Train With Cass

It is not great for a beginner, and you will need access to a lot of equipment (rower, air bike, ski erg, barbell and plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, plyo box). If you have experience and want progress without having to come up with your own workouts, this app is fantastic. It has a relatively small but effective selection of programs, and Cass continues to add blocks to the existing programs as well as expanding the selection of available programs. I’ve completed at least one block of the Strength, Strength and Conditioning, HIIT and Hyrox programs. I’m 43 and have been exercising since I was 14 and I’ve never had as many people ask me what I do to workout as I have since starting this. The app is not perfect but is close, and it has improved significantly since it started. I had some criticisms that I communicated through the app’s contact function and Cass not only responded to my messages but addressed most of my concerns in later updates. Cass cares about the app’s success and is a great trainer. It is helpful to write down the entire workout before you start if you’re visual and want to prep for the next set. Before hitting start you can see an overview of the entire workout, but after that point you will only have a preview of the next exercise.

The app has had some glitches to work out. Sometimes the timer does not work or the reps were off. I did the strength and conditioning blocks and could tell by the end I had gains in both areas. I did love it! However, in order to continue my progress I need an app with continuous programming. This only had 16 weeks. I don’t have time to jump around to various apps and find workouts. I tried HITT after finishing strength and conditioning and the first workout seemed a bit easy. Ultimately, I will be switching to a program that has continuous programming. Hopefully TWC will get there one day!

First I will say I love Cass and her style of workouts so this is in no way feedback on her as a trainer. I’m coming to the end of my two week free trial and am sharing my feedback. The app has potential but I had hoped given the 3 month delay between when the app was supposed to launch and when it was actually able to launch meant every last detail would be buttoned up, especially since fitness app development is nothing new. My biggest gripe would be the lack of a countdown timer. The workouts are heavily time based training (EMOM, AMRAP, HIIT) and the lack of a count down timer has me more focused on the clock rather than giving full intensity to the exercise I’m working on. Nobody wants to miss precious rest time! App is advertised as a gym based routine so they are upfront about the fact that you’ll need a wide variety of equipment. Problem is, even if I was in a gym, the logistics of getting from cardio equipment to strength equipment is not realistic. Not to mention, I’m working with shared equipment that is not always available when needed. Substitute exercises are available but too limited. I understand Cass will be offering home workouts soon but adding more dumbell options as the substitutes would help modify workouts for home or when specific equipment is not available. I want to love this app but I think I will pass for now until it is further along in development or there is at least a schedule of when the promised enhancements will be completed.