Anonymous wrote:I'm 56 and it's too easy for me. Plus, I hate running.

Respectfully, I'm not sure how OTF can be too easy for anyone. If it's too easy, then what do you need to increase to make it more challenging? You either need to up your incline or speed, pick up heavier weights, or add a stronger leg drive to your rowing.

Likewise, to those who say or think it's too hard, you can easily dial it back. For me, that's what makes OTF so perfect--its prescriptive, yet totally customizable.

I'm 56 and it's too easy for me. Plus, I hate running.

I lost 60 pounds doing OT before Covid. I was going every day at 5AM, and I am not a morning person (or an exercise person). But it was THAT addictive. I have been trying to get back into it but the vibe has changed. This post has reminded me that I need to keep trying.

Give it a try, OP! I started OTF in 2017 and was a totally out of shape mom who hadn't exercised in over 10 years. I enjoy working out, but need to be told what to do and that's what I love about Orangetheory. Run/power walk for 1 minute, okay, I can do that....do 10 biceps curls, sure....

I like that classes start and end on time--1 hour. It's very easy to plan around and know what to expect in terms of time commitment.

It's been a blessing for me--I was never in as good of shape in my entire life as I am now that I have have consistently gone for a few years. I couldn't run 1 mile in high school (many years ago!) and now do that minimally in every class without a thought.

There are so many studios in this area to try and I've found the locations I've visited to be welcoming, encouraging, and supportive. You should try it!

it is very scalable. I started when I was very out of shape and could only powerwalk. I was soon back into running.

I agree with all the people who posted positive experiences with OTF. I started as a 5'6, pushing 190 45 year old in February. I've lost 15-20 pounds (also through meal tracking, around 1600 calories a day, sometimes more -- I'm taking the "slow and steady" approach), but better than the weight loss (for me), I've increased my fitness and strength a lot. I started looking better before I lost significant weight. And I am definitely self-conscious and was very trepidatious, but don't feel out of place there.

My only other addition to the positive PPs is to recommend trying different times of days and different instructors -- they choose their own music lists and I like some much better than others. Also try different locations and times to find the "feel" you like if that's possible. There's no contract - give it a month, not just the first free class.

As someone who has lost almost 50lbs since joining OTF three years ago, I will proudly and highly recommend this type of workout as a great opportunity to jumpstart any fitness goal you may have.

But, please do also consider some of the bad things about OTF:

It’s hella expensive. Like really expensive, especially in the dc area. Expect to spend at least $200 a month if you go unlimited. I’ve heard of several issues people have had trying to cancel their memberships

Treadmill work is a lot of hills and intervals, which are great for variety. But horrible on the knees.

$12 fees if you don’t show up to class or cancel under 8 hours.

A lot of repetition with the workouts.
Some months can be overkill on certain muscles

I would also recommend checking out peloton boot camps for a similar workout.

I used to go to a studio in DC and found it very welcoming. Lots of different abilities, about 1/3 of people walking on treadmills. The staff would help people learn, there was a blind woman who came and they helped her do all of the exercises while her dog sat with the front desk staff. Try it out!