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Brandan Fokken Photographer: George Kontaxis
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Sports Journalist, Reporter, Correspondent and Host at NFL Network
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TV Personality & Sports Broadcaster
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Cover International Cover Model, Athlete & Fitness Competitor
Erin Coscarelli 18
Award-winning Journalist, Sportscaster, TV Host, Documentary filmmaker
Angela Sun 30
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Internationally Published Photographer
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Louise Glover
Journalist, TV Host & Reporter
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Lindsay McCormick
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Owner Fokken Strong Training Wellness Coordinator Poet Ethanol
Brandan Fokken 104
Prominent DC Yoga Instructor
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MLB Wife, Mother, Runner and Writer
Georgia Gerstein Alisha Perkins
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Fani Stipković
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Fashion Week Photo: Simon Soong
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David Moser
Erin Coscarelli
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Crystal Milana
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Takes on BANG By: Shanan Maynard
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Warriors. She has also made her way as a journalist covering the World Series of Poker and the Summer X Games. We are also thrilled to have Angela Sun. Not only is she a refreshing female face to see at sporting events, she is one of the successful Asian Americans behind the microphone. She is the first Asian American female personality to appear on ESPN, Fox Sports, Tennis Channel and Yahoo Sports. While at Yahoo Sports she led a team covering a wide variety of sporting events, and she was even honored with the opportunity to cover the Winter Olympics in Vancouver Canada. In her father, Ms. Sun had a strong role model. After he and his family were separated by the communist revolution in China and fled to Taiwan he knew that education was the most important thing for his success. He was the first Chinese person to receive a doctorate from Santa Clara University. e are in the heart of summer. Right now we can all enjoy unlimited outdoor fun and fitness. I hope you are taking full advantage of exercising on a beach, hiking a new path and cooling off in a perfect sprinkler spray. Whether we want to peek at it or not, fall is right around the corner. In preparation we are beginning to talk football. We are going to get the conversation started by talking with some amazing female journalists who know football and much more. The amazing women we have this issue may surprise you. We also have two sisters that are breaking some glass barriers. Lindsey McCormick is here this month to help us get our Fantasy Football team lined up. I for one am going to smash my husband this year. Erin Coscarelli also talked with us about her spot on NFL Network’s morning show NFL AM. Ms. Coscarelli previously reported for Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area covering the 49ers, Giants and champion Golden State
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More breaking of barriers is happening with Kendall and Kristin Bumbera. This pair of sisters is winning at the checkered flag. Yes, we have two female race car drivers for you. As a freshman in high school Kristin won her first Rookie of the Year racing Late Models. In 2008 Kristin was selected to drive for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. Her younger sister, Kendall received her Rookie of the Year twice. This is an exciting issue, led by our cover beauty, Louise Glover, an International Cover Model, Athlete and Fitness Competitor. Brandan Fokken is also here this issue to talk about his training program. And again we have brought you some amazing sports photography, so many talented photographers in the fitness field, every issue we are amazed anew. We hope you enjoy the rest of the summer and that we can continue to inspire you to live a fit and healthy life. Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Account Executive:
Cameron Habashian
Christine Jackson
Editor in Chief:
Contributing Associate:
Biani Xavier
Managing Editor & Associate Publisher:
Shanan Maynard Charles Dorsey Jr Brian Landis Crystal Milana
Kelly Price Social Media Marketing Manager: Managing Editor:
Darcy Tharp Editorial Assistant & Contributing Writer:
Evani Seested Contributing Editor:
Jessica Jessie Art Director:
Brian Price Contributing Writers:
Sabina Bloom Elizabeth Price Denise Smith Austin Thomson Lilly Willner Kia Vang Jason Cloninger
Miriam Jave Editors/Proof Readers: Director of IT & Creative Solutions:
Mayelee Watts
Rajiv Ghangrekar Contributing Designer & Writer:
Jenna Belt Celebrity Associate Director:
Rachel Alexandra Greiner
Social Media Strategists:
Yvonne Fyne-Nsofor Edna Jones Mayelee Watts Arielle George Jason Cloninger
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Sports Journalist, Reporter, Correspondent, and Host at NFL Network
www.erincoscarelli.com twitter: @erincoscarelli instagram: instagram.com/erincoscarelli facebook: www.facebook.com/erin.coscarelli
Prior to joining NFL Network in 2014, Coscarelli was an anchor and reporter for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area where she appeared on a number of programs, including the network’s signature show “SportsNet Central.” Coscarelli covered the Bay Area’s professional sports teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, and the Golden State Warriors, as well as the Stanford and California football programs. And she was also a sideline reporter for Fox Sports West, PAC-12 Network, NBC Sports Network, and ESPN, where she covered the “World Series of Poker” and the “Summer X-Games.” For more information on Erin, please visit: www.erincoscarelli.com.
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By Denise Smith
FMM: Where did you get “Them There Eyes”? EC: My dad has these light, crystal-blue eyes, and my mom has really green eyes – so I guess I’m a combination of them both. FMM: Sports played a huge part of your youth. What types of sports did you and your brothers play? EC: Sports were everything to me growing up. It was how I proved to my brothers that I could keep up. They played football in high school while I played as many different sports I could find the time for...soccer, basketball, softball, track and field and volleyball. I played on a club soccer team for years. I loved it, but got burnt out when I entered high school. I focused on volleyball all throughout high school. FMM: Were your parents athletes? EC: My mom grew up in a family of ten kids. Five brother and five sisters...she didn’t play organized sports, but being in a big family back then, you stayed busy being active outdoors. Much like myself, my mom was a tomboy, so she knew the value of being active at a young age. My dad also played football in high school. I always tease him because he was the typical guy you see in the movies: the high school football captain who wore the letterman jacket. He played against the legendary Mike Garrett back then. He was a linebacker and he told me trying to tackle Garrett was no fun. Ha! FMM: How did they go about introducing you to sports? EC: They put me in AYSO at a very young age. And I guess I just fell in love with it. I was not only a very competitive kid, but I had a lot of energy. It probably just made sense to have me play sports so I wouldn’t drive my parents crazy. FMM: What part of Italy is your family from? EC: Calabria.
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FMM: What is it about Football that captured your attention? EC: First of all, it’s just fun to watch. The mere action of the game simply captures your attention. But it’s also the story lines, the division rivalries, the back and forth between competing teams. My favorite game to watch every year is when Seattle plays San Francisco. FMM: With your appreciation for football, were you a student of the game, studying every play? Or were you an avid fan, watching every moment of the game unfold with the rest of us? EC: I mean, obviously I didn’t play the game growing up; but having a father and two brothers who did play clearly entrenched the love of the game for me. But with all sports, and truly why I love sports, it’s the moments where the game is on the line. Will they fold under pressure? That decision to sink or swim, seize the moment or choke? It’s the pressure of facing adversity and overcoming obstacles at the highest level. It’s so raw. In my opinion, the best form of entertainment is watching these young athletes train their whole lives to make it for that one moment: How do you perform when the game is on the line? For instance, at this year’s Super Bowl, we all thought the Patriots were done. They were gonna lose, right? And then Malcolm Butler comes up huge. That’s why I love watching football. Any given Sunday. FMM: Tell us about growing up in LA. What do you love about your hometown? EC: What do I love about LA? Where do I start? Ha! Just kidding. I love that LA has so much to offer. There’s the beach, the mountains, the desert, citylife... All in one county. And the weather... If it drops below 60 degrees everyone’s wearing beanies and sweaters. We’re very spoiled here in Los Angeles. It’s a great place to live. >>>
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FMM: With your Communications and Journalisms degree in hand, tell us about landing your first on air job. What was that experience like? EC: I was right out of college working the overnight shift as a production assistant at KABC. I did it for about a year. The hours were brutal and you don’t make much, but it taught me a lot about the industry. My agent told me ESPN’s World Series of Poker was looking for a reporter. I auditioned for producers and got a call about a month later that I got the gig. I was the youngest they ever hired to work the WSOP. It was my first real paying job. I lived in Vegas for the summer and learned a lot. From that job, an ESPN producer hired me to work the X Games and it just kind of snowballed from there. FMM: In addition to “Preseason HQ,” you’ve been a cohost of “NFL AM” since July 2014. Walk us through a show day, from the time you arrive on set at NFL Network. EC: Well because NFL Network is based on the west coast, we shoot the show from 3am to 7am PT, which means I head into work at midnight (yes, I work overnights again!) to immediately start hair and makeup. We have a production meeting at 1am to go over the rundown and different segments of the show, and then it’s show time!
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FMM: Can you tell us about your fitness and nutrition plan? EC: Working an overnight shift takes a lot out of you. Your body needs vitamin D, which it’s not getting when you sleep during the day and work at night. So if I’m not completely zapped when I leave the network, I make sure I get a workout in. I either hit up CrossFit or go to the gym. The stair master is my best friend. Sometimes I’ll just do it for 45 minutes. As far as nutrition, working overnights you crave a lot of carbs. It doesn’t help that I have a sweet tooth and there’s always donuts or muffins lying around. But I’ve learned I can’t eat them or a lot of sugar before show time. We are live for four hours and I need to be on my A game. I eat a lot of protein and salads when I’m working. FMM: You have covered a number of different sports, from Summer X Games, volleyball, World Series of Poker and football, to the rodeo. Is there any sport that has left you scratching your head? EC: Pro Bull Riding was the most unique experience of my career. I grew up in the city, so seeing this completely different culture, and I mean it’s a culture, where these riders put their lives at risk and don’t make any money unless they place high in the competition – it’s really incredible to watch in person. Cowboys are so tough. I saw a guy smack his head against the Bulls head, and break his jaw. It’s surreal. I have a lot of respect for what they do. FMM: Take us sidelines during a game. Are you calm and thinking of what your next question might be or is it an adrenaline rush, being so close to the action? EC: It’s a complete adrenaline rush! If you’re not feeling an adrenaline rush or excitement you’re in the wrong business. You don’t just get it from the game; you feel it from the crowd. It’s so intense. It’s fun. Being so close to the action...you have the best seat in the house. I remember when I was in Palo Alto and Stanford finally beat Oregon for the
Pac 12 championship. All the students rushed the field. I was trying to film a hit and I was nervous that I was going to get trampled. It was exhilarating though. It’s what I love about my job. FMM: Tell us about your time in San Francisco. Covering the greats, current NBA Champions, the Golden State Warriors, The San Francisco Giants and the 49ers. How effective do you think Jim Tomsula will be at getting Kap and the 49ers back to Super Bowl? (I’m not going to lie, >>>
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I live in extremely close quarters with a 49er fan) EC: How great are the Bay Area teams doing right now? Covering the teams in San Francisco meant we were very busy– good problem to have when you’re a sports broadcaster. The fan base there is so loyal. If you go to a game at Oracle Arena, you won’t be able to hear anything your neighbor says... It’s so loud. I was really happy for the Warriors. As talented as they are, they are a good group of guys. Steph Curry is one of the most humble athletes I’ve interviewed. As for the 49ers, I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little nervous. So many players are no longer there, from Patrick Willis and Justin Smith to the younger guys like Chris Borland. Jim Tomsula has his work cut out for him. But I’ll tell you this, we saw it with the Cowboys last year – thru adversity, you see teams unite. This could be a surprise season for the 49ers. They are in a very tough position, but don’t lose all hope. FMM: Who are the playmakers we should watch out for this year? EC: Of course I gotta say Odell Beckham Jr. He’s the one I’m most excited to watch after what we saw in his rookie season. And now that he’s got a healthy Victor Cruz to line up with, it should be a very exciting Giants offense to watch. And of course I’ll be wondering how many touchdowns defensive end JJ Watt will score. He’s a beast on the grid iron and definitely a playmaker to watch out for. FMM: Which teams in your opinion look like they may make it to the play offs? EC: I gotta be honest, I’m really excited to watch the Bills this year. I know they’re in the same division as the Patriots but with Rex Ryan at the helm and the moves they made in free agency and the draft, I believe they’re definitely a team that can contend. They still have questions at QB, but I’ll be interested to see how they do this season, especially with Tom Brady out for the first 4 games. >>>
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FMM: What are your interests outside of sports? EC: I really enjoy cooking. My mom is an awesome cook. I’m half Irish and half Italian so appreciating that the art of cuisine is in my blood. I also love traveling. This offseason I visited Cancun, New Orleans, Tampa, and spent a couple days in wine country. I definitely took advantage of my time off. FMM: What do you like to do to relax? EC: I love watching movies. Preparing a yummy meal with a glass of vino and putting on a good flick is probably my ideal night in. FMM: What’s the “Dream Job”? EC: The ideal job is what I do now. I love connecting with people, learning someone’s story, how someone overcomes adversity to get to where they are now. This year’s NFL Man of the Year, Thomas Davis. His story is incredibly touching and moving, growing up in a single-parent home. He’s a perfect example of resilience in the purest form, and there are a lot of stories like that that play out in the NFL. Photo Credit: Chad Alan www.chadsimages.com Hair/Makeup: Kelli Zehnder www.kellizehnder.com Sportswear: Body Language Sportswear www.bodylanguagesportswear.com Publicity: Rick Krusky, MWPR www.mw-pr.com
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18 Courtesy || FITNESS of Angela MAGA ZINE Photo: Sun
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Host, Award-winning Journalist, Sportscaster, TV Documentary filmmaker
wwww.angelasun.com
By: Darcy Tharp & Jason Cloninger
That’s Angela Sun, the ts broadcaster, television personality, adventure seeker, journalist, film maker, spor have seen the dark haired athletic travel blogger, actor the list goes on. You may rts Minute” for four and a half years beauty dominating as the host of “Yahoo Spo perhaps you recently watched her feature elevating the show to immense success. Or tion in the oceans and its effect on the length documentary about the plastic pollu self alongside her riding the huge waves environment. Or you could have found your ela anywhere there is turquoise water or in Malibu. Chances are, you will run into Ang , the extremely motivated, down to earth, a new adventure sport to conquer. Currently ing on a new travel show which will debut award-winning journalist can be found work and excited to dominate this season in her this August, her next documentary project, correspondent for season 4 of “American fantasy football league. Angela was also a orts” on The Tennis Channel for 3 years. Ninja Warrior,” and an anchor for “Court Rep media following for good and to help the Interested only in using her fame and social d, is part of what makes Angela so likeable community and make an impact in this worl MOST Fitness an exclusive interview, that and her sunny outlook on life. She gave stays so fit, and giving us an idea of just inviting us into her world, describing how she where this trailblazer may go next. www.MOST mag.com || FITNESS
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FMM: You directed and produced your first feature-length documentary, Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, examining the plastic pollution in the oceans and its effects on the environment, marine life, and ultimately humans. Have you heard of The Ocean Cleanup, and what do you think about the related technology? AS: I have heard of the ocean clean up, and although I think it is good in theory, I simply do not believe that is a plausible idea. I think it is harder to create social awareness and change our habits so it’s much easier for people to imagine a machine that may be able to scoop up all the plastic. Ocean plastics are deep in the water column and the way it’s designed it only skims the first few meters at the surface. Weather elements will break down
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the collectors quickly as ocean conditions are constantly changing, and this will harm wildlife. Recyclers don’t want ocean plastic in the first place because it is hard to re-use unlike glass or aluminum, since the components that make up plastic breaks down. It’s better to keep plastic out of the ocean in the first place by REFUSING single use plastic. Just say no and bring your own bottle or bag is a start. There’s a great concise article about this that sums it up here: http://www.kcet.org/news/redefine/ reduce/plastics/6-reasons-that-floating-oceanplastic-cleanup-thing-is-a-really-bad-idea.html FMM: You have traveled to over 40 countries and studied abroad in Australia at the University of New South Wales. You’re a contributing
travel writer for wandermelon.com, and pretty much all of your work requires constant traveling. How important is your personal fitness to keep up with your lifestyle, and how do you manage your fitness with being so busy? AS: Fitness is very important for most of the activities I do since much of my traveling involves some sort of physical activity. I don’t have a regimented workout schedule, but I do try to mix things up so my body doesn’t ever get used to a certain type of exercise. When I am at home I do a mix of cardio and strength training as well as yoga, surfing, Pilates, and spin classes. I have a handful of specialized studios I frequent in LA. When I’m on the road the first thing I usually do is go on a 5k run to get my bearings on a city, shake off the jetlag, and get the blood flowing. I usually don’t travel for long periods of time so I can still get a few work outs in here and there when I am at home. I go to classes because there is a sense of accountability, and I try to make it a priority but I don’t have to do it first thing or end of day. Working out is definitely a priority of mine, and it’s a great way to catch up with friends and be active! FMM: You’ve hosted, acted, produced, and were a professional athlete. If you had to pick one profession to do for the rest of your life, what would it be - and why? AS: It would be exactly what I am doing. I’m an amalgamation of sorts, a jack of all trades, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But if you had to make me pick, it would be hosting. FMM: You were the first Asian American female on-camera personality to appear on ESPN, Fox Sports, Tennis Channel, and Yahoo Sports.
When did you realize the importance of this accomplishment, and how has this chain of “firsts” shaped your career? AS: I didn’t realize it was an accomplishment really; it was more of an observation. I don’t know if it has shaped my career- it is just the way it is. Even in 2015 I can count the number of Asian female sports anchors on one hand! The ethnicity card is a double-edged sword because on one hand if networks are looking for diversity, I’m usually in the mix if it’s an ensemble cast. However there are definitely less opportunities, and if a network is not used to seeing someone who looks like me in a certain role then I feel like they usually play it safe with the typical castings. I would hope that my presence and longevity in this field is a testament that there is room for all of us and media should reflect the melting pot that is America.
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FMM: Which part of the world is your favorite to visit, and where do you catch your best waves? AS: My favorite part of the world to visit is usually anywhere with turquoise waters. Not only is it my favorite color, but it usually means it’s in the tropics and has reef, scuba diving, and waves! I’ve been to Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Philippines, Thailand, Vanuatu, Australia, and New Zealand, so I guess the theme would be in and around the Pacific Ocean mainly. Malibu which is one my local spots is where I catch my best waves because it is a right handed point break. It’s a world class wave and one of the longest rides ever and lives up to the hype- even though you may sometimes have more traffic out there than on the 405 freeway! FMM:On July 18, 2014 you hosted Yahoo Sports for the final time. After that there was a final message for Sun Editor’s Note: “The Yahoo Sports team would like to cordially thank Angela
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Sun for hosting the Yahoo Sports Minute for the last four and a half years. Thanks for helping make the Yahoo Sports Minute the #1 online sports show, Sunny Angela.” What do you think of that amazing compliment, and what made you so successful with the hosting of Yahoo Sports Minute? AS: We had over 600 million streams during the life of the Yahoo Sports Minute, and it was because we had a great team. There were so many emotions when I actually taped and watched our last YSM. I was of course flattered by the farewell compliment; I loved working on that show, and I hope it showed that we had a lot of fun too! It was just a natural time of change for everyone, and I am so proud we dominated the online sports arena for over 4 1/2 years! That’s centuries on the internet! I’ll always have fond memories working at Yahoo Sports and being at the forefront of the media shift from TV to online.
FMM:You are pretty active within social media, having over 9,000 Likes on your Facebook page and 8,000 followers on Twitter. How do you see yourself leveraging social media as your presence grows, and what would you like to accomplish with social media in the future both personally and professionally? AS: Social media is an interesting animal to tame. On one hand, it’s great to have influence and share and suggest things that people would like to know and can be a catalyst for social change (I’ve seen it through my film campaign). On the other hand, it can become an all-consuming self-aggrandizing, narcissistic tool where we stop interacting with people face to face and hide behind the guise of how awesome our lives look by what’s on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. Those are the only ones I use by the way: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @sunnyangela and @plasticpdise. I would like to use social media to educate and add value to someone’s feed. Whether it’s to share about a
new travel destination, a tidbit of sports information, or connect with others on social causes, sharing fun facts, cool things, and photos. For me it is about engagement with people, not numbers. It’s hard to be authentic online, but that is one thing I hope translates. Professionally I love creating content, so if it’s in short form on social media, or long form like a documentary, I love it all if I can use it to craft stories and engage others. FMM:You worked with some pretty big names in Hollywood when you performed in Street Kings back in 2008. How was that experience, and what were some of your most humbling experiences while working on the film? What were some of your most humorous moments when working on the film? AS: It was a great experience, and also brief. I only shot for a day or two, but it was great to be on set with everyone. I guess the most humorous moment may have been the color of my face
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when Keanu walked into the make-up trailer. He was my high school crush, and I had posters of him in my bedroom. FMM: On Father’s Day, you stated that your Father “worked so hard to give us a better future”. As a Father, I know the challenges that are faced, and greatly respect men who set good examples for others. What can you tell us about your Father and the sacrifices he made for your family, and what fine examples he set for you and the rest of us? AS: My dad would say that he was never a smart man, but someone who works really hard. His family was torn apart during the communist revolution, and they fled to Taiwan with nothing but the shirts off their back. He always saw education as key to upward mobility so he studied, studied, studied, and he chose a profession where he could foresee a bright future. He was offered a student visa and scholarship to the US to finish his PhD in Electrical Engineering and was the first Chinese person to receive his doctorate from Santa Clara University. It was because of him, that both my mom’s side and dad’s side of the family were able to immigrate to the US later on. They scrimped and saved and came from nothing. He always instilled a strong work ethic in all of us kids and taught us the value of a dollar. He became a Christian later in life, and his example as a leader in the workplace and at church during his battle with cancer really affected many friends and family profoundly. He taught me to never give up, work hard and be gracious, thank God in everything, and be responsible with money and the things you have. Invest in people, and you will get a much greater return, for all the wealth in the world does not make one richer.
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FMM: What is your favorite personal training exercises and why? AS: My favorite exercises are: Kneel on a ball for balance to engage your core, use weights to work biceps, triceps, and shoulder raises etc. The key is using a ball to make it full body. It is a bit like being on a paddleboard when you don’t get the chance to get out on the water. Box Jumps: I like to challenge myself and trying to clear a higher box is a great goal. You really have to use your full body, and I’ll usually do it in a circuit and about 3 sets of 20. Kettlebell Swings: They really do work your core and lower back, and sets the foundation for all your other exercises Sandbell/ball Slams: When you are really mad or want to get out some frustration, it’s always good to imagine whatever it is onto the ball/sandbell and take it out on that. It works your obliques and core too-double win! Airport Cardio Sprints: This is usually done as I am running through LAX to catch a flight since I am a procrastinator and like the thrill of trying to get to the gate without having to wait around to board.
My biggest vices when it comes to food would be chicken tenders and sweet potato fries (so during football season I try to stay away from sports bars but it’s hard) as well as Chinese pork soup dumplings (XLB-Xiao long baos). I try to have fresh squeezed juices a few times a week and avoid any sodas or other juices. FMM: If you need to learn something about diet and/or fitness, who or where do you go to in order to get the answers you need? AS: One of my best friends is a personal trainer, Gin Li(ly) Chang at Evolution Trainers.com, so I usually go to her for advice. I’ll also hear about different trends or new workouts pretty quickly through word of mouth or from other friends I work out with.
FMM: What does your average diet consist of, and do you have any vices when it comes to food? AS: My average diet is anything but! I basically try to stay off of breads and starches, and for the most part eat well-only organic/grass fed/whole foods. But I really work out so I can enjoy food and go out to eat with friends when I like. I tend to graze more than sit down and have three square meals and instead try to eat when I’m hungry. If I am training for something I will detox from sugar, salt, starches, for a little bit, but besides that I eat everything.
FMM: You covered the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver for Yahoo! Sports, and you were photographed holding a Gold Medal. Whose medal were you holding, and how did that whole Olympic experience impact you personally? AS: It was Snowboarder Seth Westcott’s gold medal! Working the Olympics has been a dream of mine for many years, so when Yahoo Sports asked me to go cover the winter Olympics in Vancouver, I was ecstatic. I have covered many sporting events in the past, but there is an international spirit that can’t be replicated (unless it’s the world cup perhaps) during the Olympics. I was studying abroad during the Sydney Olympics and experienced for the first time how a whole city and country can rally behind sports. The atmosphere at the winter Olympics was indescribable, and it was the first time I had been to Vancouver. It was amazing to tell the stories of world class athletes and how much they had overcome to reach the world’s highest stage for sports and to witness world records in the making. I would still love to cover a Summer Olympics and World Cup one day.
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FMM: You are a self-proclaimed tech geek. What tech do you use in the gym, or when you’re training outside of the gym? AS: I run with my Nike run app on my iPhone and make sure I have a good playlist going on. I sometimes use a heart rate monitor when at a circuit training class, but I don’t have my own yet. I do take my go pro hero 3+ out in the water at times when surfing for fun. FMM: Who are your greatest influencers both personally and professionally? AS: Personally my mom is a big influencer, and she actually majored in broadcast journalism but got married and left for the US before she could really pursue it. My mom reminds me to slow down, and reminds me that every moment is precious and to not take anything for granted. My dad has influenced me greatly by the way he lived his life, and how he provided for us. Brene Brown’s Ted Talk on the power of vulnerability had a profound impact on me as well. I’m currently reading Richard Branson’s book, and I definitely look to people like him for inspiration. Oprah (of course), Anthony Bourdain, Morgan Spurlock, Lisa Ling, Charissa Thompson, John Oliver, and John Stewart are some names that come to mind when I think of professional styles that I admire. As for people who have influenced me professionally, I will never forget my first mentor and high school teacher who gave me this gem when we were discussing interviewing techniques, and I still use this in work and life: the more open and honest you are with people the more honest an open they will be with you.
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FMM: What are your greatest goals you’ve achieved for yourself so far? What goals are you still trying to achieve? AS: I finished my documentary after eight long years! That was a great goal to achieve. I actually wrote a goals list when I was 14, and I have been able to cross off everything except for climbing the face of El Capitan in Yosemite. (I wrote this list after hiking half dome for the first time). Some of my greatest goals were running a half marathon, becoming a professional journalist/host, diving with sharks, working in film, and starting a production company. I would still like to direct/produce a scripted project, write a book, host my own show, and get married and start a family.
FMM: What can you tell us about your involvement with Youth Mentoring Connection, and how that organization is making a difference with “at risk” youths? AS: I was involved in teaching kids how to surf during the summers as a surf mentor, and also led a girls snowboarding trip one year. It’s a great local non-profit that matches skilled mentors with at-risk youth. I’m hoping to get out there this summer schedule permitting. If you happen to be in the LA area, check it out. www.angelasun.com www.plasticparadisemovie.com
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Journalist
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Goran Matijase
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FMM: How did you first decide you wanted to become a journalist? FS: First of all, since I was a little girl I had a big passion for literature. I always loved reading books and writing. Later on, in my free time in high school, I was attending acting school but had doubts if I wanted to start an acting career. But later on, I decided to go to the University of Political Science in Croatia and chose journalism as my career. During my time at University I did internships at a national television station in Croatia and at two major daily political magazines. I loved investigation, and I felt a real love for the power of giving people information and helping to form public opinion about certain matters that are important. After I graduated, I started work within a couple of months at another national station on the Sunday evening show called ‘Red carpet,’ and that’s how my journalism career started. FMM: What types of interviews are the most challenging-sports, fashion, movies, music? And how are they different? FS: All interviews are big challenges, for sure. It depends more about the person you’re interviewing or a topic that you are talking about. The most important thing to accomplish for a good interview is preparation and how well you have prepared yourself and read/heard/seen all the facts about the person sitting in front of you. The second most important thing is communication skills and the third, I would add, is psychological abilities to make out the best of the conversation. I like interesting people. I like to hear about the path of some world famous athlete when he was climbing to success and what it was like getting there, like in the case of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, or Cristiano Ronaldo, when I was interviewing them. I get inspired by people from different areas-it can be music, sports, or the film industry. The
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difference between those types of interviews is just in the person you are interviewing, as everyone is unique and therefore, needs different approach. FMM: What was your favorite presenting job you have ever done? FS: I am not sure as I’ve done a lot, but maybe it was when I was hosting Miss Universe. When you host something that is broadcast live on television, it is always the most challenging because you cannot really allow yourself to make any mistakes. Also, the girls were wearing bikinis from my first beachwear collection so I was really happy. FMM: What was the most interesting fashion show or shoot you have ever done and why? FS: It would probably be too difficult to choose my favorite, but one of the most special ones that I will never forget was the beautiful Hugo Boss fashion show in Split in the historical Diocletian’s Palace. I was opening the fashion show, and I remember there were so many stairs that I had to walk down when opening the show. I remember being so nervous and scared that I would fall because the lighting was so strong and you could barely see the stairs, which are very old, historical, very high stairs. Also, I was very young and therefore a bit insecure. But at the end, everything went amazing even though a few girls did fall unfortunately, but so we ended the evening laughing in a positive way. That was probably one of my favorite fashion shows since I was born in Split, and I am always more attached to things that I do that touch me emotionally as well. FMM: Tell us about your swimwear line-where did the inspiration for the pieces come from? FS: I launched my first swimwear line three years ago. I am always collaborating with some brand, and we made a limited edition line, signed and >>>
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designed by me. The first two years I did one with a Croatian company and last year with Khongboon Swimwear from Thailand. I get my inspiration while traveling and visiting different countries; it always awakes my creativity. I like to create bikinis that make every woman beautiful, although indeed, every woman is already beautiful. FMM: Any other plans for designing in the future? What other projects are you working on/future plans? FS: I would love to continue designing in the future and create some new collaborations, of course. It is something that I love to do because I can link my creativity with my experience from my modeling career, and also add some of the business skills
I learned during my master’s degree. But my most important project that I am working on at the moment is my journalism school that I am creating. It will be a five day course where I will teach all of the attendants the most important things about television, how to conduct a good interview, and how to behave in front of the camera. I will also call some colleagues from my master’s courses to come be guest teachers at my school. I am also in the process of getting my diploma as a life coach because I really believe that the most important thing is to work on yourself all the time and to always develop and invest in yourself. Another wish that I have is that I would love to co-create a sportswear line with someone because I love to work out so much. >>>
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FMM: What do you for a workout and to stay in shape? Favorite exercise? FS: I like to combine a lot of different workouts. I am a big fan of Ashtanga yoga and Pilates as well. I also like jogging, and I like to go to a gym. Usually when I am in the gym, I work with my own weight doing different cross fit exercises. I am really addicted to working out, and it’s something that gives me so much positive energy. I like nature as well, and when I come to California I always go hiking or I work out on stairs in Santa Monica in Los Angeles. When you have that drive inside yourself, there’s nothing that can stop you. My favorite exercise is squats. FMM: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from being in front of the camera? FS: You should never stop working on yourself. Ego can kill your talent. Also you should be relaxed and embrace everything that makes you different. Don’t fake it, just be natural, that’s the most beautiful thing that viewers love to see, but of course you should also learn the basics of television and never stop learning and investing in your education. FMM: Do you identify more with being a journalist or a model/TV presenter? FS: Although I like working as a TV presenter, I identify myself more as a journalist and a TV reporter. I liked modeling and sometimes still do modeling jobs, but more as a brand ambassador. But since I’ve invested so much in my education and journalism career, I feel that is more me.
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FMM: Where is your favorite place in the world to travel to? FS: My favorite place to travel to is my home place, Vela Luka on island Korcula in Croatia. That’s the place where I feel unlimited inner peace. Since my work is quite hectic, and I am constantly surrounded by a lot of people, public events, and cameras, I tend to like privacy in my free time. I
am not a big fan of ‘it’ destinations, but rather I like beautiful, hidden places where I can relax, read, and meditate. The place that gives me a similar feeling is the Maldives. I’ve been there a couple of years in a row and it is beauty without limits. It’s like heaven on earth; it’s so beautiful there. I would recommend it to everyone to visit. I love traveling, and it really makes you so much richer from the inside and brings so much love in our hearts. FMM: You do so many different ventures-how do you stay focused in order to be successful at each one? FS: You just have to love what you do. My main job is television and journalism, but since I was modeling before, I kind of connected some things to develop other jobs that can be successful and all work well together as a brand. My main focus
is not success, but it is inner peace because that’s the biggest success that someone can have and it’s priceless. Probably because I am not so obsessed with some things, but I am a hard worker, a lot of good things have come. But it wasn’t easy, and I had to go through a lot of difficult things to be here where I am today. FMM: What is your advice for aspiring young women who desire to follow a similar career path as you? FS: The most important thing is to pursue your dreams, and to chase work success, not fame. Always choose quality over quantity. And don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something; you always have to believe in yourself. And the most important thing is to stay humble, or God will do something to humble you. And work hard, alone. >>>
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I remember when I began, I used to work 13 hours a day. It was so difficult for me to get interviews with some world famous athletes or celebrities, especially because I had no references from before, and I was only starting out with just my modeling career as a background, and of course education. But it’s not something that agents know, as they don’t know who you are and what your intentions might be. But I was always very professional with the people I’ve interviewed. I never took advantage of anything I’ve heard or seen, or something that could affect that person, and I always wanted to bring out the best from people as a respect for the time they decided to give me for the interview. It is very important to build your values and not be attracted by glamour, just be focused on your dream and never lose yourself on your path of pursuing your career. FMM: What’s your guilty pleasure? FS: Mine is particular red wine labeled ‘Karisma’ from Petrac winery in Croatia. FMM: When was the last time you felt super excited? FS: Every time I pray, and that’s every night before I go to sleep. Or every time I hear the voice of some member of my family; I am a very family oriented person. Or every time when something nice happens to someone I love. So basically I get excited every day, at least for five minutes.
‘soparnik’, which is a famous Croatian food from Dalmacija, where I come from. FMM: What is one thing you want MOST Fitness readers to know about you? FS: I meditate every day, and I am also very religious. I come from a very traditional and religious family and moral and real life values are things that are the most important things in the world. Also I like to laugh a lot, and I love people who can make me laugh. FMM: What is another passion/hobby you have that is outside of your work, that most people wouldn’t know about you? FS: I love spiritual work, and I usually dedicate every day at least one hour to my spirituality and one hour to my workout. Those are my daily routines. I like to go to church a lot as well; it makes me calm. But probably nobody knows that I am developing skills as a life coach because I’ve seen that helping people is the greatest gift that you can do to make this world a better place.
FMM: Croatian food specialty that you couldn’t live without? FS: Fish made the Croatian way, called ‘buzara’. I love it so much. My mother makes it the best, but I am also not bad in the kitchen. I don’t eat meat, but I eat fish like five times a week. I also love
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Photographer: Goran Matijasec Khongboon Swimwear - Fani Stipkovic Limited Edition
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Timea Majorova / Diego Sebastian
Sherry Goggin / Rico Elbaz
Sherry Goggin / Pasi Schalin / Rachel Moore Timea Majorova / Diego Sebastian
Internationally published photographer:
www.GeorgeKontaxis.com www.BodyofArtGallery.com www.facebook.com/george.kontaxis.7 instagram.com/georgekontaxis/ twitter.com/georgekontaxis www.linkedin.com/pub/george-kontaxis/6/217/811
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Sherry Goggin / Rico Elbaz
Internationally published photographer George Kontaxis is living his dream with successful careers in both photography and acting, and doing so while pursuing his other great love of travel and exploring the planet. The Greek native recognized for his sexy unique style of high fashion, fine art, and fitness photography started out as a self-taught photographer in London, initially in the glamour and erotic photography world. He now has over 15 years of experience and has worked with some of the best fitness models in the world, as well as major celebrities and professional athletes. He originally left Athens at a young age and moved to Egham, in the suburbs of London, to study Management at the Royal Holloway University. But it was after purchasing the most basic Canon film camera and snapping creative photos during his travels that George realized he wanted to do this full time and learn how to craft the best image possible, so he started to build a portfolio for himself. He quickly became known for his sensual way of capturing the female and male form in exotic locales and natural settings. George now resides in L.A. and has been able to pursue theatre, film, and television acting while continuing to travel and create imaginative, inspired images. His work has been featured on covers, and in editorials and advertisements of national and international magazines in Europe and the U.S. His art photography has also been published and showcased in calendars, art books, exhibits, and art galleries. MOST Fitness has the pleasure of featuring George’s work this month, and had the opportunity to learn more about the man behind some of the most iconic, high quality, sensual images in fitness today.
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Ashley Lawrence
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By Darcy Tharp
FMM: You have distinctive colors and post processing technique you use for your images, how do you define your style? GK: Thank you, I am looking to capture the best physiques in the world in images that are very classy and tasteful, either in amazing natural locations, or in creative studio setups. FMM: How much time do you spend on post processing? Do you envision your post productions for each project before or after the shooting? GK: I actually don’t do much post processing. I believe in shooting it as close to the final result as possible during the time of the shoot, and I only add a little contrast and color correction to my photos in post processing. FMM: You are a self-taught photographer, what was your first step in exploring the field? GK: Yes I am completely self-taught; I started by just shooting photos with a small camera every time I traveled somewhere, and I remember I was always interested in finding out how to make my images better. At some point while I was in London doing a Management degree I decided to start learning more about it. Once I started exploring the world of photography I fell in love with it, and I started studying every book and magazine I could and practicing on my own in order to learn everything I could about photography. FMM: You earned your Bachelor’s degree in Management at the University of London and then moved to LA-what made you decide to move? GK: It was always my intention to explore as much of the world as I could, so as soon as I turned 18 I moved from Greece to London, which is a major metropolitan area, with the purpose to use it as a base to travel to many other places around the world. I was also always fascinated by the major US cities like New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles,
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Miami, etc, and as I started traveling and exploring the US while I had my base in London, I found myself falling in love with the US lifestyle. I started spending more and more time first in Vegas and then in LA. So the move happened naturally, as I was spending more time in the US than in Europe. First I moved to Las Vegas for 2 years, and then I moved to Los Angeles where I have been living for the last 10 years and absolutely loving it. FMM: Where do you find your inspiration for your projects? Do you still get excited for each project? GK: I find inspiration in many different art forms that I see around me, such as Hollywood movies, video clips, paintings, and sculptures. Also I have always been fascinated by the major fashion/ celebrity photographers that were successful while I was growing up in Greece and seeing them in all the magazines. Such photographers of the 80’s and the 90’s are Helmutt Newton, Herb Ritts, Francesco, Scavullo, Andreas Bitesnich and a few more. Yes, I still get very excited about my photoshoots. I really enjoy that I am at a stage in my career where I have a lot of experience from the 15 years that I have been a photographer and from the many resources I have by living in Los Angeles and traveling around the US for shoots. So it is great that now I can use all that, to try to create better images than ever before and also work with great models. FMM: What is your favorite camera/lens combination? GK: I am a Canon user, and I like the 5D Mark II, with a 28-135mm lens. I like to experiment with different lenses sometimes, but that is the one I use 90% of the time. However I do not like to focus too much on equipment, and I prefer to mostly focus on the creativity and on having unique ideas for my photoshoots to work on.
Mary Yarmolovich / Ailin Campan
FMM: Do you have preference for outdoor or studio shooting? GK: It is two different types of experiences, shooting indoors and outdoors. Shooting outdoors to me feels like an adventure, and I really enjoy shooting with natural light and working in amazing natural locations that I research, such as deserts, waterfalls, canyons, exotic beaches, etc. Shooting indoors is very different; it is more about the creativity with the light and creating unique images by using my imagination and the light, almost like a painter would to create his art.
FMM: What makes you most interested in fitness photography? Are you into fitness yourself? GK: Shooting with some of the best bodies in the world while working with models in the fitness industry is such an amazing opportunity to create powerful and artistic images. There are so many options when working with a body that is like a work of my art in itself and then combining it with an amazing location in the background, or with some creative lighting in a studio set up. I was always into sports from a very young age, and I really enjoy living a healthy and active lifestyle. Shooting with some of the best athletes in
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Mike OHearn
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Mike OHearn
Alicia Marie
the world is actually very inspiring and after every shoot I feel motivated to work harder on my own physique, so it is great that I have the opportunity to be around some of the best athletes in the world. FMM: How do you select your models? What makes one stand out from the others? GK: I am looking for a unique look; I am also looking for models that are established in the industry and have built a great reputation and image for themselves. FMM: Do you shoot aspiring models with no experience? GK: Yes, I enjoy working both with experienced models as well as models starting out. It is always great to work with people starting out their careers in the fitness industry and help them achieve their dreams. I have been in the industry for 15 years now, and I was able to achieve many of my dreams, so when I work with people who are new to the industry, I am really happy to help them achieve their dreams and see them fulfill their desires and reach their goals. FMM: What tips can you give our aspiring fitness models? GK: Professionalism is the most important thing in this business. It is also important to be prepared for the shoots. The more you bring to a photographer to work with, the better the final images will be. FMM: You also do acting, how is that going? GK: Yes I have the great fortune to work both behind and in front of the camera. It actually gives me great perspective as to how it feels for models being in front of the camera, while I am the photographer. It allows me to be better at directing them and be sensitive to their needs in order for both of us to get the best results out of the photoshoot. I have had the chance to work in theatre, film, and TV during the last 10 years that I >>>
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Oksana Grishina
have been living in Los Angeles, and I am looking forward to do more work in all those mediums. I really enjoy experiencing life through many different professions, and I am lucky to have a passion and a career in both photography and acting.
include Italy, Greece, Hawaii, Montana, Miami, Las Vegas, and a few more that are on the works. Also another passion of mine is showcasing my work in artistic calendars and art books, so I am working on more self-publishing ventures in those mediums.
FMM: Tell us about your Body of Art - Art Book? GK: Body of Art, the art book is a compilation of my work over the last 15 years. It includes photoshoots with the best female and male models on the planet, that I did in exotic locations in the US and Europe.
FMM: Where do you hope to go from here? GK: I want to continue to create art, to work with more models as I enjoy meeting and working with people from around the world. Also I am looking forward to traveling and exploring more of our planet. And I plan to continue to publish all those images in more publications, magazines, calendars, and art books.
FMM: How often you shoot your calendars? Take us through the planning and what’s involved to get each calendar finished? GK: I do a calendar every time there is some specific photographic theme that I would like to work on and create a publication with a combination of some of my best images. FMM: What are some of your upcoming projects? GK: I am planning many photoshoots in many exotic locations around the USA and worldwide. I have a passion for traveling and shooting in new unique locations. Some of my upcoming trips
FMM: How can MOST readers find you in social media? GK: Readers can view portfolios of my work at all major social media platforms: www.facebook.com/george.kontaxis.7 instagram.com/georgekontaxis/ twitter.com/georgekontaxis www.linkedin.com/pub/george-kontaxis/6/217/811 As well as my two extensive websites at: www.GeorgeKontaxis.com www.BodyofArtGallery.com
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Modu Seye
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Modu Seye
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Mary Yarmolovich
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Racing Sensations
Kristin Bumbera: www.kristinbumbera.com Kendall Bumbera: www.kendallbumbera.com
Photographer & Designers:
Richard E. Sepcic & Faith McGary Photo Retoucher:
Magic Owen Photography
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By: Austin Thomson
her passion for racing at the local go-kart track. When the passion for racing continued, her family fueled her racing spirit. At age fifteen, a freshman in high school, Kristin won her first Rookie of the Year title in Late Models. Kristin would later go on to balance a full racing career all while attending college, often taking online classes in between races. After being selected from over 200 applicants for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program in 2008, Kristin was finally able to live out her dream of being a NASCAR racer. Today, she balances being a mother, wife, sister, and race car driver. Meanwhile, Kristin’s younger sister, Kendall Bumbera, had her interest peaked in racing after consistently watching her sister Kristin dominate the track. Knowing how much dedication and practice her dream would take, she set off to make her first racing season one to remember. Kendall did just that, achieving the 2007 Rookie of the Year award in the Houston Motorsports Park Pro Stock Division. Kendall has continued to make her name in racing and beating the odds to achieve a second Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Late Models. Kristin and Kendall are strong women who do not let the overwhelming odds of a male dominated field get to them. Throughout their racing, they have stayed true to who they are. The sponsors that are with Kristin and Kendall are truly ones that represent them and what they believe in. It can be so easy to trade in passion for a paycheck, but the Bumbera sisters challenge by letting their racing and commitment do all the talking. Kristin and Kendall are watching behind them as younger brother Boyd expands the family’s racing line by
following in their footsteps. Both Kristin and Kendall are making waves in the racing community and act as amazing role models for any young person who has a dream. The sisters were kind enough to sit down with us at MOST and discuss their motivations, goals, and what it is like to balance racing with all the other aspects of their life. FMM: Was there an initial “spark” that peak your interest in racing and made you want to pursue it? Kristin: Being around racing all my life and spending my weekends at the racetrack led me to pursue it. Kendall: After watching my dad and sister (Kristin) travel and race since I was born, I finally decided to give it a shot at 14 years old. What is it like to be two women in a field that is mostly male dominated? What is your pet peeve in breaking barriers to get into this field? Kristin: It is a challenge and exciting. We constantly get underestimated so it’s fun and challenging to prove them wrong. We have to gain the competitors respect proving that we belong in this sport and we do that when we set track records, win races, and qualify well. Kendall: Since I was able to watch Kristin go before me and set such a confident example, it was easier for me to jump into the male-dominated sport. My family taught us to just act with class and like we belong there, because we do. FMM: You both are strong role models to young girls wanting to pursue racing, how does that make you feel? Who are your role models and why? Kristin: Being a role model is a great feeling. I feel like I need to constantly stand by my morals and >>>
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keep trying harder to achieve whatever goals I have set without sacrificing any morals. Kendall: Being someone’s role model is one of the greatest compliments a person could give me. Some of my role models would be my dad and my sister. My dad is constantly reminding me, whether he knows it or not, to always stay faithful to God no matter what my circumstances. He is without a doubt the hardest working person you will ever meet. No matter how crazy and stressful things get, I’ve never seen him quit. He just carries on each and every day with a smile. My sister is also someone I look up to. She juggles not one, but three businesses in a single day all while raising a 3 year-old. Then, on the weekends she just kicks butt on the track like its no big deal. I look at her and have no idea how she does it. She gets that from my dad. FMM: How involved are your families in your racing career? Kristin: My family is as involved as anyone could be. My dad is the guy who started it all and got everyone into racing, as he has raced all of his life. My mom also raced when I was very young and is now the spotter for the team. My brother and sister are always there for any support and help that is needed. Kendall: To say that we are family oriented people would be an
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understatement. It doesn’t matter what is going on, we always make time to be there for each other. FMM: Kendall you won Rookie of The Year in the Houston Motorsports Park Pro Stock Division. Then you went on to win Rookie of the in the Late Model Class. What is it like to win such a prestigious title multiple times? Kendall: It was pretty neat to win it in the class I first started racing in and then win it again once I moved up to a more competitive class. FMM: Kristin you have also won Rookie of The Year twice. What was that like? How have you taken those wins and used them to further your career? Kristin: I won Rookie of the Year in my career two times in two different classes. It was a great accomplishment in my career and has helped me achieve even more success over the years. FMM: Racing requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication, what drives (pun intended) you to keep pushing yourselves? Kristin: Growing up and realizing that racing is how I wanted to spend most of my time meant that I needed to focus on racing more than anything else. This meant I couldn’t go to all of the functions my friends went to, I couldn’t stay out late on Friday nights – because I always had a race the next day. I graduated high school in 3 years so I could race constantly and my schooling wouldn’t suffer. I also took college courses online so I could travel the United States to race without missing any classes. Kendall: Even though I am not currently racing because I need to focus on school, what always kept me motivated was my family and everyone else involved. Every weekend that we were racing, the entire family would be there as well as the crew, family and friends. Seeing the support that all of those people gave me made me want to give them something worth watching.
FMM: I know you both race in different series, but will there ever be a time that you will race against each other. What would that be like? Kristin: We have raced against each other twice. It was so much fun! If you asked my parents you would get a totally different answer, they weren’t in favor of it too much. There will always be sibling rivalry but when you take it to the racetrack that usually doesn’t work out. When we were on the track she was just another competitor, but I’m not going to lie, there was a little extra motivation to make sure I was faster than her. Kendall: The most fun I have ever had in a racecar was the couple times that I got to race with Kristin. We have so many jokes and funny stories together and those two nights that we raced against each other just made for more jokes and stories. There was a bit of a sibling rivalry, but we don’t take things too seriously so when things do get serious it’s hard not to laugh about it. FMM: Kristin you had to balance having a massive college course load while consistently racing, did you have trouble trying to balance your education with racing? If there’s a conflict between racing and college, which wins? What are you studying and what draws you to this are of study? Kristin: Marketing was the field of study. College is difficult on its own but then add in racing and it makes it that much more difficult. I had to be very disciplined and make sure college didn’t get pushed to the side to go have fun at the races. If there was ever a conflict I wouldn’t say one won over the other – I just had to finish schoolwork first before I could play. FMM: Kristin you were selected in 2008 for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program in 2008. Can you tell us about the Drive for Diversity program and what was it like to finally make it to the big leagues of NASCAR? >>>
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Kristin: It was an eye opening experience that taught me a lot about the racing industry and gave me the opportunity to race weekly in California for Golden State Racing.
up asking for advice with things like his friends and school. Being a seventeen year-old boy, he may not want to admit that he looks up to his sister but I think that he does.
FMM: Kendall what is your ultimate goal when it comes to racing and what are the steps you are taking to reach that goal? Kendall: I am currently not racing because I live in College Station in order to attend Texas A&M, but my initial goal when I was racing was to just have fun. If you’re having fun with something you are more likely to work hard at it and with hard work come success. I always wanted to compete in a televised touring series like the NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, if you aren’t enjoying the time and work that you must put in to get to that level, then it is not worth it.
FMM: When you both aren’t on the track racing or practicing, what are some of your hobbies? Are you involved with any non-profits, if so, can you share them with us? Kristin: I have a lot more free time now that I am not racing weekly like I used to. I like to spend that time at home with my family and catching up on things I didn’t get to do as a kid like vacations and having impromptu swimming pool days.
FMM: Kendall your younger brother Boyd is also involved in racing, do you feel like a role model to him as Kristin was to you? Kendall: I can only hope that he looks up to me the way that I look up to Kristin not only in racing, but also in life. It makes me happy when he calls me
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Kendall: Since I have been at Texas A&M, I am not able to be home as much as I would like. So, I would have to say that getting to go home to see my family and playing with my nephew Bentley tops the list as my favorite thing to do. When I am at school, I volunteer at an equine therapy facility in College Station called Courtney Cares that teaches kids that have disabilities how to ride horses. I used to show horses quite a bit before I began racing, so through that organization I am
still able to be around horses. I also have a soft spot for helping little kids so Courtney Cares is perfect for me. FMM: Kristin you are also a mother to your young son Bentley, how do you balance being a full-time mother as well as a full-time racer? Kristin: Since I don’t race every weekend it is easy. He comes to work with me at my parent’s performance shop, Bumbera’s Performance Associates, while he isn’t in school. He loves the cars and racing. I am a little worried I might have to find a small race car for him to race when I got started again. FMM: Not every race is going to be a winner, how do you deal with not placing how you intended? Kristin: We were brought up to be good sports. We don’t get upset – just more determined and work on how to get better. Kendall: Our parents taught us that no matter if we win or we lose, we do it with class. No one will tell you that it feels good to lose, so instead of getting upset we just use that feeling as our motivation to do better next time. FMM: If you could give MOST readers one tip on reaching their goals, what would it be? Kristin: NEVER EVER give up on them, do not ever sacrifice your morals in order to reach them, and remember to have fun along the way. You don’t want to reach your goal, look back and say you wished you would have done something different. There will be people along the way, guaranteed, that will try to persuade you to do what they want or what they say is the industry “norm”, but if you aren’t comfortable doing it then don’t. Even if that means you will not reach your goal. I personally had to experience this very difficult decision and I prayed to God and asked him to make me at peace with the decision and even though it meant >>>
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I potentially wouldn’t reach my goal to accept that. In the end, maybe MY goal isn’t the best thing for me is what I came to realize. Kendall: There are going to be people that tell you that what you want to do doesn’t make sense, is impossible, crazy, stupid, unrealistic… You get the point. As long as you keep your faith in God and trust Him, He will guide you where you are meant to go. Never ever compromise, settle, or sacrifice your faith or your morals. There will be opportunities that come along that seem perfect, but there is almost always a catch. Be cautious and only do what you believe is right. HAVE FUN and when there are bumps in the road (and there will be!) learn from them and persevere. FMM: 19 Both How would you describe yourself in just three words? Kristin: Brave, Shy, Determined Kendall: Forthright, Compassionate, Persevering It’s evident that Kristin and Kendall are more than just racers. They are strong people who show that anything can be achieved when you put your heart and soul into it. Kristin and Kendall are amazing role models to not only those who want to become racers, but to all with a dream and passion.
Photographer & Designers: Richard E. Sepcic & Faith McGary Photo Retoucher: Magic Owen Photography Hair: Dennis Clendennen Make-Up: Lisa Capuchino Wardrobe Stylist: Kim Dunn Photo Stylist: Holly Qualman Irish Wolfhound Rescue: Stephen L. & Judy Ritchie - WolfTrek Kennels Location: Ikonik Studio, Houston, TX
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TV Personality & Sports Broadcaster www.lindsaymccormick.com
By: Lindsay McC
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ormick
Photo Credit: Justin Hammond Photography www.justinhammondphoto.com
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Rule #1:
This rule is self-explanatory. Kickers are just too unpredictable and most are about the same in terms of value. However, if they play in a dome (no wind issues) and on a team with a powerful offense, that would be your best bet when choosing one in the last round.
Rule #2: Your team name sets the tone for your season. The more time you put into it, the more seriously your competitors will take you. Nobody feels the need to step up their game if they are playing “FantasyFBLover123,” but going against “Ladies & Edelman” or “Remember the Titans?” – well that’s a different story.
each position. That way when I’m on the clock and someone takes Gronk, I’m not panicking. I just go to No. 2 on my list.
Rule #5:
In case you don’t win the fantasy equivalent of the Powerball lottery and get Rob Gronkowski for a TE (he won’t still be there by there by the 2nd round.), Martellus Bennett is a good option that will more than likely still be on the board. Last season Bennett had 90 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns. He had career-highs in every category but “yards per reception” and has been on a roll the past two seasons, posting his highest career stats in years.
Rule #6:
Rule #3:
How many points will you earn per catch, and are wide receiver and tight end catches equal? How is defensive play scored? These are all questions you should know the answer to in order to draft the best possible team. The more points a position can earn for your team, the sooner in the draft the best players at that position will go.
Rule #4: This is not 7th grade science class. Although, I probably take this slightly more seriously than I did that class. After you’ve followed Rule 3 and know which positions are most important for your league, it’s actually a good idea to look at your favorite fantasy experts’ mock drafts online to get a good idea of which players are a priority for you. Every year I make a list of my top five guys in
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Teams aren’t running the ball as often as they used to. And when they do, (unless you have a DeMarco Murray or AP on your team) they are sharing the carries with multiple guys. While you DEFINITELY need a great RB in the first round or two, don’t pass up good talent at other positions if you already have one great player in the backfield.
Rule #7: Fantasy football is as unpredictable as when the pizza delivery guy will show up at your door. So between injuries and bye weeks, if you can draft or pick up a few sleepers, it can do wonders for you when unexpected things happen. This season I’ve been eyeing Derek Carr (who did an excellent job of protecting the football and will continue to improve with a year under his belt and Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree as his disposal), CJ Spiller (who will have a fresh start on a new
Photo Credit: Chad Alan www.chadsimages.com Hair and Makeup: Crystal Rose Artistry instagram.com/crystalroseartistry
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team and with a new offense) and Lamar Miller (who finally got the hang of things in the NFL last season and looks to get even better while entering a contract season.)
Rule #8: Once you’ve picked your team and notice a few holes, it’s time to trade. I’ve found that sometimes I don’t have a certain player that one of my competitors wants…but I do have the will to clean their dishes and mop their floors. Especially if it means I can sleep well at night with Brandon Marshall on my roster.
Rule #9: And by this I mean make sure you are refreshing Adam Schefter’s Twitter timeline minutes before kickoff. There is no worse feeling than starting a player who isn’t actually playing that week. And we are all guilty of having that one week where things go awry.
Rule #10: Because while you can control your roster each week, you can’t control which of your star players will get a season-ending injury or have a five-game suspension for an off-the-field issue. Fantasy football is difficult for control freaks like myself, but if you follow my rules, add just the right amount of smack talk to the message boards, and have fun with it, you just might come out on top.
Photo Credit: Chad Alan chadsimages.com Hair and Makeup: Crystal Rose Artistry instagram.com/ crystalroseartistry
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International Cover Model, Athlete & Fitness Competitor
GLOVER www.louiseglover.com www.facebook.com/pages/Louise-Glover-Model Twitter @MsLouiseGlover instagram.com/louiseglover
Photo credit:
Andy lesauvage www.lesauvage.tv
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By: Darcy Tharp
Already dominating in her second full time career, Louise Glover, the former glamour model turned pro athlete, fitness model, nutritionist and personal trainer is definitely living by her favorite inspirational quote and is having a winning year. Getting ready for the IFBB Amateur Olympia coming up in October, Louise is busy preparing for one of the biggest competitions of her life and working on starting her own business on top of it all! The English bombshell took the time to open up to MOST Fitness about the health scare that had her turning her focus entirely towards healthy living, how she prepares for competition, and the hobby she adores that would be her third career if she had a choice. When asked to describe herself in five words, Louise chose “passionate, opportunist, outgoing, unique, and lovely,� which are our thoughts exactly! >>> www.MOST mag.com || FITNESS
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FMM: Why did you change from glamour modeling to fitness modeling? LG: I was a glamour model for 10 years. I started on “Page 3” and worked my way up to winning model of the year with Playboy and living in Hollywood. I modeled for some of the biggest companies in lingerie, swimwear and sportswear. I have been on the cover of glamour magazines around the world, FHM, Maxim, Playboy and inside edition with Esquire, Stuff, GQ and more. I went on to win many different beauty, bikini and modeling contests. So I had ticked all the boxes in that decade that I could. Why I turned to the Health and Fitness Industry: A few years ago I almost died of Septicaemia (blood poisoning). I was going through a divorce, and was moving to London from LA. I was suffering from depression at the time and had had my breast implants removed three months earlier, but I kept getting infections. I contracted Septicaemia and was rushed to the hospital where I had cardiac arrest. I was kept in for three weeks, and it was one of the scariest times of my life. When I came out of the hospital, I did everything in my power to get as healthy as I could. I adapted to a healthy lifestyle and joined a gym and started eating all the super foods and educating myself on a healthy lifestyle. I soon decided to study clinical nutrition and wanted to become a personal trainer. My health scare certainly changed my life for the better. It put my life in perspective and put me on the right path. It’s then when I found my niche and purpose in life. I’m now helping others with their health and fitness and encouraging others to live a healthy and more positive lifestyle. I’m also a personal trainer and clinical nutritionist. I do life coaching because I want to help with all aspects of people’s lives. As a bonus to going to the gym every day and eating clean, I have become a successful fitness model. I now compete at fitness shows as a personal goal I set for myself. FMM: Did you play any sports as a kid? LG: I’ve always been competitive. I was a great athlete in school, always winning everything I took
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part in and would stay after school doing all types of athletics, basketball, volleyball, etc. I just loved all sports. I also studied sports at school and in college. Growing up I was a trampolinist. I was always great at gymnastics, but when I decided to join as a professional I was in my teens, which is a little late to start up so I joined a trampolining school instead which suited my height and body type. I started by representing my school, and then I was offered to represent my country in trampolining. FMM: What is your background/where are you from? LG: I’m English and from North England. I moved to London at 18 to become a professional model and after 14 years I am still happy to live in one of the best cites in the world. FMM: What was the most unique shoot you have ever done? LG: When I won model of the year with Playboy, the team flew into London to shoot my Playboy cover. The cover was shot high up in an apartment with big windows overlooking the iconic London landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and the River Thames. I’m the first model outside USA to win and I suddenly felt very proud to be British and honoured to be shooting with one of the most established magazines in the world. Another brilliant shoot was when I shot for Nike when the FIFA World Cup was about to start; I was modeling the new England kit (shirt) and I modeled in front of the Tower Bridge in London. It’s one of my favorite places in the world so I really found it not only unique but felt at both these times that I had made it in both my glamour and fitness careers! FMM: Do you have any advice for aspiring models or Bikini competitors? LG: I always say to new people interested in breaking into modeling to go and compete. How I got started was I competed in beauty pageants, modeling comps, and bikini contests to get seen. I’m now competing in fitness and body building >>>
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shows as I see they are the biggest platform you can give yourself to getting noticed and seen by the industry people. When you step on stage it’s the greatest feeling that you will want to keep chasing, and then when doors open with exciting opportunities, there will be no stopping you! Enter a show which is suited to what you want to achieve and go all out to be the best you can be when you step on that stage. You will soon see this is the way to create your own opportunities. Setting goals is vital and demolishing them is essential! FMM: Describe a typical day for you when you are preparing for a big competition? LG: Depending on work, I’d wake up 6 and get on my indoor bike, training HIIT cardio. It kick starts the metabolism. Then I eat breakfast and prep my meals for the day. I eat five small meals a day. I measure and weigh my foods and make sure I hit my macros for the results I want to achieve. I do my weight training between 5-8pm most days. I like to split sets and super sets depending on my work schedule. My training is all depending on how many weeks until I compete, and the closer I get to competing I always up my cardio ranging from 3090 minutes a day. I mix up LISS and HIIT cardio on my bike at home, and I like to change it up at the gym with the rower as well as fast sprints. I drink a lot of water and make sure I get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep as my body needs to recover well to go again the next day. I just love training as it always makes me feel great. I use daily exercise, healthy eating and good sleep to overcome depression. There’s so much we can achieve from living a more healthy lifestyle so much! I always say health is the real wealth. FMM: If you weren’t modeling or doing competitions, what would you be doing? LG: I’d be a marine biologist as I’m now an Advanced Scuba Diver and love deep diving and the oceans’ marine life. I really want to swim with whales and sharks and do free diving as a hobby, but I live in London so could only do this on holidays and trips away. It is a great dream to
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have; I recently went to Africa where I adopted a sea turtle nest and they hatched while I was there. I got to see them released into the big blue sea, and it was such a lovely experience. FMM: You won your latest fitness show and got an invite to IFBB Amateur Olympia-what are your plans? LG: I won my latest fitness competition in the new category UKBFF Fitness model, which is part of UK Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation. After winning 1st place I earned an invite to compete at the IFBB Amateur Olympia >>>
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in October. So I’m now getting prepared to compete at the end of the summer with one of the biggest fitness and bodybuilding federations in the world. I’m extremely honored and excited to be a part of something that’s as established as UKBFF and IFBB. FMM: Do you have any projects lined up? Anything exciting you can tell us about that you are working on for the future? LG: I’m really excited as I’m about to start my own business. I’m bringing out my own sports cap “Fruit infused water bottles” and for the winter a healthy tea infusion bottle as well as bringing out a range of cleansing, detox and health teas. I want to encourage people to drink more water as I feel it is
important to promote a healthy lifestyle. I’ve always wanted to have my own business, and I already have my own healthy living cookbooks and fitness e-books on my website Www.BodyByLouise.com They are great sellers and I love helping people that want to improve their health. I’m in the process of making a fruit infusion recipe guide to go with the bottles for cleansing and detox recipe ideas as well as fruit recipes to add to the water to mix it up for many different illnesses to ease discomfort etc. I’m planning to go commercial with my product and aiming it towards children to help them to drink more water with a great fruity taste and health benefits from the nutrients in the fruit water recipes.
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Photographer: Tom Nguyen
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Training g n o tr S n e k k o F r e n Ow t Ethanol e o P r to a in rd o o C s s Wellne
By: Jason E. Cloninge
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hrough all of his industry successes, he has learned and taught one simple truth - gains are simply not enough. The ends simply do not justify the means. In an industry where people were performing, and teaching methods which put themselves in danger physiologically, and thus causing themselves potential psychological and emotional harm, Brandan sought to break the mold. However, his personal journey and successes would not be wasted only on himself. He needed to reach out and get the attention of others. He needed to help them see the purity of what that journey could be for them. Throughout his successes, he could help them become better and stronger. Brandan started to redefine what he felt was required to achieve these successes, both in and out of the gym and in the arena of competition. He identified this new path as Fokken Strong, branding it online as the hash-tag #FokkenStrong both on his site and within social media. He taught it to his pupils, and began to shout it within the internet at the top of his proverbial lungs, hoping to shed as much light as possible out there for others to see the path and follow it. Brandan’s resume speaks for itself. With the launch of his new website brandanfokken.com in March of 2015, he shows you exactly who he is and what he offers as a fitness coach. Since 2010, he has skyrocketed into the industry as a stage and online fitness competitor. He has placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in multiple on-stage competitions. He won the “Muscle and Fitness Gaspari Super Pump Online Challenge” and was the first two-time and three-time recipient of the “Muscle and Fitness Online Winner”. He has been featured online and in printed publications such as Bodybuilding.com, Muscle & Fitness, Flex, Muscular Development, Train Magazine, Muscle Mag, and Iron Man. His featured sponsor list consists of Beast Sports Nutrition, Bodybuilding.com, SmartShake, Fitmark Bags, Tainted Industries Apparel, Icon Meals, MyOatMeal.com, and P28 Foods. He
also has an important career working as the corporate wellness manager at POET Ethanol, the largest ethanol bio refiner in the world. Yes, he leaps fitness buildings in single bounds, wins competitions, helps others to do the same, and he works in the American Ethanol industry to help America be a leader in a renewable fuel source that is good for the environment! Because of all of these amazing attributes, we felt we had to introduce you to Brandan Fokken, or help you to get to know him better. We were able to get a few moments of his time, so that he may give you a glimpse as to what makes him, and can help to make you #FokkenStrong. FMM: We saw that you have been using the hash-tag #FokkenStrong on social media and on your website. What does #FokkenStrong mean to you and to your clients? BF: Being Fokken Strong (#FokkenStrong) is not just about throwing around weight in a gym. It’s about being in a mindset of constant improvement. A Fokken Strong athlete is someone who lives a well-rounded life. We all need to be able to look into the mirror and see more than “gainz.” Our hard work will bring us physical gains. We also need to work on ourselves though. In my opinion, you can never truly reach your maximum potential until you have a good idea of who you are as a person, not just an athlete. Someone who is Fokken Strong is also strong enough to lift up others. It takes far more strength to lift up others around you than it does to put others down. If you’re a member of the #FokkenStrong community, you will encourage the people around you. A boss is someone who sits in their chair and tells others what to do. A leader is someone who leads the charge. If you’re Fokken Strong, you aim to be the latter. Whether this means encouraging someone in the gym, at work, at home or anywhere else; I encourage you all to lift up one another. Random acts of kindness are underrated but are some of the most beautiful things in this world. I love >>>
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this line of work because I get to encourage and inspire people on a daily basis. FMM: We saw some pretty impressive testimonials on your website. We also saw that you are the Wellness Coordinator at POET Ethanol, and you are the CEO of your own company. Do you still perform personal coaching services, or are you solely offering your online training programs? BF: First and foremost is my job with POET. POET is the world’s largest ethanol bio-refiner. I am a part of something truly great there and working for a company that is truly changing the world for the better. The best analogy I can give you is that just like I use clean foods to fuel my body, American ethanol is there to help our environment and give us a clean fuel for our cars. I am the President of “Fokken Strong Training” which is my training business and company name/ entity that umbrellas over anything I do within the fitness industry. I still do personal training but that is within the walls of POET. I am able to utilize my skills to do one-on-one consulting, personal training, nutrition planning, classes, etc. Jeff Broin the owner of the company has really made it a top priority to take care of his team members. The best part about it is that it’s a true labor of love, and not because he feels he has to. Because it is freely given and truly to help others that gives me the opportunity to do a lot of really great things that most corporations would frown on due to costs, benefit, etc. However I can tell you that just like that company POET is out there changing the world and others lives for the better, they are doing the same thing internally with our wellness program. It really is a great place to work. To add to the question, I do periodically workout with my clients when I am in their area or if they are in mine. We also will do team/group (repetitive, choose one) workouts, and posing seminars to get them ready for the state. At this
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point in my career as much as I like that one on one time, my priorities currently don’t allow me to commit to that. I am still very hands on and go out of my way to prepare every client for whatever we are prepping for. Should it be a show, a shoot, a reunion, or just to get in the shape of their life, I am never less than a phone call, text, or email away. I have a true “team” environment, and give them every excuse to succeed and actually care about their progress and results. For those interested in my programs you can find my rates, programs, and contact at BRANDANFOKKEN.com FMM: You are a sponsored athlete on Bodybuilding.com and have a significant presence there with your contributions. What has that relationship helped you accomplish the most in your career, and what advice can you offer up-and-comers regarding sponsorship decisions? BF: It has been nothing short of a blessing working with Bodybuilding.com. My relationship with them started well before I was an athlete for the company. I started a Body Space account back in 2007 and followed the articles and tips to further my physique. I was later signed by them in 2012 after being a finalist in the Bodybuilding. com spokes-model contest. From there I wanted to really show them I belonged on the team, so I set out to differentiate myself and put in a lot of effort to grow. I wrote a lot of articles, speaking engagements, did interviews, helped other team members grow and develop their brands, and then I found the niche of sponsorships. I used BB.com as a pedestal of credibility so to speak. I used my relationship with them to gain the attention of other major companies such as my main sponsorship BEAST other than Bodybuilding.com. Over time I landed upwards of 17 sponsors all of which were different enough as to not conflict with the others. Companies like Fitmark bags, MuscleEgg, P28 high protein foods, ICON meals, Smartshake, etc.>>>
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For up and comers I cannot say enough to take your time and find a company you truly have an admiration for. Don’t represent a company just because it’s a sponsor. I did that in the beginning and found myself behind a brand I didn’t agree with and or like all for the sake to tie myself to an entity bigger than myself. So be picky and don’t take the first opportunity that comes your way. FMM: There are a lot of programs out there focusing on physique and others on strength. Is there a happy middle ground where you can obtain strength gains and a stage performing physique? BF: Yes, there most definitely are. Many athletes (such as Steve Cook, Mike Ohearn, Craig Capurso, etc.) all do functional training within their training programs. Mike has his “Power Bodybuilding” program which most definitely makes you stronger, and can sculpt you to a stage ready physique. For me, I add in some plyometric days, do some outdoor training, and change up my routines along with my standardized training to help keep me fit, strong, and keep my physique looking good year round. FMM: Who are your favorite competitors in the industry, both male and female, and why are they your favorites? BF: That is a TOUGH question. I am blessed to know a large majority of competitors as I am a competitor myself, a coach, and a sponsored athlete. With that there are SO MANY amazing athletes out there. Some you have heard of, some you haven’t. If I chose a few I would have to choose Craig Capurso, Nicole Wilkens, Steve Cook, Alex Carneiro, and of course my wife, Amber Dawn Fokken. I would pick these individuals based on their work ethic, physiques, no quit attitudes – but first and foremost their willingness to help lift others up. They take the time to help encourage, motivate, and educate others on their own quests to greatness. To me, that stands above any personal accomplishments.
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FMM: What is the worst advice you have seen someone give in the fitness industry? BF: There could be many answers to this question. A few of them would be to eat under 1000 calories a day while doing 2 or more hours of cardio a day. To do various photoshoots that expose them so that they can further their careers. Nothing could be further from the truth on that one. Also telling a young competitor, female, or someone aspiring to do well that the only way to make that happen is through the use of drugs. FMM: When you are traveling, for leisure or for business, what are your top three fitness items you have to take with you? BF: I always have my FITMARK meal bag packed with my ICON meals which are prepared specifically for me. I have all my BEAST Sports Nutrition Supplements as I never miss a day of
supplementation, and I have some MuscleEgg and P28 Foods products to round out the rest of my meals from ICON. FMM: If there were absolutely no gyms on the planet, what five exercises would you do in order to build or maintain your physique? BF: That would be a very sad place! I would do Push-ups, Dips, Wide/Close/Reverse Grip Pull-ups, Jump Squats, and HIIT Sprints. FMM: What was the biggest challenge and accomplishment in your career, and what is the biggest challenge you have helped someone else overcome? BF: My lowest moment would be after a competition I almost died. I spent 5 days in the ICU and am lucky to be here today. I was not feeling
the best at the show and after it was over I became extremely cramped up. I went back to my hotel room and just lay there the rest of the night, with an occasional cupcake, or 5, and room service to keep all my post competition cravings at bay. I felt even worse the next day and by the time I got on my flight, my body wasn’t moving how it should and I was starting to feel numb all over. When I arrived home I needed help out of the car, but just told myself it was from the show and flying and I would be okay. I had dinner and decided to sprawl out on the floor to try and stretch myself out. I did that for a few minutes and when I tried to get up, I could not. That is when I knew it was time to go to the hospital. The doctors could not figure out what was wrong with me, so they started an IV and kept running tests. They found my potassium was at a 2.0 which normal >>>
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range should be between 3.5 and 5.0. So, I was immediately admitted. They ran tests on me all night. By morning I could not move my legs or my feet, I could not sit up by myself, and my arms barely worked. The doctor came in and told me that my potassium dropped below 2.0, my Vitamin B1, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Phosphorus were all stripped from my body. My liver enzymes were very high, my blood pressure was 199/98, my resting heart rate was about 135, my blood sugar at one point was 356, I was paralyzed, and they were not exactly sure why. By about 10:00 a.m. a priest was sent in to pray for me, which I promise is not something I wanted to see. The doctors kept telling me that they were working on it, consulting another hospital and working together to try and help me. At one point, I started to black out and honestly thought that was the end. I did not think about money, or my job, or even competing, but that I was going to die right there and no amount of muscle, strength or anything else could change my fate. I thought about my family, my friends, that fact I have never been married and that I have never had kids. I saw a lot of my life pass by in my head all the way to the point of being buried, a true near death experience. I endured 5 days in the ICU, insulin injections, blood draws every two hours, I had to take a beta blocker, a PIC line was put in through my arm to my heart - which was the worst of it all, constant IV’s, a special diet was made for me, and I was given a lot of vitamins which were pills the size of matchbox cars. The doctors attributed everything to re-feeding syndrome, which is where after dieting so long my body treated me almost like I was an anorexic, so when I was eating all those carbs and sugar after the show, my body was trying to store fat and was spilling the rest of the nutrients I needed to survive. Team that up with dehydrating myself for the show, my diet leading up to the show, flying (which dehydrates you), breaking myself >>>
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down to practically nothing for the show to keep my size down, the local temperature was 105 (or above) the whole time I was in Las Vegas, and I was outside more than I should have been. All of it added up to a scenario which almost killed me. To die due to an electrolyte imbalance is something I had never even considered happening previously. But, I am obviously far more aware now of the dangers of everything I did to myself. I was, and am still, very humbled by the situation and will be for the rest of my life. The proudest moment in my career was proposing to my now wife on stage at the Oregon Seven Feathers show. From that, the moment that has surpassed that is seeing my clients and friends compete and do well…I couldn’t be prouder of them. Other accomplishments that are at the very top of the list would be becoming a Bodybuilding. com athlete and a Beast Sport Nutrition athlete. It has been a dream come true and I’m very blessed for the opportunity. They are an amazing group of people and I love working with them. I feel that there is no limit to where our relationships can lead. Having them encourage you and be there for you makes you truly feel you can take on the world. So to everyone at Bodybuidling.com and BEAST – THANK YOU The biggest challenge I have helped someone else through could be so many things. How do you gauge someone else’s hardship? I have helped people through depression, anxiety, a few clients lose over 100 lbs., and others gain muscle. I’ve helped many find confidence and greatness within themselves. I’ve helped some with eating disorders, hormone disorders “with the help of a Doctor of course”. I’ve been blessed to be able to interact with so many people and work with so many individuals. I couldn’t ever just pick one situation. FMM: What do you see in yourself which separates you in a positive way from the rest of the fitness industry?
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BF: I think that due to how I grew up I see things in a different light. I had a tough upbringing and value a lot of things others take for granted. I believe that positivity and karma are related, and that the more positive you are the more good karma comes into your life. A BIG part of that belief is giving back and helping others. I went through a near death experience and at one point when I thought I was going to pass said in my head “If I get out of here, I’ll do good.” Well, I did and after the fact I asked again “NOW WHAT?” Well, from there, door after door in this industry opened for me. Yes, it took hard work. But, I believe everything happens for a reason, and that I have a purpose in this industry to help others. FMM: How do you prepare yourself mentally for a competition or for a major project? BF: I’m a compulsive thinker. I obsess on details and am an extreme multi-tasker by nature. I have learned over time I need to see the big picture and start it off slow. From there I gain momentum and once I do, NOTHING will stop me. I’m very organized and scripted at this time. I do the same things day in and day out and am over prepared for any situation. FMM: How has social media challenged you, and how has it changed your business for the better? BF: It has been a challenge because it’s ever changing. I have done well with it, but there are so many areas I really haven’t grown as I would like. Video is one of those areas, “YouTube” being an example. However, now that Periscope has come out, I think I have found an avenue that really works for me and my schedule. Another thing that is tough is that, once you have built a following (such as Facebook) and they change how people can view and or interact with you, it can hurt your brand. This is damaging especially if you put all of your chips in one barrel. I try to have as many working social media entities as I can, all working at the same time, in case one falters. This way,
the others can pick up the slack and continue to grow. Social media has changed my business because I am far more accessible now. I mean, let’s face it, I live in South Dakota and without social media many of the people who hire me for training, or follow what I do in the industry, would never have access to anything I do. So, because of this, I have been able to reach the masses, grow in sponsorships, and went from doing in-person training to strictly doing online training. FMM: In this world of ever changing and improving technology, what tech do you use consistently during your training? BF: I use a hormone Doctor, Dr. Misko out of Lincoln, Nebraska. He monitors me year round, as well as my clients, going into, during, and coming out of prep. I have also worked with MTLFitness.com that reviews your DNA to evaluate what training and foods work best for you. I also have done PinnerTest.com which is a company that looks for food intolerances. From a technology standpoint, I do most everything else old school. I don’t even listen to music when I work-out! (Laughing) The fitness industry is filled with stories of success and failures. They occur during initial ventures such as a parent looking to get their body under control, for an intermediate athlete who is looking to get themselves on stage for their very first fitness competition, and even for professionals with years of experience
>>>
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behind them but with new challenges to face in front of them. These are the moments in which Brandan Fokken heeds the call, enters the arena, and proudly stands by their side - ready to take on all of their challenges one by one. If identifying with a person was a profession itself, Brandan would be leading the way at the pinnacle of the industry. However, the act of personally identifying with an individual person’s body, mindset, and personal challenges is only one single aspect of fitness coaching. Brandan’s mantra of being “Fokken Strong” is about the holistic aspect of taking you from the summit of your journey, to the base-camp of what you thought your best would be, and beyond to the very pinnacle of what your personal potential is truly capable of. His ability of turning a journey into a complete life-style and mind-set, is churning out more than athletes; he is contributing positive influencers and leaders within the fitness industry itself. He does this by addressing every aspect of fitness, personal mindset, healthy life choices, training consistency, and goal setting. The idea of #FokkenStrong itself is pure, and hopefully contagious. We are looking forward to seeing and hearing more about Brandan’s journey, and his positive impacts upon the industry, for years to come! VIDEO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff2kPZHePCc SOCIAL MEDIA RESOURCES: www.facebook.com/ BrandanFokkenFitness www.facebook.com/FokkenStrongTraining bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/wnaskor/ /www.youtube.com/user/brandanfokken Instagram: @brandanfokken Periscope: @brandanfokken
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MWPR Inc • Enter tainment + Lifestyle Public Relations • mw-pr.com
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Photo Credit: Cathy Tharp Photography
Prominent DC Yoga Instructor
www.ggyoga.co
anked by Washingtonian Magazine As Best Yoga Instructor in the Washington area (DC, VA, MD) in 2013. GG is an E-RYT Yoga Alliance registered instructor. She has her 200 in HOT HATHA yoga and a 50 hour intensive in PROGRESSIVE ASHTANGA aka “The Rocket.� GG has taught over 2000 classes, and knows how to make her students grow and learn, filling her classes with love, life, and laughter. She guides beginners into poses, focuses on alignment, and assists advanced practitioners into a wide array of arm balances, transitions, and inversions. One leaves her classes feeling as though they are flying and floating and that today is going to be a great day. Georgia has studied with such yoga greats as Tim Miller, David Keil, and David Kyle. She is often found in the Mysore studio or in a Power Vinyasa flow--illustrating her strive for balance between rules and rule breaking. When she is not practicing or teaching yoga, GG loves the surf, sand, and to snow ski. From sandy beaches to black diamonds, GG is always flying, floating, and flowing.
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Photo Credit: Cathy Tharp Photography
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Photo Credit: Cathy Tharp Photography
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Photo Credit: Cathy Tharp Photography
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By: Georgia Gerstein
eadstand, Salamba Sirsana, is the King of all asanas (postures). Turning oneself upside down (inverting) is known to have several key health benefits. Foremost, it is known to have a calming effect on the mind and heart. When upside down the heart is not required to work as hard to get blood and oxygen to the brain. It is thought to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and can be done anywhere and anytime. Headstands offer a variety of cosmetic bonuses as well. Inverting, getting the head below the heart, helps increase nutrients and blood flow to the scalp, which decreases onset of grey hair. The calming inversion is also anti gravity effect for the face, being upsides down flushes oxygen and nutrients to the face simulating a mini “face lift” providing a glowing effect to the skin. Being upside down also gives our legs a much needed break, goodbye varicose veins, and helps build core strength, hello abs! Lastly, headstands offer an alternate view of life, and quite frankly are fun and the ultimate party trick. So let’s get started! Remember when you first try you do not have to take your feet off the floor. Get used to the pressure and weight on your head. If you have any neck sensitivity consult your doctor first. Roll out your yoga mat (make sure it is not a pilates mat, the extra padding will throw off your balance). If you do not have a mat find a soft surface. Salamba means with support. To support your head, press your palms together and interlace your fingers as though you were holding
hands with yourself. Personally I prefer my wrists to touch, however, some people feel more stable with hands interlaced and open so the palms are rested against the hairline with thumbs towards back of head. Come down to a kneeling position on the mat or floor, with fingers interlaced, place your head on the floor, bring the elbows in so that your head is on the floor, forearms are on either side of your head and elbows are hugged in and in line with shoulders. Tuck your toes under, lift up your hips. The goal here is to get your feet as close to your base (head) as possible. If your hamstrings are tight, bend your knees and walk in, try to get your hips over your shoulders as much as possible. Breathe! Make sure to keep breathing. People tend to get excited and nervous all at once and consequently stop breathing. But relax! Going upside down, especially for the first time is fun (and a little scary), but holding the breath out of excitement, fear, or both will only bring you down. If you are not breathing the body knows something is wrong/dying and will quickly collapse. So, walk the feet in. Breathe. If your heart is racing stay there. Chillax. Breathe. Repeat the process until you feel more comfortable. Then slowly lift one leg up. To recap, your head is bound into the mat, hiney is above shoulders, one foot is up and tucked in, and the other is still gently but securely on the floor. Take 5-10 breaths there and switch legs. Repeat until you feel comfortable with head on the ground and one foot lifted.
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Photo Credit: Rachel Opper
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Once you are comfortable with one foot off the floor, the goal is to move towards getting both feet off the floor. You can practice this against a wall or with friend. With hips over shoulders and one foot off the ground, engage your core (try less hop and more lifting with your core as hopping will work against you, and throw off your balance). Breathe and lift the second leg off the ground. Stay in a tucked position. Some teachers refer to this as the “magic egg”. You will look like an egg. Keep the knees in, toes pointed up, breathe and think of rotating the hips up, as though you were going to moon the sky. Stay in this position. You might feel your stomach muscles moving. This is normal. Headstands strengthen your core. Also, your body is trying to find its natural balance, just as it does when you are on your feet. Stay in this position, if you need to, come out and take a break in child’s pose and repeat going back up, but keep working on this egg shape. If you work on this egg shape for exactly one week, a little bit in the morning and a little bit in the evening, because our balance is different in the morning and the evening, then after the 7th day you will feel solid and secure. It is important not to rush taking both legs straight up. Finding balance is easier with a lower center of gravity and it is all about having a strong base.
when you come down, you are. It is empowering and you are ready for the next step. Try taking one leg straight up and keeping one tucked in the egg position. Then switch out and try the other leg up. Feels great?! Awesome! Take both legs straight up. Breathe. Relax. Enjoy. A goal would be to work up to 3-5 minutes upside down. Come down and rest in child’s pose. Let your mind, neck, and balance reset.
You feel comfortable with your “magic egg”? Gravity is not the deciding factor
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MLB Wife, Mother, Runner and Writer
www.alishaperkins.com
That is a tricky question. I am sure it was always there in little ways that I thought was just part of my type A personality. Moments throughout my childhood and young adult life that should have been clues but were written off as something I just needed to “get over”. Feel the fear and do it anyway (as my therapist says) was the theme of my young days. I was a seemingly normal kid, willing to try things, not shy, but there were moments, sure, where I gave more pause to things than others my age. Truthfully though I don’t think it showed as a kid, or maybe it wasn’t even present.
Anxiety is a funny thing. It is one of those sneaky diseases, one you think you can control, a personality flaw if you will. In the beginning it seems to be situational and controllable but over time or sometimes all at once it changes, becoming something else entirely. It becomes this monster that can take over your life, change your every thought, breed fear and stress.
For me it manifested after having kids of my own. Maybe it was the hormone shift, maybe the newly felt responsibility, but something changed and I would spend the rest of my life battling against something that I couldn’t even name. Everyone’s story with anxiety is different, no two are the same. For some it starts in childhood, others later in life, for some it is triggered by flying, as for me, I am totally fine with planes. Anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes, which is what makes it so difficult to understand and treat. What works for one person may not for another. It is hard to explain anxiety to people who have never experienced it. I have spent countless hours trying to get Glen (my hubby) to empathize with me but being the laid back, type B guy that he is, all he can do is try to sympathize and encourage me to “run it out”. >>>
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There is a cloak of silence around mental illness in our society. Largely because the generations before us didn’t talk about it, they thought it made them different and different wasn’t good. It is also hard for people because there is no pen and paper way to prove you have it. There is no medical test that can show your neurotransmitters are off and therefore you are experiencing the symptoms of that. I think it will be so helpful the day that we can test people and be able to “prove” that there is something going on. Right now it is just people describing symptoms and doctors taking them at their word and for a lot of people that makes doctors look like pill pushers and people seem like they just can’t deal with everyday life. For those of us living with it we know it is more than that, or at least we think we do until someone doubts us. So we hide it, keep it silent, and wait for the day that we no longer need to be ashamed of something beyond our control. For me, today is that day. I want to take that cloak of silence off, throw it down, and stomp the hell out of it. I want to tell you how I am living with this disease and what has helped me cope. I am not a doctor, or an expert on mental health. I am just an ordinary girl with an extraordinary husband trying to keep my quirks in check while navigating parenting, living, and trying to outrun my issues. www.alishaperkins.com
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Miami Swim Fashion Week July 15 - July 21, 2015
www.maajiswimwear.com
Photo By: Simon
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Soong
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Photographer:
Patrice Berchery Model: Nathalie Barthe MUA: Marjorie Algay Assistant Plateau: Gislain Postproduction: Franck Styling: Victoria Secret
Photographer
www.facebook.com/david.moser.HMPhotography
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By Yoga Instructor Crystal Milana www.crystalmilana.net Photo Credit: Brian Landis
Imagine finding peace in moments of darkness, pain, or moments where you may feel lost and alone. If we truly seek peace, we can find it at any time because peace is already within each of us. Peace is something deep within our hearts that our creator has given us as a gift since the time we were born. Peace is more then, just a feeling that comes and goes, it is a way of being; energy within us that can be brought forth or stay dormant deep within. Our yoga practice is not about the asanas (postures) or meditation, it is a practice that teaches us how to land in peace within each moment. We see it show up on our yoga mat when we struggle with staying in a difficult posture, we can choose to struggle through the posture or we can choose to find comfort in the discomfort and land in peace. Instead of focusing on the difficulty and the sensations that come up in our body, we can shift our focus to our breath and begin to find stillness and more ease in the posture. It’s the same with any distraction or struggle in our lives;
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we can choose to fight with the struggle and give it power to control our way of being. Or we can choose to see beyond the obstacle that is in front of us and connect to what is within; our breath, our heart and our spirit. Here is an example of how this can look in reality. A few months ago I struggled with a loss, it was the darkest moment in my life. I felt confused and heart broken, an emptiness that I had never known before. In the weeks to follow, I had many ups and downs, I continued to hold on to the pain and struggled with trying to make sense of everything in my head. Finally one day as I was driving down the road in tears, I chose to let go of the same story and thoughts that kept going through my mind over and over again. Instead I took my focus from my mind into my heart center and was able to find a moment of peace just through feeling the beat of my heart. The more I focused on my heart, the more the negative thoughts would fade away. In that moment I began to finally feel a release in my body like a weight was lifted off of me and in my heart I felt like everything was going to be okay. It is easy to say that we want peace in our lives, when the truth is first peace must start within us. Once you let go of the situations in your life that are not serving you to your highest self, then you begin to see how much easier life begins to flow.
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his is one of my favorite poses to do in my practice because it challenges both my strength and balance to access it. I have to be fully present and focused within to lift up into this beautiful posture. I also love that it’s a twisting posture, cleansing and releasing the stuck energy within my body. Twisted bird of paradise leaves me feeling renewed and reenergized for my day ahead both physically and mentally. So here are the steps to access twisted bird of paradise from queen chair pose (utkatasana).
bring your big toes to touch and heels slightly separated. Squeeze your inner thighs together and pull your hips back, bringing them low toward your mat, arms reach up. Tuck your tailbone, engage your core and lift through your chest. Take a few breaths here. Remember that the lower your hips are to the mat the easier it will be to twist and find your full bind.
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at your heart center and on your exhale twist to your right. Hold here for a couple breaths, pressing your left elbow into your right thigh and lift through your top shoulder to deepen your twist.
keeping your core engaged as you lift. Straighten through your standing leg and keep your hips square to the front of your mat. Allow your torso to twist and reach through the crown of your head. Finally you can begin to straighten out the lifted leg as you take your gaze toward the back of your mat.
Bring your right hand around your back to your inner left thigh for a half bind. Once you do this then reach your left hand up through the inside of your legs to clasp both hands or fingers for a full bind.
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Fit to be Tried
ike most fitness minded people, I frequent the gym, keep to myself, and do my workouts hoping to get in unnoticed and get out as quickly as possible. It gets to be SO BORING and lonely after a while. So, in an effort to break away from my boring fitness routine and end my Saturday morning dates with the treadmill, I looked into what group fitness classes my local gym offered. I ended up taking a weight training class with a friend whom suggested I stay for another fitness cardio class after our weight class concluded. She explains to me it’s a “dancing style class”. I have a very small dancing background from High School, if you really can call it that, so I explain
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how it’s been years since I have done a dancing routine and with my older brain’s lack of short term memory combined two left feet I wasn’t sure if I would be able to follow along. So, with a little pep talk and the boring treadmill alternative choice looming, it was a no brainer, I was in. After the weight class concludes, a swarm of thirty plus women and a few guys rush the floor to find a good spot for the class. I am immediately overwhelmed by all of the participants. I observe everyone is of different ages, ethnic, and fitness backgrounds. The instructor asks prior to starting the class “do I have any new people to BANG”? Oh dang-I better raise my hand to
and participants are chanting along with the music, encouraging each other and clapping. It was so much fun!
I LOVED this class, I think it’s safe to say that the treadmill Saturday dates with me are completely over. BANG is a group fitness class that incorporates high energy interval training, professional choreographed dance moves that are easy to follow, mixed martial arts, and boxing. It is an intense workout if you add the jumps, high knees, and really move your body. You also have the ability to add weighted gloves to tone your arms and that provides a more intense workout. In my opinion this is a GREAT cardio and toning workout as long as you’re ok with letting yourself go. You have to be uninhibited to get the most benefit out of the workout. Each class offered is an hour in duration, and you move for that entire hour! It’s as intense as you make it.
let the people around me know if I fall on them that they have been forewarned of my two left feet (totally the Paralegal in me, if I fall on you, by me raising my hand, and the participants seeing my hand, they have now assumed the risk of injury I may cause to them by my lack of coordination should they choose to continue to work out near me). I cowardly rise my hand along with some other new BANG participants, and the instructor looks at us with a smile and says “don’t worry just watch my feet and if you don’t get it who cares just keep moving and do your own thing”. Whew that was a relief, I can always resort back to my old faithful one-two step- good to know. The class starts, the music is blasting,
My instructor’s name was Amanda Strand. You couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the way she moved. After our class concluded (and I wiped the sweat that was pouring out from all areas of my body) I introduced myself and told her I wanted to write about this BANG class in an article since it was not like any other class I have ever taken. Trust me I have tried enough group fitness classes to realize this style class is like nothing I have ever seen or experienced before. Turns out that Amanda is the co-creator of BANG. Her exercise background includes Advanced Instructor status with LesMills, which is about as high up in the LesMills company’s ladder you can climb. In addition, Amanda has a professional theater and acting background which came in handy when designing and choreographing her BANG classes. New BANG routines are constantly being added to the classes which allow for the newest music sensations and keep the class interesting-and let’s be honest there is nothing better than dancing to your favorite song you’ve recently heard on the radio!
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As with any exercise regimen, willpower and commitment are inherently necessary to achieve the full potential of any workout, but, unfortunately all of these things come from within. You have to make the commitment. I would recommend you take the lower impact options during your first class to see how your body responds to moving in ways you might not have moved in years. Currently BANG has signed a contact with Golds Gym and Sport and Health, so if you are a member, this class will be coming your way soon. If you are not a member, no need to worry, Amanda is considering re-opening her private studio in the Frederick, Maryland area. Amanda is also exploring adding fitness videos to her website (http://bangworkout.com) where you can pay a fee and have access to all classes she offers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDaV86FfAjs www.youtube.com/watch?v=azyZTyGTh6w
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www.MOST mag.com || FITNESS
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Journalist, TV Host & Reporter
www.fanistipkovic.net/en
Photographer: Goran Matijasec
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