Guest article by Amanda Tatom
One of the things I’ve come to enjoy most about Austin is the appreciation of good health. This is one fit city! I’m reminded of this daily as I connect with health-conscious guests through my job at Studio 512. And while I’m not running marathons or perfecting the Firefly pose, I’ve definitely been inspired to take notice of my own health.
From the inside out, we have so many ways to do a body good. I’ve learned that fitness isn’t just about going full throttle during a workout or depriving oneself of deliciousness. Being truly fit is taking care of the whole package. In my journey to wellness, I’ve found these places around Austin that are a great fit.
1/ Power Up at Kor180
Kor180’s Reformer Class
From the moment you walk into the Kor180 hive, you feel the energy and good vibes. Their Ryde and Reform classes work wonders in combination or taken separately. I especially enjoy the 50-minute sessions on the korFormer, which incorporate high-energy music with motivating instructors to keep me going, all the while assuring me it’s okay if I need to take a quick break. It’s this mix of tough love and encouragement that keeps me coming back for more. In this day and age of instant satisfaction, it’s pretty awesome to see and feel a difference in just a few sessions–proof that hard work pays off. I always leave invigorated with a little bit of extra “flex” appeal.
1611 W. 5th St. #140 and 11005 N. Burnet Road #106 – Website
2/ Squeeze More Out of Life at JuiceLand
Expressing my affection at JuiceLand
Who doesn’t know and love JuiceLand? If you don’t, you should. And if you do…well, then you get what I’m talking about. I often stop by to grab something for lunch or after a workout. Their healthy food choices in the case are always fresh and interesting—I just tried the Mannawich and fell in love! I’m also a big fan of the Frijole Roller. But it’s the smoothies that have my heart. From the Moontower to the Soul Boulder to the Peachy Green to the Originator to…you get the idea. There’s no better treat than one that’s good for you. I’m totally addicted and I’m totally fine with that.
3/ Take a Deep Breath at Austin Salt Cave
Breathing deeply at Austin Salt Cave
Sweet is good, but salty will not be outdone. Austin Salt Cave uses a state-of-the-art Halogenerator to project the finest particles of dry salt into their cavernous room while you breathe it in from the comfort of a zero gravity chair. With healing properties to treat everything from post-surgery patients to acne to allergies, a 45-minute session can be enjoyed by all ages, making this relaxing and restorative therapy beneficial for the whole family. Austin Salt Cave is dim and quiet with an ethereal glow–perfect conditions to inhale your way to feeling healthier.
2951 RR 620 S. – Website
4/ Clear Your Mind at Meditation Bar
Intentionally create quiet time at Meditation Bar
Meditation keeps coming up in conversation as of late. I’m not super great at turning things “off” and being still. It’s been a goal of mine to grow more comfortable in creating quiet time with intention, especially over these last couple of years. Among their many guided classes, Austin’s Meditation Bar offers options to help you get set for the day (Awake), to see the possibilities (Envision) and to end your day mindfully (Happy Hour). Come as you are (no equipment or special attire required) and find the mind-body connection during one of their 30-60 minute classes. Comfy chairs and pillows provided.
8108 Mesa Dr. – Website
5/ Unwind at Birdsong Bodywork & Pilates
Kim Vogelsang gives a massage to a client at Birdsong Bodyworks
There is no better way to treat yourself than with a relaxing massage. It reduces stress, helps you take pause and works out the kinks. Kim Vogelsang at Birdsong Bodywork & Pilates is the lady with the magic hands. Applying just the right pressure, she took my neck and upper back from sore to soothed. I also love that she provides me with stretches and postures I can do at home to keep me comfortable in the long run. Definitely something to chirp about!
2927 W. Anderson Lane – Website
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where do you go to pursue your health and wellness in Austin?
Amanda Tatom is the host of Austin lifestyle show Studio 512, weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on KXAN. When she isn’t deciding which shoes to wear, she is thoroughly entertained by her three daughters and endlessly but joyfully trying to find balance between home and career. She seriously loves her job because it never allows her to take herself too seriously. Seriously.
I think the hardest part of pursuing health and wellness is time to fit it in your schedule. Its either keep track of about 10 of your favorite places’ calendar or keep track of one place that has dozens of different health and wellness classes.
I think the key is if your are a flex worker or self-employed, you can get the benefits of all this at the great co-working space on the east side called Soma Vida. I have been a member for just a month and enjoy working there, and dropping downstairs for some yoga or a massage!
Soma Vida all the way! Such a cool little wellness “zen” space on the East side–and actually Austin’s first co-working space in this city + offers yoga and is walking distance from juice land and the trail…love it…
Also, have you checked out the Austin Bouldering project? Best open gym in the city–no “bros” here…a cool community pursuing healthy lifestyles–via climbing, yoga, and lifting/functional fitness…
Lastly, even though they are retailers-our local Lululemons and Outdoor Voices do such a good job of sharing/spreading and informing us of free wellness and community events, so they are definitely a hub for wellness…
Cool blog 🙂
Thanks for the input, Lauryn! We have written about Austin Bouldering Project here, for anyone who’s interested: http://austinot.wpengine.com/austin-bouldering-project.