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Good luck at this year’s INDY 500!
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Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
Cover photo by Andrea Mead Cross on location in Nashville, Tennesse with two-time NTT IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden.
Justin Fortune
GLENN
Ben Kilner
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steven carle
Trained as an artist and educated as an industrial designer, Steven Carle sees all sides of the spectrum. So check out his Adidas Terrex--it’s sic.
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book review
Top photographer Andrea Mead Cross showcases her talent along side an amazing group of world-class athletes in her book, Sports Souls and all for a cause.
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justin fortune
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Ben kilner
Ex-heavyweight fighter Justin Fortune had his shot with Lennox Lewis, and now his sole focus is on training some of the best fighters in the world.ad his shot with Lennox Lewis
Snowboard halfpipe two-time Olympian, Ben Kilner had a major snowboard accident while training for his third Olympics and chose to exit the sport to focus on new goals and challenges.
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chef glenn lyman
Celebrity Chef Glenn Lyman integrates science when fueling the best athletes in the business! His focus is leaner and cleaner food for optimum performance.
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LISTEN TO YOUR WORLD
Find out what the athletes are listening to!
josef newgarden
He’s a two-time IndyCar Series champion 2017 and 2019, racing for Team Penske. The 2020 season is heating up and Newgarden is again in the mix for the series trophy.
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BEHIND THE SCENES
You just have to check it out!
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Bethanie Mattek-Sands
X X BADASS XX
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. DESIGNER steven carLe TALKS about
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WITH NOWVIZ
NowVIZ Q+A
NowVIZ: You’re a product designer who has worked at high profile corporations and in the world of freelance. What do you prefer and why? Steven: Every company I have worked for had its positive and negative aspects. I realized once I broke away from the sports industry and entered fashion that a lot of the fundamentals I learned about design continuity and overseas factory development came from sports companies. Having spent over 5 years working in Germany for Adidas, the company has a special place in my heart. It was my first corporate job out of college and away from America. I also had a great mentor who showed me my strengths and how to communicate my radical ideas into a more consistent language. Leaving Adidas was tough, but I knew I wanted to learn more about footwear design from another culture that has a strong design heritage: Italy. NowVIZ: What’s the draw of being a freelancer? Steven: After working for 12 years in the footwear industry I decided to take a break and focus on other aspects of design. After so many years behind a computer and designing for shelves of retail shops, I felt I lost the connection with the consumer and the products I provided them. The freelance world gives me the opportunity to connect with the people again and understand their needs. It’s why I became a designer in the first place. I also have more control over the process and can be more involved in the development of the product. Once my job is done it becomes the property of the client and I move on.
NowVIZ: Is there a particular project to date that has become an important addition to your portfolio? Why? Steven: The Terrex Trail Cross, which is Adidas’s first hiking and downhill biking shoe morphed into one. Being a cyclist, I knew once I read the brief I wanted to design it! Before sketching, I went out to the Bavarian trails and met some German athletes. They gave me great insight into the product they used, as well as their lifestyles. I even went as far as designing specific zones of the outsole to fit the pedal and preserve their energy used while pedaling. The end result is a blend of Adidas Hiking DNA and the badass attitude of a downhill biker. This is one of my strongest projects in my portfolio since it was a brand new concept that would stay in the collection for the next 8 years. NowVIZ: You have had the opportunity to work in different countries. What design differences stand out compared to American design?
Steven Carle
Steven: That depends on the country. For instance, Latin countries such as Italy, France and Spain focus on more of an emotional experience. This is delivered through an aesthetic primarily focused on materials. Whereas, nordic countries focus on the purity of the product—more of a no BS approach delivered through a simplified form and color palette. Since living in the Bay Area of California, where most of the Tech companies are based, I would say that American design is now primarily focused on digital products. Products have shifted into more of the digital realm focusing on user experience design. But if there’s one thing I have learned about American design, it’s the importance of storytelling. It creates a connection to the consumer.
NowVIZ: It’s difficult at times starting a new project. Is there a particular method that has become your go-to process over the years? Steven: Ever since I was a kid I would dive deep into my sketchbook. I still practice this method even while I’m receiving the brief in a meeting. I write down key words and phrases that jump out at me. Then I start sketching away!
“I think keeping anyone’s attention in this day and age is di ff icul t. Understanding how to move lines and create compelling stories is what keeps the consumer interested. As long as I can be authentic within the direction I’m taking when I’m designing, I’m pretty sure it will grab someone’s eye.”
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NowVIZ: We are currently adapting to a new way of life. It’s an environment full of uncertainty and major changes, in both work and the future. As a designer, how do you see your world changing both personally and professionally? Steven: My world has changed for the better! Professionally due to the pandemic, I feel people have a higher appreciation for stepping away from their screens and getting out to experience the real thing. The products I design will encourage people to get out and explore. We are also learning to be more resourceful with limited materials. Personally, my life has also changed. I have had more time to finish the books I started, practice healthier cooking and get back into making art. This is important for me since I like to keep my mind balanced between personal expression and professional growth. NowVIZ: Designers get inspiration from so many different sources and areas. What keeps you fresh? Steven: Nature has always been my first source of inspiration. The freedom and clarity that comes with a hike through the forest or a bike ride to the beach. But honestly, I try not to limit myself. People inspire me. Their lives; their stories; their personal and quirky styles! NowVIZ: As a designer are you able to stay active, and if so what kind of training do you do? Steven: I try to stay active everyday. I lift weights a few times a week, as well as run. Recently I started doing Virtual Vinyasa Yoga with a friend of mine through Skype. With businesses now re-opening, I hope to get back into climbing.
NowVIZ: When you’re not designing what’s your passion? Steven: Making art. I was raised as a fine artist and it has always been a source of expression for me. Recently I contributed a few pieces to Amplifier that helps promote mental health, well-being, and social change work during these stressful times. NowVIZ: Why did you choose design?
Steven Carle
Steven: As corny as this may sound, with all the years of working for different clients in different countries, I always come back to the main source of intention. My job is to help change peoples lives. Giving back is by far the most fulfilling experience anyone can have.
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Rusty Joiner
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Justin Fortune
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Justin Fortune
Heading down to Mark Allen’s surf spot in Santa
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Ask any trainer and they might say it takes an eye for technical skill, but it takes an even higher EQ to read a fighter’s psyche. The key ingredient for all boxing champions is mental toughness. Negativity can be the boxer’s worst enemy. It’s up to the trainer to clean the slate. Born of trust, the trainer knows the boxer more than he knows himself. Justin Fortune, currently one of the best known trainers and conditioning coaches in boxing, has worked with over 30 world champions. The former powerlifter and chef from Perth, Australia, discovered boxing in 1990 and ended it in 2009. Along the way, he had a 15-9-2 record with nine knockouts and a four-round bout with three-time world heavyweight title holder Lennox Lewis. To this day, Fortune still feels the bite of that match. “I wouldn’t have won the fight, but in England, the judge is the referee,” Fortune said on the boxing site, The Sweet Science. “I had only 14 fights, and I got hit with an uppercut, and that was it. The referee stopped it. It would have gone a lot longer.” Even so, other boxers took note. Fortune’s talent did not go unnoticed, leading him to America to learn from Hall of Fame trainer, Freddie Roach, who was known to have “posed for more selfies than President Obama.” Today Fortune has his own gym, Fortune Gym, founded back in 2008, on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, (recent move to Melrose Avenue), with his wife Tamara Frasparillo, also a former boxer. The two met when Fortune trained her for a celebrity boxing match against Kim Kardashian (Tamara won). As for Fortune and Roach, they still partner when working with the same fighter. Manny “Pacman” Pacqiuao, one of the best boxers ever in the ring, is one of them. Although Manny is currently a Senator in the Philippines and plans to run for president of the Philippines in 2022, he’s in the hunt to schedule the last fight of his boxing career. “I put all my energy into training camp and Pacquiao equally matches that back,” says Fortune. “He’s a freak athlete.” Super explosive and all over the place, it’s the secret to his success. He’s hard to pin down. “And when you can’t pin someone down, you can’t hit him,” says Fortune. There will never be another Manny Pacquiao.” Fortune expects a lot from his fighters as he expects a lot from himself. He understands the world of boxing, a world difficult to survive and plagued with bad behavior. He has taken a few hard hits himself. The last being in 2015 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he has since battled and won. ”“Fighting is my passion,” says Fortune. “It’s my job.”
a Cruz, California.
Photo FortuneGym.com
Justin Fortu
Justin Fortune vs Lennox Lewis, 1995, The Point, Dublin, Ireland.
une Fortune on his fight with Lennox Lewis-trainer Freddie Roach asked, “You wanna fight Lennox Lewis? Fortune said, “Fuck yeah, I don’t give a fuck, I’ll fight anybody!”
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Justin For
There’s a level of mental toughness even outside of his gym life--slit from throat to ear, enduring chemo and radiation and surviving stage 4 throat cancer. Not everyone comes out on the other side of that...
Photo credit: MAMMUT
rtune
One is that great things come from humility rather than being in control. Yes, we all want to control our destiny, but life is so much bigger than our capacity to be bigger than it. When I was humble enough to say okay, I may not like this situation or how this race is unfolding, but still gave it everything I had, it always turned out incredibly well.
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Fortune has been working with Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao since 2003. He says of the eight-weight world champion, “Manny has been doing the same type of training for 16 years, but now in his 40’s we’ve adjusted to a different training style--shorter, faster, and more intense. That’s why he continues to look like the old Pacqiuao.”
FARYSA HAMZAH / Shutterstock.com
Eight-weight world champion, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao.
Justin Fortune
NowVIZ Q+A He brings a unique mixture of competitive power lifting, knowledge of food, and former pro fight experience to his resume. This combined with his intense, but likable personality is what connects him to his fighers--and ultimately the success in the ring.
As a trainer and or strength and conditioning coach, Fortune has worked with over thirty world champions.
Justin Fortune Justin Fortune
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Justin is just a genuine and raw human being--what you see is what you get. Any given conversation will have a litany of f-bombs! But it just adds to his appealing nature...
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Ryan Lochte
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Chef intro
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NowVIZ Q+A
NowVIZ: What inspired you to begin cooking for athletes, and your company, GCooks? Glenn: 17 years ago, I walked away from the corporate world to follow my passion for cooking and food. I grew up playing sports and loved to cook, so I had a strong foundation for healthy eating. My little business was called Home Plate Personal Chef Service. My tag line was “Don’t Drive-thru, Drive Home!” 6 months in, I was introduced to LeBron James (my wife, Linda, gets the credit for that) and got a chance to cook a pre-season, pre-game meal in his first year in the NBA. We hit it off from the start. He asked me to be his full-time chef and spent the next 5 years with him every day. They used to call me G-Unit, so G Cooks was born. My new mantra became “Eat Like You Mean It!” NowVIZ: How do you approach each athlete and their personal menu? Glenn: Every athlete is different, and each meal is customized down to their bloodwork. At the beginning learn their likes, dislikes, allergies, etc. I take the food they love to eat, or even grew up eating, and make it more healthy, while keeping it familiar. Instead of fried chicken, baked chicken. Instead of sweet potato pie, roasted sweet potato wedges. I add vegetables wherever I can. Basically, it comes down to lean protein, complex carbohydrates, leafy greens and healthy fats. From there we get into micronutrients to reel-in their blood work numbers or make up for deficiencies, all while making it taste good. NowVIZ: What motivates you to get cooking on a daily basis? Glenn: I grew up playing sports (basketball, baseball, football and swimming). My dad is a retired basketball coach. At 53, I’m as competitive today as I’ve ever been. For me, every cook day is Game Day and I can’t afford to lose. I prepare like a true professional, knowing that someone’s health and livelihood depends on me. I refuse to be the reason they don’t succeed. I’m a piece of the puzzle.
NowVIZ: You’ve worked with many different types of athletes in a variety of sports, such as current client, NFL Panthers running back, Christian McCaffrey and Hall of Fame NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon. Are there differences or needs one may have versus another? Glenn: Six or seven of my clients are projected to go to the Hall of Fame in 5 different sports: NASCAR (Jeff’s already in), NBA, NFL, Swimming and PGA Golf. I don’t want to jinx anyone, so you can guess who they are. Some eat for endurance, some eat for explosiveness, some eat for mental clarity, some eat for weight gain, some eat for weight maintenance or loss. Ryan Lochte consumes 8-10,000 calories a day to maintain! One commonality is eating for recovery. The quicker you can recover, the harder and longer you can train before events. Here we are looking for anti- inflammatory foods and natural pain relief. Again, micronutrients play a large role.
Athletes pics
NowVIZ: One of your first clients was an NBA rookie in Cleveland turned superstar named LeBron James! What was your experience like? Glenn: Incredible! Once, courtside after a game, he asked me why I never asked him to sign anything. I told him, “I’d rather be part of the family.” He picked up my son and daughter (twins, Lucas & Olivia, then about 3 years old), put them on his shoulders and walked around the court. No autograph could touch that. I also never asked him for a ticket but had one waiting at will-call every game.
Glenn: One of my favorite stories was back in 2007 when LeBron and the Cavs were on their way to the NBA finals. LBJ had dental work done and had a temporary tooth he accidentally left on the dresser and went to the game. He couldn’t do his interviews until he got his tooth! I was still cleaning up the kitchen, so I wrapped it up, put it in my pocket and drove through downtown Cleveland rush hour traffic to meet the trainer in the parking garage to hand off the tooth. And there was that $90 million dollar smile. No one ever knew.
Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com
NowVIZ: Any particularly memorable moments with an athlete?
Current G Cooks client, NFL All-Pro team, running back for the Carolina Panthers, Christian McCaffrey.
NowVIZ: Every car your game and did
Glenn: In 2007 I co time, I found out Jim dinner and filming fo still talking about tha great.
reer has those moments where you’ve had to amp dn’t see it coming. Have you experienced this?
ooked a standard pre-game meal for LeBron. At half mmy Kimmel was coming over with his whole crew for or the ESPY’s after the game. I think Kimmel’s crew is at meal. He loves cooking and food, so we got along
NowVIZ: You periodically work with former Carolina Panthers team nutritionist (Dietician), Jennifer Brunelli to overview a client athlete’s dietary needs. What benefits do you find most important? Glenn: She’s awesome! Jennifer has been my go-to Registered Dietian (RD) for the past 6 years. As an athlete she was a standout swimmer for the South Carolina Gamecocks. She understands the grind it takes to perform at your very best. We are in total lockstep for each individual athlete. Over the years I have worked with so many team dieticians, from NFL to the Olympics to the Navy SEALs. I am always looking to learn and so are they. Athletes don’t always understand the science of food. I’m like the liaison between the RD and the athlete. I speak both languages. It’s up to me to translate it and turn it into meals. Did I tell you I am selftaught? (I say self-learning). I’ve never taken a class in my life. I love what I do! NowVIZ: What’s a day in-the-life like? Glenn: Each day of cooking goes to one client. They get my full attention. Some take 2-3 days a week if there is availability. I plan, grocery shop and cook all the meals in their home and leave them portioned and packaged in the fridge. We discuss their eating schedule based on their training. NowVIZ: What are some of your most popular dish requests across the board? Glenn: I rarely take requests since I’m concentrating on a game plan and sticking within nutritional parameters. But the number one request for off-days is my Honey-Garlic Creole Chicken Wings (Baked, not fried). Jon Beason (NFL retired) called them Everything wings. They’re a family favorite at Seattle Seahawks TE, Greg Olsen’s house. I’ll put them up against anyone’s wings, anywhere, any time. Hold the blue cheese and ranch. NowVIZ: Is there a question that you haven’t been asked that you’d like to answer? Glenn: Chefs always ask me how to get interviews with elite athletes. What they don’t understand is that I’m the one doing the interview. When I meet with a potential client, I’m looking for clear signs that they want to be here. That they want to be great. That they will do whatever it takes to be great. The best of the best. I rarely have to worry about it since everything I do is word-of-mouth.
Gcooks.com @GCOOKS22
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Josef Newgarde
en__INTRO
Fearless, FOCUSED and flat out undaunted by the reputation of any other driver, IndyCar sensation Josef Newgarden is not out to make friends when he straps into his race car, revs it past 200 mph and goes wheel to wheel with the competition. On the hunt for Team Penske, the superfit 29-year-old continually strives to own the track with his sweeping passes and daring moves, not fazed by the thumping of his heart or gruelling conditions inside the cockpit, where the G-force can equal that of a fighter jet.With two IndyCar Series championships in 2017 and 2019 under his belt, the Newgarden boldness is already a winning signature – yet what spurs the man frequently hailed as “the racer of tomorrow” and “the next generation of his sport” on the grid is purer than just a thirst for speed. Twin aims of “feeling connected as a driver and becoming one with the car” merge neatly with his desperate need to put the thing on the edge during every single three-to-five hour stint at the wheel, as a risk-taking Josef stokes the throttle with a Zen beyond his years. It’s a mindset the Nashville native developed on his climb up the ladder, honing his dynamic and aggressive driving style in teenage go-kart racing, followed by European motorsport experience and impressive performances in his first contracts with smaller IndyCar teams – including a podium finish in 2016 at the 100th running of the Indy 500 and 4th place for the season. Billionaire trucking magnate, racing legend and IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske was watching, wowed by the composure and potential of a steadily improving fan favorite. Josef’s 2017 signing with Team Penske – the realization of a childhood dream to drive with the revered racing outfit – immediately proved the perfect fit. Their golden partnership has brought the spotlight, unprecedented support, and lifted his game to another level – even in 2020’s COVID-scarred landscape. Counting down to the next race – this year’s much-delayed Indy 500, which will go ahead without fans on his favorite track on August 24 – Josef thinks only of the chequered flag. But with most other global sports shut down, a record television audience awaits his next lightning move. Start your engines.
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JosefNewgarden.com @josefnewgarden
Race drivers are uniquely equipped at doing their job. It requires a significant amount of compartmentalization. You have to place different aspects of the race into their “buckets” and keep them there. I don’t spend much time thinking about “what if.”
NowVIZ Q+A
NowVIZ: You started Kart racing at thirteen and worked your way up through the ranks to become one of the best Indy drivers on the track. What major challenges, if any, have you faced and conquered along the way? Josef: Like any athlete, there’s a long list of challenges, and in motorsports many of them come down to finding budget, sponsors, etc. Probably the earliest challenge we had to face was simply our location. Nashville isn’t exactly a motorsport mecca. So we had to travel to Indianapolis nearly every weekend to compete. That’s obviously a lot of travel and strain on a family, I look back on those days fondly, but it certainly wasn’t easy. NowVIZ: IndyCar Series Champion 2017 and 2019, 14x IndyCar wins, 8x Pole positions, what else in the near future would you like to add to your impressive list of accomplishments?! Josef: Obviously the Indianapolis 500. It’s the biggest event in all of motorsports. People spend their entire careers trying to win it. That would be at the top of my list. But I would also love to experience more forms of motorsport. I’m chomping at the bit to get some experience in NASCAR and Sports Cars. I love all forms of motorsport, so while accomplishments are great, I just want to experience as much as I can!
START QUESTIONS OR FI
NowVIZ: Is there any type of fear factor going into a race and how do you mentally prepare? Josef: Race drivers are uniquely equipped at doing their job. It requires a significant amount of compartmentalization. You have to place different aspects of the race into their “buckets” and keep them there. I don’t spend much time thinking about “what if.” I focus on visualizing how I want the weekend to go, how I want to work on preparing the car, what I need to accomplish while I’m driving; and what we, as a team, need to do to be successful. I find that forward focus helps prepare for a difficult race weekend. I also enjoy a nap just before the race. I drive my best when I’m just a bit sleepy, so I aim to get in a quick 30 minute snooze if I can! NowVIZ: Every top athlete during their career seems to have or had a mentor, someone in their corner to offer guidance. Do you? Josef: I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a lot of people in my corner through the years. Mark Dismore at Newcastle Motorsports Park helped me in karting. I wouldn’t have gone on this journey without his support from day one. When I got to IndyCar, it’s obviously a whole new ball game… the cars are faster, the media requirements are bigger, and there’s significantly more distraction. Ed Carpenter joined our team in my second year, and he really helped me progress as a driver. He’s still a great friend and someone I know I can call if I need to. My teammates at Team Penske are great sounding boards as well. Will Power and Simon Pagenaud are both tremendous talents. I consider myself very lucky to be able to work with them each weekend. It’s a competitive environment for sure, but we’re all working towards the same goals for the team. My dad has also been a big part of all of this. He’s always been in my corner. You need that strong foundation if you’re going to live this traveling circus lifestyle.
NowVIZ Q+A
INSH INTRO
Josef Newgard
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On location in Nashville with IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden.
NowVIZ Q+A
Josef Newgard
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NowVIZ: You are an extremely fit athlete and driving at 200mph for three to five hours can take its toll. Can you give us an overview of your diet and fitness training off track? Josef: Driving IndyCar is incredibly physical. It takes a toll on the body so you have to be a balanced athlete to be successful. I spend a lot of time weight training. We don’t have power steering in the car so the load on the wheel can be incredibly heavy at times. Our heart rates are very high during the race as well, so aerobic fitness is key. I love Concept2 rowers and use them almost daily. They’re the best tool for replicating the stresses of driving a car. From a diet point of view, I focus on trying to eat clean. So, minimizing processed foods. I take in quite a bit of protein and focus on getting in good carbs before race weekends so I have the energy to compete. Hydration is a huge part of my diet, especially with the temperatures inside the cockpit being so high. Most people don’t realize this, but effective hydration starts nearly a week before the event. So, lots of water and the occasional sports drink after a hard workout to replenish. NowVIZ: You were on Season 8 of American Ninja Warrior! How was it?! Josef: In one word…WILD. It was quite a long night. There was rain so they kept having to close the course and push our runs further into the night. I finally got to go very late in the evening. The course was a little wet but it was awesome. I have such respect for the athletes that compete and win on that show. You really have to be all around fit to be competitive. Grip strength, leg strength, core… all of it. It’s a pretty taxing course. I’d love to take another shot at it now that I understand it a bit better.
Driving IndyCar is incredibly physical. It takes a toll on the body so you have to be a balanced athlete to be successful.
Photo provided by Team Penske
Josef Newgard
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NowVIZ: You are a huge gamer and currently a Brand Ambassador for the Microsoft title, Forza Motorsport. Your voice is also featured in the game. Can you give us some background on how this came about?
QUESTIONS
Josef: I’ve been a huge Forza Motorsport fan for years, going back to the very first title. When I was younger, and had a bit more time, I would spend hours trying to get to the top of the leaderboards. Years later, I met the team at Forza Motorsport at an IndyCar event and we struck up a conversation. I told them how much time I used to spend on the game and how much I loved the title. I guess they thought it seemed like an authentic relationship so we started working together. We’ve done a lot of fun projects with them over the past few years and have some cool things coming down the pipe. We’ve also been hosting a weekly Forza Night on my YouTube channel where fans can join us for an online race. It’s been a blast.
Josef Newgard
NowVIZ: You are also the driver Ambassador for Serious Fun Children’s Network started by actor and race team owner, Paul Newman. Can you tell us about it? Josef: Working with Serious Fun Children’s Network is one of my favorite things to do every year. The charity was started by Paul Newman and gives children with serious illnesses and their families the opportunity to attend summer camp, completely free of charge. They have provided over 1 million experiences. Many of these kids are dealing with very adult situations, and these camps give them the chance to just be a kid again. As Paul says, “Raise a little hell.” I got the chance to visit the Hole In The Wall Gang camp a few years ago. This was the first camp that Paul built, and it’s incredible. The facilities are beautiful and these kids are grinning from ear to ear. So happy! It was so special to see. We now host an annual Ping-Pong tournament to raise funds for the charity. The tournament is typically hosted during the month of May and features all of the drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500. It’s been an honor to be part of it, and I like to think we’re carrying on some of Paul’s legacy. He was such a big part of IndyCar for many years. It’s special to have this connection with him now.
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NowVIZ: You’ve had the opportunity to drive for some great teams, currently for one of the best teams in the world, the Penske Racing Team. How have they helped you to win?
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Grind Stone Media / Shutterstock.com
Josef: Team Penske is world-class…period. The preparation of the cars, the engineers, the crew. It’s on another level. I’ve never once gone into a race weekend feeling uneasy. You just know, from the get go, that you’re going into an event weekend with as good of a shot as anybody to win the race. That’s all you can ask for from a team. Driving for Team Penske is a dream come true in so many ways.
NowVIZ: This has been an unprecedented time for the world with the COVID-19 pandemic. How have you been able to navigate and deal with the challenges you’ve encountered both personally and professionally. Josef: It’s definitely been difficult, but I realize that we’re lucky to get to do what we do for a living. While I wanted to run all the races on the schedule, and the Indy 500 in May, I also realize there are many people all over the world who are struggling. I try to keep that perspective when I get frustrated about a race change, or cancellation. IndyCar and the promoters have done a great job putting together a race schedule this year, and I’m happy to be back competing. Hopefully our races will bring people a bit of much needed entertainment.
Josef Newgarden
FINAL QUESTIONS
Christian Yelich
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Ben Kilner
Snowboard halfpipe Two-time Olympian
FINDS SUCCESS IN SNOWBOARD AFTERLIFE
Ben Kilner
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After 19 years in the air, 2-time Olympian Ben Kilner retired his snowboard to start his own business, The UNIT Gym & Fitness. Located in the city of Aberdeen, northeast Scotland, The UNIT is a wildly successful boutique gym training some of the best athletes in the area.
Ben
NowVIZ Q+A
NowVIZ: You’ve made two British Olympic teams, Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 and was a World Cup halfpipe bronze medallist in Calgary in 2010. What were some of your most defining moments? Ben: Well, ever since I was 13 years-old, competing at the Winter Olympics was a goal. The day I qualified I needed a top 10 position at the World Cup in Switzerland. When my score came in for the top 10 I immediately phoned my mum. We both burst into tears. I finally did it. The bronze medal in Calgary was extra special as it was the first male halfpipe medal. And I did it infront of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne who was visiting team Great Britain the weeks before going to the Vancouver Olympics. NowVIZ: You had a nasty accident during a training session in Colorado (2016) as you were headed towards your third Olympic team. What happened and how did that affect your future? Ben: I was having an incredible day and everything was going in the right direction. Then, I decided to take that ‘last run’ of the day and my toe edge caught some soft snow on take off. I was going for a double cork 1080 but only ended up doing half of it which meant landing on my back with my legs straight in the air. The impact caused my femur ends to push into my pelvic socket shattering it into nine pieces. The pain was surreal. I thought I had broken my back and snapped my hamstring but luckily it was only my pelvis. I couldn’t walk for six weeks, so the long road to recovery began. NowVIZ: Retiring and transitioning from pro athlete to the business world can be super challenging. How did you navigate that change? Ben: If I have learned one thing, it’s that if you are willing to sacrifice everything to get to a world championship/Olympics or any other sporting highlight, then it can also apply to business. Learning not to give up easily and go in with a determined mindset is key. There are so many off-putting factors when starting a business. But these are the things you need to overcome. Money is obviously one main factor. I managed to save a little money during my career so I put it all into the business. An educated gamble.
Ben NowVIZ: Does nutrition play a big part of your training? Ben: You can’t out train a bad diet. If you don’t get in the correct macro and micronutrients you’re holding yourself back. I focus mostly on protein and calories, but I am well aware of the good foods and the bad foods. A great suggestion is to try and shop for items with one ingredient. It puts you in a world of simple foods. It will make you rethink what we put into ourselves. NowVIZ: What gets you motivated everyday to keep training at such a high level? Ben: I must admit I do what I used to do when I was snowboarding. I watch videos of the Crossfit games, and any type of athlete training. I am constantly watching IWF events where the weightlifters are hitting numbers I can only dream of. Like snowboard videos did before I head to the mountains. It all amps me up.
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Sochi Winter Olympics 2014.
NowVIZ: You own ”The Unit” in Banchory, Scotland, a very successful gym you started before you retired from snowboarding. What was your motivation and the challenges you faced? Ben: I have been involved in the fitness industry since I started Strength and Conditioning with the Scottish Institute of Sport. I love the vigorous training and the daily grind to get in the best shape possible. I knew I wanted a gym or wanted to be a coach, so when I was nearing the last year of my career I seized an opportunity on a ‘unit’ in an industrial park in my hometown. My home town always lacked a fitness facility, so we established The Unit Gym & Fitness in 2016. NowVIZ: You’re now training CrossFit, a new focus, new challenge, and new goals. What inspired you to get into the sport and how has your training changed from your snowboard life? Ben: I have always stayed with the same training over the past decade. To build strength, get fit; not put too much weight on and stay agile. I carried what I learned on the road into my new life as a gym owner, but still, I always felt it lacked something. That something was variety, something that Crossfit is all about. Initially, I wasn’t really a fan of Crossfit but I hadn’t given it a chance. I got in touch with a buddy of mine, Ziggy Dukes, who is an incredible coach and athlete. For the past 2 years he has programmed me into getting into the best shape of my life.
Ben
71 Training at The UNIT Gym & Fitness.
Ben and his fiancĂŠ Brittany
Ben
NowVIZ: We read somewhere you’re a huge car guy. You also host an event called, Supercar Sundays, an initiative which combines a high-powered car show, barbecue and fitness classes to benefit a local dementia cause, Forget Me Not Club. How did you get into cars and how did this event get started? Ben: I bought my dream car when I was 24 years old. It’s an Audi R8. When I saw it in the film “Iron Man” I knew I would own one someday. I was incredibly lucky to find one online that suited my taste. I was excited to get home and take it around the Highland roads in Scotland. I like sharing it with the family and letting them take it for a joyride when I am away. The Supercar Sunday event brought in all the local car enthusiasts and some magnificent cars. We opened up our gym for free including the classes, BBQ and a Lululemon pop-up store raising money for the Forget Me Not Club. NowVIZ: Your fiance Brittany seems to be a big part of your life. Tell us about her and why she’s so special! Ben: She came into my life towards the end of my career and she completely swept me off my feet! She is the most understanding lovely human being I’ve ever met. In a world where I thought I was never going to settle here I am! And due to the lockdown we re-organized our wedding to next year. NowVIZ: The current Covid-19 pandemic is creating havoc across the world. How have you handled the obstacles both personally and professionally? Ben: It has not been easy by any means. No one likes change to their regular routine. But adapting is what our family does well. We have used this time to complete everything that needed to be done for the business. Our members will return to an even better experience when they work out. Personally, it has been a great time to paint my house, cook new meals, work in the garden and most importantly spend some quality time with my fiancé.
IndyCar driver Josef Newgarden:
Oh man… lots of things. Kygo, Zach Brown Band, Foo Fighters, Marshmello, Jay-Z. Sometimes I just enjoy a good shuffle on iTunes to see what comes up! Artist and designer Steven Carle:
I’ve got a random playlist going at the moment. Just finished Khruangbin - Maria Tambien. Two-time Olympian Ben Kilner:
I am loving Fox Morrow for chilling and Sub Focus when I am jumping around the gym floor. I actually saw Sub Focus in New Zealand and they were incredible! Celebrity Chef Glenn Lyman: “Feathered Indians” by Tyler Childers. I’ve been following his music for awhile. The first day I worked at Christian’s (McCaffrey) he had him on the speaker while getting his work done. I was like “ok, this’ll work!”
On location in LA at Fortune Gym.
behind the scenes
Photographer Andrea Mead Cross working with boxing trainer, Justin Fortune.
behind the scenes
behind the scenes behind the scenes
Fortune Gym from Sunset Boulevard to Melrose Avenue.
On location
behind the scenes
in Nashville with IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden.
Two-time IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden.
behind the scenes
On location in Tucson, Arizona with RBar founder, Brian Cornelius.
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Andrea Me
behind the scenes
ead Cross at work with IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden.
CREDITS+THANk YOU’S This month we have a packed issue starting with two-time IndyCar Series champion, Josef Newgarden, boxing trainer Justin Fortune, celebrity chef to the athletes, Glenn Lyman, Adidas designer, Steven Carle, and snowboard halfpipe two-time Olympian, Ben Kilner. All four men definitely have something in common, an undying passion for their work and the resilience to accept nothing but success. Thank you for sharing a piece of your world with us! We want to welcome a new addition to our crew straight from Sydney, Australia, Rose Fydler. She started her 30-plus years writing career at Vogue before branching out to Inside Sport, the Australian Women’s Weekly, New Idea, Woman’s Day and a host of other top publications. She’s written three books and in the midst of a fourth. In the course of breaking the big stories, she has trekked the Great Wall of China with Olivia Newton-John, flown with Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe to remote Aboriginal settlements, and covered celebrity weddings in Borneo, Bali, Italy and England. She nailed her first assignment on IndyCar driver, Josef Newgarden with great success and we look forward to her work in the future! Writer and editor, Hilary Stunda brings her wealth of creativity and experience to our team having worked as producer for, Outdoor Life Network, Editor-in-chief of Modern Luxury Aspen, writing for Lexus, Art in America, Interview, ARTnews, just to name a few. She works this issue writing the feature athlete intro for Justin Fortune, boxing trainer to the best fighters in the world. She is an incredible addition to each issue and we love her vision and originality! We’d also like to thank Sarah Bonkowski with Team Penske, for her diligence and patience. And wish Josef Newgarden and the rest of the team at Penske the best of luck for the remainder of the 2020 season! And to photographer Andrea Mead Cross who has been essential in the inception, development, and launch of NowVIZ sports + beyond mag! Her vision and creativity continues to exceed expectations. We’re fired up she is part of the NowVIZ Team! Thank you AMC! Rock on! Design and layout for this fall issue is by Kelley Kwiatkowski. Hope you enjoyed the ride! All inquires please email us at:
All inquiries, NowVIZmag@gmail.com
@NOWVIZMAG
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FALL 2020 ISSUE
-Emily Dickerson
dwell in possibility
JOSEF NEWGARDEN