Orangetheory Fitness Chicago – Edgewater

Alright, this review is going to breakdown into 3 parts: The basics, the equipment and why I stopped going. I attended 12 classes over the course of several months, but I have had experience lifting and participating in endurance sports for about a decade.
Basics: I was first introduced to the idea of heart rate training as part of a sprint triathlon training plan. Heart rate training is a fantastic way of measuring effort accurately and objectively and was definitely a key to cardiovascular exercise improvement. OrangeTheory builds on that foundation, adding the idea of the «Orange Zone» as a target zone for the workout. For me (a 25 year old male), this equated to 168 BPM to 192 BPM (84%-91%) and a target time of 10 – 26 minutes in that zone. The workouts are split into 2 parts: rowers/​floor exercises (aka weights) and treadmill intervals. A trainer leads you through the floor exercises, giving pointers and motivation, while simultaneously giving treadmills interval timings. The trainers have always been very encouraging and are definitely a plus. The combination of heart rate training, a group atmosphere and encouraging trainers creates a pretty good fitness experience with plenty of motivation to get a great workout.
Equipment: The OT Beat is a pretty basic Bluetooth HR monitor but has a great user interface during the group workout. The band is a bit itchy compared to my other HR monitor which uses the Polar SoftStrap and the transmitter is a bit bulky as well. It really shines in the group HR board though. Everyone’s heart rate is on large monitors on the front and they have corresponding color codes related to the zones in their system (green is base pace, orange is that desired rate and red are all out pushes). It definitely adds accountability to everyone’s workout. The live BPM and calorie displays are also great for keeping you on track. The rowers and treadmills are great, but the dumbbells are comparatively lacking. Especially the dumbbell rack which creates a potential pinch hazard (you’ll understand when you try to put a weight away and hope to God you don’t accidentally get caught between the rack and the thin rack walls).
Why I stopped going: 1. The prices are out of my range. I also have a membership to Edgewater Athletic for $ 42 a month. An unlimited pass to OTF is $ 200 a month or $ 35 a class. 2. This type of training, although great for cardiovascular endurance, will get you nowhere for building muscle. They claim to have «power, strength and endurance-​themed workouts» but the rep ranges and relative ease of most of the floor exercises are not meant for muscle hypertrophy. You just aren’t going to get that serious strength or power without barbells or a pullup bar.
Conclusion: I think this place is great for beginners who want to learn more about HR training and are looking for a challenge. If you are an experienced athlete or serious lifter and have no intention of getting into cardio, this isn’t for you. If you are short on cash and just need a place to workout, this also isn’t for you. OTF actually did help me find and breakthrough a few of my cardio limits, but I never got the «pump» that I got after a good weightlifting session. I’m glad I took the lessons I did, but I will be doing OTF-​inspired workouts at my home gym*.
*You can still use the OT Beat HR Monitor with any Bluetooth app to have a similar live display of your HR and calories on your phone (I use Sport Tracker).

STOP. CALLING. ME!!!
I asked OT to remove me from their call list and never call me again. They told me they wouldn’t. A month later, I received a call.
Fuck this company.

In theory, this fitness place has it all.
But the front desk help needs customer service training that goes beyond smiley faces.
Start with: the customer is usually right and go from there.

Ya…
Like an idiot, when an ad popped up in my Facebook feed for two weeks free at the Orangetheory opening nearby, I jumped on it. Although I’m all about ClassPass, I needed something in the neighborhood my fiancé and I could do together, and I was all about getting the monthly 4 pack for me and 8 pack for him. Unfortunately, after handing over all my info, I got a phone call and learned that they had no idea what I was talking about, there were no free preview classes, and the only deal offered was pre-​opening rates. I declined and said I couldn’t sign up and drop that kind of money on something I never tried before, and thought that was it.
So why two stars? They won’t stop calling. I’m lucky if I get just one call a week. Asking them to take me off their list doesn’t help, explaining exactly why I won’t sign up doesn’t help, and sending the calls straight to voicemail doesn’t work either. Srsly, Orangetheory, read my lips: no more phone calls!

Signed up for the première package, and while it is expensive, it keeps me motivated and honest about my daily workout. Having the heart monitor is great! Just a few things going forward that I hope this location will incorporate…
1) This is still very much a tight knit community here in Edgewater, and I really hope that this location treats it such. Don’t play the «big name brand» thing. I have worked for local yoga studios, and maintaining a real personal touch to your cliental in a community like this will help you blossom! I visited another OrangeTheory in MN resently, and after being there for a few moments, the staff and trainers really took an effort to get to know me. They were able to push me at more of a personal level!
2) The trainers seem young and act very much like this is their first training job… which is fine. OTF, please treat these folks with respect and give them support. They are your ambassadors for keeping folks coming back! They are great, but can always use extra motivation and training. They are lovely people!
3) Trainers, on that same note… Dont’ get too enveloped into the daily plan. Move around and get to know your peeps. They are there to work hard, but sometimes need that personal push and motivation. It’s great to help with technique, but don’t pass general «you’re doing great» statements… share those statements with each individual. They are there for an hour… you have got time to move around. I’ve taught yoga classes with well over 30 people, and I still made it around to help adjust and personal motivate and connect with my students.
4) Front desk… some of you are fantastic. Zane… the hand clap is GREAT! Everyone else, bump it up. The smiles are wonderful… but you should by now know most of your clients by first name or at least by recognition. Be welcoming as we come in and as we leave. Check in with folks as they leave. «how are you feeling» «was it a good class»
The studio I visited in MN, they have contest at times, and even had special little «costume» or get togethers. Made it feel like a family space. I am not saying copy this… but find ways to not make this a gym where you are not trying to build numbers but be excited for the ones you have signed up already. We will stay and will also spread the word more.
Keep up the good work and keep growing!

Heart rate monitored HIIT style training. Excellent well rounded workout good for all fitness levels. Was going to the Evanston location and thrilled that this opened right on my block. Great trainers that really keep you going for the hour long session. Don’t be afraid of the running portion if you’re not a runner. They have so many variations and even a spin bike and strider. You will never have the same workout twice. The variation is great and always challenging.

Just signed up for OT. Just a few things. LOVE the Wrigleyville location. Staff and trainers are great, so nice and helpful. Happy to be going there!
I have had some issues with the Edgewater location. Was not made aware of the 12 hour cancellation policy, «lost» my first 2 classes because I didn’t realize I signed up at a different studio! Turns out their sign up system does not sync with every studio. Long story short, after begging, Edgewater gave me back ONE of the classes. I would think for being brand new, they would understand how confusing this system is and just give me those 2 classes back.
Anyways, now I know about the 12 hour cancellation policy. Be aware, you lose classes that you paid for if you late cancel and Edgewater will maybe consider giving them back to you, but you must beg first!