Described on their website as “the best one-hour workout in the country,” OrangeTheory Fitness is a 60-minute, heart-rate monitored, high-intensity workout. With 250 U.S. locations and 170 international locations set to open in 2017 alone, I had to try the workout and see the results for myself.

1. Your endurance goes up.

Thoughts on the treadmill first week of OTF: OMG I’m still running. How long is this block? That push was definitely a little longer than 2 minutes. Ugh, why are we still doing pushes – I just want an all out so I can walk.

Thoughts on the treadmill 3 months into OTF: Why are inclines a thing? Just remember – no pain, no gain. Maybe I should just power walk a little bit. NO, don’t be weak. You can do this. Alright, is it time to walk yet?

Okay, so your thoughts during OrangeTheory don’t really change all too much no matter how long you do it for – which is actually a great thing because that means you don’t plateau and you’re always challenged.

What does change though is that next time you go for a run. Suddenly, miles fly by without you noticing because you’re so used to running with inclines and also having to row and do weights all in a 60 minute class.

2. You start to actually row correctly.

Although my coach explained the correct rowing form to me before my first class, I didn’t really get the flow until about a month in when I rowed 1500m for the first time during the dri-tri. For some reason, the next class I took after the dri-tri, everything just clicked.

Legs, core, arms.

I used to only hit 120 watts max when I was going all out, and once I finally understood not just the form, but also the flow, of rowing, I started hitting 140 for a push and up to the 180s and even the 200s once during all outs.

Arms, core, legs.

Quick tip: when driving back with your legs, keep a mental note to keep your arms straight – this will keep you from using your arms too early in the row and overall maximize your power with each stroke.

3. You stop caring how fast you’re going compared to everyone else.

Just because you’re ahead of everyone else on the floor block does not mean you’re the most fit person in the room. Likewise, just because you’re the last one when it comes to completing the reps on the floor block does not mean you’re the weakest in the room.

Everybody has different strengths and goals. On days that I’ll use as active recovery, I’ll go lighter on weights and thus go through reps faster than I would on strength days, which is when I’ll make sure to take my time to pay attention to my form since I’m using a heavier than normal weight.

In addition, when it comes to the rower and treadmill – remember that everyone is at a different point in their fitness journey. Some have been going to OrangeTheory or living an active lifestyle for years and some have just started and only use it for maintenance.

The only person you should be comparing your workouts to is yourself. Only you know how fast you can run, how heavy you can lift, and how much power you can row with. Only you can hold yourself accountable to these mental stats. Only you can push yourself.

4. You start making friends.

When you start attending certain time classes regularly, you’ll start seeing the same people. And you can only see someone so many times before you both feel like you should at least know each other’s names.

The great thing about OrangeTheory is that it’s like being a part of a fraternity or sorority. When you meet someone else that is a fellow OTF regular, you have an instant connection over this shared experience. You both understand the struggle of Strength days, and you can both bond over the love/hate relationship with the rower.

I find working out at OTF to be quite the personal experience where I’m definitely in my least attractive state – drowning in sweat, no makeup, hair a mess and somewhat tied up in a ponytail. And because I’m in my most insecure state, I find the connections I make at OTF my favorite because they are so raw and real, and the best part is that you become each other’s cheerleaders.

5. You start reading Reddit more often.

I was never really into Reddit before (I know, cue the gasps from Reddit-addicts worldwide). But, once I discovered there was a whole OrangeTheory community on the interactive website, I was hooked. Thanks to the 5 a.m. goers of the group, workouts are almost always posted by the time my class rolls around, so I can easily check to see what the day’s workout will be and mentally prepare myself for the 60 minutes to come.

In addition, the community on Reddit has really helped round out my overall OrangeTheory experience because there will always be people posting tips or there will threads where you can post and celebrate your little wins – and have others celebrate your wins along with you!

Maybe it’s because I grew up in a generation dominated by social media, but a little appreciation of my progress from strangers has never failed to make my day.

6. You find out you’re stronger than you ever realized.

I used to only dream of ever running a mile under 8 minutes. This year at peak performance week, I ran the mile at 7:07. Now, I’m motivated to break that 7 minute mark because I know I can get there.

There’s this great poster/quote in every OrangeTheory location that I absolutely love:

There is no “BEFORE and AFTER.” “AFTER” implies that I’m done. I’m not.

I’ve essentially reached the goals I first had when I started OrangeTheory – transition from jogger to runner, row 500 meters under 2 minutes, start using the 20 lb dumbbells during some exercises. Now that I’ve flown past these goals, I realize that strength is not hereditary. It’s something that you work for. Every last rep, every 0.1 push on that treadmill – it all adds up.

I’m stronger today than I ever was, and I will grow stronger still.

I highly recommend joining OrangeTheory as an unlimited member, especially if you were like me and didn’t have a set workout routine. Although it may seem like a high price to pay ($159-$279/month depending on where you live), going 3-4x a week definitely makes the membership more than worth it when you break it down by class ($10-$24 per class compared to average $30-$40 group fitness class cost).

The high price (and the $12 fee if you fail to show up or don’t cancel at least 8 hours before the class) also holds you more accountable for actually attending classes since you don’t want your money to go down the drain. I used to belong to a gym in my corporate office that was only $4.25/month, but I found myself rarely ever going because I didn’t feel I was losing anything if I decided to skip a workout and go home to eat some takeout instead.

There’s a reason so many OrangeTheory studios are opening worldwide and it’s this simple: it works. Show up to class, put in the work, and you’ll see results.

Find a location near you and try the workout for yourself – first class is free!

Best in Health,

Jenn