The Asylum is the brainchild of Michael and Tawny McVay, a husband and wife training team who wanted to bring the next level of fitness to their hometown. Avid fans of NBC's American Ninja Warrior, they built a makeshift course in their backyard. As construction progressed, and interest from friends and neighbors grew with every new obstacle they placed, they realized that this was something Billings hadn't seen, something that excited people.

They decided that this was something bigger than a backyard project, and The Asylum was born. Long hours were spent designing and redesigning, poring over plans and incorporating the best of many fitness disciplines.