The Unvarnished Truth: 7 Brutally Honest Reasons Why I Quit F45 In 2025

The F45 Training phenomenon, with its signature 45-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and functional training workouts, has captured the global fitness community for years, promising a fast, efficient path to a shredded physique. However, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, a growing number of long-term, dedicated members are making the difficult decision to walk away from their local studios. The reasons for this mass exodus are complex, moving beyond simple gym burnout to touch on financial sustainability, workout effectiveness, and studio-level inconsistencies.

For many, the initial excitement of the fast-paced, community-driven environment eventually gives way to a deeper evaluation of value, results, and long-term fitness goals. This article dives deep into the most current and honest reasons why devoted members are quitting F45, drawing from recent discussions and reviews to give you the unvarnished truth about the popular franchise and why some are choosing a different path for their health and wellness journey today.

The Financial Strain: When High-Intensity Meets High-Cost

The single most cited reason for members quitting F45 is the unsustainable cost of the membership. F45 is not a budget gym; it offers a premium, boutique fitness experience, and its price reflects that.

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1. Skyrocketing Membership Fees and Inflation.

F45 membership prices are location-specific, but they are consistently higher than standard gym memberships, often ranging from $60 to over $80 per week for unlimited access. Many members report feeling the pinch as studios are forced to raise fees to cover exponentially increasing operational costs and inflation, pushing the financial commitment past their breaking point. The high overhead of running a small business gym like F45 means the high fees are necessary to cover costs, but for the average consumer, it becomes a luxury they can no longer afford.

2. The Cost-to-Value Ratio Diminishes Over Time.

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While the initial cost feels justified by the pre-programmed workouts, the equipment, and the coaching, the perceived value decreases for long-term members. After a year or two, many realize they are paying a premium for a high-volume, low-utilization model, leading to the decision to seek a more cost-effective alternative.

The Workout Ceiling: Reaching a Plateau in Functional Training

F45’s core offering is its remotely programmed, functional training model, which is a major draw for its consistency. However, this structure becomes a limitation for serious gym-goers focused on specific strength gains.

3. The Absence of Progressive Overload.

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A primary complaint from members quitting is the lack of true progressive overload. The F45 format is designed around high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit-style workouts, which excel at improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance. However, the focus on constant movement and short rest periods makes it difficult to consistently lift heavier weights or focus on the specific muscle failure needed for significant strength and hypertrophy gains.

4. Too Much Cardio and Not Enough Dedicated Strength.

While F45 does offer resistance days, the overall programming leans heavily toward intense cardio and functional movements. Members who want to shift their focus to building serious muscle mass or achieving specific strength goals find the constant extreme cardio unsustainable or simply not effective for their new objectives.

5. Functional Training Burnout.

The constant, varied nature of functional training, while exciting at first, can lead to burnout. Some members prefer a more structured, predictable routine that allows them to track specific lifts and measure tangible strength improvements, rather than the ever-changing, screen-led workouts.

Inconsistencies in Studio Quality and Community Pressure

The F45 experience is heavily reliant on the local studio’s management and coaching staff, which can vary dramatically from location to location.

6. Inconsistent Trainer and Management Quality.

A significant pain point for departing members is the inconsistency in trainer professionalism and studio management. Complaints often revolve around poor coaching quality, a lack of personal attention to form, and general management inconsistencies that detract from the premium experience.

7. The Community Vibe Isn’t for Everyone.

While the strong community spirit is a major selling point for F45, it’s also a reason some people leave. Some members find the intense peer pressure and social expectations of the F45 Challenge and studio environment to be overwhelming or distracting. They prefer to be left alone to focus on their workout, without the need for high-fives or forced group motivation, sometimes even preferring a discount gym environment.

Moving On: The Search for Sustainable Fitness Alternatives

Quitting F45 often marks a pivot in a member's fitness journey, moving toward a more sustainable and personalized approach to health. The departure is rarely a complete abandonment of training but rather a strategic move to a different model.

Popular Alternatives for Ex-F45 Members

• Dedicated Strength Training Gyms: Many move to facilities that offer structured powerlifting or bodybuilding programs, allowing them to focus on *progressive overload* and specific strength benchmarks.
• Budget or Traditional Gyms: The significant cost savings of a traditional gym membership allow members to invest in personalized training or specialized classes on their own terms.
• Specialized Boutique Studios: Some switch to other boutique models like CrossFit or OrangeTheory Fitness, but many seek out smaller, local studios with more personalized coaching and a less "corporate" feel.
• Home Workouts and Personalized Programming: After learning the fundamentals of functional training, some find they can achieve similar or better results by following their own programming at home or a simple gym, focusing on longevity and a more balanced approach.

Ultimately, the decision to quit F45 is a highly personal one, but the common threads—the high *membership fees*, the desire for *progressive overload*, and the variability in *trainer quality*—point to a broader trend. While F45 remains an excellent entry point for many looking for a high-energy, guided fitness experience, it often serves as a stepping stone. For those seeking long-term, specific *strength gains* or a more budget-conscious, *sustainable fitness* model, the time eventually comes to say goodbye to the 45-minute frenzy and embrace a new chapter in their *health and wellness* journey.