reviews

OrangeTheory Fitness – Six Week Challenge Update

We’ve been following Living Fit runners, Peggy and Jen, on their journey to conquer the “Orange Effect” workouts at OrangeTheory Fitness. They both took on a six week challenge to push their bodies to the limits and each saw varying benefits. Jen noticed an improvement in her strength, stamina and overall athletic performance, while Peggy worked tirelessly to achieve a 10 pound weight loss!

Here is what the ladies had to say after putting OTF to the test for six weeks…

Peggy…

OK, so I’m hooked! I was excited and nervous when I started out on this OTF journey. Now I’m just plain excited! During the 6 week Weight Loss Challenge I’m happy to say that I lost 10 pounds. I didn’t win any cash or swag awards, but the changes in my body, stamina, and overall feeling of well being are reward enough. I even completed three of the 90 minute sessions. Yes, me – at 59! Who knew?!

Jen (another Living Fit runner that took the OTF challenge) and I went to the beautiful gala at the end of the challenge held at Scioto Reserve Country Club. What an outstanding venue for the grand finale. It was fun to see everyone all dressed up – even hard to recognize some of the people without their workout garb and blood, sweat and tears! We enjoyed cheering for our home studios (Jen/Dublin, me/Hilliard). And we were very happy for all of those that did win the big cash awards and prizes. Congratulations to all!!

Our Living Fit Columbus group runs are starting up again for the season and I’m so glad to know that I’m in such better shape to start out than I was last year. Did I mention I’m hooked? Well, I definitely am. I’ve signed up to continue these challenging, fat-burning workouts, even now that the challenge is over.

Thank you OTF! I plan to keep pushing, keep burning and keep going ALL OUT for many more years to come.

Here are Peggy’s before and after photos… 10 pounds lighter on the right!

Peggy ‘before’

Peggy ‘after’ losing 10 pounds!

Jen…

With long work days last summer, I slipped back into some lazy habits of not working out regularly, and I had been lacking motivation. So, I was excited for this opportunity to participate in OTF’s 6 week Challenge.

Orangetheory Fitness is broken into intervals of cardio and strength training using treadmills, rowing machines, weights, TRX suspension trainers and free weights. Each class includes up to 36 people. It is heart rate monitored training that is designed to target a specific heart rate that will stimulate metabolism and increase energy. The result they are looking for is known as the “orange effect” which allows you to burn calories for up to 36 hours after the workout. Hence the Orangetheory! Makes sense right?!

According to their website: The physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as “Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,” or EPOC. By providing you with a heart-rate monitor and POD, we can monitor your 5-zone interval training sessions that we call the Orange 60. During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4/5. This program design produces workout “afterburn” effect, which is an increased metabolic rate for 24 to 36 hours after the workout. When combining the amazing workout with EPOC, our clients burn an average of 500 to 1000 calories.

At OTF, the workouts change every day, so there is always something new and you don’t know what to expect until the trainer tells you what to do. You can make it as easy or as hard as you want…but the point it to get in that “orange” zone. The trainers motivate you to get there; yet on an individual basis spanning all fitness levels.

Not only have I found my motivation again, but my increase of muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness is truly incredible. For example, at the beginning of the challenge, I struggled to run a 60 second “all out” at 7.0 speed, and by the end of the challenge, I was running the same all out at 8.7.

The great thing about Orangetheory Fitness is that your first class is FREE! They give you the opportunity to try it out and test the product before committing to a membership. Columbus currently has three studios, in Hilliard, Dublin and New Albany, with several more studios planned.

Both ladies seemed to really enjoy OTF… enough that they are both regular members. Contact your local OTF today, start burning and keep burning!

Tour of Columbus [V Power Yoga]

We enjoy traveling around Columbus and trying new studios, new styles of yoga and of course, meeting other fitness lovers. We struck gold on this studio tour!

Four of us attended a class at V Power Yoga last Saturday morning and unanimously, we can’t wait to go back. We first heard about it through Rachel Kerr from The Beauty Barre and then found it on our recently acquired ClassPass Columbus.

After class, #livingthesweatylife

Here is a recap from two of us…

[rehash from L nguyen]

This morning it was rainy. I don’t mean just a sprinkle, it was a pouring monsoon out! That didn’t stop us yogis from going to an 8am heated yoga class. This month, we are trying out ClassPass and decided to give V Power a whirl. I had never been to this studio before, and have only heard amazing things. Naturally, on a Saturday morning, any normal person would sleep in. I was so excited to try this place out that I was up close to 6am!

The class, itself, was a power flow. Great for any morning energy! Erin (our instructor) started the class out with slow stretches to get our muscles juicy and warmed before jumping into our vinyasa flow series. The class was heated and it felt SO great coming in from the rainy cold! I especially loved the energizing music – it makes you just want to dance! The hour went by so fast- it was 9am before we knew it. As with any heated yoga class, I took advantage of being warmed up and practiced my scorpion before leaving. Erin provided very helpful tips post-class [ie, to not be scared to keep bringing my feet to head in forearm scorpion]. I wished we lived closer, but will definitely be coming back!

[rehash from T gellenbeck]

This was my first yoga studio in the downtown/warehouse area. I was not up at 6AM like Lan, but I was excited! 🙂 We got there about 15 minutes early and were the first to arrive. The instructor, who we later found out was one of the new co-owners, greeted us with smiles, got us checked in and moved us into the studio.

Things I loved…

The heat. It was a heated class (which I love, especially in winter), but not TOO heated. We all broke a sweat and were nice and warm, but weren’t dying.
Room to move. The class was full on the website (a few of our yogis didn’t get in!), but there weren’t a TON of people packed into the class. It was nice to have arm room. This likely means to sign up early!
The instructor [and co-owner], Erin, was amazing!! She was nice, easy to hear and very good at giving instruction. She moved around the room and helped people with modifications, congratulated yogis on their poses, etc. She gave us some ideas for hip stretches (as runners, they tend to always be tight), chatted with us after class and encouraged us to come back. We will!!
It was the perfect combination of my favorite studio, Harbor Yoga, and other studios that give you a bit more time to practice certain poses [like PAI]. The first half was very fast flow, upbeat music, quick sequences, a great cardio/power workout. The second half was a bit slower and gave us time for play, something I love as a new-er, wanna-be yogi. Their site describes their practice as ‘vigorous and athletic.’ My type of workout!
This awesome shirt….

The only downfall for me personally is the location/drive time. Since we live in Dublin, it took about 20-25 minutes to get there, so round trip, it was about a two hour expedition ~ great if you have a lot of time, but a big chunk if you’ve got a long daily to-do list.

Here is some more info from their website:

V Power Yoga is nestled in the warehouse district of downtown Columbus. Reservations are not required, however new students are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before class. Loaner mats are available for $3. Loaner towels are available for $2.

Free parking is available on the east side of Neilston St. Metered parking is available on 5th St. [Meters are coin only!]

252 North Fifth Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Tel: (614) 22 VYOGA

Overall we LOVED it and will definitely be going back. You should really check it out!

Class Pass Columbus

Like trying new things?

Like making friends in lots of places?

Like cross-training in a variety of ways?

Well, hello ClassPass, welcome to Cbus!

We are excited to try out this new-to-Columbus fitness concept. ClassPass is a monthly membership where you can visit multiple fitness studios around your city.

Here are the basics:

What is ClassPass?

ClassPass is a monthly membership to the best boutique fitness classes in your city. There are thousands of classes available to ClassPass members, including cycling, pilates, yoga, strength training, dance, martial arts, and more.

For $79 per month (price varies by city), ClassPass members get unlimited classes to studios in the ClassPass network. While members can take as many classes per month as they’d like, they can visit the same studio up to 3 times per monthly membership cycle.

Although subject to change, some awesome ones in Columbus we are excited to visit include V Power Yoga, The Butcher Shop, Pure Barre, Thank Yoga & PAI Yoga.

How long is a ClassPass membership cycle?

Each ClassPass cycle is one month in length, and will automatically renew on the same day each month. For example, if you buy your ClassPass on April 5, your membership will renew on May 5. Once your new month starts, you’ll be able to re-visit your favorite classes (and also explore new venues!) ClassPass does NOT require an annual/long-term commitment.

How many classes do I get with a ClassPass membership?

You’ll be able to take as many classes as you’d like each month! You can visit any studio in the ClassPass network up to 3 times per membership cycle.

Watch for our posts on social media as we explore Columbus over the next 30 days with our new #ClassPassColumbus! And while you’re at it, #PassTheHappy!

Sunday Shoutout! [NOOMA drink]

[by t gellenbeck]

NOOMA drink is one of my new favorites! Born & raised in Cleveland, it is slowly making its way to Columbus in various yoga and fitness studios, including our local Harbor Yoga Studio.

So what is it, exactly?

The company describes themselves in this way, “What started as a casual dinner conversation about issues with typical sports drinks, got the wheels turning… a clean hydrator to replace lost electrolytes without the acid and with only quality ingredients… NOOMA was born.”

LOVE. this. brand.

Like really, love it. Not only the product itself, but the people behind it!

Five things I love about NOOMA…

The product benefits ~ rehydrates and replaces electrolytes needed after an intense sweat session like a run or hot yoga class.
The taste ~ not too syrupy, no tangy aftertaste, no acid… just a clean, smooth drink ~ CherryLime & Mangosteen are my favs.
Low sugar, woo hoo!
The team & their ‘grassroots’ style ~ talk about DOWN TO EARTH, genuinely nice people! Their marketing guru, Leigh, networked with our running group, came to be a guest speaker for my business/marketing class… love a company that is willing to help, network, share time and products. They really believe in giving back and getting involved in the local community, our favorite way to connect!
Social media ~ as a blogger, photographer & business teacher, imagery & social content really intrigue me. @drinknooma on Instagram is one of my favorites, lots of great stuff!

I’ve tried a LOT of rehydrating beverages including SOS, Gatorade, NUN, Powerade, VitaCoco… NOOMA is hands down my favorite and I can’t wait for it to make its way around Columbus!