As a URI student, you should be VERY excited for this semester and returning to campus! Not only will we be in person again, with URI working very hard to provide the best programs for students, but URI Campus Recreation installed their very own F45 Studio!

If you are like me and hadn’t heard of F45 before, don’t worry! I took the time to interview Courtney Mackey, URI Campus Recreation’s Coordinator of Fitness, Health & Well-being, who led this initiative to bring F45 to URI’s campus. Hopefully, this interview will get you as excited as I am for this new program!

What is F45?
F45 is a functional 45-minute workout, combining elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training. You will find a variety of plyometric movements, weights, and aerobic exercises for a well-rounded workout. 

This franchise originated in Australia and made its way to the west coast of the United States in 2012. F45 is now making its way all around the world and partnering with colleges along the way. What sets F45 apart from other programs is that it is led in an interval-based, team training style, similar to training on a sports team in high school or college!

What is the goal of bringing F45 to URI?
We wanted to bring something that is new, exciting, and attractive to ALL college students! It has been hard to build a community through COVID, but fitness has always been something that we believe brings students together. F45 prioritizes building community and that’s what we are all about! We want our support to go a long way!

Why should students be excited for F45?
F45 supplies everything from the workouts, to the music, the visuals, and equipment! All you have to do is show up! The music we have is upbeat and fun, to get you pumped and ready for an amazing workout. We also own state-of-the-art technology to take the workouts to the next level. The trainer that is leading the workout can be more engaged with students due to the visual demos projected on all TV screens. Campus Rec F45 trainers will focus on team building and motivation to help build a community with the students in class so that they will come back time and time again. Our trainers are always prepared to bring out the best energy for every workout!

What makes the workouts with F45 different compared to other programs at URI?
Interval-based exercises are super effective for reaching whatever your fitness goal may be! Everyone can rely on F45 because it provides EVERYTHING you need to get in a great workout, with coaches to help you focus on your individual goals. With this, students are able to build trust and know that their workouts will be great! The workouts are constantly rotating so that students can experience many well-rounded workouts to always get a new variety of exercises each class.

Why is it important for the incoming URI class to know about F45?
The students’ health, fitness, and well-being are really important to Campus Rec. This is something for everyone to try and explore, after all, college is all about is trying new things! F45 adds another great option for students to try when looking for the right workout routine for them. We want F45 to be a sustainable option for all students looking to stay healthy!

What are the best things about the F45 community?
We want to build a diverse community of students and take ego out of it as much as possible. The studio mirrors covered in these beautiful decals to get participants to not focus on their reflection and rather their form. We want students to feel the form and help each other out through this practice. F45 is meant to bring supportive energy with no comparison!

What type of student is F45 geared toward?
F45 is geared towards EVERY student. The trainer is there to coach all types of options and intensities to encourage students to listen to their bodies. F45 makes it easy for students to follow along and engage in the community!

For a student who has never tried it what do they need to bring or know before class?
Really just have yourself and a positive attitude! Prepare yourself just as you would for the gym, be sure to wear comfortable sneakers and clothing as well as bringing a reusable water bottle. We want to make sure that students stay hydrated throughout the entire workout!

So get excited for more news to come about F45 and how to get involved with it in the Fall!

Hey everyone! I’m Eddy, a senior majoring in Communications and minoring in Sports Media. I am so happy to be a part of the URI Campus Recreation team! Writing has been a passion of mine since I was little, and I look forward to not only growing as a writer but as a person too.  My favorite activities include following the world of sports and playing sports. Whether it’s just reading articles on Bleacher Report or going out to the field, I am always doing something related to sports every second of the day! I played football and tennis in high school while running indoor track and field as well. Sports have always been a key role in my life as they made me who I am today. My favorite teams are the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Timberwolves, and FC Porto. I am a very competitive person and will never back down from any challenge. Always ready to bring out the best of the team and myself!