I don’t talk too much about fitness here on Today’s NC, which when I think about it, is kind of surprising. Living a healthy lifestyle is pretty dang high on my list of priorities. So, why haven’t I brought it up here?!? When the newest Triangle branch of Orangetheory Fitness contacted me, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to finally bring a little exercise love to all of you. Orangetheory Fitness in Holly Springs offered me a trial session of classes so that I could share my experience here on the blog.
The first, and maybe most important, thing you need to know about Orangetheory Fitness is they perfectly balance your workout with science. As soon as you walk in the door and check in for class, you strap on a heart rate monitor. For newbies, they have plenty of clean monitors to borrow. If you’re an official OTF member, you have your own strap purchased during sign ups. Once your heart rate starts to register, your stats are up on the screens in the classroom. This allows you see heart rate, the calories burned, and what target level your heart is working in (based on gender, age, and an average resting heart rate). I’m a huge fan of understanding the science behind my workout so for me, this is AMAZING!
Don’t let the thoughts of your numbers up on a screen weird you out. I know that I said science was the most important part of Orangetheory, but a super close second is the general warmth and welcoming attitude that everyone has. (And I really do mean EVERYONE.) Yes, everyone is working to get into the “orange zone” during the 60 minute workout, and pretty much everyone does! As one of the few that struggled to get there every single time, I can honestly say, I always felt encouraged by everyone around me. Even better? The trainers were always willing to check in and talk to me about the challenges. (Apparently if you have a lower resting heart rate, it’s a lot harder to get into the generic “orange zone.” Something you don’t have to worry about if you actually buy the monitor from them and have them adjust the resting heart rate setting to your personal numbers.)
So what exactly do you do during an Orangetheory Fitness class? Rowing and treadmills are a part of every hour long class, but there is SO much more. During the 6 classes I attended, the workout was always different. Somedays there was more rowing and walking/jogging/running and somedays there was more strength training on the floor. I used TRX straps, an ab scooter, free weights, medicine balls, steps, and also did a ton of body resistance work. I absolutely love circuit training and felt right at home in the Orangetheory routine. I never got bored, always felt motivated, and I was never concerned about injury since the trainers were always checking in on each client and making sure everyone understood the proper form for each exercise.
In each of my Orangetheory Fitness classes, I burned a minimum of 500 calories. The workouts left me incredibly sweaty and feeling like I had really worked. This truly is a workout that anyone can do. During my time at the Holly Springs Orangetheory Fitness I saw such a wide variety of clients: young and old, men and women, superfit and working to get in shape.
Signing up for Orangetheory is pretty easy. The studios offer monthly packages which means you don’t have to sign a long-term contract. Check in with them to find out how much advanced notice they need though before they go ahead and assume you’re coming for the next month too. Once you’ve signed up (and paid for your heart rate monitor), you can start registering for classes. This can all be done online and must be done in advance. Since there are a limited number of workstations in each class, they require that everyone sign up ahead of time. Keep in mind, you also have to cancel by a certain time before class if you can’t make it, or you’re charged a late cancellation fee.
I can definitely see why Orangetheory Fitness is getting a lot of buzz in the fitness community. I have tried a lot of workouts, but nothing has given me the same results and scientific backup as OTF. The community atmosphere is amazing, the trainers are dedicated to your success and safety, and there are modifications for every fitness level. Every location offers a free trial class, so definitely get in and see what all the fuss is about. There are several locations now around the Triangle and a new location opening up in North Raleigh this fall! Check out the list below and find the Triangle Orangetheory Fitness closest to you.
– Orangetheory Fitness – Holly Springs
– Orangetheory Fitness – Morrisville
– Orangetheory Fitness – Chapel Hill
– Orangetheory Fitness – North Raleigh (Coming Fall 2015 – There is a pre-sale location open now next to T.J. Maxx off Falls of Neuse Rd. in Raleigh. You can take advantage of limited-time discounted membership rates before the studio opens.)
Orangetheory Fitness in Holly Springs offered me a set of free classes in exchange for writing about what their business is all about. The opinions and information here are all my own.
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