We’re pleased to announce our first June Fusion Athlete, Marc Sturdivant! You may have seen Marc compete in this month’s AFM FITTEST competition, where he knocked out an insane amount of burpees in only a minute’s time. Well, Marc eats

burpees for breakfast, but he worked incredibly hard to get to this point. This is precisely why we voted Marc to be one of this month’s Fusion Athletes. Take a second to get to know Marc. Marc, you’re regular at our free Pease Park bootcamp held every first and third Sunday. How did you initially hear about our Free Community Boot Camp? I first heard about the free boot camps from my cousin, Terryl, when they were held at Whole Foods. We had just signed up for our first Tough Mudder and we were looking for a way to get into better shape. What was it about the people, the workouts, and overall experience at Community Boot Camp made you want to venture down the road to the Shop? I went to my first boot camp and promptly had my butt handed to me (I wasn’t as in shape as I thought I was). [Regardless I] fell in love with it. Everyone was friendly and encouraging, the workouts were fun and challenging, and then we would go to brunch afterward, which sometimes turned into epic Sunday Fundays (I’ve got some good stories if you ask me). I thought to myself, “If the boot camps are this much fun, I bet the Shop is even better.” You often attend the Fusion workouts as well as strength classes. How do you plan your workouts and how many of each type of class you attend each week? I like to workout 5-6 days a week, Mondays (lower body), Fridays (upper body), and Saturdays (total body) are my Fusion days; Tuesdays and Thursdays are my strength days; and, of course, [I workout] Sundays in the park. Wednesday is my rest day. You have a knee injury. How have you been able to work around the injury in classes? I try to get to class a little early to stretch and roll out to loosen up a bit, and I work hard, but take it easy, during class as to not exacerbate the condition. If I feel my knee can’t handle the stress, I ask for alternate exercises. I’ve also found that if I pay attention to proper form and technique, I experience less pain and discomfort. My knee doesn’t bother me as much any more, but you’ll notice that I still have a slight limp, especially when I run. I’m just going to blame old age for that.

Photo by Robin Silberling

Finding a gym in a new town is hard; of course, sometimes it’s as easy as doing a quick search on the internet! That’s how our next May Fusion Athlete, William Pauly, first heard about the Shop. Since relocating from the Windy City (that’s Chicago!), William Pauly has accepted our daily challenges with sheer enthusiasm and determination.

Take a moment to get to know William, how he became a part of the DBS community, and which barbell movements he can’t get enough of!

Congratulations, William! Keep up the good work!

How did you hear about DBS and how long have you been attending classes?

Honestly? Yelp. I was moving down to Austin in early July of 2013 and was trying to get in shape for my wedding in September. When I moved down, I needed to find a gym relatively fast and wanted something class-based to help motivate me and provide a program. I had done a month of Crossfit in Chicago and after reading the reviews at Dane’s, it looked too good to not try.

What is it about DBS that made you stick around?

Great coaches and great people. As someone new to the area, it’s been a great way to meet people and find fun activities.

I like that it’s a healthy combination of strength and cardio that is always changing. It’s tough to get bored with a workout when it’s always different. Another thing I really like about the program is that each class is fully utilized – if you are going to get an hour workout in, I want it to be an active/exhausting hour and Dane’s does a great job of fully utilizing the entire hour.

You are a regular 6 a.m. attendee, what do you like about the early morning classes?

I’ve never been a morning person, but somehow I have managed to make the 6am classes and I really enjoy it. It helps me get to sleep earlier, and at 6am it’s tough to find an excuse — besides getting up — to not come in. After work, I can think of a ton of excuses, and they usually win. Also, it feels great to get up and get it out of the way so I don’t have to think about it again for the rest of the day.

What fitness goals do you have for yourself in the next 6 months? What would you say is the biggest accomplishment you have conquered since joining DBS?

I have noticed big changes in my overall fitness level, but my biggest accomplishment has been getting back in the fitness mindset. Previously, if I was able to exercise 2-3 times per week, I would be pretty pleased with myself. Now, I’m upset with myself if I can’t get in at least 4 workouts per week. That mindset has helped me eat better also.

After several months at the Shop, I feel pretty good about my form, pace, and routine, so now I’m focused on trying to increase strength. Recently I’ve tried using heavier weights and was surprised with the result, so I plan to continue pushing on that front.

What is your favorite barbell movement? What are your favorite and least favorite Fusion movements?

I think the clean and press [is my favorite barbell movement], since it sort of hits every major body part — my main criteria for how good a movement is. I know it’s not really a single movement, but I also like the AMRAP barbell complexes we do during Community Gains (5 deadlifts, 5 rows, 5 power cleans, 5 front squats, and 5 push presses) since they are a combination of cardio and strength and hit the whole body pretty hard.

It’s tough to narrow [my most favorite Fusion movement] down to one thing, but I’d say the one thing I’ve increased the most on since starting at the Shop are pull-ups, so I’m usually happy to see those on the board.

Turkish get ups [are my least favorite]. I always feel awkward doing them, and maybe I do them wrong, but I never feel much after doing them.

If you were to explain to a friend what you do for exercise, how would you explain your training at DBS?

Like Crossfit, but better – better use of an hour, friendlier people, tons of classes, more variety, and unlimited attendance [for monthly membership].
 
Click here to sign up for DBS classes and events.

If you’ve been to one of Matt’s strength classes, chances are you’ve worked out alongside our first May Fusion Athlete, Joelle Pearson. Joelle is no stranger to heavy barbells, and she’s made remarkable strides in her lifts since joining the DBS community.

Take a moment to read about Joelle’s background, her progress with heavy lifts, and the immense importance of confidence and, of course, front squats!

Congratulations, Joelle!

How long have you been at DBS and how did you hear about us?
I’ve been at Dane’s for a year to date. My friend told me about it, but she mainly only talked about the uber-men who ran it.

What was different about DBS than other gyms or programs you have participated in?

I came from Crossfit, which stressed competition between athletes and diet challenges. I’d battled an intense eating disorder since I was 15, and it worsened significantly in that atmosphere. I dropped by the Shop one afternoon and chatted with Dane and Dunte, who immediately made me feel welcome and respected in a way that the Crossfit coaches never had.

At Dane’s, it wasn’t about winning or measuring, but developing real wellness through community and fitness. I’ve made huge strides here, mentally, physically, and interpersonally, which have fueled my recovery and changed my life more than most people know.

You enjoy the strength classes, and you are currently training for a powerlifting competition. Can you tell us a little more about the strength program as it appeals to a woman?

Women are (generally) intimidated by weightlifting for two reasons: They’ve either been convinced it will transform them into the Hulk, or because it’s “too hard.”

To the first point: Weightlifting will make a difference in your appearance — you’ll achieve beautiful definition of your natural body. You’ll replace fat with muscle. “Shaping and toning” can’t be had through hours on a treadmill — it’s done through deadlifts, squats, and HEAVY lifting.

Women often say “hard” when they really mean “unfamiliar.” Lifting is harder for women because they lack the confidence to undertake intimidating tasks, especially physical ones. They’re more sensitive to failure than men (check out The Atlantic’s May cover story on this subject, if you don’t believe me). Confidence is gained through practice, by doing something challenging, and it has unprecedented impact on self-esteem and the limitations you set for yourself in and outside of the gym.

I meet plenty of guys who can’t lift as much as me, but I’ve never heard a guy say lifting is “too hard.” Ladies: it’s all in your head. You’re stronger than you think.

What would you tell a woman that is interested in strength training but intimidated to start?
Take small steps. Lifting is scaled: you can squat 200 pounds or you can squat a 15 pound bar. Just. Start.

I did. It works:

Plus, you get to watch Liz Campo do pull-ups with a 10-pound weight strapped to her, which is BALLER.

You often attend the events DBS puts on, like Girls Wine Night, Steak Night, Fusion Fortitude Competitions. Which has been your favorite so far? Do you have any ideas of a fun event or social gathering DBS should consider doing?

The Athlete Open was a turning point for me, because our “community” was so apparent on the field. The other teams were so hell-bent on winning; it seemed like the Dane’s teams were the only ones enjoying themselves. It was a perfect snapshot of how we operate.

I also loved Dane’s Field day. It made me feel like a kid again! I was bobbing for apples after a 5k (for the record: this is impossible). Can we bring that back?

What is your favorite workout song, post workout meal, and outfit from head to toe?
Best Song: “Back Dat Ass Up” (but only when Matt plays it during squat practice).
Best Meal: SFH Whey blended with blueberries and coconut oil. Woah.
Best Outfit: I’m nothing without my Muscle Beach tank top and Atomic Athlete ranger panties.

What is your favorite lifting move and least favorite Fusion movement?

My favorite lifting move is a front squat, because I really want thighs as big as Chun-Li’s in Street Fighter Alpha. Plus, Beyonce swears by them.

My least favorite fusion movement is a “bonus” mile run. Thanks, Dane. Very fun surprise.

If you could program a workout for DBS community what are three things it would include no doubt?
Thrusters, partner medicine ball sit-ups, and anything that makes the boys take their shirts off. Just kidding! We’d finish with a Torchy’s Taco Run!

 
To become a member of the DBS community, click here to register!

When he’s not hitting the books to master the ins and outs of the U.S. justice system, he’s working up a sweat in the 5:30 Fusion class. Our next Fusion Athlete for the month of April is none other than Murphy Sayre! He’s committed to constant improvement that comes with training hard, and that’s earned him a spot as a Fusion Athlete of the Month!

Way to go, Murphy!

How did you hear about DBS and when did you start classes?

My good friend Jaime told me about the Shop. Jaime and I played rugby together in high school here in Austin, but since then it’s fair to say we both got a little soft around the edges. He told me Dane’s helped him get back in shape and that I should try it. I joined in September 2013.

Since joining the Shop, what changes have you seen not only in your physical abilities but your life overall?

The training at the Shop is unlike anything I’ve done before. It follows that I have gained a lot physically in the past couple months. But more importantly the Shop has established health and fitness as an integral part of my life. I no longer view working out as something I do to “just get it over with.” Now on my workout days, I head to the Shop at 5:30pm without a second thought, which is a dramatic change from the way I used to view exercising.

Which classes do you regularly attend? What do you like about those classes and coaches?

I usually go to Fusion at 5:30pm with Aaron and Dunte; both are excellent motivators and know how far to push me (which usually involves coaxing me into choosing a heavier weight!). I also appreciate how willing Aaron and Dunte are to answer my questions both during and after workouts.

Besides the regular Fusion classes, I try to make it to Ari’s yoga class as much as I can. Yoga is great after a string of Fusion classes, and the corpse pose at the end of Ari’s class often amounts to the most relaxing part of my week. I also am half way through an 8-week cycle of KO Fusion with Juliana, which has been really fun. I have no experience with combat sports, so I doubt I would have ever tried something like KO if it weren’t in an environment where I already felt comfortable.

The bottom line is that I’m a big fan of all the coaches at the Shop.

What are some goals you have accomplished since joining the Shop and what are some goals you are working on?

Olympic lifting was new to me before joining the Shop. When I first started, I dreaded these lifts, but now I have made it my goal to improve my form. My next step in achieving this goal is to start attending some of the strength classes throughout the week.

What do you find to be the hardest workout or movement you have done in class thus far? What movements or workout styles do you enjoy?

I’ve found that everything is hard because the difficulty scales up even if you are good at a particular exercise. In general, however, I always feel wasted during the “conditioning” weeks.

My favorite workout style, as Dunte has described it, is training for “old man strength.” The idea is to build strong hands and a strong core, and the exercises are simple: walk with heavy weight in your hands. In fact, I feel like Dunte has said those exact words in class. During these exercises I always try to push myself even harder than usual.

Tell us a little bit about Murphy outside of the Shop.

I’m in my second year of law school at UT, so that takes up the majority of my time. When I’m not busy with school I like to take my kayak out on any one of the rivers within an hour’s drive of Austin. And if I’m not too sore from the Shop, I always enjoy a pickup game of basketball whenever I can get one.

What would you tell a friend to convince them to join the Shop?

You are signing up for much more than just some cross fit classes. In a single week you will have the opportunity to participate in yoga, kickboxing, and a run group, in addition to exercising with a group of people who genuinely enjoy each other’s company. And when it comes to regular classes, I have never done the same workout twice, or even two workouts that resemble each other; hence, you will not get bored at DBS.

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!

The clientele at the Shop comes from all walks of life. From students to professors, seasoned athletes to beginners, every member of our community has a different story to tell. Our next March Fusion Athlete relies on fitness and endurance for his work as a firefighter.

Brady Glos finds time to get to the shop in between his 24 hour shifts at the firehouse. We spoke with Brady about his experience at the Shop, and how his fitness works for him whether he on- or off-the-clock.

Congratulations, Brady!

How did you hear about Dane’s Body Shop and how long have you been coming to classes?
I heard about Dane’s from a co-worker and decided I would come check it out and give it a shot. I have been coming to the shop since December and I really enjoy it here.

You are a firefighter and good physical condition. How have the classes at Dane’s benefited your training regimen and fitness so you can do your job well?
I think the classes have helped my lung and muscular endurance. I feel that both of these are a big part of what I do. I can tell that it takes more work to wear me down as opposed to a few months ago.

You must work some crazy hours as a firefighter, how do you manage to get your DBS classes in as well?
I think my schedule actually works out really well with the classes. I work 24 hours on shift and then 48 hours off shift. We have shift change at 12 noon so if I need to I can get a workout in before work. The next day when I get off, I can swing in for an evening class.

What is your fitness background? Have you always been into working out? Any specific sports you have played consistently?
I played all sports growing up and then focused primarily on baseball. I received a small scholarship to the University of Houston and played for a couple seasons. I have always been active and worked out since hanging it up. I just discovered rock climbing through some co-workers and really enjoy that.

What goals have you set for your self since joining DBS?

The only goal I have set for myself was to just be in better shape and push myself through limits. I struggle to push myself when working out on my own. That’s why I am here. I owe it to the people I work for and work with to be in good physical shape.

What are your favorite exercises at the Shop?
Favorite exercises are dead lift and back squats, even though my legs don’t show it.

If you were to recommend DBS to a friend, what would be your top reasons for joining in 2 sentences or less.
If you want an environment that will help you to push past your boundaries and get in better shape, then Dane’s is for you.

Look at how quickly time flies! It’s already March, and that means it’s time for a new Fusion Athlete!

Our first Fusion Athlete for the month of March is Maggie Hines! Congratulations! Maggie continuously demonstrates strength and enthusiasm regardless of how tough the workout is. We talked with Maggie about her work with the Shop and how that benefits her daily life, as well.

Keep up the great work, Maggie! We’re happy to have you in the community!

How did you hear about Dane’s Body Shop, and how long have you been a member?

I first heard about DBS through my sister, Kate. She bought a deal through her school for an outdoor workout. She eventually got me to come along with her once she started at the actual Shop. I have been coming off and on for about 2 years.

Have you always enjoyed working out, or is this something new for you?

Not really, I came irregularly for a while, but the Inspire 30 really made me commit to a schedule. I would say that coming consistently is a new thing for me and it’s really making a difference in my life.

Tell us more about your experience completing Inspire 30.What three benefits have you noticed?

I have found that by following the Inspire 30 guidelines I am happier, healthier, and more energetic. Changing my diet was a huge part of this. What I was drinking and eating was making me lag at work and I was tired throughout the day. Now I feel like I am eating things that are good for me but also give me the energy I need to get through a work day. I have also lost a lot of weight changing my diet, which is always nice. I don’t even find myself wanting the food I used to eat. Now I just think about the stomach-ache it’s probably going to give me, which is a pretty good deterrent. After I finished a few weeks of the Inspire 30, I felt happier in the morning at work. I didn’t need coffee (which I also gave up), I smiled a lot more, and I complained less at work. I feel like the program gave me the ability to be in control of my happiness. I was never grumpy because I ate something bad for me that made me feel guilty, or mad at myself for skipping the gym. I was happy with the choices I was making which in return made me happier all around. I knew that if I was in a bad mood it was a choice I was making at that moment, not because of something I had done that day to stem a bad feeling inside of me.

You’re a horseback rider. How does your work at the Shop help with your riding?

Dane’s helps me with riding through strength and endurance. I find it much easier to control the crazy horses when my core and arms are strong enough to sit back and hold on when they’re doing whatever they want to do. The strength in my legs has also played a large part when I’m practicing jumping courses. If my legs aren’t strong enough to encourage the horse to jump, they won’t go. Luckily when they don’t jump and I ask them to, now my legs are strong enough to keep me from falling in the dirt. Dunte has been working on our balance some in Fusion N Go. Balance plays a big part when riding. The slightest movement of your body to the right, left, front, or back can completely change your horse’s ability to jump a great jump or move in the best way. You have to be very strong to stay in one spot and be able to move fluidly in a balanced motion so that your horse is able get his 1,200 lbs over some pretty big jumps without knocking anything down.

What is most recent PR on a lift? Which lift would you like to work on next?

I actually have 2 pretty recent PR’s. I got a 125lb front squat, and a 90lb push press. I think I want to work on my clean and jerk next. For some reason, those are really hard for me.

You have started cooking your meals and lunches and planning your menu the Sunday before the week starts. How has this helped you? What is your favorite recipe so far?

This is really helpful for me because it doesn’t allow me to get off track with my diet. If I already have the groceries and my breakfast for the week is already made I feel obligated to eat it. If I didn’t have anything at home I would probably want to go grab something quick, which most of the time isn’t something I should be eating. My favorite recipe is this slow-cooker Asian pork. I put it in in the morning when I go to school and then it’s ready when I get home. I roll it up into lettuce wraps and put sriracha and some cabbage on it.

You are often in the Fusion N Go class on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. What do you love about Dunte and this fast-paced class?

I love Dunte! He’s so inspiring and motivational. The first time I heard that he was my age, I was in shock. He is so smart and seems so knowledgeable and cultured; I didn’t think anyone my age could possibly be as mature as he is. I love the Fusion N Go classes because I get just as hard of a workout but in a crunched time period. There’s no time to stop and catch your breath or you miss valuable minutes of the workout. I like how it’s straight and to the point. You’re in, you’re out, you’re exhausted, but you feel great.

Why would you tell a friend to join in Dane’s in two sentences?

The Shop has changed my life for the better, not only the classes, but the programs, coaches, and people have made a huge impact on me. Dane’s is a place where you will be inspired, motivated, challenged, and you will become disciplined, stronger, and happier.

Since it’s the month of love, we decided to pick a few lovebirds who motivate each other in and out of the Shop. And we’d like to congratulate Joe and Carol Cannon, our next Fusion Athlete COUPLE for February! Joe and Carol come to the Shop for different reasons. Whether for strength, flexibility, or longevity, Joe and Carol are in this together and we’re happy to have them aboard! Keep up the great work, you two! Continue reading

In celebration of February, the month of love, we picked two fantastic couples who rev each other’s engines in the Shop. Joe Moore and Chelsea Phillips are one of our February Fusion Couples! When they’re not wranglin’ animals, they’re clocking in hours at the Shop. They’ve been a regular part of Hybrid for some months now, and we can’t get enough of how much energy they bring everyday! Congratulations, Joe and Chelsea! Have you always worked out together, or did you start when you joined DBS? Chelsea: Since we started working together about a year ago, we started working out together too. We worked out pretty sporadically until starting at Dane’s. The variety of workouts at classes and great people have helped us stay on a regular schedule. DBS is the best! Joe: Actually, one of the first times we met involves working out. I started a running group at UT. Chelsea was the only one that showed up the first day, so we ran three miles and I was impressed with her pace. Dane’s definitely has kept our working out consistent which is key in seeing results. How competitive do you feel your other half

is? C: Joe is pretty competitive. He’s always going for higher PRs and never wants to be at the end of the group on a workout. J: Chelsea is pretty competitive. She grew up in a big military family of five. She is also a mean basketball player. Get her on the court and she’s trouble. Messed around last week and she got a triple double. Who does all the dirty workout laundry? C: Hahaha. We usually put it off as long as possible–or at least I do, which means Joe usually ends up doing it. He has a lower tolerance than I do. J: Unfortunately, that is my chore. Anyone have any advice on washing those Dri-fit workout clothes? Outside of the Shop, what are your active hobbies? C: I don’t think it counts as a hobby, but we run a traveling petting zoo together which often involves a lot of heavy lifting. Can we plug our business? Quick plug! Check us out at www.tinytailstoyou.com We also try to do as much camping and hiking as possible. We got to hike Half Dome at Yosemite over the summer, It was an insane 17 mile hike with 4800 feet elevation.I feel much more prepared for it now that I’ve been going to Dane’s for a while. We also play pickup basketball around Austin. J: We like reading, hiking, and we’re both into making art and playing music. We also play pick up basketball at a few courts around town, twin towers!

What do you feel is the biggest benefit of staying active and healthy together? How has the Shop helped with this? C: Running our business can be really stressful, Dane’s has helped a lot to keep the stress levels down which really helps our marriage too. J: Being self employed allows us to schedule our time better. The variety and availability of workouts are a huge plus. We can always fit in a workout, and they are never the same. DBS is always a blast, and I always leave the garage feeling really good about myself! Which one of you is more apt to push the other one harder than they want to go? Or to come an extra day to the Shop? C: I want to say I do, but when it comes down to it, it’s more often Joe pushing us to keep our commitment. J: I was the first one to take the plunge into getting a membership at Dane’s Body Shop and persuaded Chelsea to check it out, so I would say me. What do you think is your spouse’s favorite movement? Which do you think they are the best at? C: I think Joe likes the variety of movements in the workouts more than anything. I’m always really impressed with how much he can lift in the Olympic movements though I think it’s a cop-out to say all of them… J: I think Chelsea likes the Power Clean. It was tricky for her at first but she has been working hard on it and is now seeing the benefits. Stay tuned for the next February couple, coming tomorrow…

Sometimes, people love lifting weights, but hate running; love running, but hate lifting weights. Then there are people who love both! Our next January Fusion Athlete certainly loves both. As a regular to both the Strength Crew and Run Group, she’s demonstrated a strong commitment to reaching new heights in her training at the Shop. So let’s hear it for January Fusion Athlete Kirsten Thompson!
 

How did you hear about Dane’s Body Shop? What drew you to us, and how long have you been a member?

A friend told me about Dane’s Body Shop and shared how much she enjoyed it. I’d also seen the Shop in the neighborhood because I live nearby. I tried a few Fusion classes and loved them, and not long after joined the run group in March of last year. I started Fusion and Strength classes a few months later. Joining DBS was undoubtedly one of the best life changes I made in 2013.

Give us a little background on your fitness regimen before coming to DBS?

Before joining DBS, I did Crossfit for several years and ran about twice a week. However, I was looking for a different approach, and my running routine had become stale. (I’d gotten lazy and was running almost exactly the same route every week.) I knew that the run group and classes at DBS would open the door to new challenges and changes.

You have not only been involved in the Fusion and Strength classes but you also attended Run Group as well. How did you balance all three? What did you like about Run Group?

I love the variety at DBS, and the classes complement each other. The conditioning and stamina work in Run Group helps in Fusion classes and vice versa. Also, the focus on form in Strength class applies to the lifts we do in Fusion. So, it’s hard for me not to want to do everything. (Though I haven’t taken any yoga classes, yet – something I plan to try this year.) I make sure to plan a schedule with a little bit of Fusion, Strength, and Run Group each week. Then I’ll make other choices based on how my body is feeling that day or week or if I feel I need rest.

The DBS Run Group is a wonderful, supportive group of people, and it’s been motivating to be surrounded by such skillful runners. The coaches, Octavio and Brian, do a great job of programming. The weekly speed workouts challenged me to push myself both mentally and physically, and the distance runs got me out of the same old routine and gave me the opportunity to tackle different routes and improve my endurance. I love how running can take you all over Austin. One of my favorite routes is the DBS Barton Hills run, which includes the infamous Wilke hill and then an easier rewarding trip up Doug Sahm (RIP) hill for an amazing view of the skyline of our fair city.

What would you tell a new runner interested in trying out Run Group for the first time?

Just do it! 😉 I would encourage everyone to try Run Group. The speed workouts are scaleable and the coaches plan multiple routes at varying distances each week – so you really can choose your own adventure. I think a lot of people think they can’t run or hate running, but I suspect they’d be surprised at how their perspective would change after giving it a go.

You have also been involved in many of the DBS events. What do you like about the events? If you could suggest any kind of event for DBS to hold, what would it be?

I love how the DBS events bring people together to take on fun challenges and work toward a common goal. It’s motivating to work hard to give back to the greater community, as DBS has done with the Austin Children’s Shelter. I’d love to attend a mobility or trigger point workshop, and I think a DBS 5K fun run would be a nice event.

What is your biggest accomplishment thus far since joining DBS? Can you give us a general goal and then a strength goal you have for yourself in the New Year?

I think my lifting form has definitely improved since joining DBS. I found I love doing cleans! In general, I want to stay healthy and fit and set my sights on training for a half marathon. I also want to improve my strength and stability when lifting overhead. I have a pesky shoulder that gets stronger every day, but it’s still a work in progress.

For fun, what is your favorite local eatery, breakfast spot, or place to get a drink?

Such a hard question! We are spoiled for choice for great food and drinks in Austin now. For a fancy meal out, I love Chez Nous. For cheap and cheerful, Eastside King. Breakfast tacos would be my treat breakfast of choice, but my go-to these days is paleo baked pumpkin oatmeal. As for adult beverages, a proper margarita (with pure lime juice) and a sunny patio is a winning combination.

Sum up what DBS means to you in 2 sentences.

What really makes DBS special is the people – the coaches and other members make up this unique community you want to be a part of, and they make the challenging workouts fun. DBS is a place that I want to come back to again and again.

Read more about our previous Fusion Athletes here.