F45 vs Les Mills — Quick Comparison
| Factor | F45 Training | Les Mills |
|---|---|---|
| Price (from) | $25/week | $17.99/week |
| Joining fee | $0 | $49 (often waived) |
| Contract | Flexible / month-to-month | 3 months minimum |
| Session format | 45-min HIIT/functional sessions | Multiple class formats (30–60 min) |
| Equipment access | Studio only (during class) | Full gym + classes |
| 24/7 access | No — class-based | No — staffed hours |
| Class size | Small group (10–20 typically) | Large group (20–50+) |
| Coaching intensity | High — instructor-led every session | Varies by class format |
| NZ locations | 50+ studios | 25+ clubs |
| Under-23 discount | No | 20% off |
Price Comparison
Les Mills is significantly cheaper — $17.99/week vs F45's $25+/week. Over 12 months that's a difference of $365–$600 depending on F45 membership tier. F45 does have no joining fee, and Les Mills fees ($49) are sometimes waived. If you're looking purely at cost, Les Mills wins clearly. The F45 premium reflects the smaller class size and higher coaching intensity per session.
Class Format
F45 offers one format: high-intensity functional training in 45-minute group sessions. The workouts change daily, combining cardiovascular and resistance training in circuits. Class sizes are small — typically 10 to 20 people — with instructors actively coaching throughout. Les Mills offers multiple class formats across its full timetable: BodyPump (weights), RPM (cycle), BODYATTACK (cardio), BODYCOMBAT (martial arts-inspired), BodyBalance (yoga/pilates/tai chi), Les Mills GRIT (HIIT), and more. If you want variety of class types, Les Mills has more options. If you want one consistently challenging format you'll commit to, F45 delivers it well.
Community and Atmosphere
F45 is renowned for its community atmosphere. Small classes mean instructors know your name, track your progress, and push you personally. The format encourages members to compete against their own previous scores, creating a competitive but supportive culture. Many F45 members describe it as the gym they've actually stuck with. Les Mills has a more traditional gym atmosphere — large classes mean less personal attention but a strong group energy, particularly in popular formats like RPM and BodyPump.
Equipment Access
This is a key difference: Les Mills membership gives you access to a full gym (weights, cardio, resistance machines) in addition to group fitness classes. F45 membership gives you access to studio sessions only — there's no equipment available to use independently between classes. If you want the flexibility to do your own programming alongside group fitness, Les Mills provides it. If all your training will be in structured sessions, F45's studio-only model is fine.
Results
Both F45 and Les Mills produce real results for members who attend consistently. F45's high-intensity format is particularly effective for fat loss and cardiovascular conditioning. Les Mills' programme diversity means you can train all components — strength (BodyPump), cardio (RPM, BODYATTACK), and flexibility (BodyBalance) — within the one membership. The honest answer is that results depend more on consistency and effort than the specific gym brand.
Who Should Choose F45?
- People who are motivated by community and personal coaching
- Members who want a consistent, high-intensity format without decision fatigue
- Anyone who's struggled to maintain gym habits — F45's class booking creates accountability
- People who don't need or want equipment access outside structured sessions
- Members willing to pay a premium for smaller class sizes and higher coaching intensity
Who Should Choose Les Mills?
- Budget-conscious members — significantly cheaper than F45
- Members who want variety across multiple class formats
- Anyone who also wants equipment access for independent training sessions
- Under-23s who can access the 20% Les Mills discount
- Members who want the option to train outside class hours
The Verdict
F45 is worth the premium if community, consistency, and coaching intensity are your priorities — it's the gym many people stick with when others haven't worked. Les Mills is worth choosing if you want class variety, cheaper pricing, and full gym access alongside your group fitness classes. They're genuinely different products. Try a free session at both (F45 almost always offers a free first class; Les Mills often offers a free trial week) before committing.
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