The Best Local Spots to Get Fit This Fall in Austin
Our team talks about their favorite places to go to get moving
By: Summer Williams, Content Specialist
Fall is my favorite time of year in Texas. Not just because we can finally break out our cozy sweaters and boots, but because we are now able to take advantage of all the activities Austin has to offer. Sure, cycling classes and hiking trails are available year ‘round, but at the risk of a heat stroke, it’s easy to see why many of us abstain. To commemorate this special season, I talked to a few of our fit and fabulous Content Team members, including Vania Lanas, Tyler Segerstrom, Molly Knoblock, Amelia Blumenfeld, and Joshua Creel, about their favorite local businesses and areas in Austin where they love to get outdoors and get moving.
What is your favorite local business or area in Austin to engage in fitness, and what makes this place unique?
Molly Knobloch: “Rogue Running. They have full-recovery equipment like mats, ropes, rollers, balls, etc., plus a full coffee bar, running shop, and a crossfit gym in the same building — where they even have a strength training for runners going on! It’s a great running community that’s so welcoming and open to all speeds, experience levels, ability levels, etc. They have super experienced coaches, so whenever questions come up, they have all the answers. Everyone’s so nice and they definitely prepare you for whatever you’re training for. There’s nothing like driving through a dead city at 5:15 A.M. and then walking into Rogue and seeing 100 smiling faces ready to run.”
Amelia Blumenfeld: “Black Swan Yoga! Black Swan is a local yoga studio in Austin with three locations — one north on Anderson, one downtown, and one south on Westgate. The teachers at Black Swan are all very unique. A monthly membership grants you access to all three studios, so once you get to know the teachers you have the ability to really customize your practice each day. If I’m feeling sore or introspective, I can go to a class that I know is more stretch-oriented or led by a teacher who really embraces the spiritual side of the practice. On the other hand, if I have a lot of energy, I can choose a flow that I know is going to be really active, physical, and sweaty. Black Swan is also a donation-based studio — there’s a suggested donation, but the mindset is really ‘pay what you can.’ I do purchase a monthly membership, but I like knowing that my membership cost is going toward supporting a studio that makes practice accessible for everyone.”
Vania Lanas: “Lady Bird Lake. It’s a 10-mile stretch through downtown where you can do everything from stand up paddle boarding and kayaking to running and hiking. It’s outdoors and it’s free to use year round. It’s my sanctuary and also serves as the training ground for the races I train for. It provides a place to escape and unwind or to connect and feel part of the community — it is what you make it.”
There’s also several local fitness studios along Lady Bird Lake like Ro Fitness:
Tyler Segerstrom: “Red Bud Isle. It’s a dog park with hiking trails along the river. It’s located on the northern boundary of Lady Bird Lake, next to the Lions Municipal Golf Course. It’s beautiful, it’s convenient, and it’s one of the biggest parks (13 acres!) in Austin where your dogs can roam freely. I take my two dogs Koda and Mila there to swim, hike, and run. You can also fish, canoe, kayak, SUP, or even just hang out on a hammock enjoying the view.”
Joshua Creel: “My favorite place — and easily where I spend the most time — is GoDance Studio! It has a really affordable floor fee, it’s extremely engaging for instructors and students alike, and it gives people an amazing place to grow into professionals within the partner dance world, whether they’re teaching, performing, or learning. I practice for three hours most days after work, and I love the community I get to work with. You can learn different styles of partner dance — ballroom, latin, salsa, swing dancing — as well as learning how to eventually teach, engage in choreography, attend social dancing parties and events, and simply practice. It’s great to spend several hours on the floor and then walk outside into the brisk fall air at night.”
What does local mean to you?
Tyler Segerstrom: “Local is about utilizing the resources that were founded in Austin and continue to stand out and be unique to Austin. Being true, loyal, and supportive of the community you live in.”
Vania Lanas: “Local businesses are the backbone of our economy — they’re economic powerhouses that make our daily lives a little easier or more enjoyable. They start with a dream or as a direct response to the needs of neighbors and they thrive and survive with the passion of their owners and the support of the local community.”
Amelia Blumenfeld: “I think successful local businesses both benefit from and contribute to the unique community where they’re located. Local business are driven by a passion and a desire to share that with others.”
Joshua Creel: “ I like that local venues like GoDance Studio can bring the community together by providing a place for everyone to express themselves and spend an evening!”
One size definitely does not fit all, and that’s the beauty of local. Fill your fall with with an activity that speaks to your unique soul. There’s certainly no shortage of amazing businesses and areas to check out this season!
