Where to go from Orangetheory?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been going to Orangetheory since the summer, have lost weight and am in MUCH better shape, but realize I might be hitting a wall as it is (by design) a repetitive workout. I understand the fundamentals but want to focus on things like being able to do a pull up, etc that isn’t emphasized there.

If you got back into shape using Orangetheory but then left, how did you continue the trend/keep the momentum up? I’d like to keep working out but realize the cost is outrageous and I’d like to expand my fitness repertoire.

[Anonymous]

I did not do Orange Theory but did Crossfit and left it many years ago for similar reasons. I just got a gym membership and started following a program. Never looked back.

[Anonymous]

Crossfit is not like Orange Theory where there's a level of standardization and equipment. There might be an awesome Crossfit near you, or a terrible one. Could be worth a look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Crossfit is not like Orange Theory where there's a level of standardization and equipment. There might be an awesome Crossfit near you, or a terrible one. Could be worth a look.

But it is also not the thing OP is looking for in terms of goal. Because there is no structure, it is hard to improve on specific goals. I wanted to push my strength so I left CF and I am much stronger (and less injured) now following a strength program in a regular gym. Not having to be a part of a “community” is another plus, but I guess that part depends on personality.

[Anonymous]

If you are hitting a wall, I would go in a completely different direction and starting a heavy lifting program. Use the other days to train for a spring 5k.

[Anonymous]

What about F45?

[Anonymous]

I'd join a regular gym and focus on weight training on your own. Tons of online programs out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crossfit is not like Orange Theory where there's a level of standardization and equipment. There might be an awesome Crossfit near you, or a terrible one. Could be worth a look.

But it is also not the thing OP is looking for in terms of goal. Because there is no structure, it is hard to improve on specific goals. I wanted to push my strength so I left CF and I am much stronger (and less injured) now following a strength program in a regular gym. Not having to be a part of a “community” is another plus, but I guess that part depends on personality.

Again it's completely dependent on the gym. If there is no structure, no real programming, go elsewhere. There are gyms that are more lifting oriented with real programming.

[Anonymous]

If you have space in your home do work out and keep a set of dumbbells, I really like the Peloton strength classes. You don't need the bike, just pay for the app. I follow through Hard Core on the Floor calendar which puts together "stacks" of Peloton classes. It is not repetitive. That being said there is not a pull-up component but you can get pull-up bars for home to work on that.

[Anonymous]

Where I live there are a lot of small personal training gyms where they establish a routine for you and change it as you get more and more fit. Maybe look for one of those?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Crossfit is not like Orange Theory where there's a level of standardization and equipment. There might be an awesome Crossfit near you, or a terrible one. Could be worth a look.

But it is also not the thing OP is looking for in terms of goal. Because there is no structure, it is hard to improve on specific goals. I wanted to push my strength so I left CF and I am much stronger (and less injured) now following a strength program in a regular gym. Not having to be a part of a “community” is another plus, but I guess that part depends on personality.

Again it's completely dependent on the gym. If there is no structure, no real programming, go elsewhere. There are gyms that are more lifting oriented with real programming.

It would never be programming specific to what I want to accomplish. I also do not like the class format and the fact everything has to be crammed into an hour. Doing my own thing in the gym with programming specific to what I want to achieve is much more effective and enjoyable for me. I also would not want to have anything to do with the CF brand anymore after last year’s games fiasco.

[Anonymous]

have you tried burn boot camp?

[Anonymous]

I switched to Pure Barre after years of doing a workout similar to Orange Theory. I found that the smaller, isometric movements and focus on core strength, form, and mind-muscle connection to be transformative. Maybe you can try working barre or pilates into your routine and see if it shakes things up for you?

[Anonymous]

Installed a squat rack with a pull-up bar in my basement. Been at it for about 12 years; averaged, even the cost of buying this stuff new was way less than “membership” anywhere.