Ally Taylor shares her experience of discovering MOSSA and becoming a part of this fresh perspective in group fitness.
In 2012, I encountered MOSSA through FitPro, which was promoting trainer tryouts for the launch of MOSSA’s programmes in the UK. I had been teaching other pre-choreographed programmes for several years. While I appreciated the structure these programmes provided, I began to feel increasingly disconnected from their direction. The choreography was becoming disjointed and the movements, while intense, seemed to be taking a toll on the body without delivering the benefits I valued as a science-based trainer. Additionally, the music lacked diversity and fun, which made the experience feel stale for both me and my participants. Teaching these programmes became more of a chore than a joy, leading me to explore other options.
During this period, I decided to create my own routines. However, it’s a time-consuming process. Crafting a single routine to music can take hours, if not weeks, especially when you’re committed to updating them every four to six weeks to keep participants engaged and progressing.
When I discovered MOSSA, I found it to be a refreshing change in both perspective and philosophy. Before fully committing, I investigated what set MOSSA apart. What I found was a well-thought-out approach to movement and training that aligned closely with my values as a trainer who emphasises science-backed methods.
MOSSA collaborates with the Institute of Motion (IoM) on all its programmes, incorporating the 4Q system of movement. IoM, led by Michol Dalcort (the inventor of ViPR), specialises in applied health and human performance, training strength and conditioning coaches who work with elite athletes worldwide. The 4Q system categorises movement into four quadrants: Loaded Linear, Unloaded Linear, Loaded Movement and Unloaded Movement. This approach ensures that MOSSA’s programmes cover a broad spectrum of movement patterns, making workouts more dynamic and functional.
For instance, some MOSSA programmes, like Centergy, Groove and Fight, focus entirely on bodyweight exercises (unloaded), while others incorporate both loaded and unloaded movements. The inclusion of both Loaded Linear and Loaded Movement exercises is particularly noteworthy. Loaded Linear exercises allow for the use of heavier weights in traditional muscle-based strength exercises, while Loaded Movement exercises, which use lighter weights, target agile strength, relative strength, odd position strength, dead strength and functional movement strength such as ground-to-standing movements. This combination not only promotes a greater range of motion and end-range strength but also mimics the varied stresses and demands of daily life and sport, reducing the risk of injury and overuse.
The 4Q system is a smart, well-rounded approach that ensures participants develop not just ‘gym strength’ but also ‘life strength’ to support overall functional fitness and wellbeing. Outside of personal training, I hadn’t seen this kind of comprehensive and thoughtful programming before.
Encouraged, I applied for the trainer tryouts and was thrilled to be successful, eventually becoming a trainer and presenter for Centergy and Core. This role has given me the opportunity to deliver programme training across the UK and present at major events like FitPro conferences and IFS. It’s been some of the most fun and fulfilling work I’ve ever had the privilege to do, especially because of the genuinely lovely and humble people I’ve met and worked with as fellow trainers and presenters.
MOSSA is committed to reaching those who have never exercised before or who are newer to fitness. Their programmes avoid the overly aggressive programming, music and marketing imagery that can be intimidating to many. Instead of showcasing perfectly honed young athletes in unattainable poses, MOSSA’s marketing reflects a more realistic and welcoming approach. This resonates particularly well with older adults or those who have been sedentary for years, making MOSSA’s programmes accessible and inviting to a broader audience.
The unique experience of filming with MOSSA
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with MOSSA has been the opportunity to travel to Atlanta for programme filming – first in 2016 and again this year. Both experiences have been incredibly fulfilling, not just professionally but personally as well. The team in Atlanta is small but exceptionally welcoming, creating an environment that feels more like a family gathering than a typical filming session.
What truly sets MOSSA apart is the culture of inclusivity and teamwork that permeates every aspect of the company. The back-office team, for example, isn’t just stuck behind desks – the team actively participates in workouts every lunchtime. This hands-on approach extends to filming days as well. Whether it’s welcoming participants, handing out snacks or stepping into the workouts themselves, everyone is involved. It’s a collective effort and it shows in the energy and atmosphere of the filming sessions. And yes, I met Regina … she is real and she is awesome!
The actual filming process is meticulously organised, yet retains a sense of intimacy and authenticity. The classes are small, usually around 20-25 people, which mirrors the real class experience rather than a staged production. Everything is thoughtfully arranged, from having equipment set up in advance with your name indicating where you’ll stand, to doing a rehearsal one day and then the actual filming the next.
A special aspect of the filming is the inclusion of on-demand participants – those who don’t necessarily attend a club but do the workouts at home. These participants are just as much a part of the MOSSA family and they relish the opportunity to meet and interact with the presenters they admire. It’s heartwarming to see their enthusiasm and to witness the genuine connections that form.
What I particularly love about these filming sessions is the absence of ego. The presenters get ready in the same changing rooms as everyone else and use the same facilities. The only difference is they have a separate room for prepping, rehearsing and reviewing videos after the rehearsal. You’ll find them mingling with instructors, participants and anyone else in attendance. They are approachable, down to earth and truly invested in connecting with everyone.
A perfect example of this was during my recent trip when a partcipant at her first ever film fest who had been a tester for BLAST for 12 years wanted to spend time with Megan, one of the presenters for the January Group Blast being filmed. After filming, Megan, sat down to answer all her questions. There was no rush, no sense of superiority – just a genuine desire to connect and share. This is the environment MOSSA fosters: everyone, from participants to presenters, feels valued and respected.
Filming with MOSSA is not just about creating a product; it’s about building relationships and sharing a passion for delivering high-quality fitness programmes. There’s a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that transcends titles and roles. Even at the highest levels of the company, this ethos holds true. Cathy and Terry Browning, who run MOSSA, are right there in the mix, engaging with everyone. There’s a genuine commitment to ensuring everyone has a great time and leaves feeling inspired.
The experience of filming with MOSSA is testament to what makes this company different. It’s not just the programmes themselves but the people and the culture that make MOSSA a truly special part of the fitness world.
My experience with MOSSA has been nothing short of transformative. As a trainer, presenter and instructor, I’ve found in MOSSA a company that aligns with my values, offering innovation, inclusivity and a science-based approach that genuinely supports the health and wellbeing of participants. It’s a refreshing change from the status quo and a brand I’m proud to be a part of.
Find out how MOSSA transformed one owner’s facility on the FitPro blog.
For more details on MOSSA please do drop us an email at mossa@fitpro.com
Ally Taylor
Ally Taylor has been a personal trainer and group exercise instructor for over 21 years and runs a private studio in East Horsley, Surrey. She specialises in training the human being, not just the human body and believes we need more focus on movement for health, rather than just aesthetics. She has also worked in fitness education for over 12 years and has trained over 1000 trainee fitness instructors in that time.
