Feeling confident in class comes from knowing what you’re doing, which is why during your first Orangetheory workout, you’ll probably have some beginner’s nerves (and that’s totally normal!).
You’ll be busy finding your station in the weight room, adjusting your straps on the rowing machine, and figuring out how to go from a Push to an All Out on your treadmill. With a lot to learn, the last thing you need when you step into the studio is to realize you forgot a sweat towel or you wore the wrong shoes.
Take the guesswork out of what to wear and what to bring to your first class with these five must-haves:
1. Lightweight sneakers
Your feet are your foundation, so it’s important to choose the right shoes to set yourself up for success during class. To get the best performance possible while protecting the 29 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons in your feet, prioritize finding shoes that offer support, breathability, grip, and light cushioning. When you have the right shoes, your feet shouldn't cramp up mid-workout or end up with painful blisters from rubbing. Your foot should feel supported on the treadmill, stable when going side to side on the floor, but ideally not heavy and clunky through your stride.
Orangetheory’s Vice President of Fitness Scott Brown says, “The best shoe for you will depend on your gait pattern, stride length, and overall body mechanics. Consider getting a professional shoe fitting to understand your correct size and model for a shoe that both feels and performs great.” If a professional shoe fitting is not accessible and you have considered the basics above, Brown recommends, "look to initial step-in comfort which is one of the best predictors of a shoe being a good selection for an activity like Orangetheory." Simply, if it feels good to you, it is good for you.
2. Athletic attire
Pair your sneakers with a lightweight T-shirt or tank that’s loose in the arms so you can easily strap on your OTbeat™ (more on that later). On bottom, wear a pair of gym shorts, joggers, or leggings. Depending on where you live and what the weather is like outside, you may also want to wear a sweatshirt or coat over your workout clothes, which you can take off and place inside a locker before class.
3. OTbeat™
If you’re heading into your first class, you won’t be expected to bring your own OTbeat™ with you. In fact, you might not even know what this gadget does just yet. When you arrive at the studio 30 minutes before class starts for your orientation, a coach will get you set up with the heart rate monitoring technology, which will be used throughout class to share your real-time data on the big screen. The OTbeat™ additionally allows you to access post-class performance summaries via your email and the Orangetheory Mobile app!
4. Water bottle
Throughout class, it’s important to have a water bottle or sports drink within reach at all times—after all, hydration and athletic performance go hand-on-hand. The Orangetheory Medical Advisory Board suggests drinking six to 12 fluid ounces of water every 10 to 15 minutes during class.
If you bring a reusable bottle, you can fill it up at the hydration station before class. If you forget your bottle altogether, you can purchase an environmentally friendly, aluminum bottle of pH-balanced and electrolyte-infused still water from the front desk when you sign in.
5. Sweat towel
When you’re hydrating properly, you’ll also sweat during class. But we all experience sweat differently. Maybe in the weight room you need to be able to dry your hands for a better grip of free weights. Or, you might want to wipe your face down once you finish an All Out on the treadmill. Having a sweat towel to grab when you’re back at Base pace will help you stay focused on the workout, rather than feeling distracted by a bead of sweat dripping down your forehead.
Now that you know what to wear and bring with you to class, here are a few things you’ll want to leave behind:
1. Flip-flops, slides, sandals, or boots—for your safety (and comfort)
2. Cell phones or car keys, which can go in a locker before class
3. Long pants that could drag and cause you to trip
4. Restricting materials, like denim or 100% cotton, that absorb moisture and get heavy and uncomfortable as you sweat
5. Jewelry that could either get damaged or caught on equipment
Remember: You don't need the trendiest workout clothes to have an amazing class. At the end of the day, you should focus on feeling comfortable.
During NEWvember at Orangetheory, you can join any time during the month of November and get your December membership for free. Find a studio near you to sign up for your first class.
