You know her from class, working hard, smiling, and bustin’ some dances moves. And you’ve probably seen him in Fusion, Strength, and Run Group churning out reps and getting stronger everyday. They are Janell Fondry and Octavio Ulloa, the DBS August Fusion Athletes!
Our Fusion Athletes of the Month demonstrate strength, commitment, and community through their enthusiasm for health and fitness. Janell and Octavio represent what we love about our community.
We asked them about their experience at the Shop, some goals, accomplishments, and the future!
Congratulations, Janell and Octavio, and keep up the great work!
What brought you to Dane’s Body Shop?
Octavio: I drove by several times and decided to call one day and find out how it works. This person I spoke to spent a lot of time describing each class, the vibe of the shop, and the payment system. They were extremely nice and helpful which was a really good sign and they made me feel like I wasn’t joining a cult and just another “gym” which excited me. Before hanging up I asked for their name and it turned out to be Dane. That was all I needed. I showed up the next morning. Any person, especially an owner, that takes that much time to make you feel welcome is what made me think this was a different kind of place.
Janell: I had seen DBS as a twinkle on Dane’s Facebook page way back in the day when he had started workouts in the park. After he opened the Shop, I made a couple trips to Austin from Dallas and made sure to give DBS a try. When I moved to Austin in spring of 2012, I told Dane he was going to get another member!
What are your biggest goals or accomplishments at the Shop?
Octavio: Losing weight and regaining a sense of what health means to me has been transforming. Shaving minutes off my mile pace and getting stronger at the same time has also been great. At the moment, I’m training to PR on a half marathon in October.
Janell: I really only try for one goal: To get in there 4-5 times per week. I have accomplished it multiple times, but there have been times I’ve had trouble getting there four or five times per month!! For the upcoming year, I’m hoping to keep that 4 times/week average throughout the year — no dropping off!!
What are you favorite and least favorite movements?
Octavio: I’m really starting to love the clean. There’s just something about the movement that makes you feel powerful and engaged. My least favorite is probably toes to bar, more because I can’t do it very well, but I’m practicing, so I hope to get better.
Janell: Chest presses are my favorite. Running and burpees tie for my least favorite.
Janell, you are always smiling, singing, and dancing around the Shop. You bring such great energy to the workouts! How do you keep your spirit up during the week?
This is my fun time, like recess. I have a very consuming job and going to the Shop is sometimes the most fun I have all day!!
Octavio, you’ve recently started helping coach the run groups with Brian, and it’s really starting to take off! Tell us more about the group and why someone who doesn’t normally run (or runs all the time) should join.
The run group offers a mix of speed and hill interval training and also a longer run on the weekends. We meet for speed/hill intervals on Tuesday and Wednesday night and longer runs on Saturday. It’s open to all, and we have different options depending on your running experience and background. Brian and I try to build workouts that will improve your speed and endurance so you can confidently prepare for a race or just increase your overall health. I’ve heard people say they hate running, and that’s fine. Running may not be your cup of tea and you may never have any desire to run a marathon. No problem. But if you are struggling in the fusion or hybrid classes when you run a 200 or a 400, that is something that you can improve on, just like any other movement or exercise at the shop. The DBS Run Group offers a welcoming, non judgmental, no ego environment where anyone can get encouragement to be whatever kind of runner you want to be. I think running is one of the greatest sports because you don’t need anything but a pair of shoes to do it. You can be anywhere in the world and just go. Plus its an amazing way to see a place in a completely different light.
What do you see for DBS in 2 years?
Octavio: I can see DBS having several shops in town. As far as I can se,e there seems to be and endless amount of interest from the community. I think within two years DBS could be hosting and sponsoring competitions like AFM or Crossfit. What I would love to see is the run group as one of the normal classes offered in the shop, just like fusion, hybrid,or strength. I would be proud to play any part in that.
Janell: As DBS grows, my hope is the community of members maintains its closeness. I’m happy to hear about expansion, and hope that gives the crew an opportunity to add new programming to continue to foster an environment that encourages a healthy lifestyle!
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