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North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 17, ISSUE 10 FEB. 4 MARCH 5, 2025
2025 Health & Wellness Edition
The Ascension Seton Austin Marathon, to be held on Feb. 16, has had signups surge in recent years.
PHOTO COURTESY HIGH FIVE EVENTS
Running scene in uence picks up the pace in Austin
the city’s culture while on the move. “In Austin, it’s very much you hang out, you get tacos, you go to Barton Springs. … It feels like a social hub in addition to serious running,” 5Run2 co-leader Jamie Pratt said.
city and continues to be a destination for runners, according to many involved in the community. A climate for year-round outdoor activity, a central trail around Lady Bird Lake and a long slate of annual races are some factors locals see as contrib- uting to a rising interest—as well as demonstrating
BY BEN THOMPSON
Just before sunrise once a week, members of the 5Run2 club meet to tackle a jog along the terrain of Barton Hills. The group is one of dozens of clubs now active in the broadening local running scene. Austin has long held a reputation as an active
CONTINUED ON 22
Also in this issue
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INSIDE
17
Impacts: Discover more about Waterloo Records & Video’s new location, owners (Page 7)
Transportation: Learn about changes made to Sixth Street access on weekends (Page 13)
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About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
Market leaders & metro team
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Impacts
NORTH AUSTIN
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Coming soon
Coming soon
5 QQ Barbershop North Lamar The barbershop will open its second location in Commerce Square. Co-owners Luis Pena and Manuel Osuna opened their original Pflugerville location in 2022. • Opening Feb. 2
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• 5501 N. Lamar Blvd., A113, Austin • www.instagram.com/qq.northlamar
EASY WIND DR.
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In the news
HUNTLAND DR.
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6 Veranda Cafe and Mercantile Previously known as Toastique, the cafe now sports a new name after the owners left the national franchise. The space features many cafe favorites, such as avocado toasts, bagels, smoothies and coffee, as well as a variety of home goods, including candles, pillows, glassware and more. • Name changed in December • 2620 Perseverance Drive, Austin • www.verandacafeandmercantile.com 7 DAM-A The former ChoSun Galbi Korean BBQ restaurant has rebranded to DAM-A, offering do-it-yourself spring rolls, hot pot and Korean barbecue. ChoSun closed in late November to prepare for the launch of DAM-A. • Opened Jan. 20 • 713 E. Huntland Drive, Austin • www.damaaustintx.com
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3 Mama Betty’s Sizzling North Austin Tex-Mex restaurant Mama Betty’s has sparked plans for another location on Burnet Road, set to serve up fajitas and margaritas by summer 2025. The new location is expected to offer the same menu items, featuring Tex-Mex favorites, such as quesadillas, enchiladas and homemade tortillas, as well as in-house specials
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such as Snapper Vera Cruz. • Opening summer 2025 • 7001 Burnet Road, Austin • www.ilovemamabettys.com
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North Central
neighborhood. The studio offers classes for all experience levels and private training. • Opened Jan. 9 • 5802 Burnet Road, Austin • www.clubpilates.com 4 Humanaut Health The specialty clinic is now open in The Grove, offering regenerative and stem cell medicine, intravenous drips, intramuscular shots and more. • Opened October 2024 • 2614 Perseverance Drive, Austin • www.humanauthealth.com
Now open
Closings
1 Allday Pizza The pizza joint opened its third location in Hyde Park, offering pizzas, salads, soft serve and more. The new location replaces the old Hyde Park Post Office. • Opened Dec. 18 • 4300 Speedway, Unit 103, Austin • www.allday.pizza 2 Club Pilates Allandale An exercise franchise under Xponential Fitness, Club Pilates brings boutique fitness options to the Allandale
8 Black Star Co-op Pub & Brewery After 14 years, the community-owned brewpub closed its doors, citing a variety of “challenges.” Black Star offered a rotating beer selection with over 55 unique recipes brewed seasonally. • Closed Jan. 12 • 7020 Easy Wind Drive, Ste. 100, Austin • www.blackstar.coop
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
spirit with Rally House’s collection of merchandise, now open on The Drag. The store features a wide selection of officially licensed apparel and merchandise for sports teams across Texas. • Opened in December • 2222 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.rallyhouse.com 6 Pvolve Pvolve, a functional fitness franchise with locations throughout the United States, opened its first Austin studio downtown in January. The local franchise is owned by Marci Bain and her daughters. Pvolve uses resistance- based equipment to target different muscle groups. • Opened Jan. 29 • 312 Congress Ave., Austin • www.pvolve.com
Relocations
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3 Waterloo Records & Video The 42-year-old record store is leaving its North Lamar Boulevard location after a long search for a new home, the result of Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate Group purchase of the site in 2019. The new spot—previously a Whole Foods’ regional office—will offer more space for events and parking. • Relocating in spring
Coming soon
1
7 Grain & Berry The “superfood cafe,” specializing in acai bowls, smoothies and fresh juices, will open its first Austin storefront downtown. The new store will offer a menu catering to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-friendly options. • Opening in March • 1213 W. Fifth St., Ste. A, Austin • www.grainandberry.com
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• 1105 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.waterloorecords.com
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Downtown/West Campus
Remedy replaces what was once Trifecta on 3rd. • Opened in November • 360 Nueces St., Ste. 30, Austin • www.remedyaustin.com 4 Tweedy’s Cafe Tweedy’s Bar opened a cafe inside its house-turned-bar, which was previously Spider House Cafe. The cafe menu offers espresso shots, lattes, cappuccinos and a variety of teas. • Opened Nov. 27
Closings
8 Torchy’s Tacos The Torchy’s Tacos on Guadalupe Street near The University of Texas at Austin campus has closed. The company did not renew its lease in November, due to planned changes in the area, according to a sign posted on its door in the days before the closure. • Closed Nov. 19 • 2801 Guadalupe St., Austin • www.torchystacos.com
Now open
1 Aris The steakhouse from Sof Hospitality offers dry-aged beef, Mediterranean dishes and craft cocktails. • Opened Jan. 11
• 1111 W. Sixth St., Austin • www.arisrestaurant.us
• 2908 Fruth St., Austin • www.tweedysbar.com
2 Remedy The neighborhood bar by Jay Boisseau, David Meeker, Allison Boisseau, Henri Mazza and Sarah Pitre offers cocktails, spirits, wines and beer.
5 Rally House Sports fans in Austin can gear up and show their team
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
have included artists such as Band of Horses, Voxtrot, Alex G and Mitski. • 4304 Clawson Road, Austin • www.endofanear.com
Coming soon
MOPAC
5 6
Closings
4 Couch Potatoes The Austin-based furniture store will close its south location at the end of January. According to a message posted on the business website, the closure is a “strategic decision to adapt to the evolving retail landscape in Austin.” Couch Potatoes’ other stores in North and Central Austin will remain open. • Closing Jan. 31 • 500 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin • www.couchpotatoes.com 5 Zoé Tong The Barton Springs Road restaurant closed in late December. Zoé Tong’s owners, chefs Simone Tong and Matthew Hyland, announced the Dec. 31 closure in an email to customers and through social media posts. • Closed Dec. 31 • 1530 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.zoetong.com 6 Sí Baby-Q The Asian barbecue truck on Zoé Tong’s patio run by Simone Tong and Jonathan Lagos had its last day of service at Barton Springs Road and is searching for a new spot. • Closed Dec. 29 • 1530 Barton Springs Road, Austin • www.zoetong.com 7 Confituras Little Kitchen The baked goods and locally-made jam business closed its brick-and-mortar location. Customers can find Confituras at the Barton Creek Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. • Closed Dec. 22 • 2129 Goodrich Ave., Austin • www.confituras.net
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2 F45 Training The training gym will open a new location on South Lamar Boulevard in April. F45 Training studios offer 45-minute functional workouts focusing on cardio, resistance, a cardio-resistance hybrid and recovery. The new studio will also include F45 Recovery, which features cold plunges, infrared saunas and compressions. • Opening in April • 2153 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.f45training.com/studio/southlamar
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South Central
relocate to a new home for its 14th season. After 13 years at Güero’s Taco Bar on South Congress Avenue, the show will begin broadcasting from Half Step on Rainey Street at the end of January. • Relocating Jan. 29 • 1412 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.sunradio.com
Now open
Lightspeed Restoration of Austin The business, owned by Jonathan Friedman, offers water and fire restoration, disaster recovery, and more. • Opened Jan. 1 • www.lightspeedrestoration.com/austin-tx
In the news
3 End of an Ear Local record store End of an Ear is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Owners Dan Plunkett and Blake Carlisle first opened in 2005 off South First Street before moving to its current location in 2016. The store offers vinyl records, CDs and DVDs. In-store performances
Relocations
1 Texas Radio Live Austin’s longest-running live music radio program will
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
EAST AUSTIN
Impacts
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
• Opened Jan. 3 • 4602 Tanney St., Austin • www.craftmeatsaustin.com
In the news
35
Coming soon
5 Bathe Austin A new bath house is being brought to Austin by co- founders Danyl and Lisa Magick. The two-story bath house and spa will feature a dry sauna, salt cave, steam room, sound lounge and more. • Opening in the fall • 2922 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.batheaustin.com 6 Radius Butcher & Grocery Replacing the former Salt & Time Butcher Shop and Restaurant, Radius will continue to offer locally sourced products. The grocer will source food from some of the same farms Salt & Time did previously, but will not include a restaurant in-store. Instead, Radius will also offer produce, grains, eggs, cheeses and seafood. • Opening in February • 1912 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.eatradius.com 973 7 BARk House Social An off-leash neighborhood dog park in east Austin, BARk House Social will offer a dog park, cafe and bar. The private dog park and social club offers luxury amenities for patrons via membership, starting at $45 a month. • Opening in April • 5022 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.barkhouseatx.com 130 TOLL
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2 F45 Training Plans have stalled for a training facility in east Austin offering high-intensity 45-minute workouts. According to a spokesperson for the company, the construction has been delayed due to city requirements. At this time, there is not a timeline for opening the east location; however, the fitness program has other locations in central and south Austin.
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• 400 Comal St., Austin • www.f45training.com
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East Austin
3 Fitcidence After operating for four years as a pop-up studio, Fitcidence is now open in Austin. The studio founded by Eileen Artigas offers fitness classes that combine dance with cardio, strength and more. Every workout at the studio is based on the beat of the music played. • Opened Jan. 1 • 2921 E. 17th St., Austin • www.fitcidence.com 4 Micklethwait Barbecue After 12 years of serving barbecue from a food trailer, Micklethwait Barbecue moved into a brick-and-mortar. Founded by Tom Micklethwait, the menu offers a variety of Texas barbecue, and was awarded with a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in late 2024.
Now open
1 Granny’s Tacos Establishing its first brick-and-mortar, Granny’s Tacos now features a new coffee bar, dining room and lounge. Patrons can expect Mexican cafe favorites, including an assortment of tacos, burritos, tortas and more. Loyal fans can still visit the original food truck, which continues to operate at 1906 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. • Opened in October 71
Closings
8 The Lost Well The rock ‘n’ roll and metal venue closed its doors this fall after 11 years in business. The closure followed the landlord’s decision not to renew the lease, according to an employee’s social media post. • Closed in October • 2421 Webberville Road, Austin • Instagram: @thelostwell
• 1401 E. Seventh St., Austin • www.grannystacosatx.com
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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Government
BY BEN THOMPSON
Austin o cials sworn in; elect mayor pro tem Six Austin City Council members were inaugu- rated Jan. 6 to start o the new council term. Council’s rst regular meeting of 2025 is Jan. 30, after press time. The big picture Three incumbents were sworn in after their reelection in the fall, joining three newly elected o cials: Krista Laine from District 6 in Northwest Austin, Mike Siegel from North Central Austin’s District 7, and Marc Duchen from District 10 covering Central and West Austin. All six will now serve at City Hall for four years. After taking their oaths of o ce, council members each spoke to their hopes and priorities for the coming term while pushing back against political divisions both locally and at higher levels of government. “If we come together, really setting aside personal and ideological agendas, it will make a big di erence today and a transformative one tomorrow,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. The action taken Following inauguration, the new-look council took its rst action by holding an election for mayor pro tem. That role’s responsibilities include running council meetings and serving as the city’s ceremonial head of government whenever the mayor is absent. Recent councils decided to split up mayor pro tem duties on an annual basis, a trend that will be continuing. District 2 council member Vanessa Fuentes was chosen for the role in 2025, and District 4’s Chito Vela is set to take over in 2026. Council ‘cleaning up’ board, commissions Some of Austin’s resident boards and com- missions could be combined or dissolved this year through a process started by city o cials to improve the bodies’ work. The big picture Austin's nearly 70 boards and commissions are led by appointed residents to o er policy oversight and recommendations, and serve as a connection
Thousands sheltered amid cold weather Austin sheltered nearly 4,000 people and responded to dozens of weather-related incidents through recent cold snaps. What happened As below-freezing temperatures rolled in through the past month, the city opened overnight shelter spaces serving hundreds of people nightly from Jan. 5-10 and 18-22. The service now operates under new policies made late last year to improve client registration and shelter activation processes. “Our decision to raise our cold weather shelter threshold from 32 to 35 degrees was done with the sole intention of saving lives, of preventing frostbite, of preventing hypothermia,” Homeless Strategy O cer David Gray said in an interview. Out in the community, two deaths were reported Jan. 20-21 out of nearly three dozen cold-related illness incidents citywide. Countering the cold Austin responded to dozens of incidents and sheltered hundreds of people during cold weather in January. • 3,922 people served in overnight cold weather shelters • 700 lane miles of roadway were treated • 84 cold-related medical responses, including 2 deaths • 89 potentially weather-related vehicle collisions • 23 weather-related ire incidents (Jan. 5-10 only)
Three returning and three newly elected Austin City Council members were sworn in on Jan. 6.
BEN THOMPSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
Austin City Council terms Six city o cials, including three newcomers, were sworn in for four-year terms in January. Five others are halfway through their current terms.
Mayor Kirk Watson
Vanessa Fuentes, District 2* Natasha Harper- Madison, District 1 José Velásquez, District 3
Chito Vela, District 4* Ryan Alter, District 5 Krista Laine, District 6 Mike Siegel, District 7 Zo Qadri, District 9 Paige Ellis, District 8 Marc Duchen, District 10
*SELECTED AS MAYOR PRO TEM
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN COMMUNITY IMPACT
between community members and City Hall. Council member Ryan Alter said valuable discussions, reviews and community input take place at board meetings—but that some “clean-up” is now needed. “None of the proposed changes are because we think any commission is either wasting time or is doing work that is unimportant,” Alter told Community Impact . “What we’re really focused on is, how can we make the work they do more meaningful and how can we be more e cient from a city perspective?”
What’s happening This year, council and city sta will review policy updates to potentially adjust some board and commission functions, including the removal or consolidation of several bodies. Going forward, the city will look to roll out a sunset review process. O cials are also seeking to create a new website where board and commission recommendations can be easily viewed. Although he said he’s received some resistance to the commission review so far, Alter said he thinks Austin’s new-look governance bodies will combine the e orts of their members and keep the door open for discussion on items of public interest.
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Education
BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ
AISD reports progress on special education order
AISD trustees approve academic calendars The Austin ISD board of trustees approved the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic calendars during a board voting meeting Dec. 19, 2024. The details The 2025-26 calendar has students start- ing classes Aug. 19 and ending May 28, 2026. For the 2026-27 calendar, students begin school Aug. 18, 2026 and finish class on May 27, 2027. The approved calendars include days off for the usual seasonal vacation times, such as spring, fall and winter breaks. The calendars also include faith-based and cultural observances. The total number of student instructional days is 169, accord- ing to the news release.
Austin ISD is making “significant strides” in fulfilling an agreed order between the district and Texas Education Agency that first came about in 2023 due to shortfalls in the special education department. There is still “work to be done,” officials said in a news release. The gist The district has completed 74 of 99 action items detailed in the TEA agreed order, officials said. The action items are associated with four main priority categories, including data management, completing outstanding special education evalua- tions, operational practices and family outreach. There are also items associated with a Lone Star Governance agreement. Lone Star Governance is a TEA program providing coaching and support to district governing bodies focused on improving student outcomes. The district must complete all action items to avoid a TEA-appointed conservator.
25 improvements remain AISD has yet to complete 25 action items detailed in an agreed order with the TEA. The district has fully completed two out of four categories. Completed Complete corrective action plans (Priority I) 20 Incomplete
Improve SPED procedures (Priority II) 28 19
Data management (Priority III)
2
Parent outreach (Priority IV) 15 Lone Star Governance 9 6
DATA AS OF DEC. 12, 2024
SOURCE: AUSTIN ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON
Sixth Street reopened to vehicular tra c Sixth Street will no longer be closed o to vehicles on busy weekend nights. For years, the strip was packed with pedestrians while vehicular tra c was blocked for several nights each week. The gist Safety updates on the corridor were made in December and January, including: • The roadway opening to vehicular tra c for the entire weekend—with possible late- night closures if there are large crowds as bars close • An expanded sidewalk area with barriers along the street • Street closures at intersections with San Jacinto, Trinity, and Neches streets on Thursdays through Sundays
Austin Transit Partnership has proposed a greenway running parallel to the proposed rail line along Riverside Drive.
ARTIST CONCEPTUAL VISUALIZATION COURTESY AUSTIN TRANSIT PARTNERSHIP
Project Connect legal proceedings continue After a lawsuit from community opponents seeking to halt Austin’s tax collections for Project Connect was dismissed in December, the group is now seeking to revive the case. The suit alleges the city broke promises to taxpayers with a “drastically reduced” transit plan and unclear construction timeline.
What’s happening? Attorney General Ken Paxton is also seeking to reverse a separate decision that would allow a trial over the project’s nancing to proceed. After a state appeals court rejected his push to halt those proceedings in the fall, Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to consider the case; its review was pending as of press time. The big picture Voters backed the project in 2020 with the approval of an inde nite tax increase, and the initial rail outline was since scaled down.
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Real estate
The number of homes sold in December year over year increased in all but three of Central Austin’s 12 ZIP codes. Residential market data
Homes sold
December 2023
December 2024
+44.44%
+38.89%
+91.67%
+81.48%
+30%
+66.67%
78705 78751 78752 78756
78701
78702
78703
78704
78705
78722
78757
78731
290
360
78723
78703
+12%
+230%
0%
-70%
+20%
-20.59%
78701
78722
78702
78704
290
183
35
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MOPAC
N
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512 454 7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
78723
78731
78751
78752
78756
78757
4.62
5.03
APY* %
APY* %
*All promotions will run at the stated APY (Annual Percentage Yield) rate as of 9/1/2024 and are subject to cancellation or change in rate without notice.The minimum balance to open an account and obtain APY is $1000. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Central Austin
Median home sales price
December
2023
2024
December
2023
2024
$1,575,000 $640,000 $1,740,000 $810,000 $364,500 $790,000 $541,250 $890,950 $581,000 $419,950 $650,000 $584,500
$665,000 $582,500 $990,000 $950,000 $313,500 $805,500 $535,000 $1,090,000 $568,000 $659,500 $1,198,000 $655,000
212 154
78701
New listings
78702
181
225
Closed sales
78703
Homes under contract
171
151
78704
78705
Homes sold by price point
78722
December 2024
78723
84
$900,000+
78731
45
$700,000-$899,999
78751
44
$500,000-$699,999
78752
43
$300,000-$499,999
78756
19
<$300,000
78757
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Winter Weather PREPAREDNESS TIPS For updates and instructional videos visit: austinwater.org
Locate your water shutoff Make sure everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. In an emergency, Austin Water recommends you always try to shut off your water at your property owner’s cutoff valve first. For most homes in our service area, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. If you are not sure where, check the property inspection report from when you purchased your residence. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, during an emergency, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Keep out cold air Tightly close doors and windows to the outside. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Exposed pipes and water heaters Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Outside faucets Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. Prepare before leaving town If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.
EMERGENCY SUPPLIES to have on hand
WATER METER KEY to access your meter box if necessary INSULATION for indoor and outdoor pipes HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets
Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT Have enough water for 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS
In the event of an emergency and you can’t access your meter box, please call Austin Water’s Emergency Dispatch at 512-972-1000.
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY HALEY MCLEOD & CLAIRE SHOOP
Health & Wellness Guide
2025
Welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In the inaugural Health & Wellness Edition, learn more about how runners have built a cultural scene in Austin, what IV drip therapy can do for you, stress management and how life expectancy varies in di erent parts of Travis County. Di erent from our annual Health Care Edition in June, this guide aims to inform our readers on how to be proactive about their health in 2025.
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County health data Travis County was above the state and national averages in most health rankings. The county di ered from the state of Texas on some of the individual metrics that went into the scores such as access to healthy food and exercise opportunities.
Snapshot
Health indicators
The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.
Health outcomes measure the health of a community. Health factors include behaviors and access to care.
Health factor
Health outcome
Travis
Travis County
Texas
Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.
Life expectancy Food insecurity
80.6 years
77.2 years
12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%
14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%
N
Limited access to healthy foods
Health outcomes
Adult smoking
Travis County
Excessive drinking
Access to exercise opportunities
Uninsured (under age 65)
State average National average
Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing
1,190:1
1,660:1
Health factors
270:1 30% 37% 16%
640:1
Travis County
33% 39% 14%
National average
State average
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS COMMUNITY IMPACT
17
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
Health & wellness
BY ELLE BENT & ELISABETH JIMENEZ
Types of gyms
Mixed martial arts gyms Mixed martial arts, or MMA, involves techniques from combat sports that include striking and grappling. People often train by sparring, using fighting styles such as boxing, Brazilian jiujitsu, muay Thai and kickboxing. • Good for: This sport helps improve endurance, functional strength, flexibility and reflexes, according to fitness company Ronin Training Center. • Examples: Black Widow MMA, Kings MMA Austin, Fit and Fearless Powerlifting gyms Powerlifting consists of three lifts: the squat, bench press and deadlift, according to USA Powerlifting. Powerlifting gyms provide equipment and sometimes training needed to powerlift. • Good for: Powerlifting is good for building strength. • Examples: FeV Iron Vault Gym, Twisted Steel Barbell, Gameday Barbell, Los Campeones Gym Austin North Yoga studios Yoga studios often offer classes geared toward the practice of different yoga styles. • Good for: Yoga is good for flexibility, balance and strength in addition to its benefits for heart health, according to health system John Hopkins Medicine. • Examples: Black Swan Yoga, Flow Yoga, YTX Yoga
Boot camp gyms Boot camp gyms offer “boot camp” sessions of an intense workout in a short amount of time, focusing on cardio and strength training in one session. • Good for: This form of high-impact, full-body workout engages major muscle groups and focuses on strength training, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by maintaining bone density, according to fitness company Peloton and health care center Mayo Clinic. • Examples: F45, HIT Athletic, Orangetheory Fitness Boxing gyms Boxing gyms can offer traditional boxing classes to teach sparring or fitness boxing—a form of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT. Fitness boxing can include drills such as footwork drills and punching rounds. • Good for: Boxing exercises can improve heart health, endurance, balance and coordination, as well as provide full-body strength training. • Examples: Archetype Boxing Club, Rumble Boxing, Austin Women’s Boxing Club, Crunch Fitness
Climbing gyms Climbing gyms often offer different climbing styles like bouldering, top roping and lead climbing in an indoor facility outfitted with textured walls designed to mimic rock surfaces. • Good for: Climbing is a full-body workout good for building strength, according to the CDC. • Examples: Austin Bouldering Project, Crux Climbing Center, Mesa Rim Climbing Center Cycling gyms Cycling gyms offer indoor cycling classes, often referred to as spinning, for a low-impact, high-intensity workout. • Good for: Cycling focuses on various muscle groups, such as quads, calves, glutes and core, according to cycling studio VERVE and Harvard Medical School. This form of exercise puts less stress on joints, which may be ideal for those with orthopedic injuries, according to Harvard Medical School. • Examples: CYCLEBAR, SoulCycle, RIDE Indoor Cycling, LOVE Cycling Studio
Here is a noncomprehensive guide of different types of gyms to join around the Austin area. This list is in alphabetical order. Aquatic gyms Aquatic gyms often feature swimming pools, diving and offer swimming classes. • Good for: Swimming can improve health for people with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Examples: Jamail Texas Swimming Center, Austin Aquatics and Sports Academy, The Swim Studio Barre studios The studios offer barre classes, a low-impact exercise routine that combines elements of ballet, Pilates, yoga, and strength training. • Good for: Barre focuses on body strength and flexibility, according to gym franchise Pure Barre’s website. • Examples: barre3, Pure Barre, TruFusion South Austin
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) studios
Pilates studios Pilates studios offer classes focusing on strengthening core muscles, with an emphasis on proper technique. • Good for: This low-impact workout can improve core strength, balance and flexibility, as well as help with back pain, though research is limited, according to studies in the Muscle, Ligaments and Tendons Journal and the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. • Examples: Reform You Pilates, Club Pilates, Fire & Flow Pilates, Soma Lux Pilates
These studios offer sessions that involve short, high-intensity reps with active recovery periods in between. • Good for: HIIT sessions are often below an hour but provide benefits such as improved heart health, burning calories and increased strength and endurance, according to the Cleveland Clinic and an article from Harvard School of Public Health. • Examples: F45 Training, Orangetheory Fitness, HIT Athletic, Pvolve Austin
This list is not comprehensive.
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Health & wellness
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Health divide in Travis County Many areas along the outskirts of Travis County see projections for reduced life expectancy. These areas also see higher poverty rates, lower education levels and higher minority populations.
130 TOLL
620
290
MOPAC
71
183
Life expectancy in years at birth 65-70 70-75
35
75-80
80-85
85-90
No data
SOURCE: U.S. SMALL AREA LIFE EXPECTANCY ESTIMATES PROJECT, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION COMMUNITY IMPACT
N
Eastern TravCo sees shorter life expectancy
Newer surveys conducted by CommUnityCare and other local health providers indicate that the di erences between life expectancy between east and west Travis County is shrinking, but Yagoda says the data is complex. CommUnityCare’s analysis of vulnerable population footprints examines education and income levels across the region, as these have proven to be an e ective determinant of health outcomes, Yagoda said. “It appears, at face value, that that gap is closing, but that may not be for the right reasons,” Yagoda said. “... When you do the analysis, it has everything to do with the change in demography within the county. We see that the net isn’t disappearing, it’s just being diluted.” Yagoda explained that more a uent communities are moving east, with some of the original vulnerable pop- ulations either being displaced or getting buried behind the larger income levels of their new neighbors. The community provider continues to evaluate areas for economic stability, environmental hazards, food deserts, safe housing, play space and other nonmedical health determinants. What else CommUnityCare also functions as a care provider for Central Health, which adopted its Healthcare Equity Plan in early 2022—a $700 million e ort to increase direct care to patients. The hospital district opened its rst permanent specialty clinic at the Rosewood-Zaragosa center in East Austin in July and has plans for another east health and wellness center in Del Valle.
Travis County health professionals face challenges navigating “historic” disparities in life expectancy throughout the eastern part of the county, hampered by slow delivery of state and federal data to local providers, according to local o cials. Some parts of eastern Travis County see up to 15 years fewer of life expectancy than in western counterparts of the county, according to a report released in 2022 by nonpro t research organization Episcopal Health Foundation. Though the data—collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—dates back nearly a decade, the numbers are expected to remain consistent due to “historic dividing lines,” said Brian Sasser, chief commu- nications o cer for the Episcopal Health Foundation. The analysis revealed that Travis County residents in lower-income neighborhoods with higher poverty rates, lower education levels and signi cant minority popu- lations have signi cantly shorter life expectancies than those in more a uent areas. The foundation has plans to renew its research with more recent data, Sasser said, but added it could be years before receiving those gures from state and federal sources. Zooming in Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, the interim CEO of CommUni- tyCare Health Centers, called the slow data process a “stumbling block” for local providers tackling health discrepancies in their communities. “Frankly, it makes it very hard for us as a community, as a state, as a nation, to be able to react in a timely fashion,” Yagoda said.
21
NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
From the cover
Running scene in uence picks up the pace in Austin
The big picture
Austin’s marathon events are drawing more and more runners from across Texas and the U.S. Annual participation in the Austin Marathon
All distances (marathon, half marathon, 5K)
Events ranging from the casual to the more competitive draw tens of thousands of people every year, a boost for local running businesses, sponsors and other groups. Through Austin’s marathon alone, hundreds of thousands of dollars are sent to charities each year. The marathon is also now one of the best- attended 26.2-mile contests per capita nationally, according to race organizer High Five Events. “The running culture here is top tier, and the number of people who run who are athletic or just out for leisurely runs, it’s by far one of the biggest in the U.S.,” said High Five owner Stacy Keese. Trail races, brewery runs and local 5Ks can o er less intense yet still popular options. One, the Zilker Relays, most recently drew nearly 1,800 people, according to sponsor and local run group programmer Austin Runners Club. “What makes Austin’s running scene really stand out is its ability to bring people together to build genuine connections and a supportive community that extends far beyond the run itself,” community engagement manager Jasmine Adgerson said.
19,224
10K 25K 20K 15K
13,490
0
2017
2018
2019
2020 2021*
2022
2023
2024
2025
Runner demographics
By the numbers 81% of 2024 runners were from Texas, including 46% from Austin Top 5 participant cities: Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, New York 2024 marathon participants came from all 50 states and more than 50 countries
Economic impact
$22.4M
2016 2017 2014 2015 2018 2020 2021* 2019 2022 2023 2024
4%
0-19
37.9%
20-29 30-39 40-49
28.8%
15.8%
50-59 9.1% 60-69 3.7% 70 and up 0.9%
$62M
*NO RACE WAS HELD IN 2021 DUE TO COVID 19. SOURCE: HIGH FIVE EVENTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
TOTALS WILL NOT ADD TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING DATA FROM 2024
$0 $40M $80M
Zooming in
we do, so that we can make sure that not only does the event have the coverage it needs, but the larger system also has the coverage that it needs,” she said. Outside of special events, Stedman said EMS han- dles daily calls related to running or heat-related illness on Austin’s streets and trails during the hot summer months.
Austin processes dozens of special event permits for major races each year, and the activities also draw public safety resources when taking place. For operational security reasons, the Austin Police Department and Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services don’t share exact sta - ing details for special events. Both agencies said they plan for security, tra c control and medical
assistance depending on event size and risks. EMS Capt. Christa Stedman said ambulances, special response units and motorcycle medics are typically at high-pro le runs like the marathon to deal with anything from a fall to dehydration or cardiac arrest—while still leaving resources for the overall 911 system. “That’s why we sta these things the way that
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY BEN THOMPSON
Put in perspective
Keep in mind
Beyond philanthropy, economic activity and the social aspect of running with others, many involved in the local running community noted that Austin continues to hold a perception as a destination that can support physical health. Runners also cited at areas near more challenging hills and a local climate allowing for year-round training as some reasons for running’s local popularity regardless of skill level or intensity. “If we’re going to be out there su ering through hills, we might as well do it together. That’s one part of the fact of community, is you’re sharing in the experience, and so it’s not always the easy path,” 5Run2 founder PJ Thompson said.
Local attention to running has seen its ups and downs since at least the ‘80s, Keese said, but she thinks the current wave of interest in Austin is “trending higher than ever” thanks to thousands of new residents and the impacts of COVID-19 on people’s tness plans. That view is shared by Lisa Daugherty, chief marketing o cer for Austin footwear xture Karavel. While catering to athletic customers for nearly nine decades, she said the shoe provider was recently inspired to brand a new running division to reach out to a growing population of active residents. Several major tness brands such as Nike, New Balance and On have now also set up shop, another sign of what she sees as a more active community invested in jogging and related events. “[Running brands] know if it works here, it’s going to work in other places, and they want to be in the place where it’s happening right now,” Keese said. Many also pointed to the surge in run clubs, as o erings for runners with di erent goals and skill levels are now available daily in di erent parts of town. Running participants noted the wide range of options for serious competitors or people looking for an active social connection, saying the groups can bene t the wider community by drawing more interest to the activity. For the ARC, which Adger- son called a go-to hub for local runners, nearly a dozen beginner-friendly groups are o ered. She estimated dozens, if not at least 100, clubs are now active citywide. “The possibilities are endless, with groups meeting at all times of day, on di erent days of the week, and bringing together runners from all
“The possibilities are endless, with groups meeting at all times of day, on di erent days of the week, and
bringing together runners from all walks of life and various skill levels.”
JASMINE ADGERSON, AUSTIN RUNNERS CLUB COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
“What we really try and do is foster this community, that you’re getting something out as you put something in.” JAMIE PRATT, 5RUN2 CO LEADER
Fitness facts
“Vigorous-intensity” running activity burns 590 calories per hour for a 154-pound person, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children are advised to have one hour of activity daily. Adults are advised to spend at least 2 1/2 hours weekly on moderate activity. High levels of physical activity can help lose weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, infectious diseases and some cancers.
walks of life and various skill levels,” she said. While some can still be more exclusive or more directed toward social media promotion, Daugh- erty said most groups can be attractive as they t within Austin’s “weird” and welcoming vibe. Pratt agreed, noting that friendship and the reliability of a regular event can be just as key as tness in the social exercise scene. “What we really try and do is foster this commu- nity, that you’re getting something out as you put something in,” she said.
SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, OFFICE OF DISEASE PREVENTION AND HEALTH PROMOTION COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION
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