I promised you guys more fitness related posts in the New Year, so here they come… I wanted to start off with a post dedicated to Orange Theory Fitness. This has been my number one fitness routine for the last six months and you have probably seen it all over my Instagram stories. Or on every other blogger’s Instagram (ha!). But really, it’s just that good. I’ve noticed huge results not only in my appearance but in my strength, endurance, and energy. It has also been a huge factor in my mood improving too!
Alright, let’s break it down… What is Orange Theory?
Orange Theory is an hour long workout class that focuses on treadmills, weights, and rowing machines. All of the workouts are HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and are designed to get your heart rate up. You wear a heart rate monitor that is tracked and displayed on a TV screen in the room. As your heart rate changes, the color of your name on the TV changes. The goal is to keep your heart rate in a certain zone (the orange zone) for best results. There is a coach who instructs you and the other class members are super motivating! Plus, every class is a new and different workout!
Once your workout is completed, you immediately get emailed a chart like the one above. It shows you everything from the amount of time you spent in each of the heart rate zones, how many calories you burned, and your splat points which are the total amount of time spent in the orange and red zones combined. The theory is that if you spend 12 or more minutes in the orange zone then you will continue to burn calories for up to 36 hours.
Who is it for? EVERYONE!
One thing I really love about Orange Theory is that it is for everyone! It’s not a competition and you can go at your own pace. To be honest, I was so nervous before my first class since I hadn’t worked out in almost a year and was a few months postpartum. As soon as I got there I realized there are members of all fitness levels, everyone is more focused on improving themselves, and I even got a warm welcome with multiple high fives. I started that class as a power walker (the lowest pace) and over the last few months have worked my way up to a jogging pace. There is always room for future improvement too! I would love to one day be at a running pace, or lift heavier weights, or row faster.
I wish I had some before and after photos to share with you, but in all honesty it probably isn’t that drastic. The most noticeable difference for me is in the way I feel, specifically an improvement in my endurance, strength, and mood. I find myself not getting winded as quickly and no longer counting down the minutes left of class, Ha! I try to go twice a week and my husband can tell when I miss a class because I will be short tempered or less motivated… (sorry babe!) So it really does benefit my mental health as well.
I can’t say enough good things about Orange Theory! I have tried so many different types of fitness classes and this has been the only one that I am continually excited about. If you want to try it out, your first class is free!
Do you have any more questions about Orange Theory? Feel free to leave them below!
Top and bra are both from Fabletics.
I live in the St. Louis area – OTF just recently came to my town – I am ADDICTED! I have noticed gradual changes in my strength & endurance as well, and I’ve (bonus!) lost 10 pounds. Recently joined the fitness challenge they are having, and I plan on winning! I go 6 days a week at least – for me, I have to do that or I will lose my momentum! Love that you posted here!
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That’s awesome, Tina! So happy you are loving it too!