Athleisure Mag #16 Apr 2017

APR 2017

#TribeGoals @AthleisureMag

PUBLISHER Paul Farkas

EDITORIAL Kimmie Smith

Fashion Editor + Style Director

Paul Farkas

Artistic Director + Tech Director

FASHION CONTRIBUTIONS PHOTOGRAPHER | Carlos David | Paul Farkas | Lewd Foodie | Bethany O | STYLIST | Kimmie Smith |

BEAUTY CONTRIBUTIONS MUA | Risako Matsushita | David Stella | HAIR | Vi Huynh |

David Stella |

CONTRIBUTORS | Bonnie halper | Chef Rosalie |

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TALKING SCENTS with Elisabetta Perris When it comes to fragrances, there are so many questions - do you have a signature scent, who creates these phenomenal smells, what are the inspirations behind them and more! We chatted with Elisabetta Perris who is the CEO of Perris Group, who has Houbigant Parfums Paris, a noted French fragrance house within their portfolio of brands. Of course, we also wanted to know how she takes time when she's not involved with fragrances.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to the industry and being the founder of this brand?

grances?

EP: I draw inspiration from many things - sometimes the idea is inspired by the raw material that I fell in love with. With Houbigant, I am lucky to be able to draw inspiration from past archives, I have nearly 250 years of history to work with and sometimes I get to revive fragrances from the past such as Fougere Royale, it was originally created in 1882 and we relaunched with great success in 2010. It is an honor to keep the great tradition and to

ELISABETTA PERRIS: I’m not the founder of the brand, the brand was founded in 1775 by the Houbigant family. My parents have worked in this industry their whole lives, so as far as I can remember I have been living and breathing the world of fragrance at a young age.

It was only natural for me to follow in their footsteps, as did my brother and my sister. You can say its a bit of a family tradition.

AM: Tell us about Quelques Fleurs?

EP: The first Quelques Fleurs was created in 1912 and it was the first multi-floral bouquet in the perfume world at that time. It was the most beautiful long lasting bouquet you can gift a woman. With Quelque Fleurs Jardin Secret, we wanted to stay within the tradition and capture the myth of a new generation. I wanted to create a fragrance that would appeal to my generation, to the young women of today. Women that are strong and elegant but also fierce and confident and know what they want in life.

AM: What inspires you to create fragrances?

PHOTO COURTESY Perris Group

continue enriching the Houbigant brand with my designs.

AM: What is your favorite scent in your portfolio of fragrances?

LB: Iris des Champs, I love the iris as a raw material, it is made out of the root, not the flower itself and it is one of the most difficult to obtain, it takes 6 years and a lot of manual work to obtain this unbelievable raw material. The smell is soft, powdery, comforting and extremely elegant.

AM: What are your favorite ingredients that you enjoy working with when you are creating scents?

EP: All natural raw materials, especially flowers, they have so many different facets and can surprise you.

AM: When you're not creating or pro moting your brand, how do you take time for yourself?

EP: My second passion besides perfumes is art. I design and decorate the limited editions every year.

I recently had a baby, he is 17 months so recently, most of my time has been spent on him.

IN THE RING, LOVE NATALYA PHOTOGRAPHY Paul Farkas STYLING Kimmie Smith MUAH David Stella

WWE DIVAS NATALYA COVER, 16 - 18 | NICOLE BAKTI Sheer Side Gown | STERLING FOREVER Necklace | ABBY MAY JEWELRY Amethyst Gold Beaded Bracelet | Gold Cuff | NINA SHOES Cherie |

Over the past few decades, we have been a big fan of the WWE - you get it all!

There's the athleticism of the sport, the dynamic personalities, the drama of the storylines, the costumes and all of the backstories. Throughout the year, the members of the WWE travel to a number of cities domestically and internationally to perform, while also doing a number of acts of philanthropy to make the world a better place and spending time with their community to engage with fans!

This electrifying experience is fostered by the brands' athletes who put their own fingerprint on what it means to be a part of the WWE Universe! Last summer we worked out with some of the ladies of WWE Divas at TapOut Fitness on the UES to go through workouts that these women do. Included in this group was Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Lana, Maria Menounos, Naomi, Renee Young, Summer Rae (our Feb covergirl) and this month's cover girl - Natalya - also known as Nattie! A few weeks ago, right before her match at MSG, our team shot a gorgeous fashion editorial of this 3rd generation wrestler at Monarch's rooftop and then chatted with her about wrestling, being a member of wrestling's legacy family and her role on E! Total Divas which is back from their midseason break on April 5th and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You come from an iconic wrestling family - tell us about them and the impact that they made on the sport.

NATALYA NEIDHART: My family has been the biggest influence on me. Starting with my grandpa, Stu Hart, who built an empire by the name of Stampede Wrestling in the 1950's. I'm a third generation superstar and I come from Wrestling royalty. My grandfather is WWE Hall Of Famer, Stu Hart and my uncles Bret and Owen Hart and the British Bulldog have paved the way for me. My father is a two time WWE Tag Team Champion himself and formed half of one of the greatest tag teams of all time. My family's contri-

butions to WWE have been huge and I'm deeply proud of them.

AM: When did you know that you wanted to continue the legacy by being a wrestler?

NN: When I was 18 years old, I first started training in the dungeon… And from that moment on, I remember it crystal clear… I was hooked on wrestling. I knew it was what I wanted to do as my career. Wrestling is part of my heart... it's part of who I am... what makes me tick. I'm fortunate beyond words that I was able to discover my passion and touch my dreams.

AM: What was your journey to get to the WWE? NN: I trained in one of the most notoriously hard wrestling schools in the world: the Dungeon, where only men trained. I was one of the only girls to ever train there under my family. I also had a world class Japanese coach by the name of Tokyo Joe, who helped train me for my first tour of Japan where I wrestled some of the very best Japanese female wrestlers in the world. I lived over in Japan for a while honing my craft and trying to be the absolute best I could be.

I spent nearly 5 years sending in tapes and resumes and letters and pictures to WWE… Trying to get them to see that I was special. I went to Japan and England and all over the US to try to gain enough experience to get my big break.

I was rejected for five years! It was so hard to get hired, but so worth it when I finally got my dream job in the WWE. Finally.... in 2007, I got the call and then the really hard work began!!!

AM: Your job allows you to do a lot from participating in the sport, philanthropy and even filming for E! Total Divas what's that like?

NN: I am so lucky that I get to do so many different things! Giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding

parts about my job‌ I never take that for granted. It just makes me feel good giving back! I love filming Total Divas, it's a great way for us to show that we're human‌ And it's OK to fall down, get back up. Working in the WWE allows you to wear many hats and be very diverse in so many ways other than wrestling. My job in the WWE has prepared me for anything in life it seems!

AM: We loved hanging out with you during the photoshoot and saw that you're a serious multi-tasker as you had a match right after - how do you keep so many things going at one time?

NN: I just take everything one moment at a time and try to be efficient.

In WWE, we are always busy.... we only have time for "one take," so we make everything the best we can possibly make it the first time! It's a lot of hustling at times, though!!!! Sometimes I go "hey... i need to use the washroom!!!! Everything else can wait!" LOL

AM: What's a typical day like from working out/training, filming for Total Divas, taking time with TJ (Tyson Kidd) etc?

AM: What's a day off look like for you?

NN: I am usually very busy. When I'm working on the road, doing live events and Smackdown Live, it's a grind of working out and eating healthy and driving and flying hundreds if not thousands of miles to make it to our shows.

It's a whirlwind, but so fun. When I'm home, I run errands, relax with my husband TJ and decompress and enjoy my family. I also work on my weekly columns for the Calgary Sun and OK Magazine.com. I love to write.

NN: A perfect day off is relaxing at my home with my husband and having NO game plan at all!

AM: What's on your playlist right now as we know you're a fan of Lana Del Rey. NN: I love Tom Petty, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Kings of Leon, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and anything Lana Del Rey! Love her!!!!!!

AM: You spend a lot of time traveling, how do you bring a piece of home with you?

AM: What is your personal style when you're outside of the ring if you're running errands versus a night out.

NN: When I go away from home, which is a lot. I bring little love letters my husband has written to me. I keep them in the bag where I put all of my wrestling gear. I read them when I get lonely and it truly lifts me up!

NN: I love being comfortable. When I'm running errands or working out, I like a pair of great leggings, a cozy hoodie and tank top I can rock if I need to grab a quick workout. Lately I'm obsessed with Adidas, Goldsheep and Lululemon! So comfy and cool! I also love Roots of Fight! They make my favorite Tess with vintage boxers and athletes like Mike Tyson and The Gracie's. Soon they're making shirts with Andre the Giant! Eeeek!

AM: Tell us about 2Paws as we're obsessed!

NN: 2Pawz is rich. He's famous. He's a rap guru. Named after the illustrious Tupac Shakur.... he's all about working to OWN... not to rent, lease or refinance! Lol. He's a Lilac Persian and basically the most intense, but sweetest cat I've ever had. I love him more than words can say.

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AM: You're always busy - what are your go to's meals or snacks for energy and what do you splurge on?

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NN: I always carry snacks with me. Pro-

Apr 2017

| MAISON DE PAPILLON Lalla Silk Kaftan in Rose and Pearl | ABBY MAY JEWELRY Amethyst and Gold Necklace |

tein powder is a go to -- ESP for hotel life!

First thing I have when I wake up! And I am obsessed with Lenny and Larry's cookies the Snickerdoodle flavor. I also love to splurge on sushi. Like the fattening stuff with tempura and may-onnaise and avocado in it! I love sushi!!!!!

AM: Summer is around the corner, what are some moves that you suggest for toned abs, arms, legs, and butt?

NN: Lunges, squats, deadlifts, and clean and jerks. I love Olympic lifting so much because it always gives me a total body workout! And it makes me feel strong and powerful. Keeps my body toned everywhere. I also love running. With the right running partner I can run for hours!

AM: As you're always busy, will you be adding anything new to what you already do in terms of business ventures, charity etc?

NN: I have been writing a fun column as I mentioned before for the Calgary Sun, I am also working on an advice column for OK Magazine.com. My husband and I have dreams to one day open up our own wrestling school since we both share a passion for wrestling .... but it would also be cool to continue to film reality TV too. I've loved the whole process of being on a reality show - SO fun!

AM: What's it like to be on the road with the WWE and who are your faves to hang out with?

NN: It's fun being on the road, but it's also a lot of time away from home.

So you have to make friends because strangers become family! And sometimes family become strangers. I love Renee Young. I can turn to Dolph Ziggler about anything. I adore our girls in the Smackdown Locker room. I share a strong bond with the Bella twins because we started in the WWE together and have been through so much. Naomi is my girl.... and one of my husband's fav-

orite in the ring. I always get jealous when he says "she's the best!" LOL!!!!!

AM: Do you mentor other wrestlers in the WWE? NN: I try to be there for all the girls. I love being able to pass on the knowledge I've acquired over the last 15 years to them. I definitely try to help the girls in any way that I can!!!! It's the best when our work comes together and ALL of us shine!

AM: Tell us about Summer Slam and what we need to know!

NN: SummerSlam is the biggest event of the summer. It's taking place in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center and you know that the females in WWE will be front and center ... stealing the show!

AM: Why do you enjoy being in the WWE so much?

NN: Because I get to live my dreams! I get to travel the world and I get to impact people's lives in such a positive way through the global platform we have in WWE. And I get to bodyslam my arch enemies and not get in trouble! LOL! PHOTOS PG 26 - 31 COURTESY Natalya/ WWE

THIS PAGE + BACK COVER | BY AMBER BRYN Queen of Harts Shirt | LULULEMON Align Pants | TRX Go Suspension Trainer |

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TALKIN JOAN JU

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NG ILLUSION WITH ULIET BUCK

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We live in an age where we have the opportunity to get an inside look in the careers and people's lives via social media, reality TV or directly from the person themself! Growing up, we enjoyed reading Vogue as a means to be transported to high style, fabulous designers, locations and more. As we grew up, we realized that this signified the best of the best regardless of what edition we happened to be flipping through.

French Vogue represents one of the most iconic titles and has had a number of notables helm this cover. We had the opportunity to chat with Joan Juliet Buck, who shares her time at Vogue (1994 - 2001); growing up in a family whose connections to those in film; art and literature is astounding and how she navigated her world is a page turner. Readers see how she befriended Karl Lagerfeld; her love affair with Donald Sutherland; her connection to Anjelica Huston; and more interactions that are effortlessly shared in 'Price of Illusion.'

As a writer for a number of prestigious titles (Vanity Fair, American Vogue, Travel + Leisure, The Los Angeles Times and Conde Nast Traveler), feature editor at British Vogue, Editor in Chief of French Vogue her memoir navigates her journey via frank honesty about her world, her participation in it and how she was able to step back and take the life she truly wanted is one that is refreshing!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the meaning behind the 'Price of Illusion?'

JOAN JULIET BUCK: It's sort of well, now you know because you read the book.

AM: Yes, so what made you decide to write the book and to make it so personal.

JJB: Well the only way to write is to do so completely honestly. I'm not interested in writing fiction. I think that the most important thing for me was to sit

down and write. The original manuscript was a lot longer. I think I had 20 edits to get it down as I was numbering them. I kept thinking that I was finished and done, but I edited a lot.

It took me about 2 years to write the first 1,050 pages and then it took me 4 years to sculpt the story out of it.

The thing that became more and more important was this guardian angel that I read about when I was 7 years old.

The guardian angel says to the little girl, "Don't go playing with the pretty people of the gorgeous garden. The pretty children wearing the beautiful clothes in the beautiful garden - don't go." Of course what the guardian angel doesn't say is that if you go, you will pay the price of illusion.

Of course, I went into the pretty garden with all of the pretty children and the beautiful clothes and flowers. Just like in the dream in the book that I read at 7 years old, let's just say it wasn't for me.

AM: Do you feel that maybe because of your upbringing of growing up around Peter O'Toole, John Huston and Anjelica Huston that it became a natural inclination to go into this garden because you were born into that world?

JJB: Of course. I was and that is what I considered natural. But one way to reclaim it would have been to become an actress, but my father (Jules Buck, an American film producer) said don't become one. So I thought I would become a writer and of course, I went towards beautiful magazines. Then I chose the beautiful world. I first went to Conde Nast magazine for Glamour at the age of 19 and then Vogue when I was 23. I couldn't leave - it was a beautiful garden and I couldn't leave.

I thought it was my reproduction of what I grew up in - you're exactly right - you got it completely!

AM: Obviously, we work in the maga-

zine industry and we were struck by how you integrated the state of the magazine world at that time with the consolidations in titles, the merge to going online and how you dealt with creating great content with such lower budgets. What do you think of the state of the fashion magazine business which is still battling these issues now?

JJB: They're in a very difficult state.

There are certain magazines that manage to be surprising and glamorous. W and Harper's Bazaar both manage. But so many of the other magazines have gone so mainstream. The way we managed in French Vogue, as you saw is that for example, the model Caroline Murphy was AMAZING. She would work for our shitty prices, we would have to borrow horrible places in the country where people were practically in sleeping bags and she wouldn't care! She was really a trooper. But these days, the people who still work with Vogue or used to work for me say, "they used to put me on a plane to do an interview and now it's all on the phone!"

AM: Would you ever see yourself going back to working as an Editor in Chief or starting your own publication?

JJB: No - I think you have to be young and full of energy. I realized a lot of stuff about myself in life and then again when I wrote the book. I'm one of those people who need a lot of sleep. I can't function on 6 hours. It's really grueling and a hard job.

AM: I had to laugh as we don't get a lot of sleep around here so your point is very valid!

JJB: It's true - but you're having fun though right?

AM: We love our readers, sharing the athleisure culture and being able to share the voices in our community. Everyday is different than the next which keeps it interesting. If you're not passionate and in

in tune with what you're doing, it can really suck you dry!

JJB: That is so true and the difference for being a writer as I had always been and then being a boss - which I had never been, was so different. The days were fuller with events that had to do with other people and it didn't exhaust me in the same way that writing does as you're birthing something. It's almost a physical feeling. When going to events, I felt punch drunk from small talk.

Well the only way to write is to do so completely honestly.

AM: Were you concerned when you were writing this book that you had to go back and let people know that they were being included in this book as you include a number of people such as Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Mario Testino.

JJB: No because I had done enough reportage on my own life by keeping a diary that I didn't feel that I needed to speak to anyone about what had happened because I knew very well. It was all in my diary. Are you asking if I needed to ask permission?

AM: Well yes, I know a number of the people that you're talking about in the book and I think that you're spot on. But there's always what you know that happened and what people like to revise in their heads and I just wondered if in that process that you were concerned that there would be a letter or email from someone who may have had an issue.

JJB: You're always concerned. I was concerned with certain friends who

looked in the index and saw that they weren't in it. But that's ok and we had a conversation about it. Remember, I didn't belong to anything when I wrote this book. I didn't owe anyone anything and I didn't have any allegiance. I was gone. That's a fantastic freedom.

my exile from Vogue a privilege instead of a drawback.

AM: I think that's what really draws you to this book because of the frankness and honesty. When you're in the industry, there are politics and things to consider so it would be tough to write something of this nature while navigating those associations.

JJB: Well, let me see - you know this very well, but to be the person whose decision is final. I had that when I was there and when I went back to American Vogue and my decision wasn't final - I could provide my opinion, but I had to go ahead with it. Just being the decision maker was great. Watching people spark to an idea and watching how this thing would be like firecrackers - that was very energizing. It would

JJB: You can't write honestly if you're protecting something. I was in a very privileged position. I decided to make

AM: What are some of the things that you liked while you were at French Vogue Paris and duties that you had to do as a part of your job that you may not have enjoyed?

also make me wistful because they would go off to do the photoshoot or reporting and I would be sitting behind the desk and then going to a cocktail party. I don't drink, I hate going to cocktail parties as I don't like standing. I don't mind walking, but I don't like standing around and I really don't like small talk. It was all kind of a nightmare. I also liked having the access! I loved going to museum shows before they even opened. It was nice to buy my clothes at wholesale prices, but it was weird as you would order 6 months in advance at the showroom and it felt more like business than shopping.

I didn't like having people do things that they didn't want to do. If they didn't want to do it, I could usually see why and it made me say things to get them to do it - which I didn't want to do - I'm lousy at manipulating people. The schedule - the fashion shows - putting on your costume and the marathon of shows!

I need my sleep and I need my food! It felt like torture.

AM: After going through all of this, how essential is balance to you?

JJB: It's everything!

AM: How do you envision success?

JJB: Well that's interesting. Because for me success is being able to write what I want to write and not having to do things that I don't want to do. That's the number one. It would be nice if success came with an enormous amount of money to reward me for my efforts.

There is a line from Gertrude Stein who says, "I write for myself and for strangers." The success of the book - right now what I'm feeling for the first time in my life is because I wrote honestly and didn't write - so many strangers are reacting to this book with a full heart.

In the fashion world, you don't see a full heart. I'm seeing that. The communication and atomization of everything from

letters, Instagram etc and there are all these hashtags from strangers who are reading it.

They have opened their heart to the story that I told which is extraordinary. In a world of magazines, you don't think that that is possible. In magazines people react because they want something from you.

AM: If this became a movie who would play you and your parents?

JJB: So think of it more like a very long TV series like Mad Men - going on and on. I've actually got my casting. Have you ever seen Orphan Black?

AM: Yes we're obsessed with the show!

JJB: Of course you have! I think Tatiana Maslany is it. She is an extraordinary actress and like me, she can look like a

whole bunch of different people. It's not consistent and one of the interesting things that I found doing this book because I was excavating - I played all these different parts and role. So I think Tatiana's talent to look like so many different people and she's not really pretty but she can be - that is so me! For the young me, it's Hailee Seinfeld.

AM: Good choice - she's fantastic!

JJB: Didn't you love her in The Age of 17?

Hailee looks so much like Tatiana so it's perfect! For my parents, I keep thinking of Michael Stuhlbarg for my father. For Uncle Don, definitely Mark Ruffalo.

That's who he looks like and the feeling - slightly rumpled, sloppy but with a really big heart! For mom, Natalie Portman!

AM: When you were talking about your mother from her style, jewelry, and movement - she seemed to have such an ethereal air. That's a perfect casting choice!

JJB: Mom was so classy and the absolute embodiment of grace, beauty, charm, and style. Not quite me!

AM: We were so blown away about the book as there are so many layers that intersect!

JJB: The thing is, this book is not about fashion, Hollywood - they're in there.

But this book is about people who are obsessed with such a beauty and things being wonderful. Everybody has that.

AM: Yes and historically, there are events that you mention that are mirrored today in terms of terrorism/bombings - that these things unfortunately still happen but that life also has to continue on with our personal chaos along with the global one. The weaving of these elements is what makes it so intriguing.

JJB: I love it and am thrilled that you felt so connected to it!

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

ATHLEISURE LIST: STREAMING

YOGA 30 FOR 30 We lead busy lives and many times we're unable to make it to our yoga classes. Time shouldn't stand in the way of having a great session. Thankfully, you're only a click away thanks to Yoga 30 for 30. This is a comprehensive, all digital, "Holistic Yoga Flow" program taking you on a 30-day journey. The program enhances strength, flexibility, balance and stamina in a fast, fun and efficient manner.

The 30-day program can be downloaded to any device (laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc...) or streamed directly from the website. As an all digital program, you can practice anytime, anywhere.

The "Yoga 30 for 30" team is currently creating socially responsible and environmentally friendly apparel. Visit their site to see this new addition that will be made shortly.

Travis Eliot and Lauren Eckstrom created "Yoga 30 for 30." They have dedicated their lives to studying and teaching yoga and meditation. Travis and Lauren also created the hugely successful "The Ultimate Yogi" DVD set and the comprehensive yoga book "Holistic Yoga Flow: The Path of Practice."

"Yoga 30 for 30" offers 16 uniquely themed 30 minute yoga practices and 3 bonus classes, which are 10 minutes in length. Yoga 30 for 30 also comes with a plant-based, whole-foods nutrition program complete with easy to follow recipes.

They lead their signature retreats and trainings across the globe in idealic destination locations such as Italy, Bali, India, Peru, Thailand, Spain and Iceland.

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Many of the classes are strong, power yoga practices. Classes like "Edge", "Stamina" and "Core" will give you tone and definition! And, by following the nutrition program, you are sure to

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see transformation on every level. Regardless of your level as a yogi, this is perfect to include within your routine.

YOGA 30 FOR 30 Stream from the comfort of your home, office or wherever your journeys take you.

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ATHLEISURE LIST: NYC

PURE YOGA WEST + EAST Pure Yoga is a sanctuary of yoga with a number of practices from pilates, yoga, meditation and teachers that come to both locations (it's definitely encouraged to check the schedule for offerings).

The primary focus for these two locations is to continue to provide great services and quality to its members and guests.

We're fans of the common areas that allow for those who are in between classes or coming in earlier or staying later, can enjoy sitting on chairs and couches to catch up on their work or to interact with others. It's one of our favorite things about coming to this space. Bathroom amenities include shampoo, conditioner, and lotions provided courtesy of Kiehl's.

There are special events such as a recent one we went to from SoundOff Experience. These classes require you to wear illuminated headphones where you can hear the DJ play as the yoga teacher provides instructions.

Interestingly enough, we found ourselves in the zone as if it was a one on one session. It's also cool to look out and see a sea of people flowing in the dark with lit headphones!

Pure Yoga updates their website daily with new offerings, as well as their social channels at @PureYogaNYC for the latest details. Stay on the lookout for a community page that they are setting up as well as an in-studio installation later this year.

Founded in 2002, Pure Yoga became a leading yoga studio in Asia, before its arrival on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side of New York in 2008.

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treats to beverages to students.

After taking a class or signing up for a membership you will notice that their ethos is, "Many practices. One intention." This means that they stay true and authentic to the lineages of yoga and its history, but offer a wide variety of practices.

In addition to great classes, Pure Yoga works closely with the Shop team at Equinox to make sure that the trends in athleisure are offered in their boutique with Pure-branded apparel as well as lines that include Alo Yoga, Beyond Yoga, Lululemon, and more.

To that end, they offer 350 weekly classes across 20 yoga styles including, but not limited to, hot yoga, meditation, ashtanga, and iyengar. They also offer their signature barre program Figure 4 Barre and a cross training class.

PURE YOGA WEST

A variety of workshops, teacher trainings and retreats are hosted by a mix of their own on-scheule faculty, as well as some of the bigger named yogis around the world. They partner with many like minded brands to offer Apr 2017

204 W. 77th St NY, NY 10024

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f o t r A e h k T c a n S e h t

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JUST BEET IT

Beets are popping up everywhere and we're just a bit obsessed with finding all the ways that it can be enjoyed beyond being chopped up into our salads. We have scoured our favorite recipes from sandwiches, dips, and even a refreshing alcoholic beverage perfect for the spring and summer!

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BEET-CURED SALMON WITH WHIPPED LEMON-DILL RICOTTA

3. Whip ricotta and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Fold in chopped capers, dill and salt.

From Dennis Prescott of Food + Wine

4. Finely slice salmon and serve with lemon-dill ricotta, sliced cucumbers and everything bagels.

This is bound to be a brunch staple that will amp your lox to another level with beets!

BEETROOT + GOAT CHEESE DIP

Serves 4-6

From Himanshu Taneja of The White Ramekins

INGREDIENTS 1 pound fresh (not frozen) deboned salmon fillet 1/2 cup sea salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup grated red beets 2 tablespoons lemon zest 2 tablespoons orange zest 2 tablespoons fresh dill whipped lemon-dill ricotta

Colorful and flavorfull, this dip adds variety to this new go to snack!

INGREDIENTS 700 gm beetroots 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp red chili flakes 250 gm hung plain yogurt (hung for 24 hours in fridge) 1 1/2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to finish 2 tsp sumac powder salt, to taste 2 spring onions, thinly sliced 15 gm hazelnuts, skinned and roughly chopped 50 gm soft goat cheese, crumbled seeds of half a pomegranate

1 cup ricotta 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely diced 1 tablespoon capers, chopped 1/4 teaspoon salt To serve: 4-6 everything bagels 1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced Fresh dill, capers and lemons to serve Place salmon in a large, deep pan. In a small bowl, mix together salt and sugar and rub over the top of salmon until fully covered. Top with grated beet, lemon and orange zest, again ensuring salmon is completely covered. Sprinkle salmon with dill.

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 180 C degree.

Wash and trim the beetroots and wrap them in aluminum foil tightly. Place beetroots on a baking tray and roast for 45 minutes, until a knife slices easily into the centre. Let cool completely to room temperature.

DIRECTIONS

2. Once completely cooled, peel and cut each beetroot into quarters. Place sliced beetroots, hung yogurt, garlic, chili flakes, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, sumac and 1 tsp salt in a food processor and blend to make a smooth paste. Adjust the salt, if needed.

1. Cover salmon with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to cure for 48 hours.

You’ll know it’s done if the fish feels firm and looks cured in the center.

2. Remove from the fridge and scrape off the beet mixture. Rinse salmon under cold water to remove excess and pat dry with paper towels.

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Transfer the puree to a serving bowl.

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Spread the mixture with a back of a spoon to make beautiful swirls. Scatter the spring onion, hazelnuts, goat cheese, pomegranate seeds on top.

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sumac. Serve with crackers, breads, sliced peppers and cucumber.

LENTIL SANDWICH WITH PICKLED BEET BUTTER From Danielle Oron of I Will Not Eat Oysters This is such a zippy treat that we urge you to try!

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS Pickled Beet Butter: 1 small beet 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup water 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp mustard powder, optional 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, room temp Lentil Salad: 1 cup beluga lentils, rinsed 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 2 dried bay leaves 3 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp grainy mustard 1 tbsp chopped dill 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp cumin fresh pepper to taste 2 tbsp olive oil 2 whole wheat demi-baguettes, cut open 2 hard boiled eggs, sliced arugula Maldon Salt and fresh black pepper DIRECTIONS 1. Place the beet in a pot and cover with

cold water at least 2-inches above the beet. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Boil the beet for 45-50 minutes until cooked through. Allow the beet to cool. Peel by rubbing the skin off with a paper towel. Cut the beet into 1/4" cubes and place them in a non-reactive bowl.

Heat the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt and mustard powder over high heat in a small sauce pot until the sugar and salt have dissolved and the mixture comes to a light simmer. Pour the pickling liquid over the beets and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Drain the beets and transfer them to a food processor. Process until very finely chopped. Combine the beets and a pinch or two of salt with the room temperature butter until combined. This butter is best when eaten at room temperature.

3. Place the lentils, stock, salt, pepper and bay leaves in a sauce pot with tight fitting lid. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, cover, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are al-dente. Drain the excess liquid and discard the bay leaves. Set aside to cool.

4. Whisk the lemon juice, grainy mustard, dill, salt, cumin and fresh pepper in a small bowl. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Pour the dressing over the lentils and mix to combine.

5. Spread the pickled beet butter on each side of the baguette. Be generous.

Lay the sliced egg on the bottom half and top with a lots of lentil salad, arugula and garnish with Maldon salt and fresh black pepper. Top and enjoy!

BEET INFUSED MARGARITAS WITH ROSEMARY SYRUP From Jenni Hulet of The Urban Poser It's a new way to enjoy margaritas with this veggie!

INGREDIENTS 2 ounces Beet Infused Tequila (recipe below)* 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice 2 teaspoons Rosemary Syrup or to taste (recipe below)** 1-2 ounces or a splash of soda water Pink Himalayan Salt for coating glass rims Extra limes cut into wedges Note: You can replace the soda water with orange juice or cointreau to vary up the drink if you like.

DIRECTIONS 1. Pour about 1/2 to 1 inch of salt into a shallow container or lid large enough to fit the rim of your glass in. Large mason jar lids work nicely. Use a lime wedge to wet the rim of half of the glass then dip the rim of the glass in the salt.

2. In a mason jar (with a lid) or a cocktail shaker, add all of the ingredients and shake well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge and rosemary sprigs if desired. *For the Beet Infused Tequila: You will need, 1 (750ml) bottle of tequila and 5 ounces of cubed beets, give or take.

Pour the contents of 1 bottle tequila into a large mason jar or container. Add the beets to the tequila. Cover and infuse for about 24 hours. When you like the flavor, remove the beets and strain the tequila back into the bottle. Can be stored at room temp for several months, but you can chill it also. **For the Rosemary Infused Syrup: You will need, 1 cup of liquid sweetener (like agave or clover honey) and 2 full sprigs of rosemary. Heat 1 cup of light sweetener till hot but not boiling. Add the rosemary and let steep until completely cooled to room temp. Use immediately or store in the fridge for a few weeks.

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SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW:

OUTDOOR PREP

It's time to get ready for the best time of the year - the weather is warmer and you get the chance to be outside all the time! With that said, you want to make sure that you are protected from the elements.

Being outdoors is always fun, but swatting insects isn't! Although there are a lot of options, they include sticky sprays, smelly candles or harmful topical chemicals! Halo, from Thermacell, allows your backyard, sporting event, picnic and other locations with a 15 x 15 Mosquito Protection Zone in minutes!

It's silent, virtually odor free and there are no open flames. The 48 hour fuel system uses up to 4 butane cartridges at once. The ZoneCheck system allows you to check your unit's status.

We're a big believer in Safe Sun (UVA/ UVB protection) but we need to be mindful of products that are "reef safe" as well! According to the EWG, an estimated 25 - 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. About 25 percent of sunscreen applied to the skin is released into the water within 20 minutes of submersion. When we shower, these chemicals wash off our skin and can pollute wastewater that ends up in the ocean as well.

Australian Gold’s New Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotions, is reef-friendly, with antioxidant rich formulas free of Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalates, Petrolatum, PABA, SLS, Dyes and Oils.

Their non-chemical sunscreen lotions have a powdery-clean feel and aren't greasy which is great!

The last essential protection comes from Koru Swimwear, an eco swim and sport line whose fabrics come from sustainable and organic fabrics.

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Stay connected and follow us across our channels socially on @AthleisureMag!

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Glamping continues to be one of the activities that many opt to do. Being outside in large tents with a number of amenities to make your stay truly comfortable. With a luxurious setting, all you need is to bring in your must haves as you become one with nature. | COTOPAXI Chumpi 35L Travel Duffel | FABRIQ Alexa Enabled Smart Speaker | JADE J PowerBoost in Obsidian | YES TO COTTON Facial Wipes | VAN DER HAGAN Gentle Glycerin Soap in Fresh | BETTER BODY FOODS Chocolate PBfit | AthleisureMag.com

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In Our Bag Glamping Apr 2017

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YELLOW IS A GO

Sometimes you have to give it up to get it back together - but how far would you go to make sense of your world and your place in it? Kim Dinan does that while adding goodwill into the world in her memoir, The Yellow Envelope. We took some time to chat with Kim to find out about her series of time traveling with her husband as a global nomad, those she met along the way, what she learned and how she has assessed her time post the journey that was covered in her book.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We enjoyed this memoir, do you still go on nomadic adventures?

How does it feel to be home with a routine etc?

KIM DINAN: I have not had a nomadic adventure since my husband and I returned to the states in 2015. The adjustment back to a “traditional” life was fairly jarring and we had a few months where we felt like we couldn’t tell the ground from the sky.

Since we’d sold everything before we left, we came home with nothing. We rented a house, but it was completely empty. We didn’t own a bed, a couch, a car or dishes.

So initially there was this out-of-control feeling as we re-acquired all of this stuff we’d purposefully gotten rid of. Then my husband went back to a 9-5 job and that was a real shock to the system. I had my book and freelance work to focus on, but all in all it just took a while to find our feet again.

There were bright spots too, though.

I longed for a routine and was happy to have one again. Toward the end of our trip all I wanted was an oven to bake bread in and dresser drawers to organize my clothes. The small things that I used to take for granted in everyday life became things that I really missed. To this day, if it’s raining outside and I’m inside, I thank the universe to have a roof over my head and warm water in the faucet. Those things weren’t guaranteed when we were traveling, and there are many people that do not have such luxuries. I just don’t take those conveniences for granted anymore.

For a long time we said that we’d never do

a truly nomadic trip again because the adjustment back was so hard—but of course now we are plotting our next big adventure. Though when we hit the road next time we’re getting a storage unit!

AM: Are you still in touch with Michele and Glenn?

KD: Absolutely! Michele and Glenn still live in Oregon, and while we don’t live in Oregon anymore, we keep in touch via email and Facebook and of course we see them whenever we go back to the west coast. A few months after we returned to the states Michele took a six-month sabbatical and Glenn quit his job and they set out on their own trip around the world!

The adjustment back to a "traditional" life was fairly jarring and we ... couldn't tell the ground from the sky.

AM: Inspiration and being a role model when you may not realize it is a theme that we kept seeing in your book. Besides Michele and Glenn, who else inspired you on this trip?

KD: I met so many inspiring people on our trip. I think the most inspiring thing was not one single person, but this realization that there are so many ways to live—and there’s no “right way.” In the U.S. there’s this belief that you should follow this very traditional and well-trodden path that’s like: high school, college (if you’re lucky), job, house, marriage, kids… you know it because everyone knows it. It’s just a part of who we are as Americans. There’s nothing wrong with it per se, it’s just

not the only way.

It wasn’t until I set out into the world that I realized that there are people all over the world living in very different ways— and they were happy. Of course I always knew this intellectually but to actually experience it was a whole new thing for me. There are people that have very little money, but are incredibly rich in community—their social fabric is so strong.

I met people that had traveled for years and were raising their kids on the open road. I met olive farmers and doctors and rickshaw drivers and holy men and women and what I realized was that, you know, we all need certain things to have a good life—clean water and air, food, access to a good education, community—but after that life can take so many shapes. You

don’t have to do it the way everyone back home is doing it. You’re allowed to live life in the way that makes you feel really alive, even if it doesn’t make sense to other people.

AM: You traveled for 2 years on this trip what are 3 things you loved and 3 things you could have done without on the trip?

KD: We actually traveled for nearly 3 years!

Not every country and experience made it into the book.

When I look back on the trip the 3 things I really loved was, first of all, the time. Every single day was wide open. I had the time to really look inward, to ask myself what I wanted out of life, to spend time mentally sorting through my life and truly getting to know myself. I feel so incredibly

lucky that I had those years—they changed my life.

The second thing I really loved, and maybe this makes me sound a bit selfish, was that I didn’t worry about people. Since I wasn’t home and I didn’t have a phone I knew that I’d only hear about something if it was really important. I used to be the kind of person where, if the phone rang unexpectedly, I’d automatically think that something was wrong. I guess I’m a worrier by nature. But I stopped worrying because I was so far away from home and I couldn’t fix anything for anybody—and that feeling was incredibly freeing.

were given, I also learned a lot about giving. I learned that giving will always be awkward and uncomfortable but that's no reason to avoid it. To this day I still give yellow envelopes away and I’ve even started something called The Yellow Envelope Project (find it on Facebook @yellowenvelopeproject) where I mail yellow envelopes to people around the globe and they use their envelope to perform an act of kindness.

AM: Prior to leaving on this trip, what are 3 things that you would have never done in your old life, but find yourself enjoying now?

The third thing I loved was the food.

Oh man, the food. Especially the Indian food—even the airplane food in India made me drool.

KD: I used to be a planner, but now most of the time I just show up and figure things out when I get there. It leaves room for spontaneity and adventure.

As far as the things I could have done without. Well, I really missed the people I loved. I missed being a daily part of people’s lives. You leave and the world keeps right on spinning and you realize that if you don’t show up for people they move on without you. I also could have done without the marriage tensions and problems that came to a head while traveling.

But the thing is, I’m also grateful that I faced my deepest questions—about my marriage and myself—head on. It’s so easy to stuff uncomfortable thoughts and feelings down and ignore the truth and much, much harder to face it. No one wants to go through gut-wrenching times, but they’re necessary.

I also used to be so guarded of my time, but now I’m more open. I make time for people—I almost always say yes to an invitation, whereas before I said no because my life was so scheduled and regimented.

AM: What lessons that you learned on the trip do you still do to this day?

AM: What are your favorite mountains/ hiking trails?

KD: One of the biggest things I learned on the trip was to let go. I stopped being a control freak. I used to think that I was just born that way but, nope, it’s a learned thing and it can be changed. Now I know that the only thing I can control is my reaction in any given situation. So I just roll with things now. It’s so much better not getting worked up about small things!

KD: Oh, there are so many!! First, I have to start in my own backyard because the United States has some of the most stunning natural beauty in the world. The National Parks are a national treasure—I could spend the rest of my life just exploring states like Utah, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Because of the yellow envelope gift we

I’m also just more curious about people and more trusting. I mean, I traveled the world for three years, relying on strangers the whole time, and time and time again people proved to me that humans are generally good and willing to help as long as you are open to receiving. That’s the thing; I wasn’t open to receiving things before. Now, I let people help me. And I do everything I can to help other people.

We’re all in this thing together.

I have a very soft spot in my heart for the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrim-

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age route through Spain that I walked solo (though it didn't make it into the book maybe another book!). The Camino de Santiago is a special experience, there’s nothing else like it on earth.

I also have to give a shout-out to Nepal.

My husband and I walked the Annapurna Circuit. That was some of the hardest trekking of my life (we crested a 17,000foot pass!) but also some of the most magical. It’s not just the mountains, which are amazing, but also the villages that you walk through. It’s a special part of the world and I can’t wait to go back.

AM: What places/countries have you yet to visit that are on your bucket list?

KD: Namibia, Tanzania, Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland, Bhutan, Tibet… should I go on?

AM: Are you still in touch with the women you met in India or those that were on the biking trip in Vietnam?

KD: Somewhat, yes. Thanks to the wonders of Facebook and Instagram I’m able to keep up to date with most of the people I met on my trip.

AM: There are many people/experiences that you share - is there a moment that didn't make it in that you or Brian were impacted by?

KD: I think of a thousand small moments that impacted us—people stopping to ask us if we needed directions when we looked lost, people that asked us curiously about our life back home, just small moments when others took the time out of their day to assist us in some way. I think in general we’re all so caught up in our own lives and moving so fast that we rarely take the time to look up and see how we can be of service. I try to pay more attention now to small ways that I can help.

AM: Culturally you walked in the shoes of others throughout your journey as you experienced various "culture shocks". Share 3 with us and why is traveling to places difApr 2017

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ferent than your own so important?

KD: Traveling is so important because it teaches you what it's like to be a foreigner. It’s hard to be the odd man out like that. It’s impossible to know what that feels like and not have more compassion and understanding for people having similar experiences in your own country. Traveling teaches you that your way is not the only way. You don’t have to get on an airplane and fly halfway around the world to learn this lesson.

If you live in the country, go to the city.

If you live in the city, head to the country. Be open and curious—you’ll learn something.

As far as culture shock goes, I think the biggest culture shock came when we transitioned from western to eastern cultures. In western cultures, thinking is very linier and logical. In eastern cultures, it seems like there is more wiggle room. If you try to use logic to make sense of the way some things go down in places like India, you’ll go nuts. But if you can just learn to laugh and accept things as they are, you’ll be fine. That was my experience.

AM: What was your favorite country and/or city covered in the book?

KD: Well, when I look back on the trip I know that some of my feelings about certain places are clouded by my own personal journey. I was battling a lot of internal unrest in South America, so when I think back to some of those countries it's hard for me to separate my own unhappiness with my overall feelings about a place. On the other hand, I am in love with India. I loved the country, the people, the culture—but I also had a bit of an awakening in that country, so I’m sure the fact that I kind of came out the other side of things and found balance there is also part of the reason why I love that country so much.

I’m almost afraid to go back because I love it in my memory just the way it is.

All pictures are courtesy of Kim Dinan.

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Bingely Books When you're making your way through life, you learn to go with the flow and to also work in various areas even if it's not where you ultimately want to go. We meet Copper Black who lives in Las Vegas and writes for a newspaper on beats that involve arts and culture. Although she has a love life, it would definitely be deemed nothing short of "its complicated."

One day when she's out and about at an event, she happens to meet a noted philanthropist who literally turns her world upside down by connecting her within a world of those that are well to do, movers and shakers as well as those who live under a cloud of murder!

Through the twists and turns of this novel: an old tortoise looking to escape, a coveted accessory that becomes the clue to the mystery, an on going investigation and more - it's all about Getting Off on Frank Sinatra which is the key to life for Copper. In the end, she understands her place in the world and has a great foundation to the next steps that will take place in living the life that she truly deserves.

GETTING OFF ON FRANK SINATRA

PINOT, PASTA AND PARTIES

Imbrifex Books Megan Edwards AthleisureMag.com

Center Street Dee Dee and Paul Sorvino - 90 -

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ONE PART PLANT

Jessica Murnane Harper Wave

GIRLS' Lena Dunham writes the forward for Jessica Murnane, a wellness advocate and podcaster who created a cookbook to help make changes in your food intake to embrace a plant based lifestyle. One Part Plant is a simple request to eat just one plant-based meal each day.

Jessica's endometriosis — a chronic and painful condition — left her desperate for relief. Her friend's advice radically overhauled her diet. Within months, her pain started to fade and she felt like herself again.

Jessica's insight, playful tone and simplicty makes this a joy to read and implement.

When you think about your favorite food scenes in a movie that isn't necessarily about food, Goodfellas is one of our favorites as it shows that it's all about eating items created from love and those you share it with. Interestingly enough, Paul Sorvino and his wife, Dee Dee have recently released Pinot, Pasta and Parties which shares a number of amazing meals by location!

No cookbook with this phenomenal actor would be complete without a section dedicated to Goodfellas! In addition, their travels take them to a number of places as well as assist the reader with great tips on creating a great dinner party that both are known to do!

We're loving the trend of cookbooks that are not only filled with recipes, but a number of stories and other pieces that allow you to feel as if you're hanging out with them!

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Bingely Streaming to his energy and commitment to others.

As his empire was built on those that simply wanted to connect and to have fun, he made himself available through his LA studio, tapes, appearances and more.

But in recent years he vanished!

The man who was connected and even made himself available to bus tours by his home, was no longer there!

Dan Taberski goes on a journey via his podcast to find out what happened to Richard Simmons and where he is? Along the way, he interviews those who attended his classes, people who worked for him and those whose lives crossed path with him. In a means to connect with his family and Richard himself, he begins to generate a number of theories on why Richard chose tis form of behavior to disconnect. This podcast is an easy listen that can be enjoyed in a few hours.

S-TOWN Podcast from SERIAL + THIS AMERICAN LIFE

MISSING RICHARD SIMMONS Podcast by Dan Taberski Whether you've done it or not, one of the most known fitness personalities is Sweatin' to the Oldies with Richard Simmons. His short shorts, tank tops and socks are equally as memorable as it was his uniform. With his curly hair, bigger than life and persona, people were drawn AthleisureMag.com

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We've been stalking everywhere online for the release date of the next SERIAL and yet, all we know is that Sarah Koenig has been seen in various places suggesting that she could be working on the next season. It wasn't until we heard about S-Town (from the creators of SERIAL and THIS AMERICAN LIFE), that we realized that we could be temporarily satiated with this twisty murder mystery Apr 2017

that takes place in a backward town when a person states that no one has investigated a murder that has taken place in a small southern town that even the residents mock.

The host, Brian Reed, looks at the town and how they are connected with one another while investigating a murder that takes on a whole other story the more Brian investigates.

This podcast is definitely worth listening to and generates so many emotions as you learn about the people involved as well as seeing how Brian becomes wrapped up in this tale.

IRON FIST Netflix Original Series Netflix and Marvel Comics come together yet again to bring Iron Fist to life. Danny Rand returns to New York City, after being presumed dead for 15 years, to reclaim his family company from Harold Meachum and his children Ward Meachum and Joy Meachum. When a threat emerges, Rand must choose between his family's legacy and his duties as the Iron Fist.

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Apr 2017

POWER LAYER

with Megan Fox

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When Megan Fox hit the big screen, we were struck with her beauty. Without question, she has lit up a number of blockbuster franchises, including Transfomers as well as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This mother of 3 to 90210’s Brian Austen Green is now the Global Brand Ambassador, designer as well as the Co-Founder of Frederick’s of Hollywood! With a Spring 2017 collection that is out now, she is also currently designing the first Frederick’s of Hollywood X Megan Fox premier capsule collection for holiday - we’re definitely going to have to put this into our rotation of looks. It almost seems like this new addition to her portfolio is completely expected as she has been obsessed with Marilyn Monroe (she even has a tattoo of her), who used to work with the brand as well.

AM: So how did this partnership between you and Frederick’s of Hollywood come about?

We chatted wit Megan to find out how this mom does it all as the face and lacy mogul to the brand as well as how she was able to rock out the sexy looks in just a few months of giving birth!

MF: In designing something, it needs to be something that looks good on every shape and size. You want someone who is a 32A to be able to wear the same thing who is a 36G. Everyone wants to be able to wear something that makes them feel sexy and empowered!

MF: I had a meeting with Authentic Brands Group, who acquired Frederick's, and they were going to be relaunching the brand, and part of that meeting was about not just wanting to pay me to be the face of a company, but to give me part ownership, which would come with some creative control and the ability to design my own collection. Most people don’t get that kind of an opportunity. I didn’t see myself as a lingerie designer, but I thought it would be a fun challenge.

AM: Speaking of design challenges, how are you tackling creating the line for those that wear it?

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to joining Frederick’s of Hollywood, had you ever felt connected to this brand?

AM: What do you forsee in your partnership with Frederick’s of Hollywood?

MEGAN FOX: I was raised in a very conservative religious family, which didn’t allow me to express myself, and I always fought against that. I finally moved to L.A., at 17 for pilot season.

I remember going to the Frederick’s store on Hollywood Boulevard and being excited! They had stuff in there that I would have NEVER had access to where I lived with my family. I mean, that’s what you do when you have a really strict family, you rebel and you do whatever makes their skin crawl. I wanted the sexiest stuff I could find! It was a very empowering moment for me, to use my money that I earned and buy things that no one else might see me wear — but I was going to wear them and feel powerful.

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MF: You can say that I’ve lived in lingerie for most of my career. I understand how you can wear it for intimate moments as well as on the world’s stage!

I’m always supportive of empowering women, especially when you’re talking about lingerie as it has a history of existing solely to excite or engage a man, and the woman is lost in that process.

We need to change, or reverse that-not Frederick's alone, but society in general. We also need to make lingerie something that you can wear; something that’s daywear or nightwear to wear with clothes. I don’t want some thing that I can only wear on special occasions. Those things are fun, but I do want access to stuff that I can wear - 98 -

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and make fashionable.

AM: So after having your third baby, Journey, you did the photoshoot for the Spring 2017 campaign that was shot by celeb photographer, Ellen Von Unwerth in the Hollywood Hills, how did you get camera ready?

MF: I have been a client of Harley Pasternak’s for years! I worked out in a healthy way during my pregnancy. I know how active I can be so that I don’t overdue it and then modified as needed. Because of that, I was able to ease back into working out pretty quickly. I did the same exercises pre-baby that are a part of Harley’s Five Factor workouts (There are 5 phases: a minimum five minute cardio warm-up, a lower body sculpting exercise, an upper body toning exercise, then an abdominal sculpting exercise, and finally, a five minute cool down. We tried to have her do minimal impact. Post-baby there shouldn’t be a lot of jumping up and down). When I couldn’t leave the baby to come to the gym, I did his video game (Harley Pasternak’s Hollywood Workout). I eat really well and love using the blender. He has a number of smoothie recipes and my favorite is the red smoothie, which is whatever berries are in season, Chai tea, a scoop of protein powder and little bit of almond milk.

AM: How was it shootig the campaign post baby?

MF: It’s an interesting challenge, because it doesn't matter how cleanly you eat or how much you work out or how well you take care of yourself — you’ve still just had a human being pass through your body and things are not going to be exactly the way they were before. I was a little worried, but then I put them on and I had this moment where it made me appreciate my body.

I hadn’t been wearing lingerie before that, and I looked in the mirror, and I was like, the fact that I look this way

after having a baby is a miracle, and I was thankful, and it gave me a little boost of confidence.

As a woman, you wouldn’t anticipate it having that effect but I think every woman should put it on at home before they’re ready and you may be surprised to see your body in ways they weren’t anticipating.

You can say that I’ve lived in lingerie for most of my career. I understand how you can wear it for intimate moments as well as on the world’s stage!

I'm always supportive of empowering women, especially when you're talking about lingerie ...

AM: So we know that you rock lingerie like none other, when you’re not wearing that, what is your style?

MF: Every time I have a baby, I feel more comfortable in my body. After gaining and losing the weight, I feel accomplished about getting into better shape so I go through a phase of wearing super sexy stuff! But the practical part of it is that there is no time to plan your outfits, what happens is you end up in a lot of activewear!

Megan mentioned that she works out with celebrity fitness trainer, Harley Pasternak and does his Five Factor Workout.

If you're looking to stun like Megan (who has been named as Most Beautiful Woman by Maxim), we suggest including this into your routine as this is a sample of his noted workout!

WARMUP: Five minutes on the bike or treadmill LOWER BODY: Skater Lunge Cross your right leg behind your left leg as you bend your left knee into a halfsquat position. Extend your left arm out to the side and swing your right arm across your hips. Hop a few feet directly to the right, switching the position of your legs and arms. Repeat on opposite side.

UPPER BODY: Supine Triceps Extension Lie face up on a bench with your arms raised straight above you, a weight in each hand; slowly lower them to the sides of your forehead and repeat.

ABDOMINAL SCULPTING: Superman Lay on your stomach with your legs and arms fully extended. Slowly, contract your lower back and raise your legs and arms off the ground. Then lower them back down.

COOL-DOWN: Five minutes on stationary bike Do 20 repetitions of each upper body, lower body, and abs and cycle through those three exercises non-stop, repeating that circuit four times. NOTE: Each day of the week she would come in and do different body parts at least three days a week.

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One of the tipping points between couples involves their trvel compatability!

It's when you find out whether you can be outside of your normal surroundings and how you handle it. In addition it's an eye opener on how you hndle navigating in new cities, hwo stress levels effect you and of course how much one packs!

We talked with the team at DUFL to find out how they are a solution to your travel needs as well as tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to your next destination!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is your background and how did it lead you to create DUFL? ANDREA GRAZIANI: I’ve spent the majority of my career in internet technology and software. Because of this, we spent a lot of time on the road traveling for business. On one particular trip, I’d packed for 14 days in London in a carry-on bag because my business partners all traveled with carry-on bags and there was no time to wait at baggage claim.

We were heading back to Arizona on a Friday and had to spend the weekend unpacking, doing laundry, dropping off same-day dry cleaning and then packing everything in that carry-on again in order to be in New York on Monday. Our CEO and Founder, Bill Rinehart looked at us and said ‘there has to be a better way.’ And the notion for DUFL was born.

AM: What is DUFL and how does it make traveling easier?

AG: DUFL is a travel service that inventories, photographs, cleans and stores your business wardrobe in a DUFL virtual closet. When you are ready to travel, just open the DUFL app, enter their destination, arrival date and tap on the photos of the items in your DUFL closet that you’d like to pack and a professionally packed suitcase will meet you at your hotel. When you’re all done, request a pick up in the DUFL app, attach the provided shipping label to your suitcase and drop it at the hotel front desk.

We’ll ship it back to the DUFL warehouse where we’ll clean, inventory and store your items until you are ready to travel again.

DUFL eliminates the need to pack, do laundry, unpack and drag a bag through the airport or to client meetings or events. Packing takes about 60 seconds in the app and eliminates stress and gives our users approximately 3-5 hours of personal time previously spent on those meaningless tasks.

AM: Why is the notion of travelling as a couple such a big deal whether you're embarking on your first trip or the umpteenth one?

AG: I think there’s a different dynamic with couples, and a lot of communication around events, clothing requirements, who’s bringing the hair dryer to who’s bringing the shampoo. I tend to over pack when I’m traveling with my husband because we both have different ideas of things we’d like to do when we are on a trip.

AM: What packing tips can you share with us that are worth noting when travelling with your significant other?

AG: Try to have a bit of a plan - if not with pre-planned itineraries, then at least coordinate who will bring what so you don’t double up on toiletries, etc. For shorter trips, it’s sometimes possible to consolidate the packing into one large suitcase for the both of you. If you don’t want to check a bag, take advantage of the allowable two bags per person on the plane and consolidate your electronics and snacks into one bag to allow more room for clothes and shoes!

AM: When travelling to warmer climates, one would think that the packing is easier but what should we consider when bringing items with us?

TRAVEL CHALLENGE HIS X HER

AG: I personally hate to check a bag so knowing that I need to take items like sunscreen and bug spray creates a problem for me. Either take a few travel size bottles of each or purchase those items when I arrive at my destination. I’d also recommend taking light layers, a few swim suits if there’s a beach and ziploc bags for your wet and sandy items returning with you. I’d also recommend bringing anti-frizz hair products, moisturizers and perhaps some oil blotting wipes to keep your skin regulated.

woman does! While women do tend to store more items in their closets, we think that because DUFL allows folks to take as much as they want with them (no sacrificing items to fit in a carry-on bag or stay under weight limit at the airport), our customers tend to take as much as they want. They bring business clothes, 70% of our users take workout clothes with them on their trips and sometimes things like pillows, blankets and robes make the trip as well.

AM: What should we do upon returning from a trip to make it easier?

AM: What are 5 essentials that everyone should have when traveling?

AG: I’d like to say unpack right away but that would make me a hypocrite as I may hold the world record for taking the longest amount of time to unpack :).

Prior to using DUFL, I would try to do my laundry before returning home to make re-entry a bit easier.

AG: Your own shampoo and conditioner, a good book, headphones, workout clothes, comfortable/sensible shoes, and bug repellent- especially to tropical areas

AM: Tell us more about Battle of the Sexes: Vacation Travelling (i.e. women traditionally over pack and men tend to oversimplify. Do you see a difference in gender when it comes to packing?)

AG: I must say, I have been surprised to see that there are plenty of men who ‘over pack’ just like the stereotypical

AM: What are 5 items that we should not bring when traveling?

AG: Too much jewelry. Stick with a few classic pieces so they don’t get lost/ stolen during your travels and take up too much space, too many clothesmake sure to pack items that you can wear again, impractical shoes, expensive items and kids :)

JUNE 24, 2017 from 4pm - 10pm at THE DL / 95 Delancey Street, NY

MUSIC BY

Taryn Manning & Tatiana

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT NYCPRIDE.ORG

Chocolate mouse. Tiramisu. Crème brulee. Kalhua and cream. Pecan pie. There’s no doubt that America – and most of the rest of the world – has a sweet tooth, but if you’re a diabetic, particularly a Type 2 diabetic, these are just a handful of the desserts and indulgences that are literally off the table.

For Type 2 diabetics, electronic vapes are a game changer. And a way to satisfy their cravings for sweets without suffering the physical consequences that come with setting off their blood sugar levels.

You'll Never Vaping Now

by Bonnie H

While they’re often referred to as electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, that name is somewhat misleading. While it’s true that the vape liquids can contain nicotine, the liquid base is propylene glycol, which is used in asthma inhalers and other medical devices; vegetable glycerine, which is widely used in foods and medications; or some combination of the two, along with a handful of other chemicals and flavorings, while cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals, including a number of potential carcinogens. Not so with vapes, as they contain absolutely no tobacco.

Or sugar.

Or nicotine, depending on the user’s preference.

Despite the fact that they are tobacco-free and emit moisture rather than smoke (the old adage is, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” conversely, where there’s no smoke…well, you get it), tobacco-based cigarettes have become so taboo that diabetics are loathe to discuss the fact that they’ve turned to vapes to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings. We only found out by accident, while chatting with online vape vendor Andy Aranda of Breazy, the largest vaporium on the web, who had received a fan email from a diabetic.

Which was when we began reading user

feedback at various vape sites, and saw comments from happy customers, some of whom had never smoked a tobacco-based cigarette in his or her life, but who had turned to vaping to satisfy their sweet tooth cravings.

Without setting off their Type 2 diabetes symptoms, although it comes as a surprise to many people that not everyone who vapes is a traditional cigarette smoker, or a former or recovering cigarette smoker.

Vapes can be ordered with various levels of nicotine – including zero or no nicotine at all, which may account for

Apr 2017

r Guess Who's w ... And Why! Halper

dy ones. The gummy worm flavor was very popular for people’s sweet tooth, but we’re out of stock right now, and it switched over to some fruitier stuff more recently.”

the popularity of vapes which contain zero nicotine, beyond former smokers who ratchet down their nicotine levels.

It seems that with the vaping community, unlike with tobacco-based cigarette smokers, it’s not all about the nicotine fix.

Aranda also noted that the candy and dessert flavors tend to be top sellers, as well as the cereal flavors, according to Powell, which may be as much a testament to the amount of sugar added to breakfast cereals – or maybe it’s just that some people never grow up, or out of their cravings for their favorite breakfast cereals!

Usually the sweeter flavors are the most popular ones that particularly appeal to diabetics as well as dieters, according to Justin Powell at Beyond Vape in New York City.

“Usually things with marshmallows tend to be the sweetest, like the Rice Krispie flavor we have, or some of the fruit can-

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“Loopr (think Fruit Loops) is probably

AthleisureMag.com

the most popular, and another one that’s very similar to Loopr, but without the lemon flavor. A lot of people are sensitive to the lemon because it reminds them of Liquid Pledge or other cleaning solvents. But it’s been more popular because of that spectrum of people Loopr wasn’t able to reach before - now they can reach them.”

Many fruits that the rest of us take for granted are also on the no-fly list for Type 2s, or they must eat them sparingly. The same goes for fruit juices, which are high in natural sugars and carbohydrates, so Type 2s must be cautious about their juice intake as well.

“Fruit flavors are always popular – especially the blended ones," Justin

commented. “The Naked line has blended fruits, which we’re sold out of for a reason!”

“Sweeter flavors will have artificial sweeteners in them to make them sweeter, since the natural flavors themselves cap at fruit sweetness, so if you’re going for a candy, they’re going to put some sugar in it,” he said.

Of course, it’s not actually sugar, since that would affect the coils. And no doubt a diabetic’s blood sugar levels.

While traditional tobacco cigarettes aren’t recommended for anyone, diabetic or not, the electronic variety doesn’t take the toll on one’s body that tobacco-based alternatives do, and the latter is especially hard on a diabetic’s heart and circulatory system,

according to Sue Marshall, author of Diabetes: The Essential Guide.

But people turn to vapes for a variety of reasons. While it is a less harmful way to get your nicotine fix, it isn’t always about that. For some it’s the physical habit. For some, it satisfies an oral fixation. For others, it’s about the flavors and the taste.

It’s also something of a celebrity accessory. Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Colin Farrell, Charlie Sheen, Johnny Depp, Lindsay Lohan, Robert Pattison, Jack Nicholson, John Cusack and even Kate Middleton are

among the growing list of familiar faces spotted around town with vape in hand.

As for diabetics, who need to monitor their sugar and carbohydrate intake, they’re out there vaping away, finally happy to have found a much safer way to have their cake - or cereal, fruit, aperitif or favorite confection – and eat it, too.

PHOTOS | Image.net

Apr 2017

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WHEN ANXIIETY RISES

We loved chatting with Dr Sanam Hafeez last month in our issue as she shared tips on how to identify that you are dating a narcissist. With such great advice, we wanted to ask her about anxiety as we notice that in a lot of conversations people tend to use this word a lot when they are talking about upcoming work, making various decisions about their lives and more. We chatted to find out what anxiety is and what we mean when we say that we have it as opposed to those who have been diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder.

people think of them, and have creative visual minds so they often envision worst case scenarios in a vivid manner. Type B personalities are more collaborative. These are people who don't rush to take the lead. However, some may feel anxious that they are putting their fate in someone else's hands. They also get stressed out when Type A's are behaving more aggressively and competitively. In the end both personality types can have varying levels of anxiety. Anxiety disorders can happen to anyone.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is anxiety?

AM: How can we overcome these feelings and what techniques can be used to maintain calm?

DR. SANAM HAFEEZ: When most people say they are having or feeling anxiety they typically mean they feel out of control, pensive or worried about something in their lives. It can be an event, their career, a date, their wedding day, an important interview. Typically they deal with it, prepare and push through the situation with heightened focus.

For those who have an Anxiety Disorder, anxiety takes a debilitating turn.

AM: What are the symptoms of an anxiety attack and/or how do you know when one is coming on? n their mind, it's really all about them.

DR. SH: Everyone is different. Some may feel migraines, nausea, trembling, shortness of breath, heart pounding, jittery and physically on edge.

AM: Does anxiety manifest differently in Type A vs Type B personalities?

DR. SH: 'Type A' personalities are known to be very responsible go-getters. They focus on the end result while Type B people focus on the here and now. Type A's are typically competitive and often take on more stress in their quest to accomplish more and more. They boss around the Type B's and then the type B's have anxiety about not measuring up. Type A's and Type B's both worry about what

DR. SH: Knowing the signs of panic, what triggers you and how it presents itself in your body is important in overcoming anxiety. When you can identify what your fears are you can begin to conquer them.

1. Deep breathing and mindfulness.

2. Focus in the moment by engaging the senses. Look at 3 things in the room (table, chair, shelf). Listen to a sound (a bird, a car, the ambient noise). Roll your tongue over your teeth. Touch something near you feel the texture.

Smell something, the paper on the desk, your skin. This little exercise gets your mind off whatever thoughts are causing the anxiety and onto the present.

3. Clear clutter! Your physical space reflects your mind. Clearing clutter will give you something to focus on and the tidy space establishes order over chaos.

4. Workout! Fitness activities that require repetitive motion such as running, walking on a treadmill, bicycling, are great because they require consistent coordination and focus. When you are focused intently on something it's difficult to simultaneously feel anx-

ious.

MAINTAIN CALM AND TAKE A RIDE

5. Massage and acupuncture.

About the Doctor: Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz. Connect with Dr Sanam Hafeez PsyD via twitter @comprehendMind

RIESE + MULLER Charger GX | COP COPINE Runny | DSTLD Premium Denim Jeans | JUNK FOOD Tanktop |

PHOTOGRAPHY Carlos David | STYLING Kimmie Smith | MUA Risako Matsushita | HAIRSTYLIST Vi Huynh | MODEL Aubrey Bromar/Scout Model | STYLED IN | SPENGLISH Apparel | UNO DE 50 Jewelry |

As we continue into Spring with the thoughts on the Summer, we want to look our best to take advantage of fabulous weather, time with friends and just being able to look the way we wish. We took a moment to chat with Zyrtec Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg, who has a who's who list of celebrity clients, great tips to maintain great face even during allergy season as well as a really cool person to talk to in general in terms of her journey of being a Celebrity Makeup Artist.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and that moment you realized that you wanted to be a makeup artist?

JAMIE GREENBERG: I've always been in-

to art and makeup. Before moving to Los Angeles, I worked at an ULTA - really just to kill time and I loved being surrounded by makeup, so why not?

The discount was a girl's best friend.

The first time I gave a makeover I knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life!

AM: What is an average day like for you versus during awards season or a press junket for your clients?

JG: A normal day usually starts with me feeding and getting my kids ready for the day, dropping my 6-year-old off at school and then heading to my work out. Next, I either have a client to makeup or I shoot video content for my YouTube channel. During award

POWDER PLAY

season and press junkets, I only have time to work! It's a full day.

AM: Who are your celeb clients and who would you like to have as a client?

JG: My celebrity clients include Kaley Cuoco, Rashida Jones, Lauren Graham, Kristen Stewart, Lauren Cohan, Katie Lowes, just to name a few. I'd love to work with Oprah, The Broad City Girls, Lena Dunham.

AM: Why have you partnered with Zyrtec and how do allergies affect your face when we hit that season?

JG: This is my fourth year working with Zyrtec to help women across the country deal with their Allergy Face beauty challenges. You know what I’m talking about! The red nose, puffiness and watery eyes that come around during allergy season. As an allergy sufferer myself, I love the opportunity this program gives me to develop new ways to help women look better when the pollen count is high each year. Anyone can use these tips so they feel motivated to tackle their day in the spring time.

AM: How can those who suffer from allergies combat the effects with makeup and/or beauty hacks?

JG: You can find all of my Allergy Face tips and tricks on the beGlammed app and website - beGlammed.com/Zyrtec-allergy-face. Courtesy of the makers of Zyrtec, you will also be able to book any of my Allergy Face looks through the beGlammed website and app to receive Allergy Face makeovers from the comfort of your own home (through June 7th!).

AM: What are the beauty trends that we should be infusing into our skincare or beauty routines?

JG: I'm really into oils right now, both before you put on makeup and after.

AM: We know that you're very busy!

When you're taking downtime, what would we find you doing?

JG: Either working out or wearing a face mask while watching Netflix!

AM: What are 3 must-have beauty products and 3 must have skincare products that we should have in our cosmetic bags?

JG: For makeup, I can't live without my Sisley mascara, Mally shadow sticks, or Troy Surratt eyeliner. For skin care it would be Vintner's Daughter oil, Is Clinical active serum, and Lano lips.

AM: What is your personal style - what do you wear when you're working with your clients and what do you wear when you're out and about at brunch?

JG: When I'm with my clients I usually wear a dope pair of kicks, Rag and Bone Jeans, Maje shirt or my favorite Equipment Cashmere when it's cold! When I'm out and about I rock all GoldSheep - usually to work out or to run errands.

That line is addictive!

PHOTOS | Jamie Greenberg

#TribeGoals Whether you have a deck, rooftop, terrace - you have to get closer to that Natural Vitamin D. Enjoy it with these must haves! | MEI L'ANGE Bikini | MUUNA Cottage Cheese | SAILOR JERRY Spiced Rum | SYMGLASS Glassware |

AthleisureMag.com PHOTO | Linda Wagner

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Apr 2017

M o Be J au ITO ty

There is nothing more refreshing than a mojito, it just takes you to another place of calm, warm breezes and beyond! But you don't have to wait for that time to get your fix, we rounded up some of our beauty faves that embrace mojitos which you can enjoy anytime you wish. | MALIN + GOETZ Mojito Lip Balm | HELLO Mojito Mint Mouthwash | THE BODY SHOP Virgin Mojito Body Splash |

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AthleisureMag.com

LET'S TALK, YOGA MEDICINE

More and more, the worlds of science and natural remedies and practices continue to work in tandem with one one another. We took some time to chat with Valerie Knopik who works with Tiffany Cruikshank, the founder of Yoga Medicine that blends these principals together.

ATHEISURE MAG: Tell me about your background and how you came to work with Yoga Medicine.

VALERIE KNOPIK: I have a PhD in Psychology and I am currently an academic researcher/scientist mentoring postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty at Brown University and will be moving into an endowed professorship in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University this summer. In addition to this career in science, I also teach yoga and have been a student in advanced training with Yoga Medicine since 2014. In late 2016 at a module in Sedona, Tiffany Cruikshank (founder of Yoga Medicine) and I started talking about the possibility of a research project and that was the exciting beginning of the Yoga Medicine Research Institute and my role as the Director of Research for Yoga Medicine.

AM: What is Yoga Medicine and why is this a way to blend science and nature together?

VK: Yoga Medicine is a thorough, anatomically-based training system that trains teachers across the globe to work more powerfully with their students. Yoga Medicine teachers are trained in the fusion of East and West to blend the best of anatomy and physiology with the traditional practice of yoga, including pranayama, mindfulness and meditation. It is this foundation that makes Yoga Medicine the perfect venue for building a research program that focused on the combined application of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to improve health and

the human condition. Our vision is to educate and empower our global communities to use yoga therapeutically based on a deeper understanding through purposeful and well-designed research. Through this effort, I have the honor of mentoring and training our Yoga Medicine community of teachers in the nuances of conducting research and to deliver purpose-driven yoga, meditation and mindfulness instruction as a way to robustly examine its effects on various health outcomes.

In my view, this continues the push, already started by Yoga Medicine, to raise the bar on what it means to be yoga teacher. Education. Experience.

Results.

AM: How can one access Yoga Medicine?

VK: To learn about all things Yoga Medicine, you can start by visiting the website. On this site, you can find information about our mission, the Research Institute, the Seva (or service) arm of Yoga Medicine, trainings, articles written by our teachers and contributors and so much more. Our Find a Teacher platform is also available via the website or directly. This is a free service that Yoga Medicine provides to connect you directly with a Yoga Medicine trained teacher in your area. Through this service, you can find all teachers in your area and you can see what trainings they have completed with Yoga Medicine so that you can find a teacher that meets your needs.

AM: With Spring being upon us, what is a detox that one can do to get their summer body prepped?

VK: A detox is a process where one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. Spring is synonymous with the idea of spring cleaning and that doesn’t have to mean strictly of the house or closet variety of spring cleaning. There are simple ways to participate in a detox or cleanse (for more

details, check out Tiffany Cruikshank’s book: Optimal Health for a Vibrant Life).

Here are some simple strategies that you can do to get a jump start. If you can stay on this detox for about three weeks (the amount of time they say it takes to break a habit), you will notice some significant changes in how you look and feel!

• Sweat – though exercise or the sauna – regularly!

• Eliminate coffee and alcohol. If possible, eliminate all caffeine, but if you must keep a small amount of caffeine in your routine, consider substituting green tea for coffee – the caffeine in tea is gentler on your system

• Start your day with a large glass of water with the juice of one half of a lemon.

Drink a lot of water throughout the day.

VK: To keep your body injury-free, it is important to make the time to restore the muscles that you challenge during your workout of choice. This can be something as simple as taking the time to stretch before and after physical activity. Other ways to make sure you restore your system include myofascial release, massage, mindfulness, water intake, sleep, and nutrition. A muscle strain implies damage to the muscle and can be a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use. The most important strategy for muscle strain is a period of rest, followed by light stretching or myofascial release to encourage circulation to the area.

• Drink herbal, decaffeinated tea – not only will this increase your fluid intake and hydration, but the antioxidants in tea are beneficial as well

AM: Stress tends to creep in from time to time - what are three things that we can do in terms of breathing techniques and movements to manage it?

• Be aware of allergens and pollutants in your environment and add skin brushing and the neti pot to your daily routine.

VK: Here are three techniques:

• Consider eliminating dairy and wheat for the three-week period

Lay on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor and at least hip-distance apart. Once comfortable, place a hand on your abdomen. Begin to just notice your breath. Does your breath feel strained or smooth? Just observe your breath without judging whether or not you’re doing it right or wrong. Gradually begin to make your breath as relaxed as possible. Introduce a slight pause after each inhale and after each exhale. Now begin to bring your awareness to your hand on your abdomen. Notice that with each inhale, your abdomen rises, and with each exhale, your abdomen contracts.

• Eliminate added sugar – become an avid label reader – sugar hides everywhere • Eat fresh and organic vegetables and foods

• If you eat meat, try eating only local, free-range, organic, and grass-fed offerings. Find a local farm so that you are aware of where you are getting your meats from and (bonus!) you are supporting local businesses • If you eat fish, try to find wild caught offerings • Move your body! Yoga, exercise, whatever it is will increase circulation to all systems to help move toxins out

AM: For those that have kicked into their workout methods of choice, how can we keep our bodies injury-free and what can we do when we have strained muscles in our arms, butts and legs when we start a new workout routine?

1. Basic Breath Awareness

Without being forceful, just begin to gently try to expand the abdomen on the inhale and contract the abdomen on the exhale to support the natural movement of your diaphragm. Continue for 6-12 breaths.

2. Long Exhale The long exhale is a 1:2 breathing practice that involves gradually increasing the length of your exhale until it is twice the length of your inhale. Start with basic breath awareness as outlined above.

With a hand on your abdomen, mentally count the length of both your inhale and your exhale for several breaths. Start to gradually make the inhale and exhale the same length. Once your inhale and exhale are of equal length, then gradually increase the length of your exhale until it is up to twice the length of your inhale. If you start to feel stressed, back off to a ratio that is more comfortable for you. It’s important to note that an exhale that is even slightly longer than your inhale can have profound relaxing effects on the nervous system. Continue for 6-12 breaths.

hand, close off the right nostril and inhale through the left side of the nose.

Then use the ring finger to close off the left nostril, release the thumb and exhale though the right nostril. Start with an inhale and exhale that are about a count of 5-10 and are equal in length. Repeat for 3-9 rounds.

AM: What are 3 stretches that we can do when a short travel experience becomes a longer one due to flight delays, missed connections etc?

VK: One of the most important things you can do is to make sure you move around during these delays. We have a tendency to just sit and wait, but adding some gentle movement can have significant effects on mood, anxiety, and just the feeling of tension that accumulates in the body. Even just a walk around the terminal can help.

Here are a few specific stretches that you can do to ease travel tension and anxiety:

In this breath practice, you inhale only through the left nostril and exhale only through the right nostril. In Eastern traditions, the left side of the body represents the moon, or more yin and calming energy, while the right side of the body represents the sun, or more yang fiery energy. Therefore, in Chandra Bheda, we encourage the lunar, calming energy to enter the body, and we encourage the fiery yang energy to decrease – which will help bring the body back into balance. To try this breath: Sit in a comfortable position.

1. Neck Release – Sit in a comfortable position with a tall spine. Allow the right ear to drop down toward the top of the right shoulder. Keeping the head in this position, try to send the top of the left shoulder away from the left ear so that you create a lot of space on the left side of the neck.

From here, think of your chin like the rutter of a boat and gently shift the chin toward the right shoulder (keep sending the left shoulder away from the left ear as you do this). Move the chin slowly to find additional areas of neck tension. Stay for 5-10 breaths. To bring your head back to neutral, place the right palm on the right cheek and gently assist the head back to center.

Repeat on the left side.

Allow your left hand to rest in your lap.

Look at your right hand. Fold the index finger and middle finger into the palm.

For this breath practice, you will only use the right thumb and the right ring finger. With your thumb on your right

2. Standing (Or Seated) Side Stretch – reach the arms high toward the ceiling. If possible, clasp the hands over head. Imagine that you can lift and lengthen the torso out of the pelvis.

Find this by reaching up towards the

3. Chandra Bheda – Lunar/Moon Breath

ceiling, then side bend to the right.

Think about wrapping the right armpit toward the wall that you are facing so that you are less likely to collapse in the chest. Stay for 2-4 breaths. On an inhale come back to center and then side bend to the left.

3. Legs Up the Wall – Find a deserted or less busy part of the airport with a bit of wall space. Lay down on your back and send your legs up the wall – trying to scoot your sitting bones as close the wall as possible. Allow the back of the skull and the entire spine to rest on the floor. Allow the legs to rest on the wall. Find a comfortable position for your arms. Stay anywhere from 5-30 minutes.

4. Forward Fold (Seated in a Chair, Standing, or on the Floor) - Getting the head below the heart can be an excellent and accessible way to reduce anxiety and stretch the lower back muscles that tend to get tight when we sit for too long.

AM: Do you think that more doctors and practitioners are realizing that it is essential for new and old medicines to come together and where do you see that in the next few years?

VK: I do believe that there is a movement toward a more collaborative and blended approach to health and selfcare. For example, I work with a client who has been experiencing chronic low back pain and, with his permission, I have worked alongside his acupuncturist and chiropractor to develop a plan for him. I think that both doctors and practitioners are open to this blended approach, but at this point, I believe it is still primarily on the shoulders of the practitioners/patients/clients to seek out ways to bring together Eastern and Western modalities for relief from anything as simple as the common cold to more complex situations such as low back pain. However, there are more and more initiatives for

bringing mindfulness into the traditional Western medical settings, such as hospitals and doctor’s offices.

These efforts lead me to believe that, in the near future, we will see more of the traditional Eastern modalities of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, pranayama, and mindfulness being more formally incorporated into approaches to health care and self-care. With information and education comes the possibility for more comprehensive approaches to health.

Valerie Knopik, PhD, is a Yoga Medicine instructor, Director of Research for the Yoga Medicine Research Institute, a Senior Research Scientist & Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University, and a yoga teacher in Providence, Rhode Island.

PHOTOS | Bethany O