Anonymous
Post 03/10/2024 13:26     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
What is the online Orange Theory version?
Anonymous
Post 03/10/2024 12:06     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
I joined this year and have really been enjoying it. I like that it keeps me accountable, I go and don't have to figure out what to do when I'm there, I push myself harder in that kind of setting than on my own, and like a PP mentioned you can work towards fitness goals (not just weight loss goals). I like that's it's individually based but in a group setting, so you're working towards your own fitness goals and nobody cares how fast/slow you are or how heavy/light you're lifting because everyone is focused on their own workout. It goes by really fast. Everyone has been very friendly.

I found this reddit subforum when I was searching, they post workout info if you want to get a sense of the kind of workout it is on a daily basis.
https://www.reddit.com/r/orangetheory/?rdt=49544
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 20:43     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:41yo woman and mom of 3. I LOVE it. I went from going 1-2x a week to 3-5x a week. I like the music and the energy. I like that there are benchmarks and I can set goals that aren't weight related (eg - I want to improve my mile time, I want to move from 15 to 20lbs for this exercise). In most fitness classes i watch the clock and think "omg there are 47min left?!" this I watch the clock to get through a harder effort but the hour flies by. I'm definitely the most fit I've been since high school.

Some people like barry's more - from what I gather it tends to skew younger and everyone is very intense (whereas at orange theory its all body types and no one cares if you walk / jog/ run.

I will say like for all workouts - your body fat is determined by whats in the kitchen not whats in the gym. I'm much much faster and much stronger and am happy with my body - but I can't say its wildly different looking (definitely a bit different looking!) because I don't eat the way i'd need to to be a skinny minny


Just as an example - when I started a year ago my mile time was 11min and it was tough (its ok if you're a walker too! with the inclines you can get a great workout without every running and i often just walk). I just broke a sub 8min mile. I love that when life is a monotonous grind right now (little kids, work, clean, repeat) I have something that feels awesome to celebrate


Not the OP, but just want to say good for you!! Love to hear this.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 19:23     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Anonymous wrote:I did it for about a year and then got sick of it and moved on. The perks are the accountability - you will go and just shut your brain off. Downsides: it’s $189 a month, it’s mostly HIUT cardio which is bad for your hormones if you’re a middle aged woman (spikes cortisol) and the focus on weights is paltry- short segments on the floor and often a cardio component included even there. This sounds mean but when you attend OTF and look at the bodies of your classmates, it’s proof that it’s not a very effective workout for creating the lean muscled look most people want.

It’s fine if you’re a true beginner who just needs a new routine. Beyond that, I wouldn’t bother.


As a middle aged women - I want to point out that both the spiked cortisol is "bad" for some women, its not for other women. There are many 40/50/60yo women at my studio with great bodies

But again bodies are defined by the kitchen, not the workout. the workout adds definition to whatever fat you're layering on in the kitchen
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 19:20     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Anonymous wrote:41yo woman and mom of 3. I LOVE it. I went from going 1-2x a week to 3-5x a week. I like the music and the energy. I like that there are benchmarks and I can set goals that aren't weight related (eg - I want to improve my mile time, I want to move from 15 to 20lbs for this exercise). In most fitness classes i watch the clock and think "omg there are 47min left?!" this I watch the clock to get through a harder effort but the hour flies by. I'm definitely the most fit I've been since high school.

Some people like barry's more - from what I gather it tends to skew younger and everyone is very intense (whereas at orange theory its all body types and no one cares if you walk / jog/ run.

I will say like for all workouts - your body fat is determined by whats in the kitchen not whats in the gym. I'm much much faster and much stronger and am happy with my body - but I can't say its wildly different looking (definitely a bit different looking!) because I don't eat the way i'd need to to be a skinny minny


Just as an example - when I started a year ago my mile time was 11min and it was tough (its ok if you're a walker too! with the inclines you can get a great workout without every running and i often just walk). I just broke a sub 8min mile. I love that when life is a monotonous grind right now (little kids, work, clean, repeat) I have something that feels awesome to celebrate
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 19:18     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
41yo woman and mom of 3. I LOVE it. I went from going 1-2x a week to 3-5x a week. I like the music and the energy. I like that there are benchmarks and I can set goals that aren't weight related (eg - I want to improve my mile time, I want to move from 15 to 20lbs for this exercise). In most fitness classes i watch the clock and think "omg there are 47min left?!" this I watch the clock to get through a harder effort but the hour flies by. I'm definitely the most fit I've been since high school.

Some people like barry's more - from what I gather it tends to skew younger and everyone is very intense (whereas at orange theory its all body types and no one cares if you walk / jog/ run.

I will say like for all workouts - your body fat is determined by whats in the kitchen not whats in the gym. I'm much much faster and much stronger and am happy with my body - but I can't say its wildly different looking (definitely a bit different looking!) because I don't eat the way i'd need to to be a skinny minny
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 14:59     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
I’ve done it for years. I like that I don’t have to think. Just show up and they tell you what to do. I like running and weights so it’s a good combination for me. I go twice a week. Other days I will run or workout in my own. OT is not my only source of exercise.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 14:14     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Try Barry’s instead, much better and more challenging workout. Better instructors too
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 07:32     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
I love orange theory and have been going teice a week for a year now. It’s fast-paced and varied, a great community, and I really need the accountability of signing up and have to go. It’s the only thing I’ve ever stuck with and I love that it’s everything in one hour - cardio, strength, stretch. I feel and look great. I pay $119/month for 8 classes.
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 06:12     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Middle Aged man here.

OT has been my stick for 4-5YRs now. Started in decent shape but the adaptability of OT is nice in that the beginner next to me can lift 8/10lbs dumbbells and I can head over to their rack for any assortment 30lb-80lb should I want more intensity.

I have become incredibly fit with OT. My mile time on the treadmill has improved dramatically. I enjoy the personal challenge time trials they do every 6 weeks or so. It’s a good community once you become familiar with others in your usual time slot.

First month is free. Instructions and visual aids are top notch. If $180’is in your budget irs a good return on investment if you’re able to go >8x a month. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 03/09/2024 03:32     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
I did it for about a year and then got sick of it and moved on. The perks are the accountability - you will go and just shut your brain off. Downsides: it’s $189 a month, it’s mostly HIUT cardio which is bad for your hormones if you’re a middle aged woman (spikes cortisol) and the focus on weights is paltry- short segments on the floor and often a cardio component included even there. This sounds mean but when you attend OTF and look at the bodies of your classmates, it’s proof that it’s not a very effective workout for creating the lean muscled look most people want.

It’s fine if you’re a true beginner who just needs a new routine. Beyond that, I wouldn’t bother.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2024 21:04     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Yes, that is the gist.
There are virtual options.
If you search, you’ll find some other threads on it. I love it. I am not an exercise person. I am an out of shape introvert who has tried many things. For some reason, this one seems to be sticking. I was very intimidated by it at first but I find it to be the least embarrassing exercise I’ve ever done (I’m very self conscious).
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2024 20:57     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
oh
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2024 20:56     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
Basically it’s a great workout that keeps you interested—because of your heart rate zones and points. It’s treadmill, weights, rowing with dark rooms and loud music. Designed for people like me that have to sign up (so accountable) and then have to go.
Anonymous
Post 03/08/2024 19:44     Subject: Tell me about orangetheory
I gather that it’s a fitness class that aims to individualize the workout based on your own heart rate. Is that the gist?
Is it only in-person group classes or is there a virtual option?
People who have done it-what are your thoughts?