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Posts tagged Swimming
Hit the Water
Jul 11th
Cool workouts for hot summer days / By Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich
Austin Woman Magazine July 2012
Summer is here and it’s heating up! Trade in your sneakers for a swimsuit and hit the water for cool workouts all summer long. Water activities are great exercise throughout the year because they give you a low-impact way to get core, strength and cardio workouts all at once. Here are a few of our favorite ways to splash around in Austin. Many of these places offer group or private lessons, so if you’re new to the water, they can help you get more comfortable. Then, with a little experience, you’ll love being active in and on the water.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) involves standing on an over-sized “surfboard” and paddling along calm water. It’s fun, relaxing and a great total-body workout, which might explain why it is currently the fastest-growing water sport in the world. Take it easy with smooth paddling or increase the intensity with moves you would do on land like squats, yoga poses, Pilates exercises or high-intensity interval exercises. Hot spots for stand up paddle boarding:
Rowing Dock: Located on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, offers stand up paddle board lessons and rentals. rowingdock.com
Texas Rowing Center: Located on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake near Austin High School, offering “paddling sampler” lessons teaching you the basics for stand up paddling, kayaking and canoeing. Rentals are available.
Paddle Zen: Located on the east side of Lady Bird Lake, offering rentals and Paddle Fit, Paddle Yoga and Paddle Pilates classes throughout the week.
Pure Austin Fitness at Quarry Lake: Paddle board rentals are free for members and available to gym guests for a daily drop-in fee, multiple “SUP Hard Core” and training classes offered throughout the week.
SWIMMING
Swimming is a great form of exercise because it not only builds your cardio, muscular strength and endurance, but it is also one of the lowest-impact methods of fitness. Swimming under the guidance of a coach and with a group is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to swim regularly. If you can’t join a group, swimming on your own is a good option too. Austin has many great public and membership pools throughout town that offer an amazing place to swim laps and beat the heat. Check out myfitlist.com for swim-workout ideas to help you get started on your own.
Coached swim groups:
Austin T3: Coached adult swim workouts. austint3.com
Pure Austin Fitness: at Quarry Lake Adult swim workouts, open lap swim and open water swimming.
JCC Austin: adult swim workouts, aqua-aerobics workouts and open lap swim.
Lifetime Fitness (North and South locations): Adult swim workouts and open lap swim.
Tough Cookie Fitness: Coached swim workouts in the pool or open water.
West Austin Athletic Club: Adult swim workouts and open lap swim.
YMCA of Austin: (various locations) Adult swim workouts and open lap swim.
Public Pools in Austin: enjoy pools all over Austin to swim laps, splash around, or just relax.
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Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich, the gals who created myfitlist.com, do the grunt work for you. Well, the organizational grunt work, anyway. They work hard to connect people with the fitness groups, information and resources they need so they can grunt, sweat and tone to achieve their personal goals.
Read the fun and inspirational fitness articles by the creators of MyFitList, every month in Austin Woman Magazine. This article can be found in the July 2012 issue on stands and online now!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Your Personalized Swimming FitList
Jun 15th
Are you a beginner swimmer looking for place to train for an upcoming swimming or triathlon event?
The MyFitList Advanced Search can take the pain out of finding a fitness group that fits exactly what you are looking for. Sure you could Google “Swim training in Austin Texas”, but good luck navigating all the various websites and comparing workout schedules, locations and important info like, “is this group good for beginners”.
MyFitList helps you personalize your search. Here is one of the latest searches completed at MyFitList.com:
Lisa A. was looking for a group that met the following criteria:
Activity: Swimming
Level: Beginner/Recreational
Goals: Training for an event
Workout days: Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Workout times: Early, 5am-8am
Here is Lisa’s Personalized Swimming FitList:
Visit MyFitList.com to find your own FitList today, and get one step closer to reaching your fitness and wellness goals!
New Businesses Join MyFitList
Apr 2nd
MyFitList brings together information about hundreds of fitness businesses across Austin, making it easy for you to find the perfect fitness match!
We wanted to welcome and highlight the latest businesses to join the MyFitList Community. Be sure to check out them out – you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for!
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ACT Running: RRCA Certified Distance Running Coach specializing in beginner programs and post-partum running. Also offers online coaching from 5k to Marathons. Read More >>
Cornerstone Health & Fitness Training Studio: Our mission is to positively impact our community by equipping our clients to develop complete wellness of mind, body, & spirit. Read More >>
Elli Overton Training Systems: Adult Swim Technique Instruction. Supportive and motivating one on one instruction, including underwater video taping. Read More >>
Urban Animal: We’re a movement, not a gym. We believe people are animals, not machines, and our workouts feel that way. Play dirty, train green. Read More >>
Vita Wellness LLC: “Helping You Feel Better So You Can Live Better!” Providing individuals and companies the opportunity to experience vitality & optimal health! Read More >>
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>> Are you a local fitness business? Join our community for free, here: http://www.myfitlist.com/businesses
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting Triathlon
Mar 6th
Check out this month’s Austin Woman Magazine for the monthly fitness article from MyFitList! Continuing our focus on Triathlon, we share our list of 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before Jumping into the Sport of Triathlon. Pick up your copy of Austin Woman Magazine on stands now, or read the March 2012 Digital Edition online!
Training and racing in triathlons is an amazing way to stay fit, particularly in Austin. Not only do you get to enjoy the outdoors as you swim, bike and run, but you also become a part of the vibrant triathlon community of athletes, coaches and supporters. Triathlon is one of the most popular endurance sports in Austin, and participating in this sport is an awesome experience that we encourage everyone to try at least once. Before you jump in to triathlon, we brought together coaches and experienced triathletes to share the insight they wish they had before they got started in the sport. See you at the finish line!
- Find Your Training Fit
Spend time figuring out what training setting works best for you. Do you need guidance, accountability or skill development? Do you prefer individual attention versus camaraderie with fellow athletes? Would you feel more comfortable training in a women-only group? Shop around before you join a group and take advantage of trial periods to make sure you enjoy working with the coaches and other athletes. - Beware of the Urge to Splurge
Triathlon can be a gear- and equipment-heavy sport. It can add up quickly if you’re not careful. But that’s not to say you can’t do triathlons if you’re on a budget. Be smart and spend wisely when necessary. Then, as you get more involved and experienced in the sport, upgrade your beginner gear. - Know What You’re Getting in to
Watch a race before you compete in your first race. It’s not only helpful to get a gr asp of logistics of the race—bike setup, open-water swim course, running course, transitions—it is also extremely motivating and will get you excited about your own race. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the community, watch a race up close and personal, and meet fellow athletes. - It’s Not Just a Sport, It’s a Lifestyle
Triathlon requires a lot of training and discipline, and you’ll find that it influences many aspects of your life. You’ll go to sleep earlier on a Friday night and wake up earlier on a Saturday morning than you ever would have thought. You’ll start to eat better, read and blog about triathlon and talk to your friends about working out. - Not All Races Are Created Equal
For your first race, try a sprint distance or break up the Olympic distance in to a relay with two other friends. It is also a good idea to seek out a local race for your first. Traveling for a race brings with it a lot of other things to consider that you might not want to add to your first-race jitters. Ask around at local tri shops like Jack and Adam’s Bicycles. These experts will be able to recommend great local beginner-friendly races. - Be Your Own Barometer of Success
It’s easy to get caught up in the competitiveness of the sport. It is important to set your goals and decide what you want to achieve. Challenge yourself, and use races and your teammates as motivation to reach your goals, but remember what is important to you. - Self-Care is Critical
Triathlon and endurance-sport training put your body under physical stress, so it’s important to take really good care of yourself. This means massages, eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, stretching, foam rolling, yoga, cross training and listening to your body. Triathlon can be a very fun and fulfilling lifestyle, as long as you take care of your body. - It’s Highly Addictive
You think completing an Ironman sounds insane, impossible or you just don’t have time? Just wait until you complete your first season. You’ll be hooked for life! - Triathlon Can Change Your Life
You’ll meet some of your best friends (and friends you’ll see the most), improve your health and push yourself to new levels physically and mentally.
Now that you know what you’re getting in to, here are a few tips from a few of Austin’s top triathlon coaches to get you going!
Carrie Barrett of FOMO Training:
Have fun. The missing ingredient to so many people who are caught up in gadgets and wizardry. My personal mantra is, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, someone else will.” Have fun during the training. It truly is a gift. (More about FOMO Training)
Have fun. The missing ingredient to so many people who are caught up in gadgets and wizardry. My personal mantra is, “If you can’t laugh at yourself, someone else will.” Have fun during the training. It truly is a gift. (More about FOMO Training)
Shawn Bostad of Pure Austin Coaching (PAC):
Always train with a purpose. Have a goal with every session and make that goal measurable. (More about Pure Austin Coaching)
Tzatzil LeMair of Tough Cookie Fitness:
Mix it up and keep it fun. Variety is the spice of life also applies to fitness. Cross-training is not only good for you body but also your mind. Adding yoga, pilates or bootcamp classes can help keep you fit and avoid overuse injuries. (More about Tough Cookie Fitness)
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Chrissie Jarrell and Natalie Yerkovich, the gals who created myfitlist.com, do the grunt work for you. Well, the organizational grunt work, anyway. They work hard to connect people with the fitness groups, information and resources they need so they can grunt, sweat and tone to achieve their personal goals.
Read the fun and inspirational fitness articles by the creators of MyFitList, every month in Austin Woman Magazine. This article can be found in the March 2012 issue on stands and online now!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Triathlon Gear for Beginners
Feb 9th
All of you experienced triathletes may laugh at this understatement… the sport of triathlon can get expensive. Training for a tri can add up quickly, but you can get to the start line without breaking the bank. We consulted the triathlon gear + service specialists at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles for their expert advice about the best gear for beginners. They know their stuff! Get to know them here.
First, a few things to consider.
1. Be honest about your level of commitment. Is triathlon something you see yourself doing for many years to come? Or is a triathlon race just something you’re crossing of your bucket list? Your level of commitment to the sport might be a good indicator as to how much you should invest in equipment and gear.
2. Work with what you have. No need to buy a new bike just because you’re riding it in a triathlon. For your first race, you can adapt your mountain bike to be more road-friendly by having the nubby tires replaced with slicks. Or ask a friend to borrow their road or tri bike and helmet.
3. Buy what you need now, reward yourself with upgrades later. Want a fancy tri bike or aero helmet? Set milestones and reward yourself with new gear when you reach those goals. In your first few seasons, you’ll quickly learn which brands and types of gear you like and dislike. Feel things out until you are really know what YOU need to perform well, be comfortable, and have a successful season. There are endless ways to spend money on gear, but just keep in mind… As awesome as it would be to race your first sprint distance triathlon in the TYR Hurricane Freak of Nature Wetsuit, it’s just not necessary.
4. Spend where it counts. Spending money on making sure your bike fits properly, bike maintenance and repairs, the correct running shoes for you — these purchases make a HUGE difference in your tri life. Costly upgrades (any thing with the word “aero” or “carbon fiber” as a descriptor) won’t help you much until you reach higher levels of racing and personal performance. The pros at Jack and Adam’s or your local tri shop are happy to give you honest advice to help you figure it all out.
The Necessities
- Swim suit
- Swim cap
- Goggles
- Wetsuit (optional, depends on water temperature)
- Bike
- Helmet
- Tri top
- Tri (cycling) shorts
- Cycling shoes (optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Clipless Pedals (again optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Race belt
- Running shoes (Easy Laces optional)
- Flat repair kit
- Water bottle(s)
Buying the gear is the easy part.
The pros at Jack and Adam’s make it especially easy. Walk into Jack and Adam’s Bicycles on Barton Springs Road, and walk out with literally everything you need to do your first triathlon. The complete Rookie Package starts at $1,080 (upgrades available) and includes free bike fit, 100 mile check up, and 2 free tune-ups. Plus, their knowledgeable staff can give you all sorts of advice and recommendations – they even offer 4 free workouts every week!
Now that you’re geared up, it’s time to start training! Be sure to visit MyFitList and stay tuned throughout Triathlon Month for information about different training groups, training tips, and gear favorites from triathlon experts in Austin.
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Perk alert! MyFitCard holders get 10% off select purchases at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles! Must present MyFitCard at time of purchase. Excludes bikes, wheels and sale items & cannot be combined with other offers. MyFitCard gives you deals and discounts, like this, at fitness businesses all over town. Get your MyFitCard today!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Triathlon Training Immersion with Camp Multisport
Feb 3rd
Training camps are a great way to kick off your multisport training and get energized for the racing season ahead! Training camps allow you to spend focused time improving your skills, learning new training techniques and tools to make racing faster and easier, all while spending the weekend with like-minded athletes.
Camp Multisport, in particular, is one of the most anticipated multisport camps in Central Texas! Camp Multisport is geared for all multisport athletes, from beginner to expert, short course through ultra distance. All camps include:
- Daily Workouts
- Hands on Technique Clinics
- Active Workshops
- Lectures & Seminars
- Catered Meals
- Camp sweatshirt
- Swag bag
- Beautiful Hill Country Scenery at the Seven Bluff Cabins
- Cabin Accommodations Available
Some of the country’s best coaches are coming together to coach YOU for 3 separate weekends this Spring:
- February 24-26, 2012: Pro Triathlete & Coach Brandon Marsh with Coaches Susan Farago, Claudia Spooner & David Garza will coach beginner athletes to advanced athletes in all aspects of multisport. From Intro to Open Water Swimming to Training for a Race at Altitude from Sea Level, this camp truly has it all. $300 plus lodging.
- March 2-4, 2012: No Boys Allowed! Susan Farago with Coaches Chrissie Novak Jarrell, Claudia Spooner, and Rosemary Chriswisser will coach beginner athletes to advanced athletes in all aspects of multisport. From Intro to Open Water Swimming to women specific issues & racing this camp truly has it all. $300 plus lodging.
- April 5-8, 2012: Led by triathlon World Champion and Coach Siri Lindley. Join us for a three day coaching experience like no other. Whether you are an average age group athlete looking to PR, a top 10 finisher, looking to move up to the Pro rankings, or a Coach looking for new coaching ideas this camp is for you. This limited space available camp lends to small group sessions with Coach Siri Lindley. The camp will cover a multitude of subjects & workouts. $900 plus lodging.
Immerse yourself in triathlon training with the pros for a weekend this Spring at Camp Multisport! Get more information and register online at www.campmultisport.com. Space is limited!
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Perk alert! MyFitCard holders get a $10.00 discount toward one of the February or March 2012 Camp Multisport training camps, featuring top USA Triathlon Certified Coaches in beautiful Concan Texas.
MyFitCard gives you deals and discounts, like this, at fitness businesses all over town. Get your MyFitCard today!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
February is Triathlon Month!
Feb 2nd
Our mission at MyFitList is to connect the fit minded people of Austin with resources and information that help them get the most out of the amazing fitness community in Austin. Each month, we’ll be featuring a new activity and February is TRIATHLON MONTH! Throughout the month, we’ll be featuring training and racing tips from Austin pros, highlighting training groups, gear reviews, events, sharing special promotions and more. Whether you’ve never tried a triathlon or you’re an experienced age-grouper, we’re excited to feature info to help you have the best season ever!
First things first. What is a triathlon?!
Swim > Bike > Run
There are 4 main distances in the sport of triathlon:
SPRINT: (also comes in the ‘super-sprint’ variety, with even shorter distances). Most sprints are:
Swim: 750 meters
Bike: 20 km (12.4 mi)
Run: 5 km (3.1 mi)
OLYMPIC:
Swim: 1.5 km (0.93 mi)
Bike: 40 km (24.8 mi)
Run: 10 km (6.2 mi)
HALF IRONMAN-distance:
Swim: 1.93 km (1.2 mi)
Bike: 90 km (56 mi)
Run: 21.09 km (13.1 mi)
IRONMAN-distance:
Swim: 3.86 Km (2.4 mi)
Bike: 180 km (112 mi)
Run: 42.2 km (26.2 mi)
Get ready:
There are many options when it comes to preparing for a triathlon race, including: private coaching, group training, training camps, online training plans and free workouts in the community. Get familiar with training resources in Austin here: http://www.myfitlist.com/find/activity/triathlon
A few things to consider when finding your training “fit”:
- Do you prefer working out with a group or alone?
- Does your schedule allow for set workout times and locations or do you need flexibility?
- Do you need the instruction, support, and motivation that a coach would provide?
- Are there specific skills you need to develop to feel confident racing triathlon?
- What are your racing goals?
Among the many options for triathlon training in Austin, each program offers something unique that will help you have a great season and positive triathlon experience! The key is finding your “fit”.
See how you can train and save with MyFitCard. Perks and promotions from some of Austin’s top triathlon resources like: Austin T3, Big Pistachio / Camp Multisport, FOMO Training, iRuniTri Multisport, Jack and Adam’s Bicycles, T3 Multisports, Tempo Multisport.
Stay tuned throughout the month for an in-depth look at topics like:
- Selecting a great race in the 2012 season.
- Training camps for intensive skill building.
- Nutrition for endurance athletes.
- Best gear for beginner to advanced.
- Is personal coaching right for me?
- How group training can help me reach my tri goals.
- And more!
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Healthy Hydration with Nuun
Jul 13th
Don’t let summer and these 100+ temps get you down, athletes and weekend warriors. We know, it’s really hot. And you want to keep exercising, whether you’re swimming, cycling, running, or bootcamping outside OR even working out indoors – remember to stay hydrated with water PLUS an electrolyte enhanced drink.
Image courtesy nuun
You’re probably all familiar with at least a few electrolyte drinks (think Gatorade, Powerade). Now think of a healthier hydration product that isn’t loaded with sugar and won’t “undo” your hard work. Nuun is a great product to replenish electrolytes and minerals that you sweat out during your workout (or walking around town, let’s be honest). The best part: nuun has no sugar and each tablet contains less than 8 calories. Nuun comes in tablet form which means you can easily stash a few in your workout bag, jersey pocket or SPIbelt when you’re on the go!
Nuun recently released new flavors that are really light and refreshing – strawberry lemonade, grape, fruit punch, and tropical.
MyFitList has a stash of new flavors and classic flavors to giveaway! Enter by 1) Join the MyFitList mailing list or 2) Comment on our Facebook page to tell us what fitness activities you like to do that make you sweat!
You can also buy nuun at stores around Austin like: Mellow Johnny’s, Pure Austin, Mel’s Meals, Hill Country Running Company, Bettysport, Jack and Adams, REI and more!
For more information like nutrition and ingredients, be sure to check out nuun online here: www.nuun.com
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MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place and narrow them down based on location, time of day, and day of the week! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Find your Ideal Fitness Group in Austin
Jun 29th
MyFitList is excited to announce the launch of the much-anticipated “Advanced Fitness Search” feature on MyFitList.com! Now you can find workouts based on area of town, time of day, day of the week, and more! This changes everything for fitness-seekers in Austin and makes it easier than ever to find the perfect fitness solutions for you.
Looking for a running or cycling group with early morning workouts on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, near downtown? How about a yoga studio on your way home from work, where you can stop in for a class? Maybe a free bootcamp workout you can check out on Saturday mornings?
You can now find all of that , and more, on MyFitList!>>
The first step in reaching your fitness goals is figuring out how to make it happen consistently. Browse hundreds of fitness groups and workouts around Austin to find something that works with your schedule and keeps your body and mind engaged.
Meet your fitness match now at MyFitList.com and be sure to stay tuned for more updates that will further improve your search for all-things-fitness in Austin.
*Are you a fitness business with workouts around Austin? Make sure your business is listed by visiting here and creating a profile: http://www.myfitlist.com/businesses
Swimming Pools in Austin
Jun 2nd
Summer is definitely upon us here in Austin! A great way to cool off and get a quality workout is to visit any of the 43 public pools all over town, courtesy of Austin Parks & Recreation. Most pools are free and just a few charge a small entry fee, giving you access to great spots to swim laps, aqua-jog, or just splash around!
Swimming is one of the best ways to exercise because you’re working your entire body, it’s low-impact, and being submerged in water definitely helps beat the heat!
Visit the Austin Parks & Recreation Department website to view locations, schedules, and more information about all 43 public pools in Austin. Many pools are open now, and all will be open by June 6.
If you’re looking for a group to swim with or want to brush up on your swimming stroke technique, visit MyFitList to find groups that offer training for swimmers of all abilities: http://www.myfitlist.com/find/activity/swimming
We’d love to hear from you! Where are your favorite pools in Austin? What are your favorite pool workouts? Do you have a go-to swimming workout? Share with your fellow readers here!