The experience of the studio gyms is unparalleled. There is nothing quite like the personal atmosphere and sense of community when working out with no more than 10 others. There is that shared experience of pain and suffering with the same person encouraging you not to give up. There is no competing for equipment or overcrowding. Even the small non air-conditioned studios are a huge appeal for me. It’s not about the fancy equipment. It’s about people who want to work hard. Working with ActiveATX, I have had the opportunity to experience many studio gyms, each cleverly designed to cater to the personality of the trainer and the psychology of their training. In a sea of fitness facilities in Austin, there’s always the question: What makes you stand out? What can I get from this place than the other? What I’ve learned is that each of them has deep roots in their desire to simply help others. It goes beyond just wanting to get people into shape, but change their lives. Fitness was the epiphany to the role they were supposed to play. 
My experience at Dane’s Body Shop was no different. The answers on what makes Dane’s Body Shop different can be seen in something as complex to his style to the basics of the name. The main entrance is a garage door and as you walk in, there is the aesthetic of a vintage car garage decorated with pictures reminiscent of the 1950’s. Coincidently enough, the shop is next to a used auto sales dealership.
“We want you to feel as if you’re walking in to get a tune up,” said Dane Krager, “being different and eclectic is Austin’s style and we wanted to incorporate that.”
Dane’s background in fitness stems from professional sports where he played football for teams such as Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. In addition to a professional personal training certification, Dane discovered yoga and has been practicing for five years. He described it as a love affair derived from the “soft, elegant style” of yoga described by Dane.
That’s when Dane developed the philosophy for his training sessions: Synergy. It’s defined as a cooperative or combined action. So with this idea, Dane developed his Fusion classes. Along with the tough workouts involving weights, Dane incorporates softer movements like yoga or pilates.
“I want to provide both experiences for people,” said Dane, “We can be doing Kettlebell swings then to yoga flows. I’ve gone from barbell complexes to pilates.”
With the fusion of intensive and passive movements it’s a great option for training. What’s great is that there is a period after the strength and conditioning movements where you can relax but still maintain constant movement that allows for full range of motion. Dane also emphasizes that it’s more than about how many reps someone can do, but to make sure they are doing the movements properly. They don’t fly through the exercises. I dropped by the shop for a Fusion session and got a taste of the signature synergy style from Dane.
Warm Up:
4 rounds
12x Alternate toe touches
6x Windmill Push ups
100 meter run
8x lunge dislocates
Workout:
5 rounds:
3 Curtis P’s:
Hang Cleans to front squats to lunges to push press
6x roll outs or sit ups
200 meter run
Cool Down:
15 minutes
20x weighted ab twist
10x weighted sit up
6 lunge openers
100 meter run
What I also found great about Dane’s Body Shop was that I have been to places where I would not recommend for a beginner. Dane’s Body Shop is a great place for all levels of fitness. The idea is to bring a vast array of people together through fitness. Not to mention Dane plays some of the best music I’ve heard at a facility. Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons are some of my favorite bands that get me pumped up for a workout.
“I’m not just a personal trainer, but a coach,” said Dane, “Not only in physical but psychological and mental accomplishments.”
Another way Dane is bringing people together is with the 1st Annual Zombie Obstacle Course. With your partner, you complete various fitness obstacles while zombies chase you. It’s more than just a fun event. The idea of building a community led to the part of the course where if completed early, you have the option to go back and take out zombies to help others. It’s a no man left behind mentality. 
The event will take place on October 22 at Pease Park. You can sign up online at www.DanesBodyShop.com or email Dane at DaneFit@gmail.com. The cost is $20 and starting next Wednesday, price rises to $25. Spots are limited so sign up fast.
Keep Austin Active
Josh
Loading tweets...
