OrangeTheory for Fat Girls

I attended my first OrangeTheory class on November 18, 2019. I truly have no idea what possessed me to think that I was going to be capable of doing this high intensity workout class as a fat girl, but we will just say I was hardcore influenced.

I have been feeling the push to be a bit more active and work on improving my overall fitness level as of late. Probably due to the year closing out and failing to accomplish my one and only goal. Have a baby. I’m stuck at this awkward impasse of not knowing where to go next, but being sure that I am not ready for more invasive treatment. So… Here I am!

This post might be a bit long, and for that I am sorry, but I want to give you a good overview of what to expect on your first few classes, the feelings I have had throughout my first three weeks as a member, and a few tips I have put together if you are considering joining me in drinking the orange kool-aid.

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YOUR FIRST CLASS

You can sign up online for your first class. Lots of studios offer a free first class trial, but in Manhattan you have to cough up the cash for that first class! I filled out the intake form online, which I highly suggest!

They will ask you to arrive to class 30 minutes early. This let’s them show you around the gym, explain OrangeTheory, heart rate monitors, etc. They will also ask you what your goals are for OT. I just replied, “improve my overall physical health,” and the guy who was helping me never said anything beyond that. You don’t have to go to they gym to lose weight!

OrangeTheory is 365 different workouts. There are no repeat workouts in the year, so I can’t really tell you exactly what you are going to do in your class. But there will be a combination of rowing, treadmill, and weights.

There are different levels for when you are on the treadmill. Power Walker, Jogger, and Runner. I was worried about being the only person walking or feeling singled out, but the coaches are AMAZING. They just give out the queues automatically, regardless of how many people are or aren’t walking.

I was a little nervous for the weight floor, but just like on the treadmill, your coach should show the entire class a modification for each exercise and give you a guideline for what weight to grab! I have now attended 10 classes and never once felt like I was being “the fat girl” or “left behind” in class.

Once you are done with your first class, the same person who showed you around before hand, will try to get you to sign up. Just being honest! It’s their job. I knew going in that I was going to sign up for an unlimited membership, so it wasn’t a big deal for me! Don’t feel pressured to sign up. You can always go again before making up your mind.

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WHEN YOU ARE NEW TO A STUDIO…

It is so intimidating to step into that boutique fitness studio when you aren’t very fit or overweight. I get it, trust me. I am pretty sure my blood pressure was through the roof for the 48 hours, before I went to class because I couldn’t stop stressing about it.

But when I say that most people in the fitness business are not going to judge you, I am being honest. Because let’s be real, it is a business. And they aren’t going to get your business by making you feel like garbage. So… It is kind of their JOB to make you feel welcomed and supported. Don’t be intimidated by the super fit trainer or the smiling girl at the reception desk. They are actually trained to help people get in shape and feel welcome.

I do have a few tips for you if you are feeling a little intimidated or unsure if you are ready to commit to going to a new studio!

• Do some research – Check out the reviews of the trainers, hit up reddit and search for your specific location’s studio or stalk their instagram. You can probably get a good feel of the place before ever stepping in the front door.
• Stick with the same trainer – this was one I knew that was going to make a huge difference to me. I didn’t want to have to explain to a trainer every time I went to class that I was new or share my backstory. The guy I took a class from the first day, was the guy I kept going to for the first six classes! By then, I was brave enough to branch out and try a new trainer.
• Get a cute outfit – Shallow? Maybe. But buying workout clothes that fit your body and don’t make you feel like you need to readjust every five minutes matters! Jump around in your leggings and sports bra to make sure they are going to work for you. Pick a top that feels GOOD and gives you a bit of a confidence boost.
• Commit – In my head, I had already signed up before even going to my first class. I told myself I was going to go to sixteen classes, which was four classes for four weeks before making a decision of if I wanted to continue or not. Maybe you don’t need to go so hardcore, but just make the choice. It isn’t going to be easy. And it probably won’t be fun.
• Pop some Advil as you leave the studio – For real. Just do it. I lived off of Advil for the first week because I was just so sore. There are still some classes that make it hard to sit on the toilet and I walk around with low level soreness on the daily. But nothing like that first week. Be prepared!
• Bring a reusable water bottle with a spout – Don’t buy a water bottle there. Class is expensive enough as it is. But make sure you don’t have to unscrew your cap every time you want a sip. You will be shaking. Ain’t nobody got time for that!

At the end of the day, OrangeTheory is fucking hard. There is no getting around that. But after chatting with my coach, it is ALWAYS going to be hard. It isn’t ever supposed to get easier, because you are constantly upping your game, pace and weights during the workout. I am not in the least bit fit right now, but if I can do it… Anyone can!