Ok. What you probably already know: an exercise regimen is more successful when you have a trainer to tell you what to do, a scheduled work out time and people to work out with. So why should you choose Urban Animal? Because of Laura Cisneros. She is extremely knowledgeable - not only about the exercises and their impact on the body but also what you, specifically you, need to do to get the most out of a work out. She can tell you how you've unconsciously neglected certain muscles all these years and compensated with other muscles, how to prevent or recover from injury and how you're half-assing it and not getting the maximum out of an exercise. To top it all off she has an awesomely irreverent sense of humor. She's an incredible motivator - she's genuinely invested in you reaching your goals and takes the extra time to give you pep talks or help you with nutrition (which she also knows a ton about). If you have a preexisting injury she'll give you modified exercises until you're strong enough in that area again. I've never felt like she demanded more of me than i could give, but I never dreamed how much I could do until I started her class. The only downside is that now I'm addicted to her and her boot camps and see no end in sight. I'm 40 years old, I've gone down 2 pant sizes and I'm in the best shape of my life. I can't even put in to words what an incredible gift this is to give yourself. I can keep up with my kid, running and jumping and throwing him in to the air and I'm barely winded. And the muscles! Every once in a while I'll catch a glimpse of a bicep out of the corner of my eye, or notice the muscle tone in my legs. As a woman who's hated her body since she became a teenager, I cannot overemphasize how good this feels! And I did it! Not to mention I feel stronger mentally and emotionally as well. The hardest part is starting but I'll always be grateful that I took that first step. read more

Wondering how it's possible that there's rolls under your bra strap, that you can tap your feet to the beat of the jiggling in your arms, slathering some diaper rash cream between your thighs instead of your babies butt, and your husband affectionately grabbing a handful of belly fat as he lovingly says "this just isn't you"! What do you do when you just can't motivate yourself beyond the first week? You join urban animal and have this petite, lean and toned powerhouse, Laura Cisneros, push you beyond what you thought you are capable of, then do it again, and again until you are gasping for air, drenched in sweat, and asking the gal next to you with a watch "how much longer". I personally have been following her nutrition, combined with her training with my Hot Mama's 3 days a week and I have lost 2 lbs in the first week! Totally sore, (Tiger's Balm and a heating pad are my friends) but stronger and maybe...dare I say, a bit faster. So what if I am whipped by the end? I have more energy and adore this brave group of ladies. They are awesome because they motivate, support, and cheer you on when one more seems impossible! But, honestly, I have seen tons more progress in one day with Laura as my trainer than on my own. She pushes, tests, and uncovers your abilities, makes you finish strong to the very end, and makes certain to correct your form. Oh noooo...there's no "she's not looking, let's skip the last few", it's as if she has this sixth sense for slackers! Besides, who doesn't like their trainer pinching their butt muscles just to make sure you are using correct lunging form? ;) "Done with your push-ups? Up the hill 3 x's" she says. More core work? Yes please! And throw in some suicides while we're at it. I love her! I only wish I had discovered her 4 years ago. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about this program. Honestly, signing up for Urban Animal is by far the best decision I have made all year. I was incredibly out of shape (couldn't run a mile without feeling like death) & knew from past experience any gym membership I bought would just end up unused. After some serious researching, I decided to try out UA. The program is set up so you pay per month, which worked for me. If I didn't like it, hey, it was just a month. No long term commitment. I'll admit, the first class was pretty rough; but, it was nothing some perseverance and a long Epsom salt soak couldn't cure. I was a little nervous at first but Laura has a way of putting people at ease & after the first couple classes, I felt like I was part of the family. Laura is amazing. Not only is she funny & laid back, she is a fount of fitness knowledge, makes sure you're pushing yourself as hard as you can & is great about being aware of peoples' limits. Our class (MWF 9am) is usually 10-15 people but Laura manages to tailor the workout so it feels like one-on-one personal training. She really wants to see you succeed & is great about cheering you on. Plus, there's the reward of lavender ice towels at the end. It is such a positive experience, you can't help but feel good (albeit tired) after each workout. As long as Laura is around, you can be sure I'll continue to adhere to the mantra: "bust ass, have fun & don't eat crap." read more

This class is hard as hell, but isn't that what you want in a boot camp? I can tell you that I am on the extreme end of lazy when it comes to fitness. I need someone to bark out orders and push me to my limit. I was pretty damn weak when I started so my limit was pretty low. I've come a loooooong way...thanks to Laura's killer class. This workout routine has lifted and slimmed and sculpted and toned my body in a way I didn't think possible. I never really understood what people were talking about when they described the "natural high" of exercising. I get it now!! I love trying to push myself to do more pull ups or run faster around the track. I've had to completely reorient my view of myself as a non-workout type person. There is nothing quite like pushing 40 and having all your body parts sag to motivate you to do a boot camp. I feel like I'm changing years of bad habits and Laura has been a great partner to help me reach my goal. I really enjoy the month to month format of the class. I couldn't make a big commitment when I started, because I wasn't sure I could do it. Now I can't do without. I'm in my fourth month. Best compliment (if you want to call it that) on my improved physique came from my mother "Wow this class has done wonders for you. You're looking a lot less gelatinous!" Gotta love that. read more

Laura is the best! You won't find anyone who's more willing to do whatever it takes to help you get where you want to be. I've spent my whole life doing the athlete thing and working out. I played sports in college, I know how to work out and work hard- but nobody motivates like Laura does. I started the class almost a year ago thinking I was just going to go for a few weeks and kick start my fitness, then I'd take it from there....but I've enjoyed the results so much I haven't been able to stop! I love that I can go for my 3 hours total per week, and see better results than running every day on that damn treadmill! Urban Animal gives me the same benefits as having a personal trainer, with the added bonus of having friends around to fuel my competitive side. I've been going long enough now that I've seen tons of new people join the class, and then watched them rave a few weeks later about the results they're getting. Laura takes the stress out of fitness for me- all I have to do is show up and do what she tells me, the rest takes care of itself. No more feeling guilty, no more feeling lazy, and yes, I'll have that cupcake, I worked out really hard last night, thankyouverymuch. read more

I never imagined myself as the kind of person who would participate in an outdoor boot camp (whether it's 100 degrees or 20 degrees), much less enjoy it. I have been in Total Torture for almost two years, and I will never leave. I've been a member of various gyms, done my share of exercise classes (I remember when bench was big!) and worked with different trainers, but Laura is the first one who has made it clear to me not just HOW to do an exercise, but WHY it's important to do it that way and what part of my body is affected by NOT doing it the right way. With one glance, she can tell if you favor a knee, injured a shoulder, or just need to activate an under-used muscle--then she'll tell you how to do it better and work a little harder to get the results you want. To me, the group dynamic is just as important as the trainer, and the people Urban Animal attracts are smart, funny, supportive, irreverent. It's outdoors, it's real, it's nature, it's hard, it's fun. I'll never set foot in a gym again, and Laura will just have to put up with me until I die. read more

Urban Animal is as good as it gets! I have always been a really active person and never thought I needed a trainer, but when I started working with Laura Cisneros, she opened up a whole new world of training techniques and exercises for me. My body has transformed. These classes have made me 100% more confident in my body: they've taught me that if it takes 6 months to get a great ass, then I have every right to show it off! Without the dedication, enthusiasm and sometimes yelling from Laura Cisneros and her training classes, I would not have the confidence to wear the hot pink leapard print hot pants and holtertop I've grown to love so much (see my profile picture!) Where most trainers just focus on exercise, Laura and Urban Animal focus on total body well being. In addition to the training classes, UA offers a ton of seminars on everthing from cutting calories to pelvic floor issues. I truly believe that Urban Animal really stands out in an oversaturated "wellness" market of under-experienced, over advertised training programs. read more

I emailed Laura when I found an Urban Animal review, and the email pretty much said "Hi, I hate running, Don't wanna run, I suck at running...How much running is in your class?" The thing is - there's as much running (or lifting, or pullups, or whatever) as you can handle. No matter what your level, the classes are hard... but Laura adapts every single exercise to each individual's fitness level (and is amazingly knowledgeable about each person's injury status, ability, and whiny-ness). And the classes are fun - there's great music, addicting lavender towels, and a great camaraderie. I've never left a class grumpy, like so many other classes I've tried. Most importantly - I'm super fit. I don't run all the laps, but I'm doing a lot more than when I was taking a running class. I have cute little muscles popping out (hello, triceps!). I have less belly! I'm better at yoga! I really feel great. And that's why I keep going back. read more

this is the most desirable workout in town led by laura, the supremely lovable potty mouth extraordinaire. that's right-she's one big mouthed, demonstrative, verbose, gabby, unconstrained, passionate, enthusiastic, exuberant, loud, gushy windbag exploding with knowledge and know how that she's not afraid to pass on to all who will listen. not many workouts can drag me out of bed looking forward to trotting my jiggly thighs around, but hers truly does. she's made a lasting impression on me that stretches all the way to my daily thoughts: "tits out!" i think as i'm slumping at work. "must look for the methylated b complex vitamins!" i recall when i walk into people's pharmacy. it sounds trite, but she has truly changed my life for the better. i don't know what else to say except- GET THE FLEX PASS and get your buns to her class. you may be dreading it now, but soon enough you'll be looking forward to it. read more

I love Laura's class. It is true that I am sort of dying after a few classes, but I'm already getting better! I'm new to the whole boot camp world and was definitely nervous about starting. Laura was super nice and patient with me and reassured me that I could do it. Everyone in the class is really nice, too, and it's a welcoming, supportive environment. Laura, the teacher and owner, is realistic and doesn't want you to get hurt, but she also pushes you to the edge of what you can do. It's exactly what I need! I think it says a lot about a trainer when you can't wait for the next class but simultaneously can't stand up without your legs burning. :) Many people stay with Urban Animal for months and months, and some for years, which also speaks volumes about the quality of the class. I strongly recommend Urban Animal! read more

Laura Cisneros and her Urban Animal bootcamp classes are great. Laura really cares, and it shows through the many great bodies that her classes produce. There is nothing like starting the morning out with a protein shake and some yelling from Laura to make you move your butt and your body. Laura is a one of a kind trainer. You will never forget her, and you will always be thankful for her. I've had quite a few health issues through the years, and Laura has always stuck by me and has always helped however she can. Her loyalty to her students and the immense amount of knowledge she has in her head is amazing. She is very real. Don't let the word bootcamp scare you. Everyone works out to their potential. Laura and your classmates are always there to help you. And, as with anything, you get out of it what you put in! read more

I'm not very coordinated and had never considered myself even slightly athletic. The thought of group exercise filled me with dread. However, in a moment of weakness, I signed up for Total Torture classes on a friend's high recommendation. (This was not long after completing cancer treatment, so I was especially out of shape.) I've been attending classes regularly for almost 4 years now and I'm healthier, happier, more energetic, athletic and fit than I ever imagined. Class is always a challenge but never more than I can handle. Laura and Coy make each class fun and fulfilling. Though I struggle for breath and sweat buckets, I still find myself smiling and laughing through most of the workouts. And in all 4 years I have NEVER left a class wishing I'd stayed home. read more

Okay... I've now been doing this boot camp for about a year and a half, and am here to tell you that my opinion of Laura and Urban Animal has only grown stronger. Signing up for this boot camp was one of the best decisions I've made in my adult life. I was an athlete all my life, but never healthier than after I started this class. Stick with it, and it will work for you too. I've dropped 40 pounds, 6 sizes, and a significant amount of body fat (don't know what it was when I started, but it is less than 21% now), I've picked up activities like trail running and adventure races and things I never thought I'd be able to do competitively again. Laura provides the inspiration to get it all done and is your biggest cheerleader when you do it. read more

I've never been a successful exerciser, but it turns out that I respond well to having my butt kicked. Laura is the best butt-kicker in town--and she's also funny and irreverent [though, rest assured, she maintains a ladylike decorum throughout class:)]. In addition, Laura has a deep understanding of how the body works, which is great for figuring out why whatever hurts hurts and how to fix it. Now in my second session of "hot mamas" (a name more inspirational than descriptive in my case), I still hate exercising, but I'm addicted to the virtuous feeling I have every time I leave Laura's presence: I've worked my ass off (if not literally!) and I feel strong and healthy. The thrice-weekly hour of torture is worth every minute! read more

I have been with Urban Animal since Day 1. There are several of us "lifers" who have endured YEARS of Laura's training and we keep coming back for more. Her masterful blend of cardio and strength training totally transformed my body (from a size 10 to a size 4/6 and holding!) and it continues to build my strength and endurance. I am surrounded by wonderful, encouraging, fun-loving people and driven by Laura's sassy sense of humor and feisty motivational lingo. This class is NOT for the fickle, timid or prissy. If you don't show up for a class, someone will want to know why. You will sweat, you will get dirty, you will hurt, you will be constantly challenged and you will love every minute of it. read more

Animal Addict I've done several bootcamps in the Austin area and Urban Animal is by far the most challenging yet inspiring! Laura is constantly changing up our workouts and continually pushing us to new limits. I feel stronger after every class. She offers classes for all scheudles including a flex-pass which allows you to go to as many classes each month as you can handle. She's extremely knowledgeable about fitness routines/exercising but she is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes injuries, diet/nutrition, doctors in atx, etc. Since i've started taking her 6:15 a.m. class, I crave a hard workout first thing in the morning. Laura's bootcamps are the perfect way to start out your day! read more

OK, this is not your average boot camp by far!! Laura has been at this for years and she absolutely knows her stuff inside and out. Laura's mantra of bust ass, have fun and don't eat crap is so on target. She educates, challenges and has you laughing all class. I am so addicted to this class in such a good way that my view of physical fitness will never be the same. I have finally found a life long way to stay in great shape. I have only been at this 6 months and can't wait to see how my body will continue to transform in the future. And the hot towels in the winter and ice cold towels in the summer at the end of class is such a great reward for mega hard work! read more

I have been working with Laura and her boot camp for almost three years and it has literally changed my life! She is an amazing trainer and she's one of the funniest and most entertaining people I know. I am in the best shape of my life and I'll be 50 in two weeks. These classes are designed for anyone who wants to get in shape and/or stay in shape. I honestly look forward to the torture that's dished out three times a week. The mix of great men and women in the class make it so much fun - and Laura is the icing on the cake. Talk about dynamite coming in small packages! If you are looking for a fun and hard working experience, this is the place for you!!! read more

I have been with Urban Animal for over 3 years and to this day I'm still incredibly challenged by the work outs, amazed at how great I feel, astounded at the changes this old bod has undergone, astonished that I am capable of finishing class, and am still not NOT BORED!! Laura is great....so smart, such insight and perception on how to move and exercise the right way, all the while throwing in a healthy dose of wicked wit for laughs and inspiration. One of the best things I have ever done was join up with Urban Animal. And today my butt hurts so bad from all those damn walking lunges that I was inspired to write in to yelp and share! read more