Just in time for folks looking to get started on their New Year’s resolutions, a brand new gym opened up in East Lansing. F45 Training offers a team-based exercise program to help its patrons burn fat and gain muscle, using workouts that take — you guessed it — only forty five minutes to complete.
“We’re like a community that specializes in high-intensity workouts,” said Becky Newcombe, studio manager of F45. “Our workouts are fast, fun and results-driven.” While the East Lansing location just opened, F45 gyms have been around since 2011, steadily growing in popularity. There are currently over 500 F45 gyms in the United States alone and over 1,000 open worldwide.
Like CrossFit and P90X before it, F45 is one workout craze that has spread like wildfire.
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, F45 focuses on cardio. Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to strength training. And on Saturdays, F45 holds hybrid classes with a DJ blasting music to get people motivated.
“The music is really loud. We’ve got these fired-up, intense workouts,” said Newcombe. “If that’s what you’re looking for, then you’re in the right place.
Anyone interested in trying out F45 can participate in a 7-day free trial to get a feel for the classes.
What makes F45 stand out amongst the plethora of already-existing fitness programs? According to Newcombe, it’s the technology.
F45 membership comes with an app that customers can use to track their progress and make daily meal plans.
“The technology allows our customers to feel like they’re getting a full and effective workout,” explained Newcombe.
In her earlier days working as a fitness instructor, Newcombe had to write all her own workouts. It was hard work. “But F45 writes the workouts for me now,” said Newcombe. “They have hundreds of exercises. The workouts are constantly changing.”
Another unique aspect of F45: no mirrors and no microphones. Instead of utilizing a speaker system, the trainers move around the gym during workout sessions offering advice and motivation face-to-face. :It’s personalized,” said Newcombe. “You’ll never go unnoticed in class. People love having the coaches there to motivate them.”
To stay in line with COVID safety guidelines, F45 assigns each of its members an all-inclusive and socially-distanced workout square. The square contains all the equipment one would need to complete their workout, so no one has to share.
“Maybe it’s a kettle ball, bar bells, bands, a jump rope. Everything you need is right there in your square,” said Newcombe. “Plus, the squares allow people over six feet of space that they can work out in.”
Masks are still required. But the F45 workout space in EL has an open garage door allowing for full ventilation. Customers are encouraged to walk outside if they need to take a mask break.
F45 also requires temperature checks upon entry.
Opening a gym during the pandemic wasn’t easy. It took months of planning, offering virtual workouts or pop-up workouts in parking lots around town, and a soft open for friends and family only before finally opening to the public last weekend.
“But it was definitely worth it,” said Newcombe. “It was a long journey, but it was worth it. People really seem to be enjoying their workouts.”
F45 Training East Lansing
2650 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing
Monday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon
(517) 366-1246
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