Starting a New Fitness Chapter with F45

“What are your fitness goals?”

I didn’t know my fitness goals were. But, I knew what they were NOT.

❌ They are not a competition (cooperative human here, not so much competitive).

❌ They are not a race (I have a weird relationship with finish lines).

❌ They are not contingent on an article of clothing (I own my clothes, not the other way around).

❌ They are not tied to specific body appearance or body part (don’t peach emoji at me).

❌ They are not tied to frequency or duration (I know life can be unexpected and I just don’t need that pressure).

❌ In fact, they are not anything numerical or apple-watch measurable (sorry to my quantitative data friends).

I was at a loss. Every type of google search for fitness goals led me down one of these paths.

Until I stumbled upon “Functional Fitness.”

I read the definition:

Functional fitness is a type of exercise that supports your everyday life. It includes movements such as walking, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting, lunging, and core. These exercises improve functional strength.

Yes! This is it! My goal is to… function. Well, really my goal is to Thrive, but I figure I need to function in order to Thrive.

I had my goal.

Enter F45

After consulting the internet- I stumbled upon F45. A functional fitness gym! I had 3 free classes and a good attitude to get started!

I consider myself a rule follower. And I love a plan.

However, I find it incredibly difficult to manage an exercise routine on my own. The equipment at a gym offers endless permutations.

It all is very confusing.

Reps. Sets. Zones. Is today a leg day or arm day? Cardio day or rest day? Am I looking at heart rate? Or maybe some other metic from my apple watch?

Even when I come in with a very clear and focused plan, the moment I start moving… it falls apart. All the blood flows out of my brain and leaves me completely baffled. I was a little nervous about how the F45 gym was going to work.

But, guess what? With the F45 system, I don’t have to think! All of the thought energy trying to figure out what the heck to do, can be fully funneled into my physical performance.

Fitness experts at the F45 corporate offices design content that, if you choose, can be completed 7 days a week. Some are cardio focused, some are weight focused, some are mobility focused, some are a fun combination! Each day is a different circuit-style workout. Not only are the classes (in relation to the other classes of the week) designed purposefully, but the content within the classes are structured in a way to optimize results. (sets, reps, rest, etc.)

Cool fact- on any given day the same class is happening across all locations globally! Meaning, if you are traveling, or going between studios, you can be guaranteed a seamless experience.

Once in the studio, I am never lost.

The coach always begins the class with an overview.

Then, there are screens mounted around the room to show animations of each station. They show how much time is left in each interval, how many sets, and what to expect at that next station. No thinking required. They even tell you when to hydrate!

PLUS, there are certified coaches walking around the room helping people perfect their form, offering modifications, and giving lots of encouragement.

All this to say, I can show up and know that I will be guided in a workout that is scientifically proven to give me amazing (functional) results!

Good Vibes.

A workout can be great… but what is the motivation to maintain the habit? For me, the most important thing in a workout space (or any space for that matter) is vibe. Vibe defined as, “the atmosphere of a place as felt by others”.

My first time at the Eagan West F45 studio, I instantly felt it. A good vibe. Here is what I experienced.

I entered the studio and was immediately welcomed by name! I thought about that detail. The instructor took the time to prepare and review the paperwork I filled out online. It was like I was walking into a Cheers episode.

The studio was bright with natural light and meticulously clean. The floor was full of equipment, but did not feel cluttered. It wasn’t stuffy. Or smelly. The door was open and a fan was on, but not overly windy. The white walls accented with red and blue created a combined mood of sterile yet welcoming.

I was assigned a partner who introduced herself with a high five. Gosh, I love a high five. Like a handshake, but fun.

There was smiles and laughter. Dancing and singing. The instructor made her way around the room offering challenges, modifications, encouragement, or just a woot woot. As the music pumped, I noticed myself tapping my toe along to the beat during dead lifts.

I looked around the room and saw all of the other bodies. Different ages, genders, and athletic abilities. No agony. Only celebration.

Before I knew it, the 45 minute class was over. The instructor gave me a hug and affirmed my hard work.

I walked out feeling… confident. More confident than I had felt in a long time. I felt like I belonged.

Schedule the habit

The truth is- a program can be five stars amazing, but if it doesn’t fit seamlessly into your schedule, it’s a non-starter.

When a gym is open 24 hours a day and I have the option of literally going any time I want… it’s too much. When you can do it anytime, you may end up doing it no time. I feel paralyzed with choices- convincing myself that I can just “go later” only to find out, later never actually comes.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are group fitness classes that have limited availability. Maybe they only are offered in the early morning, leaving the snoozers out of luck.

Now that I have been going to F45 for a while, I have a great routine!

I love that my gym always offers 6 classes a day during the week and 2 on the weekend (always at the same time so I don’t get confused). I have loved blocking my calendar over the lunch hour and doing the noon class. I find that I am way more productive when I return and avoid the afternoon slump. I am also able to be around when the boys are getting off for school and when they are getting home.

The policy is that you need to sign up on the app for class. You could sign up as you are walking in the door. However, there are occasions when the classes fill up, so it is better to plan ahead. If you sign up and cancel less than 12 hours before the class, you are charged $10. Obviously they will waive the fee for extenuating circumstances. However, I have found that this policy works as motivation for me to follow through. I try to sit down Sundays and map out my week, committing to my workout plan. For me, this system works great. I usually go at noon, but I have the flexibility to choose other times as well.

And, I just want to reiterate how EASY it all is once you commit to a class. I can always find close parking. I can show up 30 seconds before class starts (it always starts on time because it is synced to the world clock) and be ready to go. No need to worry about waiting for machines or the room being too crowded. I always know what to expect and when to expect it.

Looking to up your fitness routine? Give F45 a try and check them out on Instagram.