I hit my 60 days at OrangeTheory Fitness this last week and am so proud of myself for making it this far. It has taken so much hard work and time (omg the TIME!), but I feel like I have found a new routine and have made it work somehow.
It seems like OTF is one of the most intimidating workouts out there, at least from how I felt before going and the feedback you guys have given me! But now that I have been in it for a while, I can tell you it is truly one of the most adaptive, welcoming, inclusive studio workouts I have ever tried.
I wanted to go ahead and address a few of YOUR frequently asked questions! I am not a fitness guru; I don’t have all the answers; and I hope you never feel pressured into feeling like you HAVE to try something new or get to the gym. This is the first time in maybe six years that I have a workout that I truly love and can honestly feel good about sharing.
OrangeTheory FAQ
Have you lost weight? – I’m just going to get this one out of the way first, because it is the number one question I get asked. And the truth is – I don’t know! I didn’t weigh myself before starting and I don’t own a scale. I didn’t go into this with the goal of weight loss, and it is the first time that I have felt truly free while working out.
How big are the classes? – Classes vary by location and time of day, but usually you will have a class of 30 spots available. The early morning and after work classes are usually full, but I usually go to a 9:45 class during the week and I would say there are usually about 20 people.
What does a typical class consist of? – The thing about OrangeTheory is that there is no “average class.” There are 365 days in a year and 365 different workouts. Which is great, because you will never get too bored. Each class consists of time spent on a treadmill, a rowing machine and “on the floor” with weights. It is a 60 minute class and you spend some of your time in each zone.
How much does it cost? – This is another one of those can’t give you a straight answer questions. I attend a studio in Manhattan, which is considered a “premier” studio. Which just means we pay almost double what other studios charge. An average class is around $35 if you do it one time only. There are packages you can purchase, like 8 classes a month. If you are like me, and want to make it your primary workout, go with the unlimited. I think most studios price this around $180/month, but I pay $260.
I’m out of shape. Can I still do the class? – 10000% yes you can. I was so out of shape when I started. But the coaches that take you through the class help you with modifications for every single exercise. Even the rowers and the treadmills have options like ellipticals and spin bikes. Will it be easy? No. Will you want to die after your first class? I did. But you CAN do it.
Are you the biggest person in class? Yep. At my studio I am. But I live in a very weird bubble here in NYC, and being plus size is far from the norm. With that being said, I have never felt judged or been given a side eye. Everyone from the coach to the members have been kind and welcoming. Everyone is there for themselves. As are you. You shouldn’t be ashamed to be trying.
I hear you have to wear a heart rate monitor. Does it fit? – There are two types of monitors for you to wear, a chest monitor or an arm band. I have the arm band and wear it just under my elbow. It fits great and gives me a good heart rate read. They have extenders, as well! But you will be fine!
What are splat points? – The name of the game at OTF is to stay in the right “zones.” Your heart rate is monitored and calculated based on your height, age and weight. There are five different zones, from resting all the way to maximum effort. Gray, Blue, Green, Orange and Red. Your goal is to stay in the green zone as much as possible and push for at least 12 minutes in the orange zone. They do a much better job of explaining it at your first workout!
How do you stay motivated on days you don’t want to go? – So, I have given myself a lot of grace, because I don’t want to slip into obsessive exercise. If I am really feeling tired one day, I won’t push myself to go the next. Rest is important. HOWEVER… I am paying big bucks for this dang class and that is probably my number one motivator. I want to get my money’s worth! Aside from that, I remind myself that I was very unhappy with how my body was working before this class. I love the feeling after I go, even if getting there can be hard.
Have you seen any progress? – OMG so much progress! When I first started, I was eeking out 3.1 on the treadmill for walking. I am now a solid 3.6 with some intermittent jogging. And I am so dang proud of that! I feel my core getting stronger in every class, and my rowing is SO powerful. It feels good to beat some of the small people in class at something. My body feels different. It feels strong and faster. I am so proud of myself every single day. I love feeling my muscles move. It is a great feeling to know that I am doing something that makes my body and my mind feel good.
Let me know if you have any other questions about OrangeTheory!
