We Checked Out The Newly Opened F45 In Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, community-based, results-driven fitness option, F45 is here to tick the boxes!

For regular gym-goers, F45 needs no introduction. Founded in 2012 in Sydney, it’s one of the fastest growing fitness brands in the world – now operating in over 45 countries! With well-known celebrity investors (like Mark Wahlberg, who swear by it), this HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) style cardio and strength workout is quickly gaining popularity.

It comes as no surprise that fast-paced, results-driven Hongkongers are loving what F45 offers. So, you’ll be excited to hear that F45 TST just opened its doors in October 2020. The prime location (where Austin and Nathan Road meet – just steps from Jordan MTR) is bringing fitness to the forefront in Kowloon.

Sassy’s very own Health & Wellness Partnerships Manager, Emily, tried it out for herself. Read on for her experience… 

Did you have any hesitations before joining?

To be honest – yes.  I had seen photos of F45 on social media and it looked a bit intimidating. I thought it was only for people who were already in great shape (not me!). I also didn’t like the idea of feeling rushed through a 45 minute slots. With WFH and gyms closed this year, I had fallen out of my normal routine. So when F45 TST opened a few minutes from my apartment, I thought it was time to put Netflix on pause and get moving.

What’s the community like?

I know it sounds corny but F45 is much more than just a group fitness class. You really feel part of an awesome community.

The Team at TST (David, Trang and Reid) know how to make you feel welcome from day one. I’ve met so many different people and as you see them nearly every day (I’m not hardcore enough to workout 7 days a week), they quickly become friends. I actually found out that F45 TST schedules 15-minutes breaks between each session so that everyone can catch up after workouts.

What are the trainers like?

Eric, the head coach, is awesome. Through all classes I’ve been to so far, he encouraged me to do my absolute best and corrected my form to make sure I was doing each exercise correctly and safely (sometimes I feel like I am getting a PT session). I’ve recently found out he’s also Asia’s Powerlifting  champion!  What’s more, at F45 TST all the trainers have at least Level 3 qualifications in PT. 

What do the workouts involve?

With functional, guided training and workouts, there’s something for every level and goal. Monday, Wednesday, Friday focus on cardio; Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday target strength and Saturday is a hybrid 60 minute session. The exercises in each session are always changing so you’re never getting bored of doing the same routine (something I found at other other gym classes). The sessions are formatted so each class is a full body workout. They may only be 45 minutes but within a few minutes my heartrate is racing and I’m already working up a sweat.   

How does F45 help keep you motivated?

When you sign up, you’re given your very own fitness tracker (F45’s own Lionheart). Each time you walk into the studio, the sensors pick up the signal and your profile pops up onto the LED screens. It means you can see your live progress throughout the workout with results ranked on the screen – no room for slacking here! After each workout, you can check out the summary on your F45 app and use the dashboard to track your progress. I burnt 618 calories in my cardio session this morning all in 45 minutes! I find this helps keep me motivated and I always want to do better than my last workout.

What are your overall thoughts? Would you recommend F45 TST?

In not even a month, I am already starting to see results (something I’ve never really had at other gyms) and more importantly for me: I feel fitter, stronger and have more energy throughout the day.

To top it all off, it’s also hands down the most fun I’ve had working out in a long time. I’ve never been a morning person but now my alarm goes off at 6:45am each day and I’m excited to get myself down to the studio to see the gang.

In my opinion, it’s worth every dollar, as you get so much more than a gym membership and the results speak for themselves. I’m loving it so much that not only have I signed up for membership, but I have also signed up to their iconic F45 challenge (a 45-day training and nutritional programme). Wish me luck!

Sassy Perk: As a special bonus, F45 TST is giving Sassy readers a 2-week free trial. Simply mention “Sassy” to redeem when you sign up! 

F45 Training Tsim Sha Tsui, 102 Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 5219 3268, www.f45training.hk/tsimshatsui/home . WhatsApp +852 5219 3268, www.instagram.com/F45_training_tsim_sha_tsui