Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Long
Hi Allison, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
FS8 was created in analyzing the low-impact workout industry and noticing that there were few options to combine the foundations of various modalities- Pilates, strength training, and yoga. The idea to combine these foundations, as well as include technology to help assist trainers with providing visual examples of the movements alongside the verbal + tactile cues. Our research backed work out encompasses these 8 key elements- Resistance, Posture, Cardio, Coordination, Flexibility, Mobility, Balance and Mental Health, with function and style (and that’s our name, FS8!).
Personally, I started strength training to support my dance practice at age 14, and quickly fell in love. In college, I took a conditioning for dancers course that taught us Reformer Pilates and gave us access to 4 throughout our tenure. I quickly fell in love with the combination of reformer Pilates and strength training and continued that practice up until I was diagnosed with a left hip labral tear my last semester of college. After surgery, my PT integrated the reformer to restore my hip’s strength + mobility and I started my certification to teach 1 month after graduating PT.
Throughout my tenure of teaching Pilates, I have used the fundamentals of the Pilates method throughout my own personal work out habits both on and off the reformer, and integrated strength training principles on the reformer and in my class formats. Classical Pilates has created such a strong base for a life-changing practice, and watching the method evolve into contemporary formats makes me so excited. Change is such a beautiful thing, and as research continues to expand,
When I discovered the FS8 brand I knew they were riding this next evolution of a movement practice. The fundamentals of the Pilates + Yoga practices with Strength training principles revolutionizes the reformer experience. Integrated breath, use of heavy and light resistance training, unilateral work, and the mindfulness principles has us + our clients leaving humbled and obsessed. It’s a workout like you’ve never done before, with top of the line programming, trainers, and innovation
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As with any brand launch, there have been challenges and obstacles to overcome. Launching in the US market created opportunities for us to fine tune the trial, membership, and class pack offerings + allows us to get in front of the fitness-centric Austin market. We had a huge launch with 333 trialers, which did create longer waitlists and frustrations with late-cancel and no show fees. We added new classes and adjusted booking policies to help combat and have seen great results in overcoming that obstacle. We’ve also gotten some really helpful feedback about the class structures and used that to help fine-tune the next phase of programming that launches every 12 weeks.
Personally, I moved from Chicago to ATX for this brand, so adjusting to a new city while learning a new brand has created some really interesting challenges in my own life. It’s helped with learning the ATX area and meeting a ton of new people!
We’ve been impressed with FS8, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think I covered a lot of this in the previous questions, so I’ll hit on what I haven’t yet.
What are you most proud brand wise?
– In our research, we found that the nerves/ fear women feel stepping into a traditional weight trianing gyms is the same nerves/ men fear stepping into a Pilates class. I’m really proud of this brand for trying to reach demographics like this that haven’t stepped into the space yet, as every body can take away life-changing benefits from the Pilates method
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
– Our class offerings stay consistent to the day, so no matter if you come at 6AM or 6PM, you’re getting the same class. Our formats change with our phases, every 12 weeks, so we are able to keep the workouts fresh for everyone’s bodies and minds. We have classes as early as 6AM and our last class of the evenings is generally 630PM, We’ve got 9 classes offered across the weekend times and our most popular trial offer is 5 classes for $79
What matters most to you? Why?
Inclusivity in the workout space- fitness is fun and everyone is welcome. The fitness space has had a lot of toxicity in it’s history, and it is extremely important to me that changes and people get moving for both their physical and mental health
Pricing:
- 5 for $79 trial (14 day expiration)
- Unlimited Monthly Membership $299
- 8x Monthly Membership $169
- 4x Monthly Membership $99
- Class pack options available!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fs8.com/soco/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fs8_soco/?ref=axnnroyd&hl=am-et
Image Credits
F45 HQ
