Thursday, March 28, 2024 Mar 28, 2024
44° F Dallas, TX
Advertisement
Business

Dallas’ Female Anchors Share Their Fitness Favorites

Local TV newsers talk regimens, go-to classes, and the inspiration they need to try something new.
By Kimber Westphall |
Image

From sun up to sun down, Dallas’ favorite newsers are camera-ready in the studio and in the field. D Magazine caught up with local TV darlings to learn how they stay in shape, and when they workout while chasing stories amidst breaking news schedules. We even got a peek in some gym bags, and learned where these reporters and anchors are shopping for their favorite athleisure wear.

Hanna Battah (Fox 4)

What time of day do you typically workout? 
As early as possible. I have the most productive days when I workout in the morning.

Favorite healthy snack or meal?
Hummus and veggies, mandarin oranges and granola bars.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. It can be intimidating signing up for a new gym or picking up the weights for the first time, but if give yourself the credit for showing up and taking the time to invest in yourself, it becomes a lot more manageable and encouraging to push for new fitness goals.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution? 
I’d like to find more ways to give back to my new community. I moved to Dallas this past summer and since then it’s become the most welcoming new home. I’d like to invest 2019 in new ways that I can return the love. (If anyone has suggestions, I’m all ears!)

Hannah Davis (WFAA)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
Doing functional fitness routines at Dallas Stronger Athletics (they kick my butt) for cardio and mental release. I love hiking Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve, I log about 20 miles a week.

Favorite place to shop for workout wear in DFW?
Any Lululemon. Their quality is what I love, and everyone’s butt looks better in yoga pants. It’s like magic.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
Drink more water and focus on gratitude.

Katy Blakey (NBC 5)

What’s your favorite workout in Dallas? 
Going for a jog—there’s nothing like fresh air and sunshine!

Favorite place to shop for workout wear in DFW? 
Honestly, Target.

What time of day do you workout? 
Around 1pm, after finishing up my workday at NBC5.

Kara Sewell (WFAA)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
I can’t pick just one! I split my time between District Climb & Yoga Pod.

Favorite healthy snack or meal? 
My favorite healthy snack would be anything from Gather Kitchen. I love their breakfast & lunch bowls but the Paleo orange muffins with dairy free chocolate are amazing! They’re also on Uber Eats. Thanks to Sonia Azad for introducing me to this healthy alternative.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
I have an instructor at District Climb who says he didn’t do his job if you don’t hate him by the end of class. And I do, every single time! But I feel so energized when I leave. Take classes! These instructors will push you harder than you’ll likely ever push yourself so you won’t be wasting a second of your time while working out.

 

Analía Fiestas (TELEMUNDO 39)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
I mainly lift weights at the gym. Sometimes you can also find me roller blading.

What time of day do you workout?
I actually find it harder to commit to working out if I set a consistent and specific time to go to the gym. This means I go to the gym whenever I find an opportunity in my day. I must say I am not a big fan of working out in the mornings. I’m usually hitting the weights in the afternoons or nights.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
I have a few resolutions. The one related to fitness is to be in the best shape I’ve ever been. (I feel like I say this every year… ) Let’s see!

 

Alanna Sarabia (WFAA, Good Morning Texas)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW? 
I found my “person” or in this case “my gym.” It fits my schedule, my needs and my personality. It’s called Hiit Fit Design District and it’s helped me really enjoy pushing my limits, grow my overall strength and stamina, and tone up. Baby steps!  When I can’t make it to class, I take dance classes around Dallas.

Favorite place to shop for workout wear in DFW?
Consignment shops. I love to find an old oversized t-shirt and cut it up a little. My favorite workout shirt right now is a large Red Hot Chili Peppers tee I cut to make a little shorter like a crop.  Comfort, all while rocking my favorite band.

Favorite cheat snack or meal?
Warms chocolate chip cookies or Chipotle with white rice.

Nelly Carreño (Univision 23)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
I love spin classes and go to Zynn22 & SunstoneFit for interval training.

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
My Beats headphones.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Don’t give up after the first class! It sometimes takes a few to determine if you like it or not.

 

Lexie Houghtaling (NBC 5)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
Session Pilates (Judi’s classes are amazing!), Soulcycle, and running.

What time of day do you work out?
It depends if I am working the evening or morning show. If I work in the evening, I try to wake up early and get my workout done before heading to the station. For the morning show it’s reverse. I’ll wait to workout until I get home and take a nap.

Favorite thing in your gym bag right now:
My Ultracor star leggings from Bandier. They are so cute!

Any tips for people wanting to try a new workout routine?
Try to workout with other people that keep you motivated. I always meet up with my sister after work for a spin class or call a close friend to go for a run. It keeps it fun!

Shannon Murray (FOX 4)

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
I don’t use anything fancy and I rarely even run with headphones (I like to totally disconnect!). One thing I do invest in is a good pair of shoes. It’s worth it to go to a specialty running store and have the staff help you find the best pair for your foot. This helps avoid injury and when I find a pair I love, it motivates me to get out and use them! Oh, and good socks too. They can be pricey and it seems silly to spend the money but trust me it makes a difference.

Favorite cheat snack or meal? 
Breakfast tacos! After our show ends in the morning, nothing sounds better.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Get to the studio or gym early and let the staff know you’re new. They will show you around and help you feel comfortable. If it’s a workout class, the teacher will likely keep an eye on you and make sure you’re getting the hang of it. Don’t give up. Sometimes I have to go to a class a few times before I really feel comfortable with the equipment or the workout.

 

Andrea Rega (Univision 23)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
Tennis! I am crazy about it, even though my opportunity to become the next Serena Williams passed so many years ago!

Favorite place to shop for workout wear in DFW? 
PGA Tour of course, club stores and Academy (great tennis clothes at an affordable prices).

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
I am in for reaching at least 300 thousand steps this year, be super healthy and keeping balancing my profession with my family life.

 

Erin Jones (CBS 11)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
I’ve been a runner since high school, so I’d have to say running on the Katy Trail or White Rock Trail on a nice day. When I go to classes, it’s at Gold’s Gym, Barry’s Bootcamp, One Lagree, Pure Barre, The Ride House, and Lync.

Favorite healthy snack or meal?
Salmon and grilled veggies

Favorite cheat snack or meal?
Hmm where do I start! Chips and queso, tacos, charcuterie boards

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
AirPods.

Lynnanne Nguyen (FOX 4)

What time of day do you workout?
Mid-morning (9am-noon). I’m definitely not a morning person, but I love starting my day with a workout to give me the energy boost I need to get through the day. It also helps me get my day started!

Favorite healthy snack or meal?
When I feel like eating healthy, I’ll whip up salmon, brown rice & green beans, or pick it up from somewhere. Or poke! Whatever I can get that will make me feel good about eating healthy, but also tastes great!

Favorite cheat snack or meal? 
I’m almost ashamed to admit this, do I have to admit this? Fried chicken! What can I say, I don’t go halfway on cheat meals, that’s one thing where I always give 100 percent lol.

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
Dry shampoo and deodorant spray – for when I’m on the go and need a quick refresh!

 

Allison Harris (Fox 4)

What time of day do you workout? 
I really can only workout in the mornings, but not crack-of-dawn kind of morning workouts. I go into the newsroom at about 1pm and don’t get home until after my live shot for the 10pm newscast, so I have to sweat it out before work. I love signing up for spin or Pilates around 9:30am.

Favorite thing in your gym bag right now:
I like to work out without makeup, so I have a moisturizer that gives my skin a healthy glow. I also can’t go anywhere without the telephone-cord-looking hair ties.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new workout routine?

I am the first to get intimidated by new fitness classes and routines, but anytime I’ve pushed myself outside of my comfort zone, I’ve enjoyed it and have been better because of it. I also am never too hard on myself when it comes to working out. There are months when I will do two work outs a day, and months that I take a break from it altogether. Life moves fast, and it can be a lot at times. Be good to your body!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution?
My resolution is always to be a better version of myself. I have always been so career-oriented, my work life runs smoothly. I am good about spending time with friends and family, and treating myself to spa days and travel. I really would like to focus more on developing a better home routine — grocery shopping for healthy food, working out on a more regular schedule, actually hanging up laundry on laundry day. It’s funny how sometimes the little things can be harder!

 

Ana Maria Vargas (Univision 23)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
Swimming or walking with my dogs.

Favorite healthy snack or meal?
Grapes with cheese and pecans.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Exercise discipline, tenacity, and compromise with your health and body.

Sonia Azad (WFAA)

What time of day do you workout?
Whenever I can get it in. Because I work very early mornings for WFAA’s Daybreak newscast, I can’t typically catch the morning exercise classes. Usually I’m able to hit yoga, spin, HIIT, barre or other classes in the early afternoon, between 4pm and 7pm.

Favorite cheat snack or meal?
French Fries. Hands down. Can’t stop won’t stop. Sorry not sorry. PS: I don’t discriminate: curly fries, waffle fries, thick fries, shoestring fries, sweet potato fries. Just gimme some ketchup and I’m good.

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
Yoga Tune Up Balls! My friend who is a fitness instructor and personal trainer gave them to me as a gift. I love them! I use them almost every day to alleviate tension in my neck, around the scapula, the arches of my feet, down either side of the spine, or around the glutes and hamstrings while I’m on the phone, listening to a podcast or watching TV! They are harder than tennis balls but not as hard as lacrosse balls.

Bianca Castro (NBC 5)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW?
Definitely the spin classes at Neon Cycle & Strength in Plano. They’re simply addicting. Plus, when I want to change it up, I can take a class in their strength studio, which combines HIIT (super important for heart health) and strength training (equally as important for overall health)!

What time of day do you workout?
For my busy schedule, early mornings are the best. My workouts have to be done by 7am, so that I can get the kids to school on time! Plus, it’s such a good feeling to know that my workout is done and I can enjoy the rest of the day feeling good about it.

Favorite healthy snack or meal?
I try to eat spinach every day, for all the health benefits. Guiltless Goodies donuts are also a must. They satisfy my chocolate cravings and are super tasty.

Johana Suarez (Univision 23)

What time of day do you workout?
On my lunch break at noon, after my first newscast.

Your favorite thing in your gym bag right now?
My wireless speaker- can’t workout without it.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Listen to your body and stretch! Get a gym buddy, whenever you are slacking, they will hold you accountable and force you to show up.

 

MaryAnn Martinez (CBS 11)

What’s your favorite workout in DFW? 
My favorite work out is Barry’s Bootcamp. It forces me to push myself in a way that I don’t normally do. Plus it’s a great cardio/weights combo.

Favorite place to shop for workout wear in DFW?
Lorna Jane has some great pieces that are equally stylish and functional. I have received so many compliments on my pieces from there. Forever 21 also has good pieces that you’re not afraid to ruin or get rid of after a season or two.

Any tips for people wanting to try a new fitness routine?
Buy cute workout clothes. I find myself more motivated to work out if I have some new outfit or put on a little make up.

Related Articles

Image
Travel

Is Fort Worth Really ‘The New Austin’?

The Times of London tells us it's now the coolest city in Texas.
Image
Dallas 500

Meet the Dallas 500: Chakri Gottemukkala, o9 Solutions

The o9 solutions leader talks about garnering a $3.7 billion valuation, growing 10x over the next few years, and how the company is innovating.
Image
Local News

An Early Look at 2026 FIFA World Cup Logistics

The World Cup matches will be held in Arlington, but Dallas will be home to a great deal of team and fan experiences. We're getting an early look at what that will look like.
Advertisement