F45 - Santa Monica

1

F45 - Santa Monica

Los Angeles, USA

The F45 Story

F45 is a well-known Australian circuit training franchise founded in 2012 by Rob Deutsch in Sydney. The brand saw rapid expansion and was one of the first boutique franchises to IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. It has since been delisted from the NYSE and is now under the leadership of Tom Dowd as company president, who has overseen new developments in the concept and partnerships with leading fitness brands such as HYROX and Strava.

F45’s success has received celebrity endorsements from the likes of Hugh Jackman in their early days, as well as Mark Wahlberg, who is also an investor in the company.

Their tagline “Team Training, Life Changing”, is reflected in their community-focused workouts that are catered to all fitness levels.

How Did F45 Santa Monica Score Overall?

The full client experience at F45 Santa Monicawas impressive achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was also impressive and has achieved the Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The Highlights

The coaches delivered a structured class with clear demonstrations and consistent use of technology throughout.

The energetic and professional digital branding across the website and app made for a seamless booking experience.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The class was well-organized, and I liked how the exercises were broken down with visual demos on screen.”

“I liked how on-brand everything felt, from the colors on the walls to the visuals on the TV screens—it all tied together really well.”

“The website made everything super easy—I felt like I knew exactly what to expect before I even showed up.”

What to Expect From A F45 Santa Monica Session

F45 delivers high-intensity functional training through 45-minute group workouts that combine strength, cardio, and recovery—all in a team-focused environment. With over 5,000 curated exercises and 45 unique workout templates, no two sessions are ever the same.

Born in Australia and perfected globally, F45's systemized workouts blend elements of HIIT, circuit training, and functional movement. Each session is designed to deliver real results—boosting endurance, increasing strength, and torching up to 600 calories in under an hour. Workouts are categorized into four main types: Cardio, Resistance, Hybrid, and Recovery—each with its own focus and energy level.

With expertly programmed routines, rotating formats, and upbeat playlists, F45 Santa Monica keeps training fresh, motivating, and adaptable to all fitness levels. Whether you’re looking to build lean muscle, enhance mobility, or just sweat it out, F45 gives you the structure, community, and variety to stay committed and see results.

The Reception Service

The phone call was a standout, with the receptionist offering a well-paced and informative introduction that covered everything from class types to parking. They asked about our fitness background and made personalized recommendations, leaving us feeling prepared and excited for the visit.

When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed and given a solid introduction and tour. However, the lack of a designated check-in area made things feel a little unclear at first. The in-studio environment felt relaxed, but it wasn’t ideal for completing forms or settling in comfortably. While we were shown around and given a good overview of the studio and stations, no one confirmed our class or collected any health information.

After class, staff members were friendly and able to explain the membership options clearly. They asked thoughtful questions about our fitness goals and routine, but didn’t encourage us to return or highlight that we had remaining sessions in our intro package. A gentle nudge here could’ve made the experience feel more complete.

The Class Experience

F45 Santa Monica received our Class Experience Award of Excellence.

The class experience was solid overall, with a clear structure and helpful visuals. Before the session, we were given a detailed walkthrough of what to expect, including an extended demo of the exercises while one coach demonstrated. While this introduction was informative, it took up a notable portion of the 45-minute workout. Screens throughout the studio displayed the timing and exercises, which made the session easy to follow.

Once the workout started, both coaches circulated the room and offered form corrections where needed. However, despite having two staff members on the floor, we received very limited personal interaction during the workout itself. There were no individual words of encouragement offered, and as a first-timer, we didn’t feel particularly acknowledged or supported once the class began.

The music, energy, and pace helped create an enjoyable atmosphere, and the space itself had a strong community feel thanks to things like member photos and challenge boards. Still, a few small tweaks—like more engagement with participants and follow-up after class—could have taken the experience from good to great.

The Equipment And Studio

We were really impressed by the quality and layout of the studio. All equipment used during the session was professional-grade and clearly well-maintained, with only a few minor cosmetic scuffs on items like kettlebells and mats. The layout of the space made it easy to move freely and train effectively, with ample room between stations and no sense of crowding.

The F45 brand identity was strong throughout, with red, navy, and grey equipment matching the studio’s color scheme and logo placement. A large feature logo on one wall, clean blue turf, and smaller branded design elements elevated the feel of the environment. The high-quality sound system and bright lighting further added to the energy of the space, creating a fresh and comfortable atmosphere for the session.

Every piece of equipment was clean, ready to go, and organized by weight and function, making it easy to find the right option regardless of fitness level. The space felt purposeful and well thought out, reinforcing the brand while delivering a highly functional and motivating training environment. Top marks.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The studio made a strong visual impression, with branding elements like bold logos, signature colors, and modern interior touches creating a cohesive and energetic feel. The layout was easy to navigate, and small design details—like vibrant accents and branded merchandise—added to the professional look of the space.

However, the public areas felt tight on space. There was no proper waiting area, and just a single bench was available before class. Storage was limited to a few open cubbies, which weren't enough to accommodate all clients comfortably. Two restrooms were available, one of which had a shower, though unfortunately hot water wasn’t working at the time of the visit.

On the plus side, the space was tidy and attractively maintained, and amenities like free towels and a refillable water station were available. The grooming area was well-stocked with thoughtful extras like deodorant, body lotion, and feminine products.

Digital And Technology

Booking a class was super simple thanks to the studio’s well-designed and intuitive website, which reflected the F45 brand through bold fonts, energetic imagery, and confident copy. From selecting a session to setting up an account, every step was clear and user-friendly. While confirmation emails were missing, the website still offered a professional experience that left us feeling ready to go. The branded app mirrored the same polish and functionality as the website, and email and text communications used on-brand visuals and messaging that aligned with the studio’s high-energy tone.

The club’s social media presence was another win. The platforms were updated regularly and packed with helpful info like how to book, what to expect, and current class schedules. The posts consistently matched the F45 style, complete with vibrant in-studio photos and content that matched the studio experience. We also appreciated the integration of F45TV screens during class, which added a dynamic layer to the workout. Members also had access to InBody scans and digital at-home workouts, showcasing F45’s commitment to a full-spectrum wellness approach.

From the moment we landed on the website to the in-studio tech, F45 Santa Monica delivered a digital experience that was seamless, bold, and aligned with the brand’s high-energy image.

Pricing

F45 Santa Monica offers a 7-Day Trial for local residents at $25, and a “Welcome Week” pass for non-members at $30.

If you're looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available from $50 per week for two classes weekly, up to $65 per week for unlimited classes on a rolling, month-to-month basis. Additional membership options include $99 per month for four classes monthly.

Drop-in sessions are available at $35 per class. Smaller commitment packages are also available, starting at a 10-pack for $325. Other one-time options include a 14-day pass for $99, a 20-pack for $550, a 6-month pass for $1,436, and an annual pass for $2,535.

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