With humble beginnings as a group training gym in Australia, F45 has taken over the UK, with more than 50 studios — 41 in London alone — open across the nation. The F in F45 stands for functional [1], which is a hint to the type of workout you are in for have when you step foot into one of their studios. With a different style of workout scheduled for each day of the week, every class combines functional movements that mimic everyday activities. Think lifting a big box or running for the tube with a heavy handbag on your shoulder.
The beauty of F45 is that it is catered to all fitness levels, and every person who walks through the studio doors is championed for simply showing up. If you're still wondering why this gym is spreading like wildfire around the UK (aside from the fact that Mark Wahlberg and Mario Lopez [2] are both fans), keep on reading.
What Is F45 Training?
F45 is a group training method offering 45-minute gym classes that combine functional exercises designed to get you sweating and work your entire body. The workouts are designed to mimic the types of movement you use in your everyday life. Think squatting, jumping, lifting, rowing, and biking. Walking into a new gym can be daunting, but one thing F45 promises — and consistently delivers on — is a warm welcome when you walk in the door and a sense of community that is often lost in inner-city gyms.
Every F45 class has a unique theme, but essentially, each weekday will alternatively be a cardio or resistance circuit, and on Saturdays, classes with be a combination of the two.
What Happens in a Typical F45 Class?
Unlike some other gym classes like spin, yoga, or Pilates, where the entire class performs the same movements in unison, F45's circuit-style classes are performed in timed intervals. Depending on the class theme, there will be between nine and 54 stations, and generally, you will visit each station at least twice.
So, while that means you will never do the same workout twice, every class does have a few things in common. It will always begin with two trainers demonstrating the exercises and a quick warm-up before the timer starts. In addition to the trainers who are there to assist (and motivate) you throughout the entire class, there are screens spread around the room to demonstrate each movement and to also help you find your next station.
The great thing about F45 classes is that you can be as social — or not — as you want. There won't be anyone yelling in your face as you work out, but the trainers will be there to push you if you give up mid-set.
Is F45 a Good Workout For Beginners?
F45 is well-suited to all fitness levels, but it would be remiss of us to say it will be a walk in the park for beginners. In fact, it's a challenging work out that will leave you puffed and sweating (in a good way) no matter where you sit on the fitness scale. Rest assured, every class has two trainers to supervise the entire session — they'll not only help correct your form so you don't injure yourself, but they'll also help you choose the proper weight for a movement.
How Much Does an F45 Membership Cost?
Every F45 studio is privately owned, so membership cost varies between locations. As a rough guide, monthly memberships give you unlimited access to your chosen F45 gym and range from £140 (Greater London) to £220 per month (in Central London). Some studios also offer a pay-per-class option and most, if not all, have an introductory offer so you can try before you buy. If there is an F45 Training studio opening soon near you, then you may be able to sign up for a founding member contract, which will be slightly cheaper. The best way to determine the price is to locate the studio closest to you [3] and go from there.