Fitness Feature - Orange Theory

Continuing with our series on featuring different fitness and exercise options, I wanted to take some time to talk about my recent fitness favorite - Orange Theory. Whether this is a program to incorporate into your current fitness routine or if you want to use it to jump start your fitness journey, it is a great tool for everyone!

In the fall of 2020, right in the middle of everything COVID, I was still weary about going back to the gym. However, I had a friend tell me about Orange Theory and the precautions they take for safety. I signed up for my first free class, and I loved it! While I will in no way cover everything about the design, I wanted to mention a few things that I like about it.

There are two class set ups for Orange Theory classes which is not too important for now, but the basis of the program is heart rate zones. With a heart rate monitor from the studio, it tracks your calories, heart rate, percentage heart rate, and their design of "splat points" throughout the class. The classes typically involve treadmills, water rowers, and a weight floor. The weight floor consists of moves with dumbbells, bosu balls, TRX straps, and sometimes just body weight. That is about as much technical details as I'll get into, but everything is very user friendly.

What I enjoy the most is the ease of making it to classes and getting a great workout. Once I sign up for a class, I show up to the studio, and my brain can go on auto-pilot. I just follow the instructions of the trainer at the various stations for one hour, and by the end of the class, I have gotten a great workout with a mix of cardio and strength. The best part is I do not have to think about it at all. There is no planning which muscle group to work, what moves to do, and how long to do them. They do all the thinking for you - you just have to show up!

Another thing I love are the modifications. Truly, Orange Theory is designed for anyone at any level of fitness. There are options for those who want low-impact, power-walking only, and even for those who want to turn it up a notch. It is all at your own pace, and the class is truly what you make it for yourself. Some days, I am sore and tired, so I will power-walk instead of run. It is just about moving your body and doing what you can - without having to think of a plan yourself.

The classes are at all times throughout the day which is another plus. It is easy to find a morning, lunch, or even after dinner class. In the spirit of the times, I wanted to mention the COVID precautions as well. Everyone is required to have their temperature checked before entering the studio. Everyone must wear a mask inside the studio and in between stations (during the transitions). Some people will wear their mask throughout the entire class while others chose to take it off. The stations are set up 6 feet apart with plastic dividers between each as well. Treadmills are used every other one. While I never experienced an Orange Theory class pre-COVID, I have heard they cut the class sizes in half to accommodate for more space in between all the equipment. I feel quite safe there, especially if I pick a piece of equipment on the end!

There are also tons of package options. You can go as little as 4 times a month, 8 times a month, or purchase the unlimited package. You can buy blocks of 20 - 30 classes for example if you'd rather do it that way. There is a lot of flexibility making it a great option to throw into your routine. There is the heart rate monitor that they encourage you to buy (I like it so that I can see my heart rate on the TV during class), but you are able to do the classes without the monitor as well. I like the accountability of the monitor on the screen, if I am not working hard, no one else will notice, but I sure will see it on that screen!

Overall, I wanted to highlight this as an option for many of us (myself included) who need a little extra push to get moving these days. With the colder weather, it is harder to get outside and walk or run some days. Other days, I just don't have the mental energy to come up with something to do at the gym. It is nice to book a class, show up, and get an incredible workout - and well-rounded too!

With your first class free, there is no reason not to try it out if you are searching for your next gym or fitness class! Let us know what you think!