Persistence Pays Off

Brian came to Orangetheory (OT) almost a year ago now. A friend suggested that he should try OT after researching the benefits of interval training. He wanted to try something new, at the very least, to supplement his training regimen. His friend couldn’t have been more correct!

At that point in time, Brian paid about $600 per month on a personal trainer who helped him lose close to 2/3 of the weight he needed to reach his desired goal. He realized that he didn’t enjoy pure lifting with only one cardio routine. Brian came to the studio for his first class and struck gold with this new type of training at OT.

“I wanted a workout that I could get excited about and that forced me to engage my body using more plyometric and cardiovascular intensive exercises.”

He said that he’ll never forget his first class taught by Coach Shay at the time. “Amazing music, varied exercises that worked my entire body, and frankly, the hardest workout I had ever attempted, were the most memorable features about that class to inform my decision to give OTF a chance,” said Brian. He felt like death as classes ended, but he felt absolutely phenomenal 10 minutes after class ended. It was at that moment he knew he was hooked!

Brian typically frequents the noon class three to four times per week. He said, “I love that noon slot because I can slip out of work for an hour and a half and engage my body. I feel invigorated after every workout and that powers me through the rest of my day.” This factor alone could have him attending classes at noon for eternity but it is not.

When he started training at OT, Brian wanted to lose the final third of his weight to reach his goal. “I wanted a workout that I could get excited about and that forced me to engage my body using more plyometric and cardiovascular intensive exercises,” said Brian.He had already lost more than 80 pounds by the time he first tired his class in March 2018. He lost more than 200 pounds from July 2017 to September 2018. Brian finally lost the last 35-40 pounds at OT.

Now that he has reached his target weight, Brian has recommitted himself to living the best and active life. As an avid outdoorsman, he has taken what he has learned in class by controlling his breathing and heart rate applying it to other fitness recreational activities. Brian finds himself transitioning between base, push and all-out paces when he’s out on an excursion.

Brian’s biggest accomplishment in the last five years in his fitness journey has been losing 200 pounds – which is no easy feat! In addition, his overall speed and endurance has vastly improved since joining the OT family. Orangetheory has given him the workout he needed by providing engagement with variability, convenience and access to the same experience in different cities, which he loves.

“Simply put, I believe in the workout! I have found a workout that is compact (one hour long), highly effective, led by a caring and knowledgeable staff that takes place in a positive and encouraging environment that is fun! What more could I ask for?”

He definitely loves attending ESP (endurance, strength and power) days at the studio because he gets the biggest bang for his buck. Apart from the workouts, Brian enjoys the camaraderie between staff and fellow members. The energetic and encouraging environment pushes him to give his best in each class along with the wave of positive energy propelling him to the end of class.

He said, “Persia was a huge influencer for me. In the beginning, when I was still carrying around a bit of extra weight, her cheers of encouragement and her words reminding me why I showed up always get me through to the end of a hard workout.” Brian has branched out and began taking classes with other coaches and found that each one wanting him and other to succeed realizing their fitness potential.

Brian said, “Simply put, I believe in the workout! I have found a workout that is compact (one hour long), highly effective, led by a caring and knowledgeable staff that takes place in a positive and encouraging environment that is fun! What more could I ask for?”

Keep Burning Brian!

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A World of Improvement

Aaron one year and 10 months of going to Orangetheory

A year makes a difference. Last year around this time we featured our member Aaron who had attended class at the studio since its opening. Fast forward to now and you wouldn’t believe how far he has come. He is fit and most importantly – healthy.

Aaron goes to class more often now ranging from five to six classes per week, which is impressive for anyone. Prior to ramping up his frequency of classes, he went to class three to four times per week. “I often say I replaced my addiction to food with an addiction to OTF. That is pretty accurate but really, I always want to be improving and that’s what we do,” said Aaron.

Aaron nine months of going to Orangetheory

“I’m faster, stronger, I’m happier, more confident, the list goes on and on. I’d say I’m a pretty different person from who I was year ago – a much better one.”

In addition to changing how many times he comes to the studio, he has also changed up his nutrition. He recently transitioned out of the Keto diet and has recently hit his goal of losing 60 pounds. However, the last 20 pounds he has lost has not been easy to lose but he has triumphed through his tenacity, commitment and discipline. He’s now on a normal diet and getting most of his food from ReadyFitGo.

Aaron before Orangetheory

Throughout the year, Aaron has seen improvements physically and mentally. “I’m faster, stronger, I’m happier, more confident, the list goes on and on. I’d say I’m a pretty different person from who I was year ago – a much better one,” said Aaron. When he first started Orangetheory, Aaron power walked and can now jog/run in class, which he didn’t feel confident about it in the past.

“Be consistent even if it’s small, you’ll see results. Fall in love with the process, it’s where all the fun happens.”

Aaron was recently invited to hike nine miles, which he completed without any issues where he would have hesitated about it in the past. He said, “I don’t have to let those physical challenges bar me from anything like the St. Jude5K we just did!” He’s now working on power lifting slowly improving on his bench press, squat and dead lift outside the studio, which Orangetheory helps with.

For those members who haven’t reached their fitness goals yet, Aaron says, “Be consistent even if it’s small, you’ll see results. Fall in love with the process, it’s where all the fun happens.” Wise words from a seasoned Orangetheory athlete – Keep Burning Aaron!

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A Game Changer

The early bird gets the worm. Lindsay has consistently attended early morning classes at Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) Orenco Station since she started her membership in May. She mainly attends the early morning classes that some of us would rather skip and sleep in. Her commitment to attending classes has helped her reach her fitness goals.

Before joining the OTF family, she carried extra weight and needed help to achieve a healthier life. She wanted to build strength and endurance to enjoy the outdoor activities she loved with less pain.

“I powered through it and came right back feeling much better. I certainly felt accomplished!”

Luckily her friend and co-worker, Todd who also attends OTF Orenco Station, invited her to try a class at the studio. This is exactly what she needed – getting plugged into a fitness community of like-minded people. “It’s been such a game changer for me!” and she describes OTF in one word as innovative.

Lindsay recalls her first workout going all out to the point of getting sick in the restroom half way through the class. However, she had a determination of completing the class, which she did. She said, “I powered through it and came right back feeling much better. I certainly felt accomplished!”

Since her start, she has lost 25 pounds alone by going to classes and a total of 40 pounds since she started her fitness journey. Lindsay now has goals of toning up, improving on her performance and pushing herself to do more.

The coaches at the studio and an independent health coach have attributed to Lindsay’s success and reaching her milestone. She recently decided to coach others as an independent health coach encouraging and supporting others towards reaching their fitness goals – paying it forward.

“I’m so thankful for OTF and what it’s done to help transform my health.”

Everyone has their favorite type of class but she likes them all. She said, “All of them are great, honestly. Any day at OTF is a good one.” The things she likes most about OTF Orenco Station are the coaches and the staff because of their energy, positivity, encouragement, and how they lead by example. She’s amazed by how everyone knows her name. “They’re great at connecting on a personal level and are the reason why I’ll be a lifer at OTF,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay loves the accountability the studio provides because the classes, which she schedules keeps her on track by showing up to class. In addition, the community of the OTF family keeps her connected, which always has her coming back. “I’m so thankful for OTF and what it’s done to help transform my health.” 

Keep Burning Lindsay!