WellcommATX [08.11.25]

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[HIGH FIVE] We gave a High Five to Ashley McMahan Yang, an Instructor at Barry's in Austin, TX.

WellcommATX: Where do you work…out?

Ashley McMahan Yang: I teach part time at Barry's Austin, where you can find me in the Red Room or LIFT room! When I'm not teaching, I love to hop into classes at Barry's Austin and cross train by hopping on a reformer at [solidcore] or on a bike at RIDE Indoor Cycling. I love to check out new studios with friends, and of course, the awesome community workouts with LSKD USA!

WATX: What does wellness mean to you?

AMY: I used to think wellness was about keeping a consistent gym routine, but as I get older and ebb and flow through different phases of life, I've learned how important well-rounded wellness rituals are. Everyone is different in what works best for them, but for me, it's waking up without stress (an alarm clock that doesn't make you jolt out of bed), avoiding screen time first thing, waiting to drink caffeine, moving my body often, and checking in with myself, both mentally and physically. This is what helps me show up the best possible way I can every single day. Whether it's at my corporate job, at the studio, in my personal life, or in how hard I push myself in classes, I find that I can only push as hard as my glass is full. Giving myself opportunities to rest and recharge are equally as important as being on the go.

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

AMY: I'm getting married this year, so I have an extra emphasis on toning up specific areas that are usually difficult for me. I don't necessarily love the term "sweating for the wedding" because I want to feel strong in my body all year round and not just for one event, but it doesn't hurt to have a little extra motivation. I'm trying to get really good at tennis and pickleball. I was a competitive cheerleader growing up, so ball sports haven't always been my thing, but I’m looking forward to improving my skills!  I also want to continue to build and expand my community both in and outside of the studio and incorporate more active recovery into my routine like yoga, sports medicine, and massages.

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

AMY: This is a really tough question to answer because I look up to and admire so many people. I think the common thread between them all is that they have faced adversity head-on in different avenues of life and have accepted the challenge life has handed them and are making as much lemonade with it as much they can. Whether it's being born with a condition that some feel "sets you back" and not letting it define you, clients who come into the studio every day to give themselves a fighting chance against different diagnoses that may or may not be treatable, those who still show up for themselves for the 50 minutes they have despite whatever may be going on in their personal life, they’re all incredible examples of not letting the cards you are dealt be the cards you have to keep. And shout out to one of my co-trainers and good friends Phillip Solomon for the incredible platform he has built on not only being a black man but also the advocacy work he has done for those with a speech impediment. My fellow co-trainers, my clients, and my partner motivate me a lot, but a lot of that drive comes from within myself! They are the ones who push me and motivate me to be the very best I can be every single day, but I am the only one who can control how I show up to give my 100% effort in everything I do.

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

AMY: Don't be afraid to make new friends that push you to try new things! Going alone may be intimidating, but going together gives you accountability and makes things that you may be a little uncomfortable doing way more fun! Lean into your community, and it'll be easy to find your groove. Take your time finding your fit, and don't forget to give yourself grace and rest.

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.