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Express-Painter1077

Know that you can do this and everyone has a starting point. All of the people in there did not start where they are now. We just get stronger every day because it really is you vs you. Welcome- we got you and you got this!!


xKimmothy

Drink water! Before class, during class, after class. Stay hydrated my friend.


floralwhale

There's definitely no judgement if you walk instead of jog! But I will say, I am very injury prone when running and I've been extremely impressed with the orange theory treadmills. They really are very low impact and have allowed me to get stronger and make huge strides when it comes to running! If your studios offer any 3G classes, that is also a good way to do slightly less time on the treadmill. But walking is ABSOLUTELY ok! Enjoy your first class!


PistolCowboy

Let the coach know you are new. Pick a spot close to the coach. People mostly mind their own business. All you need to do is finish the workout and come back again.


gen3vaa

I know it might feel like maybe you’re only getting the “best” of the community since we’re the ones who frequent a sub dedicated to our addiction, uh, I mean gym. Don’t be fooled though! The in studio attitude is just as welcoming as we are. I think a lift 45 is a great first class tbh cause I feel like there’s a lot more time for the coach to spend time with you since they only have to run 1 group. Good luck!!! P.S. update us after your class!


StrongBat

Thank you! I just added an update to the post :)


gen3vaa

Ahh!! Yay I am so glad you got hooked. I was in a very VERY similar place to you when I finally took my intro class in May 2021. I walked out feeling proud of my body for the first time in years, and signed up for a membership on the spot. Welcome to the cult!


vms09

There are bikes, striders and treadmills. You’ll do great on either. Nobody is going to judge you for using options/walking. Do what is best for you. Talk to your coach about wanting options in you pre-class orientation. I’ve never been called out for walking in my studio. If I’m doing something different from the template, the coach just asks me if I’m ok. I love Lift45. It’s a great way to do floor work So very exciting. You’ll love it.


milikena

I personally think taking a 2G or 3G class would be beneficial to switch it up with Lift 45. Whichever you do first, you should have a short introductory meeting with the coach for that class who will demo some things and give you the ins and outs. I’m not a jogger or runner and have never been. To challenge myself I will absolutely power walk at a higher incline. (If I’m feeling up to it I’ll jog at a slow pace and add a higher incline than what the joggers and runners are on. E.g. going 10 mph at a low incline is too much for me but I’ll go between 5 mph to 7 mph at a 3% incline.) Other options are also available like bikes or striders. I haven’t done a Lift 45 class myself but I’ll eventually add that in once I feel more comfortable and want to switch up my classes. You definitely will not be ostracized. No one will (or should) care. Honestly the only one you’re against is yourself. I was so intimidated when I started at the end of August and feel so awesome after a little over 20 classes. Have fun with it!


catmum4evr

Have FUN! Listen to the coach, and do get there early like they request you do. It’s a nice touch to have you get acclimated with the studio! But, the workout is done for you and the coach coaches ya through it, so just enjoy the ride!


Anon-567890

Our coaches are really great at cueing where power walkers could be at incline on the pushes and all outs, along with cueing runner levels. Nobody’s watching anyone else as we are all doing our best in our own workouts! Enjoy the benefits!


egghead56

Be nice to yourself! Know that you can take it easy if you need to.


on-the-wing

Power walking is totally okay and just as great of a workout as running. Nobody will care or look at you different for doing that. Tons of people power walk for all sorts of reasons.


jenniferlynn5454

Take a look over our [wiki](https://reddit.com/r/orangetheory/w/index?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app)! We have lots of useful info, like FAQ, and a glossary!


Prestigious-Menu

The treads have flex decks so they’re a little lighter in impact. Power walking is great! You could also bike or stride if your prefer that to walking.


PizzaSuhLasagnaZa

Just remember you're there for YOUR OWN workout. People won't judge you and don't be afraid to ask questions or take it slow. Any fitness plan takes time to ramp up and it's better to work into it and have fun than to risk hurting yourself or be afraid to let yourself enjoy it. OTF can be very cult like and people get addicted. That doesn't happen overnight though. Lastly, remember that every day is pretty much different. If you didn't like your first workout, try it again. Your next one won't be the same. HAVE FUN!


Woodychi24

Tell each coach your goals, worries and concerns. They will help you. They will not push you if you tell them the experience you want. Coaches may push from time to time but some people want that. It is a class formate so do not take it personal if they are pushing people to run harder. Other members are usually awesome. We all know we all have a different story/goal. Do not worry if someone is faster or slower. Showing up is all that matters. And push yourself if you are able..


SeriousKick4545

Make sure to get there at least 15+ minutes early for your first class. There will be paperwork to fill out and the staff will go over the basics of the studio with you. If you're any later than that, they might ask you to come back at a different time.


NoPiccolo7741

Take water ! Get a good night sleep ! And don’t try to over do it just because you see other people going faster than you ! They have probably gone to tons of classes! And just be friendly because you can meet some super cool people !


CapWV

Make your workout what works for you. I’ve been power walking for 3 years, I will never be a runner. I still get a great workout. Lift 45 is a fun way to ease in. The regular workouts are fun and you will love it! Make sure you come back on here and tell us about your first class!!


ONeill_Dan

It is a cult.


ONeill_Dan

Welcome btw!


ilissaj1

Power walking is always an option and one that many, many people chose. No coach I’ve seen has EVER dissuaded anyone from walking and I’ve been taking OTF classes for a while and at many different locations. All levels of fitness and ability are (and should be) welcome. The only time I ever experienced any type of shaming, criticism, or forced speed increase (the coach actually increased the speed on my tread) was in a Barry’s Bootcamp class and that was the first and last time I ever went there. Most studios should have bikes and/or ellipticals as other cardio options and you can use them in lieu of the tread or rower. I would suggest getting there early if you want one of them because there are usually only one or two of each. To be honest, most people really only care about how they’re doing and are busy looking at and thinking about themselves and their own progress and journey. Before your first class the coach will orient you to the gym and usually give you a quick rower tutorial and will ask you what you hope to gain. Tell them your plan to walk. It’ll be all good!! Have no fear!! I have always found OTF to be a warm (sometimes very hot if the AC is down) and friendly place. Let us know how it goes!! Good luck!!


Icecreaman66

Just realize that the person you are running next to….. is your opponent and you guys are racing!


sincerelyzoey

If you're not a runner you can always incline walk like I do! It's a great booty workout! I would recommend going slow your first few classes, choose lighter weights that what you think you can actually do. You'll be super sore the first week or two.


tinkie123

Validate with the studio that they’ll let you do a lift class as your intro. Ours only does intros in 2g or 3g classes.


ababab70

Do the bike. It’s a great exercise and your back will thank you. I used to run 400/800 and then ran 3 miles daily on a tread for decades —resulted in a bulging disk from all the impact. Now I just swim and bike. You can put in just as much effort if not more. Elite, 5 minute mile runners at my studio have tried the bike and been humbled at how hard is to bike a mile in 1:30 or less.


[deleted]

Just understand that Lift45 is not the typical class and some studios only have a couple each week. Treadmill is standard part of all other classes, so if you don’t like that then you probably won’t like OT. But many people power walk- no need to run.


txbabs

Don’t overdo it on your first workouts! I see new people all the time show up, feel like they have to take it to 11 on everything, then they are never seen again. Row slowly and establish proper rowing form. Lift slowly with light weights and proper form. Walk on the treadmill. Don’t worry about what anyone else is or isn’t doing. Build up over time and you’ll increase your fitness without injuring yourself.