It’s been one month since I did a free class at Orangetheory Fitness and subsequently signed up. I’ve been going twice a week for four weeks and feeling pretty good about it. At 54 I have all the aches and pains of people thirty years older than me. I recently had wrist surgery so that mucks things up a bit too. Mostly, at 54 I’m tired. So the idea of getting my ass to class twice a week where I almost kill myself seemed like a really outlandish idea. I’ve been known to try anything once or twice with the right company so I signed up with my daughter in law and my ex husband’s wife.

I’m not sure what I expected when I began OTF. I wanted to lose some weight, firm things up and feel better. I know I’m not going to look like I did when I was in my 20s, and that’s ok. Sleeping better, waking refreshed and not feeling like everything was a huge effort to accomplish was really where I was setting the bar. It’s only been a month but I have noticed several things from working out at OTF twice a week.

Orangetheory Fitness Results – One Month

Weight Loss

The first week of Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) I lost 6 pounds! I’ve gained two of them back, but I am told that is because I am gaining muscle. I’m not so sure, it could also be the comfort food I’ve been making since the temperature dropped 30 degrees, but I’ll take it anyway.

Lost Inches

I’ve lost a total of 6.5 inches, two of them from my waist. That’s pretty impressive as far as I am concerned. I’m still a slave to the number on the scale, but ultimately the tape measure tells the tale.

Balance

I didn’t see this one on the radar. I hadn’t realized how bad my balance had become. Not that I’m walking tight ropes or anything, but wearing heels of any sort made me nervous, especially around stairs. I love heels, I think my back likes a slight heel more than flats. Unless I’m wearing boots I have stayed away from heels for a couple of decades. After doing squats each workout I have much more core control and I have faith in my legs to walk in heels. I’m not wearing a J.Lo Stiletto, and don’t have any desire to, but I am wearing a lot of shoes I’ve been to afraid to wear in years.

Endurance

Turns out the first workout I did at OTF, the free workout, was one they were putting together for their DriTri. It was an hour long workout that was intense. Thankfully I did not know this because that would have psyched me out completely. I made it through the challenging workout, sore for sure, but victorious nonetheless. The next one was much easier since it was only 45 minutes and not as intense as the DriTri. I can make it through the workouts, I could probably even push myself more but until I visit my cardiologist in November I’m a little frightened to.

Confidence

I’m not getting into a bikini anytime soon, but I am rocking my skinny jeans and that feels damn good. The thing about working your body is that it makes you feel both physically and emotionally stronger. Because I am finishing these workouts that are by all standards tough, I know I can do anything. We’re in the midst of a pandemic and knowing if things get worse, much worse, I can handle it. That gives me peace of mind and allows me to sleep at night.

Endorphins

The endorphins that kick in during the workout last at least the rest of the day. It’s a mutherfucking high that is like no other. In all fairness I have only experienced a few different highs, and most of them are pretty tame, but seriously, the high you get from working out is pretty amazing. The rest of the day I am on FIRE and can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I also feel like I am more focused, which is something I desperately need in the age of Covid.

It’s only been a month and I am feeling great. The camaraderie of doing these workouts with family and friends is another great benefit. Doing the workouts together keeps us accountable, and there’s a lot of laughter during the workouts. After isolating for so long this is the thing I am most grateful.

Speaking of Covid, masks are required when entering the building or changing stations. Our temps are taking and we are asked if we have any symptoms. Masks are not required while exercising. We wipe down our machines and equipment after using them. In the month I have been working out no one has gotten sick. I feel am not the least bit concerned about catching Covid at Orangetheory Fitness.