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Back in July, in preparation for our upcoming wedding, I wanted to make a change in my workout routine. A friend of mine always raved about Orangetheory Fitness, and I decided to give it a try. I knew that it would be somewhat out of my comfort zone, which was running, since there would be rowing and weight training involved. After that very first class, I was hooked. I haven’t looked back since. Being a member of Orangetheory Fitness has taught me a lot about fitness and about myself in the process.

Why I Love It

The first day I walked in, I didn’t know anyone and really didn’t know exactly what I was getting myself into. I answered some survey questions with the front desk, and then the Coach greeted me. She asked me a bit more about my fitness background, and I told her I was a runner. She promptly told me there was a lot of rowing that day…perfect.

The first thing I didn’t know I needed from OTF:

Motivation. That’s exactly the way it is every day. As you continue to show up, the coaches get to know you. They know what you’re capable of, even before you do. They push you to run or walk faster, lift heavier, and row more efficiently. They motivate you to hold on for 10 more seconds even when you’re pretty sure your legs will give out. They cheer for you when you hit that PR on the weight floor. They celebrate you when you hit milestones.

The second thing I didn’t know I needed from OTF:

Challenge. Every. Day. Is. Different. Each workout consists of running (or walking), rowing, and weight exercises. If you’re like me, doing the same thing day in and day out gets boring. Your motivation (see above) diminishes. It’s harder to push yourself when you know you’re going to do the same thing tomorrow that you did yesterday and today. Orangetheory gets rid of the monotony. Whether it’s a Strength, Power, or Endurance day, an ESP (all three), a benchmark workout, or a speciality class, every single day changes. Every day I walk in, a new challenge is presented. As a former athlete and a current coach, it’s fun to be able to tap into my competitive side, even if I’m usually competing with myself.

The third thing I didn’t know I needed from OTF:

Community. This has probably become my favorite (and most unexpected) thing about being a member of OTF. The people I have met and the way that we support each other is like nothing I have ever experienced. There is a constant sense of real joy in each other’s progress and accomplishments. Having gone away to South Carolina for college, a lot of my friends live elsewhere, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the community of like-minded friends that I’ve gained through OTF.

Don’t be nervous. If you’re thinking about trying it, do it. Go outside of your comfort zone, no matter your current fitness level. I promise you won’t regret it. Walk in ready to listen, ready to learn, and ready to get, as we at OTF say, #morelife.

Written by GUADS member Corinne