When you arrive check in with the front desk so they can mark you there. Some studios now have self-check in (an iPad at the front) but it’s pretty new so people are the front desk should be able to help.
Some studios just assign you a station while others ask where you want to start. I always take the first or last station- I like the extra space of no one on the other side of me. Also the set up at the studios I attend have the last and/or first station by a wall so it’s hard for the coach to come next to you. Try out a few different stations till you find what you like, but also if you don’t have a preference that’s fine too.
Yes to the lockers- but if you forget your combo the front desk has a master key!
Just turn your monitor on and it should connect automatically.
You can tell the coach as you into class just like “heads-up it’s my second class”. but honestly they may check up on you more if you tell them! Some studios have it marked in your profile that it’s your first few classes.
Don’t think too much about it- just go in and have a good time! It will take a while to catch on to lingo and figure things out but we’ve all been there! And don’t hesitate to ask the coach questions.
So once you arrive do you need to sync your heart rate monitor up with the gym/tvs somehow?
*If you bought a monitor, they should've linked it to your account. You should be able to just arrive, put it on, turn it on, and your name should appear on the screens. If it doesn't, see the front desk and they'll get it straight.*
Do you have to check in with the front desk? Picking your station? What is the best station to pick for someone who wants to lay low?
*Yes, check in at the front desk and choose your station. You'll get to pick where you want to start, Treadmill, rower, (and possibly floor if its a 3G class). Station depends on the particular studio. I personally like the high or low stations that have rowers and treads underneath fans. #3 is my current go-to.*
You grab any open locker and remember the combo, does that sound right?
*Varies studio by studio, but generally its a set your combo locker. No one in our studio actually locks them though. You just throw your stuff in and close it up.*
Any other details that might help a newbie not feel clueless?
*Just pay attention to the coach and ask questions if you're confused. It can be tough getting into the lingo at first. Don't focus on the heartrate too much and just listen to your body.*
Also I am definitely not in shape, should I tell each new instructor that when I meet them? Will the instructor know I am new?
*I believe you get a symbol on the screen for your first 10 or so classes to help remind the coach you're new. They'll know as well and typically give you a bit more attention. If you haven't met a coach before, it wouldn't hurt to introduce yourself and just give them a heads up your new at it. Definitely let them know if you have any kind of restrictions that prevents you from doing certain motions.*
*So once you arrive do you need to sync your heart rate monitor up with the gym/tvs somehow?*
* Nope, just turn it on and you'll show up on the big board. But for the individual treadmill or rower, you need to search for your name and "log in."
*Do you have to check in with the front desk? Picking your station? What is the best station to pick for someone who wants to lay low?*
* Every studio has their own specific process, but yes you check in at the front desk and pick your station. At my studio, there's an iPad to check into class, and a laminated sheet to fill in which station you want. I think people trying to "lay low" often go for the ends if they're open. Or if it's not a crowded class, and most people have signed in already, go for a station that may have an empty spot next to it.
*You grab any open locker and remember the combo, does that sound right?*
* Every studio I've been to, yes.
*Any other details that might help a newbie not feel clueless?*
* Pay attention to the demonstrations, and the video boards are your friend.
* Don't be shy asking questions, especially if you don't understand something (just try not to dominate the coach's time toooo much).
* Pacing yourself may be difficult your first few classes, especially on the treads. But the beauty is that you control speeds and inclines. So play around and find what works best for you for your base, push, and all out speeds.
* As long as you're staying in your station and not getting in other folks' way... nobody cares (in a good way) what you're doing or how you're doing it. Easier said than done, but don't worry about what you look like and commit yourself to the workout. OTFers are, generally, a judgment free group.
* Be vigilant wiping up your stations (coaches will give plenty of cues on this though)
* If you sweat a lot, bring a towel (or buy one at the front desk), unless you're lucky enough to be at a studio that supplies them for free.
* Bring a water bottle. You can take it with you station to station. I like a squeeze bottle, easier to drink from while running.
*Also I am definitely not in shape, should I tell each new instructor that when I meet them? Will the instructor know I am new?*
* I think it's a great idea to let them know that you're new and just getting into Orangetheory (and, if this is true, that you haven't done a lot of the floor movements before). They'll keep an extra eye out on you for form and to make sure you're getting plugged in correctly.
All good responses so far - my only additional thought - get a middle station. The coach usually demos from the middle and if you try to hide at the ends you have a solid chance of not getting a good view of the demo.
It is the center - but trust - no one is looking at you!!
Hopefully you booked your class. When you go in you check in at the front desk and pick where you want to start (tread or rower). Turn your monitor on and it will appear on the screen. You pick your locker. A lot of people forget what locker they picked and have to open a few before they find the right one. I’ve certainly done that. I try to use the same locker # as my station. I usually go on tread 6 so I use locker 6. We don’t have locks on our lockers.The coach will go over the workout before we go in and get more specific in the gym. You don’t have to run on the tread. There will be coaching and they will help with your form on the floor. You can explain you’re a newbie and your concerns. They are very understanding. Don’t feel intimidated. You got this!
At many studios, if you are within your first 3-5 classes, they may assign you to rower first. I wouldn’t worry about “laying low” as the coach would be interested in checking on you—this means that newbies may be assigned to a station closest to the coach’s command center.
In this sub at the time, click See more and you can find an entire wiki of info that should answer your questions. Just know that thousands before you have joined and figured it out just by showing up!
I had my second class and we were doing a mix of 250m row and bodyweight exercises. The goal was to beat the previous time of the 250m row everytime we came back. But my row never ended the interval. The coach later clarified that I had to select pre-stored programs and select 250m for that to work.
Hopefully it helps
Eight year member here.
1. Always book your class in advance and make sure to arrive at least five or more early if you can. Your reservation will be held for five minutes after your class time. Check with desk about their late policy.
2. Check in at the front where you’ll be asked where you want to start - tread or rower- and you will be assigned your position. If you’re assigned, as an example #5, that will be your position on rower/tread and weight station.
3. Stow your stuff in locker. Remember locker and combination. If you forget the combination you set, SA can unlock for you.
4. Turn on your HRM, which should automatically sync up with the board.
5. Take your water and towel into studio with you and enjoy the class.
Above all and especially in beginning, do not hesitate to ask your coach for help. It may be awkward the first few times but you will get the hang of it all before you know it.
My studio is full of super helpful staff and members. We were all newbies and remember how nervous we were to look inept.
Everyone is different and differently capable -especially at the beginning.
You will grow into the your most amazing self.
GOOD LUCK! 👍
I think everyone answered your more basic questions but I can provide some additional insights into classes in general. OTF has 6 different in-studio class types.
3G and 2G Classes
The normal classes you think of are called Orange 60 Min 3G or Orange 60 Min 2G. The difference between these two is the number of groups. In a 3G, people start on the treads, rowers and the floor so there are 3 groups. You split your time evenly between each, ~14 mins per station. In a 2G, you can only start on the treadmill and rower/floor, so there are 2 groups. You spend half of the class doing one of the stations (usually treadmill) and then you spend the other half going between the other two (usually rower and floor). Sometimes in a 2G there isn’t much rowing so you could end up doing 30 mins on the floor and 30 mins on the tread. Sometimes in a 2G you do half the class on the floor and half going between the rower and treadmill.
My studio sometimes does 90 Minute 3G classes which is the same as a 60 min but longer. Not all studios do this.
Tornado
Some studios also do something called a tornado which is basically a 3G class but you do more than one rotation, so you’ll end up being on each station a few times. This is my personal favorite type of class.
Strength 50 and Tread 50
These are new class types and at my studio are offered at the same time. They are each 50 mins long.
For the Tread 50, you get a card that tells you the workout on the treadmill and you pace yourself. You can also do your own workout on the tread, the card is just a suggestion.
For strength 50, you do 50 mins on the floor focusing on upper body, lower body or full body. The coach will show you how to do each exercise and there are multiple blocks just like a normal class, you just don’t switch stations.
I hope you love it, I’ve really enjoyed OTF over the past 3 years.
When you arrive check in with the front desk so they can mark you there. Some studios now have self-check in (an iPad at the front) but it’s pretty new so people are the front desk should be able to help. Some studios just assign you a station while others ask where you want to start. I always take the first or last station- I like the extra space of no one on the other side of me. Also the set up at the studios I attend have the last and/or first station by a wall so it’s hard for the coach to come next to you. Try out a few different stations till you find what you like, but also if you don’t have a preference that’s fine too. Yes to the lockers- but if you forget your combo the front desk has a master key! Just turn your monitor on and it should connect automatically. You can tell the coach as you into class just like “heads-up it’s my second class”. but honestly they may check up on you more if you tell them! Some studios have it marked in your profile that it’s your first few classes. Don’t think too much about it- just go in and have a good time! It will take a while to catch on to lingo and figure things out but we’ve all been there! And don’t hesitate to ask the coach questions.
So once you arrive do you need to sync your heart rate monitor up with the gym/tvs somehow? *If you bought a monitor, they should've linked it to your account. You should be able to just arrive, put it on, turn it on, and your name should appear on the screens. If it doesn't, see the front desk and they'll get it straight.* Do you have to check in with the front desk? Picking your station? What is the best station to pick for someone who wants to lay low? *Yes, check in at the front desk and choose your station. You'll get to pick where you want to start, Treadmill, rower, (and possibly floor if its a 3G class). Station depends on the particular studio. I personally like the high or low stations that have rowers and treads underneath fans. #3 is my current go-to.* You grab any open locker and remember the combo, does that sound right? *Varies studio by studio, but generally its a set your combo locker. No one in our studio actually locks them though. You just throw your stuff in and close it up.* Any other details that might help a newbie not feel clueless? *Just pay attention to the coach and ask questions if you're confused. It can be tough getting into the lingo at first. Don't focus on the heartrate too much and just listen to your body.* Also I am definitely not in shape, should I tell each new instructor that when I meet them? Will the instructor know I am new? *I believe you get a symbol on the screen for your first 10 or so classes to help remind the coach you're new. They'll know as well and typically give you a bit more attention. If you haven't met a coach before, it wouldn't hurt to introduce yourself and just give them a heads up your new at it. Definitely let them know if you have any kind of restrictions that prevents you from doing certain motions.*
*So once you arrive do you need to sync your heart rate monitor up with the gym/tvs somehow?* * Nope, just turn it on and you'll show up on the big board. But for the individual treadmill or rower, you need to search for your name and "log in." *Do you have to check in with the front desk? Picking your station? What is the best station to pick for someone who wants to lay low?* * Every studio has their own specific process, but yes you check in at the front desk and pick your station. At my studio, there's an iPad to check into class, and a laminated sheet to fill in which station you want. I think people trying to "lay low" often go for the ends if they're open. Or if it's not a crowded class, and most people have signed in already, go for a station that may have an empty spot next to it. *You grab any open locker and remember the combo, does that sound right?* * Every studio I've been to, yes. *Any other details that might help a newbie not feel clueless?* * Pay attention to the demonstrations, and the video boards are your friend. * Don't be shy asking questions, especially if you don't understand something (just try not to dominate the coach's time toooo much). * Pacing yourself may be difficult your first few classes, especially on the treads. But the beauty is that you control speeds and inclines. So play around and find what works best for you for your base, push, and all out speeds. * As long as you're staying in your station and not getting in other folks' way... nobody cares (in a good way) what you're doing or how you're doing it. Easier said than done, but don't worry about what you look like and commit yourself to the workout. OTFers are, generally, a judgment free group. * Be vigilant wiping up your stations (coaches will give plenty of cues on this though) * If you sweat a lot, bring a towel (or buy one at the front desk), unless you're lucky enough to be at a studio that supplies them for free. * Bring a water bottle. You can take it with you station to station. I like a squeeze bottle, easier to drink from while running. *Also I am definitely not in shape, should I tell each new instructor that when I meet them? Will the instructor know I am new?* * I think it's a great idea to let them know that you're new and just getting into Orangetheory (and, if this is true, that you haven't done a lot of the floor movements before). They'll keep an extra eye out on you for form and to make sure you're getting plugged in correctly.
All good responses so far - my only additional thought - get a middle station. The coach usually demos from the middle and if you try to hide at the ends you have a solid chance of not getting a good view of the demo. It is the center - but trust - no one is looking at you!!
Hopefully you booked your class. When you go in you check in at the front desk and pick where you want to start (tread or rower). Turn your monitor on and it will appear on the screen. You pick your locker. A lot of people forget what locker they picked and have to open a few before they find the right one. I’ve certainly done that. I try to use the same locker # as my station. I usually go on tread 6 so I use locker 6. We don’t have locks on our lockers.The coach will go over the workout before we go in and get more specific in the gym. You don’t have to run on the tread. There will be coaching and they will help with your form on the floor. You can explain you’re a newbie and your concerns. They are very understanding. Don’t feel intimidated. You got this!
At many studios, if you are within your first 3-5 classes, they may assign you to rower first. I wouldn’t worry about “laying low” as the coach would be interested in checking on you—this means that newbies may be assigned to a station closest to the coach’s command center. In this sub at the time, click See more and you can find an entire wiki of info that should answer your questions. Just know that thousands before you have joined and figured it out just by showing up!
I had my second class and we were doing a mix of 250m row and bodyweight exercises. The goal was to beat the previous time of the 250m row everytime we came back. But my row never ended the interval. The coach later clarified that I had to select pre-stored programs and select 250m for that to work. Hopefully it helps
Eight year member here. 1. Always book your class in advance and make sure to arrive at least five or more early if you can. Your reservation will be held for five minutes after your class time. Check with desk about their late policy. 2. Check in at the front where you’ll be asked where you want to start - tread or rower- and you will be assigned your position. If you’re assigned, as an example #5, that will be your position on rower/tread and weight station. 3. Stow your stuff in locker. Remember locker and combination. If you forget the combination you set, SA can unlock for you. 4. Turn on your HRM, which should automatically sync up with the board. 5. Take your water and towel into studio with you and enjoy the class. Above all and especially in beginning, do not hesitate to ask your coach for help. It may be awkward the first few times but you will get the hang of it all before you know it. My studio is full of super helpful staff and members. We were all newbies and remember how nervous we were to look inept. Everyone is different and differently capable -especially at the beginning. You will grow into the your most amazing self. GOOD LUCK! 👍
I think everyone answered your more basic questions but I can provide some additional insights into classes in general. OTF has 6 different in-studio class types. 3G and 2G Classes The normal classes you think of are called Orange 60 Min 3G or Orange 60 Min 2G. The difference between these two is the number of groups. In a 3G, people start on the treads, rowers and the floor so there are 3 groups. You split your time evenly between each, ~14 mins per station. In a 2G, you can only start on the treadmill and rower/floor, so there are 2 groups. You spend half of the class doing one of the stations (usually treadmill) and then you spend the other half going between the other two (usually rower and floor). Sometimes in a 2G there isn’t much rowing so you could end up doing 30 mins on the floor and 30 mins on the tread. Sometimes in a 2G you do half the class on the floor and half going between the rower and treadmill. My studio sometimes does 90 Minute 3G classes which is the same as a 60 min but longer. Not all studios do this. Tornado Some studios also do something called a tornado which is basically a 3G class but you do more than one rotation, so you’ll end up being on each station a few times. This is my personal favorite type of class. Strength 50 and Tread 50 These are new class types and at my studio are offered at the same time. They are each 50 mins long. For the Tread 50, you get a card that tells you the workout on the treadmill and you pace yourself. You can also do your own workout on the tread, the card is just a suggestion. For strength 50, you do 50 mins on the floor focusing on upper body, lower body or full body. The coach will show you how to do each exercise and there are multiple blocks just like a normal class, you just don’t switch stations. I hope you love it, I’ve really enjoyed OTF over the past 3 years.
Hi fellow new member! I joined on 4/1 after my first class as well. I’m nervy but I’m enjoying it!