F45 is good for cardio, conditioning, and group accountability. Anytime Fitness is good for cheap 24/7 access if you can already programme. 1-on-1 personal training is best for individual programming, strength, body composition, and anything injury-related. The cost-per-result winner depends entirely on your goal. Many Northern Beaches clients run a hybrid: 2 PT sessions plus 1 to 2 F45 classes per week.
What is each option actually good at?
F45 sells group cardio and conditioning. Anytime Fitness sells access. A personal trainer sells programming and coaching. Different products, different goals. Side by side:
| Option | Best for | Cost/week |
|---|---|---|
| F45 | Cardio, fat loss, group accountability, fixed-time slots | ~$65/wk unlimited |
| Anytime Fitness | 24/7 access for self-directed lifters | ~$19/wk + $80 to $95 per PT session if needed |
| Mr PT Fitness 1-on-1 | Individual programming, strength, injury, over-50s, beginners | From $55/wk for one weekly session |
What's the cost-per-result comparison?
For pure fat loss with no injuries, F45 wins on cost. For strength, body composition, or anything injury-related, 1-on-1 PT produces results in fewer total sessions. The maths over 12 weeks:
- F45 only: 36 to 48 classes, ~$780 total. Good cardio adaptation, modest fat loss, no targeted strength.
- Anytime Fitness only (self-programmed): ~$228 over 12 weeks. Outcomes depend entirely on whether you know what to do. Most beginners stall by week 4.
- Mr PT 1-on-1 (1x/wk): 12 sessions, ~$660. Real strength gains, body composition shift, form coached.
- Hybrid (2 PT + 1 F45/wk): ~$2,160. Best results for most goals. Strength + cardio + accountability.
When does F45 win?
F45 wins if your goal is general fitness and fat loss, you enjoy group energy, your schedule fits the class times, and you don't have injuries that need programming around. Specifically:
- You want 45 minutes done at 6am or 6pm with no decisions to make
- You enjoy training in a group of 20 to 30 people
- You're already pain-free and reasonably mobile
- Your goal is "feel fitter, drop a few kilos" rather than "deadlift bodyweight"
When does 1-on-1 win?
1-on-1 wins when you need individual programming, are working around an injury, want measurable strength gains, or are starting from zero. The clear-cut cases:
- Returning to training after months or years off
- Working around back, knee, or shoulder pain that needs a coach watching every rep
- Over 50, where general programmes get the dose wrong (see over-50s training)
- Wanting specific strength benchmarks (deadlift bodyweight, first pull-up)
- You've tried groups and apps and can't stick with them
- You want one coach watching every rep
Not sure if F45 or 1-on-1 fits you?
Free 15-minute consult. Bring your goal, leave with an honest answer (sometimes it's F45). Book here or call 0422 745 334.
How do I combine F45 and 1-on-1 PT?
The hybrid most Mr PT Fitness clients run is 2 PT sessions per week (strength + skill) plus 1 to 2 F45 classes per week (conditioning + cardio). A typical week:
- Monday: Mr PT 1-on-1, strength focus (squat, deadlift, accessories)
- Tuesday: F45 cardio class
- Wednesday: rest or walk
- Thursday: Mr PT 1-on-1, upper-body or skill
- Friday: F45 cardio class (optional)
- Saturday: outdoor session or surf
- Sunday: full rest
This produces better results than either F45-only or PT-only for most fat-loss and general-fitness goals. The PT sessions handle programming and form. The F45 classes handle volume and group energy.
What if I'm currently locked into an F45 contract?
Most F45 contracts are month-to-month, not annual. Check the small print: most allow you to suspend or cancel with 30 days' notice. If you want to test 1-on-1 alongside, the lowest-friction path is:
- Keep your F45 membership for now
- Book a free 15-minute consult at Mr PT Fitness
- Try 4 PT sessions over 4 weeks alongside F45
- Re-evaluate at week 4. Drop one or the other if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I quit F45?
Not necessarily. F45 is a good cardio and conditioning environment if you enjoy the group format. The case to switch is if you want individual programming, are working around an injury, want measurable strength progress, or have plateaued. Many clients keep one F45 class a week alongside 1 to 2 PT sessions for variety.
Can I do both?
Yes. The hybrid most Mr PT Fitness clients run is 2 PT sessions per week (strength + skill) plus 1 to 2 F45 classes per week (conditioning + cardio). Total weekly cost is around $145 ($110 for 2 PT sessions + $65/wk F45 unlimited). It produces better results than either alone for most fat-loss and general-fitness goals.
Is 1-on-1 worth 4x the price?
It depends on your goal. For pure fat loss with no injuries, group training can work. For strength, body composition, returning from injury, training over 50, or anyone who needs form coached in real time, 1-on-1 produces results group classes can't match. The maths: 8 PT sessions over 8 weeks usually beats 32 F45 classes over the same period for most measurable goals.
Ready to test the hybrid?
Free 15-minute consult. Honest advice on whether 1-on-1 fits your goal.