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Beginner Tips For Orangetheory Fitness

I've Been Doing Orangetheory For 3 Years, and This Is What Every Beginner Should Know

Beginner Tips For Orangetheory Fitness
Image Source: Orangetheory Fitness

I've been doing Orangetheory workouts pretty regularly for the past three years, which means I'm basically an OTF pro at this point. When I go in person, I get there early so I can grab a treadmill card (I prefer starting on the treadmill) and snag my favourite treadmill and floor space. I know my favourite instructors and how hard to push myself to get the 12 splat points I need. And let's be real: I usually get many more than 12.

But I wasn't always a pro. In fact, I was super nervous before my first class. Although I had heard people rave about the class before, I wasn't sure what to expect. I wasn't the best runner, had a tough time doing simple bodyweight moves, and was intimidated about doing a high-intensity workout in front of strangers.

Whether you're a beginner who has only gone a couple of times or a total newbie curious about signing up for that very first Orangetheory class, here are some insider tips I wish I knew starting out. I tapped two Orangetheory trainers to dish on what to do before you set foot inside a studio or hit play on an online workout. Rule No. 1: don't be nervous! "Remember that everyone was a beginner at some point," said Jamie Spadafora, NASM-certified personal trainer and head coach at Orangetheory Fitness Astor Place in New York City. "They all remember their first OTF class, being nervous and maybe even scared of the unknown, but it is how you feel when you are done — that feeling of accomplishment and community." One note: Orangetheory has made some changes to its workouts, check-in process, cleaning protocol, and class size due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We'll mention a few of the changes ahead, but you should call your studio for specific updates.

Here are six other things you should know.

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