CrossFit vs F45: An Honest Comparison From a Perth Coach

We get asked this a lot in Perth, where both are everywhere. Here's the honest version — including who F45 genuinely suits better.

What they have in common

Both are coached group classes built on functional movement, both beat wandering around a globo gym wondering what to do, and both build real communities. If you're moving consistently at either, you're winning.

The big differences

1. Barbells and skill progression

F45 sessions are built around circuits — timed stations of dumbbells, kettlebells, bodyweight and cardio. CrossFit adds progressive barbell training: squats, deadlifts, presses and the Olympic lifts, with loads that grow as you do. That means measurable strength progress over years, not just a sweat today — and it's why CrossFit needs proper coaching.

2. How you start

At F45 you can generally join any class from day one — the format is designed for it. At our gym, every beginner starts with Fundamentals: three one-on-one sessions learning to move properly before entering a class. It costs more time upfront. It's also why our members squat well at 60.

3. Coaching depth

An F45 trainer keeps a big class moving safely through set stations. A CrossFit coach at an affiliate like ours runs a class capped at 16, teaches technique, scales every workout individually, and progresses you toward skills — pull-ups, Olympic lifts, handstands — you'd never attempt at a circuit class.

4. Measurement

CrossFit is built on measurable workouts: same benchmarks, heavier weights, faster times, visible progress. F45's variety is fun but harder to measure over time.

Who should honestly pick F45?

If you want a fast, no-decisions 45-minute sweat, never want to touch a barbell, and prefer to stay anonymous in a big class — F45 is a good product and you should do it, because the best program is the one you'll keep showing up to.

Who should pick CrossFit?

If you want to get properly strong, learn skills, see measurable progress, and be coached by name in a smaller class — that's what an affiliate gym is for. We're TandEm CrossFit in Balcatta: an official CrossFit affiliate, classes capped at 16, five certified coaches, owner still competing at Games level. Book a free 15-minute chat and we'll tell you honestly — including if we think F45 suits you better.