For years I had countless reasons not to join Ascension: I’m not a hardcore mountaineer, I’ll never manage 5am workouts, I’m too busy, Ian’s a pr*ck. And of course the most obvious reason: I’m a physiotherapist, I shouldn’t need someone to tell me how to workout.

However, within months of my third knee surgery I was facing the possibility of a fourth. I finally didn’t have a good enough reason NOT to join. After a year at Ascension I can honestly say I’ve never been more functional as an athlete. This was my first summer in four years without a fracture, ACL tear, or surgery and I credit Ascension (and Ian) for that. (And my surgeon, if he reads this).

I’m still not a hardcore mountaineer, but I’ve never climbed stronger. 5am workouts suck, but I love the other weirdos who workout at that ungodly hour. I’m still too busy, but Ascension is a place I look forward to going to. Ian’s a pr*ck.

As for being a physiotherapist? I like to think I’m good at my job. But there comes a time when the rehab ends and the training begins. This is where the pr*ck comes in. When the acute phase passes you need someone who will take you past the dry needling, the ART, and the clamshells, and into the sweat, pain, and kettle bells. Ian provides the push, torture, and laughs necessary to distract you into a functional, challenging, and sport-specific workout. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to take your performance to the next level, I wouldn’t hesitate to send you to Ascension.

Did I mention Ian’s a pr*ck?