So, here I am, almost six weeks here at Orangetheory Granger and many of my misconceptions have…read morebeen shattered. The fallacies I had were as follows:
1. Orangetheory is for elitists, the fit of the fit. Listen, I often refer to my body as an "elevator" body. I wouldn't walk up or down a flight of stairs if the building were on fire. I would rather stand anxiously at the elevator door for a good seven minutes to go up one flight. Don't judge me! So, what I expected to see was a bunch of extremely fit people, in their Lululemon coordinated outfits, who would look at me in disgust as I try to join their club. I was certain I would feel like I was in high school again with the popular clique looking at me with distain in their eyes. With a slow, deep breath, and a long exhale, I entered. I was greeted by Katie, trainer extraordinaire. She walked me through the program and what to expect and now it was time for the rest of the class to join and they were amazing. There were people of all shapes and sizes. I soon found the only person judging me was me. I learned very quickly that with the heartrate monitor you are only competing with yourself. No one gave the perception that I didn't belong there, in fact, it was quite the opposite.
2. Orangetheory is expensive. Well, frankly, it is compared to other "gyms" it is, however, this is no gym folks. I have had a Planet Fitness membership for three years and they haven't seen me in two so I suppose the most expensive membership is the one you don't use, kinda like the treadmill that now serves as decoration in my basement. I have only been going for six weeks but for these six weeks I have gone five days a week. At five days a week I am paying approximately $9/class, not so expensive when you break it down, right? It is also important to understand the value the trainers bring. They correct your form and push you, it feels like you have a personal trainer and I am certain personal training is far more than $9/hour. They want you to succeed and attain your goals, these trainers really care and relish in your success.
3. Orangetheory is a gimmick. I mean, seriously, heartrate monitors. Come on, just one more way to charge me for something. And yet here I am, six weeks later, and all my measurements have changed and, happily, for the better. It is harder for me to get in the orange and my resting heartrate is lower so maybe there is something to this science.
I am not looking to be a fitness model, rather, I just want to feel good in my skin and Orangetheory Granger is helping. I still have cellulite on my thighs and batwings but for the first time in years I will wear a tank top and shorts. The confidence I have gained is unprecedented and I cannot wait to see what another six weeks brings. On a side note, my seventeen-year-old daughter joined shortly after I did. She plays high school lacrosse and is fit yet she is sore after every workout. My husband is now a member as well and he really enjoys it. I would like my son to come but as with many fifteen-year-old boys, I have lost him to Fortnite.
