Let’s be honest, working out can suck. Up until college, fitness was never a top priority of mine. I was a three-sport athlete in high school, went to countless SoulCycle classes, and even did my senior internship at a workout facility. Confusing right? I know what you’re thinking; if I never thought of fitness as a priority, why was I so involved in activities that included working out? Three words: the social aspect. It was about being a part of a team or community where for a few hours in the day we could forget about the stress of school work, or applying to colleges or who’s going to prom with who. This was what I really enjoyed and looked forward to – the fitness part was just a plus.
When I got to college, this all changed. Here I was given countless opportunities to be social without the fitness side of things. After freshman year (and… the freshman 15) I realized that something was missing. Now, before I continue, let me just say that I have never really enjoyed working out. Multiple times before run tests I would beg my teammates to knock me out so I wouldn’t have to do it (sadly, they all said no). HOWEVER, I missed the feeling that comes after working out. I wouldn’t exactly call it a rush of endorphins because half of the time after a workout (even now) I want curl up in a ball and just lay there. Nevertheless, it was more of an accomplished feeling, and that was the feeling I realized I was lacking.
From then on, I knew what had to be done. So… I put on workout clothes, walked myself to Duncan Student Center, got on a treadmill, lifted some weights, did some ab workouts… and… nope. No sense of accomplishment. I tried this a few more times, hoping one day I’d find that feeling again, but it still felt like a chore, something I never looked forward to. However, one fateful day, I received a call from my sister, who used to play for the Michigan Women’s Lacrosse team (sorry, had to flex for her, love you Bianca), and she told me about a workout place called Orangetheory Fitness. It sounded intimidating, but I decided to try it anyway, and here’s why you should too.
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First class is FREE (we’re all ballin’ on a budget, aren’t we?).
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Memberships have a student discount!
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Don’t be nervous for your first day – a staff member will welcome you and give you a tour around the studio to make sure you are comfortable with the equipment.
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60-minute workout splits time between the Treadmill, Rower and Weight Floor.
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If you have an injury or restriction, you have the option to power walk on the treadmill or use a strider or bike!
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Led by a MOTIVATIONAL trainer (shout out to all of you at Granger https://granger.orangetheoryfitness.com)!!!
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Held accountable by the people taking the class with you! Can push yourself and the members around you.
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Lastly, it doesn’t matter if you’re a marathon runner or have never worked out once in your life, EVERY level of fitness is welcome!
I have happily been going for over a year now. Are there times where I don’t feel like working out? Big yes, but I’ve never regretted the feeling I get after the workout is over. Orangetheory gave me the social aspect of fitness that I was looking for and an improved, healthier lifestyle. For me, it’s a time where I can forget about the stress of school and hang out with friends – the fitness aspect just a bonus.
If anyone has any further questions after reading, just send me an email at tford6@nd.edu!
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