Orangetheory Fitness

Other studios are much nicer. Space feels cramped and there’s hardly enough room to move around and get a good workout… Can hardly hear instructor while on treadmill and weight room is far from treads so impossible for instructor to motivate and direct both sides. The up charge for premium studio feels silly. I could have gotten a better workout at a gym.

I LOVE orange theory. The workout is awesome and as advertised you feel the burn for days after. The cardio is challenging but accessible for all fitness levels — they have a walk, run, or jog option so you can easily work up to running if that’s your goal or work around injuries. The floor instruction is also killer. Great coaches and they have big screen TVs with simulations of all the exercises in case you get lost. And each workout is different so if you’re a frequent exerciser you are sure to never be bored.
Love that it is a boot camp mentality but the instructors are kind and positive in their motivation style. I like the push but do not like when it gets to the point that it makes you feel worse which I have experienced elsewhere. Coach Lee was amazing… gave me a lot of pushing with positive feedback and helpful corrections to my form on the floor. Wish I could remember the other two instructors I took as they were amazing as well!
I saw lots of comparisons to Barry’s and I think you prefer one or the other, not both, because I got a muuuuuch better workout at OTF. The instruction here was much clearer to follow so I think it caters more to newbies or people who like to mix up their classes whereas I think to be into Barry’s you have to be a devotee or you just feel lost. Also, to those who had issues with the price in NYC vs other cities, it’s because they are franchised so their costs in NYC are much higher than other cities. (The rent is too damn high.)
Only reason I did not give 5 stars was the facilities. Teeny tiny shower and locker space so not great for a 6 or 7AM pre-​work workout unless you’re local and can go home to shower. But no complaints otherwise, it’s wonderful for weekends or after-​work.

As someone who has tried a ton of fitness classes (used to be on ClassPass and FitReserve, see my blog:
), Orange Theory Fitness has become the gold standard for me. No where do I get everything in one hour — cardio and strength, power and endurance. Coaches are excellent (especially Coach Eddie!) and staff is super friendly. I love that I can gauge my progress with a heart rate monitor. That said, I rarely wear it anymore because I get too focused on points sometimes. This workout is efficient, intense, and feels like personal training in a group. It’s not cheap, but of all the classes I’ve gone to, it’s the best! (I do wish they’d put some deodorant in the locker rooms though.)

Hospitality 101. Fitness center, restaurant or hotel. doesn’t matter. People want to frequent places where they’re treated politely and with respect. 2 thumbs down with the communication and management of this location.

I have nothing but good things to say about the staff here. It is a very good cardio/​resistance training workout with upbeat trainers who help motivate. Unfortunately, $ 35+ for cardio and TRX resistance training just don’t do it for me. It is great for those who want to lose a few pounds in an environment with like minded individuals who help encourage (if you are lucky enough to be in a group with a less snobby, pretentious bunch). The classes aren’t consistent so its good to see what kind of class (legs, endurance, core) before you sign up and it is a hit or miss in my experience. What you will ALWAYS get is good, healthy cardio (that you can do on the treadmill at your local $ 20 a month gym, but hay). If your postures alignment or your form (s) is off because your new at exercising, coming back from an injury, sloppy or whatever other reason, than this may not be for you because there will be extreme minimal individual focus from the instructors and you may possibly hurt yourself. Rafael is my go to instructor if i ever go back after a workout to break a sweat. 3 stars for me now .3.5 for when i was just looking to just lose weight and get my blood/​heart pumping.

This review is for their sales staff and overly aggressiveness. I’ve never actually been in their place on 23^rd st. About a year ago I was in an Athleta and signed up saying I was interested in being notified when it opened up to check out, and I genuinely was interested in it. A few weeks later I was getting emails non stop asking me to commit to a membership before it even opened. I responded and asked to be taken off the email list because I’m not dumb enough to give them or any other company money for a membership before it even opens. I found the experience to be extremely unpleasant and was not willing to deal with it just to try a new workout. That was something last winter. Fast forward to a few days ago on Black Friday, and I received not one but two sales /​membership emails from Debra Wilhelm. I’m not sure why they have such shady email marketing practices that don’t allow people to unsubscribe once and for all!!’. All of their sleazy sales emails have left a sour taste in my mouth with no desire t give this orange theory a penny or say one good thing to any fitness minded friend. Let’s hope they start using a professional email distribution provider and only email those interested in their services.

Aye yai yai…
I got a pass for two weeks free at this gym, and called for info. I just wanted to know if it was a regular gym or a HIIT studio, and made the mistake of asking if the workout was like Barry’s. The sales person went on … And on… And on… and on about how Barry’s is terrible because she «was sore after their workout».
Um. Really? A person selling a gym membership saying you don’t want to be sore. Alrighty then. Also bear in mind that I tried to stop her several times to say I just wanted to know if the gym was a studio with classes, and I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.
Maybe she was just a bad apple but unfortunately TOTALLY fit the aggressive shady used car salesman stereotype. I kept asking her what the rates were and she kept dodging. After I asked no less than 4 times «do I need to commit to buying a package before I’ve taken a class, this this a yes or no question», she finally said yes. Also their «2 weeks free» is actually the first two weeks of a committed contract… Before you’ve tried a class.
Dear Orange Theory, maybe you’ve been successful in other markets, but there are some awesome studios here that you’re up against. There are also a lot of copycats that don’t make it. Maybe you already know you’re part of the latter if you’re forcing contracts before anyone has tried a class.

Seriously great workout! I’ve tried other classes, even personal training and this is much better. Coaches are fantastic! Front desk is always helpful and smiling, even at 6:00 am! Cost is worth every penny!
For the reviewer who commented on age, I am in my mid 50’s and have always been treated with great respect. Young and not so young are all welcome there!

I have been promising to write this review for awhile. I will never go back to this place because of the absurdly horrible staff I experienced.
A few months ago I had my parents (who are in their 50’s but fit) visiting from out of town that were dying to try the class. I called, reserved my spot in the class and PAID FOR IT, granted at the lower rate because it was my first class. My parents and fiancé called separately, and reserved there classes, and paid for them.
When we got there though, the front desk women pretended she could not find our booking. Then, she even went as far as to say we had ALL booked the wrong day. I mean I could understand one of us accidentally booking the wrong day, but we ALL called and booked separately. She was so rude and talked down to us and made no effort to get us into a later class that day, even though I showed her the receipt proving we paid. I’m giving this two stars versus one because she did refund our money.
It was only after leaving the studio that I noticed I had missed call from the studio on my phone from 7 AM that morning… explain to me why they would call us at 7AM the day of the class we booked if we had not had a class scheduled that day?
What kills me is the women pretended she didn’t know what was happening, when she did. I have later talked to friends who had similar experiences and think its because the manager chooses to boot newbies in favor of regulars who pay the higher rate.
My parents are convinced that the manager just did not want two 50 years old in the studio. I took my parents to Barry’s instead, and the people there had no problem with older people taking the class.
While there I did take the time to observe that the treadmills were not the super nice Wood Way ones that are way better on your knees and their locker rooms were HORRIBLE.
In the end, I don’t think I missed anything. I walk by this place all the time and its rarely full.

$ 370 /​month? That is a SIGNIFICANT premium to other locations and other gyms that offer a fantastic workout.

I was stuck between a 3 and 4 star review for this and i settled at 3. There are definitely pros here, but to me not worth it.
Pros: clean facility, digital tredmills and you will get a real workout.
Cons: first, is the cost. They are charging more than double for the same exact workout they offer elsewhere, solely for being at this location. No thanks! Your workout is not worth what you are charging! And to then also charge for the heart rate monitor is absurd. Second, the locker room is crap! Tiny, congested with digitial locks that wont always work. Third, I dont like the breakdown of the class. 30 mins on the tredmill isnt for me (not a runner). Lastly, I dont think those heart monitors are accurate.
If i was going to spend this amount, I would go to Barrys. Better facility, better products, better workout.

Absolutely horrible experience with these Orange Theory Fitness management. While the workouts were great, they use any and every excuse to charge you more money.
At their Edgewater location, I was charged for two months of membership that I did not want to sign up for after I had spoken with them about the fact I would be travelling too much over the next 6 months and did not want to renew. After charging me, they said that the renewing membership has to be cancelled in writing.
In no conversation was I ever told that written cancellation was required. However, it was in the contract so I went in and cancelled the membership in writing. The front desk told me I was now cancelled.
Now, I was just again charged for another month of membership because, according to a manger, my cancellation in writing was done 3 weeks in advance instead of 30 days in advance. Which means I have now paid for 3 months of membership that I didn’t use a day of.
Do not recommend this company at all.

Today was my first time working out at Orange Theory Fitness. The staff was very nice and the facilities were very clean. Cliff the trainer was amazing and helped with my form. I will definitely sign up for more!

I love this place with all my heart. I tried it out during their pre-​opening sale and have been a member ever since. It is pretty darn expensive and I’m traveling from Astoria to get here, but it is absolutely worth it.
I HATE running normally but I thought that a class environment might help motivate me and it really did! I have seen my performance improve each class and I’m getting close to my goals all the time. The coaches are very motivating and make each class a joy. I haven’t ever seen them do the same routine twice. I also like that the heart rate monitor allows you to put a real and definite «score» on each class. A lot of group cardio classes claim to burn whatever amount of calories per class, but with the heart rate monitor you can see the real-​time results.
I go to the 6:15a weekday classes normally and there are usually about 10 – 20 poeple which is great. I’ve had classes with Brian, Ben, and Cliff… each have their own style and I’ve enjoyed every moment training with them. The front desk staff is great too… always helpful and cheerful, even early in the morning before the sun is up haha
Thank you for opening this location! I love it here!

Orangetheory delivers a solid workout, but this is why they fall short of other group fitness studios:
–trainers are just… okay. The workout is the same throughout the country on a daily basis, with the exercises displayed on a TV screen. I came in with a wrist cast on and my instructor didn’t even ask about injuries or offer modifications. Big red flag in my book.
–music wasn’t loud enough. The instructor addressed this and said it was an issue with neighbors, but like… shouldn’t the franchise owner have done their due diligence about that prior to renting this space?
–locker room is EXTREMELY cramped as other reviewers said. Literally uncomfortable with more than 3 people in the changing area, always a line for showers, towels that are supposed to be bath towels are the size of hand towels. For a $ 35 class I expect fluffy towels like at other fitness studios.
–not many amenities in the bathroom. They have bare bones stuff like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and like I mentioned, teeny towels
–front desk staff unhelpful if your heart rate monitor fails during class. Since this class is focused around individual heart rate monitors, it sucks when yours doesn’t work-​honestly ruins the experience
–price. I get it, it’s NYC. But orange theory is a national franchise that costs members around $ 160/​month for unlimited classes. In NYC it’s $ 370. Rip off.
–treadmills are awful. VERY slow recovery time from the sprints, injuries waiting to happen. Maybe I’m just used to amazing wood way treadmills, but these were not shock absorbent and super super slow when adjusting speed
With all the cons out of the way, let me reiterate that yes, you will get a solid workout. It’s adjustable for all levels of fitness. Don’t be intimidated by the treadmill portion as you can pace at a «walker» pace and just walk the entire time. You get what you put into it! The screens that show heart rate information are really cool, but they can be distracting if you focus on them too much or if your heart rate monitor isn’t working. This class is definitely appropriate for all levels of fitness, which is what sets it apart from int/​adv level Barrys Bootcamp. I will say, however, that Barrys is far superior to orange theory in that they have top notch instructors with awesome music and super amazing energy in their classes.

I usually do HIT for all my workouts so thought this would be a good class to try out with my friend who was in town who is the member of the Florida studio. I agree with another reviewer that this may be designed more for beginner and intermediate athletes. I was confused by the directions and super distracted by the tv screen with the heart rate monitor and just stared at the whole time I was working out. When told to go all out, I would, but then was told that my heart rate should not be that high and I should be going slower. It was confusing. I really liked the instructor but overall it wasn’t the best workout.

Ive only come for two classes but do not know that i will return. I didnt feel the workout itself or the instructor to be motivating at all. The workout touts high intensity, but neither the strength or treadmill portions were inspiring. The pro is that the workouts are well scaled for beginners and more intermediate athletes.
I thought wearing the heart rate monitors were really cool but felt extremely distracted and unable to focus solely on giving my workout all my energy.
The locker room is the biggest flaw of the studio. Absolutely impossible to maneuver, get dressed, put your darn heart rate monitor on, etc when there are more than like 4 people in there.
With so many great fitness studios in nyc, i dont know that i will be returning. Good concept (that seems to work elsewhere in america), but weak execution compared to similar studios in the city.

LOVE this place. I heard great things from friends about it and once they opened up the Chelsea location decided to try it out. The workouts are great! I have been a former crossfitter and gave that up when I hurt my knee. I started just gymiing everyday, but soon got bored. However, once I joined OTF I am officially hooked. The workouts vary everyday so your body is always challenged. In addition, it’s a good amount of cardio which I prefer in my workout. If you do not like cardio then this type of workout is not for you. They do strength training and have music blasting which helps the hour fly. Also, when you are in a group setting it pushes you to do your best. The trainers are great and the workouts are amazing.
The two reasons I cannot give this place 4 stars is because its crazy expensive. Despite the price, it’s worth every penny. Within a week of going I have already seen some small results. The other con is that they don’t spend alot of time showing you the exercises. There are screens you can mimic, but if you have never done the exercise it can be quite the challenge, especially with the TRX exercises.
Try it out if you have not.

I’m one of those people who will try anything looking for some kind of fitness routine I don’t dread. Being from FL I have heard my friends rave about this for a while so I finally gave it a go.
I love this so much. It feels like I have a personal trainer without the night NYC cost of one. You alternate between strength and cardio for one hour. The hip hop music is pumping and I feel nothing but motivated the entire time. All this is done while wearing a heart rate monitor so you can SEE how hard you are working on the big screen. You can also keep a running calorie count which I love. I’m addicted.
So far Lena is my favorite instructor but they are all amazing.

Orange theory is really a good workout that makes you put an effort. An hour long with no break!
If you are looking for an intense workout that push you to the max even after a long day at the office this is it.
The staff is super nice and the trainers are very helpful. The locker room and bathroom are very comfortable and clean.
Overall highly recommended!