F45 is a group fitness chain that fuses various training methods to design functional workouts with the goal of helping people perform better in all aspects of their lives. The week is broken up into categories of workouts: cardio (MWF), resistance, (TRSun), & Hybrid (Sat). They used to have recovery/stretching sessions but do not do that any longer.
Clients move through various pods and stations around the room. The workouts themselves have names (e.g. Romans, Tokyo Disco etc.), each with their own timings/pacing to keep things interesting. There are many different named workouts & it’s really fun to try them all. The Hybrid days, typically on Saturdays, are 1 hour sessions (vs the normal 45 minutes) & blend cardio & resistance exercises. Previously, a DJ was brought in to spin during Saturday sessions but that is also no longer happening at the studio.
Trainers are present to facilitate class & guide clients. Typically one trainer is present but occasionally there are two depending on class size. The trainers walk around the room & coach people on form & teach people how to modify exercises for those with injuries, those who want to challenge themselves more, or to help make the workout accessible for people with mobility issues. The trainers are knowledgeable & approachable & are skilled at presenting solutions for all different bodies & abilities. As with any gym, you will get what you put into it but the trainers help motivate & guide clients. Previously, the St Albert studio had a fantastic head trainer but that position doesn't seem to exist anymore and the trainer now works at a different studio. As such, the St albert studio is lacking that guiding hand that was previously very present.
Every so often F45 puts on a global challenge, where people have the chance to win prizes depending on certain achievements. You are provided with an inBody scan to start (analyzes body composition) to set up some goal parameters for the duration of the challenge (e.g. put on 2 lbs of muscle, lose 3 pounds of adipose tissue, etc.). After the 45 days, you are re-scanned. I don’t know all the award criteria but there are some big prizes. F45 has a meal delivery service & also provides free meal plans (standard, vegetarian & vegan) for the duration of the challenges & the “maintenance” periods in between on one of their apps.
The cost breakdown is different at each F45. I am currently subscribed to a monthly fee model for unlimited class attendance. When i was able to attend more classes per week it was very economical but with only 4 class times per day Monday to Thursday, 3 classes on Friday, and 1 each on weekend days, it's proving less economical. There are passes you can buy in different quantities & the gyms usually offer a free week to try it as well.
Some gripes:
-Occasionally the music is still odd but it's getting better than it was
-The times & frequency of classes are reflective of the current membership – as such there are currently only 4 classes a day Mon to Thursday, 3 on Friday, and just 1 on Saturday and Sunday. I would like to see a lot more class times become available. This is a hugely limiting factor.
Overall I recommend F45 St Albert North. The fitness model is engaging, the staff are awesome, & the environment is supportive & clean.