With its unique workout “afterburn” effect, Orangetheory fitness opens in Heartland Village

by Jessica Jones-Gorman

With its tracks of dependably upbeat music and mic’d-up motivational instructor leading a pack of “push it to the limit” cardio devotees, the group personal training model has become an enduring national fitness trend. And now, with the launch of Orangetheory Fitness in Heartland Village, the cardio/ strength culture is blooming right here in Staten Island.

“The idea of Orange theory is a 60-minute workout designed to push you into the ‘Orange Zone,’” the growing franchise explains on its website, defining the workout as both energizing and plateau-busting. “This creates ‘Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption,’ or EPOC. It’s what burns calories after your workout and gives you noticeable, lasting results.”

It applies a physiological theory developed by Ellen Latham, a highly trained physiologist with a lifelong passion for health and fitness. She designed what she termed “The Ultimate Workout,” which quickly became the foundation for Orangetheory Fitness.

Latham, who has been training clients for over 35 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology, served as a TV fitness expert for six years and has authored fitness columns for the Miami Herald and South Florida Sun- Sentinel. Through her position as fitness editor for Women’s Fitness magazine, she began focusing on Pilates and opened the first group equipment-based Pilates studio in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Her idea for Orangetheory was born after much research on the importance of the health benefits of EPOC.

“By providing you with a heart-rate monitor and POD, we can track your five-zone interval training sessions that we call the ‘Orange 60,’” the company stated. “During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4 to 5. This program design produces workout ‘afterburn’ effect, which is an increased metabolic rate for 24 to 36 hours after the workout.”

Each studio is equipped with 12 treadmills, 12 rowing machines, 12 suspension unit systems, and enough free weights and benches to accommodate 10 to 25 people (almost all of the equipment is orange), with workout sessions comprised of three components: treadmill interval training blocks, indoor rowing, and weight room or resistance training blocks. Orange 60 sessions are open to all adults and teens, ages 16 and Older and all fitness levels are welcome—from power walkers to elite athletes. Each participant is hooked up to heart rate and performance monitors, which are displayed on a large screen at the center of the gym, inspiring group support and competition.

Clients burn anywhere from 500 to 1000 calories per workout, and the company estimates that, if weight loss is a goal, participants can expect to lose three to five pounds per week, provided they attend three to five sessions per week and embrace proper nutritional planning. If performance is the goal, an increase in power, speed, and strength is expected after the first two weeks of attending two to four sessions per week.

Orangetheory Fitness
2409 Richmond Avenue at Heartland Village / 347.442.7020
orangetheoryfitness.com