I am SO excited for this post because it’s answering all of YOUR questions about Orangetheory Fitness! Before I get started, I want to make a note here that this is not sponsored (otherwise I would have to tell you, like I always do, at the very start of this post!). Orangetheory has no idea who I am (other than my local gym!). I am sharing this because I truly believe it’s one of the best workouts for just about anyone. Several of you have expressed feeling intimidated by OTF, and I want to help you feel more comfortable if you decide to try a class. I realize this might not be for everyone, but since your first class is free, it’s worth a try! Below I’m answering the questions you submitted via Instagram stories (many were repeats, and I combined a few!). If you have any additional questions you’d like me to answer, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! 🙂
ORANGETHEORY FITNESS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q: How expensive is it?
There are a few membership types, but I do the unlimited so I can go as often as I’d like. I have the Premier membership and it’s around $180 a month. I realize that sounds astronomical to some, but it’s worth it for me!
Q: Can you really work at your own pace or do you feel like you have to keep up with the rest of the group?
Yes, you go at your own pace! The treadmill is timed (for instance…they will tell you to run at your base pace for X amount of time), but YOU choose your pace. No one is forcing you to run faster. Power walking is ALWAYS an option. Everyone finishes at the same time (it’s not a competition of who can be finished first like how CrossFit sometimes is). I’m so focused on what I’m doing that I don’t even pay attention to the person next to me. It’s the same for everyone else, too!
Q: Are modifications available due to injuries/skill level? Is there someone to assist with the mods?
ALWAYS. The coaches will usually tell you a modification, or tell the class to see them if you have orthopedic issues so they can tell and show you a different movement. I modify sometimes and I don’t have ortho issues! For instance, I HATE jumping lunges, so I just do regular lunges instead. No one cares if you’re doing a different movement. Everyone is there for themselves and not focused on other people in the class. A coach is ALWAYS available to ask for assistance! And if you are at a beginner skill level, that’s okay! There are SUPER light weights you can use and power walking is always an option. There’s such a wide variety of people in my OTF class. I worked out next to a man no less than 70 years old the other day!
Q: Is there a lot of running on treadmills? What about people who hate running?
There’s a treadmill “block” in every single class – this is part of the workout. But power walking is always an option, as well as a bike or strider (elliptical). If you don’t like to run, you can absolutely do one of those instead! Just tell the coach (they usually ask) and they’ll get you set up! It’s so routine for everyone else that no one will think twice about you opting for that instead of a treadmill. And again, you can always power walk. They give instructions for each machine repeatedly so you know what to do!
Q: How far do you run in one class? Do you have to run at the same speed for a long period of time?
This varies depending on the workout! I’ve run anywhere from 1 mile to 3, but that’s at MY pace which is different than yours. They instruct you on how long to stay at a certain pace for. For instance, everyone has a “base,” “push,” and “all out” pace. My base pace is 7.0mph but I was at 5.0mph when I first started OTF. My push pace is 8.0-8.6mph depending on how I’m feeling (sometimes I just don’t want to run as fast). My all out is a 9.5mph but only for 30 seconds. If it’s a 1 minute all out, I will knock that down to 9.0mph. Each tread workout is timed differently. For instance, they might have you start with a 1 minute base pace (again, at your own pace…that could be a 4.0 or it could be a 7.0 like me), and then increase to a 1 minute push base, and then back down to a 1 minute base pace before a 30 second all out pace. But here’s the thing. If you need to walk at any time, you can. If you need to stop for a sip of water, you can. You can hop right back in when you’re ready. No one will yell at you! But the class is following the instructions of the coach all at the same time, so when that 1 minute is up, it’s on to the next thing together as a group. No one is left behind, no one moves ahead. 🙂
Q: I’m a beginner. Is it okay for me?
Absolutely. Anyone can do it! There are modifications for everyone, and power walking is one of the cardio options. There are weights ranging from 5lbs to over 50lbs, and you choose what works for YOU. That looks different for everyone! The way the class works might be slightly confusing at first, and I’ll explain why in the next answer. But you get the hang of it by the end of the class, the coaches will direct you!
Q: Can you walk us through a typical class?
Before class, you’ll get a heart rate monitor. This heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate, what “zone” you’re in (important to know!), calories burned, and more. You can see your stats up on the big screen in class. Everyone’s name is in alphabetical order, and it does not move based on your numbers. While yes, your name is up there, no one will actually know your name…so you’re good 😉 Also no one is looking at your stats, they’re more focused on their own stats.
There are FIVE zones…gray, blue, green, orange, and red. The Orange zone is the sweet spot and for each minute in the orange, you earn a “splat point.” Orangetheory is based on the science of EPOC, excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. When you’re in the orange zone, your body is working harder to recover oxygen lost during exercise. This helps get your metabolism going and makes you burn calories after your workout is over. (This info is per the OTF website!). Each workout is designed so you can spend 12 minutes or more in the orange zone. You can read more about the science here.
There are 3 types of a classes – a 2G and a 3G. G stands for “groups.” During a 2G class, there are 2 groups, during a 3G there are 3 groups. This is dependent on class size. I’m usually in a 3G because of the time I go. There are 3 areas on the OTF floor: the treadmills/strider/bikes, the rowers, and then the weight floor. During a 3G, there are people at EVERY group on the OTF floor, therefore 3 groups. During a 2G, they start with people on the treadmills and rowers only. Each class has a different format, but you are essentially switching from station to station. In a 3G, I like to start on the treadmill. This means I’ll be on the treadmill for a third of the class time, THEN switch (as a group), to the rower, THEN switch (again as a group) to the floor.
So I’ll start on the treadmill for roughly 16-20 minutes or so with the treadmill group. While I’m there, there are other people on the rower and floor. Essentially, the coach is coaching THREE groups at one time. They instruct the treadmills, while also instructing the rowers, and instructing the floor (the floor does have TV screens with the movements). When that 16-20ish minutes is up, everyone switches. Everyone on the treadmill goes to the rower, everyone who was on the rower goes to the floor, and everyone on the floor goes to the treadmill. Each station is numbered, and you STAY at your specific number. So if I’m on treadmill 9, I’m then going to rower 9, then floor spot 9, and so on and so forth. No one will take your place (unless they get confused! haha) because everyone stays at their number. Then I complete the rower workout for whatever the amount of time is that we are there. Once that’s done, we switch as a group again, and I’ll end on the floor.
Some classes are different, and you might switch through stations more frequently! But the format is always the same, everyone switches at the same time, in the same direction. As I said, the weight floor has screens with the movements (the coaches will still demo the movements ahead of time), which is nice because you can easily see what movement you have to do, how many reps, etc.
It sounds confusing, but I promise once you’re in a class, you’ll see what I mean! The coaches explain all of this to you before your first class, too.
Q: Do you prefer OTF over CrossFit?
Personally, I do. I felt like I was always injuring myself at CrossFit (I have SO many scars from box jumps, and I was so tired of ripping my hands open doing pull-ups), and I also felt like I wanted more cardio than what’s involved in CrossFit. I wanted more running, whereas CrossFit is more olympic lifting. I DO miss barbell movements a bit, but not enough to go back. I feel the best I’ve ever felt, even having done CrossFit for several years, with OTF.
Q: Can you do OTF while pregnant?
Yes, as long as your physician says it’s okay! I would probably modify my speed a bit if I was pregnant, as well as some movements. I would also pay attention to my heart rate. But this goes for any form of exercise while pregnant. I would NOT recommend STARTING it while pregnant though. But that goes for anything. Pregnancy is not the time to decide to start a high intensity workout. But since I’ve been doing this for a year, I would absolutely keep doing it (my body is used to it) if my doctor gave me the okay.
Q: Do you need to be in shape? Is it for people just starting to work out who are overweight? I feel like I could never keep up.
You don’t need to be in shape, and it ABSOLUTELY is got people just starting to workout! You don’t need to “keep up” with anyone! It’s just you at your own pace. OTF is not about competition, it’s about community. Everyone is in it together, working at their own pace, and finishing at the same time. There is no “winner” because it’s not a race. These are timed workouts, and you’re doing what you can during the amount of time. You can modify however you need to! Don’t be intimidated if someone runs faster than you – they don’t care if you’re slow! The fact that you showed up is better than NOT showing up!
Q: Can you start as a walker on the treadmill?
Yep! The coaches give instructions for power walkers with every direction. There are always power walkers in the class (and man they work their butts off!)
Q: Is it easy to follow along with?
Yes! Like anything new, there’s a learning curve, but as long as you listen to your coach, you’re good! Your coach is there to help you, so never hesitate to ask. There are still times I’m confused and have to go up to my coach and be like whaaat am I doing again? Haha. They’re all really fantastic!
Q: Is it a body positive place? Are all shapes welcome?
YES YES YES YES YES. ALL SHAPES AND SIZES WELCOME. We just want you to come! It’s a community. We are all in it together. We are all there to get in a good workout and sweat! It doesn’t matter what you look like. No one is judging you. Everyone is there for the same reason, and that’s to get work done! And if you EVER felt differently, I would tell you to get the heck out of that gym and find another one! But I know you won’t feel that way!
If you have ANY additional questions about Orangetheory Fitness, PLEASE leave a comment below and I’ll respond to you! And if you LOVE OTF, please tell me why in a comment below to help motivate others! I really do think it’s one of the best workouts you can give your body. If you decide to try it, report back on what you think! 🙂
I have never really enjoyed exercise and I LOVE OTF! I also never considered myself a runner and I now love running too! I started as a walker and worked my way to a runner. This program has also changed my body like no other workout program-I can actually see the impacts of a great workout! Hope more jump on this workout bandwagon!!! 🧡🧡🧡
I have stress incontinence after having children and tend to pee with jumping and high impact type exercises. Is it a lot of that kind of stuff?
You can modify anything high impact! My husband has knee issues, and won’t do any jumping movements. If it’s a jump squat, he’ll do a regular squat instead, and so on.
I love, love, love OTF, but I have some of the same issues post-babies. There are always ways to modify, but I have found that some instructors are more knowledgeable than others about what is best for pelvic floor issues. It’s not always who you think – the two best resources at my studio are a female coach who is about 40 and has 5 kids, and a male coach who’s about 25! But everyone is really friendly and helpful and not at all judgmental. They see all kinds of people and are just really happy to be helping them get fitter and healthier. Talk to your OBGYN or a women’s health physical therapist first if you want more guidance. But you can definItely do OTF and see huge benefits!
Thanks for this post! My question is about the weight lifting. I much prefer weightlifting to cardio, and I’m wondering if you feel like you get adequate weight training in OTF especially considering your past with CrossFit? I’m interested in OTF because I do need to up my cardio, but I love weights and the way they shape the body and build strength. Im wondering if a smaller OTF package combined with weight training at my regular gym might be a worthwhile balance too. Thanks!
You can definitely lift some heavy weight if you choose! It’s free weights, though, no barbell! So I think it just depends on you’re preference. However, sometimes it’s a body weight workout! So the smaller OTF package combined with weight training might be more for you! Highly recommend trying one class to see!
I am like you – I really enjoy strength training/weightlifting. I really love OTF. I typically do 1 class a week and then add in weights at my regular gym. OTF gives me the cardio that I’m less motivated to do on my own and I always get a killer workout!
I started doing OTF in November and I love it. As a mom, it’s honestly the most efficient and effective workout for my limited time. I go at 5am while my husband and kids are sleeping and I look forward to it. I was worried about the running part because I really don’t like running, but I’ve come a long way in the few months I’ve been doing it and while running will never be my favorite, I love the way it’s broken up in timed intervals. The cost keeps me motivated and I truly feel that you get the most bang for your buck here. I feel so much stronger and happier, and just confident about what my body is capable of.
Love love love Orange Theory!! Never worked out prior and knew I needed something to help me physically and mentally. Went into my local OTF randomly and after almost a month of sitting on my membership I did my first class and haven’t stopped!!! It’s been 6months and I went from a power walker to a runner and just ran my first mile in 8m32sec. I have encouraged few of my friends to try it out and now they too love it
I have been doing OTF for a over a year and a half. I love it so much! I go every other day as that works best for me. I like that the coaches have high energy and that I am so busy concentrating on what I should be doing that the time flies – and I don’t have to even say one word the whole time to anyone. In fact it’s rare that I speak at all. I’m not there to bond. Hahaha. I have lost over 20 lbs and am close to achieving my desired Michelle Obama arms. Come try it out!
Hahahha! Michelle Obama really does have the best arms. I need her arms and Carrie Underwood’s legs. Come on, OTF!! 😉
I actually started Orange theory after hearing Lauren rave about it probably about 3 months ago. I was terrified to go but I went with a friend and loved it!! I started going 2x a week and now have worked up to 4 times (if I can make it). My base is a 5 mph, 6mph for my push and my all out is 7.5mph. It can be hard to want to compare yourself, but I promise no one is focused on anyone but themselves. I encourage everyone to just TRY it!! First class free 🙂
This makes me so happy to hear! It really is so great!
I LOVE this post! I started OTF in November per your suggestion. I had never heard of it, never done CrossFit or anything. I had a personal trainer once but I like this even more than that. Now my husband goes and he loves it too! Your paces are insane btw! I started out walking but now I run my base at 3.5 (I call it the shuffle 😂), push at 4 and all out I do between 5-6. I hope i can work up to your level! I hope people can feel comfortable going. I was sedentary, 1.5 years postpartum with 2 kids under 2, and had some pretty major anxiety and depression and OTF has seriously changed my life! Thank you!!!
Can’t say enough positive things about OTF!! I’ve been going now for about 4 months and I can already see so many changes! I don’t love running but my body needs this type of cardio! I’m a jogger and am slowly increasing my speeds. I have so much more energy now and look forward to my 5 workouts a week!
Your first class is free—so if you are on the fence, go try one out! You will be hooked!
I absolutely love OTF, the best i ever felt, everyone works at their own pace, and everyone is doing their own thing, there is option for everyone, the best i ever felt, i am also a premier member i go 5 days a week, is a challenge with myself! The coaches are great, love how everyday the workout is different and that you can go at your own pace!
Love love love OTF! My husband and I were members here in California for 2 years. When we first joined I hadn’t worked out for years! When I started I was 161 pounds and when I stopped I was down to 145 pounds! I loved everyone there. They were so encouraging and motivating!! I had to cancel my membership because I was five months pregnant and my belly was getting too big and I quit my job to become a stay at home mom and unfortunately the nearest gym was an hour away (near my job).
Love love love OTF! My husband and I were members here in California for 2 years. We both had the unlimited membership because the OTF gym was 10 min. Away from our jobs and we would workout after work to miss the evening traffic home. When we first joined I hadn’t worked out for years! When I started I was 161 pounds and when I stopped I was down to 145 pounds! I loved everyone there. They were so encouraging and motivating!! Once i found out i was pregnant i got the ok from my doctor to keep working out with a few modifications but I eventually had to cancel my membership at five months pregnant because my belly was getting too big haha and I knew eventually I was going to quit my job to become a stay at home mom and unfortunately the nearest gym was an hour away from my home. I’m definitely thinking of joining again now that there a gym where I live!
I’m so glad one opened up near you again!!!
I just started Orangetheory at the beginning of January. I’m not in shape at all and overweight. It was intimidating to walk in the first time, but everyone is super nice and no one is really paying attention to anyone else. I power walk basically because treadmills scare me and I’m afraid I’ll fall on them (I run outside in the summer), and there are always other walkers there. It’s only been a month, but so far I really like it. You never do anything long enough to get bored with it and every class is a little different. I’ve had a hard time finding any exercise that I want to stick with and I could see myself doing this for quite some time.
I’m so glad you like it!!!
Love, love love OTF. I started almost 3 months ago and I was in the worst shape of my life. The biggest I’ve ever been, not pregnant. Started with going 3-4 times a week and now I am up 5 and I’ve never felt better. I had a friend who use to go in another state and told me it was addicting and I agree. In that 1 hr of working out, my body has changed so much and my mind has too. I’m a total power walker! With the inclines you get just has good of a workout! The people at my gym range from young adults to a lady that’s in her mid 80’s! It’s an amazing place with very encouraging coaches!!
Love this! And it’s so accurate. I hate running and I’ve only been to 4 classes and my base/push paces have already increased a little bit. Thanks for taking the time to write this!
I love OTF so much and I’ve never been a major workout person. I started last April doing two classes a week and now I go four or five. I started out as an out of shape power walker and now I’m killing it on the inclines and jogging most classes. I’ve lost 40lbs since starting with eating healthy but not insanely strict and can see my body toning and changing for the better. There is a financial commitment and that holds me accountable and I love being able to watch the monitor solely just for pushing myself. 🧡🧡🧡
I did love OTF for losing my baby weight but now alternating/combining CrossFit, weight training and running to sculpt my body and gain muscle while keeping weight in check. I’ve been doing CrossFit for almost ten years and have never been injured. That’s, sadly, all too common because there are many untrained coaches not instructing proper form. KNOW YOUR COACHES and learn proper form for any training But yes, OTF is great for weight loss and maintaining. F45 is also a great alternative
For me, specifically, I meant injuries like scrapes from box jumps and ripping my hands from pull-ups! Those little annoying things that will still throw you off for days! But I agree, I’ve seen too many people throwing weights around without proper form at CrossFit. But I had a really great coach who would swoop in and correct anyone doing that!
I love OTF and have been going for a year and a half. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Prior to attending, I moved from Chicago and wasn’t able to get back into my workout groove, upon moving back. One day I decided to go and check it out. The staff was so incredibly nice, encouraging, and didn’t pressure me into signing up. The next day, I signed up and went 5 days in a row. My attitude changed for the better, I felt more energetic and whole again. After the 5 days, I purchased an unlimited membership and go 4-5 times per week. I couldn’t run on the treadmill to begin…I highly disliked running. My coach encouraged me to work up to running. Now I run at a steady 7 and actually enjoy it. Without the encouragement and positive reinforcement, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve it! I can’t speak highly enough of the experience I’ve received. You’re not just a number there, you’re a name and the staff all genuinely care about you.
Love love OTF! Joined September of 2018 and haven’t looked back! Only thing I’ve ever stuck with. I’ve never done the same workout EVER, which is one reason I love it! And our OTF has amazing community meaning I’ve made some great friends! Everyone is encouraging and we cheer each other on! I’ve done CrossFit, body pump, etc and this is the best in my opinion! 🧡
I started just about 3 years ago as just something to add to my long distance (outside) running training. Best decision ever! I started with 8 classes a month and quickly upgraded to Unlimited. I have seen changes in my body composition that 4 years of running alone did not get me. I still love it and am never bored because it’s different every day.
For those on the fence-it is great! As every answer says-you just do you. And what I love for me is seeing others reach new goals and do things they never thought they could. I have my own goals and work hard to hit them, but being able to encourage and motivate others in the class and see them improve is the best feeling. My studio has zero drama or judgement and it’s just a family environment. I absolutely ❤️ it.
I love this post. I started OTF in October. I had my third child in September 2018 and it has been a STRUGGLE to get back in shape. With wrangling my older 2 (now 6 1/2 and 4 1/2) and a newborn and school preschool and ALL THE THINGS I just couldn’t get into a consistent routine where I felt like I was frequently getting a good workout. I also struggle with hip and back issues. Before I had my daughter in 2018 I was primarily strength training with a little running on the side and pretty fit and capable. ANYWAY… fast forward to my daughter turning 1.. I really hadn’t made much progress and was pretty depressed about it. I tried OTF on a whim and let me tell you. It was HARD. I think I slow jogged the first time on the tread and was SO sore for DAYS after. But I kept at it and finally have gotten to a point where I feel good and am making progress. What I love about it, is that you TRULY go at your own pace. My first workout I was totally side eying the people next to me but TBH they were owning their workout at their own pace. You can power walk or you can run at 10mph. The coaches will tell you when to go to your base/push/all out, but you control your speed. I think what I love the most about it, in this season of having 3 younger kids, is that I show up 5-10 minutes before class starts, get a great workout for 55 minutes, and then leave and don’t have to think about it. Done for the day. Anyway.. great post!
I have a quick question. What’s the collagen supplement that you use before OTF? Thanks! I think I’ve seen you add it to your coffee?
Vital Proteins! Although I’m trying a different brand the past couple of weeks!
Thank you!
OTF has been amazing for me. I started about 6 months before I was getting married and I think it really helped push me a little harder. After the wedding I was able to continue doing it 4x a week, and loved it. The best part is that you can do it at your own pace. I even worked out until I was 38 weeks pregnant, I couldn’t row the whole time so I modified with strider instead of rowing. I truly feel the coaches can either help a lot or really ruin the class. Luckily majority of the coaches have either been members or into fitness for a long time and are so knowledgeable. I feel it helped a lot with my stamina, giving birth, and recovery! I was able to get back into it about 10 weeks after baby, and haven’t stopped since- he’ll be 2 next week!
I started going to OTF last week and I want to second everything you said! Especially about it being for fitness levels. I used to work out a bit more, but over the past six months or so, I fell into a depression where I was overeating and not exercising. A couple weeks ago, I was at my highest weight ever and completely out of shape. Even in this condition, I have had no issues completing the OTF classes, and thanks to the heart rate monitors, I know I am still getting an amazing workout. I have a slight fear of treadmills, so combined with my out-of-shapeness, that gives me good reason to do power-walking – and I still exert a lot of effort and burn plenty of calories without overworking myself. Since starting OTF, I am not only feeling better about my fitness, but I have more energy and less desire to eat unhealthy foods. It’s well-worth the cost for me, given that it seems to be my personal panacea, and I expect a lot of people can reap similar benefits if they give it a try.
I am an OT addict. I’ve been going for 3 1/2 years. One thing to look out for is of a new studio opens up and you are not a member you can get founding pricing. So I have an unlimited membership for $129 a month. If I was trying to join now it would be $159. Of course the prices differ depending on where you are too.
I also encourage new people to check out the OT Reddit. Tons of good information about the classes.
I work out next to college kids, and people in their 70’s. There are all shapes and sizes which is what I love about it, I never get bored and look forward to going! 💪🏼🍊💪🏼🍊
I love everything about OTF and this post!! I’ve been a faithful member in Chapel Hill NC since 2013 and it’s totally change my body and my fitness mindset. I love (most days) to workout now!! I used to HATE it!! AND it helped me get my body back postpartum and stay in shape while I was pregnant. Can’t say enough good things about it! Thanks for sharing this! Everyone should at least give it a try. 🧡
I just started OrangeTheory a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it so far! I was very intimidated in the beginning and even before I started. The coaches at my home studio are fantastic and the environment is amazing. Everyone is welcoming and kind. I’ve been power walking so far because I’ve never been a runner, and that stuff is no joke! I love how even though I always feel exhausted after a workout, I still feel very motivated and also accomplished. Love OTF, couldn’t recommend it enough!
Trust me when I say, I was on the no exercise train for far too long and was nervous to join OTF. I have been going since December and I LOVE it. Best decision I’ve made for my physical health and fitness goals. Everything can be modified to your needs and coaches are good about being there to help you with everything. I was also nervous to be someone who was NOT ready to run a bunch, and I have been a Power Walker since starting and it’s still a great work out – and I’ve never once felt ‘judged’ for not running. There are lots of variety of skill levels and abilities. Give the free class a try!
Hi! What shoes are your favorite specifically for OTF? I go now and don’t love my current ones.
Adidas Ultra Boost or On Cloud!
Thank you so much for doing this! I am going to check it out now. It was kind of frustrating when they wouldn’t answer ANY of my questions when I called and there’s only one location in my area.
I LOVE OTF! I started back in February of 2019 after doing CrossFit on and off for about 4 years. I was constantly getting injured at CrossFit, probably my fault. Anyway, I saw such a progression in my strength, endurance and overall fitness with OTF like nothing I’ve ever done. I actually didn’t realize how far I had progressed since starting until I recently took off about 7 weeks for the holidays and boy I can tell a huge difference since coming back. Another thing I really love about OTF is that the coaches and staff are so encouraging and not intimidating at all. They really take time to make sure you are doing the movements correctly and push you but not too far. I have had zero injuries since starting OTF. I am stronger, faster, and feel like I’m in the best shape of my life. I highly recommend it for anyone! I have age ranges from early 20s to 60s in the classes I take. We are like family and cheer each other on with zero judgment.
I have been a member of OTF in Omaha, NE for the past 2+ years! I love it sooo much! I hadn’t really worked out for about 3 years before starting at Orangetheory. I was so nervous! However, the coaches are amazing, I loved the group class feel while going at my own pace, and I was obsessed with the “stats” (HR zones, getting my summary post workout, etc)! After going for 1 month, my husband joined as well! We signed up for the Transformation Challenge 1 month later, and we BOTH WON!! I was always very athletic in high school (played basketball and soccer), but I was NEVER a distance runner. I hated running farther than the length of the soccer field at one time. I was a sprinter! I had not worked out very much at all since high school! I felt amazing! My paces were very similar to yours! I really felt like I was becoming a RUNNER!! Then I got pregnant, nauseous, and oh so tired! I took a month off, but came right back! I ran during my whole pregnancy. Hitting all our paces of 11.2!! Baby and I were flying on that treadmill! After baby (born in July), it has been so hard to balance my mama/work/wife/workout schedule. It is definitely still a work in progress! However, I always feel a pull back to OTF! My husband no longer works out there, he now does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He told me the one thing he missed most was the rower (crazy guy)! Our gym just got new equipment a few weeks ago, and guess what this wife did: bought my husband an OTF rower for our basement! Now we have OTF at home! That’s how much we love it!!
Way to go Lauren your recap is spot on. You really captured the magic of OT. I am a 47 year old (out of shape) workaholic father of 2. Honestly I hadn’t been in a gym environment since my mid 30s. I joined 2 months ago and can say this is the best thing I have ever done for myself.
My first class was WAY SCARY as I had no idea what to expect. Stupid me went all out thinking I need to keep up with everyone and 20 minutes into the class I was depleted. I went into the restroom and threw up! LOL! It was totally my fault, please don’t get the wrong idea, OT coaches did nothing to encourage my pace…just dumb me thinking I am still 20. 😉
Honestly after 2 months all of the coaches are amazing and do a great job making everyone feel comfortable. They are really the secret sauce to why I love OT. They motivate you but not in a judgemental way at all.
I started the first few weeks going 2 times a week and now I go 4 to 5 times. In this short period of time not only have I lost about 15 lbs but mentally I feel so much better. My stress level is down and I am leaving work earlier or starting later to make time for OT. I am also getting more sleep and somehow (don’t ask me why) I am no longer making those 8pm trips to pantry for bad snacks. Really can’t think of any negatives things.
Yah for OT!
I LOVE OTF! When I first started I couldn’t even run a mile. I always power walked and even that was tough. I got pregnant in my first year with OTF and I fully believe going to OTF helped me have an easy delivery and recovery. I’m now pregnant with #2 and just ran two miles in my last class! I would never have been able to do that without OTF. It’s the only thing I’ve ever been able to stick to. I actually crave it!
I know not all coaches are the same. Some fit my personality better than others, but there are always more great coaches than not. It’s okay to not love them all. I would definitely recommend trying out different coaches before deciding OTF is not for you!
I wanted to add one more comment lol in case anyone has the same fears I had about the heart rate monitor. When I started the idea of seeing my heart rate as I worked out (up on the big screen where everyone can see!) was truly my biggest fear about starting OTF. Being wildly out of shape, having genetically high blood pressure and then anxiety/hypochondria about all of that terrified me (plus a bit of social anxiety). My first day I was in the blue/green just sitting there waiting for the class to start which freaked me out and made my heart pound more! But I can truly say I’ve learned a ton about my own heart. Nobody cares who is in what zone. Nobody knows your name like you said so they can’t connect you to the info on the screen. And now when I go in I still get anxious before class I just don’t put my heart rate monitor on until we’re all walking in to our stations and then the goal is to warmup to green zone anyway. And then my anxiety disappears and I just focus on my workout. Also, I try not to freak if I’m in red and everyone else isn’t. I run hot and that’s ok. Everyone’s body is different. 3 months in I’m more in control of my heart rate, my deep breathing, my recovery and my anxiety! I only expect that to get better as I continue to go. So, from one very anxious girl – do not let the heart rate aspect keep you from going. It’s well worth it for the benefits you’ll get!
I joined on my 50th birthday; almost 11 months ago and was very out of shape and have only one lung and never had any issues feeling like I couldn’t do it (it truly is “you do you”) and I’ve come soooo far. I feel fantastic, I’m out of my head about my body (didn’t lose weight but major shifts in shape and firmness) and believe wholeheartedly it is the BEST thing I’ve done FOR MYSELF in decades. If you think you can’t, you can! Never bored. It’s the one place I can turn my brain off and someone tells me what to do. I love it!
Yes!! Couldn’t love this post mode! I joined in August 2019, when my third baby was 6 months. It has been the single greatest choice I’ve ever made for my mental and physical health. I’ve lost about 20 lbs since starting and I feel amazing. Definitely have a few more pounds to go but I’m not too worried about it. I think OTF has changed my understanding of what fit and healthy look like. The number on the scale doesn’t bother me so much because I work my booty off 3-4 times a week. I just did a 7:40 mile two weeks ago! When I started I could barely maintain a 5.0 base without struggling. And I used to run a lot before kids! I generally feel awesome and I just love it. My only gripe is the cancellation window which is tough when you attend 5 am classes and have three littles. 🤷🏼♀️ Otherwise I have zero issues! I did CrossFit many years ago and it just felt like the cool kids club and not supportive at all. OTF is so much friendlier! Anyway thanks for spreading the word! ❤️
I started OTF because of Lauren. I was first intimidated, but quickly lost that feeling. I was in no good shape, never did any kind of High Intensity Training, hated jogging. It’s been a year now and I am obsessed with OTF. Started with power walking and am now a jogger. My fitness level has never been better. I love how structured the class is and how different every single class is. Also, I started with the elite membership (I think that’s what it is called) – 8 classes per month. It fit better with my budget. Over the last summer, they had a promotion, you can upgrade to the premium membership (unlimited classes) at a lower fixed rate. I did not think twice about it and upgraded. Best investment ever. So there is always that option. Start with the lower priced membership. Thanks Lauren for giving me the confidence to start. <3
You’re so welcome!!! I’m glad you love it!!
Thank you for this post! I’ve been a member at OTF almost a year. Started with 8 per month and switched to unlimited. One thing I would mention they usually do a special once a year and my unlimited price is $139. I know it’s pricey and wouldn’t have been able to afford it when I was younger but I swear I spend money on a pair of shoes and justify it- so I justify this with its for my health forever. I am 56 taller female and used to play volleyball and basketball but never liked cardio. This work out speaks to me with the zones and showing the info on the boards. I admit I’m sometimes too obsessed with it though. One of the best parts is it’s a great workout every single time! And someone tells me what to do and everyone is there for the same reason. Get a great workout for an hour and go about your day. Here’s a small example ; I seriously couldn’t do one men’s push-up , now I can do about 8 correctly. I haven’t lost any weight but I wasn’t trying. It’s overall one of the beat choices I have made for my life!
I love OTF! I started last April after I had baby #2. I will be honest I was very intimidated when walking in because there were so many people who were fit and I felt like the odd ball out. I had gained a lot of weight with my second baby. I will have to say though that the coaches were so helpful, the atmosphere is positive, and I feel better educated on how to use certain equipment when working out.. I just recently hit 100 classes and I feel much more confident with my body and what it is capable of:) I would highly recommend!!
Full time working mamma here. I currently work out at home and am looking to add something a little more high intensity to my routine (and it is WAY to cold to run outside at 5am in Pennsylvania right now!!). My problem is that I can probably only make it to a studio once per week. Do you think I would still benefit from the classes?
That’s a hard question to answer…I would probably say it’s not worth it if you can only attend once a week, especially with the price.
I’ve been listening to you rave about OTF for awhile and i finally went yesterday. I LOVE IT! Thanks Lauren for this recommendation!