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Busted. 7 myths about working out with Orangetheory + special offer
ByIrene Richardson
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Think you know what it really feels like to be a part of the Orangetheory community? We threw one of our own team members into the belly of the beast and, spoiler alert, she not only survived—she THRIVED. Just try to prove these myths right—we dare you.
🎉 PROMO: Just like ice cream or fancy wine, you can taste before you buy
Want to bust these myths for yourself? Now is just the time to try working out under those orange lights with a free class to all local non-members. When you decide you’re ready to join, take advantage of these August offers.
Performance Tracker Promotion:
- From August 1-31 all new joins will receive either a free OT Beat Core Performance Tracker or an OT Beat Burn Performance Tracker for $40 (normally $109).
Buddy Up, Earn a Reward:
- If any member refers a friend who joins prior to August 31, that member will receive a percentage off their next month. 50% off if the referral joins at the same membership level or above. 25% off if the referral joins at a lower membership level.
- The friend that joins can also take advantage of the Performance Tracker promo.
1. I’ll never be able to keep up with the rest of the class
Gabi Hembree, our Orangetheory novice and Sales Executive at Bham Now, is a self-described average Joe when it comes to fitness. The biggest fear heading into the studio was she’d never be able to keep up. Despite it being a group setting, however, the workouts are personalized to you—so this myth never stood a chance.
Head Coach at Birmingham’s downtown studio Nigel Whitt showed Gabi the ropes, and the rows, before class started—something Orangetheory does with every new member. He ensured each exercise would be taken at her own pace.
“As far as keeping up, I inform the members that they are going at their pace and ability with the coach’s instructions—not necessarily at the level or pace of the person next to them who may have been coming for a longer period of time.”
Nigel Whitt, Head Coach at Birmingham ‘s Downtown Orangetheory studio
2. Everyone already knows someone, I’ll be all alone
I can definitely understand this. When you walk into Orangetheory there’s a familiarity between the clients and coaches that might make you think they’re all in a secret group chat without you. Those fears are quickly diminished when you realize how easy it is to slip into the fun culture at Orangetheory.
Although Hannah Fawal has been a member of Orangetheory for a couple of years, it only took one day for her to feel completely initiated into the Fit Fam.
“Orangetheory is for all people no matter your age, gender, or fitness experience. No matter who you are or where you come from, you will leave Orangetheory better than you came. You are surrounded by an uplifting environment and a community that becomes your fitness family.”
Hannah Fawal, Orangetheory Fitness member
3. My eye will be on the clock to make sure I’m staying on time with each exercise
“The class is a FULL workout, but the hour flew by so fast I thought it had been like 30 minutes. Overall, it was pretty easy to follow along in the class.
I thought it would be a super fast-paced—you hear instructions once and that’s it. But, it was the complete opposite in the best way. The class itself is fast-paced, but they’re very clear about ‘what’s next’ and give you time to rest and get prepared.”
Gabi Hembree
Orangetheory encourages you to leave your stopwatches at home and try to focus less on how much time is left in each session, and more on your movements. The coaches keep track of all the hard stuff for you so you’re able to fully dive-in to what’s happening in class.
4. I’m the only one who has no idea what they’re doing
Not gonna lie, I’d never touched a rower in my life before coming to Orangetheory and felt like a proper dope trying to get my feet in the footholds. The good news—most people feel the same way and you catch on quickly.
“The 3-component system (rower, tread, and weight room) might be unfamiliar to people. People then might assume that you have to really know what you’re doing to participate.
This is not true though—coaches instruct the veterans through the workout just as much as the newbies. Again, there are levels and options all throughout.”
Nigel Whitt
5. The classes are super competitive and I’ll be judged
If you’re unfamiliar with Orangetheory, each person is given a Performance Tracker that shows you in five-colored zones throughout the workout, with you trying to focus specifically on hitting orange and red. You may be in the orange zone and someone else may be in the red and that’s perfectly ok—in fact it makes sense.
“Each person’s performance tracker is individualized to that person’s metrics—age, weight and gender. Therefore, it will never be the same as the person’s working out next to them. “
Nigel Whitt
This isn’t a high school gym class where the coach makes everyone clap for you when you come in dead last for the mile (me, speaking from personal experience). To be honest, the workouts are intense enough where focusing on yourself is really your only option.
“I was scared people were watching or judging me based on my fitness capabilities, but I became more comfortable in the studio immediately after my first class.
I realized I was surrounded by people who were not judging me, but encouraging me. Each person is on their own fitness journey. No one is watching you; they are focusing on bettering themselves and encouraging you to do the same.”
Hannah Fawal
6. Working out in a group setting will be too overwhelming
Gabi is pretty much a solo-flyer when it comes to working out, so this is one of the only experiences she’s had taking a class with other participants. However, the workouts flow easily and you’re so focused on yourself, having other people around becomes encouraging over frenetic.
As far as other concerns go working out in group classes, we’ve outlined the precautions Orangetheory is taking for a safe workout.
7. The coaches are intimidating
Like all group fitness, a mighty leader stands at the front guiding you through the class. Before heading into Orangetheory, a lot of people are worried about being called out or judged by coaches—but it couldn’t be further from the truth.
“The coaches are challenging you to be the best possible version of yourself. I am not a runner, not at all. I ran 23 minutes straight last week at Orangetheory because of the coaches. Running is 80% mental and 20% physical. That 80% mental is developed because of the coaches.”
Hannah Fawal
At the end of the day, the coaches just want to make sure you are getting everything out of the class you can. So if you make a mistake or fall behind, they are are there to guide you back on track.
“If I seemed a little behind or confused, Coach Nigel was great about giving me just enough individual attention to keep me motivated and on target without feeling like the bad kid that gets called to the front of the class. “
Gabi Hembree
So, what’s the verdict? 🤔
Gabi came back to us a little sweatier, but in one piece and ready for more.
“The Orangetheory workout was one of the best and most engaging workouts I’ve ever done. I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up, but Coach Nigel made it so easy to relax into focusing on my own individual goals versus comparing myself to others in the class.”
Gabi Hembree
Take a look at your nearest Orangetheory studio on Instagram:
Think you have what it takes to prove us wrong? Head over to Orangetheory’s website to sign up today for your first FREE class.
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