Homecoming

The Big Move

My first photoshoot (ever) at Hyde Park Gym. I love this one, excessive spray tan and all. 2011. Thank you Ty Hardin

My first photoshoot (ever) at Hyde Park Gym. I love this one, excessive spray tan and all. 2011. Thank you Ty Hardin

In October of 2017, I made a big move. I left my home gym, Hyde Park Gym, for a new location. Hyde Park Gym was in the middle of a “problem” of luxury: it was busy. We had weightlifters, powerlifters and people pumping iron in what felt like every space of the gym. There was high energy and lots of community. 

So what’s the problem? As a trainer who plans every training session for every individual, I was making a lot adjustments during my client workouts. 

The new gym had a great facility, quality equipment, and welcoming people. I am forever grateful for their open arms and the friendships I developed there. 

But it wasn’t home. 

I decided to give myself the best birthday gift this October 2018, and after a year, I returned home. 

Homecoming

I am back 100% at Hyde Park Gym. My clients are loving the eclectic vibe and the unique community. Some of my clients are returning with me, and some are seeing Hyde Park Gym for the first time. 

The gym has found a balance between busy-ness and availability, and it feels like a step back into the golden years. I’ve not had to wait for a rack, and people work together. My old friends and gym friends are here; like I never left. 

People welcomed me back with open arms and asked where I had been. To some of them, I said I was on vacation for a little while. It’s a time warp, you know. Some believed me, some did not. 

Eleanor the gym dog has the same puppy-like greeting. Brook, the owner, is as supportive as ever. All are welcome, whether elite lifters, or beginners.

The Hyde Park Gym community defies explanation. Everyone eventually comes back to this place, whether to visit or to lift again. Truly, you have to experience it to understand it. 

Thanksgiving

Hyde Park Gym Kathryn happy

I’m SO happy to be back. To say that I am thankful is an understatement. I’d be more than thrilled to introduce you to the Hyde Park Gym community if you’d like to find an oasis of supportive and fascinating people in central Austin.

In the meantime, I suggest you find the communities, the tribes, the groups in your life where you feel genuinely and authentically happy. Seek those out on a regular basis, and you’ll see your happiness in life increase.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Proud mama feels right here for Emily’s photoshoot. Photography by Becca Ewing.

Proud mama feels right here for Emily’s photoshoot. Photography by Becca Ewing.

Here too! I adore my client Holly! She and her family are part of the fabric of Hyde Park Gym. Becca’s amazing photography again.

Here too! I adore my client Holly! She and her family are part of the fabric of Hyde Park Gym. Becca’s amazing photography again.

Yeah, I know you’ve seen this picture everywhere. I think it’s my favorite. Thank you Matthew !

Yeah, I know you’ve seen this picture everywhere. I think it’s my favorite. Thank you Matthew!

Tire flipping. Photo by Becca Ewing

Tire flipping. Photo by Becca Ewing

I seriously love the character of this wall, and this entire building. Also by Matthew DeFeo

I seriously love the character of this wall, and this entire building. Also by Matthew DeFeo

My amazing group of women at The Chick Workout

My amazing group of women at The Chick Workout

Abby! One of my biggest supporters!

Abby! One of my biggest supporters!

My sweet friends at Hyde Park Gym. What a great group!!

My sweet friends at Hyde Park Gym. What a great group!!

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Press On

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I had the greatest client session yesterday and wanted to share with you the lessons learned. 

My client let me know before her session that she was not feeling up to par. Nothing catastrophic or contagious, but that we might need to take it into account. 

Since she let me know ahead of time, I was able to look at her program and keep in mind some potential adjustments. Some Plan B’s, if necessary. 

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In a Rut? Do This One Thing For a Mid Year Restart

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In a Rut? Do This One Thing For a Mid Year Restart

It is fall as I am writing this. If you made New Year goals, you should be in your “after” situation right now. This was going to be the year, you were going to make the changes you know you’ve been needing to. You were going to establish a healthy, disciplined routine.

Did you? If not, start here.

HIIT Revisited: Is it a Must-Do?

HIIT Revisited: Is it a Must-Do?

If you follow fitness blogs or publications, you’ve probably heard of HIIT training. HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT is, as the name says, high intensity training that is done in bouts alternated with rest.

Sounds simple, but this is exhausting! It requires mental fortitude, but drives big results! Read on to see if it’s right for you.

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Tips on Meal Prepping for One

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Tips on Meal Prepping for One

Meal prepping for exactly one person can be tough. If you’ve ever tried to portion out food, you know exactly what I mean. When I cook for only myself, I can try to plan for exactly one meal and no more, then <BOOM> I have enough food for the neighborhood.

Here are some quick tips for cooking solo and not wasting food:

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What are the best shoes to lift in?

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Have you ever wondered if you have the right gear for lifting? Ya know, the belt, the shoes, the gloves? The good news is, there's usually not a "right" or "wrong". (Except for gloves. Those are wrong.)

However, there is often a "better" and "best" option. Let's look at shoes and the role they play in lifting.

I talked with Amy Roberts about why Chucks can be a great lifting shoe, and she does a great job of giving much more detail at wirecutter.com. Click to read more.

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Guillermo builds his strength through remote training

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Guillermo builds his strength through remote training

I like to do client spotlights because: A, I am super proud of my clients, and B, real people’s stories fascinate me.

Everyone has a different motivation, background, and natural ability. We can learn so much from other people and how they approach their training and life. For example, Guillermo has a full time job, a girlfriend, dog, and other hobbies. He's not tied to the gym every day, but he has pretty solid numbers and time for his priorities, something we all can aspire to.

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San Antonio Highland Games 2018 with Athletic Director Ed Cosner

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San Antonio Highland Games 2018 with Athletic Director Ed Cosner

If you are like me and enjoy watching throwing, sport, competition, or maybe have a thing for kilts, you should head to the Highland Games in San Antonio April 7 and 8. 

The San Antonio Highland Games and Celtic Music Festival brings Scottish Games, music, cooking, and Highland dancing together for a celebration of Scottish heritage. Over 30 clans represent their people and culture in a weekend that is fun for all ages. 

I talked to Athletic Director and former Highland Games champ, Ed Cosner, about the games, his experience throwing, and what you can expect at the games this year.