F45 Training has earned a strong reputation for its high-energy 45-minute group functional training classes. The format is well-designed, the class variety keeps sessions from feeling repetitive, and the group dynamic creates real accountability. For people who thrive in that environment, F45 delivers. But the model comes with hard constraints — most notably a price point of $150-180/month in suburban Arizona markets, a schedule that is entirely class-dependent with no open gym access, and no traditional strength equipment whatsoever. And in Ahwatukee, there is no F45 nearby. The closest location is in Chandler (Chandler North is the nearest), which is 15-20 minutes away.
Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee is a locally owned, full-service gym at 4855 E Warner Rd Suite 24-28 — in the Basha's shopping center at Warner and 48th. We opened in May 2023 with all-new equipment across 5,500 sq ft, including a 1,200+ sq ft turf area. Memberships start at $19.99 bi-weekly, key fob access runs 24/7 every day of the year, and one-on-one personal training is available with Justin, who holds a kinesiology degree and has over 15 years of experience. Here is a direct comparison of how the two options stack up.
5 Reasons Ahwatukee Residents Choose Anytime Fitness Over F45
1. Instead of paying $150-180/month for one workout format...
F45 in suburban Arizona markets typically runs $150-179/month for month-to-month unlimited access — and that rate only makes financial sense if you are showing up four to six times per week. At two or three sessions a week, the per-class cost works out to roughly $50-90 per session. You are paying a significant premium for a single format — 45-minute group functional training classes and nothing else. Our membership starts at $19.99 bi-weekly, which is under $44/month, and gives you unlimited access to a 5,500 sq ft facility with a full equipment floor, dedicated turf space, and a complete free weight and cable setup. If the group conditioning format genuinely suits your goals and lifestyle, F45 can be worth it. But if you are budget-conscious, training for strength, or need schedule flexibility, you are paying three to four times more for fewer options.
2. Instead of a studio with no squat racks, barbells, or strength equipment...
F45 is built around functional movement patterns and circuit conditioning — kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands, TRX-style work, and bodyweight movements. That is the format, and the equipment reflects it. There are no squat racks, no barbells, and no dedicated free weight area designed for progressive strength training. This is not a gap that varies by location — it is the model. If your goal is to build muscle, increase your squat, bench, or deadlift, or follow any kind of structured strength program, F45 simply does not have the equipment to support it. Members who want traditional strength work alongside F45 often end up maintaining a second gym membership to cover what F45 cannot. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee has the full setup — squat racks, barbells, a complete cable system, dumbbells across the full range, and 1,200+ sq ft of turf for functional and mobility work. You can pursue strength, conditioning, hypertrophy, or all three without splitting your membership across two facilities.
3. Instead of working out on F45's class schedule or not at all...
F45 is a fully class-based model. There is no open gym time — every session is a scheduled class, with limited spots, that you register for in advance. If the class times do not align with your schedule on a given day, you do not train. If a class fills before you register, you are on the waitlist. Most studios offer six to eight class slots per day, concentrated in early morning and early evening blocks — midday slots on weekdays are limited or nonexistent, and weekend schedules are compressed. Early mornings before 5am, late nights, or anytime you just want to use the equipment on your own terms — those options simply do not exist at F45. Our key fob gives you unrestricted access to the full gym at any hour, every day of the year. You train at 5am before work, 10pm after the kids go to bed, or noon on a Sunday — the gym is open and the full equipment floor is available whenever you show up.
4. Instead of driving to Chandler for every workout — then finding it hard to cancel...
There is no F45 location in Ahwatukee. The nearest studio is in the Chandler area, which adds roughly 15-20 minutes each way to your workout. When the class itself is only 45 minutes, the commute represents a significant portion of your total time commitment — that 45-minute class becomes a 75-80 minute door-to-door block on your calendar. Over the course of a week of training four or five days, that adds up to several hours of driving. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee is located in the Basha's parking lot at 4855 E Warner Rd, which is within five minutes of most addresses in the 85044, 85045, and 85048 zip codes. Proximity makes consistency easier, and consistency is what produces results. It is also worth knowing before you sign: F45 cancellation policies vary by franchise owner. Some studios require 30 days written notice; others charge up to 50% of the remaining contract value for early exit. Members have reported difficulty processing cancellations when the studio owner is resistant. Our membership has no long-term contract and no penalty for canceling.
5. Instead of a group coach managing 15-20 people through a circuit...
F45 classes typically have 15-20 participants moving simultaneously through multiple stations. Workouts are demonstrated on video screens, and the trainer's job is to keep the room on pace and circulate rather than teach. Multiple members describe the coaching as motivational rather than technical — trainers as "cheerleaders" who keep energy high but do not correct individual form. The consequence of that gap shows up in reviews: overuse injuries in knees and shoulders are consistently cited, particularly among newer members who cannot self-correct because they have not been taught what correct looks like. Justin at Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee works with clients one-on-one. He has a kinesiology background, more than 15 years of hands-on coaching experience, and the ability to watch your specific movement patterns, identify what is limiting your progress, and adjust your program accordingly. If you have a shoulder issue, a history of back pain, or a goal that requires specific programming — that is the kind of attention that only happens in a one-on-one setting, not a 20-person circuit.
What You Get at Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee
- 24/7 Key Fob Access: Unrestricted gym access every hour of every day, including holidays. No class to register for, no spot to compete for. Staffed hours are Mon-Thu 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm.
- 5,500 Sq Ft Modern Facility: All equipment was purchased new when we opened in May 2023. The build-out is a completely modern, clean design — not a retrofitted space.
- 1,200+ Sq Ft Dedicated Turf Area: Functional training, sled work, mobility, plyometrics, and warmup space — all on a dedicated turf floor that does not compete with the strength equipment area.
- Complete Strength and Cable Setup: Squat racks, barbells, a full dumbbell range, and a cable system — the equipment F45 does not have, for the goals F45 cannot support.
- One-on-One Personal Training with Justin: Kinesiology degree, 15+ years experience, programs built around your goals and training history — not a group format.
- Tanning Included: Tanning is included in your membership at no additional charge.
- 5,000+ Worldwide Locations: Your key fob grants access to any Anytime Fitness location globally — useful when you travel.
- Free 7-Day Trial: A full week of access with no credit card required. Come in and use the gym before you decide anything.
Try It Free for 7 Days
We offer a free 7-day trial with no credit card required. Come in during staffed hours for a walkthrough of the facility, or get your key fob set up and start using the gym immediately on your own schedule.
We are at 4855 E Warner Rd Suite 24-28 in the Basha's shopping center at Warner and 48th. Call us at (480) 900-1616 to get started. Memberships begin at $19.99 bi-weekly — compared to $150-180/month at F45 for a class-only format with no open gym time and no strength equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does F45 cost per month?
F45 Training memberships in suburban Arizona typically run $150–$180 per month for unlimited classes. At two to three sessions per week, that works out to roughly $50–$90 per class. By comparison, Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee memberships start at $19.99 bi-weekly (under $44/month) with unlimited access to a full 5,500 sq ft facility, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Does F45 have free weights or squat racks?
No. F45 is built around functional circuit training using kettlebells, medicine balls, resistance bands, and bodyweight movements. F45 studios do not have squat racks, barbells, or a traditional free weight area. Members whose goals include progressive strength training typically need to maintain a separate gym membership alongside F45. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee has a full free weight setup, squat racks, and a complete cable system.
Is F45 worth the money?
F45 can be worth the cost for members who train four to six times per week and whose primary goal is cardiovascular conditioning and functional fitness. For members focused on strength training, on a budget, or who need schedule flexibility, the $150–$180/month price point for a class-only format with no open gym access and no traditional strength equipment is difficult to justify compared to a full-service gym.
Can you do strength training at F45?
F45 offers functional strength elements within its circuit format, but the studio does not have squat racks, barbells, or the equipment required for structured progressive strength training. If building muscle mass or increasing compound lifts is your primary goal, a traditional gym is better suited. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee provides squat racks, barbells, a full dumbbell range, and a cable system specifically for that purpose.
What is cheaper — F45 or Anytime Fitness?
Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee is significantly less expensive. Memberships start at $19.99 bi-weekly (under $44/month), compared to F45's typical $150–$180/month in Arizona markets. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee also provides 24/7 open gym access, a full equipment floor including squat racks and free weights, tanning, and access to 5,000+ locations worldwide — all at the lower price.
Does F45 have open gym time?
No. F45 is a fully class-based model with no open gym access. Every session is a scheduled 45-minute group class with limited spots that must be booked in advance. If class times do not align with your schedule or a class fills before you register, you cannot use the facility that day. Anytime Fitness Ahwatukee provides unrestricted key fob access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — no class required.