Austin Fit Magazine's Best of 2017
Our annual “Best of Austin Health and Fitness” results are in! Thousands of you voted on your favorite people and places in nutrition, lifestyle, wellness, and fitness. Each account could vote only once, so multiple votes by the same person were discarded. Check out the list to see Austin’s most popular mainstays of a healthy lifestyle in Austin. If you don’t see your favorite on the list, make sure to get involved next year by casting your vote!
NUTRITION (this page) | LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS | FITNESS
BEST IN NUTRITION
Best Coffee Shop
Summermoon
Summermoon Coffee Bar is known for their labor of love. They built their coffee roaster from scratch and have hand roasted their coffee over flames and Texas oak ever since. Tip: order the Moon Milk—a blend of seven secret ingredients resulting in sweet, creamy goodness!
Radio Coffee and Beer
Caffe Medici
Best Smoothie Shop
JuiceLand
Who doesn’t love JuiceLand? Their green smoothies, juices, and cleanses are top notch, and their hot drinks are perfect for those days when you’re feeling a little under the weather. The AFM team favorite? A tie between the Wundershowzen and the Julio Verde!
Daily Juice
Smoothie King
Favorite Brunch Spot
Snooze
Snooze’s retro interior and delightful twist on breakfast foods are just two of the many reasons to make it your next brunch spot. You can also feel good about that next short stack since 90 percent of their waste is composted and recycled, making them one of the more sustainable restaurants in the Austin-area.
Kerbey Lane
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Best Healthy Restaurant
True Food Kitchen
This healthy meets trendy restaurant has been packed since it opened its doors in 2016. Located downtown in the Seaholm Power Plant district, the restaurant offers a farm-to-table charm, and their seasonal menu is always worthwhile!
Picnik
Flower Child
Favorite Local Beer, Wine, or Spirit
Tito’s Vodka
Tito’s and soda, Tito’s in a Moscow Mule, Tito’s and cranberry…these are a few of our favorite things! Really though, is there anything it doesn’t go well with? Not only do we love drinking Tito’s, but we also like hanging out with them at events—especially when the Tito’s airstream is involved.
Deep Eddy Vodka
Austin EastCiders
Favorite Grocery Store
H-E-B
H-E-B is one of the largest independent grocery stores in the country, and they hold their own against the Walmarts and Targets of the world. Known for quality, convenience, and reliability, it’s no surprise to see them dominate this category. They also support many community events, including our AFM FITTEST each year!
Whole Foods
Central Market
Best Nutritionist/Dietician
Carly Pollack
This self-proclaimed spiritual gangster is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Lifestyle Coach, and she knows all about the fad diets we’ve all tried a time or two. If her resume and credentials don’t motivate you, visit her website and see the testimonials for yourself. We have a real life-changer here, folks!
Natalie Moos
Kelli Hairston
Best Food Truck
Veracruz
Sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez started Veracruz in hopes of offering the freshest, most authentic tacos in town, and they have surpassed all expectations. They use fresh produce brought in by daily grocery runs and make all their corn tortillas and chips from scratch. Check them out in the lot of Radio Coffee and Beer—the runner up for best coffee shop!
Torchy’s
Chi’lantro
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BEST IN LIFESTYLE
NUTRITION | LIFESTYLE (this page) | WELLNESS | FITNESS
photo by Mark Weatherford
Favorite Bar
Whistler’s
Located in the heart of East Austin, Whistler’s boasts some of the best handcrafted cocktails in town. With a great patio and an eclectic interior, it’s a great spot for any day of the week. If you need a little something solid to go with your beverage, they’ve got you covered out back with their Thai Kun food truck. Did we mention the incredible punch bowls?
Moontower Saloon
Garage Bar
Best Smoothie Shop
Juiceland
Who doesn’t love Juiceland? Their green smoothies, juices, and cleanses are top notch, and their hot drinks are perfect for those days when you’re feeling a little under the weather. The AFM team favorite? A tie between the Wundershowzen and the Julio Verde!
Daily Juice
Smoothie King
Favorite Brunch Spot
Snooze
Snooze’s retro interior and delightful twist on breakfast foods are just two of the many reasons to make it your next brunch spot. You can also feel good about that next short stack since 90 percent of their waste is composted and recycled, making them one of the more sustainable restaurants in the Austin-area.
Kerbey Lane
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Best Healthy Restaurant
True Food Kitchen
This healthy meets trendy restaurant has been packed since it opened its doors in 2016. Located downtown in the Seaholm Power Plant district, the restaurant offers a farm-to-table charm, and their seasonal menu is always worthwhile!
Picnik
Flower Child
Favorite Local Beer, Wine, or Spirit
Tito’s Vodka
Tito’s and soda, Tito’s in a Moscow Mule, Tito’s and cranberry…these are a few of our favorite things! Really though, is there anything it doesn’t go well with? Not only do we love drinking Tito’s, but we also like hanging out with them at events—especially when the Tito’s airstream is involved.
Deep Eddy Vodka
Austin EastCiders
Favorite Grocery Store
H-E-B
H-E-B is one of the largest independent grocery stores in the country, and they hold their own against the Walmarts and Targets of the world. Known for quality, convenience, and reliability, it’s no surprise to see them dominate this category. They also support many community events, including our AFM FITTEST each year!
Whole Foods
Central Market
Best Nutritionist/Dietician
Carly Pollack
This self-proclaimed spiritual gangster is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and a Lifestyle Coach, and she knows all about the fad diets we’ve all tried a time or two. If her resume and credentials don’t motivate you, visit her website and see the testimonials for yourself. We have a real life-changer here, folks!
Natalie Moos
Kelli Hairston
Best Veterinary Clinic
PAZ Veterinary
From standard veterinary services to holistic medicine and acupuncture, the PAZ staff is ready to offer the most quality and advanced services for your pet. They also partner with local pet companies to secure PAZ-exclusive discounts for their clients and participate in pet events all over Austin.
Westlake Animal Hospital
Firehouse
Favorite Retail Store for Fitness Apparel and Gear
Lululemon
Lulu is a cult classic, so we weren’t surprised to see them win by a landslide! Whether you’re doing power yoga or prepping for your next Ironman, they have the perfect gear for any fitness need. Pro tip: their athleisure wear is perfect for brunch, casual Friday, or your next Netflix binge sesh.
Academy
RIDE
Favorite Hotel
W Hotel
Known for its poolside parties and cocktails, the W Hotel is a local favorite hangout spot and the place to be seen during the heat of summer in Austin. Local tips: Austin residents get 30 percent off all spa services, and all spa treatments include the use of the WET Deck and FIT Fitness Center for the full day of your service (Sunday through Friday only).
South Congress Hotel
JW Marriott
Best Pet Food Store
Tomlinson’s
Tomlinson’s has been an Austin staple since 1946. They offer a variety of natural pet products and have a specialized staff trained to meet you and your furry friend’s every need. Pro-tip: join their Pet Club to receive 10 percent off all your purchases for just $7.50 a year.
Petsmart
Petco
Best Bike Shop
Bicycle Sport Shop
Located right off of South Lamar, Bicycle Sport Shop is owned by passionate cyclists sharing their love for the sport with the world. Shop here for bikes, accessories, and services that enhance the cycling experience, and get the help of their expert staff!
Mellow Johnny’s
Buck’s Bikes
Best Spa Experience
Milk + Honey
Walk by Milk + Honey’s downtown location any time of day, and the aroma is enough to draw you into your next spa treatment. Known for their massages, facials, and incredible skincare line, they’ve become an Austin staple that we just can’t live without! AFM Team reco: try their coconut deodorant!
Viva Day Spa
Lake Austin Spa
Fittest CEO
Ally Davidson
Ally Davidson has overcome her fair share of challenges in life (including auditioning for American Gladiator on her very own wedding day!). She and her husband Jeff have built a fitness empire under the Camp Gladiator brand and host some of the best boot camps all over Austin.
Jess Martin
Wes Whitlock
Best Hair Salon
Salon by Milk + Honey
Also taking home first place in the “Best Spa” category, Milk + Honey is a beloved local favorite. With four locations in Austin, they have the leg up on convenience, too!
Bird’s Barbershop
Urban Betty
Best Local Nonprofit
Austin Pets Alive!
We’re one of the country’s pet-friendliest cities, and we’re proud to have such a dedicated organization that helps find homes for animals. Whether you’re looking to volunteer in the community or adopt a pet yourself, APA! is the place to start!
CG Victory
Ballet Austin
photos by tpwf.org
Best Camping Spot
Ink’s Lake
It’s the perfect time of year for a crisp camping trip, and Ink’s Lake in Burnet is the fan-favorite location. This 1,200 acre state park is full of well-marked hiking trails and lake views. Pack your Yeti and your hammock and hit the road to enjoy a night with nature!
Pace Bend Park
Big Bend
NUTRITION | LIFESTYLE (this page) | WELLNESS | FITNESS
BEST IN WELLNESS
NUTRITION | LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS (this page) | FITNESS
Best Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr. Ned Snyder
Repeat winner, Dr. Ned Snyder is a pioneer in the field of breast reconstruction and the founder of the Breast and Body Center of Austin. While Dr. Snyder is known for his breast reconstructions, he is also very skilled in facial rejuvenation, body contouring, mommy makeovers, injectable fillers, and wrinkle relaxers.
Dr. Ashley Gordon
Dr. Edward Buckingham
Best Dermatologist
Dr. Renee Snyder
Power couple alert! Dr. Renee Snyder sits at number one for dermatology, while her husband sits at number one for cosmetic surgery. Not only is Dr. Renee a superstar dermatologist, but she’s also the co-founder of W3LL People, one of Austin’s top local cosmetic companies!
Dr. Amy McClung
Dr. Laura Speck
Best Hospital
Seton
Founded in 1902, this faith-based nonprofit aims to provide access to affordable, quality, and person-centered care. With the recently opened doors of the new Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas, the Seton Healthcare Family is setting a new standard of health in Central Texas.
St. David’s
Baylor Scott & White
Best Physical Therapist
Jarod Carter – Carter Physiotherapy
A new contender, Jarod won this category by a landslide. Unique hands-on manual therapy and a more holistic approach to treating the whole person set this clinic apart from the rest.
Brenda Walk – Quantum Physical Therapy
Katie Gwyn – Mondo Sports Therapy
Best OB/GYN Doctor
Dr. Christopher Seeker
This community women’s health all-star is no secret. A four-time consecutive winner of this category, he been recognized across the city and state for his contributions to women’s health.
Dr. Jason Gooch
Dr. Sally Grogono (tie)
Dr. Allison Anderson (tie)
Best Acupuncturist
Matthew Kirsch (Kirsch Method)
This repeat winner’s unique approach combines bodywork with acupuncture, and, unlike many acupuncturists, he stays with the patient for the majority of the treatment. Patients report less anxiety and appreciate these more personalized sessions.
Ann Mowat (512 Wellness)
Jennifer Hoger
Best Orthopedic Doctor
Dr. Matthew Driscoll
Austin Regional Clinic is lucky to have this repeat winner on staff. His specialties are knee and shoulder surgery as well as sports medicine.
Dr. John McDonald
Dr. Carey Windler (tie)
Dr. Shelby Carter (tie)
Best Pediatrician
Dr. Ari Brown
With 20 years of experience in private practice, she has received awards for both her professional excellence and her service to the community. She passionately advocates for children and family education in her parenting book series, as well as in her appearances on many national news and talk shows.
Dr. Jaime Ramirez
Dr. Anna Bell
Best Dentist
Nazim Shahi, DDS
A veteran winner of this category, Nazim continues to offer excellent dental care and the latest technology at Central Texas Oral Health. His care is not limited at the mouth but extends to patients’ overall body wellness.
Bryan Smith, DDS
David Frank (tie)
Summer Rydel (tie)
Best Massage Therapist
Nick Picchetti
Athletes of all types have found relief from his integrative sports massage, which is effective in treating soft tissue dysfunction. He develops a personalized treatment plan with his clients and uses a combination of deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and trigger point therapy. Nick also uses a rapid release instrument that uses resonance to increase circulation and dissipate muscle tension.
Michelle Hittner
Tammy Marquez
Best Chiropractor
Dr. John Tuggle (tie)
Known as the “Tri Doc,” this avid practitioner and athlete has taken first in this category five times (the same number of Ironmans he’s finished!). He focuses on cutting-edge pain and injury treatments like the Graston Technique, Active Release Technologies, and Kinesio taping.
Dr. Daniel Gonzalez (tie)
The Tri Doc better watch out for this guy who almost broke his winning streak! He strives to help patients improve movement, diet, and mood with gentle yet effective adjustments that support patients’ ability to maintain peak mental and physical health.
Dr. Noah Moos
Dr. Matt Lowe
Best Med Spa
Mint and Thyme Holistic Med Spa
Offering a holistic experience since 2014, this woman-owned business combines a calming spa experience along with medical expertise and procedures. Services include clinical facials, chemical peels, laser hair removal, cosmetic injections, acupuncture, and massage.
Beleza Med Spa
Face to Face Med Spa
Best Mental Health Professional (Psychologist, Psychiatrist, LPC)
Tracy Carver, Ph.D.
This award-winning psychotherapist has credentials from both UT Austin and Harvard. She creates a personalized treatment plan for patients who are dealing with addiction, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.
Casey Lepper, LMFT
Tim Zeddies, Ph.D.
NUTRITION | LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS (this page) | FITNESS
BEST IN FITNESS
NUTRITION | LIFESTYLE | WELLNESS | FITNESS (this page)
Best Gym
CG Arena
This elite fitness facility has something for everyone with its variety of group fitness classes. Sign up for a free trial on their website, and get fit with a community of other motivated people! Don’t forget to check out their outdoor space that includes a basketball court, three sand volleyball courts, and obstacle course!
Pure Austin
Gold’s Gym
Best CrossFit Gym
Woodward CrossFit (tie)
Serving North Austin, Round Rock and Cedar Park, Woodward CrossFit has two locations with a dedicated tight-knit community of crossfitters. With their big family following, it’s no wonder they tied with CrossFit Central!
CrossFit Central (tie)
CrossFit Central, a repeat winner, almost lost their status as the best CrossFit gym in the city. We know they both offer a killer workout, and we propose a face-off to determine the true winner!
Brodie Park CrossFit
CrossFit South Lamar
Best Strength & Conditioning Gym (non-CrossFit)
CG Arena
Also the winner of the best overall gym, this spacious indoor facility includes TRX, monkey bars, and boxing bags among the more traditional best-in-class gym equipment. CG Arena offers many group fitness classes and personal training, so don’t feel intimidated if you are new to strength and conditioning!
Onnit
Athletic Outcomes
Best Yoga Studio
Black Swan Yoga
This donation-based yoga studio has won first place for Best Yoga Studio four years in a row. Black Swan Yoga is committed to being an accessible, community-based studio and is known for their heated, power, flow and Ashtanga classes. With three locations in Austin, this fan-favorite yoga community is a perfect fit for anyone looking for a yoga home.
Wanderlust Yoga
Yoga Yoga
Best Cycling Studio
RIDE
RIDE offers next-level indoor cycling classes with great music, fun rhythmic moves, and a popular teaching staff. Get a killer workout here AND have a great time doing it!
Love Cycling Studio
SoulCycle
Best Boxing/MMA Gym
Lions Krav Maga
A repeat winner, Lions Krav Maga offers a wide classes for all schedules, ages, and levels. Lions is the perfect spot to refine technical skill and mental fortitude. Not only will you get in shape through the training, the tactical skill and physical readiness you learn at Lions will prepare you to deal with real-life situations.
Knockout
Best Local Instagram Fitness Celebrity
Jessica Clark
This Austin personal trainer, health coach, and indoor cycling instructor at RIDE still finds time to foster a strong social media presence. Follow her on Instagram @jessclarkie to see her awesome workouts and motivational posts.
Izzy El-Ubaydy
Jena Mays
Hardest Workout in Austin
Camp Gladiator
CG wins this category for the second year in a row, proving that these dynamic group workouts are here to stay. There are now over 100 camps in Austin, so try it out if you haven’t yet– and get sweaty with your neighbors!
Tara Fredell RIDE class
Stronghorn Fitness
Best Short Distance Road Race (10K or shorter)
Statesman Cap10K
This past April, this race celebrated its 40th anniversary in Austin with more than 21,000 participants—it’s now the largest 10K in Texas and the seventh largest in the nation.
TCloud Subs Turkey Trot
Run for the Water 5K
Best Long Distance Road Race (Longer than a 10K)
Austin Marathon
Each February, thousands of runners fill the Austin streets to participate in this event. Runners go through open roads and pass iconic Austin neighborhoods and landmarks before arriving at the finish line in front of the capitol building.
3M Half-Marathon
Run for the Water 10-Miler
Best Triathlon
CapTexTri
A memorial day event, athletes start with a swim in Lady Bird Lake, then they run and bike through downtown Austin. There are super sprint, sprint, and international course options so all levels can join!
Rookie Tri
Jack’s Generic Tri
Best Trail Running Race
Spectrum Trail Racing
This Austin-based company hosts races all over Texas of various lengths and terrains. They emphasize stunning courses, a supportive community, and a killer after party.
Texas Switchback hosted by Trail Roots
Rogue Trail Series
Best Cycling Event
The Driveway Series
With races every Thursday from March through September, this is one of the largest weekly criterium cycling series in the nation. Cyclists race on three alternating courses around an asphalt racetrack designed for motorsports. The dynamic turns and fast pace make for an exciting and even dangerous race that spectators can enjoy, along with unlimited local brews for only $5 (free for racers!).
LIVESTRONG Ride
BP MS 150
Best Adventure Race
Spartan
Spartan designs their obstacle races to push your mind and body to their limits to increase strength and resilience. They offer many options for races of varying lengths and difficulty around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Tough Mudder
Warrior Dash
Best Fitness Competition
AFM FITTEST
We are truly honored and grateful to receive this designation. We love getting to spend time getting active with our Austin community as much as possible, and this annual event is no exception. See you there next year!
CG Games
The Horrible Hundred
Best Bodybuilding Competition
Naturally Fit Games
Since 2011, this array of competitions has attracted some of the strongest athletes around. Spectators can participate in fitness classes, nutrition demos, and other interactive interactive offerings.
Texas Shredder
Since there was no clear third place winner, we are considering combining this category with the “Best Fitness Competition” next year. Let us know what you think @austinfit.
Best Barre Studio
Pure Barre
With three locations in the Austin city limits, Pure Barre guarantees a full-body workout in under an hour. Low-impact, isometric movements target the areas women find most problematic while also getting the heart rate up. Most people see results in only 8-10 classes, so you owe it to yourself to try it out for a couple of months!
MOD
Barre3
Best Pilates Studio
Pilates Bodies & Barre
This studio has stayed true to the classical teachings of Pilates, with only minor changes due to advances in the understanding of anatomy. Teachers with at least 600 hours of training guide individuals through systematic exercises with a dynamic, stamina-building rhythm and flow.
Pure Pilates
Kor180
Best Youth Fitness Organization
CG Victory
This faith-based adventure camp for kids is suitable for any skill level, age group, or background. It’s a great way to get kids moving and encourage them to be excited about healthy living! It may be December, but summer will be here before we know it, so be sure to sign your kiddos up quickly!
YMCA
West Austin Youth Association
Best Free Community Workout
Stronghorn Saturday Sweat Sessions
This popular sweat sesh will kick your butt. Gather your fellow weekend warriors, and head over to Stronghorn to start your weekend off right!
Camp Gladiator Community Saturday Workout
November Project Austin
Best Personal Trainer
Izzy El-Ubaydy
A contender in several categories this year, this NCFS trainer is popular among both his devoted clients and IG followers. If you’re looking for a personalized meal or workout plan as we enter into 2018, Izzy is your guy!
Kim Eagle
Joe Touchet
Best Pilates Instructor
Tobie Funte
Tobie can be found teaching Pilates in the heart of Westlake. When she is not teaching public classes, she equips other aspiring instructors to get certified in Pilates, barre, and yoga at her studio, Beyond Barre.
Maja Kermath
Vlada Sheber
Best Barre Instructor
Shannon Pike
Shannon Pike spends her time teaching barre at the Pure Barre studio in Austin. When she’s not helping students to tone their bodies, she’s running her company Moderna Muse, where she and her co-founder, Rashanna Moss, inspire women to be bold and connect to their inner voice.
Holly Phinney
Melissa Garza
Best Cycling Instructor
Frank Nicholas
Frank’s classes sell out early, so be sure to reserve them in advance! His in-demand cycling prowess will have your butt burning and your thighs thanking you later! Frank teaches in the Galleria and Downtown Ride locations, so you can catch him all over Austin!
David Garza
Megan Knight
Best Yoga Instructor
Laura Hill Nash
When Laura isn’t teaching yoga at Corepower, you can find her at the barre, teaching at MODFitness. With a strong focus on wellness and balance, you’re bound to find your Austin workout home in the middle of one of her classes!
Amelia Raun (tie)
Lizzie Aguirre (tie)
Gustavo Padron
Best Running Coach
Gilbert Tuhaboyne
Gilbert is one of the most philanthropic individuals in Austin. You might know him through Gilbert’s Gazelles—an Austin-based training group for runners. You can find Gilbert coaching track at St. Andrew’s High School, training runners in his running group, or planning the next annual Run for the Water, a local charity run to bring clean water to over 70,000 Burundians.
Erik Stanley
Steve Sisson
Best Triathlon Coach
Natasha Van Der Merwe
A former tennis player and professional triathlon competitor, Natasha is a repeat winner and is known as one of the best coaches in the Austin area. If you’re looking to become an outstanding tri-athlete, look no further!
Maurice Culley
Pamela Gagot
Best CrossFit Coach
Justin Adams
It’s no surprise that one of our winning CrossFit boxes also boasts our winning CrossFit coach. Adams specializes in RX Gymnastics and encourages the Woodward CrossFitters to continue to pursue new knowledge and certifications to stay on the pulse of the latest exercise science.
Noah Abbott
Jami Mendoza (tie)
Pamela Gagot (tie)
Best Group Fitness Instructor
Jess Martin
Owner and ‘Chief Fitness Officer’ of Stronghorn Fitness, Jess Martin is well-known in the Austin fitness community. Get your workout in and ‘earn your shower’ (as Jess says!) at their Saturday Sweat Sessions.
Caprice Richards
Jessica Clark
Best Ambassador to Austin's Health & Fitness Community
Caprice Richards
Hop on the spin bike with Caprice in downtown Austin or at the Hill Country Galleria to claim your first free class!
Jess Martin
Izzy El-Ubaydy
Best Bootcamp
Camp Gladiator
These days, it seems like CG bootcamps are on every corner. Camp Gladiator meets you where you are, but be prepared for a challenge! Our favorite spot? The #audishores bootcamp at the Long Center–see you there!
Stronghorn Fitness
HEAT Bootcamp
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