Orangetheory Fitness has been popping up literally on ever corner in our surrounding neighborhoods. So many people I know are doing it and are highly addicted. It’s like the Starbucks of the fitness world! So naturally I had to find out for myself what the fuss was about. When I asked some friends (and there were many!) about what makes Orangetheory stand out from your usual gyms, I got the same answer – “It’s the most AMAZING workout I’ve ever had-I’m addicted!” No joke, 3 people said that exact phrase to me. Weird? Yes. Coincidental? Maybe. Fitness Cult? Hmmm….Just ask the employees. 
The ladies & bad ass trainer, Domenic
I attended a class last week with some fabulous bloggers at Orangetheory Fitness Coral Springs/Parkland and what an experience! The minute you walk in you can tell that this place is different from any other gym or class you have been to. As expected, everything is orange but they didn’t just cleverly name it after the color. This is a high intensity group interval training class that allows you to burn 500-1000 calories in just 60 minutes. In the simplest terms, here is what Orangetheory is all about via their website:
The Science of Orangetheory Workout
“The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. By providing you with a heart rate monitor and POD, we can monitor your 5 zone interval training sessions that we call the Orange 60. During the 60 minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12-20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4/5. This program design produces EPOC, which is the workout “after-burn” effect, meaning that our interval training design produces a 200-400 calorie increase to your metabolism 24-36 hours after your workout.
Example: Burn 600-1000 calories during the workout and burn 200-400 more calories from EPOC over the next 24-36 hours.”
Need some motivation? The T.V.’s project your stats throughout class & inspiration wall will keep you believing!
You are hooked up to a heart monitor and your heart rate is projected on T.V.’s around the gym. Throughout class you can see where you stand in the 5 zones and strive to push yourself to get in the ‘orange’ zone (the 84% or higher) for 12-20 minutes of the class, hence the Orangetheory.
Intense is merely an understatement when describing this class! The class is made up of 3 components, treadmill interval blocks, rowing, and weight and resistance training. Our class hit the free weights and resistance first and ended with treadmill intervals. No class is ever the same, so you get a unique workout every time you go. Here is an example of what we endured:
- First 5.5 minutes of class started with squats, strap chest press and strap low rows.
- Next 3 minutes of jump squats and bicycle crunches.
- Last 5.5 minutes were for sumo squats, bench plank row and shoulder press.
Alexis @ The Exhausted Mom & I rockin’ out chest presses!
After the weight room, we moved over to the rowing & treadmill machines. I actually enjoyed this part the most, albeit the most challenging part of the workout. We rowed for about 3 minutes then hopped on a treadmill for the remainder of the class for interval walking/running – which ever you feel more comfortable doing. The trainers help you along and give you an extra push you need to keep going.
Are you tired from just reading that? You can imagine how we felt! You will sweat, you may cry but you will feel FANTASTIC afterwards.
Our 2 trainers, Domenic & Rob along with head trainer, Patti
Along with a unique workout experience, you get 2 trainers with the class. Frankly, they are more like inspirational coaches to guide you along with your workout. Orangetheory prides themselves on choosing the most qualified, resourceful and educated trainers. Not just anyone can throw on a trainer shirt at Orangetheory – just another reason that sets OTF above the rest. Our trainers, Domenic and Rob, were just all around awesome. You can see that they both have passion for what they do and truly care about everyone in the class, whether you are seasoned Orangetheory goer or newbie like myself. First trainers I’ve ever worked with that possess these qualities, it was refreshing!
So, if you are looking to change your body for the better, I suggest that you find your local Orangtheory and try out a class. You will see results by doing Orangetheory 3-5 times a week (along with a sensible diet, of course). It was incredible listening to some of the success stories that came out of Orangetheory Fitness! Truly inspiring to anyone who wants to make a change and better their life and body. They have great packages designed to fit your lifestyle and you can try your first class for free!
A huge thanks goes out to Orangetheory Fitness Coral Springs/Parkland for the great workout, Melissa for hosting and to GNC at Lakeview Shopping Center in Coral Springs for getting all of us awesome swag bags full of GNC goodies. I don’t know who was more excited about it – me or my husband – he raided my bag as soon as I got home! So far his fave is the Lean Shakes…hmm Father’s Day gift idea?!
Be sure to check out Orangetheory Fitness Coral Springs/Parkland on Facebook & Twitter for updates, classes and fun events going on in the studio. To find an Orangetheory closest to you click here!
– Amanda
