Austin Fit Magazine December 2020: The Best Of 2020 Issue by Austin Fit Magazine

DEC 2020

More power, from a place you can trust. Get a great vehicle and support a great cause. With every new Subaru purchased or leased November 19, 2020 through January 4, 2021, Subaru will donate $250 to your choice of charities that benefit your local community.1

2020 Charity Partners

2021 SUBARU

CROSSTREK PREMIUM

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive +33 mpg hwy2 Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology3 Standard heated front seats

$ 259 $1,705 $595 $259

PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/12,000 MILES PER YEAR

Down Payment Security Deposit First Month’s Lease Payment

2021 SUBARU

IMPREZA

PREMIUM

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive +36 mpg hwy5 Standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology3 Standard heated front seats

$ 247 $1,405 $595 $247

PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS/12,000 MILES PER YEAR

Down Payment Security Deposit First Month’s Lease Payment

$2,559 Total Due at Lease Signing

$2,247 Total Due at Lease Signing

MRC/MRD

LLD

AUSTIN SUBARU

8100 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757 (512) 323-2837 www.AustinSubaru.co Subaru will donate $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased from November 14, 2020 through January 4, 2021, to our four national charities designated by the purchaser or lessee. Austin Subaru will donate $50 to Austin Pets Alive! here in our community for each sold or leased vehicle. Purchasers/lessees must make their charity designations by January 31, 2020. The four national charities will receive a guaranteed minimum donation of $250,000 each. See Austin Subaru for details or visit subaru.com/share. All donations made by Subaru of America, Inc. 2 EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for 2020 Subaru Forester models. Actual mileage may vary. 3 CVT models only. EyeSight is a driver-assist system that may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors, such as vehicle maintenance, weather, and road conditions. See your owner’s manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. 4 MSRP $26,038. This close-ended lease available to well-qualified lessees. Total monthly payments = $9,324. 12k miles per year, additional overage fee of 15¢/mile may apply. Lessee is responsible for all maintenance unless otherwise specified. Additional fees for early termination, payment delinquency, and/or excessive wear and tear may apply. Lessee must provide appropriate auto insurance throughout lease term of 36 months. See Austin Subaru for details. 5 5EPA-estimated highway fuel economy for 2020 Subaru Impreza non-Sport CVT sedan and 5-door models. Actual mileage may vary. 6 MSRP $24,322. This close-ended lease available to well-qualified lessees. Total monthly payments = $8,892. 12k miles per year, additional overage fee of 15¢/mile may apply. Lessee is responsible for all maintenance unless otherwise specified. Additional fees for early termination, payment delinquency, and/or excessive wear and tear may apply. Lessee must provide appropriate auto insurance throughout lease term of 36 months. See Austin Subaru for details. 1

Our health is more important now than ever before. We’re changing systems. We’re changing culture. We’re changing lives. We believe every Texan deserves access to the resources, support, and opportunities to prioritize health and live their best life.

Help us reach our goal by making a donation today itstimetexas.org Text Give ATX to (512) 543-2486 to donate

PHOTOGRAPHY

Exposure

PHOTOGRAPHER KAYLA DILLARD L O C A L R O C K M U S I C I A N J E L LY E L L I N G T O N

Mckinney Falls State Park

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

From the Director And, over the last few months, we have shared stories filled with warmth and compassion about the residents in our city who have shown up for each other and supported one another — especially in our fitness community. There was no question as to whether or not we were going to hold our annual Best Of voting this year, given the circumstances. Yes, many local businesses were forced to close their doors at the beginning of the pandemic, however many of those doors have since been reopened. We’re back in the gym — and gaining our strength again. This year especially, we wanted to ensure that local businesses and inspirational figures in the community would receive the recognition they deserved for 2020. Even if many fitness classes are still held virtually, Austinites are still making it a point to come together to make health and fitness a priority — and this was seen in the thousands of votes AFM received for this year’s Best Of 2020 Issue. Fitness classes? Still have ‘em — but make it virtual. Running groups? Back on — just smaller. Switched to home fitness? We’ve gotten creative, improvising with household items to use for weights. The Austin fitness community adapted — and prevailed. As many of us are already looking to 2021, let’s take this time to recognize the businesses, gyms, shops and people who have impacted our health and fitness community, especially during one of the toughest and most unpredictable years ever. Winners, thank you for going above and beyond to fulfill our mission to educate, motivate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle. In a year when we needed motivation and inspiration most, you truly kept us going. Congratulations to all of our Best Of 2020 winners!

AUSTINITES ARE THERE FOR ONE ANOTHER.

hroughout this year, this is one thing that has stayed the same. In 2020, we have all gone through plenty of changes: switching from in-person meetings to Zoom conferences, having conversations with others 6+ feet away and exchanging the classic handshake for an elbow nudge or air hug.

Keep Austin Fit,

Emily Effren

DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

DECEMBER 2020

HOME RUN ON COURSE FOR 2021

AX-SPAD1009082424

December 2020

AFM’S BEST OF 2020

20 Q&A WITH FOUR SIGMATIC

58 WELLNESS FAQ WITH

FOUNDER TERO ISOKAUPPILA DECEMBER 2020

THE GOOD STUFF

MY VINYASA PRACTICE 8

Contents

HIGHLIGHTS

Director of Content’s Letter 6 | Digital Content 10 | Rides and Races 68 | Events 70

ALTERNATIVE ADULT BEVERAGES

DIGITAL CONSUMPTION VS. EYE HEALTH

BEST AND WORST PLANTS FOR AUSTIN ALLERGIES

NUTRITION

LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

Recipe of the Month 12 COVID-19 and the Holidays 24 Ingredients to Avoid 14 Best Products to Calm Q&A with Four Sigmatic founder the Nerves of 2020 28 Tero Isokauppila 20 Looking to 2021 32

Digital Consumption vs. Eye Health 50 Empowerment Through Integrative Medicine 54 Wellness FAQ 58

FITNESS

Workout of the Month with Laurie Christine King 64 Rides and Races 68 Events 70

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

PHOTO BY JESS LEDBETTER

TRAILS TO TRY IN 2021

LIFESTYLE

Athlete Spotlight: Julia Gschwind

DECEMBER 2020

WELLNESS

AFMs Guide to Recovery Labs in Austin

FITNESS

Best Workout Equipment to Travel With

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

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

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PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

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

NUTRITION CONTRIBUTOR

Dripping Springs Distilling

DECEMBER 2020

RECIPE OF THE MONTH n Looking for a yummy nightcap this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with this Spiced Orange Coffee recipe from Dripping Springs Distilling.

S PIC E D OR A N GE COF F EE INGREDIENTS: 1½ oz Dripping Springs Orange Vodka 1 bag Golden Ratio Chai-Spiced Gold Coffee 1 oz Monin vanilla syrup or 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 oz heavy whipping cream (can sub with dairyfree creamer or milk) 6 oz hot water Toasted orange slice PREPARATION: 1. Steep coffee in hot water for 5-10 minutes. 2. Remove the coffee bag and add the vodka, vanilla and cream. 3. Stir well and sweeten to taste with your favorite sweetener, if desired. 4. Garnish with a toasted orange slice. Cheers!

DECEMBER 2020

AU T H E N T I C • A C C E S S I B L E • A F F O R D A B L E 1 0 9 JA C O B F O N TA I N E L A N E , S U I T E 8 0 0 W W W. M Y V I N YA S A P R A C T I C E .C O M

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Shannon Dolan

INGREDIENTS YOU WANT TO STAY AWAY FROM n Are these unhealthy ingredients lurking in your pantry?

onsuming predominately real, whole foods is the ideal path to eating a nutrient-dense diet. However, sometimes we have to purchase processed foods to align with our busy schedules. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), processed food is defined as any raw agricultural item that has been subject to any process — washing, cleaning, milling, cutting, chopping, heating, pasteurizing, blanching, cooking, canning, freezing, drying, dehydrating, mixing, packaging, etc. There can be lightly processed foods like some nut butters or highly processed foods like packaged cookies. The problem is some of these processed foods that are labeled as healthy with buzz words like “organic” can actually contain chemically-rich ingredients that inflame our bodies. Before you make a purchase,

DECEMBER 2020

review the nutrition label’s ingredient list, and look out for some of these unsavory additives to make sure it really is best suited for your healthy lifestyle.

Processed Oils

Processed oils can be found in a plethora of products labeled as “healthy.” Canola oil and vegetable oil are the most popular offenders. These oils are used quite often — and in a variety of foods you may not even know include them. Canola oil, found often in meat and dairy substitutes, for example, is processed in a way that

exposes the oil to high temperatures, therefore altering its molecular chemistry Other oils to avoid: and changing it into soybean oil, corn oil a trans fat. Because and anything that says of its processing, the body does not know “partially hydrogenated” how to appropriately or “hydrogenated oils.” break these processed oils down, leading Oils to stick with: to inflammation and coconut oil, olive oil, heightened “bad” avocado oil, peanut oil, cholesterol. Hydrogenated oils sesame oil. pose another risk. Oils are meant to be liquid, but these are chemically altered into a solid by adding hydrogen (for example, how margarine is made). Hydrogenated oils are an issue due to the high chemical processing and because of their trans fat content.

baked goods, candies, sodas and processed snacks. However, unexpected products include gatorade, flavored yogurts, processed meats, chewing gum, ice cream and many others.

Sodium Nitrates

Sodium nitrates are commonly used to preserve food and are most often found in smoked and cured meats. These are accompanied with processed oils as a way to avoid oxidation of fats. The problem with sodium nitrates is it can cause a change in blood oxidation levels and essentially lessens the available oxygen level in the body — which hinders overall function. In addition, they have also been linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Monosodium Glutamate

Monosodium Glutamate (or MSG) is a preservative used to enhance flavor. This ingredient can be found at fast food restaurants, in frozen dinner products, snacks and canned soups. MSG has been linked to metabolic disorders and obesity. There is conflicting evidence whether MSG can lead to harmful neurological effects, but some people do experience headaches and migraines upon eating MSG. To be on the safe side, double check those food labels and make sure the restaurants you go to do not use this additive. afm

Artificial Sweeteners and Added Sugars

Artificial sweeteners are chemicals used in products to help the food taste sweet, as if sugar was an active ingredient. Common artificial sweeteners include saccharin, aspartame, acesulfame, advantame, sucralose and neotame. Studies have even shown a possible link between these sweeteners and cancer and gut health distress. Along with artificial sweeteners, you also want to be mindful of your overall sugar consumption. Sugar is everywhere, and excess consumption can lead to poor balance of blood sugar, which leads to a plethora of negative symptoms such as stubborn weight gain, mood swings, fatigue, brain fog and menstrual issues. When purchasing a product, check the ingredients label to make sure the product has less than 10 grams of sugar and zero added or artificials sugars. Investigate where the sugar is coming from — there will often be multiple forms of sugar in one product. Even if these are natural sugars, be mindful of your overall daily intake.

There are many toxic ingredients lurking in packaged food products sold in grocery stores. When doing your weekly shopping, a general rule of thumb is, if you can’t pronounce it, don’t buy it. Instead, opt for real, whole foods to provide your body with nourishment.

Shannon Dolan is a nutritional therapy practitioner, personal trainer and owner of Health With Shannon.

Dyes/Colorings

If the product has an unnatural hue or coloring, set it back on the shelf and move along. Artificial dyes and colorings are used by manufacturers to entice people to consume them. These dyes have been linked to significant health issues, including cancer. The most common places where food dyes are lurking include

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Monica Hand

ALTERNATIVE ADULT BEVERAGES n Looking for a few ways to indulge without alcohol? Check out these non-alcoholic finds for your next holiday Zoom happy hour.

DECEMBER 2020

hen the pandemic first hit, alcohol sales rose dramatically, next to hand sanitizer and toilet paper. Life seemed to require a few cocktails to take the edge off of 2020. Now, many people are realizing their uptick in alcohol consumption may actually be more harmful than helpful when it comes to personal anxiety and physical health. Replacing happy hour with a healthier choice, even just every now and then, is a habit many are hoping to adopt. As this sober-curious niche of consumers is growing, companies are taking notice and creating experiences and products to meet the demand. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sober, interested in adopting the lifestyle or looking to shed a few pounds, take a look at our round-up of alternative adult beverages and try one one of these special, holiday mocktails.

CBD

SW E E T CRU DE ’ S M E LLOW M ULE These locally based, little cans are filled with ready-made, classic cocktails but with a twist. The founder, Talia Bennick, spent a year creating the fullest-bodied, zero-proof cocktail with 20mg of CBD per can. The current flavors available are the Mellow Mule (a Moscow Mule sans the vodka) and OG Tonic (gin and tonic sans the gin). These drinks act as a great happy hour cocktail alternative without the guilt or unpleasurable effects.

RE CE S S ’ C O C O NUT LIM E The aesthetic of this brand’s cans is, in and of themselves, relaxing. The smooth colors and simple packaging are a clue into what you get inside the can: crisp flavor and a soothing 10mg of CBD. Meant to become a go-to, afternoon pick-me-up, these have a smaller amount of milligrams of CBD than others, so if it’s not quite time for happy hour, these can provide a light relief.

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

n NUTRITION

H E R BA L

KI N E UPH O R IC S ’ D R E A M LIG H T This company focuses on blending natural supplements and botanicals to build cocktails that taste good and leave you feeling great. With three products available, two makes are for happy hour and social settings, while the third is best as a nightcap. The Dream Light is infused with hints of passion flower, oak and melatonin, all meant to lull the body into a restful, natural sleep. Just pour each over ice and they are ready to go.

SEED LIP ’S G AR D EN 1 08 Seedlip created the world’s first distilled, non-alcoholic spirit and now has three different flavored and infused products available. The Garden 108 has botanical notes of rosemary, thyme, peas, hay and hops and is described as savory and bright. For non-alcoholic cocktail recipes using these spirits, check out their website and learn more about the process of distilling a zero-proof spirit.

DECEMBER 2020

BEE R

KA RBACH ’ S F RE E & E ASY IPA The hoppy sensation is one that is either loved or hated — but when it’s loved, it’s hard to find anywhere else but in a favorite brew. Luckily for any sober-curious beer drinkers, the Houston-based brewery, Karbach, recently came out with an IPA that contains less than 0.5% ABV. Cracking open an ice-cold beer like this one won’t have to come with that hazy, next-day feel.

H AIR LESS D O G BR EWIN G C O .’S C O FFEE ST O UT For beer drinkers, the feel and taste of one’s favorite craft brew of choice is hard to replace. Hairless Dog Brewing Co. is committed to providing pints that feel and taste like the beloved classics — all with zero-percent alcohol content. Four options are available: IPA, Citra Lager, Black Ale and Coffee Stout. Each contains notes and tastes unique to that style of brew — even their Coffee Stout has that malty, hoppy mix of bold favors iconic in all stouts.

While this list is long, it’s nowhere near complete. So many options are available to anyone interested in cutting back or cutting out their alcoholic indulgences. If you’re interested in the social side of things, check out one of Squareüt Kava Bar’s (a CBD bar) three locations or The Sans Bar (a non-alcoholic bar) in East Austin. afm

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

NUTRITION AUTHOR

Emily Effren

A Q&A WITH TERO ISOKAUPPILA, FOUNDER OF FOUR SIGMATIC n Ever heard of mushroom coffee?

AFM: Immunity is such a popular topic these days with COVID-19. How can Four Sigmatic products help boost the immune system?

ounded in 2012, Four Sigmatic has grown to be one of the most popular mushroom coffee companies in the nation, in addition to inspiring those to live a healthier lifestyle. After living in many locations around the world, founder of Four Sigmatic, Tero Isokauppila, has recently settled into his new home: Austin, Texas. The new Austinite spoke with AFM about all things mushroom coffee — and why you should try making the switch in 2021.

DECEMBER 2020

ISOKAUPPILA: Four Sigmatic has been around for eight

and a half years — since 2012 — and I say to our team that we’ve been selling umbrellas when it’s been sunny for eight years, and now, finally it’s raining, and people need umbrellas more than ever. Our products are very immune-centric, so these mushrooms can help support immunity on a daily, short-term and [in a] more holistic way through these compounds called polysaccharides, beta-D-glucans. They’re basically helping to modulate your immune system. We used to always have these huge sales spikes in October to February, but now, with just the ongoing need for immune support, people are finally realizing how important it is to support your immunity year round.

AFM: What would you say to those who are reluctant or skeptical about trying mushroom coffee for the first time?

Meet Tero!

ISOKAUPPILA: I feel like over the last eight years and even

before launching Four Sigmatic, people have laughed at me when I say I drink mushrooms. But, honestly, what most of our customers are — they actually don’t eat mushrooms and they don’t love mushrooms. Many of them don’t even drink coffee. They love coffee but coffee doesn’t always love them back. The feedback we get consistently is that they don’t eat mushrooms, or drink coffee that much anymore because they get jitters or heartburn, but this is a product that allows them to enjoy their daily cup of coffee without the digestive issues or the jitters, and they get just a very smooth-tasting, enjoyable coffee moment without the possible harmful effects that coffee might have on them. So, for most

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

n NUTRITION

people it’s just like, not looking at it as mushroom coffee but looking at it as organic, fairtrade, Arabica coffee that has these functional, enhanced ingredients that further improve the concrete benefits but also reduce the negative, harmful effects of heartburn and stuff. Also, we offer a full money-back guarantee, so if you don’t like it, it’s free.

adaptogens but also other superfoods. I would say, if you drink coffee, then try upgrading the existing habit. It’s so easy to improve your overall health and wellness by upgrading existing habits. AFM: What are some changes that people could expect from switching from regular coffee to mushroom coffee with adaptogens?

AFM: How can people work these products into their everyday routine?

ISOKAUPPILA: I think the short-term benefits for many

are that they don’t get heartburn or digestive issues that they might have. Coffee is amazing. It’s full of antioxidants — it’s actually the number one source of antioxidants for the U.S. consumer, but it can be stimulative and cause digestive upset. I think in a more long horizon, after drinking the coffee for 60 to 90 days, people often report improvements in skin, due to the melanin found in chaga, or they report things like stronger immunity. They used to get all kinds of small sniffles, and just the immune support function of these mushrooms helps. People notice that they are less edgy — they’re calmer. They don’t snap as often. But those are more of what people report after drinking it

ISOKAUPPILA: You know, I’ve worked my whole life in

health and wellness, and I learned early on that it’s very hard to teach people new habits. January is around the corner, which is crazy to believe, but we often start our wellness kick in January and then kind of fizzle out in February/March, because it’s really hard to sustain new habits versus maintaining existing ones or upgrading existing ones. So, what we’re trying to do is elevate these daily staples like coffee, hot chocolate, [and] plantbased protein and take these things that people already consume and further elevate them with these functional, plant-based ingredients such as these mushrooms and

DECEMBER 2020

for a few months. But immediately, it’s just a delicious, smooth-tasting cup of coffee that doesn’t give you the jitters or digestive discomfort. AFM: Do you have a personal favorite of all of your products? ISOKAUPPILA: Yeah, I guess — it’s like

asking which child of yours is your favorite. I try not to have favorites, but I do have seasonal rotations, so I think that’s super important for me. We’re entering holiday season, so that can lead into a couple of things: one is overeating and binge eating, and the other one is additional stress. Obviously immunity has been a topic for the whole year, but around holidays, I find those two things common. For digestive distress, we have a new coffee with probiotics and prebiotics. Another product is the Reishi hot chocolate — it’s just like an awesome, wintery, hug-the-mug moment where you drink this plant-based, organic, rich cacao with these functional ingredients that help me sleep better. I think that’s great for stress and calming my body, so those are very seasonally relevant products, but I don’t have favorite products. I love them all equally.

AFM: You mentioned the Reishi cacao. Is there a certain way you like to drink that around the holidays? Do you mix in additions like peppermint or marshmallow? ISOKAUPPILA: Year round, it changes a bit. Normally I

use a lot of almond milk, but over the holidays, I feel like I need a little more calories, so I use coconut milk from a can — thick coconut milk, and I blend it a bit. It makes it even creamier, and it has a little body to it, so I like to do that. The other one that you actually mentioned is peppermint. I think peppermint is awesome for the lungs, and also, it just brings these holiday feels. afm

Tip from Tero:

Mix a small amount of cayenne pepper into your next Reishi hot cocoa for some extra spice!

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Mike de Lota, M.D.

ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS DURING COVID-19 n Time spent with family during a pandemic is going to look a little different this year.

DECEMBER 2020

020 has been a year full of unpredictable surprises. Over the past 10 months, we have deepened our understanding of COVID-19, how it is transmitted, how it affects our bodies and its short and long-term physical consequences. It has us adjusting our routines, changing plans and adapting to a new normal. Despite this, the holidays can still be a time of family, unity and traditions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; even during a pandemic.

period. Other, less common ways the virus can be transmitted include touching infected surfaces followed by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes, as well as airborne transmission, which occurs when small droplets remain suspended in the air over long distances over a longer period of time. There is no current evidence to suggest that COVID-19 becomes more infectious in colder temperatures, but the colder temperatures do drive people indoors where infection can be more likely. This is likely due to higher concentration of viral particles in the air and longer exposure, especially in poorly ventilated areas. The best ways to prevent infection and spread continue to be wearing a mask in public, maintaining six feet or more of distance, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (or using a 60% alcohol based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible), avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and staying home when you feel sick.

Low-Risk Activities

Current State of COVID

At the time of this article, the United States is experiencing its highest seven-day average of daily new cases, most of which are thought to have been caused by small gatherings. It is well known that the virus is primarily transmitted through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks to those in close proximity, usually within six feet and for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour

When planning your holiday activities, consider the risks involved and how to mitigate them. Activities with the lowest levels of risk are those that allow for the strictest adherence to CDC guidelines. Examples of these activities include engaging in fun family activities at home such as decorating your Christmas tree or making DIY holiday ornaments. Then, if you want to connect with folks outside your home, consider a modern spin on an old classic, such as a virtual gift exchange. Take your white elephant and secret Santa traditions online with www.whiteelephantonline.com

and www.elfster.com. Of course, if you are eager to leave the house, take a walk with the family around the neighborhoods in and around Austin to enjoy the holiday lights — just make sure to wear a mask and keep six feet from others. You could also pile your household into the car and enjoy drivable holiday light displays like Santa’s Ranch and the iconic Austin Trail of Lights at Zilker Park, which will be drive-thru only this year.

Getting Together

To get together or not? Before making this decision, assess the risks of exposing yourself, your family members and others who you will be meeting with. Do you or your loved ones have highrisk medical conditions? Are the members of your “quaranteam”

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n LIFESTYLE

DESPITE THIS, THE HOLIDAYS CAN STILL BE A TIME OF FAMILY, UNITY AND TRADITIONS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC.â&#x20AC;?

DECEMBER 2020

social distancing, wearing masks and avoiding others? What is your plan if you or a member of your family are exposed? Asking yourself these questions and having a plan is vital prior to organizing a social gathering. While no indoor or outdoor event is completely risk-free, recent evidence suggests a lower risk of transmission with outdoor events, likely due to better air circulation and natural social distancing that occurs when outside. Quarantining for 14 days prior to the event and asking your guests to do the same, wearing masks, limiting the number of guests and minimizing movement throughout the event space can help to further reduce your risk.

If you do plan to gather with friends or family, consider taking advantage of the mild Texas winters and host your masked gatherings outdoors. Plan for an outdoor ugly sweater party with tables spaced six feet apart to minimize movement of guests. Instead of gathering for a cookie exchange, consider quick cookie drop-offs on the porch to reduce the amount of time exposed to others. For an Austin holiday classic, decorate a tree along 360 or choose a tree to cut down, bring home and decorate from the Elgin Christmas Tree Farm.

Travel

Travel is among the most popular activities during the holiday season but poses a high risk for contracting COVID-19. Given the

recent rise in cases nationwide and the limited ability to social distance in airport security lines, terminals and on crowded airplanes, air travel should be avoided unless traveling for medical care. If you must travel by air, consider trip insurance to account for last-minute cancellations and plan enough time to quarantine for 14 days at your final destination before meeting with your loved ones. If you think you had a significant exposure, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to wait 5 to 7 days before getting tested, as testing too soon can lead to false negative results. Traveling by car can reduce

your risk of exposure to others with the greatest risk occurring during stops for gas, food and bathroom breaks. Consider packing your own food to minimize food stops, try to avoid entering into convenience stores while stopping for gas, and always wash your hands or use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer after touching frequently touched surfaces like gas pump handles, buttons and door knob handles. For lodging, consider a short-term rental such as a house, condo or cabin rather than staying in a busy hotel. Remember that no indoor or outdoor event with others outside your household is completely risk-free, even with masks. Assess your risks, establish your risk tolerance, come up with mitigation strategies and develop a plan in case you or your loved ones become exposed. 2020 may have been a year of surprises, but with proper planning, you can still make the holidays a time for family and unity while creating new memories and traditions, too. afm

Dr. de Lota is a family medicine physician working at Austin Regional Clinic. He enjoys treating people of all ages and has a passion for preventative care, evidence-based medicine and patient education.

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

LIFESTYLE AUTHOR

Mia Barnes

12 PRODUCTS TO CALM YOUR NERVES FROM 2020 n Rest and recoup while riding out the rest of this year with these calming finds.

et’s cut to the chase — 2020 is officially the year of tattered nerves. With ongoing economic and health uncertainties, who can blame you for feeling on edge? You shouldn’t dismiss your feelings with a casual, “Well, everyone is stressed out these days.” Your body and mind share an intricate link. Over time, a temporary case of the nerves can develop into a fullblown mental health crisis. Prolonged nervousness causes your cortisol levels to rise, which can lead to trouble. If you need fast relief, unhealthy coping mechanisms can only make things worse. Instead, indulge yourself in one of these 12 products to calm your nerves until January 1, 2021, brings a fresh start.

DECEMBER 2020

A Guided Meditation Playlist

Meditation helps quiet racing thoughts by getting you out of the future and into the present, where whatever you fear most probably isn’t happening. However, sometimes, when you’re stuck in panic mode, trying to sit quietly only furthers your restless feelings. Let an angelic voice guide you through your meditation with a CD or downloaded playlist that works — even if your internet crashes.

A Comfy Yoga Mat

Yoga is one of the best ways to ease stress. The physical movement produces feel-good endorphins, and the mental challenge breaks negative thought spirals. To make your practice cozy, try out a high-quality, cozy mat that lets you sink into savasana when your routine concludes.

A Pain-and-Stress-Relieving Magnesium Spray

Magnesium is a miracle mineral. It helps to ease chronic pain, which is stressful enough on its own. Plus, it helps quell anxiety. Keep a handy magnesium spray in your purse, pocket or car for when your shoulders and neck grow tight from too much strain.

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

n LIFESTYLE

4 5 6

A Set of Aromatherapy Rollers

Aromatherapy works by activating the scent receptors in your nose. These nerves send signals to your brain and tell it to take actions like relaxing or even amping up your immune response. Collect a roller for every need and dab on relief with no mess or fuss.

A Bamboo Weighted Blanket

Bamboo is the ideal material because it breathes, meaning it won’t leave you uncomfortably sweaty. Weighted versions calm you because they feel like a full-body hug. You can bring Fido underneath, too, if thunder or loud noises leave him shaking.

A Wireless White Noise Machine

We all need decent sleep, especially when dealing with stress, but your mate’s snoring can render catching some shuteye impossible. Instead of filing divorce papers or resigning yourself to sofa city, use a white noise machine to drown out the thunder. Wireless versions are ideal, because you can also use them in noisy office environments.

7 8

10 11 12

Herbs like chamomile, lavender and valerian all enjoy stellar reputations among herbalists for inducing relaxation. Put together a quality tea sampler and sip your way to serenity.

A Meditation Bolster Pillow

It’s challenging to sit in meditation once your bum starts to ache. If you have tile or hardwood floors, you need a quality cushion to use when you chant “om.”

An Essential Oil Diffuser

If you don’t like using essential oils on your skin, you can still reap the stressbusting benefits with a diffuser. There are even handy models that plug into your computer’s USB port so that you can breathe easier while stressed at work.

A Tibetan Singing Bowl Set

Some folks believe that different sound frequencies can do anything from quelling anxious nerves to repairing your DNA. Put an ancient twist on this new-age healing technique with a set of Tibetan singing bowls. Your neighbors will mind your sessions far less than when you bang on the drums to ease stress.

A Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager

Massage is the ultimate stress-buster, but who can afford a professional session when money is tight? Treat yourself to a minirubdown anytime and nearly anywhere with a Shiatsu back and neck massager with “hands” that never get tired. afm

A Mini Journal

Sometimes, sleep proves elusive even in ideal environments. When you can’t count sheep any longer, turn to a mini journal to put your fears to rest on paper. Unlike electronics, there’s no blue light to keep you awake.

DECEMBER 2020

A Relaxing Tea Sampler

Looking APRIL DECEMBER 2020

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2020

toâ&#x20AC;&#x2030;2021

Motivational speaker, Todd Whitthorne, shares why we should focus on what we can control moving into the new year. AU T H O R TODD WHITTHORNE

33 33

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

Novel adjective. Of a new and unusual kind; different from anything seen or known before.

It is completely understandable that many of us are enthusiastically looking forward to 2021. I get it. 2020 has been an incredibly challenging and disruptive year, and there is no need to remind you — it’s not quite over yet. Time will tell, but I am guessing that, years from now, when we look back, this will be a year we will always remember — but would like to forget. At midnight on December 31st, for most of us, when we shout, “Happy New Year!” it will be more of a wish than a toast — but here is something that is very important to remember: COVID-19 cannot tell time and has absolutely zero concern what day, month or year it is! I think it is safe to say we would all like to “go back to how it was,” but that’s not likely, and it is certainly not going to happen simply because we transition into a new year on the calendar. The truth is, no one has absolute clarity as to how this will all play out. This virus is, by definition, novel. We have never seen anything like it before. Therefore, we cannot reliably predict the flight path or timeline it is going to follow.

DECEMBER 2020

So, now what?

A couple thousand years ago, the Greek philosopher Epictetus proclaimed, “It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters!” That quote has always resonated with me, but it seems particularly relevant today. None of us asked, or wished for, a pandemic, but here we are. How long it lasts and what life will look like moving forward is out of our control — and that’s okay. There are proven steps we can all take to make the uncertainty much more manageable. What we should do now is focus on what we can control, and a great place to start is to double down on our physical and emotional health. In addition, if you happen to lead a family, group or company, then I also suggest intentionally focusing on what will help “your tribe” be successful in the months and years to come. I believe the goal should be to not just survive during this challenging time, but to actually thrive! Everyone has heard of “The Quarantine 15” or “The COVID Curves,” but weight gain is just one

part of the impact. Our routines have all been altered to some degree and, for many, have been completely turned upside down. As a result, important behaviors such as sleep, physical activity and stress management have also been impacted. It is important to realize that the psychological toll of this experience is most likely going to last far longer than the medical toll. A recent CDC study of over 5,400 adults found that almost 41% of Americans are struggling with mental health issues stemming from the pandemic. That study was soon followed by a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicating, “depression symptom prevalence was more than threefold higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than before.” In addition, the authors also encouraged us to “recognize that these effects can be long-lasting, and to consider preventative action to help mitigate its effects.” As the Chief Inspiration Officer for Naturally Slim, I am fortunate to witness firsthand what happens when organizations prioritize

the health and well-being of their workforce. Since the pandemic started, our digital health intervention has been delivered to over 100,000 participants nationwide in a multitude of industries. Not only have we seen significant aggregate weight loss (an average of 8.9 lbs for women and 13.1 lbs for men at 17 weeks), but quality-of-life metrics such as mood, confidence and energy have all improved, as have levels of sleep and physical activity. Providing individuals the tools to help them build skills to effectively “manage the storm” is essential for any organization hoping to flourish moving forward. The evidence supports focusing on both the physical (i.e. weight, metabolic health, etc.), as well as the emotional side of the equation. It is also important to recognize the cultural impact these types of programs can have. Research by Optum has shown that “signaling support” by offering well-being solutions helps reduce uncertainty and improve productivity even for the employees that do not participate in the available

programs. Simply knowing that their employer cares about them provides a measurable impact.

Looking forward

While we all would like for the pandemic to be completely “behind us” when we flip the calendar to 2021, the odds of that happening appear rather unlikely. That is not a problem. History has shown that we humans are a rather resilient bunch and if we take advantage of what we know will improve our resilience, then next year will truly be worth celebrating! Stay well! afm

WHAT WE SHOULD DO NOW IS FOCUS ON WHAT WE CAN CONTROL, AND A GREAT PLACE TO START IS TO DOUBLE DOWN ON OUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH.”

Todd Whitthorne is an author, speaker and corporate wellness executive based in Dallas. He serves as the Chief Inspiration Officer for Naturally Slim and is the author of Fit Happens!...Simple Steps for a Healthier, More Productive Life! Todd also hosts a twice-weekly podcast, In Less Than a Minute, which you can find on his website, toddwhitthorne.com, or on your favorite platform including Facebook and YouTube.

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

2020 has presented many challenges for Austin â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and now more than ever, we want to recognize the local businesses, gyms and Austinites that went above and beyond in the health and fitness community during this year and who continue to carry out AFMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission to educate, inspire and motivate those to live a healthier lifestyle.

DECEMBER 2020

David Garza Best Cycling Instructor

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

L IFEST YL E

B E ST STO RE F OR F IT N E SS A PPA R E L A N D GE A R

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ď&#x201A;&#x152; Lululemon ď&#x201A;? Academy Sports + Outdoors ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Outdoor Voices

B E ST S PA E X P E RIE N C E

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ď&#x201A;&#x152; Viva Day Spa ď&#x201A;? Milk + Honey ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Lake Austin Spa Resort

BEST STAYCAT IO N

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; South Congress Hotel ď&#x201A;? Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Fairmont Hotel Austin

BEST LOCA L N ON P ROF IT

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Austin Pets Alive! ď&#x201A;? Central Texas Food Bank ď&#x201A;&#x17D; CG Victory

BEST R U N N IN G S H O P

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ď&#x201A;&#x152; Fleet Feet Austin ď&#x201A;? The Loop Running Supply Co. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Rogue Running

BEST B I K E S HO P

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Bicycle Sport Shop ď&#x201A;? Mellow Johnnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bike Shop ď&#x201A;&#x17D; The Peddler Bicycle Shop

BEST H I K E A N D BIK E T R AIL ď&#x201A;&#x152; Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail/ Town Lake Trail ď&#x201A;? Brushy Creek Regional Trail ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Southern Walnut Creek Trail

BE ST LIVE MUS IC VE NUE

BEST V E T C L IN IC

BE ST LO CAL ARTIST

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ď&#x201A;&#x152; ACL Live at the Moody Theater ď&#x201A;? Stubbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Waller Creek Amphitheater ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Nutty Brown Amphitheatre

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; PAZ Veterinary ď&#x201A;? Brykerwood Veterinary Clinic ď&#x201A;&#x17D; North Austin Animal Hospital

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Gary Clark Jr. ď&#x201A;? Black Pumas ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Bob Schneider

BEST PE T F OO D STORE ď&#x201A;&#x152; Tomlinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Feed ď&#x201A;? Healthy Pet ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Paws on Chicon DECEMBER 2020

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

Austin Pets Alive! Best Local Nonprofit

Gary Clark Jr. Best Local Artist

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

FIT NESS

B E ST PL AC E TO WO RKOUT

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Camp Gladiator ď&#x201A;? Athletic Outcomes ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Castle Hill Fitness

B E ST B O OTCA M P ď&#x201A;&#x152; Camp Gladiator ď&#x201A;? HEAT Bootcamp ď&#x201A;&#x17D; HIT Athletic

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BEST ST RE N GT H & C O NDI T ION IN G GY M

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Bear Creek Performance Training ď&#x201A;? HIT Athletic ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Atomic Athlete

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BEST YOGA ST UD IO ď&#x201A;&#x152; Practice Yoga Austin ď&#x201A;? CorePower Yoga ď&#x201A;&#x17D; My Vinyasa Practice

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BEST B A RRE ST UD IO

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Pure Barre ď&#x201A;? MOD Fitness ď&#x201A;&#x17D; barre3

BEST B A RRE IN ST RUC TOR

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Valerie Caporicci ď&#x201A;? Nikki Jensen ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Paige Fischer Glotzbach

BEST PIL AT E S / L AGRE E ST U DI O

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Peach House ď&#x201A;? Pure Pilates Austin ď&#x201A;&#x17D; The Lagree Studio

BE ST CYC LING STUDIO ď&#x201A;&#x152; Love Cycling Studio ď&#x201A;? RIDE Indoor Cycling ď&#x201A;&#x17D; SoulCycle

BEST PIL AT E S / L AGRE E I NST R U C TOR ď&#x201A;&#x152; Caitlin Fennessy ď&#x201A;? Melissa Romano ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Adriana Jamet

DECEMBER 2020

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BE ST B OX ING / MMA GY M

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Knockout ď&#x201A;? Fight Club Austin ď&#x201A;&#x17D; HIT Athletic

Love Cycling Studio Best Cycling Studio

Camp Gladiator Best Bootcamp

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

FIT NESS

BEST F RE E C OM M UN IT Y WO R KO U T

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Camp Gladiator ď&#x201A;? Regymen Fitness ď&#x201A;&#x17D; CrossFit Renew

Statesman Cap 10k

BEST PE RS O N A L T RA IN E R ď&#x201A;&#x152; Laurie Christine King ď&#x201A;? Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Sierra Nevels

Best Race/Run

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BEST YOGA IN ST RUC TOR

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Tod Moore ď&#x201A;? Shelby Autrey ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Nicolette Salerno

H A RDEST WO RKOUT I N AU ST IN

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; HIT Athletic ď&#x201A;? Camp Gladiator ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Regymen Fitness

BEST CYC L IN G IN ST RU C TO R

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; David Garza ď&#x201A;? Megan Knight ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Alicia Picou

BEST R U N N IN G C OAC H

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Gilbert Tuhabonye ď&#x201A;? Chris McClung ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Laurie Christine King

BE ST AM B AS SADO R TO AUSTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S H E ALTH & FITNE S S CO MMUNITY ď&#x201A;&#x152; Laurie Christine King ď&#x201A;? Mike Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hara ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Zack Blakeney

BEST G R OUP F IT N E S S I NST R U C TOR ď&#x201A;&#x152; Laurie Christine King ď&#x201A;? Tod Moore ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Brandon Gonzalez

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BE ST RAC E /RUN ď&#x201A;&#x152; Statesman Cap 10k ď&#x201A;? Austin Marathon ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Run for the Water

BEST V IRT UA L P E RS ON AL T R AI NE R ď&#x201A;&#x152; Laurie Christine King ď&#x201A;? Zack Blakeney ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Tod Moore

DECEMBER 2020

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BE ST TRAIL RUNNING RACE ď&#x201A;&#x152; Sky Island, Spectrum Trail Racing ď&#x201A;? Spartan Race ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Salmagundi Trail Race

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

BE ST CYC L IN G E V E N T

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Hill Country Ride for AIDS ď&#x201A;? Lifetime Driveway Series ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Livestrong Virtual Challenge

HIT Athletic Hardest Workout in Austin

BE ST F I T NE S S C OM P E T IT ION

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; CG Games ď&#x201A;? Onnitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fittest ď&#x201A;&#x17D; The Fittest Experience

BE ST NEW GY M

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Bear Creek Performance Training ď&#x201A;? HIT Athletic ď&#x201A;&#x17D; The Iron Plate Training Ground

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

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

NU T R IR IO N

B E ST S M O OT H IE S HO P

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; JuiceLand ď&#x201A;? The Soup Peddler ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Smoothie King

B E ST LO CA L C O F F E E S HO P

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Summer Moon Coffee ď&#x201A;? Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Houndstooth Coffee

B E ST NO N -TAC O F OO D TRUC K ď&#x201A;&#x152; Paperboy ď&#x201A;? Garboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Patriziâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST TAC O ď&#x201A;&#x152; Veracruz ď&#x201A;? Tacodeli ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Fresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST H E A LT H F OO D R E STAURA N T ď&#x201A;&#x152; True Food Kitchen ď&#x201A;? Flower Child ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Picnik

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST B A R

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Whislerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ď&#x201A;? Mean Eyed Cat ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Nickel City

B EST FARME RS â&#x20AC;&#x2122; M ARKE T ď&#x201A;&#x152; Texas Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market - Mueller ď&#x201A;? SFC Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market Downtown ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Texas Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market - Lakeline

B E ST LO CA L W IN E , B E ER O R S P IRIT ď&#x201A;&#x152; Titoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handmade Vodka ď&#x201A;? The Austin Winery ď&#x201A;? Treaty Oak Distilling ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Ranch Rider Spirits

DECEMBER 2020

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B EST NUTRITIO NIST

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Laurie Christine King ď&#x201A;? Natalie Picchetti-Moos ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Colleen Flynn

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

JuiceLand Best Smoothie Shop

True Food Kitchen Best Health Food Restaurant

Veracruz Best Taco

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

WEL L NESS

B E ST PH YS ICA L T HE RA P IST

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ď&#x201A;&#x152; Carter Physiotherapy ď&#x201A;? Quantum Physical Therapy ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Robert Killebrew, PT, DPT, CSCS

B E ST O B/ GY N D OC TOR ď&#x201A;&#x152; Christopher Seeker, M.D. ď&#x201A;? Diana Wang, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Nancy Binford, M.D.

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST C O S M E T IC S U RG E ON ď&#x201A;&#x152; Rocco Piazza, M.D., FACS ď&#x201A;? Ned Snyder IV, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Chuma Chike-Obi, M.D.

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST AC UP U N C T U RIST ď&#x201A;&#x152; Dr. Lucas Brown, DACM, L.Ac ď&#x201A;? Chanelle MacNab, L.Ac ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Best Life Wellness

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST O RT H O P E D IC D OC TO R

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Scott Welsh, M.D. ď&#x201A;? John E. McDonald, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Brent Brotzman, M.D.

B E ST DE RM ATOLOG IST ď&#x201A;&#x152; Amy McClung, M.D. ď&#x201A;? Renee Snyder, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Lisa Rhodes, M.D.

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST H O S P ITA L

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; St. Davids ď&#x201A;? Dell Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medical Center ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Ascension Seton

Carter Physiotherapy Best Physical Therapist

B E ST DE N T IST

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; David Frank, D.M.D. ď&#x201A;? Summer Rydel D.D.S. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Brian Smith D.D.S.

DECEMBER 2020

St. Davids Best Hospital

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

WEL L NESS

B E ST MAS SAG E T H E RA P IST ď&#x201A;&#x152; Nick Picchetti, LMT/MT ď&#x201A;? Abriana Bayer, LMT ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Tammy Marquez, LMT

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST C H IROP RAC TO R ď&#x201A;&#x152; Lifespring Chiropractic ď&#x201A;? Daniel Bockmann, D.C. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Noah Moos, D.C.

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST PE D IAT RIC IA N

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Brian Temple, M.D. ď&#x201A;? Jaime Ramirez, M.D. ď&#x201A;? Ari Brown, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Bee Cave Pediatrics

B E ST ME D S PA ď&#x201A;&#x152; Rejuvenate Austin ď&#x201A;? Muse Med Spa ď&#x201A;&#x17D; Mint and Thyme

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

B E ST ME N TA L H E A LT H PR O F ES S IO N A L ď&#x201A;&#x152; Sheena Yazdandoost, LCSW ď&#x201A;? Katie Dillingham, LPC ď&#x201A;&#x17D; John Howard, LPC, LMFT

B E ST AL L E RG IST

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

ď&#x201A;&#x152; Allen K. Lieberman, M.D. ď&#x201A;&#x152; Allergy & Asthma Consultants ď&#x201A;&#x152; Greater Austin Allergy ď&#x201A;? Hill Country Allergy & Asthma ď&#x201A;? Ojas P. Patel, M.D.

đ&#x;?&#x2026;

đ&#x;?&#x2026; Rejuvenate Austin Best Med Spa

DECEMBER 2020

We would like to thank those who submitted imagery for our Best Of 2020 issue. In addition, we would like to thank the following photographers: Bret Hartman Chad Wadsworth Brian Closs Gaeb Ramirez Photography Ian Oliver Jason Hoffman Paige Newton for The Scout Guide Austin Amanda Hoffman Malia Rae Photography Pat Wong Scott Flathouse

Nick Picchetti Best Massage Therapist

Lifespring Chiropractic Best Chiropractor

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

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Caroline Betik

DIGITAL CONSUMPTION VS. EYE HEALTH n Are blue light glasses worth the buy?

DECEMBER 2020

lurry vision, watery eyes, a sharp headache and a stiff neck — it is the new, after-work feeling far too many of us can now relate to. As many companies across America have adapted to work from home, the amount of time spent on a screen for the average American has dramatically increased. “Screen fatigue” is a relatively new term that has emerged from this which describes the tiredness felt when spending long periods of time with technology. In order to combat the effects of screen time, blue light glasses have become increasingly popular. However, these glasses have received mixed reviews from both users and optometrists. Although it is still unclear what long-term health effects time on our screens will have on eye health, growing research now shows that the blue light emitted from our screens is not necessarily the harmful

component, but rather the act of being on a screen for an extended period of time. The newest trend in eyewear, blue light glasses, claims to help protect the eyes from blue light exposure. Many users swear by these glasses, which are said to help improve sleep, reduce digital eye strain and also prevent eye disease. Blue light is a color in the visible light spectrum that can be seen by the human eye. Because of its short wavelength, it produces a higher amount of energy which may cause discomfort when engaging with screens for long periods of time. Despite this discomfort, Harvard Medical School reports the amount of blue light emitted from electronic devices is not actually harmful to the retina or any other part of the eye. However, Harvard Health does report that blue light, and any light in general, can impact your sleep. Because exposure to

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

n WELLNESS

AT FIRST, I THOUGHT THE BLUE LIGHT GLASSES WERE JUST A FAD, BUT ONCE I TRIED THEM OUT MY PINCHING HEADACHES WENT AWAY AND I CAN SLEEP BETTER.” light suppresses the secretion of melatonin, even dim light can interfere with a person’s circadian rhythm. Blue light can do so more powerfully. A study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows how the use of blue light glasses aided in sleep and circadian rhythms. To see how the Austin community felt about blue light glasses, we spoke with several AFM readers to get the scoop on what they think of the current trend. Kevin McRee ordered a pair of blue light glasses online after suffering from migraines and nausea from being on technology for extended periods of time. McRee bought a pair of blue light glasses after they were recommended to him by his coworker. After wearing them regularly, McRee says he immediately noticed an improvement in his everyday health. “At first, I thought the blue light glasses were just a fad, but once I tried them out, my pinching headaches went away and I can sleep better,” McRee says. “I also

DECEMBER 2020

noticed I fall asleep much faster when I use my glasses before bed as I am watching TV and laying down.” While tracking his sleep using an app, McRee says his data shows that when using his blue light glasses before bed with his devices, he tends to fall asleep much quicker and even falls into a deep sleep faster than when he forgets to wear them at night. Lack of sleep can be associated with a decrease in the quality of life, in many different areas including your eating habits, your interactions with others and your motivation to do work. Lack of sleep can also lead to many more health complications if not dealt with quickly, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Brad Clark bought blue light glasses for his daughter since she began going to school online and using technology more frequently in an effort to keep his daughter healthy. “My daughter is not a typical teen, in the sense she doesn’t spend a lot of time on a phone,” Clark says. “Even after limited

screen time after 4 p.m., she was still getting headaches and seemed restless until the glasses.” According to a study on global pediatric health in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, children make up one of the largest consumer groups of technology, yet sleep is fundamental to optimal functioning for health and behavior of children and development. When overexposure to technology affects a child’s sleep, it can lead to many other health problems in the future. While optometrists recommend using blue light glasses in order to prevent these effects, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports there are ways to mitigate harmful effects without investing in a pair of glasses. Simply decreasing evening screen time and switching devices to night mode are a few ways to improve quality of sleep. Additionally, when engaging with technology for long periods of time, taking frequent breaks by making it a point to look away from the screen every 20 minutes at something at least 20 feet away for

Optometrists in Austin with blue light glasses prescriptions: Austin Eye Works Howerton Eye Clinic Lakeline Vision McCormick Vision Source Bristol Family Eyecare Vision Source

W! NE

Where did our AFM community get their blue light glasses? Warby Parker Amazon Oliver Peoples Local Optometrist MVMT

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WELLNESS AUTHOR

Katie Shea, AOMA student

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE n How Chinese medicine changed this healthcare workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. This special series of articles is written by faculty members from AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine.

DECEMBER 2020

o say this particular time in history is a stressful one for healthcare professionals everywhere is an understatement. Healthcare workers have experienced stress and emotional fatigue for decades, but the situation is only becoming more complicated with COVID-19. When confronted with the ironic truth of my own declining health caused by a career devoted to the care of others, I realized the importance of proactively creating balance in my life in order to avoid certain side effects of long hours of physically, mentally and emotionally challenging work. While nurses and other healthcare personnel are some of the smartest, boldest and most resilient people I have met in my life, many wish someone would have prepared them for the unexpected side effects of helping others through some of the most intense moments of their lives. A few of the common conditions experienced by nurses are headaches, back pain, sleep disruption, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, fatigue and eventual burnout. Although these ailments may seem common, it is incredibly difficult to be fully present while caring for others if one is feeling unwell, especially if the major cause of distress (both physical and mental) is attributed to his or her daily work setting. I began noticing many of these symptoms in my own life and knew that I needed to find a solution, not only for my own well-being, but also to support my fellow colleagues. I was certain that my problem could not be ultimately solved by masking the symptoms with medications, and I needed to find the root cause of what was going on. While many life-threatening conditions can and should be treated using conventional western, medical modalities, it was clear that the discomfort in my body was associated with racing thoughts, moments of acute stress and the physical wear and tear that I was experiencing at work. Daily yoga and a healthy diet couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully reverse the issues I was having, so I decided to make an appointment that would eventually change the path of my career. Like many new patients to acupuncture, finding a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner felt like a last resort. My opinion of alternative medicine was not only influenced by a culture that emphasized mainstream practices, but also by my job working in a hospital setting where mild conditions are seldom addressed. The practitioner was calm, listened closely to my symptoms, asked many questions about the subtle details of my health and performed a thorough assessment. His approach to care, which I now know

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

n WELLNESS

ACUPUNCTURE ACTUALLY PROMOTES SELF-HEALING AND IMPROVES NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION. PERSONALLY, MORE RESTFUL SLEEP AND SHARPER COGNITIVE FUNCTION AT WORK FOLLOWED.â&#x20AC;?

DECEMBER 2020

is common among acupuncturists, was very individualized and relied heavily on the subjective information I provided, such as pain, emotional status changes and abnormalities in various body functions, e.g., digestion. After a single treatment of acupuncture, I felt significantly less pain in my body and, within two weeks of taking a Chinese herbal formula, started noticing an improvement of the internal problems I had been experiencing. Acupuncture actually promotes self-healing and improves nervous system regulation. Personally, more restful sleep and sharper cognitive function at work followed. What nurse (or their patient) doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want that? Every day, whether working in the hospital or treating patients using acupuncture and herbs, I

am thankful for both conventional western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for allowing me to achieve and sustain balance, which is something I did not possess when I was too busy taking care of others to check in with my own health status. I have been gifted with more energy and drive and, subsequently, feel excited for the opportunity to share these healing techniques with other healthcare professionals who feel motivated to show up for their patients in the most positive, engaged way possible. The silver lining of my own health challenges has been the recognition of how these two medical approaches can complement one another. When used in combination, they provide healthcare professionals and patients with holistic and individualized treatment plans

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My Vinyasa Practice

WELLNESS

FAQ

WITH MY VINYASA PRACTICE n AFM speaks with My Vinyasa Practice to learn more about the benefits of yoga and yoga therapy.

AFM: What is yoga therapy?

practitioners tools to regulate their nervous system. Yoga therapy sessions focus on the individual’s experience with the objective of giving them tools and practices to help integrate their experience physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.

MVP: Yoga therapy is complementary to other

therapeutic modalities. It leverages the tools found within yoga and mindfulness to work through the different energetic layers of the body to help people integrate them, and to feel a sense of wholeness and well-being.

AFM: How do I book a yoga therapy appointment? MVP: Find My Vinyasa Practice on the MindBody

AFM: Who should try yoga therapy?

app! You can book a yoga therapy appointment via the MindBody app by selecting the service and provider you want to work with. Our yoga therapy is donation-based and can be done in-person or online.

MVP: We think everybody should try yoga therapy! It can

help people to find more balance and ease in their lives, while addressing limiting beliefs and judgements that they’re holding in their body on an energetic level. It’s an excellent complement to anyone’s existing wellness routine.

AFM: How does MVP include the use of sound during yoga therapy? MVP: We use sound healing, meditations and sound baths

AFM: What is the difference between yoga and yoga therapy?

during or after Yoga Nidra or Restorative Yoga practices. Sound baths and sound healing use the vibrational qualities of various notes to help tone the subtle bodies. The idea behind this is that the subtle body energies, or

MVP: Public asana classes focus on toning the

sympathetic nervous system and giving individual

DECEMBER 2020

the chakra bodies, vibrate to a specific frequency. When we are out of balance, sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helpful to bring in that frequency from an external source such as a gong or crystal singing bowls so that we can synchronize our subtle bodies.

incorporate simple stretches like cat-cow or supine twist into your waking and sleeping routine. These are just a few ways we can integrate yoga everyday.

AFM: What can yoga and meditation do for stress levels?

MVP: Box breathing, or ratio breathing, is a form of

AFM: What are some simple breathing exercises I can do at home? pranayama that helps to calm the nervous system. Sitting in a comfortable seat, inhale to the count of four or five, pause to the count of four or five, exhale to the count of four or five, and pause to the count of four or five. Repeat this, comfortably adjusting the time each part of the breath is held to suit your body. Practice this technique for three to five minutes, and observe how you feel in your body and mind.

MVP: Yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices have

been proven to lower cortisol levels, which helps the body to remain in homeostasis. The more stress we have in our lives, the more cortisol we have in the body. Cortisol, a hormone which must be processed by the body, can negatively impact and wear down the organs. AFM: Why is it important to practice yoga consistently?

AFM: What is Yoga Nidra? MVP: Yoga Nidra is the yoga of sleep and can be a very

MVP: A consistent yoga practice will help you to respond

powerful tool for integrating the body and mind. Anyone can practice Yoga Nidra. You can select any number of audio recordings from the internet or an app like Insight Timer. Practicing Yoga Nidra regularly helps practitioners to respond rather than react to stressful situations and to realize their sankalpa over time. A sankalpa is a personal intention that can be set at the beginning of Yoga Nidra practice. afm

rather than react to stressful situations, which will allow you to live with more ease! AFM: How can yoga help with anxiety and depression? MVP: Our yoga practice teaches us to be non-judgmental,

which helps us to look at our inner material through a compassionate lens. We learn to be more present and connected to our experience, and this helps to prevent past thinking, ruminating thoughts and the fear of the unknown.

Find out more about donation-based yoga and yoga therapy at My Vinyasa Practice by visiting myvinyasapractice.com, or find us on the MindBody app.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a lot of time for yoga. How can I incorporate yoga into my daily routine without dedicating hours to practice? MVP: Mindful moments,

gentle stretching and breathing exercises can be incorporated into your routine with ease. Take five minutes out of the day to stop and be present. Ask yourself what sensations are arising in your awareness. You can practice box breathing for a couple minutes throughout the day and come back to the present moment through breath awareness. You can

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

WELLNESS AUTHOR

Miranda Culvert

THE BEST AND WORST PLANTS FOR AUSTIN ALLERGIES n Feeling stuffy this allergy season? Here are a few of the local plants that could be giving you allergy grief.

here’s something in the air, and it isn’t love! Fall in Texas means sneezing, wheezing and sniffling for many of us. Like live music and barbecue, allergies are just part of life in Austin. While you’re probably a fan of the first two, most of us could do without the allergies. To steer clear of those annoying allergy symptoms, we’ve put together a list of the plants that are friendly for Austin allergies — and which you may want to leave out of your garden this season.

THE WORST

Cedar

You may have already felt the effects of cedar fever in the winter. Cedar fever is the most notorious allergy in Central Texas — caused by the ashe juniper in the cypress tree family (otherwise known as the mountain cedar tree). These native evergreen trees release their yelloworange pollen in quantities so big, you can see the puffs of pollen in the air. They’re everywhere in Austin, so you might not be able to escape the pollen.

DECEMBER 2020

Ragweed

If autumn makes you miserable, ragweed is the likely culprit. Ragweed is a common weed that dumps lots of pollen into the air. How can you cope? Keep your yard well-weeded and take your allergy meds until the ragweed has finished pollinating. You can keep track of the allergy count from local sources to help you figure out if it’s a Claritin or Zyrtec kind of day.

Grass

Sneezing in the summer? Grass is probably to blame. Try keeping your lawn mowed to prevent the grass from seeding. If you’re planting ornamental grasses, ask if your local garden center or nursery carries female grasses. The female of the species doesn’t produce pollen.

Oak

We love our oak trees in Austin — they give us shade, fuel for barbecue smokers, and provide that crooked-limbed aesthetic that gives the Central Texas landscape its historic look. With some tree species, you can plant the female species only, which would cut down on pollen close to your home. However, oak trees are monoecious, which means they can pollinate themselves. More pollen? More allergies.

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

n WELLNESS

Flowers

Some of the prettiest flowers carry plenty of pollen. Avoid planting these in the yard or bringing them in the house. • Daisies • Chrysanthemums • Ordinary Sunflowers • Chamomile • Wisteria

THE BEST

Texas Red Yucca

Flowering Dogwood

The plants that make you itch and sneeze the most are everywhere in the Austin area and can be difficult to get away from. However, to combat succumbing to allergy season, try replacing some of those pesky, allergy-inducing plants with low-allergen natives on your property to make your home a little more comfortable. If you’re still having trouble getting a handle on your allergies, check in with an allergy specialist who can help diagnose which plants give you the most trouble. Then, get rid of them. Happy gardening! afm

The flowering dogwood is categorized as a mild allergen, meaning it’s unlikely to trigger watery eyes or itching and sneezing. Add it to other lowallergy trees in your yard, like magnolia, crepe myrtle and the female red maple for plenty of pollen-free shade.

Winecup

The flowers on this native plant are exactly as promised: cup-shaped, wine-colored blooms that dress up your landscaping. It’s a great ground cover for Austin yards — spreading about 3 feet and needing little attention. To top it off, these beautiful additions won’t trigger your allergies.

DECEMBER 2020

Wild Foxglove

This showy plant is a member of the penstemon family and one of several penstemons that are native to Texas. Foxglove will produce spikes of trumpet-shaped flowers, in lavender, white and pink. These are equally as ideal because, not only are they an appealing addition, but they are also unlikely to make you reach for your allergy pills.

This gorgeous succulent packs a one-two punch. Not only is it low-allergen, but this scarlet succulent can also add a bright pop of color in your landscaping. It’s native to Central Texas, so it’s drought-tolerant and low maintenance. A bonus? Texas Red Yucca attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds to your garden.

Miranda Culvert has been gardening since she was 3 years old, thanks to her parents who owned a produce stand. She has passed her love of gardening onto her three children, one of whom has a booth at the local farmers market.

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WORKOUT OF THE MONTH

Meet Laurie!

WITH LAURIE CHRISTINE KING n Working with minimal workout equipment during this holiday season? No problem. Check out this bodyweight workout and dumbbell workout brought to you by Laurie Christine King, founder of Paragon Training Methods.

30-Minute DB Workout Our Paragon Quickie is a 30-minute program that requires just a few pairs of dumbbells. Enjoy!

A . B - STA NC E D B R D L

• 3 x 8-15 per leg • Rest as needed between legs

This is a fun twist on a Romanian Deadlift. “B-Stance” simply means you’ll set up your feet so that the big toe of your back leg is even with the heel of your front leg. Balance can sometimes be an issue with single-leg work, so this stance provides a little extra support. Roll your shoulder blades down and back, grab your weights and stand up, and then initiate the movement by sending the butt back (imagine you have your hands full of groceries and need to shut your car door — same movement!). Keep your hips square, back flat, and slowly descend with weights in hand. Feel a deep stretch in your hamstrings at the bottom, and then slowly ascend back up.

DECEMBER 2020

B . S UP E R SE T X 2 RO U ND S

• DB Thrusters x 12-15 reps (unbroken) • Directly into DB Front Squats x max reps unbroken (No rest at top, same weight as thrusters) • Rest 2 minutes

Superset = no rest between movements. So you’ll perform 12-15 DB Thrusters and then start repping out the DB Front Squats. A thruster is essentially a front squat + an overhead press. Rest the DBs on your shoulders, maintain a big, proud chest, and then squat low (hip crease should end below the knees). Then drive through your heels, explode up and drive the DBs overhead. During the DB Front Squats, your feet should be just outside the shoulders and externally rotated out just slightly. Keep elbows up, chest up, and get low (you should be able to roll a marble from the knee cap down to your hip crease). Make sure to squeeze your butt each rep.

C. 2 R OUN DS • • • •

DB Split Squats (no elevation) x 10-15 reps (right leg) Tuck Crunches x max reps in 30 seconds DB Split Squats (no elevation) x 10-15 reps (left leg) Rest 2 minutes between rounds

Begin by stepping one leg in front. DBs will be in each hand. Make sure to roll shoulder blades down and back and engage the core. For today’s Split Squats, we want a 90-degree angle on the front knee so that we’re targeting the glutes (if you wanted to target quads, you could drive the knee and torso over the front ankle). Gently tap your knee to the floor, and then drive through the heels and stand up. Tuck Crunches are a core movement that will begin on the floor. Lay on your back in a hollow body position. The core will be engaged, arms will hover by your sides, and legs will be off the floor with your feet together. With control, bring your knees into the chest, and then return to hollow position. Once Tuck Crunches are completed, complete Split Squats on the other leg.

Paragon programs are for those who want to build muscle, enhance their physique and look/feel damn good in 30-60 minutes. When you subscribe as a member, evidence-based workouts get delivered right to your smartphone. There are multiple programs to choose from, including several at-home, friendly programs.

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

n FITNESS D . 2 R O UND S

• Standing Deficit Calf Raises x difficult # of reps • Hollow Rocks x 10-15 reps • Rest 1-2 minutes between rounds

Find something to stand on so that your heels can hang off the edge (curb, the edge of a fireplace, stairs, a thick barbell plate). Come up onto toes, flex your calves and then drop the heels. Once Calf Raises are completed, return to a hollow body position on the floor — this time with arms overhead by the ears. Create a little momentum and begin rocking. During Hollow Rocks, feet should be together, hips tucked under, core engaged, butt squeezed and arms touching ears during hollow rocks. If the rocking is too advanced, hit a static Hollow Hold for 20-30 seconds.

Bodyweight Workout (30 Minutes) A . WA L K ING LU NG ES

• Complete as many as possible in 60 seconds • Rest 2 minutes Then complete 5 rounds: • 30 seconds for max reps of Walking Lunges • 30 seconds rest After the FINAL SET ONLY: • Frog Pumps x 20-50 reps (aiming for a deep burn in the glutes!)

If limited on space, you can complete the Lunges in place and simply alternate legs. We want a 90-degree angle on that front knee, so we’re targeting the glutes (if you wish to target quads, drive torso/knee over the ankle and take bigger/ longer steps). Place hands on the hips, engage the core and gently tap your knee to the floor with each lunge. After your last set of Lunges, you’ll immediately perform the Frog Pumps. For Frog Pumps, you’ll begin on the floor laying on your back. Bring heels together and butterfly the knees out to the sides. Drive hips towards the ceiling and squeeze the glutes before returning to the floor.

DECEMBER 2020

B . 3 R O UND S

• 30 seconds for max reps Sit-Ups • 30 seconds for max reps Box Jumps/Step-Ups • Rest 60 seconds

Similar to the Frog Pumps, bring heels together and butterfly the knees. Hands start overhead on the floor, sit up and touch the floor in front of your feet before returning back to the floor for each rep of Sit-Ups. Then, find an elevated surface to jump or step-up onto (bench, couch, chair, box). If jumping, try to land with soft knees in a semi-squat, open your hips at the top, and then step down.

C. AS MAN Y ROUN DS AS POSSI BLE I N 3 M I N UT ES • • • •

8 V-Ups 6 Burpees Rest 2 minutes after the first 3-minute period is up. Then repeat a second 3-minute period of as many rounds as possible of V-Ups and Burpees. For V-Ups, begin laying on your back with legs together, feet together and hands overhead. Fold in half and bring your hands and feet together to meet in the middle, then return to the floor. If the V-Up is too advanced, scale to the Tuck Crunch (hollow body position, hands by sides, bring knees to chest, return to hollow). A Burpee is essentially a push-up followed by a leap in the air. During the push-up portion, the chest should make contact with the floor and elbows should be in by the sides. Once the push-up is complete, jump to your feet, place hands overhead and jump high!

Where to find Laurie: IG: @lauriechristrineking, @paragontrainingmethods Lauriechristineking.com paragontrainingmethods.com

D. BODYWEI GHT DEF I CI T CALF RAI SES

• 2 x Tough # of reps for you (10-20 rep range with pause/contract each rep)

Find something to stand on so that your heels can hang off the edge (curb, the edge of a fireplace, stairs, a thick barbell plate, etc). Come up onto toes, flex calves, and then drop the heels.

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

CALENDAR DECEMBER 2020–JA N UA R Y 2021

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

DECEMBER 12

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Tinajas Ultra & Trail Relay

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DECEMBER 12

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Mosaic Trail Run

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Spicewood, TX

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Spicewood Vineyards Half-Marathon Due to COVID-19, some of these rides and races have limited space.

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DECEMBER 2020

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

CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2020

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

ELGIN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Elgin, TX

NOV. 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D EC . 24

THROUGH DE C EMB ER 1 8

T H R O U G H D E C E M BE R 2 4

Brown Santa

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Brown Santa provides toys, books and holiday meals to low income or poverty stricken families. But they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that without the help of volunteers. If you are able to donate your time, you can volunteer to unload trailers, set up the warehouse, sort food or wrap presents. Just be sure to call ahead at 512-247-2682 or email traviscountybrownsanta@gmail.com to sign up.

DECEMBER 2020

Is there anything more memorable, especially as a child, than cutting your own Christmas tree? Elgin Christmas Tree Farm provides everything a Texan would need to choose a tree, cut it down and secure it to the car for the most seamless holiday experience. The farm grows their own Virginia Pines and Leyland Cypress trees and imports Fraser Firs from North Carolina, so you are sure to find the perfect Christmas

tree for your home. For hours and pricing, check out their website for more info. T H R O U G H JA N UA RY 3

Luminations

Starting on November 3, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will be donned with thousands of lanterns along their walkways, creating a beautiful and calming evening experience. To accompany your stroll, for the first time ever, you can also

walk around the light-splashed forts of Fortlandia in the Texas Arboretum. Plus, you can find a seasonal menu of grab-and-go foods and drinks at the Wildflower Café. TH ROUGH JANUARY 3

Trail of Lights

will be family PJ photos instead of the usual Santa photos. So, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., bring your family in sporting their favorite (maybe even matching) pajamas. Reserve your ticket through the Eventbrite. DEC E MB E R 6

The 56th annual Austin Trail of Lights will take place at Zilker Park as per usual this holiday season. However, this year they have adapted the Trail as a drive-thru in response to socialdistancing standards. General passes start at $25 per vehicle. Early access passes are priced at $60 per vehicle and include a box of holiday cookies. Tune in to Trail of Lights Radio as you drive through the Trail for holiday music and festive fun.

Holiday Mini Mart

DECEM BER 3

DEC E MB E R 1- 12

Virtual Workshop: Tamales

Coats for Kids

The Bullock Museum has several public, virtual programs throughout the year and, on December 3rd, you can tune in with the family to learn all about tamales. Led by historian Dr. Monica Perales, the program will teach you the story behind the holiday customs behind tamales as you follow along with a recipe. Head to the museum’s website to learn more and get your tickets. DECEM BER 5

German-Texan Heritage Society Christmas Market

German Christmas markets are like fairy tales; the closest you can get to Santa’s Workshop without being a Christmas elf. Just as in the city-centers in Germany, there will be food, wine and shopping. Browse handcrafted Christmas ornaments, nutcrackers, Schwibbogen (elaborate candle holders,) smokers and decor while warming your tummies with Gluehwein and filling your bellies with traditional German cookies. Then, once you’ve found the perfect treasure, take it home to cherish this holiday and every one after. DECEM BER 5

Free Family Pajama Pictures

Located in the Westlake Shopping Center, Farmers Insurance - Samantha Martinez is doing her fourth annual holiday photo event. This year, in order to keep everyone COVID-19 safe, there

This South Congress Hotel event will be held on December 6th and December 13th. These small curated events will host 15 vendors on each date. A bar in the courtyard will provide any provisions you may need while shopping but for the safety of the event masks must be worn while inside the market. To register, check out their Eventbrite and visit their website for more details!

More than ever, it is important for those who can afford it to give back to the community. Although it can be difficult to volunteer time, the Junior League of Austin is providing a safe way to get involved in charitable work through Coats for Kids. From December 1-12, you can donate gently used coats to any Jack Brown Cleaners location or donate $20, the cost of a new coat. DEC E MB E R 12

Texas Barbell Christmas Classic

For their fourth year, the Texas Barbell Christmas Classic will be held at Crossfit Austin. Due to social distancing, the weightlifting competition will be open to 12 athletes per session, featuring youth, junior, open and masters divisions for male and female participants. 1st-3rd place awards will be given to each division based on Sinclair. All proceeds will benefit the UT Weightlifting Club’s travel expenses to the 2020 National Championships in Pleasanton, California. DEC E MB E R 3 1

Gatsby’s House – Austin New Year’s Eve 2021 If you’re looking for something fancy to bring in 2021, Omni Austin Hotel is holding their New Year’s Eve event in Gatsby theme — with DJs, a prepaid bar, and two floors to explore. To find out more about ticket pricing and the evening schedule, check out their website or Eventbrite.

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Austin Fit Magazine December 2020: The Best Of 2020 Issue

Articles inside

The Best and Worst Plants for Austin Allergies

Wellness FAQ: My Vinyasa Practice

Empowerment Through Integrative Medicine

Digital Consumption vs. Eye Health

The Best Of 2020 Issue

Looking to 2021

12 Products to Calm Your Nerves from 2020

Enjoying the Holidays During COVID-19

A Q&A with Tero Isokauppila, Founder of Four Sigmatic

Alternative Adult Beverages

Ingredients You Want to Stay Away From

Recipe of the Month: Spiced Orange Coffee from Dripping Springs Distilling

Letter from the Director