AUSTIN, Texas – Daniel Hinojosa, a former teacher and coach, had a vision when he opened up his gym, Lift ATX, in East Austin.

He wanted to provide a welcoming environment for people to get healthy free of judgment and felt there was a need for a community-based gym, since so much has recently changed in the area. Hinojosa wanted to reflect the grittiness of old East Austin, while giving its remaining residents affordable fitness options.

“I wanted to build a space for the last few remaining OG Austinites,” said Hinojosa. “I’m real big on community so I wanted the gym to somehow lift the community into a better space.”

That same community has responded. Hinojosa has expanded despite opening the gym in September 2020. The current members says Hinojosa's authenticity and warmth are why they keep coming back.

“This is the first place since I’ve moved here that’s felt like home,” said Sydney Bastian, a gym member.

“Every time you come back your met with high fives and hugs and ‘Hey, you're back!’,” said Tasha Lara, a gym member.

Thanks to the community response, Hinojosa has been able to hire more staff and buy more equipment as the gym continues to expand.