After a cheesy walking-in-the-door picture like this, I have one thing to say… Hello and Welcome to my Orange Theory Review! Ha! Ok but really, let’s get started with this review (that is in no way sponsored).
I could have worn a cute workout look like I did in this blog post, but I was working out right after these pictures were taken and I decided I wanted this post to be more about the studio and my experience. I’m completely embarrassed to say that I look much worse than this on a normal day, but that’s besides the point. I hope you have a better understanding of what OTF is about after reading this!
What is Orange Theory Fitness?
OTF uses high intensity interval training to increase your heart rate during exercise on the treadmill, rower, and the floor using free weights. The class lasts 60 minutes where you’ll work on strength, endurance, or power as instructed by your OTF coach.
A Day at OTF
Classes are offered from 5:00 am to 8:18 pm at OTF Addison. I’ve attended most time slots, but my favorite classes and instructors are at 7:30 am, 8:45 am, and 10:00 am. My life clock is 2 minutes behind everyone, so I typically run into OTF and toss my keys on a hook and look for the first empty station (they have cubbies for people with bags too).
There are 24 people per class at maximum capacity, but mornings are slow and I can usually pick station number 4. This just means that I will be working on the same machines for the entire class period versus jumping around and fighting for the same treadmill or rower with another person. Sounds complicated, but it makes the class flow easier.
Upon arrival, the class roughly divides in half where people start on either the treadmill or rowing machine. For half an hour, the rowing group will alternate between the rower and free weights on the floor. The instructor will demonstrate the free weight movements before allowing the class to get started. In case I’d forget an exercise, I could always look up at one of the 4 screens in class showing me what I’m supposed to be doing.
Half an hour later it’s time to switch so that rowers go to the treadmills and vice versa. During this half hour the instructor asks you to increase and decrease your speed and incline according to Orange Theory’s paces: base, push, and all out. It is NOT a 30 minute run on the same speed! It is intense and will exhaust you (if you push yourself of course)! As a “runner” in class, 30 minutes will get me a 2.30-3.0 mile run depending on the workout. The following chart is taped on all treadmills:
|
Base |
Push |
All Out |
| Power Walker |
3.5 – 4.5 mph 1-3% incline |
4% or greater |
10% or greater |
| Jogger |
4.5 – 5.5 mph 1% incline |
~1-2 mph over base |
~2+ mph over base |
| Runner |
5.5 mph or more 1% incline |
~1-2 mph over base |
~2+ mph over base |
Instructors constantly talk about going through the 5 heart rate zones to know how hard you’re working. You’re encouraged to purchase a heart rate monitor from OTF to track your progress and see your heart rate on the large screens during class. I never purchased a heart rate monitor, so I can’t say very much about this, but I’m always half jealous that people can see how many calories they burned! I see people burning 400-700 calories per class according to their heart rate monitor data. I just push myself as hard as I can and hope I burned a lot of calories!
Why I’m Cancelling My Membership
It’s true. I’m cancelling my membership and it almost breaks my heart! My goal this year was to run 3 half marathons and I’ve only run one. Each time I start training for a half marathon, I neglect weight training. And by neglect, I mean I don’t lift not one dumbell. OTF does have half an hour of running, but I can’t justify the cost of membership for a workout that doesn’t fulfill my running needs.
This is where I pick up yoga. I’ve never done yoga before, but it’s good for runners’ flexibility and range of movement. Lately I’ve been enjoying my apartment gym workouts so I haven’t rushed into a yoga studio just yet. But I’m excited about learning something new and becoming a better runner!
Membership Costs
OK back to OTF! I was a member at OTF from summer 2016 to summer 2018 (though I did cancel my membership for a while when I moved to Kingsville for graduate school). I went through 2 membership types. After my free introduction class I was totally hooked and registered for 4 classes/ month at $59. The more I went to OTF, the more addicted I was which led to my next upgrade of 8 classes/ month at $99. I always wanted to upgrade to unlimited classes, but $159/ month is pretty steep! Still though, I know that OTF’s unlimited package is less than or similar in cost to what you would pay at other fitness classes. Yes, OTF is pricey but I like to flex my budget towards fitness rather than on nails or eating out.
OTF pros
- I don’t think at all. No matter what mood I’m in, I just show up and have an amazing workout!
- They’re totally cool with you rolling in late. I’m not saying that you should show up late, but I’m 2 minutes late every single class and I can’t help it. Some fitness classes will lock the door on you and not let you in. NOT cool!
- Great music is played for you already. This means I can relax and enjoy the workout without fiddling with my Spotify music. I thought I’d miss my own jams, but I hardly notice because I’m working so hard.
- OTF app for booking and cancelling classes is easy to manage. You can also see who will be teaching the class, the type of workout you’ll get (3G, 60 minute, 90 minute), and what number you are on a waitlisted class.
- 1,000 locations!!! I have never been to an Orange Theory location that wasn’t OTF Addison (my main gym), but membership allows you to go to any OTF location to get your sweat on. Seems convenient for those who travel often.
- They have competitions like Hell Week (as in the photo above), MayHem, and Marathon Month where workouts are extra intense. I finished Hell Week with 8 workouts in a row and I was in the best shape ever!
OTF cons
- It’s expensive.
- Classes aren’t 60 minutes. It’s closer to 52-55 minutes and this drives me insane. My membership is way too expensive to not be working my butt off for 60 minutes straight! The last few minutes of class are used to wipe down equipment and stretch.
I’ll note that most people see the following as cons, but they have never inconvenienced me.
- Classes fill up for 7:00 pm a week ahead. I don’t workout at that time, but I can see how this would be a problem for people who get off work at 5 or 6. My best advice would be to book in advance so you don’t miss out!
- You have to give an 8 hour notice if you cancel a class. Cancelling is easy on their app! Classes can also be cancelled within the 8 hour period and not be charged a late cancellation fee if you are picking up a different class time.
- The timing of membership cancellation policy can be tricky. A 30 day notice needs to be given and then you are charged one month after that. I did this when I moved for graduate school and I had no issues. Cancelling a membership is only a problem if you’re trying to cancel immediately which most gyms won’t let you do either way.
Are you willing to try OTF now? Or are you already enrolled and loving it? Let me know in a comment below!
XO, Vivian
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