Congratulations are in order for Hayley Creveling and Colin Harman. They are the April Fusion Athletes of the Month!

Hayley and Colin demonstrate strong commitment to strengthening their collective mind and body, juggling trips to the Shop with a full plate of courses at the University of Texas. We sat down with Hayley and Colin and asked them a few questions about their relationship with fitness, their accomplishments, and what keeps them coming to classes at DBS.

How did you hear about DBS?

Colin: I heard about the Shop from Rob [a current DBS member]. The guy is a machine so I figured whatever workouts he does — if they don’t kill me — must be great. Rob convinced me to come try it out one day before class. [ed. note: Colin is, in fact, still alive.]

Hayley: From my mom.  She loves researching topics of interest, and prior to my move to Austin, the city and its amenities were a rather large topic of interest.  During her search on various gyms, communities, and people, Dane’s Body Shop came up.  Although I didn’t try Dane’s until I’d lived in Austin for a few months, I eventually got to the Shop.

After your first workout, what were your thoughts? What made you want to return?

C:  The dynamic of the class was awesome. I had never done a workout quite like the one I experienced in my first class. Even though I was exhausted, I remember leaving and thinking,“Wow, that was kind of fun.” On top of that, everyone I met made me feel at home as soon as I walked in. The coaches remembered my name after one introduction, and several veterans of the Shop went out of their way to introduce themselves.

H: Well, I first tried DBS the morning before I was scheduled for a tonsillectomy and an adenoidectomy – maybe not my best scheduling.  It was Dane’s 6 am class in November.  As I walked to my car after class, I thought, “Yessss, I’m going to be sore tomorrow/I could really love this place/I really wish I wasn’t having surgery tomorrow.”  With (excruciating) recovery and holiday travel, I didn’t officially become a member until January, and I haven’t looked back since!

Colin, you are a young college student. How do you find time between your school work and social life to come workout?

C: It’s not easy. I hardly ever make the same classes every week just because of the nature of a college schedule. However, what I’ve found is that when I do workout, I am far more productive than if I don’t. In a similar sense, it is easier for me to wake up for a workout than for an early economics class.

After an intense workout, what is your go-to meal?

C: If it’s in the morning, my go to meal would have to be some scrambled eggs with sausage, onions, and salsa. Maybe some fresh strawberries if I have the funds, and, of course, a glass of OJ.

H: More often than not I’m not hitting “snooze” and workout in the mornings at 8 am, so my go-to post-workout meal is breakfast.  I eat the same breakfast every day during the week: ¼ C oatmeal, 1 tbs chia seeds, 1 tbs freshly ground flax seeds, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 egg and/or egg whites scrambled.  Also, I have some sort of green drink.  My breakfast doesn’t look or sound fabulous, but it’s exceptionally tasty!

Why is working out at DBS important to you?

C: I grew up playing sports throughout high school and was able to stay in decent shape. When that started slipping away from me freshman year of college, I decided to quit slacking and get back into good shape. I guess I’ve just always disliked feeling sluggish or inept whenever it comes to physical activity.

H: For me, fitness and exercise have always been a priority and a necessity. I started competitive swimming at age 6!  In running 15 half marathons, riding in the MS150 1.5 times, receiving my personal training certificate, and trying so many different gyms and fitness classes, it’s easy for me to get a little too focused on the workout, the competition, and the mirror.  But, at Dane’s, the environment is so positive and actually healthy.  I think the most important thing I’ve learned while here is to give your 100% of that day, and whatever that is, it’s enough.  I don’t have to be the fastest, thinnest, or “perfect.”

Do you have any accomplishments or goals you’d like to share?

C: I’d like to be able to do lots and lots of pull-ups. I’d also like to run a marathon here soon.

H: I personally feel I’ve come far in many aspects of the workouts, but I am quite proud that I can now do pull-ups on the thinnest green bands! I secretly love when I see pull-ups on the board.

To give Dane’s Body Shop a try, take a look at our schedule and see which class is right for you! 

Brittany Bell and Terryl Bronson are the March Fusion Athletes of the Month! Congratulations!

We decide based on a number of factors. Fusion athletes have a great attitude, strong determination and drive, are helpful around The Shop, encouraging to others, and if candidates make great ambassadors of DBS outside The Shop. Brittany and Terryl meet this criteria without a doubt!

Brittany can be found in the evening classes dominating the workout the entire time. She continues to get stronger and faster, and there is no end in sight. Brittany also spreads the word about The Shop to her clients, helping the community grow further.

You may have heard a joke or two from Terryl at some point. Terryl is enthusiastic about every workout, even if that means powering through a mean set of burpees. He’s extremely friendly and sociable, and isn’t afraid to show off his mad dancing skills. He is the man behind the choreographed dance after the Holiday Challenge!

We asked Brittany and Terryl a few questions about their time at The Shop, their favorite workouts, and more…

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

Brittany: My husband is a firefighter down the street from he Shop, and he told me about it. That was about a little over a year and a half now, and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Terryl: I first heard of DBS through some team members at Whole Foods Market. This was back when you had the free classes on the plaza on Sundays. I started out there and then officially had my first workout at the shop on May 14th, 2012.

What was your workout regimen before joining DBS?

B: I was a perpetual elliptical user, and that was it. Never really got sore after my workouts, and now that’s something I need in my life: soreness.

T: I wasn’t doing too much before DBS. I was totally out of shape and a pack-to-two-pack-a-day smoker as of February 2011. I quit smoking after 17 years and started running and working out at [HUGE GYM CHAIN]. After a month at DBS, I canceled my [HUGE GYM CHAIN] membership. 

What has been the greatest change you have seen in your life since joining DBS?

B: My attitude. For the longest time, I think fear stopped me from doing anything physically challenging. Fear of what? I don’t even know.  Maybe that it would hurt? That I wouldn’t be good enough? Failing? Now when I work out, I look forward to being challenged and I’m not scared (well maybe a little scared), which has totally carried into my personal life. My husband, Buck, is my biggest fan, so with his encouragement and help from the DBS team, I feel like I’m completely empowered.

T: I would actually have to say two things. One is pull–ups. I could hardly do one unassisted pull-up when I started, so my strength has greatly improved. The other thing that has improved is my quality of life. I have met some wonderful people at DBS who have shown me you can actually have fun working out. I have made some true friends there that I look forward to seeing on Saturday mornings. To me, the Saturday workouts are an hour hanging out with my friends, cracking jokes, and seeing how each other is doing. In between that, we do burpees and go on crazy Leann runs. 😉

What sets DBS apart from other gyms?

B: Before when I went to [Dane’s], I would just truck away on the elliptical. At DBS, I’m motivated by other people to push myself. And the coaches are all so encouraging and helpful. There’s no drill sergeants in your face like some gyms’ personal trainers can be. There are people that actually coach you to do better.

T: I believe it’s the trainers that make DBS unique. I appreciate that all of you actually walk the talk and you are very supportive and patient for those that are new. I was very intimidated to come to the shop my first time. I was dead last in every round and started to feel embarrassed because I was the last one still trying to finish my push-ups and burpees. Leann was coaching my first class at the shop, and instead of moving on or making me feel bad that everyone was waiting, she started cheering me on and encouraging me, as did everyone else. That’s what makes it unique, and that’s the reason I came back for second workout. 

What major goal have you accomplished since you began working out at DBS?

B: Running 3 miles at a decent pace. I didn’t even do that when I played soccer in high school. I was the goal keeper so I always got out of the runs. 🙂

T: Major goal was completing the Tough Mudder last year. I wouldn’t have been prepared had it not been for the fusion program and the Beast Project.

What are three goals you have for the future?

B: To be able to do push ups consistently (no dropping to my knees), 5 pull ups (no resistance band), and to be able to keep up with my husband.

T: I’m still toying with the idea of becoming a Black Chip-N Dale. I’ll keep you posted.

If you could add anything to your DBS experience what would it be?

B: Be able to participate in the DBS extracurricular activities. I’m a hairdresser who always works on Saturdays and can’t ever do any of the fun stuff.

T: I wish you offered massage on site, or if Aaron would do acupuncture there at the shop. I think we would all benefit from that.

Tell us your favorite and least favorite movements.

B: Favorite: back squats. Least favorite: burpees

T: Favorite movement is pull-ups. I still hate burpees. I know you shouldn’t say hate, but if burpees were a man, I would punch him in the face. 

Do you have a certain diet regimen you follow that helps you in your performance?

B: My husband and I have been trying to stick to a pretty Paleo diet as of the last 6 months. Although, we do love trying new restaurants and fancy ourselves a cocktail (or 4). But I haven’t had allergies like I used to since giving up dairy, and I’ve dropped 3% body fat. I still have a ways to go but I’ve never had more energy!

T: I try to maintain a very healthy diet during the week. A lot of salads, kale, spinach, etc. I barely eat any dairy, and I take my omega 3’s

Sum up what DBS and the community means to you.

B: The camaraderie at the shop is awesome. It really feels like a community. No attitudes, no egos. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. And encouraging! Before, I used to see working out as an opportunity to fail, and now, the DBS team helps me to see every workout as an opportunity to get better.  I’m so grateful to be a part of the DBS community.

T: I truly enjoy being a part of DBS. I have fun every time I’m there, and I do feel it is indeed a community and not just a gym. Many people there are either friends or family, and the new people that join fall into one of those categories very quickly. I can pay my monthly fees for the great workouts, but I will forever be in your debt for how I feel today physically, emotionally, and for all the new friends I have made. I want to thank all of the staff for what you do to make DBS such a special place. I may not say it after days of running to Avenue H, but I really appreciate all of you and I’m sure everyone else does as well.

To start your membership, or to see what the Dane’s Body Shop community is all about, register here!

When we met to discuss the nominees for this month’s male and female Fusion Athletes of the Month, both Lindsay and Jonah Tzur’s names were suggested, and we immediately  knew they were the perfect candidates. So what better month than February, the month of LOVE, to introduce our first ever Fusion Athlete Couple of the Month?

Lindsay and Jonah have been more than a pleasure to coach and get to know for all of us at Dane’s Body Shop.  They are both determined and hard-working, and we have enjoyed watching them get stronger, faster, and start to really love our classes.  They both attend the fusion and yoga classes we offer, while Jonah also participates in the Strength Program.

We recently spoke with both Lindsay and Jonah about their experience with fitness, food, and even the perfect date.

Have you always worked out together since you’ve been married?

Lindsay: No. I never really worked out before coming to Dane’s Body Shop. Jonah and I had done the fitness program on the Wii a few times together, but that’s it.

Jonah: We talked about it a lot before finding Dane’s Body Shop.

When did you decide fitness was important in your life, and why?

Lindsay: I had always talked about wanting to work out but never really did it. We moved to Austin last April, and I decided it was time to make a positive change in my life and get in shape for the first time ever.

Jonah: Since I was a kid, I’ve almost always been involved in some sort of physical activity, but never this intensely. Ever since I met Lindsay we’ve talked about actually getting into shape and she has definitely been a driving force for me.

How has fitness and coming to DBS improved your relationship or supported a healthy marriage?

Lindsay: It’s a fun activity that we can both do together. It’s nice to see the physical results in one another, as well as motivate each other both in and out of class. There are some mornings we don’t want to wake up early to come to class, but one of us will motivate the other to get out of bed.

Jonah:  We have such opposite schedules, the few times a week that we get to go work out together are wonderful. Being active together as opposed to sitting around the house till work has been great.

What do you enjoy the most about working out with your spouse?

Lindsay: The competition! I love to try and beat Jonah at whatever we’re doing, whether it is a running race or trying to beat him for time.

Jonah: Her competitive nature pushes me.

What movement is he/she really good at that you wish you could do as well?

Lindsay: Jonah is really good at holding himself up on the rings, as well as doing pull ups.

Jonah:  She is ridiculously good at things like the bear crawl and crab walk. I don’t even try to race her.

How many times a week to you try to workout at DBS?

Lindsay: I workout 3-4 times a week at DBS. Just depends on my work schedule.

Jonah: I come in 5 times a week for fusion, strength, and yoga classes.

When you aren’t working out at DBS, how do you enjoy spending your time together?

Lindsay: Lately we’ve been spending a lot of time at home. We have two cats and a dog that we like to spend time with, as well as watching movies and going out to dinner.

Jonah: We enjoy cooking, playing with our dog and cats, and have a terrible addiction to Super Mario.

Who is the cook in the family? What’s the best thing they make?

Lindsay: Jonah is the cook. I hate to cook, but I love to bake! Lately he’s been making really delicious homemade pizza. He wants to open his own restaurant in the future.

Jonah:  I am the cook, she loves my Pasta Puttanesca (I think), but I love braised ox tail.

What is your favorite go-to meal as a couple?

Lindsay: Tacos! Especially from TacoDeli post workout.

Jonah: Chinese food? Hold on let me ask Lindsay…

Jonah works nights a lot, but when you have an evening to spend together, what would you be doing?

Lindsay: When we have an evening off together, we’ll usually go out for dinner or stay in and watch a movie.

Jonah: We will probably do something food related. Whether at home or out, we definitely enjoy eating.

Describe your perfect “date” day to us. You probably might want to include a workout in there! 

Lindsay: Going to DBS of course! Then grabbing some coffee and breakfast tacos and walking our dog, Laurel.

Jonah: It would start off at Dane’s. After that we would grab a bite to eat (there we go eating again), most likely at TacoDeli. Maybe explore Austin a bit as we still are relatively new here. Drive around, looking at houses we wish to be able to afford. We enjoy things like mini golf, Pinballz Arcade, maybe a movie if there’s something good. A nice dinner (and drinks?) is always great. If there is some good music, we will try and go listen. I just realized that this was one long day and I’m gonna be too tired to go to Dane’s tomorrow.

Please explain how DBS has impacted your lives as individuals.

Lindsay: Dane’s Body Shop has made a huge impact on my life. I never worked out before, and now I do. I found something I really enjoy! The instructors are great and push you every day to do your best. It’s part of the reason I love Austin so much. I enjoy being part of the DBS community.

Jonah: I feel stronger, healthier, happier, and I love seeing the same in Lindsay.

What do you feel is the most important reason for being a part of the DBS community?

Lindsay: It’s a great group of people that help motivate one another to reach their goals.  Everyone has been so welcoming since day one.

Jonah: That it is a community. It’s so positive. And Cede.

What are your fitness goals over the next year?

Lindsay: I want to be able to do all the running in class without stopping, as well as toe push-ups without going down to my knees.

Jonah:  I recently hit my first goal that I set here: a single pull up with no band assisting. Having done that, I would like to see myself able to continually add to that number. Also I’d like to see myself able to run 5-10miles, having only recently done 3.

If you could write a workout for your spouse, what movement would you make sure they did multiple times?

Lindsay: 10-1 burpees!

Jonah: I wouldn’t say multiple times, but I would love for her to attempt 1 box jump. I know that she is able to and that it is a mental challenge to overcome, but I know she can do it. Also burpees, lots and lots of burpees.

Congratulations Lindsay and Jonah! We are so proud of your hard work and excited to continue to push you to meet your future goals.

Be sure to bring your partner, loved-one, or friend to our upcoming Fancy Fusion Valentine’s Challenge March 3 at Dane’s Body Shop.