Note: Parts of this copy originated on r/fitness on reddit. Text here has been restructured and reformatted to best serve our readers.
How would you describe Orangetheory Fitness?
Orangetheory is not cheap, but it is an awesome workout – and you’ll be hard-pressed to burn as many calories in a single hour in any other way. The cardio elements (running and rowing) can be brutal – but the intensity that you take them at is really up to you. You’re wearing a heart-rate monitor and the instructors push you to hit certain goals, but again, you are the one controlling your workout’s intensity.
The weight floor section is more focused on body weight, TRX bands, and lower weight dumbbell work. If you’re a heavy lifter (and I generally am near the top of the class), you may hit a ceiling of dumbbells available to you – my class had weights up to about 60lbs.
How many calories do you typically burn in an Orangetheory class?
I would regularly hit 900-1000 calories in a single class, while my wife would be in the 500-600 range for the same workout. I’d easily cover 3 miles+ on the tread in that section of the class and it didn’t let up during rows/weights. I pushed myself very, very hard.
Do Orangetheory classes vary?
Workout plans rotate during the week between endurance (long distance runs/rows, low weight/high rep weight floor work), power (sprints and explosive weight floor work) and strength (incline treadmill and heavy weight/low rep exercises). There is enough variety that the workout always feels fresh. There are usually between 15-30 people in the class and the trainers make a huge impact – my home gym was really intense, but when I traveled and hit a new gym the instructors typically seemed a bit more low-key…but again, you’re the one in the end choosing the intensity of your workout.
Will I get stronger?
Unless you are already repping 65+ on DBs, then yes.
Will I get faster?
Absolutely.
Will your cardio capacity and general athleticism improve?
Yes. I actually found it to be a very complete workout and one that had me in really great shape going 3 times a week (plus my 3 days in the gym to cover the big lifts I couldn’t do in OTF). I also found the group setting to stir up my competitive side and like not having to plan my workouts…just roll in and sweat.
It’s expensive, but a damn good workout if it’s your style.
