If you were one of the first people in the theatre for Logan, you are going to love this. The fitness regimen that got Hugh Jackman Wolverine-ready recently made a splash in Chennai, and now everyone from cricketer Murali Vijay to actor Shriya Reddy swears by it. Created by Australian celebrity trainer Luke Istomin, F45 short for Functional 45, combines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit and functional training all rolled into (you guessed it) one rollercoaster 45-minute ride.With two franchise outlets started in Adyar and Nungambakkam as recently as December last year — this movement has everyone from actors Aadi Pinnisetty and Arun Vijay to Shanthanu Bhagyaraj and Manjima Mohan on board. This follows the Hyderabad-based franchise opened by actor and fitness enthusiast Rakul Preet Singh earlier in 2016.
Romans and quarterbacks?
What got us most excited though were the 40 themed programmes — with eclectic inspirations to work out multiple muscle groups.Sample this: Quarterbacks gives you a taste of hybrid cardio inspired by American football, Romans offers resistance based training drawing from the art of warfare, and on Saturdays, there’s a live DJ for a circuit with music on request called Hollywood! Actor Adith Eswaran, who co-founded the flagship outlet in Nungambakkam with partner Deepti Akki, tells us, “The best part is that the workouts are non-repetitive and you won’t find the same move for at least the next year.” To take you through it all, there are screens that demo each move, track your time and direct you to your next station as part of the programme.
No treadmills!
Walking around the expansive 2,500 sq foot basement space, it’s ironic to realise that there isn’t any plug-in equipment in sight. No treadmill. No eliptical machine. Instead, Deepti tells us that the space is designed with tools that have more everyday use — boxes (to jump over), ladders laid out horizontally (for high knees) and suspended rope (for arm and core strengthening). “It’s like a playground for adults,” she offers with a smile. Why should mutants have all the fun, right?
Sessions are booked via the F45 Training app.Priced at Rs 8,500 per month or Rs 69,000 for an annual sign-up. Details: 7702228828