Berkshire


<p>Between work deadlines, school drop-offs, and trying to remember the last time you washed your hair, life is… a lot. Enter group exercise classes. The one glorious hour you&#8217;re not someone’s boss, snack-getter, or bedtime negotiator. You’re just a badass woman dancing, lifting, or stretching your stress away — with other equally exhausted legends.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436.jpg" alt="f45 maidenhead" class="wp-image-80694" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A1436-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>If anyone knows the power of group fitness, it&#8217;s Studio Manager and Trainer Donna Wilcox from <a href="https://f45training.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F45 Training</a> in Maidenhead&#8217;s shiny new <a href="https://waterside-quarter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterside Quarter</a> &#8211; a cool, vibrant community development that&#8217;s <em>the</em> place to eat, drink and be merry. Oh, and sweat. At F45, community is huge — a place to find support and structure through their programme of 45-minute cardio, resistance, and hybrid sessions, overseen by uber experienced PTs. Muddy caught up with Donna to find out why group exercise classes are the endorphin hit you need.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-expert-guidance">EXPERT GUIDANCE</h2>



<p>Let’s be honest — left to your own devices, “working out” often turns into  excessive TikTok scrolling. Guilty. That&#8217;s why having an expert trainer who <em>actually</em> knows what they’re doing tends to come in handy. Donna says, &#8220;At F45, every class is led by two highly trained instructors who support, correct, and motivate you from start to finish. They help tailor movements based on your experience, injuries, or goals, ensuring your workout is both safe and effective.&#8221;</p>



<p>And if you have the exercise jitters? &#8220;Our studio is built to be inclusive and beginner friendly. Everyone starts somewhere and our coaches are there to guide you at your pace,&#8221; she says. &#8220;Most people who were hesitant at first quickly find that the support and structure of group training makes the experience far less intimidating and more effective than your regular gym.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415.jpg" alt="exercise classes in maidenhead " class="wp-image-80693" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0415-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-social">SOCIAL</h2>



<p>There’s just something magic about sweating alongside real humans who <em>get it</em> — the chaos, the exhaustion, and the need to exchange eye rolls during the plank. Donna says, &#8220;The social side of F45 is a huge part of what makes our training environment so special. On resistance days, when the tempo allows for quick chats, you’ll find easy conversation and banter between sets. On cardio days, the energy is electric. Members push each other, share encouragement, and even compete.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1241" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead.png" alt="" class="wp-image-78707" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead-645x800.png 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead-806x1000.png 806w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead-322x400.png 322w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/05/bakedd-maidenhead-768x953.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bakedd</figcaption></figure>



<p>What&#8217;s speaking my language though, is the motivational almond croissant awaiting mere steps away from the door. What? A girl needs a reward! The Waterside Quarter is certainly not short of places to scoff and quaff with your classmates, from cool cafés to artisan bakeries and bars. &#8220;Two local favourites, Presto and Bakedd, are just a few steps from our studio and often become the second stop after class,&#8221; adds Donna. &#8220;A lot of our members attend the same class times each week, so friendships form naturally and it&#8217;s a great way to keep the good vibes going.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lower-risk-of-injury">LOWER RISK OF INJURY</h2>



<p>The last thing you want to be doing is pulling a hammy, so naturally another huge benefit is the peace of mind you get when attending a group class. Hello again expert trainers. &#8220;Hands-on coaching dramatically reduces the risk of injury especially for people new to training or returning after a break,&#8221; explains Donna. &#8220;Instead of figuring things out on your own, you’re guided with real-time feedback and encouraged to work to your own level. Whether you&#8217;re brand new or an advanced athlete, our trainers are there to help you train smarter.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-SORBONDAY20200.jpg" alt="f45 training maidenhead" class="wp-image-80696" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-SORBONDAY20200.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-SORBONDAY20200-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-SORBONDAY20200-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-SORBONDAY20200-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-variety">VARIETY</h2>



<p>Gym starting to feel like Groundhog Day? Same machines, same playlists, same guy grunting way too loudly in the corner. Definitely time to switch it up. The brilliant thing about group exercise classes is that no workout is ever the same. There&#8217;s always going to be different routines, different people, and a variety of weekly sessions to choose from. </p>



<p>&#8220;F45 stands for Functional 45-minute training, and our programming alternates between cardio, resistance, and hybrid sessions. Mondays might focus on a hybrid of cardio and strength, while Tuesdays shift to solely strength-based movements using free weights and bodyweight exercises,&#8221; says Donna. &#8220;Resistance days, particularly Tuesdays, are among our most popular. These sessions are designed to build lean muscle, increase strength, and improve overall performance.&#8221;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139.jpg" alt="exercise classes in maidenhead " class="wp-image-80692" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/07/f45-training-maidenhead-AW5A0139-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-fun">IT&#8217;S FUN</h2>



<p>Group classes aren’t just about getting fit — they’re about showing up, shaking it off, and remembering that you’re <em>that</em> girl.  Donna says, &#8220;Without a doubt, there’s an energy in the room that’s hard to replicate anywhere else. When you’re working out with others who are giving it their all, it pushes you to dig deeper, move better, and stay consistent.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;While some members like to stay focused and quiet, others love the energy, music, and friendly atmosphere. Either way, our group setting adds a layer of support and accountability that helps everyone stay on track. And above all, the sessions are genuinely fun, you’ll sweat, work hard, and often laugh too.&#8221; Who knew squats could be so therapeutic?</p>



<p><strong><em>Find <a href="https://f45training.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">F45 Training</a> at the <a href="https://waterside-quarter.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Waterside Quarter</a> in Maidenhead now. </em></strong></p>


Squats, smiles, and sanity: how group workouts boost mental health

You may also like