To (or not to) F45

HarveysBud

I'm back on MFP after a lapse for a few years. The last few, like others, has been pretty rough on my diet and fitness. Gyms were pretty much closed for 18+ months this way (Canada).

The diet has been really good the last few weeks, but I need to get back to working out. I was ready to pull the trigger on a conventional gym, but a buddy is pushing me towards F45.

I know, it depends on me, and what I like, works best, timing, money, etc. But I want to hear about you, and your opinion and circumstance. Especially those who have an F45 membership and those who ditched it.

Not going to lie, there is a bit of a lure for me to get my butt kicked by a trainer.

Thanks in advance.

MikePfirrman

I've looked into it (and to the franchise as well). Here's what my takes were.

It seems for most classes, there are two instructors and they limit it to 20 people. That's one issue I had with OTF. Up to 30 in classes with one instructor. Too many folks for one person to keep an eye on related to form. OTF also didn't particularly push me. It was like CrossFit light with cramped quarters. And the "orange zone" was meaningless to me because it was based on the age HR formula, which is terribly inaccurate.

I like that they seem to have the HRMs (heart rate monitors), and I believe, board, for the competitive side. Not that HR should be a competition, but there's something motivating about seeing others work hard.

They have different tiers of pricing. I'm a member of PF right now, but I enjoy working out ridiculously hard and always feel self conscious at PF (I'm dripping sweat, I superset and regularly burn 750 calories an hour just lifting). I would like working out with like-minded people that want to be pushed, not that don't want to be noticed. I don't like being noticed either, but if I let out a mild grunt, I don't want be vilified for it.

I like they have Concept2 rowers, none of that WaterRower crap. Shows they did their homework on rowers. Also like they use a lot of KBs as well. I love KB work.

They have a free trial. I've been considering it. They just built one down the road from me.

After a 10 minute warmup, though, it's only a 35 minute workout. You can do a LOT in 35 minutes, but that's a short duration class -- appealing and not. I usually push, very similar to their type workouts, an hour at a time.

Not a ton of evening classes near me. They have like 5 AM ones, but I'm not into that.

I'd consider doing a free trial with your friend. See if you like it. If you do, great. That's really what it's about.

HarveysBud

Mike, I really appreciate the information here. I think you are right, I might just give the 7 day free trial a go and see what's up myself. Thanks again for the comment.