Is Orange Theory Worth It? A Runner’s Dilemma
If you’re living in some sort of major city or are on any social media, you’ve probably heard about Orangetheory Fitness. A HIIT group workout that uses heart-rate technology, Orangetheory has become all the rage amongst many. Everyone swears by OTF.
I was running cross country for my high school when Orangetheory first became popular. My before and after school practices left me with little time or need to try out OTF. When I got to college, the steep enrollment price kept me off the Orangetheory train. Why did I need to pay over $100 if I could just keep running outside myself? I knew how to stay in shape because I knew how to run. Orange Theory just never seemed worth it.
Then COVID hit and I moved across the country and I started my first job, and like many of us, my exercise routine fell out of wack. What was once my warm-up became my routine. In addition to the decrease in movement, I experienced an increase in stress. This led to a change in my eating habits, and just a few months in, I had experienced weight gain. All of this resulted in major confidence loss in my identity as a runner and athlete.
Not knowing where to go, and with a roommate who proudly shared she was part of the OTF cult, I signed up for four months of Orangetheory. Through the months, I realized why signing up could and could not be worth it from a runner’s point of view.
PRO: Orangetheory is Worth It if You Need a Routine
In 2019, I was training for a half marathon and was in a strict routine. In 2020, I started teaching and felt lucky enough if I ran 10 minutes before school once a week. Having a set routine is really important for a runner not only for your physical game but also for your mental game. When I know that I have had a solid week of running and know there is time next week to continue that trend, I am far more secure in my athletic ability. By signing up for a program that designed the workout for me, I re-established my routine. There was no me questioning “What should I do?” “How long should I work out for?” “When should I go?” Instead, all I had to do was sign up in the app and go. Orangetheory takes the planning out of working out, forcing you to let go of all excuses and just show up.
PRO: Your Routine Won’t be Broken if You Go To Orangetheory
Not only will going to Orangetheory help you re-establish a workout routine, but it will also hold you accountable for sticking to that routine. If you don’t cancel a class over 8 hours before the time, they charge YOU for not showing up. I already saw my membership as a hefty investment (worth it for my mental and physical health), and there was no way I wanted to lose a single penny more. My desire to not go into debt kept me from canceling class in those moments when I felt a little worn-out after work. There were very few excuses that led me to pay an extra $15, and in the end, I was always grateful I showed up. I never regretted a class, just like I never regretted lacing up the sneakers for a run.
CON: Your Routine Will Be Very Routine-ish
While Orangetheory helped me re-establish my routine, it also left me a little bored. Each time I stepped into the studio, I knew that I would be in for strength training, a treadmill run, and a row. Yes, the workouts vary in what paces you’re pushing or what weights you’re lifting. However, after a month, the workouts started feeling a little predictable. The workouts also weren’t my jam because I always wanted more time on the treadmill and less time on the rower. I missed running and wanted to focus on it! Additionally, I really started to miss working out outside. If you need fresh air, OTF might not be for you.
PRO: Orange Theory Helps Where Just Running Doesn’t — Strength
Despite wanting more running in the OTF classes, I really enjoyed the addition of strength training to my routine. Growing up, I never spent significant time focusing on building muscle. I always thought that strength training was for men- THAT IS NOT TRUE!! So many more studies are coming out about why building muscle is critical for women. Not only does strength training keep our bones and heart-healthy, but it also can decrease our risk of depression. I loved that Orangetheory established weight training as a priority. I also really appreciated how helpful the coaches were in helping me learn how to lift (the number of corrections I received was so appreciated).
PRO: You Will Become a More Aware Athlete
If you have never done heart-rate-based training, Orangetheory is a great way to learn how to assess and push your effort. After running my half in February of 2019, I really lost touch with pushing myself. Orangetheory changed all of that by making me truly see (on the big screen!) whether or not I was pushing myself. The goal of each class is to get 12 minutes in the “Orange Zone,” your maximum heart rate. These 12 minutes are measured in “splat points” Having this goal made me diligent about how hard I was working. There is no fooling yourself when your heart rate is up on the screen for all to see! Therefore, there is no way I’m leaving without my 12 splat points!! You also end up burning a ton of calories ( I never burned less than 400!).
You Might Quit… But…
This summer I paused my Orangetheory membership. I really missed running outdoors and also felt that my bank account could not afford another month. However, I do think that the time and financial investment was worth it. First, I lost the pounds I had gained in the fall. More importantly though, Orangetheory helped me get back in the workout groove by creating and holding me accountable to a workout routine. I think it will also help my future running adventures because now I know how to use my heart rate as a guide. I also know I’m going to be a stronger runner, because there is no way I’m letting go of strength training! Overall, I think that Orangetheory is a great jumpstart or addition to a runner’s training. For any runner out there who needs an extra push off the couch, I think at least the free first OTF class is definitely worth it.
P.S. Check out David Asch’s article for another POV about OTF :)
