You’re standing outside the studio, peering through the glass at those blue, red, and white weights, wondering if you’re about to pay for a gym membership or a small car lease. I get it. The f45 training membership cost is famous for being a bit of a gut punch if you’re used to the $20-a-month "big box" gyms.
But here’s the thing: F45 isn’t really a gym in the traditional sense. It’s more like a group personal training collective. Because every studio is a franchise, the person owning the one down the street from your office might charge something totally different than the one near your house.
Honestly, it’s frustrating when you just want a straight answer. But after digging through studio contracts and talking to long-time members in 2026, the numbers are finally becoming clearer.
What you’ll actually pay for F45 in 2026
If you’re looking for a ballpark, most people in the U.S. are currently paying between $160 and $250 per month for unlimited access.
Yeah, it’s a wide range.
If you live in Manhattan or downtown San Francisco, expect to hit that $250+ ceiling. In smaller suburban markets, you might snag a "Foundation Membership" (if the studio is new) for around $150.
The breakdown of typical pricing tiers
Pricing usually falls into three buckets. You've got your unlimited month-to-month, your committed contracts, and your class packs.
- Unlimited Monthly (No Contract): This is usually the most expensive way to go. You’re looking at $190 to $230 per month on average. You’re paying for the freedom to quit whenever you want without a "breakup fee."
- 6-Month or 12-Month Commitments: If you’re willing to sign your life away for a bit, the price drops. Typically, a 6-month commitment brings the weekly cost down by about $5 or $10. Many members see this land around **$170 to $190 per month**.
- Class Packs: Not everyone wants to go five days a week. A 10-class pass usually costs around $240 to $300, while a 20-class bundle can run up to $450.
Basically, if you aren't going at least three times a week, the unlimited membership is a waste of money. The math just doesn't work in your favor unless you're a regular.
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Why is it so expensive compared to other gyms?
It’s a fair question. Why pay $200 for F45 when Planet Fitness is the price of a burrito?
The overhead for an F45 studio is massive. Unlike a regular gym where you pay for the equipment and then they leave you alone, F45 is paying two trainers to be on the floor for every single 45-minute session. They aren’t just standing there; they’re fixing your form, screaming encouragement (the nice kind), and managing the chaos of 20-30 people moving through stations.
Also, the tech. Those "F45TV" screens at the front of the room that show you exactly what exercise to do and how much time is left? That software isn't cheap for the owners to license.
Then there’s the "new equipment" factor. In 2026, some studios have started implementing a $99 annual equipment and maintenance fee. It's becoming a bit of a controversy in the community. Owners claim it's to keep the Lionheart heart-rate monitors and the specialized sleds in top shape, but for members already paying $2,000 a year, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
The "Hidden" ways to lower your cost
Don't just walk in and pay the sticker price. Almost every F45 has a "Intro Week" or a "Trial."
Most studios offer a 7-day trial for about $7 to $30. Some even do a "2 weeks for $20" deal if they’re trying to boost their numbers. This is your leverage.
Look for Foundation Rates
If a studio is just opening, they offer "Founding Member" rates. These are gold. People who signed up for studios five years ago are often still paying $130 or $140 a month while new members are being charged $210. These rates are usually locked in for the life of the membership—unless the studio changes ownership and tries to force a new contract, which does happen.
The Corporate and "Blue Light" Discounts
Are you a teacher, a nurse, or first responder? Ask. Most studios have a "Community Hero" or "Blue Light" discount that can shave 10% to 15% off the monthly rate. They don't always advertise it on the website, so you have to actually talk to the studio manager.
Pay Upfront
If you have the cash, some owners will let you pay for a full year upfront. It's a risk—what if you move or get bored?—but it can sometimes bring the effective monthly cost down to about $150.
Is it actually worth the investment?
Look, $200 a month is a lot. Over a year, that’s $2,400.
But you have to weigh that against the cost of a personal trainer. A decent trainer costs $60 to $100 per hour. If you go to F45 four times a week, you’re getting 16 coached sessions a month. If you paid for those privately, you’d be out $1,000 minimum.
For people who hate planning their own workouts, F45 is a godsend. You show up, the screens tell you what to do, the music is loud, and you leave 45 minutes later having burned 500-800 calories. There's no wandering around the gym wondering if the squat rack is free.
The community aspect is real, too. It sounds cheesy until you’re on your 10th burpee and the person next to you high-fives you. That social pressure keeps people coming back, which is why the results tend to be better than at "cheap" gyms where you have no accountability.
The downsides no one mentions
It isn't all high-fives and sweat. The f45 training membership cost doesn't protect you from waitlists.
In popular cities, the 6:00 AM and 5:30 PM classes fill up days in advance. There is nothing more annoying than paying $200 a month and being #12 on a waitlist for the only class time you can actually attend.
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And then there are the cancellation fees. If you book a spot and don't show up—or cancel within 8 to 12 hours of the class—most studios hit you with a $15 to $20 "no-show" fee. It’s meant to keep the waitlists moving, but it feels like a double-tax when you're already paying a premium.
Actionable steps to join without overpaying
If you're ready to take the plunge, do it strategically. Don't just sign the first piece of paper they put in front of you.
- Audit your schedule first. Can you actually go 3+ times a week? If not, buy a 10-pack of classes and see how fast you burn through them.
- Stalk the studio’s Instagram. They often post flash sales for "flash Friday" or holiday specials (New Year, Memorial Day, etc.) that include $0 enrollment fees.
- Check for ClassPass. Some studios put their "off-peak" classes (like 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM) on ClassPass. This is a sneaky way to attend F45 for about $10-$15 a class without the $200 commitment.
- Negotiate the "Maintenance Fee." If they try to hit you with a $99 sign-up fee or equipment fee, ask them to waive it in exchange for a 6-month commitment. Most owners would rather have the recurring revenue than the one-time fee.
At the end of the day, F45 is a premium product. If it gets you off the couch and into the best shape of your life, the $50 a week is arguably the best investment you'll ever make. If it just sits as a "pending" transaction on your bank statement while you stay home, it's the most expensive mistake in your budget.