Austin Fit Magazine - August 2019

Page 1

AUG 2019

The

I N S P I R AT I O N ISSUE AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM


AFTER YOUR SUMMER DIP MAKE THE TRIP TO MAUDIE’S FOR TEX-MEX HAPPY HOUR MONDAY 3–CLOSE, TUESDAY–FRIDAY 3–6:30 @MaudiesTXMex

WWW.MAUDIES.COM

Maudie’s TEX-MEX


TAKE YOUR LIFE

BACK!

Rudy

4 Time Power Lifting World Record Holder Since Receiving Bi-lateral Arthrosurface Shoulder Implants

The motion preserving Arthrosurface Shoulder & Wrist Implant Systems restore only the damaged area of the joint without removing excess bone & tissue. The natural anatomy of the joint is preserved resulting in NO ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS unlike traditional Total Joint Replacements which can limit a person’s ability to perform daily tasks and maintain an active lifestyle. To find a surgeon near you: www.arthrosurface.com/find-doctor-area *All Images Show Actual Patients



TEAM TRAINING | LIFE CHANGING

50%

OFF UNLIMITED

TRAINING No Mirrors, No Treadmills, No Egos

New clients only.

www.f45austin.com

*30 days of unlimited training.


August 2019

THE GOOD STUFF

38

JAE KIM

24 AUSTIN BUSINESSES

46 RUNNING ON PLANTS

MAKING AN IMPACT

AUGUST

6

2019


JOIN AUSTIN FIT FoR the neufit grand opening AT THEIR NEW LOCATION!

Demos • Food • Fun SATURDAY, AUGUST 24TH • 12:00 - 3:00 PM 2501 South Capital of Texas HWY • RSVP on EVENTBRITE


Contents Editor’s Letter 10 Digital Content 12

HIGHLIGHTS

Exposure 13 Beauty Guide 52

Events 78 Races 80

32

SHERRY ANDERSON

56

IV HYDRATION THERAPY

70

ASSISTED STRETCHING

NUTRITION

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

FITNESS

Recipe 14 Hard Seltzer Drinks 16 Binge Eating Disorder 20

How Increasing Rent is Affecting Gyms 26

Estrogen Dominance 58

Competitive Swimming 62 HotterNHell 66 Workout 72

AUGUST

8

2019


AUG. 22-25 2019

HH100.ORG A N E X P E R I E N C E F U N D A M E N T A L LY T E X A S PRESENTED BY:


From the Editor cancer, or when unranked Purdue handily beat a top-five ranked Ohio State team last college football season. The underdog stories really are just inspirational stories. Naturally, I gravitate toward stories like these — when I pick what books to read or documentaries to watch, and of course, while planning our editorial content. This issue is dedicated to those kinds of stories. As you saw on the cover, it’s the inspiration issue this month, featuring on our cover Austin business owner, Jae Kim. While opening and running a business is, of course, inspirational, there’s much more to Jae’s story and especially how it relates to fitness — I don’t want to give away too many details here. Go read it for yourself on page 38. Other inspirational stories this month include profiling ultra-runner and vegan, Robbie Balenger, who completed a 3,175-mile cross-country trek in 75 days while fueled by plants. We also share 73-yearold Sherry Anderson’s fitness journey with the Silver Sneakers program and Austin businesses that are making social impacts. Our growing city also always serves as inspiration for content each month. We have a story that helps to answer a question that has been on my mind for a while: How are mom-and-pop gyms handling the increasing costs of rent in Austin (page 26). In addition, we also have other stories about the latest health trends hitting our city, assisted-stretching studios and IV hydration therapy. Thankfully, I live in a city where the inspiration never seems to run dry.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE UNDERDOG STORY THAT GETS ME EVERY TIME.

I

f you’ve never heard former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner’s Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech, I highly recommend you look it up. Warner is the epitome of the underdog story. He went from fouryear college benchwarmer, to stocking grocery aisles trying to make the NFL, to warming the bench for the St. Louis Rams, to NFL Hall of Fame and Super Bowl Champion. There’s much more to Warner’s story, but the message I’m ultimately trying to convey here is that there is something about an underdog story that gets me everytime. Stories like Warner’s, or ones like Gabriele Grunewald who continued her professional running career while fighting

AUGUST

Keep Austin Fit,

Kat Barclay EDITOR

10

2019


#KEEPAUSTINFIT CEO | LOU EARLE PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE

Follow us on Instagram: @ AU ST I N F I T Tag us or use the hashtag #keepAustinfit for your post to be featured.

COO | ALEX ECENIA ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | ALEX EARLE EDITOR | KAT BARCLAY ART DIRECTOR | CARLEY BEYER ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Ashley Anjula Caitlin Moore WRITERS Alisha Mcdarris, Anne Wilfong, Lisa Baile, Kati Epps PROOFREADER Danylle Salinas PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Fitzsimmons INTERNS Emily Effren, Haylee Reed, Kelly Frossard, Monica Hand, Ronald Vaughnn

GENERAL INQUIRIES info@austinfitmagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES aecenia@austinfitmagazine.com 512.407.8383 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS kat@austinfitmagazine.com fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com EVENT LISTINGS austinfitmagazine.com/events SUBSCRIPTIONS austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe

2609 S 3rd St. Austin, TX 78704 p 512.407.8383 Austin Fit Magazine assumes no responsibility for the content of articles or advertisements, in that the views expressed therein may not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or any magazine employee or contributor. This publication and all of its contents are copyrighted. Austin Fit Magazine is the assumed name of its publisher, Louis M. Earle, who has no interest in the business of Denis Calabrese who operates an exercise program under the assumed name of Austin Fit, which trains individuals to improve their jogging or running skills to participate in marathons. The views, opinions and other representations published in Austin Fit Magazine are not those of Austin Fit or any of its directors, officers, employees or agents.

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

11

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM We’re more than just a monthly publication. Join us online and on our social networks to see the additional awesomeness we’re up to. austinfitmagazine.com

ESSENTIALS TO LOOK FOR

WHEN JOINING A NEW GYM

MAKE YOUR GYM CLOTHES

BACK CARE

Last Longer

AUGUST

While Olympic Lifting

12

2019


PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRPAHER: EMILY EFFREN

Exposure

L O C AT I O N

Lady Bird Lake Trail

13

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


NUTRITION AUTHOR

Coach Kati Epps at MyBody GX

AUGUST 2019

Recipe Back to school means you’ll be ready to try this healthy, family-friendly recipe that is packed with nutrition and flavor. This is great for those soccer nights when you’re tight on time and need something on the table quick.

AUGUST

14

2019


PUTTANESCA RECIPE Servings: 6 Prep and cook time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS 1 spaghetti squash (approximately 4 pounds), forked and shredded into “noodles” 5 cloves garlic 1 tbsp jarred anchovy filets, mashed into a paste 1 tsp hot red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp if you prefer less spicy) 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved 2 tbsp drained capers ¾ cup coarsely chopped basil P R E PA R AT I O N Cook spaghetti squash in oven for 45 minutes, or option to microwave for 15-20 minutes, rolling on to opposite sides until the squash is soft to the touch. Split the soft squash in half, remove the seeds. Use a fork to rake the meat of the squash into a bowl, and set aside. While waiting for the spaghetti squash to soften, heat the oil in a 16-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat, adding garlic, mashed anchovy paste, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper, stirring occasionally until fragrant and pale (about two minutes). Puree canned tomatoes with juice in blender. Add tomato puree to garlic oil along with olives and capers, bring up to boil, then add spaghetti squash. Toss squash in sauce until evenly coated. Add cherry tomatoes and basil. Simmer five minutes. Serve hot. If you would like to add a protein to this, top with grilled tofu, shrimp or chicken breast.

15

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


NUTRITION AUTHOR

Emily Effren

T

SUMMER ROUNDUP: HARD SELTZERS Beat the heat this summer with a healthier option of canned adult beverages.

AUGUST

16

wo words: one drink. No guilt. That’s right, our dreams have come true. To all the La Croix lovers out there, hard seltzer is for you. We’ve all been to parties and gatherings where the drinks available weren’t up to par. Beer comes with bloat. Some wines come with stained teeth. And cocktails? Forget it. The sugar content is almost as much as a soda. Luckily for us, the spiked seltzer craze has made it easy for the healthconscious community to indulge in the adult fun without the hangover of guilt. As the market goes, whenever there is a successful product that comes out, others start being created to rival it. But that’s okay, because that means we, as an audience, get more variety when choosing which cold, guilt-free alcoholic beverage we’ll enjoy next to the pool or on the lake. Here are the latest, coolest hard seltzers in Austin:

2019


WHITE CLAW Alcohol: 5 percent Calories: 100 Carbs: 2g

White Claw hard seltzers contain only these ingredients: purified carbonated water, alcohol, natural flavors, cane sugar, citric acid, natural juice concentrate and sodium citrate. The popular spiked seltzer brand gets its name from what its website calls a “white claw wave,” which is when three wave crests come together to create one massive wave that surfers dream of. Flavor choices include Black Cherry, Mango, Natural Lime, Raspberry, Ruby Grapefruit and their latest unflavored drink, Pure.

BON & VIV Alcohol: 4.5 percent Calories: 90 Sugar: 0g

With no sugar added, Bon & Viv offer some of the most unique spiked seltzer flavors you can find, such as Black Cherry Rosemary, Grapefruit, Pear Elderflower, Cranberry, Clementine Hibiscus, Lemon Lime and Prickly Pear. Slightly lower in alcohol than its competitors, the mermaid-marketed spiked seltzer brand was created after almost 100 batches by a fifth generation brewer, Nick Shields. Shields’ goal was to “create a new kind of beverage by combining disciplines of brewing, winemaking and natural flavors,” thus creating Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer.

17

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


NUTRITION

MIGHTY SWELL Alcohol: 5 percent Calories: 120 Sugars: 4g

Founded in Austin, Mighty Swell is another competitor in the booming hard seltzer market. Offering fruity flavors such as Watermelon Mint, Grapefruit, Peach and Mango, the local company has a full breakdown of each of their flavor’s nutrition facts on their website, making it easy and accessible for the health-conscious community to double check that their new drink of choice is healthier than a sugary cocktail.

TRULY Alcohol: 5 percent Calories: 100 Sugar: 1g

Made with no artificial sweeteners, Truly offers a wide variety of flavors such as Wild Berry, Blueberry and Acai, Raspberry Lime, Black Cherry, Orange, Lime, Grapefruit, Lemon, Pineapple, Mango, Passionfruit, Pomegranate and Rosé. Unsure of which flavor to buy? One of the most unique aspects of Truly is its assortment of mixed packs. Try out a berry pack, a citrus pack or a tropical mix pack to please everyone’s palate.

AUGUST

18

2019


L AKEAUSTINSMILES.COM

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS MOST PPO INSURANCES ACCEPTED BETHANY PETERSEN DDS 2504 Lake Austin Blvd Austin TX 78703 512-474-5233


NUTRITION AUTHOR

Anne Wilfong, R.D., L.D.

BINGE EATING DISORDER Overeating could be more than just an indulgence.

AUGUST

20

H

ow familiar are you with binge eating disorder? Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder in the United States. While everyone has overeaten at some point, those with BED have recurring episodes of uncontrolled eating followed by feelings of shame and guilt (it is important to note that those with BED do not follow an overeating episode with a form of purging). Awareness for BED has been steadily increasing. According to research, there is a sense of lack of control over eating during a binging episode.

2019


21

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


NUTRITION

BINGES ARE CHARACTERIZED BY THREE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Eating much more rapidly than normal • Eating until feeling uncomfortably full • Eating large amounts of food when not feeling physically hungry • Eating alone because of embarrassment over how much one is eating, and • Feeling disgusted with oneself, depressed or very guilty afterward

AUGUST

These symptoms typically occur at least once a week for three months or more in patients diagnosed with BED. Many of the side effects of BED, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are associated with obesity, but those with BED may be at a healthy body weight. After reading the description for BED, you may wonder if your eating behaviors are indicative of BED, because just last week you ate a party-sized bag of chocolate or polished off your plate (and then your spouse’s plate) at dinner. The

22

question is, did you feel in control of your eating while you were inhaling these large amounts of food? Repeated overeating coupled with a feeling of lack of control and feelings of embarrassment or shame, or attempts to hide the evidence so no one will know what you ate may be signs of a struggle with BED. Different things trigger binges in different people but, in general, binges can be caused by unsettling emotions, food restrictions or particular foods (sugar, chocolate, baked goods, salty foods, fast foods, etc.). For example: You feel

2019


possible because, as soon as you are done eating, the food rule will be reestablished with even more vigor. With BED, these binge episodes occur at least once a week for three months. One of the most common reactions to a binge is restricting food at the next meal or snack in order to make up for the extra calories consumed during a binge. Not only does this not work, but it also quite possibly sets you up for another binge because you allow yourself to get excessively hungry, which inevitably leads to overeating. Just as awareness around BED has increased, treatment options and success stories are equally encouraging. Learning to start and stop eating based on your hunger and fullness level and abolishing

“Many of the side effects of BED, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and cholesterol are associated with obesity, but those with BED may be at a healthy body weight.”

food rules and trusting yourself around food are the first steps toward developing a healthy relationship with food. Figuring out how to work through the emotions you may be trying to bury with food is another vital step in recovery. There are many therapists in Austin who specialize in working with BED and can help you toward the path to recovery. afm

Shutterstock

extremely sad about a fight you had with your spouse. Next, you find yourself eating large amounts of food very quickly and discreetly. Binging like this temporarily provides distraction from the distress you were feeling and, therefore, gives you some relief. Eventually, however, the binge will end and the unsettling feeling/emotions rush back, combined with additional guilt and shame as well as the physical feeling of being overly full. Another example may look like the following: You have created a food rule such as “I will not eat any white flour foods.” The minute you find yourself eating the forbidden food, you feel very guilty and have a “what the heck” response. As a result, you try to eat as much as possible as quickly as

23

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Emily Effren

ETHICALLY MADE Local companies are making productive, social changes to positively influence both the community of Austin and the world.

C

arefully sewn in blue stitching on the bottom corner of a Tew Teg towel are the words “Proudly made in Austin, TX.” No, the tag doesn’t just read “Made in Austin, TX,” but instead, Tew Teg towels are “Proudly made in Austin, TX.” “We do all of our cut and sew here in Austin at Open Arms with women refugees, paid a living wage,” says CEO of Tew Teg Marc Ostryniec. Ostryniec, one of three men who founded the company, says they chose to work with Open Arms because they wanted to include a philanthropic element to their simple product, which is a towel made with a hood and chord to go on a car seat after a workout. “This kind of gave us both things, you know. Instead of trying to tie to a specific charity or philanthropy,

AUGUST

we would rather focus on doing it here, keeping it in Austin, working with great people,” Ostryniec says. One of Tew Teg’s goals is to be a successful outcome for Open Arms, says Ostryniec. Open Arms Studio is a nonprofit textile manufacturer and is one of three social enterprises part of the Multicultural Refugee Coalition, which provides livelihood opportunities for refugees, says CEO Meg Erskine. Most of the women refugees working at Open Arms are from Burma, Afghanistan, Congo and Mexico, says Erskine. With an additional focus on sustainability, Open Arms offers their employees opportunities for upward mobility and flexible hours. “It’s just lovely to work with a bunch of women who really support each other, and it’s safe and dignified,” says Erskine.

24

2019


Pearson Ripley

25

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


In another corner of Austin lies Austin Creative Reuse, which is a nonprofit center that focuses on collecting and reusing materials instead of recycling them, says interim executive director of Austin Creative Reuse, Cory Skuldt. “If we can reuse something in its original form and avoid buying something new and manufacturing something new when we don’t need to, we will really decrease our environmental footprint,” says Skuldt. With Austin being home to a diverse community with a variety of interests, the center offers opportunities to connect sustainability with creativity, which, according to Skuldt, has received a positive response. “We’re really more than just a store,” says Skuldt. “We’re sort of a community hub for folks who are interested in reusing.”

The center focuses on reusing, educating and creating through activities and events such as a community craft night, workshops for kids and educator meet-ups. When the center was created 10 years ago by founder Rebecca Stuch after she visited reuse centers in other cities, Skuldt says Stuch thought it would be a great fit for Austin. “We believe that every object and every material has value, and it can find a second or third or fourth life after it’s been used in its original purpose,” says Skuldt. One of the center’s main ideas is to foster creative ways for people to connect used objects with their new purpose. “It’s such a perfect fit for a city like Austin,” says Skuldt. Even though its team is global, Teysha, a footwear and home goods

Tew Teg

AUGUST

26

brand, will always consider Austin its home base, says co-founder Sophie Eckrich. “Teysha” is historically a word attributed to the Caddoindigenous culture that was once part of the southwestern United States, says Eckrich. According to Eckrich, as the legend goes, when the Spanish people were coming to Texas, and when they asked where they were, the Caddos would say something along the lines of “teysha,” meaning “friend” and “ally.” Later, the word “teysha” became pronounced as “Tejas,” which became Texas, says Eckrich. “Teysha is an ethical fashion brand and company that works with artisans primarily in Guatemala to make handcrafted goods and really use those as a bridge to spark conversations about different cultures and art forms,” says Eckrich. After graduating and not finding the perfect job, Eckrich says she decided to create the company, because it blended her passion for working with people in Latin America with making an impact in the community. The social enterprise is considered a platform to make an impact,

2019

Emily Effron

LIFESTYLE


Creative Reuse

not only on people in Latin America, but also on their customers around the world, says Eckrich. “The Teysha way really is to live and be open-minded,” says Eckrich, “and to work with whatever the resources that you have, to make a positive impact on those around you.” Founded seven years ago, Teysha products are primarily

influenced by where they’re made in Guatemala, mixing cultured prints with vibrant color. The shoes are entirely handmade by different artisans who specialize in each part of the production. “We have a very extreme dedication to the way our shoes are made and the people who make the shoes, and that really comes first and sets

us apart,” Eckrich says. Teysha shoes go through an extensive production process that includes cutting the leather and textiles, sewing and making the sole of the shoe. “Each pair of shoes goes through 6-10 pairs of hands before it reaches you,” Eckrich says. She says the communities that Teysha works with in Latin America also share many similarities to communities here in the United States. “If we can use a product like a shoe, or whatever the product may be, to foster more understanding and humanization — then we believe we can help create a more peaceful world,” Eckrich says. afm

Bottom: Pearson Ripley

Teysha

27

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Monica Hand

THE COST OF GROWTH How the increasing cost of renting space in Austin is affecting small gyms.

A

fter living in Austin for even a short amount of time, just a drive down South Lamar or Guadalupe could make you suspect that certain spots around town are cursed. Buildings with some of the most prime placement in terms of accessibility and proximity to populated or frequented avenues will suddenly go vacant. Hip cafes turn into specialized restaurants that turn into dive bars that turn into vintage shoe stores. Each hot, new, trendy scene disappears just to be replaced by another, fresher shop or restaurant.

AUGUST

While Austin is constantly evolving to handle the growth it has each year, new or locally owned places just seem to be fleeting along the heavily trafficked areas of Austin. But it’s not some old curse — it’s usually the rent. Small businesses are no longer able to afford the spiked rent prices or costs of Central Austin locations, or they may wish to put that money to use elsewhere. Greg Galindo, owner of Good Fight Fitness and a residential and commercial real estate agent for JB Goodwin, explains that the price per square foot to lease commercial space has risen dramatically over the last several years. Businesses are forced to reconsider size, location

28

and the costs associated with opening or remaining in business. “It’s definitely changed the landscape in Austin over recent years,” Galindo says, “as smaller businesses close their doors and the bigger, trendier, national brands started to move in.” The small businesses of the fitness community are no exception to feeling this effect. Galindo leases space from HEAT Bootcamp for his own personal training and Good Fight business usage. Spaces like these allow individual contractors/trainers to pay by month for an area to work in while still maintaining their brand identities. Galindo points out that

2019


Greg Galindo

there are several trainers and instructors that operate without a gym in a similar style to him to avoid the restrictions, and costs, of a brick and mortar. “There are several pros and cons to not having my own studio,” Galindo says. “But at this point, I would only open one if an opportunity arose with the right price and the right space.” Galindo also says it is challenging to find the perfect space for his business. The Good Fight Fitness mission is one that focuses on giving back to the community by partnering with nonprofits and donating a percentage of the profits back to the organization. The pros of having the flexibility to collaborate at other venues or meet his personal training clients wherever they

29

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE

AS LONG AS YOU’RE RUNNING A GENUINE AND CLIENT-FOCUSED FITNESS PROGRAM THAT KEEPS THE AUSTIN VIBE ALIVE, THERE’S ENOUGH ROOM FOR EVERYONE TO GROW HERE.” need is a great plus to not having a studio — plus, not having to spend any of the money on bills related to one. But one of the main challenges is the lack of structure and ability to be creative with the brand in a physical place. Local boutique gyms and fitness businesses like this are some of the best parts of the Austin fitness community. Being a healthy city that also values locally owned businesses, the combination of the personalization and community in a workout class or gym

AUGUST

translates well. Whether it’s focused on a specific group workout, technique or weight-training style, Austin has its fair share of specialized local studios. That’s because studios often have to budget where their money goes. Rent, utilities and other expenses for creating quality experiences at the studios can take priority over excessive advertising. Michael Bradford, the general manager of Fight Club Austin — located on Rio Grande, surrounded by college apartments and just a few blocks from The University of Texas campus — points out the differences in budgeting that takes place compared to larger fitness chains. Location is important for any business, but juggling accessibility, prices and competition is no simple matter for a gym. Located at 23rd and Rio Grande next to a large parking garage that offers validation, the accessibility for the clients both from the university

30

2019


and downtown or Tarrytown areas was well thoughtout. But tucked away in a little strip among food places, an eyeglass store and a nail salon, Bradford says most of their advertising is relying on word-ofmouth by its members. “We work hard to endear ourselves to those coming from downtown and Hyde Park,” Bradford says. “So much so that they drive past a handful of franchises because of how much they value what we offer.” According to Bradford, it works well for Fight Club Austin and similar studios around town. Although the scene seems largely dominated by name-brand fitness franchises, the quality of a workout doesn’t come down to the size of a budget. “Simply put, we don’t have the budget to compete with the SoulCycles and the Orangetheorys of the world,” Bradford says, “They’re going to have better locations, better marketing and better brand awareness.” But loyalty to locally run businesses over large national gyms — especially in Austin — makes a huge difference.

“I rely heavily on referrals, and I do my best to maintain a social media presence,” Galindo says. “All to ensure that Good Fight continues to thrive and grow.” Fostering an open and welcoming environment and having excellent service is crucial to the success of these small fitness businesses. When spending money on traditional advertising isn’t an option, businesses turn to creating a reputation that sticks. “While cultivating a community that’s second to none — from the staff that works here to the clients that keep coming back— we place the utmost importance on offering our clients the most bang for their buck,” Bradford says. When a business succeeds in keeping its mission of benefitting the city’s health, people notice. The fitness community of Austin is tightly knit and supportive of one another, even with the city’s continued growth. “As long as you’re running a genuine and clientfocused fitness program that keeps the Austin vibe alive,” Galindo says, “there’s enough room for everyone to grow here.” afm

31

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Haylee Reed

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Fitzsimmons Sherry Jo Anderson

AUGUST

32

2019


DREAMING BIG Deaf Austin resident, Sherry Jo Anderson, achieves national recognition for her fitness transformation.

The quote by Rumi, ‘A heart filled with love is like a phoenix that no cage can imprison,’ comes to mind when I think of Sherry Jo,” says Sudha Solankee in the opening line of her nomination letter. This was back in May, when Solankee, the owner of Curves Wells Branch, nominated Austin resident Sherry Jo Anderson for the SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award.

F

ounded in 1992, SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading community fitness program for older Americans, giving members “unlimited access to more than 14,000 fitness and wellness locations across the country.” The award, according to their website, “honors a SilverSneakers member who has improved his or her own life through a healthy lifestyle that incorporates physical activity while inspiring and motivating others along the way.” Solankee knew it had Anderson’s name written all over it. Sure enough, later that month, Anderson was selected as one of

33

the top 10 finalists in the nation and the only finalist from Texas. But that’s not even the most remarkable part — Anderson is also 73 years old and fully deaf. Between the ages of four and seven years old, Anderson’s parents noticed she was struggling in school, but they thought it was simply because she wasn’t paying attention. However, one of her teachers urged her parents to have her hearing checked, and soon after going to the doctor, Anderson had her first hearing aid at age seven. “The first sound I heard was my mom’s high heels in the hospital, ‘Clip, clop, clip, clop, clip, clop,’” Anderson says. “Also, going out the

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE door…you could hear all the cars and trucks go by, ‘Beep, boop, screech’ — all the noise. At the deaf school, I learned the sound of birds.” Growing up with a father in the Air Force, Anderson and her family moved all over the country, with Anderson bouncing between six public schools and three deaf schools, beginning at the Nebraska School for the Deaf, where she learned the basic signs, and later attending the Maryland School for the Deaf and the Indiana School for the Deaf. Since no one in her family ever learned sign language, Anderson says traveling is how she kept her voice going over the years. After spending just a few minutes with her, it’s clear to anyone that Anderson loves to talk, and she’s never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone. Even traveling internationally, Anderson sees no barriers between languages. “When we were young, we traveled a lot,” Anderson says. “We’ve been in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, and they’re

AUGUST

beautiful countries, and my mother gets jealous of me because I can easily talk to anybody without knowing their name. I made gestures. I learned some German. I’ve even learned Spanish — ¿Cómo estás? Buenos días! See? There’s no limit.” While Anderson was never hindered by language barriers, she explains that sign language is not universal. Different countries and regions have their own variations of sign language, so there is no “standard” form. Anderson says this is why she teaches. By age 30, Anderson became fully deaf, and after losing a job of 17 years, Anderson had to take a step back and think about what she wanted to do with her life. So, she began teaching at Round Rock High School in 1992, and after a friend of hers suggested that she start her own teaching business, Anderson began teaching from home in 1993.

YOU HAVE TO BE STRONG. LIFE’S CHALLENGING. IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW OLD YOU ARE.”

34

Today, 26 years later, Anderson is still teaching, and she still loves it. In fact, two of her students have already gone on to become interpreters in public schools, while her younger students are continuing to work toward certification. “The moms tell me, ‘If it wasn’t for you, they would not have done that.’ I motivate the kids,” Anderson says. “I tell them, ‘Look, I may be deaf, but you will probably have a dual career, working with deaf kids and working with hearing kids.’” Anyone who knows Anderson can attest to the fact that she is motivating, optimistic and inspiring, and these characteristics don’t just hold true for her in the classroom. After hearing about her incredible fitness journey, it becomes clear that Anderson carries these qualities into every realm of her life. Beginning in 2009, Anderson started having some health problems. She contracted MRSA, a strain of the common staph bacteria, leaving her with an infection on the back of her leg that took a year to heal. Later that same year, Anderson also found out she was a diabetic — a battle she continues to fight today. Then, in 2018, Anderson began needing the assistance of a walker. With what seemed like a whirlwind of health issues, Anderson knew she needed to make a change if she wanted to live the long, healthy life she dreamed of.

2019


35

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


LIFESTYLE

“My grandmother was 74, and she passed away when she was 74. My mom passed away at 74,” Anderson says. “I’m 73 — I’ve got one more year. I don’t want to go — I’m not ready for that. I asked the Lord, ‘Let me live to 100.’” In comes Curves, a fitness center for women. In May 2018, Anderson began working out at Curves Wells Branch, a participating fitness studio with the SilverSneakers program, and within just two to three months of joining, Anderson was able to put away the walker — a milestone that only motivated her to keep going back. Since beginning her fitness journey, Anderson has lost over 20 pounds, but that definitely didn’t come without determination and a lot of positivity.

AUGUST

“You have to be strong. Life’s challenging. It doesn’t matter how old you are,” Anderson says. Over the past year, Anderson has fallen in love with the community, the coaches and the new, healthy lifestyle she’s found through fitness. Exercising three to four times a week, Anderson says she plans to come to Curves and remain active for as long as she can. Decked out in a Curves t-shirt and hat, she is a self-proclaimed ambassador. “She encourages whoever she meets to come to Curves, whether at the grocery store, pharmacy or anywhere else,” Solankee says in her nomination letter. “Faithfully, she checks in her location on Facebook before every workout. This way, everyone knows and can

36

be motivated by her example.” After witnessing her health transformation and watching her become such an influential member of the Curves sisterhood, Solankee knew Anderson would be the perfect candidate for the SilverSneakers Swanson Award. With an infectious joy for life and an overwhelming positivity, Anderson sees no limits when it comes to being deaf. “Even though she cannot hear the music we play, she makes up her own music and beat inside her while working out,” Solankee says. “When we get tired of the same songs playing, she laughs and suggests we do it like her.” Sure enough, after spending just a few minutes with Anderson, she’s eager to demonstrate. “Up, down, up, down, up, down,” Anderson sings as she lifts and lowers her weights. With this kind of charisma for fitness, it’s no surprise Anderson was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists for the Swanson Award. As the only Texan and the only deaf person among the finalists, she was ecstatic when she heard the news back in May. “I never thought that this would happen,” Anderson says. “All I wanted was to get rid of the walker… That was all I had ever dreamed. I never dreamed it would be this big.” Regardless of the obstacles she continues to face, Anderson holds fast to the positivity and enthusiasm she had at the beginning of her fitness journey. With a testimony like hers, she firmly believes that anything is possible. “Never give up on anything you dream about. I never expected this to happen to me in this life,” Anderson says. “…There are so many things in life you can do. Don’t give up your dreams.” afm

2019


Get back on track Whether you’re at the top of your game, have a sports injury, or are just starting out on your wellness journey, we’re here to listen. Sports performance specialist Martha Pyron, MD, and the care team at Ascension Seton help you get on track and meet your fitness goals. • Concussion testing & treatment • Comprehensive sports physicals • Fracture care

• Eating disorder assessment & treatment • Physical therapy & rehab • Massage therapy

Call 512-324-9270 to make an appointment Ascension Medical Group Seton Sports Medicine 3724 Executive Center Drive Suite G10 seton.net © Ascension 2019. All rights reserved.


SWEAT ESCAPE How Jae Kim used fitness to cope with grief.

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

When Jae Kim opened up about his story with me back in April, I knew right away it was a story worthy of being printed in the magazine. If you don’t know, Kim is the owner of the local restaurant chain, Chi’Lantro. He started the business, famous for its Kimchi Fries, in a food trailer in 2010, and nine years later, Chi’Lantro has expanded into seven locations across Austin — six storefronts and one trailer on Congress. His story of growing up as an immigrant from Korea, working to provide for his family, his failures and successes as a business owner, and even his appearance on Shark Tank and how he received a deal and then later turned it down, alone, of course, is inspirational. But it’s Kim’s fitness journey that resonated with me. At AFM, we’ve written about people who train for marathons or Ironmans or have lost a significant amount of weight. We’ve written about why fitness is important for overall health and wellness. But one area I’ve lacked in covering is the emotional and therapeutic part of fitness. I hope to change that, starting with this one.

AUGUST

38

2019


A U T H O R : K AT B A R C L AY

39

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


“I would work out until I felt like my heart was about to burst. I would tear up thinking about what happened and then just [freaking] go! I don’t know if it was an addiction, maybe, but it was therapeutic.”

AUGUST

40

2019


I

KIM FOUND FITNESS as his way to cope

and process the death of his younger sister, Michelle, who passed away last March from Neurofibromatosis type 2, or NF2 — a hereditary condition most commonly associated with acoustic neuromas, which are tumors that occur on the nerves for balance and hearing leading to the inner ear. NF2 also increases risks of other tumors to develop on the nervous system and brain, and NF2 can also cause a significant amount of health problems, including cancer. “My sister passed away after 10 years of battling cancer. I watched her deteriorate,” Kim says. “It spread from her spine to her brain. She lost her sense of taste, her eyesight, her hearing. She became immobile — it’s tough. It’s always tough talking about my sister.” He knew he needed to find an outlet to pour his energy into, and Kim also knew diving even deeper into work wasn’t the answer. Instead, he found fitness, and OTL became his escape — a place he could expel all of his physical and emotional energy, and most of all, a place where he could grieve without worry.

T’S AN UNUSUAL 75-degree summer

evening in Austin, and Jae Kim is moving and sweating through another workout at Of The Lion Fitness on North Lamar. He’s sweaty and has the look of determination and focus in his eyes, yet he still cracks a smile every so often. Although he’s able to crack a smile during his workouts now, it hasn’t always been this way. When Kim first started getting into fitness a little over a year ago, his workouts were filled with much more intensity and even tears at times. “I would work out until I felt like my heart was about to burst,” Kim says. “I would tear up thinking about what happened and then just [freaking] go! I don’t know if it was an addiction, maybe, but it was therapeutic.”

Jae Kim, owner of Chilantro, during class at OTL Fitness. OTL offers high intensity interval training bootcamp classes, personal training and youthfocused classes.

41

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


ONE OF OTL’S goals as a gym is that

its members would leave with a better mindset — physically, mentally and emotionally — than when they came in. “Everyone here is working through something,” says David De Leon, OTL owner and coach. “We’re like a family here. I’ll ask Jae what he’s dealing with that day, and then we’ll work through it together.” Kim is an introvert — he likes to internalize things and think before he acts. Fitness allowed him to internalize things and process on his own. “During my workout, I didn’t have to talk,” Kim says. “It helped me get into a different state of mind.”

AUGUST

42

2019


43

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


“We’re like a family here. I’ll ask Jae what he’s dealing with that day, and then we’ll work through it together.”

KIM CREDITS HIS

success, and humility as he has been successful, all to his sister. Now, over a year since she passed away, he still gets emotional talking about her, and some days are harder than others. But he says he’s in a better place than he was at first — especially with his relationship with fitness. “I don’t work out as hard as I used to,” Kim says. “It’s now out of enjoyment. I want to have fun now, and when I go [without working out], I feel like I’m missing out.” afm

Jae Kim and OTL Fitness owner and coach, David De Leon

AUGUST

44

2019


45

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


POWERED PLANTS BY

AUGUST

46

2019


ROBBIE BALENGER COMPLETES A 3,175-MILE TREK ACROSS THE U.S. — ALL WHILE FOLLOWING A VEGAN DIET. AUTHOR: ALISHA MCDARRIS PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ROBBIE BALENGER

47

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


F

or 3,175 miles, Austin and Denver-based ultra-marathoner Robbie Balenger proved it’s possible to run an entire transcontinental route while maintaining a vegan diet. “No animals were harmed in the making of this run,” Balenger says, smiling. Proving it’s possible to accomplish such a feat — sans any sort of animal products — was precisely Balenger’s goal for this solo transcontinental journey. Although Balenger, who regularly participates in long-distance races of the 50-plus mile variety, certainly didn’t start out with a dream of promoting a plant-based lifestyle by way of running from Los Angeles to New York City. It was his girlfriend, now fiancé, Shelley Howard, who first suggested he start running with her several years ago. She selected a leisurely route to break him in, but Balenger barely made it 2.5 miles before having to take a cab back home. “It was all I had in me,” Balenger remembers, laughing. Then, as the operations manager at Bufalina Pizza, Balenger wanted to find a way to stay healthy and in shape, while also relieving some stress. Running seemed to make sense, and he kept at it. He started with short distances, then eventually

AUGUST

worked his way up to half, then full marathons, including the Austin Marathon. Next came the ultras — Balenger says he prefers the 50-mile races to shorter jaunts. It was in 2017 when Balenger moved to accompany Howard, who was attending nursing school in Denver, that the thought of a plant-based diet intrigued him. He researched the negative environmental impacts of the meat and dairy industries, and both he and Howard simultaneously adopted a new lifestyle. At about the same time, Balenger met ultra-marathoner Patrick Sweeney, who had also accomplished a cross-country run in 2015 at the Caballo Blanco Ultra

48

Balenger’s goal of the trans-continental run was to make an environmental impact while proving that plant-powered fueling as an ultra-marathoner was possible.

run in Urique, Mexico. This planted in Balenger’s head — albeit unconsciously — the idea to do his own crosscountry run. “I was really looking for a way to make an impact in environmentalism,” Balenger says. “I thought I would have the best impact if I could follow my passion and use that as a platform. It felt so big, like such a monumental feat, that it would go a long way toward spreading my message.” On March 15, 2018, he set a goal for himself: in one year, he would begin his crosscountry journey. One year and one day later, his feet hit the pavement in Huntington Beach, Los Angeles for the longest run of his life. He ran for 75 days. No scheduled days off, no

2019


49

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


the word about the impacts of a plant-based diet. Some days were harder than others, he says. It was monotonous. There were days on end when the scenery never changed. And at times, he felt like he was just putting one foot in front of the other, reaching for milestones. “There was a lot of psychological warfare going on between my ears,” Balenger admits. Of course, Balenger wasn’t fully alone on his run. He had a team cheering him on, rushing to his aid when he experienced pain from shin splints and tendonitis in the first 20 days of the journey. They also helped prepare his

“THIS IDEA THAT WE NEED PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN, IS UNNECESSARY. WE GET ALL THE PROTEIN WE NEED IN A PLANT-BASED DIET.” late-night explorations of the towns and cities he passed through. Only rising between 5 and 7 a.m. and running for at least 11.5 to 14 hours per day, covering an average of 43 miles a day. Balenger sped through the flat deserts of Arizona. He slogged up daunting elevation gains in Taos, encountering snow and scorching sun. Then, he passed over the rolling hills of the midwest and through countless cities and 15 states that welcomed him warmly as he spread

AUGUST

50

meals, which was no easy task considering Balenger was consuming 8,000 calories a day. He’d stop every five miles to refuel. The crew brought him porridge and coffee in the mornings, 1,000-calorie smoothies packed with kale, fruit, peanut butter and plant-based protein powder four times a day and also pasta, fruits and vegetables in between. For dinner, he would eat two Outdoor Herbivore vegan backpacking meals, and afterward would treat himself to a beer as well as NadaMoo! dairy-free ice cream. The Austin-based company NadaMoo! was the sponsor of Balenger and his run. It was an ideal match, according to Balenger, who approached Daniel Nicholson, president and CEO of NadaMoo!, with the proposal. While Balenger says he enjoys the brand of vegan ice cream personally, he knew a product like ice cream, even a vegan variety, is easy for people to get behind. “Products like these are how people are going to transition to a plant-based lifestyle.” Balenger says. “Plus, it was a great bridge to start conversations.” At his stops, Balenger and his team would hand out ice cream and openly answer questions about the purpose of his run and what a plant-based diet was all about. Olympic athlete-run organization Switch4Good, a nonprofit, anti-dairy campaign, also came alongside to help support Balenger and his mission. The goal: to help people feel more empowered to make positive changes that benefit their health. They introduced people to what a plant-based diet means, encouraged those who were experimenting with it and addressed that undying inquiry question associated with veganism: “Where do you get your protein?”

2019


“This idea that we need protein, protein, protein is unnecessary. We get all the protein we need in a plantbased diet,” Balenger says. He also explained that cutting out meat and dairy also lowers inflammation and decreases post-workout soreness, which is important for athletes. Throughout his run, Balenger ran with family, friends and other plant-based athletes from all over the country. He conversed with strangers, and some eventually became friends. Through conversations with those who sped alongside him, he

connected with his fellow man, saw through the labels slapped on people from L.A. to NYC and experienced more of the country — and the people at the heart of it — than he ever had before. Finally, on May 29, Balenger took his last stride into Central Park and came to a halt in relief. He had completed his run across America in the exact amount of time he had anticipated, meeting the goal he had set for himself. With the task completed, a surreal satisfaction remains as Balenger settles back into real life, back

51

Balenger was consuming 8,000 calories a day and running an average of miles a day for the duration of the 75 days and 3,175 miles.

into the hustle and bustle of appointments and work and family commitments — but the sense of accomplishment remains, resting assured that no animals were harmed in the making of his monumental feat. afm

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


Beauty Guide SPECIAL PROMOTION

CARING FOR YOUR LASHES, NAILS, HAIR, SKIN AND TEETH ARE ALL ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A FULL-BODY WELLNESS APPROACH. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPA , SALON OR LASER STUDIO IN AUSTIN? YOU DO NOW. GO ON, PAMPER YOURSELF, YOU DESERVE IT.

AUGUST

52

2019


SPECIAL PROMOTION

Goodbody Wellness, LLC Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine AMANDA PICKEN L . AC.

512.222.3198 | goodbodywellness.com 4111 Marathon Blvd. Suite 110 Fancy an all-natural glow up? Ancient medicine is making a splash in the world of modern beauty. The signature facial-rejuvenation treatment at Goodbody Wellness combines cosmetic acupuncture, facial massage and Gua Sha. Your treatment begins with Gua Sha, an East Asian facial massage technique that involves gently pressing and gliding a flat jade or quartz stone across the face. This tool is used to promote blood circulation, break up fascia, assist lymphatic drainage and sculpt the face. Next, c​osmetic acupuncture is performed to address fine lines, tone, texture, symmetry and clarity. Licensed acupuncturist, Amanda Picken, will often insert 30-50 super-fine needles into problem areas around the face. The needles create micro-traumas that encourage collagen production and increased circulation. Goodbody Wellness is an acupuncture and herbal medicine clinic that takes a holistic approach to health and beauty. In addition to cosmetic concerns, your practitioner will address any hormonal imbalances or stress that may be having a profound effect on your skin, body, mind and spirit.

53

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


SPECIAL PROMOTION

Castle Hill Fitness Wellness Spa Massage, Manual Therapy, Acupuncture and Skin Care T WO L O C AT I O N S : D OW N T OW N A N D W E S T L A K E

512.478.4567 | castlehillfitness.com Since 2002, Castle Hill Fitness Gym & Spa has offered the very best in personal fitness and wellness. It might seem like an unlikely pairing — a spa inside a gym — but at Castle Hill you will find a group of professionals that have extensive education in their fields. You also do not need to be a member to book spa services. Spa guests at the Westlake location are also invited to enjoy the hot tub, sauna and steam room before or after treatment.

La Vie En Rainey Med Spa T WO L O C AT I O N S :

51 Rainey St. Suite 150 | 1715 W, 35th St. Suite 103 lavieenraineyivvitamintherapy.com | 512.538.1818 I V V I TA M I N H Y D R AT I O N T H E R A P Y

The majority of us are in a constant state of toxicity, malnutrition and dehydration — and we don’t even know it. Busy lifestyles, stress and illness deplete our supply, setting us up for chronic conditions, disease and premature aging. At La Vie En Rainey, 12 different IV Vitamin Hydration Therapy Fusions are offered as well as individual Boosters for beauty, energy, weight loss, hangovers, liver cleanser, libido enhancer and wellness. If you need to revitalize your overall well-being, rehydrate and restore your vitamin levels, IV Vitamin Hydration Therapy is for you. IV Vitamin Hydration Therapy can help you detox your body, strengthen your immune system, fight cold and flu symptoms, fight jet lag or simply cure a hangover.

Services include acupuncture, facials featuring Osmosis and Lira skincare products, multiple styles of massage like deep tissue, Thai massage, Ashiatsu, and manual therapy modalities like structural integration and muscle activation technique. With online booking available for most services, the Wellness Spa at Castle Hill Fitness provides a one-stop approach for optimal health in Austin. Because your health is more than just breaking a sweat — it’s about recovery, healing and rejuvenation.

IV Vitamin Hydration Therapy delivers a powerful dose of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other vital nutrients directly into the bloodstream at levels that are not possible through oral supplements. Even the healthiest bodies are only able to absorb about 50 percent of the vitamins and hydration through digestion and only 15 percent of the active nutrients may find their way into your cells. IV drips bypass the digestive process and deliver essential nutrients and fluids directly into the bloodstream for quick and safe 100 percent absorption. This allows us to detoxify, nourish and hydrate our cells from the inside out for dramatic, long-lasting and often instant results.

N E W C L I E N T S : R E C E I V E $ 2 5 O F F YO U R F I R S T SERVICE OF 50-MINUTES OR LONGER.

Now you can experience the once exclusive “little secret” of celebrities and athletes and benefit from the impact of La Vie En Rainey’s revitalizing and rejuvenating IV therapy. All IV Vitamin Hydration Therapies are painlessly administered by a certified nurse at your home, business, or on location at La Vie En Rainey. AUGUST SPECIAL : RECEIVE 50 PERCENT O F F YO U R F I R S T I V T H E R A P Y F U S I O N B Y M E N T I O N I N G A U S T I N F I T W H E N YO U B O O K YO U R F I R S T A P P O I N T M E N T.

AUGUST

54

2019


SPECIAL PROMOTION

Alite Laser

T H R E E L O C AT I O N S : O N I O N C R E E K , C E N T R A L AUSTIN AND ROUND ROCK

Call or Text 512.328.1555 Alite Laser uses the latest and most effective laser equipment. In order to best serve a variety of needs, Alite Laser offers a full range of hair removal services, including laser hair removal, electrolysis and waxing. For those with lighter skin types, the treatment spa use the Candela GentleLASE, which has been voted “Best Hair Removal Laser.� For those with darker skin types or tanned skin, Alite uses the Candela GentleYAG, which is safe for skin with more pigment and works extremely well, with little discomfort and maximum safety. Other services include skin rejuvenation, organic spray tanning, cellulite reduction and microblading. Serving Austin and Round Rock community for over 20 years, look to Alite Laser to fulfill all your hair removal and skin rejuvenation needs in the most relaxed, personal and effective way possible.

Smile360

1509 S Lamar Blvd Ste 675 512.444.4746 Dr. Vincent Ip at Smile360 firmly believes that offering patient-focused treatment with integrity allows him to provide the best dental care in Austin. He pursues ongoing continued education to ensure that he can meet the diverse needs of his patients. Staying up to date on the latest practices, procedural advancements, tools and technology allows him to consistently improve his skill set. In addition to performing traditional restorative, general, and cosmetic services, Dr. Ip is also an Invisalign premier provider and has been providing treatment for 12 years. Invisalign is a great alternative for patients who are self-conscious about an overbite, underbite or other alignment imperfections but do not want traditional braces. Instead of obvious metal brackets and wires, you can wear nearly invisible trays that are consistently replaced as teeth shift into their proper position. While treating damaged teeth and inflamed gums often improves the overall appearance of your smile, restorative treatments may leave you wanting even better-looking results. Cosmetic dentists specialize in enhancing the aesthetics of your smile to give it that extra boost. With the comprehensive dental care at Smile 360, you can receive all your treatments from the same dentist so that your oral health is consistently maintained.

55

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


WELLNESS AUTHOR

Haylee Reed

IV HYDRATION THERAPY A cringe-worthy experience becomes the newest health trend.

S

imply hearing the word “needle” or catching a glimpse of one can make many people cringe or even begin to feel faint. For many patients receiving medical care, one of the most common fears is getting an IV, the intravenous catheter that allows fluids and medicines to flow into the veins. Often inserted into the arm or hand, the catheter (a hollow plastic tube) remains in the vein while the needle is removed, and a machine steadily pumps fluids through a tube and into the bloodstream. While this might not be the most pleasant picture for some people, according to Harvard Health Publishing, IVs are often needed “when the digestive system isn’t working well, to receive more fluids than you’re able to drink, to receive blood

AUGUST

transfusions, to get medication that can’t be taken by mouth and for a host of other treatments.” However, it might come as a surprise that many people today are actually receiving IVs voluntarily — even when it isn’t medically necessary or recommended by a doctor. A relatively new trend, IV therapy is the infusion of vitamins, minerals and nutrients directly into the vein, providing immediate and effective treatment for dehydration, inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, fatigue, allergies and a number of other illnesses as well. Over the past few years, IV therapy lounges and mobile IV clinics have been popping up around the Austin area, offering specialty blends of vitamins and nutrients, sometimes personalized for each client’s needs. Jordan Cobb, co-founder and CEO of IVitamin, says she and her business partner, Jana Gavin, got

56

the idea to open their IV therapy spa after visiting one while they were on vacation about four years ago. With Cobb’s background in medical sales and Gavin’s as a pharmacist, the two decided to team up and open a brick-and-mortar location on the corner of South Congress and Riverside. This was three years ago, when the trend was just beginning to make its way into the health and wellness scene, and the duo knew Austin was the perfect place to kickstart their business. “Austin is already a very healthfocused, health-oriented location, so we thought it would be the perfect concept to bring to this city,” Cobb says. Unlike getting an IV at a hospital, IV therapy lounges offer spa-like experiences, where customers can sit back, relax and let the IV do its work. While being stuck with

2019


usually tend to give, and people come depleted. So, that’s where IV therapy comes into play.” The concept of IV therapy all started with the work of John Hopkins physician Dr. John Myers, who concluded that people don’t absorb all vitamins and minerals through digestion. In the 1960s, he developed the Myers’ Cocktail, an intravenous vitamin infusion designed to enhance the immune system, reduce fatigue, help with seasonal allergies and reduce symptoms of asthma and fibromyalgia. According to his work, many illnesses are associated with digestive disturbances that inhibit the absorption of necessary vitamins and nutrients, so the Myers’ Cocktail works by increasing the

“WE’RE REALLY TRYING TO CREATE THE EXPERIENCE OF ESCAPING THE BUSY DAY.” a needle might have once been an unpleasant experience, these lounges have turned it into a luxury for your wellness regimen. “We’re really trying to create the experience of escaping the busy day,” Cobb says. “With lifestyles as they currently are, no one is getting the recommended diet, exercise or sleep that we all intend and strive to, but unfortunately, with lifestyles being as busy as they are and people taking on more than they ever have, you know, some of those areas

57

blood concentration of these essential vitamins and nutrients beyond the level that is attained when supplementing orally. “Most literature states that when you take supplements orally, by the time it passes through the gut and digestive system, you only absorb about 20 percent,” says Cobb. “So, going via IV is the superior pathway. So, all the vitamins and minerals and nutrients that are in that IV bag you’re going to get instantly, straight through the bloodstream and at 100 percent absorption.” While IV clinics are often advertised as “hangover cures,” Cobb says this is not IVitamin’s main focus. With nine different IV cocktails on their menu, IVitamin provides IV therapy for a variety of purposes, ranging from diet detox to anti-aging to athletic recovery and regeneration, Cobb says.

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


WELLNESS

WA N T M O R E ?

“We are really an adjunct for people’s wellness regimens,” Cobb says. “A lot of people don’t know that, as they age, they can still feel good… Well, there are things out there that you can be doing that are natural that are going to help you feel like you used to.” However, just like many health trends, IV therapy begs the question of legitimacy. While sessions only last 30-45 minutes, each IV drip can range from $100 to $300. Some skeptics may wonder, is it really worth the cost? And is it sustainable for longterm health? Ashley Hall, RN, MSN, CNL, says no, in her opinion. “The best route for hydration is the most natural route of consuming liquids and nutrients: orally,” Hall says. “…

AUGUST

While it might help expedite your recovery from a nasty hangover by a few hours, your best bet (and wallet saver) is going to be achieved through drinking water and/or electrolytes instead.” According to Pittsburghnative Dr. Will Cole, IFMCP, D.C., while the vitamins and nutrients used in IV therapy are healthy, they can potentially become detrimental if given at a higher dosage than is necessary. Every person’s biochemistry is unique, and IV supplements can become dangerous if you aren’t sure exactly what your body needs, so it’s important to consult with a doctor and figure out what your vitamin deficiencies are and what your ideal dose should be before diving into IV therapy.

58

OTHER PLACES TO TRY IV HYDRATION THERAPY IN AUSTIN

Paragon Austin Infusion Center 720 West 34th Street, Suite 225 Drip Drop IV Vitamin Bar 3944 Ranch Road 620 South, Building 6, Suite 103 CryoFit 2700 Bee Cave Road, #120 Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy 4301 W. William Cannon Drive, Building B, Suite 146 Nuuvo Health (Mobile IV therapy service) MSW Lounge 3930 Bee Caves Rd Ste F, West Lake Hills La Vie En Rainey 51 Rainey Street Suite 150

2019


Additionally, skeptics argue that IV supplements are not designed as a long-term solution for a poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle. According to Cole, if the systematic function issues within the body are fixed, then you can increase your likelihood of absorbing these vitamins and nutrients from whole, healthy foods, thus making IV therapy unnecessary. Regardless of the doubts that may come with IV therapy, it’s clear that many Austinites are totally on board and willing to give it a try. Cobb says IVitamin has already done over 20,000 IVs at this point — safely, successfully and effectively. However, if you’re interested in trying out IV therapy, it’s important to do your research

and talk with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. Make sure the clinic you’re attending is reputable and monitored by a medical doctor, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re an advocate or a skeptic of IV therapy, don’t be shocked to find IV therapy clinics popping up around the area. With the enormous growth of health and wellness trends, especially in Austin, it’s not a surprise that IV fluids on demand are among the options. “I think it’s going to be a growing concept, just because, as the education grows, more people are going to understand the ease of being able to do it and to feel better,” Cobb says, “That’s what it’s all about, right? To feel better, to live your best life.” afm

59


WELLNESS AUTHOR

Emily Effren

WHAT IS ESTROGEN DOMINANCE? An underestimated hormone that impacts you more than you think.

AUGUST

60

W

hen we work out, many of us typically have one side of the body that is stronger than the other. That side, your dominant side, is usually the one that is able to go lower, stretch longer or lift stronger. As humans, we are no stranger to these types of natural imbalances. However, sometimes it’s best to identify an imbalance and treat it before the scales are tipped so much that they break.

2019


“Even though people can live with symptoms like fatigue and bloating, having high estrogen levels can lead to other health issues. The most common of these issues are

autoimmune and thyroid issues.”

Let’s talk hormones. Since there are a plethora of ways that hormones can be impacted, such as changes due to your environment, diet and age, it can be hard to keep them in check. Sex hormones, such as estrogen (female sex hormone) and testosterone (male sex hormone), are detrimental in the body, and imbalances to these hormones can be the reason we gain weight in certain areas, have mood swings and more. But how do we know when we have an imbalance? According to Medical News Today, female symptoms of estrogen dominance include irregular cycles, bloating, cold hands/feet, mood changes, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and hair loss. In men, common symptoms include erectile dysfunction, swollen breasts and infertility. (First things first: To truly know if you have an imbalance, it’s a good idea to go get bloodwork done. This way, you and your doctor can figure out how to safely tip your hormone scales back into place. Manipulating your hormone level sans a doctor could be potentially dangerous.)

WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE?

body is reacting to our different environments. To fix these issues, we must look at what we expose our bodies to everyday. According to Dr. Amy Meyer’s website, hormonal imbalances can be from food, water, the products we use on our skin, gut issues, excess body fat, stress, birth control and more. Even the things we don’t think will impact us, such as skincare products, do. Good news: There are some changes we can make to help ourselves out a little bit. On Dr. Meyer’s site, she suggests eating foods that are free of all of the toxic “cides.” “Any of the pesticides, herbicides and fungicides found on conventional produce are known endocrine disruptors that interfere with your natural hormone activity and metabolism.” Next, reevaluate your skincare products. As the skin is technically our largest organ, anything, and I mean anything, will be absorbed into our bodies. So, if you’re layering on harsh chemicals, chances are they will end up affecting your body’s system. Third, it’s time to look at our body fat. All of those dips and curves that we all have can attribute to estrogen imbalance. As estrogen is stored in fat, if there is excess fat, then there will be a higher level of estrogen. Shedding a few pounds of fat (and estrogen) could change your mood and make you less likely to develop other conditions. Finally, seek a professional. Even though there are small changes we can make, the most efficient treatments will come from a medical doctor. Being estrogen dominant is something that we don’t just have to sit back and accept. By altering our environments, we can balance our hormone scales back into place and be the happy and healthy humans we were meant to be. afm

Even though people can live with symptoms like fatigue and bloating, having high estrogen levels can lead to other health issues. The most common of these issues are autoimmune and thyroid issues. According to the American Thyroid Association, one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime and are five to eight times more likely to develop a thyroid condition than men. Of the entire United States, 12 percent of the population will develop thyroid issues during their lifetime. When people experience thyroid dysfunction (we’re talking hypothyroid problems), that means that their metabolism slows down, not enough hormones are being produced and hormones aren’t being converted correctly. Basically, estrogen dominance is a common problem. As much as we all want to blame our genes, that is not all that contributes to hormonal imbalances. Some of it can be genetic, but the rest comes from how our

61

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS AUTHOR

Lisa Hickey Baile

IN THE WATER YEAR-ROUND The popularity of youth competitive swimming in Austin.

I

t’s the last Sunday in June, and the North Austin Aquatic League’s CHAMPS Swim Meet is buzzing at the Micki Krebsbach Swimming Pool in Round Rock. Competing for the Westover Wild Orcas, 11-year-old Kate Farris has finished her butterfly race and feels great. Butterfly is one of her favorite events. This is the last meet of the season, and Farris is excited to see her hard work pay off and make her coach proud. “Our team is like a family, and Coach Sandy makes it so fun. She’s really kind and we laugh a lot,” Farris says referring to Sandy Neilson-Bell, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming who is

AUGUST

the director of the Orca’s program. “She gets in the water with us and shows us how to do the strokes. If someone needs extra help, she’ll stay late to work with them.” Neilson-Bell is in good company, considering there is a large number of former Olympic athletes who live in Austin, especially swimmers. Austin seems to be a haven for competitive swimming, with kids beginning the sport at young ages. More than half of the 9,000 swimmers competing in the South Texas Swimming Local Swimming Committee (LSC) are from Austin, and there’s a good chance that many of these young swimmers will reach impressive accomplishments. At a college level, the University of Texas swim team has cycled

62

through a fair share of talent, including olympic talent, winning 14 NCAA championships since 1971. According to Katlyn Anderson, who works at Longhorn Aquatics, a large number of University of Texas swimmers are from Austin. On last year’s roster, nine swimmers went to a local high school. This could be because Austin is home to a large number of youth swimming programs, both summer league and year-round. While Farris will put away her cap and goggles until next year, there are many other swimmers who opt to advance their training and competition level and compete year-round. Most of these swimmers hope to compete at the collegiate level, and even further, the Olympics.

2019


Grace Doyle

in his program, Jones works with many of his athletes from a young age until they graduate from high school. In short, he sees all of the ups and downs, especially when it comes down to one meet. “I teach them to pick themselves back up — but there are no guarantees,” Jones says. The sport has become much more competitive, with a focus on core and endurance strength, stretching as a recovery tool and meticulous nutrition, in addition to time in the water. It’s more about creating elite athletes, observes Jones. That takes time and dedication. Doyal seems to be on the right path, though. During the upcoming school year, she will swim three mornings a week from 5:30-7 a.m., attend school and

aunt also swam in the 90s. Her aunt’s coach back then was Steve Jones, who is now Doyal’s coach at Lost Creek Aquatics. He also coached her brother, David, who swam at Trinity University, and her sister, Mary Catherine, who currently swims for Trinity. Jones would know what it takes to be a great competitor, having coached countless high-performing Austin swimmers for almost 30 years. “What is special about Gracie is that she works super hard,” Jones says. Despite setbacks, Doyal gets back in the pool and works to improve. With a low attrition rate

EVEN ON THE DAYS I DON’T WANT TO PRACTICE, I ALWAYS FEEL BETTER WHEN I AM DONE.” One of these swimmers, 14-yearold Grace Doyal, has been swimming competitively since she was five. She remembers realizing her passion for the sport at age nine while swimming in her summer league for the Cruisers. Also playing soccer at the time, Doyal chose to focus solely on swimming and has never looked back. Starting high school next year, she will join the swim team at Westlake High School, where her

63

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS

then return to the pool from 5:307:30 p.m. Two days are devoted to dryland for an hour, and then she spends two more hours in the pool. Her weekends will include more workouts and meets. Doyal’s discipline also extends to her eating and sleeping habits, as well. She has a cup of coffee, B-12 vitamins and maple water, which is like coconut water, before an early workout. Post workout

AUGUST

for breakfast, she’ll usually eat scrambled eggs or gluten-free waffles. She tries to get to sleep by 10 p.m. and wakes up around 8:30 a.m., with the exception of her early-morning workout days when she gets up at 4:45 a.m. “I have made a lot of friends and it keeps me in shape, and I enjoy racing,” Doyal says. “Even on the days I don’t want to practice, I always feel better when I am done.”

64

Carolyn Doyal, Grace’s mother, says her daughter seems even more passionate about the sport than her two older siblings who are college swimmers. She is pleased to watch another one of her children commit to swim. She’s witnessed firsthand the benefits this sport provides kids at a young age, as well as at the college level. “Swimming gives a college student structure to their day. It gives

2019


YEAR-ROUND YOUTH

SWIM TEAM PROGRAMS

1. Austin Swim Club (ASC) 2. AquaTex Swim Team 3. Nitro Swimming 4. Lost Creek Aquatics

7. Capital of Texas Aquatics 8. Circle C Select Swim Team 9. Great Hills Aquatic Rush 10. Austin Trinity Aquatic Club

5. Longhorn Aquatics 6. Waterloo Swimming

11. Western Hills Athletic Club 12. YMCA Swim League

Kate Farris (right), 11, a swimmer for the Westover Wild Orcas, a summeronly league team.

them a group of people they can connect with immediately, which is very helpful in the beginning,” Carolyn says. “I’ve noticed it helps with the transition from high school to college.” It’s Doyal’s goal to medal in the 100-meter butterfly in high school, and her coach is confident she will achieve this. After that, anything is possible. afm

65

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS AUTHOR

Monica Hand

PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Carter

HOTTER’N HELL HUNDRED How to prepare for the 100-mile bike ride in the 100-degree heat.

I

n 1982, Wichita Falls was on the hunt for some grand new way to celebrate their centennial. For many towns, that kind of celebration usually ends up looking a lot like a big block party — cookouts, parades and free goodies. But the Wichita Falls Bicycling Club had other ideas. Why not honor the 100 years with a 100-mile bike ride in the 100-degree Texas heat? That’s what became known as the Hotter’N Hell Hundred. Fast forward to 2018, and the weekend from hell had almost 12,000 registrants last year. It’s become the largest single-day 100-mile race in the country, and it’s a weekend packed full of events. With different ride lengths

AUGUST

throughout the weekend and a running race on the final morning, it can be as hot and as hellish as you want it to be. Executive director of the Hotter’N Hell Ride, Ben J. Filer — also known as “Chip” — has also been an avid participant in the HH100 community for several years. The community is strong and full of people who love to ride and love a challenge. Noting the changes and additions to the weekend that have been made over the past few years, Filer also noted that being surrounded by amazing people would be a sure bet on what to expect from this endurance race. “If nothing else, you can bet you’ll meet some great people and have a heck of a lot of fun,” Filer says.

66

The rides are difficult in the heat. Filer even says that the term “race” is not used for the Hotter’N Hell Hundred, because it implies some kind of need to give it your all and maybe a little too much. Instead, the extreme heat endurance ride is the challenge that draws people from all over to test their limits, without worrying about it being a race. As with any endurance event, preparation is key. So, we asked local personal trainer, musician and health enthusiast Drew Davis for some pointers for preparing to ride through Hell.

2019


AFM: 100 miles is a lot, but by

AFM: What are some ways to

now, they likely have been cycling to train. But 100 degrees — how do they train for something like that?

utilize that home-field heat?

DD: Soak up the sun now. Just

like if you were going to hike Machu Picchu, you would need to go to Peru a few days early to get acclimated to the altitude. If you are going to torture yourself with an abundance of physical fitness in guaranteed Hotter’N Hell temperatures, you want to be acclimated to the heat. And here you are, living in that sweltering, good old fire hole they call Texas 24/7, then you have that home-field advantage.

DD: It’s important that you

take advantage of these long, hot summer days before the ride so you can start to learn how your body responds to working out in the heat. Plan shorter rides during peak sun/heat hours (i.e. 2 to 5 p.m.). If you can make it 30 miles in a shade-free 4 p.m. downtown Austin, you have a much better chance making it 100 miles at 7 a.m. You have the ultimate home-court advantage at your disposal, so utilize it in your training regimen.

67

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS

Dehydration is real. It is not going to do you any favors, and it can even become dangerous and scary. But overhydration is also real. Both pose different dangers and threats, especially in an endurance situation and especially in a 100-degree race situation. You need to make sure you know how much water your body needs and have a rehydration plan as you go.

AFM: The Hotter’N Hell Hundred is the birthplace of the CamelBak Hydration Pack, so it’s known to dehydrate you fast. How do you recommend preparing your body for that kind of water loss?

AUGUST

DD: Every body is different, so

you have to make a hydration plan. You’ll need to work with your physician and/or a personal trainer to develop a hydration plan that is right for your body.

68

AFM: What are some norms for a hydration plan?

DD: For most, this will include

adding some type of electrolytes to your fluids during the race and

2019


definitely after the race. Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the race. Again, work with your physician and/or personal trainer to make a plan that is right for you. This plan should include the three to four weeks leading up to the race, the actual race and the hours post-race.

toe. Lightweight microfiber fabrics can actually help sweat spread out. I know no one particularly likes being sweaty, but sweat is the main form of how our body releases heat during exercise in hot temperatures. We want to keep our body as cool as possible. When sweat

evaporates on the skin, it helps us lose heat. Microfiber fabrics help spread the sweat out and, therefore, help cool all areas covered by it. Even better, choose light colors or just go all-out white to help reflect the heat away from your body. afm

AFM: So, it’s hot. What’s the best thing to wear? Should we all just ride naked?

DD: While burning all of our

clothes and running around nude might sound like the most appealing option here in Texas between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the best way to keep cool is quite the opposite. You want to keep the sun from beating down on your skin — and not just because of the potential sunburn that awaits you. Don’t forget to sunscreen from head to

69

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS AUTHOR

Emily Effren

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of StretchLab

KEEPING AUSTIN FLEXIBLE Assisted stretching now available for the everyday athlete with assisted stretching studios in Austin.

S

tretching has been a form of recovery since the beginning of time. Some of our introductions to stretching may have included our first grade ballet instructor strictly scolding us to plié lower, or maybe it was our football coach yelling in our ears to switch legs before practice. We have all been familiarized with stretching in one way or another, but in the last few years, Austin has seen a new wave of innovation shape the way people can relax and recover properly: assisted stretching. As it turns out, assisted stretching actually isn’t new. According to Austin Martinez, the director of

AUGUST

education for StretchLab, assisted stretching started with high-level athletes and has been practiced for many years. Over the last few months, assisted stretching facilities for the everyday athlete have popped up around Austin such as Motion Stretch, Stretch Base and StretchLab. “It started with Tom Brady and Lebron James. If you look at some articles they’ve written, they really attribute stretching to their injury prevention process,” Martinez says. During March Madness season, we’ve all seen pro-basketball players lay on the ground to get stretched by someone else during warm-up and then play flawlessly throughout the

70

game. They sprawl out on the court and have conversations with their teammates while a trainer twists them into a pretzel, all the while not attempting it by themselves. Could assisted stretching possibly be the key to becoming a better, optimally functioning athlete? Stretching is often overlooked and people don’t do it everyday, Martinez says. “Truly, our concept is to bring the widely known benefits of stretching to everyone,” he says. “We realize how important stretching is for everyone, especially with today’s lifestyle of not moving enough. We need to get our bodies moving more and ultimately create a better,

2019


healthier lifestyle.” Martinez also says adding a consistent mobilization program into your daily habits now can positively impact your future. At StretchLab, professionals have to go through 60-70 hours of training to become a flexologist, which is someone who is trained online and in workshops, specifically learning the concepts of stretching, flexibility and mobility. Depending on the assisted stretching facility, there are different levels of education required to be a stretcher. At Stretch Base, stretchers are required to have a degree in kinesiology, athletic training or pre-physical therapy

as well as attend a three-day training, says the director of the Stretch Base program, Robert Venturini. The main purpose of having extensive training is to make sure stretchers not only stretch their clients, but also educate and provide resources on how to resolve their client’s issues, Venturini says. Not simply stretching, but assisted stretching is beneficial, because it can help those who don’t know how to stretch properly, such as knowing how long to hold a

WE REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT STRETCHING IS FOR EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY WITH TODAY’S LIFESTYLE OF NOT MOVING ENOUGH.”

71

stretch and what type of stretches to do to balance out the body correctly, Martinez says. “True stretching should be focused on looking at imbalances,” he says. StretchLab focuses on areas that lack flexibility rather than areas that already have a lot of flexibility, because focusing only on areas

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS

Depending on the assisted stretching facility, there are different levels of education required in order to be a stretcher.

AUGUST

72

that already have a lot of mobility can worsen that imbalance. “Smart training and then ultimately having a recovery process in place have been shown time and time again to be the best formula for success,” Martinez adds. According to chiropractor Dr. Brian Clark, most people have a favorite stretch or two that they enjoy but often avoid other types of stretches if they don’t like doing them. “Those are probably the stretches and movements that we need the most,” Clark says. After visiting the chiropractor in high school, Clark fell in love with the profession and the idea that we can align our bodies and heal ourselves. Clark says since most of our healing is done through the nervous system, people need a properly functioning nervous system to provide that nerve flow and energy to heal. “The same thing is with blood flow — we need blood flow to areas to heal. So, that’s how stretching and getting chiropractic adjustments really helps optimize that flow of energy to areas so we can heal,” Clark says. If someone is not going to stretch on their own, it can be really helpful to have someone else help them out. Many people have daily habits such as sitting at a computer, driving or even sleeping a certain way that can put bodies into an unhealthy pattern. “Sometimes we need someone else to kind of help give us a push back in the right direction,” Clark says, “and that’s when it’s great to seek out a professional.” Having a good mobility and stretching routine is important, because our bodies need to be taken into all ranges of motion, says Dr. Samantha Pittsford, a doctor of physical therapy at Austin Sports Medicine. “We’re not the movers that we historically have been in the past. It’s creating a whole new host of issues in terms of flexibility and mobility,” Pittsford says.

2019


Remaining in the same position for too long can lead to pain and stress on ligaments and joints. Pittsford says she sees a lot of chronic back pain due to poor pelvic mobility and poor hamstring and hip flexor flexibility, which is from being sedentary in seated positions for too long. Pittsford says injuries can occur when there is an absence of mobility. Staying mobile is the key. Pittsford and Clark both recommend a standing desk to combat becoming too sedentary. Even setting a timer to get up once an hour and walk around can be beneficial. A lot of people’s tightness comes from their central nervous system, and that’s why the fitness industry is gearing more toward mobilizing and prepping the body. “I think that’s something really important to think about,” Pittsford says. afm

G E T YO U R ST R E TC H O N

ASSISTED STRETCHING STUDIOS IN AUSTIN

AcuStretch A: 13018 US-183 P: 512.200.4250 stretchspa.com StretchLab (Multiple Locations) A: 1414 S Lamar Blvd Ste 105 P: 512.916.9883 stretchlab.com Motion Stretch Studio A: A, 5701 W Slaughter Lane #120 P: 512.900.7687 motionstretch.com Restore: Stretch Base (Multiple Locations) A: B, 4301 W William Cannon Drive #146 P: 512.614.2151 restore.com

73

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS SPONSOR

KNOCKOUT

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Fitzsimmons

WORKOUT OF THE MONTH This month, we got an inside look at KNOCKOUT’s signature kickboxing class. Put these moves into action on your own heavy bag or at your next KNOCKOUT class. K N O C KO U T 512.520.4050 knockoutaustin.com

Location 1211 W 6th St Suite 100

Jennie Bender

SHADOWBOXING Shadowboxing is our warm-up and prep time before we hit the bag. It’s okay if this feels awkward at first, so shake it out and embrace the silly! This is a great way to focus on form and build technique, so keep your combos simple. The goal is to get the body warm and ready to hit the heavy bag.

YOUR STANCE In kickboxing we have two stances:

Orthodox stance for right-hand dominant fighters. Left foot forward (lead) and right foot back (rear). Southpaw stance for our left-hand dominant fighters. Right foot forward (lead) and left foot back (rear).

AUGUST

74

2019


BASIC KICKBOXING MOVES

JAB Straight lead hand punch with slight rotation of the thumb down toward the ground. You want to hit the bag with the first two knuckles every single time. Keep your other hand by your face for protection at all times.

UPPERCUTS Uppercuts aim for underneath the chin so you’ll want to hit up into the heavy bag to mimic this. The rotation of your body is where all your power is generated. Keeping the knees bent, pivot and push off your left foot for the left uppercut and pivot and push off your right foot for the right uppercut. Do not make a scooping or swinging motion with your arms.

CROSS This is your most powerful punch and will have you feeling like a badass. The key is to pivot your back foot to create a powerful twist that will use your core power to land the punch. Hit with the first two knuckles and always keep the other hand protecting your face. The cross punch will make that “POP” sound on your bag.

ROUNDHOUSE KICK Kicking the hell out of a heavy bag is our favorite way to relieve stress and also makes you feel invincible. Take a 45-degree step out with your nonkicking leg. With your kicking leg, bring the knee up and turn the hips over allowing the standing foot to pivot. Extend the kicking leg and strike the heavy bag with the lower shin.

HOOKS Your hooks are short, compact punches. With the arm bent at a 90-degree angle, let your arm rotate with your body. For the left (lead) hook — pivot the left hips, knee, and foot to the right. For the right (rear) hook — pivot the back foot, knee, and hips to the left. Snap the punch when it hits the heavy bag and quickly rotate back to your fighting stance.

KNEE STRIKES These are done at a short distance aiming for the stomach or groin. Keeping the weight in the balls of your feet, drive the back knee up and in front of your body. Use your hips to push the top of the knee forward into the center of the bag. Your knee is a sharp point of your body, so don’t be afraid to really get into this one.

75

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


FITNESS

AFM WORKOUT OF THE MONTH SPECIAL

GET 1/2 OFF A SINGLE CLASS

APPLY CODE: AUG1AFM Valid August 01-31

AUGUST

76

2019


LET’S KNOCK IT OUT Five three-minute rounds with one minute of rest in between.

SHADOWBOXING WARM-UP

HEAVY BAG ROUND THREE

Jab Jab, Cross Jab, Cross, Hook Jab, Cross, Hook, Uppercut Jab, Cross, Hook, Right Roundhouse Kick Jab, Cross, Left Knee

10X - Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear Roundhouse Kick

Two three-minutes rounds of shadowboxing with 30 seconds rest in between

Repeat as many times as possible in three minutes.

HEAVY BAG ROUND ONE

HEAVY BAG ROUND FOUR

20 Jab, Cross 10 Jump Squats

30 Seconds: Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear Knee

16 Jab, Cross 8 Jump Squats

30 Seconds: Plank Hold

12 Jab, Cross 6 Jump Squats 8 Jab Cross 4 Jump Squats 4 Jab Cross 2 Jump Squats

10X - Jab, Cross, Lead Hook

10X - Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Cross 10X - Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Cross, Lead Roundhouse Kick

30 Seconds: Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Cross, Lead Knee 30 Seconds: Plank Hold 30 Seconds: Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, Rear Knee, Left Roundhouse Kick, Lead Knee, Right Roundhouse Kick.

HEAVY BAG ROUND TWO

30 Seconds: Plank Hold

STRIKES ONLY

HEAVY BAG ROUND FIVE

30 Seconds: Single punches for power only. Hit that bag as hard as you can! 30 Seconds: Speed work. Pick one set of punches ( jabs and crosses, or both uppercuts) and go as fast as you can. Repeat three times.

77

YOUR FREESTYLE ROUND

This is your burnout round. Mix everything you’ve done so far in the shadowboxing and work rounds! Give this three minutes your best and whatever you do, don’t quit. Have fun and leave it all on the heavy bag!

AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E


CALENDAR AU G U ST 2 0 1 9

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Events OKLAHOMA CITY DODGERS AT ROUND ROCK EXPRESS Dell Diamond AU GU ST 1 8

AU G U S T 1

Blink 182 Austin360 Amphitheater Your favorite early 2000s band is going to be kicking off the first day of August with a concert by Lil Wayne. For their North American 2019 tour, Blink 182 is going to be celebrating their 20th anniversary of the band’s third album at the outdoor amphitheater. Are you ready for some nostalgia? AU G U S T 3

Classic Hip-Hop Night The North Door If you adore rap music from 1979 to 1999, then this is the

AUGUST

event for you. DJ Dave Paul, host of “Beat Box Fridays” in San Francisco, is going to be in Austin to play a set from the golden era of hip-hop. If you’re interested in this 21+ event, visit the event’s Facebook page for more info. AU G U S T 7

Blues on the Green Zilker Park An Austin classic event comes back for its final event of its 29th season. Austin City Limits Radio and HEB host the fourth and final Blues on the Green for the summer of 2019. Grab

78

a cooler, some friends and come out to mingle with the best, live music-loving community. Think you’ll miss it? Don’t fret, Austin City Limits is just around the corner! AU G U S T 9

Bat Paddle Rowing Dock If you’ve never been paddling around sunset… you’re missing out. At the Bat Paddle, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one of Austin’s favorite lakes at night and watch more than a million bats fly overhead. This fourmile kayak paddle is going

to be one for the books… and an amazing upper body workout. AU G U S T 1 3

Summer Sunset Series Republic Square Yoga. Sunset. Downtown Austin. Can you name a better combination? Presented by Topo Chico, this Summer Sunset Series is a one-hour vinyasa flow with a local instructor and live music. This recurring, free event is held throughout the summer and is a great way to meet some awesome yogi members of the community.

2019


E EP J

MASTERS

Paddle for Puppies

AS

AU

ST IN

TE X

326-3555 JEEPMASTERS.COM

AU G U S T 1 6 - 1 7

Bud Light Cedar Park Rodeo H-E-B Center at Cedar Park Returning to the Austin area, this two-day event is for the true Texan at heart. Bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, team roping, bareback riding and other events are going to be held at the Cedar Park Center off highway 183. Time to get back in the saddle. AU G U S T 1 8

Oklahoma City Dodgers at Round Rock Express Dell Diamond Baseball fans! Round Rock Express will be going up against the Oklahoma City Dodgers in this Minor League Baseball game at the Dell Diamond. AU G U S T 2 3 - 2 5

Annual Austin Fall Home & Garden Show Austin Convention Center Coming back for its 24th year, the Austin Fall Home and Garden Show is ideal for the Pinterest-loving, DIYer inside. Featuring guest speakers, new products and opportunities for consultations with experts, this

show is a great place to get your home improvement questions answered.

AU G U ST 2 5

AU G U S T 2 4

Fiesta Gardens Building With over 350 entries, this is going to be one of the hottest events of the summer. What was once a small hot sauce contest 29 years ago is now a huge festival with over 350 entries. The festival is also a fundraiser for the Central Texas Food Bank, so come on out and try some of the hottest sauces Austin has to offer.

Bat Fest Congress Avenue Bridge Just off of Town Lake, over a million bats fly out from underneath the Congress bridge, and with delicious food, arts vendors and fun activities, this year’s Bat Fest is going to be one for the books. An adult bat costume contest will be held, and the winner will receive a $100 cash prize.

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (30K-60K-90K) TUNE UPS • ENGINES BREAKS • TRANSMISSION EXHAUST • CUSTOM MODS COLLISION • PAINT • BODY WE BUY JEEPS/ DEALER TRADE-INS

29th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival

AU G U ST 2 5 AU G U S T 2 4

Paddle for Puppies

Hops and Grain Brewery 5K Tour

Rowing Dock Paddle for Puppies is a unique annual fundraiser event benefiting Austin Pets Alive! and presented by Austin Subaru. Each year, participants and dogs hop in a kayak, canoe or standup paddleboard (SUP) at Rowing Dock and paddle down Lady Bird Lake. You can bring your own boat or rent one. Furry friends are welcomed and encouraged to join. With registration, you receive a Paddle for Puppies t-shirt, cold brew coffee and other snacks to fuel you for the row.

The Loop Running Supply From an idea born out of the City Running Tours and the Hops and Grain Brewery, Austin is going to be home to a 5K with two of our city’s favorite things: beer and running. The route will pass along some of Austin’s prime hotspots such as 6th Street and Congress, and runners will receive a complimentary beer at the end of their tour.

79

FALL SPECIALS 6 Months for $399 OR

12 Months for $599 • • • • •

Intro-to-Rowing Program (6 classes) Unlimited Rowing, Kayaking, Canoeing Unlimited Stand Up Paddling Gift Certificates Available Experienced Coxswains row FREE!

NORTH SHORE OF TOWN LAKE ON HIKE & BIKE TRAIL BEHIND AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL

512.467.7799

www.texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com


CALENDAR A U G U S T- O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Rides & Races TEXAS MAMMA JAMMA RIDE (CYCLING) Martindale SEPTEMBER 21

AUGUST AU G U S T 2

AU G U S T 2 2 - 2 5

SEPTEMBER 7

Dog Days 5K

Hotter’N Hell Hundred (Cycling)

Tejas Trails Mellow Trail Run

New Braunfels

Spicewood

Wichita Falls SEPTEMBER 8

AU G U S T 1 7

Daiquiri Dash 5k Round Rock

SEPTEMBER

Brain Power 5K, 10K Cedar Park

SEPTEMBER 6 AU G U S T 1 7 - 1 8

Habanero Hundred

Zilker Relays Austin

Hood to Coast Relay Boerne

Cat Spring

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER 14

80

2019


Nonprofit. Community. Rowing.

St. Jude Walk/Run

Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club Private Lessons, adult programs as well as middle and high school rowing programs

SEPTEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 29

CASA Superhero Run

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Austin

Austin

74 Trinity Street

Austinrowing.org

SEPTEMBER 21

Zombie Charge 5K Obstacle Course Race

Home of Nationally ranked Regattas

OCTOBER

512.472.0726

Austin O C TO B E R 1 2 SEPTEMBER 21

St. Jude Walk/Run

Austin Glow Run Circuit of the Americas

Round Rock OCT 19 SEPTEMBER 21

Texas Mamma Jamma Ride

Austin Heart & Stroke Walk Austin

Martindale O C TO B E R 2 5 SEPTEMBER 22

5.12K Run to Brunch

Capital to Coast: The Great Texas Relay Travis County

Austin O C TO B E R 2 6 SEPTEMBER 28

ZERO Prostate Cancer Walk/Run Austin

Hill Country Halloween Half Marathon & 5k Cedar Park

SEPTEMBER 29

O C TO B E R 2 7

9/11 Heroes Run

Make a Difference Run

Austin

Austin

81

Austin’s premier Massage School for over 30 years.

•Flexible Schedules •Onsite Internship •6 &12 month Programs

TLCmassageschool.com


FREE CHILD WATCH for Family Memberships.*

MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER The water is waiting for you this summer at the Y– along with all of your favorite group exercise classes, personal training programs and summer enrichment activities for kids. Kick off your day with an invigorating splash, cool down post-workout, spend quality time with the family or relieve some stress with a few laps after work. No matter your reason, jump on in!

LEARN MORE & JOIN TODAY

AustinYMCA.org

locations across

Travis, Hays & Bastrop counties OFFICIAL 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT

*Some restrictions apply.

2019 AUSTIN HEART & STROKE WALK SAVING LIVES ONE STEP AT A TIME

OCTOBER 19TH AT THE LONG CENTER

7am–Registration | 8am–Awards 8:30am–5k Run and Walk | 9am-12pm Festivities Live Entertainment, Games, Food Trucks, Kid's Zone & Pet Area Register online at www.AustinHeartWalk.org PRESENTED BY

MEDIA PARTNERS


AUSTIN SUBARU



Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.