Being so close to the University of Texas, a good chunk of our community consists of students. We’re always so impressed with the amount of dedication our students can show, especially when finals come around.
One of our July Fusion Athletes, Esteban Rivera, just graduated from UT at the beginning of the summer, and while we’re sad to see him go, we applaud his work he did on campus and, of course, at the Shop!
Congratulations, Esteban! We wish you the best in all of your professional and fitness pursuits!
Esteban, what brought you to Austin? Where are you originally
from?
Hi! I came to Austin to go to school at UT, I just graduated in May with a degree in Advertising! I am originally from Matamoros, Tamaulipas in Mexico, right across the border from Brownsville, TX. I commuted between these two places almost daily for the first 18 years of my life, it was a cool and interesting experience!
How did you hear about Dane’s Body Shop? What was your first class like?
I had seen DBS before, when I would pass by and I remember thinking, “What are these people doing?” I wanted in on it! I remember researching different gyms in Austin online and this one seemed (and is obviously) the best one! I loved the whole community aspect, as well as the types of programs and classes offered. The first time I was at the Shop was for my consult. I remembered being a little intimidated, but thought nobody starts by flipping huge tires or lifting ridiculous amounts of weight. We all have to start somewhere. My first class was Fusion Fundamentals, and it was awesome. I remember thinking that there was so much I needed to learn!
You excelled very quickly in your fitness, often attending both Fusion and Strength classes in one day. What’s your motivation?
I like to think to myself that it is going to be easier to get into shape, healthier, and fitter at this age than later in life. That has been my motivation: starting sooner rather than later. Before taking Strength and Fusion classes, my workouts consisted of runs. They were boring, classes at the Shop are fun. Small achievements like adding another 5lbs or 10lbs to the bar, or swinging a heavier kettlebell were also motivators that kept me going.
How has being a part of the Shop affected your life in Austin?
The Shop changed my Austin experience for the better. I am now a morning person and take greater advantage of my day. I feel more productive, sharper, and balanced throughout the day. I get more done, and still make time for the Shop. Being part of DBS has also helped me be more conscious of the food I eat, getting more sleep, and focusing on my overall wellness.
What’s your greatest accomplishment at the Shop?
I think my greatest accomplishment at the Shop has been with Olympic lifting. I had no idea what it entailed before I started, and was, to be honest, very intimidated about strength classes at first. I still have much to learn and work on, but I and very proud of all my achievements so far.
What is your favorite movement? What is your least favorite?
It’s a tie: My favorite movements are back squats and push press! My least favorite are pushups. I just can’t get to like them!
How would you describe the community at the Shop to a friend?
DBS is a community of people who encourage each other to be the best they can be. This place is full of nice, great people with positive attitudes! If you want to get stronger, fitter, and healthier while being surrounded by awesome people, DBS is for you!
