I've seen a number of OrangeTheory gyms popping up all over the place. Is it any different than other gyms like Gold's, Crunch, etc? It seems to be coming out of nowhere so I was wondering if they are onto something.
There are a lot of them here in Chicago. I don't belong to Orange Theory, but from what I understand it is a combination of cardio and weight training, so you compress cardio/weights into one work out.
I live in one of those hoods where every woman weigh less than her engagement ring and the culture is very fitness obsessed. I just go to my plain old gym and do the ellliptical while reading, so OT is too intense for me.
You should walk in and ask someone who works there.
I never heard of them.
There are none around where I live.
Perfect timing, considering the fact that I was about to post a question regarding OTF and whether anyone had seen results. I looked at their site and videos people posted. From what I understand, a certified trainer watches the class, you all wear heart monitors, and if your rate goes up to a dangerous level, the trainer stops you, but there is a certain zone you reach where you lose weight and work your heart to an ideal level, the orange zone, and that's where the name comes from.
There is interval, crossfit-like training where you spend a few minutes doing weights, then switch to cardiovascular exercise and other things, so your body is constantly stimulated in different ways and you don't reach a plateau. If you're not holding the weights properly, the trainer corrects you. It's somewhat like having a personal trainer, but shared with the rest of the class. You still get the motivation part, just not a fully dedicated hour with a trainer, and won't get hurt or used to doing exercises in an improper manner.
You're supposed to sign up to classes ahead of time. You can't just show up. There are different plans ranging from unlimited classes to a certain amount of classes a month. I'm considering trying it out, I think they have a free introductory class. I Googled before and after photos and the results are pretty surprising. I just wanted to hear personal experiences from fellow moms here. Maybe someone will read your question and post a personal experience.
I've never been in but I have a friend who manages one (we live in different parts of the country). He used to be a chef, got into fitness at OT & ended up managing one. He raves about it (even before accepting a position). I'd probably give it a try if I were nearer.
