Orange Theory Fitness

Not being able to go to CrossFit everyday does have it’s advantages — one of them being that I have more time to try some new classes out.

With so many new, boutique style studios popping up everywhere, I am always skeptical of how well they will do. When I heard of Orange Theory a few months ago, I thought it would just be one more.

I was refreshingly surprised this weekend when I discovered it was actually just my style!

I really had no idea what to expect but the first thing we did was hook up to a heart rate monitor, which was strapped around the chest just by the sports bra elastic area.

All names in the class are posted up on a TV screen so you can actually see and monitor your heart rate in real time. The “orange” in Orange Theory refers to getting your heart rate into the orange zone. Here’s what they say about that on their site:

The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. By providing you with a heart-rate monitor and POD, we can monitor your 5-zone interval training sessions that we call the Orange 60. During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4/5. This program design produces workout “afterburn” effect, which is an increased metabolic rate for 24 to 36 hours after the workout. When combing the amazing workout with EPOC, our clients burn an average of 500 to 1000 calories.

Pretty cool. Unfortunately, I strapped my monitor on wrong so my stats were off but everyone else seemed good to go, ha ha. What I liked was that after the workout, you can look back at your entire workout according to the monitor and see where you were, as well as how many calories you burned.

We started class on the treadmills, doing intervals with various inclines and speeds. You can choose power walking, jogging or running. The intervals are NO JOKE! We got up to a 10.0 incline in one of them — definitely never tried that before!

After treadmills, it was over to a circuit workout in the weight room next door. We went through the cycle three times, with three different circuits each time.

Long story short, lots of variety, high intensity and awesome. It reminded me a lot of CrossFit but of course, no barbell work. I had to modify because of my back but overall, it was definitely the type of workout I enjoy.

If you really push yourself at an Orange Theory session, you can burn close to 1,000 calories! The classes are a full hour, which seems LONG to this CrossFit girl, used to 45 minute classes with warm and cool down included.

When I posted about the class on Instagram, lots of people were excited about it and it seems like a fitness studio trend that’s only gaining popularity. I certainly worked up a good sweat and left the gym feeling like a million bucks — my favorite feeling in the world!

Have you ever tried Orange Theory? What new kinds of classes or studios have you been trying lately?

South Beach Diet Snacks

Wanted to give some props to these snacks I got to try from South Beach Diet. They were sent to me and I liked them so much, I had to tell ya! I was impressed by the flavor and really enjoyed my stash! I actually liked all four flavors I received. They are high in protein and fiber — and low in calories, so if you are looking for a new bar or snack to try, these are a win!