This year, rather than run the gamet of gyms in this town or share our editorial picks of the best workout facilities in the city, we wanted you to tell us who you think comprises Austin’s best when it comes to health and fitness. Since you’re out there experiencing what these businesses have to offer week after week, we figured it was time to hear what you really thought. And not surprisingly, you weren’t bashful about sharing.

So our new list of all the best of Austin’s health and fitness industry was born. We’ve covered 14 different categories, collected thousands of votes and have more than 40 different companies, people and places to highlight on one list. However, keep in mind a few important things when reviewing your choices.


You Voted, We Published

#1 We had an overwhelmingly high response on this survey, which means the results are pretty darn reliable, from a statistical point of view anyway. Based upon the number of responses, we can confidently say that this is one of the most accurate representations of the preferences of the greater Austin health and fitness community we’ve ever seen. It’s certainly the most comprehensive and precise survey we’ve ever undertaken. It’s not based on a subjective set of data or what we believe are the correlative variables, but personal choices made by real people.

What’s more, it’s a spot-on representation of our monthly readership, comprised of some 70,000 people. Statistically speaking, your “reader’s choices” represent the preferences of a six-figure health and fitness population (99 percent confidence), with a miniscule error margin (less than two percentage points either way).

#2 These results are driven purely by you, our readers. We have not tampered with the votes or meddled in the methodology in any way. We simply came up with the major categories and let you do the rest.

#3 We see this is as the beginning of a reader-generated list that will surely grow over time. Each year we’ll improve our understanding of what makes the Austin health and fitness community tick, what you like and what you don’t, and reflect your preferences with even more breadth and accuracy.

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BEST NATIONAL GYM

{Winner}
Life Time Fitness [29% of Vote]
With around 20,000 members and a voting block unmatched in the Austin fitness scene, it’s not particularly surprising that Life Time Fitness has won the National Gym category, garnering almost one-third of the citywide vote. This 24-hour access fitness metropolis is the epitome of a “big-box” gym, and in Life Time’s case this is actually a good thing. A one-stop shop for anything and everything fitness-related, Life Time runs the gamet when it comes to gym offerings — nutrition counseling, personal training, fitness testing, hundreds of strength and cardio machines, expansive and pristine locker rooms, a gigantic indoor/outdoor pool and sport courts galore. And though memberships are a little on the pricier side (average fees hover around $100 per month), this doesn’t seem to affect Life Time’s popularity. Due to its size, scale and seemingly never-ending ability to satisfy any fitness level, the value in a membership here is apparent.

{2nd Place}
24 Hour Fitness [21% of Vote]
Affordability, convenience, all-day access and a no-frills approach are the special recipe that has made 24 Hour Fitness one of the fastest-growing gyms in America. With five Austin area locations, 24 Hour’s demographic tends to skew slightly younger, attracting gym-goers who want a sleek, faster-paced gym with affordable prices. Try to avoid the mid-day “rush-hour” workouts here, otherwise you could find yourself waiting for a machine.

{3rd Place}
YMCA [19% of Vote]
Arguably the best deal in fitness anywhere — the YMCA is a community center on steroids. An average monthly fee of $30 will get you access to group fitness classes, the pool, weight machines, basketball courts and much more. Of course the YMCA is also a top-choice for families and those needing afterschool and day care.

Honorable Mention \\ Gold’s Gym


BEST LOCAL GYM

{Winner}
Pure Austin [29% of Vote]
Locally owned and operated, Pure Austin is like a luxurious extension of Austin in the wild; in fact, owner Beto Bogianno calls it an indoor gym for outdoor people...and he means it. Featuring everything from an indoor rock wall, a private lake and trail for triathlon training, as well as state-of-the-art machines and more amenities than you can imagine, Pure Austin makes working out feel like an adventure. Services include personal training, Pilates, nutrition counseling, massage and more. Monthly memberships average about $60 a month.

- Average age: 35
- 2,000+ members
- 6 years in business

{2nd Place}
Castle Hill Fitness [21% of Vote]
After three years at the top spot, Castle Hill Fitness slipped to second place among local gyms this year. Nevertheless, it remains one of Austin’s most popular fitness options, garnering almost one-quarter of the vote. This gym packs an incredible package of offerings into a relatively small footprint with everything from group classes and spin to yoga and weight training. Plus, membership will get you a 50 percent discount on classes and 10 percent off merchandise.

Average age: 37 | 1,200 members | 9 years in business

{3rd Place}
The Hills Health Club and Wellness Center [9% of Vote]
This expansive health and wellness center nestled on an 11-acre area in the picturesque woods of Westlake is fitness mecca for thousands of middle-aged Austinites. The brainchild of long-time owner John Barzizza, the Hills has grown from an all-service gym into a premiere, high-end lifestyle destination.

Average mo. fee: $99 | 3,500 members | average age: 38

Honorable Mention \\ Body Business


BEST OUTDOOR WORKOUT

{Winner}
Lady Bird Lake [67% of Vote]
It’s really no surprise that Lady Bird Lake handily won the Best Outdoor Workout. Options abound for the outdoor athlete, including rowing, stand-up paddling, running, walking and much more. The 10.1 mile Hike and Bike Trail is wide, flat and made of crushed granite, which makes it perfect for all levels of fitness. Hop on your bike or take your pet for a stroll here too; it doesn’t get much better than this.

{2nd Place}
Zilker Park [8% of Vote]
This 351-acre park, the famous home of Austin’s annual ACL Music Festival, is thought by many as the heart of Austin, with it’s sprawling soccer fields and sandy volleyball courts. Perfect for flying a kite or tossing a frisbee, Zilker Park is the perfect combination of sports fields, disc golf, Barton Springs and the greenbelt.

{3rd Place}
Auditorium Shores [6% of Vote]
This is certainly a favorite for skyline and scenery seekers, featuring prime real estate along Lady Bird Lake and one of the best natural views in the city. It’s also a hotspot for pet lovers — with it’s designated off-leash areas, your dog can roam around freely.

Honorable Mention \\ Barton Springs


BEST BOOT CAMP

{Winner}
RockBody BootCamp [27% of Vote]
Easily the fastest growing boot camp in the city, Rock Body uses a variety of training methods to keep their clientele craving more. Whether it’s push-ups, hill runs or creative workouts using TRX bands, BodyBars or kettlebells, Brian Prinzo and his wife Courtney have created an attractive option for hordes of Austin’s fitness fanatics. Now in six locations and growing, what was once a tiny side job has exploded into the best boot camp in town.

{2nd Place}
Relentless Boot Camp [19% of Vote]
Powered by CrossFit Central, Relentless Boot Camp offers clients a non-traditional way to get fit, and stay that way. By using your own body weight, incorporating randomized movements and lots of cardiovascular training, Relentless can help you get a lean, toned body in no time.

{3rd Place}
H.E.A.T. Boot Camp [7% of Vote]
Offering both group camps and personal training, H.E.A.T. delivers an energetic environment for individuals of all fitness levels. And with its brand new location on Riverside Drive, H.E.A.T. is one of the most convenient fitness options around.

Honorable Mention \\ Camp Gladiator


BEST RUNNING GROUP

{Winner}
RunTex [24% of Vote]
RunTex won this category by the slimmest of margins — fewer than 30 votes. Their free groups have been a staple in the Austin community for the past 15 years, and there are plenty of times, locations and programs to meet your demanding schedule. All groups are free and most focus on intervals, drills and running mechanics.

{2nd Place}
Rogue Running [23% of Vote]
Coming in at a very close second is Rogue Running, which hit the Austin fitness scene in 2004. They offer road, trail, tri and cross training programs for runners of all shapes and sizes. Rogue Running trains nearly 3,000 athletes annually through 53 different programs, plus their east Austin retail space features a huge selection of the latest running shoes, apparel, accessories and nutrition products.

{3rd Place}
Gilbert’s Gazelles [20% of Vote]
Run by Austin running personality Gilbert Tuhabonye, Gilbert’s Gazelles is designed for all levels of fitness. Their workshops focus primarily on running form, biomechanics, strength and endurance.

Honorable Mention \\ Austin Fit


BEST TRIATHLETE

{Winner}
David Garza [19% of Vote]
David Garza has been featured in our list of Austin’s 10 Fittest three times. And it’s no fluke. Having competed in triathlons for more than five years, he says his favorite race is still the Austin Triathlon because of its picturesque downtown course. Garza has finished numerous sprint, Olympic and half Ironman distance triathlons, including his first Ironman in 2009 at the inaugural Cozumel race.

{2nd Place}
Brian Lieb [9% of Vote]
Brian Leib, 35, found a love for triathlon more than 20 years ago but a motocross injury forced him to take a hiatus. Two years later, after hitting almost 225 pounds, he got back on his bike and decided it was time to go racing again. This year, he won his age group and finished 4th overall at the Red Licorice Varsity Triathlon, giving him confidence for a successful start to the 2011 season. Be sure to look out for his team, Human Powered Racing, which now has a team based in Austin!

{3rd Place}
Amy Marsh [8% of Vote]
Amy Marsh is a three-time Ironman champion, four-time All American and competed in the 2000 Olympic Swimming Trials. In 2010, she joined TeamTBB, as a professional triathlete.

Honorable Mention \\ Des Ficker


BEST BIKE SHOP

{Winner}
Jack and Adam’s [33% of Vote]
Dubbed as Austin’s triathlon headquarters, Jack and Adam’s has generated an impressive grassroots following in just a few years. Specializing in triathlon bikes, gear and accessories, this community bike shop is equipped to meet all of your cycling needs. They’re also host to weekly clinics, long rides, runs, custom fittings and on-site repairs, as well as Austin’s most popular free core and calisthenics workout.

{2nd Place}
Bicycle Sports Shop [23% of Vote]
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for anything bike-related, then Bicycle Sports Shop is where you need to go. They rent and sell bikes, provide service and sponsor cycling events throughout the year, plus their website is a great resource for those looking to route their own ride.

{3rd Place}
Mellow Johnny’s [20% of Vote]
Located in the heart of downtown Austin, Mellow Johnny’s aims to be the hub for cycling life. They offer bikes for everyone, professional service, parts, gear and apparel, as well as showers for commuters.

Honorable Mention \\ Austin Bikes


BEST HEALTHY MEALS

{Winner}
My Fit Foods [37% of Vote]
Now with four locations across Austin, My Fit Foods has taken the prepared food market by storm. Headed up by former personal trainer turned successful entrepreneur Mario Mendias, the company features a wide array of healthy options for breakfast, lunch and dinner all around $7. And if you want to lose weight while trying out their menu, consider the enormously popular 21-Day Challenge to get the best of both worlds.

{2nd Place}
Snap Kitchen [32% of Vote]
Snap Kitchen offers an enticing variety of pre-packaged foods with delicious flavor profiles, made fresh daily. Popular perks here are their “Paleo” choices and convenient curbside delivery available at all locations.

{3rd Place}
Mel’s Meals [11% of Vote]
Located off North Lamar Blvd, Mel’s Meals is a convenient and healthy option for downtown dwellers. Mel’s only uses whole grains, veggies and lean meats — never any refined sugar.

Honorable Mention \\ Simply Fit Meals


BEST AUSTIN RACE

{Winner}
Capitol 10,000 [16% of Vote]
The Statesman Capitol 10,000 is the largest 10K in Texas and the fifth largest in the nation. In its 34th year, the Capitol 10,000 attracts the silly to the serious and has become an annual rite of spring in Austin. The whole family is welcome to walk, jog or run at this fun, festive event.

{2nd Place}
Austin Triathlon [11% of Vote]
The AVIA Austin Triathlon is your favorite triathlon all year, and it’s no surprise. With a $5,000 prize purse, live music, free post-race massage, technical clothing and lots of great treats in every race packet, this is one race you don’t want to miss. It’s also incredibly spectator-friendly and completely closed to traffic.

{3rd Place}
Austin Marathon and Half [10% of Vote]
The newly-named LIVESTRONG Austin Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the city’s biggest races, weaving through Austin’s most scenic and historic areas, including Lady Bird Lake, Congress Avenue, UT and the state capitol.

Honorable Mention \\ 3M


BEST MARTIAL ARTS

{Winner}
Fit and Fearless [13% of Vote]
This year, voters chose Fit and Fearless as the best martial arts studio in Austin. It’s a great place to learn and practice Krav Maga, the Israeli defense system that teaches you to arm yourself using only your body. Headed up by Jeff Levine, each of his training facilities are equipped with heavy bags, training gear and plenty of space.

{2nd Place}
Shaolin-Do at Austin Kung Fu [5% of Vote]
With locations in both north and south Austin, Austin Kung Fu offers more than a dozen fully-instructed classes each week. Their quality instructors and spacious, padded training areas make them a popular option for anyone looking to get into the martial arts.

{3rd Place}
3-way tie [4% of Vote]
Austin Martial Arts Academy, Austin Kung Fu Academy and Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.


BEST NUTRITIONIST

{Winner}
Laura CaJacobs [20% of Vote]
As a multi-sport athlete herself, Laura Cajacobs knows how important nutrition is for performance. After graduating with a degree in nutrition from the University of North Carolina, she became a registered dietitian and now serves the clientele at Pure Austin, while also working at Austin’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.

{2nd Place}
Meredith Terranova [16% of Vote]
Ultramarathoner Meredith Terranova has been helping her clients reach their nutritional goals for more than six years. Graduating from the University of Houston, she now uses her nutritional expertise to help clients lose weight and prepare healthy meals at home.

{3rd Place}
Jenny Leman [12% of Vote]
Jenny Leman is the registered dietitian of BodyBusiness Health Club. She gained a passion for nutrition after she being diagnosed with Crohns disease, and now specializes in type II Diabetes, auto-immune and inflammatory disorders.

Honorable Mention \\ Adrien Pazcosa


BEST PILATES

{Winner}
Ballet Austin Pilates [13% of Vote]
Though it was a close one, Ballet Austin Pilates secured the first place spot, thanks in large part to Vlada Sheber who heads up the program there. Featuring a 760-square foot facility open to the public, and state-of-the-art Pilates equipment, the studio is ideal for both individual and group instruction.

{2nd Place}
Body Business Pilates [13% of Vote]
With one-on-one attention, Body Business offers 60-minute Pilates sessions for both beginners and experts. And with its two premiere locations, Body Business has served Austin for more than 25 years.

{3rd Place}
Joy Moves [10% of Vote]
Located in the Westlake Hills area and catering to both individuals and groups, Joy Moves offers a peaceful Pilates session in a fun, inviting atmosphere.

Honorable Mention \\ Westlake Pilates


BEST YOGA STUDIO

{Winner}
Yoga Yoga [21% of Vote]
Whew, this was another close one! Yoga Yoga won best yoga studio by fewer than 30 votes. This hugely popular studio serves Austin with five conveniently located centers featuring rooms exclusively designed for yoga classes and private sessions in a clean, warmly lit environment. Living plants, flowers and the aroma of freshly brewed Yogi tea welcome you each time you come to this familiar yoga spot.

{2nd Place}
Black Swan Yoga [20% of Vote]
Located on 5th street in the heart of downtown, Black Swan Yoga is Austin’s only co-operatively-run, donation-based yoga studio. The studio also was built using best-in-class sustainability practices including cork floors, low-VOC paints and in-studio recycling.

{3rd Place}
Castle Hill Fitness [8% of Vote]
Castle Hill yoga offers contemporary expressions of the practice as well as many classes specifically designed with the beginner in mind.

Honorable Mention \\ Yoga Vida


BEST TRAINING STUDIO

{Winner}
CrossFit Central [87% of Vote]
A family business through and through, CrossFit Central (CC) was founded by brother and sister fitness phenoms Jeremy Thiel and Carey Kepler back in 2005. Starting with just 12 boot camp clients and a modest warehouse on Burnet Road, their strong entrepreneurial spirit and faithful fitness following has helped them become Austin’s best training studio. By implementing a progressive training curriculum, strong grass-roots marketing along with weight-loss success stories that inspire new clientele, CC has expanded their vision, staff and physical footprint to become one of the city’s more popular and well-known workout options. They currently operate boot camps across Austin (Relentless and SIC FIT), conduct regular classes at their central CC facility, and offer kettlebell and one-on-one training.

{2nd Place}
Westlake CrossFit [5% of Vote]
Coming in at a distant second place, Westlake CrossFit — headed up by licensed massage therapist and fitness enthusiast Joss McKernan — is a favorite for west Austin suburbanites looking to slender and tone. Their facility boasts world-class equipment and highly-qualified coaches to keep their workouts safe and clients motivated.

{3rd Place}
Dane’s Body Shop [4% of Vote]
Less than a year old, Dane’s Body Shop off Guadalupe is making waves fast. With a unique approach that matches Austin’s funky style, Dane’s Body Shop offers everything from yoga, Pilates, strength and conditioning, boot camps, nutrition seminars and a Fusion training program.

Honorable Mention \\ 360 Performance Training