You gotta try Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness

12365 James St., Holland  |  616-377-4911  |  holland.orangetheoryfitness.com

Earlier last month, I found myself getting pretty bored with my regular workouts and decided I needed to switch up my fitness routine. 

I stopped by Orangetheory Fitness in Holland, and let me tell you, it was exactly what I needed. Orangetheory offers heart-rate based, high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. 

During the workout, you use a heart rate monitor and the coach guides you through five different heart rate zones: resting, easy, challenging, uncomfortable and all out. The coach lets you know when you should push harder or pull back for recovery. The ultimate goal is to spend 12 minutes or more in the orange zone (uncomfortable). By doing so, it boosts your metabolism, burns fat more efficiently and burns more calories.

Having done HIIT classes before, I already knew a little bit of what to expect, but I was shocked by how much fun the workout was. The class was full of energy and it had a killer playlist (which in my opinion, is the most important part).

My coach Rachel was very helpful with navigating my heart rate zones, explaining each of the workouts and helping me with my form. And with the class sizes being smaller, you really get that personal training if you need it.

Managing Editor Kelsey Smith at Orangetheory Fitness
Managing Editor Kelsey Smith
at Orangetheory Fitness
Photo: Urban St./Kelsey Smith

There are three stations in each class: rowing, cardio (treadmill or bike) and strength training (weight and floor exercises). During my first class, I started out on the rower. Every stroke on the rower activates 85% of your body’s muscles, helping you improve your endurance, strength and power — no wonder I was exhausted afterward. 

After the 60-minute class, I was feeling really good, and also really impressed. I definitely got a solid workout in, and I never once thought, “When will this be over?” The class flew by, and I was already looking forward to my next one. If you ever find yourself in an exercise rut, or if you’re new to exercising and you’re looking for some guidance, Orangetheory is the way to go. 

—Kelsey Smith,
managing editor at Urban St.