
As the sun rises across the United States the tribes of the November Project can be found greeting the day with sweat, smiles and silliness. This is not your typical workout group. First off, locating a consistently free (yes, free) guided workout is next to impossible; finding one that meets with a reliability that parallels that of a military boot-camp is remarkable. Enter November Project to alter the culture of working out and the entire concept behind it. The November Project guarantees that at 6:29 a.m. an enthusiastic tribe (group) of extremely motivated people will be geared up and ready to follow one of their tribe member’s lead to the next hour-long class (rain or shine). In San Diego, one of the three leaders is Ashleigh Voychick. This is a woman who could easily be cast in a reality show such as “American Ninja Warrior” or even “Survivor,” but for now, she is one of the leaders along with Eugene Kim and Angelo Neroni. Voychick, a Pacific Beach resident, said she never knew how being a tribe leader would dramatically influence her life. “It blows my mind that all I am doing is dishing out a gnarly workout, acting crazy and having a great time, but somehow making a world of a difference to so many people in my community.” Really, this kind of “buzz” about the November Project is a common theme among enthusiasts nationwide – just read their blogs. Co-founder of November Project and current La Jolla resident Brogan Graham said the movement’s success only confirmed his belief that “the world needs more kindness and more free outdoor classes. It’s not surprising (to me). The better we get on our smartphones, the worse we get at communication.” Although the free fitness movement started in Boston, it has already traveled to 20 other cities in the United States, seven in Canada and two in Europe. Voychick said many participants become part of an “extended family” and create lifelong friendships and even unexpected romances. “The people at November Project don’t come because it’s an obligation or because they feel guilty that they spent money on it. They come for the good vibes, the hugs, and the workout. So when you #justshowup and it is free for everyone, there is a different feel to it all.” However, just because there’s a bunch of active folks gathering at the crack of dawn to workout doesn’t mean one should feel intimidated to try out the group. It’s not just for people who are already in great shape or happen to be extroverts. It’s a group for everyone. And everyone, literally, from the 99-year-old to the baby (and even the dog), are invited. “It’s (for) adults who still want to play. There are two rules: (you) have to be kind and you have to work your butt out,” Graham explained. Voychick seconds Graham’s thoughts. “I would tell people not to feel nervous and to trust me – if they regret coming, I will buy them breakfast.” Plus, she added that the group “has been the most positive influence in my life and my family’s life.” In fact, it seems no one can say enough about the life-changing results found in the November Project. Everyone can just show up. It’s that simple. Arrive and be ready to go at 6:29 a.m. and plan to leave at 7:29 a.m. The group meets every Wednesday at Balboa Park at the Bea Evenson Fountain and on Mondays for the rest of July they’ll be meeting at the Ocean Beach Pier. In August, the group will meet on Mondays at Tourmaline Beach in Pacific Beach. The group changes their Monday locations every month, however Wednesdays are always in Balboa Park. Voychick is a trooper and Graham knows it. “The success of the November Project has to do with the leaders… look at Ashleigh… she’s a powerhouse person and no matter where she is, people gravitate to her.” Voychick has been with the San Diego tribe since its inception in September 2013. The tribe was among the first seven groups to form. Visit www.november-project.com for more information and to read their hilarious blogs.