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orangetheory fitness coaches — Clients are excited to see these improvements from their fitness coaches. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) coaches all over Alabama are in the middle of a 22-week training program developed by OTF’s Fitness and Learning and Development team. The program includes weekly focuses on the science side of working out as well as the personal aspects of fitness. We talked with head coach Alex Gray to learn more.

Local fitness coaches are leveling up

Orangetheory requires three certifications for all of their coaches, including personal training, CPR and an OTF-specific certification. All OTF coaches—new ones and longtime leaders—are diving deep into the new program to deliver top-of-class group personal training experiences.

“This is an effective way of investing in our coaches. My role is to make sure that our region is staying on track to succeed and that all of our coaches have not just gone through the content, but broken it up into week-long stages so that they are actually maximizing their learning.”
Alex Gray, Orangetheory

There are 14 modules and workshops for all coaches to go through, on topics including:

Anatomy
Effective ways to coach groups
Muscles
Movement patterns
Member engagement
OTF-specific verbiage

“This isn’t simply about checking boxes, it’s about getting content to the coaches and into their classes for our clients.”
Alex Gray, Orangetheory

This training teaches fitness coaches to adapt

Innovation is one of Orangethoery’s core values and what this new training is all about. Staying at the forefront of fitness research and knowledge is a huge part of OTF, so making sure coaches are equipped with the skills they need to do that is important.

The fitness world is always changing and evolving, so Alex said the worst thing he could be doing is leave his coaches stagnant.

“I always tell our coaches ‘the biggest thing for you is that you’re coachable and you never stop learning.’ You’re never going to get a coach that reaches the end product. There are always ways to get better. The most successful coaches are the ones that always have something they’re working on improving and that’s what we’re doing through this program.”
Alex Gray, Orangetheory

See what the OTF coaches are all about when you sign up for your first class.

It’s both scientific + personal

OTF is known for being science backed and technology tracked, but this training goes beyond that. In addition to the scientific knowledge coaches are getting, a huge part of the program is learning how to best take care of clients.

“Our coaches are working on everything from how to set up in the lobby and make a first-time guest feel comfortable to perfecting the cool-down and engaging with clients after class.”
Alex Gray, Orangetheory

Coaches are currently on week nine of 22 and starting to get into the nitty gritty and more specific components of a class. Alex said he’s already seeing the effects of this through continuity across locations, how coaches are talking about goals and more.

“This training not only allows our coaches to continuously learn and grow, but also to see what they’re capable of. I think this will help them get to higher heights than ever before. This is just the beginning.”
Alex Gray, Orangetheory

Want to get in on the fun? Sign up for your first Orangetheory class today.

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