OrangeTheory Fitness - Soho

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OrangeTheory Fitness - Soho

New York City, USA

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The OrangeTheory Fitness Story

The first Orangetheory Fitness (“OTF”) studio was founded in 2010 by Ellen Latham, Jerome Kern, and David Long in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These were early days in the boutique fitness revolution and OTF has since seen massive expansion across the States and into other markets worldwide, with over 1,500 locations opened and many more due to open. The chain has hit some big milestones over the last few years, surpassing $1 billion in sales in 2018 and hitting 1 million members in 2020. Today, OTF operates as a franchise-model in over 25 countries.

Known for its focus on heart rate training and technology, the ‘orange’ in their name is a nod to the orange heart rate zone which their members are coached to stay within during the class. 

The Orangetheory experience is so much more than a workout - it’s just as much about community, inclusivity and connection, highlighted by their ethos of “Our Coaches Are More than Just Coaches”.

How Did Orangetheory Soho Score Overall?

The full client experience at Orangetheory Soho was excellent achieving The Fit Guide Award Of Excellence.

The class was outstanding, winning our prestigious and highest 5-Star Class Experience Award.

The Highlights

A real highlight was the onboarding process for first-timers. It was very thorough and unrushed, leaving us completely ready to make the most of the class.

All team members from the reception staff to the coach acted with the utmost professionalism whilst personalizing the service.

What Our Evaluator Had To Say

“The coach was very present and attentive during the class, giving meaningful words of encouragement on an individual level.”

“The custom built cardio machines with the proprietary technology were an impressive feature.”

“We were each given a heart rate monitor, which was coached and used effectively as an integral element of the workout.”

What To Expect From An Orangetheory Session

An Orangetheory Fitness class is a 60-minute session that incorporates running, rowing, and strength training.

The running component typically includes high and low-intensity intervals, with some inclines periodically thrown in. For the rowing section, you’ll use OTF’s trademark orange water rowers, which mimic the sensation and drag of real rowing. Strength training uses dumbbells and TRXs, amongst other tools, to work and fatigue your muscles.

Technology plays a big part in the experience, with each participant being offered an arm strap that accurately monitors your heart rate throughout the session, displaying your stats on screens throughout the studio which the coach will use to educate and motivate. Their stated goal is for you to spend 12 minutes or more with your heart rate in “The Orange Zone”, which they report boosts your metabolism, burns fat, and burns more calories, even after the workout.

The motivating and supportive coaches and community round off an experience that can be tough and challenging if you want it to be but is also suitable and scalable for all levels.

The Reception Service

The receptionist handled our phone inquiry calmly and professionally, demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the club's facilities and services. Questions about pricing, class sizes, and membership options were confidently addressed, and additional details about amenities such as lockers, showers, and massage guns were provided. The staff member’s enthusiasm and genuine interest, highlighted by questions about the client’s fitness goals and training background, left us feeling excited and prepared for the visit.

Upon arrival, we were greeted promptly with a warm smile, and the check-in process was efficient and smooth despite the receptionist managing multiple tasks. A health questionnaire was completed, and the client received a brief but helpful orientation to the studio and facilities. They appreciated being shown where to wait and felt that the receptionist maintained professionalism and friendliness under pressure. However, thoughtful anticipatory service, such as informing the client about water refill stations or addressing the lack of shower towels proactively, could have elevated the experience further.

After the class, the receptionist transitioned seamlessly into discussing packages and memberships, showing confidence and genuine engagement throughout the conversation. Proactive efforts were made to tailor the options to our evaluator's needs, including suggesting smaller commitments with the flexibility to upgrade later. While there were some delays due to the volume of clients, the staff member’s composure and non-pushy approach to sales were appreciated.

The Class Experience

Orangetheory Soho received The Fit Guide’s prestigious and highest 5-Star Class Experience Award, offering one of the highest rated class experiences in New York.

The class experience was highly impressive, with a well-structured pre-class induction that set a positive tone. The coach was attentive and enthusiastic, offering meaningful encouragement and personalizing interactions, such as using clients’ names during the session. The heart rate monitor technology added a unique and engaging aspect to the workout. The class flowed smoothly, with clearly defined breaks, and the post-class follow-up was thorough, leaving the client with a strong impression of professionalism and care.

While the coach provided regressions for certain movements, progressions for more advanced clients were not consistently highlighted. Overall, though, this was an outstanding experience.

The Equipment And Studio

The studio offered a comfortable, clean, and well-designed training environment. The high-quality equipment was well-maintained and thoughtfully arranged, with enough options to accommodate all ability levels. The custom-built cardio machines with proprietary technology were particularly impressive, showcasing the studio's innovation and commitment to a premium experience.

Branding was seamlessly integrated into the space, with orange lighting, walls, and equipment reinforcing the studio’s identity. Water rowers and cardio technology further highlighted the attention to detail in aligning with the brand. The fresh and spacious workout area provided a pleasant and functional setting.

The high-quality sound system and branded design elements, including the lighting effects, elevated the overall experience, leaving us with a strong impression of the studio's professionalism and uniqueness.

The Facilities And Public Areas

The public areas of the studio featured strong branding, with the studio’s signature orange color, inspirational quotes, and thoughtfully designed elements like a mural and branded signage. The industrial aesthetic and use of glass and brick provided a modern, professional atmosphere.

The changing and bathroom areas were clean and well-maintained, offering essential amenities such as hand wash, body lotion, and hair care products. However, some amenities, including the towels, were insufficiently stocked, and the changing area lacked sufficient benches and mirrors, which could be inconvenient during peak times. Additionally, the showers featured unlabeled product pumps, which created uncertainty about their contents. Lockers were conveniently sized and in excellent condition, though they lacked hangers.

Overall, the studio provided a polished and comfortable environment.

Digital And Technology

The website and social media presence were strong, with professional design and informative content about class offerings. The brand’s values were effectively communicated across various media, and technology enhanced the in-class experience through heart rate monitors and integrated screens.

While the booking system was user-friendly and functional, we didn't receive a confirmation email, and penalties for late cancellations were not clearly explained. Social media pages were visually appealing and consistent with the brand, but they lacked class schedules.

Automatic emails were branded with consistent tone and visuals but lacked personalization in some cases. Text message communication did not align with the brand's professional tone. The club's use of technology, such as heart rate monitors and integrated cardio screens, added significantly to the experience.

Pricing

Orangetheory offers a ‘first class free’ promo on their website, for first time clients, although you have to be a local resident to qualify.

If you’re looking for a longer-term commitment, memberships are available for $119 for four classes per month up to $239 for unlimited classes.

It was unclear if drop-in classes were available. More flexible packages are also available, starting from a 10-pack for $320 to a 30-pack for $850.

Top Scoring Categories

Reception Services
four
Class Experience
five
Equipment & Studio
five
Public Areas
four

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