Austin Fit Magazine May 2022: The 18th Annual Swimsuit Issue

THE SWIMSUIT ISSUE MAY 2022

Keeping Summer Light

Summer Self-Image

The Sport That Soars

Love is now bigger than ever.

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Choice of second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating. Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive + up to 27 MPG. Perfect for those who like to bring the family when heading out to life’s adventures. Love. It’s what makes Subaru, Subaru. ®

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NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating.3 Best Resale Value in its class for two years running, according to Kelley Blue Book.4 97% of Subaru Crosstrek vehicles sold in the last 9 years are still on the road today, more than Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Jeep Compass.5

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AUSTIN SUBARU 3

MSRP $38,271. This close-ended lease available to well-qualified lessees. Total monthly payments = $16,776. 12k miles per year, additional overage fee of 15¢/mile may apply. Lessee is responsible for all maintenance unless otherwise specified. Additional fees for early termination, payment delinquency, and/or excessive wear and tear may apply. Lessee must provide appropriate auto insurance throughout lease term of 36 months. See Austin Subaru for details. 2 MSRP $27,741. This close-ended lease available to well-qualified lessees. Total monthly payments = $12,384. 12k miles per year, additional overage fee of 15¢/ mile may apply. Lessee is responsible for all maintenance unless otherwise specified. Additional fees for early termination, payment delinquency, and/or excessive wear and tear may apply. Lessee must provide appropriate auto insurance throughout lease term of 36 months. See Austin Subaru for details. 3 Purchase/lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru & receive a complimentary, factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years/24,000 miles (whichever comes first). See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages, & limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12/31/2022 and reside within the promotional area. See Austin Subaru for program details & eligibility.

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ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN MEDICINE, NUTRITION, FITNESS OR OVERALL HEALTH AND WELLNESS? ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SHARING YOUR EXPERTISE WITH OTHERS? DO YOU LOVE TO WRITE?

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! AFM is in search of regular expert contributors for our monthly issue.

If interested, please contact editorial@austinfitmagazine.com to further collaborate.

From the Director mermaids with me.” Our house was the party house, and seeing that we had a pool, we threw pool parties often.

Something I didn’t realize until I was older was that this pool — though sparkly, blue, clean and welcoming to any grade-schooler to dive in, floaties and all — took work to maintain. If you grew up with a pool, you know both the financial cost and manual labor it takes to keep the pool safe and swimmable.

As I grow older, I have begun to realize (as one does when the naivety of youth and privilege is peeled from their eyes) that these “perfect” summer moments took work to make them “perfect.” Isn’t it kinda ironic that summer, a time for rest and relaxation, takes work to make it summer?

I learned this, especially, as our swimsuit shoot approached. Between the many meetings, emails, site visits and swimsuit pickups, our hands were full.

And even once the photoshoot day rolled around, that morning was teeming with challenges and labor.

As our team did work on our end to coordinate the shoot, the models did work on theirs as they arrived camera-ready, only to stand in 50-degree weather wearing next to nothing as they waited for their turn to pose. Not only that, but driving those retro boats took a few turns and circles to get used to.

At the end of the shoot, I remember one of the models coming up to us exclaiming, “We did it!” And boy, we really did! So as you flip through this year’s 18th annual Swimsuit Issue, dreaming of the “perfect” summer, admiring those swimsuit shots, being awed by the life of a pro-wakeboarder and reading the other summerrelated content, I hope you know that the glamour of these summers required work to make it so — and that work will make you all the more grateful for this season of sunshine.

So grab an ice-cold glass of whatever you wish, put your feet up and enjoy the rays, but don’t forget that “perfect” summers don’t just appear at the snap of your fingers.

THE “PERFECT” SUMMER IRONICALLY REQUIRES WORK, TOO.

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s I started to write this letter, I knew I didn’t want to go down the stereotypical “summer” route talking about all things sunscreen, tans, beaches and swimsuits — for there is more to summer than meets the eye.

Imagine your “perfect” summer. You probably see a bonfire on the beach, a day out on the lake, a dip in the pool, a road trip to the nearest coast or a morning doing your favorite watersport. Whatever your “perfect” summer, remember it came with a cost.

My summers growing up consisted of me playing in our backyard pool while my mom suntanned, trying to enjoy the rays as I continually asked her to “please play

MAY 2022

Keep Austin Fit,

Landry Allred

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

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C R E AT I V I T Y

Exposure

ARTIST AVERY PRICE TITL E: Barton Springs IG: @coloringatx WEB : coloringaustin.com

Want to possibly be featured in AFM? Email your work to afmteam @austinfitmagazine.com!

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

May 2022

THE GOOD STUFF

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WAKEBOARD LIKE A PRO

28 ANNUAL SWIMSUIT ISSUE MAY 2022

50 HYDRATION INNOVATION 6

Contents

HIGHLIGHTS

Letter from the Director 4 | Digital Content 8 | Pet of the Month 63 | Ambassador’s Corner 74 | Events 76 | Rides and Races 78

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ROCKIN’ AND ROWIN’

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SUMMER SELF-IMAGE

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THE FRONTIER OF GRAVEL RACING

NUTRITION

Recipe of the Month: Thai Steak and Watermelon Salad 10 Warm-Weather Appetites 12 Health on Wheels 14

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

Keeping Summer Light 18 Special Olympics with Meagan Flynn 22

Is DIY Sunscreen a Bright Idea? 48 Summertime Hormones Explained 52

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FITNESS

The Sport That Soars 60 Workout of the Month: Orangetheory 64 The Best Fit 68 KMB: Laché Movement Co. 70

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

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

HOW TO CAPITALIZE ON YOUR TIME IN THE WATER

NUTRITION

Summer Sweat Sessions and Smoothies

MAY 2022

WELLNESS

What is the Sober Curious Mindset?

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LIFESTYLE

Why More Young Men Are Getting into Gardening

CEO | LOU EARLE PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE CTO | DREW TERRY

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

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT | LANDRY ALLRED ART DIRECTOR | BEN CHOMIAK PHOTOGRAPHER | BRIAN FITZSIMMONS MARKETING DIRECTOR | AMANDA BOURESSA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mia Barnes, Katerina Cotroneo, Kara Reynolds, Monica Brant, Sydney Torabi INTERNS Aja Webber, Chad Dyer, Dafne Villanueva, Sam Hacker, Therese Vonesh, Braysin Cupp

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Coach Kati Epps at MyBody GX

M AY 2 0 2 2

RECIPE OF THE MONTH n Thai Steak and Watermelon Salad INGREDIENTS: 1 8-ounce package rice vermicelli noodles ¼ cup lime juice (from about 3 limes) 2 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons sambal oelek (Asian chile sauce) 1 teaspoon fish sauce 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced 1⁄3 red onion, thinly sliced ½ bell pepper, thinly sliced (I used yellow) ½ cup match stick carrot slices 4 cups cubed watermelon Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1½ pounds skirt steak, or your favorite steak (marinated in lime juice, 2 cloves garlic, olive oil, salt/pepper for at least one hour) ½ cup fresh cilantro PREPARATION: 1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a colander to drain thoroughly.

2. Whisk the lime juice, 3 tablespoons of water, sugar, sambal oelek and fish sauce in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, onion, bell pepper, carrots, watermelon and noodles. Set aside.

3. Grill the steak until marked, about three minutes per side for mediumrare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest five minutes, then thinly slice.

4. Add all but a few tablespoons of cilantro to the noodle salad and toss.

Top with the steak and the remaining cilantro.

KATI EPPS

Enjoy!

MAY 2022

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Mia Barnes

WARM-WEATHER APPETITES n As the temperature changes, so

does your appetite. Here are ways your nutritional needs may change during summertime.

T

hings have started heating up. If you’ve had enough of winter, summer’s heatwaves are starting to erase the chill from your bones. Should your diet change with the seasons?

Many people find that their appetite varies depending on the time of year. Here’s how your nutritional needs can change when the weather is warmer.

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thanks to the extra humidity in the air. However, that doesn’t mean we should neglect our skin during this season, especially with all of the extra sun exposure many of us get during this time. A healthy diet is one way we can protect our skin in the summertime.

Now is the time to maximize your nutrient intake.

Fruits and vegetables start to lose their nutrients just three days after harvest, but you can find fresh-fromthe-ground steals at farmers markets.

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Eat More Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Warmer weather means scores of fruits and vegetables come into season, so take advantage. A plant-based diet ensures you get a sufficient intake of various antioxidants.

These substances come in handy during the summer months. They protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, preventing premature aging.

In the summer, skin tends to stay plump and healthy

MAY 2022

Reduce Your Calorie Intake

If you’re trying to shed a few extra pounds, knowing that your body is always burning calories should delight you.

However, it has to work harder to maintain your basal metabolic rate when cold, increasing your overall burn.

Many people eat slightly more in the winter to make up for this without noticing.

However, problems arise when you don’t reduce your

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sweat, which lowers your internal temperature.

Hot peppers and similar spicy stuff also add flavor without requiring salt. It’s always wise to keep an eye on your sodium intake, but it’s particularly vital when dehydration poses a risk in the summer months.

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Elevate Your Beverage Choices

Summer’s temperatures mean slaking your thirst more often. Dehydration can make you nauseous and weak and could have fatal results in extreme cases. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and sip on it frequently.

You can also stay hydrated by elevating your beverage choices. If plain water bores you to tears, try soaking fruit in it to get the vitamin and antioxidant benefits without any added calories. You’ll also enjoy a boost of flavor that you can further kick up a notch with a few drops of monk fruit or stevia for a healthier twist on “juice.”

Sun tea is also a snap to make. All you need are four to eight teabags and a clear container that you can set in the sun for several hours. Try experimenting with unique blends. Toss in a turmeric and ginger herbal bag with your standard green or black leaves for an anti-inflammatory beverage or some chamomile and lavender for a soothing summer treat. consumption again when warmer weather arrives. This behavior can lead to a slow weight creep — perhaps only a pound or two a year — until you find yourself with a lot more to lose. Instead, reduce your calorie intake slightly as the weather warms.

You might find that you don’t feel quite as hungry over the summer, anyway. However, you don’t want to skip too many meals or overly restrict your intake.

Doing so can slow your metabolism for a long time, making it harder to drop pounds when you begin eating more.

Instead, try eating smaller meals if you don’t have much appetite. A snack keeps your metabolism going while providing you with steady fuel throughout the day.

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You might notice that your appetite changes with the season. This phenomenon is normal — it’s part of the magic nature put in human beings to help them survive. It’s time to update your diet along with your spring wardrobe. Understanding how your nutritional needs change when the weather is warmer helps you make wiser choices. afm Mia is a health and wellness writer and the Editor In Chief at Body + Mind. She specifically enjoys writing about women’s fitness, as well as mental health-related topics. When she’s not writing, Mia can usually be found reading poetry, taking a dance or cardio class, or hiking.

Turn Up the Heat

It might sound counterintuitive, but one way to cool down on a hot day is to munch on some fiery salsa.

Why? The capsaicin makes you

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Therese Vonesh

HEALTH ON WHEELS n Summertime is the perfect season to stop

by your favorite food truck, so here are the top healthiest food trucks in Austin to visit this summer!

A

casual stroll down any popular street will show you that Austin is not only a hub for success but also a hot spot for something else — food trucks. Voted one of the top cities in the U.S. for food trucks by TripsToDiscover, Austin has a wide variety of meals parked all over the city for your convenience.

Whether you’re craving BBQ, sweet baked goods, authentic Mexican, fresh greens and vegan, or even New England-style seafood, you won’t be left without options. Wishing you luck in deciding what you don’t have a taste for today!

MAY 2022

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V ERACRU Z A L L N AT UR A L

COURTESY OF PLOW BAO

With authentic Mexican food, smoothies and juices, Veracruz All Natural came from humble beginnings.

However, according to The New York Times, it now has a huge following. The two sisters and owners, Reyna and Maritza Vazquez, are immigrants from Mexico, where they first learned to create the amazing food they serve today. They also have several food truck locations, including two brick-and-mortar restaurants in Round Rock and Downtown Austin. Veracruz is known for their famous Migas taco, complete with eggs, tomatoes, onions, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado and cilantro.

Located at multiple locations including Tarrytown, East Austin and Mueller.

P LOW BAO Satisfy your vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner cravings here. Plow Bao is known for its unique and authentic Chinese buns and bao. Brunch begins at 11 a.m. and “bao after brunch” begins at 3 p.m. Try their most popular breakfast items, such as the scallion pancake wrap or the french toast bao sandwich.

Located at the Buzz Mill, Riverside.

COURTESY OF GARBO’S

G AR BO ’S

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Welcome to the salty East Coast! Garbo’s serves New England-style cuisine with an Austin twist, of course. Three sisters, Heidi, Sam and Hannah, take you back to their home states by preparing both Connecticut-style (butter-poached) and Mainestyle (chilled) lobster rolls. They also specialize in burgers, spicy shrimp rolls and cobb salads.

Located in North Austin (with a brick-and-mortar restaurant located in Travis County).

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

n NUTRITION D EE D EE T HAI As their website explains, “dee” means “good” in Siamese. Dee Dee Thai serves “good good” authentic, farm-to-table, northeastern Thai food.

Owned and operated by husband and wife Justin and Lakana Trubiana, Dee Dee offers the best of the best from their home garden and kitchen. They were also voted one of the top Austin food trucks by the CNTraveler. Stop by and try one of their seasonal desserts, mango and sticky rice, which is made with coconut milk-soaked sticky rice, topped off with ripe mango slices and a coconut milk drizzle.

Located on Menchaca Road, South Austin.

M I CKL E TH WA IT C R A F T M E AT S Voted one of the top 10 best Texas BBQ places by Texas Monthly, Micklethwait goes above and beyond via grill.

They are open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until sold out. Smoked brisket, barbacoa, turkey and chicken are just a few options off the menu. Tom Micklethwait, owner and “pitmaster,” purchased and restored this vintage comet trailer to kick off his BBQ business.

Located on Rosewood Avenue, East Austin.

V IA 31 3 Via 313 truly is a big rectangular slice of Detroit. If pizza is on your mind, then you’ve come to the right place! Brandon and Zane — brothers, owners and natives of Detroit — say that Detroit-style pizza is baked in huge metal trays, similar to the old ones used on the automotive assembly lines. Try their “Cadillac” pizza with gorgonzola, fig, prosciutto, parmesan cheese and a balsamic glaze.

Located in Central and East Austin (with three brick-and-mortar restaurants located in Austin).

A B O YO U SS E F Open at 5 p.m. and ready to serve some no-nonsense Mediterranean food is Abo Youssef. Nothing fancy or ostentatious here! Just unexpectedly good dinner and lunch specials that are always fresh. The chicken shawarma is a must or the mixed grill plate with lamb. And of course, everything tastes better with a glass of their fresh lime and mint juice.

Located in East Austin.

MAY 2022

afm

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Katerina Cotroneo

KEEPING SUMMER LIGHT n In nutrition, lifestyle, wellness and fitness, here are

some ways to keep your summer healthy and light.

MAY 2022

Let’s start with a cocktail.

Tequila or gin are your best friends as far as calories are concerned, and my secret is to mix it with some club soda and freshpressed juice. Instead of sticking with your go-to soda mixers or sparkling wine to tack on the sugars, you’re sneaking in some fresh juice antioxidants instead.

Grab a Suja Juice at H-E-B if you’re in a pinch, mix that with some lemon and liquor, and your drinks will be the belle of the bar.

KATERINA COTRONEO

W

hen it comes to keeping your summer healthy and light, it is of the utmost importance you do so both inside and out. The last thing any Austinite wants is to feel the effects of the summer heatwave simultaneously as the summer slump hits. The key to keeping your upcoming months fresh, fun and enlightening begins with smart swaps. We’re still going to wear makeup, drink alcohol and participate in activities with friends, however, it’s replacing those vices with lighter versions of themselves that fit the theme of the summer we are striving for.

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KATERINA COTRONEO

Full coverage foundation?

In 105-degree weather, nice try.

How about a nice tinted moisturizer with built-in SPF instead?

The brand EltaMD is a great one that even celebs, such as Hailey Bieber, use. It’s a good one to take advantage of as a base layer throughout the year but, most especially, in the summer. It’s a great way to shield your skin from the harsh rays as well as get that full coverage you desire. It also serves as a great replacement for a cakey foundation as when a cakey foundation is mixed with precipitation, it could potentially cause breakouts. SPF chapstick is also a must as sunburnt lips are fun for nobody and lead to less spicy skinny margaritas.

KATERINA COTRONEO

Binge-watch a series? How about some boat time instead.

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As the heat grows, it’s easy to justify hitting the movies or staying inside to avoid getting overheated. However, it’s just as important to move your body and get active when it’s hot as it is when the weather is nice and breezy. Why not take advantage of Austin’s natural waters and rent equipment to surf, ski or paddleboard? There are plenty of ways to stay cool all the while moving your muscles and staying strong.

Not to mention, following the remnants of the pandemic, nearly everyone is vitamin D-deficient. Getting some sun is great for your body both inside and out! It will boost your mood and inner organs.

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

n LIFESTYLE Out with the old, in with the linen.

KATERINA COTRONEO

Light and linen are one and the same and are the perfect summer combination. Linen dresses and dress shirts keep you looking lovely but still put together and timeless, no matter your age. Pants in Texas during summertime are hard enough as is; you might as well make it bearable and make them linen. White, light, bright colors and, of course, lots of shorts and skirts. Avoid dark tones and tight clothes both on top and bottom, as they attract heat quicker and trap it in. Don’t forget a good pair of sunglasses with every outfit as your eyes are just as sensitive to the bright sun as anything else.

What’s cookin’, good lookin’?

of everything to make healthy choices — it just means pursuing a healthy balance. Whether you’re taking a dip in Barton Springs Pool to cool off or making cocktails with your girlfriends at a backyard BBQ, look forward to a light and leisurely summer this year! afm

When it’s boiling outside, healthy soups are not in the cards and long-cooking roasts sound like a chore.

Summer salad it is! Throw some chicken on the grill and chop up some toasted pecans, fresh and organic berries, and buttered lettuce and romaine, too. Eyeball some balsamic, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper, and dijon. Give it all a good toss. Light doesn’t have to mean bland, after all.

Katerina Cotroneo is a professional photographer turned lifestyle writer.

Using her marketing background and her talent behind the camera, Katerina tells unique stories through her lens and captures diverse perspectives.

With summertime in Austin, it’s great to prep for the consistent 100-degree temperatures and changes in one’s day-to-day life. Remember to protect your skin when braving the rays and make those smart swaps to better prepare your body. Summertime is meant for fun and that doesn’t have to mean taking the joy out

Fit Finds Austin Eastciders

austineastciders.com - @eastciders Fresh NEW flavors perfect for poolside sipping, Austin Eastciders Light Cider is a refreshing, better-for-you beverage with big, natural flavor and only 100 calories. Made with real juice and nothing artificial, light drinks have never tasted this good. This hard cider line-up features Mango Mimosa, Strawberry Lemonade, Texas Brut and Cucumber Agave!

MAY 2022

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Check out AFM’s latest stories and issues — all on our new app! Available now on iOS. Android coming soon.

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Sam Hacker

SPECIAL OLYMPICS WITH MEAGAN FLYNN n Finding your place in the world can be difficult,

but for Meagan Flynn, the Special Olympics will always hold her heart.

S

pecial Olympics has a place in many people’s hearts, regardless of what career they may have. Such is the case for Meagan Flynn; she works at Home Goods in Austin from Monday to Thursday, but her true passion is the Special Olympics.

Flynn originally started Special Olympics when she was 8 years old after a P.E. teacher recommended it. “(I) just tried it, and it was a lot of fun,” Flynn says. “Ever since then, I’ve been hooked.”

Special Olympics has become a space for not only athletes to feel at home but a place for employees to thrive. Chad Eason, the Sr. Director of Competition & Games, first got connected with Special Olympics while searching for an internship for a college capstone class.

MAY 2022

“My intern coordinator wasn’t working, so I went looking on my own,” Eason says. “Everything fell into place like it was meant to be.”

He was offered a full-time position at the Special Olympics during his internship with them, and after six years, he became the program director where he coordinates state-wide competitions.

“Getting out there on competition day, seeing the athletes smile and hearing how excited the athletes get, that’s the best part,” Eason says.

Eason has been able to visit athletes all over the state, attend conferences and organize meetand-greets between the Special Olympics athletes and celebrities such as Mark Henry.

Eason’s goals for the future include expanding the fleet of

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vehicles — wherein they started with none and now have 32 buses, cars and trailers — and providing hotel funds. He also hopes to expand upon branding and equipment that athletes use at events.

This year, Flynn’s goal is to compete in the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, which will be held from June 4th to 12th.

She will be competing in tennis with her former 6th-grade teacher, Jennifer Lucas, as her teammate.

The two will compete as part of a Unified Team, which is a program designed to bring together athletes both with and without intellectual disabilities to compete and succeed together.

Flynn has tried seemingly every sport that the Special Olympics offers. Last year, she did 12 sports, ranging from equestrian

I JUST TRIED IT, AND IT WAS A LOT OF FUN. EVER SINCE THEN, I’VE BEEN HOOKED.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA FLYNN PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA FLYNN

to aquatics to flag football to, of course, tennis. However, one of Flynn’s favorite sports is equestrian.

“I enjoyed (equestrian) because I wanted to keep riding for fun and not do the competition,” Flynn says. “I enjoyed being around the horses, but the competition around it was stressful. I love to free ride a

horse and just enjoy it.”

She also likes softball because it’s a team sport, as she was able to meet more people. However, she isn’t currently competing in softball because of the lack of coaches.

When it comes to tennis, though, Flynn practices with several coaches, including her head coach Barbara Dunn, and has team practice once a week on Tuesdays.

Some of her own exercise training includes walking her dogs around the neighborhood, walking on the treadmill in her garage, floor exercises at home and walking at her Home Goods job; Flynn walks 17,000 steps a day when she’s working there!

She also practices as much as possible with Lucas. “(Lucas has been) a good friend and a good backup mom,” says Lisa Flynn, Meagan’s mother. “(...) They do everything as a team, and the parents go, and we’re spectators.”

While Meagan’s been playing tennis fairly consistently for six years, the recent movie “King

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Richard” inspired her to return to the sport, hoping to compete at a future World Games. Her first stop on this journey will be the USA Games in Orlando, where she anticipates making friends and meeting new people.

Meagan has competed in Special Olympics USA Games before — in Iowa in 2006 and Nebraska in 2010 — but this will be her first time competing in Orlando. They will have the opportunity to stay at a Walt Disney World resort and visit Disney for a day.

Ultimately, Meagan values Special Olympics and recognizes its importance to her.

“I’ve made a lot of friendships through coaches and athletes and family members,” Meagan says.

“Special Olympics (has) a very big place in my heart.” afm

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Dafne Villanueva

ROCKIN’ AND ROWIN’ n Check out the rowing team at The University of Texas at Austin and their insight into their rising fame.

MAY 2022

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I

t is 6 a.m. near Lady Bird Lake, and the faint smell of sunscreen slowly fills the air. The University of Texas Rowing team is no stranger to an early morning workout, especially during the spring.

Once 9:30 a.m. comes around, the team will be done with their first workout and onto their academic responsibilities.

The University of Texas at Austin is commonly known for its outstanding achievements in academia and sports, specifically football. However, the university and athletes are looking to expand the narrative. With 18 Division 1 varsity teams, you do not have to look far to find teams, athletes or coaches with notable accolades.

Currently, the team leading the charge for change is the women’s rowing team.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEXAS ATHLETICS

The team has taken the Longhorns’ legacy into their own hands and is more than qualified to take it to a whole new level, especially as they come off a national championship win.

However, the successes are not without sacrifices, as the crew’s rigorous schedule puts their drive and skill to the test each day.

The Intuition of a Head Coach

Since his arrival six seasons ago, head coach Dave O’Neill has impacted the team by putting them on the championship map. Keeping the momentum from last year’s victory, the team keeps its head up and strives not to look back, only ahead.

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While discussing their preparation, O’Neill points out that new freshman players and continuing student-athletes should focus on aerobic endurance athletic conditioning and core stability.

“The summer before they arrive, fitness should be a priority,” O’Neill states.

O’Neill suggests that the summer before joining the team, athletes should spend 45 to 75 minutes in aerobic conditions, such as running or riding a bike. They must also have strong core stability so they can hold a good plank position for three minutes when they arrive at their first practice of the season.

Rowing, according to O’Neill, is more than just a sport for prestigious colleges or a showcase for athleticism.

“Rowing can change the world,”

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

n LIFESTYLE

O’Neill says. “The lessons you learn in the pursuit of excellence… it’s the day-to-day process that makes the best Texas teammates.”

They may have the fame of the UT brand looming but the team and its efforts are bigger than just the university; together, as one unit, the team encompasses Austin and Texas as a state.

“We’re here to help Texas become a rowing team, not only for UT but for Texas,” O’Neill says.

Student-Athletes 101

Senior Kaitlin Knifton wakes up at 5:30 a.m. every day to join her teammates on Lady Bird Lake for their three-hour morning workout.

The remainder of her day is filled with school work until she steps into the weight room for their afternoon, dry land practice.

Knifton mentions time management and prioritizing sleep are integral to her routine as a student-athlete.

“The spring season is super important for recovery and getting

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ready for bed early,” Knifton mentions as part of her training routine.

There are moments, she says, when being on the rowing team may take a toll on students, especially with the early mornings, land training and school. However, Knifton notes that her teammates are the best part of being on the team.

“No team sport is like rowing; we have to trust that everyone is going their hardest and giving it their all,” Knifton says. “It is the ultimate team sport.”

Sue Holderness, a freshman at UT, enjoys each practice and doesn’t mind getting up early. She’s learned to push herself, accept failure, and rely on the bonds she’s formed with teammates. Both she and Knifton note that the biggest misconception of rowing is that it’s not an arm sport but a leg sport.

“It’s all about the quads,” Holderness says. “Legs are the main source of power.”

Knifton’s veteran status allows

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her to view rowing not as a power sport but as a technical sport.

She highlights how rowing is not a sport that requires athletes to start from a young age but goes on to detail how developing a strong, good technique is essential.

“It’s a pushing sport,” Knifton emphasizes. “It’s about getting as much power (as we can) from our legs.”

Both student-athletes note that the university takes pride in its athletic department. As a result, they are given priority in class registration and helped by personal trainers, nutritionists and chiropractors to help ease the pain of being an athlete in a demanding sport.

Rowing is not a sport that many people associate with UT, much less when it comes to the Texas Longhorns. Still, Coach O’Neill and the reigning NCAA Championship team have made a name for themselves and left a legacy to share with Austin and the state of Texas. afm

APRIL MAY 2022

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2020

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HOWLER BROTHERS Based in Austin, Howler Brothers is a designdriven, men’s outdoor apparel company. Started

by Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian, the company was created to produce high-quality clothing and swimwear that celebrates the style and tradition of watersports. The heart and soul behind their clothes are rooted in being in the outdoors — whether you’re in the water, on the boat or sitting around the fire. The company name was inspired by the call of one of the loudest North American animals, the Howler Monkey, as Heard and Stepanian often encountered these sounds while on their surf trips to Costa Rica. To learn more or browse through their clothing and swimwear collection, you can check out their website: https://howlerbros.com/.

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TYLER’S Though it originally started in Tyler in 1978, the Texas-based store TYLER’S has grown to encompass eight brick-and-mortar stores as well as an online website. They aim to create products where families and friends can enjoy an active lifestyle together. Their store offers not only more than 350 brands but also their iconic TYLER’S tees, worn by Texas and tourists alike. TYLER’S also organizes a 21-mile paddle boarding fundraiser called TYLER’S Dam That Cancer, which raises money for the Flatwater Foundation — an Austin-based nonprofit that supports those diagnosed with cancer to have access to mental health support. They also support many local schools and organizations within the community. You can check out more about them as well as their clothing and swimwear on their website: https://www.tylerstx.com/.

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SOLEIL SWIM Handmade in Austin, Soleil Swim offers simple, seamless swimwear that is hard to find. Just like that little black dress, finding your everyday staple bikini is difficult to come by. With its high-quality fabric and elegant colors, the local brand works to provide Austin with the look and fit they desire. Soleil Swim’s seamless fit and design are all you need this summer. To purchase your summer bikini, visit their Instagram @soleilswim.us. Custom orders are available.

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MEET OUR 2022 SWIMSUIT MODELS: BROOKE PARKER – Personal Trainer and Fitness Cover Model Makeup: Jena Abbanato @jenaaartistry Hair: Cris Coleman @dolcesalonaustin COVER: Animal Print Two Piece - Soleil Swim PAGE 29: Green Two Piece - Soleil Swim

JIM NETTLES – Owner of FRAME™ PAGE 29: Reflection Blue Deep Set Boardshorts - Howler Brothers PAGE 31: Aqua Haze/Coral Buchannon Boardshorts - Howler Brothers PAGE 38: Boardies® Men’s Fresh Prince III Shorties - TYLER’S

BIANCA KHARAS – Owner of Soleil Swim PAGE 29: Animal Print Two Piece With Halter Top - Soleil Swim PAGE 36: Blue Two Piece - Soleil Swim

MICHELLE MADRIGAL – Fitness Trainer, Model and Actress PAGE 30: Snakeskin Two Piece - Soleil Swim PAGE 32: Jungle Two Piece - Soleil Swim PAGE 37: Women’s Beach Riot Celine One Piece Oriole Orange - TYLER’S

COURTNEY OLDHAM – Real Estate Broker PAGE 32: Brown Two Piece - Soleil Swim PAGE 37: Raisins Women’s Anya Reversible Bikini Top + Raisins Women’s Printed Lowrider Reversible Bikini Bottoms - TYLER’S

FRANCIS NWOLISA – Account Executive PAGE 33: Billabong Men’s Sundays Ladyback Boardshorts 17" Spearmint - TYLER’S PAGE 37: Vissla Men’s Fist Bump 17.5" Ecolastic Boardshorts - TYLER’S PAGE 38: Party Pants Men’s Pool Fool Shorts - TYLER’S

KATI EPPS – Owner of MyBody GX PAGE 35: Vitamin A Women’s Eclipse One Piece Swimsuit - TYLER’S PAGE 39: Black and White Print Two Piece - Soleil Swim A big thanks to Austin Rowing Club and Retro Boats for making this Swimsuit Issue possible. Thank you to TYLER’S, Howler Brothers and Soleil Swim for providing swimsuits for our models. Thank you to those who submitted to model for this year’s issue.

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Wakeboard Like a Pro

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AFM got to have a conversation with JB O’Neill, an Austin native and professional wakeboarder.

AUTHOR LANDRY ALLRED

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AFM: What first drew you to wakeboarding?

O’Neill: I did all sorts of sports when I was a kid — soccer, basketball, a little bit of football in middle school, and it was really fun. But around the age of 12 (or) 13, everyone starts hitting puberty. It took me till 15 (or) 16, so I couldn’t keep up in a sport where I had to run fast. Everybody started surpassing me. So I started wakeboarding because it doesn’t really matter.

You have to be strong, but it’s more about coordination.

When it comes to tricks, JB O’Neill has plenty of them. As a professional wakeboarder, O’Neill is on the water most days in the summer, having fun and trying new techniques.

Born and raised in Austin, O’Neill started wakeboarding in 2004 when he and his dad tried it out on a boat that was not made for wakeboarding. Over time, as they continued to practice, O’Neill improved his skills and people started to notice him, offering to sponsor him. For the past 18 years, he has competed in many competitions, even winning a few local ones.

Though now O’Neill doesn’t compete as much, he dedicates most of his time to producing regular video content for his YouTube channel — a hub for all things wakeboarding. He hopes to bring more eyes to the sport. Today, he splits his time between wakeboarding on Lake Austin or Lake Travis and at cable parks such as Quest ATX. When he’s not wakeboarding, he plays video games, hangs out on the boat, skateboards and bikes.

AFM had the chance to speak with O’Neill about his experience and career wakeboarding.

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AFM: What was your journey like to become a professional athlete?

O’Neill: From the beginning, it was all about having fun, but eventually, my dad signed me up (for) a wakeboard contest (hosted by) a local boat dealership in Austin. I went, and I looked really young. I think I was telling people I was nine or something, joking around because I’m very sarcastic. I was probably 14 when I started. Some guy at the contest was a rep for a board company and was like, “Hey, I want to sponsor you.” I didn’t believe him. Then, my parents ended up talking to him, and he was for real. So we got on a little board deal.

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AFM: What do you keep in mind while wakeboarding?

O’Neill: I don’t think about much when I go. I just try to do a bunch of different tricks. If there’s a bunch of new people on the boat, (I) try and go really big to satisfy the people on the boat as well as myself. I try to have a good time. Even if I’m not running so good, it doesn’t really matter because, at the end of the day, we’re just out goofing around on the water.

Since that happened, I felt like if someone’s sponsoring me, maybe I should take this more seriously. I started trying to progress and learn more tricks. At that point, whenever I started improving and getting better at wakeboarding, I almost took it too seriously. I got really mad a lot of the times when I rode and (would) just be really angry if I didn’t ride the best I could or if I wasn’t improving. That’s good for progressing, but I’ve reached a level where I’m pretty satisfied. I still like progressing, but now I’ve gone back to the whole “having fun” thing, just learning tricks here and there, and staying on the water a lot.

AFM: What techniques do you share with newer wakeboarders?

O’Neill: Everyone wants to try so hard, or they’re trying to swim while just floating there. If it’s someone fully new to the lake, I’ll tell them to just sit there because they’ll be trying to float, but they don’t realize they’re wearing a life jacket — they’re already floating.

Or I would tell someone knees bent, arms straight, stand up super slow, and that’s pretty much it. If you’re pulling on the handle or trying to be really strong, it’ll make it a lot harder.

AFM: Do you have a favorite place for wakeboarding?

O’Neill: I have two favorite places. One is Lake Austin, but every winter until COVID started, I would go to the Philippines. In Naga City, there’s a cable car called CWC, and it’s the best wake park in the world.

The weather’s always good, and it costs nothing to be there. You can hang out there for six months, essentially spend nothing and wakeboard every single day.

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DON’T TAKE THINGS SO SERIOUSLY. I WAS ALMOST TRYING TOO HARD TO WHERE IF I JUST CHILLED OUT A BIT AND BECAME FRIENDS WITH TEAM MANAGERS AND MORE PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY, THAT CAN HELP A LOT.”

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AFM: What is the most common mistake people make when they’re starting to wakeboard?

O’Neill: The most common mistake would be by people who are really strong, like big, muscular football-type people. They’ll try so hard to get up, and they fail super hard. If you just chill out and relax, the boat or the cable will pull you up. You’re never going to beat a 450-horsepower engine. You have to find the balance between the power of the boat and yourself.

cable park has (its) own crew, so you can show up and there’s a solid 15 people there every single time, and you’ll get to know all these people around the world.

AFM: What is the hardest part about wakeboarding?

O’Neil: Now it’s going pretty good, but if I was trying to do it as a career, the hardest part would be getting budget from sponsors so you can actually live out this dream because it is really hard to get to that point. Before I had sponsors that were supporting me, I’d be eating ramen noodles every day trying to make a daily budget of eight bucks. I would ride a scooter everywhere, and riding on other people’s boats and having to chip in gas is expensive. So it’s very difficult without rich parents or something like that. The hardest part was finding people (who) believe in you and help you with a budget to do this dream.

AFM: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned through your journey wakeboarding?

O’Neill: Don’t take things so seriously. Six years ago, I was trying so hard to get sponsors and build this dream. I was almost trying too hard to where if I just chilled out a bit and became friends with team managers and more people in the industry, that can help a lot. Obviously, you still have to be good at the sport, but you also need to build relationships.

AFM: What does wakeboarding mean to you?

O’Neil: I don’t really know what it means to me, but it’s pretty much my whole life. After the age of 14, that’s pretty much all I’ve ever thought about and (was) trying to get good at it. I don’t know how to say what it means to me exactly, but it’s kind of everything. afm

AFM: What’s your favorite thing about wakeboarding?

O’Neill: Just having friends on the boat and enjoying your time with other people. That’s the best thing about it. I’ve met a million people along the way. Every

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Chad Dyer

IS DIY SUNSCREEN A BRIGHT IDEA? n Homemade sunscreen may not be the safest choice, but there are numerous options from stores that should fit your needs.

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ummer is here and with it comes sand hiding in between your toes, freshly squeezed lemonade and beach time trends. One trend that has made its way into the limelight is DIY sunscreen. Now it may be impossible to combat elusive sand or to perfect your lemonade recipe, but protecting your skin from harsh sunlight is as easy as a trip to any general stores.

You may hear more people talk about DIY sunscreen — how it can be a vegan or an organic option to protect your skin — but is it safe? In short, making your own sunscreen,

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as attractive as the idea sounds, is not guaranteed safety from the harsh rays produced by the sun.

“One formulating their own sunscreen is not worth the risk of the consequences of a bad sunburn,” says Dr. Emily Wood, a board-certified dermatologist from Westlake Dermatology.

Unfortunately, the oils typically used in DIY sunscreen lack vital traits that make sunscreen such a good deterrent for sunburns.

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Know the Label

DR. EMILY WOOD

COURTESY OF DR. EMILY WOOD

Sunscreen labels have some complex ingredients and acronyms that can make them feel like they’re written in a different language. It’s helpful to break down some terms to know.

For starters, sunscreen is typically measured by SPF, aka sun protection factor.

Wood says that SPF measures how much UV radiation-protected skin can withstand compared to unprotected skin. For instance, SPF 50 can protect skin 50 times longer in the sun compared to unprotected skin.

UVA/UVB refers to ultraviolet rays, which cause the damage you actively avoid when in the sun.

Wood recommends aiming for something with SPF 50, as it blocks out roughly 97% of UV rays.

When sunscreen claims to be “broad-spectrum,” this means it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays.

“UVB rays are largely responsible for pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths,” Wood says. “While UVA rays contribute to aging and the breakdown of collagen.”

A large misconception is that sunblock is just another word for sunscreen, but it’s actually different. Wood says sunscreen is a chemical that absorbs sun rays protecting your dermal layer while

sunblock rests on top of your skin to physically block the sun’s rays.

It’s common for most products to have both sunscreen and sunblock.

By understanding the labels, and therefore understanding what ingredients should go into sunscreen, you can better know what to look out for.

“I prefer a mineral-based sunscreen that includes zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide,” Wood advises. “These offer the most broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.”

Lather, It’ll Get Rinsed, So Repeat

Putting on sunscreen can be tedious, especially trying to get all the hard-to-reach areas, but your skin protection is worth the hassle. Even if you’re not getting in the water, you naturally perspire, so Wood recommends reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day.

She advises applying sunscreen every two hours and even more frequently if you sweat or get in the water.

“Sunscreen washes off, even if the product is considered ‘waterresistant,’” Wood says. “(Also), keep in mind that even on cloudy days, there is significant UV radiation present.”

According to Wood, most adults don’t apply an adequate amount of sunscreen, so aim to use about a shot glass worth for each application.

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Alternative Protection Methods

You can protect your skin beyond sunscreen by wearing accessories like hats, sunglasses and shirts.

“When looking for a good sun hat, look for a hat with a 4-inch brim so the ears and nose are protected,” Wood says.

Wood says to make sure your sunglasses can block 100% of UVA/ UVB rays as the sun can damage the surface of your eyes. Investing in clothes with SPF 50 protection is also a wise choice.

“Most people do not realize a regular T-shirt only offers sun protection of about SPF 5,” Wood says.

Beyond clothing, Wood says you can also take supplements to help fight against the sun’s rays.

Find supplements that contain polypodium leucotomos, like SUNISDIN and Heliocare, for added protection!

Keep in mind that these supplements aren’t supposed to be a replacement for sun protection but rather an added layer of defense.

The Perfect Fit

Although DIY sunscreen may not be the safest option, just know that your luck hasn’t run thin. Wood points out that affordable, effective sunscreen does exist.

Whether you are trying to avoid sunscreen with oxybenzone or needing something for sensitive skin, trying new products or speaking to your dermatologist can help you find the perfect match! afm

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

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Kara Reynolds

HYDRATION INNOVATION n Here are some alternative ways to

stay hydrated this summer rather than carrying a jug of water everywhere.

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f you’re sick and tired of cold weather, look no further — summer is finally here!

Changing temperatures mean you can dehydrate more quickly. Letting yourself get too thirsty can have adverse health effects. Here are seven sneaky ways to stay hydrated this summer.

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You can find plenty of commercial versions, many of them weighing in with as few as 10 calories per pop.

However, you can also add a nutritious twist when you DIY. You can soak fruit in water overnight before adding a natural sweetener like monk fruit. The process imparts many nutrients from the fruit into the water without adding extra calories. You can also find plenty of recipes for popsicles online that weigh in at less than 100 calories apiece.

Eat More Fresh Fruit

Summer means that certain fruit comes into season, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Some of your favorite refreshers can help you keep hydrated. For example, watermelons are 92% water and low in calories, letting you indulge in your heart’s desire while slaking your thirst.

Some plant-based foods go even further to help keep you healthy in the summer. For example, peaches are another hydrating fruit. They also contain high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant your body converts to vitamin A. This substance is vital for protecting your skin from sun damage, helping you prevent wrinkles.

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Summer’s high temperatures can make even the chilliest beverage warm before you can enjoy it. While you might tolerate lukewarm water when parched, it doesn’t invite the kind of regular sipping that keeps you hydrated.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: freeze your water bottle. You can even use the rate it defrosts to remind you when to sip.

Enjoy a Popsicle or Shaved Ice

Summer means all things frozen become delightful. You can enjoy flavor and hydration from indulging in popsicles or shaved ice. Most of what you consume is water, and the coolness of the food could help drop your core body temperature if you feel overheated.

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Freeze Your Water Bottle

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matters — green, black and white varieties from the Camillia Sinensis plant contain some caffeine.

Herbal teas, conversely, have none. However, they can address various health issues. Folks with anxiety might gravitate to passionflower and lemon balm, while new mamas hoping to increase their milk supply opt for fenugreek.

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Eat More Salsa

North America’s friends south of the border know a thing or two about staying hydrated in the heat. Upping your salsa consumption helps slake thirst in two ways. One, it usually contains oodles of tomatoes, which have an impressive water content of over 94%.

Another way salsa slakes your thirst is by making you crave the wet stuff. If you like it spicy, you know one way to cool your tongue is with a refreshing beverage.

As long as you make it non-alcoholic, you’ll increase your hydration quotient. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, and it’s best to avoid it in the heat.

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You tend to drink more through a straw than by sipping. The explanation may be nothing more than you’re not worried about spilling your beverage all over your blouse by chugging too fast, letting it dribble.

If you’re skeptical, try an experiment. Use your straw with your water bottle for a day and watch how quickly you find yourself making those bottom-of-the-barrel slurping noises.

Wake Up and Slake

Do you keep a glass of water on your bedside table? If so, why not add a twist of lemon and chug that puppy as soon as you wake up? According to the Cleveland Clinic, doing so wakes up your digestion and provides a healthy dose of antioxidants to boot.

Are you in the habit of skipping breakfast? If you follow a periodic fasting eating pattern, you might.

However, you can still drink as long as you avoid solid foods. A morning glass of OJ or milk starts your day with hydration.

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Use a Straw

Dehydration becomes more of a danger in the summer. It can lead to adverse health effects like headaches and nausea, robbing your focus ability.

However, you don’t have to turn into a camel to meet your daily liquid quota. Use the seven sneaky ways to stay hydrated this summer. afm

Swap a Coffee for Herbal Tea

Fortunately, you don’t have to give up your morning go-juice. Although coffee is a diuretic, it would take five or more cups of high-octane stuff before you start to dehydrate from excess consumption. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t increase your overall hydration levels by swapping one cup for herbal tea.

Keep in mind that the variety of tea you choose

Kara Reynolds is the founder and editor-in-chief of Momish Magazine, an inclusive parenting magazine filled with parenting hacks, advice and more to keep your beautiful family thriving.

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Dafne Villanueva

SUMMERTIME HORMONES EXPLAINED n Check out what a local holistic doctor has to say about

hormonal changes in the summertime and what to do about it.

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How Does Summertime Affect Hormones?

ummertime is for ice-cold drinks, ocean water views, fresh fruit and chips, but it’s also a time of change. Due to the cruel Texas summers, many have to change their skincare routines and what they wear.

However, people might be unaware that their bodies also undergo changes, particularly hormonal changes.

First, let’s cover the basics of hormones and their role in the body.

One study shows a pattern among hormones during the changing seasons. The body has effector hormones, which are constantly working to balance out the body.

In the winter and spring, these hormones are at their highest. Our bodies also have upstream regulating pituitary hormones, which contribute to our bodies’ overall wellness. These include cortisol and are at the highest level in the summer, which triggers the sequence of bodily hormonal events and releases for the rest of the body.

So what does this mean? Cortisol, for example, is a stress hormone that aids in the control of stressinduced increased energy and attempts to restore equilibrium and blood pressure. Cortisol peaks in the summer, which indicates that people are more stressed during this season. In the winter and spring, hormones for reproduction, development, metabolism and stress adaptability are at their highest levels, indicating that our hormones are more balanced in this season and perform better together.

According to another study, cortisol levels are highest in the summer and gradually decrease throughout the day. In the evening, levels lower to maintain healthy sleeping patterns. This also shows that our stress is higher throughout summer.

What Are Hormones?

Hormones are tricky. They are the body’s chemical messengers, and they play a big part in how the body reacts to various stimuli. In addition, hormones respond to changes in our environment, especially seasonal changes, which impact metabolism, development, reproduction and sexual function.

Hormones are produced by endocrine glands, which are specialized cell groupings. The principal endocrine glands are the pituitary, pineal, thymus, thyroid, adrenal and pancreas. In addition, both men and women generate hormones in their testes and ovaries.

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What Do The Experts Say?

COURTESY OF INFINITY WELLNESS CENTER

frozen, fruity cocktails or more beers at the lake Austin-based Dr. Tenesha Wards D.C., can disrupt hormones.”

A.C.N. has taken a holistic approach Wards advises her to health, nutrition and wellness clients to start with specialization ranging from fatigue to liver detox, as the liver G.I. and womens’ hormone issues preis where unbalanced and post-menopause. hormones originate.

When asked what people should When the liver is do when experiencing a hormonal properly repaired, imbalance during summer, Wards first the rest of the body’s notes that we should first get to the imbalanced hormones root of the problem and ask ourselves are usually balanced why the body is compensating and why DR. TENESHA WARDS as well. She also notes one hormone may be overpowering the that exercise and stress other. management such as “It could be a lot of things; it could be talk therapy, art therapy or even walking play a role from an outside source,” Wards says. “There’s a lot of in creating a routine that can keep your hormones in places you can get excess estrogen, including hormones check. and our meat. Or your body’s producing too much (of a hormone).”

Bringing It All Together Wards notes that people tend to be less stressed The studies show that certain hormones peak during in the summer as they travel and get more vitamin D the summer and, according to Wards, these hormonal from spending time outside. However, because of this, changes may be due to breaking routine and basking in people’s routines are interrupted, which means their the summer routine. hormones also get interrupted.

While summer is a time for fun activities, it’s also Wards suggests that sticking to a sleep schedule that essential to take care of oneself, especially when it allows for six hours or more of sleep is essential for comes to our hormones. Since cortisol peaks in the hormonal regulation and balance. summer, this could indicate that one should stick to a “I see (in) the summertime, people get out of routine routine year-round and maintain a good sleep schedule and their sleep is off,” Wards says. to allow the body to heal and help manage what we put Summertime in Austin means the lake, parties and into our bodies. afm late nights for locals, and Wards sees the consequences of such actions when routines are disrupted.

“I often see people drink and eat more sugar because they’re going to parties, so that can disrupt the hormones — eating and drinking out of a routine,” Wards says. “So you could even say something like

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Aja Webber

SUMMER SELF-IMAGE n If you struggle with body image

issues, summer can be difficult, but there are ways to feel confident in your body this summer.

A

Austin, says she has struggled with body image issues in the past.

“I’ve always been tiny; I’ve been a string bean for most of my life and dealt with body image issues because of that. I still do, to this day,” Thomas says. “It’s mostly from anxiety so I just try to shoo it away.”

Along with body image struggles, Thomas has found it difficult to find swimsuits and clothing in her size, which can make loving her body even harder.

Aside from weightfocused issues, there are other forms of body image issues that can negatively impact mental health as well. Austin curve model Tina Rich has felt confident in her body but has had insecurities surrounding her skin.

“Having acne and oily skin has been a struggle,” Rich says. “But, in a way, I think my oily skin helps keep me looking youthful.”

KEVIN DEAL

lthough it might not be talked about a lot, many people struggle with body image — especially in the summer. With diet culture telling you how to get a bikini body paired with the unreliable sizing of clothing and swimsuits, summer can be a difficult time for a lot of people.

Summertime means wearing less clothing to avoid overheating, but this can pose a challenge for those who have body image issues. According to the National Organization for Women (NOW), 53% of 13-year-old girls struggle with body dissatisfaction and that number rises to 78% by the time they turn 17.

Muriel Williams, a licensed eating disorder counselor, explains that summer can be triggering for people with eating disorders and body image issues.

“At the beginning of the year, everybody is like ‘new year, new me.’ That’s typically when everyone starts dieting and trying to get their summer body,” Williams says. “Summer months are notorious for having the most stress on people when it comes to body image.”

Even models who set expectations for beauty find it hard to consistently keep a positive mindset. Meredith Thomas, a model for the Brown Modeling Agency in

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RICK D. JONES

IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE PLUSSIZED OR A CURVE MODEL — IF YOU SEE AN OPPORTUNITY, TAKE IT.”

Even though both Thomas and Rich have dealt with body image struggles, they emphasize the importance of staying positive and not comparing yourself to others.

Rich says you just have to push through adversity and never give up.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re plus-sized or a curve model — if you see an opportunity, take it,” Rich says.

“Don’t let your size, race or the way you look stop you from doing what you want.”

Hanna Vogt, a therapist at Austin Counseling and Nutrition, explains that although anyone can struggle with body image, some people may be more susceptible.

She says teen girls and transgender people can have a tough time with body image, as puberty can be especially hard for these communities. However, Vogt says there are things you can do to help prevent these issues.

Although self-care is always important, it is especially necessary when you aren’t feeling good in your skin. Vogt explains that self-care isn’t just about eating healthy and drinking water, but rather how you feed yourself emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

Vogt also emphasizes the importance of preventative therapy. She says many people think they must be in

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crisis mode to seek help, but that is far from the truth.

“In our larger healthcare system, we have resources that are proactive as well as reactive, but most types of therapy are solely reactive,” Vogt says. “You don’t have to go to therapy when you are extremely depressed; you can go at any time to work on yourself.”

Body positivity has been more prevalent recently, but for some people, Vogt says body neutrality is a more reasonable first step.

“For my clients, I would love for them to get to a place where they love their body, but that can be hard for a lot of us,” Vogt says. “If that feels like too big of a step, try to get to a place where (you) feel neutral about (your) body. Instead of criticizing your body’s appearance, think about all of the ways your body serves you throughout the day.”

One of the most effective ways to feel more comfortable in your body in the summer is to find clothes that fit well. Though both Thomas and Rich have had trouble finding brands with clothes in their sizes, they share their favorite size-inclusive stores.

For plus-size clothing or clothes made for curvy bodies, Rich recommends Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Cato, Forever 21 and JCPenney. As a petite model, Thomas recommends Alice + Olivia as well as H&M. Although the summer months aren’t always easy, it’s important to check in with your body. Feeling good mentally and physically is more important than trying to get a “bikini body.” Staying cool and finding clothes that make you feel confident are key to having your dream summer. afm

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

FITNESS AUTHOR

Therese Vonesh

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sean Berry

THE FRONTIER OF GRAVEL RACING n Gravel racing is growing in

popularity, and Red Bull cyclist Colin Strickland was one of those who brought light to the sport in the U.S.

I

t takes unique and extraordinary individuals to push a sport so far in one direction that a new niche is uncovered — and that certainly was the case with gravel bike racing. You’ve heard of cycling and mountain biking, and perhaps even BMX racing, but what about gravel racing?

Colin Strickland is one of those unique and extraordinary individuals who brought attention to the sport of gravel racing in the U.S. Born in Johnson City and now a current resident of Austin, Strickland grew up with his feet glued to a pair of bike pedals.

“Bikes were a huge part of my life,” Strickland recalls.

“I never really owned a car; I grew up in town. I could get where I needed to go with a bike.”

After graduating from UT, Strickland worked for five years as an environmental consultant, while participating in local bike races on the weekends. That’s when Strickland began to not only win but win the right races. At this point, he did not yet see biking as a possible career path. For Strickland, racing was just a hobby.

Strickland’s drastic shift into a professional racing career was a matter of the right races, right connections

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and unexpected wins. In 2016, Strickland became involved with an event called Red Hook Criterium, which is a series of cycle races consisting of riders on specialized fixed-gear bikes with no breaks. Strickland brought home first place from Brooklyn, Milan, London and Barcelona, the four cities where the Red Hook Criterium races were held yearly.

In 2017, Strickland tried gravel racing. By 2019, he had focused all of his efforts on this new racing niche.

He fought his way to first place in Unbound Gravel that

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same year, a 200-mile endurance course and one of the top gravel races in the world. He describes this switch from road cycling to gravel racing as a mix of noticing where the sports trends were headed and just having the most fun.

“There’s still European road racing, for sure,” Strickland says. “That’s still probably the biggest focus of cycling worldwide. But for the U.S., it’s definitely gravel that has stolen the show.”

Strickland attributes gravel racing’s increase in

popularity to its more relaxed nature and more scenic rides — people are riding to simply have fun.

But what exactly is gravel racing, and how does it differ from other forms of cycling? Using mountain biking and road cycling as a reference, Strickland explains that gravel racing has more in common with road racing because it’s a social sport. However, when considering the terrain, gravel racing is more similar to mountain biking.

“In mountain biking, you don’t get a lot of advantage

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n FITNESS

from riding near or in someone’s draft,” Strickland says. “Whereas road racing is all about groups of people moving around each other because of the wind. In terms of how the race actually moves and flows, it’s more like road racing.”

Training and preparation for gravel races can be intense. Due to the nature of these types of courses, participants could be riding for up to 10 hours, depending on the total distance. Strickland talks about training with a grin and a shrug, though. He says racing is the most beneficial way to train and that a lot of it has to do with recognizing which races matter the most.

“There is no substitute for racing because you go much harder and it’s motivational once you’re in it,” Strickland says. “You need to get race days under your belt before you’re ready for your target races.”

Red Bull has sponsored many bike races in the past but never a gravel race. On May 7th, though, this will change.

Recently, Strickland pitched to Red Bull the idea of them hosting a gravel race in his home state of Texas. Over 4,000 feet up and 30 miles south of Marfa in western Texas, the Chinati Mountains paint dark and jagged shadows across the dry foothills. It’s in these dry and rocky foothills that the inaugural gravel competition, Red Bull Rio Grande Gravel, will take place.

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Experienced and beginner cyclists alike can participate in the race because of the way Strickland helped Red Bull to modify the course through his trial runs and feedback.

“The fun is focusing on making sure everyone has a good time,” Strickland says. “That’s what everyone wants, right?”

Strickland and Red Bull athlete, Payson McElveen, originally had the idea together to bring gravel racing to some of their favorite places in Texas. The two have been friends long before they signed contracts with Red Bull, though. The Red Bull community is truly a unique one, and Strickland has nothing but encouraging things to say about McElveen, who Strickland hopes will recover from his injuries in time to compete in the Rio Grande Gravel race beside him.

“I’m sure he’ll race in May,” Strickland says. “You prepare so much, a lot of people just suck it up and race.

It’s the job.”

For professional athletes like Strickland, racing is their life. It’s not an easy life, but Strickland says it’s well worth it.

“Everything worth doing takes a lot of work and practice,” Strickland says. “If it were easy, then everyone would do it.” afm

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORED BY

ST. ELMO RUNNERS n We collaborate with our local community

PIERCE TOWNSEND

LIA DIVALENTIN

to activate and elevate fitness, health and wellness resources for everyone.

H

owdy, we’re St. Elmo Runners.

Here in Austin, we collaborate throughout the community to activate and elevate fitness, health and wellness resources for everyone. We love to promote and celebrate a wide range of experiences that help support an active community. From running shoes, apparel, training gear, biometric screenings, wellness options to even a yummy taco place, we are energized by being a part of everything that supports an active lifestyle.

The club founder, PJ Thompson, is a RRCA and UESCA certified run coach as well as a Runner’s World Coach and can always be found wearing both a headlamp and the most fashionable branded gear, all while shouting out route

directions. Jamie Pratt, co-lead and Sr. Running Campaign Manager is a Certified Wellness Program Manager with a strong interest in behavior change and is known for sharing moments from her “morning miles” (remember — it only counts if it’s on Strava AND Instagram).

Together, they maintain a weekly midweek run where they prioritize safety and lots of good laughs and conversation. Drop in on the first and third Wednesday of the month at their regular El Chilito Manchaca location at 6:30 a.m. Alternatively, they meet at lululemon Music Lane Store along South Congress on the second and fourth Wednesday at 6 p.m.

As a team they stay up to date on local events and innovative brands, regularly hosting race preview runs, shakeouts and pop-ups around town. In 2022 alone, they’ve already

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partnered with lululemon, Atreyu Running, Patagonia, Brooks, Fleet Feet, Garmin and Asics. With a summer series of run events planned and a busy fall schedule, there is undoubtedly something for everyone, whether you are a multimarathoner or couch-to-all distances runner.

If you are in search of local opportunities, DM them directly at St. Elmo Runners on Instagram, find them at a community event or email at stelmorunners@gmail. com, and they will happily share any and all options for you to get active — and likely throw in some taco suggestions as well.

Let’s all take to the roads and trails with the following mentality, courtesy of Jamie and PJ from St. Elmo Runners: Be a Run Boss. afm IG: @stelmorunners

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

FITNESS AUTHOR

Chad Dyer

THE SPORT THAT SOARS n There is much to learn about disc

golf, from flight characteristics to where to play. Fortunately, the sport is much of what you make it.

D

isc golf has grown to be a popular sport to the point where communities are referring to today as the golden era of disc golf.

The sport can be as simple as throwing a disc around with your friends or as complex as advanced physics and choreography and this range of complexity is why the sport has grown so much in popularity. In fact, the sport has seen over a 55% increase in new players in 2021.

Whether you want something to do while walking your dog or a new hobby to invest time into, this young sport has something for you.

Shannon Mullan, owner of Austin-based disc golf store Disc Nation and former disc golf professional, shares how she first got into disc golf.

“When I first started, I had no idea what I was doing. I played for a year without being educated on

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disc golf because, either way, it’s fun,” Mullan says. “Once I educated myself about the discs and what they did, my love for the sport just took off.”

Seventeen years later and Mullan still enjoys playing!

How to Play

Disc golf rules are similar to normal golf. The objective is to throw the disc into the basket in as few throws (strokes) as possible.

You start by throwing your disc from a tee, and your next throw will be from where your disc landed.

You will repeat this until you

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successfully make the disc in the basket.

Each hole is graded in par, like golf, meaning if you’re on a par three, then you have three shots to get the disc in the basket before your shots start adding against your score. Make it in three, and your score doesn’t change; make it in under three, and your score lowers.

The lower the score, the better!

Breaking the Bank

Disc golf can be a relatively cheap sport to get into. Technically speaking, you can play disc golf with a single disc, but many people

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHANNON MULLAN

suggest having at least three when learning the sport. A disc can cost anywhere between $5 to $30.

If you’re interested in buying any discs, great stores include Disc Nation, Play it Again Sports in North and South Austin, Academy, DICK’S Sporting Goods and even Live Oak Brewing, a brewery that sells locally made discs from Mint Discs.

Types of Discs

Similar to golf, different types of discs do different things. Some discs are drivers for long throws and putters for short precise shots.

A glaring difference from golf,

however, is that each disc requires arm speed from the player to achieve its optimal flight.

“Start low and slow… start with a putter and mid-range and work up to a fairway driver,” Mullan says. “A big mistake I always see new players make is getting a disc that requires too much speed for a beginner, like a driver.”

Though a driver typically has the most distance, for a beginner, it won’t go as far or as accurately as a mid-range or fairway driver.

Mullan recommends the Roc from Innova or Freetail from Mint Discs.

Learning Discs

Understanding how a disc flies is vital when learning the sport.

Most discs will have a set of four numbers on the disc’s face referred to as flight numbers. These numbers suggest how the disc

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should fly and are labeled as speed, glide, turn and fade. Innova Discs created a guide, which explains the more complicated terminology and advanced mechanics of discs in relation to these numbers.

The main thing to know is that most discs are divided into two categories: overstable and understable. Understable discs are typically more beginner-friendly and will give you more distance, whereas overstable discs will be harder to throw but can fly straighter. Fortunately, most discs are labeled either overstable or understable. Of course, you can always ask the store employees for recommendations and further explanations.

Where to Play

Austin has numerous beautiful courses, and the best part is that

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

n FITNESS almost all are free to play. Great courses to check out would be Circle C Metro Park, Zilker Park, Searight Park/Mary Moore Disc Golf Course, Live Oak Brewery and Met Center.

Zilker Park will be more beginner-friendly and great for families, Mary Moore will be for those looking for more of a challenge and Circle C is great for learning as it’s more of an open course.

Tips and Tricks

Before heading to the nearest course, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you prepare.

I highly recommend downloading the app called UDisc. This free app allows you to create easy-to-use

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scorecards and navigate courses using GPS! Beyond purchasing discs, you may want to invest in a bag. There are bags specifically made for holding numerous discs and your belongings.

“You can pick up a nice bag for 20 dollars,” Mullan says. “It makes

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the sport easier on your back and arms.”

Lastly, remember that disc golf is best played with a smile!

“There will always be some frustration in a sport,” Mullan says.

“Trust your technique, have fun and smile — it’s just a game.” afm

PET OF THE MONTH

FEATURED APA’S PARVO PUPPY ICU

Pet

Since 2008, Austin Pets Alive! has been treating parvovirus, saving nearly 8,000 lives. This is all thanks to APA’s efforts with Parvo Puppy ICU, which was created because over 90% of puppies that contract parvovirus without proper treatment will die as a result of the disease. Many puppies come from APA’s rescue partners and need immediate treatment.

Through Parvo Puppy ICU, thousands of puppies have been saved because of APA’s clinic staff, adopters in and around Austin, and the people and companies who donate to the ICU’s work. Just recently, six puppies were adopted on the last day of APA’s push to get parvovirus survivors adopted and another six, including Nola who is pictured, went home with fosters. Within eight days, over 50 puppies were adopted as well as dozens of dogs, kittens and cats.

Austin Pets Alive! hopes to provide every adopted pet with the best preventative health care, and they’ve partnered with Thrive Pet Healthcare to do so. Through this partnership, adopted pets can be enrolled in an annual Thrive Plus membership, having the first six months free. Pets will have the option to get unlimited free exams and other benefits. More information can be found on their website.

If you would like to contribute to APA’s efforts to save the animals of Austin, consider adopting, fostering, volunteering or donating. One way to support the Parvo Puppy ICU is to sign up for their 11th annual Paddle for Puppies event, which is sponsored by Austin Subaru and hosted by Rowing Dock. This event will be held on May 15th, and you can register online.

Let’s keep those tails wagging and hearts happy!

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FITNESS SPONSOR

Orangetheory

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of Orangetheory

WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

WITH ORANGETHEORY

WHAT I S T HE ORAN GE T HEORY WORKOUT ? WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN T HEY COM E T O CLAS S ?

The Orangetheory workout is a 1-hour, heart rate-based, full-body workout for all fitness levels. It is an affordable small group personal training backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).

The workout incorporates endurance, strength and power to generate the afterburn effect – whereby participants keep burning calories for up to 36 hours after a 60-minute workout.

At each Orangetheory workout, you will participate in three different stations: (1) the treadmills or stationary bike/strider (2) water rowers and (3) weight floor.

Coaches demonstrate, motivate, time each station and keep the class flowing, announcing when it is time to rotate stations.

The workout changes daily so Orangetheory is constantly keeping it new and interesting!

n We’re a science-backed, technology-

tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out, giving people a longer more vibrant life.

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You are going to see amazing results: changes in bodyfat composition, enhanced cardiovascular performance and overall health capacity.

It is the best 1-hour workout in the country, and your first class is always free!

WH AT IS IT A B O U T THE O R A NG E THEO RY WO R KOUT T H AT M A K E S IT SO A D D ICTING AND K EEPS PEOPLE C OM ING BAC K ?

People fall in love with Orangetheory because you show up and the program has been designed for you to get results. The coach leads you through the class, motivating and inspiring you throughout the workout.

Whether you are new parent, a student or a retiree, the workouts can be adjusted to any fitness level, and it’s fun!

It is absolutely the combination of three things that keeps people coming back. (1) The care and knowledge of our coaches and the personal attention we offer in our small group setting. (2) The community that forms here is incredible. It helps our members want to be here, stay accountable and be motivated. And lastly, (3) the amazing results people get… not only in the way they look, but also the way they feel.

EXPLAI N T HE SCI EN CE BEHI N D T HE ORAN GE T HEO RY WORKOUT T HAT M AKES I T SO EF F ECT I VE AN D EF F I CI EN T AT GE T T I N G RESULT S. The reason Orangetheory has its name has to do with the heart rate monitor members wear while they work out. The monitor tracks members’ results in real time and they can see which heart rate zone, defined by five different colors, they are currently working in. Realtime, color-coded screens are connected to members’ monitors during their workout. The goal of each class is to spend 12+ minutes at an elevated heart rate level that we call the “orange zone,” which is 84% of your maximum heart rate.

Scientific studies of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) have shown that spending at least 12 minutes in this elevated heart rate “orange zone” creates an effect called “afterburn,” where your body continues to burn calories for 36 hours after the workout is completed.

Because members have numbers and stats in front of them, our members stay accountable to their fitness goals. It is a great and easy way to follow system and the technology tracks your progress!

WH AT M A K E S O R A N G E THEO RY D IFFER ENT THAN OT H E R WO R KO U TS PEO PLE MAY TRY ?

What really sets Orangetheory apart is our heart rate-based interval training. Because you can track your results through our heart rate monitor technology, it helps our members stay accountable. Orangetheory provides a supportive community to help you reach your fitness goals, and the workout is accessible and challenging for people of every fitness level. We take the time to make sure that everyone can participate to the best of their ability and give personalized attention to all our members. We take care to guarantee safe results.

TALK ABOUT A COUPLE EXAM PLES OF HOW ORAN GE T HEORY T RULY CHAN GED PEOPLES’ LI VE S .

There are so many examples of how Orangetheory has truly been a game changer in peoples’ lives. We have had members whose lives we’ve saved after suffering heart attacks, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, all kinds of medical problems, and we’ve helped them lose the weight and resolve all those issues.

Some of our coaches started out as members and have truly made 180s in their lives. Most of our members are women who are looking for a 15- to 25-pound weight loss and men who’d like to lose 25 to 35 pounds in a 6-week program… and we have been getting consistent results over the past 10 years.

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n FITNESS

E X E R C ISING AND TAK ING CA R E O F YO U R P H YSIC A L H EALTH G O ES B EYO ND PHYSIC AL A P P E A R A NC E. IT HELPS W ITH MENTA L HEALT H A ND OV E R A L L W ELL- B EING , W HICH PEO PLE A R E NE E D ING TO G E T BACK TO R IG HT NOW.

We’ve found that the main reason people are giving us as to WHY they come and keep coming to us is not how good they look, but it’s more about how they feel. Don’t get us wrong, they are thrilled with their physical transformation, but more than anything, they feel great on the inside! Internal health often promotes an external appearance, so in other words, if you feel great on the inside, it reflects on the outside! Our full-body workout provides real results after each workout, so our members constantly have a moving target to strive for!

have the different options we do for every individual athlete in class. This helps to keep everyone working their hardest to be their best. No matter someone’s fitness level, coaches make sure to guarantee safe results.

WHAT I S I T ABOUT ORAN GE T HEORY T HAT LE NDS I T SELF SO WELL T O T HE AUST I N LI F EST YLE ?

TH E O R A NG E THEO RY CO MMU NITY ASPECT REALLY SE TS TH IS WO R KO U T A PART. EXPLAIN HOW T HE FA M ILY A ND FR IEND S ATMO SPHER E MA KES O R A NG E TH E O RY SO U NIQ U E, FU N A ND MOT I VAT I N G.

Austin is a very active community. There are all kinds of wonderful outdoor activities that this city offers, and we want our members to feel great, get the most out of life and have the energy to enjoy our beautiful town.

We have over 25 Austin locations and our studios offer over 55 classes/week, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule. You will warmly be invited into the studio, and it will feel like home. Just go to orangetheory.com for more info and try your first class for FREE! afm

The workout is designed for all ages and fitness levels so you will find a wonderfully diverse group here! We’ve built a community that is constantly building each other up and motivating one another. Everyone gets motivation from something different, which is why we

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FITNESS AUTHOR

Sam Hacker

THE BEST FIT

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n Searching for a sports bra can be

difficult but here are some tips to find the best fit from a local bra expert.

S

earching for a sports bra that fits comfortably can be difficult, especially if you’re not sure what to look for.

Kristi Andrews, managing owner of Austin-based lingerie and swimsuit store Petticoat Fair, shares her expertise in finding bras for every body type so you can be prepared for summer with a comfortable sports bra.

That being said, there is a delicate balance between supporting and smashing. Andrews says it is important to search for supports around the ribcage, similar to a corset, as they were precursors to bras. The support from corsets was centered around the ribcage, holding the breast tissue up. A good sports bra will do the same.

Fittings

No matter how perfectly your bra fits, there will always be redness.

Andrews likens bras to a wrist elastic. A loose elastic isn’t much help — you must twist it many times to keep your hair up, and once it becomes too loose, an elastic cannot hold up your hair. However, a good elastic will always leave a red mark around your wrist.

The same concept applies to sports bras. Andrew says many women believe support comes from the straps so if the band feels too loose, they will tighten the straps.

However, this creates a seesaw situation, going back and forth with the straps when, in reality, the bands should be tight around your body. Then, when you have an oversized cup, it only worsens the fitting, as the band should be what’s holding the cup against your breasts.

“The band needs to be snug to hold that bra in place, hold that wire behind your breast tissue and keep everything where it’s supposed to be,” Andrews says.

If breast tissue is spilling out of the sides or top of the bra, then the cup size needs to be bigger. If the band leaves some redness behind, it’s OK.

While you may not always have the time, Andrews recommends getting an official bra fitting. It may be helpful to have someone who can help explain the different types of bras and their purposes. Andrews suggests department stores for fittings if you don’t have access to a specialty store. “(Department stores) have brands that actually have the band and ratio that can help,” Andrews says. “Really anywhere that has an extensive lingerie section (works).”

You can also browse a store’s online lingerie section, as many provide tutorials on getting correct measurements.

Most stores begin fittings by measuring your ribcage, under your breast tissue. Andrews says this is because the band around your ribcage is where most support comes from, not the straps.

Support Not Smash

Andrews says no sports bra will be completely stiff; all will have a bit of a bounce because breasts are tissue. Therefore, they are not firm like bone or cartilage, so they’re bound to move. However, Andrews says this isn’t a bad thing.

“You want (the bra) to be fully encompassing the breast tissue and not just compressing,” Andrews says. “Basically, support — not smash.”

Redness is OK

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Different Types of Sports Bras

Some stores will also offer different types of sports bras.

Petticoat Fair offers three types: low-impact, medium-impact and high-impact.

Andrews says the type of sports bra correlates with the activity. For instance, if you’re doing activities that require a lot of bounce, you’ll need a high-impact sports bra. On the other hand, if you’re doing slowmoving activities like yoga, you’ll need a low-impact bra. Anything in between would be considered medium-impact.

Andrews also says bra wires may or may not be bothersome, depending on your activity. Even high-impact sports bras have wires inside, which help provide structure.

“If you’re doing a lot of stretching, that wire may not be as comfortable because you’re moving your body in a different way,” Andrews says “But if you’re running, you’re not stretching and leaning over, so that wire won’t bother you.”

Better Bras, Better Living

Ultimately, finding the right sports bra can change your fitness experience. Andrews enjoys her job because she’s able to help women feel more comfortable with their bodies.

“With busty women who have had back pain all their life and struggled with bras, and you get them in a good fit (that) lifts their breast tissue, makes their breasts look smaller (and) relieves their back pressure,” Andrews says. “The hugs, the tears at the end — it’s so rewarding.” afm

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

FITNESS AUTHOR

Monica Brant

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KICK MO’S BUTT

Laché Movement Co.

n Check out this month’s edition of Kick Mo’s Butt with Monica Brant doing parkour at Laché Movement Co.

“P

arkour!” refers to a memorable scene from the American TV series “The Office” in which the character Michael Scott performs a clumsy roll over a couch and excitedly screams, “Parkour!”

Does anyone else have a secret passion for watching reruns of this comedy, or is it just me?

My husband and I giggled about this episode of “The Office” when I told him I would be heading to Laché Movement Co. to try out some parkour for this month’s Kick Mo’s Butt session, and I wondered if I would be able to run up walls after one session.

Arriving at Laché Movement was easy, as my GPS brought me directly to the facility and there is plenty of parking. The gym is open and spacious with numerous areas to learn multiple skills.

Coach Eric greeted us warmly and invited me to warm up. We did movements that would loosen up our joints effectively.

After a good warm-up, Eric started me with some easy movements that I could duplicate as his teaching skills were spot on.

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The following are all the skills we worked on and in this order: • Step vaults • Monkey ups • Underbars • Precision jumps • Laches • Parkour front rolls • Jumping down into a parkour roll • Running up the wall with a cat hang to a drop • Running up the wall with a pivot and cat hang to a drop (on a steeper wall) After decently running through all these skills, Eric set a short course for me that I ran through five times. The course was as follows: Box steps to underbar, up and over vault boxes, “wall” to vault and ending with a lache.

My time at Laché reminded me of my American Ninja Warrior training from the past! I loved how I felt moving through the short course and would have enjoyed adding to it.

Following the course, I had an urge to run up the warped wall.

This wall has a top platform that is 17-feet high with two openings to run up to. One opening reaches 12 feet and the other reaches 14

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

n FITNESS

feet. I easily made the 12-foot opening but was not accustomed to turning around and running back down the wall, so I only tried this a few times before moving on. The warped walls I am used to from the past usually have a top that I could climb up and use a fireman’s pole to slide down. But it was still fun to try again, anyways.

Time moved too quickly for me and before we knew it, my session was almost up. Eric decided to allow me some airtime on the springy trampoline — yes, one of my favorite past times!

Immediately, I had to feel out the backflip opportunities, and Eric realized he could show me some different movements that allowed for more twisting and turning. We

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worked on deadfalls, under flips, flip and turns, and stepping off the wall into a deadfall.

I could totally see myself becoming addicted to this training.

It was an invigorating full-body session that left me feeling wellworked but not overly sore.

Eric is a skilled coach who can instruct every step of the way and showcase the movements well, too.

He was patient and encouraging and paid attention to making sure I rested throughout the session when needed. I tend to want to keep moving and forget that

sometimes rest is always needed, especially when you are rolling, jumping and spinning!

Be sure to check out the website for all the classes for both adults and kids. They have levels ranging from one to three and offer group or private lessons. This is a great place to bring your kids to learn body awareness and strength for all ages. And, of course, I encourage all adults to find their way over and give themselves a chance to PARKOUR! You can find more details online.

Thank you, Laché Movement Co. for the great Kick Mo’s Butt session, and maybe I’ll see you on a wall, out and about in Austin someday!

Stay Fit & Love Life, Monica afm

Monica Brant | IFBB Fitness Olympia & International Fitness Cover Model To contact Monica Brant, find her on the following social media platforms: FB: @MonicaBrantFanPage | IG: @OfficialMonicaBrant Official site: www.monicabrant.com (currently under construction)/www.themonicabrantshow.com

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

AMBASSADOR’S CORNER AUTHOR

Sydney Torabi

AMBASSADOR’S Corner EAST AUSTIN ATHLETIC CLUB n Check out this month’s edition of

Ambassador’s Corner with Sydney Torabi at East Austin Athletic Club.

W

hether you’ve been in Austin for a month, a year or are an OG Austinite, you know that East Austin has become a hot spot for amazing restaurants, coffee shops and some of the best gyms in the city.

Today’s spotlight is all about East Austin Athletic Club, which is a gym that focuses on cultivating community through measurable fitness experiences.

The club was launched three years ago by co-owners Tony Ramos and Brendon Fellows, both of who have extensive knowledge in the fitness industry and come from sports backgrounds.

This month’s Ambassador’s Corner is supporting OSD, a nonprofit that helps veterans, active military and their family members to thrive. By working with members of the community, OSD creates and nurtures an environment with the goal to improve our local communities and assist veterans as they transition into civilian life.

Every donation makes a difference in the lives of our military community and their families. Thank you for

MAY 2022

your generosity as we continue to bring awareness and help those in need.

First things first, let’s talk about the kinds of classes they offer and the actual experience! All their workouts are innovative and fun and are customized to focus on specific fitness goals. All of the coaches combined have over 25 years of experience in many different aspects of fitness like CrossFit, Bootcamp, yoga, powerlifting and more! The workouts are designed to focus on building a strong foundation to support long-term fitness goals while pushing you to achieve results and, of course, build confidence in and out of the club.

Being that they have such a wide range of knowledge in the fitness industry, their classes reflect that by providing a few different format styles: Ascend combines strength and conditioning to give you a well-rounded experience while pushing the boundaries of weightlifting and cardiovascular endurance. The goal is to increase your fundamental skills of strength, speed, power, endurance and balance to help you move well and feel good.

Barbell Strength is built for anyone looking to

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Make sure to keep an eye on their social media @eastaustinathleticclub for upcoming events! Every Saturday at 9 a.m., they host a free community workout that’s open to the public, so make sure to bring a friend!

More information can be found on their website.

I had the chance to try a few classes by EAAC, the Ignite and Ascend formats, and honestly loved them both. Not only did I feel welcomed by the coaches but the whole staff and other members in the class were extremely generous in making sure the new girl didn’t feel left out. The photos in this article were taken from the Ignite class, which is my cup of tea since I’m a big fan of HIIT-style training and use it when programming my weekly/monthly workouts.

SYDNEY’S CHOSEN This specific workout just so NONPROFIT: happened to be right after the CrossFit 2022 opening, and if you tuned in or saw some posts on social media, you know about the 22.2 opening workout .

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Let me also preface by saying I’ve been further their skills using a barbell rocking bodyweight home workouts in my while, of course, strengthening their garage for the past two years so any form of lifts. weight training will make me sore as heck and Ignite is the EAAC version of HIIT (Highpush my limits. The class started with working on a Intensity Interval Training) that emphasizes cardio to powerlifting style move, moved to the overhead barbell get your blood pumping using circuits and short bursts squat and finished with the 22.2 opener workout, of intervals. Ambassador Tip: Highly recommend this which was a ladder circuit of barbell deadlifts with class for beginners! burpees… I DID NOT STUTTER! Needless to say, I got Physique is a more traditional strength training my tush handed to me and ended the workout lying on the floor. workout designed to build strong muscles and correct Whether you’re a beginner or fitness veteran, any imbalances. know that East Austin Athletic Club keeps form and The club also offers gentle flow yoga, kickboxing and functionality at top of your mind. They aren’t going boxing classes! to send you off to do a more complex movement if you Beyond the amazing offerings they have for their don’t feel like you’re ready for it and will keep an eye members on the fitness side of things, EAAC also on you to make sure you feel strong and comfortable puts a strong emphasis on community. The entire each step of the way as you build your strength and team is so friendly and loves giving back to the Austin cardiovascular endurance. community and its own members. Building life stories Lastly, if you’re not already hooked, your first two and friendships pre- and post-workout are huge. classes at the club are free! I’ll be heading back soon They’ve hosted events in the past like pub runs, corn to give the other class formats a go and hope to see you hole tournaments, giant potlucks and happy hours at there. afm the local bars.

OSD

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

CALENDAR M AY 2 0 2 2

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Events PECAN STREET FESTIVAL Austin, TX

BROOKS BURRIS

M AY 7-8

MAY 7

MAY 7 - 8

iHeartCountry Festival

The Austin Record Convention

Do you love county music? Luckily, Austin is the home of live music, and that doesn’t neglect country music.

This year, Austin will host its 9th annual iHeartCountry Festival at the Moody Center. You’ll get to see some premium country stars including Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band and Cody Johnson. Tickets can be purchased online.

MAY 7-8

Pecan Street Festival

Since 1975, the Pecan Street Festival is one of the largest free arts & crafts festivals in Central Texas. This bi-annual event is free and open to the public, including over 300 artisan vendors, live music, food vendors, kids rides, street performers and more. It is located on 6th Street and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

MAY 2022

Get ready for one of the largest sales of recorded music in the country! This convention will have over one million vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, posters, collectibles and other musicrelated items. With over 300 dealers from across both the U.S. and Europe, there will be tons to choose from at the Palmer Events Center. Tickets and more information can be found online.

M AY 15

Mimosa Fest

MAY 13 - 14

Texas Whiskey Festival

Come one, come all for this year’s Texas Whiskey Festival. One weekend full of new whiskeys to try and opportunities to meet other whiskey lovers (or novices). There will be over 70 whiskeys to choose from, with 30 distilleries participating in the festival.

The festival will be held outside at Star Hill Ranch, where festival-goers can walk from distillery to distillery. Tickets can be purchased online.

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Three words describe this event: boozy, bougie and brunchy. Check out this year’s Mimosa Fest to embrace your inner mimosa and brunch connoisseur. Live music, food trucks, vendors and other drinks will also be available. The festival will be held at Fair Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are purchasable online.

MAY 26 -29

Hot Luck Festival

This year’s Hot Luck Festival is returning to highlight worldwide famous chefs, rocking shows and special events. Partnering with the Southern Smoke Foundation, Hot Luck is hosting their festival on Memorial Day Weekend all across the city of Austin. Tickets can be purchased online.

SPECIALS

MAY 27-SEPTEM BER 9

6 Months for $399

The Drop-In

Hosted by ACL Radio & the Long Center, The Drop-In is an outdoor concert series that will start toward the end of May and continue throughout the summer every Thursday. Tickets to attend are free, and food and drink specials will be available for purchase at the concert. This event will be held at the H-E-B Terrace off of West Riverside Drive and will feature multiple artists. More information can be found on their website.

ALL MONTH LONG

OR

• • • • •

12 Months for $599

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

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

512.467.7799

www.texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com

EVERY SATURDAY AN D SUN DAY

The Black Hair Experience

This pop-up museum is an interactive selfie museum that celebrates Black hair and Black culture. The museum is located in the Southpark Meadows shopping area and is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the weekends. Tickets can be purchased online, ranging from $30 to $50.

APP EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

Download AFM’s brand new app for exclusive content on all things health, wellness, fitness and Austin.

*Dates and times are subject to changes or cancellation. Check event websites for more information.

APP EXC LUSI V E

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

CALENDAR M AY 2022

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COURTESY OF JAILBREAK BEACH ESCAPE

Rides & Races

JAILBREAK BEACH ESCAPE

M AY 7

MAY

M AY 7

M AY 7

Fairway 5K

McKinney, TX

Mother’s Day Weekend 5K/Fun Run

M AY 1

M AY 7

M AY 7

Jailbreak Beach Escape

Texas Switchback

Girls on the Run 5K San Antonio, TX M AY 1

Waco, TX

South Padre Island, TX

Sunshine Run Austin, TX

MAY 2022

South Padre Island, TX

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Johnson City, TX

FIND YOUR ESCAPE

M AY 1 4

Angels Run for Hope League City, TX M AY 1 5

Sylvan Beach Tri, Du and Paratriathlon La Porte, TX M AY 2 1

Beach to Bay Relay Marathon

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD

Corpus Christi, TX

512-771-2220

CATERING@MAUDIES.COM

WWW.MAUDIES.COM

M AY 2 1

Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon Irving-Las Colinas, TX M AY 2 1

Fight For Air Climb Houston, TX

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD

M AY 2 1 - 2 2

512-771-2220

Austin Spartan Event Weekend

CATERING@MAUDIES.COM

WWW.MAUDIES.COM

Burnet, TX

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD

M AY 2 2

Paragon Splash & Dash

512-771-2220

CATERING@MAUDIES.COM

WWW.MAUDIES.COM

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD

San Antonio, TX M AY 2 8

512-771-2220

ASCO Spartacus Dash

CATERING@MAUDIES.COM

WWW.MAUDIES.COM

Belton, TX

M AY 2 8 - 3 0

ROW I N G K AYA K S PA D D L E B OA R D S G U I D E D TO U R S

The Texas Triple Dallas, TX M AY 2 9

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD 512-771-2220 CATERING@MAUDIES.COM WWW.MAUDIES.COM austinrowing.org EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD info@austinrowing.org

Badass Texas Waco, TX M AY 3 0

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD CapTex Tri

512-771-2220

Austin, TX

74 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701 CATERING@MAUDIES.COM WWW.MAUDIES.COM

CE TASTES GOOD M AY 3 0

Memorial Day 10K/5K 512-771-2220 CATERING@MAUDIES.COM Houston, TX

WWW.MAUDIES.COM KS

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EXPERIENCE TAST

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WWW.MAUDIES.COM

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