This workout review is for a local gym here in Knoxville, TN called Reach Function Fitness. This gym was recommended to me by a co-worker who also does CrossFit. He thought it would be a great experience for me because he knows the person who owns the gym personally, and really enjoyed it himself. I’ll give a little spoiler alert and tell y’all I really enjoyed my time spent here! They offered a free week trial using the facility along with their programming, and I had an awesome overall experience!

How it works:

Reach Functional Fitness is first and foremost a fitness facility. It is set up in a large space, very similar to a CrossFit gym as far as equipment goes. They do a lot of training for Spartan races at this gym, so there are additional pieces of functional training equipment like buckets and sand bags.

There are a couple of options for how you can workout at this gym. First, you can come in, do your own programming or workout, and only pay to use the facility itself. Secondly, you can subscribe to programming through Reach Functional Fitness on the Train Heroic App and join other members of the gym in different programs. They offer programs like Functional Strength and Conditioning, Functional Body Building, CrossFit, Olympic Weight Lifting, etc.

Although it’s set up similar to a CrossFit gym, there are no class times at Reach. It is open gym all the time, and I loved that! They are open during the week Monday-Friday 5 am-8 pm, and Saturday 7 am-2 pm. Before your first visit, you can schedule a time to tour the facility with a coach to get familiar and ask questions. I was immediately intrigued by the concept, loved the facility, and couldn’t wait to get the opportunity to try it out!

The Programming:

After looking through the Train Heroic app, and analyzing different example weeks for each program, I chose to test out the Functional Strength and Conditioning program. I loved this programming! It incorporated things from the “regular” gym that I have missed like back squats and bench press, while also including CrossFit elements like the assault bike, rower, and pull ups.

Every day was different and challenging in a new way. I was able to use equipment I had never seen or heard of (like a tank seen here: https://www.torquefitness.com/products/tank-mx) while keeping up some of the CrossFit skills I’ve worked really hard to develop in the last couple of years. You can see the programming for the entire week so that you know what to plan for. My favorite part was that there are videos included for each movement in case you are unsure of how to perform it! I had never heard of the Train Heroic app before vising Reach, but I really learned to like it.

Working Out at the Facility:

I have basically zero complaints with my experience working out at this gym. Now, I do enjoy working out in the mornings, so 5 am is never really crowded. However, I did go to tour the gym originally at 6 pm which is normally prime time. Even though it was more crowded than 5 am, there is so much space that you’re never on top of someone else.

It is really cool to see a people working out in different ways, but all pushing themselves at the same time. You will start to recognize who is doing what programming when you see groups of people doing the same thing, but you could also work out as an individual and not be bothered. The coaches are there to help when you have questions, but do not hover or make suggestions unprompted.

I will say, this workout experience is geared more towards an experienced “athlete” who feels comfortable in a gym. If you are someone who is new to working out, you can absolutely still enjoy your time here. But, you will more than likely have questions and need to ask them! Any time I had a question, the coaches were very kind and accommodating with making sure I was comfortable.

Other Perks of the Facility:

There are a handful of other perks to being a member of Reach. I will start with the access to their programming, depending on which membership you might decide to go with. The programming that I experienced was excellent, well thought out, and challenging. You will also have access to PhysioLab PT that has an office inside of Reach. PhysioLab PT offers physical therapy, including sports massage and dry needling, to Reach members. Additionally, there’s a full kitchen, 2 private shower rooms, and 2 Tim Tam Power Massagers for members to use.

Pricing and Final Thoughts:

Reach Functional Fitness has two main pricing categories. You can have unlimited use of their facility without programming for $60 per month, or you can have unlimited access with programming for $80 per month. I have not found another gym with the equipment, access, and benefits of Reach anywhere near that pricing. It’s amazing! I would highly recommend any CrossFit athlete in the area looking for a change of scenery to go and visit Reach, no questions asked. There are not enough positive things to say about this gym and my experience! I encourage you to visit their website to schedule your free tour and first week trial here: https://reachfunctionalfitness.com/