Austin Head sure was busy at the start of 2020, teaching 30-plus fitness classes a week at six different gym – and almost every class was sold-out. He also had a running podcast, personal training clients, and more.
“I was using my classes as a way to not deal with myself and my sexuality,” said Head, 27, a Texas native who moved to Chicago in August 2015. “I was working so much, I had no time for myself.”
Then, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
And at about the same time, he also started coming-out to friends.
By the end of 2020 Head had come out as gay to everyone.
“I feel that now in my classes I’m able to be my authentic self and in return my classes are even better than before,” he said.
Head, the owner of Austin Head Fitness, will truly be in the sunshine spotlight on Saturday, June 6 – through his passion for fitness, helping others and the LGBT community. He is hosting and leading the inaugural Pride Workout to benefit Chicago House. The 60-minute bodyweight, high-intensity interval workout will be held in the parking lot at Replay Lakeview (3439 N. Halsted Street), starting at 10 a.m. The fee to participate is $35 – and $20 will go to Chicago House, which is celebrating its 35th year helping the LGBTQ community and beyond.
Head will be joined by DJ Calvin Cornell.
“I have dreamed for years of hosting a pride workout party in Boystown, but felt I never could (because) I was out,” Head said. “This year, I am so excited to be my authentic self and host a party like never before, particularly since it benefits Chicago House.”
After the workout, participants are welcome to stick around for a party at Replay, with drink specials and brunch from Crispy Chicks.
“The event is for everyone. Pride is all about being inclusive and with this event that’s at the top of our minds,” Head said. “The workout will be tailored to all (fitness) levels. It will be challenging, but doable for everyone. I will be using my skills of training clients of all age ranges and athletic abilities for this.”
Head said he is “honored” to help support Chicago House through the Pride Workout. “I’ve always looked at fitness as a way to help people and now we can raise money, have an incredible workout and have a great time supporting Chicago House.”
Head started personal training when he moved to Chicago, “but helping people has always been a part of my life,” he said. “Growing up, I helped my mom take care of my handicapped brother. When I moved to Chicago I felt this void in my life, (but) when I started to help people through personal training, I knew that’s what was missing. I started group fitness a few years after personal training, and absolutely fell in love with it. The energy, the community, the feeling that I could impact so many people at once, I loved it!”
Head now trains Chicagoans ranging in age from about 20 to 80 – and many from the LGBT community.
“One big thing I focus on in my fitness community is being inclusive,” he said. “I actually have three words for my (fitness) community: Inclusive, Uplifting and Loving. Inclusive, because I want everyone to feel welcomed and that they matter in my classes. Uplifting, because after every class I want people to feel better than when they started. Loving, because everything I do with group fitness comes from love.”
Head added: “The Pride Workout will be amazing and the weather looks (to be) fantastic. Being (held) outside we are able to get more people to (participate in the) event, which in turn raises more money for Chicago House.”
** For more information on the Pride Workout and to register, go to: https://www.chicagohouse.org/june-6
