguchi (“Drive My Car”)

Paul Thomas Anderson (“Licorice Pizza”)

Jane Campion (“The Power of the Dog”)

Steven Spielberg (“West Side Story”)

BEST LEAD ACTOR

Javier Bardem (“Being the Ricardos”)

Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Power of the Dog”)

Andrew Garfield (“Tick, Tick … Boom!”)

Will Smith (“King Richard”)

Denzel Washington (“The Tragedy of Macbeth”)

BEST LEAD ACTRESS

Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”)

Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”)

Penélope Cruz (“Parallel Mothers”)

Nicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”)

Kristen Stewart (“Spencer”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Ciarán Hinds (“Belfast”)

Troy Kotsur (“CODA”)

Jesse Plemons (“The Power of the Dog”)

J.K. Simmons (“Being the Ricardos”)

Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Jessie Buckley (“The Lost Daughter”)

Ariana DeBose (“West Side Story”)

Judi Dench (“Belfast”)

Kirsten Dunst (“The Power of the Dog”)

Aunjanue Ellis (“King Richard”)

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“CODA,” screenplay by Siân Heder

“Drive My Car,” screenplay by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe

“Dune,” screenplay by Jon Spaihts and Denis Villeneuve and Eric Roth

“The Lost Daughter,” written by Maggie Gyllenhaal

“The Power of the Dog,” written by Jane Campion

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“Belfast,” written by Kenneth Branagh

“Don’t Look Up,” screenplay by Adam McKay; story by Adam McKay and David Sirota

“King Richard,” written by Zach Baylin

“Licorice Pizza,” written by Paul Thomas Anderson

“The Worst Person in the World,” written by Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

“Dune,” Greig Fraser

“Nightmare Alley,” Dan Laustsen

“The Power of the Dog,” Ari Wegner

“The Tragedy of Macbeth,” Bruno Delbonnel

“West Side Story,” Janusz Kaminski

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM

“Encanto,” Jared Bush, Byron Howard, Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer

“Flee,” Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

“Luca,” Enrico Casarosa and Andrea Warren

“The Mitchells vs. the Machines,” Mike Rianda, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller and Kurt Albrecht

“Raya and the Last Dragon,” Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho

BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM

“Affairs of the Art,” Joanna Quinn and Les Mills

“Bestia,” Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz

“Boxballet,” Anton Dyakov

“Robin Robin,” Dan Ojari and Mikey Please

“The Windshield Wiper,” Alberto Mielgo and Leo Sanchez

BEST COSTUME DESIGN

“Cruella,” Jenny Beavan

“Cyrano,” Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran

“Dune,” Jacqueline West and Robert Morgan

“Nightmare Alley,” Luis Sequeira

“West Side Story,” Paul Tazewell

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

“Don’t Look Up,” Nicholas Britell

“Dune,” Hans Zimmer

“Encanto,” Germaine Franco

“Parallel Mothers,” Alberto Iglesias

“The Power of the Dog,” Jonny Greenwood

BEST SOUND

“Belfast,” Denise Yarde, Simon Chase, James Mather and Niv Adiri

“Dune,” Mac Ruth, Mark Mangini, Theo Green, Doug Hemphill and Ron Bartlett

“No Time to Die,” Simon Hayes, Oliver Tarney, James Harrison, Paul Massey and Mark Taylor

“The Power of the Dog,” Richard Flynn, Robert Mackenzie and Tara Webb

“West Side Story,” Tod A. Maitland, Gary Rydstrom, Brian Chumney, Andy Nelson and Shawn Murphy

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

“Be Alive” from “King Richard,” music and lyric by Dixson and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter

“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto,” music and lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Down To Joy” from “Belfast,” music and lyric by Van Morrison

“No Time To Die” from “No Time to Die,” music and lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell

“Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days,” music and lyric by Diane Warren

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE

“Ascension,” Jessica Kingdon, Kira Simon-Kennedy and Nathan Truesdell

“Attica,” Stanley Nelson and Traci A. Curry

“Flee,” Jonas Poher Rasmussen, Monica Hellström, Signe Byrge Sørensen and Charlotte De La Gournerie

“Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),” Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent and David Dinerstein

“Writing With Fire,” Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT

“Audible,” Matt Ogens and Geoff McLean

“Lead Me Home,” Pedro Kos and Jon Shenk

“The Queen of Basketball,” Ben Proudfoot

“Three Songs for Benazir,” Elizabeth Mirzaei and Gulistan Mirzaei

“When We Were Bullies,” Jay Rosenblatt

BEST FILM EDITING

“Don’t Look Up,” Hank Corwin

“Dune,” Joe Walker

“King Richard”, Pamela Martin

“The Power of the Dog,” Peter Sciberras

“Tick, Tick…Boom!” Myron Kerstein and Andrew Weisblum

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM

“Drive My Car” (Japan)

“Flee” (Denmark)

“The Hand of God” (Italy)

“Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” (Bhutan)

“The Worst Person in the World” (Norway)

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

“Coming 2 America,” Mike Marino, Stacey Morris and Carla Farmer

“Cruella,” Nadia Stacey, Naomi Donne and Julia Vernon

“Dune,” Donald Mowat, Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

“The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Linda Dowds, Stephanie Ingram and Justin Raleigh

“House of Gucci,” Göran Lundström, Anna Carin Lock and Frederic Aspiras

BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN

“Dune,” production design: Patrice Vermette; set decoration: Zsuzsanna Sipos

“Nightmare Alley,” production design: Tamara Deverell; set decoration: Shane Vieau

“The Power of the Dog,” production design: Grant Major; set decoration: Amber Richards

“The Tragedy of Macbeth,” production design: Stefan Dechant; set decoration: Nancy Haigh

“West Side Story,” production design: Adam Stockhausen; set decoration: Rena DeAngelo

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

“Dune,” Paul Lambert, Tristan Myles, Brian Connor and Gerd Nefzer

“Free Guy,” Swen Gillberg, Bryan Grill, Nikos Kalaitzidis and Dan Sudick

“No Time to Die,” Charlie Noble, Joel Green, Jonathan Fawkner and Chris Corbould

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” Christopher Townsend, Joe Farrell, Sean Noel Walker and Dan Oliver

“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Kelly Port, Chris Waegner, Scott Edelstein and Dan Sudick

BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM

“Ala Kachuu – Take and Run,” Maria Brendle and Nadine Lüchinger

“The Dress,” Tadeusz Łysiak and Maciej Ślesicki

“The Long Goodbye,” Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed

“On My Mind,” Martin Strange-Hansen and Kim Magnusson

“Please Hold,” K.D. Dávila and Levin Menekse

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

THE BACHELOR S26. E5. | WILL CLAYTON GET CLARITY?

On today’s episode of ABC’s The Bachelor, the drama continues as the women in the house have their attention on Shanae and her antics that continue to create negativity in the house.

We see Serene and Clayton Echard on their 1-on-1 date where they have the entire pier just for them. They have a great time going on rides, enjoying ice cream and connecting. At their dinner, they delve into deeper topics to find out more about Serene and why she seems to have a bit of a wall. She lets him know that she has experienced a lot of loss and that she tries her best to get through it. Clayton appreciates that she shares her vulnerability. She receives the date rose.

The rose ceremony is about to begin and we know that more drama will come to this night and possibly end the cocktail portion earlier than anticipated. The women try to talk with Shanae which goes nowhere and Clayton comes out and says he wants to see the women who won from the last group date. He asks them what is going on in relation to Shanae. Sierra tells him and lets him know about the trophy and what she did. They all explain that her behavior was not appropriate. Back with the rest of the women, they let her know that obviously they are talking about her and she needs to recognize her behavior. Clayton says he didn’t know that the trophy incident happened and that he needs to talk with Shanae to find out about her cussing them out and throwing the trophy. Of course, Sierra tells her to change her actions because she is not trusted.

Clayton comes out to pull her outside and the women hope this means that she is leaving the house! He talks with Shanae about the after-party group date. She lets him know that she told the women to keep her name out of their mouth AND she threw the trophy. On one side, we’re surprised that she just owned up to it unasked, but of course, she gets a pseudo pass by saying that if she continues to do that, then they won’t have a path forward. He asks if she is apologetic for what she did and she says that she shoudln’t have done that.

She apologizes and some of the women embrace her and let her know that she deserves the space to grow. She quickly tells Clayton that she did and of course, he gives her a kiss and in her confessional, she says she’s not sorry and that she should get an Oscar for her performance. One can only wonder what Clayton thinks about seeing all of this playback.

The rose ceremony begins and it seems like most of the women didn’t even get 1-on-1 time with Clayton to talk with him to further their individual relationships. Clayton thanks them for being open, honest and holding him accountable. He hopes that they have all been seen or heard.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Serene, Eliza, Sarah, Marlena, Genevieve, Mara, Gabby, Susie, Hunter, Rachel (from last week) and Shanae.

CLAYTON SENT HOME | Lyndsey, Sierra and Jill

Clayton lets them know that are going to Toronto while Shanae is super glib on being able to stay and being responsible for sending 2 girls home back-to-back!

The graphic shows that they have flown from Houston to Toronto and he hopes that the drama with Shanae has passed because they have changed locales. The date card arrives and Gabby gets the 1-on-1 date. Shanae in her confessional says that when she gets the rose on this leg of the date, everyone can just stop talking. Shanae is bothered by others being happy that someone else got this date versus themselves.

Gabby and Clayton explore the area via the helicopter. He admits in his confessional that she was not on his radar originally but over time, she has been. They play a bit of street hockey together in the park. They take in some treats in the area as well as get to mark a wall for approved graffiti. Gabby also takes the time to bond with dogs that they pass by. Gabby was so happy to be on the date as she knows that she didn’t get time with him at all. He lets her know that he loves her jokester side and the fact that she is goofy as it’s important for him to see that. As much as she likes hearing that, she also wants him to know that she has a serious side as well and she wants him to see all oher and not just one part.

Back at the hotel, Shanae shares that she’s hoping for a 1-on-1 because they need that. The next date card arrives with Rachael, Sarah, Serene, Marlena, Susie, Hunter, Eliza, Teddi and Mara being on the group date. Which leaves a 2-on-1 date with Genevieve and Shanae being on that one. Those on the group date are glad that she will not be with them and they can have a good time. The women (minus Shanae) feel bad for Genevieve.

Back on Gabby’s dinner date, he continues to laughs and jokes, but she speaks up and lets him know that she’s not just one dimensional and also talks about her family struggles with her mom as they don’t see eye to eye and communicate a lot. Clayton actually asks her questions about whether they can repair that relationship. He understands that she uses humor to deflect what’s going on with her so that she can put on a good face. He appreciates her letting him know more about her. She receives the 1-on-1 date rose. They end their date in the pool and he feels that she could be his wife possibly.

The group date begins and it will be one of the few drama-free dates that have taken place. Although we know that all the women would have loved a 1-on-1 date, you can see that they are happy to have the time. Clayton takes them to their date and they see Jesse Palmer who is quickly joined by Russell Peters who is known as the master of the roasts - so interesting to see what the women in the house will do. It’s a good idea that Shanae was not included on this date since they will be making fun of one another and for the most part, those on this date will be able to handle it.

Without her there, Clayton hears all the women knock on Shanae throughout their roasts. We’ve always believed that in humor there is a lot of truth and hopefully he reads between the lines and realizes that the person he sees is not really who she is.

Clayton shares that they came at him for sure as we all know he is a fan of humor. It’s nice to see that the women on this date are having a good time, being respectful and can leave issues and drama behind. The fact that they can actually get 1-on-1 time with him is also a surprise.

Gabby is at the house with Genevieve and Shanae and Gabby wishes that she was anywhere but there. She reads the date card for their 2-on-1 with Clayton. He writes that he needs to make a decision and it’s the first time that he doesn’t write, “love Clayton.”

Back at the group date, more bonds and discussions are taking place. It’s interesting how no one is talking about Shanae in this date or feeling the need to defend other girls who have been caught in her crosshairs. Eliza’s time with him is so cute as she gives him shots of maple syrup - an interesting choice. The group date rose goes to Rachel.

The women feel bad that they didn’t get it; however, they don’t trash one another and make people feel uncomfortable. They question whether this is the place for them or how they can make themselves noticed even when they feel that they are doing as much as they can to connect with him.

The 2-on-1 is happening and clearly this will continue onto the next episode! There’s so much anticipation and yet we know that Shanae will not be able to keep it together. The date is at Niagra Falls on the Canadian side and as they head closer to the destination, they sit in silence in the car. They will see the falls from the boat and we’re continuing to cringe on the levels that Shanae is not afraid to go to in order to get what she wants. Back at the hotel, the women continue to speak about this date and that it will have a ripple effect to the rest of the women.

ROSES CLAYTON GAVE | Gabby, Rachel,

CLAYTON SENT HOME |

Each night during the season, we 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 from the 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!

---

SEASON 26 - EPISODE 5

Last week, we chose Eliza, Rachel, Sarah and Teddi as the women who will head to Hometowns as we are at the half way point. We’re going to stay with this group.

ELIZA

RACHEL

SARAH

TEDDI

---

THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS

CASSIDY | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

CLAIRE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

DARIA | 24 - New Haven, CT

ELIZA | 25 - Berlin, Germany

ELIZABETH | 32 - Highlands Ranch, CO

ENCY | 28 - Burbank, CA

GABBY | 30 - Denver, CO

GENEVIEVE | 26 - Los Angeles, CA

HAILEY | 26 - Orlando, FL

HUNTER | 28 - Charlotte, NC

IVANA | 31 - Queens, NY

JANE | 22 - Los Angeles, CA

JILL | 26 - Scituate, RI

KATE | 32 - Lake Hollywood, CA

KIRA | 32 - Philadelphia, PA

LINDSAY D | 27 - Jacksonville, FL

LYNDSEY W | 28 - Houston, TX

MARA | 32 - Collingswood, NJ

MARLENA | 30 - Gainseville, FL

MELINA | 27 - West Hollywood, CA

RACHEL | 25 - Clermont, FL

RIANNA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SALLEY | 26 - Charlottesville, VA

SAMANTHA | 26 - San Diego, CA

SARAH | 23 - NY, NY

SERENE | 26- Oklahoma City, OK

SHANAE | 29 - Sycamore, OH

SIERRA | 26 - Dallas, TX

SUSIE | 28 - Virginia Beach, VA

TEDDI | 24 - Highland, CA

TESSA | 26 - Brooklyn, NY

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HIS TIME IS NOW | JOSEPH SIKORA

Throughout the past few months we have loved interviewing those who have been in POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN and with the release of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE on Feb 6th, we were excited to chat with Joseph Sikora (POWER, Ozark, Jack Reacher) who is back playing fan favorite, Tommy Egan. We talked about how he got into acting, being on POWER, where we find Tommy in the latest series and what projects he has coming up that we should keep an eye out for!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?

JOSEPH SIKORA: I was 10 years old. There was a show that used to be on called KIDS Incorporated. Fergie used to be on it and I think even Jennifer Love Hewitt. They were just the kids that were being rockstars and actors. I went to my mom and I said, I’d love to be an actor. She said that if I still wanted to be an actor in a month, come back. So I’m waiting and counting down the days. I said, “ma I want to be an actor.” She says ok and pulls out the Yellow Pages and we look up acting and there isn’t much in there. We look up theater and my mother, to her credit starts cold calling theaters and says, “my son wants to be an actor, how do we do this?” Eventually, I auditioned for a role in A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theater in Chicago, but I didn’t get it. The casting director said that I was really talented and that I should audition for The Little Prince which was up in a far suburb in Lake Forest in Chicago. I ended up booking the role so my mother had to trek me out all the way to Lake Forest for rehearsals and performances. I did it and it was really a bug. Then my mother again cold-called agencies and said, “my son is in a play will you come watch it and would you want to represent him afterward?” Some of them came and then I got representation, I did some commercials which really helped pay for college and saved all of my money and even when I was just getting into mischief in high school, I kept paying my SAG dues and I have been a member of SAG since 1988. That’s how I started acting, it was through the theater and doing little bits of pieces here and as you know, I have done a ton of stuff! But none of it was any real success until really the POWER show. It’s my biggest thing for sure!

I was a series regular one of the series leads of an Adult Swim show called The Heart, She Holler that I am very proud of. It was directed and written by Vernon Chatman and John Lee starring Patton Oswalt which was so much fun. I did stuff here and stuff there, but acting is a tough thing and it’s truly a calling in some ways that I just never gave up.

So in a lot of ways, Tommy Egan, he’s that same guy. Tommy Egan never gives up and he says as much in episode 1 of POWER when he takes Holly out for their first date to the bar. He just keeps fighting and so I really just kept fighting and I did it not for reasons of fame. I didn’t want people to recognize or know me, I did it because I wanted to be able to explore the human condition and to see what it would be like to be other people and from what other people experienced. To see what it’s like to love, lose and win in other bodies.

AM: What made you want to be part of POWER?

JS: I mean, I was starving! I had no money, I was auditioning, I had a couple of little things around that time that I was really happy to do. I had just done Jack Reacher and I had done True Detective, the series Banshee – I was dating a girl who is now my wife and I had found something that I loved more than acting. For whatever reason in the irony that is life, when you don’t want something so bad, things start coming to you. This is one of those things.

There were 5 auditions for POWER for Tommy Egan, which was originally called Eddie O’Neal by the way!

AM: Where did we leave Tommy in POWER and where do we pick him up again in FORCE?

JS: Well, where we leave Tommy in the POWER show, is with Tommy and NY in his rearview mirror. But then, in POWER BOOK II: GHOST, we realize that he made a U-turn to take care of some unfinished business with Tasha played by Naturi Naughton and obviously the lead of the series Michael Rainey Jr who plays Tariq. After he leaves Tariq in Monet’s capable hands, but makes an enemy of the Tejada group, it’s even more of a reason for Tommy to get out of town. He’s not welcome back in the town of the city that raised him, so now he’s on his way to Los Angeles to take care of the ports and to work at the ports of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. But he makes a pit stop in Chicago for what people will find out in the first episode. But then he ends up saying, “you know what? Chicago may be talking to me right now. This may be my land of opportunity.” It’s a harkening back to the 1890’s where the NY papers said, “go West young man, go West!” Tommy did it and he ended up in Chicago and he sees a possibility of a future in the gem of the prairie in Chicago, Il.

AM: How does it feel to have this whole spinoff wrapped around your character?

JS: It’s great! I love working and I get to work more, it’s a win-win! I’m so happy and grateful for the audience demanding it and that Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made it happen!

AM: Is there anything that you can tell us about it as I know it’s out very soon but any insights would be appreciated!

JS: Absolutely, I think that it’s super exciting and that it’s really truly different city, different rules, same Tommy. I’m so excited about the pilot directed by Larysa Kondracki (Legion, Gotham, THEM) and then we have Kieron Hawkes (POWER, POWER BOOK II GHOST, POWER BOOK III: RAISING KANAN) a POWER alum who directed in Raising Kanan and on the POWER BOOK II: GHOST, he’s an amazing director – so it’s great to have Kieron Hawkes! Another director that I am so excited about is Deon Taylor (Kicks, Meet the Blacks, Black and Blue) who directs our incredible finale. Everyone knows him from The Intruder and Black and Blue, Supremacy, and I am doing another film with Deon that’s going to be coming out in March called Fear, also starring Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, T.I., Annie Ilonzeh, Iddo Goldberg and Terrence J – so a bit of an all star wonderful cast that is a thriller and a horror film that revolves around our current state of pandemic so you have to check that out!

AM: I just finished watching Ozark Season 4 part 1. It was nice seeing you in that!

JS: Nice! Frank Jr! Frank Jr is the antithesis to Tommy! Tommy is everything that Frank Jr is not. But they share the same struggle. They want to be able to make their way, they want to get outside of somebodies shadow, but Frank Jr is as unsuccessful as Tommy is successful.

IG @JosephSikora4

PHOTOS COURTESY | STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE

Hear STARZ's POWER BOOK IV: FORCE's Joseph Sikora on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see HIS TIME IS NOW | Joseph Sikora in mag.

9 GIFT IDEAS PERFECT FOR SPORTS FANS

The chances of knowing a sports superfan who tailgates are very high, and gifting them can be an easy task. Most of these super fans already have basic sports stuff like jerseys or a coaster with their team's name on it. 

As a result, you'll need to up your gifting game by getting unique items they'll appreciate knowing you bought it specifically for them. In addition, these items range differently in price, making it easy to find affordable gifts to fit your budget. 

Whether they’re into the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, or college sports, the gift ideas listed below will cover most sports niches. 

1. Tickets To Live Matches

Sports are a huge part of most people's lives, and getting to watch live games can be a dream come true. However, getting tickets can be quite costly depending on the game, especially for seasoned tickets. 

By getting your loved one tickets, they'll get to learn more about Australian Football and other sports they like and gain a deeper appreciation for the game. What's even nicer is that your beloved will get to experience the highs and lows of the game while having the time of their life.

2. Dugout Mugs

Baseball fans will enjoy these personalized wooden mugs made in the shape of a baseball bat. These mugs are treated to hold both cold and warm drinks without cooling or warming your drinks. 

In addition, these mugs are perfect for fans who want to enjoy a cold beer during a game or hot coffee, depending on their preferences. You can customize it in different ways like adding a logo, picture, or name. 

3. Baseball Bat Decanter

For baseball fans, a decanter shaped like a baseball bat that holds a whole bottle of your beloved spirit can be the perfect gift. Your beloved can enjoy their drink while showcasing their love for the sport.

If you're feeling a little extra, you can personalize it with your beloved name or logo. 

4. Basketball Wastebasket

Die-hard basketball fans tend to enjoy playing the sport and practicing their shots. And what a better way of practicing their shot than having a basketball wastebasket that has a hoop. This gift will be the perfect addition to their sports theme items. 

To make the gift even more personal, you can DIY it into any design you like and add a unique touch like your beloved's name.

5. A Video Game Console

Technology has brought the field right into our living rooms by making realistic video games that takes a player to the field. And on the plus side, it doesn't matter which sport your beloved supports as you can find different gaming consoles for different sports.

The amazing graphics will keep your beloved busy when they can't catch a game or during their time to unwind. This gift will surely get you major points with your favorite person.

6. A Stanley Cup Popcorn Maker

Hockey fans can swear that a Stanley cup is the best in sports, thanks to its large and shiny exterior. When players win, they get to take the cup with them, and most fans would be over the moon to even touch it. 

As a result, getting a Stanley cup popcorn maker will be a major step towards touching the real deal, except it makes popcorn enjoyable during the game.

7. Football Shaped Cufflinks

With this gift, you get to incorporate your love for football into your fashion, making it fit in with your personality. This makes for a perfect personalized gift as you can have your beloved name engraved on it. 

In addition, you can choose between a football or a helmet depending on your beloved preference. 

8. NFL Checkers Set

This board game is a perfect classic game for football-loving people to indulge in and enjoy. You can have it personalized to any team your beloved loves and supports. You can go the extra mile and have it customized into something that'll show how thoughtful you are. 

9. Football Shaped Serving Board

To take your beloved game day a notch higher, you should consider getting them a football-shaped serving board that can hold all snacks. It can easily be wiped after use and doesn't stain easily.

Bottom Line

To ensure you have the perfect gift for a sports lover in your life, ensure that it's personalized for that extra touch. If possible, consider DIYing or coming up with a clever way to make a perfect gift that reflects the person you love. 

The extra effort will show that you were thinking about them when getting the gift, and it wasn't a last-minute impulse buy.

IMPACT THE GAME | DARIUS LEONARD

We're kicking off the year with our 73rd cover, 3 X Consecutive Pro-Bowler Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Known as The Maniac on the field for his energy and the ability to make productive plays, he is also known for his commitment to giving back.

We caught up with Darius days before the Pro-Bowl for his virtual shoot as well as to find out more about playing for the Colts, being in this season's Hard Knocks on HBO and The Maniac Foundation.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with football and what was the moment that you knew you wanted to play professionally?

DARIUS LEONARD: Started playing football at the age of 8. Fell In love with the game at age 14. Didn’t think about playing professional football until about my junior year of college and that’s when I started thinking about the NFL and that I could possibly have a chance.

AM: You were drafted in 2018 – what was that process like for you and what has it mean to play for the Indianapolis Colts?

DL: Draft process was tough coming from a small college. I had lot of visits and people flying me out to make sure I was who I was. Had to play senior ball then after Senior Bowl I popped my quad running the 40 at the combine and after that I thought my draft stat would fall and then fortunately I was drafted by the Colts and that means a lot being drafted by a team that is known for championships and that’s been my mentality to be a winner and that’s why I am happy to be a Colt.

AM: How did you get the nickname, The Maniac?

DL: Energetic and productive playing.

AM: When you’re in the season, what’s a week like for you from working out, practicing etc and how does this differ in the off season?

DL: During the season my week is pretty tough. After game Sunday I get in the hyperbaric chamber and spend some time with the family. Monday is a lot of body work and massages and hyperbaric chamber and ankle work. And then Tuesday I start watching a little bit of tape and a little body work and get in hot and cold tubs. Wednesday and Thursdays wake up at 6am get home around 7/8pm. Friday is a big work day for body work. Then Saturday is relaxation day and Sunday is game day.

AM: When you’re hitting the gym, what workouts do you do that allow you to optimize your sport?

DL: When I hit the gym I do a lot more of the explosive stuff. Continue to make sure I have that quick twitch, a lot of squats & snatches. Making sure I am hitting the field pretty heavy making sure my feet and hand placements are good. Make sure I am doing good at my drills that I gotta do when the game is coming.

AM: This season was a great one to watch and it was nice to also have the team on HBO’s Hard Knocks In Season so that we got an inside look on what you and the team do on and off the field. It’s one of my favorite shows that lets us see the practice and camaraderie you have with one another as well as the friend and family support that exists. What was it like being on this season and being able to share more about you and your family with the fans?

DL: Hard knocks was great being there. It was fun having them get our back story of who we are as players and human beings. Fun having my family and seeing their reactions during the games and stuff like that because those are things that I never get to see so it was fun to have hard knocks there to make that visible for us since I never get to see it.

AM: Although you won't be heading to the Super Bowl, the Colts are sending the most players to this year’s Pro Bowl and you will be returning for a 3rd consecutive time. How have you been preparing heading into the Pro Bowl and how do you train and get in sync with fellow teammates that you are not used to playing with?

DL: You know for Pro Bowl I don’t do too much for it. I just make sure I am staying in shape, and make sure my lungs are good so if it’s a long drive I am ready for that. Its all about trust, you get the playbook, and you just trust the guys to be professionals and know they are going to do their job and I am going to do my job. Everybody do their 111 just to make their play work. Looking forward to the Pro Bowl and looking forward to playing with teammates I have never played with before.

AM: How do you take time for yourself?

DL: Off the field I really don’t take too much time for myself. If I’m home with the girls or at a high school doing community service to be a positive role model on these kids lives and try to find a way to give back as much as I can – that’s what I like to do in my free time. I want to be the spotlight for these little kids and try to make a way for them and let them understand that you can be someone and it don’t have to be football related and make sure they know there are multiple ways to get out there and make an impact and that’s what I like to do to help kids as much as I possibly can and be their role model.

AM: When you’re in Indianapolis, where can we find you enjoying a date night?

DL: In Indianapolis, if I am on date night and out and about I am definitely going to Hyde Park and getting their fried lobsters and I am getting their crab cake, their steak, potatoes, and my wife is definitely going to get her asparagus and that’s about it!

AM: Last year you launched the Maniac Foundation which supports those in Indianapolis and Lake View communities in South Carolina - can you tell us more about your organization?

DL: The Maniac Foundation was launched March 2, 2021. The foundation is dedicated to transforming communities through education, wellness, serving families in need and other charitable causes. The foundation has provided over 100 bikes to children in foster care, books and backpacks for students, winter coats, holiday gifts and over $25,000 in charitable grants.

AM: What can we expect to see from you and the Maniac Foundation this year?

DL: The Maniac Foundation is refurbishing a park in Lake View. Hilltop Park will be receiving a makeover complete with a new playground and new basketball goals. We are partnering with the Indianapolis Public Schools District, Lake View Elementary and Lake View High School to kick off the Mind of Maniacs Reading program (kids are required to read 10 books) and the Math Maniacs Math Program. High performing students will have the opportunity to attend an Indianapolis Colts home game. We are having a big volunteer event at Midwest Food Bank in Indy to help pack food boxes for those in need. Starting this spring I will record monthly messages directed towards individuals working on their mental health.

AM: How can those who wish to support you be part of the foundation?

DL: Please visit http://www.maniacfoundation.org to find out how to volunteer with the foundation or make a donation to support our initiatives. You can follow us on social media at @ManiacCares.

IG @Mr_Highflyer10

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | COVERS, PG 18 - 25 Paul Farkas | PG 16 Colts | PG 26 Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire | PG 28 Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire | PG 30 + 31 Darius Leonard |

Read the JAN ISSUE #73 of Athleisure Mag and see Impact the Game | Darius Leonard in mag.