Orange theory

I'm a member and really enjoy it. It's a good program but I realize it's not for everyone.

Price: Depending on city you could be paying anywhere from $150 to $250 a month for unlimited sessions. There are 4 per month and 8 per month plans. It's a sticker shock for people who are thinking it's going to be about the same as 24 Hour Fitness or other gym chains. But when you compare it to personal trainer sessions, it suddenly becomes more reasonable. It's also a closer comparison.

The Workout: Each session is a class, most are 60 minutes, sometimes 45 min and 90 min classes are offered. You will do a combination of treadmill, rowing machine, and free weight/body weight exercises, with a flexibility block (5 minutes) at the end. Classes are broken into groups and rotate through the workout with an assigned station number in each area. A 2 group class will max out at 30 people, a 3 group 45. The trainer will give group instructions and come around with motivation and corrections. Each class is different, but everyone across the nation is doing the same workout that day. For example yesterday was a Power Day and focused on legs. On the treadmills there are instructions given for runners, joggers, and power walkers.

The Tech: You'll wear a heartrate monitor (purchased separately, from them) and the goal is to stay in the correct zones. You want to spend most of your workout in at least green (71% or more of max heart rate) with at least 12 minutes in orange (84% or more of max heart rate). So you're competing and tracking against yourself. At the end of each class you get an email with your stats, including running totals for the week, month, and year.

The Vibe: You start to get to know people who are in the same classes as you. Frequently when people finish a particular hard section, we're encouraged to high-five or fist bump (we do). We also might do things like "tell your neighbor your meters last round, we're going to beat it this round". Plus there are extra events throughout the year (that may cost extra money) like Hell Week, Dri-Tri, Transformation Challenge, blood drives, fundraiser classes, meetups,free workshops (rowing form, weight form, dietitian), group signup for local charity runs, and inter-studio challenges. We had a Dri-Tri for charity recently where the trainers were all competing and the members came to watch them try to kill each other.

Who it's good for: Someone who needs guidance, structure, or encouragement to have a good workout. Also popular with people who run or bike on their own but want the occasional class (the 4 and 8 pack people).

Who it's not good for: Someone wanting to get "super ripped". The weights are only dumbbells and the weight sessions aren't long enough for someone looking to get super bulked. Someone who wants to come in "whenever" or can only workout outside of the class available hours. Someone who needs on-site daycare.