In 2016, I was mothering three children ages 5 years and younger, nursing my 3-month-old full-time, practicing medicine as an infectious-diseases physician, and starting a network marketing business on the side. That whirlwind left me exhausted. Wanting to improve my strength and stamina, I started going to Orangetheory Fitness with my then-husband—and though I didn’t realize it at the time, it was exactly what I needed.
Finding my people
The first class I went to was fun, but I was too busy at the time to stay consistent. My husband used his Orangetheory membership on a regular basis, while I only went to a handful of classes and then stopped. After about a year, I was done nursing and still looking for an exercise routine that would work for me. One mom on my daughter’s T-ball team was an Orangetheory member, and she seemed to really enjoy the classes. She convinced me to join and give it another try, but there was just one issue: She went at 5 a.m.
Those early morning workouts became a ritual—and my favorite part of the day.
I was not a morning person, but I joined her for the early a.m. sessions anyway. The crew we trained with was a group of about 10 men and women, and I continued to show up because they held me accountable and I was having so much fun.
Those early morning workouts became a ritual—and my favorite part of the day. We would meet twice a week for that 5 a.m. Orangetheory class, then have coffee together afterward before going our separate ways. Soon our friendships expanded beyond the gym—including weekend pancake breakfast meet-ups, shopping, road trips, and New Year’s Eve parties.
It’s amazing the unexpected rewards that come your way when you try new things. I started Orangetheory for the physical benefits—to increase my energy, strength, and cardiovascular fitness—and I achieved all that through the workouts. But I also gained inner strength and confidence. Most of all, I became part of a tight-knit community and formed relationships with people who are still some of my best friends, even though many of them are working out at different Orangetheory locations now due to moving and other life circ*mstances.
From newbie to head coach
You don’t truly know how much you need something until you lose it. When the pandemic hit, Orangetheory studios were forced to shut down. It was a very difficult and depressing time for me. I started running outdoors to get the mental pick-me-up I was missing from the classes, but it didn’t fill the physical or emotional void. In addition, I was going through a divorce. While it was amicable, it didn’t make things any easier. (He and I still work out together sometimes, because he’s still an Orangetheory member.)
As soon as Orangetheory studios reopened, I went back to reconnect with my community. In the process, I met a lot of new friends. Realizing how much strength and confidence I had gained through its program, I decided to become an Orangetheory coach to help other people achieve the same experience. Becoming a coach wasn’t easy. I had to get certified through multiple exercise- and sports-medicine-based organizations in addition to going through the OTFit Certification program. But it was so worth it to be able to help members in a leadership role.
There are over 6,000 Orangetheory coaches globally, all of whom specialize in heart rate-based training to know when to push members further or pull them back.
I’m now the head coach at the Irvine, California, location and have been retired from my private medical practice since 2018, so I spend 20 to 30 hours a week—if not more—with my Orangetheory community. The atmosphere is equal parts competitive, fun, and supportive. Today, for example, was a 200-meter row benchmark workout, so there was some competition as people tried to beat their PRs (personal records). Each class has its own vibe, but all of them offer motivation without being intimidating. It’s a great mix. Outside of workouts, we do monthly lunches, Taco Tuesdays, and weekend brunches. And those are just the planned events; other get-togethers spring up organically all the time.
A big part of why people choose Orangetheory specifically is the sense of belonging.
People may hear about Orangetheory from their friends or social media, but they don’t understand how unique the experience is until they participate in a workout. It’s incredible. We celebrate milestones in class—such as a member’s 25th, 50th, or 500th class—and I ask them every time what keeps them coming back. Everyone has their individual motivations for working out, but I think a big part of why people choose Orangetheory specifically is the sense of belonging.
Personally, that’s what made me fall in love with Orangetheory and show up time and again—even at 5 o’clock in the morning. It’s a strong community that’s given me many amazing friends. We’ve been through life together: marriages, divorces, babies, all of it. I know a gym is supposed to help you improve your physical fitness, but I’ve gained so much more mentally and emotionally. No matter the mission—be it stepping outside of my comfort zone in relationships or career or setting a new personal record in class—Orangetheory gives me the confidence to try.
Find your fitness community by getting your first class free at participating studios. See Orangetheory.com for more details.
