S3. E2. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH RESTAURATEUR, STORYTELLER, NEXT LEVEL CHEF - HOST/MENTOR CHEF NYESHA ARRINGTON

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we have our JAN ISSUE #85 cover of Athleisure Mag, Chef Nyesha Arrington. She utilizes food as a way to tell stories and brings her passion and intention to each plate that she creates. As a Co-Host and Mentor for FOX's Next Level Chef alongside Chef Gordon Ramsay and Chef Richard Blais, she inspires those in the culinary industry and provides expertise, intel and techniques that they can continue to use as they navigate the industry.

When we last talked with her in 2021 for our JUL ISSUE #67, we talked about how she got into her career and her passion for putting her soul on the plate she was in the midst of production for the first season of Next Level Chef and we talked about identity.

Since then, Nyesha continues to do what she does best, exploring the world through travel, and participating in a number of pop-ups and multi-day food events around the world, she is currently on Next Level Chef UK airing on ITV and is back for the second season of Next Level Chef here in the US on FOX that starts immediately following this year's Super Bowl LVII!

We talked about her recent TEDx talk where she shared her life recipe, the importance of mentorship and being in spaces that fuel your fire and allow learning about others and about yourself. Of course, we talk about the success of Next Level Chef and what makes it a perfect fit as well as Native by Nyesha Arrington which is at LAX's Delta Terminal 3!

Athleisure Kitchen is part of the Athleisure Studio Podcast Network and is a member of Athleisure Media which includes Athleisure Mag. You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

S2. E13. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH CHEF JORDAN ANDINO

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we always love catching up with Restaurateur Chef Jordan Andino of Flip Sigi here in NYC! He has been the cover of Athleisure Mag's ISSUE #35 which we shot at his West Village location back in 2018 and recently, he has appeared in other features as well. In addition to bringing Filipino flavors and a great personality that you can see on a number of his shows, he is always working on his latest project that is bound to be exciting!

We caught up with him ahead of his newest show he's hosting on Netflix, Cook at All Costs which dropped Dec 16th. We also talked with him about his partnership with Allstate! The rise of mocktails has increased for those that don't drink alcohol or are the designated driver. He shares a recipe with us that we can share with guests whether they are a designated driver or simply want to enjoy a cocktail that doesn't have alcohol in it. We also talk about his latest restaurant, Carriage House.

Athleisure Kitchen is part of the Athleisure Studio Podcast Network and is a member of Athleisure Media which includes Athleisure Mag. You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S2. E12. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH KATIE LEE BIEGEL

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, It's all about the approach to food whether you're making it or enjoying it. We've been fans of Katie Lee Biegel for a number of years as we love how she simply enjoys telling her story through food. With a hectic holiday season upon us, we wanted to chat with her to talk about her love of food, being a co-host on Food Network's The Kitchen, partaking in Kitchen Therapy as a form of self-care and her thoughts on her bestselling book, Groundswell, being turned into a film on the Hallmark Channel!

Athleisure Kitchen is part of the Athleisure Studio Podcast Network and is a member of Athleisure Media which includes Athleisure Mag. You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

S2. E11. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH JEN PELKA

On today's Athleisure Kitchen, when it comes to celebrating a major moment or the fact that you just got through the day, sparkling wine and Champagne is our go-to. There's something about opening the bottle and the act of pouring it for yourself or others. Just in time for the holiday season, we caught up with Jen Pelka who knows a thing or two about this beverage. We chatted with her to find out how she found her way into food and her path to this bubbly beverage. She shares how she came about launching her much talked about The Riddler which had locations in San Francisco and NY and her latest venture, Une Femme. We dig into how this wine empowers, collaborates with others and gives back to charities that benefit women. She also gives us some tips on how we can pair these wines with dishes and how we can purchase them when gifting it to others as a gift or a thank you for inviting us to dinner.  

Athleisure Kitchen is part of the Athleisure Studio Podcast Network and is a member of Athleisure Media which includes Athleisure Mag. You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

S2. E10. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN CHEF CHRIS SCOTT

On today's Athleisure Kitchen, we catch up with Chef Chris Scott who we have enjoyed seeing him compete as a cheftestant making it to the finals of BRAVO's Top Chef Season 15 as well as when he is judging on a number of shows, most recently Food Network's Bobby's Triple Threat. We talk about his TV appearances and why this is important to include with his brand. His passion for food, bringing awareness to African American cuisine and technique is seen in every dish. We caught up with him right before he dropped his cookbook Homage: Recipes and Stories from an Amish Soul Food Kitchen. In this cookbook, he shares the story of his family over 7 generations from enslaved ancestors, to his great-grandfather who migrated to Pennsylvania after the Emancipation Proclamation to where Chris grew up in Amish country. This heritage and experience led him to being a successful chef in Philadelphia and New York City. In addition to his story, he illustrates how Amish Soul Food is a blend of Southern, German and Dutch cuisines. 

We also talk about his restaurant at Butterfunk Biscuit, teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education and the importance of giving back through time and education to those that are coming up in the industry.

You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

S2. E9. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN CHEF KRISTEN KISH

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we catch up with Chef Kristen Kish who we enjoy seeing her hosting, judging a number of culinary shows and taking us through her recent trip to Seoul. We took some time to catch up with her since talking earlier this year ahead of TRU TV's Fast Foodies 2nd season. 

We talk about her co-hosting Netflix's Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend alongside Alton Brown, her new show on National Geographic - Restaurants at the End of the World and being on Selena + Chef on HBO Max. 

We also talk about her latest partnership with Jongga Kimchi, a worldwide number-one Korean brand. She also talked about their Generation Preservation campaign to preserve plant-forward foods, health and wellness through fermentation and the environment to minimize food waste.

You can stay in the loop on who future guests are by visiting us at AthleisureStudio.com/AthleisureKitchen and on Instagram at @AthleisureKitchen and @AthleisureStudio. Athleisure Kitchen is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. It is mixed by the team at Athleisure Studio. Our theme music is "This Boy" performed by Ilya Truhanov.

S3. E7 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH PRIME VIDEO'S BOSCH/LEGACY'S TITUS WELLIVER

We've been fans of Prime Video's Bosch where we follow along as Harry Bosch solves a number of cases regardless of how many feathers he ruffles in the process. On May 6th, the story continues on Amazon FreeVee with Bosch: Legacy. We see how Bosch continues to fight for victims as his daughter Maddie Bosch continues to walk in her father's steps and how he will reconnect with former nemesis, Honey Chandler.

We enjoy the way Titus Welliver leans into his characters and draws us in. Whether it's his work in ABC's Lost, FX's Sons of Anarchy, HBO's Deadwood and countless other TV shows and movies, we know that Titus is going to leave quite a memory with us in the characters that he plays.

We talked with him about becoming an actor, working in the industry and taking on Bosch which comes from a series of books written by Michael Connelly.

#TRIBEGOALS is Executive produced and hosted by Kimmie Smith, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director of Athleisure Mag and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas, Co-Founder/Publisher of Athleisure Mag. #TRIBEGOALS is produced and mixed by the team at @AthleisureStudio.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E6 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH BEAR GRYLLS

When it comes to being an adventurer and navigating an array of terrains and working with what's around you, Bear Grylls is a man that you think of that you'd want to have on your team!

Known for his National Geographics' Running Wild with Bear Grylls where he takes A-list celebs on his expeditions, he has spent his life perfecting his craft and sharing his knowledge with many of us! His survival school comes from years of work that included serving in the Territorial Army of the 21 SAS, he has been awarded the honorary of Lt Commander in the Royal Naval Reserve and was awarded Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines Reserve. He was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire as well as the youngest ever Chief Scout of the United Kingdom and Overseas Territories.

We talk with him about how he became an adventurer, shared these skills with us through his TV shows and how he stays fit to continue to do what he loves on and off the camera.

#TRIBEGOALS is Executive produced and hosted by Kimmie Smith, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director of Athleisure Mag and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas, Co-Founder/Publisher of Athleisure Mag. #TRIBEGOALS is produced and mixed by the team at @AthleisureStudio.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E5 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH STARZ'S POWER BOOK IV: FORCE JOSEPH SIKORA

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

#TRIBEGOALS is Executive produced and hosted by Kimmie Smith, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director of Athleisure Mag and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas, Co-Founder/Publisher of Athleisure Mag. #TRIBEGOALS is produced and mixed by the team at @AthleisureStudio.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E4 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH 2X TEAM USA OLYMPIC FOIL FENCING BRONZE MEDALIST MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we're talking about pushing boundaries and standing in our truth to showcase our authentic selves. So we're excited that we had this conversation with 2 X Team USA Olympic Foil Fencing Bronze Medalist, World Champion, model and ambassador, Miles Chamley-Watson who is in the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag. He talks to us about how he got in the sport of fencing, what made him realize that this was something that he could do professionally, how he has blazed his own path, and his focus on growing the sport by bringing it into the mainstream while also empowering children to bring them into the sport. 

We also talk about how he continues to create a multi-faceted brand that incorporates the sport, his interest in fashion and ambassadorships that are synergistic with his brand. We chat about his latest partnership and documentary with Daring Foods, a plant-based brand. Miles also gives us insight on how he trains as an athlete each day.

#TRIBEGOALS is Executive produced and hosted by Kimmie Smith, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director of Athleisure Mag and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas, Co-Founder/Publisher of Athleisure Mag. #TRIBEGOALS is produced and mixed by the team at @AthleisureStudio.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E3 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH STARZ'S POWER BOOK II: GHOST WITH METHOD MAN + LARENZ TATE

On today’s episode of #TRIBEGOALS, I catch up with 2 co-stars from STARZ’s 2nd season of POWER BOOK II: GHOST which premieres on Nov 21st! We sat down with Method Man and Larenz Tate. In the first half of the podcast, we catch up with the legendary performer of the Wu-Tang Clan and actor in a number of TV series and films, Method Man. We talk about his diverse career and what we can expect on the latest season. We delve into the writer’s room and the phenomenal cast which includes his co-stars and musical collaborators – Mary J. Blige and Redman. We also talk about his commitment to fitness and how he continues to increase expanding his business into the cannabis industry and NFTs. 

After catching up with Method Man and finding out more about how his character, Davis MacLean ended the last season and what we can expect from this season, we had to talk to Larenz Tate to find out about Councilman Rashad Tate! Larenz joined the original series of POWER in the last 2 seasons of this show. He talks with us about how his character continued in the premiere season and what we can expect in this season! We also talk about what drew him to this show, his character and how he has maintained longevity in this career.

This episode will also be in the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag which will drop on Nov 30th. #TRIBEGOALS is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. Our theme music Rough and Deep is performed by JGRLNG. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E2. | #TRIBEGOALS WITH DJ/PRODUCER + FOUNDER OF CLUB QUARANTINE D-NICE

On today’s episode of #TRIBEGOALS, I catch up with D-Nice in between soundchecks for his performance with Mary J Blige at the Apollo Theater. When we think back to the dark days of the pandemic there were a number of constants that we looked forward to, thanking our healthcare workers at 7pm, embracing hobbies that we didn’t know that we had and heading to the biggest global couch party that happened every night for hours on end with Club Quarantine! In those moments we could connect with friends, enjoy amazing music and see some of the biggest celebs in the room from Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Madonna, Nile Rodgers and more!

D-Nice rocked it out and shared his sense and need for a community with us while we navigated those uncertain times. 20 months later, he’s still keeping us connected virtually and in person. As the cover of our OCT ISSUE #70, we talk about his legendary career that started as a founding member of Boogie Down Productions with the late Scott La Rock and KRS-One, we talk about how he came up with Club Quarantine and its evolution from being the party to attend, as an amplifier for initiatives he is passionate about to taking it on the road to the Hollywood Bowl and what he has in store for the Club Quarantine Fest taking place in 2022 in LA. We also talk about the brand, how he picks his projects, the full circle moments that music has created in his life and maintaining the power of connection within this community. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S3. E1. | #TRIBEGOALS WITH LEGENDARY HIP-HOP MEMBER OF CYPRESS HILL + CANNABIS ENTREPRENEUR, BREAL

Before we kick off the 3rd season of #TRIBEGOALS, my name is Paul Farkas, Co-Founder, Publisher and celebrity photographer of Athleisure Media! To kick off the latest episode of #TRIBEGOALS, I’m taking over today’s show where I catch up with Hip-Hop and cannabis legend B-Real in Bringing the Smoke, who is also the 69th cover of Athleisure Mag.

We chat about the iconic Cypress Hill sound; writing Dr. Greenthumb; his new solo album 'Tell You Somethin,' produced by Scott Storch; being an artist, advocate & activist for cannabis legalization; expanding his Dr. Greenthumb's dispensaries in CA and across legal US States; edibles & culinary; working out on the road & more.

It's a great chat, you're in for a treat, now is a good time to grab those earmuffs for the kids due to explicit content. 

#TRIBEGOALS is hosted by Kimmie Smith and is Executive Produced by Paul Farkas and Kimmie Smith. Our theme music Rough and Deep is performed by JGRLNG. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E14. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH STEVE SCHWARTZ

On today's episode of Athleisure Kitchen, we sit down with Art of Tea's Founder and CEO, Steve Schwartz. Around the office, we have always enjoyed tea as it's a beverage that can be enjoyed hot, iced, alone, with an array of sweeteners and even mixed with the spirit of our choice. We wanted to delve more into tea culture to find out the origin of tea, how it should be consumed, stored and what the benefits are when drinking it. We talked with Steve about his company which is known for their 100s of options that they have available on their site, their hospitality partnerships with Wolfgang Puck, Aria, Caesars Palace and more. He talks with us about his background in Ayurveda, how he got into the industry, how he grew his company and the importance of our individual tea rituals wherever we are in the world.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S2. E8. #TRIBEGOALS WITH CELEBRITY FITNESS TRAINER + LA LAKERS DIR. STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE GUNNAR PETERESON

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we chatted with one of our favorite celebrity fitness trainers Gunnar Peterson who has worked with a number of our favorite personalities from Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and more. In addition, as the Director of Strength & Endurance for the LA Lakers, we talk with him about how he has worked with his clients and the team to keep them on their routines. He also shares advice on movements that we can do at home regardless of whether we have equipment or not. He also shares his thoughts on returning to gyms and studios as the country is in various stages of reopening. 

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S2. E7 | #TRIBEGOALS WITH 3 X TEAM USA SWIMMING GOLD MEDALIST RYAN MURPHY

On today's episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we had the honor of having 3 X Team USA Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist, Ryan Murphy as Athleisure Mag's 55th cover. Known as a decorated backstroke swimmer who also has a world record in the men's 100-meter backstroke, we talk with Ryan about how he got into the sport, transitioning his interest to going pro, his experiences at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio as well as being part of that riveting 4 x 100m medley. As Ryan looks forward to the Olympics in Tokyo that's slated for next year, we talk about how he trains and modifies his routines as we all navigate COVID-19, the importance of mental health and how he is approaching his goals. He also shares how he is focused on impacting the sport of swimming whether as a competitor or simply enjoying water activities. He also talks about how he gives back to others and how this changemaker has been inspired by others.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E13. | ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH GABY DALKIN

On today’s episode of Athleisure Kitchen we talk with cookbook author, founder of What’s Gaby Cooking culinary creator, and who has created a line of seasonings, sauces and cocktail mixers that you can purchase at Williams Sonoma for a number of years – Gaby Dalkin. We talk about how she created her culinary universe, her focus of California Girl Living, being inspired through travel and lifestyle as she approaches creating her dishes. We also talk about her popular site and how she grew it as well as it concepts and her newest cookbook that’s out now – Eat What You Want. She even tells us how we can enhance our movie nights in with her dishes as we all do our part to flatten the curve!

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E13. | BUNGALOW SK WITH MISS NEW JERSEY USA GINA MELLISH

On today's episode of Bungalow SK, we catch up with Miss NJ USA 2020, Gina Mellish as we all continue to navigate quarantine and social distancing due to COVID-19. Gina shares her history in the pageant world, being crowned and how she continues to fulfill her duties even during these past few months. In addition, she talks about how she uses her personal journey and her platform to assist those who are dealing with domestic violence and its effects regardless of the kinds of interpersonal relationships that you're involved in. She even talks about her work with One Love Foundation. We chat about how you can identify if you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence and how you can help. She also talks about how these situations take on a bigger need to assist those that need help during times of COVID-19. We also talk about the road ahead from preparing to compete for Miss USA as well as her love for the fashion industry.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

S1. E12. | BUNGALOW SK WITH DAYA VAIDYA

On today's episode of Bungalow SK, we talk to Daya Vaidya who returns for the 6th season of Amazon Prime's Bosch as the Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Los Angeles, Jen Kowski. We find out more about the upcoming season as well as chat about the 7th and final season as they were recently renewed. In addition to her work in front of the camera, we talk about her work behind it and how she has worked with her husband on a number of projects. We also talk about how Hollywood continues to change as we look at the diversity within inclusivity for women and POC. 

TO THE BEACH WITH APRIL ROSS

Back in 2016, we interviewed 2 X Team USA Beach Volleyball Olympic Medalist April Ross after her Bronze win at the Olympic Games in Rio. Flash forward to this month's cover, we caught up with April Ross to talk about indoor vs beach volleyball, the AVP Tour and the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo that are slated to take place next year. We also talk about April joining the KT Tape team and how she uses her social platform to inspire and motivate her followers to stay motivated in their health and fitness journey.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When was the moment that you realized that you wanted to transition from an indoor volleyball player to a beach volleyball player?

APRIL ROSS: There was no specific moment, it was kind of a process and I had kind of given up indoor and just fell out of love with it. My big thing is that I just want to be able to enjoy my journey always. I just wasn’t enjoying my indoor journey. My teammate from USC was playing on the beach and asked me to play in some qualifying events on the beach with her to just help her out. I went out there and we didn’t do very well and I wasn’t very good, but I just fell in love with the sport of beach volleyball. I stuck with it and played it for a while, struggled for a while and I finally broke through and started to have some success and then you know, I just kept riding that wave.

AM: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between indoor vs. beach volleyball?

AR: There are two biggest differences for me – obviously the surface, it is so ridiculously hard to move and jump in the sand – that just creates a totally different challenge in beach volleyball than when you are playing indoor volleyball. The other big difference is that you touch the ball every single play. You are involved in every single play. You can go through an entire rally during indoor and not touch the ball once. On the sand, when you want a point, you have to touch the ball. I feel like there is a lot more accountability on each player in beach.

AM: Last summer, we attended the AVP NYC Open which was a lot of fun. Obviously, you and Alix Klineman won and typically, right now you would be in the thick of the AVP schedule. How have you been spending your time since you’re not doing that at the moment?

AR: Life looks a little different right now. I’m at home pretty much all day. I’m working on some home improvement stuff that I have never had time for. That’s actually really nice. I checked out a big amount of gym equipment from the USA Volleyball Gym and I cleaned out my garage which has been full of storage stuff for the last 10 years. I created a home gym and I am able to get my full lift in there which is about 2 and a half hours. I’m going to Home Depot today to get supplies to make a wooden squat rack. Because I do a little bit of woodworking too and I am getting back into the hobby now that I have some time to explore that so I thought putting my time into making a wooden squat rack would be great. I looked at some designs online that I want to try. Working out, visioning, I’m doing a lot reading and a lot of reflectioning as well as journaling. I’ve been doing a lot of Zoom calls. I mean, everyone is doing the Zoom calls.

AM: For sure. Obviously, with the Olympics being pushed back to next year, what does this next period look like for you especially in regards to training and getting prepared for that?

AR: That’s a constant discussion with my team. We’re trying to grasp onto something in the near future that we can train for and that’s proving hard to do obviously. So, we’re kind of waiting and seeing the government guidelines are when we can get back out on the beach. We want to take advantage of this time, but it’s really hard if we can’t get out on the sand. We can do so much off of the sand, but you have to be able to practice. We’re trying to see how we can have a training camp and if we can do it safely if there is a private court somewhere and we take the proper precautions, maybe in June at some point we can get on the sand and do 3 – 4 weeks of training camp. If there is still nothing on the schedule, maybe we can take a week off. I mean, it’s tough. I’ve never ever had to do anything like this.

AM: It’s a day-by-day thing.

AR: Right, it’s literally a day-by-day thing. It’s a constant brainstorm and getting creative and with each new piece of information, it changes so we’re trying to be really go with the flow!

AM: The weekend of May 22nd, I love that you have partnered with KT Tape to do an Instagram Live event where we can train like an Olympian, actually work out with you and get off of our butts to get a good workout in. Why is this so important for you to participate in this?

AR: I’m really excited for this KT Tape Instagram Live workout. Because I’m not playing and I can’t really interact with fans to encourage and motivate people through my competitions and stuff, I love doing this and engaging people and helping them while they’re at home. Maybe I am creating a little bit motivation or making it a little bit easier for people to have access and information on how to work out and to stay healthy during this time – as well as how to do it while you’re staying at home. I feel like I’m still of service in some way and I just really like to have some kind of positive influence on whoever decides to follow me on social media. I don’t want it to just be “look at me – look at what I’m doing.” I want to give back and I want to help people accomplish their goals and to stay healthy.

AM: You just joined KT Tape earlier this year. What is it about the brand that is such a great synergy with you and how you operate?

AR: I think KT Tape is essential to being an athlete, to staying healthy in general especially in this time. I don’t have a lot of access to physical therapy and therapists. That’s essential to my program and to staying healthy as I have these aches and pains. Because I have KT Tape, I’m able to use that to support my joints and my muscles. All of last season, it was huge as it was for qualifications. I strained my quad early on in the season and it was kind of a big factor and without being able to use KT Tape and tape it all summer, I think I would have been in so much more pain. I had to tape it through World Championships and all through our biggest tournament. Throughout my whole career, I have leaned on my ability to tape myself and literally keep myself together – so it’s a natural fit. As I get older, I need it more and more.

AM: What kinds of workouts will you be including for your Instagram Live with KT Tape?

AR: Well it’s going to be a shoulder stabilization and strengthening workout. I’m trying to think of things that maybe people have not hit so far and that there aren’t a lot of information on. I think that a lot of us are probably on the couch a good amount hunched over and we’re sitting on the computer a lot with Zoom calls. To try and rectify our posture a little bit, I’m going to touch on that stuff.

AM: Who have been 3 people that have inspired you in your career whether you know them personally, follow them online etc? We like asking our changemakers this question as it’s a key one for our podcast #TRIBEGOALS.

AR: Oh wow! People that have inspired me – I would say that one person who has really helped me get through this time is Glennon Doyle. I’m reading her book and she does little Instagram TV videos daily. I love following her. I have recently been inspired by Megan Rapinoe and how vocal she has been for everything, that is amazing. Then, Dr. Michael Gervais – he is a sports psychologist. I was on a panel for Victoria Garrick, she played at USC and is kind of a mental health advocate. She has me, another athlete and Dr. Gervais on to speak to her and her following. Just listening to him, he gave me a lot of ideas that I could be doing in this time to kind of just get my vision right, my mission, my life philosophies etc. so that when we get out of this, I’m all in alignment – spiritually. He’s definitely someone that has influenced me as well.

IG @AprilRossBeach

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 21 + 29 Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire | PG 22 - 27 + 30 KT Tape - Editorial Design by Athleisure Mag |

Hear 2 X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist, April Ross on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

Read the May issue of Athleisure Mag and see To the Beach with April Ross in mag.