PHOTO CREDIT | Lexus US Open of Surfing
Over the next few days we can take in some amazing surf matches at the Lexus US Open of Surfing. If you missed previous days, you can catch up on everything at WSL.
Check the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Lexus US Open of Surfing
PHOTO CREDIT | Lexus US Open of Surfing
Over the next few days we can take in some amazing surf matches at the Lexus US Open of Surfing. If you missed previous days, you can catch up on everything at WSL.
Check the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash/Annie Spratt
For centuries, herbs have been used in cooking and medicine to promote healthy well-being, and in foods that can make our dishes taste delicious. In recent years, bulk herb stores have grown in popularity with the interest in natural living. Those shops provide extensive amounts of herbs for both beginner and advanced herbalists. In this guide to visiting a bulk herb store, we will emphasize the benefits and offerings of these establishments that make them worth a visit on your herb journey.
The main reason to stick with a bulk herb store is the variety. Shoppers can purchase everything from basic cooking herbs like basil and oregano to more exotic varieties like ashwagandha and rhodiola. It offers a vast range of culinary, health, and self-care options.
Quality is an essential factor to consider when purchasing herbs. Like bulk herb stores, freshness and quality of the product are crucial. Most of the bulk herb stores sell organic and sustainably wildcrafted herbs, so customers receive the highest quality possible. Proper storage, which is why herbs are primarily presented in airtight containers, ensures that these herbs stay fresh and the essential oils intact.
Buying herbs in bulk usually costs less than buying the same herbs in bags. These bulk herb stores also offer savings, as costs are lower when larger amounts are purchased. This solution offers excellent value and is perfect for everyday herb users, cooking, crafting, and medicine!
Buying from a bulk herb store also allows for customization of the order. Customers can purchase only the required amount and avoid waste while being assured of getting the freshest product. This flexibility also enables you to experiment with new herbs without buying a massive amount upfront, making it ideal for trying out new flavors and benefits.
Bulk herb stores often have educational materials that help customers make informed choices. Trained professionals are usually present to address inquiries and assist with usage and advantages. Other stores may have workshops, classes, or informational resources to help the consumer understand different herbal uses and benefits.
Bulk herb shops often emphasize sustainability. By selling herbs in bulk, they help eliminate unnecessary packaging, leading to a more eco-friendly shopping experience. Most of them also source from ethical suppliers, who ensure that their products are not only healthy for the customer but also healthy for the planet.
Not only do they sell herbs, but many bulk herb stores offer related products. These include essential oils, teas, tinctures, and natural skin-care products. Many shops go even further and provide boxes, bags, and gadgets to assist in the storage and utilization of the herbs. This varied range of products gives one a one-stop shop for everything one may need for all herbal projects.
Bulk herb stores always have a community feel. These stores attract people for shopping and to meet like-minded natural living enthusiasts. This can be even more intriguing, providing a chance to share knowledge, experiences, and tips as a community.
Herbs are essential to health and wellness. People are interested in this, and bulk herb stores indulge this interest by providing various products marketed to support different health objectives. These stores have plenty to choose from, whether customers want herbal teas for relaxation or specific herbs that are known to assist in healing.
Shopping at a bulk herb store is often an experience of exploration and education. These stores are geared toward people who want to live more naturally, offering a variety of herbs, a commitment to quality and sustainability, and an emphasis on education. The advantages of a bulk herb store, ranging from cost-effectiveness to interaction with the community, are beyond the product you purchase; hence, an enriching experience for everyone who walks through the door.
Chicago, a city known for its vibrant neighborhoods and deep-rooted cultural history, is also home to a growing emphasis on mental health awareness. As conversations around emotional well-being become more mainstream, more individuals are exploring what professional care really looks like. Understanding what to expect from mental health services can eliminate much of the hesitation people often feel before reaching out. From the first conversation to long-term support, the journey is filled with moments of insight, trust, and gradual growth.
Whether it involves therapy, assessments, or medication, the process is not as intimidating as it may seem. Those considering Chicago mental health services will find a wide network of professionals dedicated to offering compassionate, confidential, and effective care. Knowing the structure of support ahead can make taking that first step less daunting and more empowering.
The actual process can differ drastically, but it typically starts with an initial consultation. The initial meeting is key for the person to connect with the mental health professional. In this session, the counselor collects relevant background information. This could encompass the individual's medical past, present dilemmas, and any past treatment processes. The object is to determine the individual's specific case and necessities.
An evaluation and diagnosis usually follow the initial consultation. Mental health practitioners use different tools and methods to study a person's situation. They may use standardized tests, interviews, and questionnaires. This process allows them to recognize certain problems, such as anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses. Knowing this diagnosis sounds easy, and it gives a path to creating a personalized treatment plan.
After the assessment, the professional will develop a treatment plan. This plan specifies strategies and interventions to be implemented. This can be therapy, medication, or some combination thereof. The plan is personalized to the patient's needs and objectives. Moreover, it is revised regularly so that it can be effective and remain relevant.
Mental health services with therapy can be individual, group, or family sessions. The method chosen is based on what the person prefers and the reasons they are having problems. Therapy is a safe place to process your thoughts and emotions, and this is why it is important. This could involve the use of techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness. The focus is to find ways to deal with and grow.
Sometimes the treatment plan includes medication. In some cases, mental health professionals may partner with a medical doctor so that only the doctor handles prescriptions. With treatment, symptoms may decrease so that therapy works better. Ongoing oversight ensures medication appropriateness and low side effects.
Mental health services include treatment but also go beyond therapy and medication. Examples might be educational resources, workshops, and support systems. Those resources enable the individual to become more educated about their conditions. They can also give an individual a sense of belonging and support from peers.
Confidentiality is the bedrock of services for mental health. Professionals strictly observe privacy features, keeping sensitive details safe. One of the most important aspects of therapy is that the client can trust whoever is helping them. And the fact that conversations can never leave the room leads people to be open and honest.
Monitoring progress is a core component of mental health care. The professional and the person together weigh the progress and the challenges. It permits continuous assessment and change in how we approach providing treatment. While small, each step should be celebrated, letting you know you are doing the right thing.
We need to remember that progress might look different. People will encounter something in their mental health experiences. Patience and perseverance are key. Knowing that setbacks can happen keeps us realistic. It is important to be able to speak freely with a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, at this time.
Mental health recovery often revolves around family and friends. Having loved ones who encourage you and understand you can go a long way in making progress. Therapists may invite family members into therapy to increase support networks. Being informed about mental illnesses allows for the best possible help.
This may seem like a huge step, but speaking to a mental health professional can have positive effects. Knowing the process helps you have realistic expectations. Every stage, from the first consultation to continuous support, is geared towards health. Mental health services could be a solution to restoring your well-being, developing certain aspects of your character, or getting a suitable lifestyle. If we can engage in this journey with an open heart and mind, you will see positive transformation at the deepest levels.
There are certain songs that you remember where you were when you first heard them and then there are others that are linked to numerous moments and they become a major part of the soundtrack of our lives!
Sandstorm is that song for us. We remember hearing it when it first came out when we were in college, we have heard it at fashion, sports, and tech trade shows, many a night at Limelight (back when it was a club here in NY), we heard this song and even other top DJ's play and have remixed this song. When you think of songs in EDM, Toni-Ville Henrik Virtanen aka as Darude is pivotal in anthems that get us moving. With this iconic song being out for 25 years with over half a billion Spotify streams, we wanted to talk with Darude about the impact of this song, how it was created, and what it means to him.
Currently, Darude is on the STORM 25 Tour where he plays this song along with other tracks that we can vibe to. We also talk with him about how he got into this industry, his creative process, and upcoming projects.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the song that you heard that made you fall in love with dance music?
DARUDE: So around 1982, I was maybe seven or eight years old, my cousin played me Oxygène the album by French composer Jean-Michel Jarre. I think it was the piece Oxygène Pt.4 especially which really got me hooked onto electronic sounds. It’s maybe not what we’d consider straight-up “dance music” like you hear today but it was almost certainly a precursor for genres like Trance with the beautiful melodies and careful use of synths and phasers to create that ambient, uplifting sound.
Faithless and Scooter were also early loves of mine, but really growing up I listened to a whole melting pot of sounds from Punk to 80s Hair Metal, which still influences my music today.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?
D: I never set out to be a DJ as such, I was a producer and live artist and I still consider myself a producer first. Then, when Sandstorm blew up, I started to get these incredible booking requests and had to pick up the art of DJing pretty quickly as although the live sets are great, travelling with all of the gear needed is not as practical.
AM: How do you define the Darude sound?
D: I’m not one for strict genre labels, I’d say my sound is energetic, emotive, electronic dance music created with the dancefloor in mind. Ask me again in a few years, even months, it might differ slightly, but that’s the beauty of being an artist, you’re always honing and evolving your craft.
AM: What is your creative process when you're making music and where do you start?
D: Inspiration for a full track or even just the melody can strike anywhere really. My approach hasn’t really changed too much over the years, I still love tinkering. Sometimes I start from the drums, I start from drum-works that are energetic and make me want to move, but really, I just love just playing with different sounds, adding a delay, adding a reverb and if I hear something in it, I just see where I can take it next.
My purpose-built studio at home in Finland is aptly called Serendipity Studio because it’s where happy accidents often happen. Ideas just crash into one another and it’s in my skillset to recognise those ideas that I see potential in developing into, hopefully, a hit record or a solid dancefloor number.
AM: I was in college when I first heard Sandstorm. How did this song come about and what do you think it is about it that it continues to be a song that draws people in?
D: It’s the million-dollar question! What’s so interesting about Sandstorm is not only does it resonate with so many people, but it goes way beyond just dance music fans.
A lot of sports teams, from college football to ice hockey, listen to Sandstorm to get hyped for a big match. It’s huge in the gaming world too, and then it’s got this whole other life as an online meme.
When it came to actually producing Sandstorm, the first thing people often think about is the lead sound, the “dududu” if you will, and that I’d already started working on in around 1997.
So, the Sandstorm riff stayed on my hard drive for a couple years, then in summer of ’99 I just happened to open the file again. I liked the melody, and at the time I was using Cubase VST 24 which had a plugin called Quadrafuzz and once I distorted the sound with it, it became what now is known as the Sandstorm lead.
After that, it only took a day or so for me to build the chords around the main melody, then a few sessions maybe over a week to develop it into a full track. It got played by a few local DJs in Finnish clubs, then JS16, Jaakko Salovaara, now a close friend, took me under his wing and that time had just launched his own record company, 16 Inch Records. He asked if I wanted to be his first artist, we refined Sandstorm in his studio with his better gear and knowledge into the final version you hear now.
It was then time to put it out into the world, and the rest as they say is history.
AM: Did you think that Sandstorm would have the staying power that it has had for 25 years, with over half a billion Spotify streams and a number of DJs from Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Hardwell, David Guetta, and more who enjoy playing this song?
D: I never could have predicted the insane global phenomenon that Sandstorm would become. To be honest, if someone told me at the time “hey this track is going to reach millions of people, launch your music career, feature in the USB of the world’s biggest DJs, and still be huge in twenty-five years” I think the pressure would have been too much and it never would have made it out of my head, let alone the studio.
That’s the beauty of that track I suppose it came about so organically. Another thing to remember is at the time of Sandstorm being released, the internet was still relatively new and social media didn’t exist so the concept of something going “viral” on that scale wasn’t even a passing thought in my mind. I was just hyped if my buddies down my local club were into it.
AM: Why did you want to launch a record label?
D: I launched my record label Vibing Out for a few reasons. One, I wanted a platform to release my own music where I had full creative freedom and could keep full rights and control as much as I can.
Secondly, and my biggest motivator behind the label, is to help platform other producers and artists who I see great potential in. We all remember that first foot-up into the industry and if this label can provide that to others, then it’s a success in my eyes.
The name Vibing Out actually stems from my weekly live-stream show on Twitch which I’ve been hosting for a few years now. It’s the buzzword of the moment but we really have created a nice little community on there and I wanted that same togetherness spirit to carry on into the label.
Plus, I’m not here for following trends. Good music is good music. So, as long as your track is something we can all “vibe out” to on the dancefloor then I’m all ears.
AM: You have toured all over the world and have played at phenomenal festivals and currently you are on the STORM 25 World Tour! What was the vision behind doing this tour?
D: The tour was originally planned for the twentieth anniversary, however, as with most tours scheduled around 2020, this didn’t happen for obvious reasons.
So, for the twenty-fifth anniversary we had to go big. The tour itself it really is about bringing people together, it’s my thanks to everyone who has partied with me and listened to my music over the last two and a half decades.
It’s about not just celebrating Sandstorm, but the whole Before The Storm album and years of Darude which have followed. I’ve released five studio albums in total now, so it’s been really fun digging through my catalogue and reworking some tracks into exclusive brand new STORM 25 remixes you’ll only hear on this tour.
I’m also going back to my roots in a way as for select shows I’m performing live sets, reimagining my tracks in real time. A lot of work has gone into these with additional synths, controllers and extra visual production too. Custom visuals, lasers, it’s a full spectacle and hopefully a great night for everyone who comes along.
AM: One of your dates will be here in NYC at Webster Hall! What can we expect from this show?
D: I am so excited to return to New York and Webster Hall specifically. In the early 00’s I played the exact venue a couple of times, and it always was a really unforgettable show that just captured the hype around Sandstorm and the first album at that time, so it’s a personal full circle moment to come back and perform almost twenty-five years later. I know I'll have some long-time friends and industry associates coming as well, it’ll be a night to remember!
AM: On Aug 31st, you will be on the Finnish leg of this tour and there will be a Sandstorm Run - tell us about this 6K event!
D: Yes! I’m super stoked for the Sandstorm run. The music video for Sandstorm is loved by fans almost as much as the track itself so we wanted to do something fun to honour this.
With the Finnish STORM 25 show coming up too, we had the idea to create a route around the city which passes by iconic landmarks from the video. The cathedral steps are probably the most famous of them all.
It’s all about having fun though, so if you’re not a hardcore runner don’t be put off, you can walk the route too. There are going to be photo stops along the way, I’ll be waving you all across the finish line to the tune of Sandstorm and I want to see everyone in their best Y2K outfits! Which is all the trend now I hear!
So far, the reception has been amazing. We’ve had people signing up from as far away as the US and Mexico which is crazy to me. Who knows, maybe this will be the first of many Sandstorm runs to come…
AM: We read that last month, on multiple Finnish radio stations Sandstorm was played at the same time! What does it mean to you about the impact that this song has had?
D: I mean, it’s a feeling that is just impossible to put into words. It still blows my mind to this day how far and wide that track resonates. It’s so cool seeing the younger generations dig it too.
Especially, when I see amazing moments like the Finnish radio stations, schools and public stations dropping Sandstorm in unison, I’m in awe of the real superpower Sandstorm has in bringing people together. That humbles me every time.
AM: Since you're in the thick of touring, how do you take care of yourself on the road? Are there any activities/sports you follow to keep up your physical and mental health?
D: I’ve been touring for twenty-five years now so I am used to it in a way, and how I tour today definitely looks a lot different to the early days. I’ve done the heavy partying (plenty of it!) so these days it’s important to me to get a good night’s sleep to keep up the stamina and maybe an energy bar or soda if needed.
As for my downtime, I’m super into skateboarding. It’s a hobby I started as a kid, and I picked it up again later in life. So, whenever I’m on tour I always pack my board and check out the local skateparks in whatever city I’m in if I’ve got a couple of hours to myself.
Physically, skating helps to loosen up any stiff backs from a long-haul flight that’s for sure! It’s invigorating for the brain too, I love the drive of working at a new skill, a new trick or move, and seeing my progression. Of course, there are a few bumps and bruises along the way but that’s part of the thrill.
AM: Beyond this tour, are there any upcoming tracks that we should keep an eye out for?
D: Definitely! Between shows, I’m straight into the studio. Right now, I can’t give too much away. Not to be that guy, but what I can say, is that big things are coming for sure!
AM: What do you want your legacy to be known as you have won multiple awards, participated in great partnerships, and more!
D: As nice as they are, for me, it’s never been about the whole awards and accolades thing.
What makes me feel most proud is when I get a DM from a follower saying how one of my songs made them feel a certain way, or soundtracked a particular moment in their life.
Similarly, when people come to my shows and leave with life-long memories. It’s always awesome to bump into fans and they still recall parties from maybe ten, fifteen, even twenty years ago, how they felt, the music they heard, and new friends they made on the dancefloor. That’s what it’s all about.
IG @darude
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover Nana Simelius | PG 16 - 27 + PG 30 for 9PLAYLIST Rachel Gold | PG 28 + 29 Tomas Fotoo |
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see EVOLUTION OF SANDSTORM | Darude in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Kindel Media
Cannabis research continues to evolve, revealing both promising health benefits and important side effects that users should understand. This guide explores what current science tells us about cannabis use, helping you make informed decisions about this complex plant.
Cannabis shows remarkable potential for treating chronic pain conditions. The plant contains compounds called cannabinoids that interact with your body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in pain perception.
Many people find relief from conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain through cannabis use. THC and CBD, the two primary cannabinoids, work differently to address pain. THC binds directly to cannabinoid receptors in your brain and nervous system, while CBD influences these receptors indirectly.
Cannabis can offer significant benefits for certain mental health conditions. Research suggests it may help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and provide relief from symptoms of PTSD. The calming effects of certain cannabis strains can help quiet racing thoughts and promote relaxation.
However, the relationship between cannabis and mental health is complex. While some people experience reduced anxiety, others may find that cannabis increases their anxiety levels.
Emerging research reveals cannabis may protect brain cells from damage. Studies suggest cannabinoids could help with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis compounds may reduce brain inflammation, potentially slowing disease progression.
Some research also indicates cannabis might help with epilepsy, particularly in children who don't respond to traditional treatments.
Cannabis use produces immediate effects that typically last several hours. These include altered perception, changes in mood, and impaired coordination. You might experience dry mouth, red eyes, or increased appetite.
Some users report feeling anxious or paranoid, especially with higher THC concentrations. Memory and concentration can be temporarily affected, making it important to avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence. These effects are generally reversible and fade as the cannabis metabolizes in your system.
Regular cannabis use may lead to more lasting changes. Some people develop tolerance, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effects. Cannabis use disorder can occur in about 9% of users, with higher rates among those who start using during adolescence.
Respiratory issues may develop from smoking cannabis regularly, though these are generally less severe than tobacco-related problems.
Cannabis can be consumed in various ways, each affecting your body differently. Smoking and vaping provide rapid onset but shorter duration of effects. Edibles take longer to work but last considerably longer, sometimes up to eight hours.
Tinctures offer precise dosing and moderate onset times, while topical products provide localized effects without psychoactive properties. If you're exploring options in California, a Grover Beach dispensary like Dispensary Costa Mesa can provide guidance on different consumption methods.
Starting with low doses is crucial for safe cannabis use. The "start low, go slow" tactic helps you understand your individual tolerance and avoid uncomfortable experiences. For edibles, begin with 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC and wait at least two hours before consuming more.
Factors affecting dosage include:
● Your body weight and metabolism
● Previous cannabis experience
● The specific strain and cannabinoid profile
● Your desired effects and tolerance level
Keep a journal to track your experiences with different doses and strains.
Fanatics Fest NYC was exhilarating in its second year, bringing top athletes and fans together like never before.
The festival presented a massive card and collectibles show, autograph meets, athlete and celeb photo opps, interactive experiences, panels, and shows, over three days, June 20 to 22, 2025, at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan.
We loved seeing the break area, as well as cards of of favorite players, 1of1s, signed logo patches, vintage HOF rookies, and so much more. Signed jerseys, sportswear, sneakers, hats, memorabilia sprawled throughout the room.
The Activations and Fanatics Fest debut “Fanatics Games,” were next level. The new skills-based sports competition this year for athletes and fans had $2 million in cash and prize for pros and fans to compete. A mix of pros and fans took the top 10, with the event won by Tom Brady. After winning the allaround, Brady went on to purchase the 3rd prize Lebron 2003-04 Topps Chrome LeBron James Rookie Gold Refractor card, that was such poetic justice making this year super special. He went on to drop knowledge on panels, throw balls to fans, coldplunge with Kevin Hart.
The highlight for us was the Panel and Special Surprise with Tom Brady, Travis Scott, & Michael Rubin, moderated by Oakley Global President, Caio Amato. Like hitting a major trifecta, it proved to be an insane microcosm of Fanatics Fest.
WHO RUNS NY PANEL: DEREK JETER, AROD & MORE DISH ON THE MAKING OF DYNASTIES
It was an honor to catch the end of the Only in New York: 27 Rings panel in the theater just before. Yankees legends, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and special guest Spike Lee dove into what makes dynasties; the legacy of the NY Yankees; BTS stories, and more. It was hosted by CC Sabathia & AJ Andrews.
It was cool to hear about being on winning teams; having the discipline and grit to go train and go through the ups and downs; and anecdotes like Reggie Jackson strikeouts; city rivalries and more.
There were thousands of people, but the vibe in this room was family - well until someone asked a corny question and you might get sprayed by a super-soaker courtesy of Spilke Lee's call. It was pointed out that one guy who asked an awkward question was wearing two hats, so sometimes it's too easy.
LEGENDARY PANEL: BRADY, RUBIN & TRAVIS SCOTT TALK ABOUT ATHENTICITY & PARTNERSHIP COLLABS
Michael Rubin talking about The Art of Partnership & Collaboration is always a masterclass. Proud and exuberant, he navigated some follow-ups of Oakley Global President, Caio Amato's questions, which peppered the audience with nuggets on business strategy and whimsical anecdotes on style splurges and even quick destination travel just to lock it in.
Beyond bling, Rubin fondly volunteered that Travis gets a blank-slate for his creative genius to flow and that they put together a quick collab just six days before the show, from the vision, to making it, to the many layers and partners quickly getting on board by phone executing with joyful precision.
Brady acknowledged his genuine love for cards; elaborated on CardVault and nodded about the vision and working with Fanatics and Topps that it's a great way to have serious collectors, fans, kids and hobbyists of all ages involved.
Congratulations to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg, who recorded a short video that played celebrating the Oakley Meta HSTN Performance AI Glasses before what ensued, and Scott took the stage.
OAKLEY META HSTN EXPERIENCE AMPED THE SURPRISE TRAVIS SCOTT PERFORMANCE
[Smoke] Bang! We went from Panel to Performance! His DJ walked on. The crowd rushed the stage. It was on!
I slid on the Limited Edition Oakley Meta HSTNs Performance AI Glasses that I had been fitted for before the panel/show (thanks Meta). The HSTN (pronounced "HOW-stuhn") fit well and I felt that they were stylish and sporty, great for adventures, around town, and upscale special events to capture moments you may come by surprise hands-free.
I felt more front row with a refreshing phone-free flow, who wants to be chained down behind a chunky mobile device. Instead, hands-free means instantly transported and I was right up in concert-mode and enabled to take in Travis' energy and capture it in a more intimate way.
Livvy Dunne was a couple seats down, taking in the panel and show. We noticed she did some cool haggling buying a Paul Skenes card in some of the fest recap.
Seeing the content later, the video was supersharp (3K UHD), and boasted superb audio quality where you can enjoy those memories. The super stabilization scored with well-grounded video, in spite and revelry of the loyal bouncing crowd and being mosh-pit adjacent. It was easy to use in a noisy, crowded environment with short and longer press button on the frame (otherwise, you can use voice command).
Amazing to later see how the show looked from Travis' POV! As he laced across the stage we see overjoyed fans raging and soaking in some of our favorite hits. His pop by beyond the smoke was fierce as always. It's been ages since I'd seen him by Z's Pent.
It was great to be guests of Oakley Meta! You can see more first hand from Paul Farkas about this epic concert from his POV by checking out the videos on Athleisure's YouTube Channel or go directly here, here, and here.
IG @oakleymeta
ON THE GROUND COVERAGE | Paul Farkas
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 38 - 42 Getty Images Assignment | PG 45 - 49 Matt Monath MetaXOakley | PG 50 Oakley Meta HSTN | PG 52 - 65 Paul Farkas |
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see FANATICS FEST 2025 in mag.
Earlier this month, we made our way to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the home 3-Day home of of Governors Ball, a music festival that brings various genres of music together to Queens to kick off the Summer as well as a number of culinary vendors that are some of the favorite eats to enjoy across the boroughs. In addition, there are activations with beauty, alcohol and tech brands that people can enjoy!
We made our way to the festival grounds as we were fortunate that the 3 acts that we came to see would be taking place on one day. Our first stop was heading over to Gotham Burger Social Gotham Burger Social Club which is located on the LES as well as Greenpoint, BK. They're known for their collaborative hamburgers that they do! As we love a great burger and fries, we have no idea how we have never had the chance to check them out. We can report that their Gotham Smash burgers were juicy and their fries hit the spot - we can't wait to check them out soon as we're already planning another Gotham Smash Double, Frickles, Loaded Tots, and Limone Spritz.
In addition to staying properly hydrated thanks to having stations populated throughout the grounds, a great meal ensures that your energy will remain high at whatever festival you may be attending. Our press passes gave us access to the VIP viewing areas to catch the acts as the sets we watched were on the Kiehl's Stage and the Governors Ball stage. It allowed us to go back and forth between the stages and even had food and beverage vendors so that we could stay there while we waited for the next act!
We have enjoyed seeing Tyla for the past few months between hearing her music, videos, and her appearances on Awards Shows and red carpets. So we were excited to see her on stage and she didn't disappoint. In addition to enjoying her music, she had great dancers and choreography, and she kept the crowd going without a dull moment in between each song. We can't wait to see future performances as she puts on a great show!
While Tyla brought the sultry vibes on a warm Summer day with her amapiano X pop X R&B X Afro Beats, T-Pain brought all of the classics throughout his 45mins set! Seeing the crowd singing along to each song across generations and the energy that he gave made you see how much his songs have impacted us!
As the golden hour took place, we were really excited to see Benson Boone. Of course we knew that we had songs that were on our playlist and that he has a penchant for flipping. From the time he hit the stage he set the vibe as he went through a number of songs as well as performed those that are on his latest album that he dropped. Of course he showed us how many ways and things he could flip on and even had heartfelt moments that let us get to know more about him.
Although there are a number of festivals to enjoy around the globe, we really love the kinds of acts that come to this show. As we also had time sitting in the press lounge, whatever acts we didn't catch on their respective stages, we saw them there and it was great to see them before and after their sets. In addition, watching the crowds in general and seeing how they were taking in the activations, sets, and just enjoying the grounds - it was a great weekend to disconnect from our typical days and to link in with the love of music and discovery.
IG @govballnyc
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 68 Charles Reagan | PG 71 Tylaby Deanie Chen | PG 72 - 73 Taylor Regulski | PG 74 Roger Ho | PG 75 Dusana Risovic
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see GovBall 2025 in mag.
We love that there are a nunber of events that take place whether here in NYC or other destinations that let us know that the Summer is upon us! One of our favorites is Paraiso Miami Swim Week which is a series of swimwear fashion shows that let us know what we can expect to fill our closets with when it comes to greeting sunny destinations in the best way possible. From runway shows, presentations, parties, and special events - it's an exciting time of year. With a number of designers showing during this time, we had our eyes on a number of swimwear brands. We're sharing our favorites here in this feature!
PHOTO CREDIT | Aventura Swimwear, BOLDE, Mariella Swimwear - Paraiso Miami Swim Week 2025/Getty
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see MIAMI SWIM MIAMI SWIM 2025 in mag.
Staying active isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s a mindset. Whether you're logging miles before sunrise or juggling strength training between meetings, movement is a part of who you are. But for all the benefits of an active routine, there’s one thing that can throw it off course faster than a missed workout: persistent pain.
What’s shifted in recent years is how pain is treated—not just managed, but genuinely addressed. Today’s top-performing athletes and everyday fitness lovers alike are turning to integrative care models that prioritize both performance and long-term joint and muscle health.
This new approach isn’t built around masking symptoms. Instead, it's led by specialists like Dr. Jamie Lewis at NWSPM, who focus on solving the root cause of pain through methods that treat the whole body—without over-relying on surgery or heavy medication.
Let’s break down what this new era of pain management looks like and how it’s helping active individuals stay in motion for the long haul.
For decades, most pain protocols followed a predictable route: rest, pills, and maybe physical therapy if insurance allowed. While these methods can work temporarily, they often overlook the underlying issues that cause recurring discomfort, especially for active people.
Take chronic back pain, runner’s knee, or post-lifting shoulder inflammation. These problems rarely come from one isolated injury. They're usually the result of imbalances, wear and tear, or overcompensation in other muscle groups.
That’s where integrative pain management enters the picture. It treats pain not just as a symptom but as a signal—one that deserves more than a temporary fix.
Integrative pain management combines conventional medicine with evidence-based holistic therapies. That means a care team might include medical doctors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, and regenerative medicine specialists working together on a tailored plan.
Instead of relying on one specialty, this approach layers treatments to address the unique demands of each person’s body—especially important for those who move a lot, lift heavy, or train regularly.
Key components might include:
● Regenerative medicine like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy
● Targeted physical therapy and guided rehab
● Manual techniques like myofascial release and dry needling
● Acupuncture for muscular and nervous system reset
● Mind-body interventions like breathwork and mindfulness (to manage the stress response tied to chronic pain)
The result? A smarter, more sustainable way to reduce pain while supporting long-term mobility.
Active individuals often live by the phrase “listen to your body,” but pain makes that message tricky. It can feel like a whisper one day and a shout the next. This is especially true when pain becomes chronic or flares unpredictably.
Integrative pain specialists help translate those signals by assessing not only the pain location, but the full chain of movement. For example, knee pain might actually stem from tight hips, misaligned posture, or a weak core. With a full-body approach, treatment becomes precise and personalized.
Recovery isn’t about stopping movement—it’s about improving it. That means working with the body’s mechanics rather than forcing through dysfunction.
Here’s a closer look at the modern pain management tools that are redefining recovery for the active population:
Think of this as a boost for your body’s natural healing systems. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections use your own blood’s healing factors to stimulate repair in damaged tissue—common for tendon injuries, ligament strains, and even mild arthritis.
More advanced clinics also offer stem cell treatments, which show promise for joint regeneration and reducing inflammation in hard-to-treat areas like the spine and hips.
Not all physical therapy is created equal. The most effective PT programs are built around your specific sport, movement patterns, and injury history. It’s not just about fixing the injury—it’s about correcting the dysfunction that led to it.
Guided rehab programs at modern integrative centers often include tools like gait analysis, functional strength testing, and real-time feedback systems to speed progress safely.
These needle-based therapies may look similar, but they serve different purposes. Acupuncture targets energy flow and nervous system balance, while dry needling works more directly on tight muscles and trigger points.
Together, they help calm inflammation, improve circulation, and release tension that can build up in athletes over time.
Techniques like active release therapy (ART), cupping, and myofascial release work to break up adhesions and restore flexibility. These are especially helpful after heavy training cycles or repetitive motion (think cycling, rowing, or long-distance running).
They’re not just “feel-good” add-ons—they’re performance tools when used correctly.
Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mental health all play a role in how your body processes pain. Today’s best providers go beyond the exam table and help patients build habits that reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery—often with the support of nutritionists and wellness coaches.
You don’t need to be a pro athlete to deserve high-level pain care.
Integrative pain management is ideal for:
● Weekend warriors who train hard between work and family life
● Fitness pros and coaches whose livelihoods rely on staying mobile
● Recreational athletes who want to keep doing what they love, injury-free
● Anyone recovering from surgery or repetitive strain injuries
This approach isn’t just for treating pain—it’s about preventing it from becoming chronic. Addressing small issues early means fewer setbacks down the road.
Let’s be honest—many active people ignore pain until it becomes impossible to work around. There’s still a strong cultural push to tough it out, especially in competitive environments.
But modern performance science is proving that recovery is not the opposite of progress—it’s a core part of it.
The new mindset isn’t “just push through”—it’s “push smarter.” And with integrative tools on hand, smart doesn’t mean soft. It means sustainable strength, better biomechanics, and long-term resilience.
Let’s say a recreational runner starts having recurring hip pain. A typical integrative care plan might look something like this:
Assessment & Imaging: To identify any structural issues
PRP Injection: To support tissue healing
Targeted Rehab Plan: With core and glute activation
Dry Needling: To release tight muscles affecting gait
Acupuncture & Breathwork: To downregulate nervous system tension
Nutrition & Sleep Support: To optimize inflammation control
All this happens under one care umbrella, with each specialist working toward the same goal: not just pain relief, but functional improvement.
The beauty of integrative care is that it evolves with the patient. It’s not a one-size-fits-all protocol—it’s a long-term relationship between the care team and the person moving through life, sports, or both.
As we head deeper into 2025, more people are demanding healthcare that’s both personalized and performance-oriented. The old model of pain care just doesn’t fit the modern mover.
With providers like NWSPM leading the way, we’re seeing more active individuals return to their routines faster, move better, and age with far less stiffness and strain.
PHOTO CREDIT | Pexels/Dejan Krstevski
Pain shouldn’t be a tradeoff for doing what you love. And in this new era of pain management, it doesn’t have to be.
Integrative care is helping athletes, yogis, lifters, hikers, and weekend warriors move better, heal faster, and live fully—without limits.
Because movement should feel like freedom, not a burden.
PHOTO CREDIT | UnSplash/Brian Zajac
Sports enthusiast? If you have a love of sports, then there are many ways you can incorporate this into your home decor without sacrificing style. Your home should always be a reflection of your personality, so adding subtle touches can help you create a suitable space that shows your team pride without it feeling like a fan cave. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Subtle Nods in Colour & Texture
A simple yet effective way to show your support for your favourite team is with the use of subtle nods in colour and texture. If your favourite football team is Liverpool, for example, then you could opt for red accent pieces like cushions or rugs. This is effective because you will instantly associate the colour with your team, but it is still subtle enough to make the space tasteful and stylish.
Wall Art That Tells a Story
Wall art can be a great way to display your passion for sports while adding visual interest to the space. There are many stunning sports photographs that you could display as part of a gallery wall, or you could proudly display framed football shirts, vintage kits, or custom prints as standout pieces that blend style with sentiment.
Multi-Functional Decor for Game Days
It is also smart to choose furniture that is multi-functional, which adds flexibility and convenience, particularly if you like to host on match days. For example, foldaway seating makes it easy to add comfortable seating but can easily be stored away when not in use. Shadow boxes with memorabilia such as signed boots or mini replica kits can add visual appeal and interest. You could also add wall-mounted shelves that can display sports memorabilia, such as team mugs, trophies, and framed pictures.
Celebrating Identity Through Kit Displays
Kit displays can serve as a focal point that showcases your team loyalty and design flair. If you are a Liverpool fan, for example, then the home kit can be a decor-worthy item that combines personal passion with interior design creativity. This could be a framed home kit that you proudly display in the room where you watch matches.
This post should give you a few ideas for ways that you can incorporate your passion for sports into your home decor. There are always tasteful ways that this can be done that do not turn your space into a fan cave while still showcasing your personality and adding visual interest and character into different areas of the house.
This time of year is one that we enjoy because there are a number of events in this month that are filled with meeting new brands, enjoying those that are already on our radar and being able to take in unique experiences!
BCB Brooklyn gives us all the Summer vibes with the ability to hit Industry City for an expansive trade show that also includes their courtyard as well as events that take place around this event. It's about celebrating the hospitality community, educating, and of course getting in great sips and bites!
The day before this 2-Day event, we headed to City Winery at Pier 57 for Wine Enthusiast’s Sip of South America which showcased wines from Chile, Brazil, and Argentina! We listened to an informative panel about wines in this region, the terroir, their pairings, and where the industry is going! We also sampled a number of wines while talking to the winemakers!
Later that night, we made our way to Mister Paradise in NYC for a pre-event for BCB Brooklyn, Mixing with Mexico presented by William Grant & Sons showcasing Milagro Tequila. In a bit of a bar takeover, Bar Maruo (listed as a top 50 North American bar in Mexico City) created a series of Italian aperitifs with a tequila twist.
We also enjoyed an intimate tasting with Stilo Pimentel, who is an ambassador of the brand. He walked us through their portfolio as well as talking about what sets them apart from other Tequila brands.
We were definitely ready to hit the tradeshow of BCB Brooklyn on Jun 10th. As we have navigated this for the past few years, visiting the booths are a mix of 1:1 Tastings and simply visiting what speaks to you. We always like mixing it up and taking breaks in between. Last year, we sat down to talk with Jackie Williams who is the Event Vice President of BCB Brooklyn. Since we caught up with her after the tradeshow, she can provide great insights on a number of things that we saw this year as well as looking ahead to what we can expect next year!
ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed this year's BCB Brooklyn from the tradeshow to the external events! We've had the pleasure of interviewing you last year as well as attending the show which was amazing. What can you tell us about new additions to this year's show that you were excited to execute?
JACKIE WILLIAMS: So glad to hear you and your team enjoyed this year’s event, and thank you for joining us! There were quite a few new elements this year, but one of the biggest was the spotlight on growing the “No and Low-Alcohol” category. From low-ABV spirits to non-alcoholic cocktails, it was amazing to see so many brands in this space have a strong presence at this year’s show. This growing movement was also on display in our education programming, which really speaks to how BCB Brooklyn serves as a hub for industry trendspotting and forward-thinking conversations.
Two other standout additions this year were our first-ever Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition and the Cirque de BCB Brooklyn event. Both reflected some of our core values at BCB Brooklyn: championing emerging brands and creating fun, meaningful ways for the community to gather.
AM: What are 3 brands that were new to the show we should have our eye on?
JW: There were so many incredible brands that activated this year, including Volans Tequila, Parch Non-Alcoholic Agave Cocktails and BŌKEN, to name a few. These newcomers made a strong impression, alongside many others who came from all over to showcase their gins, tequilas, liqueurs, aperitifs, no and low products, and more. While we’re seeing new names entering the space and participating in BCB Brooklyn, it’s also inspiring to see how returning brands continue to evolve and raise the bar each year.
AM: From an educational standpoint, what kinds of trends and hot topics were shared/discussed at this show?
JW: We had a phenomenal education line-up this year, thanks to our Head of Education Lynnette Marrero and our 2025 Education Committee. Some of the topics that resonated most included the continued rise of low-ABV and non-alcoholic offerings, entrepreneurial growth, and deeper conversations around cultural identity and representation in the hospitality space. Every year, we aim to provide programming that’s both practical and inspiring, where industry professionals walk away with more knowledge than they came with.
AM: The Courtyard Bar Takeovers are always a great highlight! What can you tell us about this?
JW: The Courtyard Bar Takeovers were such a fun part of BCB Brooklyn this year! We had a great lineup of people serving up drinks behind the bar, including rapper Ja Rule, who co-founded Amber & Opal, as well as The Original Pickle Shot and Jack Sotti from Renais Spirits. Beyond the cocktails, the courtyard became a space for connection and gatherings. One of my favorite moments there was the “Sip with PRIDE Meet-Up” with drinks provided by ALB Vodka in front of the BCB letters in Courtyard 7/8. It was a vibrant space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to network, exchange stories and build new relationships.
AM: We also enjoyed going to Ja Rule's lounge booth where we literally bumped into him which was a fun moment for us - what is your favorite moment of this show?
JW: It was great to have Ja Rule and his Amber & Opal Co-Founders join us at BCB Brooklyn this year. On top of having his amazing team onsite, one of my favorite moments from this year’s show was the first-ever BCB Brooklyn Brand Accelerator Pitch Competition, Presented by Women of the Vine & Spirits® & Diverse Powered Brands™. The finalists brought a ton of passion and innovation to the stage, and the winner received a prize package worth over $50,000 in services to help grow their brand. It was incredible to witness how impactful our show can be for businesses looking to grow in the industry.
AM: What were you most excited about at this year's BCB Brooklyn?
JW: There was so much to be excited about at this year’s show. From the high-energy Courtyard Bar takeovers to the depth of conversations in our VIP+ sessions, it’s hard to pinpoint only one thing I was most looking forward to. I will say, I always love seeing how each brand activates at their exhibitor booth and this year, brands like Barr Hill (showcased live bees), Ritual Zero Proof (had an ice cream machine) and Ketel One (had a pre-batched espresso martini machine) set the bar high for next year’s booth activations.
AM: Is there anything you can tell us about next year’s BCB Brooklyn as we’re already pumped for it!
JW: Believe it or not, we have already hit the ground running with planning for next year’s BCB Brooklyn, which will take place on June 9th and 10th at Industry City. While I can’t reveal too much yet, I can say we’re building on the momentum from this year and pushing to make 2026 even more impactful, inclusive and unforgettable.
As the end of Day 1 came to an end, we made our way to Williamsburg, BK to attend Une Petite Soiree presented by LPM Restaurant and Bar at Bar Blondeau which is located at the Wythe Hotel. This restaurant has locations all over the world and at this event, they showcased 4 of their mixologists that are from these global destinations! We enjoyed sampling the beverages, taking in rooftop vibes and more! Attendees enjoyed cocktails from Michter's Whiskey, Farmer's Gin, and Mezcal Los Siesta Misterios.
Getting a taste of French Riviera style was definitely a great time for all of us. Interestingly enough, we were able to go across the street for one of the biggest opening parties to kick off BCB Brooklyn! William Grant & Sons had a Block Party: Bowling Bash at Brooklyn Bowl where they showcased their portfolio of brands which included Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Milagro Tequila, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch, The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch, Tullamore D.E.W., and Reyka Vodka. In addition, we had a number of savory bites, bowling, and listening to a live band that kept the energy going. It was great to talk to the hospitality community, meet up with others in the industry and to find a few cocktails that we had never considered and to put them in our rotation!
After a great day filled with walking the floor and enjoying great parties, we started the next day back at Industry City to continue navigating the show floor as well as to join our 1:1 Tastings with Hendrick’s Gin and Tullamore D.E.W. Being able to talk with the brand to find out more about the history, new items in their portfolio as well as how they will continue to connect with those that enjoy their brand is always informative and is one of the things that's great to find out and you never know how you'll know more about those brands within our Athleisure Media community as well.
As BCB Brooklyn came to a close, it wasn't quite over yet as we took a seriously immersive experience to bookend the past two days with Don Julio’s Por Amor: An Immersive Tasting Experience at Mercer Labs in Lower Manhattan. Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology is known for their cutting edge technology that allows you to see screens and a full multi-sensory journey. We were able to experience the first-ever full brand takeover that took place here.
Via an interactive tasting we smelled and sipped Don Julio 70, Reposado and 1942 and we were served them in unique ways.
We saw and heard Don Julio's origin story through immersive video projection, 4D sound, and atmospheric storytelling.
We also had the opportunity to create our own signature cocktail at a hands-on mixology station guided by expert bartenders and to name them. Although our event was press only, from Jun 12 - 15, there were limited complimentary tickets that were available to the public.
PHOTO CREDIT | PG 102 + 105 BCB Brooklyn | PG 106 - 113 Don Julio |
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see BCB Brooklyn 2025 in mag.
This month, we make our way down to DC to enjoy a meal at Shilling Canning Co whose roots are based in agriculture and the art of canning. We sit down with Chef Reid Shilling to find out how his family legacy led him to bring his restaurant to diners who enjoy his California meets Maryland heritage cuisine. We find out about his culinary journey, the restaurant, and what we should think about enjoying upon our next visit in this month's The Art of the Snack.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Shilling Canning Company open and can you tell us the meaning behind the name and can you tell us the history of this family business?
CHEF REID SHILLING: We opened on July 10, 2019. We are coming up on our 6th anniversary. Hard to believe.
My family has seemingly always been on either construction or agriculture of some form. This dates back for as long as I can find in census records. Canning itself dates back to the Napoleonic wars where he offered a reward for for the invention of new food preservation techniques so that he could better feed his troops.
In 1809 that reward was fulfilled, by 1850’s the mason jar was patented, by the late 1800’s Ball started manufacturing them for home use, and in early 1900’s the can was brought onto the scene. This was a game changer for many farmers, as it extended their money making season beyond the growing season. My family was no different as they farmed in Carrol County, Maryland outside of Baltimore.
From 1935-1958 they operated several canning sheds packing under 10 or 12 different labels (Shillbro, Shilling Bros. Canning Company, Bethel Heights (the name of the road on the shed still stands on today) Weller, etc) and they packed for neighboring farms as well. They had really high standards of quality for what they packed, and even went to far as to label the cans “these peas packed fresh from our own farm.”
For me, this resonated. I spent a handful of years operating kitchens in California where I developed relationships with the farmers whose food I served and began to really understand the differences between well grown and raised food vs the quality of commodity grown and raised products . (I still keep contact with a lot of them today and sometimes I’m lucky enough to get their food here). For me, walking through the Santa Monica and Napa farmers markets was really inspirational, and my approach inherently became more “west coast” where I’d walk the market to select the products directly from the farmer, and then write a menu based on what I loved. I knew I wanted to bring that approach, the relationships with local farmers and the high quality food, back to the mid Atlantic where at the time (early 2000’s) that way of cooking was only being done by a handful of chefs. So like my ancestors, I really cared about the ingredients being used so the association between the two was seamless. It is seasonal Maryland/mid Atlantic farmhouse style cooking with California finesse: a blend of my heritage and my career travels.
AM: For those that have yet to dine at this DC restaurant, what is the ambiance of the restaurant in terms of the design?
CHEF RS: The ambiance centers around our copper wood burning oven, and open kitchen. Notes of the Chesapeake sprinkled throughout, marble chef's counter where you can experience our 7 course chef's tasting menu and interact with me and the kitchen team. It’s industrial, but with softer touch pillows, navy blue banquettes, and some appropriately themed artwork. Some replicas of my families cans make an appearance as well as some of the cans we have put up as well.
AM: Can you speak about the background of Chef Reid Shilling, where he trained and kitchens he worked in prior to coming to this restaurant?
CHEF RS: This July marks 27 years in the industry, most all of which occurred in the kitchen. I got a hospitality degree from Florida State University, worked for Hillstone Restaurant Group running the kitchens in some of their flagship properties like Hillstone on Park Avenue, Houston’s on the Santa Monica Farmers Market, Gulfstream in Century City/Beverly Hills and of course Woodmont Grill right here in Bethesda. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, (where I met Sara, my wife and business partner) and then went on to work for Thomas Keller at Bouchon. I was part of the opening team at The Dabney, and then went on to do some consulting while pushing forward to getting Shilling open.
AM: What is the cuisine that can be enjoyed here?
CHEF RS: We highlight the ingredients of the Chesapeake, with a menu that changes with the seasons (not winter spring summer fall, but Rockfish season, tomato season, peach season, pumpkin season, Maryland blue crab, etc) so the menu is always changing and evolving.
AM: Why is seasonality so important to the menus that are offered here and what are the kinds of ingredients that tend to be on the menu during this time of year?
CHEF RS: Seasonality is so important because the overwhelming amount of ingredients we buy come from local small family farms. Yeah you can get blueberries in the supermarket all year long but that doesn’t mean they are good. Depending on the time of year they can come from any number of countries with minimal focus on the actual quality of the berry and how it’s grown. Our berries come from Annette, a farmer in Waynesboro PA (5 Sisters Fruit Farm) who will only hand pick and sell us fruit with the highest quality. I highlight her fruit with just a little jam (made from her fruit) and some lightly sweetened mascarpone and mint or hyssop from our culinary garden. That’s the difference. Right now we are getting Rockfish caught that morning from the mouth of the Patapsco River, Softshell crabs from Crab Alley Bay, Fava beans from both VA and PA, Black bass from a family that’s been fishing out of west ocean city MD for 5 decades. It’s so exciting because our growing season here in the mid Atlantic is just getting started.
AM: In looking at your Dinner Menu, what are 3 items from your Raw Bar that you suggest?
CHEF RS: We have had Orchard Point Oysters on our menu from when we opened, a great Beginners Oyster as they are mild and sweet because of where they are raised, tucked up in the east bay. Our Tuna Crudo is made with a salsa matcha that utilizes peppers we have preserved from last pepper season and Virginia Peanuts. Don’t miss that.
AM: For Smalls, what do you suggest that we should try?
CHEF RS: Deviled Eggs and our Country Ham Biscuits have become staples for us. Right now I’m loving the Early June Peas. Fireside Farms Sugar Snaps, Path Valley Farms Snow Peas are charred in the wood burning oven and served with hummus, and smoked yogurt. That dish was created by one of our chefs: Andre, and it’s been really popular. Don’t sleep on adding the Elysian Fields Purebred Lamb.
AM: When you're thinking about Mains, what are 3 that we should have in mind when dining with friends and family?
CHEF RS: Our version of Duck L’orange is awesome. The duck comes from La Belle Farms in the Hudson Valley, right now it’s the confit of a leg, and we serve it with glazed beets, and fennel. The Honey Bell Mandarins of course come from CA cause it’s tough to beat. The Rockfish is amazing, with a ragout of Lancaster fava and trout roe for pops of salinity. We brine the fish so the skin gets crispy when it's roasted over the coals. Amish Fried Chicken has been on our menu for 5 plus years and has become a signature item for us. Keep a lookout for more of that.
AM: We love a Tasting Menu and you have a 7- Course that you offer at Chef's Counter. Tell us about it.
CHEF RS: It’s a cross section of what’s best right now. I talk guests through the inspiration of the dish, where the products come from, and give you a really good idea about how intentional all our dishes and pairings are. It’s a personal, fun, and delicious experience.
AM: We find Happy Hour is a great way to know more about a restaurant as well as to enjoy meeting up with friends. What are 3 items you suggest from this menu in terms of bites and a beverage?
CHEF RS: $5 Martinis, $7 Dirty Martinis, and $9 Hogwash - yes, Hogwash. That’s our Applewood Smoked Bacon Fat Washed Bourbon Old Fashioned. Really an amazing cocktail. To eat, any of the sandwiches from our lunchtime concept ampersandwich will do. The Baltimore Pit Beef hits on notes from my childhood growing up in Baltimore. And of course we hand make the Brioche Benne Seed Buns.
AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest in terms of one s we should consider to pair with our meals?
CHEF RS: Miguel, our bar director, has done a great job of elevating the bar experience. The Fun and Funky uses cilantro from our culinary garden, the Finksburg Lemonade highlights our mint with Hendrick’s Gin (Finksburg is where the original Shilling Canning Company was) both of these play nice with our food.
AM: Brunch is an important meal for the week! What are 3 items from the Smalls, Mains, and Sides that we should pick the next time we come in to dine?
CHEF RS: The Buttermilk Fried Amish Chicken is our play on chicken and waffles; the Breakfast Burrito I’d put up against anyone’s: our handmade flour tortilla, 8 hour confit pork belly, crispy potatoes (triple cooked like our fries), preserved Fresno, black turtle beans, farm fresh scrambled eggs, fire roasted salsa. It’s not your ordinary burrito. The Vegetable Hash is unique too. It’s all the vegetables of the moment from our partner farms, roasted in the wood burning oven and then dressed with ramp butter I make every spring. A few dashes of our house made hot sauce and 2 poached farm eggs.
AM: Can you talk about the partner farms that you work with and why is it important for Shilling Canning Co to work with them?
CHEF RS: Fireside Farm, Shenendoah Seasonal, Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, Path Valley Farms, 5 Sisters Fruit Farm, Durgin Orchard, Orchard Point Oysters, Skilligalee Seafood, Autumn Olive Farms, Ovoka Virginia Wagyu, The Farm at Doe Run, Compass Winds Sorghum, just to name a few. It’s a lot harder to source this way but it’s the right way. The quality is better, and most are regenerative in their practices. The food has higher nutritional content and flavor as compared to commodity/mass produced products.
AM: Are there any events coming up that we should know about as we continue into the Summer?
CHEF RS: We have a few fun dinners coming up with our wine and liquor partners (Chandon/Buffalo Trace) as well as Fancy Ranch Amish Fried Chicken)
PHOTO CREDITS | Jennifer Chase
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Shilling Canning Co in mag.
When we're traveling, we enjoy dropping into a class and if you happen to be in the beach town of Carpinteria, CA, we suggest Olada Yoga at Linden Square, which opened this month. Casey Glassman earned a BS from Cornell University and a Master's Degree and is a licensed mental health therapist. Through her work, she found the impact that yoga has as a means for balance and well-being in a demanding profession. She saw the connection between mental health and yoga and became a certified yoga teacher and completed her 500-hour training under Meghan Currie in Bali. She trained in mat and reformer Pilates at the Pilates Sports Center in LA.
She created Olada Yoga where Ola is Hawaiian for life, health, vitality, and wellness Lada is the Baltic goddess of love, beauty, and harmony. Olada revolves around mindfulness, connection and holistic well-being. They emphasise the importance of fostering a deep connection between the mind, body and spirit through the practice of yoga and Pilates.
The studio space is one that evokes calm, serenity, warmth, and inspiration. It is an airy, inviting space, where natural light pours in. You can look forward to an experience that looks and feels more like a luxury wellness spa or home, than a fitness studio.
You can enjoy taking Reformer Pilates and yoga in 2 spaces that are separated by a movable wall that can be opened to creaye a large space for immersive wellness workshops and events. One studio is fully equipped with Allegro 2 Reformers by Balanced Body, supporting dynamic, athletic-style Pilates classes. The adjacent studio hosts a variety of yoga styles, including vinyasa, power, and sculpt, providing something for every level and preference.
There is also a beautifully curated retail space that reflects its holistic approach to wellness. Guests can shop a selection of curated stylish activewear, and premium skincare products.
OLADA YOGA
5010 7th St,
Carpinteria, CA 9301
IG @oladalife
PHOTO CREDITS | Olada Life
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Olada Yoga in mag.
We're always looking for a great night out and Wonderland Bar is on our list as it is inspired by the idea of escaping into a whimsical, fairy-tale world. It's a dreamy, enchanting space that feels like a hidden oasis in the city. It's perfect for a date night, celebrations, or just hanging out with friends!
When it comes to going out to a lounge that has great bites and cocktails, it's about the ambiance and with lush greenery, playful lighting, and beautifully curated cocktails - you'll find it to be vibrant! Whether you're looking for something romantic, magical, or just fun and social!
The menu is a playful fusion of Asian-inspired small plates and elevated bar snacks which are designed to complement their cocktails and they are meant to be shareable.
For your next night out, we suggest that you pick items from both their Hot and Cold portion of the menu. For Cold, we suggest the House Chinese Pickled Cucumber, Hi There Sesame Cold Noodle, and Oyster with refreshing yuzu sauce. For Hot, we suggest their Sichuan Beef Stew Noodle Soup, House Fried Chicken Burger, and Shrimp & Crab Toast with French Baguette.
Savory dishes are a great way for us to continue enjoying a well deserved night out. They're even better when they are paired with a well crafted cocktail that you can not only enjoy but also share for your next post! We suggest ordering Bubble Trouble which is made of black tea, vodka, mango, rum; Green Dragon which includes gin, dry vermouth, snap pea, lemon; and Ghenghis Khan that has tequila, amaro, mint, ginger, lime, and Angostura.
We're always down for a Happy Hour as we find that it's a great way to sample a menu and either stay longer or come back for more of an immersive experience. Wonderland Bar's Happy Hour runs Wednesday through Friday from 5–7 PM. It features $10 signature cocktails, select wines, and a rotating menu of small bites. It’s the perfect introduction to Wonderland’s flavors and vibe, especially for a first visit.
If you're looking for ways to shake up your week with your friends or significant other, every Thursday night they host an open mic!
WONDERLAND BAR
96 2nd Ave,
New York, NY 10003
PHOTO CREDIT | Wonderland Bar
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Wonderland Bar in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Vita Vilcina
The design of modern spaces goes far beyond mere aesthetics. The emphasis has shifted towards creating environments that promote fluidity, adaptability, and movement. Whether it’s an office, residential building, or public area, architects and designers now prioritize the way people move through and interact with spaces, enhancing both functionality and well-being.
At the heart of this design philosophy is the concept of flow. Modern spaces are conceived to encourage natural movement, reducing friction points and making navigation intuitive. Gone are the days of rigid layouts with narrow corridors and boxed-in rooms.
Instead, open-plan designs, wide walkways, and strategically placed access points create seamless transitions between different zones, supporting both individual and collective mobility.
Flexibility: Spaces That Adapt to Your Needs
One key element in designing for movement is flexibility. Spaces are increasingly designed to be multi-functional, accommodating different activities and needs throughout the day.
Movable partitions, modular furniture, and adaptable lighting allow occupants to reconfigure their environment with ease, promoting an active engagement with the space rather than passive occupation.
This adaptability not only caters to the dynamic nature of modern work and living but also encourages movement by breaking monotony and fostering creativity. For residential spaces that embrace these principles, working with a super prime agent can provide access to homes that are beautifully designed for movement, flow, and flexibility.
Smart Technology: Guiding Movement Seamlessly
Technology also plays a significant role in shaping spaces that facilitate movement. Smart building systems can adjust environmental factors such as lighting, temperature, and acoustics based on occupancy patterns, subtly guiding movement and enhancing comfort.
For example, sensor-driven lighting can illuminate pathways as people approach, while automated doors and escalators provide effortless access to different areas. These technological integrations reduce barriers and create a more fluid spatial experience.
Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Environments
In urban settings, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces has become a hallmark of movement-oriented design.
Green corridors, terraces, and communal gardens act as connective tissues, inviting people to move freely between environments while enjoying natural light and fresh air.
This connection to nature not only supports physical activity but also improves mental health, making movement within and around buildings a more pleasurable experience.
Commercial Spaces That Promote Wellness and Productivity
When it comes to commercial real estate, the demand for spaces that promote movement has seen a remarkable rise.
Tenants and developers alike recognize the value of environments that support wellness and productivity. This has led to innovative solutions such as activity-based workspaces where employees can choose different zones for focused tasks, collaboration, or relaxation, all within a single floor plate. These layouts encourage regular physical movement throughout the day, countering the sedentary nature of office work.
These specialists understand the market’s evolving demands and can connect clients with properties designed for optimal movement and functionality, ensuring a perfect fit for modern lifestyle and business needs.
Urban Planning: Designing Cities for Movement
Beyond individual buildings, urban planners are rethinking city layouts to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist movement. The rise of ‘walkable cities’ features wide pavements, dedicated cycle lanes, and traffic-calming measures, all designed to promote active travel. These measures not only make movement safer and more enjoyable but also contribute to sustainability goals by reducing reliance on motor vehicles.
Accessibility: Movement for All
Finally, accessibility remains a crucial consideration in designing spaces for movement. Inclusive design ensures that buildings and public areas are navigable for people of all abilities, incorporating features like ramps, tactile paving, and audible signals. This approach not only complies with legal standards but also reflects a commitment to social equity and universal usability.
Final Thoughts
Modern spaces are meticulously crafted to enhance movement, blending design innovation, technology, and human-centered principles. By fostering flow, flexibility, and connectivity, these environments support healthier, more dynamic lifestyles and adapt seamlessly to the ever-changing demands of contemporary living and working.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Frames For Your Heart
Fume extractors are essential in setting up safe and healthy work environments. They eliminate dirt and gases that can negatively affect the air before it goes through the air conditioner. Maintenance of these gadgets is one of the most critical factors for them to run for longer and in good condition. The following guide will offer crucial advice on maintaining your fume extractors in tip-top condition.
One of the most crucial elements of fume extractor maintenance is the quality of the filters it uses. To ensure they work correctly, you must check them regularly, at least once a month. Replacement is necessary if they appear clogged or broken. Clean filters ensure an extractor's efficiency.
Dust and dirt can build up in and around the fume extractor and affect performance. Regular cleaning avoids this build-up. Clean the exterior surfaces with a soft brush or cloth, and check the manufacturer's instructions for internal components. By adhering to the correct cleaning methods, your fume extractor will operate optimally for longer.
For the extraction to work correctly, you will need constant airflow. Continuously measure the air volume to guarantee this value complies with that indicated in the product information sheet. Even a slight decrease in aeration can indicate clogging or the need for component replacement. The correct flow of air will adequately eliminate harmful particles from the environment.
Ductwork is another essential element that carries fumes away from the work area. Always inspect ducts regularly for leaks, blockages, or damage. Make sure that connections are tight and free of debris. Promptly deal with problems to avoid serious issues and unsatisfactory extraction.
The fan circulates air through the system. When you regularly check and clean the fan, it will continue to work efficiently. Use a recommended cleaning solution to help eliminate dust and dirt buildup on the blades. Listen and feel for abnormal sounds or vibrations; the motor may indicate trouble. Maintaining the fan will optimize the airflow and ensure it functions properly for longer.
You regularly check electrical components, such as wiring and connections, for wear or damage to ensure safety and functionality. You also should test switches and controls to ensure they are operating correctly. Address any issues immediately to prevent further complications.
Users can handle simple, routine fume extractor maintenance, but must professionally service it occasionally. Professionals can inspect and diagnose problems that you may not be able to identify. Assessments done by a professional can also prolong the lifespan of the fume extractor and ensure that it operates in its optimal state.
Some components will wear out on their own over time and need replacing. These routine checks assist you in determining how long these components will last. Preventing breakdowns and maximizing the performance of the extractors requires the timely replacement of worn-out parts like filters or fan motors.
It is highly beneficial to maintain a record of all maintenance performed. Keep a log of every inspection, cleaning, and part repair or replacement. Your maintenance log provides a transparent history of various maintenance undertakings, thus making it much easier to identify patterns or issues that continue to arise. Moreover, it assists in the effective planning of future maintenance activities.
You must maintain a fume extractor to keep your environment safe and sound. To keep it running efficiently, conduct regular checks, clean it, and ensure timely parts replacement. These are some easy tips that can help users increase the life of their equipment and keep it running perfectly. Fume extractors are essential for maintaining a safe and well-maintained workspace and contribute to workplace productivity.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Dave Adamson
The NFL season is more than just football—it is a theatrical saga laced with suspense, headlines, and personal storylines that echo louder than game stats. Whether it is whispers of Tom Brady stepping back onto the field or the high-stakes pressure on Caleb Williams as a newcomer, fans and bettors alike find themselves captivated by off-field narratives. This article explores how these long-form NFL narratives skew public betting behavior and decision-making. It also underscores the importance of parsing hype from hard numbers and explains how understanding Super Bowl odds can keep your focus grounded.
Tom Brady’s name still moves the needle. Even in retirement, the seven-time Super Bowl champion can stir Vegas with just one speculative tweet or podcast soundbite. When FS1’s Colin Cowherd hinted in February 2025 that Brady was “not done yet,” sportsbooks like FanDuel saw a 6.3% spike in futures wagers for the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers—two teams rumored to be on Brady’s radar. Although Brady himself denied the comeback chatter days later, the rumor alone created ripple effects. Betting patterns showed a temporary shift in public confidence, proving that narrative alone can trigger significant shifts in wagering behavior.
Caleb Williams entered the 2025 NFL season with the weight of the Windy City on his shoulders. Drafted #1 overall by the Chicago Bears, expectations around Williams were sky-high. He signed a fully guaranteed $38.6 million contract over four years, with a $24.8 million signing bonus. But it was not just Chicago fans watching bettors across the country were relying on Williams to revamp the Bears’ offense immediately. According to DraftKings, Chicago saw a 9.4% uptick in preseason win-total overs placed in July alone, fueled by narrative excitement. The data did not support it, with Chicago’s offensive line ranked 24th by Pro Football Focus before Week 1. Yet the narrative took the wheel.
The 2024 season opener crushed the New York Jets' dreams in just four snaps, as Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles. But 2025 brought a new story: redemption. Videos of Rodgers practicing just seven months after post-injury went viral, and sportsbooks adjusted accordingly. The Jets saw their Super Bowl odds shorten from +4000 to +2800 between March and June 2025, due to optimistic narratives. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ actual performance metrics—like a 6.9-yard average depth of target in his last full season—did not suggest explosive resurgence. Still, his public comeback arc influenced 18% of NFL futures action in Q2 2025 according to BetMGM.
Mike McCarthy’s situation in Dallas adds another dramatic layer. With Jerry Jones issuing public warnings and rumors swirling about a Sean Payton return or even Bill Belichick being considered, Cowboys fans and bettors reacted. McCarthy, despite leading the Cowboys to three straight 12-win seasons, became a figure of doubt in public discourse. According to a report from Caesars Sportsbook, 12.1% fewer win-total bets were placed on Dallas compared to the previous season, despite no major personnel loss. Narrative pressure—especially from local media—skewed objective analysis of the Cowboys' actual performance indicators, including their top five ranked defense.
Tua Tagovailoa’s contract situation created a split narrative. On one side were the numbers: 4,624 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2024. On the other, the public concern about his durability and leadership. While his QBR of 101.3 ranked 5th in the league, public narratives painted him as inconsistent. His ongoing negotiations—reportedly seeking a deal in the range of Justin Herbert’s $262.5 million—kept him in headlines. This drama influenced betting volumes; FanDuel’s over/under TD prop bets for Tua were among the top five most wagered QB props during training camp. Numbers said, “trust him,” but many bet against the Dolphins, distracted by media noise.
Despite a 25-6 record as a starter and a 104.9 passer rating since stepping in for Jimmy Garoppolo, Brock Purdy still faces disrespect in betting lines. His 2024 playoff run—3 games, 7 TDs, 0 INTs—should have solidified his status. Yet, narrative-driven perceptions about his draft status (262nd overall in 2022) still linger. In early 2025, 49ers opened with +750 odds for the Super Bowl, lower than teams with worse QBs and defenses. According to PointsBet, San Francisco saw 11.2% of its futures bets placed on the under—despite elite roster continuity—because public narratives undervalued Purdy’s output.
Even after being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields remained one of the NFL’s most polarizing players. His 2024 stat line—3,154 total yards and 24 total TDs—was solid but drowned in trade rumors that began mid-season. After news broke in February 2025 that Pittsburgh might start Russell Wilson over Fields, the Steelers' odds moved dramatically. Their season win total dropped from 9.5 to 8.5 in less than 48 hours across most major books. According to Action Network, 63% of under bets placed in Pittsburgh between February 12–17 came after the news, regardless of Fields’ actual QB rating improvement from 79.5 to 88.4.
Joe Burrow’s calf injury last season and ongoing monitoring in 2025 cast a long shadow. His 2024 campaign was cut to just 10 games, throwing for 2,309 yards and 16 TDs. Even with positive recovery reports, fans remained skeptical. Despite Cincinnati boasting one of the league’s deepest WR rooms, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, public bets shifted away from the Bengals. Sports Illustrated reported a 13% drop in AFC Championship futures in Cincinnati between June 1–July 10. This was not because of roster moves, but purely narrative-fueled health concerns.
No city drives NFL narratives harder than New York. Whether it is Zach Wilson memes, Saquon Barkley rumors, or Robert Saleh’s job status, New York’s media firestorm turns every Giants and Jets moment into national discourse. The result? Skewed betting behavior. For example, despite finishing 7-10, the Giants had the 9th most Super Bowl futures tickets in the country, according to DraftKings July 2025 report. Their odds of +6500 did not reflect strong value, but New York’s media impact inflates perception—and by extension, bets.
When public narratives dominate the NFL news cycle, bettors often struggle to separate drama from data. The anchor here is understanding how Super Bowl odds reflect real-time adjustments based on both public money and team analytics. For example, line movements on the Eagles after a single Jalen Hurts Instagram post in May 2025 saw their championship odds shift from +1200 to +1000 in less than 24 hours. Yet there was no injury, no trade, no roster update—just storyline noise. Staying informed on shifting Super Bowl odds helps fans focus on facts over hype.
NFL fandom thrives on emotion and spectacle, but successful picks require more than just compelling stories. Whether it’s Tom Brady teasing a comeback or Caleb Williams’ sky-high expectation, these narratives alter the market in ways that do not always reflect reality. The key is sticking to hard data—QB ratings, injury reports, line performance, win shares—and pairing them with intelligent reading of odds movement. Public narratives can skew betting decisions, but staying informed on shifting Super Bowl odds helps fans focus on facts over hype. In a league where drama never stops, clarity comes from consistency in data.
SALAD FREAK: RECIPES TO FEED
A HEALTHY OBSESSION
Abrams Books
Jess Damuck
A well made salad is an art and it is one that can be enjoyed for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. In Salad Freak: Recipes to Feed A Healthy Obsession, we get to know more about this dish and its true versatility! Created by Jess Damuck who was Martha Stewart’s (who wrote a foreward for this book) personal salad chef for over a decade.
With more than 100 recipes created by Jess, she shares her love for this dish and how we can keep changing it up regardless of the meal or seasons and never getting bored!
She focuses on integrating color, texture, shape, and flavor to take your meal to the next level. We're looking forward to making her Citrus Breakfast Salad; Tea-Smoked Chicken and Bitter Greens Salad; and Roasted Grapes, Ricotta, Croutons, and Endive Salad. Yes, they can be enjoyed as a side, but they can be an entire meal on its own.
SALSA DADDY: A COOKBOOK: DIP YOUR WAY
INTO MEXICAN COOKING
Clarkson Potter
Rick Martinez
When it comes to a great meal, we enjoy a nice dip or salsa to add that extra bit of flavor and texture to our meals. In Salsa Daddy: A Cookbook: Dip Your Way Into Mexican Cooking, James Beard Award-winning author of the New York Times bestseller Mi Cocina brings us a cookbook filled with over 70 dips and salsas as well as 24 fun and easy meals to make.
When it comes to variety, we can see us reaching for this book everytime we are looking to add that extra bit of savoriness to make meals for ourselves as well as friends and family.
Salsa as a category has a rich history that spans over 500 years and Chef Rick Martinez brings his expertise to us. This is the glow up that our burgers, roasted vegetables, and chicken needs! We're also excited to make Puffy Tacos, Pozole Verde con Pollo, and Enchiladas Gratinadas.
MOVE, REST, RECOVER: A WORKBOOK: YOUR PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BALANCING MIND AND BODY
VeloPress
Erin Taylor
In Move Rest Recover: A Workbook: Your Practica; Guide to Balancing Mind and Body, it's about balancing your mind, body, and nervous system! This workbook helps you to create a recovery practice that will optimize and support your lifestyle.
In navigating this book, you will be able to reflect and write based on prompts that guide you through your mental and physical recovery tools. This book aims to assist you in your concerns which include: decrease your stress and tension, increase attentional capacity, manage and solve physical pain, promoting mental stability, boost your immune system, improve the quality of your sleep, and more!
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/David Clode
Packed with over 90 bioavailable minerals, protective antioxidants, and mucilaginous compounds that lock in moisture, sea moss is like nature's own multivitamin pharmacy. Known formally as Chondrus crispus, or simply Irish moss, this marine superfood has been cherished by coastal cultures for centuries. Today, it reclaims the spotlight as one of the most powerful wellness products for whole-body vitality. But why exactly is sea moss good for hydration? What makes its antioxidant profile so unique? Read on to discover the molecular genius of sea moss, from cell-deep hydration to immune resilience - and everything in between.
Hydration powers everything from smooth digestion to supple skin, clear thinking, and balanced moods. But modern stressors in our overstimulated world cause chronic dehydration in most of us. Take inflammation, which was once a rare survival response but is now a constant in our systems, depleting the body's water reserves by interfering with cells' inherent ability to hold onto water.
This is one area where sea moss products shine. They bring a wave of natural anti-inflammatory compounds - including magnesium, zinc, and sea moss antioxidants - to help dial down the overactive signals that can lead to inner fire. The result? More mobility, more glow, more clarity, and the sense that your body operates in peace, not defense.
Sea moss hydration is intelligent hydration - long-lasting, cell-deep, and addressing the root cause.
Soldiers in ancient Rome did not rely on ordinary water to stay hydrated. They drank posca, a vinegar, water, and salt mixture, to replenish electrolytes, fight bacteria, and reduce weariness during long marches and battles. This mineral-rich drink was regarded as the Roman army's hydration mainstay, a type of ancient electrolyte tonic. Ancient cultures shared a deep understanding: hydration is more than simply water; it's also about the minerals that help your body retain it.
Sea moss products bring a matrix of such essential minerals that help your body hold onto the water you drink. Plus, sea moss becomes a thick, mucilaginous gel once soaked, rich in soluble fiber. It then starts to act like an internal sponge, helping tissues hold onto moisture longer, reducing dryness across the gut, skin, and connective tissues.
When shopping for your sea moss gel, make sure to trust only professional suppliers like True Sea Moss, who only use wildcrafted, ocean-harvested ingredients free from fillers, flavors, or artificial nonsense.
In a world thick with pollution, processed foods, and screen fatigue, oxidative stress builds up quickly and surely. It happens when rogue molecules called free radicals damage tissues at a microscopic level, accelerating everything from aging to inflammation to immune fatigue.
Sea moss, in its wild, unprocessed form, brings an arsenal of natural defenses - not in synthetic isolation, but as a harmonious matrix of antioxidants evolved in the briny depths of the ocean.
Let’s take a closer look:
● Vitamin C. One of the greatest sea moss antioxidants, this water-soluble marvel is essential for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and shielding the skin from environmental stressors.
● Vitamin E. Fat-soluble and deeply restorative, Vitamin E nourishes cellular membranes, supports tissue repair, and protects lipids from peroxidation - a fancy term for when fats in your body turn toxic under oxidative stress.
● Polyphenols. These complex plant compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory and free-radical-fighting properties.
● Beta-carotene. A vibrant pigment and precursor to Vitamin A, beta-carotene supports skin integrity, eye function, and immune resilience.
Such a rich antioxidant spectrum restores from the core up, making sea moss antioxidants remarkable for maintaining holistic health.
What makes sea moss benefits so powerful is not only potent ingredients, but also how harmoniously they work in tandem. The mucilage of this marine superfood locks in moisture at the cellular level, while its antioxidant profile disarms free radicals before they can ever degrade tissues. The more hydrated your cells are, the more efficiently they absorb and circulate these protective compounds. And vice versa. It's a beautiful synergy at work.
So when we talk about sea moss for immune support or sea moss for skin and hydration, we’re pointing to biological truth, backed by both ancestral use and emerging research. And in wildcrafted sea moss products like those from True Sea Moss, this dual action is left gloriously intact, just as nature intended.
Don’t treat sea moss products like a supplement. Treat them like a ritual. Real sea moss benefits come not from a one-off scoop but from rhythm, from daily integration.
● Sea Moss Gel
Stir 1–2 tablespoons into herbal teas, citrus water, or fruit smoothies. For best results, take on an empty stomach in the morning.
● Sea Moss Powder
Mix ½ teaspoon into soups, raw juices, or oatmeal. When used pre-workout, it supports sea moss hydration and energy endurance. Post-workout, it helps replenish electrolytes and calm muscle inflammation.
● Raw Crafted Sea Moss
Soak for 12–24 hours in spring water, rinse thoroughly, and blend into a smooth gel. Best suited for those who want total control and full potency. You can store your homemade gel in a glass jar in the fridge and use it daily for sea moss for immune support, skin, and digestion.
True hydration doesn’t come in plastic bottles lined with fluorescent promises. It comes from natural minerals your body recognizes like a friend. And when it comes to pure hydration and potent antioxidant support, few wellness products match the time-tested brilliance of sea moss.
Whether you’re seeking sea moss benefits for immune support, cell-deep hydration, or everyday vitality, True Sea Moss delivers what modern wellness almost forgot: the ocean’s wisdom, just as Nature intended.
DEPT Q
Netflix Original
Netflix
Prior to watching Dept. Q, we were not aware that it is an adaptation of Department Q, a 10 book series originally. But within the first few minutes, we were hooked on this Danish crime thriller series where Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) is a talented policeman who works in his own way. Coming off of an injury on the job, he is given his own unit where he is tasked with finding a Cold Case to solve in the basement of the police station with very minimal resources. Over the course of the episodes he puts together an interesting 4 person team who also have their own way of solving the abduction of a well known person who has been missing for 4 years.
What's enjoyable about this series that we hope will have an additional season, is that you get to see the process that each of the characters go through to solve the case as a team as well as individually. We also get to know a lot about the people in the life of the victim and how they could be involved or how they are able to give clues that may not have been examined thoroughly before.
THE BETTTER SISTER
Prime Video Original
Prime Video
We really enjoyed the twists, turns, and misdirects that took place in The Better Sister which takes place in The Hamptons and in NYC. We get to see 2 sisters who have an interesting connection beyond being siblings and how they have lived very different lives when they have not been around one another.
When life events turns both of their worlds upside down, they have to get over their grievances and distrust with one another and learn to be a team in order to find out what happened to them and how they can continue to live a new life that they have imagined them for themselves.
THE BEAR
FX Originals
Hulu
The wait is over! S4 of The Bear takes us back to Chicago over the course of 10 episodes of this final season of a beloved series. Whether you binge it all or spread it out all episodes can be seen right now!
We have followed Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), his family, and the team that has worked with him since the beginning. We have seen the sacrafices that they have made personally and professionally, the transition that has taken place in the restaurant, and industry titans that have made appearances in this show. How will this all be tied up and what more will we be able to learn about this group that we have watched since 2020? We're going to find out!
Read the JUN ISSUE #114 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely TV/Streaming in mag.