6 Adrenaline-Inducing Activities to Get Your Blood Pumping

Adrenaline, the hormone produced in the adrenal glands during times of stress or fear, is a critical component to the body’s safety system. However, the “fight or flight” hormone, as it’s known, can also be produced in short bursts during thrilling physical activities. Though it’s not advisable to permanently seek a heightened state of physical and mental alertness, a boost of adrenaline every now and then can be beneficial to one’s overall wellness.

Life is all about balance, after all. Stimulating activities such as ziplining or diving can be the key to achieving a healthy and well-rounded wellness routine.

These six heart-pounding activities promise more than a boost of adrenaline — they’ll leave you feeling more confident, motivated and on top of the world.

Rock Climbing

Austin Bouldering Project

There’s nothing that will get the adrenaline pumping quite like gripping onto a rock wall over ten feet up in the air — without being strapped into anything. Bouldering, which is rock climbing without harnesses or ropes, is an adventurous way to test the limits of strength, movement and strategy. And Austin Bouldering Project (ABP) offers plenty of space to explore. With a 50,000-square foot facility, ABP is the largest bouldering gym in the U.S. The gym designs colorful rotating circuits on boulders that are anywhere between 13 to 17 feet high and range in difficulty level. ABP offers intro classes, memberships and day passes at its original facility on the East Side as well as its newly opened second location off of South Lamar in the Westgate Shopping Center.

Crux Climbing Center

The 22,000-square-foot facility at Crux Climbing Center is a climber’s oasis. Founded by local climbers Matt Twyman and Kevin Goradia, Crux is a community-driven space that welcomes climbers at all levels, from those who are experienced to those who are curious about the sport.

Crux offers a variety of climbing options from rock climbing with ropes to bouldering, and even has a fitness space for strengthening and yoga classes. Visit the original location in South Austin or Crux’s second, more central location in the Highland neighborhood.

Ziplining

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures

Outdoor thrill-seekers should plan a visit to the longest and fastest zipline in Texas at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures. The three-hour-long guided tour takes visitors across five zipline courses that fly high above the smooth waters and rugged canyons of Lake Travis. Let the adrenaline build up as you make the mile long hike uphill to get to the starting point, and get ready to feel the rush just before you’re released onto the first zipline.

Zip Lost Pines

Just a short drive away from Austin awaits a hill country adventure at Zip Lost Pines. Fly above the trees on the full tour, which comprises six lines and takes about two to three hours to complete, or the half tour which is three lines and takes up to two hours. The longest line is a quarter of a mile long and gets up to 40 miles per hour of speed, which promises breathtaking views and moments. Zip Lost Pines even offers a nighttime zipline adventure for those seeking
an extra thrill.

Boxing

Austin Women’s Boxing Club

Founded by Julia Gschwind, Austin Women’s Boxing Club is the first and only women’s boxing gym in the city. Women from all backgrounds and experience levels can join the community to learn authentic boxing techniques from a team of female USA Boxing Certified coaches. Supporting its community with an empowering environment is a top priority for the South Austin gym. Whether the goal is to explore an adrenaline- pumping workout or to train for a competition, anyone who steps into Austin Women’s Boxing Club will leave feeling challenged and confident.

Archetype Boxing Club

Boxing goes beyond throwing punches. The sport of boxing is a full-body workout that offers immense physical conditioning that can lead to competitive sparring. But before you can step into a ring, you need the proper training, which is exactly what Archetype Boxing Club aims to provide. Whether you’re a first-timer or an advanced athlete, Archetype helps build a solid boxing foundation through classes that teach the fundamentals — from heavy bag and boxing ring training to partner work and speed bag training.

Jui-Jitsu

Brazilian Fight Factory

Led by head trainer Rodrigo Cabral — who is the 2011 Brazilian National Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), among numerous other achievements — Brazilian Fight Factory provides top-level BJJ programs for people of all ages and abilities. The north Austin gym offers a number of classes around the fundamentals of the martial art that will equip anyone with the ability to take the mat and confidently grapple.

Atos Austin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Located in Lakeway, Atos Austin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers an adrenaline-boosting workout for everyone in the family. Led by Gui Campos, who has been the coach for many World Champion competitors, Atos prides itself on teaching authentic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to its students and offers classes that are suitable for students of all ages and skill-levels.

Diving

Dive World Austin

From the open water to the deep sea, scuba diving offers an unparalleled adrenaline-filled experience, and Dive World Austin is Austin’s longtime go-to for all things diving. Dive World offers a range of instructional courses for beginners and experienced scuba divers alike. From a discovery course to an open water certification, and even a rescue diver course for those who want to advance their dive skills, there are plenty of opportunities to test the waters. Current owners Seth and Traci Wallace have also expanded Dive World’s offerings to include a shop that provides equipment rentals and dive gear, as well as a community space for year-round events.

Skydiving

Skydive Lonestar

Feel like free falling? Look no further than Sky Dive Lonestar, where you can tandem skydive from over 14,500 feet. The team at Sky Dive Lonestar is made up of highly experienced, licensed instructors that guide flyers through the entire experience, so first-timers can find comfort in the fact that they won’t be flying in the sky alone. With a free fall at 120 miles per hour, followed by a six-minute parachute flight, the breathtaking thrill will be one-of-a-kind.

Skydive Spaceland San Marcos

Skydive Spaceland San Marcos (formerly Skydive San Marcos) has been serving up thrills since 1984 and continues to be a top skydiving location in Central Texas. An adventure for beginners and experienced skydivers alike, Spaceland’s 134-acre facility has its own private airport and a large landing area that’s open to spectators. Whether you’re a first-time flyer or want to pick up a thrilling hobby, the 14,000 freefall at 120 miles per hour will be anything but boring.