Why Bryn & Erica Bleed Orange
Hey there! It’s Bryn and Erica – Collin’s sidekicks and sisters (side note – Erica is not a sister by blood but she has been in Collin’s life for well over a decade so she is like a true sister ❤️ ).
We are here to tell you why we bleed orange and absolutely love it.
Yes, we are totally and completely obsessed with Orangetheory Fitness – hence, the bleeding orange! We are so obsessed with this gym and talk about it so frequently that we decided it only made sense to post about it on Hip2Save! 💃
What is Orangetheory Fitness?
First off, Orangetheory Fitness has gyms scattered all across the country, so you likely have one near you (Bryn works out in Boise, Idaho, and Erica works out in Lakewood Ranch, Florida).
Each one-hour class features high-intensity interval training that blends cardiovascular and strength training. And it’s seriously for ALL fitness levels and ages, so you decide whether you walk, jog, run, or ride – and you set your own pace!
Base – Push – All Out – GO! GO! GO!
On the treadmill, you will push yourself at different levels, and these levels are called ‘Base’, ‘Push’ and ‘All Out’. Sound confusing? It’s not, because your instructor is guiding you the entire time.
- Base – You are jogging or walking on an incline (getting your heart rate up).
- Push – You are moving to the next level (trying to get yourself in the orange zone).
- All Out – You are giving everything you’ve got (these almost never last longer than ONE minute, and the goal is to be in red/orange halfway through these all outs).
You are required to wear Orangetheory’s heart rate monitor (choose from either a wrist monitor like Erica is wearing above or a chest monitor that is purchased when you buy a membership).
Your real-time heart rate along with a few other parameters like calories burned, heart rate zone, etc. are all displayed on large screens throughout the studio.
You may think it is a bit weird to have your results displayed up on the screen for the rest of the class to see, BUT I assure you that you really do only focus on your own results and so does everyone else.
And it’s easy to keep track of your stats each time you go with the Orangetheory OTbeat app (available on google play and iTunes)! The app will keep track of all your workouts, so you can easily watch your progress.
Each studio has 12 high-end treadmills (seriously, these are the best treadmills we’ve ever run on!), 12 water rowing machines, 12 suspension unit systems, and free weights and benches to accommodate sessions of 10-36 people. And if you cannot run/walk or row, there are always bike and strider options as well.
In each class, the goal is to produce 12 minutes or more (also called Splat Points) in Zones 4 & 5 combined (these are the orange and red zones). These points are usually earned during the treadmill training portion of the workout.
Orange Theory always pushes you to the next level. You will do things you never thought you could do, and you’ll go home proud of yourself. 🙌
(Bryn convinced Collin to take her free introductory class earlier this September)
OK, so wondering why we love this place so much?
First of all, it works! We almost always burn over 500 calories in a one hour class. And thanks to the afterburn concept, we keep burning calories for up to 36 hours.
Every day is different! You never repeat a workout, so every single day is a different combination of treadmill, rowing, and weights.
Everyone we have met is there for one reason only – to complete an intense workout in just 60 minutes with no other typical “gym distractions”. Your time is never wasted – all classes end and start on time so you can get in and out and back to your day.
There’s a time available for everyone. In Boise, classes during the week start at 5 AM and go all the way through 6:45 PM. And it is super easy to book classes on the Orangetheory Fitness Booking app (available on google play and iTunes)!
And we love the loud, fun music! Be sure to leave your own earbuds at home as the gym is always blasting music selected by each instructor! Some rock out to 80s music, some to hip-hop, country, etc! 𝄞
(Super awesome coach in LakewoodRanch, Florida)
The coaches are AMAZING! Seriously, they are some of the most fun, passionate, and motivational men and women I have ever met – they are full of so much encouragement and spend the entire class coaching you through the workout, demonstrating the weight floor portion of the workout, offering lower impact alternatives, sharing inspirational quotes, and just being cheerleaders.
And, some locations even have super FUN spirit weeks where you can dress up the entire week and each day is different – Favorite Team Day, 80s week, and MORE! 💃
It is like a family!
From the front desk staff to the managers and the coaches, everyone makes an effort to get to know you and make you feel welcome from day one. Even on days when we’re feeling worn out and lacking motivation, we are always glad we came as soon as we walk in the door.
And fellow members are so encouraging – there are always lots of high fives and fist pumps, and everyone does support and encourage one another.
So are there any negatives?
The only perceived negative in our opinion is the price – this gym is not cheap (see all the reasons above as to why —> state-of-the-art equipment, awesome coaches, super clean facilities!).
The rates do vary from location to location, but most membership options start at around $80-$90 monthly usually for eight classes per month to about $140-$160 monthly for unlimited classes. Both of us have the unlimited Orange Premier membership as we average about five classes per week.
Also note that the corporate office does occasionally offer special packages around the holidays (like Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc.) – these packages usually offer a set number of classes and a heart rate monitor for a killer price! These packages don’t come around often, but if you are interested, call your local studio to see if anything like this is available.
Yes, this is a serious investment and may not be an option for everyone – but if you have wiggle room in your budget and you want to start taking care of YOU, this investment is so worth it!
And you guys, you can try your first class for FREE! There is nothing more Hip2Save than that! 🙌
Note from Bryn and Erica: I’m sure this post sounds like an advertisement but it’s NOT. This post was not sponsored by Orangetheory Fitness, and we do NOT make a dime if you sign up for a membership. We just really love this gym and had to share! If you are currently a member or you decide to give it a try, be sure to leave a comment and let us know what you think!
The ONLY gym I maintain! I’ve been a member for 2 1/2 years and LOVE it! I also go 5 times a week 🙂 Love the community of people that I’ve only found at OTF.
WOW! That is amazing that you have been a member for over 2 years – very impressive! Glad to hear you love it as much as we do. 🙂
It really is amazing! I live in CA and when it comes to working out I lack
self motivation but this is like having a team oriented work out with a coach encouraging. The cost is way cheaper then having a personal trainer yet you get all the advantages of a personal trainer.
Exactly! I love the team environment and how supportive the coaches are!
Been at OTF for two years and it’s amazing!! Best gym ever and it really is like family! So addicting!
Wow, so happy to hear that you love it too Jess!
I’ve been hearing so much about this gym! I have heard it’s quite pricey however, & something like they charge you if you don’t show up or something like that? But some do say that motivates them to go as well. Too bad the closest one to me is 50 min away.
Hey there Jen! Yes, this is definitely splurge! But it is so worth it! 😉
Best gym ever. I’ve also paid a lot more other places and don’t tell it’s to expensive. I also use the HR monitor when i run and do other workouts!
Agree!! BEST GYM EVER!!
I have drank the orange kool-aid too! I have been going 3-4 times a week for the past year. I recently broke my arm and I’ve missed class so much! It is pricey but I feel it’s worth it. I’m in the best shape of my life!
So happy to hear that, good for you Rachael! Hope your arm heals quick!
I’ve been tempted to join OTF a couple times. Now I’m really tempted! But I’m a couch potato beginner. Is it appropriate for beginners or will they kill me the first day? 🙂
Hey there Sharon! My first day… Wow! I had so much fun, but I came home very tired! BUT, after that I promise you that it is so motivating and gives you energy throughout the whole day! I think you should definitely go TRY IT!
Thanks Erica! I’ll be brave and go for a tour this weekend… Thanks for the info and encouragement! 🙂
I was that way when I started and I had trouble walking for 2 weeks after my first class 😂. I was SO sore but kept going back, lost weight, felt good and and was going from 3-5x a week. I recently injured myself there so I’m unable to go now but hope to get back soon!
So sorry about your injury! Hope you are able to start working out again soon!
They’ll let you work on your phase at first. But of course you want to keep up with others. I was sore after my first work out. 😂
Yes, you must give it a try, Sharon! The coaches work to accommodate all fitness levels so I promise that you will be just fine! If you do go to a class, be sure to come back and let Erica and I know what you thought!
They are in the process of building one in my town now, I am so looking forward to it! I was able sign up early to get the founding member price!
LUCKY! That is very cool Katelyn!
How much is the founding member price?
HIIT is supposed to be a really effective form of exercise especially for those with neurodegenerative health conditions. It is the way that I trained for running a marathon. I have MS, diagnosed 17 years ago and am still mobile and active.
OT just opened in my city last week and I am hooked! I am 53 years old and I’ve tried various other exercise programs/options, but this one is definitely the best for me. I won’t push myself on my own and although I consider myself somewhat active…..I haven’t exercised on a regular basis since my college days.
This program really helps me push myself and after only 4 classes I can already tell a difference in how my clothes are fitting!!
I too got in on the founder’s rate for unlimited classes, it’s definitely not cheap but I’ve decided my health is worth the cost and I’ll cut out other items if necessary! Hopefully it will eventually pay for itself in saved medical costs. 🙂
I was worried I would be the only older person in my classes, but every class has had a mix of ages, body types, and athletic abilities….so it’s not at all intimidating.
I love that there is a such a mix of ages and fitness levels in every class too! Like you, I got in on the founder’s rate for unlimited classes when the Boise location opened and I am so thankful that I was able to lock in at this lower rate.
The good: I joined the challenge most locations have when they first open and lost the most % in weight and won $2500 in 2015. I was the most in shape I’ve ever been. I made some fun workout buddies!
The bad: communication was horrible. They started bootcamps before opening and never communicated that. I signed up before opening and was never informed when they were opening. I was never informed that I won and didn’t believe them at first when I went in, until they showed me all the pictures of strangers holding a big fake check with my name on it. I had to fight with their finance company when they filled out the W2 like I was a contractor. The staff changed so much the first year and my favorite coaches left to other locations.
Erika is in Florida with us ! Woo Hoo !
Woo Hoo!! 🙂
I was a member of orangetheory for about a year. It is basically the same workout everyday just different variations. It got old after a year so I quit and joined Burn boot camp and I love it. The workouts are different everyday and I am actually building strength now.
Happy to hear you love Burn Boot Camp Sarah – sounds FUN!
Is it for women only?
Nope.
I have know about OrangeTherapy for years now, but unfortunately for me the closes one is 47 miles away. I’ve been waiting for one to open in my area.
Darn! Hope that one opens near you soon, Yvonne!
I love OT. It’s the most positively reinforced place I’ve ever worked out. People encourage you. Im doing the DriTri Saturday and hitting my 100th class Monday. I’ve lost weight, built muscle, and made time for myself! I have never been a workout person but I love this gym and want people to know how wonderful it is.
Wow Heather! GOOD LUCK on the DriTri!! Bryn and I are rooting for you! 🎉
Ok, you’ve convinced me. I’ll have to try it out. I workout on my lunch break at the gym at my office, but I’ve been thinking about finding another gym for a closer/better option on the weekends. Oh, and Erica, I’m also in LWR! So maybe I’ll see you there. 🙂
Hey there Jill!! I sure hope I run into you! Please let me know if you would like to go together… that could be SO FUN! 🙂
Woohoo! How awesome to see this on one of my favorite money saving apps! I’m a proud Head Coach at OTF Oakleaf in Jacksonville, Fl! As a former member 6 years ago to now head coach, I can confidently say it’s the best workout around. It’s risk free to try, call your local studio to take a free class! If you all are ever in the Jax area come on by for a class at Oakleaf! #morelife
Wow, awesome to hear Meg!! We LOVE Orange Theory coaches! ❤️
What is the cost?
Hey there Shirley! I would call your local Orange Theory and chat with them about pricing. To give you an idea, it appears unlimited memberships can be anywhere from $139-$159 per month! There are also other options if you do not want an unlimited membership and would like to just go a few times a month that are much cheaper!
I wish there was one closer to me. Meridian is still about 45 minutes away.
Oh, bummer!!
Best Gym ever! I’ve been a member for 1 1/2 years. I even work out on vacation at other studios. It is seriously a splurge that I never feel guilty about. Image the health cost savings long term. And where else can I essentially get 20+ personal trainer sessions a month for under $200? You have to get the new “burn” monitor! I just got one at pre-order and I love it. I’ve had both the chest and flex monitor and the burn is much more wearer friendly.
So happy to hear you LOVE it too Michelle!
I tried it and did not join. I’m a CrossFit girl. You’re better off doing less cardio and more weights based on my research. Too much cardio can make it harder to lose weight. I did like that they rowed, because we do that in CrossFit, and I did that instead of running in our WODs.
Hey there Christine! That’s awesome that you found what you like! I am also a fan of CrossFit! Very fun!
Hmmm I might have to check into this. I hate gyms lol and work out at home (well I really run on my treadmill and bike) 3 times a week. Fall and spring I run outside some. Maybe once a week I will pop in a workout video. Not sure how the 60 minutes would go lol as I normally have time for 25 to 30 minutes and then have to get ready to go somewhere.
Do they make you do all sections of the workout? Or can you skip some?
I’d love the rowing machine, and of course the treadmill part but I’m not really into weights :-/ ….I like to stay active and run just to be healthy, but not interested in gaining muscle and stuff like that. Sounds weird I know Lol 🙂 .
Thanks for the info, I drive right by one all the time and never really new what it was except for a gym! Maybe I’ll pop in sometime to check it out.
P.s. Orange is the best as it is my favorite color 😉
Hey there Angela! I think you should definitely just TRY IT! You do have to do all of the sections, BUT you can go at your own pace (you can walk versus run, pick whatever weights work for YOU, etc)!
I mean there’s no child care obviously, you’d have to have an extra hour plus driving time available to you. I don’t know if they have showers or not…see there is lockers so maybe. I’d be more interested if they developed some express classes for those pressed on time.
I think each studio may be a little different, but the ones close to me do have showers and they offer at least one 45 minute express class every day, on week days. You are correct about them not having childcare – that would have been a deal breaker for me when my kids were really little, but now that they are at school it’s easier, and with classes in the evenings and early mornings I can usually juggle schedules with my husband to get a workout in. 🙂
Lack of childcare is a deal breaker for me.
Alternative to orange theory, is chuze gym if you have one near you.
I just moved to Lakewood Ranch, Florida and I was just thinking that I need to find a gym/workout place (get my butt moving!) and then I saw this…. I need to call today! How awesome.
Bryn and Collin! I coach at the OTF here in Merdian Idaho. I have been following Hip2Save for a decade and am would LOVE to see either of you in class! Sometimes I sub at Parkcenter so maybe I’ll see ya there Bryn! Thanks for this awesome post 🧡