Orange Theory is a unique way to get your workout in. Think of it as a huge room where you can run rows, and lift weights. All in one place! What sets Orange Theory apart is the way it combines all of it. Run, right no- lift weights. Instead, you work a bit of everything, and that way your body will become stronger in all aspects.
At Orange Theory, they also have a coach that yells at you to do this or that and cheerleads the hell out of everyone. Workouts are based on certain amounts of time spent in different “zones. This color code is also named after the colors of a rainbow.
You want to spend the majority of your heart rate zones in orange when you’re pushing yourself! This enables a person to burn more calories and be fitter in less time.
How Does Orange Theory Work?
So, when you sign up for a class at Orange Theory then they give you this heart monitor. This is your gauge of working too hard. There are five zones:
Gray Zone: It means you start. For example, when you are walking at the pace of a slow painful sloth just coming out from his long winter nap.
Blue (Warmer): You are ready to take off your jacket, but you can finish this.
Green Zone: At this point, you’re doing some work — equivalent to if you were walking briskly or running.
Orange Zone: The magic range! Your breaths are coming faster, and your heart is pounding harder than usual This is where you should be if you want to optimize your training.
Red Zone: This is when you’re hard on the way up, like sprinting or doing a heavy squat.
What is cool about Orange Theory, is that your workout might be completely different from mine in the same class. The heart monitor lets the coach track how much effort you are putting in, and they will want you to: go harder if you’re working too lightly; or slow down so that you are still pushing but at a maintainable rate.
How Does Orange Theory Rate With The Public?
Orange Theory is always a people pleaser as it’s not only enjoyable but also gets results. The workouts are always changing so it doesn’t get old. One day a treadmill, the next rowing, and then weights. By doing this, it keeps the training interesting and allows you to follow a program.
They also like the community. At Orange Theory you see many nice people who are just as pumped up to work as hard as yourself. We root for each other and it feels like we are on a team together.
But Orange Theory, for some of you, may make about as much sense. The workouts are too hard, or the workouts are too intense. Some may hate the idea of using a heart monitor or feel like they need to keep up with everybody. It is also hard when it becomes a group class because you get little to no attention from the coach.
Is Orange Theory Right For You?
Orange Theory could be the answer for you. When you combine running, rowing, and lifting weights it does wonders for your body as a whole. The monitor keeps you at your proper level to keep you from over-training or undertraining. And that will, in turn, allow your workouts to be far more effective and not as risky.
Since the workouts are never the same, your body is not resistant to doing it. This makes you stronger and fitter in less time. They are group classes, so you will motivate each other which is required when working out, especially if it is tough.
But, as with any exercise go at a pace that feels right for you. But it is okay to either go light or even skip a workout if you are over-tired and not feeling good. And if you are just starting -maybe having done no sort of exercise at all in over a year- Orange Theory is going to be too advanced for where your level currently resides.
What to Expect in an Orange Theory Class
If you walk into an Orange Theory class, there are three general areas: the treadmills, rows, and floor where strength exercises are performed. It is often a mix between biking and rowing, with the class normally starting with a warm-up which could be slow jogging to get your legs moving.
The coach will then take you through some exercises. You could run on the treadmill for a few minutes, row, and then jump onto the floor to lift some weights. Since the workouts change. You never know what to expect, but that is the fun part of it!
The coach will watch your heart rate to make sure you maintain in the orange zone during the entire class and might even suggest strategies for how to do so. Because sometimes, they will motivate you to go harder than before and at times tell you how easy things can be.
Why Orange Theory is Great for kids/families
Orange Theory Is Not Just For Adults Other studios offer kids/family classes specifically. They are the perfect fitness classes that children should get involved with. The workouts are accessible, the coaches keep everyone safe and entertained.
Great for families — Orange Theory can be a fun way to spend time together. You can support each other, and congratulate one another after achieving something in your workouts. Other than that, it is important to realize how the cherry on top method can help motivate kids with the fact training hard means enjoying harder.
Things to Keep in Mind
If Orange Theory is something you would like to try, here are my tips:
Price: Orange Theory classes are a bit more expensive than other gyms. Price: check price offers where available, since they could stand above your budget.
No Excuses: The workouts are meant to be hard. Note, if you are new to exercise or have any health issues discuss with a doctor first.
Orange Theory classes are in a group setting, people usually love or hate this; I found it overwhelming. It is not best for those who prefer training in solitude or without the direct cover of an online fitness trainer.
Conclusion
It has and I have been loving my Orange Theory fitness journey. A blend of running, rowing, and strength components helps you build a better body from head to toe. The heart monitor lets you know when to go harder or ease off, and the atmosphere of a private group keeps your training curious.
It may not be for you, but many people enjoy the diversity and intensity of Orange Theory. No matter how old you are, or for what size family unit it is part of a healthy and active living ecosystem.
