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ON THE COVER
We made it through 2022 and we’re fresh into the new year, where spirits vascillate between high (a clean slate) and low (post-holiday blues). We’re here to bring you a bit of new year cheer with our “New Year’s Solutions” series, where we give you the skinny on meal prep companies in the area, fitness centers and gyms, and decluttering your house to give you a boost on your goals. Our cover story features a novel approach to fitness that will knock your socks off in just 25 minutes per session, and the Spring Valley resident who owns the company that’s bringing the workout to Houston. You don’t want to miss this!
Remember, new habits aren’t created overnight, so take a deep breath, break your goals into bite-size chunks, and give yourself some grace. You’ve got this.
Editor’s Letter to the Residents Advertising Contact: Dawn Gunther
Email: springbranchplus@gmail.com
Phone: 713.828.4604
Publisher/Editor
Dawn Gunther
Content Coordinator Liz Clearman Contributing Photographer
David Postma
•Energy
•Spring
•Memorial
•American
•EMS
•Energy Corridor Farmers Market @ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
•Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
•Spring Branch Super Neighborhood East meeting @ 1414 Wirt Rd., 7 pm
20
•Hamburgers & Hot Dogs @ VFW Post 8790, 6 pm
21
•Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
•American Shuffleboard Tournament & Queen of Hearts Drawing @ VFW Post 8790, 2 pm
•Queen of Hearts Game @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
•Bridal Extravaganza @ George R. Brown Convention Center, 10 am
22
•Bridal Extravaganza @ George R. Brown Convention Center, 11 am
•Energy
•Memorial
•American
•Queen
•SBISD
23
•SBISD board of trustees regular meeting @ Wayne Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, 6 pm
•Spring Branch Super Neighborhood North meeting @ 10355 Centrepark Dr. #220 @ 6:30 pm
25
•Early dismissal for SBISD elementary schools 26
•Energy Corridor Farmers Market @ Briar Forest & Eldridge, 4 pm
•Yoga for Beginners @ VFW Post 8790, 5 pm
•Toastmasters! @ VFW Post 8790, 6:30 pm
28
•Memorial Villages Farmers Market @ 10840 Beinhorn Rd., 9 am
Ah, the sweet smell of New Year’s resolutions in the air — which for many, include a promise to themselves to get healthy, work out more, or increase fitness levels. If you don’t relish the thought of driving to the gym, spending an hour dripping sweat all over the floor, and dealing with equipment, but are on the hunt for a fitness program that’s convenient while still incorporating an incredible workout, then you might think that the newest fitness craze to hit the Houston area is too good to be true. EMS, which stands for “electro muscle stimulation,” uses— as the name indicates— electrical stimulation on your muscles in order to achieve results that are equivalent to four hours of conventional training in a mind-blowing 25 minutes. Natalie Hussion, a certified EMS trainer and an NASM certified personal trainer, is a Spring Valley resident who started her own EMS journey about a year and a half ago and fell in love with the workout, the technology, the time management, and most importantly— the results.
By Liz Clearman
Why is this technology unique?
As mentioned above, it gives you four hours of conventional training in less than half an hour. It also activates 90% of your body’s muscle fibers, works over 300 muscles simultaneously, increases endurance and fat loss, stimulates metabolism, reduces cellulite, increases muscle mass and strength, redraws and lifts the glutes, is 100% low impact, and is FDA approved. That means it’s perfect for those who may have restricted mobility, a tight schedule, or other limitations that make traditional fitness and working out difficult. In addition to the physical benefits, Natalie noted that electro muscle stimulation contributes to general health and well-being — “The energy release and endorphin boost post-workout is incredible!”
During the height of the pandemic, Natalie was working full-time as a brand manager at an oil and gas company and found that EMS was the answer to squeezing in a quick workout during her lunch hour while allowing her to get back to work obligations in a timely manner. However, once the restrictions eased a bit and Natalie found herself back in the office, she started to reevaluate whether the standard 40-hour-a-week, five-day-a-week work schedule was what she truly wanted. To add to her thought process, her mom was diagnosed with a rare prion disease — Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease — right before the pandemic began. She passed away a mere year and a half after her diagnosis, and that
made Natalie truly take stock of what she wanted out of her life.
“After a lot of thought, research, and planning, I decided to take a leap of faith and quit my career of 15 years, become an NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal trainer, and open my own EMS business,” Natalie said. “What’s most important to me is being around my husband and daughter and being there for her and her activities. If I can bring this amazing technology and training to others and make them feel as good as the training has made me feel, that is what I want for my future and for my daughter to see me doing as a career. Life really is short, so do what you love with the people you love. I am a firm believer in timing and the right things coming to you at the right time. EMS came
to me when I needed it and helped me discover a drive to own my own business that I never thought I had within me.”
As she was brainstorming names for her company, she decided on EMS Enhanced — but her version of EMS stands for “Efficient, Motivation, Synergy.” Natalie said she chose this name because of the duration of the workout (efficiency), the endorphin release and energy boost that it provides clients (motivation), and the power of EMS technology with the human body that produces amazing results (synergy). Natalie is the first trainer in Houston with the i-Motion technology, a Bluetooth/wireless device that allows her to both train individually and in a group setting and has patented e-Kcal software to track calories burned not only during a client’s session, but for 48 hours afterward
(the “afterburn”). While her business is still new, launching in December of 2022, she feels like the passion she has for brand development and marketing, along with her love for the EMS training method, will be a welcome addition to the Spring Branch/ Memorial fitness world and beyond.
Opening EMS Enhanced in the area was a no-brainer for Natalie. She loves the idea of being able to help train her neighbors in a new form of fitness, and supporting small, locally owned businesses is something she feels strongly about. “The sense of community, unspoken undertone of neighbors supporting neighbors, and watching the community coming together to help each other after natural disasters or unplanned disturbances — it really does warm your heart,” she said. Natalie, her husband Jim, and their daughter Kinsley have lived in Spring Valley for four years, and Jim has been a Spring Branch resident for over two decades. She hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and moved to Houston 11 years ago. Her volunteer work includes Dress for Success Houston, Harrison’s Heroes, Strides for CJD, Spring Valley Mom’s Club president, and involvement at her daughter’s school. The family has one dog, Kane, a rescue who made his way into Jim’s previous house — and subsequently Jim’s heart — by sneaking between the gates and into the backyard. Jim ended up adopting him and he’s been a treasured member of the family since.
What makes EMS Enhanced unique is its focus on not just physical fitness, but mental and emotional fitness as well.
What makes EMS Enhanced unique is its focus on not just physical fitness, but mental and emotional fitness as well. “We encourage personal development by providing opportunities for you to improve your fitness, work with team members and trainers, and get complete knowledge of the training you are performing,” stated Natalie. “A sense of family and community is frequently lacking in the fitness sector. We at EMS Enhanced value exercise and education, but we live it out by fostering an environment where people feel free to be who they are. Our personal trainer will work with you like your friend, not a stranger who is forcing you to follow them step-by-step. We want you to enjoy the time you give to transform yourself for good so that you learn, perform, and gain results instantly.”
One of the best parts? You don’t even have to leave your home — the EMS certified trainers will come to you and help you achieve optimal fitness results in your own living room. Check this New Year’s resolution off your to-do list.
For more information and to join the EMS lifestyle, check out EMS Enhanced at emsmotion.com and follow them on Facebook at EMS Enhanced and on Instagram at @emsenhanced. Mark your calendars for the launch party on January 18th at The Goodman (see the invitation on page 15 for more details).
2023 Boots & Black Belt Gala Benefiting Kickstart Kids
Get your Western attire ready and join us for one of our most exciting events of the year! This year, the 30th annual Boots & Black Belt Gala will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023 at The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston in Houston, Texas. Celebrate the impact that Kickstart Kids has made on thousands of youth when they needed it most. You do not want to miss this exciting and momentous event. More information is coming soon! For more details please contact Joan Neuhaus at 713.868.6003, ext. 105, or email jneuhaus@kickstartkids.org.
HMartial arts world champion, actor, and philanthropist Chuck Norris founded Kickstart Kids in 1990 with the help of President George H. W. Bush. The program was launched in four schools in 1992. This year, approximately 8,000 students are enrolled in 60 schools across the state of Texas. Since its inception, more than 110,000 students have benefitted from this one-ofa-kind, life-changing program. Our goal is to work in partnership with educators, parents, law enforcement, and other leaders to help build strong, positive communities by teaching character through karate. We use
karate and our values curriculum in classes daily to teach the values of honesty, loyalty, courage, discipline, respect, dedication, kindness, and responsibility. Our black belt instructors serve as role models to our students. Research shows that through the discipline of the martial arts, students in the Kickstart Kids program develop the ability to believe in themselves, create goals for the future, and become positive role models for others.
To learn more, please visit kickstartkids.org.
Golfers Break Records for Spring Branch ISD Students and Teachers
undreds of golfers enjoyed a day of beautiful weather and successful play at the Wildcat Golf Club on November 7, 2022 while supporting Spring Branch Education Foundation and the students and teachers of Spring Branch ISD.
This year’s golfers can celebrate their successes both on and off the course. The SBEF Golf Classic raised more than $200,000 for funds to be used for grants for innovative teacher and district initiatives within SBISD. Golfers also raised $7,000 in scholarships for graduating seniors in the Class of 2023.
Co-Chairs Linda and Tom DeBesse were honored by the spirit of community shown again this year at the tournament. SBEF Golf Classic Chair Linda DeBesse said, “We were thrilled to share an amazing day of golf and fundraising so many individuals, businesses, and organizations dedicated to the success of the students and teachers in SBISD. We are humbled by the record-setting results. It’s a testament to the commitment of our community to Spring Branch Education Foundation and the SBISD grants and scholarships funded by this event every year.”
For more information about Spring Branch Education Foundation’s future events and support of Spring Branch ISD, please contact the SBEF office at (713) 251-2381 or visit sbef.springbranchisd.com.
ABOUT SPRING BRANCH EDUCATION FOUNDATION: Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It collaborates with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. All Foundation dollars, donor designated or unrestricted, are only used to support programs that align with the Foundation’s mission by funding teacher grants, district grants and scholarships for SBISD students. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $16 million to the district. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.
Photo: (l. to r.) Sally Gardner, Cindy Diamantaras, Blair Echols & Gina Eckerman
Beyond Spring Branch Business Profile: da Gama Canteen
By Liz Clearman
While da Gama Canteen, created by RISHI Hospitality (Rick and Shiva Di Virgilio, the culinary powerhouse behind Oporto Fooding House & Wine on West Gray) is located in the Heights, it’s just a quick drive down the Katy Freeway to this casual foodery overlooking the M-K-T hike and bike trail. Prior to da Gama’s grand opening in May of 2021, Rick and Shiva ran the much-loved Queen Vic Pub & Kitchen in Upper Kirby,which closed in 2018 due to unresolved landlord issues. After Queen Vic closed, they found a location in the Heights perfect for their reimagined concept — a Euro-Indian-style restaurant that combined their cultures (Portuguese and Indian) while focusing on natural and organic wines, craft cocktails, a scratch-made kitchen where everything from bread to curry is carefully designed, and freshly ground spices.
The couple met while both working at the original Oporto in the Greenway Plaza area (they opened its Midtown location in 2014), and have been cooking and operating restaurants together for over 15 years. They share an immense love for food, creating unique spaces with an emphasis on design, and sharing and translating their story of blended cultures into hospitality and food. “Our philosophy is to strive for a consistent high-quality and unique product, and to focus on our own originality. We try to take care of our dedicated staff, many of who have been with us for several years. They are the secret to our success. We want to create a pleasant, easygoing workplace, emphasizing hospitality on both sides of the counter,” Rick said.
Heights residents themselves, the Di Virgilios are parents of an eight-year-old son who plays soccer in Spring Branch, and they envisioned da Gama being a favorite of both communities since they’re easily connected by the M-K-T trail. Rick noted that the canteen even has a café window for bikers and hikers to “drive through” for an organic espresso drink or a chai. As if the restaurants don’t keep them busy enough, the family recently welcomed a brand-new black Goldendoodle named Pepe (as in the Italian pasta dish, cacio e pepe) into their family.
Future plans for the foodie couple include developing an urban garden in a property near da Gama, where they will plant specialty produce, herbs, flowers, and more. They also plan to use the plot for events or a food truck pop-up location, expanding their culinary empire even further into their community. “Our biggest inspiration is each other and our eight-yearold son. We enjoy making people happy and hosting life memories for our community,” said Rick.
Da Gama is located at 600 N. Shepherd, suite 520, and is open for lunch Monday-Saturday from 11 am-2 pm, for dinner Monday-Thursday from 4-9:30 pm and Friday-Saturday from 4-10:30 pm, and for social hour Monday-Friday from 4-6 pm. While they are currently closed on Sundays, the restaurant is slated to have Sunday hours starting in 2023. Please visit dagamahtx.com for more information.
Houston’s Premiere Bridal Show Returns for the 39th Biannual Bridal Extravaganza Show
The Bridal Extravaganza Show, the largest bridal planning showcase in the U.S., will return to the George R. Brown Convention Center with the most fashion shows ever, cakes, gowns, and local vendors on Saturday-Sunday, January 21-22, 2023, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, family, and wedding planners will have their pick of over 200 vendors that cater exclusively to the wedding industry.
The show will feature cake samples, décor, flowers, 12 fashion shows, multiple Instagram walls for selfies, speaker presentations on the latest bridal fashion and trends, and entertainment from Houston’s top wedding professionals. In addition, attendees can try their luck at a new casino gaming area to play mock Vegas style games.
New vendors at the show include “Make Me a Comic” all the way from London that creates custom a comic book about the bride, groom and how they met; a drink display option that is a conveyor belt wall for drinks; luxury outdoor restrooms in a vintage Airstream; and Linenandgin.com that can produce custom wedding magazines for their guests.
The Bridal Extravaganza show will also feature a “Wed Pro Talk” wedding seminar for VIP Brides at Noon on Saturday and Sunday. VIP Brides will hear expert tips from wedding vendors and watch firsthand demonstrations of cake decorating and floral design. The first 100 VIP Brides also receive signature swag bags with complimentary gifts from sponsors and vendors.
The Bridal Extravaganza Show will bring the excitement of New York City’s choreographed fashion shows to Houston with more formal fashion shows presented on the 60-foot runway stage than ever before.
Brides will discover what they need leading up to their big day — from the garter to the getaway car to the honeymoon and everything in between for the entire wedding party. Couples will leave the event with a digital list of all of their favorite vendors with the BrideScan app, which allows engaged couples to connect with wedding professionals via a QR code.
The biannual event draws marriage-bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win major prizes. Top prizes include romantic honeymoons, shopping sprees, a bachelorette weekend at the Westin of The Woodlands, a weekend escape at Deer Lake Lodge, a chance to win a staycation at a tiny house, and much more.
Tickets are available online at bridescan.com/show/bridal-extravaganza-1#!/.
General admission tickets are $7.50-$15 online and $25 at the door, VIP admission is $49.
New YearNew Fun
2023
NEW YEAR’S SOLUTIONS: Minimize Your Stuff
By Liz Clearman
Many moons ago, when my daughter was a wee toddler, my mom and I started a professional organizing business (back when organizing was a relatively new gig) where we would venture into friends’ and strangers’ homes to help them declutter, organize, and get their lives together. While that venture ended several years ago when I went back to work full time, I have always harbored a deep passion for getting rid of anything that doesn’t serve me and organizing what’s left — I think it’s my way of corralling the chaos in the world by controlling what I can in my own home.
Getting organized is just as popular a New Year’s goal as losing weight or eating healthier, and since this is a subject I actually possess some experience and expertise in, I thought I’d share a few of my tips to help you go into 2023 feeling a bit more peaceful. The only things you need to start your decluttering journey are a bit of willpower, a small chunk of time (even 15 minutes will do!), and several containers — one for trash, one for donations, and one for what you’re keeping. Start small and don’t overwhelm yourself — take it one drawer, one cabinet, or one corner at a time, and if you feel inspired and motivated, keep going.
TIP #1: Ask yourself, “Would I take this with me if I was moving?” If the answer is no, donate or toss it. Remember that every single box you pack to move will cost you time, money (especially if you’re hiring movers), and energy, both to pack and unpack in your new abode. Preparing to move is a great time to declutter and analyze the usefulness of your possessions.
TIP #2: Do you use it, love it, or need it? Then keep it. Once a year things like holiday decorations count because while you may only bring them out annually, if you actually use and love them, they get to stay. (However, go through your holiday decor each time you bring it out to purge trinkets that have overstayed their welcome.) Maybe you have a souvenir you got on a trip years ago that serves no purpose except to remind you of an amazing vacation, but it brings you great joy every time you look at it. That counts, too.
TIP #3: Get rid of the guilt of decluttering things that other people have given you. Oof, I know. This is a tough one. However, a gift should come with no strings and no conditions — regardless of who it’s from and what it is. Once the giver passes it into your hands, it’s yours to do what you want with it. You’re the one living in your space, not the gift giver, so if something doesn’t add value to your home, donate the gift and let it bring joy to someone else.
TIP #4: Embrace minimalism. This has become quite a buzz word, but hear me out. Minimalism does not mean stark white walls, one piece of furniture, and absolutely no character or color (although if that’s what you like, have at it!). The entire concept behind minimalism is that you have in your space only what brings value to your life and nothing more. If you have a collection of Fiestaware, or a cabinet full of figurines that you adore, those fit the bill. There is no single version of minimalism.
TIP #5: Get rid of the “just in case” mindset and embrace the 20/20 rule. I can’t take credit for this — it’s a concept that The Minimalists (theminimalists.com) recommend using as a general rule when you’re going through your stuff. If you come across, say, a kitchen tool that you haven’t used in months (or years), but
you’re hesitant to get rid of it “just in case,” ask yourself if you can buy it again within 20 minutes and for less than $20. Chances are, you can, so pass it onto someone who might readily need and use it.
TIP #6: You deserve to have clothing that fits you now. This one can be especially challenging if you’re in a season of life where your weight isn’t what you want it to be. Let me say this again with gusto: You deserve to have clothing that makes you feel good and fits you right now. Not in six months, not in a year. NOW. The reality is you’ll probably want some new pieces anyway when you hit your goal weight. If there are some clothing items you just can’t part with, pack them away in a plastic tote and put them up where you don’t have to see them every day, but focus on what works for you in this stage.
TIP #7: Don’t buy storage containers until you know what you’re storing. Yes, it’s incredibly tempting to go to Target, Walmart, or The Container Store and stock up on bins, baskets, and totes. Save your money and declutter first, use what you already have in your home, and then go shopping. Your wallet will thank you.
TIP #8: The less stuff you have, the less you have to organize/maintain. This one is self-explanatory. Every single item you own — whether it’s a T-shirt, a coffee maker, a couch, a phone — requires some sort of maintenance. The question is are you willing to do what it takes to maintain, dust, clean, change the batteries in, or put away the item. You may surprise yourself with the things that you look at and realize that you’re not, in fact, amenable to spending your time and energy dealing with them. Out they go.
TIP #9: Save sentimental stuff for last. This one is arguably the hardest for anyone embarking on a decluttering journey. If you’re not particularly sentimental, this might be easy for you — take pictures of tchotchkes, letters, or kids’ artwork and move on. However, if the thought of getting rid of your middle school crush’s love letters makes you hyperventilate, save this category for last and take it slow. With the advent of cloud storage and amazing phone cameras, photographing and keeping memories without having to store the physical item is much easier.
TIP #10: Listen to the experts. There are tons of podcasts to listen to, YouTube channels to watch, and websites to peruse. Each person has their own way of organizing and decluttering and a unique perspective on minimalism, and no one has the exact same advice, so it’s worth listening to and watching different perspectives. Some I recommend: The Minimalists (podcast & YouTube), The Minimal Mom (YouTube), Minimal-ish (podcast), Natalie Bennett (YouTube), Joshua Becker (YouTube & author), Matt D’Avella (YouTube), Dana K. White (YouTube), and Courtney Carver (author).
NEW YEAR’S SOLUTIONS: Making Mealtime Easy
By Liz Clearman
The holidays are officially over, and many of us are likely lamenting the amount of Christmas cookies, eggnog, pies, adult beverages, and cheese that we gleefully partook in over the season. One of the most popular New Year’s goals is to eat “healthier” (whatever that might mean for you), but if you’re anything like me, the thought of all that meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, and then cleaning up afterward can be daunting. We’ve compiled several meal prep services in the Spring Branch/Memorial area and beyond that might just make your newly embraced eating habits just a little bit easier. (Author’s note: This list is not an endorsement of the services or stores by Spring Branch Plus; it is simply informational.)
BELONG KITCHEN
Started by a local mom who noticed the stark lack of opportunity for her developmentally disabled daughter post-high school, Belong Kitchen is a neighborhood grab-and-go prepared meal storefront that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They offer different ready to go meals daily (you can see the weekly menu on their website) that feed 4-6 people, and each meal is $45. They also take special orders.
belongkitchenhtx.org
HEB
Yep, our favorite Texas-based grocery chain has one of the best prepared meal selections in town called Meal Simple. While all HEBs carry them, the one located on I-10 at Bunker Hill has the biggest selection in the area, and the options are endless. The meals are organized by type (Italian, Tex-Mex, classic, etc.) and you can get full meals for one, just entrées, just sides, or bigger meals to feed multiple mouths. This is a fantastic and affordable option if you’re a singleton just looking for one-off meals, or if you want to stock up for an upcoming busy week. heb.com
LENA’S ASIAN KITCHEN
Chef Trang (“Lena”) Le started this macro-friendly, Asian-based meal prep and delivery service after immigrating to the United States in 2015 when she realized that the healthy Asian comfort food she craved wasn’t readily available. You can choose your meals online and either have them delivered to your door or pick them up at several locations around Houston (including Bobo Tea on Dairy Ashford), and she’ll work with you if you have specific dietary preferences or limitations. Chef Le employs and empowers survivors of domestic violence and abuse, giving them the skills to help them grow in a safe and loving environment. lenasasiankitchen.com
SMART MEALS
Located right outside of the Spring Branch area in 77042, Smart Meals has a wide variety of healthy meal options (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), options for delivery or pickup, and even a subscribe and save option for those wanting to order meals weekly. Prices are extremely reasonable and each meal listing on the website shows calories, carbs, fat, and protein content upfront. If you’re doing low carb or keto, you can choose from a separate menu designed specifically for those diets. smartmeals.com
SNAP KITCHEN
Talk about flexibility — Snap Kitchen’s meals can be ordered online for either in-store pickup or delivery, but you can also visit their Memorial Villages location to browse what’s available. They also have a Snap Pass option to set up a recurring weekly, customizable order so that you never run out, and this free membership also gives you 5% off each order. Meals are portion controlled, healthy, and can be heated up in their eco-friendly packaging. You can view their location-specific and impressively varied menus online, place an order at work, and pick it up on the way home. local.snapkitchen.com
TRES MARKET FOODS
A Memorial favorite, Tres Market is a go-to for anyone looking to pick up ready-made meals for new moms, sick families, or for a party. The storefront off of the Beltway and Memorial also has snack options, a great wine selection, and other fun consumables. Menu items include breakfast, tea, and coffee; lunch; salad and dressings; appetizers, charcuterie, dips, and spreads; entrées; side dishes; breads; soups, hot sandwiches, and TV dinners; and desserts, as well as a catering menu. Pick up fresh or frozen meals in varying sizes and dinner is done. tresmarketfoods.com
NEW YEAR’S SOLUTIONS:
Finding the Perfect Gym
By Liz Clearman
Working out is most decidedly not a one-size-fits-all activity. Some people love to run (I will never understand nor be one of those people), some would rather get their physical activity through Zumba or another form of dance, and yet others prefer Crossfit or other types of weightlifting. Fortunately, Spring Branch and Memorial are rife with options for every type of fitness enthusiast — as well as the fitness reluctant.
BLINK FITNESS: With membership prices from $10-$25 a month, Blink Fitness boasts a weight room for traditional gym lovers with both in-person and virtual personal training as options. For those who’d prefer to work out at home, they offer an app that has more than 500 classes available as well as customizable workouts, tips, and recipes. The Spring Branch location is at 7840 Long Point Road. Bonus: The website specific to each gym has a real time gym capacity ticker so you can track when it’s least crowded. blinkfitness.com
BRENDA AND JOHN DUNCAN YMCA: Colloquially known as the Clay Road YMCA because of its address (10655 Clay Road), the Y is a member of the huge network of Houston-based fitness centers that offer Les Mills group classes, swimming, pickleball, youth sports, strength and cardio equipment, personal training, and even a virtual exercise studio, just to name a few. They also offer Child Watch for the littles while you get your sweat on. ymcahouston.org
BURN BOOT CAMP: Unique in its approach to fitness, Burn Boot Camp sets itself apart with an entirely different workout every single day in an air-conditioned indoor space (athletic conditioning, push and pull, and leg day are all on the menu) with classes starting as early as 5 am and going until 6 pm. Burn trainers lead you through the workouts with insane energy, and classes end with a “finisher” to really push your limits. Located in the Gateway at Memorial City at 925 Gessner Road, Suite B170. burnbootcamp.com
CROSSFIT MEMORIAL: For those who are diehard Crossfitters or for someone who’s always wanted to give it a try, this box (the term for a Crossfit gym) is located on 1111 Upland Drive, Suite F, and offers Crossfit, Quickfit, skills classes, open gym, and Stronger4Life, a program specifically designed for members 60 and up. crossfitmemorialhouston.com
EMS ENHANCED: A new way to get fit using electro muscle stimulation, giving you four hours of traditional training packed into 25 minutes. Trainers come to you, making this workout especially efficient. (Read our cover story about Natalie Hussion, owner of EMS Enhanced, on pages 5-7). emsmotion.com
MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CENTER AND AQUATIC CLUB:
A West Houston staple and boutique gym since 1979, MACAC has a devoted following of people across all ages and stages. They offer a wide range of fitness classes, personal training, a weight room with machines and free weights, a speed school, swimming lessons, and a special facility across the street from the main gym just for women. It’s located at 14690 Memorial Drive. fitmac.com
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS: This innovative workout consists of HIIT (high intensity interval training) through rowing, cardio, and strength training, focused on getting your heart rate into “The Orange Zone.” They have one location in the Energy Corridor at 1111 Eldridge Parkway and another brand-new location in Town & Country at 788 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., Suite 128. orangetheory.com
PLANET FITNESS: A fairly typical gym setup with what they call their “Judgement Free Zone®,” they’re known for being incredibly affordable with no frills. Their Spring Branch location is at 10116 Hammerly Boulevard. planetfitness.com
