Spoiler: I didn’t die.
F45 Training
In This Article
About 10 months ago, I completely fell off the health wagon.
I hadminimal time and motivation.
F45 Training
My old workout plan felt boring and didn’t push me hard enough.
I needed a firm kick in the butt (for lack of a better expression).
Enter theF45 Eight-Week Challenge.
This fitness phenomenon first swept Australia and then the U.K. and the U.S.
Skeptical but motivated, I signed up.
And, Ive lived through it and made it to the other side.
Meet the Experts
What Is the F45 Challenge?
The workouts are intense 45-minute sessionshence the name F45.
To put it simply, the workouts are hard.
And when I say hard, I mean sweat-dripping-off-your-nose-and-onto-the-floor kind of hard.
Think explosive bursts of exercises like burpees followed by quick recovery breaks.
The eight-week challenges run periodically throughout the year, and these really serve as a motivational tool.
Depending on your studio and membership level, F45 can cost between $50 to $70 a week.
Tobin says they dont call it the F45Challengefor no reason.
This is meant to build healthy, sustainable habits and the key to success is consistency.
Stay consistent, stay committed, and you’ll see results.
I wholeheartedly agree with her.
Saturday morning classes were offered as well (I surprisingly liked going on the weekendgo figure).
After my first week, I was inagony.
Sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and going to the bathroom felt like torture.
“Stretchingand foam rolling are super important for muscle soreness,” advises Hathaway.
Byrdie Tip
Try an Epsom salt bath post-workout to ease sore muscles and promote recovery.
In the weeks following, I adjusted and was okay.
What is the Meal Plan Like?
There are three plans to suit different dietary constraints: mainstream, vegetarian, andvegan.
You’ll find you have more energy, you are less bloated, and you feel better overall.
It’s three meals and two snacks, which is pretty close to what I’d eat normally.
Also, I was never bloated, which is always a win.
Alcohol was another hard one.
So, while I didn’t completely abstain, I did cut backwhich was no easy feat.
The Results
Most people are successful with seeing a good amount ofweight lossand fat reduction.
Then we have those who have dramatic results, says Tobin.
Not surprisingly, Tobin says the more committed you are, the more significant your changes.
They’ve reduced their weight and body fat, increased muscle mass, and have completely transformed their bodies.
I can join in as one of the many success stories.
While this experiment was never only aboutweightloss, I did lose five pounds overall.
But, the real change was in my fitness and my motivation.
I was no longer in a rut.
I was eating well, exercising consistently, and continually improving my cardiovascular fitness.
By the end of the challenge, nothing could stop me from making it to a class.
I lived for the endorphin high when it was over, and I felt so much better for it.
I was more toned, and my clothes fit that little bit better.
I even found I was more productive at work.
Now, about the price.
I honestly think it’s worth it.
The eight-week challenges don’t cost extra on top of your regular membership.
Lastly, Tobins advice is probably the most important takeaway: Consistency is key.
Stick with the program, and you will see results.
Im excited for round two.
