https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/events/2018-01-09/austins-killer-queer-workout-classes/

Austin's Killer Queer Workout Classes

By Sarah Marloff, January 9, 2018, 8:00am, Events Blog

In Austin, there’s no shortage of workout and yoga classes designed with queers in mind. So if you’re looking to start 2018 with a new workout regime, but feel out of place at gyms and crossfit centers around town – look no further.

We’ve reached out to local LGBTQ yogis and trainers to bring you this roundup of queer-led classes designed to make you feel good, safe, and sassy while getting your sweat (or OM) on.

Workout! With Erica Nix

This is not your mama’s Jane Fonda VHS, but Nix does pull some inspiration from the former-workout goddess as well Richard Simmons. Expect a “queer mismatch of vintage aerobics, riot grrrl anthems, and Nineties vogue,” says Nix. Workout! is a safe place to let your freak flag fly while getting (or staying) fit. With three class offerings each week, students can choose to step up their cardio workout on Wednesdays when there’s an additional 30-minutes of rising heart rates.

Prepare for class: Listen to your body and take breaks. “If it’s been a while since you’ve done cardio, you may need to do modifications to suit your needs.”

Mondays and Fridays, 6:10pm; Wednesdays, 6:30pm, at Transform Fitness.

Class Transitions With Erica Nix

Transform’s flagstone class incorporates functional exercise and body shaping for transmen, women, and non binary people. Consider this a safe and welcoming space to achieve your aesthetic goals while staying strong and healthy. Nix, who essentially started Transform to make unique and safe workout spaces for queer, trans, and nonbinary communities, calls this class “intimate” with plenty of room for new members.

Prepare for class: Expect a lot of sharing and community love from this tight-knit class. Most importantly, Nix says “just be yourself.”

Thursdays, 6:30pm, Transform Fitness.

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Intro to Queer Yoga With Kelly M. Marshall

Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to the practice after a break, this alignment-oriented and strengthening (physical, emotional, and mental) class is designed with queer self-care in mind. As a mindfulness coach and yoga therapist, Marshall’s 75 minute flow “encourages questions, comfortability, body autonomy, weirdness, silliness, and vulnerability.”

Prepare for class: Sip some complimentary tea and peruse the products. If you're interested, you can take your self-care to the next level with a number of wellness services by Marshall and co. at Spectrum Yoga Therapy and Massage's new studio.

Sundays, 6:30pm, Transform Fitness

Naked Yoga for Gay Men With ToddPilates

A regular yoga class, except it’s “full of fun and fabulous guys that love doing yoga...naked,” says Todd of ToddPilates. With three classes offered each week, Naked Yoga is a safe, community-oriented space where all shapes and sizes are welcome. “Doing naked yoga helps us get more comfortable with and accepting of our own body.” Here, you'll find an array of bodies and all are welcome, including beginners, for this 75 minute flow.

Prepare for class: Arrive freshly showered (it’s a large class in a closed space) with a mat, towel, and water bottle, though extras are on hand if you forget something.

Tuesdays, 8pm, and Saturdays, 10:30am, ToddPilates North Austin; Sundays, 4:30pm, ToddPilates South Austin.

Big Boy Yoga With Logan Ware

Logan Ware leads this 75-90 minute yoga class combining gentle stretch and Kundalini strength training twice a week. Expect a class focused on body positivity, alignment, restoration, and community.

Prepare for class: Leave your shoes at the door. On Saturdays arrive at 9:30am to meditate, 10am if you want to jump gayly into the yoga routine.

Tuesdays, 7:15pm; Saturdays, 9:30am, Transform Fitness.

Queerdalini With Gigi Grinstad and Haley Love

Interested in learning more about Kundalini yoga? Then this is the class for you. Open to all levels.

Prepare for class: Nix says because Kundalini is a “very specific practice” it’s best for newcomers to try out both Queerdalini and Marshall’s Intro class to “see which one floats your boat really.”

Mondays, 7:30pm, Transform Fitness

Don’t want to commit to ongoing classes? Then consider adding a splash of queer flair to your sweat-sesh routine. In honor of the hit-film I, Tonya, Nix leads her second Tonya Harding-inspired workout on Sunday, Jan. 21, at Alamo Mueller. Drag Race star Laganja Estranja returns to Transform on Tuesday, Jan. 30, to teach some extra sassy dance moves. And, on Friday, Feb. 23, Los Angeles-based trainer Elliot Musgrave teaches a Posture and Mobility for the Resistance class at Transform designed with queer and trans people in mind.

Want more? You can find Gay Place's complete and most up-to-date workout listings daily on our calendar page.