‘The hardest workout ever’
Convinced by a friend to sign up for a twoweek trial, Nicky Park gives F45 a go in Auckland, and actually falls for it.
Two trainers circle the squad, correcting poor technique, yelling words of encouragement, throwing around playful banter and making sure we all get through the burn together.
This hardcore training is all the rage in Australia and, apparently, the secret behind the bods of Aussie actors Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. Despite landing in New Zealand three years ago, F45 only recently lit up on our radar. It’s described as three styles married in to one 45-minute sweat session - high intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training and functional training.
There are 27 different workouts, all with wacky names like Firestorm, Wingman and Quarterbacks – the variety is what keeps loyal F45 fans coming back. A typical programme mixes body weight exercises with equipment like kettle bells and medicine balls to make every single muscle work. They vary in working to rest ratio, following a tabata style training. Each day has a different focus, some are more resistance based, some more cardio - all pretty killer.
The first time was intimidating and slightly overwhelming, even as a regular gym-goer I felt out of my depth. However, bringing a buddy helped ease the nerves, and I would strongly suggest doing the same if you’re a first-timer.
You’ve got to commit online ahead of each class - the circuits cater to 27 people and some slots before and after work are so popular there’s a waiting list. Our 7am group gathered in the compact studio to be taken through each of the exercises we will complete in this class.
The demos were brief, with lots of words I didn’t recognise, leaving me a bit confused at first, but screens overhead repeat the moves if you get lost. The trick is watching someone at the station ahead so you know what’s coming next - confronting if it’s burpees, but better the devil you know.
A brief warm-up led by a guy on the screens kicks things off, industrial fans whir on high and the sound system is cranking. (One time, there was an actual DJ in the back corner.) There’s lots of jumping (over benches, on to boxes), lifting (weights, bars, kettlebells, your own body weight) and very little time for resting.
Two trainers circle the squad, correcting poor technique, yelling words of encouragement, throwing around some playful banter and making sure we all get through the burn together. BEVAN READ Dripping with sweat and limping with exhaustion, a round of highfives finishes the class.
If you’re getting bored of your typical gym workout and need someone to push you, F45 will do that. It is the hardest workout I have ever done.
It always pays to visit your GP before trying anything new, and let your trainer know about any pre-existing injuries. F45 is designed to push you to breaking point, but exercises can be adapted if you have any concerns. After each class (and for the next 24 hours or so) you will be sore, if you aren’t, you haven’t worked hard enough (in my expert opinion). Break up sessions with epsom salt baths and rest days and you’ll come right.
In the end, I actually embraced the hi-fives and camaraderie of the sessions - cheesy as they seemed at first. I think I might be strangely addicted, hopefully a six-pack will follow.
There are studios popping up all around the country, visit f45training.co.nz for your nearest. ● Watch a video of our F45 experience on stuff.co.nz