Healthy Living in Austin, Texas
Living in Austin, Texas certainly has its advantages for those pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. With a plethora of healthy food options and various ways to remain active, both indoor and outdoor, Austin is a fitness haven.
As a certified personal trainer in the Austin, Texas area, I'll share some of my favorite things about Central Texas and what it's like living in Austin as a fitness professional.
Like many who have moved to the area in recent years, some readers may be wondering about the pros and cons of living in Austin, Texas. As such, I'll also discuss some of the drawbacks to living here for those considering their health and fitness regimen within the context of a place to potentially call home.
Let's discuss living in Austin!
Why I Love Living in Austin, Texas as a Fitness Professional
For a big city, Austin still offers a lot of "small town charm". With a wide range of communities and a diversity of interests, Austin offers something for everyone. So, if you're like me and searching for other fitness minded and health conscious individuals, you won't have to look far here.
Austin, Texas, also offers various outdoor activities to get up and moving year-round. From hiking and cycling to a myriad of recreational sports leagues, Austinites can find a fun and challenging way to maintain their fitness regimen.
In addition to the volume of options for activities, the city of Austin also has many community oriented events that are centered around health and wellness. Farmers' markets are very common, healthy restaurants are everywhere, and fitness events like 5Ks and cycling tours are common to see throughout the year.
One of my favorite outdoor activities is taking my dog for a walk around Lady Bird Lake. This trail offers stunning views of the downtown skyline, along with a refreshing touch of the natural beauty that Central Texas is known for. These are just a few of the reasons why I love living in Austin, Texas!
Pros and Cons of Living in Austin, Texas
For those wondering what it's like living in Austin, let's explore some of the pros and cons of living in this city (in my opinion).
Pros:
Plethora of outdoor activities
Numerous recreational sports leagues
Wide variety of fitness centers
Focus on healthy and organic food options
Pleasant weather and temperatures in the winter months
Cons:
High wait times or wait lists for certain activities due to the growing population
High temperatures in the summer can make outdoor activities difficult
Compared to other major cities, Austin isn't very "walkable."
The cost to join some fitness centers and/or health clubs may be higher compared to other cities
As a fitness professional, it's in my opinion that the pros of living in Austin outweigh the cons!
Fitness Activities for Those Living in Austin
Living in Austin offers many advantages for outdoor fun and fitness activities. From paddleboarding and kayaking on Lady Bird Lake to a multitude of indoor climbing gyms, the city truly has something for everyone. Here are some notable activities Austin offers to those looking to live and sustain a healthy lifestyle!
Lady Bird Lake Hiking/Walking Trail
Paddleboarding/Kayaking
Mountain Biking Trails
Pickleball and Other Recreational Sports Leagues
Running Clubs
Cycling Groups
Yoga Studios
Climbing Gyms
Cycling Studios
Plethora of Traditional Fitness Centers
Austin's climate and geography make staying active feel far more practical than in many other cities. Even in the hotter months, early mornings and late evenings offer warm, breezy conditions that can allow for outdoor time. Unlike cities buried under snow for half the year or places where rain dominates the forecast, Austin offers consistent opportunities to be active outside without significant interruptions. This reliability makes it easier to build habits, stick to routines, and maintain momentum, which are essential components of an active lifestyle.
Geographically, the city is a mix of urban convenience and natural beauty. The Hill Country's rolling terrain provides an abundance of options for biking and trail running, while Austin's network of lakes, parks, and greenbelts makes swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking accessible for residents.
If you're wondering what it's like living in Austin and if there are options for active individuals, you'll be pleased with what the city offers!
Healthy Food Options for Those in the Austin Area
A healthy lifestyle isn't complete without a well rounded nutrition regimen. Keeping with the plethora of lifestyle options for those aiming to live healthy, active, and fit, Austin offers many healthy food choices as well. Below are a few local restaurants that many Austinites appreciate for their healthy, yet tasty, menus.
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen is a well known restaurant in Austin and is a great option for balanced meals with plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Flower Child
Flower Child is a lively and modern eatery offering bowls, salads, wraps, and plant-forward dishes. It's an excellent choice for quick, healthy meals with lots of variety and healthy ingredients.
ATXFOODCO
This option is actually a plant-based, health conscious food truck that serves nutrient-dense bowls, smoothies, and creative vegan dishes.
The Picnic Food Trailer Park
This is an outdoor food truck park that offers a rotating lineup of trucks, including several healthier options. This area is great for casual meals with variety and a very "Austin" vibe.
Living in Austin as a Fitness Professional
As someone who strives to adhere to a healthy and active lifestyle, Austin has many resources that make reaching this goal very practical. From a plethora of fitness centers to a variety of outdoor activities, living in Austin almost necessitates that Austinites live a healthy lifestyle by default.
While some cities across the country don't offer many "walkable" areas and residents may feel required to complete cardio workouts in an indoor setting, I love that Austin has many outdoor trails that I can use to my advantage and complete my cardio sessions while enjoying the natural beauty that this city has to offer.
I may be biased, but I think living in Austin, Texas is a must for those looking to find a home that complements their active lifestyle!
Please note that I am not a medical professional and you should always consult with your doctor before beginning an exercise and/or nutrition regimen.