Kait Vadenais

Pickleball has become one of America's fastest-growing sports and has been trending up in popularity for the last five years. For the younger audience, Delray Beach residents and business professionals Carly Bellis and Courtney Campbell came up with Swinton Pickleball.

The founders created the brand in an effort to update pickleball gear and fashion for young and young-at-heart players who want to feel good and have fun while playing. Swinton Pickleball is designed to appeal directly to the pickleball player looking to have fun while playing the game, and not taking himself or herself too seriously in the process.

The two entrepreneurs were first introduced to the game of pickleball in 2020, mid-pandemic, and quickly saw the appeal of the activity and how much fun it could be.

"With all the tennis courts taken one afternoon, we decided to borrow some paddles and give pickleball a try," Bellis said. "We had a great time, and our Thursday evenings became synonymous with pickleball with friends, followed by cocktails, beers, wine and cheese, and tons of fun."

Bellis and Campbell quickly realized that the pickleball gear available for purchase didn't match their trendy, laidback and fun vibe. Instead, the products seemed unchanged since the sport's birth in 1965, and truly in need of an update.

"It became one of those situations where you want something, you look for it, and when you can't find it, you make it," Campbell said. "That's pretty much how it happened for us. Carly and I wanted to create a brand that was as fun as the game itself – and that's how Swinton Pickleball came to be."

"We are looking to disrupt the industry," Campbell added. "Swinton Pickleball is for those, just like us, who love getting out there on the court, playing with friends or strangers, and then celebrating after with a beer or glass of wine."

Swinton Pickleball has a range of products on its website SwintonPickleball.com, including paddles, gear bags, and apparel.

Article Photo via Campbell Creative

A variety of new gyms and studios have opened in Miami over the past few months. In case you haven't been keeping up, here are six that we are excited about joining the neighborhood!

1. City Zero Miami

In the heart of Miami comes a unique, 4-story fitness center that includes state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, and even an open-air rooftop. This boutique gym has the mission of promoting physical activity, positive mindset and healthy nutrition and they welcome everyone to join the culture!

Location: 591 SW 8th St, Miami

2. Lifetime Coral Gables

Here you’ll find 80,000 square feet dedicated to the pursuit of healthy living. This includes an expansive fitness floor, cycling and Pilates/yoga studios, a pool deck, and a poolside bistro.  Whether you choose personal or group training, you can keep your workouts fresh here.

Location: 237 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables

3. AKT Midtown Miami

Take one of four different class modalities at this studio. AKT is a full body workout that combines cardio dance intervals with strength and toning. Classes range from a mix of low rep/high weight to improve muscular strength, and high rep/low weight to improve muscular endurance.

Location: 3407 NE 1st Ave, Miami

4. Fitbox Method Brickell

With another location in Edgewater, Fitbox Brickell is expanding their boxing community. The classes combine high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with circuit training, to ensure that class never feels boring.

Location: 1111 Brickell Ave, Suite 105, Miami

5. YogaSix Midtown Miami

Yoga and fitness classes here address the complete needs of your body in movement and intensity to conquer plateaus, continually progress, and repair itself. Find classes that are slower and faster paced, as well as heated classes.

Location: 3900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami

6. F45 Coral Gables

The goal here is for workouts to use different energy systems for a maximum burn. In just 45 minutes,  workouts will use plyometric movements, timing, and tempo to blast both your aerobic and anaerobic systems, for muscle building and metabolism boosting.

Location: 5958 S Dixie Hwy 2nd floor, South Miami

Miami-based Naked Nutrition, a leading protein and supplement brand, announces its newest product, Naked Bar. Naked Bar is the first protein bar for the company and is available in two flavors: Peanut Butter Crunch and Chocolate Fudge. Packed with 15 grams of Grass Fed Whey Protein and under 200 calories, Naked Bar is a perfectly packaged balance of smart and sweet.

Naked Nutrition was founded in 2014 by Stephen Zieminski, a former college athlete who noticed many supplements included numerous ingredients of little nutritional value. Naked Nutrition is dedicated to pure ingredients and transparency so people know exactly what is going into their body. With the addition of Naked Bar, Naked Nutrition continues to shorten steps between the farm and you.

Naked Bar is low in fat, calories, and carbs while high in fiber to provide long lasting satisfaction and energy. Unlike many other protein bars, Naked Nutrition’s Naked Bar is made from premium grass fed whey protein. Naked Bar is gluten-free, soy-free, and free of sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors.

Chocolate Fudge Naked Bar starts with premium grass-fed whey protein, and includes other natural ingredients like almond butter, cocoa powder, and monk fruit juice. Peanut Butter Crunch Naked Bar also starts with premium grass-fed whey protein and is complemented with natural ingredients like almond butter, peanut butter, and monk fruit juice.  

Peanut Butter Crunch and Chocolate Fudge Naked Bars are available in a box of 12 bars for $29.99. You can get yours at NakedNutrition.com or on Amazon.

With 10 locations already in South Florida, Carrot Express is opening in Brickell this Friday, November 12 at the Sabadell Financial Center. Carrot Express Brickell will be the first location to debut a breakfast menu, with all locations joining by the end of the year.

Founder, Mario Laufer is thrilled to grow the wholesome legacy throughout South Florida. Since 1993, Laufer has been on a mission to create Miami’s healthiest dishes with a flavorful twist.

“Over the past few years, it’s been incredible to watch Brickell grow. With so many residents and businesses, we knew there was room for Carrot Express to be in the middle of it all," said Laufer. "A lot of these individuals in Brickell are passionate about taking care of themselves and we’re thrilled to offer locals and visitors healthy choices that are good for your body and soul.”

Carrot Express features something for every kind of dietary restriction in addition to their vast and expansive menu including a wide range of salads, smoothies, bowls, wraps, fresh pressed juices, and smoothies.

Highlights include:

• Josh’s Overnight Oats – Oatmeal, almond milk, toasted coconut flakes, chia & flax seeds, cinnamon, blueberries, strawberries, Mario’s granola, almond butter, drizzled honey ($9.95)
• Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – Quinoa topped with roasted cremini mushrooms, sautéed spinach, avocado, pico de gallo, cage-free sunny side egg ($13.95)
• Smoked Salmon Omelet - 3 cage-free eggs omelet with smoked salmon, shallots & capers. Served with toasted #ZTB multigrain sourdough, side of low-fat cream cheese ($13.95)
• Berry Almond Butter Toast – Toasted Zak the Baker, multigrain sourdough topped with almond butter, strawberries, blueberries, chia seeds, cinnamon & toasted coconut flakes, drizzled honey ($8.95)
• Huevos Rancheros Burrito – 2 cage-free scrambled eggs, brown rice, black beans, avocado, fresh corn, jack cheese, cilantro & pico de gallo. Perfectly wrapped & toasted on a whole wheat wrap. Served with cilantro-lime dressing ($13.95)

Takeout and delivery will be available immediately after opening. The 2,000 square foot space will incorporate the similar relaxed atmosphere of other Carrot Express locations, featuring their branded colors of orange and green and 51 indoor seats.

Hours of operation are 7:30 AM – 9 PM Monday - Friday, and 9 AM – 9 PM Saturday and Sunday. Delivery and takeout orders can be placed directly through the Carrot Express website or on ChowNow, Toast, Postmates, UberEats, and GrubHub.

Stay updated on future openings and by visiting www.EatCarrotExpress.com or follow along on Instagram @CarrotExpress.

MIRROR, the high-tech home gym that is also literally a mirror, can now be found at even more lululemon locations across South Florida.

Last year, we got to demo the fitness technology and experience the boutique class offerings ourselves. With over 50 different types of workouts and thousands of classes to choose from, MIRROR gives a new meaning to virtual workouts. MIRROR also hosts live classes and with the built in camera, your video stream can actually display to the trainer for extra help and motivation during class.

MIRROR expanded into lululemon stores across South Florida, including:

• Aventura
• Boca Raton
• International Plaza
• Shops at Merrick Park
• Mall at Millennia
• The Gardens
• Hyde Park
• Waterside Shops
• UTC Sarasota

Visit the MIRROR in-store to find out more about the current holiday promotion as well.

For the most up-to-date list of locations where you can try the MIRROR for yourself, check out lululemon.com. To make an appointment and book your demo, click here.

Human transformation program 54D opened its new Miami Design District studio today. Located on 3946 North Miami Avenue, the brand new 6,500-square-foot studio marks the brand’s second U.S. location.

The Miami-based fitness brand will continue its expansion within the U.S. market over the next year with new locations slated to open in 2022 in Broward County, New York City and Los Angeles. Additionally, the brand’s online program, 54D ON, will launch a new installment this fall exclusively available to graduates of the original online program.

The new Miami Design District studio is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness and recovery equipment. 54D is a 9-week program that combines high-intensity training, custom nutrition, recovery and community. 54D has a no-excuses approach to fitness, which the 54D team considers crucial in order to deliver measurable results.

54D currently has locations in Coral Gables, Fla., Mexico and Colombia. The program is designed to break both physical and mental barriers with a focus on discipline.

For more information, please visit www.54d.com and www.54d-on.com.

‍

The Training Lab is celebrating the grand opening of their second location today in Miami Beach. Learn more about why this gym, which originated in New York City, is for those who want to take their fitness to the next level.

The workout:

The Training Lab is a boutique gym offering barbell based movement classes. They have two main types of classes - Training Day and Strength. Training Day is a face-paced conditioning style class while strength is heavy lifting. The five main barbell movements are bench press, back squat, pull ups, overhead press, and deadlift.

What makes The Training Lab unique?

Daria Daspin, Director of Training, says that The Training Lab is a place where you overcome physical and mental barriers.

"We are a barbell based training facility where like minded individuals come to better themselves," said Daspin. "You will learn everyday and be part of a one of a kind fitness community. The Lab is best described through experiencing"

What do members like best?

Members like being physically challenged daily, but also love that the mentality created within The Labs community is one of a kind.

The extras:

The Lab has brand new Rogue equipment, lockers, and showers that are fully stocked with everything you need. The studio also has retail, a private indoor community lounge, a juice and smoothie bar, bike racks, and a private outside boardwalk.

How to join in:

The Training Lab is a class based facility. There are class packages that are a one time purchase that can be used to sign into class. They also have contracts for 1, 6, or 12 month unlimited memberships. All unlimited memberships have unlimited classes and daily open gym access.

Location:

This gym is located at 212 Collins Ave on Miami Beach. The Training Lab has another location in Midtown in New York City.

Where to find The Training Lab online:

Instagram: @thetraininglab_miamibeach

Website: www.traininglabmiami.com

We had a chance to catch up with Chef Robyn Almodovar, a competitor on several Food Network shows, to learn more about her new role as Corporate Chef of PAOW! and learn a bit more about what eating sustainably really means.

A Le Cordon Bleu graduate, Almodovar served as the Corporate Chef for The Stanley Hotel and The Palm Hotel & Resort before hitting the South Florida Streets with her award-winning 24-foot food truck “Palate Party.”

Now she is at PAOW!, an acronym for People And Our World. PAOW! is a new plant-based protein and meat substitute and they are the title sponsor of the upcoming SEED Food and Wine Festival.  PAOW! proteins were created to appeal to everyone from vegans to meat eaters and are made of three simple all-natural ingredients - non-GMO soy, water, and salt.

“We aren’t telling people to not eat meat, we are just challenging them to not limit their culinary creativity to just meat,” explains Almodovar.  “PAOW! offers an infinite number of plant-based possibilities so you can make all your favorite dishes with delicious plant-based proteins which are healthier for you and the planet.”

Almodovar answered some questions for us about eating more sustainably!

What does sustainable eating mean?

"Sustainable eating means considering the effects of what you eat on our planet and making the necessary changes to protect humankind and our ecosystem by preserving natural resources for future generations."

Why is it important? What should people know about sustainable eating?

"According to the United Nations, more than three billion people are malnourished today and many of our planet’s 7 billion inhabitants are forced to eat a low-quality diet. At the same time, the world’s population is rapidly expanding, and it is estimated there will be close to 10 billion people on our planet by 2050.  Achieving a healthy and sustainable food future is an urgent matter. The goal is to ensure a future when this expanded population has both enough food available to eat and access to high quality, nutritious foods."

What is the easiest way for someone to start eating sustainably?

"It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! The first thing you can do is support, buy and eat local.  Become a patron of your farmer’s market.  The second thing you can do is eat foods that are in season. The third thing you can do is eat less meat, especially red meat. Gradually adopt a diet that derives “most” of its protein from plants. When a recipe calls for meat, incorporate plant-based protein alternatives such as PAOW!.

PAOW! offers selections such as Chef Style, Pieces, Burger Patties, Veggie Bites, Mini Bites and even Dark, Light, Italian Sausage, and Pepperoni Flavored Pieces. With zero compromise on texture or flavor profiles, the ingredients can be modified to make virtually anything including sautéed, grilled, baked, sous-vide, boiled, and fried foods with a consistency ranging from sushi to crispy fried chicken."

What are your top 5 tips for eating more sustainably?

1. "Be mindful of what you eat – consider where it came from and how it arrived to your plate"
2. "Practice “mindful meat-eating” by eating less animal product and more plants"
3. "Reduce food waste by creating a weekly food plan and strategically utilizing leftovers and freeze what you can’t eat while it’s still fresh"
4. "Eat local & seasonal"
5. "Grow your own food"

National Taco Day was Monday, October 4 and Coyo Taco is giving taco lovers and plant-based eaters something to 'taco bout. The Mexican taqueria located in Wynwood, Brickell, and Coral Gables is rolling out new planted-based dishes in collaboration with Daring Foods, the leading plant-based chicken brand.

In spirit of the launch, Coyo Taco and Daring Foods have been hitting the road all week with a special edition food truck and will continue through Sunday, October 10. Enjoy a complimentary Pollo al Carbon Taco and a signature cheese Quesadilla filled with Chicken by Daring Foods as a special sneak peak. The truck will be roaming throughout Miami all week and stopped at various locations including Coyo Taco Brickell and Wynwood.

Next Monday, October 18, all Coyo Taco locations will debut the below dishes. Guests can also add Daring products as their protein for quesadillas, burrito bowls, burritos and salads.

• Daring “Pollo” al Carbon Tacos - grilled marinated Daring Chicken, queso, pico de gallo, salsa fresca (vegan and gluten-free)
• Daring “Pollo” Milanesa Torta - fresh baked bolillo roll, black beans, queso mixto, avocado, pico de gallo, chipotle aioli, pickled jalapeños and onions with original breaded chicken breast by Daring Foods (vegan upon request)

Daring chicken is 100% plant based chicken packed with protein (14 grams per 2.5 oz.), low in calories (90 calories per 2.5 oz) and gluten free.  Daring was founded with the mission of removing chicken from the global food system.

The new meatless menu items will be available at all Miami outposts for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery. For more information, visit www.coyo-taco.com and following along on social @coyotaco.

Get ready to bring your A-game: 54D is making its way to the heart of Miami Design District! For the first time ever, train side-by-side with celebrity trainers Rodrigo Garduño and Rodrigo de Ovando. Join this one-time-only in-person, live workout class on Saturday, October 2 at the Miami Design District Jungle Plaza.

The workout session is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7:30 am with limited spots available on a first come first serve basis.

This is a chance to try the workout program that is followed by the likes of AROD, Adriana Lima, and Jorge Posada, among many other professional athletes and celebrities.

54D is a results-based, nine-week training program that combines high-intensity group training, custom nutrition and recovery therapy. Founded by former professional athlete Rodrigo Garduño, the system guarantees results to anyone who is willing to fully commit for the duration of the program.

In South Florida, 54D currently has a studio in Coral Gables and is gearing up to open a Miami Design District location this October.

For more details on the workout, click here.

YogaSix in Midtown Miami is celebrating their grand opening with a week of free classes. They are inviting everyone to come flow at the newest yoga studio in town, located at 3900 Biscayne Blvd in the Design District.

They offer six different class types from hot and powerful to slow and mindful - here's a brief description of the classes you can experience at YogaSix.

• Y6 101 - The perfect class if you're brand new to yoga, or looking to ease back into your practice.
• Y6 Slow Flow - A slower-paced (but still challenging) vinyasa class, enjoy more time to transition and experience postures as you flow.
• Y6 Restore - The ultimate recovery class... slow down, stay low to the ground, and open up the major muscle groups of the body.
• Y6 Hot - Flow, strengthen and stretch in our set sequence in a heated room. Come hydrated!
• Y6 Power - A faster-paced, fun and challenging vinyasa class, you'll develop strength, focus and flexibility while having fun.
• Y6 Sculpt & Flow - Your class to build strength, cardiovascular health, and endurance by using dumbbells, bands & bodyweight exercises.

YogaSix also has a location in Aventura at 18825 Biscayne Blvd. Learn more about YogaSix at www.yogasix.com or on Instagram at @yogasix_miamimidtown.

WHOOP, the human performance company, introduced the next generation of its proprietary technology, WHOOP 4.0, a personalized 24/7 digital fitness and health coach. The new technology leverages an upgraded sensor configuration for optimal accuracy and includes WHOOP Body featuring Any-Wear™ Technology, a first-of-its-kind line of smart apparel which enables members to wear their WHOOP 4.0 on multiple locations across the body.

The WHOOP membership is unique in that hardware is included as a fundamental benefit. WHOOP members will receive first access to upgrade to WHOOP 4.0 free of charge. WHOOP 4.0 will also be available for purchase for new healthcare, government, business, and athletics customers.

"I've been thinking about this technology for more than a decade, and I can promise you that this is the most innovative product we have ever released," said Will Ahmed, WHOOP Founder & CEO. "We've always aspired to develop wearable technology that is either cool or invisible. With the launch of WHOOP 4.0 and WHOOP Body, we have accomplished both."

WHOOP 4.0 features include:

• Upgraded Sensor Configuration: The active sensor area now contains 5 LEDs (three green, one red, and one infrared), 4 photodiodes, and advanced algorithms to provide even more accurate heart rate measurements
• 33% Smaller Size: WHOOP 4.0 is 33% smaller than WHOOP 3.0 with a five-day battery life
• New Feature - Sleep Coach with Haptic Alerts: WHOOP 4.0 is engineered with haptic alerts that members can set to wake them up through gentle vibrations at the optimal time based on their sleep needs and cycles
• New Feature - Pulse Oximeter: The upgraded hardware is equipped to calculate blood oxygen levels (SPO2) to help members unlock additional daily health insights
• New Feature - Skin Temperature Sensor: WHOOP 4.0 measures skin temperature to provide members another layer of knowledge about their bodies
• New Feature - Health Monitor: Members can track live heart rate, skin temperature, blood oxygen saturation, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiratory rate in one view. The Health Monitor also allows members to easily download and export 30-day or 180-day trends of these metrics into a report that can be shared with a coach, trainer, PT, or physician
• WHOOP Battery Pack 4.0: The upgraded battery pack built for on-the-go charging is now waterproof and lets members double tap to view battery level
• Next Generation Battery Technology: WHOOP 4.0 is the first product in the world powered with Sila's silicon anode battery materials. Engineered with cell configuration improvements and long cycle life, the new battery delivers 17% higher energy density than WHOOP 3.0, facilitating a reimagined industrial design that also unlocks WHOOP Body

WHOOP Body featuring Any-Wear™ Technology enables WHOOP 4.0 to collect accurate data from areas including the torso, waist, and calf. This new collection of apparel is the first of its kind in the wearables industry and allows members to wear WHOOP 4.0 off of their wrist. In addition to apparel, WHOOP has developed new accessories and designs, including:

• Fast Link™ Slider: WHOOP 4.0 is built with a new Fast Link™ slider that makes it easier than ever to swap WHOOP 4.0 between a variety of colorful bands and all-new WHOOP Body sensor-enhanced technical apparel
• SuperKnit & HydroKnit Bands: WHOOP 4.0 includes a new SuperKnit band which comes pre-threaded and is constructed for ultimate comfort and durability. WHOOP will also release a HydroKnit band that is fast drying and optimized for water sports and activities
• Any-Wear™ Detection: A novel location detection technology identifies when and where WHOOP 4.0 is on the body

WHOOP Body featuring Any-Wear™ Technology is available in two collections with prices ranging from $54 to $109. The Training Collection includes sports bras, compression tops, leggings, shorts, and athletic boxers. The Intimates Collection includes bralettes and everyday boxers. WHOOP Body and SuperKnit Bands are only available in combination with WHOOP 4.0.

Interested? Visit WHOOP.com and get a WHOOP membership that includes WHOOP 4.0 for free with access to the app for as low as $18 per month.

Plant-based SEED Food and Wine Festival is coming back to Miami for its seventh year November 3 through 7, coinciding with World Vegan Month. After a year-long hiatus due to COVID, SEED Week is back with a bang, boasting an extensive line-up of incredible events including the famous Plant-Based Burger Battle™, the bustling Festival Day, upscale celebrity chef dinners, workshops, wellness and more, all showcasing the best in sustainable, luxurious, plant-based living.

Ranked 3rd in USA Today’s “Top 10 Best Wine Festivals,” SEED is the premiere plant-based food and wine festival in the U.S. since 2014. SEED is more than your average foodie event. SEED is a movement dedicated to conscious wellness, offering attendees an array of options in the lifestyle space that celebrates the growing plant-based community.

The flagship SEED Festival Day on Saturday, November 6 will take place outdoors for the first time at beautiful Regatta Park in Coconut Grove with unlimited pours and bites included in the admission price.

The festival includes tastings from national and local restaurants, vegan wines, fresh juices, live music, organic body care, clothing, yoga, and everything that celebrates conscious plant-based living. SEED will gather some of the most talented speakers, chefs, celebrities, athletes and authors for a fun, educational, sexy, hip (and most of all, delicious!) week of food, cocktails, parties, and industry-led workshops.

Miami's amazing local culinary scene will also be strongly represented. All events are ADA compliant and sign language interpreters will be present at the Festival Day lecture and chef demo stages, as well as handicap accessible seating areas.

SEED is also committed to being a leader in sustainability. They are a Zero Carbon Footprint event and their charity partner is Debris Free Oceans. Debris Free Oceans is a Miami-based organization that inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifecycle of plastics and waste as part of a global initiative to eradicate marine debris from our beaches, reefs, and oceans.

"We're beyond thrilled with the lineup that's shaping up for 2021," says Alison Burgos, co-founder of SEED Food & Wine Festival. "Some of the biggest names in the plant-based world will be joining us for what we are sure to be the best SEED Week 2021."

For those looking to dig in the deliciousness in advance, SEED will host and participate in several events leading up to the weeklong festival. For more information or tickets, head to seedfoodandwine.com. You can also follow SEED Food & Wine Festival for event updates at @SEEDFW.

The Underline announced via their Instagram that construction of Phase 2 has begun and is expected to be completed in mid-2023. This phase includes approximately 2.14 miles of improvements running parallel or below the Metrorail extending from SW 19th Avenue to SW 13th Street (Coral Way). ⁠⁠

Per The Underline's FAQ, the project will enhance communities and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety. It will include new dedicated pedestrian and bicycle trails, landscape, and lighting. The amenities will include native vegetation landscaping; wayfinding signage; lighting; and plaza & recreational areas located adjacent to Simpson Park, Vizcaya Metrorail Station and between SW 17th and SW 16th Avenue. ⁠⁠⁠⁠

To do this work safely, the M-Path will be closed during the construction of each segment. The first closure will be between SW 22nd Avenue and SW 17th Avenue. Efforts are also being made to minimize the impact of the construction activities on area residents, pedestrians, bicyclists, Metrorail and Metrobus patrons, businesses, and motorists.

To learn more about The Underline project, you can head to theunderline.org/phases.

The City of Fort Lauderdale is now accepting applications for a FIT Permit. Offered through the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation, this permit allows certified, approved instructors the opportunity to teach outdoor fitness and exercise classes at select parks in the city.

The application fee for the permit is $5 and there is an annual fee of $15.

While every city has different rules around obtaining permits for outdoor fitness, some general rules include leaving the park as you found it - no litter! - and avoiding areas specifically dedicated for another use, like playgrounds and dog parks.

If you are interested in leading fitness classes or training others in Fort Lauderdale park, call (954) 828-6250 for more information!

Downtown Miami's newest mixed-use tower, Legacy Hotel & Residences, signed a record-breaking joint venture deal with Adventist Health called Blue Legacy Ventures (JV). The JV will lease and operate a first-of-its-kind 120,000-square-foot health and well-being center.

The estimated $100 million, 10-floor center reflects all the parties' shared vision to make Miami Worldcenter (MWC) in Downtown Miami, and eventually Miami as a whole, the next Blue Zones community.

Using original Blue Zones research, Blue Zones Project works with cities to make healthy choices easier through permanent and semi-permanent changes to a city's man-made surroundings. Participating communities have experienced double-digit drops in obesity and tobacco use and have saved millions of dollars in healthcare costs.

The Blue Zones experience at Legacy will combine modern medicine, holistic healing, and the most sophisticated artificial intelligence and technology for members, guests, visitors, residents, and employees to live better, longer. The Center’s membership model will offer high-touch, frequent interactions and deeply rooted health relationships with patients, members, residents, and visitors.

Everyone can expect a fully immersive Blue Zones experience as they visit the Legacy Hotel & Residences where the healthy choice is the easy choice. Blue Zones programming will also benefit the wider Miami community, including an onsite farmers market, a curated voluntourism program, movement activation in downtown Miami's planned 80-acre park system as well as the creation of the Blue Zones interactive Exploratorium.

"Blue Zones has captured the imagination and attention of people all over the world for being a pioneer in improving the health of entire cities and helping us all get the most out of our years," said Developer Dan Kodsi, Founder and CEO of RPC. "Now with The Blue Zones Center, their proven principles will come alive as hotel visitors will actually be able to see, touch, and live the Blue Zones lifestyle themselves for the very first time."

"This will be a more advanced way of addressing health, where the patient's journey begins with a highly personalized medical evaluation by your physician, followed by a unique and customized high-tech and high-touch program that utilizes all of the services within the center, including surgical, aesthetic, therapeutic, consultative, lifestyle coaching, well-being programming and more to keep people well and happy," said Stephen Watson, Managing Partner of RPC Health, who envisioned and lead the development of the center. "We believe this combination of advanced diagnostics with lifestyle medicine and unparalleled personalized care will help members reach and sustain their optimal health."

"Creating the first Blue Zones Center and integrated large-scale lifestyle medicine center marks our commitment to move beyond sick care," said Bill Wing, President, Adventist Health. "It will also establish a model and lead the way to the fusion of care, health, and well-being."

The Legacy skyscraper is part of the MWC project to feature 274 residences above a 219-room hotel, with ground-floor retail with amenities that include the city's first enclosed rooftop atrium taking up the top seven floors of the tower with a members-only international business lounge and the wellness center.

Check out some renderings of the new Wellness Center via Quinn PR below.

‍

54D will begin its US expansion plans this October with the opening of its new Miami Design District studio. Located on 3946 North Miami Avenue, the brand new 6,500-square-foot studio marks the brand’s second U.S. location.

The Miami-based fitness brand will continue its expansion within the U.S. market over the next year with new locations slated to open in 2022 in Broward County, New York City and Los Angeles.

The new Miami Design District studio will be equipped with state-of-the-art fitness and recovery equipment. 54D is a 9-week program that combines high-intensity training, custom nutrition, recovery and community. 54D has a no-excuses approach to fitness, which the 54D team considers crucial in order to deliver measurable results.

“We have built an amazing community in South Florida with our Coral Gables studio and are looking forward to continuing to grow our local 54D family with our new Miami Design District location,” said Rodrigo Garduño, Founder and Creator of 54D. “We already have a waitlist for the new facility and are excited to welcome our new members.

Garduño is a former professional soccer player who first founded 54D in 2012 in Mexico City. He brought his innovative approach to fitness to the U.S when he opened the brand’s Coral Gables location in 2019. Last year, the program became a global sensation as Garduño began offering free online workouts via his Instagram account. To better serve 54D’s followers from all over the world, 54D launched an online program in July 2020, 54D ON, a 9-week online program that takes the brand’s signature system to a global audience.

“Our online program has allowed us to reach thousands of people around the world, but we still believe in the brick-and-mortar model,” said Omar Yunes, CEO of 54D. “We want to bring the in-person experience to new markets as the brand continues to grow. Our U.S. expansion is currently underway with the new Miami Design District studio opening soon and the Hallandale, New York and LA locations already in the works.”

54D has become a favorite among celebrities and athletes alike, with athletes such as Alex Rodriquez and Jorge Posada, models like Adriana Lima, and singers and performers such as Juanes, Fonseca and more joining in.

For more information, please visit www.54d.com and www.54d-on.com.

According to a new study by moveBuddha, Miami is ranked as the top 15-minute city in the United States.

The authors of the study described a 15-minute city as a city in which, wherever you live, everything you need is located within a 15-minute walk or bike ride away. The study looked at the nation’s 78 largest metropolitan areas, meaning a population of 250K+, and collected area data including walk and bike scores, access to dining, safety, child care centers, schools, medical facilities, and more.

Miami is the best city overall thanks to its high walk and bike scores, plus the highest scores for proximity to dining and parks, child care density, school density, and medical access.

According to the study, "Miami may not be the first city you’d suspect as a 15-minute locale, but thanks to a collection of small urban meccas across the city with pedestrian-friendly designs, the transformation is in full swing. Other efforts include projects like the Underline working to repurpose surfaces under the Metrorail into gardens, walking paths, and open-air gyms."

For more information about the study, or, for the complete list of 25 Best 15-Minute Cities in America, click here.

Planet Fitness, home of the Judgement Free Zone®, is opening a new location in Miramar in early September. The new location will be at 12531 Miramar Parkway, near retailers including Five Below, Publix, Ross, and CVS.

The new facility will occupy 16,000 sq. feet of space and offer state of the art cardio machines and strength equipment, a 30-Minute Express Circuit, rowing machines, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, tanning booths, Total Body Enhancement booths, and more.

“Planet Fitness Miramar marks the 20th club in South Florida for our Franchise group, and we’re excited to continue our growth in this market with more clubs coming in the near future,” said Shannon Meyers, Vice President of Marketing, PF Atlantic Holdings, LLC, a franchise division of Planet Fitness. “Finding the right gym can be intimidating, but Planet Fitness aims to make fitness accessible, affordable, and Judgement Free for everyone, as well as safe and squeaky-clean with our spacious clubs. We invite everyone to visit our presale office to learn more about the amazing amenities we have to offer in Miramar and take advantage of our limited-time presale membership offers.”

As an introductory special, members can join now before the club opens for 25 cents down and $10 a month with no commitment during the pre-sale, occurring now through early September. Stop by the presale office located at 12515 Miramar Parkway or join online at www.planetfitness.com/gyms/miramar-fl.

The PF Black Card® membership, which is $22.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge and access to all 2,100+ Planet Fitness locations.

Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment. Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and free fitness training by a certified trainer through the PE@PF ® program.

For more information or to join online, visit www.PlanetFitness.com.

FlyFuel in Aventura is celebrating their one anniversary this weekend and is giving out free drinks to customers! Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, stop by and get a free liquid fuel with a minimum purchase.

This includes their signature coffee creations, iced teas and refreshing lemonades including Dirty Matcha Latte -- coconut water, almond milk, matcha and a shot of cold brew or a tropical Dragonfruit Coconut Green Tea -- cold brew green tea, coconut milk, dragonfruit and agave. 

FlyFuel features a vast menu including healthy salads, acai creations, smoothies and ingredient driven bowls.

“Since opening in Aventura, we’ve noticed an incredible rise of new fitness studios and more people are becoming health conscious,” said Jesse Gimelstein, co-founder. “As much as we loved our vegan fare, we wanted to offer more fueling options – especially for a post-workout or hearty meal. Our goal is to give back to the community and provide the best of both worlds.”

FlyFuel prides themselves on only using the freshest, cleanest ingredients in every dish. Vegetarians and vegans alike can enjoy a spin on tuna salad made with chickpeas or delight in a wild caught roasted salmon. New items incorporate chicken roasted in-house and sustainably caught ahi-tuna including the Curry Bowl and Avocado Ahi Wrap.  

Other menu highlights are Cauliflower Crust Pizza topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce, arugula and olive oil, Sweet Potato Toast layered with almond butter, honey, berries and coconut, and a Lentil Veggie Salad filled with arugula, chopped romaine, black lentils, shredded carrots, avocado, roasted sweet potato, roasted asparagus, almonds and honey balsamic vinaigrette.

FlyFuel has something for everyone and Gimelstein wants his guests to become family - even dogs are welcome! FlyFuel is located at 20804 Biscayne Blvd in Aventura. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 8 AM until 7 PM, and Sunday 10 AM until 7 PM. For more information, visit www.EatFlyFuel.com or call (305) 894-6936.

Thanks to a million-dollar appropriation from the state of Florida, Ludlam Trail is yet another future outdoor space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The funding will be directed towards the design and construction of the trail, and once completed, the Ludlam Trail will enhance bike safety, mobility, and connectivity for Miami-Dade.

The trail is proposed to generally follow the north-south alignment between SW 69th and 70th Avenues, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way, running 5.6-miles, between NW 7 Street and SW 80 Street. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development.

Included in the trail proposal are bicycle repair stations designed to include all the tools necessary to perform basic bicycle repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat tire to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. Also included are trail shelters or rest stops along the corridor to include drinking fountains with both bottle filling as well as pet accessible water stations.

For more information on this project and to help shape the vision, visit bit.ly/ludlamtrail.