Where Muscle Meets Mission
Redefining Strength in Austin
Words Codi Chen | Photo Baptiste Despois
At first glance, Lift ATX could be mistaken for one of East Austin’s hot new bars, with people gather outside, music pumping, and an unmistakable buzz in the air. But step a little closer, and you’ll discover it’s not cocktails or tasty dishes drawing people in—it’s a warehouse gym filled with powerlifting equipment and an electric sense of camaraderie. This is a space where people genuinely connect and thrive, thanks to the community-first atmosphere cultivated by Lift ATX owner Daniel Hinojosa.
“Community is everything,” Daniel states with conviction. Raised in a bustling Mexican-American household where up to a dozen family members shared a home at one time, he witnessed firsthand the importance of teamwork, resilience, and shared responsibility. Daniel shares, “Growing up, that’s all I knew. It shaped who I am today and how I view the world.”
Daniel’s deep roots in East Austin have been a driving force behind Lift ATX. A former educator who spent almost two decades in local schools, he understands the challenges and shifting landscape of the neighborhood he calls home. Daniel explains, “When I opened the gym, the equipment was secondary. The real priority was ‘How am I serving my community? How am I showing up for the people in these few miles where I live and work?’” That question continues to be central to his mission.
“People tell us we could charge more, but it’s not about the money. It’s about offering an affordable space in a city that’s only getting more expensive.”
For many, walking into a gym can feel intimidating; but at Lift, the energy hits differently. It’s about showing up as you are, not about perfection. Daniel and his team have poured their hearts into building a space that pulses with diversity, authenticity, and a rare kind of warmth.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we take what we do seriously,” he says with a grin. “We showcase diversity here, whether it’s through our social media or the flags hanging in the rafters that people have gifted us. It’s about making people feel safe to be themselves in a gym space, no less.”
Despite Lift’s success, Daniel remains grounded in his mission. “People tell us we could charge more, but it’s not about the money. It’s about offering an affordable space in a city that’s only getting more expensive,” he says. At Lift ATX, strength isn’t just about how much you bench—it’s about showing up, lifting up others, and proving that in a rapidly changing world, true power lies in building a community that rises together.
Teaching by Day
Before opening Lift ATX, Daniel Hinojosa balanced two passions: teaching and drumming. While his main profession was in education, he spent 20 years playing drums in Austin’s music scene. From rock and R&B to Texas country, Daniel toured and played every venue in town with his band, Obscured by Echoes. Though COVID paused his drumming days, his deep connection to music now energizes the gym, infusing every playlist with rhythm and soul.
Contact:
1005 Springdale Rd., #3
liftatx.com
@lift.atx
