April 2019 - Home and Family by Austin Fit Magazine

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April 2019

THE GOOD STUFF

CAMILLE STYLES

32 TINY HOMES APRIL

46 AUSTIN RIVER CITY RECâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ERS 6

2019

LOEWY LAW FIRM

Contents Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter 10 Digital Content 12

HIGHLIGHTS

Exposure 16 Home Buyers Spotlight 36

Summer Camp Guide 60 Community Corner 76

Events 78 Races 80

PROBIOTICS AND PERFORMANCE

HOW TO GIVE BACK THROUGH EXERCISE

52 NUTRITION

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

FITNESS

Recipe 14

Fighting Cancer in Austin 22 Fit Finds 26

Exercise and Aging 56 Post-Partum Self-Care 64

Start Cycling 68 Workout 72

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THE BUZZ ABOUT CBD

2019

AUSTIN FIT MAGAZ I N E

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From the Editor It’s even caused me to be restless in areas of my life. Even now, at a job I love, I find myself at moments feeling anxious that there’s something else I need to be working toward now. My conversation with our cover woman, Camille Styles, reminded me that a shift in mindset can be a game-changer. If you’re not familiar with Styles, she’s an Austinbased lifestyle blogger who creates content in the hopes of inspiring her readers to live life like they mean it. Or rather, to focus on the things that bring them joy and to be intentional with how they spend their time. In the article, we focused specifically on how Styles herself is intentional about spending time with her family while also running a business. Listening to her talk about the way she’s intentional with each day and the people she loves left me reflecting on the changes I can make in my life in order to be more intentional and put my all into each area of my life that is important to me. I can’t do that if I’m constantly thinking about the future. The truth is, life will never be perfect. Just like how I discovered that even though a career gave me financial freedom and a feeling of purpose, it also brought a whole new set of stresses and bigger responsibilities. I wasted so much time worrying about finding a job that I missed enjoying some of the good things which that season of life offered. Certainly goals for the future are important, but it’s the idea that the grass is always greener on the other side that threw me off. This month, our theme is home and family. Along with our cover story, our feature on the Austin River City Rec’ers, a non-profit community-based wheelchair basketball team, touches heavily on the theme of family. I think you’ll be able to see why on page 50. We also have stories about the people who have managed to pack their lives into tiny homes — you can read that on page 32. Life is a journey full of different seasons and phases, with lots of twists and turns along the way. Moan about the bad, just don’t forget to revel in all the good!

A SHIFT IN MINDSET CAN BE A GAME-CHANGER

’ve been guilty of not always living in the present. It’s not that I’m stuck in the past, but that I’m constantly anticipating what’s coming up. In high school, I couldn’t wait until college. While in college, I couldn’t wait until I had a career. What’s next for me? A short period of time ago, I struggled to find a job. I had been interning and working part-time for almost a year. And during that time, I would often think, “As soon as I get a job, I finally will be happy. Life will be better than it is now.” It’s not that having the goal of starting my career was a problem — the problem was my mindset was wrong. The idea that once I reached this goal I had, I would finally be happy.

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Keep Austin Fit,

Kat Barclay EDITOR

2019

#KEEPAUSTINFIT CEO | LOU EARLE PUBLISHER | LYNNE EARLE

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

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Recipe

Wait for bubbles before flipping!

These protein-packed pancakes will give you energy all morning. Weekend brunch-approved, without the guilt.

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2019

PANCAKES WITH BLUEBERRIES AND CHIA SEEDS Servings: Four

INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1 tbsp baking powder 1 tsp cinnamon a pinch of salt 2 tbsp chia seeds 2 eggs, lightly beaten 3 tbsp maple syrup 1 cup whole milk greek yogurt 1/2 cup milk or almondmilk 1 teaspoon vanilla coconut oil for greasing pan 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, plus more for topping optional toppings: greek yogurt, berries and syrup

METHOD 1. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and chia seeds. Add eggs, maple syrup, greek yogurt, milk and vanilla, and whisk just until mostly combined — it’s okay if there are some lumps, but you don’t want to overmix. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight so the chia seeds can bloom. 2. When ready to cook, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough coconut oil to coat the entire bottom of the pan. Test the heat by sprinkling a drop of water on the pan. If it sizzles, it’s ready to go. Use an ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to drop batter onto the hot coconut oil. Immediately drop a few blueberries onto each pancake. 3. When the first side is golden brown and you see bubbles formed on top of batter, flip and cook another minute or two until pancakes are cooked through. Transfer to a plate and top with greek yogurt, berries, syrup or whatever you love.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Exposure PHOTOGRAPHER

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PROBIOTICS AND PERFORMANCE A formula for better digestion, stronger immunity and improved recovery

f you are active and involved in the fitness community, you’ve probably been informed at some time or another that you need to take certain supplements in order to perform better. BCAAs, whey protein, magnesium, fish oil, creatine, L-glutamine — the list goes on. “What are you taking?” is a common question guaranteed to spark a good group workout conversation. While supplements most certainly can help you up your game, they may not help as much as you think — particularly if your body is not absorbing or assimilating the extra nutrients

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properly. In short, your nutrition is only as good as your digestion.

HOW GOOD IS YOUR DIGESTION?

This is a lucrative question, especially considering how indigestion, constipation, bloating, IBS, celiac and Crohn’s disease have seemingly become the norm for many people today. Wherever you fall on the digestive spectrum though, good digestion is imperative for getting the most from your food and supplements. If you are not taking a probiotic on a regular basis, you may be missing a key link to enhancing your digestion.

PROBIOTICS 101

In essence, probiotics are “good” bacteria that promote healthy gut flora. Think of them as the steel armor that helps boost your gut’s strength to fight off “bad” bacteria. The truth is, your body is full of bacteria. In fact, it hosts over 100 trillion bacteria — most of them in your gut. This means there are more bacteria in your gut than cells in your body. That most likely means having a healthy gut is correlated to your overall health — particularly since 70 to 80 percent of your immune system is rooted in your gut in the first place.

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ratio of “good” bacteria to “bad” bacteria in check. HOW DO YOU GET PROBIOTICS?

Probiotics are available in both food and liquid as well as pill and powder form. SOME TOP SOURCES

Fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, fruits and veggies)

Unpasteurized, full-fat organic yogurt

Kefir

Unpasteurized cheese or meats like salami and some sausages

HOW DOES YOUR GUT BECOME “UNHEALTHY” OR BACTERIA “GO BAD” IN THE FIRST PLACE?

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There are multiple ways:

• Regular use of Advil, Aleve and antibiotics • Weak immunity from poor nutrition choices • Lack of sleep or chronic stress • Overtraining • Restrictive eating • Low stomach acid (and consequently, poor digestion) • Infections and/or illness • Birth control • Food toxins (grains, legumes, poor quality meat or eggs) • Sensitivity to nightshade

vegetables (onions, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes) and other autoimmune irritants (nuts, eggs, egg whites) • Overconsumption of carbohydrates and fructose • Low-fiber diets (i.e. bacteria just sits in your gut) • Inflammation from excess polyunsaturated and omega-6 fat consumption While no one expects you to live in a bubble, and several of these triggers have inevitably been part of your life at one time or another, the point of consuming probiotics is to reverse the tides. To build up a stronger, healthier gut to keep the

Homemade bone broth (promotes probiotic growth)

Kombucha

Liquid and pill supplements

However, if concocting or regularly consuming food sources with probiotics is a hit or miss for you, keep these points in mind when purchasing probiotics from the store.

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NUTRITION

“

PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY ATHLETES CAN BENEFIT FROM THE DAILY CONSUMPTION OF PROBIOTICS.” YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Don’t go to the bargain bin for your probiotics. Invest in a good quality. Often, liquids are the best and most readily absorbed probiotics. GO WITH REPUTATION.

With so many choices out there, it can be overwhelming when shopping around. Garden of Life, Jarrow and Klaire Labs are a few brands that come to mind.

THE STRONGER, THE BETTER.

There’s no specific recommended dosage of probiotics. Every brand and food is going to have varying amounts, from one billion to 10 billion live cultures. Look out for a higher potency/strength in the probiotics you purchase. Many of the over-the-counter brands are down in the one to two billion dose range, so doubling up on them one to two times per day won’t hurt once your stomach is acquainted with probiotics. TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING.

Many probiotic formulas look impressive with a lot of strains in their formulas, like a “whey concentrate” protein (multiple proteins in one). Ideally, fewer protein strains ensure the quality of the probiotic in your formula. People, especially athletes, can benefit from the daily consumption of probiotics.

FOR ATHLETES

Probiotics have been show to be beneficial for Athletes. Since free radicals are abundant (especially after training), it’s important that athletes counterbalance them with high amounts of antioxidants in recovery and throughout the day. Probiotics arm your body to get the most out of these antioxidants by improving digestion, thus increasing the absorption of nutrients and supporting immune function through enhanced ability of your gut to fight toxins. Lastly, don’t go overboard — especially if you have poor gut health to start. Start slow and gradually increase your intake. afm

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Often, liquids are the most readily absorbed.

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LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

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APRIL

2019

FIGHTING CANCER IN AUSTIN The LIVESTRONG Foundation involves the city in its programs.

hen cancer survivors biked across the finish line during last year’s LIVESTRONG Challenge, they were handed a single yellow rose — a symbol to honor the fact that they’ve gotten through or are currently battling cancer. “There’s just this beautiful moment at the end when people arrive back in the finisher’s village and they’re handed that special yellow rose,” Jessica Murphy, director of marketing and communications for LIVESTRONG says. “The village itself has food and there’s a beer garden and music. It’s just a really lively place to celebrate and catch up with others in the cancer community and the cycling community.” The challenge is an annual Austin cycling event that raises money for the LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, a LIVESTRONG

Foundation initiative. The Foundation, based in Austin, is working on initiatives like the Institutes that directly involve the city, from a program that’s offered at YMCAs in Austin to a curriculum piloted at Austin-area schools. The Foundation also offers opportunities, such as the LIVESTRONG Challenge, for Austinites to get involved in the organization. “Our mission statement is to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now,” Murphy says. “We’re thinking about the people today that are fighting cancer and the burden that takes on your life in a very holistic way as soon as you’re diagnosed.” The LIVESTRONG Foundation pledged $50 million to UT’s Dell Medical School in 2015 to build the Institutes, which have a mission for cancer care to be person-centered, focusing on a cancer patient’s needs, values and preferences. “We say person-centred because we recognize that it’s not just

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Wendy, who used LIVESTRONG Fertility, and her daughter, Emilie

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the patient or the person who’s been diagnosed with cancer that is affected by the disease...their entire family system, their friends in Austin (are) as well,” Aditi Narayan, director of programs for LIVESTRONG says. The Institutes seek to improve people’s cancer experiences and quality of life by acknowledging the challenges they face such as emotional distress, family instability, career impact and long-term financial hardships. As part of this initiative, in December 2018, LIVESTRONG opened the UT Health Austin Livestrong Cancer Institutes, a cancer clinic that has seen a number of patients already, Narayan says.

“The clinics are currently able to serve people with gynecological cancers or gastrointestinal cancers with hopes to expand the type of cancers that we serve in 2019 and beyond,” Narayan says. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, another one of the Foundation’s programs, was started in 2007. The Foundation partnered with YMCA of the USA to create a 12-week program designed to help cancer survivors return to physical activity after treatment. Through the program, survivors are able to participate in free or low-cost customized exercise regimens from certified fitness instructors. Survivors receive a membership at the YMCA for the

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Half Marathon 10K + 5K MARCH 9 duration of the program. Narayan says the program has been researched by academics at the Yale Cancer Center and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, who found participants in the program experience an increase in cardiovascular strength, improvements in quality of life and a reduction in cancer-related fatigue. “They also saw, in the improved quality of life, that the survivors acted as a support group for each other emotionally, which was also really great,” Narayan says. To date, LIVESTRONG has served over 66,000 cancer survivors through the program. Of the program’s 768 locations in 22 states, 49 are in Texas and five are in Austin. Also taking place in Austin, LIVESTRONG at School is a program developed in 2008. The program features curriculum for educators to use that explains cancer in an age-appropriate way to students in grades K-12. “The program really was designed because we heard from parents and teachers that there was a gap in the type of education provided to help children understand what cancer is and what it isn’t,” Narayan says. The curriculum is free to download from the website of The Foundation’s distribution partner, Scholastic. Last year, the Foundation’s partners at the

Livestrong Cancer Institute had a pilot with the Austin Independent School District and delivered the program at four high schools within AISD. “We received really great feedback from students about the curriculum,” Narayan says. “This is something that’s going to continue this year and potentially expand to additional schools as well.” LIVESTRONG also partners with over 700 fertility clinics and sperm banks across the country, including some in the Austin area, to provide access to discounted fertility preservation for adolescents and young adult cancer patients. This program, LIVESTRONG Fertility, increases awareness about cancer-related fertility risks. The program, Narayan says, has helped over 11,000 young adults save over $53.3 million in fertility preservation and medication costs. Austinites can get involved with the Foundation’s initiatives by joining the Foundation’s Austin Marathon team, applying for an internship or, of course, through participating or volunteering in the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Volunteers at the event are crucial, Murphy says, whether they are helping during registration and packet pick-up, or handing out the yellow roses at the end of the event. afm

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Finds

The H. Hemp Company Hemp Oil Hhemp.com

A curated list of our favorite items conducive to an active and healthy lifestyle

The honest hemp oil is a brain-boosting MCT oil infused with 500mg of US grown, full spectrum, whole-plant hemp cannabinoids. The oil helps to alleviate anxiety, pain, stress and fatigue, and comes in three different flavor oils. Honest Hemp is sustainably farmed without pesticides and a portion of the company’s profits go toward helping to stop the opioid and antianxiety drug epidemics.

Kammock Mantis kammock.com

An all-in-one hammock to take backcountry camp off the ground. With a lightweight hammock body made from Gravitas™ fabric, integrated insect net and Patagium™ rainfly, camping has never been more comfortable. Sleep off the ground in a mossy Mantis inspired by the towering trees of the Pacific Northwest.

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2019

photos by Brian Fitzsimmons

FitJoy

fitjoyfoods.com

FitJoy kicked off 2019 with a bold new look and improved taste to their protein bars, which are softer and fluffier than ever. Now, they’ve announced that their bars and forthcoming products are also completely grain-free! As always, they’re also free of gluten, GMOs, maltitol, and artificial flavors and sweeteners. FitJoy bars can be purchased online at fitjoyfoods.com and are available in full size, packed with 20 grams of protein, or fun size, a third of the size for those on the go. A portion of proceeds helps feed underprivileged children across the U.S.

Myzone Heart Rate Monitor myzone.org

Myzone is the only wearable technology in the world that provides real-time feedback of exercise intensity. Unlike pedometers and accelerometers, the Myzone heart rate monitor tells you how hard you’re working. The wearable chest strap communicates wirelessly with the myzone phone app to measure your workout duration and intensity to track how much effort you put into your exercise. This data allows you to stay focused on your workouts and achieve your goals faster. Available to purchase online as well as Castle Hill Fitness.

KGB Running

KGBRunning.com

Do you ever feel like you’re in an 80’s action movie montage gearing up for your runs in the morning? Gotta get the phone in the armband, gotta get the running belt to bring some gels and your house keys, or maybe some cash to stop by the coffee shop. KGB Running (which stands for Keep Going, Bro/ Beautiful) is attempting to change the game with The World’s First fitness and running short with an integrated running belt. Their flagship product features the SmartSlot waistband which allows snug, worry-free carry of all your essentials on your run. This Austin based family business launched in November of 2018 and is determined to bring their athletes premium quality apparel at an affordable price.

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Haylee Reed

TRAINING FOR GOOD Fitness is great for your both your mind and body — But it can also be used for something bigger than yourself.

eginning on a fitness journey is an act of giving back to yourself — to your body, to your mind and to your overall well-being. In the midst of a busy schedule, setting aside time to go for a run, a bike ride or a yoga class means setting aside time to do something for yourself — an act of self love and care. It allows you to focus solely on you, and that is incredibly important. Devoting time to fitness and celebrating your own body allows you to feed yourself and give back to the vessel that carries you through life. However, while fitness can be a way to give back to yourself, it it also a powerful tool to give back to others. Many organizations and businesses are choosing to use fitness as a tool to bring people together for

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philanthropic purposes. Events like 5Ks, mud runs, obstacle courses and bike rides have become overwhelmingly popular ways to raise money and awareness for charitable causes, especially in the Austin area. Here are a few of the many Austin organizations that are making a difference through fitness.

TYLER’S DAM THAT CANCER!

Serving as the premier fundraising event for Flatwater Foundation — a local nonprofit dedicated to providing mental health therapy and family support to individuals and families affected by a cancer diagnosis — TYLER’s Dam That Cancer! is a 21-mile stand-up paddle hosted every June on Lake Austin. Chelsea Hardee, director of development at Flatwater Foundation, says the event is responsible for

2019

TYLERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Dam That Cancer

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LIFESTYLE bringing in 80 to 90 percent of the foundation’s annual funds. “We utilize the funds raised to pay 100 percent of the cost of therapy for families touched by a cancer diagnosis,” Hardee says, “Our nonprofit was started, essentially, by this event.” In 2010, Mark Garza, founder of Flatwater Foundation, partnered with LIVESTRONG and organized the first paddle in order to raise awareness about the importance of mental health for patients and families coping with a cancer diagnosis. A group of 13 friends, including Garza, completed the first 21-mile trek, which eventually turned into TYLER’s Dam That Cancer, with all proceeds from the event benefiting Flatwater Foundation. Setting this year’s fundraising goal at $1,000,000, the foundation is preparing for its 10th annual paddle on Monday, June 10, 2019. “Our event is a little unique, in that not everyone can paddle board, and not all ages can participate,” Hardee says, “but this works for us, since we really focus on creating a community of people that want to share their story and complete an

application telling their ‘why.’ It is not only about participation, but also about motivation.”

TEAMFX

In 2005, Gary Walker — founder, executive director and head coach of TeamFX — organized the group in order to carry on the legacy of his sister, who tragically died from drowning while she was a foster mother for abused and neglected children in East Austin. As he had already ran a few marathons in the past, Walker decided to bring people together to carry on his sister’s torch and run for this cause. Promoting a movement of “whole community health,” TeamFX is a diverse group of adventurous, socially conscious men and women who partner with local business leaders to achieve their vision: “Creating a world without child abuse and neglect,” Walker says. Raising over $420,000 since its debut, TeamFX offers “couch-torace” training to achieve, at any pace, the Austin Marathon and Half Marathon, with all donations

benefiting the SAFE Children’s Shelter — a local organization that works to stop abuse by providing safety and stability for children, adults and families escaping abuse, neglect and exploitation. “It has become a movement for equality, justice and social responsibility,” Walker says, “while in its simplest essence is the basis for real connection with nature, with each other, with the community and with a sense of purpose beyond ourselves, which we all need to survive and be happy.”

TEXAS 4000

As the longest charity bike ride in the world, Texas 4000 is a 70-day ride that travels three routes from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska, fulfilling its mission to cultivate student leaders and engage communities in the fight against cancer. After beginning their route on Day Zero, the team separates into Sierra, Rockies and Ozarks routes, later reuniting in Canada to complete the route to Anchorage. As an annual event, Texas 4000 competitively selects students from the University of Texas for this 18-month program, which, according to the Team FX

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2019

Texas 4000

Texas 4000 webiste, “empowers each student to raise $4,500, ride 2,000 training miles with his/her team, volunteer more than 50 hours in the community and play an active role in planning every aspect of the ride to Alaska.” Senior Clare Crotty — a rider on the Ozarks route, as well as a member of the program team and external community engagement team — says that people are drawn to fitness-related charity events because they allow participants to be physically and directly involved in the cause. “I think it’s actually being able to do something instead of just writing a check, which is still great,” Crotty says, “but physically being able to feel like you’re doing something to fight the disease that you’re fighting for…it kind of helps people to feel a little bit less powerless.” By giving students the opportunity to have a full hands-on experience, Texas 4000 draws in participants who demonstrate a passion to fight cancer

and empower others to do the same. “I have way too many people I know that have been affected by cancer, and I hate feeling helpless — it’s one of my least favorite things,” Crotty says, “In applying, I was like, ‘I need to do this just because I’m able to do it.’” Giving back is something you can do in every aspect of your life, whether it be in your personal relationships, your academics or your career — and fitness is no different. While being active is an incredible way to give back to your own body, these Austin organizations, as well as many others, prove that fitness can also be a valuable tool to bring communities together, empower people and fight for a good cause. “The connection [between fitness and philanthropy],” Walker says, “is the bigger picture philosophy that we, as individual as well as a community, can rise into our full potential when we band together to achieve higher goals to make life better for everyone involved.” afm

AUSTIN KEEPS ON GIVING

In addition to these organizations, many Austin fitness studios also provide opportunities for people to sweat it out for a good cause. Wanderlust Yoga has joined forces with (RED), which partners with world brands to create products and experiences in order to raise money and spread awareness to end HIV/AIDS. For every ticket sold to Wanderlust 108 — their worldwide triathlon combining a 5K run, yoga and meditation — Wanderlust will donate $1.08 to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS. In addition, SoulCycle hosts charity rides that allow organizations to come together and raise money for their cause. Since its launch, SoulCycle has helped raise over $2.5 million each year for charities.

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Meara Isenberg

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Fitzsimmons

Sibel Pirkul’s tiny house on wheels.

TAKING THINGS TINY How the smaller home movement has impacted Austin

n a casual Friday afternoon, Sibel Pirkul watches television in her living room — a couch and coffee table in the right corner of her house. One of her cats, Tiger, stares down on the scene from a loft on the left side of Pirkul’s home, above the kitchen and bathroom. Though it sits in Austin’s Evergreen RV Park, the dark blue, 250-square-foot structure Pirkul lives in is not a recreational vehicle. She occupies a tiny home, a smaller house on wheels that is part of a growing minimalist living movement across the country. Popularized through blogs, books,

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podcasts and television programs like HGTV’s “Tiny House, Big Living,” tiny homes have been rolling into cities in growing numbers since the early 2000s, says Ryan Mitchell, creator of the blog The Tiny Life. Mitchell says the 2008 recession, which led many people to lose their homes and jobs, led the tiny home movement to increased popularity. “All these factors kind of intensified the interest around it,” Mitchell says. “People just saw that the old way of doing things was kind of becoming defunct and that the American dream, at the very least, was changing.” Mitchell estimates there are around 10,000 tiny homes in the U.S. today. From affordability to

sustainability to mobility, there are many reasons why homeowners are choosing to go tiny. Pirkul was introduced to tiny houses by her twin sister, Esin, whose tiny home was featured on an episode of “Tiny House, Big Living”. A skeptic of the idea at first, Pirkul says seeing her sister’s finished home made her get serious about smaller houses. She moved into her own tiny home last May. Though it’s less spacious than her past apartment, the house offers Pirkul a sense of ownership she didn’t have before. “It’s yours — that’s the one benefit about it,” Pirkul says. “Everything in here is yours and belongs to you.” Pirkul shares her home with two dachshunds, Pluto and Cocoa, her

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cat Tiger and another cat, Kitty. She says she never feels cramped in the house, as it has room for everything she needs. “All I did in my apartment was literally go to my kitchen, my bedroom and my living room,” Pirkul says. “This is just all in one area.” On this particular Friday, the dogs stay close to Pirkul, who sits on her couch. She’s decorated the living room space with patterned throw blankets and pillows, plants and wall art. Tiger is still perched on Pirkul’s loft. The stairs he climbed to get there are built on top of Pirkul’s closet — a space that holds a fraction of the clothes she once owned. “I had to downsize quite a bit

clothes-wise, and as far as like materials,” Pirkul says. “But I like that. It was very freeing.” Pirkul is one of a few tiny homeowners currently inhabiting the East Austin RV park. She says she looked into building her tiny home in a different part of Austin but decided on the park, because she knew it would be allowed there. Tiny homes can’t just be placed anywhere in the city of Austin. Development in the city is dependent on the way areas are zoned and the standards by which houses are built, says Susan Barr, manager of Residential Plan Review for the city. Tiny homes on wheels are not allowed to be placed on residential properties in Austin, Barr says.

Some zoning classifications in the city allow for a secondary dwelling unit — including a tiny home — to be built on one’s property, but these homes must be built on a permanent foundation, not wheels. These tiny homes must also be built up to standard with the International Residential Code, the technical building code to which houses are built. It’s possible to build a home as small as 120 square feet to IRC standards, Barr says. Tiny homes are usually defined as being less than 400 square feet. Only certain areas are zoned to allow for a secondary home, but someone could potentially build a tiny home as a primary dwelling unit anywhere houses can be built

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in the city, Barr says. That unit would have to be on a permanent foundation, attached to permanent utilities and built to IRC standards. Many tiny homeowners, like Pirkul, prefer their houses to be mobile. “I think that’s the biggest enticement,” says Pirkul, an ER nurse. “If I decide I want to move somewhere or do something else, I can go somewhere else and not be stuck with having to think about ‘What am I going to do with my house?’” RV parks in the city — including Evergreen — have their own particular zoning, which can allow for tiny homes on wheels to be parked there, Barr says. It’s easier to place a tiny home in areas surrounding the city, according to Zac Siegler of Austin-based tiny house framing company Volstrukt. Siegler has seen many projects he’s worked on end up on the outskirts of Austin. “I haven’t found that very many tiny houses are built to be placed inside of the city limits here in Austin,” Siegler says. “At least, for any of our customers at this point, it hasn’t seemed like that’s been the easiest thing to do.” Still, Siegler has seen demand in Austin and the surrounding areas grow since Volstrukt started its business in 2015. He estimates the company has worked on 50 or 60 structures for Austin-area clients. Most customers, are motivated by being able to build and design their own homes. “Nine times out of ten, they’re excited about the independence and ownership that they get to feel when they complete this project,” Siegler says. Julia Tillmon’s first house out of college was a tiny home, which she helped build. She finished the project in 2015 and lived out of it for three years between Austin and Dripping Springs. “I liked how minimalistic it was, and I liked that I was able to quote, ‘buy a house out of college,’” Tillmon says. “I wouldn’t have been able to buy a regular sized house.”

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IF I DECIDE I WANT TO MOVE SOMEWHERE OR DO SOMETHING ELSE, I CAN GO SOMEWHERE AND NOT BE STUCK.”

Tillmon got married a few months ago and now lives out of a bigger house in Manchaca, Texas. She’s currently renting out the tiny home in her backyard. “It’s not really big enough for two people, especially with how much stuff my wife had,” Tillmon says of the 200-square-foot tiny home. “But it is the perfect size for one person, and it was really fun.” She says she’s always kept the tiny house, which is on wheels, just outside of Austin, because she knows those areas have fewer regulations for mobile houses in comparison to the city. But the tiny home movement continues to break ground within the city as well. Village Farm, the first open and operating tiny home community in

Austin, started moving in residents last year, according to marketing manager Emiley Parker. “It’s been really amazing. A lot of people are interested,” Parker says. “Since we started closing on tiny homes in late September, early October, it’s been a steady stream of new residents.” While Village Farm is still being built, Parker says 15 to 20 of the completed 42 lots are already being lived in. The land the community is built on was originally zoned for an RV Park but was redesignated to be a tiny home community. Located off of Decker Lane in East Austin, the community is on the same property as Green Gate Farms. When construction is completed, the community will be an

agrihood, where there is local farming done that residents can choose to participate in, Parker says. Homes at Village Farm are set up on a permanent foundation, not wheels. The community is focused on a full-time resident experience, rather than a nomadic one, Parker says. Pirkul, however, isn’t giving up her wheels anytime soon. Though her house may be tiny, it offers big flexibility. “I don’t really know where I exactly want to live, where I want to work or anything like that,” Pirkul says. “It gives you the opportunity to move anywhere, and kind of create what you want out of your own life.” afm

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

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Stacey Deville, Realtor StaceyDeville.com Stacey@moreland.com 512.650.6364 Stacey Deville is a longtime resident of Austin and Realtor with Moreland Properties. She began her career in law enforcement, which she still practices when not doing real estate. She co-owns a successful construction company, Deville Custom Homes, which is how she got her start into the real estate field. Her clientele ranges from the seasoned investors, the luxury buyers/sellers all the way to the first time homebuyers! Outside of work she spends her time volunteering with her church, working with the National Ataxia Foundation, playing tennis and spending time with her family! If you are looking for an ethical, knowledgeable local give Stacey a call!

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Liz Hart has resided in Austin for 10 years where she has spent the last five years diligently building her career in Real Estate. Utilizing her skills and work ethic, Hart specializes in representing investor sellers, first-time homebuyers and relocation clients in a competitive market. Hart prides herself on working hard for her clients while offering exceptional customer service to their needs. Whether buying or selling real estate, Hart’s industry knowledge, steadfastness, professionalism and dedication to her clients continue to grow her new and returning business each year.

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Living Like She Means It A U T H O R K AT B A R C L AY P H O T O G R A P H E R K R I S T E N K I L PAT R I C K

How Austin blogger Camille Styles lives her fullest life while balancing family and a full-time career. APRIL

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“I had no job here and really no connections here. I had visited Austin and loved it and really had a gut instinct I wanted to be here.” At the top of the Camille Styles website is the phrase, “Live life like you mean it.” It’s the same phrase that appears as hashtag #likeyoumeanit at the bottom of the majority of her Instagram posts. This mantra comes from Camille Styles herself, Austin-based founder and editor-in-chief of camillestyles.com, a lifestyle blog that features new daily content ranging from food and travel to design and wellness. Originally from Fort Worth and raised in Missouri, Styles moved to Austin on a whim about 13 years ago. Her journey to intentional living shows that it takes hard work to achieve the meaningful life that she presents on her website.

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“I had no job here and really no connections here,” Styles says of her early days. “I had visited Austin and loved it and really had a gut instinct I wanted to be here. It was really one of the first times I really just followed my instinct, even though I wasn’t explaining to anyone why I was doing it, but I’m so glad I did.” She found a job in catering that providentially was also where she met her future husband, one of her clients. After working as a caterer for a few years, Styles pursued the life of an entrepreneur and launched her own event planning business. Initially, her blog was just a creative outlet for her on the side.

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“This was pretty early in the blogging days — it was before ‘influencer’ was a term. It was pre-Instagram, and I think it was pre-Twitter,” Styles says. “The landscape looked pretty different, and there weren’t really professional bloggers, so that was certainly not something in my mind I thought would become my full-time career.” Styles began to enjoy the process of creating content and having a platform to share it. She dove into waking up early and staying up late to post on the site. “I really just enjoyed the process of creating this

platform to share with my audience,” Styles says. “Back when I never thought this would be my full-time job, but it really is my dream job, I just didn’t know it.” Similar to how she’s evolved as a person, so has her blog. “It’s interesting to see how the site has transformed over the years,” Styles says. “I think when I started it, I wanted to be like the next Martha Stewart...have perfect parties and how to impress your guests — there’s nothing wrong with those things if they bring you joy — but over the years as our audience has grown and I’ve

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“For me, I feel like if I have too many goals, they all start to blur together and I can’t focus on making any traction with those goals.” grown, the site has really come to embrace authenticity and imperfection a lot more.” Being the face behind a brand that inspires others to live a full life means also incorporating it in her own life as well. So how does she manage to balance taking care of her family and running a business while still living life to the fullest? For Styles, she says it’s about

being intentional — intentional with her time and prioritizing the things that matter most to her. “I’m a big morning person,” Styles says. “I love starting the day on a positive note, and when I don’t, I can feel it throughout the whole day.” At the beginning of each year, Styles writes out one goal for each area of her life that she sees as a priority — family, work, health and spiritual life. Then she picks one specific goal for each of those categories. “For me, I feel like if I have too many goals, they all start to blur together and I can’t focus on making any traction with those goals,” Styles says. “I try to figure out what’s the most important thing. If at the end of the year, I make any

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“I’ve realized my kids really need me to just be playing with them and receiving my attention. It goes such a long way to make them feel loved and valued.” APRIL

traction on it at all, it will be life-changing.” In order to maintain these ambitions, she starts her day with a cup of coffee and then sits down to read her goals. Next, Styles compares her daily calendar to her list of goals. She does this to make sure she is spending her time each day in a way that supports her goals. If it’s not, Styles recalibrates in order to better align the two. “Like everyone, I am really busy,” Styles says. “It’s easy to go through the motions and just be productive all day but not actually spend time on the things that are important to me. To me, living intentionally means spending time on things that are actually important to you and what actually matters.” One of the most important things for Styles is quality time with her family — her husband Adam, and their two children, Phoebe (six) and Henry (three). Having a full-time career and being a wife and mom has its own unique challenges. Living in a world full of distractions like buzzing cell phones and social media notifications can make it even more difficult to be mindful of your thoughts and time. “Probably my biggest challenge in life is being the kind of mom I want to be and being the kind of business woman I want to be,” Styles says. “I love my family and kids, but I’m also naturally one of those people who loves to work, and I love diving into projects. I have to be really intentional about setting aside time to just be with my family and totally turn off work, or it all starts to bleed together. I’m guilty of being physically with my kids and husband, but my mind is thinking about an email or an Instagram comment. So I’m not really present and it’s not quality time.”

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Health can easily be put on the back burner when managing a busy schedule. That’s why Styles focuses on working out and eating healthy, because above all it makes her feel good. “I try to work out in ways that I love,” Styles says. “If it’s something I dread, then it’s probably not the right workout for me. My weekly workouts are a mix of spin class and barre class. I also have my walks with Adam, or I like go on a long walk with a friend. And as I’ve learned about nutrition over the years, I’ve really come to crave healthy foods. And luckily, I really love to cook!” Styles will be the first to tell you that to live intentionally takes tenacity. Fortunately, Styles has produced content for ten years aimed toward her overall mission, inspiring others to live happy and healthy lives. She hopes to motivate her audience to find what brings them joy, prioritize the things that matter, be intentional with their time, show up for the people they love and truly live life like they mean it. afm

Over the last several years, intentionality for her, in regards to being fully present with her family, is putting away her phone in the evenings, really listening and just getting on the floor and playing with them. “You can be doing a lot of good things as a mom, like making dinner and cleaning the house,” Styles says. “But I’ve realized my kids really need me to just be playing with them and receiving my attention. Even if it’s 15 minutes just to fill up their cups. It goes such a long way to make them feel loved and valued.” Being intentional with her marriage for Styles also means setting aside quality time for just the two of them. They strive for weekly date nights and frequent trips. But she says one of the best things for them has been a tradition they’ve held since before having kids — a daily morning neighborhood walk. “It’s really just a time of connecting for 30 to 40 minutes and to talk about the day ahead. It’s a way to stay involved and intimately know what’s going on in each other’s lives,” Styles says. “We’ve talked through so many issues or work challenges on those walks … It’s really important to us to set aside that time even when we are busy.”

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WHEEL

OR W

INGS

The Austin River City Recâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers are more than just a team. AU T H O R M O N I C A H A N D PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN FITZSIMMONS

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“FIRST AND FOREMOST, WE’RE A FAMILY — WE ACTUALLY HANG OUT OFF THE COURT.”

arasports have been around since after WWII when injured veterans needed a means of rehabilitation. Now, the sports have become much more — The Paralympics and paraleagues are growing in popularity and scope across the globe, and universities are starting their own teams and recruiting players with scholarships. Austin’s very own parasport organization, The Rec’ers, has made a name for itself in the basketball world, not just because of their excellence on the court, but because of the family dynamic that the organization itself promotes. For The Rec’ers, basketball may be the sport, but family is the name of the game. And these guys certainly know what they’re doing. Watching from the bleachers at the Doris Miller Recreational Center, it’s easy to hear the inside jokes, the friendly taunting and the serious drive echoing through the gymnasium. With this team, the notion of families coming in all shapes and sizes is just a fact of life. The members are different in almost every way — their backgrounds, their looks, their ages, their aspirations The Rec’ers and even their has made a injuries. But name for itself there’s a certain in the basketdrive in each of ball world.

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them that brings them together as nothing else could. Andy Halm, member of the Rec’ers for 30 years and head coach of the D2 team, explains that that bond extends throughout the whole organization. “First and foremost, we’re a family,” Halm says. Halm was paralyzed when he born . He found the Rec’ers in 1989 when he was 14 years old and hasn’t left since. He sits on the sidelines at practices pointing to his players and telling their stories, their habits and their goals in life. He cherishes each member on the team and knows them like the back of his hand. But this isn’t uncommon for the Rec’ers. They all know each

other almost better than they know themselves. “We actually hang out off the court,” Halm says with a laughs. “We probably spend more time with each other than we do with our wives.” Lee Brown, an Olympic medal baring paraathlete and the head junior’s coach, also joined the Rec’ers in 1989 with Halm. But before wheelchair basketball, Brown was on scholarship to play basketball at The University of Arizona until a motorcycle accident took both of his legs. He purchased the bike on a Monday, and the wreck occurred Friday of the same week. But Brown’s resiliency got him back onto the courts as soon as he was released from the hospital.

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All Recâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ers teams practice together on Sundays.

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Juniors team members Quinn Meyer

After speaking to anyone within The Rec’ers organization, Although Brown’s and Halm’s are both amazing stories of strength in the face of adversity, you’ll soon realize that these inspiring themes are a fact of life. They take these stories behind themselves and behind their teammates and use them to push harder, and as a

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reminder for others as well. “Just because you’re disabled doesn’t mean you can’t do everything you want to do,” Halm says. “You can still be self-reliant.” This is one of the main ideas that comes into play at the practices for the juniors teams. The reinstatement of the juniors teams in 2017 has brought

about a whole new perspective for the Rec’ers family dynamic. In just two short years, they went from an empty roster to second in their conference and twelfth in the nation. When asked how they were able to achieve so much in such a short amount of time with virtually no budget, Brown simply points to the kids and to the organization. Not only are the kids talented and coachable, but the support system that is created by the entire organization allows for a different kind of coaching and a different kind of playing. “I mean it’s just something about this organization. I hear parents and kids from other teams talking about how they wish they could play for us,” Brown says. “It’s like I tell the kids, I can’t promise anything, but if they come out and play, they’re gonna have fun.” Not only are the younger players having fun, but they are being mentored all the while by older players. At Sunday practices, every level of player on the court is helping each other, and teaching the common theme of independence. “We teach them how to fall, how to get up, how to play the sport and how to take care of themselves when no one is around,” Joe Fischer, assistant coach of the juniors team, says. Fischer and Brown have taken on this role of parental guidance for their players — talking about each child as if they were one of their own. Quinn Meyer, an 8th grader who plays on the Juniors team, was recruited the way most Rec’ers athletes are — by chance. “Quinn is my hero,” Fischer says. “She is literally my hero and I tell her that every day.”

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Coach Brown encountered her and her family at CiCi’s Pizza and recruited her to play for Rec’ers. Fast forward a few years later and she’s developed into one of team’s top players. Meyer, who was adopted from China, had to get herself to practice via the Austin bus system as both her parents are legally blind. When Brown heard this, he stepped in to help. “When I found out she was pushing herself across the bridge from the Lamar stop to practice I almost had a heart attack,” Brown says with a laugh. Brown now picks Meyer up for every practice whether from school or home. And if he can’t pick her up, someone else from the team does. They all work together to get their players where they need to be, just as families take care of each other. After joining the Rec’ers, Meyer sees Brown as another father figure, her teammates like her siblings and team dinners after tournaments and practices as family dinners. She even understands her teammates’ habits. “If you want to do something, nothing should hold you back,” Meyer says. “But if you do something, you have to go all in. Why half effort anything?” Meyer’s mentality is exactly what the Rec’ers stand for — and exactly what the coaches are trying to instill in the kids as they grow up in wheelchairs or with prosthetic legs. The idea is that if there is something you want to do, you can do it — no one can stop you and no one has to give you permission or hold your hand. With this mentality in place, every level of the organization supports each other, knows each other, and cares for each other. The Rec’ers value their family team. “Ride till we die, baby,” Fischer says. afm

“IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING, NOTHING SHOULD HOLD YOU BACK.”

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Haley Birt

THE BUZZ ABOUT CBD CBD: What it is and how it works in your body.

annabidiol, better known as CBD, has become a growing trend in holistic health practices. While it continues to provoke skepticism due to a close association with its betterknown cousin, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it has recently come to hold its own in the world of homeopathic medicine. According to CP CBD, LLC, a cannaceutical distributing company based in Austin, CBD promises a range of benefits from improving mood and overall wellness to reducing pain in patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other inflammatory conditions. “Almost all conditions can

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be [linked] to inflammation of something,” Dr. Anne Sharkey, the founder of CP CBD, says. “By taking CBD products, your body is going to restore homeostasis, which is why the inflammation goes down and the pain improves.” Its growing integration into reputable medical offices, such as Sharkey’s, have been invaluable to those who are looking for viable alternatives to typical prescription medication. “The patients that I see have the most remarkable change are already on a lot of medications to control the pain…but they may need something else to just function in everyday life,” Sharkey says. “It’s been most exciting to see those patients who are in chronic pain and what a

difference it makes in their life.” But many people are still wondering how it really works. And, if it is the miracle oil that Kristen Bell and Whoopi Goldberg are claiming it to be, why haven’t we been using it for the past 100 years? The answer to both of those questions lies within the hemp plant from which hemp oil, or CBD oil, is derived. According to an article published by Project CBD, pure hemp oil is extracted from a strain of nonremedial, industrial hemp (hemp with less than 0.3 percent of THC). The stigma against hemp began during the Hoover administration in the early 20th century. A campaign against hemp took hold of the mainstream media, with popular

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over 400 variant cannabinoids other than THC. It was not until passage of the 2018 Farm Bill that industrial hemp was federally legalized, and, slowly, CBD has come out from the shadow cast by THC. After that, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment hemp oil jumped into the mainstream. Was it when Willie Nelson released his line of CBD-infused coffee beans? Or when Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the chief medical correspondent for CNN, told Dr. Oz that the positive effects of CBD are backed by hard science? Either way, both events

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IT’S BEEN MOST EXCITING TO SEE THOSE PATIENTS WHO ARE IN CHRONIC PAIN AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE IT MAKES IN THEIR LIFE.” films like “Reefer Madness” and “Marihuana: Assassin of Youth” provoked hysteria from the masses. However, the panic was appeased with the passage of the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937, which outlawed all hemp. Little to no research was further conducted on the plant, which, according to cbdsky.com, contains

turned heads, and the FDA’s recent approval of Epidiolex, a CBD drug that can be prescribed for epilepsy, has caught the attention of early adopters and skeptics alike. But, unless you’re conducting research in a lab or binge reading Medical News Today, it can be very confusing to really understand how CBD works in the body. In a report published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the human body contains a complex system called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The network of endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors is closely linked to the central nervous system and our peripheral organs. CBD targets a specific neurotransmitter within the ECS called CB1. CB1 is one

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CBD promises a range of benefits from improving mood and overall wellness to reducing pain in patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other inflammatory conditions.

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of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the body and is found densely packed around major brain regions that control emotional response, motor skills, decision making and homeostasis. “When you ingest a CBD product, your endocannabinoid system is activated, and you’re not actually using the CBD that you ingest, but [it causes] your receptors to uptake more of your own endogenous material,” Sharkey says. “That, in turn, activates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to release serotonin…and [this] helps to restore homeostasis throughout the body.” Unlike other stimulants, CBD is not

psychoactive. This means that ingestion of hemp oil will not produce the “high” feeling commonly associated with other chemicals derived from the hemp plant, such as THC. Also, unlike most stimulants, it is very common for patients who use CBD to start out on higher doses of CBD and, over time, find that they need the supplement less and less. “As the balance is achieved…there is more homeostasis, and you can decrease the amount [of hemp oil] you need to maintain the current state,” Sharkey says. While CBD seems like the cure-all, it is not recommended in two cases.

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WELLNESS

According Sharkey, CBD acts as an immune system stimulant and, for this reason, is not recommended to organ transplant recipients as it may cause their body to reject the transplant. The second is to patients on blood thinners. When CBD is ingested orally, it is metabolized through the liver and can cause even greater reduced platelet activity, potentially leading to bleeding. Sharkey advises to be wary of the quality of the hemp oil available. “They should be able to trace the manufacturing process from the seed to the sale,” Sharkey says. “That will tell you if it is compliant with the Farm Bill from 2018 and how the company operates.”

Her caution comes hot on the heels of a report published by NBC which investigated the sale of bootlegged CBD oil to unsuspecting Groupon customers. The report detailed that high amounts of lead had been found within the product, and further cautioned against uninformed consumerism. As the CBD trend takes hold, its full effects and side effects are still undergoing extensive research. But many are optimistic that CBD — and other closely related cannabinoids such as CBG — may be a key player in the U.S. shift away from overuse of pills and narcotics to whole, long-term self-care. afm

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Liana Mauro

EXERCISE AND AGING Slowing the clock with the help of Pilates

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times when we feel strong and perform at our best and other times of setback, injury or fatigue. Respecting the body and its needs can be the difference between aging gracefully and falling apart.

GETTING OLDER

When we are young, our bodies can handle a great deal. We like pushing to see how much we can handle. As we get older, that threshold often decreases. Enough

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ging is inevitable. We can eat perfectly, get the perfect amount of sleep and do everything “right,” but nothing — no matter how calculated and deliberate — can stop the clock. What we can do, however, is control how we spend each tick of that clock. All of us have interesting relationships with fitness. We have periods of discipline and stretches of weakness where motivation and results lag. When we look at the whole picture, our fitness ebbs and flows. There are

stress over time, be it physical, mental or emotional, can cause a breakdown. In the case of our bodies, bone density decreases, cartilage breaks down and even our muscles shrink. What, then, is the point of exercise if these things happen anyway? Why add additional stress? The exciting news is that the right types of activity will help decrease the speed of these processes and can even help decrease or eliminate pain you might already be experiencing.

exercise regimen, make a decision to change. The key is taking up the right form of exercise for your age, ability and fitness level. If you haven’t been exercising regularly and are in your 40s or 50s, beginning a running routine or other high-impact activity could significantly increase the likelihood of injury. Beginning with a low-impact form of cardiovascular Physical stress over time can cause breakdown.

WHAT IF I DON’T EXERCISE?

It’s never too late to start. Fitness happens for different people at different times. No matter when you begin, you will reap the benefits. A sedentary lifestyle is damaging. If you’re not feeling as spry as you once did and are considering beginning an

A sedentary lifestyle is damaging.

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WELLNESS I’M AN ATHLETE. WHY DO I NEED PILATES AS I GET OLDER?

Note to Athletes: Including a restorative, well-balanced, preventative practice within a training program will help the already active person stay active.

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activity and a strength training program that promotes joint health, balance, flexibility and restoration of muscular imbalances will help decrease the chance of injury as you increase activity levels. Exercise like Pilates provides exactly these things. The founder, Joseph Pilates, famously said at age 86, “I must be right. Never an aspirin. Never injured a day in my life. The whole country, the whole world, should be doing my exercises. They’d be happier.”

Athletes also age, regardless of their fitness levels. In fact, given the repetitive stress placed on athletes’ bodies and the lack of recovery time between training sessions, they can become increasingly prone to injury as they age. Including a restorative, wellbalanced, preventative practice within a training program will help the already active person stay active. While many athletes are increasingly adding practices such as Pilates and yoga into their training regime, there are many who do not. Athletes, whose training time is already precious, commonly feel as though they cannot add another activity to their list. Worse, they are reactive (waiting for an injury to arise) rather than preventative (taking an initiative to work to stop injuries ahead of time). Aging is a stress of its own, and when extra stress is added — such as weight training, hours of cycling, marathon training or any other energy-demanding activity — the body begins to break down. Just as recovery is important, prevention is equally so. Athletes commonly downplay pain, ignoring signs that their bodies aren’t functioning optimally. Symptoms should not be ignored, especially as we age. Just as we take our cars to get serviced when the “check engine” light comes on, it’s important to pay attention when our bodies flash the same warning. Don’t wait, address those signs now. And if you have an existing injury, be sure to face it head on.

WHAT PILATES IS AND ISN’T

A large number of people are confused about what Pilates is despite its rise in popularity over the

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years, and there are several common misconceptions. Pilates is not all abdominal work. The entire premise of this form of movement is balance. Simply put: work the back of the body as much as the front, and move the spine through all planes of movement. A well-structured Pilates program is a full-body workout with emphasis on alignment and the practitioner’s goals, not a series of abdominal exercises. It’s also not all stretching. The stretching found in Pilates is different, working a muscle first concentrically (in a shortened position) and then eccentrically (in a lengthened position). Studies have shown that this is a safer and more effective way of stretching. Holding stretches for extended periods of time and going “deeper” into the stretch can lead not only to imbalances within the body, but can cause permanent damage

to ligaments as well as instability in the joints. You don’t need to be flexible to start, either. Whether flexible or inflexible, in the best or worst shape ever, injured or injury-free, Pilates is ideal for most people to incorporate into their fitness regimens. While Joseph Pilates pulled from yoga movements to create Pilates, he also drew inspiration from weight training, wrestling, gymnastics, boxing, skiing and even swimming. This is why Pilates provides the practitioner with the flexibility of yoga, the coordination and grace of gymnastics, the strength of boxing and skiing and the stamina and core strength of swimming. It’s a system that provides wellrounded results and an ideal form of exercise for people to remain active, injury-free and feeling good while aging. afm

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

AUSTIN BOULDERING PROJECT

austinboulderingproject.com

Cultivate courage, determination and community at Austin Bouldering Project Summer Camps. Children ages 5-17 will immerse themselves in an exciting week of bouldering, crafts, games, yoga and more! Campers will participate in climbing games, engaging challenges and playful yoga classes that foster relaxation and mind-body awareness. The experienced ABP instructors will be there every step of the way to provide support and guidance for climbers of all levels. Weekly camps for ages 5-12 are offered June 10 through August 16. Teen camps for ages 13-17 are offered June 24-28, July 15-19 and August 5-9. All camps run 9 a.m.-5 p.m. You can register for Summer Camp at ABP by visiting austinboulderingproject.com, or by calling 512.645.4633.

YMCA

austinymca.org The YMCA of Austin provides a happy, healthy environment for children to learn and grow. At Y Summer Camp, campers gain a sense of accomplishment, build relationships and find their sense of belonging. For campers, camp provides opportunities for physical, social-emotional and cognitive learning experiences. For parents, camp offers peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe and enriching place. YMCA of Austin Camp offerings include: · Kinder Camp- Recommended for ages 4-5 who have yet to attend Kindergarten. Campers benefit from a slower pace, afternoon quiet/nap period and lower camper-to-staff ratios. · Theme Camp- For campers ages 5-12 who are looking for a traditional day camp experience. Changing theme-related crafts, organized games and character development activities make each week a unique experience. · Sports Camp- Budding superstars, ages 8-12, can increase their skills and learn about the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. · Adventure Camp- If your 11-14-year-old camper has graduated from the day camp experience and is ready to move to the next level, then Adventure Camp should be this summer’s challenge. Get ready for a summer full of hiking, acting, exploring, climbing and achievement. More information and registration available at austinymca.org

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

HILL COUNTRY INDOOR SPORTS & FITNESS

hillcountryindoor.com 512.263.4144 | 13875 Bee Cave Parkway, Bee Cave, TX 78738

Whether looking to beat the heat or hone sport-specific skills this summer, Hill Country Indoor has the camp for you! Enjoy 12 weeks of full-day camps, all indoors, starting May 28th. Wipeout Camp is HCI’s traditional day camp program for ages 5-12. Each week-long camp will focus on a new theme, including Ninja Warrior, Beach Bash, Art Palooza and more! Wipeout Camp runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Looking for a specific sport? HCI’s sport camps include soccer, volleyball, basketball, pickleball and baseball. Early drop off and late pick up is an add-on option, making camp both fun and convenient. Sibling discounts are available and early bird registration is open through April 13, so sign up today!

SPORTBALL

sportball.us

Camps are so much fun with Sportball. Children have the opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to get in the games of basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, football, hockey, tennis and golf. Our highly trained coaches play one-a-day and breakdown skills into kid-sized bites of fun that promote the fundamentals and encourage teamwork. Older ages work toward playing real game scrimmages. Select Summer Camps are $20 off. · Ages 3-10 years old · Multi sport and Sport- Specific Camps · Indoor and Outdoor locations · Austin, Cedar Park, Lakeway, Round Rock, Westlake

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2019

SPECIAL PROMOTION

TEXAS ROWING CENTER

Texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com 512.467.7799

Texas Rowing Center offers weekly water sports camps throughout the summer for elementary, middle, and highschool students on beautiful Lady Bird Lake. Elementary School Camps run from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and focus on kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding. The cost is $260 for each week. Middle School Camps run all day and focus on rowing in the mornings; and paddling, hiking, and swimming in the afternoons. The cost is $395 for the first week and $295 for each additional week. The High School Camps focus on developing rowing skills, and run from 9:00AM to 12:00PM. The cost is $195 for each week.

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

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Alex Winkelman Zeplain of Hello My Tribe

PHOTOGRAPHY

Angela Doran

SELF CARE AFTER PREGNANCY Postpartum self-care tips every mother should practice

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“P

ut your mask on first before assisting others.” We’ve been told this countless times. Yet, society has very different expectations once women become mothers. We go through 40 weeks of pregnancy where we are advised on what to eat, when to rest, to practice prenatal yoga, to see care providers regularly, to drink enough water, to learn breathing techniques, to capture all of the moments, to journal our feelings — the list goes on. It’s the

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New moms should practice self care both before and after giving birth.

ultimate time of self-care in many ways, also known as putting our masks on before assisting others. Once the baby comes, it’s a different story. Going from “pregnant princess to postpartum peasant” is the reality for most women. All attention, energy and resources are now focused on the baby. A new baby deserves the absolute best care, of course, but so does the woman who has just experienced pregnancy, labor and birth. And is now transitioning into motherhood. There is a lot of healing to do, physically and mentally. Self-care with a newborn is extremely hard to practice, and can come with guilt and judgment from others. It can be overwhelming, but practicing self-care is imperative to your own well-being and can greatly affect your motherhood journey in a positive way. All new mothers should practice these postpartum self-care tips to ease the transition and to combat feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, exhaustion and stress.

STAY CONNECTED TO FRIENDS

Friendships can protect us from depression, anxiety and disease. A 2006 breast cancer study found that women without

close friends were four times as likely to die from the disease as women with 10 or more friends. Having face-to-face contact with other people releases oxytocin, which counters stress and makes us happier.

HAVE QUALITY TIME FOR YOURSELF

What makes you happy? What fills your cup? Do it. Do it often and do it guilt-free.

MOVE YOUR BODY

There are countless benefits of exercise including feeling happier, losing weight, gaining strength, increasing energy levels, aiding with relaxation and sleep, reducing pain, promoting a better sex life and decreasing stress and tension. In the immediate postpartum period, it is imperative to listen to your care provider and to do your research on best practices for postpartum exercise. Also, listen to your body, and be patient and kind to yourself.

GET SLEEP

There’s a biological reason why babies do not sleep through the night, which means you are not sleeping through the

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

WELLNESS

Moving your body helps decrease stress.

night. Yet, sleep is insanely important. Instead of worrying about your to-do list throughout the day, take mini-naps instead. Different length naps can have different benefits. Even a 10 minute nap can work wonders.

JOIN A MOTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GROUP

You might have a million girlfriends, but knowing women who are in the same stage of motherhood are a game changer. Motherhood can be isolating, both physically and emotionally.

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2019

necessary. If something continues to feel off, ask your doctor to run labs to check your levels. Remember that what you put on your body is being absorbed through your skin and lungs. Make sure to use products without the use of toxic ingredients and fragrances. Chemicals, toxins and hormones found in food and in beauty, hair and skin products can have a negative impact on mood and health.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

It’s easy to stare at the clock when you’re dealing with extremely long days, feedings, nap schedules, loneliness and sleepless nights. Do your best to throw expectations out the window and focus on the moment. Practicing mindfulness and avoiding multitasking, can make us much more at peace with “balancing” all roles.

A mother’s group can bring much needed understanding, support and a sense of community that you can count on.

SPEND TIME OUTDOORS:

Science has found that spending time outdoors can reduce inflammation, eliminate fatigue, keep depression and anxiety at bay, lower blood pressure, boost your immune system and has a de-stressing effect — all of which a mother needs. Take some deep breaths while you’re there.

ASK FOR HELP

Motherhood is a team sport. We are not meant to do it alone. Ask for the help you need. This also includes hiring and outsourcing. The old school village no longer exists and it’s ok to build a modern-day one.

PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU’RE PUTTING IN AND ON YOUR BODY Food has the power to heal, and it also has the power to harm. Pay attention to how food is making you feel and make changes as

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your role as a mother and the thought of adding in self-care can be daunting. Do what you can; pick and choose options that work for you. Baby steps. These tools are available to you, and for the most part, are free. If you need more encouragement and are still feeling guilty about practicing self-care, remember that you are setting the example for your children. You want your children to value and respect him or herself, to take deep breaths when they need, to move their bodies, to eat healthy food, to share their feelings and to rest. It starts with you. Lastly, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders can be very serious. Please seek professional help if needed. You are not alone. afm

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

FITNESS AUTHOR

START CYCLING

or nearly all of us, learning how to ride a bike was part of childhood. For many, it was the ticket to freedom. For most, however, the car eventually took its place and our once beloved bikes were forgotten in the garage, collecting dust, their tires slowly going flat. Today in Austin though, and in cities across the country, people are rekindling that childhood love for two wheels. With avid commuters, weekend warrior racers and mountain bikers looking to get away from

Pointers to get you pedaling on the road or the trail

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2019

Pexels.com / Victor Freitas

Payson McElveen

it, bikes now seem to match the number of cars in our city. As a result, lawmakers, business owners, and city planners are taking notice. New bike lanes seem to sprout up on a nearly daily basis, racks are packed in front of Whole Foods, and there’s a bike shop on every corner. Austin was ranked the 13th most bike-friendly city in the nation in 2012. This movement is not new to European countries, where bikes have played an instrumental role in their constant rank above the United States in categories like health and environmental impact. The swell continues to build here in Austin and around the country, and there was never a better time to get involved. Still, with all the different genres of cycling, gear and social etiquette, getting started can be just as intimidating as that first time you tried riding without training wheels. Here are a few pointers that will hopefully get you pedaling down the road or trail with ease.

YOU ALREADY HAVE A BIKE, BUT IT’S BEEN COLLECTING DUST IN THE GARAGE

If you have a bike that you want to get rolling on again, take it to a local bike shop to have them give it a once over. At the very least, it will probably need fresh tires, chain and a general tune-up. From there, make sure you have a well-fitting helmet and some light, comfortable clothing to ride in. Eventually you’ll want to make the leap and buy some cyclingspecific shorts, but this isn’t necessary right from the get-go. Although it is easy to spend lots of money on bikes and equipment (and you likely will, down the line), you can certainly get started for less than $1,000.

BUYING A NEW BIKE

With all the carbon fiber race bikes rolling around town, it’s fair to assume that cycling is a white-collar pastime. Although it is easy to spend lots of money on bikes and equipment (and you likely will, down the line), you can certainly get started for less than $1,000. First you’ll want to decide what kind

“

“With avid commuters, weekend warrior racers and mountain bikers looking to get away from it, bikes now seem to match the number of cars in our city.”

of bike you want. Are you interested in hitting the trails and escaping the traffic? Do you want to join your buddy’s group ride on Saturday mornings? Or maybe you’re looking for a solid cyclocross bike that will get you to and from work, no matter the time of year. A quick search on Craigslist will bring up a plethora of quality used, road, mountain and cyclocross bikes for less than $1,000. My recommendation is to make a list of a handful that you think might be suitable, and then have an experienced friend give them a look. They’ll be able to explain some of the nuances of componentry, geometry and build, so you can make a more informed decision. If you have a larger budget to work with, visiting your local bike shop and having them point you in the right direction is a good first step. They’ll be able to listen to your needs and make recommendations so you can make an informed decision.

GET CLIPPED IN

Clipless pedals (the ones that attach to cycling specific shoes), are a must. Being locked in by the feet to your bike may sound terrifying, but you’ll soon come to find that it can give you more confidence, control, and pedaling power. If you don’t know a friend who will help you get them set up and teach you the basics, a quick search on YouTube will turn up some adequate tutorials. From there, take your new shoes and pedals to a flat, grassy field and practice. You may tip over a few times, but within half an hour you should be “click-clicking” like a pro.

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

FITNESS JOIN A GROUP

Along with health, freedom and unbridled fun, one of the most valuable things a bike can give you is friends. There are few things more fun than ripping along a trail in a group, going for a town line sprint on the Saturday group ride or just cruising to a coffee shop with your significant other. In terms of improving as a rider, nothing will boost your fitness, bike-handling or repertoire of routes as fast as riding with more experienced cyclists. There are lots of local group rides that happen on almost every day of the week, ranging from competitive hammerfests, to easy sight-seeing excursions. Drop in to your local

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bike shop to get a list of the ones they recommend.

GIVE RACING A TRY

All cyclists should try racing at least once. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not for everyone, but the joy and accomplishment that can come from friendly, grass-roots level competition is an experience not to be passed up. Each discipline of cycling has its own racing vibe. Road racing is often seen as the most serious sport, but also most steeped in tradition. Getting your foot in the door at one of the Thursday night Driveway Series events is a great start, and they have first-time racer clinics available as well.

Mountain bike racing is often more approachable and a bit more laid back. There is usually a complimentary keg or two awaiting the racers at the finish. The Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association puts on a state-wide series that also hosts first-time racer clinics. Cyclocross is the party of the bike racing world. Held in the cold, wet winter months, cyclocross includes getting muddy as one of the central goals. Beer, bacon and dollar bill hand-ups are also integral to this most fun-loving discipline of bike racing. Pick one, or try them all. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to go wrong when pedaling a bike. afm

2019

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WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

By mixing high intensity treadmill intervals with total body toning, you can blast calories and avoid burnout and plateau. Find this workout exclusively at locally owned studio, Crush Fitness.

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THE WORKOUT 1) ONE LEG DEADLIFT WITH KETTLEBELL (ABOVE) Plant left leg while right leg lifts straight behind you. Engage core, pull weights up as lifted leg comes back to standing position. Repeat on other leg

Phone: 512 480-0077 Email: info@crushfitness.com Instagram @Crushfitnessatx

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2) SQUAT WITH UPRIGHT ROW Sit back and squat deeply, push through your heels and pull the resistance band back up to shoulder height, squeezing your shoulder blades together to engage back muscles.

3) MEDICINE BALL TWIST Start seated on a bench. Come to a stable boat pose and slowly take medicine ball to each side, using your core strength to stabilize the entire time.

4) LUNGE WITH SAND BELL Step back into a lunge position and twist the sand bell to the opposite side. Stand tall and repeat on other leg.

5) INCLINE BICEP CURL Sit at the edge of an inclined bench, posture tall and take the weights down to your sides and then pull them up, curling in a full extension bicep curl.

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

FITNESS

6) INCLINE BACK FLY Lie stomach down on inclined bench and pull weights all the way back in a fly position. Return to neutral position

7) SHOULDER PRESS Arms come to goal post position. Push up to 90 degrees and back down

8) GLUTE KICK WITH RESISTANCE BAND Use a resistance band connected underneath the bench. Put band around one foot. Get on all fours and lift the leg with the band to 90 degrees. Bring leg back to bench and repeat several reps before switching sides.

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MOVE TO THE TREADMILL FOR CARDIO 1) SIDE SHUFFLE Turn body to side and slowly shuffle while the tread is between 2.0-3.0 mph - 30-60 second each side. Repeat other side

2) MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS IN DYNAMIC MODE ON TREAD Place hands on end of tread in dynamic mode and do mountain climbers on the belt.

3) DYNAMIC SPLIT SQUAT Come to end of the treadmill and place one foot on tread. Move leg back to be in a 90 degree position for a split squat / lunge. Repeat other side. Stabilize core and move slowly

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

COMMUNITY CORNER AUTHOR

Lauren Halpern

PHOTOGRAPHY

Anne Banister

COMMUNITY

Corner

Allan Cole

POWER FOR PARKINSON’S Local Parkinson’s nonprofit offers free movement classes to the Austin community.

hen Allan Cole first noticed a twitch in his left index finger in the fall of 2016, he brushed it off as no big deal. Soon after, stiffness in his left hand and trouble typing ensued. His wife, Tracey, nudged him to see a neurologist. Cole was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. A UT professor, and father of two young girls, he was only 48 years old. “I was shocked, to say the least,” Cole says. “I thought I was simply overdoing it at the gym. After all, I was active, ate well, got sleep, drank modestly — I’d always been healthy.”

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Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. The most common signs and symptoms can include tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements and speech or writing changes. More than one million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s, affecting more people than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s Disease combined. The average onset age for Parkinson’s Disease is 60, but people as young as 18 have been diagnosed. While there is no cure, medications can help and exercise has been proven to slow Parkinson’s degenerative effects on the mind, body and voice.

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Since his diagnosis, Cole hasn’t skipped a beat, though. He has learned as much about the disease as possible, found ways to adjust and support his health and become involved with Parkinson’s organizations like Power for Parkinson’s in Austin. Founded in 2013 by Austinites Nina Mosier, M.D., and Susan Stahl, M.Ed., Power for Parkinson’s hosts free, daily exercise classes for people who live with Parkinson’s (and their caregivers). Not all attendees have been active all their lives. So, classes with names like Move & Shout, Dancing with Parkinson’s and Strength & Balance are built for fun and inclusivity. The classes are also led by exercise instructors with positive, upbeat personalities. There’s even a singing group called The Powerful Pipes, which helps attendees strengthen their vocal cords. In January, Power for Parkinson’s launched a new class for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 55. Every Saturday, this group meets for a vigorous circuit training class. While classes keep participants physically active and strong, and help to slow the effects of Parkinson’s, attendees also benefit from their shared experience with the disease.

“The importance of people supporting each other cannot be emphasized enough,” Mosier says. “Like the weekday classes, this group has formed a camaraderie from their shared diagnosis and are enjoying the benefits that exercise has for people managing Parkinson’s Disease.” Cole also exercises on his own each week. He began running because of his Parkinson’s Disease. He’s completed the 3M Half Marathon, the 200-mile Texas Independence Relay (with a team of 12), and he ran his first Austin Marathon this February. “Fortunately, I didn’t have to learn how to be active. I was a team sports guy in high school and college and I always loved the gym,” Cole says. “Exercise is vital for movement disorders, so now I exercise five to six times a week. It’s given me endurance and fitness and, surprisingly, I’ve never been in better shape!” Cole has also joined the Power for Parkinson’s Board of Directors and is engaged with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “I feel so fortunate to live in a city that has an organization like Power for Parkinson’s,” Cole says. “It helps

countless people each week and has given me a positive outlet as well.” Power for Parkinson’s launched six years ago by offering three classes to a handful of people. Now they offer 13 classes at nine locations, helping hundreds of Austinites manage the disease’s symptoms, improve state of mind and enjoy the benefits of a community who understands what they’re going through. afm

Classes are offered in Central/East/ South and Northwest Austin, Round Rock and Lakeway. You can also find recorded classes on YouTube. For more information about Power for Parkinson’s, visit powerforparkinsons.org or call 512.464.1277.

G E T I N V O LV E D

JOIN POWER FOR PARKINSON’S AT THEIR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER.

The Musical Collage Thursday, April 4 6:30-9:30 p.m. Austin Central Library 710 West Caesar Chavez Street $125 per person RSVP: powerforparkinsons.org/musical-collage

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

CALENDAR APRIL 2019

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Events MACK, JACK & MCCONAUGHEY

2019 GALA

Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater APRIL 24-26

APRIL

nonprofits, sponsors and more. 11 a.m-6 p.m.

APRIL 4-7

APRIL 5-6

Austin International Poetry Festival

Opera ATX - Soldier Songs

Various Locations Poets from around the world, country and all of Texas gather for four days of live performances, readings and workshops during the Austin International Poetry Festival in April of every year. AIPF provides an inclusive, diverse, multi-generational environment welcoming the broadest possible audience of poets and non-poets alike in appreciation of the spoken and written word.

Paramount Theatre In celebration of its bold new artistic initiative, Opera ATX, Austin Opera presents the premiere of an innovative new multimedia work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Soldier Songs,â&#x20AC;? by acclaimed composer David T. Little.

APRIL 12-13

Lonestar Round Up Travis County Expo Center A huge outdoor car show and live music festival with tons of vintage hot rods and custom cars driven here from all over the country. APRIL 12-14

APRIL 6

Texas VegFest

MOTOGP Grand Prix of The Americas

Fiesta Gardens FREE public event featuring youth activities, cooking demos, educational lectures, live music, food vendors,

Circuit of The Americas MotoGPTM, the pinnacle of all motorcycle World Championships, joins the roster of racing events at

the Circuit of The Americas track with a three-day series at the purpose built Grand Prix venue. With the addition of this race, the new circuit is the first North American racing venue to host both two-and four-wheeled World. APRIL 13

AFM April Issue Release Party E + E Fitness Experience the newest eastside fitness studio in style with Austin Fit as we celebrate the launch of our April Home and Family Issue. Enjoy a free bootcamp or kickboxing workout along

2019

April Issue Release Party

E EP J

MASTERS

with a photobooth, snacks and sips from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with RSVP via Eventbrite.

ST IN

TE X

APRIL 13-14

Art City Austin Festival Palmer Event Center Presented by local nonprofit Art Alliance Austin, nearly 200 national artists, top local restaurants, two music stages and hands-on art activities make this one of the city’s favorite festivals. APRIL 17-21

Fusebox Festival Various Locations Fusebox is a hybrid arts festival that champions adventurous works of art in theater, dance, film, music, literature, visual and culinary arts. Hundreds of local, national and international artists across all disciplines converge for one of the most unique cultural events in the country. APRIL 19

Glow Paddle Austin Rowing Dock Glow-in-the-dark paddling event for all ages. 3 mile paddle on Lady Bird Lake including music and fun glow accessories. Partnering with TYLER’s, the paddle benefits the Flatwater Foundation. From 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. on Stratford Drive. APRIL 19-21

Austin Reggae Fest Auditorium Shores A fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank, Reggae Fest features three days of reggae, world and dub talent, along with more than

326-3555 50 vendors selling food and arts & crafts. APRIL 20

Austin Nature Day Austin Nature and Science Center Free and family friendly activities to celebrate Austin’s great outdoors. Visit Austin Nature and Science Center for more info on activities.

JEEPMASTERS.COM

APRIL 24-27

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (30K-60K-90K) TUNE UPS • ENGINES BREAKS • TRANSMISSION EXHAUST • CUSTOM MODS COLLISION • PAINT • BODY

Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival The Paramount Theatre and other locations Moontower Comedy & Oddity Festival brings some of the funniest, wittiest and oddest world-class comics from around the globe. National headliners, up-andcomers and local Austinbased comedians ensure three hilarious days of fun.

WE BUY JEEPS/ DEALER TRADE-INS

APRIL 20

Weird Homes Tour

APRIL 26-28

Around Town This wacky annual event showcases what “Keep Austin Weird” is all about. Tour a selection of the most creative homes around town and meet the homeowners who keep our wacky culture thriving.

Austin Food + Wine Festival Auditorium Shores The eighth annual food and wine tasting festival returns. Enjoy chef showcases, “Rock Your Taco” competition, hands-on fire pit grilling demos, Sunday Gospel Brunch and more.

APRIL 24-26

2019 Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala Austin City Limits (ACL) Live at The Moody Theater The joint fundraising effort of actor Matthew McConaughey, recording artist Jack Ingram and coach Mack Brown (MJ&M) presents their annual gala and two day event which will support CureDuchenne, Dell Children’s Medical Center, HeartGift, just keep livin Foundation and The Rise School of Austin. This year’s gala headliner is Chris Stapleton.

APRIL 30

Annual Heroes for Children Topgolf Tournament Topgolf Austin Join Event Chairs JP and Jennifer Lewis and Heroes for Children for three hours of Topgolf play plus food, awards, raffles and prizes. All proceeds benefit the mission of Heroes for Children – a nonprofit organization that provides social and financial assistance to Texas families with a child aged 0 to 22 battling cancer. Play begins at 6:30 p.m.

SPRING SPECIAL 7 Months for $349 OR

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

512.467.7799

www.texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com

CALENDAR A P R I L-J U N E 2 0 1 9

Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com

Rides & Races SUNSHINE RUN Austin MAY 5

APRIL APRIL 6

Hell’s Hills Endurance Run Smithville APRIL 6

Fayetteville Classic (Cycling) Fayetteville

APRIL 7

APRIL 22

Statesman Cap 10K

Jacob’s Well Road Race (Cycling)

Austin

Wimberley APRIL 13

Longhorn Run Austin

APRIL 27

The Color Run Austin

APRIL 13

Lockhart Kiwanis 5K Stampede Lockhart

APRIL

2019

Nonproﬁt. Community. Rowing.

MAY M AY 5

Houston Grand Criterium (Cycling) Houston

M AY 2 5

Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club

Deep in the Heart 5K

Private Lessons, adult programs as well as middle and high school rowing programs

Pflugerville, Texas M AY 2 5 - 2 7

DFW Area Criterium (Cycling) Dallas

Austin

M AY 1 1

Texas Switchback Trail Race Flat Creek Crossing Ranch M AY 1 8

Daisy 5K

Austin, TX M AY 1 8

San Marvelous Road Race #3 (Cycling) New Braunfels M AY 1 8 - 1 9

Spartan Race

Vivid Photography

Burnet

JUNE JUNE 1

Fit Foodie Festival & 5K Round Rock JUNE 1

Texas Trail Running Festival Spicewood JUNE 6

Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run 5K Austin

JUNE 15

San Marvelous Road Race #4, (Cycling) New Braunfels

M AY 2 4

JUNE 22

Bike the Bricks

Capt’n Karl’s - Night Trail Run

McKinney

74 Trinity Street

Austinrowing.org 512.472.0726

M AY 5

Sunshine Run

Home of Nationally ranked Regattas

Pedernales Falls

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