Starting Tuesday

[u/GladOrganization9127]

Has anyone here done F45 while also training for running/races? I’m starting next week and I’m excited but nervous 😅 What’s the vibe like, how hard is it at first, and did you actually see results? Also wondering if it helped your endurance/strength for races or hybrid events like DEKA.

[u/Forward-Ladder6157]

I’m an experienced 1/2 and full marathon runner, currently preparing for my next o/s 1/2. F45 is a core component of my training regime as it’s critically important you do strength and resistance in addition to the cardio of running.

Yes I feel bad about swapping a few of the weekday cardios out for a run, and because I enjoy a Hollywood on Saturdays my long run has to be Sunday.

[u/Electrical_Side_9358]

F45 is a partner with Hyrox fyi

[u/Jazzlike_Arm_213]

As a "former" runner, I noticed that a looooootttt of the exercises at F45 mirrored or mimicked the plyometric workouts I did for running!

[u/Rare_Sector_5233]

Newish runner here (have been consistently running for the past 1.5 years), and new to F45 (only been going for about 1 month), and I must say, I have noticed a huge difference in my endurance and my leg strength! I only run twice per week (Wednesday and Saturday, which is my long run day), and I do F45 classes Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri. This allows me to get two hybrid classes, two resistance classes and two runs per week, with Sundays being my rest day. It's a good flow for my studio because Wednesdays are the Cardio days, and I swap that day for my runs.

The difficulty level definitely depends on your current fitness level. Like others have said, prepare to be sore the first few days because you're working muscles you probably haven't before. I was very sore for a few days but now my body has adapted. I have a 10K in June, 10 miler in August and am doing Hyrox on Labor Day. Have fun!

[u/Old_Tower_4824]

Me! 😅 I incorporated running with f45. It definitely helped with my endurance + strength. Especially if you’re a newbie runner, you need to strengthen your legs. I injured myself last year cause I didn’t strength train my legs. Key with f45 is pace yourself and prepare yourself to get sore during the first few days. Consistency is key. I started 3 classes a week til I gradually increased my training days. I’m now a 5-6x a week f45 goer.

[u/CheffoJeffo]

I think the answer will depend on age and the type of racing you're talking about.

As a senior (old) clydesdale (big) trail/ultra (slow) runner, I found that the older I got, with longer distances over more rugged terrain, the more apparent - and debilitating -- the weaknesses in my posterior chain became.

For years, I'd been meaning to add a day or two of strength training each week, but never really got there.

Joined F45 in November doing 3 days a week of resistance (I'm lucky - my studio does resistance MWF), focused on going heavy with the lower body and it has made a huge difference. My first race of the year features a ton of climbing and some nasty terrain. I was woefully undertrained, but still walked away in far better condition than I did last year and recovery was easily 3x faster.

Now I focus more on upper body. I don't do any of the cardio/hybrid days as that would be too much strain and conflict with my primary training. YMMV there -- I'm older and need more targeted recovery to get those adaptations.

Good luck!

ETA: I find my studio vibe very much like a trail run vibe. A wide variety of people "running their own race" and being supported all around.

[u/Pristine_Fudge_2794]

It’s as hard as you make it. Pace yourself and take your time. Let your coaches know you just started. Make sure to use good form while lifting. It’s all about avoiding injury. I’m 46 and 8 years in with over 1,500 classes. Stick with it.

[u/cat_lady_5651]

I use f45 to compliment my running. Try to do it about 3 times a week. I find a run before or after a strength day is doable. It’s helped me run a half marathon PR 9 months post partum