If you’ve ever met someone who can religiously hit the gym solo and keep up a regular fitness regime, you’re in the company of a rare species. As for the rest of us, especially yours truly, accountability can feel like a mountain we’re constantly trying to climb, but to no avail.
As a former lacrosse player, my peak fitness times were during the competitive seasons. I thrived in the high-energy, team-centric environment, but when it came to maintaining a consistent solo training routine, let’s just say, my motivation dwindled faster than ice cream on a hot summer day.
Life after college was no easier. Stripped of my team and left to my own devices, I embarked on a journey to find my perfect fitness fit. Hiking, rock climbing, running, dance cardio, yoga – I tried them all but found myself in an exhausting cycle of starting, stopping, and feeling guilty for not sticking with anything.
But then, like a beacon in the fog of my fitness journey, I found Orangetheory Fitness. Imagine the scene – a new neighborhood, a gym down the street, and a girlfriend who was loving the classes. I decided to give it a whirl and immediately noticed the difference. The atmosphere was less about judgment and more about personal growth, which was a refreshing change.
Fast forward eight months and you’ll find me at Orangetheory three to five days a week, almost hitting a century of classes. A combination of heart rate-based interval training, real-time feedback on my workout intensity, and seeing actual results were the perfect recipe to keep me hooked.
The beauty of Orangetheory lies in its three-pronged approach – rowing, interval cardio, and strength training. Rowing was a challenge at first, but with a bit of coaching, it soon became a fun part of my routine. Then there’s the treadmill portion – my personal favorite – which saw me progress from a slow jog to a full-on run. The strength training segment kept things fresh, with workouts targeting different body parts each day.
My Orangetheory journey has gifted me not only with stronger muscles (hello, deltoids!) but also with a newfound love for fitness. The heart rate zone setup is truly a game-changer, keeping me accountable and pushing me to constantly improve. It’s not just about being physically strong anymore, but about being truly fit.
What makes Orangetheory stand out, even more, is its community vibe. The coaches are enthusiastic, the members are supportive, and the sense of camaraderie makes each workout feel less like a chore and more like a team sport. It’s the kind of motivation that fuels you to keep going, even when your body is screaming for a break.
The transformation I’ve undergone since joining Orangetheory is more than just physical. I’ve found a place where I feel at home, a place that has rekindled the athlete in me and allowed me to find comfort in my own skin. So here’s to all of us who’ve struggled to find our fitness groove – it’s out there waiting for us to discover. And believe me, when you find it, there’s no looking back.
