Image courtesy of kor180
Launching today in Austin is kor180, a boutique gym with a different attitude. Yes, they want you to work out, and they’ve got crazy looking proprietary reform pilates machines to prove it. Plus, indoor cycling. And yes, they want you to eat better, so they’ve hired a Culinary Ninja. But the biggest difference with kor180 is that this is a gym that cares, truly cares about your well being. It all started for me with a hand delivered invitation.
The mason jar contained a sprig of lavendar, a scroll, and a key. I unrolled the scroll, which was the written invitation to a kor180 preview. The lavendar smelled lovely, and is used widely in aromatherapy for relaxation. Lavendar oil is useful as an anti-inflamamtory. I wondered who these gym people were, that they would not only send such a unique invitation, but also include an herb. The key was a mystery, and the message asked that I bring it and the jar with me to the preview.
The night of the preview was lovely, different and life changing. I’ve talked about the evening to anyone and everyone, telling and re-telling of how each guest hung our keys on a door, signifying (to me) stepping through our fears to begin a journey toward our goals. We wrote down one goal for the next year, one thing we wanted to do or to change in our lives, and sealed it in our jar. I left the party feeling as if I was meant to be there, and that the owners of kor180 truly do want to help me realize my dreams. Quite different from what you’d expect in a gym preview event. There certainly weren’t any fast talking sales associates hanging around, thrusting membership contracts at me.
Everyone that I’ve met who are associated with kor180 are passionate, energetic and living their lives out loud. kor180’s Culinary Ninja, Tanner O’Dell is no exception. Tanner describes himself as “a plant-based, gluten-free, cilantro hating, pot belly pig owning, constantly learning cook living in a forever positive state of mind. Eating, dreaming, and inspiring people are my specialties.” Tanner and Chef Philip Doucette from Daily Juice have created a mostly raw foods menu for today’s grand opening party at kor180. I’m eager to try the raw pizza, with flax seed crust, Moroccan marinara, zucchini cheese, and fresh basil. I’m also not going to pass by the raw chocolate brownie with chai ice cream!
Eating well doesn’t mean you have to content yourself with foods that taste like cardboard. Tanner delights in creating foods that feed the body, heal the body and satiate your soul. He creates Gluten-Free, vegetarian and Vegan dishes that are beautiful, delicious bites. Do yourself a favor and go to the event today, taste for yourself, then share what you learned. As Tanner says, “learn from as many people as possible, and give something of value back to everyone”.
