Sara's Sweats Selects: MADabolic ATX South
- Austin Fitness Community
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
AUSTIN (Sara Faghihi) - I recently had the opportunity to take three classes at MADabolic Austin South on St. Elmo Road. I wish I could have taken more, but my schedule only really allows for weekend classes. Even with just three visits, I got a good feel for what makes this gym different from many of the group fitness classes I’ve tried around Austin.
MADabolic also has a second Austin location on North Shoal Creek, but all of my classes were at the South Austin studio.
Driven by Protocol
One of the first things that stood out to me was how structured the programming is. MADabolic follows what they call the "MAD protocol," which consists of three workout styles: Momentum, Anaerobic, and Durability. Each focuses on something different, whether that’s endurance, power, speed, stamina, or athletic performance. Instead of every class feeling like random exercises thrown together, there was a clear purpose behind each workout.
The exercises varied quite a bit depending on the day. One class included sliding drills using a whiteboard-like surface and shoe covers that allowed you to glide from side to side. The movement required pushing off one leg and sliding across to the other side repeatedly. It sounds simple, but after 45 seconds of work, a brief recovery period, and then jumping right back into it, I definitely felt it.
Other workouts included box jumps, kettlebell movements, rowing intervals, and even boxing drills. As someone who genuinely enjoys boxing workouts, discovering that boxing was incorporated into some of the classes was a huge bonus. Even better, they provide boxing gloves, so you don’t have to bring your own.
Coaching that Corrects
What impressed me most, however, was the coaching. I’ve taken a lot of group fitness classes over the years, and one thing that’s become increasingly rare is coaches actively correcting form. At MADabolic, the coaches were constantly engaged and paying attention to how people were moving.
A special shoutout goes to Tori, who helped correct my form on the rower. Before that, I honestly dreaded rowing. Not only was I inefficient, but I would often end up feeling discomfort afterward. After she took the time to adjust my technique and explain what I was doing wrong, everything changed. The movement became smoother, more effective, and most importantly, pain-free. It’s funny to say, but I actually kind of enjoy the rower now.
A Lesson in Punctuality
One thing worth noting: MADabolic takes punctuality very seriously. And when I say seriously, I mean seriously.
During one workout, I ran out to my car to grab my gloves and found myself locked out when I tried to come back in. I ended up awkwardly peering through the window until the coach noticed me and let me back inside. Looking back, it’s pretty funny, but it’s also a good reminder to show up on time and come prepared.
The Verdict
Beyond the workouts themselves, the community stood out. The coaches were friendly, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping members improve. The members seemed supportive of one another, and the overall atmosphere felt welcoming without being overly intense or intimidating.
What surprised me most was how much the workouts reminded me of the conditioning sessions I used to do while playing sports. The focus wasn’t just on burning calories or surviving a workout. It felt more like performance training - building endurance, strength, power, and athleticism in a way that translates beyond the gym.
Even though I only managed to attend three classes, I walked away with a very positive impression of MADabolic Austin South. Between the thoughtful programming, excellent coaching, boxing components, and strong community feel, it’s a place I’d happily continue attending if my schedule allowed for more classes.
Before wrapping up, I’d like to give a special shoutout to Jon, the owner of MADabolic ATX, as well as Kasey, Ryan, and Tori - the coaches I had the privilege of working with during my time there. Great programming is important, but it’s the people leading the classes that often determine whether members keep coming back. The team at MADabolic Austin does an excellent job creating a welcoming, motivating environment while also taking the time to ensure members are moving safely and effectively. That level of attention and coaching is something I truly value and don’t always find in group fitness settings.
If you’re looking for a workout that feels more like athletic training than traditional group fitness, MADabolic is definitely worth checking out.
Check Out MADabolic South Today!
440 E St Elmo Rd E-1, Austin, TX 78745
(737) 300-6954
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Curated by independent writer Sara Faghihi, "Sara Sweat Selects" is your inside look at the Austin fitness landscape. Join Sara as she tours, trains, and reviews the gyms making moves across the city.
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