My First Day at Orange Theory Fitness

I’m sure by now you have heard about OTF! Yes, Orange Theory Fitness! They started popping up everywhere and have become a fitness trend that seems like it is here to stay and whoop some ass in the process.

Orange Theory is based on the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). It refers to your body’s increased intake of oxygen after completing a physical activity. In a sense, this is what OTF calls the afterburn.

In the one hour workout, your goal is to spend at least 12 minutes in the orange zone. For every minute that you are in the orange zone or higher, you add a point to your splat points. The hour is broken up into three workout types: rowing, cardio, and strength training.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS

SHOW UP 30 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS STARTS

The coaches will give you a tour of the facility and equipment, have you sign paperwork, and give you a heart rate monitor. Their encouragement starts here. They ask about your fitness goals and help get you motivated for the class.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

So you’ve made it to class and you’re super pumped. Just make sure to listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re like me and hadn’t worked out in such a long time. Easy does the job here. Take breaks as much as you need and remember…you can’t compare your day 1 to someone else’s day 30 or so on. Everyone was once exactly where you are and no one is there to judge you.

DON'T FOCUS TOO MUCH ON SPLAT POINTS

Splat points measure the number of minutes that your body will be in the afterburn zone. Afterburn just means that you will continue to burn calories up to 36 hours after your OTF workout if you were able to reach at least 12 splat points. While this is your first day, don’t be too pressed on your splat points (and don’t compare it to other people’s points as well). Just have fun while you are there and congratulate yourself for every effort you make.

GET GOOD RUNNING SHOES

You’ll definitely be tasked to run (or in my case, power walk). A good pair of running shoes help ease pressure on your knees during your workout. Go to an athletic store and try on different shoes that best fit your gait, arch height, and comfort level. A good investment now can help prevent injuries later on.

HAVE FUN

Seriously, this is the point of OTF—to make fitness effective while being fun by switching up your routine often. Enjoy every exercise and if you tap out, don’t beat yourself up for it. When you wake up the next day sore, it’ll be a nice reminder that you put in the work!

AFTER THE WORKOUT

At the end of the class, the coach pulled us newbies towards the monitors to explain what each number meant. While I definitely was not be the best in the class, I was proud of myself for completing the entire workout (the best I could). The sales associate then briefed us on how to become a member and that was when I became sticker shocked. Eight classes alone would cost $109 per month.

The cool thing was that right after the class, I immediately received my workout summary in my email and was also told that everything would also sync to their app once I sign in. This was a nice feature of wearing their heart rate monitor, which costs $40 to purchase. Thankfully, its free to use during your free session.

While I chose not to sign up for the monthly membership, I did enjoy my free class and would recommend it to others who are looking for a fitness program that involves a personal trainer (coach). Instead of registering at OTF, I was motivated enough to sign up for a membership at my local gym at a substantial fraction of the cost.