Iâd rather gatekeep this place but that feels immoral because more people need access to a high level fitness community like F45 Central Houston.
Summary - Iâve visited many F45 studios in multiple cities and states and can confirm that Central Houston stands head and shoulders above them all.
A few standout reasons:
Cleanliness - I canât emphasize how much cleaner this studio is than others. They provide large sweat towels which they ask all members to utilize so people donât leave sweat everywhere, have the studio regularly professionally cleaned, and have a shoe scratch mat to rinse the bottom of their shoes off on when you walk in (major selling point for me). The layout, decorative choices, and hospitality touches of the studio (e.g. shower products, feminine hygiene materials) make the place comfortable/welcoming, and meet the standard you would expect for a pricier membership. Some studios prefer the hot, sweaty, crossfit-but-not-crossfit, warehouse style but thatâs not for me
Fantastic Coaching - youâd be surprised how many F45 coaches at other studios stand around talking to each other, casually chatting with clients during the workout, allowing people to exercise with terrible form âŚ. Not the case here. Our coaches care very much about your technique so that they can progressively challenge you without injury. They also provide modifications for every exercise for all fitness levels or if you have any injuries (I would know - I have had several). They run highly organized, efficient classes with clear direction throughout the session to minimize confusion (these workouts involve a lot of moving between stations and timing). Some studios feel like unguided mass chaos. Also, during the demonstrations at the beginning of class, our coaches are often verbally explaining exercises while simultaneously physically demonstrating them without sounding like theyâre dying. That's pretty impressive and not something Iâve seen at other studios. You want your coaches to be able set an example like this. Coaches here are also not just human timers counting down the clock (which is already on the monitors), and theyâre not just hype people telling you to go harder. They actually teach you. If you participate in the F45 challenges (which are usually team based at this studio - adds an extra sense of community!), youâll meet with a coach and receive very in-depth, one-on-one education and accountability regarding physical activity and nutrition, and also mental health habits, sleep hygiene, spiritual growth if you want it, etc. Theyâre so holistic in their approach health, and they want you to build sustainable lifestyle habits!
HEAVY WEIGHTS - As a former lifter at big box gyms, this matters to me. This studio has much heavier weights than most others and the coaches will push you (and spot you!) so you can actually get stronger. Iâve been to some locations whose heaviest weights are part of my warmup sets
High energy environment - youâd think this is a given but itâs not the case at all locations. Central Houston staff are always friendly, energized, and seem like they actually enjoy what they do. Their positivity fires you up for the workout no matter what type of day youâre having. The community picks up that energy and everyoneâs there having a good time and giving it their all. They BLAST the music in the studio (donât worry, you get used to the volume and it REALLY helps get you in the zone. Iâve visited studios where you can hear people next to you heavy breathing because itâs so quiet and itâs awkward) and use a mic so you can actually hear what theyâre saying. Usually good music too
When my husband and I move, losing this studio will be one of the hardest things to deal with because I know Iâll be hard pressed to find an F45 with a similar community, culture, and standard of excellence. The owner, Eric, and all of the coaches clearly invest themselves deeply in this place, and we, the clients, reap the benefits. Do yourself a favor - get spoiled and make Central Houston...
   Read moreShort Version - Two thumbs up from an active duty military member. Regardless of your experience level, F45 is for you!
Long Version - I'm a recovering cross fitter (about 10 yrs), and I've been a part of some of my service's most athletically challenging units. That said, my 40 year old frame has some wear. To be honest, I asked to be transferred to Houston in hopes of having access to healthcare professionals that could offer some pain relief.
It's funny how things play out. Houston does have a great medical center, but it was F45 Central Houston that allowed be to overcome some limiting chronic pain. The exercises often focus on one limb at a time. Balance and stability are also common elements. That really allowed me to hone in on my body's imbalances in a way that I never could before. The workouts are extremely challenging, but I've never felt like I was jeopardizing form or injury based on fatigue.
This is a great gym. The staff and members are awesome! There is a wide range of experience levels in each class, so it's a great environment.
When I first Googled F45, the commonly asked questions were about cross-fit comparisons and "getting ripped." F45 is hands down a safer workout, and I would argue the the strength gained is more holistic and translates to everyday activities better. In terms of "getting ripped," my wife and I have been pleasantly surprised with our...
   Read moreI joined F45 a little over two months ago, and honestly, I wasnât sure what I was getting myself into đ. At first, it felt like organized chaos, but now I realize itâs the kind of chaos my body actually needed. After a particularly tough year, I knew I needed to get back to the fit and healthy person I know I can be and F45 Central has been a key part of that journey.
The workouts are tough, but thatâs what makes them so rewarding. Whether youâre just getting back into the swing of things like me, or youâre already a fitness junkie, the workouts have you covered. The coaches are greatâtheyâll push you to your limits, but in a way that makes you want to high-five them afterward (even if youâre mostly just grateful itâs over lol).
One of the best parts? Thereâs no judgment here. Itâs all about the team spirit. Sure, you might end up sweating next to someone who looks like an IG fitness baddie, but everyoneâs cheering each other on.
I also love that the workouts are always differentâI get bored very easily, so the variety keeps me coming back for more. Iâm still a work in progress, but Iâm already feeling stronger and more confident.
Iâm excited to see where this journey takes me and Iâm really glad I found...
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