THE 15TH ANNUAL
MAY 2018
Swimsuit Edition
120 CALORIES
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VA R I E T Y
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May 2018
THE GOOD STUFF
SWIMSUIT EDITION PAGE 40
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2018 SUMMER FUN GUIDE
EMBRACE ULTIMATE FRISBEE
PAGE 52
PAGE 66
A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E / M AY 2 0 1 8
Cover, swimsuit and frisbee photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
LOEWY LAW FIRM
Content Creative Director's Letter 10
#KeepAustinFit 14 Exposure 16
Ask Sam Now 18 The A-List 30
HIGHLIGHTS
New to Austin 34 Events 78
Rides + Races 80 Discover! 82
Contributors 11
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So y Bus
32 NUTRITION Green Ninja Cooks 20 Intuitive Eating 22 SIBO Bloat 24 LIFESTYLE The Busy Badge 32 Should You Buy Bitcoin? 38
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72 WELLNESS Armpit Detox 58 Relationship Health Pt. 2 62 FITNESS Self-Defense 70 SwimATX Profile 72
photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
LETTER FROM THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR y career started with a Craigslist posting for a fitness magazine design internship in May 2007. For my first three months at Austin Fit, I was an intern under the mentorship of art director Angel Schatz. I then worked as her design assistant for the next three months until she passed the torch. I was just six months in when the then editor, Drex Earle, along with the rest of the Earle family, gave me the opportunity of a lifetime that would allow me to eventually take over the design department. I will be forever thankful for the past 11 years as AFM creative director with over 130 published issues, 1,500 photoshoots, and 10,000 pages of content. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of changes happen within myself and the fitness industry. My first workout outside of the school gym was with Cody Butler and HEAT Bootcamp. I saw him contribute to the rise in popularity of bootcamp workouts. I became familiar with the words CrossFit, Paleo, and kipping. I’ve learned about so many diet trends that my stomach is growling just thinking about them. I’ve helped AFM grow from 40 to 116 pages, and it certainly hasn’t always been easy for me personally. In all honesty, I’m not sure where I’d be without the people that I have worked with at this magazine and in our fitness community. There are many people that I would like to thank. To my editors— Drex Earle, Melanie Moore, Leah Nyfeler Fisher, April Cumming, Gretchen Goswitz, and Liz Harroun—thank you for your teamwork. You gave me personal and valuable lessons in journalism, work ethic, and through countless different stories you shared. To my design assistants—Sarah Schneider, Nicole Story, Jordan Golembeski, Michelle Suggs, Melissa Warren, Emma Canela, Anna Wanzek, Dani Parsons, and countless interns—thank you for your help, and I hope you gained some valuable insight into content production. Most importantly, we learned how to have fun doing it. To my photographer, Brian Fitzsimmons, who I’ve worked with the last eight years at AFM—I consider you a mentor. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your guidance and expertise, and I want to thank you so much for your willingness to show me the ropes. To Austin’s fitness industry leaders and community—I’ve learned so much from you, and you’ve given me so many happy memories that I will carry with me forever. I could go on about how many celebrities and Olympians I’ve worked with, but the most rewarding part of my years at AFM was getting to know the Austin community members and sharing their stories.
M
Weston Carls
While I am moving on from a full-time role at AFM, I look forward to continue producing content through storytelling and photography within the Austin community. I encourage you to seek out new people, classes (heck, I’ve tried them all!), foods, and events. Keep trying new things, and you’ll begin to see a new you. Let’s not exclude ourselves from experiences because of a predisposition. It’s better when we’re together. Diversity is divine. Through all my time at Austin Fit, these are my biggest takeaways. Try it all, be respectful, and do your best. Keep Austin Fit,
Weston Carls, Creative Director
MY FAVORITE ISSUES July 2011 The Inspiration Issue with Mark Zupan. This was the one time I managed the issue editorial and design.
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December 2015 The Best Of Issue. We took photos of industry leaders on a white background at separate times and stitched everyone together. The owners of Bicycle Sport Shop had my dog Teddy in their bicycle basket—my dog made the cover!
September 2017 The Body Issue with Tyler Haney of Outdoor Voices. Brian wasn’t able to do this cover shoot, and this was the first time I photographed the cover story.
photo by Brian Fitzsimmons
CONTRIBUTORS CEO Lou Earle PUBLISHER Lynne Earle ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/COO Alex Earle
THANK YOU TO AFM’S CONTRIBUTORS WHO MAKE THIS MAGAZINE A WORTHY SOURCE OF HEALTH AND FITNESS INFORMATION IN AUSTIN.
EDITOR Liz Harroun ART DIRECTOR Carley Metzger DIRECTOR OF SALES Alex Ecenia STAFF WRITER Arielle Olfers
LAUREN MCGILL
STEPHANIE ASMUS
KELLY LOVE
TIM ROY
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Karen Dauskurdas, Betty Davis, Arielle Olfers WRITERS Carrie Barrett, Alex Masi, Dani Parsons, Travis Perkins, Jason Stude, Angela Vega, Stephanie Young PROOFREADER Danylle Salinas PHOTOGRAPHER Brian Fitzsimmons
GENERAL INQUIRIES info@austinfitmagazine.com ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@austinfitmagazine.com 512.407.8383 EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS liz@austinfitmagazine.com fitfocus@austinfitmagazine.com EVENT LISTINGS austinfitmagazine.com/events
Lauren McGill MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN
Lauren is the Director of Nutrition for the Fitness Institute of Texas in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She is passionate about nutrition, wellness, and exercise. As a registered dietitian, she counsels UT Faculty, staff and community members on how to implement healthy lifestyle changes.
Stephanie Asmus
Born alive and living ever since, Stephanie is an Austin-based entrepreneur, writer, and outdoor enthusiast. When not traveling, you can usually find her (and her dog), on the trails, rock climbing, cycling, paddleboarding, or playing ultimate frisbee.
Kelly Love
Kelly is the co-founder of Branch Basics, a local company that makes nontoxic cleaning supplies. When diet and lifestyle changes transformed her life for the better, she became passionate about helping others avoid unnecessary suffering. Kelly lives in Austin with her husband, Sam, and baby girl, Reid.
Tim Roy
Tim Roy is a software engineer and writer based in Austin. In previous lives, he was a paratrooper and clerked for a federal judge after graduating UT Austin’s law school. He’s now coding for a blockchain startup and enjoys practicing movement culture, lifting barbells, swinging kettlebells, and bouldering.
SUBSCRIPTIONS austinfitmagazine.com/subscribe 411 W. Monroe Ave. 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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M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHER Josh Garza
LOCATION Railay Beach, Thailand
One half of @ventana_media hits the beach and puts out the vibe while on assignment in Southern Thailand
Send us hi-res, active lifestyle photos to FitFocus@AustinFitMagazine.com for a chance to be published.
PHOTOGRAPHER:
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JOSH GARZA @JOSHRGARZA
750 meter swim + 3K run 3rd Tuesday of the month 6:30PM pureaustin.com
ASK SAM Welcome to Sam’s hot sauna! Home of straight talk without the B.S. Open and frank advice on matters ranging from practical to taboo. Topics of discussion include fitness, nutrition, and sex—so ask Sam now!
Flat tummy foods. Really? Everyone has a list or diet! What’s real and what’s not? Dear Belly Buster,
I am dead tired at around 2 p.m. every day. What do I need to do to do boost my energy and drive? Dear Bad Habits, Change your habits, change your life. P.E.P. it up: Increase power, energy, and productivity.
POWER UP 1 Get one more hour of sleep. 2 Get active before 2 p.m.–walk, jog, or get to the gym. Moving helps circulation and stimulates the mind.
Damn good question. Eat real food, and don’t put anything else in your mouth. If your food is in an envelope and you just add milk, it isn’t real. If your food can sit in your pantry in a can or wrapper for months on end, it isn’t real. I found these “flat tummy foods” on the common lists: cucumbers, lentils, bananas, fennel, papaya, whole grains, chilli peppers, ginger, almonds, yogurt, asparagus, eggs, apples, berries, leafy greens, avocado, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and apple cider vinegar. I’m sure I missed a few. These are all real foods. You could try any flat tummy list and see what works for you. We are not built the same nor do we process food and nutrients the same. One exercise program or diet does not work for everyone. Bust the belly with the list of what NOT to put in your mouth: sugars, processed foods, fried foods, white flours, alcohol, and potentially gluten and dairy. And make sweat happen! Work your abs by mixing cardio and strength training four to five times a week. Flat tummy vs. fat tummy starts in the kitchen, then train, commit, and succeed. Keep it real!
ENERGIZE 1 Nap. 2 Eat smarter–Get the right substance in your system. Did you wake up in time for breakfast? Or did you get that huge, super-sweet java and oversized muffin at your local stop? Don’t go crazy over cocoa puffs! Those junk sugars spike your blood sugar levels then send you for a crash later, making you sleepy and unproductive. Highfat and fried foods make you sluggish, too. Delight in a balanced lunch with lean protein and healthy carbs. Protein helps stabilize your blood sugar levels and energy. 3 Use peppermint oil in your water or green tea. Try matcha tea or spirulina (great additions to your healthy smoothie after that workout). PRODUCTIVITY 1 Get priorities straight in order to zap stress. Stress will suck the energy right out of you. 2 Make the time to power up and energize your body and mind! Change your habits, get P.E.P, change your life!
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HAVE A QUESTION FOR SAM?
AS KSAM@AU STINFITMAGAZINE .C OM
I just started getting cellulite. How do I get rid of it? Dear Lumpy, It’s going to take guts to bring back the glory. Heredity, hormones, and dramatic weight change are the most common reasons behind cellulite. Cellulite is the hidden, ugly evil and will reveal itself to anyone! It occurs when underlying fat deposits begin to push through layers of collagen fibers under the skin. Some of it’s hereditary, but waste no time blaming your momma and granny. Take some comfort knowing even Victoria Secret models have cellulite, but you do have some control. Focus on nutrition, exercise, hormonal balance, and hydration. I know you want a magical, overnight cure like a pill, cream, or oil that removes it for life. That ain’t gonna happen! Despite all the reviews and savvy ads, don’t buy into it. None will cure your cellulite. If you have a severe case, you can consult your doctor. I’m sure you can find a procedure to make it disappear for thousands of dollars. However, make sure to inquire when it will come back again.
NATURAL APPROACHES TO REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF CELLULITE
Photos by: freepik.com; Shutterstock.com
After much research, these are the best natural approaches to prevent or reduce the appearance of cellulite and boost your overall health, confidence, strength, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, and more:
CHANGE YOUR EATING HABITS Consume well-balanced and nutritious meals and snacks. Include raw vegetables, fresh fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains. Stay away from processed foods, white carbohydrates, and sugars. Limit coffee, cola, energy drinks, and alcohol.
CHANGE YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE Slack and cellulite wins the fight. Get a benchmark assessment at your gym and a few sessions with a trainer. Time to burn fat and tone muscles. Work out four to five times a week. BALANCE HORMONES Ladies, shout out to y’all! As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen—a hormone that helps keep blood vessels flowing smoothly. Less estrogen can mean poorer circulation, which can also mean a decrease in new collagen production and the
breakdown of older connective tissue. See your doc, and get your hormones in check. DRINK MORE H20 Start with 16 ounces of water before morning coffee. Water is a cleanser, eliminates toxins and fat, and improves the strength of collagen and connective tissue in your skin— all making your skin firmer.
DRY BRUSH Using a natural bristle brush on bare skin is an ancient method to boost blood circulation, stimulate the lymph nodes, gently exfoliate, and improve your skin quality. Brush your cellulite areas at least three times each week before taking a shower.
The good news is you didn’t have it before. Weave these changes into you daily plan and wave buh-bye to those devilish dimples and creases and hello to smooth, toned skin! M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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NUTRITION
BY CARRIE BARRETT
PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD AUSTIN’S GREEN NINJA COOKS ARE TEACHING KIDS HOW TO ENJOY HEALTHY, PLANT-BASED FOOD.
A
sk a room full of children where an avocado comes from and watch 20 arms shoot straight into the air with confidence and a chorus of audible, “Ohh, Ohh, Ohh...I know, I know!” “Yes?” You ask. “Where do avocados come from?” “The grocery store!” Yikes. It’s a common scene played out in today’s society of modern convenience. Heck, I venture to say that an alarming amount of adults would answer the same way. As a culture, we are sadly disconnected from the origins of our food. What used to be necessities—growing our own food and eating locally and seasonally— are now seen as a luxuries. Eating locally and organically is a trend for the privileged. Due to modern grocery, advances in technology, food delivery, and the ability to harvest food in any condition, oftentimes our food now comes from a click of a button on our phone and not from the earth. As we’ve seen with recent social movements, the children are going to change the adults, and two local Austinites work daily to invite kids to put down their devices and use their hands and outrageous imaginations to learn about the origins of food—with the help of a green ninja, of course! “I’ve always had a dream of doing a kid’s cookbook,” says Green Ninja Cooks author and “master of nom,” Nikki Castagneto. “Who doesn’t want to be a ninja or possess superhuman powers?” Enter our hero, the Green Ninja. Of course, instead of swords, this ninja has kitchen tools and superpowers for exploring the benefits, uses, and tastes of superfoods!
When Nikki approached illustrator Jess Engle to help her bring the Green Ninja to life, she knew it was meant to be. Both were coming from demanding and fast-paced careers in New York City; Nikki worked in fashion, and Jess was using her design skills doing marketing and advertising for global businesses and corporations. Austin, as it often does, became a respite and creative muse when both decided they were finished with the rat race and wanted to pursue their careers with more purpose and passion.
The Green Ninja Cookbook Zine Series
FOOD IS THE BUILDING BLOCK OF A CHILD’S GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
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Green Ninja Cooks is equal parts imagination and immersive hands-on experience with food play. The cookbook zine series, written by Castagneto and illustrated by Engle, will debut this summer to turn kids into Green Ninja Cooks by teaching them how to harness the power of plant-based food. “Our ninja wakes up, does his stretches, drinks his nutritious ninja smoothie, and sets off on a journey to explore food,” explains Castagneto. Throughout the books, kids not only learn fun facts and clever ways to interact with foods, but also accumulate three to four simple recipes as well.
Green Ninja Appearances
In addition to the zine series, Castagneto and Engle bring the Green Ninja to life through their immersive, holistic, hands-on appearances around Austin. The goal is to teach kids how to assemble fruits and vegetables in a safe, delicious, and informative way, while giving them interactive missions that range from exploring the mysterious photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
lands where food comes from, to building healthy daily habits that’ll last a lifetime. “We want our Green Ninja events to not only educate children but also to create a culture of play around food without the stress or worry of having to eat or even like the food,” Nikki says. “We use a method of interactive self discovery, as opposed to memorization, which, by empowering children to own their unique learning process, encourages creativity and self-expression, blended with the development of skills and responsibility.” In fact, a recent “Mission Sweet Potato” event gave kids the opportunity to pick their own sweet potato and then create their own sweet potato toast complete with fun and unique decorations like raisins, hummus, and a variety of seeds. “It doesn’t matter if they eat it or not,” Nikki laughs, “In fact, the more outrageous concoction, the better. We’re getting them to have new experiences with their food and, in the process of learning, they’re having fun!” Of course, when kids have fun, they want to share their experiences and knowledge with others including—you guessed it—their parents. “Adults get very stuck in tradition,” Nikki says. “We don’t like certain foods because of traditions or what we were told as children. As a result, our children are inheriting unhealthy lifestyle habits, and they are the first in line to be susceptible to a weak start.” Food is the building block of a child’s growth and development and, as we now know, poor diet can lead to a range of issues including obesity, unsteady mental and emotional health, lack of energy, and behavioral problems. “Through local events, the cookbook zine, and online activities, we want to show that nutritious foods are fun. Hopefully, kids will emerge from our mission as part of a community of Green Ninja Cooks, actively involved in their journey to a healthy life.” afm To learn more about upcoming events, including a special Mother’s Day event, visit greenninjacooks.com.
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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NUTRITION
BY LAUREN MCGILL MS, RD, CSSD, LD
WHY WE SHOULD EAT MORE
INTUITIVELY IT’S EASY TO GET CONFUSED BY TODAY’S INFORMATION OVERLOAD— ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO DIET AND NUTRITION. HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO RECONNECT WITH YOUR INTUITIVE SENSE OF WHAT FOODS ARE BEST FOR YOUR BODY.
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Reject the Diet Mentality
Diets don’t work. Restriction and rules lead to body distrust and oftentimes result in a loss of lean mass. As soon as the diet stops, we regain our normal eating patterns and typically regain the weight we lost in the form of fat. Rejecting the diet mentality is the first step in practicing intuitive eating.
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Honor Your Hunger
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If you can’t tell when your tank is empty, you won’t be able to identify when it is full. Learning to acknowledge and respond to your physical hunger is an important step in the intuitive eating journey.
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Make Peace with Food
Food is not “good” or “bad;” it is simply food. Take morality out of eating. When you deprive yourself from eating certain foods, you actually think about them more. Cravings intensify and typically result in a binge. Making peace with food means you give yourself unconditional permission to eat. With practice, you will get better at listening to hunger and fullness cues and eat the right amount for your body.
Artwork by: iStock.com
In a world that provides constant information overload, choosing the best food to eat has become challenging. A fear of food has grown in our culture, and many people are left with a list of “good” and “bad” foods as their only way to navigate the grocery store. It is imperative that we transition from the external cues we often use to decide what to eat and shift towards trusting our bodies and relying on internal cues. In a culture that overvalues physical attributes, we are ironically disconnected from our bodies. Intuitive eating is a practice of body kindness, trust, and mindfulness. By practicing intuitive eating, we can reconnect to our bodies and choose food that provides nourishment and satisfaction. Let’s discuss the 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating—adapted from Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.
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Challenge the Food Police
Just like making peace with food, it is important to throw away the list of forbidden foods. All foods fit in the right proportion. One piece of cake on your birthday will not make you gain weight.
Respect Your Fullness
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This is hard because most of us have disconnected from our bodies’ signals and cannot identify when we feel full. A tip to get more in touch with your fullness cue is to wait 20 minutes once you have finished your portion. If you feel satisfied but not stuffed, you are full.
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Discover the Satisfaction Factor
Eating should bring pleasure. Our food should make us feel energized and satisfied. Being more mindful of eating with all our senses helps us to tap into the satisfaction of eating. Trying new foods as adults can also help us discover new foods that we never knew we liked—maybe even the broccoli we once hated as a kid.
Honor Your Feelings Without Using Food
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We all feel anxious, stressed, happy, sad, and lonely throughout our lives. These feelings will disappear, so we must learn to deal with them in a healthy way. Sometimes it’s a quick fix to use food to make us feel better, but in the long run this pattern can be destructive. Finding coping mechanisms other than food such as meditation, yoga, or a hobby will make life more fulfilling than turning to food when handling tough emotions.
Respect Your Body
NO PAIN, NO GAIN! PAIN
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We all come in different shapes and sizes, and that is what makes us unique and beautiful. Learning to accept your body is an important step on the intuitive eating journey. We can’t choose what size foot we have, and we would never think of trying to fit into a smaller size shoe, so why do we value what size pants we wear? Be thankful for what your body can do and appreciate it by treating it well each day.
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Exercise—Feel the Difference
If you hate running, don’t run! Be active doing something you enjoy. Once you find activities you like, it won’t feel like a chore and you will do it more.
Honor Your Health
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How does the food you eat make you feel? Honor your health through making positive choices that make you feel healthy and happy. Check in after you eat and see how that food choice made you physically feel. afm
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RELATED READING If you are interested in learning more about intuitive eating, check out these books or contact a registered dietitian.
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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NUTRITION
BY LAURYN LAX
SIBO
Artwork by: shutterstock.com
MAY BE CAUSING YOUR BLOATED BELLY
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DO YOU FEEL BLOATED— NO MATTER IF YOU HAVE A SALAD, SMOOTHIE, OR BURGER FOR LUNCH? IT MAY BE MORE THAN JUST WHAT YOU ATE.
An estimated three in four Americans experience gut discomfort—such as bloating, constipation, abdominal cramping, GERD, and nausea—on a regular basis. In fact, these symptoms are often considered so normal that over half of these people never discuss them with their doctor. However, these symptoms are not normal and can be addressed. Just as fast food cheeseburgers and commercial ice cream are not what humans were designed to eat, many prevalent gut issues are not meant to experienced regularly. You weren’t born with chronic bloating and constipation, and there is often an underlying reason at play, like SIBO.
IN AN IDEAL WORLD, YOUR SMALL INTESTINE IS STERILE AND CONTAINS ONLY 10,000 BACTERIA ORGANISMS.
What is SIBO? Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, is a silent epidemic affecting a vast majority of bloating and constipation sufferers and is defined as the overgrowth of gut bacteria in the small intestine.
The most common signs and symptoms of SIBO include: Feeling full, bloated, or gassy within one to two hours of eating IBS-like symptoms (intermittent constipation, loose stools, and diarrhea) Feeling bloated, brain fog, or a sugar rush (followed by a crash) after eating carbohydrates, starches, and FODMAP foods Malabsorption Unexplained weight loss or weight gain (that seems independent of diet) Cravings for foods that don’t make you feel well Feeling sick when you take a probiotic supplement or eat fermented foods However, SIBO is hard to diagnose because signs and symptoms are so vast. Other lesser known signs of SIBO include: Brittle nails and hair Skin breakouts like acne or eczema Allergies (food and seasonal) Anxiety and mood imbalances Autoimmune disease Low energy Lack of appetite or insatiable appetite Anemia GERD Gas Blood sugar imbalances (i.e. hungry every two to three hours, hypo/hyperglycemic episodes, cravings for sugar or caffeine) M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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NUTRITION
With the wide array of symptoms, it’s no wonder SIBO often slides under the radar.
How does SIBO happen in the first place? With SIBO, bacteria migrates from the colon (where most of it belongs and should be abundant) to the small intestines, where it becomes overrepresented. Gut bacteria itself is not a bad thing. In fact, beneficial gut bacteria plays a positive role in health promotion, including balancing your mood, helping you think clearly, balancing blood sugar and hormones, regulating your metabolism, and aiding in healthy digestion. However, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. In an ideal world, your small intestine is sterile and contains only 10,000 bacteria organisms, whereas your colon or large intestine contains 100 billion bacteria (10 to 11 times that amount). If this bacterial balance shifts, problems arise. The overgrowth of bacteria in the wrong places doesn’t happen overnight, and there is not one thing that sets it off. As your small intestine’s ability to digest is compromised with the bacterial overgrowth, your body is unable to receive all the nutrients it needs for peak performance. Fun fact: the small intestine is the organ in your GI system responsible for the majority of digestion, which takes up to six to eight hours per meal. Common triggers or predisposing factors of SIBO include: Low stomach acid–you need stomach acid to break down food and keep unwanted food particles and toxins from attracting pathogenic bacteria.
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Dysfunction of your gut motility–impaired ability of your digestive tract to push food through your system speedily and readily Disrupted gut bacteria from outside stressors–including poor quality foods, undigested foods, prior food poisoning, chronic stress, long-term use of certain medications
Translation: Imbalance or stress to the natural state of digestion is the root cause of SIBO. Over time, if unaddressed, these triggers create the perfect storm for SIBO to occur. The good news? SIBO is not a diagnosis like cancer. Knowledge is power, and if you discover you have it, it is highly correctable and remissible.
How do I know if I have SIBO? The two primary methods that are used currently used to diagnose SIBO are SIBO breath testing and the aspiration of the small bowel using an endoscope. Since endoscopy is expensive and uncomfortable, the at-home SIBO breath test is the most popular and preferred test of choice. It involves breathing into a sample collection tube and bag at home every 20 minutes over the course of three hours. One to two days before the test, you are advised to cut out all high-fiber and lactose-containing foods including vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, beans, grains, condiments, and spices and herbs (except salt and pepper). These foods contain sugars that bacteria love. Limiting starches and sugars in foods prior to the test allows results to fully showcase whether or not you naturally have more bacteria in the gut. During the test, hydrogen and methane gases from your breath are collected for assessment. Since SIBO is associated with an overproduction of either or both of these gases, test results will
Photo by: freepik.com
Inflammation (like high cholesterol) Food intolerances Migraines and chronic headaches ADD/ADHD and brain fog
IMBALANCE OR STRESS TO THE NATURAL STATE OF DIGESTION IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF SIBO
indicate if your body has increased levels when you breathe into the test tube. That said, false positives are not abnormal. Lab testing is not perfect and if results come back negative, SIBO is not always ruled out. Hydrogen-Sulfide SIBO is often supposed if SIBO test results come back nearly at zero, with seemingly no measure of hydrogen or methane based gas at all, and SIBO-related symptoms still persist. Consult with a functional medicine practitioner, nutritionist, or GI specialist familiar with SIBO testing for custom direction and interpretation of results. If lab testing is not in the cards for you and your clinical signs indicate that you may have SIBO, a short-term herbal treatment using a SIBO gut-healing protocol may be better than not treating for SIBO at all.
FOODS TO AVOID
What to do about it? SIBO treatment typically consists of a combination of: An anti-inflammatory diet A targeted, antimicrobial herb complex and gut-healing supplement protocol Stress management/reduction Stress is a buzzword, often overlooked in our world today that is full of stress (like rush hour traffic, high-intensity workouts, and hours spent staring at our screens and phones). Nevertheless, stress is also the main driver of all disease—gut symptoms included. Understanding the specific stressors that may have triggered SIBO or still continue driving your condition is imperative.
SUPPORTIVE SUPPLEMENTS I customize supplemental protocols for clients, taking into consideration their unique presentation of SIBO and their symptoms, but a few universal supports SIBO sufferers can benefit from include:
Soil-Based Probiotics Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum
(prebiotic fiber to help your probiotics stick)
Apple Cider Vinegar
(1 tablespoon in water) or HCL capsules (with meals)
Anti-Microbial Herbs Atrantil Full SIBO treatment is not recommended without the advice of a provider.
Photos by: pexels.com; freepik.com
Here are a few essential steps from my initial Gut Love Reset eating you can implement right away if you suspect SIBO: Eat real foods, including sustainable proteins, healthy fats, veggies, and some starchy tubers. Avoid wheat, dairy, beans/legumes, pastas and breads, sugar, poor quality coffee, artificial sweeteners, and most packaged and refined foods. Consider FODMAPS. Many people find they are sensitive to FODMAP foods like M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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NUTRITION
Eat prebiotic carbs. Contrary to popular belief, eating real-food starches and carbohydrates—like sweet potatoes, potatoes, white Jasmine rice, winter squashes,
STRESS AND LIFESTYLE HACKS
beets, carrots, plantains, etc.—is not a bad thing, particularly when combined with anti-microbial herbal supplements. These foods can provide beneficial prebiotics, essential for healthy gut bacteria. Eat probiotic foods. In addition to taking a probiotic supplement, probiotic foods in small condiment-sized doses, including sauerkraut, kimchi, and low-sugar kombucha can assist in promoting healthy bacterial balance. afm
Some stressors to consider may include:
Eating fast or on-the-go (not
chewing your food thoroughly)
Low water intake Last but not least, hacking stress is essential. Understanding the top stressors in your health, lifestyle, and mindset connected to SIBO can help you keep from merely bandaging the condition with food and supplements.
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Undersleeping
(less than seven hours for most people)
Overtraining
(highly correlated with digestive disturbances)
Processed foods, bars, and shakes
Stevia and artificial sweetener consumption
Trying to do it all Eating foods you’re intolerant to Disrupted circadian rhythm
High coffee
consumption (more than one cup of quality coffee each day)
Hydrogenated oils from restaurant food
Long-term birth control use,
NSAIDs, or other medications
Stuffing your emotions
Stress is inevitable, but the more you can gradually focus on changing one thing at a time, the more chance your body gets to heal.
Photos by: freepik.com; shutterstock.com
broccoli, brussels sprouts, apples, onions, asparagus, pears, peaches, cherries, mangos, and avocados, so it is encouraged you maintain awareness about FODMAPS and how they impact how you feel. For some, a low-FODMAP diet can be beneficial.
THE HEATLHY AND FRESH ALTERNATIVE TO YOUR TYPICAL
TEX-MEX, MADE WITH ALL NATURAL PROTEINS. @MaudiesTXMex WWW.MAUDIES.COM
Maudie’s TEX-MEX
LIFESTYLE
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
THE LIST At Austin Fit, we pride ourselves on being original, well-researched and above all, fun. The A-List is a curated list of our team’s favorite products and tips based on personal experience and expert advice. This month, we’re featuring our favorite spring and summer must-haves!
Soludos Shoes for Men and Women $48–$129 COOLA Travel Size Organic Sunscreen Spray $20 Organic Bronze (The Domain) Whether you’re packing your bags for a getaway or heading to Barton Springs pool, this organic, TSA-compliant sunscreen will meet your every need. Sheer, water- and sweat-resistant, this is a great option for working out in the Texas heat! Shop local and pick this up along with all the gear you’ll ever need for summer at Organic Bronze in The Domain.
BluBlocker® Sunglasses Starting at $33 amazon.com Yes, these are the sunglasses you saw in The Hangover. Vintage yet refined, we recommend them because of their protective lenses! BluBlockers’ high-definition amber Malenium® lenses block 100 percent of UV and blue light, giving you the extra protection you need. The original BluBlocker® sunglasses protected against UV rays and were created for the NASA space program 30 years ago. They were manufactured for retail when a California sunglass manufacturer realized he could block UV rays as well as blue rays to protect the retina. These shades not only protect you from losing your eyesight due to sun exposure, but also allow objects to appear sharper and clearer, too.
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soludos.com The original Soludos slipper was named after Salvador Dali, who famously wore them around his hometown of Barcelona. We’re channeling Mr. Dali this summer all around Austin because we can’t get enough Soludos' of blanket stitches that mold to your feet, unique designs, and overall classic style. They are perfect for a walk to one of our natural pools or a pit stop at Perla’s or Hotel San Jose for a classic Austin happy hour. Now that our feet are in style, bring on the frosé!
Elemental Stainless Steel Classic Water Bottle $35
Siete Foods Lime Grain Free Tortilla Chips $4–5 per bag
Whole Foods, Wheatsville, or Central Market Our favorite summer snack—a taste of vacation with trustworthy ingredients like cassava flour, avocado oil, coconut flour, ground chia seed, sea salt, citric acid, and lime oil. So flavorful you don’t even need salsa! Tart and refreshing, these chips will be a sure hit at your next pool party.
elementalbottles.com Is your plastic water bottle starting to smell a little funky? Ours too. Plastic and 100-degree days really don’t mix well, so we switched it up with this stainless steel bottle just in time for summer. With festive colors, bamboo lids, and double-walled technology that holds the temperature of the contents while preventing sweating, this SoCal-based company nailed the balance between style and functionality. It’s perfect for shakes, homebrewed coffee, cocktails, or wine (pro tip: It’s the perfect wine growler since is holds 750 ml—the same as a wine bottle). Oh yeah, and it’s great for water, too.
Tacos Baseball Cap $36
The Bedouin Roundie Beach Towel $74
frankiejean.com Because it’s Austin and we can’t get enough tacos, we love this vintage-washed cotton baseball cap from local boutique, Frankie Jean. Made to order with felt lettering, all Frankie Jean hats are made from recycled postconsumer plastic!
thebeachpeopleco.com An Austin-centric round beach towel with a celebration of MiddleEastern colors and patterns—perfect for picnics, festival season, and park hangs. M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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LIFESTYLE
BY ANGELA VEGA
THE
BUSY
BADGE BUSY DOES NOT MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. BUSY HAPPENS TO YOU. DON’T WEAR THE BUSY BADGE.
How are you? You probably have a million things going on, but you somehow found the time to read this article. Good for you. I wish I had that kind of time. How am I, you ask? You know…
just really busy. 32
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Aren’t you tired of hearing this balderdash? When did busy become an indicator of temperament? Busy has become the definition of what we do on a daily basis. The phrase “I’m busy” is about projecting an egotistical narrative while rotting on the inside from stress. We have appointments, schedules, and deadlines to meet, and believe our our worth is measured by activity.
Science of Busy There was time where having time to do anything was a status symbol. In his book The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen, the 19th century economist described leisure as the ultimate symbol of wealth. However, in the 21st century, the word “busy” evokes great power and overuse of #humblebrag. Illustration by: Edgar U. Vega
We live in a time of “knowledge work” that knows no boundaries on the time of day or physical space. Our desire to be overscheduled bleeds into our leisure time in an effort to feel productive. Going to the bathroom turns into time to write an email to your boss. Playing soccer outside with your kids turns into time to pull those weeds invading your flower bed. From learning to paint to playing a game of tag, there is a need to put the task on a list and check it off at the end of the day. There might be a reason for all this busyness. A 2016 study from the University of Texas at Dallas found that having a busy schedule later in life is correlated with increased brain function from improved cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to improvise, and episodic memory, the memory of autobiographical events and experiences. But does being busy boost the brain or might people with better brain function be more likely to keep themselves busy? Well, we don’t know, but it’s safe to say that being busy, from learning new things to making difficult decisions, is correlated with higher brain power. That being said, you can experience life without stuffing every minute with a “to-do.” Your schedule is about creating a lifestyle that drives engagement and inspiration, not stress. When busyness drives chronic stress it can be detrimental to your health. Chronic stress can put you at risk for anxiety, depression, digestive problems, and even weight gain. There is nothing wrong with fulfilling your responsibilities, but there must be a balance.
Busting the BS on Busy
d Buste
BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR CHOICES
You do not “have to” make 24 vegan, gluten-free cupcakes for your child’s class. Cleaning out your closet because Marie Kondō said so is not more important than the English paper you have due tomorrow. There is a huge difference between “have to” and “want to.” Being “busy” is a choice, so be sure to own your choices.
DON’T ANSWER “HOW ARE YOU” WITH THE WORD “BUSY” EVER AGAIN. REMOVE IT FROM YOUR VOCABULARY.
REDEFINE THE “TO-DO” LIST
Get out of bed. Check. Brush teeth. Check. Is this what our to-do lists have become? Mediocrity to fill in the blank space on your Google calendar? Your to-do list does not account for priority or time. Use the to do list as a way to make better plans to address the important things in your life rather than a task list. TIME IS NOT THE PROBLEM, YOU ARE
Our busyness is a product of perceived lack of time and misplaced priorities. It is where we allow excuses for easily solved problems labeled “busy” to escape our daily routine. A reality check is that everyone has the same amount of time, and what they do with it is what creates a lasting impact in their life and the lives of others. In fact, Americans have more free time today than previous generations.
! BYE
Bye, Bye Busyness REMOVE THE WORD “BUSY” FROM YOUR VOCABULARY
Don’t answer “How are you?” with the word “busy” ever again. Remove it from your vocabulary. There are hundreds of words to describe how you are feeling, so put a real emotion behind it even if it is negative. Even better, communicate what you are doing, who you are spending time with, and how it makes you feel.
PARETO PRINCIPLE
This principle says that 20 percent of your life produces 80 percent of your results. For some, it will be time reading books to your kids. For others, it is that sweat session with your trainer. Focus your energy on activities that give you the best results for what you want in your life. OUTSOURCE AND DELEGATE
Photo by: freepik.com
TO DO LIST
This goes back to “have to” and “want to.” If you don’t want to clean your house, hire a maid once a month for a deep clean. If you don’t like grocery shopping, get your groceries delivered by one of the delivery services. Even hiring your neighbor’s kid to mow your lawn can free up your day in unexpected ways. You do not have to do everything, but you can choose to do anything.
t out GetGeout ed f o of bedb h s u BrusBhereth t teeth
SAY “NO” FOR YOUR “WHY’S” SAKE
Understanding your “why” behind the things you do is critical to how you shape your life. The activities you include in your daily schedule should amount to your “why.” If something doesn’t fit into your “why,” say “no”. It can be hard at first, but saying “no” means you can say “yes” to the important things. afm M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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LIFESTYLE
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
AUSTIN
STUDIOS, SHOPS, AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR FITNESS-MINDED FOLKS
Fontina Molotes
Suerte 1800 E. 6th St
Sam Hellman-Mass, a founding partner of Austin restaurants Barley Swine and Odd Duck, has opened the doors to his first solo restaurant, Suerte, on the east side. Homemade masa and fresh margaritas are just a part of what makes Suerte so wonderful—the experience is top-notch, too! As Hellman-Mass says, “A great meal is so much more than each individual dish. It’s an experience shared by family, friends, the chef, and the restaurant itself. Our goal at Suerte is to provide our guests with a unique experience every time they walk through our doors, and to share with them the pride and joy we feel every day when we fire up our kitchen.”
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ROWING TEXAS CENTER SPRING SPECIAL 7 MONTHS FOR $349 OR 13 MONTHS FOR $499
• • • • •
Azul Rooftop Pool & Stella San Jac 310 E. 5th St.
North Shore of Town Lake on Hike & Bike Trail behind Austin High School
An Austin favorite has revamped their menu and pool at the Westin Austin Downtown. The pool will feature events like Live with Luis Banuelos on Thursdays and Stretch Soundscapes on Sundays with Stretch Yoga studio and a silent disco. The new Stella San Jac menu will include mouthwatering plates like chicken and waffles, salmon tartare, and pad thai.
512.467.7799
www.texasrowingcenter.com info@texasrowingcenter.com
Pro-Care Medical Center South Austin Clinic 4544 S. Lamar Blvd
Pro-Care Medical Center recently opened its sixth location. The South Lamar clinic boasts a large rehabilitation and therapy area, exam rooms, an on-site digital X-ray facility, and a clinical lab. It’s the place to go for individualized chiropractic and primary care.
JEEP MASTERS
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
Intro-to-Rowing Program (6 classes) Unlimited Rowing, Kayaking, Canoeing Unlimited Stand Up Paddling Gift Certificates Available Experienced Coxswains row FREE!
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LIFESTYLE
NEW TO AUSTIN
Rosewood 1209 Rosewood Ave
Southern culinary influence, warm decor, and great hospitality come together to bring a restaurant rooted in true Texan cuisine. Provisions include fresh food from Hill Country farmers, ranchers, and Gulf Coast fisherman. The restaurant currently serves dinner and will soon add brunch and lunch this month. Perched in a historic home, the space is designed to embrace the building’s historic details with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The Austin Fit team especially loves the spacious deck and lawn—perfect for happy hour this time of year!
Alive + Well and Elle’s Cafe & Coffee 3944 S. Ranch Rd 620, Bldg. 6
Nina Berenato
The first integrated wellness center in Austin is now open with the important mission to treat the whole person—mind and body—through patient-centered care in an environment designed to ease collaboration for practitioners. The 7,500-squarefoot location gives its guests access to a range of services including yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, functional and integrative medicine, a compounding pharmacy, nutrition counseling, massage therapy, an indoor wellness garden, IV vitamin therapy, a float tank, infrared sauna, and ionic foot bath. Elle’s Cafe & Coffee opened inside the center, giving people a place to gather, socialize, and dine. The gluten-free menu was developed by chefs at Contigo and Chicon.
3200 Palm Way, Ste. 152
Nina Berenato has opened her permanent location at the Domain with a larger showroom featuring her signature, hand-made designs. Shoppers will be able to attend workshops and weekly classes where they’ll learn how to create handmade goods ranging from calligraphy to candles. The shop also includes a monthly artist residency highlighting local female artists and their work.
Loro 2115 S. Lamar Blvd
Chef Tyson and Aaron Cole have officially opened their new Asian Smokehouse on South Lamar. The new restaurant offers a balance of Southeast Asian flavors and traditional Texas BBQ, featuring dishes like Candied Kettle Corn; Char Siu Pork Shoulder marinated in soy hoisin oyster sauce and fermented bean curd with a glazed, caramelized finish; and Smoked Beef Brisket (a dinner-only dish marinated with Nuoc Mam and Thai gastrique finished with herbs and chili oil). The restaurant offers a casual dining concept with food and beverages at the bar, selfseating, and to-go service.
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Charred Siew Pork Shoulder
Stand For Something Our gym is FREE for military veterans and active duty.
FREE ONLINE SHIPPING with code “AFMSHIP” VISIT OUR STOREFRONT & RECEIVE 15% OFF
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A U S T I N ’ S O N L Y P R I VAT E E L E C T R I C CRYOTHERAPY SYSTEM. S AY N O T O N I T R O G E N ! SAFER AND BETTER FOR YOU A N D T H E E N V I R O N M E N T.
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INTENSE360CRYO.COM 512-220-3740
LIFESTYLE
BY TIMOTHY ROY
HOW TO BUY
ITCOIN
(IF YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT TO) THE TECHNOLOGY UNDERLYING BITCOIN IS BUILDING A NEW WEB AND NEW COMPANIES, BUT TRADING THE NEW CURRENCY IS TRICKIER THAN IT LOOKS.
ere’s the thing about cryptocurrencies: you can make your own currency (your own money!) with its own rules, so you can design your very own mini-economy to get people to work together in new ways. Cool, right? The trick is that many projects and companies are launching their own cryptocurrency to use with their products, when arguably they don’t really need them for the product to work. Worse, they’re launching cryptocurrencies to use with their products before they even have products! So on the one hand we have cool new tech that people are figuring out, and on the other hand we have people taking advantage of all the uncertainty and ignorance. The result? Buying and selling cryptocurrency is like the Wild West right now. Did you hear about the kid who asked his dad for a Bitcoin? His dad says, “Son, what in the world do you want with $15,000, I mean $8,000, I mean $11,500?” Get it? The price of Bitcoin goes up and down so fast that it makes losing money easy. Still, getting a little bit of Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency, like Ethereum, isn’t a bad idea. If the price goes to the moon you’ll make money, and even better, it’ll let you keep an eye on all the cool ideas people are working on. Just don’t put in any money that you can’t afford to lose! Coinbase is an easy and solid way to get started. Just sign up,
H
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verify your bank account, and a few days later you’ll be able to purchase Bitcoin (yes, you can buy a fraction of a bitcoin). You can leave it with Coinbase, or send it to your own wallet. (Side note: Bitcoin works kind of like an email message. You have an account and an address, which you control. This is your wallet. You can send Bitcoin there as easily as sending an email. But if you lose the address or the keys to that address, you’ll lose your money forever!) Notice, though, that Coinbase charges you good money to buy Bitcoin. Coinbase also runs a trading website called GDAX (gdax. com). If you open an account there (also free), then you can transfer money from your bank account to GDAX for free—and avoid the regular Coinbase fees for purchasing Bitcoin! Pause a moment and send me some good karma for that little tip there. I’ll wait. What if you want to buy a different cryptocurrency, like Ethereum or Litecoin? No issues, you can do that through Coinbase or GDAX as well. If you want to buy a cryptocurrency that Coinbase doesn’t support, then buy Bitcoin the way we just discussed, and then send it to another exchange like Poloniex, Gemini, or Kraken. You’ll have to get verified at these exchanges first. There you can trade your Bitcoin for whatever cryptocurrency you’ve set your little heart on. But again, keep it light. The people who got rich bought when Bitcoin was worth less than a penny, and they never sold. Don’t day trade unless you’re an actual professional. Welcome to the future, and have fun. afm Tim Roy is a former lawyer, now coding for a blockchain startup. Despite being good with numbers and computers, he’s not day trading cryptocurrency, because he’s not a professional trader.
Photo by: Shutterstock.com
Bitcoin is the granddaddy of all cryptocurrencies, money made with the power of computer science. These days, there are several cryptocurrencies out there, and people are trading up a storm.
Medicine in Motion CARE FOR YOUR ACTIVE BODY
URGENT AND FAMILY CARE
PHYSICAL THERAPY
NUTRITION & FITNESS
Call for an appointment with Dr. Martha Pyron, MD or any of her team at the central or north locations
512-257-2500
www.medicineinmotion.com
VINCENT K. IP DDS 1509 S LAMAR BLVD. #675 AUSTIN, TX 78704 (512) 444-4746 INVISALIGN@SMILE360ATX.COM FREE CONSULTATIONS FINANCING AVAILABLE
SPORTS & PERFORMANCEBASED TREATMENT
Swimsuit THE 15TH ANNUAL
IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! THE SUN IS OUT AND SO IS OUR ANNUAL SWIMWEAR ISSUE.
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Edition PHOTOGRAPHY BY
BRIAN FITZSIMMONS
OFFICIAL 2018 SPONSOR OF THE SWIMSUIT SPECIAL
AT T H E D O M A I N
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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ON THE MODEL
Bikini: Beach Bunny Fine Lines Bralette in Black Stripe and Skimpy Bottom in Black from Organic Bronze
Hat: Echo Design Mangrove Fringe Fedora from Saint Bernard
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REI LEIGH HARMER AND GABRIELA BOGNER
Owners of Massage Sway and Organic Bronze
Personal Mission: To empower others to love themselves through means of self-care. Massage Sway and Organic Bronze, our wellness-based companies, were founded on the principle of helping people look and feel their best. Massage Sway, a boutique day spa in the Domain shopping center, opened for business three years ago and has celebrated numerous awards. We are very grateful for their success and hope to impact as many lives as possible. We hope to inspire other female entrepreneurs that they can do anything they set their minds to. In the spring of 2017, we opened Organic Bronze, a luxury tanning studio which is conveniently located next to Massage Sway. Organic Bronze offers customized airbrush tanning services and private sessions in the Infrared Sauna Cinema. Also, we carry designer swimwear year-round from exclusive brands such as Beach Bunny Swimwear and local designers. Do you have future plans for the expansion of either business? We look forward to opening Spa Sway in the spring of 2019. Spa Sway is projected to be 5,400-square-feet and will be located in downtown Austin. Spa Sway’s creative direction is to innovate Austin’s downtown spa scene by offering full amenities, including steam and sauna. What is your favorite workout to do together? When it comes to fitness, we’ve always been each other’s accountability partners. We attend a weekly cycle date to David Garza’s class at Love Cycling Studio. Not only is it loads of fun, but it’s also an exponential calorie burner! In addition to cycling, we enjoy heavy weight lifting and a weekly yoga session. ON THE MODEL
Bikini: Beach Bunny Rib Tide Knot Bikini and Skimpy Bottom in White from Organic Bronze
Hat: Echo Design Island Tassel Hat from Saint Bernard Bracelet: Nicole Romano from Estilo Boutique
How do you stay feeling and looking your best given a demanding work and travel schedule? When it comes down to it, we believe in balance and consistency. Preparation is key, so we make sure to pack healthy snacks and protein shakes wherever we go. When we travel, we encourage each other to make nutritionally balanced decisions, yet without restricting ourselves too much—because you gotta live a little! Food and wine are two of our favorite things, so don’t put it past us to sample a little bit of everything! M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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SARAH ARCHILA Owner of Blonde Rehab Salon
Personal mission: Make Texas girls Cali-blonde—the healthy way! Favorite water activity: Paddle-boarding! I started going down to Texas Rowing Center after work in the summertime two years ago, and I’ve been hooked ever since! There’s nothing better than paddling over to the Barton Springs pour-off and taking a dip before watching the sun go down behind our beautiful city’s skyline.
ON THE MODEL
Black Suit: L*SPACE from Estilo Boutique
White Suit: Marysia Mott Maillot from Saint Bernard
Lounge accessories: Las Bayadas La Iris Beach Blanket and Sunnylife Beach Seat from Saint Bernard Earrings: Nicole Romano from Estilo Boutique
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GUSTAVO PADON
Instructor, Wanderlust Yoga and SoulCycle
ON THE MODEL
Suit: The Aquatic Libations from Chubbies
Sunglasses: Ray-bans from Saint Bernard Sports
Person Mission Celebrate your body; choose workouts, meals, and thoughts that remind you to love yourself. Remember that you only have one life, so spend it living healthy, happy, and free. How do you like to stay active, even in the heat of the summer? I’m all about doing things in the sun (with lots of sunscreen, of course). This summer you can find me getting my sweat on by doing yoga at Zilker, blasting through cute Tabata workouts by my pool, or running around Lady Bird Lake. How do you treat yourself? I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. I enjoy a daily piece of dark chocolate—it’s so good for the soul!
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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KALEY KLASSON
Wanderlust Yoga Instructor and Ayurvedic Wellness Coach
Person Mission: I'm dedicated to sharing the practices of yoga and mind-body health in a way that uniquely inspires a happy, simple, and empowered life.
ON THE MODEL
Suit: Marysia Fixed Tri Bikini from Saint Bernard
Hat: Hat Attack What's Your Motto Sunhat from Saint Bernard Towel: Sunnylife Fouta Towel Tallala from Saint Bernard
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What is your favorite water activity in Austin? Swimming at Barton Springs! In the summertime, you can find me at the springs nearly every weekend soaking up sunshine, sweet conversations, and the healing, refreshing waters of our naturally-fed swimming hole. I've been frequenting the springs since I was in high school, and it always leaves me feeling cleansed and nurtured.
How do you balance a healthy lifestyle with a demanding schedule? Every single morning, I recommit to increasing the flow of energy in my life through my thoughts, movements, food, and relationships—this sunrise ritual infuses clarity, purpose and ease into my everyday. While it took me time to build a relationship with the subtle requests of my body, I'm now in the daily practice of tuning in to what I need and responding accordingly. Most days that looks like a combination of leafy greens, sweaty yoga, sunshine and, of course, butter coffee.
ON THE MODEL
Suit: Missy High Tide Bikini Bottom and Missy Flow Top from FitFit
M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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MONIKA SUHNHOLZ Real Estate Agent
Personal mission: To live a balanced life so I can maintain a sense of wellbeing and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference. What that means on a core level is that I strive to be driven by values and beliefs. The way I hope I express my philosophy outwardly every day is with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye. What is your favorite memory involving water activities? When I used to do triathlons, the energy amongst all the athletes before and during the swimming portion reminded me why I love this kind of challenge and camaraderie.
MAKEUP BY
ON THE MODEL
Suit: Envy Push UpÂŽ Cutout Monokini from Voda
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JESSICA SERNA INSTAGRAM: @goldbangles W3LL PEOPLE INSTAGRAM: @w3llpeople
ON THE MODEL
Suit: Cova Spot Volley from Saint Bernard
Suit: Grayers Toucan Swim Trunks from Saint Bernard Shirt: Teddy Long Sleeve Rashguard Top from Saint Bernard
EDWARDO WILLIAMS
Black Swan Yoga Instructor, SUP Instructor. Personal Trainer, and Run Coach
Personal Mission: To inspire and empower people to live and move as the best versions of themselves. How do you like to stay active, even in the heat of the summer? I'm always loving the sun to heat up my workouts, so I love to hit the SUP and take a dip to cool off. Or if I am hitting some sprints with my speed club, I love to recover with a Barton Springs plunge and sunbath on the hillside. What is something most people don't know about you? I love photography and the Arts. Both of my parents are also talented artists. What is your personal mission? As an ERYT yoga teacher and Ayurvedic wellness coach, I'm dedicated to sharing the practices of yoga and mind-body health in a way that uniquely inspires a happy, simple and empowered life. M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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BROOKE STACEY PARKER Personal trainer and fitness model (brookestaceyparker.com)
Personal mission: To live my best, healthiest, happiest life possible and inspire and be inspired by those around me near and far. That happiness encompasses all things body, mind, and soul as I try my best to encourage others to do the same by example. How do you like to stay active, even in the heat of the summer? If it’s too hot to exercise outside, I will opt for activities that include the water! I love to be on the lake (wake surfing or paddle-boarding) or in the swimming pool to stay cool. I will also opt for a class like Orange Theory or a gym environment that includes air conditioning to get a good lift in!
ON THE MODEL
Suit: Classic Bra Top and Tie Side Hipster bottom from Becca By Rebecca Virtue
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ON THE MODEL
Suit: Linda High-Waist Bottom in Pecan from Esby Beads: Lava & Sandalwood Mala from Atma's Offerings
Suit: Vuori Cruise
HANNAH KANNE
Boardshort from Saint Bernard Sports
Events & Community Outreach Coordinator, RunLab
Personal Mission: To support and connect various individuals, groups, and organizations who are making the differences in our athletic community. By merging and crossing the paths of all types of active lifestyles, we can help create an even more incredible Austin! What is your favorite way to keep moving in the heat of the summer? That’s an easy one! Move with an Austin Eastcider, glass of bubbly, or a margarita in hand! What is something most people don't know about you? I will be attempting my first full IRONMAN in September (did I just commit?!), which means I’ll be partaking in my favorite way to keep moving in the heat of the summer quite often! It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!
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2018 SUMMER E D I U G FUN 52
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Photo by: Shutterstock.com
SUMMER IS COMING, WHICH MEANS IT'S ALMOST TIME TO SEEK OUT THE WATER! WE’VE COMPILED THE BEST PLACES IN CENTRAL TEXAS TO STAY COOL AND ACTIVE THIS SUMMER AS WELL AS WHAT TO WEAR WHILE DOING IT. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR FAMILY FUN OR AN ADVENTURE WITH FRIENDS, THIS GUIDE HAS SOMETHING FOR YOU.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
NLAND NLANDSURFPARK.COM | QUESTIONS@NLANDSURFPARK.COM | (512) 806-1900 Make waves this summer at NLand, the world’s only inland surf destination and brewery, located in southeast Austin, just five miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The 14-acre surf lagoon is the largest in the world, making waves for surfers of all levels, from beginner to pro. A 1,000 foot spectator pier spans the lagoon and provides access to a sand beach. NLand Brewing Company and Blue Prairie Restaurant overlook the lagoon, offering on-site craft brewed beer and a farm-fresh menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. NLand offers surf sessions (surfboard included), lessons, kids camps, group events, a retail shop, and activities such as yoga and live music.
Yoga on the Shore Every Saturday at noon, join NLand for Yoga on the Shore taught by instructors from Black Swan Yoga. The one-hour restorative yoga class is complimentary, plus all yogis get to surf the friendly, whitewater Bay Wave for just $30 during the 2:00 p.m. surf session. Capacity is limited to 40 surfers, so grab a friend and snag your tickets early.
Summer Camp for Kids Summer Surf Camp at NLand will provide kids with an epic summer and a life-long skill. The weeklong, full-day camps will be filled with fun, activity, adventure, and a lot of surfing. Open to youth ages 8-14, the intimate camps (max attendance is 18 campers per week) offer lessons from world-class surf coaches who teach fundamentals such as paddling and popups on NLand’s signature Bay Wave. Ideal for juniors and beginners. Please visit NLandSurfPark.com for pricing, events, and camp information. Make Waves!
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BOHOBABES BOHOBABELIFE.COM | CRATEJOY.COM (BOHOBABE) | (512) 426-6136 Indulge in your summer fun with outfits and accessories from BohoBabe. A vibrant towel, the perfect suit, or a yoga hammock will make your summer splash! BohoBabe is a bohemian lifestyle boutique + monthly subscription box based out of Austin, Texas that focuses on living all aspects of the Bohemian Lifestyle, daily. Their vision is promoting health, happiness, positivity, aligning with inner peace, and focusing on the free-spirited mindset of every BohoBabe. Sarah seeks out only the best artisans for her curated shop so everything is original, quality, and handmade with love and positive energy. A portion of each sale from the BohoBabe Boutique is donated to a worthy cause.
CRUX CLIMBING CENTER CRUXCLIMBINGCENTER.COM | INFO@CRUXCC.COM (512) 931-3911 From experienced climbers to Austinites looking for a new workout option, Crux Climbing Center has something for everyone. This 22,000-square-footfacility is stocked with rope climbing, bouldering, strength training areas, a flex space for fitness and yoga classes, locker rooms, a kids’ area, and a lounge space. Friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions and help get you started at the gym or buying new gear in the retail store. Tune into Crux’s calendar as they host many events ranging from small, intimate community gatherings to large, blowyour-mind competitions all year long.
YMCA AUSTIN EIGHT AREA LOCATIONS | AUSTINYMCA.ORG (512) 730-9622 The YMCA of Austin is a nonprofit committed to helping everyone thrive at each stage of life. This dynamic association brings together people of all abilities, ages, ethnicities, financial circumstances, genders, races, religions and sexual orientations. At the Y, strengthening community is the mission and programs are always based on the needs and interests of the community. The YMCA of Austin has eight branch locations across Travis, Hays, and Bastrop counties, with indoor and outdoor pools, state-of-the-art equipment, fitness classes, personal training options, child watch programs, and much more. Stop by your local Y this summer to find tons of fun for the entire household!
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SS PP EE CC I AI A L LP P RR OO MM OO TT I OI O NN
ZIP LOST PINES ZIPLOSTPINES.COM | INFO@ZIPLOSTPINES.COM 1760 STATE HIGHWAY 71 W | CEDAR CREEK, TEXAS 78612
NEXT LEVEL RIDE NEXTLEVELRIDEAUSTIN.COM | (512) 915-9056 Next Level Ride is a family oriented all-levels cable wakeboarding park. Our six tower cable system pulls up to eight riders around a 20 acre private lake giving them the option to ride features similar to a skate park on water. Our two tower system, otherwise known as The Little Bro, is suitable for children and beginners to learn the basics and can also be rented out for private events and birthday parties. We are conveniently located eight miles east of Austin Bergstrom International Airport on Highway 71. We are passionate about taking wakeboarders athleticism to the “next level.”
Your adventure awaits! Soar side by side over shady pine forests and across steep canyons while catching a glimpse of the mighty “Texas” Colorado river and local wildlife. This Austin-area zip line experience features six dual zip lines, three suspension bridges, and access to McKinney Roughs Nature Park. Zip Lost Pines is located toward Bastrop, just 15 minutes east of the AustinBergstrom International Airport. Go experience the longest sideby-side zip line tour in Texas!
SCHILTTERBAHN SCHLITTERBAHN.COM | (830) 625-2351 Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is America’s Favorite Waterpark (voted by theme park experts for 20 years)! Schlitterbahn is home to great rides for families and friends to enjoy together like the Hillside Tube Chute and the Master Blaster. Our Boogie Bahn was the world’s first inland surfing ride. We have great kid’s water playgrounds in every section and hundreds of picnic tables so you can stay all day. Pack a snack, grab the sunscreen, and come play! Parking is free, and picnics are welcome. Discount tickets available online.
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AUSTIN DUCK ADVENTURES (512) 477-5274 | AUSTINDUCKS.COM 602 E 4TH ST, AUSTIN, TX 78701 Austin was named the number one city to live in 2018, and Austin Duck Adventures is the number one way to tour the city! The Austin Duck Adventures are a land and water tour that transforms into a luxury pontoon boat. The tour takes guests through historic 6th Street, the Capitol, Governor's Mansion, and end with a fun splash into Lake Austin. Whether it be a fun family outing, a bachelorette party, or a private and adventurous work outing, Austin Duck Adventures is a great way to spend your day!
AUSTIN ICE CREAM FESTIVAL 10AM – 3PM & AFTER DARK, 6PM – 10PM AUSTINICECREAMFESTIVAL.COM | FIESTA GARDENS 2101 JESSE E. SEGOVIA ST. | AUSTIN, TX 78702 Twelfth Annual Austin Ice Cream Festival will take place on Saturday, June 23 at Fiesta Gardens along Lady Bird Lake. This year’s festival will be better than ever before as the festival serves up two unique events – a daytime, family-friendly celebration of delicious frozen treats from local and national brands, crazy contests, fun activities, live entertainment, local food trucks, and more! When the day ends, another party begins! Fiesta Gardens will transform into After Dark at Austin's Ice Cream Festival, a trendy after party with headlining live music, AICF frozen treat vendors, boozy frozen concoctions, and Austin's favorite food trucks. Various ticket options will be available for purchase on May 16 at www. austinicecreamfestival.com. Photo Courtesy of: Casey Chapman Ross for the Austin Ice Cream Festival
AUSTIN AQUARIUM AUSTINAQUARIUM.COM | 13530 US-183 #101AUSTIN, TX 78750 | (512) 222-5586 Visit the Austin Aquarium this summer to retreat from the Texas heat! At the Austin Aquarium you will be able to interact with and feed animals from stingrays and sharks to iguanas and exotic birds. Also make sure you schedule an encounter with our Giant Pacific Octopus. The aquarium hosts daily animal shows throughout the summer sure to educate and entertain, and we also offer summer camps for kids ages four to eighteen. Our camps teach the fundamentals of aquatic science through practical arts and activities catered to their age group while building lasting memories and a STEM skillset.
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May
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f r u Sarty P Re
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+ e leas
Saturday, May 12th 3pm-6pm
at NLand
Surf the Bay Wave for just $30, book your session on Eventbrite Swag bags, fit activations, NLand Brewing Company beers and more!
Free, all ages welcome
WELLNESS
BY KELLY LOVE
HOW TO
S T I P M R A THE SWEATY SUMMER MONTHS ARE APPROACHING QUICKLY, SO CHECK OUT THESE SIMPLE TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR BODY ODOR SO YOU CAN DITCH HARMFUL DEODORANTS FOR GOOD!
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Photo by: Freepik.com
DETOX YOUR
Sweating is a natural process of cooling and detoxifying your body. And it’s an important feature of the body’s most unique organ: your skin. Non-toxic deodorant is often the “last frontier” of natural products—people are reluctant to ditch their favorite conventional deodorants. We understand the reasons people hang on to conventional deodorants and antiperspirants: we don’t want to look sweaty, smell stinky, or feel uncomfortably damp in our armpits.
Unfortunately, your deodorant, and particularly your antiperspirant, could be interfering with your body’s natural attempts to remove toxins and could potentially be causing long-term health effects like breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that mothers who have used an antiperspirant containing aluminum salts (a common antiperspirant ingredient) absorb the aluminum transdermally and even pass the aluminum on to their children during pregnancy.
ONCE YOU CORRECT THE BACTERIAL IMBALANCES IN YOUR ARMPITS, YOUR SWEAT SHOULD NOT ACTUALLY SMELL PARTICULARLY UNPLEASANT.
You can actually change your own body odor! Did you know that using certain deodorants or antiperspirants daily can change the bacterial microbiome in your armpits? Consistent use can actually make your sweat smellier (due to overproduction of a bad bacteria) if you briefly discontinue use. Just because your sweat may smell strong if you forget to put on your antiperspirant for one day does not mean that you shouldn’t try to ditch your antiperspirant. In fact, that’s a good reason to try to detox your armpits and transition to a nontoxic option!
First, Detox Your Armpits.
Once you correct the bacterial imbalances in your armpits, your sweat should not actually smell particularly unpleasant. You can try our suggestions below to detox your armpits and rebalance the bacteria. If you’re considering switching to a nontoxic deodorant, we highly recommend you try these suggestions as you switch so that your overall body odor is reduced at the same time. Your new deodorant will be much more effective if it’s not fighting conditions that foster bad body odor.
Simple, natural ways to detox your armpits and reduce body odor: Wear natural fibers Have you ever noticed that your sweat smells particularly strong when you wear certain shirts? Wearing natural fibers (versus synthetics) can make a huge difference in the smell of your sweat! Synthetic fibers can contribute to bad bacteria overgrowth and M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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are often heavily treated with chemicals. Look for 100 percent cotton, linen, or bamboo rather than polyester, rayon, or other synthetic blends.
Mind what you eat Certain foods will actually change the way your body odor smells. If you want to test the way foods can change your body odor, try removing typical offenders like caffeine, alcohol, pork, and foods fried in unhealthy oils. In general, a clean and balanced vegetarian diet will help you maintain a neutral body odor, though beware of garlic and onions, which may make your sweat smell strong. The best foods for combating body odor are leafy greens.
bacteria to grow, but it will also allow you to apply a deodorant more effectively. In a pinch, you can wipe off excess sweat with a paper towel if you want to keep your armpits dry and are not able to wash with soap and water (for example, while traveling, after exercising, or at your office).
Drink plenty of water Staying hydrated helps your body remove everyday toxins in an efficient way and can help prevent body odor. Make sure you’re drinking clean, filtered water for the best benefit. Take chlorophyll or probiotic supplements The chlorophyll in leafy green vegetables is what makes them a good defense against body odor. If you’re looking to add extra support to your diet, taking a daily chlorophyll supplement is a good way to help your body detox properly. Probiotics and probioticrich foods are another way to ensure your microbiome is balanced and healthy. Apply apple cider vinegar, lemon, or witch hazel Healthy acids like apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon help neutralize bad bacteria that may be growing in your
armpits, causing a foul odor. After you shower, you can use a cotton ball to apply any of these acidic foods to your armpits. Allow to air dry and follow with a deodorant (optional). Witch hazel is another liquid you could apply the same way to get similar results.
water. Spread onto your armpits and let sit for five to 20 minutes before washing off with warm water. You can repeat this daily until you notice a decrease in underarm odor. afm
Try a bentonite clay mask If you’re looking to take your armpit detox a step further, you can try a clay mask. Mix one tablespoon bentonite clay, one teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and one to two teaspoons of
Photo by: Shutterstock.com; freepik.com
Dry off carefully after a shower or bath Bacteria loves moist environments, which is why it can thrive so well in your armpits on a hot day (and produce odors). When you step out of the bath or shower, make sure you dry off well, paying particularly close attention to your armpits. Not only will doing so make an inhospitable environment for
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Once you detox your armpits, it’s time to transition to a natural deodorant. There are some good options you can purchase now (including Primally Pure and Primal Pit Paste), but here’s our DIY homemade deodorant recipe if you’re feeling really inspired!
Ingredients: 1 16 oz. mason jar 1 plastic or wooden T. measuring spoon 1 plastic or wooden utensil for stirring 2 T. bentonite clay 4 T. arrowroot powder 4 T. baking soda 6 T. coconut oil Optional: 10 drops of Essential Oil Note: Bentonite clay has negative ions, which absorb metal. I use a wooden spoon to avoid touching any metal to the clay, though plastic also works well in this case.
TIPS
Instructions: If your coconut oil is solid, then melt it using a double boiling method. Add the coconut oil to a bowl and put it over a pot of simmering water, which will gently melt into a liquid without destroying the structure of the oil.
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Put the powdered (dry) ingredients into a 16 oz. jar. Add the melted oil to the clay, stirring with a plastic, wooden, or glass utensil. Pour the deodorant into the containers you would like to store and use it. You can use either a glass jar or a traditional roll-up tube. Let the deodorant cool to room temperature and it will firm up.
Photo by: Shutterstock.com
To use, if you are using the glass jar method, warm a pea-sized amount on your fingertips, then apply by hand to your armpit until it dissolves onto your skin. If you are using a tube, apply as you normally would apply deodorant. I don’t apply the deodorant every day; I find that I don’t need it that often. That’s why I like to keep it in my purse in case I end up in a situation where I need to apply (usually it’s if I’m wearing a shirt or dress made with synthetic material). I love that this recipe works well to neutralize odor.
TIPS FOR USING NON-TOXIC DEODORANT Detox your armpits as you transition to a nontoxic deodorant (see previous). Remind yourself that a little sweat is good for you; if you’re not sweating, you’re not efficiently removing toxins from your body. Tune in to your body odor—if it starts to change, you can take steps to neutralize it again by following our method of detoxing your armpits (see above). If you shave your armpits, shave at night and apply deodorant in the
morning to avoid irritation (typically caused by slight exfoliation and reaction to baking soda). You may need to rub deodorants into your underarm skin to avoid caking or staining your clothes. if applying a deodorant with your fingers, use a small (pea-sized) amount and warm up with your fingers to soften it so it absorbs well.
Kelly and her best friend Allison spent their college years together at The University of Texas at Austin. After seeing how the changes in diet and environment completely turned Allison’s health around, Kelly became hooked on living a cleaner, less toxic lifestyle herself. Kelly joined Allison and her Aunt Marilee in the Texas Hill Country for a summer detox where she lived in an environment free of harmful chemicals and ate according to the principles Food As Medicine. The results? All of the “normal” problems Kelly had experienced her whole life disappeared, and she is now passionate about helping others avoid unnecessary suffering. Kelly lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, Sam, and baby girl, Reid. Check out branchbasics.com to learn more. M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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BY JOHN HOWARD & PETER CRAIG
RELATIONSHIP HEALTH Part 2
Peter Craig
HOW TO DEEPEN CONNECTION IN THIS THREE-PART SERIES, WE EXPLORE SOME POWERFUL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO UP YOUR RELATIONSHIP GAME!
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ast issue, we explored ways to increase your relationship health and emphasized that relationship health is a key factor in overall physical health and well-being—just as much as exercise and nutrition! In Part 2, we’re going to focus on connection as the key ingredient to a highly fulfilling relationship. We often think of com-
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munication is the key to a healthy relationship, but modern neuroscience begs to differ. Connection in relationships is largely determined by lower-level circuits in the brain and nervous system, not the higher areas that engage in complex thought and reasoning. Here are some powerful tips to help you deepen your connection—and therefore the overall health—of your most important relationships!
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Did you know the process of how you talk is more important to relationship health than what you’re talking about? A powerful way to work out your relationship health muscles is to focus on the process of your interactions more than the content. Focusing on the process simply means paying attention to how it feels to interact, moment by moment. Many of us put the focus on what we want to say or debate, but words and concepts can easily stress the nervous system. When you want to feel connected, slow down, check in with one another on how it’s feeling to talk, and switch up how you’re interacting if needed. Propose going on a walk to change the scenery (and your state), or rubbing each other’s feet while you talk. Once the process of interacting feels great, the content will make much more sense!
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Don’t underestimate the power of emotions to connect! Many of us dismiss emotions as irrational artifacts from the right hemisphere of the brain, yet they are supreme in their connecting ability! Both positive and negative emotions can help you deepen your bond, but only if you respect them, validate them, and play along. Positive emotions seek amplification, the process of having others join us in those uplifting emotions so we can celebrate feeling great together. “Negative” emotions, like anger and sadness, need to be expressed and shared in order for us to feel like others “get” us, even if they come out a little exaggerated. They seek validation and empathy. Use vulnerability to express both positive and negative emotions by owning your experience. Be careful not to project all your feelings on others or blame others too much for how you feel. A masterful move is to use a positive invitation to ask your partner for support. Something like, “Hi, sweetheart, you’re so good at making me feel better when I’m down. Would you spend some time talking with me, holding me? It would mean a lot.” Then, even our frustration has a healthy process in which to be explored! afm
John Howard
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Connection thrives on a sense of safety. In fact, many relationship scientists theorize that humans largely get into relationships in order to feel more safe and secure in the world, and not so alone. Safety and security are measured by simple parts of the brain and nervous system. Those parts don’t understand philosophy, or speak English (or any other modern language). To speak “connection” to the nervous system, scoot in a little closer to your partner when you talk; use touch, like a hand on his or her arm or shoulder; or hold hands when you talk. Make a little more sustained eye contact, and speak with your tone of voice more than your words. Put it all together (and avoid those delays where your partner asks you a question and you don’t look up from your email for three seconds), and you’re speaking connection to the nervous system!
Stay tuned for Part 3: Practicing Awesome Relationship, in the next issue! John Howard and Peter Craig are therapists at Austin Professional Counseling. They use the latest science to help their clients win at relationships and at life. John is the Founder of Ready Set Love® , a 12-week couples training program you can take online. Peter is a sponsored triathlete on Juiceland’s Dream Team and helps individuals and couples with authenticity, connection, and healthy eating. M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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MEDICAL
FAQ
COLON IRRIGATION: The Inside Scoop
Rocco Bruno
WE SIT DOWN WITH ROCCO BRUNO, FOUNDER OF REGENESIS INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTERS, TO DISCUSS THE PROCESS OF COLON IRRIGATION.
occo and his wife Amy have spent the last 30 years sharing their device, Angel of Water, with the world. The FDA-cleared Angel of Water system is the outcome of years of research and development to make professional cleansing responsible and safe. Bruno is certified at the Instructor Level through I-ACT, the International Association for Colon Therapy and is a member of the National Board for Colon HydroTherapy. He has worked in the field since 1982. Rocco has spent decades inspiring individuals to address the whole body with whole food, nutrition, and lifestyle and is also a certified Natural Health Professional. He supports a pro-vegetarian diet and stresses the importance of balance when it comes to nutrition and cleansing. Regenesis is on South Lamar with services including acupuncture, colon irrigation, nutrition counseling and training, massage, chiropractic care, and skincare. Regenesis (along with clinics and spas in over 40 countries) uses the Angel of Water system for colon irrigation. Learn more in the FAQ below and read what our editorial team experienced during our sessions.
R
What is the Angel of Water?
A device that takes care of three key points of colon irrigation: hydration, activation, and evacuation. The Angel of Water device hydrates by delivering water safely and comfortably to irrigate the colon. When using the device, hydration will also activate peristalsis of the colon and the peristalsis evacuates the contents of the colon.
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The Angel of Water is also used prior to endoscopic or radiological exams, preoperative procedures, and for chronic constipation.
What does a treatment consist of?
Once you’re comfortably positioned, the rectal nozzle is inserted about 1.5 inches while a gentle flow of gravity-fed, one-hundred degree water begins. Water flowing into the colon initiates peristalsis and the patient responds by releasing water and waste repeatedly for 35–40 minutes. The irrigation and hydration start at the rectum and go through the transverse section and then to the cecum, breaking up waste matter and ultimately achieving a complete irrigation of the colon.
Is colon irrigation safe?
Yes, much safer than the common at-home enema.
How does a colon irrigation session compare to an enema?
Enemas only reach the rectum and lower part of the colon, while colon irrigation treats the entire length of the colon. One colon irrigation session is equivalent to 30 enemas.
Do treatments hurt?
Many clients report that their colon irrigation sessions are both refreshing and relaxing.
How much of the intestines are actually cleansed during a colonic session?
The small intestine is not specifically involved; however, it may be cleansed with the help of an oral intestinal cleanser in tandem with a colon irrigation session.
Are there any contraindications to colon irrigation using the Angel of Water?
If you have any concerns about your health or the experience of colon irrigation, you should consult your primary care physician. Contraindications for the use of the Angel of Water device include, but may not be limited to: recent colon, rectal or abdominal surgery, congestive heart failure, intestinal perforations, carcinoma of the rectum, fissures or fistula, severe hemorrhoids, abdominal hernia, renal insufficiency, first or last trimester of pregnancy, and cirrhosis of the liver. Professionally administered colon irrigation is otherwise safe.
Is there any possibility of bacterial or viral contamination from prior use of the colon irrigation equipment?
The Angel of Water system uses single-use, sterile rectal nozzles. The use of sterile disposables coupled with the implementation of multi-stage sanitation protocol with EPA-registered disinfectants leaves no danger of contamination.
What should I do to prepare for a colon irrigation cleansing?
Refrain from eating about two hours before your session and drink plenty of water the day before
Will I experience any intestinal discomfort or fatigue after the cleansing?
Most individuals do not experience discomfort, but everyone is different. Some report slight fatigue, but this is typically compared to the same level of fatigue after a rigorous workout. After a session, we recommend sipping warm liquids to help soothe your body. If you have any concerns, consult with your colon hydrotherapist.
Can I go back to work after having a colon irrigation session?
Absolutely. You can work just as you would after a regular bowel movement.
Will I have privacy during the Angel of Water colon irrigation session? A certified Angel of Water practitioner will be monitoring you throughout the session for both your comfort and safety, but we do give each patient moments of privacy as well.
How long does a colon irrigation session take?
The Austin Fit team had the opportunity to experience colon irrigation at Regenesis with Rocco Bruno and his knowledgeable team. We each enjoyed our visits and felt very welcomed at our separate appointments. The Angel of Water system was completely sterile and surprisingly comfortable. Each exam room felt like a mini-spa with music and dimmed lighting. The colon hydrotherapist fully monitored us throughout the session and, afterwards, we agreed that we appreciated our colon irrigation sessions and would definitely return for another visit soon. afm
photo by: shutterstock.com
Each session takes around 30–40 minutes, but we recommend planning an hour and a half for your first consultation with session.
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BY STEPHANIE ASMUS
EMBRACING
ULTIMATE FRISBEE AHH FRISBEE. A WORD, ALBEIT MY SPELL CHECKER STILL REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE, SLOWLY GAINING ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AROUND THE WORLD. I’M NOT TALKING THE JAUNT-TOTHE-PARK-WITH-YOUR-PALS-TO-TOSS-AFRISBEE, FRISBEE. I’M TALKING CLEATED, SPRINTING, STACK-SETTING, FIELDHUCKING, LAY-OUT SOARING, GOALSCORING FRISBEE. ULTIMATE FRISBEE.
U
ltimate frisbee (Ultimate) is growing in popularity. It's being introduced in grade schools and popping up in high school and college arenas. Locally, Ultimate Players League of Austin provides varying levels of leagues and tournaments to compete on local, regional, and national levels. Austin is even home to professional team, Austin Sol. Additionally, Austinites can find a wide variety of pick-up games to enjoy any day of the week, suiting different skill levels and competitiveness. To the ultimate enthusiast, this is an exciting time, being validated in an endeared sport often associated with hacky sacks and hippies. To many, the draw to Ultimate is baffling.
I mean, is it even a real sport? Yes. My GPS watch tells me I usually run between three and five miles during pick-up games. A game consists of two teams of seven players on a field resembling a small football field. The only way to
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photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
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IT DOESN’T TAKE ADULT STRENGTH TO PLAY ULTIMATE; I’VE SEEN A 13-YEAR-OLD THROW A DISC AS FAR AS ANYONE ELSE.
advance the disc is via throwing. Players play both offense and defense until someone scores. The disc has to be caught in the end zone for a single-point score. Typically, the first team to seven points wins. Over the last seven years, with few exceptions, I’ve played Ultimate in Austin anywhere from two to six days a week. Barefoot, cleated; 10 degrees, 110 degrees; score, no score, I don’t care — I’m into it. My introduction to Ultimate was simple. I stumbled upon a pick-up game at Zilker Park and essentially never left. Growing up, I was too short for basketball, too hyper for softball, too intimidated by soccer, too team-oriented for track, and too deep in the Midwest for lacrosse. Ultimate was the perfect fit for me. It leveraged my assets and didn’t mind my lacking that shine in other sports. Ultimate takes the fun elements from all different field team sports, removes the dangerous elements, and leaves you with this level field where you can use whatever assets you do have to compete in a fulfilling game. What I find addictive about Ultimate is that it is a unique and accessible outlet satisfying two very real needs: health and community. It’s a village sport. Regardless of age, gender, and ability — Ultimate has a place for you. Sports bring people and communities together. Since the days of gladiators, neighbors have put their differences aside to rally in arenas to cheer for their team. As kids, we learn to socialize through play. Eventually we’re made to “grow up,” at which point, “athletes” are
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allowed to play games while the rest of us watch. Ultimate breaks this cycle. It allows us all to get back in the spirit of socializing through games. No one needs to be a bystander; everyone and anyone can play. Ultimate allows all players to come with various strengths and weaknesses and play to their own competitive advantage. It doesn’t take adult strength to play Ultimate; I’ve seen a 13-year-old throw a disc as far as anyone else. Ultimate takes some cardio ability (though I’ve seen plenty get by without it), some coordination, some smarts on how to play the field, teamwork, and the desire to be there. Of course, you get players better than others, and you see some real superstars out there. But where else can you compete with a 21-year-old male college athlete photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
and 65-year-old grandmother—at the same time? Not only has Ultimate kept me in great cardio shape, it has also become a main avenue of socialization for me. Better than bars or noisy gatherings, Ultimate has shaped a community around me filled with people of all different stages of life, economic class, religion, culture, beliefs, and backgrounds that I would otherwise never know, much less consider friends. I have made career connections through Ultimate, found roommates, neighbors, mentors, mentees, and best friends. To view Ultimate as a strange up-andcoming competitive sport better left to the hippies would be a significant disservice the unique benefit Ultimate has to offer individuals, schools, and communities.
Ultimate offers a healthy space to compete in an inclusive team environment along with the opportunity to socialize not just with peers, but with a much broader communal demographic — the entire village. afm There are pick-up games to fit all skills and abilities around Austin. To find a pick-up game near you visit: pickupultimate.com/map/city/austin To participate in the Ultimate Players League of Austin visit: austinultimate.org For information and game schedule for professional team, Austin Sol, visit: austin-sol.com
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BY ALEXANDRA ALLRED
HOW FIT ARE YOU… REALLY? YOU MIGHT BE A FITNESS FANATIC, BUT WOULD YOU KNOW HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF IF YOU WERE ASSAULTED? CHECK OUT THESE SIMPLE YET EMPOWERING SELF-DEFENSE TIPS.
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s someone who has trained at all hours and in all climates around the world, I know the mindset of the elite athlete or weekend warrior. He or she is all in, putting full effort toward that big hill, that last push, that final throw. Few look around. I mean, really look around. I was one of them. Then, I was attacked. My road to recovery goes as follows: I became a black belt and a competitive fighter. I was a known headhunter in my bouts of which I won most and won quickly. I was also very angry (mostly with myself) until I began teaching self-defense. As part of my ongoing therapy, I find great peace of mind knowing that I might help one of you from ever being assaulted. Self-defense cannot and should not be taught as a one-day course in which you are guaranteed full-proof moves that are promised to save your life. A course that charges $350 because you get to hit a person is not better than a course that is $100 if you can’t remember those “guaranteed” moves in your ultimate moment of crisis and terror. I am telling you this as a person who loves and has devoted her life to martial arts. There is no foolproof magic move for an untrained fighter. Can you really expect to take on an aggressive assailant with just a few hours of training? No. You can, however, invest in your future. Sign up for a 12-week course, or, better yet, join a dojo and learn how to actually defend yourself. It is for these reasons that I offer a one-time free class to men and women because I am not taking anything from you but, rather, giving you life-saving and practical advice. We run through some moves, but there is no expectation you will remember what to do if ever blindsided with an unexpected threat or violence. Instead, I teach three foolproof methods:
photo by: shutterstock.com
1. Situational Awareness: Oh, baby! You’ve been doing this your entire life. You have the skillset; you just need to perfect it. We peoplewatch. We scrutinize people for what they wear and how they wear it all the time. Now, rather than acting as the fashion police, learn to think like a police officer. Note height, hair color, and eye color. Think about the make and model of a car, where someone is parked or how they are walking. Rather than avoid eye contact with that person who gives a weird vibe, catalogue every detail you can about him or her as though you would later describe the person for a police lineup. Predators love the unaware. Sexual predators are opportunists so when potential victims have their heads buried in their phones, completely unaware of those around them; when joggers have headphones blaring; when too much alcohol has been consumed or left unattended; when the elderly quickly befriend anyone who talks to them. In these cases, committing a crime gets much easier.
WE DELUDE OURSELVES INTO THINKING THAT BECAUSE WE LIFT WEIGHTS AND LOOK SUPER AWESOME IN OUR AEROBIC KICKBOX CLASS THAT WE CAN HOLD OUR OWN
IN A STREET BRAWL.
2. The Power Yell: Yeah. You think you’re in shape. You’re not. For all your burpees and bike rides, mud runs and bootcamp classes, when was the last time you practiced what your power yell would be? What’s a power yell? It is the this-is-it yell, the yell that would warn off a would-be attacker while simultaneously alerting others for help and amping yourself up for the possible fight of your life. It is the yell that could save your life. Go to your car or in a closet. Go somewhere private and let it rip. This is not meant to be a high-pitched squeak but a loud, intimidating, back-off-Jack yell. More than some tricky four-step move to twist back an assailant’s thumb or put someone in an arm-bar (Please! You do not want to get that close to your bad guy), your power move is your most effective weapon. Straight away, it tells your predator you are not to be messed with, that perhaps you do have martial arts training, that you’ve just alerted everyone within the quarter mile of where you are. We delude ourselves into thinking that because we lift weights and look super awesome in our aerobic kickbox class that we can hold our own in a street brawl. The reality is, the greatest fighters in the world can be blindsided. All the training in the world or your sidearm don’t mean diddly if you never see the attack coming. And, while we like to think of ourselves as confident and strong, athletes (as a collective group) are not much more situationally aware than a teenage girl in the midst of a love tryst text-a-thon. 3. Situational Training: Find your sparring partner. Or, in this case, a buddy who will begin this visual training program with you. Once you have your partner, start each training session by tuning into your surroundings and identifying different smells, people, vehicles, and animals. You and your buddy should agree upon what to look for. As silly as this might sound, it is a skill set that teaches you to become more situationally aware and more solid in your memory of where you were and what time it was when you saw the man with the beard or the woman wearing a Blank Panther t-shirt. To sum it up, here’s how to empower yourself ● Be aware; be strong; be safe. ● Practice your power yell. ● Grab a buddy and find free or inexpensive self-defense courses offered by police or local women’s groups. afm M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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BY DAVID LEFFLER
PROFILES
MAKING
WAVES
CREATED TO CURB THE CITY’S MOUNTING LIFEGUARD SHORTAGES, SWIMATX IS HELPING EAST AUSTIN TEENAGERS REALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL IN THE WATER AND THEIR COMMUNITIES.
ndre Martinez had always been terrified of the water. A sophomore at Reagan High School, she’d have done everything within her power to avoid neighborhood swimming pools, end-of-year field trips to lakes and rivers, and anything else that exposed to her greatest fear: drowning. But with a chance to participate in her school’s SwimATX program—an in-school course developed to help staff local swimming pools—she decided to take the leap and enroll in January of 2017. A year and hundreds of hours in the water later, Andrea sat in front of me wearing a blue and white ‘Reagan SwimATX’ t-shirt recounting her journey. She was still in disbelief. “I never thought I’d learn how to swim," she said. "But with the right opportunity and support, I went from a potential drowning victim to a certified lifeguard in just a few months.” To appreciate the ripple effect of transformations like Andrea’s, it’s important to understand the roots of the SwimATX program. Over the years, Austin’s lifeguard staffs have dwindled, causing some pools to open late or, in a few extreme cases, not at all. One of the core components of the problem was that not every part of the city was producing quality candidates for the job. Rather, the majority were coming primarily from more
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“
Seeing these kids grow and learn how hard work and persistence pays off is my biggest reward.�
photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
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affluent areas (especially west Austin), where neighborhood pools and swim teams are commonplace. Conversely, with little infrastructure in traditionally poorer neighborhoods to help harbor the aquatic-friendly environment that breeds strong swimmers, specific regions—most of which are located in East Austin —produced few lifeguards and some of the highest drowning rates in the state. Austin’s Parks and Recreation Department knew something had to be done to bolster and diversify their lifeguard ranks. So in late 2014, alongside the YMCA and the Austin Independent School District (AISD), they founded the SwimATX program to build an employment pipeline from schools to pools. East Austin seemed like the perfect place to start. But when Reagan’s Physical Education Department Head, Jerry De La Huerta, was notified of the program’s intent, he had a question: how can we expect kids to undergo lifeguard training if they can’t swim? “I suggested we put together a learn-to-swim program where students can learn to swim all semester before undergoing a certification program,” said De La Huerta, who heads the school’s swim program. ”That way, we can ensure they receive the training and tools to be successful as city employees and representatives of their communities.” City and YMCA officials agreed. Less than three months after the program
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was introduced, SwimATX was established as a comprehensive program that would guide swimmers of all strengths through a full semester of instruction. With so many beginners on hand, the course’s designers knew they’d have to be flexible with their curriculum and patient with their students. They couldn’t go easy on the kids, though, said Travis Lutz, the programs coordinator for City of Austin Aquatics. “By the end of every course, every participant, regardless of their initial ability in the water, was given a chance to take the five day, 40-hour lifeguard certification course,” he said. “To help the students reach that point, we had to get them to really buy into the mission.” The program has become more and more streamlined over time. Now, a typical semester looks something like this: The first two weeks set the foundation, introducing students to basic skills like floating, treading water, and buoyancy. Once they have completed a Cooper test—12 minutes of continuous swimming where the total distance traveled is tracked—the kids are then split into groups based on swimming strength and photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
attend two 90-minute classes a week, each of which entails grueling in-pool exercises and on-land activities like
“WE CAN ENSURE THEY RECEIVE THE TRAINING AND TOOLS TO BE SUCCESSFUL AS CITY EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR COMMUNITIES.”
push-ups, sit-ups, and core work. The next several weeks focus on improving technique and learning specific swimming strokes. By halfway through its duration,
the bi-weekly sessions are run like swim team practices, pushing participants to build on their distance and treading abilities. They’re also taught critical life-saving techniques like CPR and dive rescues for all depths. To keep their students motivated and safe throughout this process, the parks department and the YMCA each supply two on-site swim instructors. They also provide the training grounds for the classes, which take place at either Bartholomew Municipal Pool, which is heated and open year-round, or the YMCA’s North and East Community locations. As the semesters have passed, SwimATX’s success has soared. The program currently has 94 students enrolled between Reagan and Eastside Memorial High School—about twice as many as in 2015—many of whom will graduate the program and become certified lifeguards. While stakeholders hope that number continues to rise, they’re excited about the impact they’ve already had on nearby communities, especially through the 35 course alumni currently working for YMCA and city pools in the area. While this may not sound like a huge number, it has sown the seeds M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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for far greater benefits to come. “This program was created to staff local pools in these districts with homegrown lifeguards. Thanks to SwimATX, that’s almost entirely the case,” Kathleen Schneeman, Vice President of Human Resources at YMCA of Austin, said. “Now, families going to the pool see familiar faces atop the lifeguard stand: they see neighbors, nephews, friends. It sets the standard for future generations and gives those public spaces a true sense of community.” In less than four years, SwimATX has grown from a little-known pilot program to a shining example of empowerment in communities that are often forgotten and ignored. Already, it has proven a schoolsto-pools model works, which has city and YMCA officials eager to expand this programming into every AISD high school. But beyond its graduation rates, the course has shown it can teach students
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valuable lessons about leadership and provide them with critical life skills. “Seeing these kids grow and learn how hard work and persistence pays off is my biggest reward,” Coach De La Huerta reflected. “We preach responsibility, academics, and representing their communities the right way all the time—because at the end of the day, our mission is to mold model students and citizens.” Ashley Wells, the aquatics programming supervisor for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, echoed De La Huerta’s thoughts. “Every participant in the program emerges with a heightened sense of self and a crucial tool for survival. In that greater sense, we have a 100 percent success rate.” With summer on the horizon, this semester’s cohort is making its final push before certification week in early June.
After conquering the course’s nerveracking culmination last year, Andrea will be watching on from the lifeguard stand in case the swimmers need help. It’ll be surreal being on the other end of things, but she hopes she can help motivate the latest group of students and remind them of how far they’ve come. “I just want to remind them that, with practice and confidence anybody can beat their fears. SwimATX taught me that, and I’m proud to represent it every day.” Regardless of how many lifeguards the program produces this summer, SwimATX’s future-focused, multi-layered mission will remain its greatest legacy. With every passing breaststroke, its students are learning to make waves far beyond the laplanes. afm
photos by Brian Fitzsimmons
Suns out, guns out
FIND SPECIALS, MENUS AND EVENT INFORMATION AT KUNGFUSALOON.COM
Events FEATURED TOUCH-A-TRUCK | CAMP MABRY
program allowing cyclists to bike around the circuit every Tuesday evening. Experience a 3.4-mile, 20-turn racetrack at your own pace. Challenge yourself and cycle through Turn 1—one of the most difficult turns in motorsports. All levels of experience are welcome and a less challenging, flatter route is available through the Turn 1 Bypass route. Don’t have a bike? Rent one! Bike rentals will be available through Barton Springs Bike Rental, and Bicycle Sport Shop will be at the track to provide mechanical support.
FOOD AND DRINKS SPORTS AND OUTDOORS MAY 5
Come and Send It Fest Crux Climbing Center Grab your chalk, grab your shoes, and strap up for Come and Send It Fest Vol. 3! Crux will celebrate it’s 2nd anniversary with their annual climbing competition. Enjoy a full day of climbing or spend time in the vendor village, along with live t-shirt screen printing, shoe demos, and more. The excitement continues that evening with the final showdown between elite climbers. Spectators can indulge in free beer and witness incredible 3D map projections. More info at cruxcc.com/ come-and-send-it-fest.
Kids. With a one-mile run for kids, a unique chip-timed one-miler for all ages, and a 5K with a team challenge, there’s something for every running style. Prizes for the team challenge include a pair of 361 Degrees running shoes for each team member and a sweet trophy! Use discount code MK18 for 10 percent off registration. MAY 19
Outdoor Projects ATX Festival Outdoor Project’s Block Party will fill your day with outdoor adventure inspiration, gear demos, giveaways, games, food trucks, and beer. Live music will kick off at 6:00 p.m. with Josh Klaus followed by the headliner Old Salt Union. The festival will be hosted at Hops and Grain Brewing and will benefit Explore Austin. This free event is open to all ages and furry friends.
MAY 12
Waller Creek Conservancy Field Day 711 E. 3rd St. Austin, TX 78701 Waller Creek Conservancy will launch and host its first field day—a day centered around health and wellness activities and games for the whole family. Activities include games for children ages five to 12, group exercise classes, themed activity stations, local vendors, and free giveaways.
MAY 28
Life Time Tri CapTex Twenty-five thousand individuals with different levels of athleticism come together to compete in the division of their choice. Participants will receive a highquality t-shirt, specialized Purist finisher’s water bottle, post-race local food, awards for different age groups, custom finisher medals, access to aid stations, chip timing, free race photos, and a closed and certified race course.
MAY 19
41st Annual Daisy 5K Camp Mabry Austin Runners Club is back with their annual 5K presented by Beef Loving Texans and H-E-B, benefiting Marathon
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MAY 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Bike Night Circuit of the Americas Attention all cyclists and bike enthusiasts! COTA presents a 17-week
MAY 10
Official Drink of Austin Fairmont Hotel A boozy competition featuring the city’s best bartenders and their drink creations using local ingredients that evoke the essence of Austin. The event benefits the Austin Food & Wine Alliance’s Culinary Grant Program and will be centered around some of Austin’s most notable restaurants. MAY 12
BrunchCon Fair Market The world’s biggest food and drink festival focused on brunch is coming to Austin. Attendees will enjoy a bottomless mimosa bar, open Bloody Mary bar, brunch bites from over 30 local restaurants and vendors, yard games, mimosa pong, music, photo booth opportunities, and a curated market of brunch-related goods.
MAY 24–27
Hot Luck Festival Downtown Austin A true Austin food experience paired with local music, the Hot Luck Festival is back! Created and founded by Aaron Franklin, James Moody, and Mike Thelin, this festival is the culmination of incredible food and the Austin live music scene. Eating with your fingers is encouraged, and food and entertainment will take place at multiple venues in the downtown Austin area. Hot Luck Festival donates
CALL FOR THE
05.2018
Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com
a portion of its proceeds to The SAFE Alliance, a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, beloved nonprofits in Austin serving survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault and exploitation. Visit hotluckfest.com for more information and to see the full schedule.
ARTS/CULTURE MAY 5
iHeart Country Music Festival Frank Erwin Center Grab your cowboy boots and vintage plaid, and head over to Frank Erwin Center to see performances by some of country’s top artists including Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Maren Morris, Sugarland, Luke Combs, Billy Currington, Dan + Shay, Brett Young, and more. Hosted by iHeartMedia’s on-air favorite, Bobby Bones, the festival will also feature a Daytime Village with additional performances and interactive experiences by iHeartRadio’s brand partners. MAY 10
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Bass Concert Hall Enjoy hits like “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” with one of the biggest music sensations since the early 1960s. With Jersey Boys—a Broadway show chronicling the life of Valli and his band—in it’s seventh blockbuster year on Broadway, it’s no surprise Frankie Valli is back to packing venues all over the world. See and be captivated by the sounds of one of pop music’s biggest icons.
AFM SPECIAL 512-975-CRYO
LIFESTYLE
#KEEPAUSTINCHILL
MAY 5–6
Pecan Street Spring Arts Festival Sixth Street Historic District Pecan Street Association’s free two-day arts festival returns with local and national artisans offering handcrafted creations in different mediums. A well-renowned tradition, this famous Austin festival is a great way to see all the diverse works of art, food, and music available in the heart of central Texas. With nearly 50 top musical acts, over 30 food vendors, and kid-friendly activities including rides, a petting zoo, facepainting, and workshops, this fest will surely impress your entire group, young and old. MAY 12
Touch-a-Truck presented by Safe Alliance Camp Mabry Over 6,000 kids will head out to Camp Mabry with their parents to see and explore fire trucks, ambulances, backhoes, bulldozers, and more. The event represents happy and healthy families and directly supports hundreds of kids who receive care, housing, healing, and support through SAFE. In addition to vehicles, the event will feature a Kid Zone with a petting zoo, face-painting, and barrel train rides. MAY 11–13
Finding Euphoria Festival Carson Creek Ranch Euphoria Fest returns with two nights of camping, a series of musical acts, yoga, and a variety of mindful workshops. An immersive four-day festival with musical styles ranging from hip-hop, electronic, ambient, and trival.
Nonprofit. Community. Rowing.
MAY 17 MAY 12–13, 19–20
West Austin Studio Tour presented by Big Medium Big Medium at Canopy Back for its seventh year, the West Austin Studio Tour will showcase over 400 local artist studios, exhibitions, special projects, and events. This self-guided art show happens in collaboration with WEST, which provides opportunities for the public to meet the artists and artisans who make up Austin’s creative community.
Austin Parks Foundation Movies in the Park Presents: Coco Dove Springs Park Watch Coco on the big screen in the great outdoors with Austin Parks Foundation in partnership with Alamo Drafthouse and presented by Whole Foods Market. Bring your picnic blankets and lawn chairs and gather together for Coco, a Disney Pixar film about an aspiring young musician named Miguel. Confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, he enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-greatgrandfather, a legendary singer. Join Miguel on his journey and enjoy time with family, friends, and pups. M AY 2 0 1 8 / A U S T I N F I T M A G A Z I N E
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Austin’s largest non-profit community rowing club Private Lessons, adult programs as well as middle and high school rowing programs Home of Nationally ranked Regattas
74 Trinity Street
Austinrowing.org 512.472.0726
Race Calendar FEATURED THE COLOR RUN | AUSTIN
MAY 5 & 6
Friends and Allies Beer Run Austin
Tough Mudder Smithville
The Color Run Austin
MAY 6
MAY 19 & 20
Silicon Labs Sunshine Run 5K & 10K Austin
Spartan Race Super and Sprint Weekend Burnet
MAY 7
Travis Country 5K Run Austin
JUNE
MAY 12
JUNE 3
Texas Switchback Johnson City MAY 19
Austin Runners Club Daisy 5K Austin
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Rogue Trail Series 30K, 10K Trail Run Austin
JUNE 17
Lake Pflugerville Triathlon Pflugerville
JUNE 19
Pure Austin Splash & Dash Series Austin JUNE 23
Fit Foodie 5K Austin Fun Stop 5K and Fest Austin
JULY JULY 1
JUNE 7
Maudie’s Moonlight Margarita Run 5K Austin
Paragon Splash and Dash #3 San Antonio
photo credit : TheColorRun.com
MAY
05.2018–07.2018
Submit your event online at austinfitmagazine.com
JULY 4
JULY 14
Popsicle Run, 4-Miler, 3K, 1K Kyle
Too Hot To Handle 15K, 10K, 5K Dallas
JULY 7
JULY 15
The 2018 Christmas in July 5K and Kids K Houston
JULY 17
Coolest 5K in Texas and 1K Fun Run and Walk South Fort Davis
Daiquiri Dash Round Rock
Big Spring Super Sprint Big Spring
200 Hour Teacher Training Sept 8th - Nov 11th
Capt’n Karl’s (Night) Trail Race at Muleshoe Bend, 60K, 30K, 10K Spicewood
Texas Too Hot 5K, 15K, 1K San Antonio
Pure Austin Splash and Dash Series Austin JULY 29
Paragon Splash and Dash #4 San Antonio
photos by: freepik.com
wildheartyogaaustin.com
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DISCOVER!
BY ARIELLE OLFERS
FOSTERING REST AND STILLNESS IN THE VAST TEXAS HILL COUNTRY UNPLUG AND HEAD TO THE HILL COUNTRY TO EXPERIENCE A BRAND NEW LUXURY RETREAT JUST AN HOUR WEST OF AUSTIN.
Tucked away in a 96-acre slice of the Texas Hill Country along the Pedernales River lies a new, privately-owned glamping facility. ust one hour west of Austin and one hour north of San Antonio, Walden Retreats has created a luxury camping site where people are encouraged to unplug from their phones (there is no WiFi and limited phone service) to enjoy a slower pace of life while surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature around them. Featuring 500-square-foot tents that
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hold two adults, Walden offers an authentic camping experience without sacrificing comfort and style. Each tent on the property is meticulously designed and includes air conditioning, heat, wood floors, clawfoot bathtubs and Aesop products, running water, private bathrooms, a king-size bed, gas grills, a private fire pit and outdoor deck, and a full kitchen outfitted with a wood stove. If you don’t feel like cooking in your tent or want to find other entertainment options, you can jump in the car and head 10 minutes down the road to Johnson City, where you’ll find a variety of places to eat. Walden Retreats is also located near the 290 wine trail, the Luckenbach Dance Hall, Pedernales Falls, Fredericksburg, Garrison Brothers Bourbon Distillery, Real Ale Brewery, and Enchanted Rock. Walden Retreats is the perfect spot to experience true rest and an intimate connection with nature. The views
are a treat alone since each safari tent overlooks the Pedernales river. Activities onsite include hiking, fishing (you’ll need to bring your own pole), exploring, swimming, and canoeing. The newly opened property is redefining traditional Texas camping and is now taking reservations—we know we’ll be booking our own trips soon! Walden Retreats is a refreshing addition to the beloved Texas Hill Country. We can all use intentional quiet time with nature, surrounded by the big Texas sky, wildflowers, wildlife, and new camping memories to last a lifetime. afm
+32 mpg hwy[2]
JAD
AUSTIN SUBARU