“ “Orangetheory has gotten me in the best shape of my life,” said senior Janay Sabri. “It is certainly not your typical gym.”

With summer right around the corner, it seems like everyone has been sweating it out at Orangetheory Fitness. Advertisements all over social media and recommendations from many Mercy girls got me interested in researching the fitness studio. The studio offers a free trial for people interested in memberships, so I decided to give it a try. I was skeptical at first, but it certainly exceeded my expectations. I have now been a member at the studio for three weeks.

The first time I went to Orangetheory in Farmington Hills, I was greeted with a big smile the moment I entered, which helped ease my nerves. Instantly, I noticed the dimmed orange lighting and the bright walls of the studio. The employees at the front desk were very energetic and seemed excited to get me situated. I arrived 30 minutes early for an introductory class where a trainer gave a brief overview of how the machines work and what the class would entail. The trainer was telling jokes and pumping me up for the workout.

Orangetheory classes include a 60-minute full body workout that involves a treadmill, rowing machine, and strength training equipment. A typical class is limited to less than 30 people and split into two groups that will alternate between cardio and strength training. The instructor switches between the cardio and strength groups, demonstrating weight room exercises and calling out when to increase the intensity on the treadmill or rower. During this class, you will get the energy of a group workout with the attention of a personal coach. Orangetheory is designed for all fitness levels, and the trainer will provide options to customize the intensity for each individual.

This was a unique atmosphere for me, since I am used to working out alone at my local gym. The studio looks intimidating at first, but it turned out to be one of the most friendly environments I have ever been in. The positivity from the employees always has me leaving with a smile. During class, every time I look like I am about to give up, I hear the trainer cheering me on and telling jokes to distract me from the workout.

“Even if you feel like you’re dying, workout with a smile,” said Dennis, an Orangetheory instructor. “It makes the workout easier, trust me.”
You can leave your headphones at home, because music is blasting from the speakers. Sometimes, the studio gets a professional DJ to control the music for the class, which makes you feel like you’re jamming out at a concert. The trainer occasionally breaks out some dance moves while giving instructions.

What makes Orangetheory one-of-a-kind is that each participant in the class uses a heart rate monitor, which tracks and projects their progress on a television screen. Heart rate levels are represented by colors that show the amount of effort you are putting into the workout. On the screen you can see your name, heart rate, calories burned, and zone color.

The “orange theory” is that if you spend 12 collective minutes in the orange zone you will reach the threshold for the afterburn effect, where you will burn calories up to 36 hours after the workout. Minutes spent in the orange zone are represented by “splat points” which are also projected on the screen under your name. At the end of each class, you will receive an email showing your overall results.

“I am constantly looking at the screen making sure I am earning splat points,” said senior Isabel Boji. “The monitor keeps me motivated throughout the class.’

The downside about the studio is that it is pretty expensive. Unlimited classes cost $159 per month. Members book classes through the Orangetheory app under their account.

Joining Orangetheory Fitness is certainly one of the best decisions I have ever made. It may be pricey but you will get your money’s worth: an amazing, quality workout in just one hour. Also, slacking is not an option since the heart monitors project your progress on the screen. Orangetheory Fitness is a great studio with an upbeat environment that get people excited to workout, regardless of the day they are having.