New Years Resolution Guide
Looking to make some changes in 2014? Want to try something new? This special section includes businesses and events to help you put your best foot forward in the new year.
H-E-B Alamo Run Fest
Experience the Finish Line INSIDE the Alamodome
Picture it. You’re closing in on the end of your race. Ahead, the spires of San Antonio’s Alamodome rise into the sky. You enter the dome’s south tunnel and soon you’re on the floor of the arena, INSIDE the Alamodome! On the big video wall is an excited, smiling face… it’s yours. There’s a rush of adrenaline as your reenergized legs carry you forward across the stadium floor. You make the final turn and there you are again on the other video wall, crossing the Finish Line! This is more than a Finish Line… this is your moment in time!
The inaugural Alamo City Run Fest was somewhat of an unknown ‘gem’ in 2013. That’s no longer the case. San Antonio-based H-E-B recognized the unique nature of this event and has now joined on as its Title Sponsor to help build a truly motivating event experience for health enthusiasts. There are four events to choose from – a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run – and they all finish INSIDE the Alamodome. That’s a BIG bonus… because the ‘weather’ at the finish line is guaranteed to be great, no matter what the temperature or elements of nature throw at you out on the course. Friends and family can share your finish line achievement in comfort, regardless of the weather conditions outside, and enjoy the post-race celebration without any concerns about inclement weather!
It’s a New Year. On March 2, let the ‘experience of the Finish Line’ at the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest help fuel your motivations to achieve your resolutions in 2014!
“This was a great race from start to finish! I loved running into the Dome hearing my name and seeing myself on the big screen when I was approaching the finish line. Amazing experience! The post race food and entertainment were great! I’m looking forward to next year’s race and a half will be in my future! I can’t say enough good things about the ACRF.”
— Nikki P., 2013 Participant
“Do you know what you did today? You pulled off an inaugural race without any major hiccups! All the hours of hard work resulted in a successful first race! Well done staff, volunteers, police and sponsors! Great bands, fun finish line and plenty of post race food! Well done ACRF!” — Terri F., 2013 Participant
“Ran my first 10k & it was great! Awesome when I crossed the finish line to hear my name called out & see myself in the big screens, awesome!”
— Veronica S., 2013 Participant
The H-E-B Alamo Run Fest is produced by Texas-based Make a Difference Events. It’s a one-of-a-kind event, powered and energized by caring sponsors and passionate volunteers. For complete event information go to: www.alamorunfest.com
HEB Alamo Run Fest | www.AlamoRunFest.com | 210.807.8100
Go Dance Studio
Find Fitness, Happiness, and Focus through Dance!
The start of a new year revives our desires for better health, happiness, and adventure — but who has the time? Consider social dancing, a one-stop shop for fun and wellness. When you lift your body to dance, your spirits and energy-level naturally follow. We know that sticking to self-improvement and fitness goals is easier when your workouts are engaging, interesting, and social. Tired of the treadmill? Try Two Step. Seeking more mindfulness? Get a mental-workout by moving to music!
In just an hour of dancing you can get your heart rate up, improve your posture, and increase your mental focus. Whether you want to tone muscles or shake off stress, social dance classes deliver the benefits of fitness with the bonus of connecting with others. Taking classes with a friend or loved one is a fun way to schedule quality time that brings you closer, but a partner is never required, and you’ll make new friends in class and out dancing.
Psychologists, coaches and gurus tell us that by pushing out of our comfort zone, we find growth and reward. Whether you are a beginner or reviving dancing dreams, we challenge you to take the first step to finding wellness and joy through movement!
Go Dance has delighted students since 1995. From Swing to Salsa, Ballroom to Country and more, we offer classes seven days a week. Put a new spin on life! Call today to schedule a free lesson.
Go Dance Studio | North Austin, 512.339.9391 • Lakeway, 512.646.2747 • South Austin coming soon! | GoDanceStudio.com
JDRF
Improving lives. Curing type 1 diabetes.
JDRF is the largest non-profit funder of type 1 diabetes research in the world.
The goal of the organization is to eventually cure and prevent T1D entirely. Along the way to a cure, we seek to deliver an ongoing stream of therapies to improve the lives of more than three million Americans living with T1D.
Built from courage, commitment and constitution, JDRF understands what it takes to be the best – funding the best and brightest scientists, universities and research facilities around the world to deliver the most promising research. Since it was founded in 1970, JDRF has provided nearly $1.8 billion in critical research funding.
Until we have turned type one into type none, JDRF will lead the way, fight the fight and never rest until there is a cure.
Join us. Support JDRF Austin with a 100% tax deductible donation direct to research or by attending one of our party with a purpose events –
Deal for a Cure – Saturday, February 15, 2014, Renaissance Austin
The One Party – Friday, April 4, 2014, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, Bastrop, Texas
Walk to Cure Diabetes – Sunday, October 26, 2014, The Domain
JDRF | 3420 Executive Center Dr. Ste. 108, Austin, TX 78731 | www.jdrf.org/austin | 512.343.0663
2014: It’s Your Time to Shine!
Castle Hill Fitness Lights the Way
Resolutions are easy to make, but a lot harder to get started, maintain, and achieve. And while most have only the full-hearted intentions to see them through, only about 60% of us see resolutions turn into life changes.
With over 10 years in the Austin fitness community, Castle Hill Fitness has been helping clients achieve what we call the:
Most Popular Resolutions of ALL TIME
1. Lose weight, or increase fitness level
2. Eat healthier
3. Reduce stress
And here’s how:
#1: LOSE WEIGHT. Never has it been more difficult to lose weight than the moment you decide to do it, and that’s why having a team to help you meet your goal is crucial. To help you get started Castle Hill Fitness has a full time staff of Fitness Concierges to guide you in the right direction. We have 25+ Certified Personal Trainers and Instructors on staff with decades of experience helping clients make transformations of all natures. We also offer 100 yoga, Pilates, Barre, cycling, and fitness classes that require no membership fee and our downtown parking is free. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to drop a few pounds or an athlete wanting to increase performance, Castle has the professionals to help you step up your game.
#2: EAT HEALTHIER. There are all types of philosophies and methods to getting more nutrients out of your daily diet. Eating more healthful foods is the 2nd most popular New Year’s Resolution and often the most difficult to stick to. Which is why we created Food for Fitness café. Since 2004, our café adjacent to the gym produces tasty smoothies and pre-portioned meal options that are neither too little nor too much. Our selections are made fresh with healthy and local ingredients when available. www.foodforfitnesscafe.com
#3: REDUCE STRESS. These two little words pack so much meaning to your overall health. Chances are if reducing stress has made it to your list this year, you know you need to reduce stress but aren’t sure how. Enter our Castle Hill Spa. With a complete service menu offering Massage, Japanese Acupuncture, Structural Integration and skin care services like facials and waxings our licensed therapists will take you from “ARGH!!!” to “awww…” in as little as an hour. www.castlehillfitness.com/spa. If you’re the type that needs “active” recovery – take a trip to our in-house bike shop, Castle Hill Cycles. Specializing in Pinarello brand bikes and expert service, Castle Hill Cycles can set you up. www.castlehillcycles.com
No matter what area you want to improve in the coming year, Castle Hill Fitness has an avenue that can lead you to a successful transformation of the body, mind, and spirit. Here’s to a fitter YOU in 2014!
Castle Hill Fitness | 1112 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78703 | www.CastleHillFitness.com | 512.478.4567
Power Up for Weight Loss
It’s as easy as H2O
One of the most important aspects of any weight loss plan is the amount of water you consume. Increasing water intake naturally speeds up metabolism and allows the body to better assimilate nutrients from the foods and nutritional supplements we consume. If you are trying to shed a few pounds, make water your primary beverage and try to consume two glasses of water before each meal.
The quality of the water you consume is equally as important. If the water you consume contains chemicals like chlorine, chloramine, lead or other pollutants, then much of the liver's energy is spent on filtering contaminants instead of processing fat into energy. In Austin, most tap water contains chloramines (combination of chlorine and ammonia) used to disinfect the water. Removing chemicals from your drinking water ensures you are fueling your weight loss efforts with the healthiest water for optimal hydration and fat burning.
Aquasana, an Austin-based water filtration company, makes it easy to get clean, healthy water on demand. The new Aquasana Powered Water Filtration System provides super fast filtration from the convenience of a pitcher. Unlike traditional drip filter pitchers, the new Aquasana system removes ten times the number of contaminants including chloramines, chlorine, lead, mercury, pharmaceuticals, herbicides, pesticides and volatile organic compounds. The best part? The Aquasana system leaves in healthy minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium your body needs for top performance.
Drink up to a new you!
Aquasana | 1609 Shoal Creek Boulevard, Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78701 | www.Aquasana.com | 866.662.6885
At the Top of Their Game
Amelia Bullock’s New Technology Connects Buyers with the Right Home
With all the beautiful days for outdoor activities in Austin, people would rather spend time doing what they enjoy instead of searching for a home. “We realize families value their free time,“ says Amelia Bullock agent, Kacy Dolce.
For those searching for their dream home, Amelia Bullock’s new website allows them to receive alerts, save favorites and make comments. This feature gives Amelia Bullock agents time-saving feedback so they can customize searches even further.
“Your time viewing homes is more productive because the ones you see are more likely to be ones you love,” observes Georgia Levin.
Another innovation offered by Amelia Bullock is a free Amelia Bullock smart phone app that lets buyers get information about any home they happen to drive by.
For those who want to sell their home, Lori Galloway advises, “Well-staged homes sell much more quickly. That’s why we have a team of top-notch professionals to help with design and repairs.”
Sellers also appreciate the fact that Amelia Bullock’s affiliations and website attract potential buyers not only from Austin but all over the U.S. and world.
“We have streamlined the whole process so it’s as fast as possible,” says Joan Klausner. “You may have seen us on the courts, the trails or in class, but we’re at the top of our game when we’re helping buyers and sellers with our innovative software.”
www.AmeliaBullock.com | Lori 512.633.3882 | Georgia 512.461.2051 | Kacy 512.426.1865 | Joan 512.569.7489
Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon
March 23, 2014
The fifth annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas Half Marathon will hit the city streets on March 23, 2014. The half marathon offers a fast, scenic course that highlights a perfect mix of Dallas’ metropolitan downtown and urban areas, as well as charming neighborhoods including Highland Park and Swiss Avenue. The race culminates with a Texas-sized finish line festival and headliner concert at Fair Park.
Open to runners and walkers of all fitness levels, participants will take over the streets and enjoy live local bands and cheer squads every mile along the 13.1 mile course. Those not up for the distance can grab a partner and run the two-person Half Marathon Relay. Both half marathon and relay participants will be treated to all of the same Rock ‘n’ Roll perks including a commemorative finisher’s medal, Brooks technical participant tee, gear bag and, most importantly, a rockin’ half marathon memory!
Additionally, families looking to keep their kids active can sign them up for KiDS ROCK Dallas, which takes place on Saturday, March 22. More than 700 children will discover that fitness can be fun during the non-timed, non-competitive 1-mile KiDS ROCK Dallas event. After weeks of training, children in grades K-7 will run the “final mile” in their race to become KiDS ROCK marathoners. Race day is the grand finale of a school-based running program designed to tackle childhood obesity through prevention, but children who haven’t participated in the program are still encouraged to register for the 1-mile fun run.
Race weekend kicks off with a free Health & Fitness Expo, where runners can visit more than 100 vendors, take part in interactive clinics with running experts and much more. The Expo will be held at the Dallas Convention Center on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22. The Expo is free and open to the public.
Event information and registration details are available online at RunRockNRoll.com
Competitor Group, Inc. | www.RunRockNRoll.com | 858.450.6510
Dance Austin Studio
Keep Austin Dancing!
Dance Austin Studio is the coolest place in town to sharpen your dance skills and enjoy fun fitness classes! Owner & Instructor Chi Chi Randolph provides an atmosphere that is welcoming and non-judgmental, yet challenging for anyone interested in the art of movement. Randolph’s vision is to create a place where people come and feel good about themselves while receiving quality dance & fitness training. She brings a taste of her professional dance experience from New York and Atlanta. She has over 12 qualified dance and fitness instructors to meet the needs of Austin’s eclectic taste. Dance Austin instructors have worked with many of today’s industry professionals including The Black Eyed Peas, Nelly, LMFAO, Trey Songz, Grammy Pre-Show, Soul Train Music Awards, & BET Hip Hop Awards. Several instructors have BA degrees in dance & kinesiology from prominent universities, are professional choreographers, and are AFFA certified.
Unlike other dance studios, Dance Austin has no registration fees or commitments. Dance Austin offers many traditional dance classes, but is better known for its signature classes such as Go-Go Cardio, Sexy Stiletto Fit, Dance AusTONE, and multiple styles of Hip Hop. If you have no dance experience or it’s been several years since you’ve pulled out your dancing shoes, no need to worry! Adults can enjoy classes such as Intro to Adult Break Dancing, Ballet Basics, Beginning Belly Dancing, Contemporary Modern, and Hip Hop Basics. Dance Austin also provides Master Classes with professional dancers from around the US. If you’re looking to start in the dance world or just want to have fun, Dance Austin will prove to be an exhilarating experience!
Dance Austin Studio | 9012 Research Blvd. Ste C-5 | www.DanceAustinStudio.com | 512.323.9760
Austin Gorilla Run
A Fun 5K Run/Walk in a Gorilla Suit, January 25, 2014
The Austin Gorilla Run is a fun run with a difference. Everyone who takes part wears a full gorilla costume, provided yours to keep, and helps raise funds for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, the international charity working to save the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas. We have been keeping Dian Fossey’s dream alive for the past 28 years. The event is complete with a run/walk/ride 5K course, most creative gorilla costume contest, food, drinks and live music.
Thirsty Planet Brewing Company has been instrumental by donating 100% of the proceeds from Silverback Pale Ale sales and helping to support the gorilla run. Thank you Thirst Planet for letting us sit back, sip and save a gorilla at the same time. Look for it in a bar near you.
Proceeds from the race directly benefit the Ruth Keesling Wildlife Health and Research Center in Kampala, Uganda. The brand new facility includes two main lecture halls with seating for 100 students, two large scale research laboratories, postgraduate and grant research offices. The lower section contains a Wildlife Disease Surveillance Biohazard Level 1 Bio Bank. A first of its kind research center for Africa!
In 1987 there were only 248 mountain gorillas alive in the world, but through the veterinary and conservation efforts of the MGCF, we are proud to announce the population is currently estimated at 880. This model of protection is working because the mountain gorilla is the only great ape primate in the world posting a positive increase in its population.
Join us for a fun filled day for the whole family. Enter promo code AFMAGR while registering for a free event shirt ($20.00 value).
Austin Gorilla Run | www.AustinGorillaRun.com | SaveAGorilla.org | 1.866.GORILLA
Aquarium Now Open in Austin!
Sea to Believe
In a 22,000 sq. ft. facility, Austin Aquarium houses 30 exhibits and over 3,000 species, including a wide variety of birds, reptiles and both cold water and tropical fish. Sharks, sea turtles, boa constrictors and pythons are featured in the beautiful, artistically created exhibits!
Until now, Austin was the largest metro area in the country without an Aquarium. Everyone is encouraged tto enjoy the unique interactive experiences found within; the aquarium is especially excited to introduce children and families to the world beneath the ocean’s surface. Guests are urged to hand feed sharks, rays, birds and fish, or to get up close and personal with many of the reptiles and other animals on exhibit. Above all, the Austin Aquarium promotes education through an interactive experience in a comfortable environment. Kids and adults alike are sure to be amazed at the soft skin of sharks and rays, delighted at the grace of the sea turtles surfacing for air, or the smartness of the octopus as it paints or solves puzzles.
Animal health and resource conservation are top priorities for the aquarium. A four-hour drive to the Gulf of Mexico for tank water is made weekly for species health as well as to conserve community drinking water.
The Austin Aquarium provides children and families access to the excitement and learning opportunities of the ocean without the long trip to the coast. Guests can watch jellyfish gently float and glow, admire the bright and colorful corals, and interact with the species all within easy reach of home. Multiple educational programs and events for kids are offered. The aquarium is available for Birthday Parties and Private Events. On the more educational side, popular programs developed by biologists include Morning Rounds, where attendees can tag along with our experienced crew as they prepare for the day, check on and feed animals and monitor water levels, Behind the Scenes, designed for anyone interested in the technical aspects of aquarium keeping, and for even more fun with education, Sleep with the Sharks, where a nocturnal animal tour is enjoyed along with night-time shark and octopus feeding, morning bird feeding, a Behind the Scenes tour, a theatre-style movie and a continental tank-side breakfast.
“We hope to inspire a young generation of ocean explorers and conservationists through education and a shared experience with live animals in order to create an appreciation for the oceans,” says owner Vince Covino. With living animals representing habitats from the Oregon shores to remote Indonesian Islands, the experience will instill respect and awe for our rich aquatic resources.
The Austin Aquarium has a very active Facebook page. If you would like to keep up to date with the latest happenings, you can find them at www.facebook.com/AustinAquarium.
Austin Aquarium | 13530 N. Hwy 183, Suite #101, Austin, TX 78750 | www.AustinAquarium.com | 512.284.9240
Make HITS Marble Falls, Texas Your Life Resolution
April 26-27, 2014 | Marble Falls, TX
New Year’s Resolutions may come and go, but a passion for the sport of triathlon is something that sticks for life. This year, challenge yourself as you swim, bike and run your way to a brag-worthy achievement and maybe, just maybe, ignite your passion for endurance sports.
Hailed as the new, but impressive, kid on the national race series block, HITS Triathlon Series will make their return to the Lone Star State April 26-27, 2014 and continue to offer Texans “a distance for everyone!”™ during a single weekend. Just one hour from Austin, HITS Marble Falls features four race distances, including the Sprint, Olympic, Half, and Full, lending itself to athletes of all ages and skill levels. Participants will enjoy a calm-water swim with perfect temperatures at Lakeside Park, a challenging bike course and a thrilling run through the hills of Texas. Perfect for city dwellers looking to escape metropolis, this awesomely scenic course showcases the true beauty of the region during peak Blue Bonnet season.
HITS Marble Falls is expected to attract over 1200 participants from across the country and beyond. Athletes are encouraged to register early to not only ensure their spot on race day, but to also take advantage of early bird prices.
Register today for HITS Marble Falls at HitsTriathlonSeries.com.
Tips for success at HITS Marble Falls, TX from HITS Race Director, Mark H. Wilson:
1. Water temperatures are comfortable, so wear a sleeveless wetsuit.
2. Train as you will race. Practicing on hills will give you an edge on your competitors and allow you to maximize fitness gains on race day.
3. Maintain your energy levels by snacking on a gel every 20-30 minutes.
4. To avoid dehydration on the run, drink 10-15 ounces of water per hour during the bike.
5. Don’t start too fast! Your run pace should be 1 minute per mile slower than your regular 10k pace.
6. Have fun!
HITS Triathlon Series | www.HitsTriathlonSeries.com | 845.247.7275
Alamo 13.1: Fight to the Finish!
Run Your Soles in the Race that’s the Soul of S.A. (March 23, 2014)
From the boom of the cannon that starts runners off from the site where Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie, William Travis and roughly 200 Texans held off General Santa Anna and his more than 1,000 troops for some 13 days back in 1836, runners will head off on an out-and-back course that takes them through a number of this city’s best-known historic and cultural sights and brings them back to where it all began for a post-race party at the Alamo.
The race is set for it’s 3rd annual running this spring in San Antonio. With this, the first ever spring half marathon in San Antonio, runners will have the experience of an original classic. Most have said how much this race’s down home feel, attention to detail, and genuine care for it’s runners sets it apart from other races. Not to mention the sweet race swag and classy finisher medals.
That’s the difference of a race put on by locals, they really know how to show off the gems of their city by foot!
Runners will experience all that San Antonio visitors normally come here to experience along the race route, along with some hidden gems and surprises, including beautiful views from inside Trinity University and across the Hays Street Bridge.
You’ll feel the energy and spirit of the Alamo as you pulsate past these San Antonio cultural icons leading you to Fight to the Finish right back in front of the Alamo.
Once you cross the finishline, the down home, city-block party atmosphere awaits to celebrate with you with yummy food and Alamo Beer surrounded by the heart of the city.
Not only do the organizers love to serve their runners, but they also have a passion for racing with a purpose. This year’s race will continue that mission as they honor those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms. They wanted to be able to give them a concrete way to enjoy life and excercise. They will be giving away special adaptive bikes for wounded soldiers that have lost the ability to use their legs. These unique, custom made bikes make it possible for them to get out with their family and ride bikes together or just go for a fun training bike ride through our fair city with the use of their arms. They are hoping to choose two heroic recipients from this year’s race.
Whether a seasoned runner, or a first timer, this race definitely has the essence of what running enthusiasts look for in a race. Grab your friends and family and we’ll see you at the starting line!
Alamo 13.1 | www.Alamo131.com
Treat Yourself
The most convenient form of allergy treatment
Austin is familiar with allergies and allergy symptoms, but most of us are not aware of the microscopic war raging inside our bodies that give rise to the nasal stuffiness, facial pressure, post-nasal drainage, sneezing, fatigue and watery eyes.
Allergy symptoms start when allergens (microscopic pollens, molds, or pet dander) enter the nose. Those of us with the ‘allergy’ gene treat these benign particles as a threat to our well-being. As a result, our immune system kicks into action; antibodies attach to the particles sending signals to mast cells which burst open to release a number of chemical messengers that include histamine. These messengers activate the immune system as though it were fighting a virus or bacteria, resulting in local swelling, sneezing and excessive mucous production. These messengers then spread the erroneous message throughout the body accounting for the severe fatigue that plagues many allergy sufferrers.
The most common way of treating allergies is with antihistamines which block the effects of the histamine that is released from the mast cells. Nasal steroid sprays help by attempting to block the allergens from initially turning on the immune system. Many of us enjoy real relief with these medications. Unfortunately, they don’t work for everyone and they are not treating the real problem. In order to really fix the allergy problem, we have to re-educate our immune systems so that the allergens are no longer perceived as a threat. This re-education process is called immunotherapy and it exists in two forms, subcutaneous immunotherapy – SCIT (allergy shots), and sublingual immunotherapy – SLIT (allergy drops).
This therapy introduces small amounts of the offending allergens into the body on a regular schedule over months to years. As the immune system is constantly encountering these allergens, it can begin to adapt, ultimately becoming permanently non-reactive to these allergens. Allergy shots are more traditional in the US, while allergy drops (and tablets) are more common in Europe, Asia, and South America. Allergy shots are usually administered in the doctor’s office because of the potential for severe reactions, allergy drops do not carry this risk level and are used daily at home, school or work.
SO WHO KNOWS WHAT
Austin is one of the most ‘allergic’ cities in the United States. Dr. Christopher Thompson has been on the forefront of Austin’s war on allergies since 1997, nearly 17 years. His team of clinicians offers patient-friendly allergy testing and treatment utilizing both allergy drops and allergy shots.
Texan Allergy | 5929 Balcones Dr., Suite 102, Austin, TX 78731 | www.TexanAllergy.com | 512.550.1800
Austin: Better by B-cycle
New Bike Share Program Offers Fast, Easy Way to Unlock the City
Austin is known as a bike friendly town, but cycling in the Capital City is about to be taken to a new level with the introduction of bike share with Austin B-cycle.
Launching with 11 walk-up stations in the downtown area in December and with 29 more stations coming on-line by March, Austin B-cycle offers on-demand access to a fleet of over 350 red cruiser bikes, 24/7.
“We help you unlock the city that you love, so you can get the most out of it while burning some calories along the way,” said Elliott McFadden, Executive Director of Austin B-cycle.
Those wanting to access the system can buy a day pass for $8 or an annual membership for $80, a great value at 22¢/day. Pass holders and members can check out bikes as often as they wish, and there is never a charge first 30 minutes of each trip.
“Parking and traffic are a hassle,” McFadden continued. “Whether you are working downtown and want to expand your lunch choices or out with friends hopping from club to club, Austin B-cycle is a fast, easy way to get around downtown, giving you the freedom to go where you want and enjoy Austin.”
Membership and station locations are available at Austin.Bcycle.com
Austin B-cycle | 1000 Brazos Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701 | www.Austin.Bcycle.com | 512.954.1665
Try something NEW this New Year
Floatation Therapy!
Floating weightlessly atop a silky pillow of a skin-temperature water and Epsom salt mixture, you are freed from all sensation of gravity, temperature, touch, sight and sound (which together account for 90% of normal neuro-muscular activity). As the body is now totally supported and external stimuli are eliminated, there is nothing for the brain to do and every muscle is allowed to relax completely. Floatation combines the sensation of weightlessness with a technique known as Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy, or R.E.S.T.
During your float session, you will conserve and redirect vast amounts of natural physical and mental energy, which will result in rapid healing of the mind, body and soul. The ultra-deep relaxation of floating “resets” the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance, strengthening resistance to and accelerating recovery from the effects of stress, illness, injury or strenuous exercise.
With no commands needing to be sent out, the logical side of the brain is rendered redundant, and its activity slows down until it synchronizes with the creative side. In this state, the brain releases vast amounts of endorphins.
While the state of relaxation may be deep and profound, the individual’s brain stays dreamily alert. Technically speaking, the brain gradually shifts from its usual “beta” (stressful) state to generate theta waves, the state-of-mind that Buddhist monks try to reach through hours of meditation and years of training. You can achieve this in a matter of minutes just by lying back into the silky warm sea of bliss that is the floatation experience! Mention our ad in Austin Fit Magazine and get $30 off the price of your introductory one-hour float session.
AQUATonic Float Spa | 4301 W William Cannon Dr., Bldg. B #145, Austin, TX 78749 | www.aquatonicfloatspa.com | 512.487.5593
