Orange Theory

I agree with your boyfriend.
And I don't think sneaking out to do something so he doesn't find out is very good for your relationship.

I have no idea what Orange Theory is. But- my husband and I had a similar disagreement when I decided I wanted to join a gym, and he used the same argument yours is making. Until very recently, he would occasionally complain about the price of my gym (it's a little expensive, but it's NICEEEE) and here's my argument for it: I am simply not one of those 'self-disciplined' types who can workout regularly at home. THe kids, the cat, the chores etc... all distract me. I need the gym atmosphere, and the fact that we spend a pretty penny on it is yet another motivating factor.

Make a sound case, and hopefully your guy is reasonable. Best of Luck!

I say sign up for the classes. We could all work out at home, but home is full of distractions. Sometimes you need a different setting to allow you to focus on your goals. It'll be money well spent, in my opinion.

$139 a month sounds a little pricy to me but if you can afford it and enjoy it; why not?

Anyone been to Orange Theory? My boyfriend and I are fighting about it right now (the cost).

I've been to a few of the classes. I was hooked after the first one last week, and felt GREAT (just the right amount of sore).

I signed up that day. They offered 1 class/week for $60/month, 2/week for $90 (that's after a $10 military discount). Unlimited is $139/month (after military discount).

Additional classes are $14 each.

I signed up for the 1/week but the owner gave me 4 free classes to use anytime in the next year. I had to pay $21.60 for a chest strap.

I'm signed up to go 3 times this week. I'd like to go 3 times/week from now on. If I sign up for the unlimited, I'd go 4-5 days a week. It's month-to-month with no contract.

Anyway. I only have about $600-800/month in "spending" money, but it's MINE. And I feel better physically after only 4 of these classes than I've ever felt before, and it fits perfectly into my schedule. Plus it's dark and cold outside so neither of us like me running after work.

He thinks it's "stupid to pay to work out when you can work out at home for free." And that it's overpriced.

The last two classes I've basically woken up and been stealthy and snuck out at 5:30am.

What do you think? Is it worth $139/month for a class that makes me feel awesome? Or should I just keep trucking it by myself...which I've been trying for YEARS by the way.

If it's your money and the classes aren't bankrupting you, then take the classes if you like them. While working out at home is FREE, the issue for people is actually doing it. I can workout at home for free too, but it's not the same intensity as if I'm in the gym itself.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Could you join a gym that offers classes for free that is cheaper?

Not the same kind of classes...I've been to a lot of different kinds of fitness "group classes" and while they help a lot nothing's felt as good as this one.

Well, it's your money, right? So do with it what you will. I do agree you don't have to spend a lot of money to get fit...but eh. Whatever floats your boat. But I hope this doesn't mean you have to sneak around just to do it. That really seems odd.

I think YOU need to do what works for YOU. Your BF does not have to like, agree or even support it, however he should RESPECT your choices.

As you say your are not putting anyone else out by paying for these classes, so other than not liking or disagreeing, your BF has no say in the matter.

Sneaking out, well, I don't agree with that - you shouldn't have to.

Not the same kind of classes...I've been to a lot of different kinds of fitness "group classes" and while they help a lot nothing's felt as good as this one.

Seems like your decision is made. You don't need approval from random internet people on how you spend your money. If it's worth it to YOU, then it's worth it. Any investment in your health is worthwhile. I doubt the feedback you get is going to convince your partner, anyway, even if everyone said it was worth the price.

What is a suitable pricetag for health? Happiness? If you enjoy it and want to do it, certainly it's a step in the right direction for your health, and it's not breaking your bank. If your husband is worried about the money, maybe you could explain to him what spending areas you are willing to cut back in order to pay for the classes. If you are willing to slash some shopping trips to go work out - I can't see where he would object too much and he might realize your level of committment once he has a basis for comparison. Plus, if all that energy makes you a little more frisky at bedtime, so much the better! There is no better way to keep a husband happy than lots of sex...at least, it's always worked for me...

I joined OTF last month and have really been enjoying it. I did a trial class as I was searching for a gym and knew instantly that I was 1) hooked, 2) not going to find a workout like it at a regular gym, and 3) willing to pay more (at least for a few months) for a workout I knew I would get results from. I've been going 3-4x a week after having not worked out in months. It is tough and it is different every class. Because it is smaller, they can and will hold you accountable and help you reach your goals, which to me a regular gym won't do. I don't particularly LIKE working out and would much rather sit on a couch and watch TV, but I decided it was time for me to work to achieve my goals and OTF is helping me do that. I love the happy endorphin feelings I get after each workout. If you are in the same place and have the money to pay for membership, I say go for it!

For those who don't know what orange theory is, it is a gym that only offers group fitness classes. My understanding is that it is a less intimidating and intense alternative to Cross Fit. They offer 60 minute classes that are HIIT (high intensity interval training) using treadmills, rowers, and strength training with TRX cables, weights, medicine balls, and bosu balls. They hook you up to a heart rate monitor, which you use to guide your workout and push yourself as needed. The goal is to spend the majority of the time in the "green" zone (aerobic), with 12-20 minutes in the "orange" zone (anaerobic). After class, you get an email with a report detailing the time you spent in each heart rate zone and how many calories you burned. It is sort of similar to the Lifetime Fitness Weight Loss Challenge group, but the workouts have a lot more variety and are not consigned to the treadmill only.

There are two different issues here, so I'll talk mostly on the most important issue. The issue that I see is about personal finance and your relationship with your boyfriend.

First, everyone should have a monthly personal budget goal, especially "spending money budget" People fail at their personal expenses, me included, when you don't plan your personal spending.

My wife likes to buy shoes. For sometime, UPS comes knocking on my door to deliver her internet ordered shoes. I don't even care because it's her money that she wants to spend and she doesn't complain when I buy an amazon.com movie or buy internet gems for online gaming. If I want to go out and meet up with a bro and buy food and drinks OR play golf with my buddies which costs between 100 to 200 bucks since I live in Maui, then she doesn't complain if it's done within reason. It's my money to spend and as far as I'm concerned, if she wants to buy an expensive LV hand bag and had saved her monthly personal spending goals, I don't feel I have a right to complain.

You're spending money on something that interests you, regardless if it has a health benefit from it. It's something fun for you and in return, you get the health benefits. I have a hard time getting my wife to go hiking with me and she decided to join curves, I wouldn't care.

I think it's awesome that you've found something fun and beneficial. You are not him, and although he has the knowledge, mental drive, and skill to put together his own workout schedule, that is not you.

Another aspect is the social benefit like this website. You get to meet and discuss with real people about your personal training goals and that can't be measured.

My opinion is stay strong and do what makes you happy.

I'm confident you're boyfriend is going to like you even more after you see some results and you become sexy as hell that he can brag to his buddies about.

Good luck.

I spend ~$100 a month on my martial arts classes (2x/week) with a 6 month contract. My hubby didn't like that I would be away from home two nights a week in addition to work, but understood my wish for good exercise and to be able to protect myself, and my money is MY MONEY. Seriously. We pool our money, pay all of our bills (including our gym membership of $24/mo for both of us), put into retirement and savings, then split the rest. His money is his and mine is mine. We cannot see what it is spent on or when, and I love that. The only time we fight about money is when I want to go on vacation and I've saved and he hasn't.

If your money is your money (and your bills are paid), then tell him to butt out and make yourself happy. Maybe he doesn't want you to lose weight?

I agree.

It would be ok if you are not obligated to sign a one year contract. If you are and you get injured, sick or simply sick of it or your finances change you are stuck paying.