"Thank you so much, you guys are definitely doing something right! I love the gym... it is by far the best one I have ever joined."
Jennifer

"I am enjoying the gym so much. I have tried 3 gyms in my adult life and never went more than a handful of times....I am loving the zumba class, tatum's cardio class and the yoga wall. I like that Jenn knows my name when I check in. Thank you for creating a great atmosphere for me to get healthy!"
Nina

"Malisa is the least pretentious yoga instructor I've ever had! I feel so happy to attend her class. Not only is her physical instruction top notch, her instruction on the inner aspects of the practice is relatable and stays with me even when I am not in a class."
Trish Benford

"Thanks for all of your help! Everyone at Castle Hill has been wonderful so far and I'm very happy that I made the switch from Pure! You all make me feel very welcome and not like just part of the crowd."
Jill Welch

"This gym is not merely a place to workout like a gerbil in wheel. Castle Hill encourages you to make health and fitness a lifestyle."
Amy S

"I think you could successfully promote your environmentally conscious gym in advertising. It is so attractive to many Austinites to find a business with that commitment and very unique as well. Thanks for creating such a great space to work out in."
Laura Balla

"I love the gym, how it appeals to young and old and how clean it always feels. I asked you a few weeks ago to fix the total body gym and was gratified about how quickly you responded."
Jan Dailey

"Your gym is the best! And I am proud of your commitments to your love for health, life and the environment."
Katherine Butler

"I am one of the first clients of Castle Hill and it is truly my home away from home as well. I can honestly say that I am in better shape and health since faithfully going to this gym. This well-being makes me a better person toward everyone."
Janet Sullivan

"Fitness is indeed more than lifting weights for body strength - Castle Hill demonstrates this!"
Rich Armington

"As I often tell my children "you have to be different to make a difference"! Castle Hill is different."
Julie Horvath

"I love the little community you've created at Castle Hill... thanks for all your work!"
Lesley Ramsey

"Castle Hill Fitness is an exceptional place. Thanks for providing such a first class facility and group of people."
Randy Rice

"I don't know that I have ever been associated with a better managed facility. Your very happy client,"
John Mobley

"Thanks for caring about the environment. I have been very happy at the Castle."
Penny Hobbs

"I'm happy and proud to be part of such an awesome community. Castle Hill rules!"
Selena Pang

"I'm very proud of you and proud to be a member of Castle Hill!"
Toni Thomasson

"I love your Planet Castle Hill. It has made a huge impact on the health and well-being of both my daughter and me. Keep up the amazing work and spirit!"
Barbara Laing

"I love Castle Hill and the people in it - thanks for all that you do for us!"
Amy Roberts

"I had no idea that the most favorite gym that I've ever used in my life, the one that finally turned around my contempt of exercise by actually making it fun and unintimidating, also was run with the same concern and thoughtfulness for the future of the planet and its inhabitants that I feel. "
Heather Page

"Castle Hill has totally changed my lifestyle. The teachers are unparalleled. Now I exercise every day and I feel completely different. I hate to miss a day!"
Janis Hydak

"Castle Hill is different from other gyms because of the cool laid back atmosphere and it's not a meat market. What keep me coming back are the instructors. Great gym: clean, cool and just my style."
Melody Thames

"Castle Hill is the most welcoming gym I have ever been a member of. People who work there and who attend are warm and friendly, and focused on fitness and health."
Jenn Lindberg

"Everyone treats me with respect and near admiration for showing up consistently. I have made quite a few new friends."
Steve Jung

"I have had more personal attention from your staff in one month than I did in a year and a half at my old gym."
Joe Wojtowicz

"I must tell you that I have belonged to many gyms and I am in love with working out at Castle Hill… I am 6 pounds lighter today… I feel so much better."
Aimee Deputy

"All three instructors I have taken yoga with have been much better than average: articulate, knowledgeable and attentive to their pupils."
Byron Thomas

"I am truly inspired by your staff and the commitment they have to your patrons and members"
Angie Houtz

"Know that I recognize and deeply value the loving contribution of artistic form + imaginative function = Castle Hill Fitness"
Dianne Graham

"It is almost a family environment, very personal. This is the first time I really stick to a program simply because I truly enjoy the hour I spend at Castle Hill every day."
Peter Burner

"The Castle never lets me down!!! This month is my 3 year anniversary!! I could not ask for a better gym or a more delightful group of dedicated athletes to staff it."
Anna Krachey

Strength

Frequently asked questions

How often should I strength train?
You can experience the benefits of strength training at just 2x/wk. By varying the exercises you do, and working each major muscle group (legs, glutes, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) during a single workout will increase the strength and endurance of your muscles, increase bone density, reshape your body, and increase your resistance to injury. During each workout aim to repeat each exercise 8-15 times using a weight that will make you feel tired at the end of it.

I don’t have much time to workout, is warming up really that important?
Yes. Warming up helps increase blood flow to the heart, gradually adjusts your body’s overall temperature, and prepares the muscular and cardiovascular systems for upcoming (more intense) activity. When you begin a workout, your body’s muscles and tendons are considered “cold” and more susceptible to injury. The body can be warmed up many ways, but 5-10 minutes at a light, easy pace on one of our cardio machines is a great place to start.

I’m trying to lose weight. Will I “bulk” up if I strength train?
It is very unlikely that you will gain weight or become bulky from strength training. Here's why: one pound equals one pound regardless of whether the pound is fat, muscle, or some other substance like butter or steel. Muscle is denser and therefore takes up a smaller amount of space per pound than fat. Some scientists estimate that the "space" that one pound of muscle occupies is about 22% less than one pound of fat! If you begin strength training and continue to eat the same number of calories, you may lose some weight because you're burning additional calories while exercising. The important thing about strength training is the change in body composition. You will gain muscle and most likely decrease body fat even if your body weight stays the same. In our experience, people might drop a size or two after they have been strength training for a couple of months because their body shape has changed for the better. If your goal in starting strength training is to gain weight, we recommend you also increase the number of calories you are consuming. Try adding an extra fruit, vegetable, low-fat dairy and/or whole grain serving to your daily diet.

I don’t know how to use the weight machines, should I wing it?
Why wing it when you can get a one hour orientation on how use the equipment for free! We want all of our clients to feel empowered to guide themselves through a workout, however, it’s important to know how to safely operate the equipment. Call us at (512) 478-4567 to schedule your free orientation.

View our Weight Room Guidelines for more information on our floor etiquette.

Weight Room Guidelines

Appropriate shoes and attire required
Children under 14 must be supervised
Do not JERK, SLAM, or DROP weights
Use a spotter when using free weights
ALWAYS reRACK your weights & spray down equipment
If you are unfamiliar with the equipment, please schedule a FREE orientation at our front desk
Please report equipment problems to floor management
If you feel faint or dizzy please cease exercising and begin cool down
If you feel great, keep exercising!