The Story & Faces Behind OutWellness

Read about the vision that founded OutWellness and meet the passionate folks who bring it to life

Our Story

What Sets Us Apart

OutWellness exists to make health, fitness, and wellness genuinely safe, accessible, and affirming for the LGBTQ+ community of Austin, Texas. We work to close the gap in health outcomes experienced by queer and transgender people by providing inclusive gym facilities, physical therapy, gender-affirming care support, and community programming in an environment where everyone can come as they are.

Our Commitment to JEDI

OutWellness publicly commits to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) — in our workplace, in the services we deliver, and in the Austin community we serve. Inclusion is the founding reason this business exists: we were created to give LGBTQ+ people a wellness space where they are safe, seen, and celebrated.

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Meet Our Team

Dr. Syd Young

(They/Them)

Founder & Lead Physical Therapist

Dr. Syd Young (they/them), Founder & Physical Therapist

Professional Credentials:

  • Residency- and Fellowship-Trained Physical Therapist
  • Running Rehab Specialist
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Certified in Dry Needling
  • USA Weightlifting Coach

Experience: Dr. Syd Young brings extensive expertise to their practice, with a focus on providing inclusive and compassionate care to the queer community. With a strong foundation in physical therapy, Syd has specialized training in running rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, and dry needling, making them a versatile practitioner capable of addressing a wide range of wellness needs.

Role and Responsibilities: As the founder of OutWellness, Dr. Syd Young is committed to creating a welcoming and affirming environment where queer individuals can pursue their health and wellness goals. They lead a team dedicated to delivering holistic and personalized care.

Philosophy and Approach: Dr. Syd believes in empowering clients to take charge of their wellness journey, using a combination of evidence-based practices and individualized care plans. Their approach emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and goals, particularly for those undergoing gender-affirming surgeries.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Lower back treatment
  • Shoulder rehabilitation
  • Pre- and post-gender-affirming surgery support

Personal Story or Motivation: Syd founded OutWellness three years ago with the vision of providing a safe space for queer individuals to achieve their health and wellness objectives. They are passionate about offering tailored care that acknowledges and respects the diverse experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.

Personal Interests: Outside of work, Syd enjoys exploring the intersection of movement and identity, often participating in community events that celebrate and support queer wellness.

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Dr. Ashe Etherton

(she/they)

Physical Therapist

Ashe Etherton

Professional Credentials:

  • Bachelor in Exercise Science
  • Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon University
  • Pelvic Health Training from Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute
  • ReVital Cancer Rehabilitation certification

Experience: Dr. Ashe Etherton has worked in a variety of clinical settings including pelvic health, outpatient orthopedics, cancer rehab, skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and acute care. Gaining experience in a wide range of settings has confirmed Ashe’s greatest joy & passion is pelvic health rehabilitation.

Role and Responsibilities: As a full-time physical therapist and personal trainer at OutWellness, Ashe shares their expertise in multiple ways. They provide 1:1 PT/personal training services, lead weekly group classes (Monday Mask, Move, & Modify and Wednesday Community Workout), and teach monthly pelvic health workshops.

Philosophy and Approach: Dr. Ashe treats with a nervous-system-first approach. They emphasize grounded embodiment, joyful movement, co-regulation techniques during sessions. Ashe also finds it imperative to provide individualized care within a trauma-informed, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming lens.

Areas of Expertise:

  • Pelvic health & sexual wellness
  • Hip & low back treatment
  • Gender-affirming care
  • Hypermobility
  • Chronic pelvic pain conditions (endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, interstitial cystitis etc.)

Personal Story or Motivation: Through her personal journey with pelvic pain and endometriosis, Ashe has experienced the incredible impact of pelvic floor PT. She was introduced to the specialty of pelvic health while in graduate school, and this was the first time she had hope that her own pelvic floor dysfunction could actually be addressed.

Ashe is passionate about educating folks of all genders and sexualities about pelvic health. Knowledge is power, and Ashe hopes that by providing pelvic health education, folks will be empowered to advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. No topic is taboo and nothing is TMI when it comes to pelvic floor PT - Ashe is always ready to enthusiastically chat about pee, poop, sex, etc.!

Personal Interests: In their free time, you’ll find Ashe training their puppy, hiking/camping, taking a dip at Barton, crafting, sipping coffee, baking sweet treats, or curled up with a good book.

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Bella

(she/her)

Chief Security Officer

Bella (she/her), Chief Security Officer

About Bella: Meet Bella, our spirited gym dog who may start off with a bark but quickly becomes the best friend you'll ever have. This small, gray, and white bundle of energy has a big personality and an even bigger heart.

Role and Responsibilities: As the Chief Security Officer, Bella takes her job of greeting new faces very seriously. Her enthusiastic barks are her way of making sure everyone knows she's on duty, but once she gets to know you, she transforms into a loving companion who adores being around people.

Personality and Traits: Bella is fiercely loyal and protective, but underneath her initial excitement is a sweet and affectionate friend. Once she warms up to you, she'll be your constant companion, ready for cuddles and playtime.

Personal Interests: Bella enjoys exploring her surroundings, chasing after toys, and receiving lots of attention from her favorite humans. Her favorite activity is curling up next to you after a day of gym adventures.

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Ona

(she/her)

Honorary Gym Companion

Grizzly (him/he), Honorary Gym Companion

About Ona: Meet Ona, our lovable teddy bear dog who, while not technically Syd's, spends plenty of time hanging out at OutWellness. With her soft fur and gentle demeanor, Ona brings warmth and smiles to everyone she meets.

Role and Responsibilities: As an honorary gym companion, Ona's role is to spread joy and relaxation to all visitors. Her calm presence and affectionate nature make her a favorite among gym-goers looking for a furry friend to brighten their day.

Personality and Traits: Ona is as cuddly as they come, with a sweet and laid-back personality that endears her to everyone. She's always ready for a snuggle and happy to provide comfort to anyone who needs it.

Personal Interests: Ona enjoys lounging around the gym, meeting new friends, and taking leisurely strolls. She's always up for a petting session and loves to bask in the attention of her human companions.

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