Orange Is the New Fit

I'm not really big on making resolutions (unless you count finally finishing our kitchen remodel as one). I just love that every January 1st is a fresh start to get my act together. This year is no different.

In lieu of Christmas presents, Hank and I decided to make a (real) commitment to fitness. We both turn 40 this year, and staying fit has been a huge challenge. Yes- we run, but lately that has been about it. We're lacking muscle and tone, and it's time to do something about it (again). So we joined a gym together! It's a brand new facility called Orange Theory, and they recently opened one about 5 minutes from our house. There were several things about Orange Theory that were enticing for us.

1) It's an organized class that meets on set days/times.
2) While the monthly rate isn't cheap, we did at least get a promotional rate for signing up early.
3) It's heart-rate monitored, which feeds our ridiculous competitiveness.

It was important to me that we find a way to do this together, so I loved that we could put a Monday/Wednesday class on our shared calendar, and make a "date" out of it. The 50-ish minute classes are arranged in two sections- one half is intervals on a treadmill, using the orange heart rate range as a goal, and the other half is spent between rowing machines and weights. The instructors change it up so that each class is a little different. The music is loud and fun, you burn a ton of calories, and we get to spend time together doing something other than drinking/eating/sitting on the couch. It's a total win!

Photos by OrangeTheory Fitness

Over the holiday break we fit in 2 classes together, and after each class you get an email summarizing your workout. I averaged about 550 calories per class, while Hank burned 800+. The great part about working out in a specific heart rate zone is that you continue to burn more calories throughout the day. The classes are challenging, but not so much that I can't move the day after. I'm sore, but it's a good kind of sore.

We're committed to classes for January/February, and then we'll revisit our plan at that point. I have access to an $8 a month gym at work, so it doesn't really make sense for me to continue this year round. But if it kick starts better habits and gets me back into the gym at work, then it's another win. We're looking forward to working our butts off, literally, for the next two months. I'm hoping we'll have some good results to share at that time.

Has anyone else heard or, or use, this program? Curious to hear your thoughts.