Blackbird

Evan at Blackbird is an exceptional trainer. My husband, brother (who has Down syndrome), and I have trained with him for over two and a half years, and he tailored our joint workouts to fit each of our interests, needs, and injuries. His thoughtfulness and deep knowledge made every session feel safe, effective, and motivating. As someone who used to skip workouts, I now genuinely look forward to them. We're now fitter and stronger than ever. If you're looking for a smart, kind, and adaptable trainer who truly listens, Evan is the one.

I’ve been training with Blackbird Fitness since 2016. New to Austin but traveling extensively for work at that time, I was interested in finding a woman owned gym with a more flexible and personalized approach to training without the big box nonsense. As a previous division I soccer athlete, I appreciate the consideration to past nagging injuries and ongoing physical/medical issues that Marlo and her staff offer. Marlo is very thoughtful about her approach to reach nutrition and training goals. She considers the trainer and plan best suited for your needs, including post physical therapy strengthening and nutrition guidance as well. I’ve worked with multiple trainers and Marlo, and I can’t say enough good things about my experience with Blackbird Fitness.

Absolutely love Brenda, Marlo, and Blackbird Fitness. After gaining a few pounds a year for a few years, I decided it was (way past) time to get back in shape and lose the weight the right, and sustainable, way. In addition to our one-on-one weekly training sessions, Brenda worked with me on my diet (monitoring through MyFitnessPal and checking in daily via email), which was a huge eye opener. I'd considered myself to be a generally healthy eater but I learned that a lot of the things I thought were healthy meals weren't always the best choices. I met my goal of losing 20lbs in the five months I trained one-on-one with Brenda and a few more with the lifestyle changes I've continued since. Brenda was always encouraging and inspiring, and able to educate me about my food choices in a positive way without making me feel badly. I now go to their group classes, which they keep small so that you still get personal attention even though it's in a group class setting - not something I'd ever experienced from other gyms and classes. They also do a really fun monthly bootcamp at local Hops & Grain brewery. Get a good workout in, then relax and enjoy the rest of your morning with a few drinks and other Blackbird folks!

Blackbird Fitness is simply the best. I cannot say enough good things about the owners, Brenda Frederick and Marlo Kovach. They are truly dedicated to their clients and are genuinely good people. I started training with Brenda a year ago and have dropped nearly 60 lbs. I couldn't have done it without her, and she has forever changed my opinion about workouts. They are no longer something I dread, but something I look forward too! If you're looking for a new gym to call home, give them a shout. It will be the best phone call you ever make.

The group classes are small enough that you get the attention you need specific to good form through each exercise and motivation. The instructors are never routine, always introducing new exercises or sequences to challenge you. The personal training and nutritional counseling is a great mix of accountability, education and again motivating. Brenda is patient as a trainer and always focused on making your fitness and eating sustainable. I like the sense of community the classes provide and am seeing results from the workouts they provide. The costs are a heck of a deal for the one on one experience you get. You can tell Marlo and Brenda who run the show at Blackbird love what they do, are invested in their clients and area always prepared for the best workouts.