New Year, Whole New Approach To Working Out.
If you're the sort to keep one ear on the latest workout trends sweeping the nation, then chances are you've heard about F45.
If not, allow us to explain. Born in Australia in 2014, F45 is an interval cardio and strength training workout – the 'F' standing for functional (the exercises in each class mimic everyday movements, like lifting, squatting, pushing, pulling,) and the '45' referring to the time duration of each class.
What makes F45 different from other workouts?
Combining elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training, what makes F45 stand out from the countless other gym options out there, is that you'll never really do the same class twice - each workout is created from a database of more than 3,000 different exercises. Mindless treadmill-pounding is a thing of the past.
The variety of each session means two things: one, you won’t get bored quickly and two, because you’re constantly targeting different muscle groups, recovery will be easier and faster. Plus, all of the thinking is taken out of your training, with Monday's class focusing on HIIT-style cardio, Tuesday's on strength and resistance, Wednesday's back to cardio... and so on. There's extra sweat at the weekend's workouts too, when the classes are 60 minutes long and feature a clash of both styles.
What to expect at F45
Despite having a close-to-cult-like following in more than 33 countries across the world, F45 gyms aren't glamorous - you can expect compact studios filled with simple (and unintimidating) equipment and large TV monitors to show the exercises, step-by-step and count down the clock.
After a succinct, yet fully-body warm-up, the studio's instructors will take the small class (made up of 20 or so) through the numbered stations, demonstrating how to perform each move and the amendments that can be made for those present who are early in their fitness journey.
Then, without wasting any more time, the buzzer goes and it's time to get your sweat on. And sweat you shall!
What F45 does really well
It's community-driven, without being cringe. If you sign up for one of the F45 studios in Dublin (Bray, Sandyford, Townsend St. and lots more locations to come), you can bank on seeing the same faces there come rain, come shine, come Saturday morning hangovers and that's motivation in itself. Plus, there are optional Whatsapp groups, social gatherings and outside-of-gym events like 'Hell and Back'.
The classes are difficult, but by having your own station (even if it's just for a minute or two), F45 workouts allow members to set their own individual pace, while still feeling motivated by the high-intensity group set-up. But don't be fooled in thinking that means you can hide in the shadows either – the classes are small, so you can bank on having an instructor come swiftly in your direction if you're not huffing and puffing.
You'll absolutely see results. Whether your 2020 goal is to lose some extra weight, tighten and tone everything up or be the fittest version of you possible, F45 will get you there. By blasting both your aerobic and anaerobic systems, F45 workouts result in fat-burning, building muscle and boosting metabolism, as well as serving as a reminder of all that is fun and exciting about exercising.
How to join the F45 community
To find your closest F45 studio, click the link here. Then choose from the trial or membership options, the pricing of which can vary from each location.
Having signed up myself in October last year, I can honestly say that I've missed my F45 sweat sessions over the Christmas break and cannot wait to get my butt back in the gym this week.
Early 2019 Me would never have thought I'd be capable of saying such a thing, but what can I say, I'm fully converted!
All images courtesy of F45.
