The burn is real!

I’ve gotten a lot of questions lately wondering about my recommendations for working out and if I have ever tried Orange Theory.

I had been invited by a co-worker of mine who had been ranting and raving about how much she loved her knew workout routine!!! Curious about this, I took advantage of Orange Theories offer of a one time free class. I was thrilled and excited!!! Call me crazy, but I love high intensity workouts!!!! (maybe because it gives me no time to slack off)

So what is Orange Theory? I am sure by now you’ve probably seen or have heard about Orange Theory, it has become one the latest and hottest trends in fitness. It seriously gained popularity overnight, and after my workout I completely understood why!

Orange Theory is a 1 hour, full body workout, focusing on training, endurance, strength and power. Each day is a completely different and a new workout, integrating running, rowing, weights, and so much more. Are you ready for the best part?!! It doesn’t matter your fitness level, there is literally something to do for everyone!!

Their workouts are based on the science that they call “Excess Post – Exercise Oxygen Consumption” in other words the main goal is to maintain a target heart rate that stimulates both metabolism and increases energy referred to as “the after burn”. Which means you are continuing to burn calories for up to 36 hours post workout. For your first workout OT will offer you a heart rate monitor band with your choice of an arm band or a chest band. I tried both and personally really liked the arm band better!! Throughout the workout you’ll hear terms like BASE, PUSH, and ALL- OUT PACE. Again one of the best things about Orange Theory is ANYONE CAN DO IT!! REPEAT “ANYONE”!!! Your workout can be as hard as you want it to be or as easy as you want it. Power walk, jog, or run on the treadmill using the differently levels of intensity.

Base Pace: This is basically your warmup pace

Push Pace: This is where you will start to push yourself, and as the coaches like to say “here you are starting to get a little uncomfortable”

All- Out Pace: This is where you are going to take it to the max, pushing yourself the hardest you can go for 90 seconds.

Orange Theory has hand picked some pretty amazing trainers who will guide you through your first workout (and all workouts) and all the different paces and terms. Example: Going from pace to pace runners will increase their speed, power walkers will increase their incline. YOU”VE GOT THIS!!! I can’t stress enough that seriously ANYONE can do this!

Orange Zone

You’ll notice a large screen at every Orange Theory where you will find your name that monitors what “zone” you are in. Orange theory has five zones: Grey, Blue, Green, Orange and Red. The goal is to spend at least 12 minutes in the orange or red zones to achieve the optimal “after burn” (You will hit this so don’t worry).

SPLAT POINTS:  Refer to the amount of minutes you spend in the orange or red zone, for every full minute spent in those zones you will get a splat point. (This is the 12  minute goal I was referring too) I managed to hit between 20-30 splat points per workout. I loved being able to see what I did the day before and push myself even further the next day! These zone are just to help guide you, so don’t worry about theses.

After five days in row I couldn’t believe how much my body had changed, how much more energy I had, and even my sleep improved at night. What I loved about Orange Theory was how accountable it made me. (You have to sign up in advance for each class due to limited space) I originally thought I would never be able to get up at 4:30 A.M to make a 5 A.M class but I DID IT and I was thrilled to get up that early and workout. I think Orange Theory does a great job of making sure everyone is having a great time but also that everyone is safe by ensuring that each move is correct, and effective for the person. They are upbeat, positive and inspirational!!

“We all want more. More energy. More strength, More results.”