Touching testimonial from a Pure Austin member: Life changing results!

Here is something I was inspired to write this early morning:

I am 8 days away from giving birth to our first child and have been reflecting on the changes in my life over the past 2 years. I came to Chelsea about 2 years ago and have been training with her on an average of 3 times a week since. Before this, I had never exercised regularly or had good nutrition. Quite the opposite. We enjoyed going out to eat and drink most days of the week. Finally this poor lifestyle it caught up with me; not only as an additional 5 pounds a year since high school but mentally too. Since the age of 15, I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I had been on an ever changing rotation of anti-anxiety drugs for years with no sustainable solution. At the age of 26, something had to change. I was depressed, anxious, overweight, tired, out of shape, and feeling terrible. With the encouragement of my husband, I decided to give physical training a try. I had some initial fears: the hard work, the time commitment, and what seemed like a frivolous, self-indulgent expense. Considering the thousands of dollars a month that I was spending on eating and drinking to keep my self unhealthy, this was a step in the right direction.

I started to see Chelsea 3 times a week. It was hard work and I didn't feel like working most days. I knew this was just what I needed if I ever wanted to be healthy. I began seeing results physically but more importantly I began to feel better in every way. After about 6 months there was a switch that happened. My self-esteem had grown, I looked better, and I felt like I was able to do anything. Today, I have control of my life for the first time ever. I finally look forward to going to the gym. I like the feeling of lifting heavy weights and working hard; it makes me feel strong and in control. I have broken the cycle of bad health. I am proud to be able to teach my children the lessons I have learned through this experience. Physical training has been transformative. It has been a full lifestyle change and has changed the person that am. Choosing to get the help of a physical trainer was the best decision I have ever made for myself and I will continue to train with Chelsea because it keeps me healthy and happy.

Today I am proud to say that after 9 months of pregnancy with a full sized baby in my belly, I weigh the same as I did when I first came to Chelsea. I have continued to go to the gym 3 times a week throughout my pregnancy and feel great. I am excited to go into labor because I am trained for it. I didn't expect this many changes to happen to me but I am encouraged to know there are many more in store for me.

Molly

Yummy Pizza Recipe via Laura CaJacob

Laura CaJacob sent us a recipe one of her clients LOVES!

I just get an Ezekial pita

-I put 1-2 table spoons of goat cheese depending on the calories I am watching. I spread it on top of the pita

-One roma tomato or two....I take the seeds out to keep out the moisture ...and bread from getting soggy
-Ground pepper and oregano on top to taste
-drizzle olive oil

Optional:
-a little garlic
-a little parmesan on top to add some salt
-some basil
- a small amount on mozzarella on top of the goat....its very wet so don't over do it

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-12 mins. You want the bottom to be slightly browned. Then turn on the broiler and brown the top for 1-2 mins!
its so good I love it :)

Congratulations to #pureres winner Patty!!!

Congratulations Patty!! Great job on following through with your resolutions - it totally shows! We love your positive energy! Here's Patty's story:

I’ve been a member at Pure Austin for several years, but a work assignment in Russia last fall interrupted my routine. As soon as I returned, I couldn’t wait to get back to Pure! I genuinely look forward to each visit here. I love the variety of the classes and equipment, the jogging trail, the skilled and enthusiastic instructors – there is always something fun to try. The Town Lake location is close to my home and Quarry Lake is close to my office, so it's very easy for me to fit in a morning, lunchtime or evening workout nearly every day. I am not particularly athletic, but I never feel out of place here. I especially enjoy the Pump Raw and Triple X classes; they are a great balance to my running workouts. I perform in local theater and for the past few months, I’ve been training to build stamina for my role in a musical production of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” in Georgetown. Added bonus: I can wear the “revealing” costumes with confidence. Thank you, Pure Austin!

Meet our members! Henry Harless!

A native Austinite, Henry has been beaming his happy smile around Pure Austin since 2003! Henry comes into Pure Austin to do creative leg workouts that enhance his admirable running speed, and keep him injury free! And he really likes to toss the medicine balls around, to strengthen his core. If you ever see him messing around the gym, you should definitely pick his brain for a new exercise or just flat out copy his moves :)! Henry has his own Austin-flavored real estate business, and he does business just like he does his workouts - with attention to detail and a focus on moving things fast!

Our friendly Pure Austin community is what keeps us motivated to pursue our goals inside and outside of the gym. We all love to know more about our members. Shoot us a line so we can feature you, too!

Another reason why Urban Adventure Camp with Chelsea rules!

Just got this testimonial in!

Urban Adventure Bootcamp rules!

Late in 2008, I found out I was BRCA Positive. That is the technical term for having the "breast & ovarian cancer gene." In the first 3 months of 2009, I had a hysterectomy and complete mastectomy and reconstruction. After those surgeries, I had lost a lot of strength as well as confidence that I could get it back. I kept exercising, but never dreamed that I could keep up in a fitness class or much less a bootcamp! I started attending Chelsea's Cardio Core and Pure Pump classes, then found the confidence to sign up for Urban Adventure Bootcamp. Before those, I could not jump. No, seriously...I didn't have the strength to jump up onto a bench, nor did I think I could do it! I could not hold a plank for more than 30 seconds at a time, and I never thought I could bearcrawl up a hill! Now I can do all of those things and more, and I am stronger than ever. Chelsea's approach is "What can your body do?," and she has helped me reach far beyond what I thought mine could. I am stronger, leaner and more confident in just 4 weeks, and I have signed up for two adventure races already!


You can sign up for Urban Adventure Bootcamp NOW

AND he's a super nice guy

Check out what Craig has to say about Pure Austin Coaching Director and Coach Shawn Bostad:

At 40 years-old and with numerous triathlons, duathlons and mountain biking and running races under my belt, I consider myself an active and competitive recreational athlete. I have the privilege of training with Shawn in Austin,TX and can honestly say that he is the best athletic trainer that I've ever been associated with. The characteristics of a successful trainer are, without a doubt, many.  However, I believe some of the most fundamental include: knowledge, charisma, leadership skills, creativity, caring, and
enthusiasm, the ability to create an inclusive environment and, maybe themost important, results-oriented. These are just a few of the areas in which Shawn excels. When he trains he speaks from the practical perspective that only personal experience can provide. He combines his wealth of experience with a solid understanding of the science of fitness. This knowledge
combined with his creativity, enthusiasm and love for what he does enables him to create very popular and very successful workout programs for all levels of athletes from the professional racer to the person who might be entering the gym for the first time. People gravitate to him because of his contagiousenthusiasm and because they know they'll be better off if they follow his
instruction.

PAC Rules. Want to be part of this?

I had seen the Pure Austin Coaching fliers and pamphlets around Pure Austin for months but was too intimidated to try it.  I wish I had not waited so long!  Shawn and the coaching group are very approachable, friendly and inspirational.  My swimming has improved tremendously, I can really relax and pull in the water now.  I was not a runner at all and now can run a 10:30 mile on a good day -- I even have anterior tibialis muscles now!!  I would not have accomplished those milestones without Shawn's coaching and the support of the athletes around me.  I would wholeheartedly recommend PAC to anyone who wants to revel in a healthy and supportive but also challenging approach to health and fitness."  Vivian Potterf


Contact Shawn at shawn@pureaustin.com or learn more and sign up now.

Train with Chelsea: What can your body do?

Train with Chelsea: What can your body do?

Fitness to me is not just what we look like but more about what our bodies can do. How much weight can you squat? How many pushups can you do? Can you do a pull up unassisted? How far can you run? How fast can you run? Do you desire to complete a triathlon? Or run a half marathon? Or maybe it's just about fitting your workouts in your busy schedule? If you believe you can't then you are right. It is my purpose to provide a comfortable training environment to enable you to push pass what you think you can do and show you how far you can truly push your body to achieve the goals you set.

Training openings:

Town Lake:
Monday: 6am, 9am, 2pm
Tuesday: 7am, 11am, 12pm
Wednesday: 6am, 10am, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 1pm
Friday:8am, 12pm
Saturday: 11am, 12pm

Quarry Lake:
Tuesday: 4pm, 5pm
Thursday: 4pm, 6pm

Classes that I teach:
Monday: Pump Raw - 12 noon, Cardio Core - 4:30pm
Friday: Cardio Core - 6:30am, Pump Raw - 5:15pm

Upcoming Clinic: Urban Adventure Training: March 7th - March 30th, April 4th - 28th, May 2nd - 25th
M and W 6:15pm - 7:15pm

"TAKE IT TO THE STREETS & FIND YOUR STRENGTH!" Urban Adventure Training is a fast-paced, dynamic total body workout that uses the streets as our exercise playground. Burn fat, gain strength & increase endurance with this progressive workout that integrates a variety of calisthenics, plyometrics, core exercises, sprinting, hill running, and urban obstacle courses. Cardiovascular and strength assessments will be measured at the beginning & end of each month. Homework given each week. Opportunities to compete in upcoming adventure races i.e. MUDDY BUDDY, TEXAS QUEST, SPREAD YOUR WINGS.

Chelsea's blog: http://chelsea-paul.blogspot.com

Delicious dip + 14 lbs lighter!

Check out this great, healthy dip recipe given to our dietitian Laura CaJacob by one of our new members, Julie. She is kicking butt at Pure Austin, and has lost over 14 pounds since joining!

2 cloves garlic
2 (15-oz) cans cannellini beans, drained & rinsed
1 T fresh parsley leaves, chopped
¼ C fresh lemon juice*
¼ C olive oil
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. In a food processor, pulse the garlic cloves until finely chopped.
2. Add beans, parsley, lemon juice, & olive oil; process until smooth.
3. Add salt & pepper adjusting to taste.

*You might need to add a little more than ¼ C of lemon juice; taste & add more if needed.

NOTE: Dip can be made up to one day ahead and chilled.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with baby carrots, sliced red bell pepper, pita chips

YIELD: 2 cups

Take home Message: Get some SLEEP to LOSE FAT

Our owner, Beto Boggiano, likes to send us peer-reviewed journal article studies that will keep us abreast of the latest research. This came through today:

We know that thin people sleep more and overweight people sleep less
(strong correlation) but here, two groups of people were put on a
restricted-cal diet to lose weight, both ate the same amt and lost
the same amount of weight but the ones that got more sleep (8.5 hrs)
lost FAT weight; the ones limited to less sleep (5.5 hrs) lost muscle
weight.

If you're trying to reduce fat mass, get your sleep.

MMB

Brook's January Jams for Monday 5:30 pm Core Cycling at Quarry!

January jams! Check out these specialty themed rides for the 5:30-6:30pm Core Cycling classes at Pure Austin Quarry Lake!
Mon, Jan 3, 5:30pm: 90s Ride: Coolio, Beck, Metallica, “Hamma Time,” etc!
Mon, Jan 10, 5:30pm: Rap/Rock: Eminem (clean), Snoop, Eve 6, Kevin Rudolf, etc!
Mon, Jan 17, 5:30pm: Positive Vibes: “Feel Good,” upbeat songs across genres!
Mon, Jan 24, 5:30pm: Country: Johnny Cash, Dixie Chicks, Robert Earl Keen, etc!
All rides will be instructed by Brook Benten. You'll experience 50-minutes riding hard on the bike through intervals of fast flats, heavy hills, and everything in-between. The last 10-minutes of class will be devoted to core strengthening exercises on the mat.

Tanning Special

Eli's New Years Resolution Tip!

We all want to keep our fitness resolutions, but sometimes it's hard with our busy schedules. On days when you can't make it to the gym, don't call it a loss. Use this workout tip from Eli and get more done at home!

Eli says:
When you have too much to do around the house, do a little something to keep yourself active. Try this:

Set a timer between 5 to 10 Minutes. When it goes off, set aside what you are doing and do an exercise to your personal max. For example: the timer goes off and you knock out 20 push ups or 25 jump squats. Then, reset the timer, keep going with your task until the next set.

If you do this often enough, your max will build and you'll improve your true workout at the gym.

Don't rely on this as a substitute to your full workout, but it will help you multitask and shake a bit of that holiday guilt! :)

Shoot Pure Austin Fitness Specialist Eli an email if you want to get hooked up with one of the best and brightest trainers around! Eli@PureAustin.com

Love to Shirley from one of the "Dynamic Slash" winners

I can't say enough great things about the classes at Pure and the instructors. I have to admit there have been a number of times when I've walked into the gym on a Monday evening after a long day at work and I think to myself "there is no way I have enough energy to get through class." However, as soon as I see your smiling face and feed off the energy of the class, its as if I've been revived. The value I get from slash is two-fold; both on a mental level and physical level. On a mental level, I feel so proud of myself when I know I've started the week off right with what I feel is the most challenging class of the week. Its set the bar for the remainder of the week and forces me to push myself that much more. On a physical level, Slash requires you to use every muscle in your body which inevitably turns into me climbing out of bed Tuesday mornings with either sore hamstrings, bum, or back :)

As a side note, (and I know I've mentioned this before) but I'm always impressed by how you not only push us but yourself as well. The energy and positive attitude you exude are infectious. Thank you for being such a great mentor!

Weekend before Christmas from Pure Austin Coaching - Join us for the fun!

Twas the weekend before Christmas when all through the town,
Triathletes were stirring, no rest to be found.
The festivity calendar was nearing full,
Ensuring this weekend would have no lull.
Friday night we will dress our best - all in red,
With twelve bars to hit up, all before bed.
The Red Dress/12 Bars of Christmas run
Will no doubt provide all sorts of fun.
Lace up those shoes and don your best dress;
Awards await for those that impress.
 
Friday night will provide little rest for the weary,
As Saturday morning will come mighty early.
Team PAC has a deal with the Rogue Training Crew,
$15 a month for Saturday long runs, just for you.
All speeds and paces are available;
Make this long run a weekend staple.
Want in on this steal of a deal?
Shoot us an email (pureaustincoaching@gmail.com) - we mean it, for real.
 
Be sure to refuel after that long run,
Because there is still lots more fun to come.
Visions of victory can dance in your head
As you watch Kona on TV (maybe even from your bed).
Saturday afternoon from 3-5pm
Tune to NBC to see some incredible athleticism.
The Ironman Kona World Championships are set to air
As the Ironmen set out to go where few will even dare.
 
Once you finish watching the race,
Get out that bike and give it a new face.
Why? you ask - What does she mean?
Its time to decorate your bike with a holiday theme!
Sunday morning is Jack and Adam's monthly Steiner Ranch Ride.
This time around there is one stipulation to which you must abide:
A holiday festive spirit is a must.
Dress up your bike and yourself - make it a fuss!
Two ride distances will be offered,
16 or 32 miles, whichever is preferred.
The best part of this awesome adventure
Is the half price brunch once your ride is through.
 
We at PAC hope you can come play.
Bring out your friends and show them our fun ways.
Our message to you, our training partners, our friends:
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good weekend!"
 
 
 

Lettuce Wraps, yum!

A message from our Dietician Laura CaJacob:
This is a great recipe! I had it for lunch today, and I saw Formby and Nathan drooling over it in the trainer's room. It was easy to make and awesome to eat.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. instant brown rice

2 t. sesame oil
1 pound ground turkey breast
2 t. ground ginger

1 red bell pepper
1 8oz. can water chestnuts
1/2 c. reduced sodium chicken broth
2 T. hoison sauce (I found this in the asian section at HEB)

1/2 t. salt
2 heads boston lettuce
1/2 c. chopped fresh cilantro and green onions

Preparation:
1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add rice; reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add turkey and ginger; cook, crumbling with a wooden spoon, until the turkey is cooked through, about 6 minutes.

3. Prep other ingredients while meat and rice are cooking.

4. Stir in the cooked rice, bell pepper, water chestnuts, broth, hoisin sauce, and salt; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

5. To serve, spoon portions of the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with herbs and roll into wraps.

Need more easy, healthy recipe ideas? Set up an appointment with Laura! laurac@pureaustin.com

Exercise Buddies Rule!

This just in from Mallory!


My client totally took advantage of the BUDDY MONTH!!! It's a mother and her son, who is her buddy. He is learning to love spending an active hour with his mom everyday - bringing them even closer!!
Check it out!
Mallory
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kathleen
Date: Wed, Nov 24, 2010 at 2:59 PM
To: Mallory

Dear Mallory,
My exercise buddy is my son Arthur who is 25 years old.  I love having an eb.  We get to work out and visit.  I would never go everyday without him.  Yes, we have been every day this month.  My only regret is he will be out of town Friday and we only get
to exercise 28 days this month instead of 29.

We usually start upstairs and ride the exercise bike, walk the treadmill at a slant, and step to it on the elliptical exercise machine.

Then we throw a medicine ball around and use the free weights.  Maybe a couple of other machines upstairs.

Then we go downstairs and do a number of machines. We use the slanted walk.  I like to walk up it backwards three times.

A few times Arthur has swum laps in the pool.  Several times we have walked/jogged around the quarry.  It is so pretty out there.

It has been great for us at Pure Austin at the Quarry.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,
Kathleen

Whoa, Josie!! Qualified for Boston Marathon, with some help from the full body core power a la Shirley + Pure Austin :)

Transforming mind & body through Exercise
By: Josie D
11/13/10


Over 100,000 people applied, 45,350 runners started, and 44,829 finishers pushed through 26.2 miles in the New York City Marathon last Sunday. Ambitious athletes come from all around the world for the thrill of competing and the opportunity for distinction. I was lucky to be one of them.

This year’s New York marathon was my sixth full marathon, but the first time I’ve ever properly trained. I owe much of my preparation to Shirley Domicoli at Pure Austin Fitness. Shirley is bursting with positive energy and instantly likeable. She is exactly the influence I needed, exuding both inner and outer strength.

Since starting Shirley’s classes, I’m stronger than ever before in my arms, back, shoulders, stomach, and leg muscles. Her Monday, Wednesday and Sunday classes at Pure Austin’s Town Lake location focused on full body power. Before previous marathons I was essentially logging miles to check the box. Over the past year my running has significantly improved since Shirley introduced weight training, dynamic exercises, and core workouts into my routine.

Exercise has long been transformative to my mind and my body, but proved particularly helpful during my 2009 transition from Washington D.C. to Austin. You name it - career, friends, boyfriends, school – life was messy. I had to defer entry in the New York City Marathon last year because I felt drained, weak, and overwhelmed.

Hemingway’s quote fits, “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” A year later, the hurdles and heartbreaks of life became constant motivation to rebuild. I decided to enter the race to reaffirm my resilience and test my limits.

I will never win marathons but like most runners last weekend, I was there for a personal victory. You don’t travel to New York, fight expo crowds, wake up at 3 am, sit in the cold for 4 hours and then run 26.2 miles without inherent passion.

Marathons help me feel fulfilled in my own skin. That woman complaining about the cold, that woman grimacing with cramps, that woman hobbling from blisters – that is me. Running exposes your real self. You become vulnerable to the course and your strength is scrutinized right there along the crowded streets of New York City.
The fans in New York feed into this raw emotion. I wore my name across my vest and fans were not timid. “Kick it harder Josie.” “Come on Josie, you go girl.” “Make ‘em eat your dust.” Their support entirely carried me at the darkest times of the race.

The last six miles of a marathon separates runners from marathon runners. When you push beyond mile 20 you enter a primitive zone. Pain becomes ubiquitous and you force yourself to plow through complete exhaustion. This is where you need to dig deep and remember why you came.

Every runner has a story. I guess some people start running with the intention of marathoning someday but I sure didn’t. I started running around my neighborhood just so I’d have a chance at being captain of my grade school cheerleading squad. I was 13, short, chubby, and fired up.

I started running more seriously at Penn State. College was the first time I was actually self-aware and humiliated about my weight. I was almost 180 pounds when exercise started to transform my life. I was determined to change my circumstances and stop feeling sorry for myself. I did daily runs through a course of personally significant places at Penn State, calling me to appreciate the highs and lows of my life. I lost weight and I gained gumption.

Over the next 8-year chapter in Washington D.C., running remained a priority. I spent most of my career traveling in jobs at The White House, the State Department and the Peace Corps. I visited close to 70 countries and packed running shoes on every trip.

Even lifelong runners need fresh inspiration and solid training to improve performance. Shirley’s workouts proved invaluable to me. I felt sturdy at the finish line and recovered faster than ever before.

And how did it end?

I broke my personal record for marathons with a 3:34:15. I qualified for the Boston Marathon for the first time and I returned to Austin smiling ear-to-ear.


###

Getting rid of that 4 o'clock energy crash = feeling great

One of our members, Eric W, has seen incredible success in the past 2 months due to help from our Registered Dietitian, Laura CaJacob. Eric came to Laura due to the major energy crashes he was experiencing at 4:00pm every day. By making a few changes in his diet, Eric no longer has severe energy crashes and has even lost weight. Not only did Eric's motivation and discipline play a major roll, but his trainer Christi Corbitt gives him quite the workout twice a week. Eric is 49 years old and has had more than 5 knee surgeries, yet is in the 125th percentile for lean body mass for his frame size. Congratulations Eric, and keep up the great work!

5 lbs in a week!!? Nice work! And, a yummy recipe..

Our Registered Dietitian, Laura CaJacob, has helped one of our members drop 5 pounds in 1 week! Maggie has made a few small changes that have resulted in BIG changes. Maggie says, "It seems easy... and I am not tempted to go off the plan! I can't believe a "diet" could be so easy. I don't feel like I am restricted...just eating healthy. I can tell a difference in yoga, too. Eating healthy isn't expensive. I really enjoy eating this way."

Maggie made this delicious dish recently and was kind enough to share her recipe:

Pinto Bean Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients:

Pinto beans (any kind of bean will do - black beans would be great)
If you want home made beans....Rinse and soak 2-3 cups of dry organic pinto beans overnight. Rinse again and cook with water 1 inch above beans. After one hour, add 1 chopped onion and 2-3 garlic cloves. When beans are soft, add about 1 tablespoon of fresh chili powder and salt and pepper to taste.
If you don't want to do the above steps, use 3-4 cans of beans... rinse those beans before using in enchiladas.
Sprouted corn tortillas... I found them in the refrigerated section near where they grind coffee at Whole Foods on Lamar. These turned out to be a nice surprise in the enchiladas... cooked up like they were cornbread. Regular corn tortillas will work if you can't find the sprouted.
Spinach... about 4 handfuls, washed.
Hatch green chili enchilada sauce... or any green sauce. Canned sauce may not be gluten free.
Soy cheese for the topping - grated or sliced.

1) Spread a thin layer of beans on the bottom of a 8x12 baking dish, just to keep the tortillas from sticking.
2) Add 1 layer of corn tortillas... tearing them to fit... easier than rolling enchiladas.
3) Spread a layer of beans.
4) Cover with 1/2 the spinach.
5) Add another layer of corn tortillas, beans and spinach.
6) Top with a third layer of tortillas. Cover with soy cheese.

I baked in 350 degree oven, covered, for about 30 minutes, then uncovered for another 20, until the cheese melted and had a nice color. Gluten free, dairy free, meat free. They were great the first night and even better the second!