Scrolling through Instagram, I happened upon an ad about Orangetheory offering a free introductory course. And naturally, as one does when something is free, I took the bait and quickly signed up for a class. Now, going into this class I had no idea what to expect; so to prepare myself, I went straight to TikTok. While there was not much information on TikTok, the one thing I did learn was that I was not ready for this level of physical activity.
However, when I arrived, the first thing that I noticed was how welcoming all the instructors were. The first course requires you to arrive 30 minutes early and during that time they show you how to use all the equipment and what their lingo means. The instructors were very hands-on during this first course and checked in multiple times to make sure that the workout was manageable while still being challenging. Additionally, during this workout, they give you a heart rate monitor that highlights the calories burned and the splat points earned (something I still do not understand but I’m 99% sure it has to do with the heartbeat). I can definitely say that the monitor is what took me back for the next class – seeing how many calories I was burning was motivation to go again.
The workout was amazing. It crossed out both my main excuses for avoiding the gym:
it takes too long and I have no idea what to do. This class was only an hour but it hit all the major exercise points, mixing a quick and challenging HIIT workout with cardio and rowing. I never would have thought that I would say this, but the cardio portion – which is a power walk or jog on a treadmill – is genuinely enjoyable. Usually, I find myself avoiding cardio at all costs (I have literally not done cardio since the beginning of high school), but the short intervals mixed with ample rest time make it bearable.
In my experience, the HIIT workouts are changed every time; I have gone to a few classes now and have yet to repeat any workouts, though I am sure at some point I will. This portion ranged from two to four workouts, each of which differ in reps but are usually two sets. At the end of each set, you hop onto the rower and complete a specified amount of distance. This part of the class is super efficient because there’s a television in the room that shows exactly what exercise you are doing, how many reps to do, when to head to the rower, and when to take some rest.
One rule that I love at Orangetheory is the “no cell phone” policy. While phones are allowed in the building and you are free to use them in the waiting area, before entering the workout you must put them away in the lockers available. Not having my phone really helps me focus on the workout and not waste time dilly-dallying. Also, it adds a level of comfort to my workout, knowing that no one else is able to use their phones/cameras.
If you have the time and are looking for a quick and challenging workout, I totally recommend taking advantage of the free course Orangetheory offers and seeing if the program is a fit for you. The multiple time options make it easier for students to attend as there are early morning and evening classes. These classes have helped me unlock a workout I enjoy and look forward to attending, and I hope they can do the same for you!