Workout like Wolverine: F45 fitness playoffs challenge the ‘fittest of the fit’
THEY are the fittest of the fit. The best of the best, and now, the country’s top athletes are battling it out like Wolverine in the global phenomenon that is F45.
THEY are the fittest of the fit. The best of the best, battling it out to be the country’s top athlete in the global phenomenon that is F45.
The intense interval training workout of choice for Aussie sport elite is the fastest growing fitness franchise in the world, with 300 already sold in Australia alone — an impressive figure set to double by the end of the year.
And for the last week, teams from all over the country have gathered at Sydney’s famed Manly Beach, where more than 3,000 people have competed in the F45 Playoffs, an annual event giving away $30,000 in cash prizes.
Essentially, the Playoffs are a modern evolution of the now outdated traditional sporting ‘beep test’ that has challenged emerging athletes for decades.
The brainchild of Sydney personal trainer and fitness expert Rob Deutsch, the Playoff concept has also been widely accepted by the US market and is set to expand across America next year, where up to 40 franchises have already been sold. The competition will also be held at popular College football events, where it will be exposed to millions of young fans.
“This is just phenomenal — look at all these people having a go,” said Deutsch, cheering on competitors from the sideline on Friday.
“It’s tough, but the reason everyone loves it is because it pushes you.
“F45 tests you. It challenges you. It makes you feel great — and that’s something of value for any age group and any fitness level.”
On Saturday the top 12 teams return to Manly Corso to compete in the finals, facing off until the last man — or woman — stands.
The 10 sweat-inducing stations include 45 second bursts of chin ups, bench hops, rowing and box jump burpees, with scores compiled to create a benchmark out of 1000.
Testing speed, strength, agility and endurance, the test is the most innovative in the world, challenging competitors to do 20 chin ups or 84 bench hops in just 45 seconds, burning an incredible 400 calories in just 10 minutes.
Competitor Peter Day is currently in top spot, achieving an impressive 917.42 out of 1000. Beck Burns holds the top female spot with 692.68.
“Tomorrow will be fantastic — we can’t wait to see the best of the best battle it out and see who is crowned the winner,” Deutsch told news.com.au
“It really is a spectacle. We are on one of the country’s most famous beaches, giving it all we’ve got.
“There’s music, cheerleaders, a huge crowd and a buzz like you wouldn’t believe.
“These F45ers work hard. They train hard. They love what they do and they get the results they want — we are so proud of what they’ve achieved, and are just so happy we can showcase their skills right here in sunny Sydney.”
In Australia, some 45 professional athletes own F45 franchises, including South Sydney Rabbitoh Sam Burgess, Manly’s Nate Myles, the ARU’s Adam Ashley-Cooper and AFL’s Geelong star Jimmy Bartel.
Nicole Richie, Ricky Martin and even Hugh Jackman are said to have tried certain training movements featured in F45 workouts.
The finals, which coincide with the Australian Open of Surfing, will be held from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, March 6.
For more information and to view live scores, visit f45playoffs.com
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