Location: Orange Theory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness is a one-of-a-kind, group personal training workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. Backed by the science of excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), Orangetheory’s heart-rate-monitored training is designed to maintain a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy. Led by skilled personal trainers, participants use a variety of equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, TRX suspension training and free weights, burning an average of 900 calories including after-burn. The result is the Orange Effect – more energy, visible toning and extra calorie burn for up to 36 hours post-workout.

I got to take the one-hour class at the San Felipe location and loved it. I never got bored (they played awesome music) and they kept us moving between the exercise stations, but still let us go at our own pace.  Jim Potesta, owner, says ” you can get a full-body workout in one hour in a personal training/group atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of a personal trainer. This fills a niche between the big-box studios and a singular trainer.” Bottom line is no one wants to pay a personal trainer to watch them walk the treadmill. This solves that problem. Everyday they offer a different workout at varied times throughout the day.  My trainer, Jared Mathews, has a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology. Not too shabby and he was lots of fun too! Yes, I did get my heart rate into the Orange Zone! yay!

Anyone can take their first class for free (two free classes through the end of August).There are currently five open studios in Houston (San Felipe, Sugar Land, Town and Country, Vintage Park and Pearland). A studio in West University opens August 28th.

Jim states that they will be developing  up to 20/25 studios in the Houston area. There are currently 250+ open studios nationwide and in 6 other countries.