Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Robert Blaser – our Hyde Park, Winter Body Shop Athlete – after a midday class. We’ve gladly chosen Robert because of his support and encouragement of others in our classes, his effort toward his personal goals, and the unflinching leadership in the #DaneOnAShelf instagram farce – Thank you dearly for that, again, Robert.. Let’s hear what you have to say!
D: What brought you to Austin?
RB: I work in medical devices, and Austin is growing in that area. But, Austin is also awesome – The only place that will accept me, because I’m weird.
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D: What do you think is the weirdest thing about you? (Please stay as close to PG as possible, if you will 🙂
RB: I like to make a beverage fortress around my breakfast with a variety of different drink options to protect it.
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D: Why did you choose to get into fitness?
RB: I’ve always been involved in athletics, but when I was in the Navy, I viewed it as a means of survival. Now as a civilian, survival is staying healthy, both mentally and physically. My goal is to delay the aging process by staying in shape. My experience at work, in the medical field, is a motivator, as well.
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D: What do you value about the classes you take at the Shop?
RB: The classes allow me to push myself to my limits. The class design allows you to do that, without feeling pressured to always keep up with others around you. The community is terrific too – I love the camaraderie. The people next to me, pushing themselves, motivates me to be the best I can be.
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D: Do you have any specific fitness goals you’d like to share with us?
RB: I want to keep training and bettering my endurance, adding Spartan Races here and there and other adventure races. Continuing to challenge myself in the Shop events, classes, and community gains helps me do that.
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D: Have you noticed any changes, physically or mentally, since starting at the Shop?
RB: Physically, I’ve gotten stronger because of the technique training the coaches offer. I can rehab through injuries from a race, or adjust due to muscle soreness, because of the awesome coaching and help they offer. I have become less competitive outside my personal goals, because the Shop isn’t about beating everyone around us, but getting us all there, to that healthy lifestyle.
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D: Any favorite moments at the Shop?
RB: Field Day, community fitness events … mini-meets. Love them all!
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D: What do you like to do when you’re not working out?
RB: I do like a little alone time. Solitude, if you will. Being in my own world for a bit to read, watch Liverpool soccer etc. Also, I find time for my personal self-improvement in these moments alone.
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D: Have you developed any special relationships at the Shop?
RB: By jumping around between the two Shop locations, I get to see how everyone’s doing. It allows me to engage with the community and get out of my comfort zone for a bit. This community of coaches and members is great for that. Everyone should try it, if interested.
I did want to thank you, Dane and staff, for recognizing my efforts and improvement in classes. Mainly because my wife can’t mess with me anymore about her being a Body Shop Athlete choice several months ago.
