Any idea what it’s like for a middle-aged Mom who prides herself on taking long, mindful, relaxing strolls to intentionally engage in a high-intensity, full-body exercise workout where every person is called an “athlete”?
Well, I’m about to tell you.
I have to admit, when I decided to take Athlete Training + Health (ATH) up on their offer to take a trial class, I was a month out from the date, so I was totally game. I’m an extreme go-getter who will try almost anything, so it wasn’t hard for me to make the decision. Plus, we all know that health and fitness are essential, so this felt like a great way to spend my Saturday morning.
Non-Athletic Mom Goes Full-On Performance Athlete (& Lives to Tell About It)
When I pulled into the parking lot of this massive, state-of-the-art facility, my thoughts went South to, “Why on EARTH did you think this was even close to a good idea?” I was intimidated, but I’d committed, so…onward.
Getting up my nerve to find out what this was all about, I walked into the facility and was immediately greeted by the friendliest staff with the biggest smiles. It gave me a “I have this!” attitude right from the start. You’re about to find out, I did have that.
Machines That Think For You
One of the reasons I rarely enter a gym is that I’m afraid they’ll sniff me out. The buff trainers will know right away that I’m a newbie, and they won’t give me the time of day.
This place was different. Yes, there were buff trainers, but right away, Athlete Training + Health was proud to show off their new Keiser pneumatic exercise equipment. I’m no gym equipment expert, but listen, those machines were sweet.
The brain is a creature of habit, which means the body can get used to singular repetitive movements. When you’re trying to change your body composition or work on health goals, this isn’t necessarily a good thing. ATH’s training programs are built keeping this in mind –
constantly change the stimulus to achieve the maximal results (but more on that later!). ATH uses Keiser (along with other top-of-the-line equipment) throughout
their adult fitness classes and youth athlete performance training programs. The Keiser
equipment offers a greater variety for people with a training history and people that are
training for the first time. This equipment places less stress on the connective tissues at the end ranges of motion during movement. Not only that, but they also provide resistance on the push AND the pull during exercise movements which means you get a more efficient workout. (Less time, more benefits!)
What Happens on the Turf, Stays on the Turf
The classes happen on turf (think: gigantic football field) and span almost the facility’s entire length. There is ample space to spread out and do the work. Pretty impressive!
In my trial class, we didn’t do the machines but instead worked with hand weights, suspension bands, battle ropes, medicine balls, and kettlebells. I can confidently say that although I’ve never slung a battle rope or thrust a kettlebell ever in my life, the coach was so gracious, informative, and very motivating.
Although the coaches explained that there are several starting points to meet your performance goals and work with their athletes to figure out their best strategy, we completed a Forever ATHlete total body HIIT class. These are workouts specially designed for adults who want to unleash their inner athlete. (Yes, please!)
The Forever ATHlete program is created to improving movement quality, fitness, and strength. As evidenced by my time there, it is designed for all ages and abilities. Their workouts vary every day (so you’ll never get bored or have a chance to plateau) and are split into four class types:
- Total Body Power: Develops power, movement, and fitness with functional workouts at varying intensities
- Total Body Strength: Focuses on building strength rotating between upper and lower body emphasis days.
- Core Strength: Increases core strength to reduce the likelihood of injury.
- Total Body HIIT Class: Provides high-intensity interval training for a total body workout.
I felt challenged by the workout, but it was doable. The coach gave me tips throughout on form and motivated me along the way. My whole body was shaky but in a good way. When the coach said to pat ourselves on the back, I did that and was so proud of what I’d accomplished.
Evidence-Based Performance Training
Athlete Training + Health is one of the leading sports performance training companies in Texas, and after my grand tour, I can see why! This private company provides adult fitness as well as performance training services for youth, collegiate, and professional athletes to optimize their sports performance.
A significant component of ATH is its collaboration with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen. They work together to provide 360-degree services to not only help if
you’ve been injured but also to help prevent injury and keep you in shape and performing
at your peak at every step in between. ATH also firmly believes in an evidence-led, science
back philosophy where the last findings from their in-house research are applied directly to
their training programs. Honestly, I was blown away by their integrations with healthcare and research, and although I don’t typically call myself an athlete, I can never argue with the science. What they provide to their athletes is top-notch.
Bottom line, I was impressed with everything about Athlete Training + Health. From the facility to the staff and everything in between, this is a place I recommend for all fitness levels. From a Mom who recognizes the need for fitness to a top-performing athlete who makes it a hobby sculpting and training, this is truly a place to put at the top of your to-do list.
A word about safety because it’s something on all our minds. The large doors of the facility are left open for ventilation as the weather permits. The cool breeze was so helpful during our workout. Temperature checks are performed at the door and all staff maintains a 6-feet distance from one another at all times.
All members/athletes are asked to wear a mask when they enter and exit the building. Athletes are not required to wear a mask while they train, but if they would like to, they certainly can! While we were training, each of the members of my group was given a clean town and a spray bottle to disinfect our equipment after each use. Coaches were also cleaning and disinfecting throughout the facility and large turf is disinfected regularly.
Get In on the Fun!
Athlete Training + Health JUST opened in Allen on February 1, with several programs to choose from. They are conveniently and centrally located behind Texas Health Presbyterian Allen Hospital. Once you’re a member, you can easily sign up for classes right on their website or through their app. They have convenient class schedules and members
enjoy unlimited classes. They offer year-long programs, but also have special Summer Camps and Spring Break Camps for the kids to choose from as well. Go check them out!
Visit Athlete Training + Health website and use code CCMFREEWEEK for a FREE week of classes!
Throughout February, new members will also enjoy free ATH gear.
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