Latest news with #Decker


Los Angeles Times
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Working out in public can be scary! Killer Fitness embraces the horror with ‘Slashercise'
On a recent 90-degree morning, a dozen or so gals and a couple guys of varying ages and sizes, some wearing flamboyant retro leg warmers and spandex, stand outside of a hot pink and black Burbank storefront. They're all about to fight for their lives and test their endurance during an hour-long workout like no other. While they jump, kick and punch, menacing monsters and serial killers (Pinhead from 'Hellraiser,' Freddy Krueger from 'A Nightmare on Elm Street') appear behind them, looped on a giant video screen. Will they survive Slashercise? The signature class at the new workout space called Killer Fitness, which doubles as a gift shop filled with clothing and movie memorabilia, is led by co-owner Vanessa Decker. She rocks the studio's campy branded ensembles — some with blood splatter designs, others with fangs and skulls — as she demonstrates movements that bring to mind iconic scream scenes. 'Horror movies are a form of adrenaline-pumping escapism and so is exercise,' says Decker, when asked how the idea of melding horror and fitness came to be. 'I don't know, it just works!' But it takes real physicality too. There are stabbing actions and fight-for-your-life moves as Decker throws out petrifying puns, making the class chuckle between huffs and puffs. There are also props: plastic chainsaws and fake knives, which might seem like schlocky touches but help with strength training. The repetitive movements, inspired by vintage Jane Fonda and Richard Simmons tapes, burn calories and tone muscles. After my first class, my arms, thighs and calves were sore for days. Killer Fitness opened in May with the hope that horror's increasing popularity at the box office could translate to this unique, in-person third space. It offers 20 exercise classes a week (available on ClassPass) and hosts evening film screenings with panels and Q&As. The day and night offerings are part of a larger spooky universe that's helped Decker become a tastemaker online, amassing 133,000 followers through her 'Horror Vixen' identity on Instagram. Decker and partner Ama Lea connected at 'Slashback Video,' a 2017 art installation that recreated a vintage video store environment at the Mystic Museum, a horror hub in Burbank. Real and reimagined movie packaging filled the exhibit, and Lea created a box for a fake film called 'Slashercise.' 'It all began with 'Linnea Quigley's Horror Workout,'' says Lea, who designed the piece in homage to the B-movie actress' underground classic. 'She was a scream queen, but her workout video was mostly just funny skits, like doing aerobics with zombies and stuff. We started talking about making a real horror-themed workout film with Vanessa starring and me directing — the concept was a slasher movie that had actual routines in between. We got horror celebrities to be in it and eventually, we found our narrative.' 'Slashersise,' the 2024 movie, features a serial killer named 'Meathead' (his head is literally a piece of raw beef) bludgeoning instructors at an L.A. gym. Routines are spliced into low-budget practical effects, gore and gags, inspired by other horror movies with fitness themes like 'Death Spa,' 'Body Melt' and 'Killer Workout.' The pair garnered momentum for the DVD after appearing on horror streaming service Shudder's 'The Last Drive-In With Joe Bob Briggs' (the hosts make cameos) and soon, fans started asking where they could experience Slashersise for real. Last year, at Midsummer Scream, a popular L.A. horror convention, they presented workout skits and had a life-changing conversation with the owners of Dark Delicacies, the landmark Burbank retailer known for creepy collectibles and comics. Owners Del and Sue Howison were planning to close after three decades in business and offered Lea and Decker (and silent partner Kay Elyse) first dibs on their retail space for the campy cardio concept. Fast forward a year later, and Killer Fitness is now a bustling brick-and-mortar shop with a horror-driven boutique and on-theme exercise experiences. 'Horror Yoga' is focused on restorative stretching, while 'Fitness Ghouls' offers low-impact exercise. 'TERRORTwist,' a high-energy dance workout, feels like a rigorous rehearsal. Mashing tunes from Lady Gaga ('Zombieboy') and She Wants Revenge ('Tear You Apart') with blood-pumping choreography from Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' 'Little Shop of Horrors' and 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' the class is one of the more challenging on the schedule, but instructor Angie 'Starheart' Shriner makes it entertaining and approachable, reminding the class to listen to their body parts. 'Killer Fitness is special to me because it's inclusive, no judgment, and it's just a bunch of people who have a horror obsession blending it into the exercise,' says Roxie Rose, a makeup and tattoo artist who frequents Shriner's class. 'This is the place I go to have fun and get away from everyday life.' 'We're here for everybody and all body types,' adds Lea, who also designs the shop's workout wear in a wide range of sizes. 'That's so important to us. Of course, most of the people who come in are horror fans, too. ' But you don't have to be obsessed with frightful fare to fit in. Killer Fitness is at its core a celebration of nostalgic pop culture and the community that connects with it. And mastering moves like a fierce 'final girl' is doable with effort and consistency. (All instructors are certified by the American Council on Exercise.) Decker differentiates Killer Fitness from chain gyms, which she calls bright and annoying. 'Working out can be daunting, so we just want it to feel inviting,' she says, adding that there are themed workouts all around L.A., like goat yoga. 'So why not a gym for horror fans?'


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Travis Decker manhunt: Authorities share important update on search for murder suspect, ‘As bear hunting season opens…'
Police in Washington have said that they will now scale back their manhunt for Travis Decker, a triple-murder suspect accused of killing his three daughters. Decker is accused of killing his three minor daughters – Paityn Decker, 9; Evelyn Decker, 8; and Olivia Decker, 5. The three children were found murdered in Washington after being last seen leaving to be with Decker on a "planned visitation.' Travis Decker manhunt: Authorities share important update on search for murder suspect (Wenatchee Police Department) Chelan County Sheriff's Office provides update The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said in a recent news release that the search "continues with a reduced footprint while the criminal investigation remains ongoing." 'A decrease in leads and tips into the potential location of Mr. Decker has led to a reduced footprint from CCSO and other LE Agencies in the search. CCSO Detectives continue to assess evidence and search for new investigative leads,' the Facebook post reads. 'Law enforcement personnel, along with search and rescue organizations have conducted an exhaustive search for Mr. Decker of the wilderness area surrounding the initial crime scene. Information and leads received have been followed up on in several different areas with the focus remaining on the Blewett Pass and Enhancements area between Chelan and Kittitas Counties,' it adds. The statement explained that search efforts included swift water teams, several K9 teams with various disciplines, air assets, as well as personnel on foot. It added that there is 'insufficient information to suggest that he is alive, nor if he is deceased.' The most recent area where a search was conducted was Blewett Pass area, north of the Mineral Springs campground. However, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office explained that 'the potential evidence and intelligence gathered in this area are inconclusive, meaning we cannot confirm any of the information is directly associated with Mr. Decker.' The statement added, 'As bear hunting season opens in August, and others continue their outdoor pursuits, we strongly encourage everyone venturing out into these areas remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, persons, or items they may come across by reporting it to 911 immediately. We also ask those who do come across something to mark the location using GPS or other marking form if they are able to, and even take pictures if it is safe. CCSO Detectives remain actively engaged in processing evidence and will continue to follow up on leads or tips as they come in.' The sheriff's office added that Decker 'should be considered armed and dangerous,' and that the United States Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker's arrest. Anyone who spots Decker has been urged to call 911, and advised not to approach or contact him. Those with information have been asked to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at


USA Today
20-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Day 1 training camp medical updates after 1st Lions practice
Dan Campbell's first press conference of training camp dropped a bombshell regarding Levi Onwuzurike. Here are my quick takeaways, along with some Campbell quotes. Levi Onwuzurike (27yo) - ACL surgery, out for season When he was placed on reserve PUP, the implication was that the injury was very significant. Now we know some of the details. Campbell intriguingly stated that the ACL surgery "needed to be done" which would not even be a question with a straightforward, complete ACL tear. Maybe this was a partial ACL tear which may or may not necessitate surgery. The timing of the injury as well as the surgery are unknown, but would be fascinating to know. He was playing with a right knee brace at the end of last season which could be relevant. The Lions signed him to a modest 1-year deal in March so there was clearly no concern from the team at that time. Presumably the injury happened after he signed his deal, but this isn't certain. On the bright side, the injury is not related to his L5-S1 lumbar fusion of which he has made a remarkable recovery from. OUTLOOK: An ACL has a very reliable recovery, but takes about 11 months to return to play. He should be ready for next season if this is an uncomplicated ACL repair. From a team standpoint, the Lions were counting on him, as they gave him $3.5 million guaranteed this year. With already many other active health concerns at the DT position, the loss of Onwuzurike could have a major impact on the season. Taylor Decker (32yo at start of season) - PUP, shoulder cleanup "There's a good chance we can get him back after the Hall-of-Fame game [July 31]" Campbell stated it was a shoulder cleanup and implied it wasn't too concerning. Last year, Decker missed a game due to a rotator cuff which could be relevant. I did not see video evidence of the injury. He also had a right pec strain a couple weeks prior to the rotator cuff issue. In 2017, Decker had shoulder labrum surgery. He was a full participant at OTA in June so it's possible something happened at that time. OUTLOOK: It sounds like Decker will be fine in the short term. Notably, this is the second straight offseason that he's had a significant surgery (toe sesamoidectomy, ankle deltoid, bone spurs), so the wear on his body is starting to accumulate. Josh Paschal (25yo) - NFI, unspecified cleanup "Probably Labor Day we can start working him into practice." Campbell described it as a cleanup but no specific body part was mentioned. Paschal was limited at June OTA, so it's possible this issue was present back then. Paschal is on NFI (non-football injury) which implies that the injury occurred during personal time. He missed two games last season with a shoulder mass excision, and it's unknown if that's related. OUTLOOK: This is a fairly significant issue considering he's still at least six weeks away - and may have been injured for many weeks already. His recovery from this injury and performance this season will be something to keep an eye on. Players not practicing These players were noted by Campbell as not practicing. Since they aren't on PUP/NFI, presumably the injuries, if any, are minimal. Campbell scoffed at the suggestion that Anzalone was a "hold-in", but this remains a distinct possibility. Players on PUP/NFI who were not mentioned In other news from the first day of practice... Ennis Rakestraw - Chest injury The mechanism was described by Nolan Bianchi as a collision which hopefully means it's just a simple contusion. Jeff Risdon described it as being "tied up" with a receiver, which would be a bit more concerning for a strain or tear. Body parts in the chest area include the pec, ribs, clavicle, lungs, and SC joint.

NBC Sports
20-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Taylor Decker had shoulder surgery, Lions hope he practices after Hall of Fame game
The news that defensive lineman Levi Onwuzurike will miss the season with a torn ACL was the biggest headline of head coach Dan Campbell's Sunday press conference, but he provided several other injury updates as well. Left tackle Taylor Decker was placed on the physically unable to perform list upon reporting to training camp and Campbell said that he is recovering from shoulder surgery. Campbell said that the hope is that Decker will be able to start practicing after the Lions face the Chargers in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on July 31. 'We feel like there's a good chance we can get [Decker] back after the Hall of Fame Game,' Decker said, via the team's website. 'He's good. Just cleaned up his shoulder a little bit and we're going to work him back in when he's ready to go. He's in a good place.' The wait is set to be a bit longer for defensive end Josh Paschal. Paschal is on the non-football injury list and Campbell, who did not share the nature of Paschal's injury, does not expect him to practice until September.


USA Today
19-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions training camp medical preview: Offensive line
The offensive line group was pretty healthy last season and added a couple more young, healthy players in the draft in Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. There aren't many health concerns for this group entering the season. The main issue may finding quality backups for Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker who are advancing in age. The other big question is who will be replacing the retired Frank Ragnow at center. The continued strong performance of the offensive line will be a huge key for the 2025 season. The Lions team identity has centered around an elite running game since Dan Campbell took over. This preseason will be fascinating as there are many young, unproven players who will battle it out for important starting and backup roles on the team. Ten offensive linemen made the initial 53-man roster last season (Decker, Glasgow, Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, Penei Sewell, Colby Sorsdal, Kayode Awosika, Gio Manu, Dan Skipper, Michael Niese). Here is the list of offensive linemen starting with the players with the biggest medical question marks entering the season. Ages are at the start of the season. #1: Graham Glasgow - 33yo Glasgow is the biggest offensive line health concern heading into the season. A reliable, solid player for most of his career, his performance dipped last season possibly due to knee injuries. He was listed twice with an unspecified knee last season and missed one game due to it. There was no specific injury seen on video last year. The offseason news is good so far as he was a full participant at OTA last month. Projection: Glasgow starts at the RG position in Week 1. Hopefully last season was an aberration and we see a return to form. #2: Taylor Decker - 32yo Decker suffered multiple minor injuries last season including a right pec strain, a rotator cuff (1 game missed), and a right MCL/ankle (2 games missed). None of those issues are of significant concern heading into the season. He was a full participant at OTA which is a great sign. The prior offseason, he had a toe sesamoidectomy which is something to monitor for the rest of his career. As seen with Ragnow, a big toe issue can have career-ending ramifications. Decker was surprisingly placed on PUP at the start of camp but the fact that he was a full participant at June OTA is reassuring. Good chance his PUP stint is brief. Projection: Decker enters the season in good health and continues to lock down the LT position as he has the past nine seasons. #3: Tate Ratledge - 24yo His slightly-older rookie age means he needs to contribute as soon as possible. We saw that already in OTA where he was starting at the center position in place of Ragnow. Off-the-field, Ratledge also appears to be a Ragnow reincarnate. Medically, there are some significant surgeries in his past. He enters his rookie season healthy though. The main concern was that he was part of the 2nd-round rookie class that remained predominantly unsigned. A couple teams at the top of the second round (Browns & Texans) broke rank by giving out fully-guaranteed contracts which caused problems for all the other teams. Fortunately, dominos began to fall around him, and Ratledge agreed to terms on July 17. Projection: With Ratledge signed, sealed, and delivered in time for the start of camp, he's a day 1 starter at center. While there may be some growing pains, he is expected to lock down the position for many years. #4: Christian Mahogany - 24yo Mahogany performed well in limited action last season. The mononucleosis that knocked him out of last year's training camp and the early part of the season is of no concern. Of more importance, he has a history of a right ACL tear in 2022 and was wearing a right knee brace all last season. He was a full participant starter at OTA at the LG position and enters camp healthy. Projection: Mahogany is the starter at LG in Week 1. #5: Dan Skipper - 30yo Skipper played through a painful, suspected rib injury last season. Despite the injury, he was available in every game and enters the season healthy. His age means that the Lions are actively trying to develop a replacement. Projection: Skipper performed well as the jumbo TE and primary OT backup last season and starts the season again in that role. #6: Netane Muti - 26yo Muti has a significant medical history with a pec rupture, Lisfranc, and Achilles rupture. He missed all last season due to the pec. He's still young which hopefully helps him going forward. He was a full participant at OTA which is a good sign. Projection: Muti's riddled injury history makes it an uphill battle for him to find a spot on the team. #7: Jamarco Jones - 29yo Jones has a history of a high ankle sprain and shoulder in his past. He played four offensive snaps with the Lions last season and enters the season healthy. Projection: Jones will compete for a backup OT position. #8: Kayode Awosika - 26yo Awosika has been a valuable reserve OG for the Lions the past three seasons. Last year, he played 147 offensive snaps. He enters the season healthy. Projection: His solid performance in previous years gives Awosika an edge in winning a backup job. #9: Giovanni Manu - 24yo The Lions traded up to grab Manu in the 2024 4th-round in the hopes he will develop into a quality OT. He didn't see the field as a rookie last season, and it's time to show progress as he enters his second year. Projection: Preseason will be big for Manu as he tries to overtake Skipper for the primary backup OT job. Even if he doesn't win that job, he still makes the 53-man roster. His young age and potential gives him an edge over his competition. #10: Kingsley Eguakun - 24yo Eguakun had his final college season in 2023 shortened due to an ankle injury, but that shouldn't be a major concern now. He joined the Lions as an undrafted rookie last year but didn't see any action. Early signs this offseason suggest he is in strong contention for a backup position. Jeff Risdon recently observed that Eguakun was the primary center backup at OTA. Projection: His young age gets him a role at least on the practice squad. #11: Colby Sorsdal - 25yo Sorsdal didn't see an offensive snap last season. He enters his 3rd year hoping to earn a backup position. Jeff Risdon observed during OTA that Sorsdal was taking some snaps at center which makes you wonder if it's a last-ditch effort to find him a role on the team. He was a full participant at OTA and enters camp healthy. Projection: This preseason is crucial for Sorsdal as time may be running out for him. The position he plays during preseason will be interesting to see. #12: Miles Frazier - 23yo There were no medical concerns coming out of college for this 5th-round rookie. He was not a full participant at OTA, but there was no indication of a significant issue. Surprisingly, he was placed on PUP at the start of training camp for unknown reasons. Positional versatility increases his value as he played OG and OT in college. Projection: Let's assume the PUP stint is short. Frazier makes the 53-man roster as a backup who may end up playing key snaps if there are any injuries. Given his youth and health, it would be ideal for the team if earns the primary OG backup role in similar fashion to Mahogany last year. #13: Michael Niese - 27yo Niese played 35 snaps last season as a backup. He was a full participant at OTA and enters the season healthy. Projection: Niese was an important backup center last season. We'll see if he can hold onto that role in spite of younger competitors like Eguakun. #14: Trystan Colon - 27yo Colon played all 17 games last year with the Cardinals. He was signed after Ragnow retired. Projection: He's got a decent amount of playing experience in the NFL over the past two seasons which could be valuable. #15: Penei Sewell - 24yo There are no health concerns for this perennial All-Pro. He had multiple minor ankle sprains last season as well as an ugly left knee hyperflexion in the playoffs, but did not miss a single game. He was a full participant in June OTA. Projection: This 4th-year player is still implausibly young. Entering the season, Sewell is favored to win the NFL's new Protector-of-the-Year award which goes to the best offensive lineman.