“New York, New York a hell of a town”. You have heard that phrase a million times, but when it comes to fitness I am truly finding out how lucky I am to have grown up in the shadows of one of the greatest cities on earth. I have been trying every fitness class I can get my hands on while in New York for the month of September. Getting recommendations from friends and family is ALWAYS a good idea, and I have been loving every sweat filled second. For a while now my good family friend Pat and I have been trying to connect. I finally got to drop by Orange Theory Fitness in East Northport, NY for what she has appropriately named “Detox Monday”. I had the chance to experience firsthand what an outstanding trainer she really is.
I have seen Orange Theory Fitness gyms popping up all over the place, but I didn’t really know what what they were all about until this week. I walked into the room and was given a heart rate monitor and asked if I had water. The studio was set up in stations: Treadmills, Row Machines, Free Weights and TRX bands were all on the scrumptious menu for Mondays workout. Orange Theory utilizes a physiological concept called “Excess Post Exercise Oxygen Consumption or EPOC” which utilizes interval training in 12-20 minute intervals where you train 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate. These 60 minute classes produce an “after burn” affect which increases your metabolism for 24-48 hours post workout. If you train as hard as you can your body will burn 500-1200 calories within one session, and the best part is NO CLASS IS EVER THE SAME. This makes me happy because I get bored soooooooo easily. I also like that although it is a High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT class, everyone can move at their own pace. You really compete with yourself by keeping track of your heart rate on the big screen.
So how does the class work you ask? Music starts pumping, you check your name and heart rate on the big screen and in 3, 2, 1…your treadmill starts spinning and your trainer starts pumping you up! Before class, you must decide if you are a walker, jogger or runner. I have been a WALKER my whole life so I decided to be a jogger. (He He I made a funny) By deciding which type of mover you are will determine the rate at which you increase and decrease you speed and incline. You do four intervals consisting of 30 seconds up to 1 minute sprints, both up and down hill or a walk/jog at your own personal pace. Your instructor will talk you through all of it and push you to your peak performance. Once the treadmill is finished you move on to your circuit. This week it was an arms and squat circuit utilizing 10-12 lb weights. I rarely use more than 5 lb during my training so I was a little nervous about the dumbells being too heavy, but you only spend 30 seconds at each station and repeat four times. It takes me longer to put my lipstick on than it does to complete a station. After arms we moved to the row/TRX interval work out. We had to attempt to row 400 meters in around two minutes before moving onto TRX pull-up and Mountain Climbers. Finally to round out the class and cool down we ended where we began…on the treadmill. One more interval to go and then a nice long stretch. Just when I thought I could NOT go anymore, the class was over. My first Detox Monday in the books.
Orange Theory Fitness facilities are popping up all over the country. I am so excited for my next class. I cannot wait to see what just in store. Tuesdays are Tabata style, and I just might have to give that a try! Click here to find a gym near you. If you happen to be in the East Northport area Click Here for Pat’s schedule. You will not be disappointed. Orange theory improves every aspect of fitness including: Cardiovascular Strength and Endurance, Muscular Strength and Endurance, Increases flexibility and ROM (Range of Motion) and decreased BMI. For people who like workouts to be constantly changing and tough yet attainable then Orange Theory is for you!
Love and Orange You Glad You Worked Out,
Taylor