Urban Animal
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Trainers Trainers [Edit]
Austin, TX 78722(512) 750-9584
- Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30 am - 7:30 am
Tue 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Wed-Thu 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sat 9:30 am - 10:30 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
12 reviews for Urban Animal
12 reviews in English
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Review from Laurie M.
Austin, TX
7/22/2010
This class is hard as hell, but isn't that what you want in a boot camp? I can tell you that I am on the extreme end of lazy when it comes to fitness. I need someone to bark out orders and push me to my limit. I was pretty damn weak when I started so my limit was pretty low. I've come a loooooong way...thanks to Laura's killer class.
This workout routine has lifted and slimmed and sculpted and toned my body in a way I didn't think possible.
I never really understood what people were talking about when they described the "natural high" of exercising. I get it now!! I love trying to push myself to do more pull ups or run faster around the track. I've had to completely reorient my view of myself as a non-workout type person.
There is nothing quite like pushing 40 and having all your body parts sag to motivate you to do a boot camp. I feel like I'm changing years of bad habits and Laura has been a great partner to help me reach my goal.
I really enjoy the month to month format of the class. I couldn't make a big commitment when I started, because I wasn't sure I could do it. Now I can't do without. I'm in my fourth month.
Best compliment (if you want to call it that) on my improved physique came from my mother "Wow this class has done wonders for you. You're looking a lot less gelatinous!" Gotta love that. -
Review from Felecia I.
Austin, TX
5/24/2010
I don't enjoy running, indoor gyms or working out in general. So, if you'd looked in your crystal ball and predicted that I would come to love exercising (and outside in the hot and humid Texas weather!), I'd have laughed for a full five minutes and then bet all that you hold dear that you are out of your mind. And won.
Today, I'm not so sure.
Because I find myself outdoors three times a week, running, jumping, throwing, stretching and whatever else Laura Cisneros tells me to do. And genuinely loving it. Laura is a fantastic motivator. She's tough and funny and everything you want a trainer to be. She's very experienced and knows just what to do, for example, if you have a sore neck or a weak left knee. She provides alternate exercises so you can safely execute the workout, and if necessary, recommends reliable therapists.
After the first few classes, I had noticeably improved posture. After almost two months, I feel like a super heroine (better! stronger! faster!). Laura has been there every step of the way, instructing, cajoling, yelling, joking and generally getting me to "bust ass, have fun, don't eat crap".
Urban Animal boot camp has changed my life. My couch potato days are well behind me, and no one is prouder of that than Laura, who has become my biggest cheerleader. I've signed up for a third month. And plan to keep on going.... -
Review from Erin E.
Austin, TX
7/19/2010
Ooh, it burns. But I like it.
I'm a little over halfway through my first bootcamp with Laura, and I already can tell it won't be my last. The classes are amazing in that they are tough for everyone and perfectly tailored to each individual's fitness level, injuries, limitations, etc. What's more, the classes are a blast. And at 6:15AM, Laura's jokes, cajoling, and encouragement are definitely needed. If you're looking for a caring trainer and a great group environment to get stronger and leaner in, you've found it! -
Review from Elizabeth K.
Austin, TX
4/10/2010
I'll be honest: the first week was rough. It hurt to reach up to put my shirt on in the mornings and it hurt to bend over to untie my shoes at night. And it sure hurt my pride to realize there were women old enough to be my mother who were kicking my sore-as-hell butt all up and down the track at Austin High. Getting to class at 6:15 am was hard too.
But, despite all that, I LOVELOVELOVE Urban Animal. Laura made sure I never felt foolish or inept; "failing" at Urban Animal is actually a goal, because it means you've pushed yourself as hard as you can. (Needless to say, I have failed a lot.) Laura's stories and jokes keep me laughing and her incredible ability to tailor exercises to individual people's needs keep me safe and motivated. In just two months, I have noticed substantial (like, seriously amazing) improvements in my fitness level. I can do push-ups! I can do crunches where I keep my legs flat on the ground and throw a medicine ball over my head! I can (usually) do lunges without falling over! All in all, it's pretty much the best thing ever and I plan to keep taking classes indefinitely.
Laura, I love you. Now please don't make me do pull-ups tomorrow... -
Review from Jill C.
Austin, TX
7/20/2010
I love Laura's class. It is true that I am sort of dying after a few classes, but I'm already getting better! I'm new to the whole boot camp world and was definitely nervous about starting. Laura was super nice and patient with me and reassured me that I could do it. Everyone in the class is really nice, too, and it's a welcoming, supportive environment.
Laura, the teacher and owner, is realistic and doesn't want you to get hurt, but she also pushes you to the edge of what you can do. It's exactly what I need! I think it says a lot about a trainer when you can't wait for the next class but simultaneously can't stand up without your legs burning. :)
Many people stay with Urban Animal for months and months, and some for years, which also speaks volumes about the quality of the class. I strongly recommend Urban Animal! -
Review from E J.
Austin, TX
6/12/2009
I love Laura C.!
I am not a fitness buff, and sadly, probably never will attain that status. However, for 12 weeks of her class, 'Total Torture' I came pretty close.
The workouts were always interesting and never boring. If you're looking for someone to get you moving and in the best shape you've ever been in- Urban Animal is for you. She even gives great food recommendations if you ask, and is always there to help you be your best and reach your goals. Austin is lucky to have Laura and everyone needs to become an Urban Animal ! -
Review from brook s.
Austin, TX
5/18/2010
ouch. it hurts so good.
a few weeks in, and i'm feeling better, and a bit more fit... but this class seriously destroys me.
which is awesome.
very, very recommended. -
Review from Rachel K.
Austin, TX
5/15/2009
The great thing about Urban Animal is that Laura will push you, no matter your skill level, and you end every week feeling more fit than the last. I started Urban Animal to get back in shape after a broken collarbone and couldn't be happier with how it has improved my overall strength and fitness. I've done both Urban Animal and CrossFit, and although the Urban Animal classes are bigger, you get a lot--I repeat, a lot--more for your money and work more muscle groups.
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Review from jessica s.
Austin, TX
7/20/2010
this is the most desirable workout in town led by laura, the supremely lovable potty mouth extraordinaire. that's right-she's one big mouthed, demonstrative, verbose, gabby, unconstrained, passionate, enthusiastic, exuberant, loud, gushy windbag exploding with knowledge and know how that she's not afraid to pass on to all who will listen. not many workouts can drag me out of bed looking forward to trotting my jiggly thighs around, but hers truly does.
she's made a lasting impression on me that stretches all the way to my daily thoughts: "tits out!" i think as i'm slumping at work. "must look for the methylated b complex vitamins!" i recall when i walk into people's pharmacy. it sounds trite, but she has truly changed my life for the better. i don't know what else to say except- GET THE FLEX PASS and get your buns to her class. you may be dreading it now, but soon enough you'll be looking forward to it. -
Review from Abi S.
Austin, TX
3/9/2009
Let me just put this out there: I'm a weenie. I hate working out, running, lifting weights, and the like, but I found myself signing up for Total Torture, Urban Animal's starter class. I looked for a boot camp for a long time before deciding on one, and I was impressed at Laura's dedication to personal fitness and the environment. If Laura hadn't sent a list of no-no foods that included beer, I would love to enjoy a cold one with her. She is hilarious and demanding, but she isn't mean or unreasonable. I have back problems and Laura always gives me an alternative exercise when needed (despite having 20 other students). Her exercises all have awesome names like hairy Russians, and she will tell you to pull up your hoochie. You will get a good workout no matter what fitness level you are at, and you will also have an awesome time. If you don't like working hard, looking good, or acting silly, look somewhere else.
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Review from Frances S.
Austin, TX
5/8/2010
just got back from a workout. best way to start the weekend!
I've been doing the burn class for a mere one week (woohoo!) and I've gone from "this royally sucks, i feel like throwing up" to "this is still hard, but i think i'm getting the hang of this, and it's also kinda fun to push myself." laura is really helpful and responsive, even in the large class on saturdays. she gives you personal instruction and is super encouraging while making sure that you don't slack off. my pathetically out-of-shape-unemployed-couch-potato body had no idea what it was in for on the first day, one brutal saturday morning hour of laps, push-ups, pull-ups, medicine ball throws, weight bar lifts, and sit-ups (no time for rest!), and i was unbelievably sore into the next class days later. it hurt to move anything. hint: ibuprofen and epsom salt baths, ya'll. additionally, the group of people in her classes are all cool cats at varied levels. i've met some people who have been taking this class for years, and the class still pushes them. they say it gets easier, but it'll never be a cakewalk. additionally, everyone has a stellar attitude that rubs off on you.
i've always professed to despise running, but i can already see a huge improvement in my endurance and fitness level. gyms and working out alone never worked for my lazy shortcut-loving ass; this group workout with laura in charge might be the golden ticket. i look forward to continuing her very challenging and very rewarding class indefinitely!!
ps. it is essential to have your own weight bar (try academy), yoga/pilates mat, and a water bottle. she provides medicine balls, "panties" and all the other equipment. -
Review from Deepika S.
Austin, TX
6/22/2010
best 3 hours of every week for me. i've been going for 7 weeks now, and i lovelovelove it. laura is amazing and wonderful. and though she jokes that "it's ok to cry and vomit," i have really never encountered a more sensitive and conscientious trainer. she works with each of us throughout each class to make sure we're doing everything properly, and somehow manages to convince me to try everything. i started off not even being able to do a decent push up. now i can honestly say that i can keep up with the class (for the most part) for the full hour. could not recommend something more!
