💡 Quick Answer: F45 Training is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for F45 Training and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
What is F45 Training
F45 Training is the Australian-born fitness phenomenon that’s basically like having a personal trainer in a team environment, minus the intimidation factor. Think functional movement meets HIIT in 45-minute classes that somehow feel like they fly by (hence the name: Functional 45). With over 2,000 studios globally, F45 has cracked the code on making seriously challenging workouts feel achievable for everyone.
Here’s what makes F45 different: every day has a different focus (cardio, resistance, or hybrid), so your body never adapts and gets complacent. You’ll work through circuits with everything from ski ergs and assault bikes to kettlebells and TRX straps, guided by screens that show exactly what to do and when. The team training atmosphere means you’re working alongside others but at your own pace. No judgment, just support. Classes are capped at around 27 people, so it feels intimate while still having that electric group energy that pushes you further than you’d go solo.
The science backs up what F45 members already know. A systematic review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that HIIT produces similar or greater improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness compared to moderate-intensity continuous training, but in significantly less time. Research published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine demonstrates that functional training improves movement quality, strength, and reduces injury risk across all fitness levels.
Why F45 Training Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, fitness studio memberships can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means F45 Training membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension – A meta-analysis in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that HIIT significantly improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity weekly for cardiovascular health.
- Obesity and weight management disorders – Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrates that HIIT is effective for reducing total body fat and visceral fat. The CDC recognizes physical activity as critical for weight management.
- Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes – According to the American Diabetes Association, regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and glycemic control. A systematic review found HIIT significantly reduces HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Depression and anxiety disorders – A 2024 BMJ systematic review of 218 randomized controlled trials found exercise is an effective treatment for depression, with HIIT showing particularly strong effects. The British Journal of Sports Medicine umbrella review confirmed exercise significantly reduces symptoms of anxiety and psychological distress.
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues – The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends weight-bearing and resistance exercises for building and maintaining bone density. F45’s combination of functional movements and resistance training provides the mechanical loading bones need.
- Chronic back pain – The American College of Physicians recommends exercise as a first-line treatment for chronic low back pain. Functional training strengthens core muscles and improves spinal stability.
- Arthritis and joint disorders – The Arthritis Foundation confirms that physical activity improves pain, function, and quality of life for adults with arthritis. F45’s scalable workouts allow modifications for joint-friendly movements.
- Musculoskeletal conditions – Regular functional training reduces pain and improves function for adults with musculoskeletal conditions by strengthening supporting muscle groups.
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the functional training and HIIT workouts as medically necessary for preventing, managing, or reversing your specific health condition, not just for general wellness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your HSA/FSA Eligibility for F45 Training
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your health conditions and fitness goals, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if functional training is recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other functional training and HIIT studios qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other functional training gyms, CrossFit boxes, bootcamp classes like Barry’s Bootcamp, HIIT studios like OrangeTheory, and specialized workout programs, as long as they’re recommended for preventing, managing, or treating specific medical conditions.
How does reimbursement work?
Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards (most don’t though). When they don’t, you need to use your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and then uploading them and your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates Health, we make this process simple: upload your receipt and get one-click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your F45 Training membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your functional training isn’t just for general fitness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied?
With proper documentation, denials are rare. That said, every HSA/FSA administrator is different, and some may initially deny claims due to receipt format, LMN documentation, or unclear medical necessity. Crates Health supports you through any denials and makes sure you get reimbursed.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for F45 if I already have a membership?
Yes, but only for payments made ON OR AFTER your LMN is issued. You cannot retroactively reimburse past F45 membership payments with a newly obtained LMN. The LMN must be in place before the purchase is made. Get your LMN today and your F45 costs become HSA/FSA eligible immediately going forward.
Do I need a separate LMN for each fitness membership or product?
Yes. Best-in-class LMNs are designed for one product and one specific health condition to meet IRS standards. If you have an F45 membership AND want to use your HSA/FSA for a fitness tracker or supplements, you’ll need separate LMNs for each. Crates Health makes getting multiple LMNs simple and fast.
