"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

• MicroFit
• BodPod
• Velotron

Fitness Testing

Bod Pod – Body Composition Testing

With this body composition test you will learn the amounts of fat and lean tissue that make up your weight, facilitating sensible decisions regarding nutrition and exercise programs. You will get the "whole picture" of what's really going on with your body, and rationally plan your improvements.

Based on the same whole-body measurement principles as hydrostatic weighing, the BOD POD employs patented air displacement technology instead of a water dunk. Subjects sit comfortably inside the capsule while computerized pressure sensors determine the amount of air displaced by their body. This test is very accurate, safe, and quick, with a complete analysis taking under 10 minutes.

Fat is easy to burn, through increased cardio-vascular activity. Better yet, because the burn rate is predictable, it is actually possible to estimate how much exercise it will take to reach your targeted body composition. We can help you get there!

Why Body Composition is Important

Body Composition is a leading indicator of health. Body composition (percent fat and lean) reflects the results of both physical activity and nutritional practices. Body weight alone can be misleading. The scale cannot differentiate between a pound of fat and a pound of muscle. Over time, people tend to gain fat and lose muscle without any obvious change in their weight. While we do need a certain amount of fat in our body for good health, excess body fat is proven to increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. On the other hand, too little body fat can also pose a number of serious health risks, especially for women.

Not All Weight is Created Equal

Our bodies can be divided into two main components - fat and lean mass. Fat comes in two types. "Essential fat" is necessary for our normal body functions. "Storage fat" is the extra fuel we store under the skin and around organs. Lean mass primarily consists of muscle, the major "metabolic" engine of the body, and skeleton. The more muscle in our body, the more calories we burn, even when we are resting. Although we often make reference to being "overweight", having excess body weight and excess body fat are two completely different things. Indeed fat and muscle differ in an important way - muscle is much denser than fat. So a pound of fat takes up 18% more volume than a pound of muscle. Therefore, lean and muscular individuals can have high body weight without any excess body fat.