If you have never done a Metafit class before, it is completely normal to wonder whether you are turning up with the right gear. The honest answer is that there is not much to it. Metafit is bodyweight-only training, so there is no equipment to bring. Leave the dumbbells, resistance bands, and weight belts at home.
You do not need grip socks. Unlike reformer Pilates or yoga, Metafit involves standing movements and floor transitions where regular training shoes are the better choice.
You do not need to be at a specific fitness level. The class is designed to work across different abilities. Whether you are getting back into exercise after a long break or you train regularly and want to add something different to your week, the format works either way.
You do not need to pre-book through a separate app if you are already a member. Metafit is included in the standard membership at Active Fitness Medowie. Check the group fitness timetable for session times.
What to wear
Comfortable workout clothes are all you need. Nothing specific to Metafit, just whatever you would wear to any gym session.
Top
A breathable, moisture-wicking top is ideal. You are going to sweat, and a fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin keeps you more comfortable through the intervals. A standard gym t-shirt or singlet works perfectly fine. Avoid heavy cotton tops if you can. They absorb sweat rather than moving it away, which gets uncomfortable quickly once the session picks up.
Bottoms
Shorts, tights, or trackpants all work. You will be doing exercises that involve getting down on the floor, including burpees, mountain climbers, and push-ups, so avoid anything too loose or anything with seams or hardware that will dig in when you are on hands and knees. Fitted shorts or tights are most comfortable for this reason, though loose shorts are fine too if that is your preference.
Shoes
Supportive cross-training shoes are the best choice. Metafit involves multi-directional movement, so you want something with a bit of lateral support, not just cushioning at the heel. Running shoes work too, especially if that is what you already own. Avoid thongs, slides, or anything with no heel support. If you are unsure, the shoes you use for any other gym or sport session will almost certainly be fine.
What to bring
Water bottle
Non-negotiable. Metafit is high-intensity interval training, and you will be working hard the whole time. Bring at least 500ml, ideally a litre. A bottle with a sipper top is easier to drink from quickly between intervals than one you must unscrew. Do not rely on getting to a fountain mid-class. Have your water with you and accessible.
Towel
A small gym towel is worth having. You will want to wipe down after the session, and it is considerate to use on shared equipment and floor space during the class. A hand towel size is plenty. You do not need a full bath towel.
Exercise mat (optional)
Some people like to bring their own mat for the floor work sections of the class.
What happens in a Metafit class
Knowing the format helps. A lot of first timers are more nervous about not knowing what to do than about the workout itself.
The class runs for 45 minutes and follows a high-intensity interval format. That means short bursts of effort, usually 20 to 40 seconds, followed by brief rest periods. The exercises are all bodyweights. Think squats, lunges, push-ups, burpees, mountain climbers, and similar movements. Nothing requires gym experience to understand. If you can follow a demonstration, you can do the exercises.
The instructor leads the group through the session, calling the movements and keeping time. The music is on throughout. The group energy carries you through more than you expect, especially in the second half when your legs are starting to feel it.
You work at your own intensity. The intervals are the same for everyone, but how hard you push through each one is up to you. Someone who has been coming for two years will work at a different level to someone in their first week. That is completely fine and expected. The format is designed that way.
There is a warm-up at the start and a cool-down at the end. Do not skip the cool-down by ducking out early. A few minutes of stretching after 45 minutes of intervals makes a real difference to how you feel the next day.
Food and hydration before the class
Eat something light in the one to two hours before your session. A piece of fruit, a small bowl of oats, or a light snack is enough. You want some fuel in the tank without feeling heavy or uncomfortable once the intervals pick up.
Avoid a big meal within two hours of the class. High-intensity training on a full stomach is genuinely unpleasant. On the flip side, coming in completely empty makes it harder to sustain effort through the second half. A light snack roughly an hour before is the practical middle ground most people find works well.
Hydration matters before you arrive too, not just during the session. If you get to the class already dehydrated, no amount of water mid-workout will fully catch you up. Drink normally throughout the day and top up your bottle before you leave the house.
Practical notes for your first class
Arrive a few minutes early. Getting there before the session starts gives you time to find a spot, set your water down, and have a quick chat with the instructor. Let them know it is your first time. They will make sure you know where to set up and can keep an eye on your form during the workout, particularly on the movements that are new to you.
Do not worry about keeping up with everyone else in the room. In a group class it is tempting to match the pace of the person next to you, especially when the music is going and everyone looks like they know what they are doing. Work within your own limits, particularly in the first session. You can push harder as the weeks go on and your fitness builds.
Expect to be sore the day after, especially if you have not done much high-intensity training recently. That is normal. Light movement, walking, or stretching helps more than sitting still. By the third or fourth class the recovery gets noticeably easier.
What you do not need
Metafit is bodyweight training, so leave the dumbbells and resistance bands at home. There is no equipment to set up or carry. Just show up in your workout gear with your water bottle and you are ready to go.
You also do not need to be at a specific fitness level. The class is designed to work across different abilities. Whether you are getting back into exercise after a long break or you train regularly and want to add something different to your week, the format works either way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Metafit suitable for beginners?
Yes. Metafit is designed to work across different fitness levels. The intervals are the same for everyone, but how hard you push through each one is up to you. First-timers are encouraged to work within their own limits and build intensity over time.
What do I need to bring to a Metafit class?
You need a water bottle of at least 500ml, a small gym towel, and supportive cross-training or running shoes. An exercise mat is optional for the floor work sections. No equipment is required as Metafit is bodyweight-only training.
How long is a Metafit class at Active Fitness Medowie?
Metafit classes at Active Fitness Medowie run for 45 minutes and follow a high-intensity interval format with a warm-up at the start and a cool-down at the end.
What shoes should I wear to Metafit?
Supportive cross-training shoes are the best choice as the class involves multi-directional movement. Running shoes also work well. Avoid thongs, slides, or any footwear without heel support.
Ready to give it a go?
Metafit classes are included in the standard membership at Active Fitness Medowie, which starts at $18.50 a week with no lock-in contract. Find out more about our Metafit classes or get in touch if you have any questions before your first session.
