About Us
Hot Ground Gym® (HGG) was founded in 2013 and is owned by military veterans and former first responders. We have developed a first-of-its-kind place for kids to be active and fit. We use an approach that combines obstacle course-based fitness and teambuilding challenges to provide a truly unique, wholesome, and super-fun experience to kids & teens.
The Dripping Springs location is our 5th HGG to be built, and it opened in October of 2024. Located in the hill country of Austin, Texas, HGG Dripping Springs is the first franchised location to open and it is owned by one family who had their kids in HGG’s programs up north before relocating, and another family of local veterans. This team is proof that Hot Ground Gym® is something special worth bringing to others around the nation!
Our History
Hot Ground Gym® (HGG) was founded in 2013 and is owned by military veterans and former first responders. We have developed a first-of-its-kind place for kids to be active and fit. We use an approach that combines obstacle course-based fitness and teambuilding challenges to provide a truly unique, wholesome, and super-fun experience to kids & teens.
The Dripping Springs location is our 5th HGG to be built, and it opened in October of 2024. Located in the hill country of Austin, Texas, HGG Dripping Springs is the first franchised location to open and it is owned by one family who had their kids in HGG’s programs up north before relocating, and another family of local veterans. This team is proof that Hot Ground Gym® is something special worth bringing to others around the nation!
Dripping Springs Team
Justin Teliga
Justin Teliga is a co-owner and primary instructor of Hot Ground Gym Dripping Springs. Prior to taking over the helm of HGG Dripping Springs, Justin worked for nearly two decades in the construction industry and as a part-time college football coach. He is a Father, Husband, and resident of Dripping Springs, and he enjoys spending time with family and coaching his son’s flag football team.
Heather Teliga
Heather Teliga is a co-owner of Hot Ground Gym Dripping Springs. She is a Mother, Wife, Daughter of a Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, and Sister of an OIF/OAF Army Veteran. She enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering with her sons’ Cub Scout Pack.
Tyson Hill
Tyson Hill is a co-owner and part-time Hot Ground Gym Dripping Springs instructor. He is a Navy Veteran, Father, Husband, and resident of Dripping Springs. He enjoys spending time with his family and working with kids to build their confidence.
Kelly Hill
Kelly Hill is a co-owner of Hot Ground Gym Dripping Springs. She is an Air Force Veteran, Mother, Navy Wife, and resident of Dripping Springs. She enjoys spending time with her family and two crazy doodles.
Our 5 Pillars of Confidence
Discipline
The first aspect we hone in kids is their discipline. We want them to be still when absorbing knowledge, ask questions when they are confused, and help others when they are “squared away”.
Obstacle Course Fitness
Teaching obstacle negotiation techniques to kids that are directly supported by physical exercise introduction, provides the kids a great opportunity to increase their fitness levels while having a blast in a safe and supportive environment.
Teamwork
“Teamwork makes the dream work”! We love making the kiddos work together to complete challenging “missions”, where they learn to cooperate and collaborate.
Problem-Solving
“Challenges need solutions”. To meet a problem head-on and overcome it is the goal of our programs. The kids will collaborate with the team, learn their job, and work to complete the mission. Learning resilience, dedication, and teamwork along the way.
Leadership
“To lead you must first follow”. This is very true here too. As the kids collaborate on “missions” we start to see their leadership skills shine through their personalities. We encourage them to help and lead each other.