Our Guide To Working Out in Austin
It’s no secret that Austin, Texas is one of the most active cities you can come across. The city is filled with running trails, gyms, and yoga studios offering the average workout junkie a wide variety of options that most cities just don’t offer. Having a wide variety of options, however, is sometimes overwhelming. Whether you’re visiting the city on a quick trip or you’re an Austin native looking for more options, you may not know where to start. For this reason, we found the best running trails, gyms, and yoga studios and compiled a guide to working out in Austin!
Running
Lady Bird Lake Butler Trail
This is without a doubt the most famous trail in Austin, and for good reason. The beautiful Austin skyline on one side and the Colorado river on another, this trail goes for 10 miles alternating between paved and gravel roads. The most famous highlights are the boardwalk section and the “bat bridge” where runners are able to have the full Austin experience.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
If you’re looking for a trail more in-tune with nature, this is the one. Spanning over 1,937 acres across south-central Austin, this trail starts in Austin’s famous Zilker park. The path extends 7.4 miles and gets progressively more challenging as the distance increases. The Barton Creek Greenbelt has some of the best paths Austin has to offer and the beautiful scenery is unbeatable.
South Congress
If you’re the type of person who hates running on the treadmill because you need the stimulation of your surroundings, running along South Congress is what you need. Although this is not a traditional trail and you will not be immersed into nature, it is no doubt entertaining. You’ll see all the cool shops Austin has to offer, getting the full Austin experience running along this hipster street.
Southern Walnut Creek Trail
Finally, if you’re a runner looking for a simple yet scenic trail that also provides some peace and quiet, this is the trail for you. Located in East Austin, this 7.3 mile trail links Govalle Park to the Walnut Creek Sports Park. The trail is mostly shaded – which is great considering this Austin weather – and you will be surrounded by trees, nature, and most importantly, find some peace and quiet to reflect upon your thoughts on your run.
Gyms
Castle Hill Fitness
Another great, classic gym in Austin is Castle Hill Fitness. This gym has countless fitness classes available at almost all times, has steam rooms and saunas, pools, and even acupuncture. In addition to all of this, this gym also has childcare available for busy parents who want to get a quick workout session in for the day. For all these reasons and more, Castle Hill Fitness is an Austin staple, combining everything you could want in one gym.
Hyde Park Gym
Helmed by iron game legend Mike Graham, this is the complete minimalism gym. Hyde Park Gym prides itself in needing what is only necessary and it is perfect for weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, sports performance, and fitness enthusiasts in general. This is where you can find anyone–from ages of 14 to 71–working out and gaining the strength and muscle needed to live a long, healthy life.
Blackbird
Finally, the Blackbird Fitness and Nutrition center offers some of the best programs Austin has to offer. For those who are looking to meet and exceed their fitness goals, this gym creates specific programs that are designed for your needs, and they help you along your nutritional journey as well. For this reason, Blackbird is the place where you can begin living a healthier, fuller life.
Yoga
Flow Yoga
We cannot talk about Austin fitness without yoga. With four area locations, Flow Yoga is an icon in the city with its regularly hosted workshops and training sessions. Perhaps most impressive, they have some of the biggest out-of-town yoga teachers in the country and they host many different series of classes that are oriented towards beginners and yoga fanatics.
Black Swan Yoga
This is Austin’s most popular yoga studio, where a yoga session is an intense workout session as well. Black Swan Yoga is a yoga studio funded by donations – you only pay however much you wish to donate. This studio is particularly popular with young professionals. Their classes are typically flow oriented, incorporating many different movements each class depending upon the mood of the instructor.
Pure Bikram Yoga
Another classic yoga studio is Pure Bikram Yoga, a studio offering Bikram yoga classes – a practice that involves the same 26 positions each class. This full schedule offers Bikram at all times, convenient for beginners who wish to master each pose with confidence. At present, they have four locations in downtown, south, Cedar Park, and Westlake. They also offer child care on weekday mornings for parents who are looking for a quick session during the week.
Wanderlust Yoga
Finally, a must-go yoga studio is Wanderlust Yoga. Founded by Kirsh Patel, this yoga studio wishes to elevate people’s vibrations through intentional and high-quality yoga experiences. They strive to build a community through their sessions, which are both in studio and outside in beautiful Austin areas. This yoga studio is perfect for those who want a unique yoga experience that will help them grow and push their boundaries.
