Fitness classes similar to F45?
Hi there! Does anyone know of a fitness class in the East Bay that is similar to F45, basically combining strength training and cardio in an efficient <1 hour class? I am looking for an efficient class to reduce body fat percentage and maintain general health and fitness. I tried Orange Theory on Solano but the class size felt too big for me. I may look into IBX next. Let me know if you have any other suggestions. Thank you!
Apr 24, 2025
Parent Replies
I have a slightly different answer, but if you are looking for something like HIIT, you might want to consider Brazillian jiu jitsu. For context, I'm a 45 year old overweight mom who joined with her kids. I've found the hour long workouts combine the strength training and cardio in a way you described, and I get a work out that uses almost every muscle. It's not for everyone, as it's high contact, but the workout is amazing. We've been going for a year and a half, typically 3-4 times a week, but sometimes my kids go 5-6 times per week since they love it so much. We have a family pass, so we can go to any class. There are a ton of BJJ gyms around here.
I’d recommend trying BFT (Body Fit Training) in Oakland. I like it better than F45. It is targeted towards gaining strength, reducing body fat and improving general health. It’s also a really great community of people. I’ve been going for well over a year now, lost almost 40lbs and in the best shape of my post-baby life.
Check out Body Fit Training (BFT) on Broadway in Rockridge (Oakland). They have a variety of different class types - some are all cardio, some mix strength and cardio, and some are all strength. It's kind of like Orange Theory in that all of the BFT franchises in the world do the same workout the same day. The cardio classes are similar to F45 in that they use a ton of different equipment (treadmill, battle ropes, ski-erg, bikes, etc.). The strength classes tend to be "slower" which allows you to really focus on the strength moves and lift heavy enough and progress over time. In terms of a less crowded class size, you'll have to check out different times of day - 6 AM and 7:30 AM on weekends is always packed; I think later times are much less crowded.
Depending on many times a week you are interested in, YMCA Berkeley has HIIT class, as well as Strength Circuit Training. I enjoy both of these
I'd add that the weekend classes at Orange Theory are super packed (they do 3 groups so it ends up being like 36 people) but during the week, the classes are a lot smaller and I'd highly recommend. I've been also after a great HIIT type class in the East Bay, and so far, orange theory has been the best I can find.
I really love Sweat. I go to their outdoor gym in Emeryville- I live in Richmond but it’s worth the drive (at least on the weekends) because it’s so fun, always a great challenging workout (strength+cardio) and love being outside but getting to use heavy weights. They also have a normal indoor gym in Rockridge. It’s all HIIT circuit-style and you can try it (or go regularly through) classpass.
In that same geographic area you mentioned I would also check out “Phasefit” on San Pablo Ave. I’ve only gone a handful of times but it’s always been super challenging, cardio+strength, nice vibe.
Try the Combine - Address: 2540 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94612 they are amazing and their class sizes are perfect.