F45 Training Ponsonby is a functional group fitness studio on Mackelvie Street in Grey Lynn, Auckland. More than a traditional gym, it delivers team-based, coach-led classes built from a library of 5,000+ dynamic movements and more than 80 workouts spanning cardio, resistance, hybrid and recovery formats. Every session runs with the effectiveness and attention of a certified personal trainer — coaches demonstrate movements, correct form and scale each workout to the individual, whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned athlete. The team is led by studio manager Girish Rae, supported by trainers Jazmin Lloyd Duncan, Pekay Edwards, Rajiv Beri, Rhys Martin and Yvette Devoe. Members consistently describe a welcoming, non-intimidating culture: a big studio floor, easy parking, laid-back vibes and a community that gathers for coffee after morning sessions. Beyond classes, the studio runs structured programmes including the 45-day F45 Challenge — which has delivered results like a 9.7kg loss and a 6.5kg body-fat drop with 1.2kg muscle gain for recent participants — plus HYROX-focused training, PEAK500 and LIONHEART. Newcomers can start with the 2 Week Kickstarter or a trial, booking classes online or through the F45 app.
F45 Training Ponsonby sits on Mackelvie Street in Grey Lynn, and if you ask its members what makes it different, few of them start with the equipment. They talk about trainers who remember your name, a morning crew that saves you a spot, and coffee with the 'Ponsonby fam' after the session. Around all of that sits a serious training product: functional group fitness delivered with the effectiveness and attention of a certified personal trainer.
The F45 method draws on more than 5,000 dynamic, energy-packed movements to build over 80 different workouts, so the training never goes stale. Sessions rotate across four core styles — Cardio for heart-pumping conditioning, Resistance for strength, Hybrid sessions that combine the two, and Recovery days that give the body a lower-intensity reset. For members chasing bigger goals, the studio also runs F45's specialised formats, including HYROX-focused training for hybrid racing, plus PEAK500 and LIONHEART. The variety is deliberate: as long-time member Arti R puts it, the workouts are 'balanced between strength and cardio and varied, therefore unlikely you will ever get bored.'
Every class is coached. Trainers demonstrate movements, correct form, scale sessions to the individual and, as members repeatedly note, help people avoid injury. The team is led by studio manager Girish Rae alongside trainers Jazmin Lloyd Duncan, Pekay Edwards, Rajiv Beri, Rhys Martin and Yvette Devoe. F45 trainers, the studio says, deliver 'the expert guidance and unconditional support of a one-on-one personal trainer' in a group setting.
The studio frames its own culture bluntly: 'It's not about mirrors, mood lights or followers. It's about what you did with your time. It's about how you feel when you are finished and who encouraged you along the way.' Members describe the result as super friendly, with a big studio, easy parking and laid-back vibes — 'not intimidating but the staff are still really motivating,' as Annelise H puts it.
The studio's 45-day F45 Challenges have produced head-turning numbers. Moka lost 9.7kg in 45 days; Jim, the winner of a recent challenge, dropped 6.5kg of body fat while gaining 1.2kg of muscle. Other members share three-month transformation stories, including one who wrote: 'After trying many regimes, I finally found something that stuck & more importantly, worked for me.'
The format's broader pedigree backs this up — F45 has been rated the #1 Gym by Men's Journal in the US and by Canstar Blue in Australia.
Ask around Ponsonby and reviews keep circling the same theme. Mia, a member of more than a year, calls it 'the best gym I've ever been to' and credits 'the sense of community and support that's been fostered by Steve and all the trainers.' Jade S says the team 'bring great energy, push you when you need the push, help with your form' — and that she has felt and seen her body change. Tim R is more direct: you can find a good workout elsewhere, but 'the main reason we go to Ponsonby are the people who motivate, care about you as a person and genuinely want to see you achieve your goals in all areas of your life.'
For newcomers to the city, that community is the hook. Ruby C moved to the area not knowing anyone: 'the gym instantly became a place where I found connection and made friends. I genuinely look forward to my morning workouts and coffee after with the Ponsonby fam.'
New members have a low-commitment way in. The studio is currently promoting a 2 Week Kickstarter — 'Get Summer Ready' — alongside trial options including a Recovery Trial. Classes are booked through the studio's online schedule or the F45 Training app, and membership requests are handled by the local studio team.
The studio is at 22 Mackelvie St, Grey Lynn, with parking members describe as easy by inner-city Auckland standards. You can reach the team on 021 0869 8294 or at [email protected], or follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
Whether you are eyeing a HYROX start line, chasing your first proper push-up, or simply want a routine you will still be doing in a year, F45 Ponsonby's pitch is the same: come for the workout, stay for the team.