WellcommATX [08.04.25]

WellcommATX is the email newsletter bringing you the best of Austin’s wellness community. Get On The List and get WellcommATX sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who would love WellcommATX? Then please forward our email or tag them on one of our IG posts. Email [email protected] or slide into our DMs with your tips.

[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Gus Manke, Owner of Hybrid Animal Bootcamp and an Instructor at Korrect Fitness in Austin, TX.

WellcommATX: Where do you work…out?

Gus Manke: I have a morning corporate job in startup partnerships, and in the evenings, I coach HYROX classes at Korrect Fitness, formerly Onnit Gym. I also host my Hybrid Animal Bootcamp for HYROX beginners at GRIP Fitness for Longevity on South Congress, and I run all around Austin training for marathons. While I love community and social fitness, I also believe it's gotten "fluffy" and over-embellished on social media, so I started Project Blackout. The purpose is to work: no gimmicks, tags, or quips. It's an anti-social experiment and a simple reminder we all need: get off your phone and work!

WATX: What does wellness mean to you?

GM: Treating your body and mind like a sacred place. You only get one. And one day, your body won't be able to do the things it can do now. Wellness is about appreciating your current body and mind while also growing to enjoy more of this precious life.

WATX: What are your wellness goals over the next twelve months?

GM: Last season, I had a lot of inward performance goals for myself. Maybe too many. I ran a 2:46 Boston Marathon, a 1:03 HYROX Pro race, and qualified for the 2025 HYROX World Championships in Men's Pro Doubles. This year, my goals are more outward: First, expand my Hybrid Animal Bootcamp business to make HYROX more approachable for beginners. Second, resume volunteering in middle schools or youth communities to make fitness cooler for kids. (If anybody has connections, please DM me!) And third, of course I'll still work out, but my secondary performance goals are to qualify for the Hybricon Games and possibly HYROX World Championships this year.

WATX: Who are some people who inspire you, motivate you, or keep you accountable when it comes to your wellness?

GM: I’m inspired by my Korrect Fitness crew, led by Larry Maloney, Carlisle Price, and Alex Earle. I get practical and funny fitness reminders from Michael Smoak and Richie Lovelace. My “fitness as a business” mentors are Juan Leija, Eric Hinman, and Cory Camp. For balance, mindset, and self-love: Maria Trest, Elysia Vickas, Abby Bondi, and Karli Kershaw. For super smart, science-backed training: Ryan Geiger. And the badass athletes who keep me pushing: James English, Stephen Pelkofer, Jack Driscoll, Jackson Mitchell, and Todd Stewart.

WATX: What advice would you share with someone looking to change their wellness routine?

GM: Making small consistent changes like getting better sleep, moving more daily, or eating fruit instead of processed sweets compound faster and work better than attempting massive, unsustainable changes like 75 Hard, dramatic diets, or intense over-training.

Know a fitness instructor in Austin who deserves a High Five? Click here to submit your nomination so we can consider them for a future WellcommATX High Five profile!

That’s this week’s edition of WellcommATX. Like what you read? Get On The List and get future editions sent directly to your inbox. Have a friend who needs to read WellcommATX? Forward our email to them. Drop us a line at [email protected] or slide in with tips. Until next time, take care of yourself, and take care of each other.

Go For It,

Your WellcommATX Team (@wellcommatx)

Transform Your Self. Transform Your Community. Transform Your World.