Ashland Strength Studio

Fantastic experience: My general apprehension about strength training went away in the first 5 minutes. The small class experience is intimate, but you've got freedom to set your own pace and define your own limits. Tess and Valerie make an amazing team!

Fantastic experience: I started training with Tess when she was living in Seattle. I had never done strength training before, had a lot of complex feelings about movement and exercise, and I was not super comfortable in my body. Tess and I worked together in-person for a year, and I learned to love strength training, the feeling of getting stronger and more comfortable in myself, and the simple joy of lifting (and swinging) heavy things. I also just got to know my body better than I ever have before, which has made movement in all areas of my life more conscious, intentional, and joyful. After Tess moved down to Ashland we started training virtually, using my home kettle bells. It has kept me moving, growing, and just feeling good. I would highly recommend Tess as a movement/strength coach, virtually or in-person. I can only envy the folks that get the chance to join her in the new Ashland space!

Fantastic experience: I'm delighted to have connected with Tess shortly after she opened her Ashland studio. I was looking for an enthusiastic, knowledgable partner in overcoming years of inertia, and getting ready for adventure. Tess is all that and more! HELL YEAH! No mirrors in the studio, which pushed me to connect with my inner body awareness, and learn techniques based on the way they felt. I wholeheartedly recommend Tess.

Fantastic experience: Tess was absolutely amazing. The classes were wonderfully structured and she gave modifications for those that needed it. She always focused on listening to your body. Very happy that I stopped in to try this place!

Fantastic experience: We stumbled on Tess' class with her 3 classes for $3 each deal and are so happy we did. She's created a beautiful gym space with an inclusive environment, and we felt so welcomed in spite of popping in on vacation. Her kettlebell and yoga classes were a fantastic workout but able to be tailored for any fitness/mobility level. Looking forward to going again next time I'm in town.

Fantastic experience: Ashland Strength Studio is a genuinely inclusive environment that facilitates self-awareness and intrinsic motivations for preventative physical health education. Expect a highly enthusiastic, individualized approach with minimal gear and zero pretense. Expect only “Hell-Yeah!” energy, great music, great location, and the best clients in Ashland!

Fantastic experience: Great space. Good environment.

Fantastic experience: I've been only to a kettlebell and yoga class thus far, and I am thrilled. Tess is the bombdiggety - knowledgable, down to earth, fun, smart, sassy, encouraging. Freaking so excited that she's graced our community with her bad self. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Fantastic experience: Despite having health issues and a lack of motivation to attend dance classes, I have been trying to get enough exercise for a few years. I am now fortunate enough to have found a trainer and instructor, Tess Ball, who is knowledgeable, skilled, trauma-sensitive, patient, fun, and nerdy in the best ways. Previously, I tried working with a trainer who had a home gym near me, but it ended up causing me more pain and discomfort. Tess, however, takes my injuries very seriously and is helping me to heal my body gradually. She can tell which muscles need to be targeted and has modifications when something isn't working. Her attention has helped me become more aware of my body and has allowed me to make the most of my workouts. I highly recommend her for one-on-one or small group training. Fast forward a few years and I still think Tess is incredible. During the pandemic, we have done some workouts over Zoom and she was still able to see my posture and give me helpful advice. She creates a plan for my body's needs and for where I am that day. She has been one of the best things to happen to my life and is worth her weight in gold.

Fantastic experience: Tess is an outstanding movement instructor who works hard to identify the real source of any difficulty you may have with basic movement. She was able to assist me in finding extra support to enhance my wellbeing. She is simply the best and I highly recommend her!

Fantastic experience: As a person who was active my whole life, being sidelined by an injury for over a year made me risk averse and intimidated by even beginning the journey of retuning to an active lifestyle, worried I would make things worse. Working with Tess was without question the best way to return to full health stronger, happier, and more confident than ever before. Tess truly cares about you as an individual (both physically and mentally), has a deep knowledge of the human body, and brings a unique and fun perspective to personal training. Beyond injury recovery, Tess is a badass personal trainer, and you will be stronger and more personally mindful after any amount of time working with her. Whether it's with Russian-style kettlebell workouts, yoga influenced by her training as a yogi, or movements she invents in her own practice, Tess is able to create programs that are personal to you and your body to accomplish your goals. She pays attention to detail and is amazing at coaching you through every movement or lift - with her feedback and lots of practice we tweaked how I do some of the most basic movements like squatting or a pushup, and they feel like entirely new and more effective exercises. She openly shares her innate knowledge of how the body moves to help you understand your body and to help you stay healthy through life's aches and pains. After working with Tess for over a year, I am stronger and more confident than ever, with a greater appreciation for my body, and a newfound appreciation for how it works and how to keep myself healthy. Thank you Tess!

Fantastic experience: Tess is with doubt the best fitness coach I've ever worked with. Her knowledge of the body and how it works with and around injuries is immense. She combines her knowledge with attention to detail, and working with her I'm finally making progress on a 15 year old injury that never healed, and by carefully watching how I moved, she's prevented several more by finding alternative exercises and movements. Even so, she in no way goes easy on you, and working out with her remain challenging and immensely satisfying. As an Acupuncturist who treats hundreds of people per year who've been injured by bad trainers, I would not hesitate to recommend Tess to any of my patients. She is truly exceptional at what she does.

Fantastic experience: Tess is authentic, fun, honest and I trust her wholeheartedly to keep my wellbeing the utmost priority while using her comprehensive and varied blend of knowledge and tools to be my movement coach. My experience with her also gives me full confidence to recommend her to anyone who might be dealing with an injury, unsure of where to start with fitness or anyone really who is looking for someone who is very observant, with an emphasis on quality of movement, practicality and play! She challenges the ideas of what we "should" be doing and encourages exploration of what feels good.

Fantastic experience: Tess was a godsend!. I broke my ankle in three places and she had me strong and confident in no time. She is very knowledgeable about the body, a clear communicator, and fun. You will so glad you chose to put yourself in Tess's capable hands.

Fantastic experience: I was really impressed with Tess' innovative approach to physical fitness. She went beyond the standard muscle and cardio exercises, demonstrating unique functional fitness movements that I had never encountered. She pushed me to try something new and step outside my comfort zone.

Fantastic experience: Tess is fantastic! She is inspiring with her own fitness and can do all sorts of crazy things but she is the best at making things doable for all fitness levels. I loved training with Tess-- do it!

Fantastic experience: It was always wonderful to work with Tess. She is smart, patient and knows her stuff. She also knows how to make things work so you can truly understand the movements and exercises. I look forward to when I get to work with her again.

Fantastic experience: I was in search of a trainer to help me with my ankle injury when I came across Tess. Her blog post about working out with a damaged foot and her lighthearted approach in the article made me feel like she was the right person for me. I was right! Tess was so encouraging, positive, and enjoyable to work with. I now ENJOY strength training, something that I never thought I would do a few years ago. It is empowering and an incredible feeling. This is all thanks to Tess, who was willing to start with me at my level (I was a couch potato) and gradually take me to the next level. I always feel secure with Tess; she pushes me to get past the next hurdle without discouraging me. It is an understatement to say that Tess has changed my life. It sounds corny, but it is true. I went from looking for a few exercises I could do while I was hurt to making physical activity a daily part of my life.

Fantastic experience: Tess is extraordinary. Her kind spirit is matched by her deep understanding of the human body. She is an expert in strength, movement, and recovery, and is an incredible instructor. Tess has had a profound effect on my life, aiding me in overcoming physical problems in various ways. I am so thankful that I had the chance to meet her.