The best part about Dane’s Body Shop has got to be the people. Each and every member of the DBS community has a great story to tell, and they show us how the greatest results come from pure determination and hard work. This month’s first Fusion Athlete, Annie Palgutt, exemplifies that spirit.
Annie is a regular of the Strength Crew, where’s she’s been actively involved in our weightlifting meets since she joined in August. In preparing for the meets, Annie has shown focus, commitment, and, as a result, improvement!
Congratulations, Annie!
How long have you been coming to DBS and how did you hear about us?
I moved to Austin in August and started coming to DBS in October. When I moved to Hyde Park, my route to work took me right by DBS. One day I saw members outside doing tire flips and overhead carries which caught my attention, so I thought I’d check it out.
Have you always been into weight lifting? What is your fitness background?
I’ve been pretty active my whole life, chasing my 5 older brothers and sisters. In high school I played field hockey and lacrosse, and sophomore year my lacrosse coach started incorporating crossfit into our conditioning. In college, I was on the triathlon team, and incorporated crossfit mainsite and crossfit endurance wods into my routine. The last semester of college, I started focusing on lifting — mostly power because I was too scared to do any oly lifting in front of all the guys in the university gym. Last summer I biked across the country from Jacksonville, FL, to Montery, CA, which left me with strong legs, and not so strong anything else. When I moved here I was excited to pick up where I left off with lifting and learn more.
What does a typical week of training look like for you?
A sample week of training includes: Monday morning strength; Tuesday morning Hybrid, afternoon strength; Thursday morning Hybrid, afternoon strength; (sometimes) Friday morning fusion, afternoon yoga; Saturday strength; Sunday yoga. I sit at work for about 7 hours a day — which sucks, because I love what I do — but I would rather be outside moving around, so I try to get in as much active time as I can handle. When I start focusing on Olympic lifting, my schedule will change, which will be an interesting adjustment.
What’s your favorite part of Olympic lifting and strength training in general?
My favorite part of weightlifting and oly lifting is that it’s based on hard work, and that there’s always something to improve upon. It’s a never ending goal to lift more with better technique than I did the day before. My favorite part of strength class in general is the people, as well as the camaraderie. Matt always keeps us on our toes, puts up with our silliness, and has me cracking up every time!
Are you planning on competing?
I would love to compete! Physically, I am all in. Mentally, I’m trying to get to that same level. Samantha [Lower] is so great! I’m really excited to work with her and soak up anything she has to share.
How do you feel you have grown as an athlete since joining DBS?
I have grown so much since joining DBS. I feel like I’ve been doing these movements for a while, but at DBS I’m finally starting to do them right. At DBS there is a great emphasis on the balance between work, rest, and mobility that I haven’t seen anywhere else; this has helped me the most as an athlete to get stronger.
What would you tell someone who is intimidated, scared or doesn’t think they would be good at weightlifting?
Don’t think about it too much. I think It’s so hard to make someone believe what you see in them, and I think a lot of people are stronger than they think. That, and practice makes perfect!