Orangetheory Uses Science to Focus on Heart Rate-Based Results

While thousands of athletes and spectators caught a glimpse of Orange Man at Westfield's Pizza Race, few are familiar with the science behind Orangetheory Fitness.

Soon to open on North Avenue on the Westfield/Garwood border, the fitness concept focuses on group-based personal training. Placing an emphasis on heart rate-based interval training—individuals wear wireless heart monitors—Orangetheory maintains that members burn an average of 500 to 1000 calories during a session and continue burning up to 1,200 calories well-after their 60-minute workout is complete. 

How is that possible? Orangetheory's Adam Krell explained the physiological theory behind the studio's workout is known as 'Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,' or EPOC.  

Heart rate-monitored training is designed to keep heart rates in a target zone that stimulates metabolism and increases energy, Krell said, leaving members with an “orange glow" and burning calories for up to 36 hours after their workout. The concept, created by exercise physiologist Ellen Latham, is designed to be a plateau-busting workout comprised of three components: treadmill interval training blocks, indoor rowing and weight room or resistance training blocks.  

During the hour-long program, members ideally should have their heart rate in the "orange zone" for 12 to 20 minutes, though not necessarily consecutively. Large screens placed around the studio let members know which of five zones their heart rate is in; the fourth highest is the "orange zone."

"If your heart rate is too high for too long, you begin to burn muscle, rather than build muscle," said Orangetheory's Jessica Kumari. 

At the end of each session, members receive a report card that summarizes how their heart rate moved throughout the class. It also gives a more accurate number of calories burned as Orangetheory takes into account age, height, weight and gender whereas many exercise machines are programmed to base that number on a 150-pound man's workout, Kumari noted.

Whether individuals are looking to lose weight or increase strength and endurance, Krell said Orangetheory will meet their needs. No two workouts are ever the same, he added, and to keep members motivated, Orangetheory sponsors a variety of challenges.  

Those interested in an 'Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge,' in which participants have a chance to win $2,500 in cash, can begin signing up now. Limited to 75 entrants, the six-week contest will begin after Orangetheory opens its doors in October. The goal is to show the greatest improvement over the course of the contest, measured by percentage of weight loss.

Dri-Tri is another opportunity for members to get fit and win prizes. Comprised of rowing, running and two rounds of strength-training routines, the indoor triathlon will offer prizes to the top three male and female finishers. 

Striving to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, Orangetheory does not require members to sign any long-term contracts, Krell said. Members can pay monthly or purchase packages good for a certain number of sessions. The average workout costs approximately $11, said Krell, who added that pre-opening rates are lowest now and increase closer to the studio's opening. Members pay nothing until the studio opens.

Started in Florida, Orangetheory has more than 140 locations across the country and members can workout at any of those centers. Krell and Kumari said West Windsor and Edgewater are other soon-to-open Garden State locations. 

Kumari said many have asked why Orangetheory would set up shop across the street from Gold Medal Fitness but she stressed that the studio is not in competition with "big-box gyms because we incorporate technology and we focus on results and an outstanding customer experience."

To find out more about Orangetheory, call 908-737-1390 or visit Orangetheory's website.