OrangeTheory Fitness – The New Workout You Need for the New Year

OrangeTheory is finally open! There’s been a lot of hype about this studio opening, and if you haven’t heard, you’re in for a treat. They officially opened on December 22nd and classes are in full swing. Their Studio Manager Maggie and Master Trainer Mike graciously took me on a tour and explained the ins and outs of the workouts and philosophy. 

Orange Theory Fitness is an American HIIT (high intensity interval training) franchise that’s created a craze in the US. Their heart-rate monitored, high-intensity workout is scientifically designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that spikes metabolism and boosts your energy. They call it the afterburn. 

Each workout will have 24 people in each class, with 12 on their iconic rowing machines and 12 on their treadmills. The class will start using these machines and later move through other strength training stations. If you can’t use these machines due to injuries, they have a bike and strider. Their coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging, and will help you modify a workout based on your needs. 

So what makes them different from all the other HIIT/Functional training studios? Their specialty is incorporating heartrate monitors and placing emphasis on staying in a certain zone. For each workout they combine forms of cardiovascular or strength intervals to maintain 84% of your maximum heart rate. 

The program is based on 5 heart rate zones - zones 1 and 2 are low, and they focus on zones 3, 4, 5. Zone 4 is where you want to be, which is the orange zone (of course) called 'the push pace'. If you’re in the orange zone you’d be working at 84-92% effort. After the workout they email you a summary of your hard work, including calories burned – so you’re getting actual figures you can use to keep improving. And although all the participants’ names are on the screens, you’re only competing with yourself.

Every workout is different, so you’ll never be bored and your muscles will always be kept guessing. Their unique orange hue is slathered on their walls and equipment, all brand new and high-end. And of course, their facilities are beautiful with an incredible number of lockers, and sleek locker rooms with all the necessities you need after a sweaty workout. 

This month we’ll be doing a 1-month New Year’s resolution challenge with them to try it out and see if I get results. Stay tuned for the review of the month of work ahead! 

Address: 3/F, 245 Maoming Bei Lu, near Weihai Lu (close to Goose Island)

Official WeChat Account: orangetheory

Tel: [phone]

Prices: First trial free, 10 classes: RMB 1,988, 20 classes: RMB 3,788, 1 month unlimited: RMB 1,788, 8 months unlimited: RMB 1,300 per month

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