For today’s #WorkoutWednesday post, I’m sharing a quick inside peek into the bandwagon I jumped on 6 weeks ago and am totally/completely obsessed with: OrangeTheory. While I don’t feel that the OTF following is nearly as cult-like as the SoulCycle or Pure Barre classes I’ve taken {don’t get me wrong – I’m a fan of both of those workouts, too!}, there is an undeniable ‘team’ feeling or that of unspoken camaraderie hits you the moment you walk through their doors. I’ve taken 13 classes so I’m no expert on this workout, however it is just too good not to share & I’ve already seen real results!
The gym itself is set-up in 3 parts: treadmills, water rowers, and the weight room. In a typical 60-minute class, you will spend half of your time on the treadmills/rowers and the other half in the weight room. The treadmill work includes a variety intervals where we vary our speeds and inclines in what they call ‘blocks.’ Some of the blocks include switching from intervals on the treadmill to a specified distance on the rowers and then back {so tough!}. The weight rooms structure changes daily but includes a varied combination of free weights, TRX bands, body weight work (squats, lunges, etc.), and abs. Not a single class that I’ve taken has been the same and that is probably my favorite part. I never know what block is coming next, what MPH or % incline we’ll be told to go to, how long we’ll be at a certain pace, etc. and it keeps my mind–and body–guessing every time. For once I am not looking at the clock during my workout because you’re never on anything for more than a few minutes max. Their methods are science-based and the instructors are certified, extremely well-trained, and clearly have a passion for fitness.
Besides the constantly changing routines, I also am a HUGE fan of how they track your results and progress. Every person wears an OTF Heart-Rate Monitor and throughout the entire hour you’re able to see where you are at personally in terms of your BPM, how many calories you’ve burned, and the % you are exerting. As soon as class is over, you are instantly emailed a copy of your results (the picture above are my results from Monday’s class!). It’s awesome to compare your numbers to previous classes and the fact I’m burning 600+ calories/class is both INSANE and AWESOME.
It’s funny because I constantly hear people in my classes complain that they aren’t cardio fans and they resent the treadmill work, but I’m the total opposite. I’ve always been one to avoid consistent weight-training because I was afraid I’d ‘bulk’ up and look too manly. Total misconception on my part. The instructors at OrangeTheory have pushed me to up my weight on many moves and I am legitimately stronger than I’ve ever been. I, Kristin Kruse, can do REAL push-ups. This is no joke!!! Anyone who knows me knows my arms have always been my weakest feature, so this is a huge feat for me! I now look forward to hitting the weight area and have an obsession with the TRX bands.
Very few workouts that I’ve tried are fun, burn ridiculous amounts of calories, AND produce nearly immediate results, but OrangeTheory has proven successful in all 3 of those areas for me personally. I feel challenged every day and have seen my speed, endurance, and strength increase dramatically. Sure some people take these classes to lose weight–which I imagine would work almost instantly!–but there are so many other benefits as well. If you’re anywhere near an OrangeTheory location, TRY THEM OUT NOW! Your first class is free, and I’m telling you that one class is all you may need to be hooked! 🙂
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