I don't know what city the PP goes to, but I have found the ones in Alexandria to be super welcoming and have clients of varying levels of fitness.

Anonymous wrote:Do a free trial class

Yup, each location (of any gym) has their own vibe or culture.

I have found that the independent places are usually the most welcoming and really create a positive environment for people that are nervous.

And (I've gotten flamed for this before on this forum), but many CrossFit locations are also extremely welcoming to new people and people of all fitness level.

I went twice a week before Covid and it was an awesome workout, extremely scalable, many levels of fitness among the participants. I never felt like a loser when I was walking on the treadmill, but I also managed to get to the point where I was jogging for the "slow" part of the treadmill workout.

Right now I'm just doing the Peloton bc the best time for me to work out is after the kids are in bed. But I would love to get back to OT at some point.

Anonymous wrote:You will love OrangeTheory. It is very welcoming and there is no judgment. The PP is somewhat correct- there’s not alot of personalized attention and music is loud — but I love that the attention is not on me - its on the entire class - there is no coach calling me out by name. The loud music keeps me energized and my mind totally occupied. Also the heart rate monitor makes it geared to your personal fitness level. You can be right along side an athlete who is in the orange/red zone, but it is going to require a different level of effort for them to get there vs you. So it’s very scalable. When I started I walked on the treadmill and could only do certain exercises modified. Five years later, I run and am able to do all exercises (save a pistol squat) and I still love it. it’s been the only thing I have ever done consistently. You should definitely give it a try.

This is exactly why I liked it when I started as I was so self-conscious.

Do a free trial class

My totally out of shape husband did it and loved it. Saw results in weeks, etc etc. Until he ruined his knee.

NP. I think it's probably studio dependent but I love ours. I went with a friend the first time and it helped so much. Try it out, OP! I bet you love it.

You will love OrangeTheory. It is very welcoming and there is no judgment. The PP is somewhat correct- there’s not alot of personalized attention and music is loud — but I love that the attention is not on me - its on the entire class - there is no coach calling me out by name. The loud music keeps me energized and my mind totally occupied. Also the heart rate monitor makes it geared to your personal fitness level. You can be right along side an athlete who is in the orange/red zone, but it is going to require a different level of effort for them to get there vs you. So it’s very scalable. When I started I walked on the treadmill and could only do certain exercises modified. Five years later, I run and am able to do all exercises (save a pistol squat) and I still love it. it’s been the only thing I have ever done consistently. You should definitely give it a try.

Maybe I am old (no maybe, I am), but I found the opposite of personalized attention. I am in California and the one near me plays really blaring music and that instructor screams instruction over. It is small and cramped and there is a rush to get from station to station- no doubt this is to keep it high energy and for circuit training. In your shoes, I would pay for a personal trainer once a week for weight training and just walk on treadmill/stair master at a cheap gym on other days.

Anonymous wrote:I'd rather get a trainer than do OT. The one in my city is very snobby and they look down on you if you come in there fat even though that's why you're there...to lose weight.

Hopefully you'll have a better experience and the staff/customers are much nicer.

Are you local? Which location? They are all over the place in NoVa.

This is what I was hoping to hear. Thank you!

I'd rather get a trainer than do OT. The one in my city is very snobby and they look down on you if you come in there fat even though that's why you're there...to lose weight.

Hopefully you'll have a better experience and the staff/customers are much nicer.

Orange theory is exactly what you are looking for. It is for beginners that need hand holding but can be wonderfully addictive.

YES! You can walk on the treadmill, and they will show you how to use the rower. Use light weights when you start and resist the temptation to rush through the sets. It’s ok not to finish everything. I would avoid any of the super difficult challenge classes (catch me if you can, Everest, or partner workouts) at the beginning because they can be a bit daunting if you’re just getting started. The front desk folks should be able to help you avoid those.

The coach can help you with any moves and should offer modifications for pushups, burpees, etc. Good luck! Love OTF.

How cliché do I feel right now? I want to get in shape, but am embarrassed to go to a place where I'm going to be the least in shape person.

I used to be in great shape and belong to a gym, but I got in great shape b/c of a trainer, not because of internal motivation. I know this about myself. I'm not in a good place with my weight & fitness and I've had a lot of false starts on my home equipment. I can't swing the number of trainer sessions I used to do, so I'm looking for a class b/c it seems more affordable.

Is OT really scalable? Can I actually jump right in if I've basically been on a downward slide since 2020? I need a kick in the pants.