Congratulations are in order for Robin Silberling and Max Brenham, our July Fusion Athletes!
Max and Robin were chosen for their commitment and dedication to fitness, whether it’s through pushing through daily Hybrid Fusion classes or working through major injury.
We’ve awarded them with our special Dane’s Body Shop log books that will help them keep track of their daily progress, as well as keep those Community Gains numbers tallied!
Max and Robin are part of our great community here at Dane’s, and we asked them a few questions about their experience here and what fitness means to them.
How has DBS affected your life on a daily basis and in general?
Max: Philosophically, for me, Dane’s is a constant reminder that consistent focused practice creates change. The steps I take in the gym to get better are transferable to other aspects of my life. I find that, now, I am much more active in looking for ways I can practice the things I want to improve, rather than simply doing them.
Practically, I find that as a result of going I have more energy, I am more focused, and I haven’t had to buy any new clothes.
Robin: Working out at least three days a week is an important personal goal, and a key part of my life that I schedule into my week. I had been previously been attending a very good boot camp so my fitness level was pretty good but had reached a plateau, and the DBS program has helped me get into a whole new level. I had never worked with barbells or kettle bells before, and I can feel the difference this has made. I love the feeling of getting stronger. The cardio, which is always a challenge for me, has slowly gotten easier. I know I’m older (and usually slower) than most people in the classes, but this makes me want to keep it up. I really want to be healthy, active and strong as I get older. I feel great!
Max, you joined DBS with an injury knowing you would eventually need surgery, what motivated you to keep working out?
I’ve had eight surgeries on my right leg. As a result, I’ve got a lot of experience recovering from traumatic injury. One thing I am certain of is that being strong helps anybody recover more quickly, and this only becomes more important as you age. In so far as I’m past 40, I wanted to make sure that I put myself in the best position to get the full benefits from my surgery.
I got a tremendous amount of external motivation from the coaches and members of DBS prior to my surgery. The spirit of the people really made the shop come alive for me and made me want to be there consistently. There’s a tremendous amount of knowledge, talent and athletic ability at Dane’s, but from my perspective those things are not encumbered by a lot of ego. As a consequence, for me it was and remains a place where I look forward to going.
Robin, you are a regular in the infamous HYBRID Fusion class and the new Fusion N Go class with Coach Dunte. What motivates you to attend these two extra-sweaty classes?
[HYBRID is] a great class and a great group of people, and it pushes me to do as much as I can. I’m sure I’m the sweatiest person in the gym by the time the class ends. I always feel great afterwards, and I want to keep getting better. Also a mid day workout fits into my schedule the best.
I’m not sure I’d call myself a regular [at Fusion N Go], but I’ve been trying to fit in extra workouts as time and energy permit, and it fits the bill. It’s also a great “make up” alternative when I can’t make the MWF Hybrid class for some reason. I like that it moves quickly, so even if it’s intense, it’s over fast. And Dunte is a great coach!
What is your favorite movement? Least favorite?
Max: Favorite move. Probably Curtis P’s. They’re just so dang painful. Of course, I cannot do them right now. So if I had to pick a move I can do: Pistols… they’re just awful too.
Least favorite move? Easy: Bench press. It’s such a beach muscle move.
Robin: I like throwing the med balls, and I also like deadlifts. The most challenging movement for me is overhead deep squats, due to flexibility issues. Least favorite movement would be…um, the next to last round of pretty much anything.
What is your vision for the future of DBS?
Max: I think that the shop is an incredible place and, selfishly, I’d like to see it stay unchanged and in the ‘hood. That said, the better part of me hopes that you get to expand and bring the DBS mojo to other parts of Austin.
Robin: I’ve been impressed with the evolution of the shop in the last year, and I think DBS will go far because your intentions and values are in the right place. I would love to be involved in any way that I can. I look forward to seeing where it evolves, and continuing to participate.
In three sentences or less, describe the community at DBS.
Max: Dane’s is important to me. It’s a community of individuals united by their willingness to put in the work required to create change. This community inspires me to put in my best efforts, not just at the Shop, but also in my broader life.
Robin: The heart and soul of DBS are the great coaches who are always upbeat, positive and encouraging. It is more than a gym, it really is a great community of people.
To begin your membership at DBS, click here!
