I was hanging around my favorite spot when I saw an old friend of mine looking fit as ever. I knew I couldn’t let her leave without asking about her new fitness routine. That is when she told about this workout called Metafit.
What is Metafit?
It spurred my interest when she told me that the workout is usually 20 to 30 minutes long. I mean, it’s a considerably short workout but why does it work? I am not new to working out, but I had to check out what Metafit is before trying it out.
According to their website, Metafit is a “30 minute, non-choreographed, body-weight only workouts that set the metabolism on fire.” It mainly follows HIIT or high-intensity interval training. It is a system of organizing cardio-respiratory training which calls for repeated bouts of short duration.
High-intensity exercise intervals intermingled with periods of lower intensity intervals of active recovery. This means that there will be timed workouts (not repetitions) with timed recovery or rest in between sets or workouts.
Upon learning this, it got me excited and started looking for fitness gyms that offer this class. You can check their website to search for certified instructors and gyms around your area.
The Class
So I went to this gym around the neighborhood and signed up for a Metafit class without really knowing what to do. I just read the descriptions, but I forgot to watch sample videos. While waiting for the level to start formally, I chatted with some of the students. Most of them are regulars while some are new to Metafit like me. The regulars were very encouraging to us newbies telling us that we can do it.
It is apparently a challenging workout. But despite that, people love it because it works. The instructor even said that Metafit is a workout that makes you burn calories even when you are sleeping. The burn lasts for about 24 hours especially if you do it right.
When the class started, the instructor first explained to us which workouts are included in the track. Oh in Metafit, they use special tracks with different titled workouts. The tracks are already timed for the workout and resting time.
For example, in the track, there is a speaker that will tell you how many seconds and which workout you’re going to do. He will say 20 seconds Squats; when the time is up, he will say 10 seconds rest; ready 20 seconds explosive jacks, rest and so on.
It is continuous until the finisher workout. The instructor will lead the warm-up, which are simple exercises that are somewhat related or close to the actual workouts included in the track. Then he will show the different workouts but will also teach regression or the more basic version of the actual workout for when you feel too tired.
One rule
One rule in Metafit that you will always hear from your coach does not stop moving (during the workout time). They always emphasize the importance of quality versus quantity. In what ways are they showing the importance of quality over quantity?
- First, the instructors push the students to do it with proper technique.
- Second, they don’t do the workouts based on reps and sets but based on pre-arranged time intervals on the tracks.
- Third, there are regressions you can do when you feel you can’t do it anymore. Even regressions can be like progressions.
They believe that by providing regressions, it leaves little to no room for cheating on the workout. It is also the burn and the afterburn effect of the workout which makes it work. You usually burn around 500 kcal during class, but the afterburn gets to around 1,500 kcal! Why?
They use the concept of EPOC or the Excessive Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption effect. This is the effect that you get after a workout. High-intensity workouts increase the effect of EPOC which is why we burn more after the workout.
Yes it’s Difficult
Despite trying to finish the class without doing regressions, it was a little difficult for a newbie like me. So I had to regress on the latter part of the class. There’s no shame in doing the regressions so don’t worry about it. Even some of the regulars did those to catch their breath.
In 22 minutes, the class was over. While you are doing it, it seems like you’ve already been working out for an hour because of the burn and exhaustion that you feel. But I guess that’s why it works. Even the instructor was very good in pushing us to do it. In the end, I was able to complete my first Metafit class.
The Experience
I was so drenched in sweat that I feel like I can twist my shirt and fill a glass with it. That was a refreshing experience. Yes, it was indeed hard, but I can feel the burn even when I got home.
I asked the gym if there are classes tomorrow, but apparently, it is not recommended to do the workout every day because the body needs time to recover after Metafit. You can do other types of workout like Circuit training or boot camp, but I will talk about that next time.
So what did I think of Metafit?
I have said here many times that it was a difficult workout. It is. But I also said that I think it works. Metafit will help you improve your metabolism, burn calories and excess fats. It will work out your whole body and test your strength. It takes not just a strong body to finish Metafit. Furthermore, it also takes a lot of willpower to complete the workout.
Will I recommend it? Absolutely! But I think if you haven’t worked out in a long time, or even in your life, it would be best to try the easier workouts first. If you are not used to fast-paced, high energy workouts, this may not be for you.
But if you’re used to working out, athletic or have good endurance, you can do this. And if you are up for a challenge and tired of the old, repetitive types of workout, then Metafit is perfect for you.
At the Moment
I am already at my 12th Metafit class, and I have been going every other day, and I truly have noticed how strong I got. There are different tracks that I’ve tried already and some I find harder than others, but I still saw the improvements.
I seldom do the regressions anymore, except when I’ve had a long day at work. I don’t run out of breath even after taking five flights of stairs, I’ve lost a few extra pounds, and generally, I feel great!
KHO Health was acquired by was acquire by 9INE POINT in the summer of 2019 and is now referred to as 9INE POINT Health.
