Stand-Up Paddleboards - a great core workout

Yet another way to stay on top of your core strengthening - stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) - now, at Quarry Lake. Stand-up paddleboarding has obviously been going on for a long time, but has recently hit it "big" in the mainland US as a fun core workout, good for all levels. You can come use them at Quarry Lake - just check in at the Front Desk. You can learn more about Standup Paddleboarding here , where some triathletes talk about it's use for alternative core strengthening. Also, Pure Austin is a dealer of Surftech paddleboards, email pureaustin@pureaustin.com if you want more info.

Texas Fitness Assessment of Public School Students - Shocking Results.

2 million public school students were tested for physical fitness. The cliff notes? Physically fit students outperform their less-fit counterparts in scholastic testing. Part two - and this is the shocker - approximately 30% of the 3rd graders were in the "healthy fitness zone", and by 12th grade approximately 8.5% made the cut. Wow.

The Statesman ran an article about this.

Pure Austin Member Dave Campbell rocked the Mas O Menos 100k Mt Bike

In his own words....

Dedication @ Pure Austin = Results

I’ve been taking spin classes at Pure Austin for a little over a year now. I can definitely say that these classes have helped me to dramatically increase my level of fitness. The instructors are great and one in particular, Ryon Talbot, is a great source of inspiration and motivation.

I noticed that Pure Austin offered VO2 testing, so I signed up and asked if Ryon could give me the test. These tests are not easy, as you are pretty much pushed to your absolute physical limits. The results taught me about my VO2 max, my lactate threshold, and with Ryon’s help, I learned how to craft my exercise routines to reach my personal fitness goals.

I’ve also combined my exercise routine with better nutritional habits. I’ve always eaten well, but I decided to cut certain things out of my diet and I’ve increased my fruit and vegetable intake substantially.

The results of my efforts have definitely started to show…

I’m an endurance focused mountain biker. Strange breed I guess... I mean, who likes to suffer on a mountain bike for hour upon hour? Well, I do – and I was happy to see that there is a local group (TMBRA) that organizes a series of mountain bike races that are focused on endurance. It’s called the Hill Country Bicycle Works Mountain Bike Marathon Championship Series.

There are five races in total, and you earn points depending on how you place in each race. The groups are categorized by age.

The fourth race took place last weekend in Terlingua, TX, which is essentially in Big Bend. It’s called “Mas O Menos” and the marathon is 100K (62.5 miles) in the open Chihuahuan Desert. The race consisted of two laps around a pre-determined course of desert single track and jeep roads. The course includes one particularly grueling climb called “Tres Cuevas” which is just over 3600ft.

I felt particularly strong during this race, and was happy to finish in 10th place in my age group out of 60 starters. My time was 5hr18min56sec…and I finished less than ½ hour behind the fastest riders in my group who happen to be seasoned veterans with over twenty years of racing experience. I’m also currently tied for 3rd place in the overall point series.

Thanks again Pure Austin Fitness!

Dave Campbell

Financial Rewards Successful in Promoting Weight Loss

The reputable Journal of American Medicine Association just published a study showing that participants who stood to gain (or lose) money in order to hit weight-loss targets were 7.7-9.4 times more successful than others who did not have this motivating factor.

I wish this incentive could be actualized / translated for everyone so that they had the same odds of success. Maybe if you want to encourage someone you love to lose weight - you could offer them a dollar a pound. Or conversely, they owe you a dollar a pound they don't lose. Whatever motivates them to make healthy life choices. I am not talking about that stubborn "last five" - - I am referring to unhealthy weight that prevents someone you love and care about from living their life to the fullest.

Please if you have a friend or loved one who would benefit from an introduction to our gym, we encourage you to bring them in or contact us at pureaustin@pureaustin.com so we can help orient them and get them involved in a healthy fitness program that can enhance their life. Unlike most gyms, our ulterior motives are not getting as many people as we can to sign up but not show up. We want our members to be some of the healthiest, happiest, fittest people we know.

If you see this guy....Tell him he ROCKS!!

What to consider when joining a gym.

I read a nice, succinct post today discussing things to look for in a gym when considering joining one. Hopefully you already are happily ensconced in the Pure Austin family.. but if not, please take a look and consider if we fit the bill!

Pure Austin instructor and member Jason Brooks takes 2nd at Palo Duro Canyon 50k

On October 18, 2008, Pure Austin's own Jason Brooks took second place in the 50 kilometer trail race. The ultramarathon took place in Texas's largest canyon, Palo Duro Canyon. Jason came in just minutes behind the leader with a time of 4 hours, 1 minute, and 48 seconds. This broke the previous course record! That ROCKS! nice job Jason.