Ever since they opened an Orange Theory Fitness center near me, I wanted to give it a try. I finally signed up for a class and went this past Monday.

Before signing up, I knew it was a high-intensity full-body workout. I had heard from various friends that it was just wanted they needed, so I was eager to try it.

Orange Theory’s fitness philosophy is based on “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption.” Essentially, the goal is to maintain a target heart rate that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Each day they have a different workout, and you don’t know what you are doing until you walk into the workout room. The fitness coach in the workout room guides you through these different paces, and you always get breaks of walking every few minutes.

Your workout session is 60 minutes. Half of your session is on the treadmill, and half is spent between the rowing machine and core/weight exercises. I started on the rowing machine and core/weight exercises and ended on the treadmill.

The workout couch is in the room throughout the session, motivating you – not yelling at you. There are also large monitors in the room showing your heart rate. 

Overall, while I think their workout theory is good, it is not for me at this time. I wish that it was around when running marathons constantly, but for where I am not now, it is not for me. Maybe at another time, but for now, I need to focus on core work – walking and running at a brisk speed, doing weight and core training, and continuing to do yoga.

Walking out of the work session on Monday, I felt as if I was just not where I needed to be to workout there. I might go back sometime in the future and take classes, but it is not me for now. It did give me some ideas for what I wanted my workout time to look like, which was a huge help. It also helped to remind me about how vital and fulfilling workouting and fitness are to me. I am glad I investigate it, but I will do my own thing for now.