Sweat Summary
Website: http://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/
Address: nationwide (click here for KS locations)
Avg. length of class: 1hr
Drop in rate: $28 (first class is free)
ClassPass: No
Wtfartlek Sweat Scale: 7 out of 10
Best for: Cardio + Toning (interval training)
I tried Orange Theory a few summers ago to switch up my workout routine and take a break from running outdoors. I recently went back with friends to get in some speed work before Rock the Parkway.
This is a small group training class that incorporates rowing machines, weights and treadmills all while wearing a heart rate monitor. I’m a tech geek so I was really excited about the heart rate monitors. They display your heart rate and your HR zone on large screens during class. The goal is to get in the orange zone, which creates “excess post-exercise oxygen consumption,” or EPOC. Essentially you burn calories well after your workout is over!
What to know:
- Your first class is free but they will need a credit card to keep on file
- They have small lockers for your stuff & showers for post workout
- Typically half of the class starts on the rowing machines and the other half starts on the treadmills but this changes depending on the chosen workout, the instructor and how many people are in class
- Every class is unique and something different – they try to keep things fresh
- Typically there are about 10-30 people in class. I experienced my first jam packed Tornado class the other day and every spot at every station was full!
- Expect anything from a slow jog to a fast sprint on the treadmill. You will also add incline
- At the weight station you use a mix of weights, TRX, BOSU + body weight
- The instructor does a very good job of telling people what to do at each station
- You can’t slack because your stats are there for all to see. This is good if you need motivation
- You get orange “splat points” for every minute spent in orange zone. You can look up at the screen and see how many splat points you have, which is helpful for knowing when you need to push yourself harder
- Your heart rate summary will be emailed to you after class
- They are opening up a new location soon at 95th & Nall
In summary, I really like this workout and wish they were on ClassPass. Kansas City does not have any other treadmill workouts to my knowledge (if I am missing one, let me know!). Cities like LA & NY have Speed Play & Mile High Run Club. As a runner, I am always looking for classes to help with speed and agility and I wish there were more options in KC.
Sweat Adventures 