Picking your next workout should be an exact science, not a lottery. To help you narrow down the options from more than 2,000 classes on FIIT, we’ve released a new feature called “Workout Intensity”. 

Workout Intensity reflects the perceived intensity of a workout based on post-class feedback. Users rate their experience on a scale from 1 (super chilled) to 10 (gonna need a lie down) and this data provides each class with a Workout Intensity rating.   

Below we’ll explain a bit more about how to use our new Workout Intensity feature, and break down our class cards in detail so you know exactly what to expect next time you hit Start Class.

Workout Intensity

So how did we land on the Workout Intensity rating for each class? Quite simply: we asked you. Every Workout Intensity score is based on an average of the post-class feedback provided by our users. 

For that reason, a particularly demanding Yoga or Pilates class, where your heart rate barely climbs over 100, could score a similar Workout Intensity rating as a fairly gassy Metcon or Endure workout, where your bpm spikes at 160. 

While a useful metric to gauge exertion, Workout Intensity is inherently subjective, meaning what might feel light for some, could feel tough for others. 

Across the board, however, it should provide you with a good indication of how hot and sweaty or physically challenging a class will feel – so keep your eyes peeled for our new Workout Intensity icon when picking your next class.  

Breaking down the FIIT Class Cards

Workout Intensity is one of many details you can pick out when selecting your next class. Here are a few more to watch out for. 

FIIT Points or REPS

In connected Cardio classes, FIIT Points are accumulated based on how long you spend in various heart rate zones during the workout when using a compatible heart rate monitor. REPS are amassed in Strength classes when using our dedicated FIIT Tracker. These will give you an overall score to beat next time you repeat the class. 

Rating

Class Rating is scored out of five and based on user feedback at the end of each workout. If any class routinely scores poorly, we’ll take it out of circulation to keep our standards high. That’s why your feedback at the end of each class is so valued. 

Hashtags 

What’s with all the hashtags? After experimenting with several different class names in our first few years, we realised simplicity is key. Now, the majority of our Cardio classes are labelled either Endure, Metcon or Speed.

These three class concepts are our secret sauce. To become a well-rounded athlete, we recommend getting an equal dose of each.

Apart from our post-natal series, which you should complete chronologically, you needn’t complete these classes in order. The # is simply a marker for when they were released. 

Names

To help you choose your next Strength class, we’ve grouped a series of them by body part: Upper, Lower, Full Body or Core.

Another group is labelled Low-Impact, built around moves that are kinder on your joints (and floorboards). Functional Strength classes involve lots of full-body movements, helping you move like an athlete. 

Then we have classes split into pushing and pulling movements, called Push Pull, that will address any weaknesses in your armoury to help you lift in perfect harmony.

If classes are labelled Mobility, Functional Movement, Upper Body Stretch, Yoga, Pilates or Barre, you’re probably looking at a Rebalance class, which means FIIT Points and REPS won’t be tracked, but the workout intensity could still be sky high.

Barre classes, we’re looking at you. 

Level

Last but not least, the Workout Level description will help you narrow down your next class. Again, there’s a method to our madness. This is primarily based on the types of exercises each class involves. Let’s take the burpee as an example. 

Regular burpees should only feature in Intermediate classes; low-impact half or standing burpees will predominantly feature in Beginner or All Levels classes; and high-impact tuck jump burpees are mainly used in Advanced classes.

If you wanted an entry-level workout and you find yourself tasked with an EMOM of devil’s presses, chances are you pushed start on the wrong class. 

Given Workout Level is based on the complexity and combination of moves within a class, rather than difficulty overall, you could therefore find an Advanced class with a low Workout Intensity, and vice versa.

How To Pick Your Next Class – In Practice

Now you know how to pick your next class, let’s role play it in action, using three hypothetical users that we’ll call Tom, Dick and Harriet. 

Tom is new to FIIT and relatively new to working out. He’s never set foot on the gym dance floor and doesn’t own a pair of dumbbells. Yet he’s keen and willing and has a clean bill of health from his doc. In Tom’s case we would recommend that he starts out with a Beginner Bodyweight Cardio or Strength class and a Workout Intensity no higher than 5-6 (quite spicy). 

For example: Bodyweight Strength #35 with Lawrence

Dick is easing back into fitness after a few well-deserved weeks off. He scored a new HYROX PB earlier in the year, so he knows his way around a burpee broad jump, but right now he needs to take it slow – both at home and in the gym. In his case, we’d suggest an Intermediate Dumbbell Strength class, which will avoid super high-impact movements, and a Workout Intensity in the region of 7-8 (oof that was tough). 

For example: Push Pull #20 with Gede

Harriet is a bit of a FIIT fiend. A glutton for the pain cave, today she’s craving a savage gym session. She also knows her American swings from her onions and has a quiet afternoon to rest and recover post sweat. In her case, an Advanced mixed-modal Airbike and Dumbbell class – or, gulp, our infamous Boss Level class – should hit the spot, with a Workout Intensity of 9-10 (gonna need a lie down). 

For example: Boss Level with Adrienne, Gede, Sean, & Co.

A Word Of Caution 

Hopefully the above breakdown will help steer you in the right direction next time you’re looking to jump into a one-off class. The new addition of Workout Intensity should also help you pace yourself across the week.

Remember, getting fit (and staying fit) is a marathon, not a sprint. Rather than always plucking for workouts with a super high intensity, use these sparingly, and include plenty of rest days or active rest days to help break them up and allow your mind and body to recharge.

Time To Pick Your Next Class 

Ready to put everything you’ve learned into action? Time to pick your next class. Explore our collection of new classes or jump into one of the three highlighted above. Enjoy!

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