I have received tons of questions on my Instagram about if I am liking Orange Theory Fitness, what it is like, why people love it, etc. So I am here to answer your questions!
If you have not ever heard of Orange Theory, it is a workout class that focuses on treadmills, weights, and rowing machines. All of the workouts are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training), and are designed to get your heart rate up, and stay up with the help of HIIT.
I went Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday of last week. . I have not stepped foot in a gym since March of last year when I was training for a half-marathon. I raised some amazing money for St. Jude’s but my training came to a halt when my shin splints became debilitating. I have since learned exercises and stretches to combat those, as well as going to go to a running store to get fitted for a shoe. With that being said, these workouts are incredibly hard, but definitely doable. They have levels for everyone to begin on and move up to.
Immediately after your workout ends you will receive this chart. The graphs show the amount of minutes your heart rate stayed in the targeted zones. Your goal is to spend the majority in the green-red zones. Splat points are made up of the total number of minutes spent in the orange and red zones. The theory behind orange theory (get it get it :P) is that if you spend 12 minutes or more in the orange or red zone you will continue to burn calories up to 36 hours after your workout (this is called the after caloric burn).
After not going to a gym in about a year I was so sore after two days in a row that I decided to let my legs rest until Saturday. I think I did probably 150 squats with weights so walking was a task for a bit this week!
So if you see, burned over 400 calories in an hour both sessions. This is low too! I see some people in the class burn up to 1,000 calories in the hour! It is all about how you push yourself and your abilities. After my first few classes I already feel stronger, physically and mentally! I do not know what it is, but I can say that the feeling of finishing a workout is addicting! I do not enjoy working out but this is so fun! You do not do the same thing for very long so you do not get bored, and so far every single class I have been to has been completely different.
What if I am not a runner?
That is okay! I am 100% not a runner either (yet!!!). I hope to be one day. I started this class as a power walker. With power walking, you have a set speed you go and you raise up the incline so you are still getting a good workout. I have put the chart above so you can see how they accommodate everyone on the treads! I am hoping to be a jogger by the end of the month!
Do guys go, or is it just all girls?
Both girls and guys so! Most of the classes I have been in or seen leave are 50/50 or 60/40 girls to guys! It is really suitable to either! For instance on the weight floor, they have dumbbells of up to 80 (I think?) pounds! I know they at least have 75. So for a chest press, I may be doing 15-20 pounds, and you could be doing 75 in your reps. It is all based on your specific need.
On that note, one thing that I always hated about gyms is that there is no push to do more. With OTF you have a trainer who is watching what you do and will correct you if need be, but they push you to finish out strong. Everyone does the reps at their own pace and nobody cares if you do 10 reps and I do 6. People are only focused on themselves and what color their heart rate is on the TV screen.
That leads me into the heart-rate monitors. They are about $100 to buy, or you can rent them for $10/class. However, they are ESSENTIAL to a good workout. The entire point of the class to to keep your heart rate in a certain area, so what this monitor does is put your name is on a TV screen in the room, and your block will be the color that your heart rate is already in. It also shows you your caloric burn, heart rate, and splat points you’ve earned.
My Location is the Little Rock- Midtown location. However, if you get a membership at one location you can go to any in the world! If you go to a premium location though (ie. NYC) you might have to pay a premium charge. Prices are rather expensive, but to find a workout that I absolutely ADORE and cant wait to go back, that is that effective after one hour… I AM SOLD.
4 Classes a Month: $59
8 Classes a Month: $99
Unlimited: $160
I got the unlimited membership because if I go four times a week (which I definitely am going to) it comes out to $10 a class! Its weird that I am writing a post on working out because those of you that know me know that I hate it… but that girl is gone because this workout is fun!! Also, once I started posting about going to OTF, I received so many messages from girls saying “OMG, its so hard but good!” and “best workout ever!!”. So I know I am not the only one who thinks this!
As I get to where I have been going to a bit I can do a follow up post if you all want me to, to tell you how I am still liking it, progress, etc. Let me know if yall would like that!
*Updated as of November 2021. I quit attending OTF because during one of the weight movements I pushed it too hard and hurt my shoulder. It has been over a year and it is still painful. However the only tennis shoes I wear now are THESE. They are supportive, comfortable, and give the best bounce!*
Until next time my friends!
Xoxo, Brooke Anne
