After six months of being an Orange Theory member, I’m answering your questions and giving my thoughts on it!

Let’s talk about Orange Theory Fitness.  If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that back in January……I decided to try some new workout routine options.  If I’m being honest, while I’d been jogging and running for years….I wasn’t exactly challenging myself (probably a bad sign that I used those jogs to catch up on phone calls).  A few of my friends had been RAVING about Orange Theory Fitness….and I figured, I’d just do a trial class.

What is Orange Theory?

I didn’t even know exactly what Orange Theory WAS when I went to that first class.  I just knew people appeared to be leaving dripping in sweat.  That scared me.  So what is it? Orange Theory is a scientific based workout regime designed to bring you into the target heart rate zone for long term metabolism spikes.  In laymans terms? You wear a heart rate monitor the entire class.  As your heart rate is measured throughout, your goal is to get to the “orange zone” for a minimum amount of time.  Each minute you’re in that zone, you earn points (called splat points).  You can see them on a screen above you, it also shows a real time heart rate monitor read out.  The more points you earn, the more you’ll get what Orange Theory calls an afterburn.  Burning more calories and having more energy for up to 72 hours AFTER the class.

< the report you get emailed at the end of every class based on your heart rate monitor >

How do you get to that zone?  There are different combinations each day.  You’ll rotate between work on a treadmill, a rowing machine and a weights area.  Not a runner? Don’t worry, you control your own machines.  This isn’t a bootcamp with a drill sergeant yelling at you to run a five minute mile.  You can choose to be a power walker, a jogger, or a runner.  The goal is to get to the ZONE not get to a certain uniform goal.

And that screen? Somehow it’s the MOST motivating thing I’ve found for working out.  I am NOT athletic.  I’m afraid of balls, I hate to sweat, and I’d prefer a nice manicure appointment to the gym.  But I LOVE Orange Theory.  The focus of the class working together to earn points? Feels very positive.  The goal of getting stronger versus losing weight? I love it.

Can Anyone Participate? Do You Already Have to Be In Great Shape?

They meet you where you are.  Any age, any fitness level.  In each of my classes there are college students, approaching 40 year olds like me, and people my parents’ age.  I love that it brings us all together.

What Do I Need to Bring to Class?

Forget style, this is all about function.  Wear well fitted workout gear, a great fitting sports bra, good running shoes, and bring a towel and a HUGE water bottle.

<another portion of your after class report>

Did You Lose Weight?

I didn’t.  But to be clear, losing weight wasn’t my goal.  However, after six months….I’m in significantly better shape.  When I started Orange Theory, the fastest I could sprint was a 10 minute mile…..now? My fastest? 7 and a half minutes.  The weights I could lift? About 8 to 10 pounds? Now I lift 12 to 15 pound weights.  Big difference, right?