paulradcliffe.me archive
Category: General Running and/or Fitness
February 22, 2021
I’m now a licensed Master Electrician!
This was my major professional goal for 2020, and the license finally arrived in the mail last week. I can’t actually do electrician tool work because I don’t have a 309A from the Ontario College of Trades. It is a nice thing to add to my resume and LinkedIn profile. And I am much better versed now in Electrical Code and lots of legislation and regulations. But the biggest reason I pursued this credential was to assure myself that I could still think enough to do my job, even with the brain damage I suffered during my 2019 illness. It’s[…continue reading]
January 18, 2021
Diving into F45 Challenge 30
So, it turns out I did so well in my first challenge with F45 live, that I won some prizes! I will wear this swag proudly! It’s, Monday, January 18, the start of F45’s 30th “Challenge” and I’m all-in again. I don’t know when my long-term disability insurance provider and employer will send me back to work. So, I’m going to act as if every month is my last and give it 145%. My big goal again during this 45-day challenge is weight loss. I plan to achieve it by meeting and EXCEEDING the tracking guidelines in the F45 Challenge[…continue reading]
January 14, 2021
Review of F45 Live
This may be a very unique review, because I have never actually set foot in an F45 Studio.
F45 is a 45-minute workout program consisting of high intensity interval training (HIIT) involving “functional exercises. They have over 1750 studios in 45 countries around the world, but many studios are temporarily closed due to the COVID pandemic. They had a novel response to the lockdown, F45 Live. Essentially, they lead the workouts over Zoom. The workouts are interactive and in real time.
The workouts target cardio and strength. You should expect sore quads, glutes, and maybe core, upper back, chest, and arms. Most of the exercises can be performed with only body weight.
The workouts are as easy or as hard as you make them. Focus is on form rather than a number of reps, which I appreciate. I like that you can adjust the workout to your own challenge level, while still participating with the group. And each workout is different, which keeps it interesting and unique.
I lost 10 pounds in 7 weeks, and have continued losing since. And qualitatively, I feel good from this new addition to my life. I feel a better range of motion. I can bend over easier and get off the floor with less difficulty. I feel like my posture has improved. And I feel stronger.
I don’t know if there is anything trademark or exclusive about an F45 workout. It seems very accessible, scalable, and just enough length and pacing to keep you interested and engaged throughout. Maybe that’s actually what makes it special.
