Sweat Equity

2 celebrity-endorsed Houston gyms pump out free fitness classes

Blink Fitness's Gymnosis classes keep you motivated.

Photo courtesy of Blink Fitness

No worries if summer vacation meant taking a break from work and working out. Exercise buffs, gym newbies, or those looking for a little fitness inspo can take advantage of complimentary classes at two celebrity-endorsed Houston gyms.

TruFusion Houston
1980 Post Oak Blvd, Suite A

The celeb-favorite spot is throwing open the doors of its Post Oak flagship location with a grand opening celebration this weekend. The massive fitness facility boasts more than 17,000 square feet with six group exercise rooms and nearly 200 classes per week.

The most popular classes, which are favored by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and her former beau Alex Rodriguez, include HIIT, Hot Pilates, Cycle, Barefoot Bootcamp, Tru Yin Yoga, Yoga Flow, and Hot Barre.

“I realized over the years how much I hated going to the gym; it was boring and repetitive,” said Natalie Buckel, managing member of TruFusion in a statement. “This place finally solved that problem with the variety of classes. There’s a class for everyone and a selection of many incredible instructors who contribute their own creativity in the workouts. To top it off, the facility is beautiful and chic with superior amenities.”

Newcomers are invited to experience the one-of-a-kind fitness facility Saturday, August 27 at a grand opening celebration. Free fitness classes led by top instructors, along with bites, beverages, live music, and prizes will be part of the fun at this exclusive event, which runs 5:15 pm to 9 pm.

Blink Fitness
Four Houston-area locations; find them here

If the razzle-dazzle of a new gym isn’t enough to get you off the couch, Blink Fitness offers four Houston locations to help with motivation. Launching on September 12, Blink Fitness is introducing Gymnosis – a series of complimentary in-gym and virtual hypnosis sessions to help people get — and stay — motivated to workout.

Gymnosis, which is used among celebrities and athletes including Tiger Woods and Olivia Munn, is used to overcome mental hurdles and realize the mental and physical benefits of exercise.

The sessions last approximately 45 minutes and are conducted in a group setting with approximately 10 to 30 people per session. Registration is required and limited slots are available. There is no cost or obligation to participate, and Gymnosis is open to both members and non-members of Blink Fitness.

“A commitment to working out and wellness takes personal motivation,” Todd Magazine, Blink Fitness CEO, noted in a statement. “Mustering that motivation can be hard.”

Breathe easy — this yoga class is free at TruFusion.

Photo courtesy of TruFusion

Breathe easy — this yoga class is free at TruFusion.

fitness

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo