WALKING INTO ASSEMBLE FOR THE FIRST TIME

This interview captures the journey of three different Assemble athletes (members).

Athlete Background
A | Used to be relatively active until Covid hit
B | Loves group workout classes, had belonged to the same gym for a few years
C | Has always stayed very active with a mix of at-home garage workouts/hiking/biking/running/etc. and would go to CrossFit style classes at least once a week

How did you find out about/what made you try Assemble?
A | "I knew a couple people who went there so I followed [you] on Instagram. I remember vividly thinking, "Oh no, I don't think I am ready for that quite yet," Everyone I would see in the videos was working really hard, which was somewhat intimidating. I kept telling myself I would get myself in shape before I tried it, but I just didn't. I think you might have been offering a deal, and finally I just went for it. Best choice ever."

B | "I started following Assemble on social media after a few people I knew started going there. I already belonged to a gym, but Assemble was definitely intriguing, and also a little intimidating. I think it was when I started to notice how much the people I knew were changing physically and they would just say how great it was."

C | "One of my friends asked me to try Assemble with them, and I didn't really know what I was getting into, but I thought, "I workout. I'm in pretty good shape. Sure, I'll try a week."

Do you remember your first class?

A | "Do I remember my first class? Yeah, like it was yesterday. I sat in the car trying to talk myself out of going. I even text my husband saying, "I am so nervous, I don't do anything alone." He said, "You got it, might be good for you." I responded with, "I have butterflies," and he said, "You can do it." Once I ended up going in, he was so right. The class was functional strength, and from the second I was in the door I was encouraged, welcomed, and inspired to just try. I remember not knowing how to do one of the movements, but the coach broke everything down step by step and gave me pointers throughout the class."

B | "I am pretty sure my first class was MAX or hybrid. I just remember thinking the bike was really hard, I thought the skierg was kind of fun, and the tread was so different!"

C | "It was MAX, and it's almost a rite of passage - in the best way possible. I have never worked as hard in a workout as I do in any given MAX class. That first one was humbling to say the least, but I like it because you are on teams and it can get competitive! It's fun to experience that form of friendly competition on a weekly basis."

Do you remember your next class?

A | "It was either MAX or Endurance, and it was HARD, but it was also awesome! I felt so accomplished after class."

​A | "I think my second class I was able to go to that week was endurance and yoga (E:30 + Y:30) or it's at least the one that sticks out in my mind. It was a really good mental challenge and I loved having yoga at the end of class, it was so rewarding and peaceful. I think was hooked at that point."

R | "My next class was strength (functional strength) I am pretty sure. It was different, and not at all what I was expecting. I liked that there was a focus on mobility and a lot of freedom to move at my own pace with quality reps. Even though I am a pretty competitive person, I like that the strength classes aren't competitive and way less risk of getting injured."

Why did you decide to keep coming after those first few workouts?

A | "I knew after the first night I was going to join because it just felt like home so I just kept showing up, even on the days I didn't want to. As a mom, it was hard to choose myself every day, choose myself over chores, excuses, time with my family, meal time, but that one hour a day at Assemble is worth a life time of health and endless possibilities. It seems crazy, but it's true."

B | "I liked the challenge, the community of people cheering you on, and how other people's success is inspiring. It was the first time in a workout class setting that it didn't seem like people were competing directly against one another. Something I also appreciated, and still do, is the emphasis on education."

C | "My body just felt better, and it continues to feel better. My back is not as achy as it used to be with the type of CrossFit and EMOM/AMRAP style of workouts I was doing before. I like having constant numbers that I'm trying to chase and improve here, but it's never at the expense of my joints."

What would you say to someone similar to you who is thinking about trying Assemble

A | "You don't have to be in shape to start, and I wish I would have started sooner. Don't be intimidated, you can definitely do it and once you do, you'll love it!"

B | "I have always worked out in classes at least five days a week, so it was crazy how much my body changed just by switching to Assemble. This place has been really good for my overall health. I am more focused on improving my performance more than I'm concerned with my looks at this point, but it's nice to see the physical results when I did not change anything except for 'where' I was going to workout. There is not anything like this place, and you won't regret it."

R | "Everything is structured so intentionally, and I realize that more and more every week. You will learn more about how to approach strength workouts so they match your goals without wrecking your body. My heart is in the best condition it has ever been; and I not only look but I feel stronger and more athletic. I'd definitely tell you to keep track of all your numbers when you start because you'll be blown away how much you improve!"