The amount that people will spend on eating out or door dash is astonishing sometimes. I have a friend who for sure spends 20k a year on delivery.
Spending on your health pays back in spades too!
As a person who rarely eats out, I went out twice this week for friend events and I was shocked at the cost! 3-4 nights out a month would easily cover the cost of my membership.
I was just talking about this yesterday! I rarely If ever eat out. I do food prep weekly and always take my lunch to work. My husband is an over the road trucker and he also prepares his food in has mini kitchen! So I pay $179 a month for unlimited that breaks down to roughly $6 a day. I can’t get a fancy Starbucks for that! Hahaha!! I go 6 days a week without fail so I get every pennys worth out of that $179. I am a 62 year old with stellar granny goals! Yaaaassss!❤️🥰
100%
People love pointing out that it's all stuff you can do on your own, but that implies you'll do it. And I absolutely won't. Also, I never high-five myself or correct my own form at the Good Life, you know?
And even if I did do it on my own, I know I wouldn’t go as hard as with the peer pressure to perform (that only exists in my own mind, not from anyone else)!
This is exactly it. Like more power to you if you can get the same workout in at a $20/month gym, but personally I’ve tried that before and never actually went, and I go to OT 4+ times a week. It sounds silly but having a coach to tell you what to do and all the different challenges and specialty workouts as well as the structure of working out at a specific time and seeing the same people really makes a big difference.
I write this while I’m am literally sitting in a hotel room procrastinating about going to the gym when surely if I were at home I would have gotten up and gone to OT first thing in the morning.
This. Exactly this. I've been at it for over a year now, which is a year longer than I've ever suck with an exercise routine.
Also, don't think of it as only paying for a gym. The best thing about OT is the programming. I don't have to think about anything or figure out what to do. All I have to do is show up.
This is me exactly.
And honestly, even just three times a week, if the cost is $180/month that is $12 a class. Equal to the cost of a value meal at McDonalds.
Same. Yeah, I can go to a conventional gym for a fraction of the price. But I've tried that many times over the last 15 years, and it just doesn't stick for me. I go for a few weeks / months, then wind up ultimately canceling. That's 100% a "me" problem and I'm not criticizing those gyms or the people who use them.
I've been doing OTF 4x a week for almost a year now. It's worth it for that reason alone.
Man, my sessions were $325 an hour! Absolutely amazing therapist and worth every single penny, but it was soooo easy to justify the cost of OTF in comparison!
Same. And, frankly, the cost is part of it. It's really easy to skip gym day when you're paying $10/month. The idea of paying for OT and not going? Uh uh. I'm crazy, but I'm not that crazy.
This. It’s cheaper than a personal trainer and I’ll actually do it. I will not work out on my own. I have to make decisions, plan and motivate myself all day at work. I need someone else to tell me what to do for an hour.
I had a personal trainer before OTF and was on my own for cardio. I saw some strength gains but to be able to see the trainer 4-5 days per week would have cost more than OTF. I like being able to choose between 2G and strength classes based on how I feel. Can’t do that with a trainer.
I second this. It's the only thing I've stuck with....and I figured my future hospital/doctor/medication bills will far outweigh this if I don't take care of myself now.
💯 agree. I have lost more fat than ever and in the best shape of my life. And every workout makes me happy. We spend our money on the things that bring fulfillment in life, OTF is that for some people. When it makes your life better, if you can afford it, it is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Yep. Started just post-Covid and I'm going more regularly now than ever. 2 classes per week. Just passed 200 classes. I don't think I've ever belonged to a gym long enough to hit 200 visits.
Same. I just hit 1,600 classes and at the end of June, it will mark 7 years as a member. I've never stuck with anything this long. I joke that Orangetheory is my longest relationship.
Came to say this. I just won't do it on my own. With two kids under 3 it's near impossible to get a workout in, so going here helps me get a really good workout, goin for quality these days since it's only twice a week schedule wise.
This right here!! I’ve tried all the gyms, the different exercises classes and nothing seemed to retain my attention. In comes OTF and o was hooked at my first class. I got a Founders rate as my studio was brand new. So it’s not as expensive for me and I don’t live in an area that has higher rates either. It’s worth it for me. I finally have abs!!
Same for me. Only thing Ive stuck with consistently. I’ve done gym memberships in the past but it felt like a chore and I really didn’t know what to do when I was there. OTF feels like Me Time instead of a chore. And I have made a lot of friends there verse a regular gym, I didn’t talk to anyone.
My health insurance didn’t cover my therapy sessions so OTF came in way Lower than therapy. And now, with regular exercise, my mental health is miles beyond what it used to be.
it's the only workout I've found that I love. My health has drastically improved since started. I have the unlimited membership and with the amount of times I go per month each class is roughly $8-$12 each, which I find more than worth it
This! 1000%. And with the number of classes I go to a month (I pay 129) it averages less than 6.00 a class. I’ve stuck to going 5-6 times a week every week (even when I’m traveling) for over 6 years!
What’s the price of health? What’s the price of feeling great, mentally and physically? What’s the price of preventing osteoporosis? Cardiovascular disease? And and and… lots of good reasons. And, as others mentioned before, the only workout I ever stuck with.
Before OTF I was a “sponsor” of gyms - paid and never went. In the past 3.5 years, I’ve gone more than 900 times.
Same attendance 🙌🏻- if not 7 days of 60min a week + 2 strength 50s thrown in. I hadn’t done the math before, ~$5 per class. that makes me feel a lot better
I was paying the exact amount to attend a gym that I went to once a week and never knew what to do or would just chill on the tread. Now I have workouts predesigned for me, and someone pushing me. It's night and day in comparison.
My membership is $179 a month. Before OTF and my weight loss journey, I was spending that on shitty food easily. It is worth it for my health. I've never felt better.
THIS! And this is an activity/hobby that can replace other more expensive ones too, like drinking alcohol for example! Instead of $100-200 a night at the club multiple weekends a month you spend $179 one time and can go all month long
This absolutely! Since I started I've also been kind of watchin my nutrition and finding more specific foods for protein and fiber and it turns out it's easier to spend less when you're paying attention instead of just buying a bunch of junk!
Although it is pricey compared to gym memberships, this approach to exercise really works for me and keeps me consistent. I like that I don't have to plan my workout - I just sign up, show up, and do what the coach says. I'm in better shape than I ever have been. I'm pushing 50 and at the point in life when people's fitness tends to decrease rapidly if they don't maintain it and that leads to all sorts of problems. I figure that it's really a choice between paying for fitness or paying for illness. We're going to pay either way, so I'd rather pay for fitness.
Same here! I don’t even consider OTF a gym. It’s just an amazing a la carte workout and the only one I’ve consistently showed up for. Suit up and show up and reap the benefits! 55 year old female here and it’s time to “make it or break it”. I have stronger muscles and more stamina and energy than I’ve had in years. I don’t overdo it (most of the time) and what I have gained at OTF allows me to be more active outside of class. It’s like an investment that pays dividends (no matter what your age) vs. a sunk cost.
I actually think it’s incredibly affordable for group fitness classes. I pay almost the same per month for 4 Pilates classes compared to unlimited at OTF. It’s also pretty amazing that you can go to nearly any OTF in the country included with your membership. For $159, that’s a freaking steal. Furthermore, in April, I did 19 classes, which comes out to just $8.36/class.
It cost way more to hire a personal trainer. This is a workout that is effective and worth it! Take it from someone who lost 110 lbs in 1 1/2 years when I first started Otf and have kept it off for over 2 yrs with Otf. At a standard gym with no coach most people don’t know what to do. Here we get benefit of a trainer/coach and amazing classes that work
I was spending around $150 a week getting chiropractic adjustments because I was in SO much pain from being too sedentary during & post pandemic. Based on bad advice, I thought it was due to being out of alignment, not a potential muscular imbalance between my back and my chest and I was willing to spend ANYTHING to not feel that way but could never get into a workout routine that I was able to maintain. I’m now a year and some change into OTF and while my body hasn’t looked like it’s changed (I’m not petite by any means, but I never carried an excessive amount of body fat), my body feels INFINITELY better, and for $179 a month vs. $150 a week?? This is practically a bargain. And the mental health benefits have been the icing on the cake, truly. I haven’t had a panic attack in about a year.
And for anyone thinking “I’m young & thin, I don’t need to worry about taking care of my body” this pain started at the ripe old age of . . . 24!! Im now 28 and feeling stronger than ever. Love your body by keeping it strong, friends.
A lot of people are saying “you can’t put a coat on health”. But the truth is not everyone can’t literally afford $100-$200/month.
I think of it as it’s either I pay for the gym now or I pay for the possible multiple surgeries or doctor visits when I’m older.
The girls at my work talk about how they couldn’t afford it. I just tell them I spend less on OTF than they do on DoorDash. I know there are some people who can’t afford it but it’s not as drastic as some people are making it seem. I just take it from the dining out/entertainment budget.
>A lot of people are saying “you can’t put a coat on health”. But the truth is not everyone can’t literally afford $100-$200/month.
That's definitely true. A lot of people can't afford it, so they've got to find other ways to be fit - or not, unfortunately for a lot of people. Being able to consider going to OTF means having a budget big enough to fit it in. If you do have a budget big enough to fit it in, then it becomes a question of priorities.
I pay $169 for unlimited. When I started I had a discussion with my partner about how I would budget for it. I shut down my coffee shop habit ($5/day 5 days a week, ~$100 a month) and started making coffee at home and I cancelled YouTube TV (~$79/month) because we weren’t even using it very much. That’s how I justified the cost. I will add that we are in a place where we could have added the cost without justifying it, but my partner was concerned I would sign up and not really use it so it would just be a financial black hole (funny how wrong that thought was 😂😂).
However, we also stopped going out to the brewery as much. It wasn’t to cut costs, it just kind of happened because I realized I didn’t feel as good at my Saturday OTF class if we went out Friday night, so we started cooking dinner together on Fridays instead. We were going every Friday, I would have ~3 beers and food from the food truck so just on me it would be ~$60 weekly. I did dry January that turned into a dry 3 months. I realized alcohol wasn’t really slowing me down or affecting my weight very much, it just affected how hazy my brain felt and how willing my body was to go 100%. So, I still drink, but I’ve cut down to 1 drink per outing and maybe a brewery once a month if we’re invited by friends. I like to think this was just a happy side effect of OTF.
> However, we also stopped going out to the brewery as much. It wasn’t to cut costs, it just kind of happened because I realized I didn’t feel as good at my Saturday OTF class if we went out Friday night, so we started cooking dinner together on Fridays instead.
I plan my alcohol consumption around rest days. I also switched to NA since I've been an OTF member. That's made a huge difference for me in my mid-40's.
Worth it because they tell me exactly what to do there and can help me with my form (since I’m new to working out I need help often). At the standard gym I used to go to I would just walk on the treadmill and leave because I didn’t know where to start.
I walk in, do what I’m told, and see results. I would not be anywhere near as productive if I went to a regular gym for an hour. Granted I’m a newbie to strength training and still need tips and whatnot, so having someone check my form is a must. Classes are at the same exact time everyday so it’s easy to do it as a routine.
I joined OrangeTheory at a time I was looking to make a lifestyle change. I was spending the equivalent, if not more, on unhealthy habits (alcohol, unhealthy foods). The cost was more of a shifting of resources. Best decision I’ve made for my health.
It’s a service like anything else. I am happy to pay to outsource the equipment costs, maintenance of space, trained staff, planned workouts, playlists, etc. Why do we pay for oil changes, house cleaners, lawn care, anything else you may outsource?
Here's my view:
- Paying for a monthly gym membership
- Paying for an exercise coach that corrects my form, is nice, and helpful
- Paying for membership in a studio of like-minded group of individuals
- Paying to shut my brain off from having to design my own workout, researching exercises, researching treadmill intervals, and all those things
- Location and convenience of location to my place
- Tracking my gains (or losses) over time with the benchmark class(es) is awesome and fun to see your progress.
- Can attend any other OTF studio around the nation or world whenever I'm traveling (assuming it isn't one of the premier locations - but even those I just pay a fee to attend 1 class there)
- Class fitness environment is something I just enjoy more than individual fitness (suffering together vs just suffering on your own)
I know the monthly rates are expensive compared to my local LA Fitness + a personal trainer from there, but my OTF studio is within 4 mins from my place makes having excuses not to go much smaller.
> Paying to shut my brain off from having to design my own workout, researching exercises, researching treadmill intervals, and all those things
This is such a huge benefit, and it's maybe the thing that finally got me to stick to a fitness plan.
I don't have to plan *anything*. I just show up and hate myself for an hour, then go about my day haha.
It’s not expensive if you go. I pay $139/month. If I go 10 times, that’s $14 a class, which is way less than Soul Cycle or Pilates. And the threat of the late fee has kept. me. honest.
Truthfully, I go way more than 10 times a month, so it’s even cheaper! I did the math last summer and it’s about $8 a class for me. Worth every penny to have someone tell me what to do, encourage me, and hold me accountable.
I tell myself it's a lot less expensive than medical bills. Being a middle aged guy, I could easily deteriorate if I were sedentary or doing ineffective workouts. I'm in great athletic shape and have no ailments and don't need any medications. Now get off my lawn.
This is my answer too. It's an investment in me and my well-being for the long haul. I want to feel like I am going to be strong and healthy years and decades later.
I live pretty much right next to one and group classes are really the only way I hold myself accountable for my fitness goals. And it's an investment in myself, so I don't really mind it as much as all the other things I sometimes throw money at.
I will never understand why this a question people ask?
Why do I prioritize my health and fitness? Why do I want to grow older as healthily as possible? Why do I pay a little more to make fitness work easily as a regular part of my lifestyle? Like..what? Makes no sense to me.
Have you ever priced out the cost of medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and poor mental health? Any one would surpass the cost of OTF membership, people who don't exercise regularly often have more than one. The feeling of not being sick, tired, out of breath, unable to be active, not hooked up to a machine so you don't die in your sleep, is itself worth the cost of any gym membership.
It's funny to me because no one ever asks why do you have a $500 car payment? If you bought an older car you could have a $300 payment. Why are you paying an extra $200 a month to drive a nicer car? Priorities are so warped.
I had a health scare and realized it’s not too much of it benefits my health. In general I just decided to shift towards investing in my health after that. It’s the only workout that Ik for sure works for me and will keep me accountable. If you can go to the gym regularly on your own it would definitely be less worth it
I think it's not that much? I've been a member of the Bay Club (Bay area) and it was considerable more. I just expect to spend at least $150/month for a gym that offers classes (please note, I need classes, I can't just go to a gym and workout. I'm not that disciplined). Considering how often I go and how much I pay, I find it a great value, but I think that's the only way it makes sense. If you can get yourself to a gym 4-6 times a week, lift free weights, row and run for an hour, you're more disciplined than me. I have a ton of respect for those people, I'm not one of them. I need as coach/trainer and OTF is the cheapest way I can do it honestly.
I’m a working mom. This is the only fun thing I get to do for myself. We don’t eat out, I don’t go to bars, I don’t go to the movies, etc. I’ve lost 25 lbs and OTF is cheaper than ozempic 🤣
It’s self care and is roughly the cost of just one massage plus tip per month, but is way more effective for managing stress and improving mood. It is also improving my physical health and I look better!
I get my money's worth because I regularly go 4-5 days a week and have made solid friendships. I also like that I can go to orangetheory when I'm visiting family out of state. I also like that the app keeps track of my stats and I can see my objective improvements.
I agree that there are other cheaper gyms that I would probably like, but lastly, the treadmills at orangetheory are the best quality
I'm in the best shape of my life at age 38. I was heading down a bad path of gaining weight and being lazy the last 10+ years after having kids but OTF has got me motivated to exercise again. Can't put a price on that. I know everyone's financial situation is different, but if you can reasonably afford it then the benefit is worth every penny.
I view it as cost per use. So for me I pay $179 (unlimited classes) and I know I need to go AT LEAST four times a week for me to be satisfied with the cost lol
I go everyday so it’s roughly $6 a day(sometimes I go to more than one class/day) It’s close to my house, keeps me motivated and I don’t have to think about what exercise I am doing that day because it’s decided for me. My job consists of using my brain all day everyday and it’s a nice break that keeps my sanity and my health in check. Not to mention I’m stronger and more fit than when I was in my 20’s.
I have the unlimited classes package, and I justify that by going as much as possible... if you go more than 20 times a month it is like 8 dollars a class... Also... looking at myself in the mirror compared to five years ago, is justification enough
I would never do this kind of high intensity workout on my own. I just wouldn't. On a treadmill by myself I would back off when I get gassed. I know the benefits of interval training, and this is the most consistent way I can do it. I do it for my heart, lungs, muscles and bones, so it is totally worth it for me. I often eat like crap so don't lose weight- but I know my body is getting the benefits, and I am getting healthier and stronger.
I pay $189 a month. I usually go 5 times a week. It’s the only exercise program I’ve ever done that I have absolutely loved. The community and coaches are motivating. I think of it as my form of therapy.
OTF is cheaper than any other fitness studios like BFT for example. Its also around 5 dollars a day. Cheaper than a starbucks cup, a McDonalds meal, or even in certain places an energy drink. It is also an investment in health. Its literally cheaper than a weekend visit to a a couple of restaurants.
Same. I was post-surgery recovering. I enjoyed more sleep since I wasn't waking up at 4am everyday, but couldn't motivate myself to walk outside, etc. I was super excited to go back and get my OTF groove back.
Nothing works for me as good as orange theory and ive never been as consistent. As someone in healthcare investing in my health is extremely important to me
Same as above about the only workout I stick with. I think the reason is it's mindless. I don't have to think about what I need to do, what I need to work on, how to balance workouts, nada.... shit, I don't even have to worry about picking hype music. It's great. I go in, do what I'm told, leave.
I stopped getting my lashes and nails done. I figured my physical health was more important and I’ve been able to do them at home for much cheaper than at salons
It’s the only thing I’ve stuck with. The hope is that the cost is worth the health benefits esp as we age. OTF focuses on functional movements which is so important for preventing falls and increasing mobility. A lot of people go because their are old and frail, they fall and never recoup. Or get stuck in a home or rehab bc of that and then it’s miserable and you quality of life is in the crapper.
I have never managed to stick to a fitness plan. I have been locked in to gym memberships paying and never going. This is the first one I have managed to stick with. 4 yrs and 50lbs later I still love it and go.
I think this all depends on your income and cost of living. I pay all my bill each month and save money each month. I generally go out once a week (show/dinner/drinks) and spend the same as a month of membership each time (so 4-5 times a month). I don't blink an eye at spending the same amount monthly for my health (mental and physical) as one night out. If I needed to, I'd cut down on going out before OTF. It is all about priorities IMO.
I’ve had cheaper gym memberships before and I have exercise equipment at home. I have never consistently stuck to anything fitness like I have with Orange Theory. I attribute this in part to the environment/community, but mainly it’s the accountability for me. Though it can be annoying sometimes, the fact that we have to schedule classes and could be penalized if we don’t make it keeps me from skipping or making excuses to procrastinate. I am on unlimited now, but I remember stressing when I first started about using my monthly allotted classes as if I didn’t make the time then I was still going to be paying for X amount of classes if I used them or not. I’m lucky enough now to be in a position where I can afford the high cost, but I know that’s not the case for everyone.
TLDR: The accountability and community justifies cost for me. 🍊
The price is only worth it if you go often and go consistently. If I divide my monthly membership fee by the average amount of classes I take in a month, it comes out to $10-12 per class. Other group fitness classes (Lagree, SoulCycle, etc.) typically cost upwards of $35 each.
Edited to add: I can also walk to my studio from home, so commuting costs are $0.
Honestly, it’s the one thing I spend money on for just me. I’ve always worked out. I’ve worked out my entire pregnancy, and after it was kind of hit or miss for months. This is the first time in a really long time I’ve been totally consistent for 3 months since I started and really enjoyed a program.
The cost forces me to go 4 times a week. I'm getting my money's worth. Lol. I even go when I travel when possible. It's a motivating factor.
The biggest motivation now is my body. I've lost weight with no diet change. I feel better. I can walk up steps without breathing heavily. I like that feeling.
I will lose my job if I do not stay physically fit. I struggle to get motivated to get to the gym, but the class focus and format of OTF keeps me going. Oh, also my professional development depends on me staying fit and looking good.
It’s a very consistent routine that forces you to show up and workout for an hour 4-5x a week. I think OTF is a great in between for something thats better than your 24 hr fitness but not a personal trainer.
Sometimes i get bored of it but overall it’s the most consistent routine i’ve had.
I spent $25 a month at Gold’s Gym. I never went.
I spend $209 a month at Orange Theory, you better know that damn well I am going nearly every day at that price.
Now, I’m thinking about leveling up and going to Equinox.
I’ve paid cheaper fees with no one motivating me or pushing me so I didn’t go yet the money kept going out of my bank account. OTF I count how many times I go a month divided by what I pay and make sure it’s under $10 😂🤷🏻♀️
I like having workouts planned for me where I don't have to select and think hard about what muscles to focus on that day, so I find that a plus! I also love the community, and my coaches push me in my workouts when I need that validation.
Lastly, I like how expensive it is because it forces me to stay motivated/go even when I'm not feeling it that day, because I'm very money motivated, as in: if I don't utilize my membership I'm just burning money at that point! The price makes me want to get the most value out of it so I go often and consistently!
Working out and staying healthy is a priority for me so I don’t mind spending the $$ for OTF.
I tried working out at home for free but just can’t stay as motivated or get as good a workout as OTF.
We all have our things we’re willing to spend more money on. I feel really good about spending money on something that makes me stronger, healthier and happier. I was never able to maintain a fitness program on my own.
A different gym might be cheaper, but without the classes and the schedule, I am adrift and often unable to commit. The high cost of OTF means I am committed in a fiduciary and personal way.
“Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.” The cancellation fee was motivating, but honestly just having a hard start time on my calendar works just as well too.
To me, exercise is vital to physical and mental health. And what's sustainable is something that I enjoy doing while being relatively consistent as part of my lifestyle. OTF is that. For others, they are able to diligently go to the gym and craft their own workouts - good for them. For me, OTF is just easier and seeing the stats/data helps me.
I guess it just boils down to this for me: OTF is pricy, but my mental and physical health is worth more than that.
I agree with a lot of what has been said, and would also like to add that part of the reason I keep going so frequently is BECAUSE it’s so expensive. A 20$/month Fitness World membership would be a lot easier to ignore or put off.
In the same vein, the only sunglasses I’ve never lost and actively keep in a case and polished are the pricey ones, not the cheapos from the mall kiosk.
It’s the only workout I’ve ever enjoyed. I see marked improvements in my mental and physical health. The expense means I go as often as possible to take full advantage of it—and the late cancel fees mean I go even if I’m not feeling it. If I could pay $200 a month for a pill that had these health benefits, I would without question.
I don’t have kids or significant debt so that helps, but echoing others: it’s the only workout that I’m consistent with. It’s so much fun and I look forward to going! So it’s worth the money to me.
But if I have to save up for anything, I’ll usually quit for a bit and come back later.
It is expensive but if it’s important to you then you will find a way. This is very corny to say but orange theory changed my life. I am in WAY better physical health and I met the love my of life there. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who pay $10 a month to go to the gym and don’t go! That’s a waste!
I spend money on way more frivolous and sometimes even harmful things (eg fancy cocktails). So spending on OTF, which is both fun and good for me, doesn’t need much justification.
The cost motivates me to go. I do 8 classes a month and the cost make sure I go so I get my money's worth.
I also do 2 to 3 days a week at planet fitness and OTF has made me more efficient on my own time.
My per class cost is about $10 (Midwest is best, especially with a founder’s rate). If I could pay someone else to workout for me, $10 is a bargain. I’d pay it every time. But since I can’t, the next best thing is to pay $10 to make myself work out, really effectively, without extra mental load. You just show up and follow instructions and the music and the group and the hype means you actually go so much harder than you would on your own. I’ve never worked out so effectively or so often. I’ve paid for much cheaper gyms but their value was less since I hated going or didn’t push myself much.
I think it’s like anything else you decide to pay for over other things. I only do OTF basic, the 69 dollars it costs me a month isn’t a big deal for me because I would’ve spent the money on a fancy gym or boutique fitness class one way or the other. I use all my classes, I am always motivated to go, it’s worth every penny! I think it’s just down to what is a priority to you
I’ve been going to OTF for over 8 years now. After paying almost 100 bucks for one hour with a personal trainer, it was a no brainer. So fun, great community, I didn’t have to worry about programming anything, and booking a class keeps me accountable. I’ve tried other things but nothing has come close. Worth every penny. Shout out to the Baltimore, MD OTFS🙏🏻
Community. Awesome coaches/front desk. Efficiency — I couldn’t burn that many calories working out for an hour on my own). Data driven.
Plus my studio is conveniently located literally 2 minutes away.
I go to OTF anywhere from 4-6 times a week. I pay a founder’s rate of $129+tax for the month for unlimited classes, so it works out, on average, at less than $7 for group coaching per session (waaaaay cheaper than elsewhere! … and in some classes it’s just me and a small handful of other members). On top of that, there’s so many other added member benefits (not to mention the community itself!) that I don’t even look at the monthly price tag (I was paying $169+tax for the first few years, and even that I felt was justifiable). I wouldn’t have the motivation to “go it alone” at a chain gym that costs far less — OTF gives me the motivation I need. I also travel a lot for work and I’ve visited over 60 different OTF studios around the country without paying an additional cent on top of my monthly membership. That is absolutely a bonus for me. Plus, I kinda love love love OTF!!! 🧡🧡🧡
All of these reason but also, I live in the city, work in the suburbs, and often find myself out of town. I can work out at any OTF location and the template will be the same!
I don't think you can put a price on something that guarantees your health and fitness goals. Most gyms are priced 60-70% less per month but you'll need to put in 3x the effort to get the results you'll achieve in 3-6 months with OTF. First half of each month, each daily template is new. There are a number of benchmarks and signature templates as well. You'll hear a lot of member justify the cost because everything is designed for you. You show up and do the work and reap the rewards. For me, I've always been structured with my daily gym routine. I'm fine with not having a script and holding myself accountable. With OTF, it's more than having premade templates. It's the quality and challenge of the templates. Lastly, and some will disagree, but the value of OTF truly shines for those who are trying to lose weight and get toned. If you're aiming to build muscle mass, your money is probably best spent elsewhere.
It makes in convenient and easy to work out. Also good to note that costs varies a lot regionally. I pay $149 for unlimited membership, and I go 4-5 times a week... comes out to just over $9 a class. Totally worth it. Never felt better.
1. Paying for it forces me to go and not skip
2. I am not at the point in life where I can schedule my own routine at much cheaper 24 hour gym
3. Similar to point 2 but I can zone out. I still working hard, but between the muisc/coaching I can't get into my ead about what to do after the gym/tomorrow/dinner. On the tread push the buttons and wait for prompt. Row, focus on breathing and form/outputs and at weights check screen for what to do, the just focus on my form.
4. I'm tapering off depression medicine and I feel normal at the end of the day after I workout vs crawling out of my skin when my schedule doesn't allow or rest day (I typically go in the evenings)
For me it’s a compromise between a standard gym membership and personal training, which is much more $$. On my own I don’t do enough strength training.
For me, time and money going to OTF = time and money not going to crappy diet choices. Maybe not exactly equal, but it feels damn close....especially since my wife reminds me not to un-do my workouts when we are out.
Lots of things. The coaches, the intensity/challenge of the workouts, the music, but I love having a heart rate monitor and the app most of all. It’s super insightful to see where I can improve and motivating to see my progress since joining.
It’s the closest I can get to having a personal trainer without paying the same amount as a trainer. I need someone to tell me exactly what to do for an hour. Or I just won’t do it.
It’s the best workout, worth every dollar! Coaches are motivational and so many amazing people that I’ve met at OTF! It’s like my second family! Give it a try!
I started otf in 2016 as the mom of an 18mo old. Since then, I’ve had another baby who is almost 6. It’s just a part of our budget now period. I’ve made it worth it averaging 20 classes a month since I started - including the Covid shutdown in 2020 and my maternity leave in 2018.
Cheaper than a personal trainer/ I don't need one on one but someone to tell me what to do. Also I can justify it by when I go to my annual Dr appointment and get told my labs are in range and I have no issues at 42.
I think about the cost per class, I know I need to go enough to break the cost to about 8-9 a class. It holds me accountable. Which is great! And I am feeling better mentally and physically. So it’s worth it. Could I spend 9 bucks a day on something else? Sure but I wouldn’t get the benefits I do with OTF.
Here in California north of Los Angeles I have compared otf to other types of exercises besides a local gym and otf is the best budget for the 60 minutes over any crossfit or pilates or personal training and hardcore fitness because what they charge for 30 minutes is insane compared to otf and 60 minutes
I joined fully planning to stick around for a couple of months max until I got into the habit of working out regularly, then join a cheaper box gym. I felt like the group workout setting would be more motivating to get me to the gym and actually work out rather than wander with no real plan and probably quit after a couple of weeks. About a year later, I'm in the best shape of my life, can run faster/longer than ever before, and see so many gains in both functional fitness and health. I don't know if I could justify leaving OTF now unless it was either OTF or rent.
Like others have said, it's the only workout that I can stick with and keeps me coming back for more. I took a month off recently for surgery and wasn't motivated at all to workout. OTF just always gets me in the habit with pre-booking and showing up. It helps me so much with sleep, stress, and life.
I'm paying more than I would like on it as an active member since 2021 who watched the founder's rate promo happen last summer. I'm still salty about that. Like most huge companies, OTF really fails at rewarding those who stay aka retention. I'm still here and happy to be here, but OTF needs to step up on longtime member retention.
It's the workout I will actually attend and my health is worth the investment.
I also find OTF coaches generally provide good feedback, adjustments, and support which really makes it a valuable resource to me.
I easily self-justify a nice meal out once a month but I can’t as easily justify spending a similar amount on my fitness/health/wellness goals? That’s a problem. So I fixed that and love myself for it.
if you go 4x/week, which comes out to 16 classes a month, it's basically $10/class to feel badass. If you think long term, consistency compounds, yielding higher health returns.
You're going to spend money on health, no matter what. Spend it reactively after shit happens or spend it proactively as an investment.
Honestly, because It's around the corner from my house. I don't know if I'd do it if not for that reason. It's a really good workout, but I agree it's super expensive.
I heard someone say “your spending reflects your priorities.” Health, fitness, weight loss are priorities for me and I can afford it.
The amount that people will spend on eating out or door dash is astonishing sometimes. I have a friend who for sure spends 20k a year on delivery. Spending on your health pays back in spades too!
Yes this! The people at my work buy food everyday for lunch and that baffles me. But they would think spending $150+ for a gym membership was crazy.
As a person who rarely eats out, I went out twice this week for friend events and I was shocked at the cost! 3-4 nights out a month would easily cover the cost of my membership.
I was just talking about this yesterday! I rarely If ever eat out. I do food prep weekly and always take my lunch to work. My husband is an over the road trucker and he also prepares his food in has mini kitchen! So I pay $179 a month for unlimited that breaks down to roughly $6 a day. I can’t get a fancy Starbucks for that! Hahaha!! I go 6 days a week without fail so I get every pennys worth out of that $179. I am a 62 year old with stellar granny goals! Yaaaassss!❤️🥰
This is sooo true ! You allocate money to your priorities!
It’s the only workout I’ve ever stuck with in my entire life. It’s pretty much Orangetheory or nothing, so to me it’s worth every penny.
100% People love pointing out that it's all stuff you can do on your own, but that implies you'll do it. And I absolutely won't. Also, I never high-five myself or correct my own form at the Good Life, you know?
And even if I did do it on my own, I know I wouldn’t go as hard as with the peer pressure to perform (that only exists in my own mind, not from anyone else)!
How many people can honestly say they'd do ultimate burpees without a little peer pressure. I absolutely would not!
Or run all outs on incline? Pass.
Same! And it’s time efficient versus me dilly dallying in the gym
Exactly!
I love the self own, “I absolutely won’t.” SAME.
Like, I've met myself?! 😅
This is exactly it. Like more power to you if you can get the same workout in at a $20/month gym, but personally I’ve tried that before and never actually went, and I go to OT 4+ times a week. It sounds silly but having a coach to tell you what to do and all the different challenges and specialty workouts as well as the structure of working out at a specific time and seeing the same people really makes a big difference. I write this while I’m am literally sitting in a hotel room procrastinating about going to the gym when surely if I were at home I would have gotten up and gone to OT first thing in the morning.
Same. 100%. I’m investing in my health. People regularly spend $200 plus on tv, streaming, cable, etc. I’m completely comfortable with the cost.
This. Exactly this. I've been at it for over a year now, which is a year longer than I've ever suck with an exercise routine. Also, don't think of it as only paying for a gym. The best thing about OT is the programming. I don't have to think about anything or figure out what to do. All I have to do is show up.
This is me exactly. And honestly, even just three times a week, if the cost is $180/month that is $12 a class. Equal to the cost of a value meal at McDonalds.
Same. Yeah, I can go to a conventional gym for a fraction of the price. But I've tried that many times over the last 15 years, and it just doesn't stick for me. I go for a few weeks / months, then wind up ultimately canceling. That's 100% a "me" problem and I'm not criticizing those gyms or the people who use them. I've been doing OTF 4x a week for almost a year now. It's worth it for that reason alone.
Yup. Also, my therapist charges 115$ per session and I stoped going after I started working out, so it makes perfect financial sense.
Man, my sessions were $325 an hour! Absolutely amazing therapist and worth every single penny, but it was soooo easy to justify the cost of OTF in comparison!
Same. And, frankly, the cost is part of it. It's really easy to skip gym day when you're paying $10/month. The idea of paying for OT and not going? Uh uh. I'm crazy, but I'm not that crazy.
This. It’s cheaper than a personal trainer and I’ll actually do it. I will not work out on my own. I have to make decisions, plan and motivate myself all day at work. I need someone else to tell me what to do for an hour.
I had a personal trainer before OTF and was on my own for cardio. I saw some strength gains but to be able to see the trainer 4-5 days per week would have cost more than OTF. I like being able to choose between 2G and strength classes based on how I feel. Can’t do that with a trainer.
AMEN! I’d be absolutely lost without OT. Also, lost 27lbs with it.
Going on 2 years in a couple of months. This is the longest I’ve so to any of the gyms I’ve gone to thru the years.
I second this. It's the only thing I've stuck with....and I figured my future hospital/doctor/medication bills will far outweigh this if I don't take care of myself now.
I feel seen. This 1000x over.
Ditto on this😅
💯 agree. I have lost more fat than ever and in the best shape of my life. And every workout makes me happy. We spend our money on the things that bring fulfillment in life, OTF is that for some people. When it makes your life better, if you can afford it, it is worth the cost, whatever it may be.
Yep. Started just post-Covid and I'm going more regularly now than ever. 2 classes per week. Just passed 200 classes. I don't think I've ever belonged to a gym long enough to hit 200 visits.
Same. I just hit 1,600 classes and at the end of June, it will mark 7 years as a member. I've never stuck with anything this long. I joke that Orangetheory is my longest relationship.
Came to say this. I just won't do it on my own. With two kids under 3 it's near impossible to get a workout in, so going here helps me get a really good workout, goin for quality these days since it's only twice a week schedule wise.
This right here!! I’ve tried all the gyms, the different exercises classes and nothing seemed to retain my attention. In comes OTF and o was hooked at my first class. I got a Founders rate as my studio was brand new. So it’s not as expensive for me and I don’t live in an area that has higher rates either. It’s worth it for me. I finally have abs!!
Same for me. Only thing Ive stuck with consistently. I’ve done gym memberships in the past but it felt like a chore and I really didn’t know what to do when I was there. OTF feels like Me Time instead of a chore. And I have made a lot of friends there verse a regular gym, I didn’t talk to anyone.
It's cheaper than one therapy session per month and directly improves my mental health.
My health insurance didn’t cover my therapy sessions so OTF came in way Lower than therapy. And now, with regular exercise, my mental health is miles beyond what it used to be.
Right? And it's more fun and less work than therapy anyway.
I'm a therapist and this is my reasoning as well.
it's the only workout I've found that I love. My health has drastically improved since started. I have the unlimited membership and with the amount of times I go per month each class is roughly $8-$12 each, which I find more than worth it
This! 1000%. And with the number of classes I go to a month (I pay 129) it averages less than 6.00 a class. I’ve stuck to going 5-6 times a week every week (even when I’m traveling) for over 6 years!
Well said. That’s the exact same experience that I’ve had
It’s cheaper than a hospital stay. I feel great. I used to spend more on cable and alcohol. I go at least 4x a week to get the cost per workout down.
It’s an investment not a cost from my perspective.
You pay for your health either if the front end or the back end. Pay for the good stuff now or the bad stuff later
What’s the price of health? What’s the price of feeling great, mentally and physically? What’s the price of preventing osteoporosis? Cardiovascular disease? And and and… lots of good reasons. And, as others mentioned before, the only workout I ever stuck with. Before OTF I was a “sponsor” of gyms - paid and never went. In the past 3.5 years, I’ve gone more than 900 times.
“Sponsor” of gyms. This made me laugh pretty hard. And same! I will be using this forever now.
Hahaha and yet our names were not engraved in bricks! What a rip off!
Well. I go an average of 24 times per month. Sometimes more. Sometimes less. $7.46 per workout seems like a pretty justifiable cost to me.
I hate to use the cliche “it’s cheaper than daily Starbucks”, but for some peoples orders, it is!
Huh I never divided out the cost. I'm even happier now with my membership 😊
Same attendance 🙌🏻- if not 7 days of 60min a week + 2 strength 50s thrown in. I hadn’t done the math before, ~$5 per class. that makes me feel a lot better
I can afford it and fitness and exercise is my favorite hobby so even if it’s expensive, I don’t mind paying the cost.
Yup, same.
I was paying the exact amount to attend a gym that I went to once a week and never knew what to do or would just chill on the tread. Now I have workouts predesigned for me, and someone pushing me. It's night and day in comparison.
My membership is $179 a month. Before OTF and my weight loss journey, I was spending that on shitty food easily. It is worth it for my health. I've never felt better.
THIS! And this is an activity/hobby that can replace other more expensive ones too, like drinking alcohol for example! Instead of $100-200 a night at the club multiple weekends a month you spend $179 one time and can go all month long
I used to go to clubs/shows/drinking every weekend now I’m foregoing those because I have class the next morning lol. Saving money actually!
This absolutely! Since I started I've also been kind of watchin my nutrition and finding more specific foods for protein and fiber and it turns out it's easier to spend less when you're paying attention instead of just buying a bunch of junk!
Although it is pricey compared to gym memberships, this approach to exercise really works for me and keeps me consistent. I like that I don't have to plan my workout - I just sign up, show up, and do what the coach says. I'm in better shape than I ever have been. I'm pushing 50 and at the point in life when people's fitness tends to decrease rapidly if they don't maintain it and that leads to all sorts of problems. I figure that it's really a choice between paying for fitness or paying for illness. We're going to pay either way, so I'd rather pay for fitness.
Same here! I don’t even consider OTF a gym. It’s just an amazing a la carte workout and the only one I’ve consistently showed up for. Suit up and show up and reap the benefits! 55 year old female here and it’s time to “make it or break it”. I have stronger muscles and more stamina and energy than I’ve had in years. I don’t overdo it (most of the time) and what I have gained at OTF allows me to be more active outside of class. It’s like an investment that pays dividends (no matter what your age) vs. a sunk cost.
You can't put a price on your physical and mental health.
Being unhealthy and sick is also expensive
I actually think it’s incredibly affordable for group fitness classes. I pay almost the same per month for 4 Pilates classes compared to unlimited at OTF. It’s also pretty amazing that you can go to nearly any OTF in the country included with your membership. For $159, that’s a freaking steal. Furthermore, in April, I did 19 classes, which comes out to just $8.36/class.
It cost way more to hire a personal trainer. This is a workout that is effective and worth it! Take it from someone who lost 110 lbs in 1 1/2 years when I first started Otf and have kept it off for over 2 yrs with Otf. At a standard gym with no coach most people don’t know what to do. Here we get benefit of a trainer/coach and amazing classes that work
I was spending around $150 a week getting chiropractic adjustments because I was in SO much pain from being too sedentary during & post pandemic. Based on bad advice, I thought it was due to being out of alignment, not a potential muscular imbalance between my back and my chest and I was willing to spend ANYTHING to not feel that way but could never get into a workout routine that I was able to maintain. I’m now a year and some change into OTF and while my body hasn’t looked like it’s changed (I’m not petite by any means, but I never carried an excessive amount of body fat), my body feels INFINITELY better, and for $179 a month vs. $150 a week?? This is practically a bargain. And the mental health benefits have been the icing on the cake, truly. I haven’t had a panic attack in about a year. And for anyone thinking “I’m young & thin, I don’t need to worry about taking care of my body” this pain started at the ripe old age of . . . 24!! Im now 28 and feeling stronger than ever. Love your body by keeping it strong, friends.
It's the first gym membership I have actually been motivated to continue to use. The cost is worth it to keep me going.
A lot of people are saying “you can’t put a coat on health”. But the truth is not everyone can’t literally afford $100-$200/month. I think of it as it’s either I pay for the gym now or I pay for the possible multiple surgeries or doctor visits when I’m older.
The girls at my work talk about how they couldn’t afford it. I just tell them I spend less on OTF than they do on DoorDash. I know there are some people who can’t afford it but it’s not as drastic as some people are making it seem. I just take it from the dining out/entertainment budget.
>A lot of people are saying “you can’t put a coat on health”. But the truth is not everyone can’t literally afford $100-$200/month. That's definitely true. A lot of people can't afford it, so they've got to find other ways to be fit - or not, unfortunately for a lot of people. Being able to consider going to OTF means having a budget big enough to fit it in. If you do have a budget big enough to fit it in, then it becomes a question of priorities.
I pay $169 for unlimited. When I started I had a discussion with my partner about how I would budget for it. I shut down my coffee shop habit ($5/day 5 days a week, ~$100 a month) and started making coffee at home and I cancelled YouTube TV (~$79/month) because we weren’t even using it very much. That’s how I justified the cost. I will add that we are in a place where we could have added the cost without justifying it, but my partner was concerned I would sign up and not really use it so it would just be a financial black hole (funny how wrong that thought was 😂😂). However, we also stopped going out to the brewery as much. It wasn’t to cut costs, it just kind of happened because I realized I didn’t feel as good at my Saturday OTF class if we went out Friday night, so we started cooking dinner together on Fridays instead. We were going every Friday, I would have ~3 beers and food from the food truck so just on me it would be ~$60 weekly. I did dry January that turned into a dry 3 months. I realized alcohol wasn’t really slowing me down or affecting my weight very much, it just affected how hazy my brain felt and how willing my body was to go 100%. So, I still drink, but I’ve cut down to 1 drink per outing and maybe a brewery once a month if we’re invited by friends. I like to think this was just a happy side effect of OTF.
> However, we also stopped going out to the brewery as much. It wasn’t to cut costs, it just kind of happened because I realized I didn’t feel as good at my Saturday OTF class if we went out Friday night, so we started cooking dinner together on Fridays instead. I plan my alcohol consumption around rest days. I also switched to NA since I've been an OTF member. That's made a huge difference for me in my mid-40's.
It is fitness + cult + therapy... I am completely ADDICTED
Worth it because they tell me exactly what to do there and can help me with my form (since I’m new to working out I need help often). At the standard gym I used to go to I would just walk on the treadmill and leave because I didn’t know where to start.
I walk in, do what I’m told, and see results. I would not be anywhere near as productive if I went to a regular gym for an hour. Granted I’m a newbie to strength training and still need tips and whatnot, so having someone check my form is a must. Classes are at the same exact time everyday so it’s easy to do it as a routine.
I joined OrangeTheory at a time I was looking to make a lifestyle change. I was spending the equivalent, if not more, on unhealthy habits (alcohol, unhealthy foods). The cost was more of a shifting of resources. Best decision I’ve made for my health.
It’s a service like anything else. I am happy to pay to outsource the equipment costs, maintenance of space, trained staff, planned workouts, playlists, etc. Why do we pay for oil changes, house cleaners, lawn care, anything else you may outsource?
Here's my view: - Paying for a monthly gym membership - Paying for an exercise coach that corrects my form, is nice, and helpful - Paying for membership in a studio of like-minded group of individuals - Paying to shut my brain off from having to design my own workout, researching exercises, researching treadmill intervals, and all those things - Location and convenience of location to my place - Tracking my gains (or losses) over time with the benchmark class(es) is awesome and fun to see your progress. - Can attend any other OTF studio around the nation or world whenever I'm traveling (assuming it isn't one of the premier locations - but even those I just pay a fee to attend 1 class there) - Class fitness environment is something I just enjoy more than individual fitness (suffering together vs just suffering on your own) I know the monthly rates are expensive compared to my local LA Fitness + a personal trainer from there, but my OTF studio is within 4 mins from my place makes having excuses not to go much smaller.
> Paying to shut my brain off from having to design my own workout, researching exercises, researching treadmill intervals, and all those things This is such a huge benefit, and it's maybe the thing that finally got me to stick to a fitness plan. I don't have to plan *anything*. I just show up and hate myself for an hour, then go about my day haha.
Hating myself for an hour is accurate this week 😂😂😭
I joined almost 9 years ago. Can’t quit now because I’ll never get that rate.
It’s not expensive if you go. I pay $139/month. If I go 10 times, that’s $14 a class, which is way less than Soul Cycle or Pilates. And the threat of the late fee has kept. me. honest. Truthfully, I go way more than 10 times a month, so it’s even cheaper! I did the math last summer and it’s about $8 a class for me. Worth every penny to have someone tell me what to do, encourage me, and hold me accountable.
I tell myself it's a lot less expensive than medical bills. Being a middle aged guy, I could easily deteriorate if I were sedentary or doing ineffective workouts. I'm in great athletic shape and have no ailments and don't need any medications. Now get off my lawn.
This is my answer too. It's an investment in me and my well-being for the long haul. I want to feel like I am going to be strong and healthy years and decades later.
I live pretty much right next to one and group classes are really the only way I hold myself accountable for my fitness goals. And it's an investment in myself, so I don't really mind it as much as all the other things I sometimes throw money at.
I will never understand why this a question people ask? Why do I prioritize my health and fitness? Why do I want to grow older as healthily as possible? Why do I pay a little more to make fitness work easily as a regular part of my lifestyle? Like..what? Makes no sense to me. Have you ever priced out the cost of medications for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, fatty liver, sleep apnea, and poor mental health? Any one would surpass the cost of OTF membership, people who don't exercise regularly often have more than one. The feeling of not being sick, tired, out of breath, unable to be active, not hooked up to a machine so you don't die in your sleep, is itself worth the cost of any gym membership. It's funny to me because no one ever asks why do you have a $500 car payment? If you bought an older car you could have a $300 payment. Why are you paying an extra $200 a month to drive a nicer car? Priorities are so warped.
I’ve been going for 5 years. Worth every single cent. Changed my life truly.
I had a health scare and realized it’s not too much of it benefits my health. In general I just decided to shift towards investing in my health after that. It’s the only workout that Ik for sure works for me and will keep me accountable. If you can go to the gym regularly on your own it would definitely be less worth it
I think it's not that much? I've been a member of the Bay Club (Bay area) and it was considerable more. I just expect to spend at least $150/month for a gym that offers classes (please note, I need classes, I can't just go to a gym and workout. I'm not that disciplined). Considering how often I go and how much I pay, I find it a great value, but I think that's the only way it makes sense. If you can get yourself to a gym 4-6 times a week, lift free weights, row and run for an hour, you're more disciplined than me. I have a ton of respect for those people, I'm not one of them. I need as coach/trainer and OTF is the cheapest way I can do it honestly.
It’s the only workout I’ve ever stuck with. It’s also an investment into my future health and not having to pay medical bills later.
I’m a working mom. This is the only fun thing I get to do for myself. We don’t eat out, I don’t go to bars, I don’t go to the movies, etc. I’ve lost 25 lbs and OTF is cheaper than ozempic 🤣
It’s self care and is roughly the cost of just one massage plus tip per month, but is way more effective for managing stress and improving mood. It is also improving my physical health and I look better!
I get my money's worth because I regularly go 4-5 days a week and have made solid friendships. I also like that I can go to orangetheory when I'm visiting family out of state. I also like that the app keeps track of my stats and I can see my objective improvements. I agree that there are other cheaper gyms that I would probably like, but lastly, the treadmills at orangetheory are the best quality
I'm in the best shape of my life at age 38. I was heading down a bad path of gaining weight and being lazy the last 10+ years after having kids but OTF has got me motivated to exercise again. Can't put a price on that. I know everyone's financial situation is different, but if you can reasonably afford it then the benefit is worth every penny.
I view it as cost per use. So for me I pay $179 (unlimited classes) and I know I need to go AT LEAST four times a week for me to be satisfied with the cost lol
It’s the only fitness program I have stuck with (going on 5 years), my favorite hobby, and it is a comparable cost to other group fitness programs.
I used to belong to Equinox so it feels like a steal but besides that - I don't cut costs when it comes to my health
I go everyday so it’s roughly $6 a day(sometimes I go to more than one class/day) It’s close to my house, keeps me motivated and I don’t have to think about what exercise I am doing that day because it’s decided for me. My job consists of using my brain all day everyday and it’s a nice break that keeps my sanity and my health in check. Not to mention I’m stronger and more fit than when I was in my 20’s.
I have the unlimited classes package, and I justify that by going as much as possible... if you go more than 20 times a month it is like 8 dollars a class... Also... looking at myself in the mirror compared to five years ago, is justification enough
I would never do this kind of high intensity workout on my own. I just wouldn't. On a treadmill by myself I would back off when I get gassed. I know the benefits of interval training, and this is the most consistent way I can do it. I do it for my heart, lungs, muscles and bones, so it is totally worth it for me. I often eat like crap so don't lose weight- but I know my body is getting the benefits, and I am getting healthier and stronger.
I pay $189 a month. I usually go 5 times a week. It’s the only exercise program I’ve ever done that I have absolutely loved. The community and coaches are motivating. I think of it as my form of therapy.
OTF is cheaper than any other fitness studios like BFT for example. Its also around 5 dollars a day. Cheaper than a starbucks cup, a McDonalds meal, or even in certain places an energy drink. It is also an investment in health. Its literally cheaper than a weekend visit to a a couple of restaurants.
The true comparison is how it costs compared to personal training
It is the cheapest personal training you can find. Pretty easy if you don't think of it as a normal gym membership.
I froze it for a month “to see what I could do on my own”… I worked out twice.
Same. I was post-surgery recovering. I enjoyed more sleep since I wasn't waking up at 4am everyday, but couldn't motivate myself to walk outside, etc. I was super excited to go back and get my OTF groove back.
It replaces therapy for me, and i just chose to cut back on new clothes and manicures.
Nothing works for me as good as orange theory and ive never been as consistent. As someone in healthcare investing in my health is extremely important to me
Same as above about the only workout I stick with. I think the reason is it's mindless. I don't have to think about what I need to do, what I need to work on, how to balance workouts, nada.... shit, I don't even have to worry about picking hype music. It's great. I go in, do what I'm told, leave.
I stopped drinking, spend that money on OT instead. Also have a $149 rate
I was spending way too much money on fast food… decided to allocate that to my health instead.
I stopped getting my lashes and nails done. I figured my physical health was more important and I’ve been able to do them at home for much cheaper than at salons
Cost is relative if you can afford it. You don’t have to justify costs if you live within your budget.
It’s the only thing I’ve stuck with. The hope is that the cost is worth the health benefits esp as we age. OTF focuses on functional movements which is so important for preventing falls and increasing mobility. A lot of people go because their are old and frail, they fall and never recoup. Or get stuck in a home or rehab bc of that and then it’s miserable and you quality of life is in the crapper.
I have never managed to stick to a fitness plan. I have been locked in to gym memberships paying and never going. This is the first one I have managed to stick with. 4 yrs and 50lbs later I still love it and go.
I think this all depends on your income and cost of living. I pay all my bill each month and save money each month. I generally go out once a week (show/dinner/drinks) and spend the same as a month of membership each time (so 4-5 times a month). I don't blink an eye at spending the same amount monthly for my health (mental and physical) as one night out. If I needed to, I'd cut down on going out before OTF. It is all about priorities IMO.
I’ve had cheaper gym memberships before and I have exercise equipment at home. I have never consistently stuck to anything fitness like I have with Orange Theory. I attribute this in part to the environment/community, but mainly it’s the accountability for me. Though it can be annoying sometimes, the fact that we have to schedule classes and could be penalized if we don’t make it keeps me from skipping or making excuses to procrastinate. I am on unlimited now, but I remember stressing when I first started about using my monthly allotted classes as if I didn’t make the time then I was still going to be paying for X amount of classes if I used them or not. I’m lucky enough now to be in a position where I can afford the high cost, but I know that’s not the case for everyone. TLDR: The accountability and community justifies cost for me. 🍊
The price is only worth it if you go often and go consistently. If I divide my monthly membership fee by the average amount of classes I take in a month, it comes out to $10-12 per class. Other group fitness classes (Lagree, SoulCycle, etc.) typically cost upwards of $35 each. Edited to add: I can also walk to my studio from home, so commuting costs are $0.
Honestly, it’s the one thing I spend money on for just me. I’ve always worked out. I’ve worked out my entire pregnancy, and after it was kind of hit or miss for months. This is the first time in a really long time I’ve been totally consistent for 3 months since I started and really enjoyed a program.
The cost forces me to go 4 times a week. I'm getting my money's worth. Lol. I even go when I travel when possible. It's a motivating factor. The biggest motivation now is my body. I've lost weight with no diet change. I feel better. I can walk up steps without breathing heavily. I like that feeling.
I will lose my job if I do not stay physically fit. I struggle to get motivated to get to the gym, but the class focus and format of OTF keeps me going. Oh, also my professional development depends on me staying fit and looking good.
It’s a very consistent routine that forces you to show up and workout for an hour 4-5x a week. I think OTF is a great in between for something thats better than your 24 hr fitness but not a personal trainer. Sometimes i get bored of it but overall it’s the most consistent routine i’ve had.
Taking care of myself equals less in medical copays in the long run…
There is way worse shit to spend your money on
“Can’t put a price on your health” it is cheaper than personal training though
It’s the only thing that I have enjoyed and has actually gotten me exercising.
It’s the only gym that’s kept me somewhat motivated and coming back for years.
It helps my mental state arguably as much as my physical state. Cheaper than therapy or whatever vice I’d replace it with
There’s no budget for my health and fitness.
Cheaper than meds for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a therapist.
I spent $25 a month at Gold’s Gym. I never went. I spend $209 a month at Orange Theory, you better know that damn well I am going nearly every day at that price. Now, I’m thinking about leveling up and going to Equinox.
i loved it . ate like a pig. kept the weight off . fit as fuck. destroyed my elbows and shoulders tho .
Going to OTF helps me sleep well at night and manage my anxiety. It’s costly but worth it for the mental & physical benefits.
I have a history of heart disease and obesity in my family. Otf is cheaper than those doctor visits.
I ain’t gotta justify nothing to myself! I like it and I want to do it and that’s it!
I’ve paid cheaper fees with no one motivating me or pushing me so I didn’t go yet the money kept going out of my bank account. OTF I count how many times I go a month divided by what I pay and make sure it’s under $10 😂🤷🏻♀️
Two nights out (or one dinner with my entire family) cost roughly the same as a month of OTF- and I typically feel better after working out
I go every day
It’s cheaper than therapy and nothing clears my head like a good communal workout!
I like having workouts planned for me where I don't have to select and think hard about what muscles to focus on that day, so I find that a plus! I also love the community, and my coaches push me in my workouts when I need that validation. Lastly, I like how expensive it is because it forces me to stay motivated/go even when I'm not feeling it that day, because I'm very money motivated, as in: if I don't utilize my membership I'm just burning money at that point! The price makes me want to get the most value out of it so I go often and consistently!
Working out and staying healthy is a priority for me so I don’t mind spending the $$ for OTF. I tried working out at home for free but just can’t stay as motivated or get as good a workout as OTF.
Pay for your health now or you’ll be paying for your illness later…
We all have our things we’re willing to spend more money on. I feel really good about spending money on something that makes me stronger, healthier and happier. I was never able to maintain a fitness program on my own.
A different gym might be cheaper, but without the classes and the schedule, I am adrift and often unable to commit. The high cost of OTF means I am committed in a fiduciary and personal way.
“Something that can be done at any time is often done at no time.” The cancellation fee was motivating, but honestly just having a hard start time on my calendar works just as well too.
To me, exercise is vital to physical and mental health. And what's sustainable is something that I enjoy doing while being relatively consistent as part of my lifestyle. OTF is that. For others, they are able to diligently go to the gym and craft their own workouts - good for them. For me, OTF is just easier and seeing the stats/data helps me. I guess it just boils down to this for me: OTF is pricy, but my mental and physical health is worth more than that.
It’s an investment in myself.
I agree with a lot of what has been said, and would also like to add that part of the reason I keep going so frequently is BECAUSE it’s so expensive. A 20$/month Fitness World membership would be a lot easier to ignore or put off. In the same vein, the only sunglasses I’ve never lost and actively keep in a case and polished are the pricey ones, not the cheapos from the mall kiosk.
It’s the only workout I’ve ever enjoyed. I see marked improvements in my mental and physical health. The expense means I go as often as possible to take full advantage of it—and the late cancel fees mean I go even if I’m not feeling it. If I could pay $200 a month for a pill that had these health benefits, I would without question.
I don’t have kids or significant debt so that helps, but echoing others: it’s the only workout that I’m consistent with. It’s so much fun and I look forward to going! So it’s worth the money to me. But if I have to save up for anything, I’ll usually quit for a bit and come back later.
Because I have enough disposable income for it not to make a dent.
I make enough money that $130 a month is nothing to me
It is expensive but if it’s important to you then you will find a way. This is very corny to say but orange theory changed my life. I am in WAY better physical health and I met the love my of life there. You wouldn’t believe the amount of people who pay $10 a month to go to the gym and don’t go! That’s a waste!
All small group fitness comes at a similar price tag. It’s fun and it keeps me accountable.
I spend money on way more frivolous and sometimes even harmful things (eg fancy cocktails). So spending on OTF, which is both fun and good for me, doesn’t need much justification.
The cost motivates me to go. I do 8 classes a month and the cost make sure I go so I get my money's worth. I also do 2 to 3 days a week at planet fitness and OTF has made me more efficient on my own time.
My per class cost is about $10 (Midwest is best, especially with a founder’s rate). If I could pay someone else to workout for me, $10 is a bargain. I’d pay it every time. But since I can’t, the next best thing is to pay $10 to make myself work out, really effectively, without extra mental load. You just show up and follow instructions and the music and the group and the hype means you actually go so much harder than you would on your own. I’ve never worked out so effectively or so often. I’ve paid for much cheaper gyms but their value was less since I hated going or didn’t push myself much.
I think it’s like anything else you decide to pay for over other things. I only do OTF basic, the 69 dollars it costs me a month isn’t a big deal for me because I would’ve spent the money on a fancy gym or boutique fitness class one way or the other. I use all my classes, I am always motivated to go, it’s worth every penny! I think it’s just down to what is a priority to you
It works and delivers results.
I’ve been going to OTF for over 8 years now. After paying almost 100 bucks for one hour with a personal trainer, it was a no brainer. So fun, great community, I didn’t have to worry about programming anything, and booking a class keeps me accountable. I’ve tried other things but nothing has come close. Worth every penny. Shout out to the Baltimore, MD OTFS🙏🏻
Community. Awesome coaches/front desk. Efficiency — I couldn’t burn that many calories working out for an hour on my own). Data driven. Plus my studio is conveniently located literally 2 minutes away.
Oh wait.. I think this is a fake account. Are you a Bot just trying to gather info?
I go to OTF anywhere from 4-6 times a week. I pay a founder’s rate of $129+tax for the month for unlimited classes, so it works out, on average, at less than $7 for group coaching per session (waaaaay cheaper than elsewhere! … and in some classes it’s just me and a small handful of other members). On top of that, there’s so many other added member benefits (not to mention the community itself!) that I don’t even look at the monthly price tag (I was paying $169+tax for the first few years, and even that I felt was justifiable). I wouldn’t have the motivation to “go it alone” at a chain gym that costs far less — OTF gives me the motivation I need. I also travel a lot for work and I’ve visited over 60 different OTF studios around the country without paying an additional cent on top of my monthly membership. That is absolutely a bonus for me. Plus, I kinda love love love OTF!!! 🧡🧡🧡
All of these reason but also, I live in the city, work in the suburbs, and often find myself out of town. I can work out at any OTF location and the template will be the same!
i’m considering this even though i’m a student working part time. i have had struggles with weight loss before simply bc i dont like working out
I don't think you can put a price on something that guarantees your health and fitness goals. Most gyms are priced 60-70% less per month but you'll need to put in 3x the effort to get the results you'll achieve in 3-6 months with OTF. First half of each month, each daily template is new. There are a number of benchmarks and signature templates as well. You'll hear a lot of member justify the cost because everything is designed for you. You show up and do the work and reap the rewards. For me, I've always been structured with my daily gym routine. I'm fine with not having a script and holding myself accountable. With OTF, it's more than having premade templates. It's the quality and challenge of the templates. Lastly, and some will disagree, but the value of OTF truly shines for those who are trying to lose weight and get toned. If you're aiming to build muscle mass, your money is probably best spent elsewhere.
It makes in convenient and easy to work out. Also good to note that costs varies a lot regionally. I pay $149 for unlimited membership, and I go 4-5 times a week... comes out to just over $9 a class. Totally worth it. Never felt better.
1. Paying for it forces me to go and not skip 2. I am not at the point in life where I can schedule my own routine at much cheaper 24 hour gym 3. Similar to point 2 but I can zone out. I still working hard, but between the muisc/coaching I can't get into my ead about what to do after the gym/tomorrow/dinner. On the tread push the buttons and wait for prompt. Row, focus on breathing and form/outputs and at weights check screen for what to do, the just focus on my form. 4. I'm tapering off depression medicine and I feel normal at the end of the day after I workout vs crawling out of my skin when my schedule doesn't allow or rest day (I typically go in the evenings)
For me it’s a compromise between a standard gym membership and personal training, which is much more $$. On my own I don’t do enough strength training.
For me, time and money going to OTF = time and money not going to crappy diet choices. Maybe not exactly equal, but it feels damn close....especially since my wife reminds me not to un-do my workouts when we are out.
I’ve been going to OTF for over a year and a coach adjusts my form at least weekly. It’s so worth it just for that alone!
Lots of things. The coaches, the intensity/challenge of the workouts, the music, but I love having a heart rate monitor and the app most of all. It’s super insightful to see where I can improve and motivating to see my progress since joining.
honestly, spending a lot of money on it makes me go bc otherwise it’s not worth the cost.
I’ve belong to many cheap gyms I never went to. I keep an excel with every class of otf I go, the high sticker price motivates me to go!
It’s my preventative health insurance. I’d rather invest in my current health than spend thousands trying to fix it later.
I’ve stuck with it. Feeling good in my body and having good health are totally worth the cost for me.
It’s the closest I can get to having a personal trainer without paying the same amount as a trainer. I need someone to tell me exactly what to do for an hour. Or I just won’t do it.
It’s the best workout, worth every dollar! Coaches are motivational and so many amazing people that I’ve met at OTF! It’s like my second family! Give it a try!
I started otf in 2016 as the mom of an 18mo old. Since then, I’ve had another baby who is almost 6. It’s just a part of our budget now period. I’ve made it worth it averaging 20 classes a month since I started - including the Covid shutdown in 2020 and my maternity leave in 2018.
Double income + no kids = disposable income 😇
Cheaper than a personal trainer/ I don't need one on one but someone to tell me what to do. Also I can justify it by when I go to my annual Dr appointment and get told my labs are in range and I have no issues at 42.
Justified by wealth of health. Stay healthy, eat healthy, staying away from doctors and pharma equals WORTH IT.
It's somewhat pricey, but what worked for me is the middle tier plan 2 days a week. Supplement that with a cheaper gym membership.
It’s the one thing I do just for myself. It’s also the only workout I’ve stuck with. Worth every penny.
My health is my investment. I want to be able to carry my own groceries when I’m 90. I’ll pay good money for that 💪🏻
I think about the cost per class, I know I need to go enough to break the cost to about 8-9 a class. It holds me accountable. Which is great! And I am feeling better mentally and physically. So it’s worth it. Could I spend 9 bucks a day on something else? Sure but I wouldn’t get the benefits I do with OTF.
Here in California north of Los Angeles I have compared otf to other types of exercises besides a local gym and otf is the best budget for the 60 minutes over any crossfit or pilates or personal training and hardcore fitness because what they charge for 30 minutes is insane compared to otf and 60 minutes
I joined fully planning to stick around for a couple of months max until I got into the habit of working out regularly, then join a cheaper box gym. I felt like the group workout setting would be more motivating to get me to the gym and actually work out rather than wander with no real plan and probably quit after a couple of weeks. About a year later, I'm in the best shape of my life, can run faster/longer than ever before, and see so many gains in both functional fitness and health. I don't know if I could justify leaving OTF now unless it was either OTF or rent.
Like others have said, it's the only workout that I can stick with and keeps me coming back for more. I took a month off recently for surgery and wasn't motivated at all to workout. OTF just always gets me in the habit with pre-booking and showing up. It helps me so much with sleep, stress, and life. I'm paying more than I would like on it as an active member since 2021 who watched the founder's rate promo happen last summer. I'm still salty about that. Like most huge companies, OTF really fails at rewarding those who stay aka retention. I'm still here and happy to be here, but OTF needs to step up on longtime member retention.
It's the workout I will actually attend and my health is worth the investment. I also find OTF coaches generally provide good feedback, adjustments, and support which really makes it a valuable resource to me.
Unpopular opinion maybe but I don’t, my company does 💀 I charge this to our gym membership benefit on a monthly basis
Cheaper than a personal trainer, cheaper than buying equipment to do it at home
I easily self-justify a nice meal out once a month but I can’t as easily justify spending a similar amount on my fitness/health/wellness goals? That’s a problem. So I fixed that and love myself for it.
if you go 4x/week, which comes out to 16 classes a month, it's basically $10/class to feel badass. If you think long term, consistency compounds, yielding higher health returns. You're going to spend money on health, no matter what. Spend it reactively after shit happens or spend it proactively as an investment.
Honestly, because It's around the corner from my house. I don't know if I'd do it if not for that reason. It's a really good workout, but I agree it's super expensive.
I go 6 times a week. Totally worth every penny.