When it comes to exercise, I'm up for anything. From barre classes in sticky socks to sweating through hot yoga, I've tried it all. Running programs, lunges on Megaformers, even a stint with Chloe Ting in 2020. But here's what I've discovered: low-intensity workouts just aren't my thing.
Despite my fantasies of being a pilates regular, I've found that the workouts that truly benefit me mentally and physically are the ones that leave me sweaty and fulfilled. That's why I keep returning to Orangetheory Fitness. Since my first free class in 2017 (which they still offer!), I've been hooked. Orangetheory has transformed my exercise routine, making me work smarter and love my workout time. Here's why it's become my go-to.
The Workout
Orangetheory Fitness offers a dynamic one-hour group workout centered on heart rate training. With five heart rate zones—grey, blue, green, orange, and red—you'll push your limits and optimize your workout. The goal is to spend significant time in the Orange Zone (84-91 percent of your maximum heart rate) to enhance your metabolism, burn fat, and maximize calorie burn. Plus, you'll have a heart rate monitor to track your zones in real-time, ensuring you're always on target.
During the floor segment, you'll engage in strength-training intervals tailored to enhance resistance and functional strength. Whether you're a seasoned lifter or new to weight training, the exercises are accessible and demonstrated by your coach, making it easy to improve your form and build lean muscle mass.
During the treadmill segment, Orangetheory Fitness accommodates all fitness levels with tailored instructions for power walkers, joggers, and runners. Coaches guide participants through intervals based on their chosen intensity level, such as base pace or push pace. If you choose to power walk, you'll adjust the incline to maximize your workout. The rowing machine component provides a full-body workout, enhancing strength and power with each class.
My Experience
After taking a hiatus due to a move, returning to Orangetheory Fitness felt like coming home. Despite trying various workouts, Orangetheory's inclusive atmosphere stands out as the least intimidating. Unlike other classes where I often felt pressure to dress a certain way or possess specific abilities, Orangetheory embraces diversity. Whether I wear a baggy T-shirt and bike shorts or not, I feel welcomed and accepted. The environment fosters a sense of excitement, making every workout session enjoyable, even on days when motivation is lacking.
Upon entering the studio, you're given the freedom to choose your starting station and connect your heart rate monitor (which is provided for free on your first visit if you don't own one). Personally, I opt for the treadmill first to kickstart the cardio aspect of the workout. Regardless of your initial station choice, each participant is assigned a machine number corresponding to their name. The class commences with a dynamic five-minute warm-up, ensuring everyone's blood is flowing and bodies are primed for action. One of the highlights for me is the music selection—it's always a diverse mix of tracks that could easily entice you to hit the dance floor if heard in a bar.
As a "jogger" on the treadmill, my focus during the treadmill portion of the class is more on adjusting speeds rather than incline, unless it's a power-focused session where both are utilized. Unlike the monotonous grind of maintaining a single speed for 30 minutes (which, in my opinion, gives treadmills a bad reputation), the workouts are intelligently structured into manageable blocks. These blocks incorporate alternating paces, making the time on the treadmill fly by. While I used to swear by outdoor runs exclusively, experimenting with different speeds and incorporating sprints has surprisingly made treadmill runs enjoyable—a sentiment I never expected to express.
I won't sugarcoat it: I find the rowing segment to be the most challenging part of the class. Rowing is inherently tough, and it's an activity I struggle to motivate myself to do independently, so I appreciate the opportunity to build my skills at Orangetheory. Similar to the treadmill, the rowing portion is divided into sets that vary in speed and intensity throughout the session, rather than enduring a continuous 15-minute row. The day after, I definitely feel the impact of rowing, particularly in my chest and back, which is gratifying considering these areas are often overlooked in my workouts. Typically, bodyweight exercises are interspersed with the rowing intervals, offering a brief respite to engage in activities like squats or medicine ball work between sets. Despite the challenge, completing this section leaves me with a sense of accomplishment.
My favorite part of the class? Without a doubt, the floor exercises. I have a real passion for strength training—especially when we incorporate TRX bands—and it's incredible to witness the progress I've made in just a few months, thanks in large part to the guidance of the coaches. They strike the perfect balance in pushing you to your limits, a quality I've particularly noticed during the floor workouts. During a set, my coach often checks in to gauge how a weight feels to me (which is basically code for "that looks too light," and truthfully, he's always spot on). Whenever I acknowledge that I could handle more weight, he promptly brings over a heavier set. It's amazing to reflect on how I've transitioned from reaching for 15-pound weights to confidently lifting 30-pound ones—I've never felt stronger.
I'm really drawn to the structure of their regular classes, but I recently discovered they've introduced two new options: Tread 50 and Strength 50. I'm absolutely eager to give them a shot. Having the flexibility to switch things up and concentrate on either building strength or enhancing endurance, all while benefiting from the same fantastic coaches, community, and atmosphere that have kept me loyal to Orangetheory for so long, is truly appealing.
The Verdict
It's interesting how many of my friends express feeling intimidated about trying Orangetheory Fitness classes, especially because, in my experience, it's genuinely one of the least intimidating exercise environments out there. Each session fosters a team dynamic, with coaches who offer support without judgment and fellow participants who are right there alongside you. While the workouts at Orangetheory are undeniably challenging, they're the kind of challenge that leaves me feeling accomplished every time I walk out of the studio. I've never encountered a fitness program that caters to such a wide range of fitness levels so effectively—I'd recommend it to my friends training for marathons just as quickly as I would to my mom. And for me, the results I've seen speak volumes.
If you're considering giving Orangetheory Fitness a try, they provide a complimentary* introductory class, allowing you to experience the workout firsthand. With numerous locations across the country, you're likely to find one near you. Plus, because the program is consistent across all studios, you can expect a top-notch workout regardless of your location. As for me, I'm thrilled to announce that I can put an end to my studio-hopping adventures; I've finally discovered the perfect fit.
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