Austin Fit Magazine - September 2019

FILMMAKER

BEN MASTERS PG. 24

THE WOMEN OF

WAKEBOARDING PG. 40

M E N TA L H E A LT H &

THE OUTDOORS PG. 54

SEPT 2019

The Outdoors ISSUE

AUSTINFITMAGAZINE.COM

All Eyes On Muny The past, present and unknown future of Lions Municipal Golf Course

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September 2019

THE GOOD STUFF

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THE FATE OF LIONS MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

24 A MASTER OF THE OUTDOORS SEPTEMBER

62 WOMEN WAKEBOARDERS 6

2019

FALL FIT VILLAGE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21ST 3-6PM

BREWERY TOURS, BEER SPECIALS, RAFFLES AND A FIT VILLAGE! FREE WITH RSVP ON EVENTBRITE

Contents Editor’s Letter 10 Digital Content 12

HIGHLIGHTS

Exposure 13 Strength & Stretch Guide 46

Events 78 Races 80

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ADOPT-A-CREEK

54

MENTAL HEALTH AND THE OUTDOORS

66

BODY BUILDING

NUTRITION

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

FITNESS

Recipe 14 Natural Sweeteners 16

Ben Masters 24 Austin Treehouses 28

Micro-needling 52 Wellness FAQ 58

Social Cycling 62 Trail Running Shoe Review 70 Workout 74

SEPTEMBER

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2019

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Architecture & Urban Design Digest

From the Editor Maybe that’s why Austin has so many happy people.

We’re an outdoor-loving city, and the landscape provides plenty of opportunity for it. We have hiking trails, rivers, creeks and green spaces open for the public. Who wouldn’t want to be here?

One of those green spaces is Lions Municipal Golf Course. If you’re not familiar, Lions Municipal (AKA Muny) is a public golf course west of Downtown, and it’s also the topic of this month’s cover story. There are people who want to see it preserved, and there are also people who want to see the land developed. No matter which side you’re on, the course is loved by many and is rich in history.

This story required a lot of outreach and research, as well as the challenge of ensuring fair and balanced reporting. My writer, Meara, did a wonderful job and I’m thrilled to see it published. You can read it starting on page 32.

Following the Muny story on page 40, we have an article about the women who broke into the male-dominated sport of wakeboarding and made an inclusive group for women wakeboarders.

Along with those two stories, this month we have a profile on environmental filmmaker Ben Masters who directed “The River and the Wall,” a documentary that premiered during SXSW in March, as well as stories about the Adopt-a-Creek program and Austin Treehouses. And of course, going back to what I talked about at the beginning of this letter, on page 54 we have an article covering the connection between being outside and the positive impacts it has on our mental health.

My only request is that you read this month’s issue outside.

“THE MORE TIME I SPEND OUTDOORS, THE MORE HAPPY OF A PERSON I AM.”

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love the feeling of walking barefoot in cold, soft grass. There’s something about reconnecting to the earth through touch that is good for my soul.

Just being outside in general is a huge part of how I take care of my mind. Whenever I begin to feel anxious, stressed or agitated, even just a 10-minute stroll around my block instantly improves my mood and helps me reset my thoughts. The more time I spend outdoors, the more happy of a person I am.

I’m sure many people can agree with me on that — and also science, because evidence shows being outside is good for our mental health.

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Keep Austin Fit,

Kat Barclay EDITOR

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2019

#KEEPAUSTINFIT CEO | LOU EARLE PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE

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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.

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10 REASONS YOUR WORKOUTS AREN’T RETURNING RESULTS

FISHING

MENTAL HEALTH

in Austin

SEPTEMBER

Column

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2019

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHER: SANDRA MCCRORY

Exposure

L O C AT I O N

Lady Bird Lake

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

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

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Fitzsimmons

SEPTEMBER 2019

Recipe Try this slightly spicy and tangy shrimp entrée for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

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2019

JALAPEÑO ORANGE SALAD Servings: Approximately 4 cups

INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small red onion, diced 1 garlic clove, minced 1 jalapeño, seeds removed, minced 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Juice of one orange 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped P R E PA R AT I O N 1. Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium high heat.

2. Add red onion to skillet and sauté until slightly soft. Add minced garlic, jalapeño and red pepper flakes.

Cook for one minute.

3. Add the orange juice, shrimp, and tomatoes to the skillet and cook until tomatoes start to soften and shrimp is cooked throughout.

4. Remove from pan and add chopped cilantro.

NUTRITION Calories 219 Protein 32 grams Carbohydrates 8 grams Fat 4 grams Sodium 692 milligrams Fiber 1 grams Serving Size: 1 cup Did you know?

According to research by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, has shown amazing anti-cancer potential, stopping proliferation of several cancer cell types (including breast, lung and endometrial) in a variety of laboratory studies.

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Emily Effren

OUR SNEAKY, SUGARY ADDICTION Too much sugar could be potentially dangerous to your body… but what about sweetener?

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fter some time in the health and wellness community, we have picked up on the ingredients to stay away from: a.k.a. the ones that are hard to pronounce, are big red flags and trigger your brain to put the product back on the shelf and walk away. Things like high fructose corn syrup, potassium benzoate, aspartame, sucralose, saccharin…the list goes on.

It’s not news that Americans love sugar. We run on sugar. Our country is branded with staples like Coke-a-Cola, Nestle and McDonalds that have taken over

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the Western world and even influenced our culture. Yes, an occasional chocolate or ice cream is delicious and okay in moderation, but sweets all too often can lead to more than just weight gain.

“The amount of sugar consumed in America has increased our perceived threshold for sweetness to the point where eating a whole fruit is not enough to satisfy a sweet tooth,” says wellness specialist and deli liaison of People’s Rx, Kimberlee Springer.

What happens when we eat our favorite sweet foods too often? One of the most common outcomes of repeated spiked blood sugar is

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diabetes. According to Medical News Today, “Persistent high blood glucose levels can lead to complications of diabetes, including nerve damage, vision loss, kidney damage, kidney problems and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”

Satisfying a sweet tooth may be more dangerous than you think.

In addition to diabetes, a diet with relentless, copious amounts of sugar can lead to cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, Springer says.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 9.4 percent of the United States has diabetes. In addition, diabetes was

2019

found in 2015 to be the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. “Sugar is addictive for some people.

Consumption of sugar elicits a dopamine response in the brain which makes us feel pleasure,” Springer says. “Similar to nicotine or other stimulants, refined sugar has been shown to alter the structure of specific neurons in the brain responsible for memory and emotions after excessive long term consumption.”

The fight-or-flight response, which happens when we have high blood sugar levels, impacts cortisol, epinephrine, dopamine and insulin and can even alter the synthesis of our sex hormones, Springer says.

Furthermore, excess sugar can, over time, even affect someone’s epigenetics, which causes a change in the expression of genes related to specific

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

NUTRITION metabolic processes, Springer says.

“It is constantly in our face as consumers. Even in health food stores you will find it beside the checkout counter,” Springer says.

Our sweet tooth also may have something to do with the way our body metabolizes fructose and glucose, Springer says. As glucose is required for the proper function for our cells within the body, when consumed, it stimulates the release of leptin, which is a hormone that causes us to feel full. However, fructose can only be metabolized by the liver and will not trigger the hormone, leptin. Therefore, when we consume fructose, we will not have the feeling of being full, Springer says.

“It’s making America sick,” Springer says.

As it is a good (and necessary) idea to limit the level of sweets in our diet, sometimes we all just need a little, quick fix. Fortunately for

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us, there are some alternatives that will not spike blood sugar.

An alternative to artificial, nonnutritive sweeteners, Springer says monk fruit (also called luo han guo) is a great alternative, because it is naturally calorie-free and does not spike blood sugar levels. In addition, stevia, which is made from the stevia rebaudiana plant, is another satisfying, more natural option.

In addition, more natural options include coconut sugar, raw honey, dates and blackstrap molasses but, of course, should be consumed in strict moderation.

Even though we can find ways to substitute our sweeteners and sugars, Springer says although it can be challenging, it is best to cut out sugar from our diets.

“Natural sweeteners do not necessarily make a good alternative for people with diabetes,” Springer says, “If it does not spike the blood

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sugar, it is fine, but there are some natural sweeteners that impact blood sugar in the same way as refined cane sugar.”

All in all, sweeteners and sugars are an addiction that can lead to many health complications if left unaddressed. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, flip over that intelligently marketed and fun-colored box of your favorite snacks and see if it contains ingredients that will fuel your sugary addiction.

“Sugar alternatives are just a giant band-aid for one of the nation’s biggest addictions and won’t eliminate cravings,” Springer says, “If you want to eliminate sugar, the best plan is to substitute whole fruits when you get a sweet tooth whenever possible, and if it is going to be a sustainable change, it will be a slow process.”

So, when life gives you lemons… maybe skip the lemonade, and just add some lemon to your water instead. afm

2019

EXPERIENCE TASTES GOOD 512-771-2220

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Haylee Reed

PHOTOGRAPHY

Adopt-a-Creek Program

ADOPT-A-CREEK Keep Austin Beautiful creates a volunteer program to help preserve local waterways.

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s summer begins to come to a close and fall creeps around the corner, you may be trying to soak in your last days in the sun and enjoy your favorite outdoor spots while you can. Whether it’s paddle boarding down Lady Bird Lake and trying not to fall in, or wading in the cool streams of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Austin is home to a number of stunning outdoor destinations.

However, as a city that also boasts thriving urban areas and a booming population, it’s no wonder that Austin struggles to keep many of these outdoor spaces clean. In

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fact, the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department estimates that they themselves remove 250 tons of trash every year directly from Lady Bird Lake — not to mention the 6,500 tons removed annually from Austin streets. And that’s not even all of it.

But that’s where the Adopt-aCreek program comes in.

Going into its 14th year of work, the Adopt-a-Creek program — which arose out of a partnership between Keep Austin Beautiful and the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department — engages citizens in making a lasting commitment to protect local waterways.

“Both ourselves as an

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organization and the Watershed Protection Department have this kind of shared vision of creating safer, more enjoyable access to water for everyone in Austin, and we were kind of contemplating, how do we build that stewardship with its citizens?” says Sierra Cashion, the program coordinator.

“The Adopt-a-Creek program lets people foster that love and that stewardship and help us reach that goal of creating more water access.”

But why creeks?

While other environmental programs have already taken off, such as Keep America Beautiful’s Adopt-a-Highway and Keep Austin Beautiful’s Adopt-a-Street, the

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Participants range from retired biologists to students looking for volunteer opportunities.

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

LIFESTYLE

special thing about Austin is that we have about 25 major watersheds containing over 100 creeks.

Considering the majority of these creeks eventually drain into the Colorado River, Cashion says this program is the easiest way to make a big impact before the problem becomes out of our reach.

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“All litter eventually will reach a source of water,” Cashion says. “So, if it’s not picked up and taken to a landfill, it’ll be in the streets, and when it floods, it’ll move its way down into a creek, and then if it’s not picked up in the creek, then it goes into the river and eventually into the ocean.”

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Considering many of the city’s most treasured communal recreation spaces are focused around waterways, Adopt-a-Creek gives Austinites the ability to help the trash issue in a hands-on way. By adopting a creek, volunteers commit to “adopting” a one-fourth mile of an Austin creek for at least two

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“

two miles of creek.

But today, 14 years later, the program ALL LITTER EVENTUALLY WILL REACH A SOURCE has 112 Adopt-aCreek groups and OF WATER. SO, IF IT’S NOT PICKED UP AND three to four thouTAKEN TO A LANDFILL, IT’LL BE IN THE STREETS, sand volunteers a year, now covering AND WHEN IT FLOODS, IT’LL MOVE ITS WAY 55 miles of creek.

DOWN INTO A CREEK, AND THEN IF IT’S NOT “We remove 35,000 pounds of PICKED UP IN THE CREEK, THEN IT GOES INTO litter every year, THE RIVER AND EVENTUALLY INTO THE OCEAN.” and we plant at least 12,000 trees and native plants every year, which is really aweyears. In addition, adopters are some. It’s definitely grown exporequired to conduct at least two nentially so far,” Cashion says. events per year — however, Cashion Seeing the progress already says some groups hold up to 60 — made and looking forward to the as well as complete restoration future, Keep Austin Beautiful has projects in an effort to reduce the high hopes for the program’s conamount of trash entering creeks, tinued growth and lasting impact improve water quality and restore on our city. Cashion says she habitats along waterways, accordhopes for the program to hit 150 ing to the program’s website. groups over the next three years.

“These can either be litter pickup, If you love our city and want or we’ve also expanded into Riparian to give back to its environment in restoration. This could be removing a tangible way, don’t hesitate to any sort of noxious weeds or invagather up a group of friends, famsive plants. This could be planting ily, classmates or coworkers and trees or wildflowers or doing grass take the next step to adopt a creek. feed for the native grasses,” Cashion If you’re interested in checking says. “Other than that, all we ask is out a project and getting a feel for that they submit a report on behalf the program, the Adopt-a-Creek of the project. That way, we can help website features an extensive voltrack all of those numbers to reach unteer calendar where you can find new, bigger goals.” upcoming events and projects. Or, With adopters ranging from if you’re ready to go all in and adopt retired biologists who have been a creek yourself, you can submit an in the field for years all the way application on the program webto young students who are simply site and use the interactive adopter looking for volunteer opportunimap to see which creek areas ties, the Adopt-a-Creek program is are ready to be adopted. Cashion accessible and achievable for anysays there are currently about 60 one who’s willing to help. The more unadopted areas. volunteers, the greater the impact.

“Of course, we’ll never be able Since its beginning in 2005, to hit every mile,” Cashion says, “... this impact has grown beyond the but I’d love to see groups working creators’ wildest imaginations. in every inch that we can.” afm During its first year of existence, Adopt-a-Creek only had three volunteer groups, covering just under

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Emily Effren

PHOTOGRAPHY

Courtesy of Ben Masters

A MASTER OF THE OUTDOORS Conservationist and Austin local Ben Masters talks about creating his award-winning film, The River and the Wall and his passion for the outdoors.

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f you picture a classic, chilled surfer dude mixed with some southern, West Texas charm, you have successfully captured the spirit of Ben Masters.

A born and bred Texan, it’s easy to pick up hints of his southern accent just before getting thrown off by his west coast-like, laid-back vernacular of “rad” and the dropping of the occasional f-bomb.

After being born in Amarillo, Texas, Masters attended Texas A&M University to study wildlife biology where he began to notice a communication problem. Instead of going out into the field to simply do research, Masters decided to pursue

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film, because he knew it would reach a larger audience. Ten short films and two feature-length documentaries later, his success is blossoming, and you could say it’s just the beginning.

“In my opinion, films are the most powerful form of media, because you see something, you hear something, you can feel something and you’re able to convey — the essence of the subject in a manner that’s more authentic and more powerful than still photography, writing or poetry,” Masters says.

Growing up around animals, namely horses, Masters developed a passion for the outdoors.

“The most important thing is wildlife and wildlife habitat,”

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Masters says, matter-of-factly.

“That’s like trying to explain gravity or something — it just is.”

A filmmaker, photographer and as of now, the owner of a brand new GoPro (“I’m getting into underwater cinematography,” he says), Masters has seamlessly woven his passion for storytelling with his passion for wildlife biology to create a medium to educate as well as entertain: film.

“Some of the topics that we do, you know, the films that we make to cover them will likely be the biggest form of media that they’ll ever have covered on it,” Masters says. “So, there’s a lot of internal pressure on my end to create a film and to create art that is both

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entertaining and beautiful, but also factually accurate.”

“It takes a ton of time to get to know a subject intimately,” he adds.

While researching mountain lion dispersal patterns and lifestyle behaviors in West Texas, Masters started to explore the idea of the issues that would arise from one of the most famous promises of the 2016 election: the building of the wall.

“I was like, holy shit,” Masters recalls, “Like, I’ve never thought about this before, but that’s gonna affect wildlife.”

It didn’t take long for Masters to get the ball rolling on his next project.

Spending four months along the

Texas-Mexico border, Masters created his first feature film to direct: The River and the Wall. While travelling alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation’s Jay Kleberg, filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade, biologist Heather Mackey and expert of the Rio Grande Austin Alvarado, Masters and the group explored the border by bike, canoe and his all-time favorite mode of transportation, horses.

Before making The River and the Wall, Masters made another documentary film, Unbranded, in which he and three friends tame and ride wild mustangs from Mexico to Canada.

“The world is so rad,” Masters says. “A horse allows you to, like,

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magically float through a landscape and observe how freakin’ awesome the world is.”

As Masters’ favorite thing in the world is to explore a new area on horseback, travelling along the border on horseback was a necessary experience for him.

“I wanted to go and see all of it, but also, I really loved the Rio Grande,” he says, placing a hand on his chest. “I’ve worked on it as a kid. I spent years of my life within 50 miles of the border, and selfishly I wanted to go see, you know, this huge watershed and amazing river before a big, 30-foot high wall is built along its bank and completely changes that landscape forever.”

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

LIFESTYLE

After meeting with biologists and landowners, Masters found that the building of such a barrier would impact more than just the people passing through it, but it would tremendously impact the ecoregion as well. The building of the wall meant the interruption of wildlife dispersals, migrations and access to water and desert, he says.

Released at the beginning of May, the film was a huge success. The River and the Wall even won the Louis Black “Lone Star” Award at the South By Southwest festival here in Austin.

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“I wasn’t really expecting to win anything, so honestly I was kind of shocked,” Masters says. “I mean, yeah, it felt really fucking good.”

It’s safe to say that Ben Masters doesn’t stay in one place for too long. Even during our FaceTime interview, Masters keeps himself busy walking around his house, going outside and even unboxing a new GoPro. “The thing I love most about Austin is that we have urban greenspace,” he says while walking outside.

“Just to be able to leave your home and be able to walk to a place that has a trail and where you can then just experience the natural world and walk around and not be surrounded by,” he paused, thinking, “vehicles.”

Masters says he thinks that being outdoors and having the opportunity for seclusion is something that humans naturally crave because it’s how we evolved.

“We did not evolve inside of little caves where you can go and, like, hit a switch and remain at a constant temperature,” he says.

As much as he enjoys Texas, Masters says he dislikes how 97 percent of Texas is not open to the public. Masters prefers the western states where there are public lands and that people have the ability to find that seclusion.

“I don’t know if I’m going to live in Texas full time

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or not, just because I like the ability to roam the earth without having to run across a gate every 500 yards to beg people for the combo,” Masters says.

Of all the places in Texas, Masters claims the “holy grail of Texas adventures” are the lower canyons of the Rio Grande. When I asked where his favorite place was outside of Texas, Masters mentioned a certain state but wanted to keep it a secret.

“I don’t want people to go there,” he says jokingly, “So, let’s talk about how great Colorado is.”

Drawn to the west because of it’s endless opportunities for adventure, Masters admires how many of the western states are open to the public and how anyone can go out and explore. He even referred to them as “outside playgrounds.”

“To me, that is just an appeal I find terribly difficult to resist,” Masters says.

In addition to film, Masters’ passion for wildlife is reflected through his photography. When I asked what had originally gotten him into photography, Masters answered, looking seriously into the camera, “Razer phones, just like everyone else.”

He laughs, “I’m just kidding.”

Even though Masters loves to indulge in the occasional joke, his sincerity is apparent when discussing the film and the political conversation that arises from it. While creating The River and the Wall, Masters says he felt a certain heaviness while documenting the area, since their images and video could end up being an archive of what the border looked like before a 30-foot concrete wall was built through it.

“That was pretty sobering to be on that journey,” Masters says.

Since the film’s release a few months ago, some of the areas that they found and documented have

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since had a wall built through them, dramatically changing the landscape of the border.

“I just wish people would take a minute and really think about it, you know, research the subject,” Masters says.

There are serious, long-lasting consequences that come with the building of the wall that could be life changing for both Texans and the wildlife that depends on that area, Masters concludes.

“I think that films can be a very powerful tool for change and for education, and that’s what attracts me to it,” Masters says. afm

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Haylee Reed

AUSTIN TREEHOUSES

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t’s safe to say every kid’s dream is to have a treehouse of their own — a place where they can climb between the branches, play among the treetops and let their imaginations run wild. Luckily, a local treehouse construction company is making this dream a reality, and they’re going above and beyond.

However, for Rob Soluri, president of Austin Treehouses, building treehouses wasn’t exactly part of the plan. After being a custom builder for almost 30 years, working primarily with residential

A local treehouse company builds eco-friendly spaces for people of all ages.

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Building a treehouse versus a regular home comes with a new set of challenges — mainly not having having a concrete foundation.

Setting a base and attaching the house to the tree can be one of the most difficult parts during the building process.

construction, Soluri never thought treehouse construction would become part of the picture — nor that it would become his career.

Nevertheless, in 2006, Soluri was approached by his middle son’s elementary school, who asked if his construction company would be willing to make a donation to the school’s live auction.

After tossing around some different ideas, Soluri landed on the idea of donating a treehouse.

“The night of the auction was a lot of fun,” Soluri says. “It went on the live block, and there were these two different families that just kept bidding on it and bidding it up and bidding it up, and basically, all that money got raised for the school.”

In fact, the school raised more money just from the treehouse than it had from any other auction item in previous years — but that’s not even the best part of the story.

The bidders who ultimately won the treehouse — a local family who Soluri later became close friends with

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— had a 7-year-old son with autism who had a huge passion for climbing trees. Worried for their son’s safety, the parents wanted to create a space for him to play and foster his love of nature, and what better gift to give him than a treehouse of his own? So, Soluri and his team went to work and built the treehouse in the family’s backyard — a project that Soluri says was both wonderful and rewarding.

Little did Soluri know, this one treehouse would grow into something so much bigger.

“After that, everybody started calling me to build treehouses for them, and I said, ‘No, no, no, I don’t build treehouses. I’m a builder. I build houses,’” Soluri says. “We just kept getting all these requests for treehouses, so we started building a couple just for the fun of it, and my guys loved it — I loved it.”

Thus, Austin Treehouses was born.

However, after primarily building residential homes, jumping headfirst into building treehouses was no easy feat. While it may be easy to assume that the construction process is largely the same, building a treehouse comes with new challenges and requires a different way of thinking.

“The way you support a treehouse — the foundation — I would say is the biggest distinguishing factor,” Soluri says.

“When you’re building a house, you can put concrete down on the ground and do all kinds of reinforcing. We don’t always have that benefit when we’re building

“We just kept getting all these requests

“

for treehouses, so we started building a

couple just for the fun of it, and my guys loved it — I loved it.”

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

LIFESTYLE

Austin Treehouses has made two houses for the Make-A-Wish foundation.

20, 30 feet up in the air.”

Soluri says one of the most challenging parts is setting the base and figuring out how to attach the house to the tree. If the tree is swaying in the wind, then the house has to move with the tree, or else the tree could potentially crack the house. On top of that, you also have to keep the tree in mind, making sure that the house can attach without damaging the tree and still allow the tree to grow. But once the treehouse is attached and the foundation is structurally sound, the sky’s the limit — and after taking just a glance at

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some of the treehouses on their website, it’s safe to say the sky’s the limit for every project Austin Treehouses takes on.

While there are a handful of treehouse construction companies in Austin, Soluri says Austin Treehouses is unique, because they want the construction process to be extremely organic, flexible and creative. Instead of limiting the

client to cookie-cutter treehouses and rigid restrictions, Austin Treehouses builds completely custom designed treehouses — ranging from magic treehouses to Tom-Sawyer-themed treehouses to pirate-themed treehouses.

In fact, some of their treehouses are even liveable. Waterproof, built with air conditioning, featuring a bath and kitchen, solar-powered and fully sustainable, these treehouses are far from ordinary.

But perhaps one of the most distinguishing features of Austin Treehouses is their desire for the client to interact not just with the treehouse, but also with the tree.

“We’ll always do a creative way to get up into the treehouse, meaning they have to touch the tree or duck under a branch, or they have to climb on the tree in some cases,” Soluri says.

It sounds like every kid’s wildest dream.

However, treehouses aren’t just for kids anymore — they’re also for the kids at heart. While many of Austin Treehouses’ projects are for children, Soluri says the clientele seems to be getting older and older.

“You’d think a treehouse would be geared toward an 8-year-old or a 12-year-old,” Soluri says, “but...the moms and dads are saying, ‘Hey, we know our kids are going to outgrow this in 10 years — we want to be able to use it and make sure we can get up into the treehouse with a glass of wine and a cheese plate and watch the sunset.’”

Serving both kids and adults alike over the past 13 years of being in business, the company has seen tremendous growth and opportunity, working with a variety of clients and projects, including a couple for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Soluri says.

One of these projects in particular happened back in 2016, when

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a boy from Lakeway, Texas, asked Make-a-Wish for a wheelchairaccessible treehouse. Seven-yearold Hayden Trigg was born with spina bifida, which severely limits muscle coordination and makes movement extremely difficult.

“This little boy had gone through more in his short life than most people have gone through in three lifetimes,” Soluri says. “He was confined to a wheelchair and had really bad prognosis, and he just dreamed of being able to be in a treehouse.”

Determined to grant Hayden’s wish, Make-a-Wish partnered with Austin Treehouses and went straight to work. While building a wheelchair accessible treehouse is no easy task, Soluri and his team ended up constructing a 65-footlong ramp leading up to the treehouse, allowing Hayden to wheel himself up to the house and enjoy his wish come true.

“I saw his mother, Adrienne Trigg, about six months ago, and she came up to me and said, ‘We have had more meaningful family time up in that treehouse, and he still loves it...She just welled up in tears when she saw me, and I did too, because it was such a nice project,” Soluri says. “It’s those kinds of projects that make this business fun.” afm

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

A U T H O R Meara Isenberg P H O T O G R A P H E R Brian Fitzsimmons

Historical photos courtesy of Austin History Center

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ALL EYES ON MUNY

The past, present and unknown future of Lions Municipal Golf Course

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Lions Municipal Golf Course, a muchloved public course in West Austin, has an uncertain future.

L Municipal Gold Course Club House with lion statue in foreground, 1937

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ions is an 18-hole golf course that spans 141 acres just west of downtown along Lake Austin Boulevard. Those who golf at Lions say they appreciate its setting, atmosphere and nearly 100-year history.

The course sits on land owned

by The University of Texas but is operated by the City of Austin.

The city leases the golf course property from the University.

Lions’ current lease is set to expire in May 2020, and with ongoing discussions taking place between the City and University regarding its future, it’s unclear what lies ahead for the course.

“We’re in the dark,” says Erik Lopez, manager and head golf instructor at Lions. "Anytime you're working with state and city — it seems like we probably won't know much until the very end.”

The UT System's Board of Regents has previously contemplated leasing the Lions property for commercial and residential development once the course's lease ends. This has led many Austinites familiar with the course to become passionate about its preservation.

Most recently, the University has said it is working toward finding a solution that continues to use the land Lions sits on as a golf course. But during this in-between period for the course, nothing is certain.

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A BIT ABOUT LIONS

The Lions course, more affectionately called Muny, is part of the Brackenridge Tract — 350 acres of land donated to the University in 1910. The Lions Club leased a part of the tract from the University in 1924 and converted it into a public golf course. In 1936, that lease was transferred to the city.

Muny is recognized as the first municipal course south of the Mason-Dixon Line to be desegregated and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.

It is the most popular municipal course in Austin, says Lopez.

Lower: A tree near Hole #8 at Lions Municipal Golf Course sporting divots due to years of being hit by golf balls.

U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E I S S U E

The UT System’s Board of Regents, the System’s governing body, has for years contemplated leasing the Muny property for residential and commercial development, according to the Austin-American Statesman.

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Austin Women’s Public Links Golf Association at Lions Municipal Golf Course, 1966

The University’s agreement to lease Muny to the city has been extended over the years. In 2011, the Board voted against renewing the city’s lease when it expired in May 2019.

At the time of that vote, the Board said that revenue from leasing the land for commercial and residential development would benefit the University’s Austin campus, the Statesman reported.

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However, much has changed in the years since 2011. The University decided in February of this year to extend the city’s lease again, to May 2020.

UT spokesperson J.B. Bird said in an email that the University aims to “come up with a plan that is mutually beneficial to the city and UT and that continues to use the Muny tract as a golf course.” In May, the University offered to sell the course to the city for $110 million.

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W H E R E T H AT L E AV E S T H E C O U R S E T O D AY

What will happen to Muny remains to be seen. Alison Alter, City Council Member for District 10, which includes Muny, said in an email that the city is in active negotiations with the University to preserve the land used for the course for future generations.

Alter says saving the public space has been one of her top priorities since she took office.

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rather than develop it. However, he also expressed the University’s current selling price of Muny to the city is steep.

“That's a lot of money to fork over for a golf course,” he says.

E F F O R T S T O “ S AV E M U N Y ”

There are multiple initiatives currently aiming to help preserve the course, including Save Muny, a grassroots organization that started in 1973 and reformed around the time the University voted to end Muny’s lease in 2011.

Save Muny has advocated for the course’s preservation and kept news surrounding the course’s status in front of the public over that time.

Save Muny member Steve Wiener says that for many years, the group talked to both UT and the city looking for a solution that would preserve the course, but the City of Austin's capabilities of doing that have been limited.

He says he thinks that at this point, the best way to preserve the course would be for a group of people, a conservancy or other entity, to buy the course from UT. “That way they've taken care of their financial responsibilities of being stewards of that land,” says Wiener, who is also involved with the Muny Conservancy, a group that intends to purchase the course from the University and continue to run it as a golf course.

“In my mind, the negotiations are not simply a real estate transaction, but involve choices that profoundly affect our cityscape, our ability to preserve our history and our access to beautiful open spaces in the decades to come,” Alter says.

The city currently leases the golf course property for around $500,000 a year, according to the Statesman. In 2018, UT President Greg Fenves told the newspaper

that he puts the fair market lease value of Muny at about $6 million a year.

Alter could not comment to AFM on how the city was considering the $110 million sell offer from the University, as city and University negotiations are still ongoing.

Lopez, who has worked at Muny for seven years, says he thinks the University would prefer to get a certain value out of the Muny property and preserve the course,

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A CO M M U N I TY CO N VE R S AT I O N

Many members of the Austin community would like to see the course preserved. Among them is Bill Kasza, who’s played at Lions since the 80s.

Kasza says he’s become very familiar with the course over the years, and he knows others who have played at Muny for much longer.

“There are 80-year-old men who AU S T I N F I T M AG A Z I N E

Austin citizens lobbying to save Lions Municipal Golf Course’s 144 acres on Jan. 4,1973. This was the start of the grassroots organization, Save Muny, that is still working to preserve the course today.

have been coming out here since they were a child,” he says. “It’s more than a golf course to the golfers.”

Similar perspectives aren’t hard to find.

“It’s a staple of Austin,” says Texas State student Emmitt Ousey, who has played on the course since high school. “I think if this was something else, you wouldn’t get the benefit that this course has right now.”

Dede Hurson, a newcomer to Muny, also wants to see the course preserved. She picked up golf about two months ago and says she likes the atmosphere that a public course provides.

SEPTEMBER

“It’s not like a country club atmosphere,” Hurson says. “It’s more laid back and relaxed.”

Wiener says the course is short, challenging and very beautiful. He thinks there are many things that make the course special, from its setting and history to its affordability. ”Overall, you get a great feeling when you're there on that property, and you get the feeling that it would be a travesty to lose that golf course,” he says.

These are not the only conversations about the course taking place, however. Other Austinites argue there could be better uses for the

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land the course sits on.

Austin resident Jack Craver says Austin is in a housing crisis, and that the city needs affordable housing and market rate housing more than it needs a municipal golf course.

"It's very hard for people of modest means, for low income people, for middle class people to afford to live in Austin,” Craver says. “We need to be able to provide housing for as many people as possible.”

Craver, who runs a newsletter about Austin politics, says exclusionary zoning laws in many central

neighborhoods and West Austin neighborhoods prevent the type of housing that is accessible to people of low, moderate and middle incomes.

“If we're ever going to become a more integrated city that is accessible to people of different levels of incomes, when we have a piece of property like that, we need to take advantage of it and put housing there,” Craver says.

Morris Green grew up playing golf at Muny. Now a real estate agent, he says he understands arguments both for and against the

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course’s preservation.

However, he says that he thinks the land the course is on could serve a better purpose than just housing the golf course — whether it’s instead used for affordable housing, public parkland or to benefit students at the University.

“I just don't think it needs to be an 18-hole golf course,” Green says.

“It needs to be open to change and adapting to what our city needs now.”

Until more is known about the future of Lions, deliberations will continue. afm

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

M A L E - D O M I N A T E D

N O T ,

C A N

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T H E S E

——

A N D

S P O R T

A U S T I N - A R E A

W I L L

——

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O R

W O M E N

S H R E D .

2019

n e m o W

W A K E B O A R D E R S O F

A U S T I N AUTHOR

A L I S H A

M C D A R R I S

P H OTO G R PA H E R

B R I A N

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F I T Z S I M M O N S

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

n e m o w r u o Three or f . . . k c o d e th n o d n a t s or rest on benches nearby, boards in hand, waiting for three or four more to swing by at 19, 20 mph, ropes in hands, knees bent as they prepare to attempt a back-five or a 360 off a ramp.

As they do, the women on the dock cheer and chant encouragements as their comrades land perfect tantrums or skim across the water for the very first time. And on the launch pad, a click so soft you might miss it if you weren’t paying attention, announces the catch of another rope, and with it, one more determined woman launches onto the lake.

These are the women wakeboarders of Austin, the female shredders, and they turn up for the sport and for each other — a family, a community of athletes supporting one another. At Austin’s cable parks, the women who love the sport are banding together to support each other, learn from one another and simply spend time together in, on or near the water, rope in hand, feet in bindings.

They do it because water sports like wakeboarding are frequently dominated by men, especially where competition is concerned, and they want to remedy that by showing women and girls that this sport is for them, too.

Many of these confident women didn’t have that experience when they got started.

For some, there was a struggle of insecurity when they looked up and saw a sport lacking in female presence. Questions arose: Was it a sport in which they were capable of excelling?

Was there a place for them in it? “‘Is this even something girls can do?’” wakeboarder Valerie Masterman questioned when she first started riding with her brother five years ago.

“It was scary,” she says.

The sense of empowerment was always present — embodied in experienced female athletes encouraging the next generation — but that empowerment wasn’t evident in the numbers. For one, prize money for women who make podium in competition is typically less than that of their male counterparts.

And the women’s division of some competitive circuits is lacking. But for those who

SEPTEMBER

just participate in the sport for fun, it’s often about a much simpler number — It seems like there are far fewer women involved than men, and that can be a daunting realization.

“It’s hard for a woman to get into a male-dominated sport,” says Masterman. “It helps to have another girl cheering you on.”

Which is why she joined — and is now board captain of — the local Babe Shredder chapter, a radical community of rebel females who tear it up on a board, whether it’s on the water, pavement or snow. The organization is about promoting women in all board sports, including wakeboarding. It’s an inclusive, respectful atmosphere that aims to bolster women’s confidence and encourage them to laugh in the face of new challenges.

“It’s a very female-positive group,” Masterman says.

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2019

“Everyone has a similar mentality of cheering each other on.”

And for many women, encouragement is all they really need.

Masterman found her place when she stumbled upon the Babe Shredder community at Quest, a cable park in Austin. This community has helped her and others work through fear of being too weak or incapable of wakeboarding, or being the only ones with dreams of shredding it on the water.

Ashley Taber also found support in the community when she started wakeboarding — and competing — five years ago. With their

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

encouragement and support, Taber now travels around the country competing and feels that same love and support wherever she rides.

“No matter where you go, girls are supportive,” Taber says.

Women from the Texas A&M Wake Team often join in on ladies’ nights at local cable parks to commune with other like-minded women. Others, like Jen Baker, just ride for the love of the sport and the camaraderie it offers.

“It’s just a really good environment,” Baker says.

It certainly helps that Austin

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offers plenty of places to wakeboard. Also, each of the three cable parks near the city offers a special Ladies’ Night where women — official Babe Shredders or not — can show up and ride at a discount.

Texas Ski Ranch plays host on Monday nights where ladies can wakeboard for free if they have their own equipment (or they can also rent from the park). Next Level Ride in East Austin offers $20 deals to ladies on Wednesdays, and Quest in Southeast Austin invites women to strap in for $15 on Tuesdays.

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“Wakeboarding is an intimidating sport,” says Niki Sotkovski, co-owner of Next Level Ride. “It’s easier when you’re surrounded by supportive women. I wanted to give girls the opportunity to come ride together.”

Men are welcome, however they might be required to don a dress — for solidarity.

It also is a fun way to amplify the message: women wakeboarders are supported in Austin, which is made even more apparent in competition.

Every wakeboard event in Austin hosts a women’s division, which isn’t always the case in every city.

2019

were a girl majority — a first for the park. Also, more women than ever participated in the annual Points Chase competitions this summer across the parks. Milestones like these are creating unparalleled excitement for the future of the sport for females.

But in the meantime, they’ll continue to ride, inviting other strong women to join them — advocating for their community of competitive wakeboarders, athletes with dreams of going pro, women just in it for the thrill of the sport and those who are just starting to learn as they slide into their bindings and clutch the rope for the very first time. It’s a community, a sisterhood and a strong group of athletes, period.

“It’s straight-up girl power.” Sotkovski says.

“These babes rock.” afm But the community is not all about competition and pushing each other to improve — it’s about friendship. After ladies’ nights and a few dozen laps around the lake, anywhere between 5-20 women hover around picnic tables, sharing snacks, drinks and stories.

In the off-season, they go rock climbing together or axethrowing or take yoga classes, continuing the camaraderie throughout the year, which cements the community and the support system they’re trying to build.

“We live in a time when women are supporting women,” says Baker, who rides at Next Level Ride on a near weekly basis. “I feel like Austin has a really good group of women who support each other.”

They’re also out there shredding for the future so the next generation of girls growing up in the sport have the confidence to get out there and ride. Summer camps at Quest this year

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

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StretchLab has two convenient locations in Austin — South Lamar and Westlake. Each location is dedicated to partnering with you on your flexibility journey so no matter what activity you do — cycling, hiking, crossfit or

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Emily Effren

MICRO-WHAT? Rolling microneedles on your face for beauty actually works.

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eedles? For your face? Yes, that is correct...and the outcome can be well worth it. As many of us grew up with the familiar phrase “beauty is pain,” we typically attribute those small discomforts to too-high-heels and the occasional, accidental burn from hair appliances. With tiny “micro” needles sticking out from a small, one-inch roller, microneedling is the latest beauty fad right now. However, its popularity isn’t just from its obscurity — it actually works. Even skincare professionals have utilized this out-of-the ordinary

SEPTEMBER

trend and have also begun offering versions of it as in-office treatments.

Now deemed the “dermaroller,” the microneedling utensil is used by being rolled over the face while its tiny needles sticking out from the roller puncture the skin, creating what is called “micro-trauma.” This micro-trauma stimulates collagen, which is a protein in the body, to rebuild under the skin. This slightly uncomfortable process can promote healing as well as the appearance of firmer, younger skin. Essentially, microneedling is beneficial for people who want to ease/get rid of acne scars, wrinkles, large pores and fine lines. While the process of

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microneedling is not too painful, it can be slightly uncomfortable for those with a low pain tolerance — but the results can end up outweighing the couple of minutes of discomfort.

“Each one of those little puncture wounds is a small micro-injury,” says Dr. Jessica Wright of Rejuvenate Austin. “What that does is each little micro-injury signals your body to get into the wound healing cascade, and that creates collagen and elastin.”

While at-home and in-office microneedling procedures can both be beneficial to the skin, Wright says that an in-office procedure is more productive since the professional devices are more effective at

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puncturing deeper into the dermis.

Dermarollers made for at-home use do work — however, they work in a “micro,” yet still helpful way.

“The difference is with a roller device at home, you’re going to get hundreds of little tears,” Wright says. “In the office, you’re going to get hundreds of thousands of very precise puncture wounds.

Those precise puncture wounds are going to give you good collagen production.”

As dermarollers typically puncture the epidermis (the surface of the skin), Wright says at-home microneedling treatment can still be beneficial for helping skincare products, such as vitamin C serums,

to be absorbed deeper into the skin.

This deeper application of skincare products helps their efficiency, thus helping with a better, faster outcome than if serums were applied without the at-home dermaroller treatment.

According to Medical News Today, in addition to getting more of a result out of skincare products, using dermarollers at home will even “increase blood flow, which may temporarily brighten the skin.” Hello there, fresh-glowing, dewy skin.

Even though the demand for microneedling has increased significantly in the beauty and skincare industry during the last couple decades, Wright says, microneedling has been practiced for many years in

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other types of medicine, such as the use of microneedling on racehorses within veterinary medicine.

“I think microneedling has gotten a lot of buzz in the industry because it works and people see real results,” Wright says.

In addition to healing acne scars and reducing pore size, Wright says microneedling has seen a recent growth in microneedling procedures specifically to help reduce the width and appearance of stretch marks.

As she has clients of all ages, each person who comes into Wright’s office has different levels of collagen production. No matter who you are, as you get older, your collagen production slows down, which is why you lose elastin and develop wrinkles in your skin when you age. Luckily, microneedling helps get that collagen production you need to keep your skin looking young, firm and glowing.

The amount of in-office treatments one needs depends on genetics and lifestyle, and of course, age.

Wright says she typically recommends her clients over 40 years of age to come in for a microneedling procedure four times a year for optimal results. For younger clients, Wright recommends only two or three a year, as younger people have quicker collagen production.

Scared to begin your microneedling experience in an office? Start at home and work your way up to professional procedures. Even though you will get more collagen production out of an in-office microneedling treatment, at-home dermarolling still has significant benefits and will still give you that fresh, daily glow. afm PRO TIP: If you are microneedling at

home, make sure the utensil is clean and sterile. If it is not, you could be introducing more bacteria into your face which could end up resulting in more acne. Keep it clean and happy microneedling.

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

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Monica Hand

TAKE A HIKE Getting up and getting out might give you a better mindset.

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ost keys, stuck in traffic, late for work, forgot passwords, 40 new emails to respond to, etc. With constant bombardment of technology, deadlines and expectations, life admittedly gets a bit overwhelming. Once more intense stressors pop up in life, the box of screens it creates can seem suffocating. But just a few moments outside, recent studies have shown, might just be the selfcare necessary to make it through the rest of the week.

“We’ve lost something in the modern age,” Kathy Boyd says.

She’s a licensed clinical social worker and has her own personal experience in watching the effects of technology take over the mental wellness of individuals. “People just don’t get out and move as much anymore.”

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When was the last time you went outside, just because? Not to take the trash out or walk to your car on the other side of the lot.

In Austin, people seem to be drawn more to outdoor activities, making the response to that question a little more one-sided. But still, trends in a lack of perceived time to get outdoors limits the amount of time that people spend outdoors. In the ever-growing sphere and hectic buzz of urban life, it can seem impossible to keep a balance of concrete and cubicle to green space and fresh air.

Jumping from home to car to bus to the office and back again, it can seem like running around racing an invisible clock leaves no time for self-care.

“It’s become the age of having the best car, the newest screen, latest trend,” Boyd says. “But then we forget to prioritize our own sanity.”

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Ferny Barceló, a licensed professional counselor with her own private practice in Austin, Mind Body Peace, says she now makes “outdoor time” a part of every client’s coping methods.

“Much of the decline in mental wellbeing is due to the fact that we live such unnatural lives nowadays — disconnected from the rhythm of the earth,” Barceló explains. “We need to reconnect with our roots, literally, by going back to a more natural state of life that includes nature in our daily lives.”

But with a natural solution like the outdoors, cities everywhere are taking extra precautions to maximize and protect the natural assets that make the quality of life a bit better than in urbanized areas. Becoming a part of the biophilic city network, Austin is one of the top cities for life in nature

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This need for access and opportunities outside is what makes Austin Parks and Recreation Department now have an even more important job than ever: keeping everyone sane and happy.

“Getting people involved in the outdoors is something very near and dear to me,” says Amanda Ross, the division manager for the Austin Parks and Recreation Nature-Based Programs. “Preservation and awareness are key.”

Many steps they’ve taken to bring the outdoors to the public are focused on educational and enacting programs. These, like the Nature & Science Center, allow people and youth to learn about the various natural assets in Austin and how to use them.

“People have to be comfortable with the outdoors before they can appreciate it,” Ross explains.

“

THE GOAL IS THAT THE CITY IS NOT JUST WITH NATURE, BUT THAT THE RESIDENTS INTERACT WITH THAT NATURE BY CARING ABOUT AND FOR IT.”

and continues to develop more programs to increase the fresh air feel. The biophilic project aims to create cities that are deeply connected and integrated with the wildlife and natural habitats around them, and that’s exactly what Austin is aiming to do.

“The goal is that the city is not just with nature,” Timothy Beatley, the founder of the biophilic network and professor at the University of Virginia says. “But that the residents interact with that nature by caring about and for it.”

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WELLNESS “A lot of that comes from just understanding what things are and why they’re important to the environment.”

The Nature & Science Center focuses on younger generations, helping them to connect with the outdoors from an early age. Petting bunnies, identifying rocks, playing in the creek — all of it is for them to still feel like a part of the environment even in the urban setting.

“Getting kids outdoors is absolutely necessary,” Boyd says. She works with children in Tarrytown, specializing in dyslexia, and notes the importance of those moments

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outside. “There’s a lot of stress that even kids go through, and the outdoors allows them to reset their bodies and their little, emotional hearts.”

Being outdoors has shown to improve focus, creativity and reduce stress, blood pressure and inflammation. So, the benefits of going on a 15-minute walk or hike aren’t just set aside for kids at recess.

“Escaping the chaos of daily life is important for every age,” Ross says. “Then, there’s a space to quiet the mind and turn off all the stressors, even just for a little while.”

The department has plenty of

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ways for every age to get involved, whether it’s volunteering or just participating in one of the workshops or community outreach events — there’s something for everyone to get started and get happy.

Community gardens are a popular way in Austin, as the communal aspect of interacting with others combined with eating your own grown food boosts appreciation for the way the Earth works.

“You’ve just gotta get out, get moving, get breathing and get interacting,” Boyd says. “That’s how you start to work against depression.”

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Stopping at one of the access points for the Green Belt, taking a dip in Barton Springs, laying out on the grass at Zilker or one of the many other parks the city has to offer — it’s clear it’s all crucial to excel in all other aspects of daily life.

“We are mammals who aren’t meant to sit all day in front of a screen and closedoff,” Barceló says, “We were meant to rise with the sun, sleep when it’s dark and to commune with nature on a daily basis.”

After work, rather than sitting in traffic for another hour or so, try changing at work and opting for a walk while waiting for traffic to pass. Nothing major, no strenuous hike, no sweaty marathon, just a walk with some trees and some fresh air. No bosses, no emails, no thoughts of the commute home — unplugged and in nature. afm

LEAVE NO TRACE In order to keep these environments around to benefit mental wellness, be sure to practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: 1. Plan ahead and prepare 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces 3. Dispose of waste properly 4. Leave what you find 5. Minimize campfire impact 6. Respect wildlife 7. Be considerate of other visitors

For details on each step visit:

int.org

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

AFM Staff

WELLNESS

FAQ

EAR HEALTH Austin Fit was all ears as we listened to Dr. Emmy Wu of Capital Otolaryngology inform us about the best way to take care of our sound-sensitive organs.

hat has the biggest effect on our eardrums, and how can we prevent them from being ruptured?

Weather, in fact, has very little to do with the discomfort we may feel in our ears.

Pressure is the biggest cause of change for this specific organ, which is why your ears are sensitive while flying. When you begin to ascend or descend, your ears may start

to feel “full,” because the equilibrium in your ears is trying to readjust. This can even happen if you go up too high in an elevator too quickly! Until the ears have appropriately equalized the pressure on either side, they will have that sensation of a balloon about to burst. In some cases, such as a bad ear infection, the “pop” can provide relief, but in most cases, the pressure relieves itself on its own.

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What causes that distant ringing in your ears?

The most common reason for ringing in your ears could be underlying hearing loss. If you think at any moment

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own. A bacterial infection can be harder to take care of, which is why doctors recommend antibiotics. With the proper treatment, the infection should go away after a week or so. If any pain lasts too long, be sure to come in and get it professionally checked.

this could be the reason, get checked immediately! However, if you went to a wild concert at Stubb’s the night before, chances are your ears are still suffering from a temporary discomfort that is sure to go away on its own.

If you’ve been previously diagnosed with a TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) or have any other issues with your jaw, the connection to your ear drums

can cause pain as well. Lastly, emotional stress can harm even your ears, so make sure you take the time to relax and meditate when you can.

How long do ear infections typically last?

A viral ear infection typically lasts 3-5 days, and like a common cold, you have to wait it out and let the infection heal on its

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What causes fluid to form in the eardrum?

Fluid found in your eardrum could be a number of things — from too much pool time, too much ear wax or side effects of allergies. Do not — I repeat — do not use a Q-tip to clean it out. This is not what Q-tips are meant for, contrary to belief, and they just make a regular checkup even more difficult for doctors.

Most of the time, the feeling of fluid in your ear will go away on its own, but if it lasts longer than a few days or drives you to the brink of insanity, go in for a checkup to find the real problem.

Many patients have chosen to get a cleaning once or twice a year from our office, or you can do it yourself at home with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. This solution also helps with swimmer’s ear, a very uncomfortable pain for avid aquatic athletes. If this is the case, dry your ears by lightly tapping the outside with a towel, wear waterproof ear plugs when possible or use a blow dryer on the lowest setting at least a foot away from your ear.

Any other advice you’d like to share with us, Dr. Wu? No Q-tips! afm

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

GET YOUR HEART PUMPING AT AUSTINHEARTWALK.ORG

LIFE IS WHY SPONSORS

SEPTEMBER

LOCALLY SPONSORED BY

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When the temperature goes up in the summer months, exercising outside can become challenging. Even heat-loving, sun-seeking exercisers can become overheated when the sun is beaming down in the heat of the day.

The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. Kids and teens (ages 6-17) should get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.

But when the temperature goes up, being active outdoors can be more challenging. It’s easier to become overheated when the sun is beaming down all day and the humidity is through the roof.

With humidity, your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, so your body has a harder time releasing heat. Find tips and tricks for staying cool when the weather is hot at www.heart.org.

If you find you just can’t tolerate the heat, don’t skip out on your workout or physical activity time! Find indoor locations where you can be active, such as a shopping mall, gym or community recreation center. Or adjust your workout schedule to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside and discover activities you can do in your home or at work.

One great way to get moving in Austin this fall is to sign up for the Austin Heart Walk on October 19. By participating in the Heart Walk, you’re joining a million Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation raising funds for lifesaving science. Science that can teach us all how to live longer and be Healthy For Good.

MEDIA SPONSORS

With a free 1-mile and 5K walk and a $50 entry for the timed 5K run, it’s easy to join a team, get involved and make a difference in our community!

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FITNESS AUTHOR

Ronald Vaughn

THURSDAY NIGHT SOCIAL RIDE Social Cycling ATX hosts weekly events for cyclists of all skill levels to increase awareness and participation.

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fter a hard day’s work, Nik Hubbert loads up his bike, loads up his cooler, says goodbye to his dog and heads down to Festival Beach Park in Austin.

Hubbert is one of many Austinites gathering at the park for the infamous Thursday Night Social Ride or, as regulars know it, the “TNSR,” hosted by Social Cycling ATX. Social Cycling ATX is a cycling organization that hosts weekly events for cyclists of all skill levels to increase awareness and participation in and around the Austin cycling community.

The group prides itself on the diversity of its riders — everyone and every bike is welcome.

Hubbert has been participating in the rides since he first moved to central Texas for college back in 2012. He and his friends would commute to Austin from San Marcos every Thursday.

“It’s such a great atmosphere. It really embraces that ‘Keep Austin Weird’ vibe, and it’s a great way to meet people,” Hubbert says.

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The group is filled with different types of personalities, which are expressed through each of their bikes — from bike messengers, doctors, lawyers, college students, tourists and more.

On any given ride, you might see road bikes and mountain bikes outfitted with the latest innovations in cycling technology worth thousands of dollars, to unicycles, BMX bikes and Frankenstein garage builds.

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Often, the weekday rides go into the night, and riders will outfit their bikes and themselves with colorful lights and bells. Some riders take it a step further and add speakers to their setup to jam throughout the ride.

Pedestrians are often taken back by the large amount of riders passing all at once and will stop to take pictures and videos.

The Thursday Night Social Ride usually has around 250 participants every week with its record attendance being around 350.

“I’ve been riding with the group for almost three years, and it’s gotten pretty huge since way back when,” says Donnis “Wheels”

Hughes, a Social Cycling ATX rider.

The ride is a casually paced cruise and typically covers around 12-15 miles. Each of them is led by a designated ride leader. From South Congress to the streets of East Austin, the routes change on a weekly basis, simultaneously making it a great way to see different parts — especially for those who are new to the city.

The rides start at Festival Beach Park at 7:30 p.m., and cyclists of all different skill levels, riding styles and backgrounds meet up to socialize at the park before the ride actually starts.

The rides stop at one of Austin’s many city parks as a halfway point,

“

“It’s such a great atmosphere. It

really embraces that ‘Keep Austin

Weird’ vibe, and it’s a great way to meet people.”

where riders catch their breath, grab a drink and socialize some more. Then, the ride will end at a local bar or restaurant where riders gather for drinks and food.

“The halfway point is where all the fun happens,” Hubbert says.

“From races to tricks competitions — It’s like a party on wheels!” afm

WANT TO KEEP THE FUN GOING?

The group offers other rides as well.

Check out these other Social Cycling ATX gatherings.

MONDAY Partnering with the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, riders will take blind and visually impaired students on a social ride with a tandem bicycle, giving the students an experience many of us take for granted.

SUNDAY Sunday Cruise. The second most popular ride, the Sunday Cruise is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the warmer months. The ride holds a casual pace and stops frequently at parks, coffee shops and other events.

TUESDAY Yoga ride. A bike ride that ends with a free, hour-long yoga class led by instructors who donate their time to build a healthier and happier cycling community through the transmission of yoga.

All Social Cycling ATX events are free to join. It’s a great way to see the city, make new friends and get some exercise on your bike. With the warmer months here to stay, why not gather some friends and family and check out a ride!

WEDNESDAY Heavy Breather Ride, for those who

enjoy a more fast-paced ride (average speed of 14mph). The route is always 25 miles. This ride tends to attract a smaller group and is a great opportunity to get to know other riders, and it’s great for those looking for a more intense cycling workout.

For more information on the rides, start times and other events that the group hosts, check them out on their social media.

SATURDAY Caffeine Cruise. This ride meets and

I N STAG R A M :

begins at a local coffee shop and stops at several places for food, drinks and swimming (in the summer, of course). The ride also stops along farmers’ markets, swap meets, parades and other Austin locations. The pace is social, and the group size is small. It’s a great ride for beginners and for meeting people.

@SocialcyclingAustin FAC E B OOK :

Social Cycling Austin

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FITNESS AUTHOR

Emily Effren

BUILDING CONFIDENCE WITH BODY BUILDING Austinites reap the benefits of weight training, whether they’re getting ready for a competition or just training for a healthy lifestyle.

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n a shelf in the corner of Melanie Daly’s office sits a yellow, lumpy blob, that I later learned was a visual representation of one pound of fat that Daly uses to show her clients. “Skinny fat,” Daly explained, was body fat that sits on flat muscle and can only really be molded and shaped by growing the muscle underneath through weight training.

“That’s the beautiful thing,” Daly says. “Muscle is what creates the shape on your body.”

Standing at five-foot-two with fiery red hair, Melanie Daly is a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and women’s physique coach.

Still a competitor, Daly says she got into body building and competing over a decade ago when she saw the figure class come out for women.

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“I love the human body — I love how they could make it look,” Daly says, “So, there was always this little tickle in the back of my brain, wondering if I could make my body look that way.”

A natural athlete herself, Daly says one of the biggest misconceptions about body building is the idea that people, women in particular, are going to get too bulky when they start lifting weights.

“That’s really not normal,” Daly says, “and that’s not how the body really responds.”

Daly says that this idea is only possible when people start taking additional hormones or performance enhancements to increase muscle mass, which does alter a body’s structure, bone structure and can change their voice.

“You can’t mess with the body system and not expect some of those changes to happen,” Daly says.

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Scott Morris

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“IT’S A MATTER OF FINDING YOUR MOJO AND JUST BELIEVING THAT IT’S JUST ONE STEP AT A TIME. ONE REP AT A TIME, ONE DAY AT A TIME.” Daly’s mantra for every athlete and client she works with is “there is no change without challenge.”

In order for the body to respond, grow or change, you must demand more from your muscles each time you work them, Daly says “It will rise to the challenge,” she adds.

Deemed her healthy addiction, Daly says building her body for competitions and seeing the changes from the hard work she’s put in boosts her self confidence and personal empowerment.

Backstage at bodybuilding competitions, Daly says contestants will most likely be in the “pump room” listening to motivational music to boost their confidence and get in the zone before they go onstage.

“You have to find your inner diva,” Daly says. “You know, whether you’re a guy or a girl, it takes a different kind of energy to get up on stage, you know, much less onstage in front of 300 people in a skimpy bikini.”

Finding confidence, or finding your inner diva, as Daly says, is a significant part of competing.

“It’s a matter of finding your mojo and just believing that it’s just one step at a time. One rep at a time, one day at a time,” Daly says, “but if you just keep plugging away, those little bits grow into this amazing adventure.”

Sitting on a glass counter in her

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North Austin salon and spa are former bodybuilder Debra Snell’s competition photos. Still an advocate for health and fitness, Snell says everyone has a different motivation for getting onstage and competing.

“A lot of it’s just to know that they set a goal and then accomplished it,” Snell says.

Echoing Daly’s words, the hardest part about competing in bodybuilding competitions for Snell was getting onstage in front of so many people.

“I loved the prep work though,” Snell says, “I know it is psychological — the benefits outweigh the sacrifice.”

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Melanie Daly competes in figure competitions and is also a certified personal trainer, nutritionist and women’s physique coach.

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Even though bodybuilding may not be for everyone, Snell says that she thinks it’s still important for people to make health and fitness a priority.

“I think everyone should do some form of exercise to stretch or push their muscles in some way,” Snell adds.

Even though he hasn’t competed (yet), airline pilot Scott Morris says one of his biggest passions, along with educating others, is weightlifting.

Working as a pilot, living a travel-based lifestyle and not working out as much, Morris started to notice differences within himself when he wasn’t practicing health and fitness in his day-to-day life.

“It was a lightbulb,” Morris says, “I started lifting and training. I started noticing, ‘Wow, like, I physically felt stronger,’ and it had all these positive benefits. It made me feel more energetic.”

As there are many physical aspects of weight training such as an increase in bone density and muscle mass, there are also mental and mood benefits too, Morris says.

“It’s very, very positive and powerful,” he adds.

Morris isn’t wrong. According to a recent study found in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, “Resistance exercise training significantly reduced depressive symptoms among adults regardless of health status.”

In addition to having an elevated mood, Morris says that working out boosts self confidence.

“The thing about weight training is there’s no quick fix,” Morris says, “If you want to have the benefits, you have to put in the work.”

Morris mentioned that one of his favorite quotes is, “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Morris says the quote by the ancient greek philosopher, Socrates, has always stayed with him.

Even though he hasn’t competed, Morris says he is interested in one day doing a bodybuilding competition because it would be a new, fun challenge.

Melanie Daly says that some of her clients that come in just wanting to lose weight end up becoming interested in competing after a few months of normal weight lifting and seeing how it has changed their body.

“The reality is, if you want to shape your body in any way — whether it’s to just look great on the beach in a bikini or to get up on stage — you have to do it through muscle training,” Daly says, “and muscle training is weight training.” afm

FITNESS AUTHOR

Kelly Frossard

FIT FINDS: TRAIL RUNNING SHOES The best shoes for those runs that veer off-road.

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here are many different factors to consider when buying a pair of trail running shoes. Some road shoes and trail shoes can be used on either surface, but it depends on the conditions of the trails you are running.

Trail running shoes have four specific design elements to consider when determining which pair will best suit your style. The AFM team composed a list of our favorite trail shoes in 2019 after evaluating the following characteristics:

DROP

Drop: Heel-to-toe drop, or drop, is the difference in millimeters of cushioning and height in the heel versus the toe. A 10mm–12mm

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drop is typically the most common and is best for runners who tend to heel strike. A lower drop will encourage a more desired midfoot strike and make the Achilles work harder. Lower drop shoes (0mm-4mm) will often require a learning curve after using higher drop shoes.

PROTECTION

Thick soles and cushion or flexible rock plates built into the midsole of trail shoes are used to protect against sharp rocks and technical terrain. On rocky trails and uneven surfaces, it’s important for trail shoes to have midsole and outsole protection in order to keep the foot safe and the shoe intact. A strong mesh upper is also desired for trail shoes, so that if rocks or roots poke at the top of the shoe, the mesh

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holds strong and protects the foot from these obstacles.

CUSHION

Cushion is desired in trail shoes for many reasons. More cushion is ideal for runners who want to run on tails and roads, run for hours at a time or run on hard-packed trails.

Less cushion is usually ideal for runners who run on smooth and soft trails, run for shorter amounts of time or prefer a more natural and responsive feel to the terrain.

TRACTION

Tread is the biggest characteristic that differentiates trail shoes from road shoes. The tread on trail shoes are called lugs. Deep lugs of 5mm or longer are best for tough terrain that requires better footing. The deeper the lugs and

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the more spread out they are, the better the traction is for mud and wet surfaces. Deep lugs of 5mm-7mm do not make for comfortable running shoes on the road or firm trails. Trail shoes for hard-packed trails should have 2mm–4mm lugs that are more closely spaced.

HOKA ONE ONE SPEEDGOAT 3

This trail shoe by Hoka allows for runners to be light and fast while receiving maximum cushion. The traction is perfect for tackling uneven surfaces, wet or dry. This newest version of the Speedgoat has a variety of improvements including a wider midsole and toe box, enhanced heel support, 5mm lugs for gripping and traction and a “seatbelt” on either side of the midfoot in order to provide a more snug and supportive fit for uneven surfaces. The Speedgoat 3 is perfect for neutral runners who need plenty of cushion with a minimalist feel.

WEIGHT: 10.3 ounces (M), 9.1 ounces (W) DROP: 4-5 millimeters

SAUCONY PEREGRINE ISO

The Peregrine is a trail shoe designed for the muddy and technical trails. The shoe features the signature Everun midsole, which allows for just enough cushion while still having a responsive ground feel. The 6mm lugs on the outsole provide great traction and are best suited for wet, loose and slippery trails. The shoe also allows for a custom fit through the ISOFit upper. The wings on each side of the shoe attach to the laces, so as the foot swells during a longer run, the upper can accommodate them.

WEIGHT: 10.5 ounces (M), 8.9 ounces (W) DROP: 4 millimeters

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HOKA ONE ONE CHALLENGER 5

The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 is a lightweight trail-version of their wellcushioned Clifton. This Challenger model has a wide and roomy toe box, a strong arch support and the lightweight foam cushioning of the Clifton. The shoe features 4mm lugs that are spread out for better grip at the forefoot and crowded together at the heel in order to improve the shoe’s ride. The lugs provide enough traction and support for muddy trails, but can also make for a comfortable road shoe. The Challenger is a great neutral, all-terrain trail shoe.

WEIGHT: 7.7 ounces (M), 9.4 ounces (W) DROP:5 millimeters

NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS TRAIL 36

Nike recently remodeled one of their popular Air Zoom Pegasus into a trail shoe. The Pegasus Trail 36 uses the same soft, neutral cushioning of the classic Pegasus and adds supportive lugs for grip on varying terrain. A redesigned full mesh upper and added support in the forefoot and heel create extra durability and protection against trail obstacles. The outsole features flat-top lugs that are designed to grip into the dirt without feeling too clunky on road runs. This shoe is designed to take runners from the road and beyond where the road ends. The Pegasus Trail is a lighter trail shoe, but can be supportive enough to make for a great shoe for the gym as well.

WEIGHT: 10.3 ounces (M), 8.2 ounces (W) DROP: 10 millimeters

ALTRA SUPERIOR 4

This is the lightest trail shoe from Altra. The Superior 4 has a softer and more cushioned midsole than the previous models, but still provides the same responsive feel. The shoe features the traditional 0mm drop and wide toe box design of the Altra brand. Removable stone guards (rock plates) are also included for more protection when tackling rocky and technical trails. The outsole has shallow yet aggressive clawlike lugs that are proven to provide a solid grip and tackle slick surfaces.

WEIGHT: 8.7 ounces (M), 8.3 ounces (W) DROP: 0 millimeters

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SALOMON S/LAB SENSE ULTRA 2

This model is Salomon’s best quality of shoe. It features premium materials that are geared toward competitive runners and professionals.

The shoe is designed to hold up for extremely long distances and is designed for ultrarunners. The cushioning of the shoe is impressive, especially in the forefoot, which allows for comfort on prolonged runs. There is a set of wings on the upper of the shoe that provides adaptability over the arch and midfoot, so the shoe can adjust after the foot begins to swell on long runs. Premium Wet Traction Contagrip is used on the outsole of the shoe to provide traction and durability, while the rock plate in the midsole provides protection.

The Contagrip is used to provide traction on wet, dry or rocky surfaces with minimal lugging.

WEIGHT: 11 ounces (M), 9.7 ounces (W) DROP: 8 millimeters (unisex shoe, measured in men’s sizes)

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

L AKEAUSTINSMILES.COM

FITNESS SPONSOR

Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Fitzsimmons

WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

Located in South Austin just west of Mopac, Austin Aquatics & Sports Academy features an Olympic-sized pool and indoor training space.

Come drop by — your first class is free!

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ustin Aquatics and Sports Academy is a multisport training center that combines expert coaching with cutting-edge facilities. AASA features an outdoor 50-meter pool, a 5,500 sq. ft. indoor training space, 11 Wahoo Kickrs and even an onsite running loop. AASA is also the home of Austin Swim Club, a year-round competitive age group swim team.

AASA specializes in triathlon training, Masters swimming and strength and conditioning. Its goal is to provide athletes with a personalized experience that includes individual goal-setting, small group training, state-of-the-art equipment and a professional coaching staff. AASA is a one-stop training destination for aspiring and elite athletes.

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MASTERS SWIM WORKOUT

AASA Masters swimming is a great way to stay motivated and accountable in your swim workouts. All workouts are led by one of AASA’s accredited swim coaches. The Masters swimming workouts are for intermediate to advanced swimmers. Swimmers are grouped into lanes based on varying intervals. Average workouts are between 3200-4000 yards and consist of pulling, kicking, drill work, freestyle and stroke work.

WARM UP 10 sec rest between each distance 1. 1 x 400 freestyle 2. 4 x 100: 50 kick / 50 swim (choice with or without fins) 3. 4 x 50 swim descend 1-4

PRE-SET (three rounds) 3 x 50 on 1:00 1. 25 kick with right arm extended / 25 right arm pull 2. 25 kick with left arm extended / 25 left arm pull 3. 25 scull / 25 swim

Masters Swimming

MAIN SET 1. 1 x 300 pull + 1 x 200 swim + 5 x 100 swim 2. 1 x 300 pull + 1 x 200 swim + 3 x 100 swim 3. 1 x 300 pull + 1 x 200 swim + 1 x 100 swim 300’s = smooth on base 200’s = descend 1-3 on base (build legs x 200) 100’s = descend x groups (3 = pace faster than 5, 1 = pace faster than 3) COOL DOWN 1 x 200 easy social kick

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STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING WORKOUT

AASA’s strength and conditioning classes encompass total-body strength training including, barbell work, kettlebells, TRX bands, weight sleds, versa climbers, rowing machines, weightlifting movements and more.

Classes run on a 4-8 week training cycle that begins and ends with testing specific lifts and movements. AASA’s testing assessments allow each athlete to see individual improvement and show what progress has been made relative to initial testing.

WARM UP (three rounds) 1. 5 x back squats w/barbell (no weight) 2. 5 each x alternating lunges 3. 5 each x side lunges 4. 10 x jumping jacks

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Rear foot elevated split squat

MAIN SET Six rounds: 1. 5 x back squats with barbell, trying to increase weight each round (three seconds lowering of the weight down and keeping your speed on the way up) 2. 5 x squat jumps (explosive) 3. 20-second hard plank (position on forearms, pull arms against ground into abs to create as much tension as you can)

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Three rounds: 1. 6 each x rear foot elevated split squats (hold dumbbells at sides) 2. 10 x med ball slams (as powerful as you can) Eight rounds: 1. 25-meter sled push (working on speed versus load) 2. 30 seconds rest after each push and repeat

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Bring your own bike

CYCLING WORKOUT

AASA’s cycling classes are unique in that you can bring your own bike and ride in the air-conditioned gym. AASA’s training space features 12 Wahoo Kickrs for people to hook their own bikes into, or four stationary watt bikes for those without a bike. The cycling classes are led by one of AASA’s elite triathlon coaches, are one hour and 15 minutes long and cover anywhere from 17-24 miles depending on bike wattage.

PRE-WORKOUT Each athlete has done a 20-minute functional threshold power test (20 minutes max effort) to establish a range of resistance (watts) to work in different energy zones. If you are unable to do an FTP, you can estimate your 20-minute max effort.

WARM UP 10 minutes, gradual increase from 55 percent to 65 percent of FTP, gradually increasing pedaling cadence to 90 rpm 2 minutes easy cycling

MAIN SET (four rounds) 1. 4 minutes climbing from 85 percent to 105 percent of FTP, starting with higher cadence of about 95 rpm 2. 45 seconds easy pedaling 3. 6 minutes steady state riding at 85 percent of FTP 4. 45 seconds easy pedaling 5. 1 minute effort at 110 percent FTP 6. 2 minutes easy pedaling between sets COOL DOWN 5 minutes easy pedaling

AFM DISCOUNT Mention you saw us in Austin Fit and receive a 10 percent discount on your first month’s membership.

Valid 9/1-9/30/19.

AU ST I N AQ UAT I CS A N D S P O RTS ACA D E M Y aasa-atx.com | 512.276.2324 5513 Southwest Parkway Co a c h es a n d M o del s Masters Swim Coach: Nate Chessey Strength Coaches: Hayley Krzeczowski and Miles McGriff Strength Models: Mallory Buscemi and Blake Hooper Cycling Coaches: Jenn Reinhart and Paul Matthews Written by Jeanie Joseph

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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2019

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Events FALL PECAN STREET FESTIVAL Sixth Street Austin SEP T EM B ER 21 -22

SEPTEMBER 10-15

Zilker Relays

Les Miserables

Zilker Park A 10-mile relay race divided into 2.5-mile sections per person, Zilker Relays is a relay, festival and family friendly event for Austinites to come out and partake in some healthy competition.

A live show will follow the race along with food and drinks. Promoting a healthy community, the local event is partnered with the Lesedi Project which advocates for getting kids to live an outdoor and active lifestyle.

Bass Concert Hall Set in 19th century France after the Revolution of 1830, the Tony Award-winning musical is back on Broadway and coming down south to Austin. With tickets starting at $55, the famous musical will offer six shows throughout the week as well as two matinee showings.

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER 13

ComedySportz Improv for Everyone Zach Theatre North A weekly, live improv-comedy show, ComedySportz

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is family friendly and clean.

With two teams who compete against each other with improvised songs, scenes and games, the show is guaranteed to be full of laughter. Also, it’s BYOB! SEPTEMBER 14

Austin Margarita Festival Austin American-Statesmen With flavors from Green Apple to the famous Bourbon Street Hurricane, the Austin Margarita Festival is to be held in the heart of downtown, offering over 20 different flavors served frozen or on the rocks. A 21+ event, Austin Margarita

Festival is to have live music, good food and even a souvenir cup! “Keep the margaritas flowin’ and the good times goin’.”

SEPTEMBER 15-16

Austin Micro Short Film Festival Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Lakeline) With micro films made from all genres, this short film festival is going to be showcasing unique films under six minutes in length back-toback — the ultimate short film experience. Planned to showcase around 80 films, the festival promoties

2019

Will Taylor

SEPTEMBER 6

E EP J

MASTERS

SEPTEMBER 28

Austin Oktoberfest 2019

diversity and creativity, accepting submissions from all over the world.

District for two days of delicious food and creative artwork for a great cause.

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 22

Austin Fit Oskar Blues

Austin Museum Day

Oskar Blues Brewery Join Austin Fit from 3-6 p.m. for brewery tours, beer specials, raffles and a Fit Village! Oskar Blues is a 50,000-square-foot taproom offering a variety of beers and guaranteeing a good time. Come out and crack a cold one with some of the Austin Fit team.

Museums participating around Austin On Austin Museum Day, a variety of museums across the metroplex will be granting free access to exhibits and activities for the community.

SEPTEMBER 20-21

Leander Bluegrass Festival Mason Homestead, Leander With live music and good food, the Leander Bluegrass Festival is going to be one of the most relaxing festivals Austin has to offer. The pet-friendly festival is also a two-day long event, allowing Austinites the opportunity to sit back and enjoy live music, all for free.

SEPTEMBER 24

Texas Performing Arts presents The Percussion Collective McCullough Theatre Partnered with the Butler School of Music and KMFA-FM, the Percussion Collective will be performing a unique set for an overall exciting experience. With select tickets starting at $10, The Percussion Collective performance will be joined onstage with none other than Robert van Sice.

SEPTEMBER 26-28

SEPTEMBER 21-22

Fall Pecan Street Festival Sixth Street Austin As the festival proceeds are donated to local charities, the Fall Pecan Street Festival is an Austin-must.

Featuring a variety of local artisans, live music and good food, the free event is held two times a year with activities for both children and adults. Come out to Austin’s Sixth Street Historic

The Texas Tribune Festival Various locations in downtown Austin Held at select locations around downtown Austin, the ninth annual Texas Tribune Festival is going to have a diverse lineup of speakers and programming events for the community.

This unique festival is for the news-lovers out there who enjoy intellectual stimulation and good conversation.

Saengerrunde Hall Deemed one of the “best Oktoberfests in America” in 2017, Austin Oktoberfest will be back once again for its seventh year. Celebrating German heritage, the event will include sausage, copious amounts of “bier” and live music. Ja bitte! (German for “yes, please”)

ST IN

AS

AU

Zilker Relays

TE X

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SEPTEMBER 28

Texas Craft Brewers Festival

WE BUY JEEPS/ DEALER TRADE-INS

Fiesta Gardens The largest and greatest festival focused exclusively on Texas-made craft beer, the Texas Craft Brewers Festival is an Austinites dream come true. Serving seasonal and unique beers, the 21+ event began in 2003. Breweries featured in the festival will include AquaBrew, 8th Wonder Brewery, Austin Beerworkds, Blue Owl Brewing, Circle Brewing Company, Holler Brewing, Oddwood Ales and many more.

SEPTEMBER 14

Austin Water Lantern Festival Austin Sports and Social Club With tickets starting at $15, the lantern festival is one of the most beautiful ways to say goodbye to a loved one. As tradition goes, it is custom to write a message to a departed loved one and then release your words into the water and watch them float away.

The lantern show is also accompanied by corn hole, food, face painting, vendors and music.

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512.467.7799

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www.texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2019

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Rides & Races 5.12K RUN TO BRUNCH Austin SEPTEMBER 22

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 6

SEPTEMBER 14

SEPTEMBER 21

Zilker Relays

Hood to Coast Relay

St. Jude Walk/Run

Austin

Boerne

Round Rock

SEPTEMBER 7

SEPTEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 21

Tejas Trails Mellow Trail Run

CASA Superhero Run

Texas Mamma Jamma Ride

Spicewood

Austin

Martindale, TX (near San Marcos)

SEPTEMBER 8

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 22

Brain Power 5K, 10K

Zombie Charge 5K Obstacle Course Race

5.12K Run to Brunch

Cedar Park

Austin

Austin

SEPTEMBER

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2019

Nonprofit. Community. Rowing.

Zooma Texas Wine Country Run

O C TO B E R 2 6

ZERO Prostate Cancer Walk/Run

Hill Country Halloween Half Marathon & 5k

Austin

Cedar Park

SEPTEMBER 29

O C TO B E R 2 7

9/11 Heroes Run

Make a Difference Run

Austin

Austin

SEPTEMBER 29

NOVEMBER

Austin

OCTOBER

512.472.0726

ATTENTION: FITNESS PROFESSIONALS

NOVEMBER 1-2

Zooma Texas Wine Country Run Fredericksburg NOVEMBER 2

Austin Glow Run

Run for the Flag

Circuit of the Americas

Camp Mabry

O C TO B E R 1 2

NOVEMBER 3

Bubble Run

Run for the Water 10 Miler, 5k and Kids K Downtown Austin

O C TO B E R 2 5

Capital to Coast: The Great texas Relay Travis County

74 Trinity Street

Austinrowing.org

O C TO B E R 1 2

Austin

Private Lessons, adult programs as well as middle and high school rowing programs Home of Nationally ranked Regattas

SEPTEMBER 28

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club

NOVEMBER 9

Rugged Maniac Austin Travis County Exposition Center

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