Naturally, because it’s how I do things, I decided to drag Will with me. He comes to visit me for one week and what do I do? Force him into a fitness class. The best part is that I took him to his inaugural Crossfit WOD at Big Horn that same morning, so not only did he have to acclimate to the Mile High City, but he also pulled a double workout. Think he’ll ever talk to me again?!
Orange Theory Fitness
The premise behind the Orange Theory Fitness workouts is that intervals reign supreme. Each one-hour session is divided into four intervals involving treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension systems, and dumbbells. Additionally, each participant is provided with a personal heart rate monitor and strap to use during the class (If you are a regular attendee, it may be easier and cheaper to purchase your own, Orange Theory-friendly strap.) A screen is located in the corner of the room that shows each participant’s individual HR. In short, it’s all about the numbers!
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Will walked in just before class started  and I had zero idea what to expect as I waited on the bench. {ETA: Many people have questioned this portion so let me clarify: I showed up to class 20 minutes early, dressed to workout, as the website suggestion. I was told to wait on a bench until class started. Will got stuck in traffic and he arrived just as the class was beginning.} The class immediately split into two sections — strength training and treadmill — so we chose the strength area. The music came blasting out of the speakers, the instructor started loudly yelling instructions into her headset, and I stood there like a deer in the headlights, staring at Will.
Y’all, I had literally no idea what was going on!
The Orange Theory Fitness instructor was directing both the treadmill intervals and the strength training intervals so it took me a bit to figure out when she was talking to us, when she was talking to the runners, and when I was just confusing her with the sound of the music above. I finally realized that the strength training workout was written on a chalkboard at the back of the room and that helped me settle into a decent workout. I didn’t think the rowing or dumbbell workouts were anything spectacular, but I did enjoy using the TRX. I’d never tried one before, and let me tell you– those TRX push-ups are beastly!
Halfway through class, the two groups switched and we were put over on the treadmills. Just like with the strength training portion, the instructor dictated our treadmill workout. We each established our own base paces, “all-out” paces, and slightly strenuous tempo paces. Then, we dialed into those paces when the instructor said, for as long as she said! We also did some incline running which felt surprisingly awesome on my legs.
Afterwards, everyone stretched in a group and took a look at the screen with all of our overall heart rates during the class. The goal was to create a triangle with your blue, green, orange and red zones with your green and orange zones being somewhat equal at the top of the pyramid. According to the instructor, I could’ve used less time in the blue zone and maybe rolled that into the orange.
So, what was my overall takeaway of Orange Theory Fitness?
The Good:Â I really enjoyed the treadmill half of the class! I’ve never taken a treadmill class before and I thought it was a great time. I liked having someone tell me what to do on the treadmill because it made me push myself more than I would on my own. Additionally, I loved the numbers aspect of the workout. I’ve always enjoyed numbers during my workouts (HR monitors, Garmins, etc.) and this class was no different. I found myself frequently looking at the screen to determine which zone my heart rate was located in.
The Not-So-Good:Â The class was definitely a bit chaotic, especially at first! I was really unimpressed during the first 10 minutes when all I could hear was the loud music and the instructor yelling. A brief explanation at the beginning of class would have been helpful, but unfortunately, I think the instructor assumed that everyone knew how the classes were structured. I did not, so it got me a little flustered for awhile and I found myself looking around the room in bewilderment. However, this is something that would go away with regular attendance. Additionally, Orange Theory Fitness is definitely pricey! The regular rates are as follows:
Edited to Add: Orange Theory contacted me to let me know that the class I attended was actually a pre-opening class. In essence, this means that they are still working out the kinks (e.g. the loud music, the instructor cues). Additionally, I will add that I took the Monday class which means there was still an entire week of of pre-opening classes for everyone to figure out how to run everything smoothly. This practice could very well make a huge difference in the organization of the class.
38 Comments
Sounds like they have some work to do overall and it definitely sounds pricy!
That is an interesting joint I have to say…but holy cow expensive! I guess you get what you pay for though!
I’ve never heard of treadmill classes, that’s interesting. I haven’t heard of Orange Theory Fitness before today too so yeah. Great throughout review!
Holy cow, someone’s heart rate was 213! That sounds dangerous!
Is the whole place in orange lighting? I’m not sure I could handle that!
I’ve also never heard of a treadmill class but would definitely be curious to try one. Anything to make a treadmill run more exciting!
I would have been TOTALLY overwhelmed by the loud music and chaos…I’m much more of a relaxed exercise-er!
Sounds very similar to Barry’s Bootcamp, which I have enjoyed because of the atmosphere and high intensity. The HR portion is interesting; like they do with Flywheel. Fun to watch these workouts pop up all over the country being so alike but with different names! Were there many people in the class?
Then I think you would definitely enjoy the Orange Theory classes! The class had roughly 15 people, give or take a few. That aspect was nice because it definitely wasn’t overcrowded or anything.
That is quite the experience. Do you get a tan with the orange lights? I feel like it would be similar to working out in a tanning booth.
Ha, the orange lights aren’t heated or anything, although now you’re making me think of the chicken rotisserie things at the grocery store 🙂 You know how they have those warming lights?!
I’ve been to the class, it is a bit crazy your first time in. But, in my next two visits I have become much more comfortable and really enjoy.. No, love the workout. I feel like the price is reasonable when you think about what personal training and a gym membership cost. The group dynamic is awesome.
Actually a treadmill class sounds like just the push I need for that portion of my workout. I’ve not enjoyed group classes for my weights. I prefer to lift by myself or just one or two others.
HUH!!!
thanks so much for reviewing this as honestly Id thought it a bit…crazytown 🙂 but now think Id like it.
We have an Orange Theory location in Scottsdale. Was able to check it out when it was a stop for the RRSports Adventure Run. The idea is very interesting, for sure!
I love trying new workouts – that sounds crazy but cool! It’s the kind of thing I would never do on my own so having an instructor dictate would be perfect. But the price would certainly deter me. That’s nuts.
I started at OTF about six months ago and at first for many it is very crazy. After the second or third class you start to get the hang of things. It didn’t help that you arrived just before class as you were not able to settle in and understand the concept of the class. Give it some time and maybe go try out another class in a few weeks. I promise you the classes are great, the trainers are so supportive, and the atmosphere is what keeps every person going! This is the first group training class I truly enjoyed and have seen results in.
I started OTF not even 2 months ago and am addicted. Maybe they need to work out the kinks and by the looks of the board it doesn’t look like many people were working that hard. I normally have a 25 min split between orange and green with 1-2 min in red. After a few classes you get in the groove, but for me…I need the guidance and push. The heart monitors on display are also a big push. Give it a second try!
Correction to last post…. I meant that I normally have 25 min in green and 25 min in orange.
I just started OTF last week. I tend to really lean towards Crossfit and love those workouts but I need to lose some fat. I think OTF is going to be more efficient at that while Crossfit seems to be more strengthening. I plan on doing OTF for a month to see where it gets me then go back to Crossfit later. I love the structured treadmill part of it. When running on my own, I get hung up on maintaining a steady pace.
Definitely keep me posted on how you like it! For me, the anaerobic of CrossFit was a much better fit, but everyone is different, right? I’d love to hear what you think!
I started OTF about 2 months ago.. My first visit I felt fantastic even though I didnt know what I was doing.. I still wanted to go back. I loved being told what to do and they only had an hour to do it. I have had to buy new running shoes and a foam roller since I am obviously out of shape. (shin splints, calf cramps), I have worked out those kinks and am finally finishing each session without pain. I am so grateful for OTF, I have never stuck with something this long, not a boot camp or consistently going to the gym. OTF did this for me. I hate running on my own, now I make sure to run hard on my pushes and all outs. I am thinning out and getting stronger every day. Thank you OTF…
I’m glad it worked out for you!
The fact that you found the class chaotic is entirely your own fault. They clearly express that you should arrive 15-30 minutes early for your first session to avoid exactly the issues that you had with the class.
Hey Geoff–Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. The reason we walked in late was because the front desk took an incredibly long time to get us sorted. I arrived at the class 20 minutes before it started. Additionally, the orange lights weren’t my cup of tea– I kinda felt like I was working out in a tanning bed! But, like I said, it is likely perfect for some people; I’m just not one of them.
$89 is significantly MORE than crossfit? Crossfit must be cheap where you are. Here 2x/ wk is about $120.
Fortunately, I pay $100/month for 3x/week.
Been at OTF now for a month and I love it! Its nice that you are pushed and you really have no where to go hide like you could at a conventional gym. I do want to attempt crossfit eventually for the strength conditioning. I myself have not found anything wrong with the classes or the pricing. Up here (Canada) the cheapest places for crossfit are around 120 a month so it is comparable.
I definitely agree that there was nowhere to hide! I’ve actually found CrossFit to be just as helpful for my aerobic capabilities as for my strength training due to the anaerobic workouts. Let me know what you think!
I think it’s strange that you wrote a review after 1 class at 1 studio? It’s like reviewing a book after the first chapter.
Starting any gym or fitness center, it always takes time to get things sorted in the front. It’s a bit, holy shit what did i get myself into but after the 2nd or 3rd class – it’s less frantic. But, if you were there for 20 minutes prior – why did your guys have no time to change? This write up seems a bit strange.
I really love OTF because as a former athlete, I have a mental battle when I go for a run or hop on a rower. I use to think about how my pace isn’t where I want it to be due to my lack of endurance. When I realized how out of shape I was, I would stop.
I love the HR aspect of it because it reminds me to listen to my heart and not focus so much on what my pace was when I was in my athletic prime. I love looking over to the other people in the class who are killing it either by walking, biking or running. I like that it’s not about how fast you go or how heavy you lift, but how you can work your heart rate.
Hey Nancy-
While you may think it strange, that is what the PR company and owner of the studio authorized. It was their suggestion that I take one class for free in exchange for my honest review. And as for the changing– Will had to change, but I did not. I came in my workout clothes and waited in the front lobby for 20 minutes. No one offered any instruction or guidance after I showed up so I just waited on the bench with everyone else. I do agree about HR training though– I do it personally and I enjoy it!!
I’ve been going to Orange Theory for about two months in Illinois and I love it there. The trainers are great and help with any questions after class and the desk staff is great. In the two months I ve been there I’ve moved from modified push ups to military push ups and I went from power walking to running. I used to be a member of another gym and I was paying 69/mo membership fee plus 275/mo for personal training once a week, so OTF seems like a deal to me.
Congrats on the push-ups and running– that’s a huge deal!
I have to say I love Orange theory. If you want to lose weight this is a phenomenal workout. Doing CrossFit put me in surgery four months later. I crushed to discs in my neck and had to have cervical fusion. Orange theory is far safer and far more sustainable long term. It’s a great workout and I am guessing your instructor was the problem. Each instructor plans their very own workout so every instructor is different. If you try it again I am willing to bet a different instructor would make a huge difference. Great review nevertheless.
I love OTF, and I’m well on my way to meeting my fitness and weight-loss goals after attending for about 2 months. I initially had sticker shock, I will admit. However, I was a member of a gym ($65 per month), and I periodically hired a trainer there ($75-100 per session). That comes down to up to $465 per month, which wasn’t sustainable long-term. Not to mention, I didn’t ever get great results. For me, there’s much more value in that $156/month. OTF taps into my competitive side, and it’s different every time. The location I attend walks you through everything the first time. The instructors check in with new people at least 4-5 times, and the staff full your water bottle (like you’re a VIP, lol). I like it more than any other platform I’ve tried.
I love OTF!! I have been going consistently for about six months and think it is the best workout. Each day is different, they have strength, power, and endurance days. This is simply the best one hour workout out there. What I love is that it is really catered to your ability level. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who has been into fitness for years, this workout can be modified to fit your needs and goals. I hope you’ll give it another chance!
Any word on what an instructor makes per class? My wife was thinking about working at the new one in our area.
I honestly have no idea!
I was more impressed by the honesty in this review. Your criticisms were not condescending or rude and you even made counter arguments to negatives you perceived of OT. More writers need your approach!