From the Director

I will shamelessly admit to anyone that I am a Pinterest addict.

I’ve got a board for everything: workout routines, healthy recipes, home decor, you name it — many of which are pins that also fall into the realm of do-it-yourself projects. After countless pins and screenshots, I usually end up hopping in the car to head to Hobby Lobby or scouring my home to find materials.

While there’s convenience in purchasing ready-made items, DIY projects can be an inexpensive way to give items a second or third life, while also being a fun activity for a couple, a family or even just for yourself.

Over the course of the pandemic, DIY projects have been wildly popular — home renovation included. Across the nation, people have traded in their gym cards for some equipment essentials to get their daily exercise in from the safety of their own homes. Even AFM’s very own CTO, Drew Terry, built a tib bar out of PVC pipes (if you want to build one as well, we’ve got you covered! Head over to our app to check out the step-by-step guide).

For our DIY issue, we wanted to see how Austinites were upgrading their home fitness. Last month, we asked you guys to send us a photo of your sweat sesh space … and we were blown away by some of the set-ups y’all have! In this issue, you’ll get to meet eight locals who have worked to completely transform a part of their home into a fully-equipped home gym facility (one is even partially a museum!). From installing some equipment themselves to accumulating select gear from resell sites, these home gyms are truly remarkable — I’m jealous, and you might be, too.

In addition to getting some home gym inspo, discover how one Austinite transformed their van into the ultimate road-trip vehicle, learn how to get started composting, brew your own kombucha, construct an at-home ice tub and more.

Before heading out for your next quick purchase, see if you can DIY or find another item that could potentially have a second or third life — and then tag us on Instagram (@austinfit) to show us your latest creation!

Keep Austin Fit,

Emily

Director of Content