Austin

This is a comprehensive list of Austin gift ideas for your local friends, and those you are trying to convince to move here! 

You’ll find the perfect gift at any of the unique Austin businesses around town. Local businesses here are different, off the beaten path, and offer novel gifts that your people will love.

Whether it’s gift cards, gift certificates, or IOUs for local outdoor adventures, you’ll find the best great Austin gifts here!

It’s Shopping Season!

Yall, the weather is getting cooler and the holidays are fast approaching! It’s not only sweater weather, holiday season, it’s shopping season! 

Austin has such a unique vibe: it has combination of creative energy, Texas hospitality, and just enough weirdness to make it a place where people feel free to express themselves, try new things, and enjoy the good things in life. It’s a city that offers both a small-town feel and big-city amenities, making it truly one of a kind.

Check out these authentic  gifts to catch the spirit of Austin for your shopping this season! Some of these are amazon affiliate links, which I may make a small commission from.

Austin Gift Guide 2024

Austin Foods and Snacks

Local food and snacks are always a good idea! Whether you’re sending deliciousness through the mail or treating your friends in person, food gifts are always great ideas.

Austin’s Own Barbecue Sauce 

Austin’s Own is truly a family-recipe barbecue sauce that has grown from a small batch to national distribution. They are still local though and can be found here.

Franklin’s Barbecue

Franklin’s Barbecue might be the most famous barbecue in Austin. If you aren’t wanting to send an edible gift, consider this box set of paperbacks from Aaron Franklin. This includes Franklin Barbecue and Franklin Steak.

The Salt Lick

The Salt Lick is a famous and fantastic barbecue restaurant just south of Austin. If you can’t treat your loved ones to a trip to the pit, you can send them a little bit of local flavor with Salt Lick dry rubs. 

Tacos!

No Austin culinary scene would be complete without tacos, and tacos are always good gifts. My favorite tacos available for local delivery are Torchy’s, Tacodeli, and Veracruz All Natural.

Austin Gifts

The Burlap Bag

The Burlap Bag candles have amazing names (Puppy Breath, Smelly Cat, Someone in Austin Loves Me). They are made from all natural US soy beans and are hand poured in Austin, Texas in small batches to ensure quality. I happen to know the owner and have bought many candles from her. I can vouch! 

Whiskey Glasses

Whiskey glasses for Austin lovers and bourbon drinkers! These glasses features a map of the city etched into the glass. Find your favorite neighborhood and sip away.

Uncommon Objects

Uncommon Objects is one of the most interesting stores in Austin. They source their “transcendent junk” from craft shows, estate sales, and markets all over. They do not sell online, so head over to South Austin to check out their one of a kind hand picked goods. 

The Austin Gift Company

The Austin Gift Company features over 150 booths from local artists and artisans under one roof. With a wide selection of gifts, this is a one-stop shop. You’ll find gifts that capture Austin’s iconic skyline, images of the Texas Hill Country, and the famous Mexican free-tailed bats. Christmas gifts are abundant here too.

Austin Adventures and Experiences

Adventures and experiences are fantastic gifts! From guided walks around Lady Bird Lake to being tourists on South Congress, doing is sometimes the best gift.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Do you have a film buff on your shopping list? The Alamo Drafthouse is seriously one of the most fun places in Austin. With their big comfy lounge chairs and full food and drink menu, it’s a better way to watch a movie! You can get Alamo Drafthouse gift cards so your friends and family can redeem at their leisure.

Guided Tour of Austin

Sometimes experience gifts are the most fun kind of gifts. This book, Austin Like a Local, includes 6 walking tours and is updated for 2024. This is a great Austin gift, as it will provide hours of experiences and memories. 

Viva Day Spa

Viva Day Spa is a great way to gift a relaxing time. Founded by 3 women in Austin, Viva Day Spa is one of the best med spa locations, and day spas in Austin. Treat your significant other or bff to a blissful time here. Gift certificates are available. 

Austin Music and Memorabilia

The music scene in Austin is popping! It’s my absolute favorite thing about Austin, formerly the city of Waterloo, currently the Live Music Capital of the World!

Waterloo Records

Waterloo Records is a staple in Austin. Located downtown on North Lamar, Waterloo features vinyl records from local bands and more. Your favorite music lover will cherish a gift from the live music capital of the world!

Live Music Tickets

If you are looking to create a really special event for an Austin gift, check out tickets for SXSW, ACL, or even one day concerts at Saxon Pub, The Continental Club, the Moody Center or Moody Amphitheater, Emo’s, Stubb’s, Antone’s…. there are sooo many great venues here. Keep up with the latest news and event calendars to find a show you’ll love.

Other Austin Favorites

Toy Joy

Toy Joy has provided Austin with games, books, puzzles, and toys since 1987. Visiting the store is an experience in itself! It’s not only children’s toys either! They have something fun for everyone!

Austin Rocks

Austin Rocks is a funky little boutique on 2nd Street. Here you can find any Austin gifts, from guitar picks, to cool shirts, shot glasses to “I love you so much” coasters. You can absolutely find unique and kind gifts here, to tell someone you are thinking about them!

The Austin Visitor Center

Located in the heart of Austin on 4th Street, the Visitor Center can help you plan the perfect experiences in Austin. If you are still looking for the best way to give the gift of Austin, check out the visitor center. 

Keep Austin Weird

Shop local yall, and Keep Austin Weird!

These gifts are way cooler than another thing from Home Goods or Target. No shade, but these unique gift items are a fantastic idea to spread the weird, lovable vibe, from Austin zip codes to Round Rock, Georgetown, Houston, Dallas, and beyond. 

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• 
  How to Heat a Garage Gym: The Best Tips and Equipment
• 
  Home Leg Workouts With Dumbbells
• 
  Horizontal Pressing Exercises
• 
  The Best Gifts for Powerlifters and What 1 Gift to Avoid
• 
  Restaurants Near Domain Austin
• 
  How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

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Just in time for cooler weather (hallelujah!), I present to you the 5 best parks in Austin for outdoor recreation. Austin is a beautiful city that does an excellent job of prioritizing parks, green space, and walking trails. It is a great place to balance gym life and the great outdoors.

We all know that movement is healthy for our bodies, and so is being in the outdoors. Combine the two, and you can reap the benefits of the sunshine and Vitamin D, healthy fresh air from the green trees, and movement in the open space, away from computers and Zoom calls. 

Getting outside is a perfect supplement to your gym training. You can walk, hike or swim as an active recovery between lifting days, or you can use this as cardio. Or, my favorite, just get outside and play and be happy.

For this holiday season: read the ultimate gift guide for powerlifters. Or if you’re wanting to spread local cheer, the ultimate Austin Gift Guide (2024).

Check out these places below, and you’ll find the perfect place to refresh your day, and spend some time in the great outdoors. 

Zilker Park

Zilker Park is hands down the best park in Austin. Formally called Zilker Metropolitan Park, Zilker Park is located in the heart of Austin. It is just on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, and covers 351 acres of lawn, trails and trees.

Zilker Park has an expansive green space that allows for kite flying, picnicking, off-leash dog frolicking. There are picnic tables, volleyball courts, and trails for walking and hiking, and a disc golf course, all with a great view of downtown Austin.

Zilker Park is a great spot to bring a blanket and tennis shoes and get some outdoor exercise in. You can run, jump, do lunges, pushups, or stretch and meditate. and K LINK minimal or bodyweight exercise links. 

Zilker is also the location for great events such as Blues on the Green, the Austin Kite Festival, and the world famous Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The property also contains my favorite place in Austin, Barton Springs Pool, and the Zilker Botanical Garden. Barton Springs Pool is a chilly 68-70 degrees year round. It’ll give you a pep in your step when you get out of the water! Barton Springs Pool has an admission fee of $5 – $9, and veterans get in free.

Zilker Botanical Garden is a 28 acre gorgeously maintained property with live oaks, water features and koi ponds. Parking is free in the small parking lot, and admission is $5-$7.

Outside of the botanical garden, parking is abundant at Zilker Park, but it still gets crazy busy. Parking is $7 on weekends, holidays, and special events. 

Address of Zilker Park:

2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Austin, TX 78704

Anna & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk

Covering 10.1 miles around Lady Bird Lake, the Anna & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk is a hike and bike path designed for non-motorized traffic. There are shorter versions of the trail if you cross at the Lamar Street Bridge, South First Street, Congress Avenue, or the pedestrian bridge. The far east part of the trail reaches to Krieg Fields, which is a recreation complex that has sand volleyball courts and softball fields. 

There is not one specific address, as the trails cover so many miles around Lady Bird Lake. Some parking options include the lot at Auditorium Shores, street parking on S. Lakeshore Blvd, or lot and street parking near Austin High School. 

Address of the Anna & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and Boardwalk:

Parking near Austin High School, located approximately at

1900 Stephen F. Austin Dr.
Austin TX 78703

Mueller Lake Park

Mueller Lake Park is a very modern park in east Austin, at the site of the former Mueller Airport. The park contains walking and biking trails and green space that surround a 6.5 acre pond. There is an open-air amphitheater, interactive playscape for the kids, and food trucks for if you need refreshment. The open green space is a perfect spot to set up a yoga mat or picnic blanket, and do some snacking and stretching.   

As a sidenote, just across the street from Mueller Lake Park is the Pharr Tennis Center, which has tennis courts and a small walking trail. 

Address of Mueller Lake Park:

4550 Mueller Blvd.
Austin, TX 78723

Auditorium Shores

Auditorium Shores is a beautiful park located downtown, also along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. Auditorium Shores includes a large open area where running groups, outdoor boot camps and solo exercisers mix. Close to the water is a barebones outdoor gym which includes a slant board for ab work, pull-up bars, and parallel bars. 

If you’re there to relax instead of exercise, bring the pup and a snack. Much of the lawn is an off leash dog park, and there are abundant places to set up a picnic area. Another great option for exercising at Auditorium Shores is to combine some bodyweight exercises with a walk around Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake), as this is a great access point to the hiking trail.

Address of Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park:

800 W Riverside Dr.
Austin, TX 78704

Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail

The Barton Creek Greenbelt Trailhttps://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-creek-greenbelt is 12-14 miles of trails that encompass many other popular trails in South Austin. The trailhead is located near Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park, and continues through the Violet Crown Trail, Twin Falls, Sculpture Falls, and Hill of Life at the trail’s end. This trail ranges from flat and wide to rocky with a small grade. 

Hiking the entirely of this trail will take 4.5 – 6 hours or more, so be prepared with hiking shoes and water. You can break this hike into parts, by just hiking the Violet Crown Trail, or just to Twin Falls and back, if you’d rather a shorter time and distance commitment.

Note that when Austin has had adequate rain, you’ll see a good bit of water and some waterfalls on this hike. It won’t always be flowing, depending on recent rainfall. I recommend checking AllTrails K LINK for recent reviews if choosing hikes with waterfalls in Austin is important to you. 

On the list of best parks in Austin for outdoor recreation, this might be the best!

There are several access points, including a couple in neighborhoods. Below are the trailhead and trail’s end addresses. 

Address of Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail:

Trailhead:

2212 William Barton Dr.
Austin, TX 78746

Trail’s end:

1710 Camp Craft Road
Austin, TX 78746

Best Parks in Austin

If you are looking for something specific like basketball courts, a splash pad, baseball fields or a soccer field, you might have to do some other googling. In the meantime, check out the above 5 best parks in Austin for outdoor recreation. Let me know which ones you love, and which I need to check out! 

Related: Best Gyms in Austin, Texas and best restaurants in the Domain if outdoor recreation is not for you. While you’re at it, check out the newest gym in Round Rock, Texas. This place is awesome!

Is Personal Training in Austin on Your Bucket List?

Yes I know, I use bucket list incorrectly. I just think something as good as worthy of being on a bucket list, is worth doing more than once!

If you are looking for personal training in Austin, I’d be so happy to do a free consult with you and discuss goals and options for you. Check out this page about personal training details and leave me a message about how I can help you!

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• 
  How to Heat a Garage Gym: The Best Tips and Equipment
• 
  Home Leg Workouts With Dumbbells
• 
  Horizontal Pressing Exercises
• 
  The Best Gifts for Powerlifters and What 1 Gift to Avoid
• 
  Restaurants Near Domain Austin
• 
  How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

The Austin Fit Fest is coming up on August 19 here in the capital city! Austin Fit Fest is a mashup of sports, competitions, vendors and exhibitions. There will be strongman, powerlifting, jiu jitsu, MMA, weightlifting, CrossFit, armored combat, wrestling, and more.

United States Strongest

The United States Strongest, hosted by Big Tex Gym, Factory Gym, Iron Gym, and Lift ATX, will feature national qualifying strongman and powerlifting events. There will be over $5k in prizes from these competitions so you know competitors are ready to bring their A game and put on a show.

These two events will be worth the admission, alone! 

Check out this Austin Gift Guide (2024) to make your holiday shopping easy!

The strongman competition is a qualifier for US Strongman and powerlifting through WRPF. 

MMA

Mixed martial arts, jiu jitsu, and arm wrestling will be happening as well. These are fan favorites, and tickets are separate for the MMA, so be sure you are purchasing entry to the events you’d like. 

Armored Combat

Armored combat is a sport in which participants are clad in helmets and armor. They fight with swords and clubs. This will be a first for me! 

Austin Fit Fest Tickets

Tickets are $30 for general entry, $45 for MMA, and $75 for both. Kids 10 and younger are free. You can check out more info here at their website.

I’ll be there between the powerlifting and strongman so I hope to see you then! 

Other Austin Info

Austin Gift Ideas

Austin in September (2024 Events)

Austin Hiking Trails with Water (Summer 2024)

How to Find a Personal Trainer in Round Rock, Texas (2024)

Iron Forge Gym in Round Rock, Texas

The 5 Best Parks in Austin for Outdoor Recreation (2023)

Outdoor Recreation in Austin

If you are inspired by these out of the box sports and looking to get outside for some movement, check out this post about the 5 best parks in Austin for outdoor recreation.

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My favorite fitness things in North Austin: why you can find what you need for your fitness journey all the way up here.

I lived in Houston for sometime and I found that you pretty quickly develop your little pocket of town and rarely venture out. When I moved to Austin (15 years ago) I was so amazed that downtown was accessible. You can go everywhere or you can park anywhere. Want to go to the lake? Then go. Need to visit a business downtown? Easy.

Fitness in North Austin

It’s becoming a little busier though and I am staying in my north Austin pocket more and more. Much of Austin lends itself to an active lifestyle, but I submit to you my reasons for why I think North Austin is where the fitness scene is.

The Dirdie Birdie

The Dirdie Birdie is the newest indoor scene for mini-golf. This might not be your idea of fitness, but I don’t make the rules. J/k, I do make the rules here. 😉 Located in the Domain, The Dirdie Birdie is the newest putt putt venue in Austin, and with food and A/C, it’s a hit right now. The Austin themed holes will thrill you, so channel John Daly and get your golf on. (Not sponsored, lol).

Check out this Austin Gift Guide (2024) to make your holiday shopping easy!

Balcones District Park

Located at 12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759, Balcones Park offers something for the whole family. A new playground, pool, volleyball net, basketball court and walking trails can entertain you for hours. Before you go to swim, check here to make sure it’s open. 

Walnut Creek Metro Park

Walnut Creek Park covers 293 acres and features hiking and biking trails, a pool, dog park, and plenty of nature. There are also picnic tables and creek side views, so pack a snack and hydration and stay a while. Check here for details before you go.

Lululemon & Athleta

Both located in the Domain, Lululemon and Athleta speak to my inner gym babe. I resisted for years, but once I tried them it’s been hard to change. I am tough on gym clothes and these hold up. Also not sponsored, sadly.

Archery Country

Archery Country is my favorite home away from home. It’s a fun athletic hobby that combines physical and mental aptitude. The indoor range, the staff, and the people I meet continue to delight me, 5 years in. Stop by, rent a bow, and hit a target. You’ll love it!  

If you’re looking for some great eats in North Austin, check out these restaurants near the Domain in Austin.

Big Tex Gym

No list of gyms in Austin, Texas, would be complete without Big Tex Gym. You know I’m biased because I work out of Big Tex, but the owners, staff, and members are fantastic. I am incredibly thankful to have such a fun and well equipped gym to bring my clients to. Big Tex has a $5 drop in fee, the best in Austin, so come try it out yourself. 

Iron Forge Gym

Iron Forge Gym is Big Tex’s sister gym. Located in Round Rock, it has an impressive strongman area, a large training floor, and a huge mma/fighting team. The drop in fee is $10, and it has the same great owners and staff as Big Tex. Worth it! Check out more details about and pictures of Iron Forge Gym here.

Me

And finally, me. Because, again, I make the rules here, I put myself on this list. I believe I can help you feel better and get stronger and healthier. I’d love to meet you and talk about helping with your fitness goals! If a free consult interests you, please message me here or click the link below to see all my training programs. 

All training options here

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• 
  How to Heat a Garage Gym: The Best Tips and Equipment
• 
  Home Leg Workouts With Dumbbells
• 
  Horizontal Pressing Exercises
• 
  The Best Gifts for Powerlifters and What 1 Gift to Avoid
• 
  Restaurants Near Domain Austin
• 
  How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

If you are searching for the best gyms in Austin, check out my favorites: Big Tex Gym, Hyde Park Gym, Richard Lord’s Boxing Gym, and Iron Forge MMA. These are all gyms I’ve experienced and interacted with, and I assure you they are the best.

I have been a member of or worked at 17 gyms, from old school training facilities to sports training complexes to country club and shiny fitness clubs. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the U-G-L-Y. There are some benefits to most of these type gyms, but let me tell you about the best Austin gyms.

Why These are the Best Gyms in Austin

Gyms are located literally almost every quarter mile in Austin, Texas. So how do I pick the best gyms in the Austin area? They are all local gyms with a welcoming atmosphere. The owners and members are on fire for what they do. They are specialists, they are purists, they are amazingly hard workers. When you find them, you have a greater chance of falling in love with the process, and succeeding in your fitness journey.

The Importance of Finding the Right Gym

A determined person can make a successful training environment in many situations, but the biggest cheat code of all is to find a great gym. It’s not even a cheat, actually; quite the opposite. When you work on your fitness goals, whether you are doing personal training sessions, small group training, or going solo in an open gym, finding a great gym with people who are thrilled to be there is the key to success. It will exponentially increase your chances of finding a process you love, and getting the results you are working for.

Read the Ultimate Austin Gift Guide if you need to shop for someone. Or, treat yoself.

Of course you have to find a gym that has the check boxes you need: open hours that fit your schedule, equipment you like, maybe childcare or classes you are looking for. 

But more important is finding your style, and your people. If you’re at a gym that doesn’t let you use chalk, runnnn away. You can’t grow there. If you’re at a gym that gossips and puts others down, run even faster. Good gyms are the most supportive environment you’ll ever find. 

It might take a few tries, but finding a gym that’s conducive to hard work, support and continued growth is the way. It’s the way you’ll find progress, fulfillment and results. 

How to Find the Right Gym

My number one suggestion is to find a local gym. You’ll find the truly passionate, on-fire-for-the-sport people and trainers there. It won’t be an ordinary corporate drab situation filled with shiny ellipticals. You’ll find real true grit at a local gym. 

Start by contacting any people you know in the area and see what they recommend. Most people who love gyms have tried, or at least know of, a few in the area.

You can also check out forums and see what people are saying about local training facilities. Check out Reddit or google “best gym in Austin” or whatever you are searching. People sure don’t hold back their words online so you’ll get some honest reviews.

Big Tex Gym

Big Tex Gym is easily the most equipped facility in Austin. They have equipment for bodybuilding, including a posing room, strongman equipment with indoor turf, and powerlifting gear including calibrated plates and specialty bars. 

The owners are amazing people who cultivate a positive supportive lifestyle where everybody supports each other. The vibe is truly second to none; high energy and motivated all the time. 

Big Tex also has equipment that is highly valuable and hard to find in regular gyms, like the Jacob’s Ladder climber, a variety of glute and hip thrusting options, reverse hyper extension, tires, sandbags, stones, logs, and farmers walk implements. 

Big Tex also makes this list of best fitness places in North Austin.

Big Tex Gym feels to me like the future of fitness; there’s always has something fun happening, and something to get involved with and excited about at BTG. Whether a strongman event, powerlifting competition, yoga classes, weekend competitions or fight nights on conjunction with Blacksheep Boxing and Muay Thai, there is something that’ll stoke your fire. This is the perfect gym for the true fitness enthusiast.

At a five dollar day rate, this is one of the most affordable gyms. You have nothing to lose by trying it out. Memberships available too.

Why is Big Tex Gym the Best?

• experienced and professional personal trainers
• free weights up to 200
• an impeccable vibe
• the best variety of strength training equipment in town

1921 Cedar Bend Dr A 130, Austin, TX 78758

512-775-7838

https://www.bigtexgym.com

Hyde Park Gym

Hyde Park Gym has the greatest history yet any gym I’ve ever been a part of. It was formerly owned by Mike Graham, who is a legend in the lifting world, and even used to weld his own equipment to get precisely the lifts he wanted. The gym was later bodybuilding great Dave Goodin. Over the years Hyde Park has built a stunning number of successful bodybuilders, powerlifters, and weightlifters. 

In addition to the serious lifting competitors, Hyde Park is also known as a friendly neighborhood gym. There are multiple generations that work out there and many non-competitors who just love the unique feel of the gym. The walls are covered in history and pictures of long-ago meets and now retired competitors. 

I was with a client one day when a man and his teenage son walked in. He asked to look around, and after a few minutes, pointed to a picture of a bodybuilder on the wall. “That’s your mom”, he said. I never got the backstory, but what a sweet moment to witness.

Hyde Park Gym is just full of fantastic people, including the members, trainers, and the owner. I’ve been blessed to know so many of them over the years and I’ll always be grateful for the friendships I made there.

Hyde Park still has a great training atmosphere and fun events like the Push Pull in the summer, which is the rowdiest lifting event I’ve ever been to.

With it’s abundant platforms, great equipment, specialty bars, and a killer location in Hyde Park, I hope Hyde Park Gym is around forever.

Hyde Park Gym has guest passes and memberships available. 

Why is Hyde Park Gym the Best?

• equipment for every fitness level
• bumper plates and specialty bars for Olympic weightlifting
• a variety of experienced personal trainers
• funky little locker rooms that were the scene of my favorite water cooler moments

4125 Guadalupe Street, Austin, TX 78751

512-524-0450

https://hydeparkgym.com

Richard Lord’s Boxing Gym

Richard Lord’s Boxing Gym is a fantastic combination of nostalgia, history, tradition, and modern day hard work. There are posters on the walls of fights, fighters, events of the past, and it is now pulsing with young energy and work. 

Richard is an extremely accomplished fighter and coach, and runs his gym dispensing great technical knowledge. His gym is full of charismatic and funny people who help you through the sweat fest. I have so much fun every time I go! But don’t get complacent- they know how to box!

I go to the boxing gym for exercise, so I’m definitely not one of his trained fighters. I never intend to get into a real boxing match. Despite that, the genuine experience and dedication to boxing is what I love about Lord’s Boxing Gym. It’s highly motivating to me to be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they work so hard at.

It’s so much more genuine than a pop up fitness boxing business that focuses more on fitness. I know this seems disingenuous coming from me because I do go to his gym for fitness. But let me tell you, they know how to condition people too! 

Richard’s facility is as real as it gets – like Hyde Park and Big Tex, it has good equipment that you don’t find at commercial gyms. He also has LOTS of jump ropes, and tires to pull. 

Lord’s Gym is unique. It is a one of a kind place, and it’s full of fun, fun supportive people. 

There are a variety of classes to participate in at the gym, and you can get a membership or 1:1 sessions. 

Why is Richard Lord’s Boxing Gym is the Best?

• fantastic technical instruction on boxing
• fun fun fun people and instructors
• North Austin/just north of downtown location
• gym and equipment are packed with tradition, experience and character

5528 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

512-451-8424

Lord’s Boxing Gym

Iron Forge MMA Team

Iron Forge MMA (much of the team is formerly Blacksheep Boxing & Muay Thai) is fantastic training environment for a few fighting disciplines. Iron Forge has a large sparring area and ring, and lots of bags on the walls for members’ use. They have a variety of classes and experienced instructors for both group and on-on-one sessions. 

Iron Forge is fun and high energy, and it’s filled with interesting and dedicated people. They have a fantastic community and keep leveling up. Iron sharpens iron.

Why is Iron Forge the best?

• Wide variety of martial arts classes
• plenty of parking and a big parking lot
• an entertaining and engaging style of high-intensity interval training

2000 S I-35 Frontage Rd Suite J1, Round Rock, TX 78681

512-503-5413

https://ironforgegymtx.com

What Other Gyms in Austin Should You Try?

Traffic around the Austin area is getting crazier, and it’s a known fact that you will most likely go more to a gym that is convenient. Whether you are in North Austin, South Congress area, downtown Austin or on E Riverside Dr., check and see if you can go to one of these gyms I listed. It’ll be worth it to have high quality personal training services, your favorite instructors, and just be able to lift around other fitness enthusiasts. Some other gyms I have not been to but have heard rave reviews about are Castle Hill Fitness, Athletic Outcomes, Lift ATX, Factory Gym, Iron Vault, Austin Fitness Center, South Austin Gym, and Onnit Gym. Skip Planet Fitness, Orangetheory Fitness and Fitness Connection. 

The big box gyms are almost always just trying to rope you into a gym membership on contract so you have to pay for a long time. They are fine (if they make you happy) but they are underwhelming. They have fancy lockers rooms, and add ons such as steam rooms, hot tubs and group fitness classes. They don’t have specialty bars, experienced personal trainers,  effective training programs or the best gym equipment. It’ll be shiny, but not always a great place for a tried and true fitness program. The problem with “general fitness” is that its boring. There’s no passion in it. 

Check out these Austin hiking trails with water, if you’re looking to get out of the gym and into the big wild!

Of course, if you are looking for something specific like basketball courts, a climbing gym, small group classes, tons of cardio equipment + tvs, hot yoga, or a hot tub/sauna, then you have to find a gym that has those amenities. If you’re looking for a recovery center, physical therapy office or a greater menu of spa services, you’ll have to look for a more specific or smaller gym. 

What is your Favorite Gym in Austin?

If yours isn’t on the list, let me know what’s your favorite Austin gym! Send me your own list of favorites! I love knowing what gyms are around, even if I haven’t been yet. 

If you haven’t, try one of the gyms I listed above. They’ll all take care of you and you might even find a place where you fit right in. Let me know – can’t wait to hear from you!

Related

The Social Benefits of Exercise (and Gym-Going)

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

Does Alcohol Make You Fat?

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• 
  How to Heat a Garage Gym: The Best Tips and Equipment
• 
  Home Leg Workouts With Dumbbells
• 
  Horizontal Pressing Exercises
• 
  The Best Gifts for Powerlifters and What 1 Gift to Avoid
• 
  Restaurants Near Domain Austin
• 
  How Much Does a Barbell Weigh?

The food and fitness in the Domain in north Austin is BUMPING! The Domain is an exciting mix of upscale shopping, modern apartments, dining, entertainment, nightlife, offices and co-working spaces. With so many residents and businesses, it’s like it’s own tiny suburb. If you live in north Austin, it’s worth knowing what’s here, because you’ll probably save commuting time and find new favorites in your own neighborhood.

If it’s time to go shopping, check out this ultimate guide to Austin gift ideas.

Workout Prep: The Gear

First things first: you have to have the right gear. While I don’t believe one can own too many workout clothes, accessories or gym bags, humor me for a second because those things can make or break your training.

Depending on how you like to train, you need different clothes, shoes, and accessories. Footwear makes a huge difference in comfort and performance, and you’re going to need different shoes to squat, deadlift, walk, jog, or take a cycle class.

You’ll also want to dress appropriately for the season, especially with the popularity of garage style gyms, Crossfit boxes, and gyms that don’t have great HVAC systems during our blazing summers. Nike and Under Armour have great hot and cold gear that can help you feel and perform your best when Mother Nature is a little outside of your comfort zone.

Hit up Dick’s Sporting Goods for a huge selection of different exercise wear. Besides clothing and shoes, Dick’s also has dumbbells, barbells, chalk, yoga mats, blocks, and other equipment for home workouts. You can find tennis and lacrosse balls, foam rollers and other massage implements for mobility and recovery.

Finally, Dick’s carries sport specific equipment, bikes, hunting, fishing, shooting and other outdoor gear. Of course, you’ll have to take these activities outside the Domain, but that’s a different blog post entirely!

Workout Prep: The Clothing

Athleta and lululemon are two of my favorite exercise apparel brands, and both can be found in the Domain. They are on the pricier side, which I resisted mightily for years. A gift card purchase, and I was hooked.

I easily justify the price since I wear them all day. However, I find it well worth it to have proper fitting clothing during a workout, too. No, during a workout, especially.

There’s nothing more annoying than constantly tugging at pants that don’t sit right. Well, maybe headphones dying in the middle of your workout. But the point remains: invest in athletic wear that feels good while you wear it, so you can focus on yourself while you train.

The Workout

The Domain has a few exercise options. Nearly all the apartment complexes have a nice gym, but those are only available to residents.

Flywheel Sports and SoulCycle both offer high intensity cycle classes that increase conditioning and burn calories. SoulCycle is known for it’s music and motivational vibe. Flywheel has both wheel and barre classes. Wheel classes are on the cycles, and barre classes are “toning classes” without the cycle.

Pros:

• high energy
• group class is great if you love the social scene
• the class routine is already planned so you don’t have to think; just do

Cons:

• the class routine is planned for a group, not for you as an individual
• you must attend a class, and can’t just pop in

Orangetheory Fitness offers another group exercise class in the Domain. It is a high intensity class that uses a variety of exercise methods, including weights, treadmills, and rowers.

Pros:

• high intensity burns a lot of calories
• like Flywheel, the class is great if you like a social event

Cons:

• high likelihood of injury if trying to work at high intensity without solid form and background knowledge of exercises
• like Flywheel, the class is not designed for an individual
• you must attend a class, and can’t just pop in

Personal training led by a good, educated trainer you are compatible with is the best you can get. A trainer will design your training plan exactly for you, taking into consideration your goals, your challenges, and your likes and dislikes.

Meredith Schneider is a dietician who also earned her master’s degree in exercise physiology. She says, “I never thought I’d be the girl doing deadlifts and squats, but when my current workouts weren’t doing the job, I added in 2 days of training with Kathryn. I realized I could have the best of both worlds. I’m not a ‘spin girl’ or a ‘gym girl’. 

I am strong and getting stronger.”

I would love to meet you for a free consult about your goals. If you are interested, please email me at kathryn@kathrynalexander.com or drop me a message in the form at the bottom of this page: Train With Me

Wondering how to find the right personal trainer? Read this.

I am a fantastic training match maker, so please contact me if you have questions about who would be a good trainer for you.

Pros:

• the fastest way to reach your individual goals
• personalized training plans
• in-session pacing, customization, cueing and spotting

Cons:

• likely the most expensive option

The Food

The Domain offers a huge variety of eating options, from quick grab-and-go to fancy date-night dining. A few of the more healthy options are Whole Foods, Mad Greens, and Flower Child.

Whole Foods is on the northernmost end of the Domain. It offers nearly everything the downtown flagship store does, again without the hassle of traveling to 6th Street.

Mad Greens serves all your salad needs, and also offers wraps, paninis, and juice drinks.

Finally, Flower Child serves fresh, healthy meals with an eye on quality.

The Fun Stuff

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. In my case, all work and training, therefore living in the gym, makes Kathryn a dull girl. It’s good to meet your friends out and be social!

If you feel like going out but don’t want to deal with 6th Street, head to Rock Rose in the Domain. There you’ll find 6th Street favorites like The Dogwood, Lavaca Street Bar, Kung Fu Saloon, and Toulouse Cafe and Bar.

Plan a Trip to the Domain

I give you my word I’m not a paid spokesman for the Domain! I just think it offers a lot of fun and opportunity to north Austin.

If you haven’t been up here lately, plan a day of it. Lemme know beforehand so I can show you around the gym!

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Rogue American Apparel and Big Tex Gym teamed up this past weekend to host Austin’s Strongest Savage, a US Strongman sanctioned competition. The event benefited 22 Kill, which works to support veterans’ mental health and prevent suicide.

Good coffee, good beer, an amazing venue, and great athletes made for a memorable day!