I have been wanting to go to check out an Orange Theory Class for the longest time. I have to admit, I was kind of scared to go. I’ve heard about how tough it is and I wasn’t sure if my ego would be be able to take it if I couldn’t keep up. My trainer was out of town last week and I thought it the perfect time to check it out.
Perusing their website, I noticed that you can easily get a free first class to any of their locations by calling requesting on line. I was not compensated in any way for this review nor were they aware that I was reviewing the class. All thoughts and sweat are my own.
So what is Orange Theory Fitness?
The 60 minute classes use a heart rate based interval training program consisting of treadmill, indoor rowers and weight training blocks.
Their Theory:
The Orange Effect
“Backed by the science of post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), our heart-rate monitored training is designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy.
The result is the Orange Effect – more energy, visible toning and extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours after your workout! (source)”
After checking in and getting an overview of the class, I was given the proprietary heart rate monitor to put on. You cannot use your own monitor as it is not compatible. There were about 20 of us and we were split into 2 groups. My group started on the treadmill and the second group in the TRX weight training area.
Written next to the treadmill was the day’s workout explaining the intervals for the day. They apparently change daily so no 2 workouts are alike. I alternated between “Base”, “Push Pace” and “All Out” pace. 3 terms that are the basis of the cardio portion explained below. The treadmills workouts are adaptable to walkers, run/walkers and runners so really is do able for all levels.
As you can see, we did 5 rounds alternating between the treadmill sprints and the rowing sprints. I am pretty inexperienced with the rowing machine and just kind of winged it.
This portion of the class took about 25 minutes and we then switched with the other half of the class and headed to the TRX/weight training area. I do know my way around the TRX and the weight room so I was feeling good. Again, the workout for the day was shown on a TV screen with demos of each exercise.
The explanations of the exercise were very good and I was able to complete 3-5 sets of each routine in the allotted time. The instructor also demonstrated the floor/weights exercises and walked around to give feedback. One of the pieces of equipment I really liked was the “Ab dolly”. I’d never seen it before and it was fun to do pikes and hold planks on it to create a more unstable surface. They also had nice cushy pads to do planks with. I think I may need one of these! ( I did end up purchasing one and reviewed it here)
The 60 minutes really flew by with serious sweat indeed!
At the end of class you can see your heart rate range and your calories burned on the large board overhead. Unfortunately, the heart rate monitors did not work correctly during the first 25 minutes of my class so I did not get an accurate reading of my calorie burn or my heart rate for the whole class. Orange Theory apologized for this and did offer me another free class which I do plan to take advantage of soon.
After class your stats are displayed on the screen so you can see which range your heart rate was in and how many calories you burned. Orange Theory also emails you your stats after each class. A nice touch!
What did I think?
-I loved the interval based class and you will never get bored switching around and trying to keep up.
-I learned that I can do sprints (60-90) on the treadmill at a much faster pace that I realized. I rarely do this in my own training and perhaps I should.
-I like the idea of seeing my heart rate and wanting to compete with myself to beat it in a future class.
-The class was challenging but not ridiculously hard as I had imagined. Because there are options for walkers and runners, anyone can do it.
-I was disappointed that my heart rate monitor did not record half of our class as that was the info I was looking for.
Would I go back?
Yes!!
Have you ever done a class at Orange Theory? Thoughts?
Looks intense! Cool that they have a whole studio dedicated to that particular training!
Yes they do they have really been spreading everywhere on the east coast.
I’m glad you posted this. I’ve seen a ton of Orange Theory on my IG feed but had no idea what it was. Sounds like pretty basic exercise science to me. I’m sure it is a good workout! I would be annoyed that I couldn’t bring home my HR data to input into training peaks to collect the training stress score for the workout. (I guess I’m a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to my training plan)
The HR monitor is supposed to work with their program and show up on the tv. They do send you an email afterwards with all of your stats. It’s fun to try it check it out on a wintery day.
I am determined to find an OTC class somewhere around here, I have been dying to try it out!
It’s really fun to try there has to be one somewhere near you they are popping up everywhere. Or just come for a visit!
Waiting for one to pop up near me so I can try too! Great workout concept as long as the equipment works. Awesome way to switch it up! thanks for sharing
It was fun to switch it up and learn that I can do sprints faster than I thought I could.
I’ve been curious about OTF too. But I think a lot of what they do is similar to the MetCon workouts I do with my coach!
Yes it does seem similar to what you already do but if you are ever bored one day check it out!
I’ve heard of this and heard great things… but we don’t have it in Asheville yet! I’ll have to try it when I’m traveling sometime!
I think you would like it! Hope you get to check it out. They are popping up everywhere
Great review! I love the details. I’ve been hearing about this class but was worried that it would be too hard. Your description does make it sound more accessible, which is nice. And I had no idea the first class was free. I think I should probably add more sprints into my treadmill running too. Those charts make it sound like I may be playing it too safe on the treadmill as well.
That was exactly my thought about the sprints. Don’t be afraid that it is too hard for you
I’ve been wanting to try OrangeTheory for a while now. I think it’s a great unique concept. Only thing that holds me back is the cost! The classes certainly don’t come cheap.
They are not inexpensive but you can definitely get your first one free!
I loved OTF when I did it. They have them all over in Colorado. The only thing that kept me from signing up was the price. It was a little out of my budget, but excellent classes.
They are lots of fun. I think the pricing is different depending on where they are
I’ve been wanting to try this!! There is one near my office, so now that I know I can get a class for free, I’ll definitely be giving it a go 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Oh yea do it and let me know what you think
OT is still “coming soon” to my city. I’d love to try a class. I think the variety you get would be enjoyable. It’s very nice they gave you another session because of the HRM problems. Great customer service.
I was happy with the customer service! Hope your studio opens soon and you are able to check it out
We have a new Orange Theory opening and I have been offered a two week free pass!!! I am so excited!!! A lot of my friends love OTF. Thanks for your review.
bakingrunner.blogspot.com
oh how nice to get a 2 week pass! Hope you enjoy 🙂
I really want to try one of these classes. I’m just slightly intimidated, too.
No don’t be! You can so go at your own pace really. Let me know if you go 🙂
Love love love!! Totally!
If it weren’t so expensive, I would totally sign up!!
It’s a little pricey for sure. I may jump in once in a while though
This is a great review Deborah! Love that you could include the pics so we can see how it looks on the inside. Treadmill sprints are a great way to up the intensity so this sounds like a class I would be interested it 🙂
Thanks! I did sneak a few action shots in there. Hope you have a chance to check out a class for yourself sometime.
Ooo, I have heard about orange theory but hadn’t seen a detailed review. This looks like a cool mix and I’ll definitely have to give it a try.
Thanks I hope you do check it out it’s lots of fun.
That’s awesome that you learned something new about yourself – that you can run sprints faster than you thought you could. Hopefully your new discovery will pay off out on the road!
I hope so! Maybe after the baby you can try it out
The new one here opens mid October and I am so excited! Great review, I can’t wait to try it!
I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Have fun
I really want to try OTF! I think my foot needs a bit more time so I can push myself like I’m supposed to.
Let me know maybe I can join you
Fun!!! I haven’t tried Orange Theory yet, but it’s definitely on my list. A new one just opened not too far from here, so once my half marathon training for the year is over I plan on giving it a shot. Thanks for sharing your experience! I want one of those ab dollies 😉
Lol I just ordered one!!
I’ve been reading so much about orangetheory. I would love to try it out.
Oh you should it’s a great workout
Ive never tried Orange Theory but there is one opening up nearby and I can’t wait to check it out. I love the idea of heart rate training and competing against yourself on later classes! You are a force Deborah that’s why class wasn’t that hard 🙂 way to rock your workout
Ah thanks friend. Hope you get to check it out
I’ve heard so many good things about Orange Theory! I really want to try it. They just opened one near me, so I am definitely going to check it out when I get the okay from my physical therapist to do high impact exercise again!
You can also do it as a walker. Hope you have the chance
I have never done an Orange Theory class. I have read many great things about them. Sounds like an awesome workout!
They seem to be in the bigger cities right now. I doubt there will be a market for one in our small town. Wishful thinking I suppose.
You never know! Hope you get to check it out one day it was fun
I’d love to try Orange Theory! We don’t have any down here in Cville. I definitely work harder when I can see my heart rate.
Really? I would think they would -maybe soon!
I’m glad you posted this. I’ve always wanted to take an OT class and I’m happy to see they support walkers since I will probably be doing a lot of that once I get off the crutches.
Oh yes there were definitely a number of walkers in the class. It would be totally fine to do. Hope you check it out.
Sounds like a nice way to change things up, and the “Ab dolly” sounds intriguing 🙂
Ok lol I seriously just bought one of the ab dolley’s I will keep you posted ?
I keep hearing about this and really want to try it but I dont think there is one near me (NJ). I like that you get heart rate monitors to monitor how hard you’re pushing. I really want to invest in my own actually bc I feel like it could really help my running too. Anyway, hope one opens up near me soon!
I am sure they will open one soon near you. They are popping up everywhere
There is an Orange Theory close to me and I always wondered what the hype is about! This looks great!! I will definitely go check out a class! Great review 🙂
Wait until you are feeling 100% then go check it out!
They are opening one in DC soon – can’t wait to check it out.
It was lots of fun hope you have a chance to check it out soon
Our MRTT chapter had a special class just for us yesterday afternoon, but because I’d just run the Parks Half I didn’t sign up. Based on how tired I was after the race, it was a good call. One of my clients moved to Atlanta and she does OT now that she’s down there. She loves it!
It was fun to try. Our chapter has a class next weekend. I think they are trying to tap into our goldmine of moms. 🙂