February 2016 - The Love Issue

s e l p u o C Powcceessrin partnerships Su

February 2016

Thank You Austin

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Feb.16

42 power

The Good Stuff

Starting on Page

Lander Peerman and Noah Wright

couples

Conquering fitness goals, business plans and maintaining healthy relationships require devotion and hard work. Five couples are opening up about what it takes to successfully combine these challenges on a daily basis

Heartache to Happiness/ 36

Breakups suck, but they’re also an opportunity to improve your life. Make a revenge body, happiness and self-love your rebound

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cover photo by Brian Fitzsimmons; contents photo by Kevin Garner Photography hair and makeup by Jennell Ballard, NAAVA Salon and Spa

Sexercise / 26

Let’s talk about sex. Make your workouts more pleasurable by incorporating these new moves in the bedroom

Feb.16

Highlights

60 Nutrition

Goat Cheese Cake / 18

A light and airy dessert with a mellow tang is perfect for date night

Let Food Be Thy Medicine / 20

The healing powers of food and herbs can cure common colds, fevers and flu-like symptoms

Prep for Success / 22

Fun Fitness Apps / 62

There’s an app for everything, but which ones keep you fittest?

Wellness

Prevention R3 Summit / 66

A review of our experience at the two-day summit revolved around reviving, refreshing and reinventing

Medical FAQ / 68

Common questions about your eyes and vision health, answered by an optometrist

Culture

Fitness

Spending less than 4 percent of your day to get a workout in has a bigger payoff than you think

Finding a compatible coach and maintaining that relationship is very much like dating

Too Royally Fit to Quit / 30

Anatomy of Barre / 72

Two pageant queens open up about why fitness and nutrition is essential to claiming the crown

Style

Trail Shoe Review / 54

The semi-annual rundown of the winter 2015-16 trail shoe styles

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Make the most out of your wardrobe with clothes that can double as activewear and date night attire

Food prepping could be the secret to sticking to your diet

Your Next Career Boost Might Be a Workout / 25

30

Workout to Date Night Attire / 60

Geeked Out and Geared Up / 56 These new products can help you train more efficiently while improving form

Why, When and How to Change Trainers / 71

Barre basics to get you acquainted with commonly used terms and fundamental movements

Do’s and Don’ts of the Deadlift / 76

It’s so simple, and yet so easy to mess up. Avoid unnecessary injuries with these tips

Events / 78 Rides + Races / 80 Discover! / 82

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons (top); Kevin Garner Photography (bottom)

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Editor’s Letter / 10 Contributors / 12 #KeepAustinFit / 14 Exposure / 16

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Editor’S lETTER

W

e had the old saying, “two is better than one” in mind when we decided to focus February’s cover story on power couples. It’s no coincidence that we chose the month that celebrates love for this topic, because although not all of our power couples are romantic, there is no shortage of love between them. The passion is palpable—for the partner, business and healthy living.

It was a pleasure to interview these special couples, as each of them provided valuable insight into how this round-the-clock balancing act is best managed. Everyone offered a different perspective when asked about the secret of relationship longevity, but the general consensus throughout all interviews was that honesty, communication, and accountability were absolutely crucial components in a successful business and romantic relationship.

This issue also includes the alternative; a take on love lost and the consequential heartache. A breakup can rock your world and turn it upside-down, leaving you in a “devastated pile of goo,” as the writer of this piece so aptly describes it. The story has a happy ending though, and hopefully provides assurance to any readers who are vicious with grief that the end of one love can afford you the chance to find a new love.

For many singles, Valentine’s Day can be a cringeworthy reminder of our former flames’ transgressions and indiscretions.

And for those who haven’t been wronged or aren’t holding onto bitterness, it can simply highlight that you’re alone while “celebrating” a holiday devoted to romance. But take solace that in 2015, Forbes ranked Austin as the No. 5 city for singles. For every 100 unmarried women in this city, there are 102 unmarried men. Those are good odds for all the single ladies out there!

Regardless of your situation, Feb.14 can still be a day to celebrate love. Treat yourself, whether you’re committed to someone or not. Love fitness? Take your favorite yoga class or go for a run on your preferred route. Love cooking? Try a new recipe and whip up something decadent and satisfying. Love your dog?

Share a drink with your canine companion at one of Austin’s many dog-friendly restaurants.

A healthy lifestyle isn’t restricted to diet and exercise. Take care of your body and soul too, and the rest will fall into place.

Keep Austin Fit, Gretchen Goswitz, Managing Editor

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THE LIST

I met David at the AFM FITTEST photoshoot during my first week at AFM, and shortly after, met Courtney at the awards ceremony.

They’ve been along for my fitness journey, career changes, and shown me love when relationships haven’t worked out. How many people can say their trainers are this awesome?

The interview with Carly and Clayton Christopher was so refreshing. This couple is kind and hardworking, it’s undeniable that all of their success is well-deserved. When I moved to Austin, I took an internship at Deep Eddy Vodka. It was a full-circle experience to collaborate on this story with them.

Meditation Bar is in our New to Austin section. Thirty years ago if you said you were going for a jog, people thought you were weird.

After doctors revealed all of the health benefits, more people began doing it and now it’s a mainstream form of exercise. I predict that meditation will become a more standard practice in the future.

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Contributors

Thank you to AFM’s contributors who make this magazine a worthy source of health and fitness information in Austin.

Publisher/CEO Louis M. Earle COO/Associate Publisher Alex Earle

Kevin Garner

Kevin Garner is the founder and owner of Kevin Garner Photography. Originally born and raised in South Carolina, he now works as a freelance artist here in Austin. Since receiving his bachelor’s degree in fashion photography, Garner has worked in the field of dance choreography, as a stylist for Neiman Marcus, and has held a position on Aveda's artistic team.

Angela Vega

Hailing from Katy, Angela attended the University of Texas at Austin to receive a B.B.A. and B.S. in Advertising.

In college, she found a passion for fitness that led her to a personal trainer’s certification and competitive racing in a wide range of events, from the Texas Tri Series to the Boston Marathon. She believes anyone can be an athlete with practice, passion, and purpose, which is why she challenged herself in over 80 events in 5 years. When she isn’t hitting the gym or the trails in the Austin area, she runs the performance marketing team at Kasasa by BancVue and writes for her blog, GetSumRun.

Carrie Barrett

Carrie is a USAT Level 1 Certified Coach, Director of Marketing at Austin Aquatics & Sports Academy, author of two books on triathlon, and a Specialized Women ambassador. Her mission? Break down those fears and motivate others to face and overcome your own fears, whether it’s buying your first pair of running shoes or finishing yet another Ironman distance race.

Devyn Bernal

Devyn Bernal recently made the move to Austin after spending most of her life in Dallas. Having studied journalism at the University of Alabama and University of North Texas, her focus is writing and editing. Her number one goal is to stay active, whether that's here in Austin or in a new city across the country. When she is in town, she's researching a new story or bartending at Star Bar. In between, she enjoys mystery novels, craft beer, classic movies, and running.

Darryl Payne, Jr.

Darryl Payne, Jr., a graduate of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, is a production chef at the Whole Foods Market Downtown location as well as a personal chef with a mission to deliver good, upscale food through accessible means.

When Darryl is not behind the knife cooking in a kitchen, he can be found on a track in Austin or at Austin Simply Fit training for the Olympic Games in the 400-meter hurdles. Food and fitness affects his faith and positively directs his behavior on a level that transcends his own understanding. It is the fuel and the very purpose behind his lifestyle: Try Anything. Do Not Be Outworked. Never Stop.

Jessica Frey

Jessica is an awardwinning commercial and international wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas. She is a native Austinite and a proud 2004 graduate from Texas A&M. Whoop! After spending the past 10 years living in California, she's happy to be settled back home in Austin.

Jessica's passion for photography has taken her all over the world photographing weddings and couples in Costa Rica, Europe, Thailand, Hawaii and New Zealand. She and her husband recently took 4 months off after his time in the Marine Corps to backpack around the world.

When she is not traveling or working you can find her walking around Lady Bird Lake.

Managing eDITOR Gretchen Goswitz Creative Director Weston Carls Advertising Consultants Betty Davis, Brian Martinez, Kristin Nelson, Andrea Rayner Operations & Content Coordinator Devyn Bernal Writers Carrie Barrett, Devyn Bernal, Mark Henricks, Nikki Jensen, Kristina Olson, Darryl Payne, Jr., Nate Turner, Angela Vega, Diane Vives, Jill Watson Proofreader Adam Deutsch Editorial Intern Victoria ESPinoza General Inquiries info@austinfitmagazine.com Advertising Inquiries ads@austinfitmagazine.com 512.407.8383 editorial Submissions gretchen@austinfitmagazine.com fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com Event Listings austinfitmagazine.com/events Subscriptions austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe 2201 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 220 Austin, TX 78705 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

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Adam Loewy Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Attorney

#KeepAustinFit

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photography by Jessica Frey; modeled by Jesse O'Brien, Central Athlete

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.

Gear Review

This month, AFM gear tester Nate Turner tried three new products. Watch Nate put Jesse O'Brien through the paces on the Total Body Board online at austinfitmagazine.com.

Fit Field Trips In the month of January, we kept our lifelong resolution to keep Austin fit by trying new gyms around town. In the past month, we’ve done a workout and spa day at Athletic Outcomes (look for co-founder Brittaney on page 76!) and got out of our comfort zone at Yoga Booty Ballet. Read our reviews on the AFM website and if you have a workout we absolutely must try, drop us a line.

The 5th Annual AFM FITTEST The date has been set! It’ll test all aspects of competitors’ fitness on May 21.

See how you can succeed on competition day with AFM's monthly workout tips by Diane Vives.

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: GMO Adrenal fatigue. Ketogenic diet. Fatty acids. These are just a few of the dozens of buzzwords tossed around when we hear about nutrition. The thing about buzzwords is that while they sound like hot topics, in theory, often times we hear them so much that we feel silly for wondering what they really mean. Let’s start with GMOs – what are they and why do we care?

14 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

New T-Shirts & Tanks Available!

We know you’d shout it from the rooftops if you could, but there’s an even better way to tell people that you keep Austin fit. Head to our website to check out the new AFM merch: new t-shirts for men and tank tops for women.

exposure

Finding Love for fitness and each other

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Send your hi-res, active lifestyle photos to FitFocus@AustinFitMagazine.com for a chance to be published.

Taylor & Kristina Burford Location: CSC Crossfit, Dripping Springs Photographer: Jessica Frey jessicafreyphotography.com

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Nutrition

How to Make It 1. Heat oven to 300 Fahrenheit. Combine butter and cookie crumbs, reserving ¼ cup for garnish.

Goat Cheese Cake

By Darryl Payne, Jr., Whole Foods Market—Lamar

This dessert uses coconut palm sugar which has a lower glycemic impact than cane sugar, as well as an offering of more vitamins. The goat cheese is also easier on the digestive system and lower in calories so we can indulge in a romantic dessert and maintain the physique we’ve worked so hard to achieve.

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What You Need

2 cup 365 Everyday Value Vanilla Sandwich Crèmes, crushed to crumbs 6 tbsp butter, melted 12 oz goat cheese, softened 4 oz cream cheese, softened 2/3 cup coconut palm sugar ½ tsp salt 2 eggs, at room temperature 1 egg yolk, at room temperature 2 tsp vanilla extract 4 chocolate-dipped strawberries

3. Combine the goat and cream cheese in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth. Turn the mixer down to a low setting and slowly add the sugar and salt, then the eggs and yolk one at a time.

4. Add the vanilla extract and mix on medium for about 1-2 minutes.

5. Add the cheese mixture to the martini glass and fill until two-thirds full. Bake for 15-20 minutes keeping a close eye to avoid any browning.

6. Allow to cool to room temperature. Line the rim of the glass with cookie crumbs and top with a chocolate-covered strawberry. Enjoy!

photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

Serves 4

2. In a martini glass, place 1 ½ oz of the cookie mixture and pack it tightly. Bake for 15 minutes or until it becomes a golden brown color. Set aside to cool.

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Nutrition

Let Food

By Thy Medicine It’s that time of year again; Cold and flu season is upon us in full force. The sniffling, sneezing and coughing interrupts our lives, and it’s not long before we are desperately ingesting whatever remedy we can get our hands on in order to recover quickly. If you prefer the natural approach, turn to food to heal what ails you.

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Strep/ Sore Throat

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is high in lauric acid and is thought to dissolve the lipid coating around some viruses and make them more susceptible to attack by the immune system. If sick, aim for 5-6 tablespoons per day in food or melted and stirred into hot tea. Coconut oil has many other health benefits as well and is known to boost the immune system.

Opt for a tablespoon of coconut oil even when you’re not sick.

It tastes awful, but if you are sick enough, you won’t taste it anyway. Drink a tablespoon in water (gargle first) at the first sign of illness and repeat hourly until symptoms disappear.

This alkalizes the body and helps kill viruses and bacteria. Usually one to three teaspoons per eight ounces of water is the appropriate amount.

Garlic & Onions for Cold, Flu and Fever-like Symptoms

For extreme cases of illness, start by rubbing olive oil on each foot. Then, slice onion (white or red) and garlic and place all over the bottom of the feet. Wrap the foot in saran wrap and place a sock on overnight.

Onions and garlic have been shown to pull toxins and help the body heal.

Raw Honey

Not only is honey anti-bacterial, but it is antiviral and anti-fungal.

These properties alone make it more powerful than conventional antibiotics. Honey can target undetected fungal conditions that may be at the root cause of perpetual illness.

Are you an inspirational POWER COUPLE?

Catnip

It sounds bizarre, but this herb isn’t just a drug for cats.

It’s a traditional cold and flu remedy and great for children. It helps induce sleep and settles the stomach. As a tincture or tea, it is a great herb for combating flu, cold or other illness.

Cinnamon and Honey

If so, PROVE IT!

Good for more than just stabilizing blood sugar, cinnamon is an effective antiviral and antibiotic. When sick, mix one tablespoon with one teaspoon of honey and stir to make a spicy and very effective tea that helps relieve cough and congestion and lower fever.

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Nutrition

Prep for Success

Bulk Breakfasts made easy

By Kristina Olson

I

f nutrition is of the utmost importance when it comes to energy and performance, then why do so many people skip meals or overeat foods low in nutritional value?

Whether you’re an elite athlete, weekend warrior, or someone who couldn’t care less about exercise, eating enough nutritious food should be a priority.

When it comes to nutrition, proper planning prevents poor performance. Prepping your meals ahead of time is a great way to avoid the

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pitfalls of bad eating habits.

Having your ready-to-eat healthy meals on hand will help you avoid fluctuations in blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day.

Stabilizing your blood sugar levels throughout the day is a great way to neutralize cravings that can lead to binge eating. Additionally, a wellrounded diet will not only help with your blood sugar and energy levels, research shows that dietary factors impact cognitive function and mental fitness.

Frittatas Hard boiled eggs Protein pancakes Protein waffles Breakfast quiches Overnight oatmeal Protein muffins Egg and Ham Cup Breakfast Casserole

Tracking your macros

There’s no better place to start your meal prep journey than by learning about your current caloric intake.

Buying a food scale and tracking your calories for at least one week using an app like MyFitnessPal (a free online calorie counter) will help you determine your average caloric intake. If you believe you already know what your caloric intake is, it’s always good to do this anyway. Often times you think you have a pretty good idea of how many calories you’re consuming, then once you actually track it, it becomes all too obvious that you need to be better about what you eat. If you have absolutely no idea what your intake should be, I recommend doing some research. Just make sure you’re getting your information from a reputable source.

Bodybuilding.com has some great fitness calculators, including one specifically for macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) based on your lifestyle and goals.

Prepping for success

Before you go to the grocery store and start loading your cart with goodies, you should figure out how much food you are going to need. Doing this before you buy your groceries will help ensure you don’t buy too much food. Let’s face it; we all know we’ve been there before. Then we feel bad when we have to throw out those cherry tomatoes or that chicken that went bad because it was hiding behind the condiments.

The next step is deciding what dishes you are going

to-go containers you have, to cook. It may seem like a you may want to add that funny thing to say, but it’s a to the list as well. Frozen little different when you’re vegetables and frozen cooking in bulk. Dishes like carbohydrates (such as macaroni and cheese with brown rice steamer breadcrumbs on top bags) do not have to are not going to be excluded from have the same Tell us the list. Steamer texture and about it! bags are very crunch when Tag us in your meal prep convenient reheated. On photos on instagram! in the event the other hand, #MealPrepAFM you’re running meals like baked low on time or find chicken with baked yourself in a pinch, and sweet potatoes and they always come out of steamed green beans are the microwave cooked to easy to cook in bulk and perfection. maintain their taste and So if you’ve become texture when reheated. accustomed to skipping Breakfast should also be meals, now’s the time to try considered when deciding your hand at some meal your meals for the week. prepping. Designating a In fact, it’s probably one couple of hours one day of the more important a week toward your meal meals to prep because it’s prep will help nourish your the one that people are mind and body while saving most likely to skip as they you time in the kitchen hustle to get out the door throughout the workweek. every morning. Having Even if you’re on the road your breakfast prepped travelling, carrying a meal will not only provide your bag through security at body with energy for the the airport is allowed. day ahead, but research They won’t confiscate indicates that individuals your ice packs as long as who consume breakfast they’re frozen. If you’re are more satiated still concerned, you can throughout the day and always use bags of frozen therefore less likely to vegetables as ice packs. It’s overeat later in the day. time to make food a priority Now it’s time to move and take care of number on to your grocery list. This one. Your body and mind is pretty much your run of will thank you for it. afm the mill grocery list, except it will be more detailed.

Depending on how many

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CULTURE

Your Next Career Boost Might Be a Workout

By Angela Vega

There is no argument that exercise can improve your overall health, but did you know that exercise could be the career booster you need for your next project or job?

Exercise helps control weight and combats health conditions and disease, but various studies have linked physical activity to improved moods, energy levels, and even brainpower. Your time at the gym is not only benefiting your health but also your career.

Move Over Golf, There is a New Kind of Community: When you think of sports and networking, you may believe golf is the name of the game. Well, it may be time to rethink that assumption. In an article released by Running USA titled “2014 State of the Sport,” it is stated over 18.7 million people finished in U.S. running events. In 1982, USA Triathlon started with 1,500 members and grew to 477,000 in 2014.

Since 2000, CrossFit has expanded to over 13,000 affilates (gyms/boxes). These expanding communities bring people from all walks of life who have the power to enrich your life. You can network over a 60-mile bike ride or meet a new manager looking to hire on a trail run. What does this mean?

Your next career move or mentor could come from a fitness community, and they will know you work hard to meet a goal.

Exercise Makes you Smarter: In a 2013 study published in Cell Metabolism,

it was found endurance exercise stimulated the expression of the gene FNDC5 and its hormone byproduct, irisin. Irisin, dubbed the “Exercise Hormone,” helps regulate body weight, increase cognition and slow the aging process. During exercise, rising levels of irisin in the bloodstream causes the hormone to cross the blood-brain barrier, which increases the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). BDNF stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new neurons, and strengthens the synapses in the brain, connections between neurons. What does this mean? Exercise, especially endurance exercise, causes a chain reaction to improve brain health and function, making way for new skills and information.

Movement Improves Your Mood: Everyone knows that feeling after finishing a good workout or has heard of a runner’s high. It is a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment that boosts your energy and mood. During exercise, you create a stress response in which your body thinks you are about to fight or flee.

Three things happen: 1. Endorphins, the body’s pain medication, induce euphoria (runner’s high).

2. Stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, are reduced.

3. The protein BDNF is released, which acts as a reset switch after the

Spending less than 4% of your day to get a workout IN has a bigger payoff than you think.

stress dissipates.

Your sweat session brings about a positive mood, a clear head and reduced stress that lasts most of the workday. Research at the University of Warwick found happiness made people 12 percent more productive on average. What does this mean? Get in a workout before your next presentation or job interview to promote a cool, calm and collected confidence any manager will notice.

Get Paid To Workout: Time is money, which is why going to the gym can appear a time-consuming task. However, a study published in the Journal of Labor Research in 2012 shows employees who exercise regularly (3 hours a week) earn 9% more than those who do not exercise.

Though there is no guarantee that hitting the weights will lead to a raise, you may gain other financial savings like reduced health care cost. What does this mean? The next time you are looking for motivation to go to the gym, think about your paycheck.

Spending less than 4 percent of your day to get in a workout has a bigger payoff than you think. It can provide a new kind of community, make you smarter, improve your mood and even get you a pay raise. afm 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

25

SEXERCISE CULTURE

Sex Working Up a Sweat for

B r e a k fa s t

Starting the day with love is a different experience that is different than any other stimulant to start your day.

According to a study by The New England Journal of Medicine, on average sex lasts up to six minutes and you only burn about 21 calories. According to WebMD, if you have sex for a half an hour you can burn up to 85-100 calories.

Helps you start with a nice workout for the day.

An active sex life comes with a lot of health benefits so starting off the day with sex is just a bonus.

Starting off with the happy hormone, oxytocin, is way to stay happy and stress free during the day.

If you’re in a relationship it keeps you present and away from the distractions of life.

Hunger always precedes a sexy intercourse and breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Gives you a giddy glow during the day.

1. Sex before breakfast 2. Flexi-Sex 3. Food for endurance 4. Use different positions for sexercise to strengthen the body 5. Core-gasm 6. Cross-train

Yoga and Sex Yoga improves your sex life by enhancing flexibility, helping maintain a good selfesteem, appreciating awareness and presence in a moment and increasing libido.

Poses that can increase the blood flow to the pelvic to make the area relaxed and create an experience of intimacy 1. Cat/Cow Flow 2. Bound Angle Pose 3. Pigeon Pose 4. Eagle Pose 5. Bridge Pose 6. Downward Dog 7. Wide-Legged Straddle

Food for Endurance: Eight foods to help sexual stamina Increasing stamina and endurance can help you dominate in the bed. Lasting a bit longer between the sheets is obviously beneficial for both partners.

2. Nuts: longer erection and lowers cholesterol

1. Watermelon: can make you have a longer erection

3. Ginger: aids blood flow and improves artery health

4. Pomegranate Juice: can improve erectile response, but waters it down because there is a lot of sugar

Different sex positions that are a workout 1. Missionary: equal thrusts between you and your partner require a lot of core strength 2. Doggy style: for woman it is a major core strengthener and a good arm and shoulder workout 3. Cowgirl: engages a woman’s butt and core, different modification can help the upper body, calves and arms 4. Lotus: the core is engaged and the glutes are working overtime because of thrusting 5. Standing: if facing each other the core is tightened, legs and arms are engaged differently depending on whether the woman is standing on one leg or hugging the man.

6. Scissors: least strenuous but can still work the core and inner thigh 7. Bridge: basically this is a full body workout for both 8. Arch: core, glutes and inner thighs are work the most 9. Lunges: woman is doing a lunge on top of a man, how lunges help you out in a regular workout but just add a nice euphoria to the mix

Cross-train

Working out in general can increase your sex life. It is proven that having a steady work out can boost your confidence and self-image. Then on the science side of working out, it can help males with erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the genital area. This also goes for women to help rev up the sex drive.

Core-gasm

This is commonly heard about with women but men can improve their core for a better sex life as well. Try to think about engaging the core during sex. Work on tightening the abdominal muscles and doing exercises that engage your pelvic area. Doing this can result in a core-gasm, which is an orgasm while working out. Don’t worry, it is unnoticable to other people. Adding these techniques under the sheets makes sex more satisfying between you and your partner.

5. Wild Salmon: cut back calories and sticking to a Mediterranean diet helps you stay hard

Exercises that can help achieve a core-gasm: 1. hanging straight leg raise 2. hanging side crunches 3. single leg plank 4. arm pullover straight leg crunch

8. Garlic: helps maintain a healthy heart by stopping the fatty deposits in your arterial walls 6. Spinach: fuel erection and muscle growth over time

7. Oats: help erectile dysfunction and lower cholesterol

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

27

CULTURE

New to Austin Studios and stores for fitness-minded folks

Meditation Bar 8108 Mesa Dr, Austin, TX 78759 meditationbar.com Meditation Bar is redefining Happy Hour while still altering your consciousness.

Located in northwest Austin, this studio is a serene spot for you to unwind with a variety of guided meditation classes, offered seven days a week. With experienced instructors leading each session, you’ll gradually learn how to calm your “monkey mind,” escape the stressors of everyday life, and find clarity through practiced mindfulness. Meditation Bar has something for everyone—including basics exclusively catered to aroma, calming or awakening, to classes for teens, programs for cancer survivors, meditation in the workplace, and of course, a Happy Hour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned student, Meditation Bar welcomes anyone interested in setting aside 45 minutes of their day to develop this ancient practice.

28 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

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Green Bird Fitness is a community of people who are working toward a healthier and more balanced life. The mission is to provide a fitness studio that focuses on sustainable lifelong fitness while keeping it fun. Founder Lauren Whitehead has an impressive résumé, complete with a Pilates certification, 200 hour yoga certification, 10+ years in the fitness industry, in addition to master’s degrees in biology, public health, and public affairs. All classes (Pilates mat, barre and yoga) offered are low-impact and appropriate for any level of fitness. Green Bird Fitness encourages all members to believe that they’re stronger than they think they are. Ready to put that strength to the test?

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Transform 1909 Wheless, Austin, TX 78723 transformfitnessaustin.com Transform, started by Austin-based performance artist and choreographer Erica Nix, is a new queer-friendly fitness, yoga, and community center.

At the new location, Erica teaches aerobics and boot camps, in addition to unique fitness activities like Class Transitions. In Class Transitions, transgender men and women use strength training and aerobics to shape their bodies as they become their most authentic selves.

These classes have no shortage of inspiration from the greats, like Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda.

It was built with the intention to offer a fun, safe space to work out, get healthy, and be part of a creative community. Transform isn’t only about fitness, though—it’s reaching a broader audience and creating a new venue for events including art shows, kid dance parties, and workshops.

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29

CULTURE

Too Royally Fit to Quit

by Devyn Bernal Photography by Kevin Garner

W

ith pageant life front and center lately (thank you, Steve Harvey), we caught up with Miss Texas United States and subsequently Miss United States 2012, Whitney Miller, and Mrs. Texas United States 2015, Chelsea George, to find out what really goes on behind the curtain and what it takes to wear the crown.

Austin Fit Magazine: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Can you give us a little background?

Chelsea George: Certainly. I’m a mother of two, a military wife, and a resident of College Station. Although, that is sure to change this summer… we travel a lot due to my husband’s job. I’m currently studying for my dietitian license as well as continuing my work through the United States National Pageant.

hair and makeup by Patricia Guerrero and Jennell Ballard, NAAVA Salon and Spa

Whitney Miller: I’m a wake-surf teaching, ONNIT sponsoring, MMA fighting, Jiu Jitsu studying Corpus Christi native.

Basically everything opposite from your typical pageant queen.

AFM: So how did you get into the National United States Pageant Organization?

WM: I had been in pageants since I was a teenager. I won Miss Corpus Christi, then failed at Miss Texas Teen, and moved on to teaching and sponsoring wake surfing. Then, a friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to compete in Miss Texas United States, and since my body was in pretty good shape from my lake days, I said yes. I borrowed what I needed, filled out the form on the way to the competition and went for it.

CG: I had always been on stage for cheerleading, fitness competitions, and other events, so this was right up my al-

Chelsea George

ley. I knew the directors of this particular organization well and considered them to be fair and honest, so I signed up for Mrs. Texas United States.

AFM: What’s the difference between a ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs.’ competition, aside from the obvious?

CG: A woman must be single, under 26, and have no children or previous marriages to compete in the ‘Miss,’ whereas in my division, you have to be married at

least 6 months. The number of children and age doesn’t necessarily matter.

WM: I also think the competitions are judged a little differently in that these women are in various stages of their life, and that’s exemplified through certain levels of maturity. ‘Miss’ gets away with showing a little more, in contrast to the ‘Teen’ or ‘Mrs.’ pageants where they expect the contestants to be a little bit more conservative.

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

31

Whitney Miller

AFM: How do you relax before standing in front of judges?

notice we’re not your typical runway model body type.

WM: I stretch, no matter what outfit I’m in. I ran track in high school, and stretching just hypes me up and gets me ready to go out there. Or I dance. I’ll dance my way onto that stage.

WM: And never will be.

CG: Say a prayer. And being the health nut that I am, I make sure I had a really good breakfast that day.

AFM: What kind of food would that include?

CG: I am very picky. I was a vegan for 10 years, and even though I have since discovered a love for beef and eggs, I’m still choosy when it comes to my plate.

I’m not a big fan of dairy, but I love Mexican food on my days off. Before a competition, I like to fill up on veggies like sweet potatoes, or beans and rice.

WM: When game day is coming up, I eat super clean depending on whether I need to cut or gain weight (for MMA weight divisions). I eat and drink a lot, mostly easily digestible foods, or any earth grown nutrients. My favorite healthy meal is my homemade ground venison or bison brown rice dish (soon to be on my website!). But on my cheat days, I’ll eat anything. Pizza rolls are a personal favorite.

AFM: What’s your favorite way to burn these calories?

hair and makeup by Jennell Ballard, NAAVA Salon and Spa

WM: MMA and Jiu Jitsu are what I’m currently working at the most, but I enjoy classes that involve maces and club bells at the ONNIT gym. I’ve also been doing animal flow, which is a practice that involves a lot of groundwork, getting on your hands and knees, and working with your body weight.

CG: We have our own personal gym at home, as my husband and I both like to stay fit. I have a short attention span when it comes to working out, so I like hard-hitting super sets that involve heavy weights.

AFM: What would you say to someone interested in participating in pageant competitions?

CG: The pageant organization has really opened up to more body types, and it’s been good to see a curvier and more muscular woman take the crown.

WM: Growing up, I had always been told I was too muscular and needed to “tone it down,” yet I won the swimsuit division and went on to take the crown as well. It’s not just about your looks, it’s about bringing your personal best self to the table.

AFM: What do we have to look forward to from the two of you?

CG: I give up the crown in May, and move out of state this summer, but I will always continue to work for my platform, military families. Being a part of one, I realize the loved ones back home don’t get a lot of what they need, and I want to keep fighting for them. Once I complete my degree, I hope to work for a college or professional sports team as a dietician. I also want to spread the message that moms shouldn’t make excuses when it comes to fitness. We make it a family ordeal, and whether it’s 30 minutes outside or switching a chicken pot pie to grilled chicken with veggies, there are always ways to keep your family fit.

WM: I’ve always been an advocate for helping those who suffer overseas, but I recently discovered some issues in our own backyard that I’d like to start campaigning for. I’m also working on several aspects of my website, which launched last month (www. whitneymiller.us). I included an inclusive pageant training program, an unconventional hacking system if you will. I want girls to know that you don’t have to fit in a box, instead challenge your mindset and be different and fearless! There are also blogs for recipes, workouts, and my traveling adventures on the site. I’ll continue to work with ONNIT on podcasts and their Total Human Optimization program, and I hope to keep rising in my MMA and Jiu Jitsu career. afm

CG: If you look at either of us, you’ll 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

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Heartache

Happiness

By Carrie Barrett

How falling out of love can improve your relationships

A great English poet once wrote, “Hell hath no fury like a woman (or a dude) scorned.” Oh, I know. He probably didn't add the word 'dude,' but for the sake of this piece, we’ll pretend he did.

Let's face it—both women and men have had their hearts shattered and good oldfashioned heartache certainly doesn't gender discriminate.

Seventeen years ago, I had my heart broken. Life, as I knew it as a 26-year-old, was wrecked and most days I found myself in a devastated pile of goo on the floor.

Anyone who has gone through heartbreak remembers that feeling of a dense, dark blanket of sadness covering you every minute of the day. Your only reprieve?

The few hours of sleep that you get when you're finally too tired to cry, lament, and question what went wrong. When you're not sad, you're angry—so damn angry that you want to get back at whoever it was that lodged those arrows directly into your heart like a bloody scene from “The Hunger Games.”

As you know, those feelings of anger and revenge can be toxic, especially when you plot a myriad of sick and twisted ways to make sure your former lover is suffering as much as you are.

This vicious cycle of plotting and scheming continues relentlessly until one day when you wake up a realize that the only person suffering here is you and, while the situation may not change, you certainly can.

Getting revenge may be sweet, but isn't having a happy life sweeter? Loving someone has it's rewards, but loving yourself is the foundation of all happiness.

How in the world do you begin to love yourself again after your self-worth has been blown to bits by the one person who it revolved around?

Recently, two friends of mine in the Austin fitness community went through horrific long term break-ups with their respective significant others. I mention that they are in the fitness community because there's a presumption that if you look healthy on the outside, then surely you must be just as healthy on the inside. Not always so, as you'll see.

Gillian, 25, had been in a three-year relationship when her boyfriend left suddenly last fall and 30-year-old Will was fresh into a new marriage when, after just a few months after saying, “I do,” his wife decided to walk out on the marriage before many of their new gifts had even been opened.

“For the first month I was devastated,”

38 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

reiterated Will. “I couldn't get more than four hours of sleep, I didn't have an appetite, and I lost about 15 pounds off my 155 pound frame.” He was also worried about what people would think of him, especially since many of his friends and colleagues had attended his wedding just a few months prior.

Gillian, too, was devastated and humbled. “Hell, I always thought that I was the good catch.

I was convinced I was on the right track with my life and career, but this breakup rocked all of that and shined a bright light on just how co-dependent we had become as a couple.” Not only that, but she also realized in a heartbreaking way just how much she had been neglecting her family and friends because her life revolved so much around her boyfriend.

This pair of well-respected friends were seemingly healthy on the outside, but suffering major illnesses on the inside. “I had to come to grips with some unhealthy choices I had made in the past year,” confessed Will, “because I had definitely fallen off track.”

So, what happens when you go through a horrific breakup like these two? You can stay angry, bitter, and plot your revenge body workouts, or you can ultimately treat it as a new beginning; a chance to fall in love with the person that matters most: You. For Will and Gillian, this was their only choice. Sure, having chiseled abs and defined triceps are awesome, but in order to really heal heartache, they both had to learn to dig deeper than burpees and protein shakes.

Ironically, starting any new fitness and self-healing regime is very much like going through a break-up. It's all so new, uncomfortable, and even painful at times. Every day is a constant self-con-

versation of, “Will this ever get easier?”

The answer? Yes, with time. Both Gillian and Will are here to testify and share their journey.

HOW DO YOU BEGIN TO PICK UP THE PIECES AND START A NEW ROUTINE? Gillian recommends seeing a therapist for assistance. Much like a new athlete hires a coach to plot their plan and strategy, a person in the confusing throes of heartbreak will also benefit from seeing someone who can help sort the messy pieces. It's hard to imagine a positive outcome without an objective person helping you outline the steps to success.

When you start a new fitness regime, find something that you like to do and begin to make it a habit. Most importantly, don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. That's how you begin to build your new foundation of strength and confidence. Will joined the Stronghorn Fitness bootcamp one Saturday morning and, nervous as he was to get out there by himself, he ended up loving it and now makes it a regular part of his routine for he and his

WHAT WILL HAPPEN ALONG THE WAY?

dog. Gillian even went to a group meditation class thinking she would never make it through. An hour of silence and solitude passed and she felt like a new person after just one session.

Find joy in the simple things. Gillian's healing process is inspired by long evening walks with her dog, sometimes up to two hours long. “It was such a soothing escape for me to be outside, listening to a great podcast and just soaking in the evening atmosphere.” In the same way, Will uses his sunset runs on the Lady Bird Lake to enjoy and appreciate his health and the beauty of Austin. “I look around and realize just how lucky I am to be living in this amazing place. For 60 minutes I could stop thinking about what went wrong.”

Find a group of people doing something that interests you. There is literally a group for everything and a good starting point is to search various meet-up groups or fitness stores. Many have free workouts, social hours and other events. As Will stated, “I'm now learning that I can overcome adversity with help from a community.”

Well, like any new beginning, finding solid footing is hard, but consistency is the key to any success.

There will be some physical and emotional pain along the way. The path to healing and self-love is not a straight one, as both Gillian and Will have discovered. You can fill every What is a minute of the Revenge Bod? A postday with activbreakup body ity, but that transformation can also leave to look the best you can and you exhausted consequently and depleted. make your ex “Time does regret his/her decision to end heal all, but it's the relationship. what you do with your time that matters.”

Sometimes that time must be spent grieving or embracing the pain and discomfort. Just like a new fitness regime leaves you sore, so too does building a new life. Expect some pain and a few setbacks along the way.

Out with the old and in with the new.

When you change your routine, know that you'll friends, job, and social life may also change drastically—for the better. For Gillian, it actually brought her closer to her family and friends because they were such an important support system for her. Will has also stressed his joy of meeting new people at different group classes. It's not always easy, he admits, but reconnecting with the Austin fitness community and taking various classes around town has made me more vulnerable which, ironically, has made me more confident.

Expect to become more independent and enjoy your “me” time over the “free” time. Yoga, meditation, more time with your beloved pets, going to movies and restaurants alone—these are just some of the independent benefits you'll receive when you begin to fall in love

with yourself. That one person may not be there, but you'll be there for yourself and that's ultimately the person you'll need most.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

When you refocus your efforts on yourself, little physical and emotional miracles occur daily. Is it hard? Hell, yes.

But any coach will tell you: No pain, no gain. With challenge often comes reward, and both Will and Gillian are now reaping those rewards.

A Deeper Understanding of Gratitude. “When you treat your body right, you naturally become more grateful,” says Gillian. “No man can ever really fill a void because it always comes back to self-love. Gratitude is such a big word, but it comes down to simple little actions each day like saying thank you, complimenting others, and being appreciative.”

Physical Pay-Off. Will is running farther and faster than he's ever run before and he's actually getting his six-pack abs!

Yes! Gillian, too, has increased her endurance and stamina. Both have literally fallen in love with fitness and all of the physical benefits it provides by trying new things and remaining consistent in their efforts.

Well-being. Mentally, they are both so much sharper thanks to a healthy fitness regime balanced with restorative practices like yoga and meditation. By default, too, they both sleep and eat much better because they are adequately and positively fueled for the next day.

The Ultimate Result: Self-Love.

As much as you think getting your revenge bod will make your former partner jealous, the real reward is a new, positive outlook and attitude that you gain from treating your body with the love and respect it deserves. Real selflove is not letting what anyone says or does to you torpedo how you feel about yourself. Real self- love is being kind to yourself and others, thinking positively, appreciating life and remaining grateful through the ups and downs. afm “In good times and in bad In sickness and in health Til death do you part.”

I Do.

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

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Power Couples Success in partnerships

by Gretchen Goswitz photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

These five power couples have dominated their industry and developed strong relationships.

Not all are married, share a business together, or are romantically involved—demonstrating the concept that power pairings come in a variety of forms. In the following interviews, they reveal fond memories, words of wisdom and triumphs and tribulations that brought success in their partnerships.

Carly and Clayton Christopher have it all. They’re an attractive couple who live in a large Spanish villa luxury home with a well-behaved Labrador and an adorable toddler. But beyond that, they are among the most gracious, humble and charismatic people. Clayton co-founded Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka, and has recently embarked on a new venture of growing many more natural food brands. Carly has a history with KIND Snacks, but now splits her time as an actress and a mother to their young son, James.

The Love Story

Clayton: It was a job interview, as creepy as that may sound. She walked in and she was attractive, but I was professional about it. Thirty minutes into the interview I noticed she was really intelligent, grounded, and sweet. Then it became a different kind of interview—a much more permanent position.

Carly: And I thought it was a great interview. I left feeling sure that I was a great fit and I’d get a second interview.

I followed up with an email and did not hear anything at all. Then a month later he asked me to dinner, but I still thought it was something related to a job opportunity. Once he started asking me about my family I realized it wasn’t a followup interview.

Sweet Beginnings

When we started dating, there was only one product—the sweet tea—with Deep Eddy Vodka. Carly continued to work for KIND bar, but occasionally worked on projects for Deep Eddy. When the marketing team would do castings and competitions for commercials or work with agencies and producers, she’d be involved with that. The whole Deep Eddy Marketing team is men, so it was good to have a woman come in and offer her perspective. Each flavor that they’d launch would have an illustrated “Betty” on it, and Carly would help refine the look of each one.

Giving Back

Carly: I’m on the board of Creative Action. They use the arts to foster social, emotional and educational growth in kids. It’s a lot of theatre and community art, so they hire actors to come into schools and work with kids by doing interactive role playing performances.

They talk about the holocaust, civil rights movement, sexuality, bullying, and everything in between. It really helps at-risk and incarcerated youth.

Clayton: I’ve been involved with Big Brother Big Sister for a long time. I’ve known my little brother for 12 years now. Whenever there are kids at risk we do what we can to help. We’ve been so blessed and I feel obligated to give back and help others.

I’m also on the board of Mission Capital. I think a lot of the best nonprofit leaders should have a for-profit mindset.

You don’t learn to scale a big idea in the nonprofit world with a degree in social work; that’s where business skills are necessary. I am very passionate about teaching that to nonprofit leaders. Resourcefulness, scrappiness, scaling, goal setting, metrics, KPIs, the works.

On Parenthood

The older our son gets, the harder it is to work around him. Kids don’t let you do that, so that helps us have balance. You never know how selfish you are until you have a kid. There’s another human that’s dictating what you do and it puts things into perspective. But for every challenge there is an equal amount of overwhelming joy.

Time Management

Being an entrepreneur is not a 9-to-5 job, but neither is acting. So it’s great that we have these unusual schedules because we’re both understanding of each other. That being said, because both of our jobs require non-typical hours, we argue about time. Most of our frustration comes from being pulled away from each other, which isn’t really a bad thing.

Talk It Out

[Carly’s] dad is a marriage and family therapist so we’ve always thought counseling is great. We go to couples counseling once a month. We’re each in men’s and women’s groups that focus on working through challenging things like marriage, work struggles, kids.

We’re open to having a support system.

Whatever we need to do to make sure we aren’t repressing anything because In the long term, that never works.

We both really want a successful marriage and that doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it and you also have to work on yourself. It’s like getting a personal trainer. You find someone to help you reach your fitness goals because it’s hard to push yourself on your own. Why wouldn’t you take the same approach in your marriage?

Tough Times

Carly: I like to use humor. I can tell when Clayton is stressed so I’ll usually crack a joke to lighten him up. We also play a lot of tennis. Sometimes you just need to whack a racket to get some aggression out.

Clayton: When Carly is having a bad day, I try to listen. I don’t try to fix it. It’s taken me 42 years to learn that. I just build her up and support her and tell her how awesome she is.

Carly: I think half of it is: can you articulate what you need when you’re having a bad day? No matter how much we complement each other, we aren’t in each other’s heads. Sometimes I tell him that I just need to vent and be pissed off and Clayton will say, “Great, vent away!”

Secrets to a Successful Marriage

Set aside quality time together. Put the cellphones away when you’re around each other because it’s never helped a marriage.

Communication and willingness to work through things is also important.

When you really care about someone, you want to talk about it. Have those tough conversations, even if you don’t want to.

Faith is a big part of our individual lives but also our relationship. We find that when we don’t give enough attention to that area of our lives, we start to go down the black hole of me, myself, and I. Support your partner’s purpose and passion in life.

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

43

Lander Peerman and Noah Wright are the power couple behind Crush Fitness. Noah is a professional triathlete who has competed in locations all around the world, with Lander traveling alongside as his cheerleader for the past 2 ½ years. The engaged couple (soon to be wed in June) describes the studio as a marriage of their two fitness passions and a representation of their shared lifestyle.

home because we don’t even want the temptation.

Pre-Crush Jitters

We weren’t engaged when we started this process. We knew we were going to get engaged, but it wasn’t official yet. There were a lot of days when we thought, “Maybe we should’ve waited or shouldn’t have done this so quickly.” But there’s never a right time—you just have to go for it.

Complementary Qualities

Noah: I’m more reserved, and she’s more driven. She’s very organized.

Lander: Yeah, I’ve never even seen him make a list.

Managing Conflict

We handle conflict differently in our relationship compared to the way we do in business. With work, we’ll make a decision very quickly and then stick with it. But we’re both Geminis, so when it comes to love, we’re going to make a decision in passionate circumstances, and then change our minds to something completely different later.

One thing we’ve learned to do is not make business personal. We used to blend work and our relationship, so we’d talk about work, kids, travel all at the same time, but it got too hard to make rational decisions when we had personal feelings involved.

As told by Lander: We had a massage therapist in common, and she tried to hook us up for six months and kept saying that we’d be perfect for each other. We had both just gotten out of relationships, so we weren’t really up for it. We ended up running into each other at Juiceland, and he only knew it was me because she had shown him pictures from my Facebook. I was in a rush, so he didn’t say anything to me, but he texted our massage therapist saying, “I think I just saw that girl you’ve been trying to set me up with.” She gave him my phone number, he called me, and we met at Whole Foods. We started dating, and then I traveled all around the world with him for his competitions.

In the midst of that, I told him, “Look, I have this need to open another studio.

I know what format I want to teach. I’ll take you to a class because I think you’ll really like it.” While we were in New York, I took him to Barry’s Bootcamp and he loved it. Then he told me, “Whatever

44 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

you want to do, I want to open a studio with you in Austin.”

Relationship Longevity

Breaking a sweat everyday together.

(Yes, that includes sex!)

Relationship Rituals

Date night every Wednesday.

The Highs and Lows of Working Together

Leaving work at the office is the biggest struggle. The top benefit is that we’re both always on the same page. We’re both very passionate about working out, and it’s fun bringing our lifestyle to work.

Homework

Fifty percent of arguments at home are attributed to the business. The other half is kids, travel, dog, everything else.

Checking Out

On date night, we say no cellphones or work talk. We leave our phones at

Advice to Other Work Couples

Schedule time for business and schedule time for personal, but don’t mix the two.

Also, trust the other person to handle their work, because otherwise you’ll end up micromanaging each other. Split responsibilities based on your strengths, but be open to helping each other. We’re not going to pretend it isn’t hard, because it definitely is.

Working with Kids

Noah has two kids from a previous marriage—a daughter, 12, and a son, 5— that we have half the time. We’ve figured out that we needed to have similar parenting style. We needed to make sure the rules were consistent for them no matter which household they’re at. Even though we only have them half the time, we make sure they’re connected to us and they’re integrated in our lifestyle.

They know that we’re healthy, active, we’re a team and we love them always.

Kids force you to be more organized and better at juggling your time.

hair and makeup by Jennell Ballard, NAAVA Salon and Spa

The Love Story

photos by Kevin Garner Photography

The name “Crush” stemmed from “Lander and Noah’s crush on each other,” not the fitness expression of “crushing a workout.”

Longtime wakeboarders and married power couple Curt and Niki Sotkovski got their start in fitness while working in a chiropractor's office shortly after college. Curt’s focus was on physical therapy, rehabilitation and personal training, while Niki worked with athletes on injury prevention. Both had a passion for wakeboarding and helping athletes stay healthy, which led to the creation of Next Level Ride, a cable park that offers a unique wakeboard and waterski experience.

As told by Niki: We were both studying kinesiology at Tarleton State University.

We met in a class we had together, and also played on the same intramural softball team. The day we met in class was the same day we met on the baseball field and I thought, “Man, I can’t get away from this guy.” And we’ve been inseparable ever since.

Secrets to Relationship Longevity

God, sex, and honesty. Keep it passionate.

Relationship Rituals

We always say “I love you” and kiss each other before we leave.

Juggling Kids and Business

became a bundle of things we took to a business guy. We’re not really business savvy, but we have the heart for wakeboarding, fitness, and nutrition.

Wakeboarding is everywhere, but not everybody has a boat and Next Level Ride eliminates that problem.

The Highs and Lows of Working Together

The biggest pro to working together is that we see each other every day. The biggest con to working together is that we see each other every day. Neither your work nor your marriage ever ends, so there’s not really a time to shut it off.

Arguments

Having kids just took away our sleep. It didn’t really change things; we’re still extreme.

About 85 percent of our arguments are attributed to the business. The remainder is clothes, dishes and trash.

The Business Plan

Triumphs and Tribulations

Curt: I was working a construction job in Houston, and there was a waterboard cable park next to my extended stay hotel.

We got off at 12:00 everyday and went there and spent four hours, seven days a week there.

Niki: He spent way too much money wakeboarding. I told him he needed to stop doing this.

Curt: And I said, “No, we need to build one!”

Niki: So I came around and said, “O.K., put some stuff together.

Give me some numbers.” And he’d come back with napkins of statistics and what they saw at the cable park. Then it just

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The highest achievement was riding off the dock for the first time. After the three-year process of planning, editing everything, working with the cable companies and the engineers, and then taking a year and a half to get permits, it was the best feeling. The lowest point for us was opening the park and then a month later, getting hit by a flood and having to rebuild from that.

We worked together before we were even married, but neither of us were ever the boss.

The challenge we faced when we became business owners

Riding the Wake

We had no expectations going into this. It was just something God put in our hearts; it was something we needed to do. We would take one step and be done with it, and then when we’d look at the next step we needed to take we’d think, “We’re so unprepared for what’s next.” In the following week someone would call and they’d be the exact resource we needed. No matter how much we’ve been broken down by the past two floods, we haven’t been knocked down. We’ve got a great marriage and kids, and we’re having fun—every obstacle is just a test of our willpower and patience. We have a dream and we want to do it.

Complementary Qualities

Curt: She picks up my slack.

She’s good at finances, logistics, and the nitty gritty. When it comes to the construction of everything, that’s all me. It’s a great team, for sure.

Advice

Pray about it and don’t get in your own way. When it comes to business, usually fear is what’s standing in your way. You hear all these statistics about how many businesses fail, and how hard it is but those are worldly things. If you have something that you’re passionate about and you love, if the idea is in your heart to do something, whether it’s because you enjoy it or you want to help people, you’ll be rewarded for sticking with it.

hair and makeup by Patricia Guerrero, NAAVA Salon and Spa photo by Jules Slütsky Photography

The Love Story

was making small decisions. The big decisions were easy, but deciding on little things like color schemes was harder for us.

The high school sweethearts behind Of The Lion Fitness, David De Leon and Courtney Carlisle, are Austin natives with a decade of romantic history together. Their relationship has survived the stressful life transitions accompanying high school, college, and building a business, and has managed to come out stronger through all of it—figuratively and literally.

The Love Story

We had economics class together. One day, I was driving home from school and Courtney drove by and I thought, “Hey, that’s that girl from my economics class,” so I texted her. She told me she was on her way to help her mom, because her mom’s car had broken down, and I used that as my in. I was like, “Cool, well, I can help you with your mom’s car!”

After that, we started talking more and then started dating.

Secrets to Relationship Longevity

A lot of people get caught up in thinking that there must be something better somewhere else, but they forget about all the great things they already have. That’s a big thing—realizing what the other person gives you that you don’t have.

For example, a lot of Type A people tend to look for other Type As to be their partner; they want someone who is like them. It’s better to look for the opposite and find someone who fills the voids.

Also, don’t be so serious—have fun.

The Business Plan

David: I started working in the gym industry after college, while she was working in a vet clinic.

The discussion for Of The Lion started with my mom. We were at Kerbey Lane, and I was complaining about the job I was at and my mom said, “I don’t want to hear about this ever again. You either quit and start your own place or you don’t talk about this.” And I said, O.K., fine, but then 10 minutes later I started talking about it again. I went to work that week and put in my notice.

Getting Courtney to be involved in the business was the biggest point of success because it was dependant on finding the

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right time in both of our lives. It was never just assumed she’d be part of it.

We then started doing boot camps, and I asked Courtney if she wanted to teach a women’s only class. The women’s class did well for a while, but then we started getting more clients. I was busy coaching my own classes, but I saw it as an opportunity for Courtney to get involved and coach more.

Courtney: I knew I wasn’t going to be a veterinarian, but I just really enjoyed working with animals, and that fit into where I was at that point in time. Once David started the gym, I was always there and he was always there, and then it just made sense.

The Highs and Lows of Working Together

At any point in time we can talk about ideas. It’s not like we have to wait to go into an office or schedule a meeting.

We could be at the grocery store pitching each other ideas. Plus, we get along so easily that there’s no threshold of time we can spend together.

The con is that it can make you consumed with work. We’re both doing it, so it can seem like that’s all we ever do, but we make sure to have balance.

When you have a ton of stuff that needs to get done, you’ll think that the other person can help you—until you see that the other person is equally busy and can’t always stop what they’re doing to pick up the slack. Being with the person who does the same thing as you makes them just as busy.

Another negative is getting too comfortable. When your office is at the house, you have to force yourself to get out.

On Leaving Work at Work

Anyone who owns a business can’t honestly say they check out. Checking out means we’ve decided that we’re not going to think about what puts food on our plate, what pays the mortgage, and what’s going to help us retire. There’s always something in the back of your mind—whether it’s an idea, a reminder to do something, or preparing for what’s

coming up. For us, shutting off is just being less intense.

Lessons Learned

There’s now a better understanding that your paycheck is based on your effort.

If Courtney was still working at the vet clinic, she’d be able to go in and expect a paycheck, whether she was good at being a vet tech or not. Here, we have to know

that we can’t be unorganized and we have to be on top of our game all the time.

We hold each other more accountable.

wrong, we’ll never be the people who blame the customer. We admit when we’ve messed up.

Managing Conflict

We’re always honest, in business and in our relationship. If we run into an issue in business, we don’t make up a reason as to why we can or can’t do something.

We don’t BS people—if something goes 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

49

Female BFFs have long held a formidable power couple dynamic—from Tina Fey and Amy Poehler to Thelma and Louise. Two is better than one, and that holds true for running partners Wendy Ward and Carmen Morgan. In 2015, they set a goal to run one half marathon together every month. Twelve races later, they’re accomplished runners, seasoned travelers, and even closer friends.

Mother Runners

As told by Wendy Ward: Our kids were in preschool together and we were introduced by a mutual friend.

Carmen had just run her first marathon when I met her and I thought, “Oh, she’s a runner!” and there was this instant connection. The three of us would meet up and run together around Lady Bird Lake. Then we eventually drifted off on our own, and that’s how it all started.

From Three to Two

Once it dropped from three to two, it became more sisterly, personal, and private. We could be going to hell in a handbasket and we’d still say, “We’re going to meet tomorrow morning and run.”

The Beginning

We did the Chicago Marathon and then

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afterwards we decided we needed a new goal. We did the Rim to Rim Grand Canyon hike, where we covered 24 miles from the south rim to the north rim in one day. It took us about 10 or 11 hours, and it was far more brutal than any marathon; it was the most epic and beautiful, though. We finished up, showered, and then went to Vegas. It was the best thing we’ve ever done in our lives. Prior to that we hadn’t really done much hiking. I mean, we hiked to the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles...until someone informed us that we were about to get arrested [for getting too close].

We also did the Chicago Diabetes Run for charity and raised $1,000 for it. When we were doing our summer training, we were getting up at 5 a.m., running in the lights, running in the rain, and we just kept going.

A Year of Halves

Wendy: It started in January 2015. We did the 3M in January, then the Austin Half in February. During the Austin Half Marathon, I turned to her and said, “Let’s do a half marathon every month.” She looked at me and said, “That’s crazy!”

Carmen: I said, “Yeah, O.K., we could do it, but if we’re going to run that much, we have to stay on it.” Plus we both started working [new jobs], and work got in the way of running a lot. But we knew we had to get our miles in, so we had to push each other, regardless of whatever work, kids and life threw at us.

The Training Schedule

We run together twice a week and we do a spin class once a week.

BFFs

We spend time together outside of running too. We’re actually about to take a joint family ski trip to Telluride, and we’ve gone skiing in Aspen in the past.

We started out as running partners, but once we started seriously training, we became much closer. Now it’s more of a sisterhood.

Every now and then, especially during higher mileage, we’ll plug into our headphones, but normally we talk to each other. Sometimes it’s a vent session, but most of the time it’s making plans for what we’re going to do next. It adds a little something different from the monotony of life.

Accountability

Carmen: We both have hard days. There are times when I want to stay in bed, and I’ll skip the training. I’ll ask, “Are you mad?” and she’ll say, “No, but tomorrow we’re definitely going.”

Wendy: What’s nice is that we provide each other with that accountability. I’ll catch myself thinking, “Okay, she’s going to be at the spin class and we both signed up, and I’m not there” or “she’s going to be at Lady Bird Lake at 6 or 7 in the morning, and I’m not there.” So you just get your ass up and go. Whereas, if we were on our own, probably about 80 percent of the time we wouldn’t do it.

Carmen: Oh definitely.

The Next 12 Months

We want to do Big Sur, but we’d have to do a charity to get in. We’d also like to do an overseas run. That’s what we want to do to celebrate Carmen’s 50th birthday this year.

When the Going Gets Tough

When it starts to get tough, we’ll say, “We gotta do what we do, so we can do what we do.” We have to take care of our lives and do this run so we can reset and prepare for everything else.

The Motivation

Half of it is because we love to run, and half of it is because we love each other.

You have to find the right person who can deal with you. We’ll be running and one of us will say, “I’m sorry, my leg hurts!” or “my hip hurts!” and we’re both understanding of each other because it’s O.K. Sometimes you feel guilty about setting people back, but we don’t have that. afm 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

51

RE

How would you describe the Cap10K? It’s about community and Austin.

It’s an important race for Austin.

Why do you like to run it?

I’ve run it many times because it’s a race for everybody.

I get to run with my wife and family and see my friends.

Plus, some of the costumes and outfits are simply amazing!

Why register?

It’s truly a community event, and it’s one of the “funnest” races you’ll ever run. It’s easy and accessible. If you’re in Austin, you gotta do it!

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Style Winter 2015-16

Trail Shoe Review

by Cregg Weinmann

Here’s our semi-annual look at a sampling of shoes designed to grip and tame trails: some for training, others for faster running.

The mix includes five new models and three updates. Trails vary considerably, and not surprisingly so do trail shoes. It’s a good idea to match your shoes to the running you’ll be doing. If you like protection on the roads, start with Responsive Trail shoes. If you like speedier Performance shoes on the road, Performance Trail may be the best place to start. As always, this review is a starting point in your search for your best trail shoes. Follow it up with the help of a Specialty Running retailer whenever possible. And don’t forget to check runningproductreviews.com for periodic updates and special features.

BEST SHOE TRAIL WINTER 2015–16

54 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

361º Ortega $120

“Snugs well to the foot with good protection. Surefooted on the trail, and does really well getting there, too.”

The new 361º Ortega brings the brand’s technology to the trail. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew welded overlays supporting the shoe, an extended saddle that’s light and secure. A traditional toe bumper, rearfoot and eyestay supports, and a full rand add security and protection, and an external thermoplastic heel counter adds stability. The midsole is low-profile, molded EVA, with 361º’s Qu!ckfoam element lending extra cushioning. The outersole is low-profile carbon rubber, textured for grip, in a thin configuration that’s surprisingly tough. The forefoot of the outersole is bonded to a spongy layer of polyurethane, adding a bit more cushion to the ride as well as an ability to conform to the trail surface.

The combination of quality materials, efficient design, and a comfortable and adaptive ride make the Ortega a worthy contender for trail performance.

Brooks Pure Grit 4 $120 “Good, close fit all around. Flexible enough with decent traction.

They did a great job for my weekend trail runs.”

The Pure Grit is the lightest of Brooks’ trail running shoes. The upper is a tight, closed mesh with 3D-printed overlays providing some structure and a layer of protection. The supportive midfoot strap (Brooks calls it the Nav band) adds a snugger midfoot fit, while still flexing enough to accommodate differences in foot volume. The chassis carries over from Round 3: a low-profile layer of BioMoGo foam with DNA added to the mix for very good cushioning.

A forefoot rock plate between the midsole and outersole offers protection from rocky trails. The outersole features the same hexagon-shaped lugs, as their bite tames trails efficiently and the effectively. The Pure Grit 4 is a solid performer that fits well, performs well, and carries the Brooks trail tradition well.

HOKA ONE ONE SpeedGoat $140 “Looks sports-car fast. I really like how easy the upper is to open up and then tighten down on the shoes. The midsole [is] cushy and protective; the traction is just right.”

“The upper is totally different from before, with a stretchier feel, though the support strapping holds the foot nice and secure.

The ride feels about the same as before, and the traction makes it a real trail shoe.”

The new SpeedGoat sports geometry and traction designed to go as fast as you can, thanks to the developmental input of Ultra trail star Karl Metzler. The upper is a tough minimesh with lacing that extends down to the toe for extra security. No-sew overlays lend support overall and add a bit of design air while keeping it light. A traditionally stitched toecap features an added layer of ground rubber for abrasion resistance and protection. The ankle collar is cushy and improves the heel to the midsole is a soft, thick layer of injected EVA that absorbs shock and conforms to the terrain for a protective and sure-footed feel, in combination with its 5-millimeter geometry, and is resilient enough for good response and durability. The outersole is a luggy profile of Vibram® Megagrip® rubber—a new compound and partnership for the brand—that offers really good traction. The SpeedGoat succeeds for runners looking for traction, cushion, and a snug, secure it to finish fast.

Mizuno Hayate 2 $110 With its effective construction, fun graphics, and strong trail performance, the Hayate has been a breath of fresh air for Mizuno trail running. Round 2 takes a bit more traditional approach, at least in appearance, while maintaining the strengths of the original. The upper is open mesh with traditional, supportive overlays and a full rand—simple, but protective. The midsole maintains the Waveplate and U4ic foam from the original, thanks to its effective ride and stability on both road and trail. The outersole continues, too; its luggy traction works equally well on hard-pack, loose, and muddy trails. The compound is quite durable, so pavement isn’t a problem. The Hayate remains a quality choice for the trails, especially if Mizuno is on your favored brands list.

New Balance 910 v2 $110

“Fit snug in the heel, roomy up front.

Comfortably wellcushioned with grippy traction.”

The effectiveness of the New Balance trail running line has satisfied runners in every strata of the running world. The 910 is one of several New Balance everyday trail runners that handle terrain, mileage, and the elements are effectively. The upper is an engineered mesh that vents well, and keeps it light with no-sew overlays but also protective at the toe, thanks to an additional overlay layer called Toe-Protect. The support of the upper is good, with the overlays forming a complete rand, connecting the effectively to the heel counter. The eyestays and external ankle collar are reinforced with zig-zag stitching. The midsole is a healthy chunk of RevLite foam with its lively feel and good durability. The outersole is full-length rubber that features triangular lugs that have a nice bite on the trail without being overly tall on the road. The Rock Stop plate provides protection on uneven trails without making the forefoot overly stiff. The 910 v2 continues to offer the performance expected of the line, maintaining its traction, ride, and value.

Nike Zoom Terra Kiger 3 $125 “Secure upper with good toe room. Flexible, light, and fast. It’s fi ne for dirt trails, but it’s no bushwhacker.”

“Roomy fit, but without feeling sloppy. Traction is subtle but effective, with a smooth feel on trail and road. I was impressed by both the fi t and the performance.”

The Zoom Kiger and its sibling, the Zoom Wildhorse, represented a much needed trail running reset for Nike. Round 3 features some fine-tuning to a solid performer. The upper has been lightened a bit, and uses engineered mesh. The most significant changes up top are overlays which are thin and printed on the surface, and the mesh is closed at the base of the upper, essentially forming a rand without using additional material. The midsole maintains the low-pro le, 4-millimeter geometry that has been so successful for the Kiger, as it is substantial enough to cushion well on all surfaces. The outersole is little changed from Round 1: chisel-pointed tread in a sticky rubber compound that’s still tough enough for even bituminous surfaces, though best off-road. The combination of low-pro le geometry, light weight and good traction make the Terra Kiger great for faster trail running.

Saucony Nomad TR $110 The Nomad TR is the first new trail running shoe from Saucony since the introduction of the Peregrine four seasons ago. The Nomad offers several features that differentiate it from its off-road siblings and add value to Saucony’s trail line. The upper is closed mesh with no-sew overlays, Pro-Lock secures the midfoot, and a D-ring at the bottom of the laces facilitates the use of gaiters. The midsole features 4-millimeter geometry and a low-pro le setup of Power Grid foam for responsive cushioning and good flexibility. The outersole employs a newly designed tread of elongated diamond-shaped lugs that ex laterally to conform to the trail. The flat bottom adds stability to the foot plant, and the tack of the rubber offers additional grip. The Nomad TR successfully fills the gap in Saucony’s RAW collection, and its versatile traction, adaptable fit, and good protection earned it our award for Best Trail Shoe for Winter 2015–16.

TrekSta Alter Ego Star $110 “They were shaped like my foot, so they fi t great. Really good traction, not too heavy, plenty of cushion. They covered all of the bases.”

TrekSta has shown that a consistent, single focus on trail performance can bring dividends to a brand. The new Alter Ego Star debuts with an upper of tightly woven mesh with 3D-printed overlays providing much of the upper’s support, and traditionally stitched overlays at the toe, heel, and from the eyestay to bolster the foot, especially in the forefoot. The forefoot has a pronounced asymmetrical shape that mimics the foot’s, along with similarly skewed lacing. These features will improve the fit for many feet. The midsole is a high quality, single-density EVA with excellent flexibility, without sacrificing protection. The outersole is a sticky rubber compound called Hypergrip, but the variety and shape of the lugs adds as much to the effectiveness of the sole’s grip. The Alter Ego Star provides fit, traction, and protection for top-notch trail performance.

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

55

Style

Geeked Out and Geared Up

By Nate Turner

These products are sleek, savvy, and best of all, smart. New technology in the fitness space helps you train more efficiently while improving form.

Total Body Board

totalbodyboard.com The growing collection of elite athletes in and around Austin is one of the many things that make our city an exciting one in which to live, train and compete. AFM checked in recently with San Marcos resident and Olympic Gold Medalist Charles Austin (high jump, 1996 Atlanta games) to see what we could learn about his training methods and his invention, the Total Body Board.

Austin holds the Olympic record, American record and the world Master’s record in the high jump, but his elite competitive career was almost over before it began when he suffered a training injury in the early 1990s. Seeking a way to train hard without having to beat up his surgically repaired knee with thousands of heavy squats, deadlifts and plyometric jumps, he discovered resistance bands.

The key feature of bands is the

56 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

photography by Jessica Frey; modeled by Jesse O'Brien, Central Athlete

progressive resistance they provide—a user is forced to work through increasing resistance as the band’s length increases. The key feature of the Total Body Board is its versatility in applying this progressive resistance in multiple planes to improve all kinds of things. The TBB website description claims an athlete using it can expect to improve aerobic capacity, muscular strength and power, flexibility and balance. We found it to be a pretty creative combination of an old school slide board, a vertical jump training platform, and a multi-station resistance training hub with room for six or so athletes at a time.

AFM: What was the inspiration for the TBB? CA: “Bands were a great tool in my rehab and training. A couple years back, I woke up one night with this great idea, so I grabbed a pencil and paper and sketched out the basics. When I woke up, there it was, and after a quick trip to Home Depot and a little time in the garage and I had the first prototype.”

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AFM: What’s it good at? What would you say are the best ways to use it?

CA: “These days, I train athletes of all types, as well as regular people. Everyone wants to be fit, be strong, be lean, be fast. The TBB does so much that it really just depends on what someone’s goals are.

It can do it all. All my athletes and clients use it for some or even all their training. I use it too.”

Our Favorite Exercises • Slide Board Training: After getting used to the movement, we included two- to five-minute intervals in our metcon complexes. The brief time required to unhook bands and get the booties off was a nice time to catch a breath before grabbing the barbell or the slam ball.

• Sprint Training: As a complement to outdoor sprint intervals, the TBB applies resistance to the legs and arms for indoor sprints that reinforce good mechanics while improving power and endurance.

• Rehab (Core, Hamstrings and Hip Flexors): We tried hamstring curls, mountain climbers, drop-step lunges and standing hip ab-/adduction.

Great activator and/or rehab exercises.

Learning Curve • Figuring out how and where to anchor the bands and then attach them (to the waist belt and the ankle/thigh/wrist cuffs) takes some time.

• Setup and breakdown of the board when transporting it from one training location to another requires budgeting at least three to four minutes before and after a workout.

• The slide board surface needs an occasional spray and wipe with Pledge or some other furniture polish to keep it slippery.

Conclusion The TBB is a really creative training tool. It’s versatile, made right here in Texas, and is available in two sizes. The basic accessory kit (included) will allow you to do lots of exercises, and the TBB website provides streaming video how-to’s. Our model’s $1,100 price tag seemed pricey until we pulled out an equipment catalog—a slide board, vertical jump training platform and a collection of Rating resistance bands and anchors would cost considerably more if purchased individually.

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

57

Medicine in Motion Martha Pyron, MD

Family and Sports Medicine ~ Concussion Management ~ Rehabilitation ~ Nutrition ~ Personal Training

Central Location at

711 W. 38th Street, Ste G4

Style

Stridalyzer Smart Insoles

BSXinsight Muscle Oxygenation and Lactate Monitor

bsxinsight.com Want the competitive advantage professional athletes gain from expensive and uncomfortable lab testing in an affordable, wearable device that syncs to a really slick smartphone app without the expense and painful finger sticks at the lab?

That’s the promise of the BSXinsight. I’m a geek for data, so this sounded like something worth testing.

My test model arrived right after Christmas. Out of the box, through a quick charging cycle and off to the gym I went in search of a treadmill on which to do the app-driven running endurance test. Suggestion: don’t forget to grab your heart rate monitor if you want that data to track along with what the device provides.

The Test After inputting some personal information and training and racing data (conversational pace/mile, estimated 10K pace/mile, consecutive months of training, days/week and weekly mileage), I was underway. After a three-minute walking warm-up, the app directed me through increases in running pace every three minutes until I’d had enough. Recommended minimum test time is seven stages (21 minutes). I went 33 minutes just to be safe.

The Output I hit ‘Stop’ and as I cooled down, the app directed me to save the test so it could crunch the numbers. For me, the visual display of my estimated anaerobic capacity and the training zones corresponding to it were both interesting and useful. I was motivated immediately to train, improve and test again.

The BSXinsight app also includes an endurance test for cyclists. It is ANT+ compatible, which means it can send data to the display on your GPS watch, your bike computer and/or power meter during workouts. Battery time is about 10 hours. It is sweat resistant, but not waterproof, so swimmers will have to wait for the next generation.

Beyond testing, it can be worn for all training sessions to track similar data.

Conclusion I loved this thing! Prices range from $299 for the running only model to $419 for the multisport model tested (free shipping included). The value here is in being able to test, train, re-test, adjust your training and test again. If you’re motivated by the measurable and reRating peatable aspects of training, this is a great tool for your competitive toolbox.

58 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

retisense.com Ever had a running coach, orthopedic doctor or shoe salesperson recommend that you stop pronating, supinating, overstriding, heel-striking or running on your toes? Stridalyzer smart insoles close the loop between trying to apply the tips you’ve been given and knowing what your body is actually doing when you run. They provide real-time feedback on stride rate, stride length and ground contact time, and give graphical and audible running form feedback and foot and knee stress alerts via the free smartphone app (Apple, Android compatible).

Setup is simple. Charge them with the included mini-USB cable, insert them in place of your stock insoles, pair them via Bluetooth with your phone’s Stridalyzer app, and you’re ready to run.

Running on a treadmill with the app open and in direct line of sight worked well for our first time. The graphical foot and knee stress display was interesting and somewhat useful (green contact zones are good, red ones are bad). Starting the app after a thorough warm-up was completed and my running form had settled into normal mode provided more valid feedback than a pre-warmup start did.

Post-run analytics and guidance on the website were helpful and easy to navigate. Repeated use will allow you and/or your running coach to analyze the hard data, make form adjustments, and track improvements from one training session to the next. Though there’s no substitute for listening to your body when you train, but having some hard data from these insoles to go along with it is a smart play.

Conclusion With the ongoing debate about heel striking versus mid-foot striking and which works best for performance and injury prevention, Stridalyzers are a tool with potential to help both competitive and recreational runners.

The entry level Marathon version ($99) and Performance version ($129) will set you back less than a pair of running shoes. Just prior to press time the Stridalyzer pod ($39), an under-insole or lacesmounted mini-version with some of Rating the same measures, was added to the product lineup.

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Styled by Jill Watson Don’t let your gym time interrupt your date night. Instead, combine the two. These outfits are great for your workout, but can also be dressed up and worn to a romantic dinner with your swolemate.

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02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

61

Style

Fun Fitness Apps

By Devyn Bernal & Gretchen Goswitz

There’s an app for just about everything you can think of. But in your busy day-to-day schedule, how often are you thinking of fitness? These days, so many of us are attached to our smartphones, so we might as well get some health benefits out of our addiction. There are so many that may connect you to a community of people, cheer you on, provide support, add competition, coach you through workouts or nutrition, or do all of the above, yet the most successful fitness apps are the ones that let you set your own goals and maintain a pace that’s right for you. Here are a few of our favorite fitness companions that are highly rated, offer something unique, and are user-friendly.

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Physi Free, iOS and Android This unique app connects athletic adults with each other at the exact moment they want to play their favorite sports.

Need a partner for tennis?

A sub for your basketball game? A group to run with at night? Whether it’s that weekend, that day, users can log on and find teammates to be active with together. A new group feature allows you to find a group of friends to play with, and everyone can receive the invite even if they don’t yet have a smartphone to install the app.

Zombies, Run! $3.99, iOS and Android We joke about the possibility of a zombie apocalypse, but it can’t hurt to train just in case, right? In the Zombies, Run! app,

users get rewarded for every step they walk or run by earning supplies and tools that help save the human race from the impending zombie attack.

Plug in to listen to the story through your headphones and then take off to complete missions and “survive.” Even if you’re a novice, you’ll soon feel like you’re running for your life.

Charity Miles Free, iOS and Android If bikini season or zombies aren’t incentive enough to get your heart pumping, try Charity Miles instead. Every mile of running, biking and walking can earn money for dozens of different charities of your choosing.

With the help of sponsors, this app donates 10 cents for every mile biked and 25 cents for every mile

walked or run. The more miles you add up, the bigger the difference you can make for an organization that matters to you.

Lumosity Free, iOS and Android You can exercise your muscles until you can barely lift a pencil or walk up the stairs, but your brain also benefits from working out. Lumosity provides a way to exercise just a few times a week, giving your mind a chance to expand and build along with the rest of your body. Play fun games curated from traditional tasks used by neuroscience researchers and watch your memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills improve.

Headspace $12.95/month, iOS, Android and Web Described as a “gym membership for your mind,” Headspace is meditation made simple.

Even if you just commit 10

minutes each day to the app, you can develop the mindfulness needed to make positive changes in your life, like eating and sleeping better, worrying less, or becoming more creative. The games are crafted using scientifically proven techniques to optimize progress, and the makers continue to use new discoveries to make the app even more effective for users. Additionally, Headspace is part of a matching program—for every subscription purchased, they donate a subscription to someone in need (thus, making the world a happier place). If you treat your head right, everything else will follow.

ipiit Free, iOS and Android Staying on track with diet and exercise can be difficult at times, especially when it comes to knowing what exactly is in the products you purchase at a store.

Sugar, gluten, wheat and dairy are just some of the

ingredients that healthy eaters tend to shy away from. An obstacle for grocery shoppers is that the ingredients are not always easy to identify because they’re listed under uncommon names on ingredient panels.

With the ipiit app, healthy eating can be as easy as scanning a barcode.

When an item’s barcode is scanned, the app will display an icon to indicate if a product is approved to consume based on the choices and restrictions the user makes.

CycleCast 30-day free trial or $9.99, iOS CycleCast makes studioquality indoor cycling more accessible than ever by delivering hit music and motivational instructors straight to your iPhone. CycleCast works with any indoor bike and brings the energy, intensity and community of indoor cycling directly to you whenever you want—either at home or

the gym. Just choose an instructor, class length, and press play. Curated playlists and expert coaching get you moving as Apple Health integration allows you to easily sync and track workouts,

calories, and heart rate data. Working on a time crunch? The app also allows you the option of spinning in 20, 45, or 60 minute intervals.

Blue Goji $119, iOS and Android The Austin-based company behind Blue Goji delivers fun games that require movement and are played while exercising on cardio machines.

Mom approved video games? Check. Kids and adults exercising? Check.

Healthier, happier household? Check and check!

Blue Goji was founded by the creators of Guitar Hero, so you can trust they know how to build a great game. Simply attach the gaming system to an elliptical, stairmaster, stationary bike or treadmill and choose from a number of interactive games to guide your cardio workout. afm

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63

Wellness

illustration by Vector Open Stock

Studies have shown that poor posture can have negative long term effects physically, causing back and neck pain, muscle fatigue, breathing limitations, arthritic joints, and digestive problems.

Now scientists have discovered that posture can affect emotional health as well, including mood disturbances. Aside from creating a bad impression, poor posture can also take a toll on your energy levels. In a study of 110 students at San Francisco State University, half of whom were told to walk in a slumped position and the other half to skip down a hall, the skippers had much more energy throughout the day. Improving posture requires a conscious effort in addition to strengthening and flexibility exercises to correct muscular imbalances, but the payoff is worth it. well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/28/postureaffects-standing-and-not-just-the-physical-kind/

Healthy Helpings Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes a person to feel an overwhelming urge to move their legs while laying down. Tingling, aching and itching are the typical sensations associated with RLS. Studies estimate that one in 10 Americans suffer from the discomfort of RLS, but the good news is the condition is treatable. However, recent studies show that it can increase a person’s risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease. 3,700 veterans with RLS were selected along with 3,700 without the condition and matched them based on demographic and clinical factors.

Both groups were tracked for eight years before comparing the outcomes. It was discovered that those in the RLS group were four times more likely to develop stroke and heart disease and three times more likely to develop kidney disease. theheartysoul.com/restless-legsyndrome-effects/

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To stay healthy, we pay careful attention to what we put into our bodies. For women, a major concern has been how birth control can jeopardize that. For anyone concerned that birth control causes birth defects, a study’s findings show that there’s no need to fret. About 16 percent of women of childbearing age in the U.S. take oral contraceptives. When used perfectly, the failure rate of the pill is less than 1 percent, but that jumps to 9 percent under typical use because of missed pills, drug interactions or illness. When that happens, a lot of embryos are exposed to the effects of the pill, which can linger for a few months after a woman stops taking it. After looking at 880,000 births in Denmark, doctors found that there were only 25 defects out of every 1,000 births. npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/01/06/462173777/study-findsbirth-control-pill-use-isnt-associated-with-birth-defects

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As your Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Specialists, we are Board Certified Physicians and Physical Therapists offering a variety of treatment strategies and techniques including Epidural Steroid Injections, Electrodiagnostics, Microcurrent Point Stimulation, Class IV Laser Therapy and Redcord® Neurac Method.

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Wellness

Keynote Speakers

Monica Pope Often referred to as “The Alice Waters of the Third Coast,” this Top Chef alum has a list of accolades to back up her culinary talents.

Pope kicked off the summit with a menu of healthy, hearty bites.

The highlights of the selection included shaved Brussels sprout salad, grilled polenta with sausage, Indian spiced meatless meatballs and cheesecake with lemon curd.

Pope has always called Houston home and has made it her mission in life to heal and help the city through good food. Houston frequently ranks on the “Fattest Cities in America” lists, but Pope is determined to use a healthy, foodoriented approach to change that.

Prevention R3 Summit Convention

This January, Prevention Magazine offered two days of reviving, refreshing, and reinventing here in our very own city. Guest speakers including Travis Stork, MD, of the emmy-nominated show The Doctors, Top Chef Masters alum Monica Pope, and others presented ways for consumers to optimize their health through pillars of mind and body, diet, beauty, and fitness. This exclusive event brought together leading minds for a landmark weekend, and the AFM team gained some great tips and advice to apply towards 2016.

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Bob Roth He’s the leading the movement to make transcendental meditation a part of every person’s daily routine.

He’s worked with everyone including Oprah, Dr. Oz, Jerry Seinfeld, Cameron Diaz, the NBA and dozens of other celebrities and athletes.

Roth is the executive director of The David Lynch Foundation, an organization that uses TM to heal traumatic stress in prisons, homeless shelters and the military. He has integrated his programs in at-risk area schools, which have all shown dramatic improvements since. He explained that there are

three types of meditation, but he specializes in only this one. The TM technique allows your mind to easily settle inward, through quieter levels of thought, until you experience the most silent and peaceful level of your own awareness—pure consciousness.

Travis Stork You may recognize him from The Bachelor, or you may know him from the daytime medical talk show The Doctors. His specialty is emergency medicine, making him the jack of all trades in his field. Here’s our favorite takeaway from our conversation with him: “I focus on the pragmatics. You hear the word fit and you think ‘fitness.’ I preach the simple things like cutting back on sugar, standing more, sitting in chairs that help your posture. For me, it all comes down to better managing sleep and stress. We should be on a cycle of virtue, where taking better care of ourselves on a daily basis becomes our ultimate form of preventative medicine.”

Panera You know it’s going to be a good show when you sit down and someone comes by with a tray of food. After getting a good seat up front and receiving our piece of Panera’s delicious naan bread, we prepared our notes and

stomachs for Tom Gumpel and Mark McDonough’s presentation. Tom is the Head Baker for Panera, and leads a team of over 6,000 bakers who craft fresh bread and pastries every day. Mark works as Panera’s Director of Culinary Development and creates new recipes for a healthier diet by removing artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. Together, their goal is to remove these “no” items from the menu by the end of 2016. Their mission is that good bread are good for you, evidence that is displayed in the new sprouted and whole grain breads Panera now offers. Mark chose to show us how Panera’s Mediterranean Panini is prepared, and our mouths watered at the prospect of trying it.

While he explained each ingredient and how it is beneficial, plus where it comes from, waiters passed out a hearty sample for us to try. The grilled chicken was tender, the cucumbers and tomatoes fresh, and the homemade tzatziki sauce was one of the best I’ve ever tried. We did not leave this session hungry—it was clean, it was filling, and it was delicious. Knowing that Tom and Mark are in charge of Panera’s ingredient list provides comfort for our stomachs and 2016 resolutions. If you’re ready to make a clean commitment, Panera is ready to feed you.

Sex RX Real women, real questions, and real relief, all found in a frank talk about sex led by Lauren Streicher, MD. Sign us up!

This wellness workshop was a fun and creative

way to learn more about sex as a female and how to do it right. The key point: do whatever makes you comfortable! Dr. Streicher, an Associate Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University’s medical school, The Feinberg School of Medicine, answered questions regarding sex health asked by anonymous women of all ages. Her blunt dialogue and relatable personality was a fresh dip in a lot of topics that are considered “taboo.” You’d want to be her friend, and not just because sex is fun to discuss between girlfriends over a bottle of wine. Although it was clear to see that the audience appreciated her dry sense of humor (they could hear us laughing from downstairs!), serious issues were brought up and explained in a way that could assist women with problems they may have been too ashamed to discuss out loud. There’s no question as to why Dr. Streicher’s warm and honest personality can be found on The Today Show regularly. Not to mention, she finds time to continue her practice with her patients even while appearing on talk shows, conventions, and book tours for her comprehensive sexual health book, Sex Rx: Hormones, Health and Your Best Sex Ever. Are you curious as to why intercourse can hurt sometimes? What that bump means? Where that smell down there came from? When your libido has left you, how do you get it back? Don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Streicher or find the answers in her book.

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02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

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FAQ This month, your heart may be getting all of the attention, but haven’t you heard, “Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose”? We checked in with optometrist Dr. Sonja Franklin to find out what we can do to take the best care of our vision.

How can poor health or obesity have an effect on your vision/eye health?

When there is poor control of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, retinal hemorrhages can appear and cause permanent eye damage if left untreated.

With obesity, floppy eyelid syndrome can be seen in which the eyes do not close completely during sleep and can lead to dry eye complications.

Is there a negative effect smartphones have on our vision? If so, what can we do to decrease it?

I believe time will show that excessive use of smartphones will affect the pigmentation of the macula, which is the eye’s area of fine vision.

To counteract the risk of damage, spectacle

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lenses that block blue light are recommended.

It is similar to an antireflective coating, but the focus is on certain light wavelengths.

Eye strain is also a byproduct of increased smartphone use. To reduce the negative risk of smartphones, either moderate use is recommended or taking frequent breaks.

In a bright and sunny place like Austin, what qualities should people be looking for when buying sunglasses to protect their eyes?

In any pair of eyeglasses, UVA and UVB protection are mandatory which is needed to protect the eyes from UV exposure from the sun. Also, make sure that the lenses are acceptable optical quality.

Inexpensive sunglasses may have distorted optics which can lead to eye strain.

What are your top three tips to maintain vision health?

For contact lens wearers, the most important thing is to eliminate contact lens overwear and replace and clean the contact lenses properly.

Proper hydration is crucial as dry eyes are another symptom of extensive computer usage.

Annual eye exams are strongly recommended.

Visual problems that are caught early will have a higher success rate of resolution vs. problems that have been left untreated for years.

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Fitness

Why, When and How to Change Trainers

By Mark Henricks

A

nnette Wilson had been doing triathlons since 2011 and notching competitive age-group finishes when she decided, in the middle of the 2015 season, it was time for a new coach.

“We had one great season together and our last season didn’t go so great,” explains Wilson. So Wilson parted ways with her trainer and, after completing the season self-coached, signed up with a new coach in November 2015.

Nearly any athlete at times considers whether it would be a good idea to switch coaches. Maurice Culley, head coach at Austin T3, says one of the most common reasons athletes change trainers is dissatisfaction with times and finishes. “If the results aren’t quite there, a lot of times folks get frustrated,” he says.

Neck-and-neck with frustrating results is frustrating communication. “The

biggest thing to me is, just like any other relationship, there needs to be that communication,” says Culley.

Communication was the chief reason Wilson looked for a new coach, after her then-trainer dialed back on what had once been a steady stream of feedback.

“She just wanted to call me once a week and talk about workouts,” Wilson said.

“That just didn’t work well.”

Style incompatibility also leads to trainer moves. For instance, Culley likes to make on-the-fly decisions about future training, while an athlete may prefer to know in advance what the schedule is for the next month. “There are a lot of athletes out there that are very busy and they want to plan ahead, so that sort of philosophy doesn’t pan out for them,” he says.

Different approaches to gear and technology may also inspire a coaching switch.

“I like to write things out by hand and deal

with a lot of different notes,” Finding a compatible coach Culley says.

“Some people and maintaining like using softthat relationship ware or one of is much more these apps.”

As athletes similar to dating and trainers than you’d think go through life changes, that too can suggest it is time for a change. For instance, Culley says he often has athletes decide they need a new coach when they begin competing in a new sphere, going from amateur to professional or graduating from college. “A lot of times someone may make a change from age-group to elite level racing and they change coaches simply because they need a new standard,” Culley says.

Disagreements about tactics, strategy and event choice can similarly take a toll on trainer-athlete ties. “The coach might say you need to work on strength and speed, and the athlete may want to focus more on half Ironman or Ironman distance,” Culley says.

Although there can be all sorts of reasons for wanting a change, there may be only one good time to actually make a change. That is during the off-season when it will be least disruptive.

“It’s definitely difficult switching a coach or starting a new training plan in the middle of the season,” Wilson says. “There is a certain amount of adjustment. You’re learning their way of writing a training plan and their lingo. And your body's adjusting to different types of workouts.”

No matter when a trainer change is implemented, there is probably a right way and wrong way to go about it. From his perspective, Culley says it's best to first let the coach know that there is a problem that will require a switch if not addressed.

“That’s a better way to do things,” he says.

“Sometimes people will get upset about something, and it’ll be news to everybody.”

Having decided it was time for a change and given her trainer the news, Wilson contacted a woman whom she’d considered signing with a few years back. Before agreeing to take her on, Wilson explained all her concerns about her previous coach and what she was looking for going forward.

“She answered really well and responded in the way I would want a coach to respond,” Wilson says. “In the end, it felt right. And that's what's really important when it comes to a relationship with a coach.” afm 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

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Fitness

Anatomy of Barre Photography by Brian Fitzsimmons

Zinger

This is a move that you’ll see a lot more of in Bar Move classes and is usually thrown in at the end of a seat exercise like Arabesque or Pretzel just when your muscles are feeling really fatigued.

What it works: It targets multiple groups including yours Lats, Biceps, Glutes and Erector spinae, shaping your upper back, arms and seat muscles

Movement • Pull your foot toward your seat, in a oneinch range of motion while gripping into your right glute

72 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

performed by Katie Dillingham, The Bar Method

Set up • Face the bar, kneel down in front of it and step forward with your left foot • Place the ball of your left foot against the corner where the wall meets the floor.

• Slide your other leg behind you on the floor in a lunge position • Take the bar with your hands in a firm under-handed grip and bend your elbows downward • Curl your back toes under and lift your leg off the floor and pull your foot into your seat, bend your front knee over your ankle.

• Lift your chest and draw your shoulders down

Arabesque

This is one of the most ballet-inspired seat exercises that is achievable for anyone and works multiple muscle groups at the same time.

performed by Nikki Jensen, The Bar Method

What it works: Targets your outside seat, waist and upper back, improving posture, stamina, and is designed to create a dancers body Set up • Face the bar and stand an arms’ length away from it • Place your hands on the bar slightly wider than shoulder width apart • Place your feet in a wide V, and soften your knees • Lift your left foot, point it and put it on the floor behind your hip • Keep both legs turned out and both knees soft

• Raise your left leg off the floor to hipheight as you hinge forward at your hips, and lower your forehead so it’s almost brushing the bar • Hold your working thigh parallel to the floor.

• Pull in your abs • Lift your head and upper torso by contracting the muscles under your shoulder blades • Tilt your working hip about two inches higher than your other hip • Square your shoulders. Feel your waist and posture muscles engage • Keep your working knee at hip-height

• Lift your upper torso anywhere from hip height to a foot higher than your hips • Press your shoulders down, feel your posture muscles engage • Point your elbows down • Use your glute to draw your working leg as high as you can and lock it firmly into place behind you Movement • From here lift your left leg up in a one-inch range of motion and repeat

02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

73

Fitness

PRETZEL

This is a seat exercise and unlike its food namesake is a waist-widdler.

What it works: Targets the side of your seat, upper back, abdominals, hamstrings and obliques.

Pretzel with the ball variation 1 The ball being held out challenges you to maintain an upright spine, working your obliques and upper back as well as your seat

Movement • Press your working leg back or up in a one-inch range of motion, grip into your glutes and make the movement come from there • Then switch and set up on the other side

Pretzel with the ball variation 2 The ball behind the leg adds extra challenge for your hamstrings and glutes, keeping them engaged as you grip your glutes and squeeze in on the ball

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performed by Katie Dillingham, The Bar Method

Set up • Place your left leg in front of you and bend your knee to 90 degrees • Shift your weight onto your left hip, sweep your working leg behind you and bend your back knee in half.

• Place your left hand on the floor next to and in line with your left knee with your fingers pointed forward • Reach your right hand back, take your foot, and raise it a few inches off the floor so that it’s higher than your knee • Slide your right knee back until it is in line with your hip, or 1–2 inches behind it • Let go of your foot and hold it off the floor, place your right hand on your front shin • Press your shoulders back and down. Bend slightly forward at your waist, lift your chest

Fitness

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Do’s and Don’ts of the Deadlift The popular exercise the deadlift is known well in the bodybuilding world for boosting muscle on the back of the legs, hamstrings and glutes.

In the performance training world the deadlift is known for its ability to build strength in the main power boosters for sprinting and jumping.

In our everyday world, we use the deadlift for maintaining the key hip hinge movement that allows us to correctly shift our center of mass and use the stronger muscles around the hips rather than the low back for lowering the body and lifting heavy things.

So with all of these great things in mind, I understand there are several variations and iterations of tools we can use to train the deadlift. For this purpose, we will focus on the basic deadlift mechanics to point out some “do’s” and common gym rat “don’ts”.

76 austinfItmagazine.com / 02.16

photos by Jessica Frey Photography performed by Brittaney Cook, Athletic Outcomes

By Diane Vives, M.S., C.S.C.S., N.S.C.A.-C.P.T., F.M.S.

D o n 't

roun

d s p in e

Cues:

• Start with a stance that is between hip and shoulder width apart • Lower your hands to the kettlebell by reaching back with the hips to the wall behind you and maintain a mostly vertical shin • Your back should be in a neutral position and think about making your spine as long as possible and be as tall as you can by reaching the crown of your head to the ceiling • Keep your upper arm pinned to your sides and shoulders down and back to maintain a neutral and centralized joint position • Once your hands reach the kettlebell between your legs, firmly grip the KB with both hands wrapping the fingers and thumbs tight • Feel the tightness of engaged muscles on the back of your legs and hips, then press the hips forward to extend the hips fully and return to the standing position • Use the same form to return the KB to the ground or a box if needed

Do’s:

• Use a stance that is between hip and shoulder width apart • Maintain a mostly vertical shin position throughout the movement • Create a “V” position by keeping hips above the knees and shoulders above hips • Set the spine position at the start and maintain this with no change throughout the movement • Keep feet flat and firmly planted on the ground • Center of Mass should stay over the feet (your base of support)

load Don't out weightnt fro

Don’ts

• Don’t load the weight out in front of the body. Keep it between the feet or over the feet • Don’t let the “V” position of the hip hinge turn into an “L” by not reaching back with the hips • Maintain the spine! Don’t change the position at ANY time • If you don’t reach back with hips, the stress and center of mass will shift to your low back • Don’t let your shoulders roll forward at anytime. Common to let this happen just before releasing the kettlebell • Don’t rock back on heels and lift the toes. This is not a strong position and ground contact is crucial for producing force and increasing overloading for strength 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

77

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Sports and Outdoors February 14

Austin Marathon & Half Marathon One of the city’s premier races attracts nearly 20,000 participants from around the world. youraustinmarathon.com February 26

Jugglefest Join a celebration of juggling, unicycling, poi and more. Learn the tricks of the trade at this annual three-day event featuring workshops, demonstrations, games and shows providing a

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fun hands-on experience for people of all ages with an interest in circus arts. juggling.place.org/jugglefest/ February 27

Saddle Blazer Trail Marathon/ Half/10K New trail. New race. Same amazing weekend with Spectrum Trail Racing. Over 30 miles of trail through prairies, rolling hills, creek crossings, gnarly climbs, and skirting the Lampasas River.

Run where the horses play. Finish with a dip in the river or soak in their very own redneck pool. spectrumtrailracing.com

February 28

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Whole Earth Provision Co. presents the 2016 edition of the World Tour with films that explore remote landscapes and cultures as well as adrenaline-fueled action sports, sure to captivate and amaze the explorer within you.

Proceeds from your ticket will support our Texas state parks! banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/ worldtour/usa

02.16 Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

February 27

Food and Drinks February 18

Ruth Reichl at the Paramount Theatre Bestselling author, food critic and judge on Bravo's Top Chef Masters, Ruth Reichl brings her culinary adventures and anecdotes to the Paramount stage for an enjoyable evening you won't want to miss. Following the show, Ruth Reichl will sign her book and Edible Austin will host a pop-up farmer’s market featuring local food artisans, farm products and more. https://tickets.austintheatre.org/ single/eventDetail.aspx?p=859 February 23

DIY Bar: Hands-On Seasonal Beverages Learn a handful of new tricks for preparing delicious infused beverages and sipping with friends without breaking the bank. In this hands-on class at West Elm, The Hip Girls' Guide to Homemaking's Kate Payne will cover the methods for using seasonal produce to infuse alcohol and liqueurs, simple syrups and shrubs and share tasty cold- or hot-brewed tea flavors.

Attendees will sip a few infusions in class and will start their own shrub infusions with seasonal fruit in class to finish at home. kitchenunderground.co/classes/ feb-23-diy-bar-hands-on-seasonal-beverages

Austin Oyster Festival Whether you like your oysters raw, grilled, roasted or fried, the Austin Oyster Festival has something for you. This annual event celebrates the oyster but also offers a variety of seafood and other delicious eats. Wine, craft beer and specialty cocktails are available, and live Cajun and bluegrass music keeps the party going through the afternoon. austinoysterfestival.com

Arts

February 4

Dancing with the Stars Come watch your favorite celebrities dance the night away at Bass Concert Hall for the Austin edition of the most dazzling show! Tickets will go fast, so be sure to go online ASAP. texasperformingarts.org/ event/dancing-with-the-starslive-2016-austin-texas-bassconcert-hall February 6

FUMP Family Music Festival Celebrate FUMP Family Music Festival with family-friendly music, arts and crafts, games, and more! The festival serves as a fundraiser for the First United Methodist Preschool (FUMP), which provides affordable, topnotch preschool education for Austin families. fumcaustin.org/preschool/1133-2/ February 16

February 26

Bourbon and Bacon Fest If you love bacon and/or whiskey, this is the festival you have been waiting for! Taste your way through an array of specialty bourbons and unique whiskies from distilleries both large and small, all while you sample your fill of smoky, porky goodness.

The bacon samples are all provided by Austin’s best restaurants, and you will quickly see why this amazing pork product is not just for breakfast. austin.bourbonandbaconfest. com

The Third Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards With his magnetic personality, music legend and past Ameripolitan winner Ray Benson will host the event, honoring the best of Ameripolitan music with stories, music and of course, song.

365thingsaustin.com/event/ the-third-annual-ameripolitanmusic-awards/

statewide art showcase features photography from both local and international artists, with art sales going to help tech-based nonprofits. instadfw.com/onebyonetx/

Lifestyle February 6

Hot Rods and Hatters Festival and Car Show This event has a rockabilly vibe with over 200 cars from the classics to the tuned-up mobiles. Check out several categories of cars on display, and enjoy live music, gear, and rockabilly makeovers! hotrodsandhatters.com AFTM Mid-Winter Festival Austin Friends of Traditional Music's Mid-Winter Festival is all about making, learning, listening to and enjoying music. The day is filled with performances, workshops, jamming, silent auctions and more.

Workshops give participants of all skill levels a window into a variety of folk traditions. aftm.us/events/mid-winterfestival/ 12th Street East End Black Heritage Festival You won’t find a festival more rich in culture and history.

Honor Black History Month and experience this tradition that began as a Black Community Market Place to promote Cooperative Economics. ujamaa-austin.org February 27

Carnaval Brasileiro Carnaval in Austin is one of the biggest Brazilian Carnaval celebrations outside Brazil. Brasileiro style samba, costumes and wild abandon can all be seen in the heart of Texas. sambaparty.com

February 20

One by One Texas One by One Texas is a three-day celebration of the best photographers on Instagram. This

Whether you’re planning a corporate event for 50 or a sporting event for 30,000 High Five Events can help you plan and manage it from beginning to end.

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HighFiveEvents.com

Race Calendar add some

dirt

to your next run! for begin n e r s to th e mos t e l it e , an d e ve r yon e in be t we e n

UPCOMING RACES Pandora's Box of Rox

March 6, 2016 52.4mi/26.2mi/13.1mi/8mi Burnet, TX

Hells Hills

APril 2, 2016 50mi/50km/25km/10km Smithville, TX

Paleface Trail Run May 7, 2016 Marathon/Half/5km Spicewood, TX

TO REGISTER & SEE THE REST OF THE SCHEDULE, VISIT

t eja st ra il s.c om

mor e tha n j u st tr a il run n i n g. . .

Featured Alamo Run Fest Half Marathon

February February 1

Side by Side Run at the Ridge 5K Austin myraceregistration.com

February 21

Alamo Run Fest Half Marathon San Antonio, TX alamorunfest.com February 28

February 6

Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile Huntsville tejastrails.com Run or Dye Austin runordye.com

Red Run 5K San Antonio carreraraces.com/redrun.asp The Glo Run 5K Waco theglorun.com/waco/ February 13

February 7

Natural Bridge Caverns Trail Half Marathon, 10K and 5K San Antonio, TX redemptionrp.com/races/naturalbridge-caverns-trail-runs

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Rocky Raccoon 50 Mile Huntsville tejastrails.com/Rocky50.html February 20

No Ego Perfect Love 5K Run Cedar Park bit.ly/1H7rVXH

J oi n our huge f am il y o n f ac e boo k

Street 2 Feet 5K San Antonio register.iaapweb.com/Search/event. aspx?id=33107 Creepy Crawlies and Critters 5K Buda trailheadrunning.com/creepy.html February 14

2016 Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Austin youraustinmarathon.com Paramount Break-A-Leg 5K Austin austintheatre.org/events-tickets/ paramount-break-a-leg-5k/

MARCH March 5

Twisted 5k Dripping Springs, TX runintexas.com/twisted Illuminations Night Time Half Austin, TX illuminationshalf.com/register/ register-illuminations-half-austintexas/ Warrior Dash Cedar Creek warriordash.com/location/2016warrior-dash-texas/ Pandora's Box of Rox 52.4mi/26.2mi/13.1mi/8mi Burnet, TX tejastrails.com

Feb—Apr Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

March 6

Moe’s Better Half Marathon San Marcos, TX sanmarcosrunners.org

Saint Pat’s Half-Marathon Pflugerville, TX texasrunningpost.com/ race-calendar/saint-pats-halfmarathon/

March 14

PartyFest 5k Run San Antonio, TX partyfestrun.com/location/ san_antonio Shamrock Shuffle 5K San Antonio, TX runguides.com/san-antonio/ event/shamrock-shuffle-5k March 19

Bearathon Half Marathon and 5K Waco, TX baylor.edu Dirty Du and Lost Pines Race Smithville, TX rockyhillranch.com/dirty-duand-lost-pines-race-2016/

April April 2

Hays Rebel Run 5K Mountain City haysrebelrun5k.com/ Head for the Cure Central Texas 5K and Kids Austin events.headforthecure.org/ site/TR?fr_id=1311&pg=entry Hells Hills 50mi/50km/25km/10km Smithville, TX tejastrails.com

April 16

BP MS 15, Bike MS Houston to Austin main.nationalmssociety. org/site/TR/Bike/ TXHBikeEvents?pg=entry&fr_ id=27003 Cardinal Run 5K, 1M Fun Run Buda athleteguild.com/running/ buda-tx/2016-santa-cruzcatholic-school-cardinal-runwellness-fair-and-carnival Dell Children’s Medical Center 5K, 1M Fun Run Austin dellchildrens.net/dellchildrens-medical-center-5kand-family-fun-fair/ Mud Factor 5K Austin mudfactor.com/mfevent/ austin-2016/

April 3

Austin 10/20 10M Austin austin1020.com/ 2016 Autism Bike Ride Georgetown austinautismsociety.org/getinvolved/bike-ride/

Run For Your Life Austin 5K Austin runforyourlifeaustin.com/

April 9

April 24

Leadville Rattler Austin rockyhillranch.com/leadvilleaustin-rattler-april-9-10-2016/

Doggie Dash 5K Buda runsignup.com/Race/TX/Buda/ DoggieDash5KandFunWalk?

Alamo 13.1 Half Marathon and Relay San Antonio, TX alamo131.com

Longhorn Run 10K, 5K Austin utlonghornrun.com/race-dayinfo.html

Rogue Trail Series – The Tangle Austin roguetrailseries.com/tangle/

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon Dallas, TX runrocknroll.com/dallas

April 10

Prickly Pear 50K and 10-Mile Run San Anotnio, TX marathons.ahotu.com/event/ prickly-pear-50k-10-mile-trailruns#event Culinaria 5K Wine and Beer Run San Antonio culinariasa.org/san-antonio/5kwine-beer-run-details/

Not Your Ordinary Run 5K, 1K Pflugerville nyosfunrun.com/

March 20

April 26

Texas Wine Half Marathon and 5K Series at Flat Creek Estsate Marble Falls, TX texaswineseries.com/ FlatCreek.asp

Statesman CAP10K Austin cap10k.com/ April 15

Ragnar Relay Austin livestrong.org/events/2060/

2016 Fiesta Especial Royalty Run 5K & Parade San Antonio texasrunningpost.com/racecalendar/2016-fiesta-especialroyalty-run-5k-parade/ April 30

Thrill Seeker Stunt Run San Antonio stuntrun.com/index.html 02.16 / austinfItmagazine.com

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Discover!

Q&A

Olympian Profile

Michael Tinsley Specialty: 400m Hurdles

What is your greatest achievement off the field? My two sons, MyKayle and Titus.

Why Austin/Round Rock? I grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, but moved to Round Rock in 2009. It’s a lovely place, with beautiful people, great weather, and an athletic community. Ever since I’ve been here, my career has been going up.

How have you grown since your last Olympics? I’m more mature in my event.

I’m getting better by studying and focusing and getting to know myself more as an athlete.

Is there an age at which sprinters peak? In the 400m hurdles, your peak or prime is around 28 or 29 years old.

In 2016 I’ll be 32 while trying for my second Olympics team. But to give

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you some perspective, I won silver at the 2012 games and the guy who took gold, Felix Sanchez, was 36 years old.

So maybe I can push for 2020, but right now I’m going to focus on 2016.

What’s the best place you’ve traveled to? I loved Paris because I’m a fashion guy, also Monaco because they have beautiful beaches.

I always had a good time in London because there are no language barriers there!

What does life after track and field look like? I may go into coaching, but I’ll definitely spend a lot time with my family. Hopefully I can go into a few different ventures with my shoe sponsor Adidas. They’ve been great to me for over 10 years. I’d like to continue to work with them behind the scenes.

What do you tell yourself when you’re at the starting blocks in a race? All gas, no brakes.

photos by Kevin Garner Photography

What is your greatest achievement on the field? Making the 2012 Olympics.

T H E

I N D O O R

G Y M

F O R

O U T D O O R

P E O P L E

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