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Best TV sales available online in Australia August 2022

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Advances in TV technology allow us to enjoy more immersive entertainment experiences than ever. With the pandemic accelerating the decline of movie theaters, consumers have realized that it’s perfectly possible to recreate cinematic experiences in the comfort of their own homes.

Of course, this often comes at a rather dear cost. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best TV sales for you to shop right now. These deals are sure to take your enjoyment of your favorite movies, TV shows, video games and more to the next level.

For more information, check out our guide to the 12 best TVs in Australia.

Best TV sales 2022

Up to 35% off on Amazon
Up to 35% off on Amazon

From 4K UHD and OLED to QLED, whatever bells and whistles you’ve been hoping to have included in your next TV can be found on Amazon.

shop now


Up to 29% off on eBay
Up to 29% off on eBay

eBay is your one-stop shop for a wide variety of TVs available from an enormous range of sellers. It’s the perfect place to find your new lounge room centerpiece.

shop now


Up to 40% off on Kogan

Up to 40% off on Dick Smith

Up to 30% off on Appliances Online

Up to 20% off on The Good Guys

Up to 20% off QLED TVs on Samsung

Which of these retailers offer free delivery?

  • Amazon: Free delivery on eligible items with an Amazon Prime membership.
  • eBay: Free delivery on eligible items with an eBay Plus membership.
  • Kōgan: Free delivery on eligible items or with a Kogan First membership.
  • Appliances Online: Free delivery around Australia.

Which type of TV is best?

There are a plethora of styles of TV to choose from. Here’s a quick run-down of a few of the most common characteristics of modern TVs.

SmartTV

Smart TVs set themselves apart with built-in functionality incorporating popular apps such as Netflix and Prime Video. In the streaming age, these TVs are understandably very popular. If you don’t want to blow your budget on a smart TV, you can instead simply connect a digital media player such as Chromecast to a compatible TV.

4K vs. 8K

Unless you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth splashing out on a 4K TV. These increasingly affordable models simply look better than lower-resolution alternatives.

The same cannot be said for 8K TVs. The problem with these ultra-high resolution TVs is that barely any content exists that takes full advantage of the huge screen size. You’ll have to settle for upscaled video of smaller resolutions and the results aren’t great.

LED LCD vs. OLED vs. QLED

Light-emitting diodes (LED) refer to how your TV generates light. LED LCD TVs are the most common, utilizing backlighting and LEDs to create various colors as the TV demands.

Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screens are considered the current gold standard. They do not feature a backlight, meaning they can deliver true, absolute blacks in a way LCD TVs cannot.

Quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) screens are an emerging technology that adds an extra layer of “quantum dots” which dynamically glow when exposed to LED backlighting. For more information, check out our complete guide to OLED vs QLED TVs.

TV shopping tips

  • Budget for accessories: If you plan to add elements such as soundbars and digital media players to your TV set-up, don’t forget to factor in their cost.
  • Refresh rate – the higher the better: When purchasing a TV, you might feel like your head is about to explode with all the technical jargon you’re taking in. But something that’s important to keep in mind is refresh rate, which dictates how smooth motion appears on your screen. Go for 120Hz if you can.
  • Screen size: Don’t get carried away with the largest screen size you can afford. Consider your living area and how much TV you actually need.
  • Go for HDR: High-dynamic range (HDR) TVs feature more colors and contrast than non-HDR TVs and are worth purchasing if the added cost isn’t too prohibitive for you.

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Technology

Jetpack Joyride 2 will be available exclusively on Apple Arcade

Jetpack Joyride, one of my favorite iOS games of all time, is getting a sequel that will be available exclusively on Apple Arcade. You’ll be able to play Jet Pack Joyride 2 on Apple’s $4.99-per-month games subscription service beginning August 19th.

Jet Pack Joyride 2 looks like it will carry over a lot of what you might know from the first; it’s a side-scrolling shooter where the goal is to dodge obstacles, survive as long as you can, and get a lot of coins. But Jet Pack Joyride 2 will also be a “story-driven experience” with new mechanics, according to an Apple press email — which is honestly enough for me to want to play it immediately.

If you want to get an idea of ​​what you can expect, Apple has a trailer and some screenshots on the Jet Pack Joyride 2 App Store page. And if you want to brush up on your jetpacking skills before the sequel is released, check out the Arcade-exclusive Jetpack Joyride Pluswhich has no ads or in-app purchases, or the original Jetpack Joyride.

I look forward to driving the UFO.
Image: Apple

If you feel like you’ve heard of Jet Pack Joyride 2 before, you’re not wrong. Developer Halfbrick soft-launched the game in select regions on iOS and Android in March 2021, according to Touch Arcade. Halfbrick pulled it from Google Play and the App Store on February 28ththough, saying it had “entered a new closed phase of development for an indefinite period.”

Apple is adding a few other games to Arcade in August as well, including Amazing Bomberman and Apple Arcade versions of My Talking Tom and Love You to Bits. But Apple announced in July that 15 games would be leaving the service, and as MacRumors observed, they’re now gone.

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Technology

F45 Training: Why I left F45 Training after five years to join Airlocker Training | Opinion

Last week, co-founder of F45 Training Rob Deutsch said there are “enormous issues” plaguing the gym franchise, after the company’s share price dropped over 60 per cent.

At first thought, I could have been forgiven for feeling like I ‘just got out of there in time’.

But in truth, after officially breaking up with F45 after nearly five years as a foundation member of my local studio just last month, I feel more sadness for a brand I still massively love and support.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this,” Deutsch wrote in a since-deleted post on Instagram in response to the apparent downfall of the fitness empire he started in 2013.

READMORE: One thing Kelsey Wells wishes she knew about fitness 10 years ago

f45 ambassador cory g and second place challenge award
I first joined F45 as a foundation member of my studio in 2017. (Nine/Supplied)

“When I exited, and sold out of F45, I left a healthy, phenomenal, beast of a business. All the way from the company culture to the heart beat of the business… The workouts. F45 was special.”

What made F45 so special

I first joined my local F45 back in 2017 shortly after the studio had opened its doors, and was very quickly hooked.

The concept is super simple. Every F45 study in the world runs the exact same 45-minute class each day and no two workouts are ever the same. By varying the exercise type and the number of exercise stations, as well as the work time and rest time, you get something different every day.

The sessions incorporate functional movements (think squatting, lifting, pulling, pushing, jumping and twisting) that are designed to target fat loss and help to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

The classes alternate between HIIT-style cardio, strength training, or a hybrid mixture of the two.

f45 training award
I was completely hooked going five to six days a week. (Nine/Supplied)

It only took a month of attending five to six classes a week and I was all-in. I signed up to my first ‘8-Week Challenge’ and was able to lose over 8kg, even placing second in my studio.

I met F45’s global ambassador Cory George when he visited studios across Sydney during a trip Down Under, and eventually bought into the studio tech, wearing a LionHeart band that monitors performance (and ranks class participants) during each workout.

When COVID hit I remained a dedicated member, joining daily live workout sessions over Zoom, and was over the moon when the doors finally reopened after each lockdown, as I had missed the comradery and motivation that comes from being at a class in person.

READMORE: Is exercising at home as good as going to the gym?

Why I left F45

Deutsch’s post was flooded with comments from F45 franchisees and other devoted members, which provided some insight into the company’s collapse.

“The decisions they made during detrimental lockdowns was crushing to franchises,” one owner wrote.

While another member said: “What would you expect when it went public. It is what it is.”

For me personally, to be honest, the answer is probably a little underwhelming, as there was absolutely nothing wrong at my studio or with the trainers. They supported me through all the ups and downs of my ongoing fitness and health journey.

It came down to the simple fact that I was getting bored, and I wanted to shift my focus to strength training. I didn’t feel like I was progressing anymore.

kristine finishes up at F45 training glenmore park
I eventually said goodbye to F45 to try something new. (Nine/Supplied)

READMORE: Aldi’s new $50 smart watch could help you sleep better

“The body loves and responds most effectively to change. Repeating the same workout can actually reduce the effectiveness,” Ali Cavill, owner of Fit Fantastic, previously told 9Honey.

Plus, more and more research is showing resistance training is the way to go for a variety of reasons.

“If you’re wanting to increase your [muscle] shape and definition, then resistance training is by far the best way to do that,” Greg Stark, owner and trainer from Better Being, also told 9Honey.

In January I did a trial at a new gym that had opened in my area, and I officially canceled my membership with F45 last month.

It was bittersweet – and not as easy as I thought it would be, as I haven’t had to do much breaking up with people in the past. And let me tell you that’s exactly what it felt like!

I’m not saying I won’t ever go back, as I definitely still miss it. But for now, it was time for something new. I only hope the brand can turn it around.

Enter Altitude training

This week I officially hit 100 classes at AirLocker Training Penrith (which, full disclosure, is run by a family friend).

AirLocker provides strength and conditioning training at altitude, which it does by reducing oxygen in the room via innovative technology.

Workouts are set to about 13 to 14 per cent oxygen, as opposed to the regular 20 to 22 per cent level.

READMORE: The reason you might never reach your ‘goal’ weight

new gym air locker trainer penrith
I’ve just hit 100 classes at AirLocker Training. (Supplied)

“When training at altitude, your oxygen levels in the blood are reduced and this produces an increase in red blood cell production,” Director of Performance Sandor Earl explains.

“Through that adaptation your body becomes more efficient at utilizing oxygen.”

In my time at AirLocker I have surprised myself with how much my strength and cardio fitness has improved in such a short period of time. And I was a relatively fit person going in.

Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to mix things up!

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

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Which type of exercise burns the most calories?

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9 Best Soundbars 2022 | Top-Rated TV Speakers Australia

Now that TVs are getting progressively thinner, manufacturers are having a tough time building decent speakers into them. It doesn’t help either that TV speakers often face downwards, creating low audio that loses much of its detail.

By comparison, soundbars have speakers that actually face towards you, making sound clearer and speech more understandable.

In fact, you would be surprised by how much your audio can be improved even with just a budget soundbar.

RELATED: Best Australian TV deals and offers

RELATED: Sonos Ray Soundbar hands-on review

Many soundbars also have Bluetooth integrated too, so you can play your tunes and get more dynamic sound.

Ready to ditch mediocre audio for a better entertainment experience? We’ve rounded up the best soundbars available in Australia below, based on our own experience with the products and real customer ratings and reviews.

QUICK LINKS

BEST SOUNDBAR UNDER $1,500

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

This premium soundbar delivers fantastic audio with clear vocals and deep bass, while offering an immersive sound experience thanks to its side speakers.

If you do want to kick things up a notch, you can also pair the Arc with other Sonos speakers (such as the Sonos One SLs) to create a full surround sound setup. The Arc comes with plenty of great features too, including Dolby Atmos playback, a quick and easy set-up process and Alexa and the Google Assistant built-in.

It does only have one HDMI port with no passthrough, and there’s no Bluetooth streaming, but the Arc remains a top choice for those who can afford it. You can also grab it in white here.

pros

  • Dolby Atmos support
  • Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
  • Bass and treble adjustments
  • Can be wall mounted

Cons

  • Not bluetooth streaming
  • Doesn’t get very loud
  • Single HMDI eARC port limits Atmos

BEST SOUNDBAR UNDER $1,000

Samsung HW-Q700A 3.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar, $899

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, along with Samsung’s Acoustic Beam virtual surround technology, the HW-Q700A bar produces balanced and neutral sound and clear dialogue.

It does struggle with low and mid-bass, so you won’t get the full effects of action-packed scenes or the deep immersion you get with higher-end bars. There’s plenty of great features that make it seriously decent for both TV and music though, such as a dialogue enhancement feature, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 compatibility, graphic EQ and bass and treble adjustments.

You may get some distortion at maximum power, but it remains a top-rated option for mixed use.

pros

  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
  • Graphic EQ and presets
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility
  • get’s loud

Cons

  • No Chromecast built-in support
  • Lacks low-bass

BEST SOUNDBAR UNDER $500

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Despite being much more compact than its predecessors, the Ray offers a surprisingly wide soundstage, with audio that can be fine tuned through adjustable EQ in the Sonos app.

The two-channel speaker is compatible with both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround information, although it doesn’t include support for Dolby Atmos surround sound. It also packs in a Speech Enhancement function to clarify dialogue, Wi-Fi for music streaming and support for Apple Airplay 2 and Spotify Connect.

Unlike the Beam and the Arc, there is no voice assistance included with the Ray, so you won’t be able to control it with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant. In fact, there is no microphone array at all, but that could actually be a bonus if you’re particularly concerned about privacy. The Sonos Ray is also available here in white.

pros

  • Adjustable EQ through the Sonos app
  • Conveniently compact size
  • Can be wall mounted

Cons

  • Not HDMI
  • No Dolby Atmos surround sound support
  • No voice assistance

RELATED: Sonos Ray hands-on review

Yamaha YAS-209 Sound Bar, $495

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Arriving with a subwoofer in tow, the YAS-209 smart combo has an impressively wide soundstage and crisp, clear audio.

The sound profile is nicely balanced and the subwoofer helps to boost low-end frequencies, making the duo great for bass-heavy music. There’s also DTS Virtual:X for simulated surround effects and built-in Alexa voice control for easy music streaming.

On the downside, there’s also only one HDMI port on the back of the YAS-209 and it doesn’t support MusicCast, so you won’t be able to connect it to other Yamaha MusicCast-enabled speakers. For the price though, it delivers powerful sound and plenty of great features.

pros

  • Amazon Alexa built-in
  • great for music
  • DTS Virtual:X

Cons

  • Only one HDMI input
  • No MusicCast
  • Additional space needed for subwoofer

BEST SOUNDBAR FOR SMALLER SPACES

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

While it doesn’t look a whole lot different from the first generation, the Beam (Gen 2) brings a range of great upgrades including HDMI eARC support, immersive Dolby Atmos interpretation, a new CPU and more audio formats.

It doesn’t have the upfiring tweeters needed for ‘true’ Dolby Atmos, but you do still get a seriously decent performance out of it. Audio is rich and detailed and can also be fine tuned to suit your space through TruePlay in the Sonos app.

The Beam is also a smart speaker, which means it pairs with both Alexa and the Google Assistant, and it can be paired with other Sonos speakers to further expand your system. It’s also versatile and straightforward to use, making it the best soundbar for most people.

pros

  • HDMI eARC support
  • 3D audio with support for Dolby Atmos
  • True Play tuning
  • Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant on-board

Cons

  • Doesn’t support DTS:X
  • No additional HDMI ports
  • Not Bluetooth

BEST SOUNDBAR WITH DOLBY ATMOS

Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar, $3,999.95

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Even without the addition of satellite speakers or a subwoofer, the Ambeo produces rich, natural sound and delivers a convincing surround sound effect.

It can get very loud, making it ideal for movie nights and parties, and includes features like speech enhancement, DTS:X support, Google Chromecast built-in, 4K HDR pass-through and a night mode for a better listening experience. The Ambeo is also controlled entirely by remote control, making it incredibly simple to use.

It’s definitely a luxury buy and it is a huge unit that requires a lot of space, but it’s also arguably the best-sounding bar money can buy.

pros

  • Best-in-class sound
  • HDMI eARC support
  • DTS:X support
  • bluetooth support

Cons

  • Bulky
  • very expensive
  • not subwoofer

Hisense U5120G 5.1.2 Ch Dolby Atmos 510W Soundbar, $629

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Featuring 12 speakers (including the accompanying wireless subwoofer), the U5120G delivers rich, multidimensional audio with plenty of depth and detail. HDMI eARC support also allows you to experience uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X​, though Atmos’ immersive sense of height is still better delivered on higher-end soundbar models.

There are plenty of other great features though, including 4K Ultra HD Pass Through, optimized sound through Eilex PRISM and Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming.

It may not quite stand up to its pricier rivals, but its great features and wide speaker array will make it a solid addition to your lounge room.

pros

  • Affordable Dolby Atmos sound bar
  • HDMI eARC support
  • DTS:X support
  • Bluetooth-connectivity

Cons

  • Remote control is hard to read
  • No voice assistance
  • Not Wi-Fi

BEST SOUNDBAR WITH SUBWOOFER

Samsung HW-Q950A Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, $2,099

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Both the HW-Q950A soundbar and the rears are fitted with upfiring drivers which bring Atmos-enabled height to your audio, while the sizeable sub gives you plenty of bass.

There’s also 3D audio format support from both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, two HDMI inputs and one output with support for eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. On the music front, Spotify is the only music source incorporated in the accompanying SmartThings app, but Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 support and Alexa compatibility gives you plenty of other ways to stream.

The HW-Q950A is also about as close as you can get to a true wired system too, making it great for those who hate the clutter of cables. It’s not the most nuanced soundbar out there, and you will need plenty of room for the whole system, but it’s extremely impressive for movies thanks to its room-filling sound.

pros

  • Dolby Vision and HDR10+ passthrough
  • DTS:X support
  • Bluetooth-connectivity
  • Rear speakers and sub included

Cons

  • expensive
  • Sound could be more refined
  • Requires plenty of space

BEST SOUNDBAR FOR TV

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

The TV Speaker doesn’t have a tonne of features, but it’s well-equipped for watching your favorite shows thanks to a dialogue enhancement feature and a bass adjustment feature.

There’s no Dolby Atmos support, which is what we would expect at this price point, but there are HDMI ARC and Optical ports and Bluetooth compatibility for music streaming. Audio is smooth and reasonably well balanced though it does lack low-bass, so sound isn’t as immersive as other bars on this list.

If you’re looking for a simple option with an easy setup though, this is the way to go.

pros

  • bluetooth supported
  • Dialogue enhancement feature
  • simple-setup
  • optional subwoofer

Cons

  • Doesn’t get very loud
  • No Dolby Atmos support
  • Lacks low-bass

CAN I USE A SOUNDBAR WITH ANY TV?

Generally speaking, yes you can use a soundbar with any TV, although you will need to check that they have compatible connections. To get the most out of your soundbar, it can help to match the brand of your bar to that of your TV, but this isn’t a hard and fast rule you need to follow.

WHERE DO I PLACE MY SOUNDBAR?

Most soundbars are designed to be placed in front of your TV, though it’s always worth taking measurements to ensure the bar can fit comfortably on your stand without blocking your view. Plenty of models are also able to be wall-mounted and either come with brackets included or have compatible brackets that can be purchased separately.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A SOUNDBAR?

The three main considerations when buying a soundbar are the price, the dimensions of your TV and the size of your room. Most soundbars are suited to small to medium rooms, though large, powerful bars will likely overwhelm rooms that are on the smaller side.

The best rule of thumb is to look to single-bar systems for smaller TVs and rooms and to soundbar/subwoofer combos for medium rooms and higher-end TVs. It is worth noting that combination units are more expensive, so you’ll also want to factor in your budget before committing to a purchase.

Looking to discover more great devices? Head to our Best Of electronics section to see all the latest product guides and reviews. You can also sign up to our Best Of shopping newsletter to be kept in the loop about popular products and upcoming sales or head to news.com.au Coupons to see a list of current deals and offers.

lauren chaplin

lauren chaplinBest Of Writer

Lauren is news.com.au’s Best Of consumer technology writer. She previously worked at comparison site Finder as the senior shopping writer where she reported on everything from tech gadgets to the latest home products. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of South Australia and prior to cutting her teeth as a journalist, she worked as a media advisor for JB Hi-Fi where she sold the very products she now writes about.

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Technology

SK hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion Modules Launched with 96GB of DDR5

SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion EDSFF Expanded
SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion EDSFF Expanded

SK hynix is ​​joining Samsung and Micron by announcing CXL memory expansion. The SK hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion modules bring RAM to EDSFF for next-generation servers. This will be a big deal as DDR5 moves to PCIe Gen5 channels.

SK hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion Modules Launched

SK hynix showed the “current composition of local DDR5”. What is fun about this is that the company is showing 96GB DDR5 DIMMs. Current DDR4 capacities are 64GB and 128GB, so that is one change being shown in this image. The other is that we get 260-320GB/s of memory bandwidth on 30-40GB/s per channel. The capacity and bandwidth align with 8-channel memory, so this seems to assume an Intel Sapphire Rapids Xeon, not a full 12-channel Genoa system.

SK Hynix DDR5 Without CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion
SK Hynix DDR5 Without CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion

SK hynix is ​​showing EDSFF modules and saying that each can increase both the total amount of bandwidth and the total capacity with 96GB CXL 2.0 memory modules.

SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion With DDR5
SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion With DDR5

CXL 2.0 is also where we see single level CXL switching come into play, so these are important products. You can learn more about CXL in Compute Express Link or CXL What it is and Examples plus the taco primer:

If you want to learn more about the EDSFF E3.S form factor that SK hynix is ​​using, we have a primer on EDSFF as well:

The new CXL memory modules are clearly being designed for the next generation (or two) of servers.

End Words

While the company is showing 96GB modules at this point, given that Samsung Launched a 512GB CXL Memory Module we expect the line to have different capacity points.

SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion Closed
SK Hynix CXL 2.0 Memory Expansion Closed

Still, adding memory into the same EDSFF slots that will hold SSDs in the future is going to be one of the biggest changes coming to servers. Vendors will still offer legacy 2.5″ servers, but many are going to want to EDSFF systems just to have the flexibility to add this type of memory expansion solution rather than just SSDs into slots. CXL will change servers forever, especially as we move to the CXL 3.0 generation.

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Technology

F45 Training: Why I left F45 Training after five years to join Airlocker Training | Opinion

Last week, co-founder of F45 Training Rob Deutsch said there are “enormous issues” plaguing the gym franchise, after the company’s share price dropped over 60 per cent.

At first thought, I could have been forgiven for feeling like I ‘just got out of there in time’.

But in truth, after officially breaking up with F45 after nearly five years as a foundation member of my local studio just last month, I feel more sadness for a brand I still massively love and support.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this,” Deutsch wrote in a since-deleted post on Instagram in response to the apparent downfall of the fitness empire he started in 2013.

READMORE: One thing Kelsey Wells wishes she knew about fitness 10 years ago

f45 ambassador cory g and second place challenge award
I first joined F45 as a foundation member of my studio in 2017. (Nine/Supplied)

“When I exited, and sold out of F45, I left a healthy, phenomenal, beast of a business. All the way from the company culture to the heart beat of the business… The workouts. F45 was special.”

What made F45 so special

I first joined my local F45 back in 2017 shortly after the studio had opened its doors, and was very quickly hooked.

The concept is super simple. Every F45 study in the world runs the exact same 45-minute class each day and no two workouts are ever the same. By varying the exercise type and the number of exercise stations, as well as the work time and rest time, you get something different every day.

The sessions incorporate functional movements (think squatting, lifting, pulling, pushing, jumping and twisting) that are designed to target fat loss and help to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

The classes alternate between HIIT-style cardio, strength training, or a hybrid mixture of the two.

f45 training award
I was completely hooked going five to six days a week. (Nine/Supplied)

It only took a month of attending five to six classes a week and I was all-in. I signed up to my first ‘8-Week Challenge’ and was able to lose over 8kg, even placing second in my studio.

I met F45’s global ambassador Cory George when he visited studios across Sydney during a trip Down Under, and eventually bought into the studio tech, wearing a LionHeart band that monitors performance (and ranks class participants) during each workout.

When COVID hit I remained a dedicated member, joining daily live workout sessions over Zoom, and was over the moon when the doors finally reopened after each lockdown, as I had missed the comradery and motivation that comes from being at a class in person.

READMORE: Is exercising at home as good as going to the gym?

Why I left F45

Deutsch’s post was flooded with comments from F45 franchisees and other devoted members, which provided some insight into the company’s collapse.

“The decisions they made during detrimental lockdowns was crushing to franchises,” one owner wrote.

While another member said: “What would you expect when it went public. It is what it is.”

For me personally, to be honest, the answer is probably a little underwhelming, as there was absolutely nothing wrong at my studio or with the trainers. They supported me through all the ups and downs of my ongoing fitness and health journey.

It came down to the simple fact that I was getting bored, and I wanted to shift my focus to strength training. I didn’t feel like I was progressing anymore.

kristine finishes up at F45 training glenmore park
I eventually said goodbye to F45 to try something new. (Nine/Supplied)

READMORE: Aldi’s new $50 smart watch could help you sleep better

“The body loves and responds most effectively to change. Repeating the same workout can actually reduce the effectiveness,” Ali Cavill, owner of Fit Fantastic, previously told 9Honey.

Plus, more and more research is showing resistance training is the way to go for a variety of reasons.

“If you’re wanting to increase your [muscle] shape and definition, then resistance training is by far the best way to do that,” Greg Stark, owner and trainer from Better Being, also told 9Honey.

In January I did a trial at a new gym that had opened in my area, and I officially canceled my membership with F45 last month.

It was bittersweet – and not as easy as I thought it would be, as I haven’t had to do much breaking up with people in the past. And let me tell you that’s exactly what it felt like!

I’m not saying I won’t ever go back, as I definitely still miss it. But for now, it was time for something new. I only hope the brand can turn it around.

Enter Altitude training

This week I officially hit 100 classes at AirLocker Training Penrith (which, full disclosure, is run by a family friend).

AirLocker provides strength and conditioning training at altitude, which it does by reducing oxygen in the room via innovative technology.

Workouts are set to about 13 to 14 per cent oxygen, as opposed to the regular 20 to 22 per cent level.

READMORE: The reason you might never reach your ‘goal’ weight

new gym air locker trainer penrith
I’ve just hit 100 classes at AirLocker Training. (Supplied)

“When training at altitude, your oxygen levels in the blood are reduced and this produces an increase in red blood cell production,” Director of Performance Sandor Earl explains.

“Through that adaptation your body becomes more efficient at utilizing oxygen.”

In my time at AirLocker I have surprised myself with how much my strength and cardio fitness has improved in such a short period of time. And I was a relatively fit person going in.

Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to mix things up!

For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.

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Which type of exercise burns the most calories?

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Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Forbidden West are on sale for $40 (PS4) and $50 (PS5)

A range of first-party PlayStation games are currently on sale in the US, including Sony’s two biggest releases of the year to date.

At PlayStation Direct, GameStop, Target, Best Buy and Amazon, the PS4 versions of Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Forbidden West are currently priced at under $40 (normally $59.99).

The PS5 versions of the games are currently priced at less than $50 (normally $69.99) at PlayStation Direct, GameStop, Target, Best Buy and Amazon.

Horizon Forbidden West – VGC review

While prices, availability and discount end dates may vary depending on the retailer, PlayStation Direct’s sale runs until August 13.

Other games released this year and available in the sales include PS5’s Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection for $29.99 and MLB The Show 22 for $29.99 (PS4) / $39.99 (PS5).

August’s PlayStation Plus games were made available on Tuesday. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 (PS5 / PS4), Yakuza: Like a Dragon (PS5 / PS4) and Little Nightmares (PS4) can now be claimed by subscribers until September 6.

Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami and Yakuza Kiwami 2 will be made available later this month as part of August’s Game Catalog line-up for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members.

Sony published its first quarter earnings last week, with the company’s Game & Network Services division experiencing a drop in sales and operating income following a significant decline in software sales.

During its earnings call, Sony refused to be drawn on whether current economic pressures could lead the company to increase the price of the PS5.