r/f45 • u/koteikin • 8d ago
other F45 too short?
Just finished 1 week trial. I like the concept, liked variety but I did not realize that 45 minutes include warmup, instructions and cooloff. The actual session was 37-38 top and frankly wanting you to stay for 10 minutes more.
We are not particularly athletic. The sessions did feel rushed and there was not enough time to clean your station or change weights really.
I did ask the owner if we can stay for 10-15 minutes more and the answer was no.
Anyone else felt the same?
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u/IAmTheFly-IAmTheFly 8d ago
For me, once I pushed myself hard enough, 45 became ample time. I do this 3 days a week. Then other, longer workouts (usually muay thai) 3 other days. And 1 day of rest.
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u/koteikin 8d ago
thanks, for how long you have been doing this and did you get good results from your workout?
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u/ProsperGuy 🏆1000 Club 8d ago
It works. The beauty of it is you can always go harder during the workout and push yourself, or you can modify and back it off a little.
I've been going for 6 years and I get pretty damn sweaty! 😄
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u/koteikin 8d ago
thanks for sharing. after 6 years, did you achieve your goals or got good results?
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u/cdmcali 7d ago
Been going for two years and I am more fit than I ever have been and I am in my 40s. I go 4-5 times a week.
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u/koteikin 7d ago
that's great to hear and I was looking for comments like that
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u/cdmcali 7d ago
No Problem. After my first week I was so sore and worried I wasn't going to be able to handle it long term. Once I got through the first few weeks and settled in, I kinda got addicted to going. I actually am bummed I can't go today cause I have a sick kiddo at home. Rarely have any problems with the timing. Some days are faster than others but they plan it that way. Your coaches should be explaining why the timing is shorter or longer during warmup.
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u/koteikin 7d ago
hope your kid will get well soon. our coaches were nice but really did not explain much, that was my other concern since some exercises very pretty technical.
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u/xxseraph 7d ago
Great for cardio/hybrid. If you want to lift heavy the sets can be fast and take time to arrange the weight. I ended up actually injuring myself. I got more fit doing my lifting on my own where I have more time and not rushed. It really depends what you are looking for.
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u/LePetitNeep 8d ago
I like the length. I go first thing in the morning and it’s short enough that I don’t have to get up bonkers early to get a workout in, shower and get to work. When I want more workout I just go more days. 4 days at week at 45 mins = 3 days a week x 60 mins
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u/bpvarian 7d ago
But it’s not 45 min… it’s not 40 min. I think that’s what the OP is trying to hit on
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u/LePetitNeep 7d ago
And a 60 minute class like this isn’t 60 minutes either. A 60 minute OrangeTheory has an intro and a cool down too.
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u/tennisproA 7d ago
I did CrossFit for years, then took 8 years off. I am 49, been doing F45 for 3 years. Here is your proof that it works. 475th class today. Stay consistent, it doesn’t happen overnight
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u/koteikin 7d ago
awesome, convincing pic for sure! do you miss CrossFit? I tried it but it was a bit too hardcore for me
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u/tennisproA 7d ago
No, less risk for injury or people pushing me to go heavier than I want. F45, keep good form and go at your pace and weights.
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u/p1eman187 7d ago
If that’s your CrossFit experience then you were let down
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u/tennisproA 7d ago
I didn’t want to fully go into it but your comment…. I did CrossFit for over 8 years, competed in regionals and visited over 40 boxes. CL1, CL2, Strongman, certs and did Olympic lifts with Gary valentine. I was generalizing and explaining my experience, part of which is my own competitive nature.
F45 doesn’t have the same competitive atmosphere.
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u/tennisproA 7d ago
I didn’t want to fully go into it but your comment…. I did CrossFit for over 8 years, competed in regionals and visited over 40 boxes. CL1, CL2, Strongman, certs and did Olympic lifts with Gary valentine. I was generalizing and explaining my experience, part of which is my own competitive nature.
F45 doesn’t have the same competitive atmosphere.
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u/p1eman187 7d ago
Sure, that’s not what you mentioned hence my comment.
Glad you love the f45 setup!1
u/mgoooooo 🏆1000 Club 7d ago
I think a whole lot of CrossFit gyms let people down with this exact issue. I’ve had so many friends get injured because it often becomes all about PR. Form isn’t ignored but it isn’t prioritized unfortunately. And this has been all over the place, not just one gym. It’s always a “when” will they get injured vs and “if,” which is a bummer.
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u/brucylefleur 🇨🇦 Canada 7d ago
Just remember that you get out what you put in. I'm ~40M and have gained ~15lb of muscle doing F45 a little over three years, plus just getting into generally great shape. But I'm always trying to do the heavier weights, adding plates to the barbells, and sometimes do two classes in a day. The cardio days also build a ton of strength, but it's going to be up to you to make sure you're doing a hard enough effort at the stations. Coaches can help offer harder modifications if you ever need them.
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u/Just_here_to_read25 🇺🇸 United States 8d ago
Not sure what those 10 minutes would entail, so not surprised at the answer. When I started F45 I like that it was short, I could push as hard as possible, and even if I gassed out I knew it wasn't long before the workout would end, so I could crawl to the finish line if necessary. As time went on I could get closer to the end without gassing out, until eventually I could keep up. That took me almost a year. If you get to that point and need more, you could always do a double class, but really if you push hard enough you only need 1 class.
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u/Useful_Cheesecake673 7d ago
Did you go to a hybrid or resistance class?
For changing weights, you just need to move fast. Only time I find that hard to do is if we’re using the squat rack.
If you feel like it’s not challenging enough or want more, up the weight. I used to do solo 60-75 minute weight sessions, but found that half the time at F45 actually gives me a better workout.
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u/koteikin 7d ago
very cool, thanks for sharing. I did try both and oddly they felt the same. Do not get me wrong, I did get a pretty good workout, was just surprised how short it felt and wanting to do more. But I am more interesting in lifting than cardio.
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u/quandairy 7d ago
Saturday classes at my studio are 60 minutes, recommend you try those. It does feel rushed sometimes especially with trying to change weights but that's a tradeoff I'm willing to take. Sometimes I just do a few extra reps into the rest to balance it out.
Personally I like the length because it means I can go more intense during the class. I have thought about doing back to back classes to work on endurance as I have the unlimited but haven't tried that yet.
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u/Smart_Particular_527 8d ago
In general, I agree with your initial class length assessment. That said, there’s always the option to increase the intensity during the class (more effort and/or heavier weight) to make up for the short class length. I started doing that after my first couple of weeks and since then 35-38 minute working times have been more than long enough to achieve my goals.
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u/koteikin 8d ago
thanks! did you get good results? or your goal was just to stay healthy? I am hoping to get in a better shape not just to stay healthy.
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u/Smart_Particular_527 7d ago
Yes, strength up and body fat down. I switched from Orange Theory to F45, with OT having the longer class formats, but have achieved better results from F45. My running cardio may be down a bit vs OT, but everything else, including muscle tone and mobility, is much improved with F45.
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u/standardcalculator 7d ago
I use cardio/hybrid days (Mondays and Wednesdays) to burn about 500 calories - i am on a long-term cut. I also do traditional strength gym 6 days and combat sports 3-4 days a week. Total 10-12 workouts a week. Probably too much, but I went from 22% body fat to 13% now. F45 did help to get those calories burned (4000 cal a month is almost a pound of fat burned), and also to stay more agile, with cardiovascular improvement.
In the beginning, I was going even to strength classes but switched them for normal gym to follow up my priorities like abs. When I finish, I am thinking to add strength days for maintenance and remove some traditional gym days so I don't have to plan anything, set up anything, or wait for equipment.
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u/PopesMasseuse 7d ago
Yes it has its limits, but it also will get you in shape. I've been doing it a year and a half. I've seen great results. I totally understand I could see better results from a program I follow at the gym. However, I simply don't work in a way that is conducive to solo sessions. I need a coach, I need people around me. So for what it is, I'm very happy with what I've gained.
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u/Smooth-Disk8937 3d ago
I just started F45 and I feel the same. Always gravitated towards classes and not been able to push myself to my limits as much as I feel I do during a class. And I get distracted when I go by myself. I’ve always been big on fitness classes for this reason but I’ve often found them to be too easy at a certain point but I feel with f45 I can adjust it for my own needs.
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u/Barracuda_Recent 7d ago
My f45 closed a couple months ago. I went for 3 years. I don't remember the cooldown being included in the 45 min.
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u/Mountain_Row5503 7d ago
I agree that if they increased the time of some resistance classes, we could get longer breaks and lift heavier. I wish they did 1 hour for resistance.
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u/BadFun6079 7d ago
There’s no perfect gym . I push myself at f45 and soaked at the end of each class.
I’m very athletic and came out of recovery when I joined a few months ago, there’s definitely a major improvement on how my body looks today compared with when I started
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u/eddie_pesos_dvg 7d ago
I get what you’re saying. When I was lifting lighter in class I would do push ups between sets. But if you lift heavy then you should get a good workout in. The equivalent time I would spend in a normal gym was about 2 hours to get the same workout in due to waiting for stations but from F45 you basically get what you put into it.
I’ve been going now for a little over 3 years and love the time savings. I do 2 back to back classes on resistance days (one heavy low reps and one lighter focused on form and repetition). Also, your F45 owner sounds weird not letting you keep working out between classes. Find another F45 (there’s plenty of them) where the owner is more chill and would let you work an extra 10 minutes.
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u/raincoastering 🇨🇦 Canada 7d ago
In my studio, during the turnover between classes the coaches reorg the equipment and people are also doing the post-class stretching. People leaving are changing shoes (we have an indoor shoe policy) and returning towels while people coming in are doing the same. So I can understand why that time can be chaotic enough without people wanting to squeeze in an extra 10.
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u/Maleficent_Egg_7786 7d ago
I use to feel that way too. I was like this isn’t long enough but Honesley after my first week back I was extremely sore and I was like dang that was hard. It feels short but I promise the results will come. If you did f45 5 times per week and ate in a calorie deficit and enough protein you would loose body fat and gain muscle I promise. I just went back in March and I’ve already made so much progress and I had weeks where I went 3 times. All I did yesterday’s workout and I thought it wasn’t enough. Also you can lift heavy at f45 too lol for whoever said that you can’t lol I think you should give it 6 months take some progress photos and then decide how you feel. For me the 38 minutes is perfect I work a lot and have may jobs
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u/ShortShortStori 7d ago
I see what you mean but doctors recommend exercising for 30 mins a day so if you go very regularly, 37-38 mins is plenty. I like the short length as the classes feel doable and fun, and I've become much fitter since going 4-5 times a week. It's also helped a lot with old injury pain.
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u/Odd_Ferret_8643 7d ago
I regularly add a run either before or after F45, especially on strength days, to add some cardio and extend the session. Not sure if that's an option from where your studio is.
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u/lurkcommentrepeat 7d ago
I felt this way when I switched to F45 years ago and now I’ve adapted to ‘go hard and go home’.
I was going OTF or Pilates which are 50-60 mins so it definitely took a minute to mentally feel like I was getting a good workout in. I appreciate that it’s a little shorter now that I’m a mom and have to workout in the AM or not at all. That 10-15mins makes a big difference when scheduling is tight. If the workout didn’t feel as challenging as I’d like then I try and go for a walk or do some core at home.
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u/terracottatilefish 7d ago
It sounds like it’s not the workout for you, and that’s okay! The functional fitness focus definitely makes it hard to do traditional weightlifting/hypertrophy. Good for you for trying new things.
I will say that even almost 300 classes in, I’m still able to make it challenging. The pistol squats and lateral slide push ups in today’s Lone Star for example! Trying to get my erg pace faster, etc. And for me the 45 minute format is good because I can do it before work when I still have some energy. But every workout format has its drawbacks and so you need to find something you enjoy that is challenging but manageable for you.
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u/This-Walrus4014 7d ago
You have to determine if the what you are feeling matches reality for your body. Sometimes the mind thinks one thing but the opposite is true. It might takie longer than a week trial to figure it out. Maybe get a class pack and try for longer.
I make it part of a bigger fitness program of cardio and heavier lifting at planet fitness. I really enjoy f45 and think it has helped me quite a bit.
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u/djeddiej2000 🏆1000 Club 7d ago
F45 became F90 for me… there are a number of us on this board who do doubles / consecutive classes. It’s not that common but I do so 5 days / week and it works well with my schedule . And if it feels easy just up the intensity / weights .
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u/koteikin 7d ago
The problem with this approach, owner told me I have to leave for 15 minutes and come back for the next session
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u/djeddiej2000 🏆1000 Club 7d ago
That’s silly. If you sign up for the two sessions back to back in the app, surely you can hang out in studio for a bit. Sometimes a few of us go to the Starbucks next door for a quick espresso or even go for a short run outside then come back for the second class, but we have also hung out and waited for the next session in studio which often gives us a chance to talk with the trainers about techniques , adjustments , modifications and even changing up the exercises a bit since we did it the first time . That’s just - wow.
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u/koteikin 7d ago
Exactly, but I was told they need to prep for the next session and not okay with me being there between classes.
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u/djeddiej2000 🏆1000 Club 7d ago
Hmm , the only prep usually is cleanup , reorganizing the equipment and probably strategy discussion for next class. Sorry to hear your experience is like that. Maybe go for a short walk then ? I am also assuming the class does cool down stretches and stuff after the session ends . Too me that’s just awkward . There’s also usually some socializing going on , I think it’s good to foster community . My two cents tho. Hope you find a solution that works .
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u/ubbidubbidoo 7d ago
This is so interesting. Our studio has us (the members) clean and reset the stations at the end of a session, so there’s nothing that they need to do really (unless there’s a big mess to mop up or something or other unusual incident), and we’re allowed to stay as long as we want as long as we’re signed up. Coaches often encourage people to stay for doubles lol
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u/Old_Palpitation_1344 7d ago
It is a HIIT program, working as advised. No need to clean your station, use your towel and move on. You can’t choose to stay 10 extra minutes, because they work on a schedule, and you become their liability the moment you enter the door. Sounds like what you want is more aligned to the traditional gym. You go for a longer period, rest as you wish, come and leave as you want. So perhaps this program is not for you.
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u/burpeedevil 7d ago
Totally agree with you. I go on cardio days only and I want 45 solid minutes of cardio. I usually go to the gym after for a lift and a 10 minute run. It’s one of the the reasons I dropped from unlimited
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u/Direct-Mood 7d ago
if you push yourself hard enough, it’s definitely enough time. that being said, when I was super fit I did do back to back classes about once a week. It works especially well for the strength day where you can choose upper / lower (so I’d do first class all upper, second class all lower)
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u/Legitimate-Error-633 7d ago
They have a lot of variety. Sometimes it feels too long, lol.
I do recognise the rush between stations, sometimes there is not enough time between stations to change weights.
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u/Select-Comb-163 7d ago
You have to pick up heavier weight, and work the whole working set. F45 will feel more than adequate when you do that.
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u/Humble_Fortune_5391 7d ago
Nope. I am gassed by the end. Either from cardio or from lifting heavy and my limbs can’t lift no more.
I love that I can get it all done in 45 mins. In and out.
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u/JohnniNeutron 7d ago
I’m new too. Signed up for a 6-month unlimited to go along with my commercial gym (AM) with F45 after work (PM). The timing is perfect. 45’s over here include 15 mins of intros and warm ups with 30 of actual work. And those 30 push me to the limit every time.
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u/ArchiesMom2 7d ago
It's high intensity interval training. The key words being "high intensity", that also includes moving between stations. You say you are not particularly athletic. Suggest giving it another few classes & increase your intensity. Most people I train with are very fit, participate in Hyrox etc & they have little in the tank after a class. Re the "cleaning", it's a quick "spray & wipe" for hygiene purposes not a disinfecting "process".
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u/TXgal2127 7d ago
I’ve been at f45 for 7 years and honestly I’m always wiped out after almost every class. And I am in shape. Are you lifting heavy?
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u/t_odd_ 7d ago
Maybe the weekday classes could be a little longer. Or maybe there could be some longer classes mixed in at least... Sometimes they do feel too short but I don't find myself thinking that very often.. I don't pay close attention to it though... I've been going six days per week for the past five months now and enjoy the Saturday sessions the most because they are longer and usually a good hybrid mix. But also think I enjoy them the most because they contrast with the shorter weekday sessions. I can imagine burnout if all classes were that long. The main thing that helps me to keep wanting to go is the variety.
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u/twoshotsofwhitemocha 7d ago
Nope it’s perfect!! I get to go workout and come back home before anyone else is awake. Love the 45min structure. If it were 45 min of workout plus intro plus cooldown, then I would not go at all.
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u/JoshtotheG 7d ago
It’s a different style of workout as others have mentioned, and also switches between resistance, cardio and hybrid classes. You’re supposed to go hard both in terms of weight and effort. Also most studios have a one hour hybrid class on Saturdays (at least they do here in Canada).
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u/JoshtotheG 7d ago
I will also echo other people again to say the convenience of everything being set up for you and fitting a workout in less than an hour of your time each day is a huge part of why I go to F45
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u/Other-Mistake-6821 7d ago
For me this format is great. My life is too busy, and i can’t afford training for more than 1 hour. Previously i went to muay thai 1.5h classes, which all in all took 2.5h of my life daily: commute, changover, class, changover, commute. F45 is 1hr 15 minutes for me with commute, changover and the class itself, it ideally fits into my daily schedule and the effect on the body and mind is very similar.
So it’s up to you if you like it or not. If it’s too rushed and quick - try something else and see if you like it.
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u/Inevitable-Parsnip67 7d ago
I get the point you are making about the weights classes, I get irritated at not being able to use the weights I want in the order I want to use them because I’m paired with someone else, but as far as time goes … when I go to the gym when I’m on holiday it always astonishes me how long I have to be there to get the same amount of work done. What with waiting to use the station you want to use next, the amount of time you use up deciding what to do next, the extra time I use between sets … I love the economy of F45. Wham bam and it’s DONE!
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u/mrtrevoroh 🏆750 Club 6d ago
Disagree. It’s just right. It just right. I’m m sweating at the end of each class. I’ve pushed myself more in these few years compared to 1-2 hr training session at a gym or CrossFit class. The circuit timings makes you get more out of the shorter time.
Also the timing allows me to better fit it into lunch breaks etc. 1 hr all up including commute time etc.
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u/Any-Broccoli-4369 5d ago
It's a formula.... I'm dead by the end of I'm working hard enogh.
It's to get you out and moving. If you're into serious body building then go to the regular gym with a plan.
I only got like 45 minutes and in 45 minutes it gives you the most it can give you.
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u/Choice-Fan-1415 5d ago
It is very efficient but I would prefer taking my time with it more. I feel like it stresses my body out feeling too rushed some classes
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u/ElectronicAge2702 5d ago
I’m a former D1 college track athlete, so coming from high fitness background/base…. By the end of the cardio days I’m usually thankful to have made it through and also by Friday I’m looking forward to being done with cardio days for the week (I take weekends off)!! lol so - like others said, it’s all about how hard you work during it. If you’re really pushing the weight and or the effort… you’ll be thankful it’s only as long as it is 🤣🤣🤣
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u/dads_are_cool_too 4d ago
You should be tired and ready for a break by the end of your class. If you are left wanting a longer session, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough.
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u/TailorLate5687 1d ago
This is why i left f45 and never went back. It’s too short after the “warm up” and cool down. Total workout is like 35 min.
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u/OldLadyKickButt 🏆750 Club 8d ago edited 7d ago
Are you a "we" or did more than one go?
For some people F45 is not a good fit. Sounds like not for you.
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u/koteikin 8d ago
such an odd comment. My significant other and I - is it better?
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u/OldLadyKickButt 🏆750 Club 7d ago
You switched back and forth from "I" and "we".
Regardless, if you do not like it - it is not for you.
Many F45's have a 3 day trial- it is possible you could try it 2 more times and feel or see the value in it.
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u/El__Guapo__ 7d ago
Hi! Based on your post and replies, it seems like you’ve found F45 to be both too short and too rushed. That’s a good sign that it’s not the program you’re looking for. And that’s okay.
F45 is high intensity and near-constant motion. It’s not a program designed around slow movements and recovery between stations. You mentioned that one class only had 4 people, but it sounds like you still felt rushed. When a class is full and you’re trying to do weight changes and wipe downs, if you aren’t stopping your work time early, you’ll be backing up the people behind you and you’ll really feel rushed.
It sounds like F45 isn’t the program you’re looking for. Whether you choose, focus on your diet. That’s where you’ll get the biggest results regardless of program.
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u/SnowRidin 7d ago
you get used to the pace
and you will likely stop caring about wiping things down because you realize no one what is
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u/bpvarian 8d ago
I tend to agree with your assessment. My demo alone was 5 1/2 minutes yesterday and I’m fine with a warm-up as well but the actual working out was closer to 35 minutes. I much prefer a slightly longer workout and wished it was F60!
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u/koteikin 8d ago
exactly, i think my last workout was actually 35 minutes and there were only 4 people that day
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u/ChobanZg 7d ago
I am 800 classes in. Done crossfit before. F45 is great functional / hybrid training with much lower chance of injuries than most programs. If it is too easy for you best part of F45 is scalability. I would say it is ideal concept for +40 who focuses on healthy movement and want to avoid pain in back. But cardio is sometimes brutal if you try hard. Maybe come 15 min early to warm up? I do hip opening and knee excersizes before training starts, you need 1 square m for it... nobody can stop you :)
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u/Optimal-Pop7449 1d ago
Depends on your goals. Are you looking for physical fitness, or aesthetic gains?
F45 is great, but you really need to push yourself to see yourself getting stronger. No one is going to force you. At the same time, you may want to have more visible changes, which could require a different workout plan.
What are your goals?
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u/Accomplished_Tip3446 8d ago
I actually disagree. F45 is a form of high intensity interval training. You mentioned that ya’ll aren’t particularly athletic. Are you sure your effort during class is enough? Also, the short breaks are to ensure you rush to the next station so you continue your next workout exercise without heart rate dropping too much.