Exciting news, the weekend and my workouts
Hi, friends! I hope you had a great weekend. I’m so glad it’s Monday, because you have no idea how excited I am to finally share some news …
I can now officially announce that I’m a Fitness Coach, or instructor, at a brand new Orangetheory Fitness in downtown Walnut Creek.
How do I look in orange?
Last week, I spent all day Monday through Wednesday going through an instructor bootcamp, which also served as a three-day audition to earn a spot on the team. I taught my first “soft open” class on Thursday, was given the job offer on Friday, taught again on Saturday and am on the schedule this morning as well. While all of this seemed to happen very fast, my role with Orangetheory has been a long time coming. You see, I have technically been working for Orangetheory Fitness for months. I taught quite a few pre-opening outdoor bootcamps for Orangetheory starting in the fall, designed to build awareness for the studio. However, I was not officially “hired” until making it through the bootcamp, which was put on by corporate trainers, who came all the way from the company’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. That’s why I didn’t mention anything about this new pursuit here on the blog, but believe me, I wanted to.
Orangetheory Fitness is an awesome workout
Orangetheory Fitness studios are popping up all over the nation these days, and I love that I’m on the team at a brand new location, which is the first in the East Bay area of San Francisco. I’ll go into much more detail about the studio, the workout and the science behind it all in a future post. But for now, I’ll tell you that the class includes work on the treadmill, on an indoor rower, as well as on the weight-room floor using TRX, medicine balls, Bosu trainers, dumbbells and more. It’s one-hour and all participants wear a heart-rate monitor during the workout and can see their progress throughout class on large TV screens. As a Fitness Coach, I’ll be managing a room of about 24 participants, who are broken up in two groups. While I don’t have to do the full workout when teaching the class, I do have to demo moves, lead the class, correct form and offer modifications.
Just a sneak peek inside the new studio in downtown Walnut Creek. As you can see, it’s very orange.
Instructor training was tough and teaching Orangetheory Fitness classes are entirely different than what I’m used to in the group fitness studio. It’s almost like a blend of personal training and group fitness, because as a Fitness Coach, you’re able to spend a bit more time helping individuals throughout the hour, which I really enjoy. And that indoor rower? Wow! It’s one powerful tool, which I spent a lot of time on last week.
Come take an Orangetheory Fitness class with me
If you’re in the Bay Area, I’d love for you to come experience what getting into “the orange zone” is all about in one of my classes at Orangetheory Fitness Walnut Creek. After our grand opening party this week, the full schedule will be online and you’ll be able to book classes that way by selecting my name. Stay tuned for more.
A quick weekend recap
And to fill you in on the weekend a little bit: On Friday night, Dave and I went to a very casual sushi dinner.
Some hot sake, smoked salmon sashimi, a house salad and a cherry blossom roll were just what I needed on a chilly Friday evening after a long week.
On Saturday, I was at Orangetheory all day, teaching a class, taking a class, going through CPR training and attending a manager’s meeting (I’m a co-head trainer on the team). On Saturday night, we went to a friend’s house to watch the Warriors win their playoff game.
We sat outside with the group to watch the game, and then enjoyed some take-out Greek fare for dinner inside once the sun went down. Falafel? Yes, please!
On Sunday, Dave and I did something we’ve wanted to do for a while — we bought bikes. Right after purchasing them, we pulled off the tags, rode our bikes to the farmer’s market, rode to lunch at my favorite spot, Tender Greens, and also rode to the grocery store to pick up some salmon, steak and potatoes for dinner. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the couch, while I blogged, studied Orangetheory information and watched TV. It was a pretty full weekend, but a good one, indeed. Now, let’s talk fitness …
My weekly workout recap
As I always do on Mondays, let’s take a look at all the ways I’ve been moving lately …
Weekly Workouts
- Monday – Did a one-hour Orangetheory Fitness class
- Tuesday – Did about 2 hours of treadmill, weights and rowing practice
- Wednesday – Did about 2 hours of treadmill, weights and rowing practice
- Thursday – Did a one-hour Orangetheory Fitness class, did a 10-minute online yoga session at home
- Friday – Taught a one-hour BODYATTACK class, did a 30-minute online yoga session at home
- Saturday – Did a one-hour Orangetheory Fitness class
- Sunday – Rest day
What was good about my week of workouts?
Well this was not a normal week of workouts for me at all. Because I was taking part in instructor training Monday through Wednesday, I was immersed in all things Orangetheory Fitness and didn’t teach a lot of my usual Les Mills classes, which typically serve as my workout. The beauty of that is that it gave me the opportunity to do plenty of resistance training using dumbbells and TRX, as well as cardio training using an indoor rower and the treadmill — so I had a lot of variety in movement. I really love the fact that I switched things up so much this past week, because the new challenges had me totally sore. I also fit in a couple of short yoga sessions and a full rest day. Good stuff!
What could have been better about my week of workouts?
This past week was full of learning new exercises and modalities, as well as participating in a lot of classes during my instructor training days. Therefore, I’d say it was all time very well spent. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m excited about the addition of Orangetheory Fitness workouts to my weeks moving forward.
And that about covers it, folks! Have a fabulous Monday!
P.S. Congratulations to the winners of the The Yoga Collective online yoga membership giveaway, Delia and Gen. Both have been emailed. Thank you to everyone who entered. Namaste!
Questions of the day
What did you do this weekend?
Have you ever taken an Orangetheory Fitness class?
What’s the best thing you ate this weekend?
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Congrats Ashley! I’m dying to hear all about Orange Theory. A new studio just opened not too far from where I work and I’ve been tempted to stop in for a class. As for my weekend, it was pretty low key. Saturday night we went to a friends house for bbq and sangria and Sunday was spent doing errands.
Have a great Monday!
Hi Chrissy! That sounds like a nice weekend! I haven’t had sangria in a long time, but it’s perfect for the summer! Yes, you’ve got to go try OTF! Let me know when you do! 🙂 Happy Monday!
Congrats Ashley! Orange Theory is an awesome workout and I bet you are a great coach! I’ve taken one class and thought it was really fun. My sister takes class every morning in Atlanta and swears by it. I can’t wait to hear how it all goes! Our weekend was great, we spent some time in Baltimore with old college friends! Hope you have a great day!
Hi Jenna! Yes, I love the fact that the workout is different every single day. And how nice you got away to Baltimore! Hope it was fun! Happy Monday! 🙂
Exciting! Congrats on the Orangetheory Fitness training position! There is a new one here in Naples but I didn’t want to throw something else into the mix while pregnant. I’ll have to see what their normal class hour times are later this summer and see if a class would work into my schedule 🙂
Hi Becky! For sure, you’d love it. And the best part is that the workout is different EVERY single day! Thank you!!! Have an awesome day! 🙂
How exciting!! I’ve never taken an orange theory class but there is one about 5 min from our house. Do they keep class sizes relatively small or is it a big group? Oh and I love Tender Greens, I used to go there a lot when I lived in LA!
Hi Marielle, The most a class will have is 26, unless there is a special event, in which case they let more people in. But small enough class so that the coach can help everyone! Hope you try it one day! Have a happy Monday! 🙂
Congratulations, Ashley! What a wonderful new door you have opened in your career! I know you will be a wonderful addition to the Orangetheory Fitness team. Anxious to hear even more about your experiences as time goes on. So happy for and proud of you!
Hi there, Principal Jividen!! 🙂 Thank you so much for the kind words. I will be sharing more about it soon. I hope all is well with you! Enjoy your week!
You had a great and productive weekend. More importantly, Congrats! That’s huge news! HUG TO YOU!
Awww, thanks Carissa! Hugs right back to you! Hope you had a great weekend as well! 🙂
Congrats! That’s so awesome. Orangetheory is definitely something I’ve been wanting to try – a good excuse to fly out to San Fran! Hehe.
For sure, Ruthie! Hope you get to try an OTF class one day! Happy Monday! 🙂 (And yes, visitors always welcome!!)
Congratulations Ashley! I have not yet had the chance to take an Orangetheory class but I hear they are AMAZING classes and great workouts. I love HIIT!!
Thank you so much, Brie! Hope you get to try a class one day soon! Have an awesome day!
Congratulations Ashley! That is super exciting! I’ve never tried Orangetheory, but I have a few friends that do it down here. I wanna come take a class with YOU! Happy Monday!
You’ve got to give OTF a try, Courtney! It’s intense and gets the job done! A big happy Monday to you too, lady! 🙂
Congrats on adding to your fitness repetoire! I’ve heard great things about Orangetheory, but we don’t have them here. How are you going to balance that with your Les Mills classes?
Hopefully your city will get an OTF soon! And I’m going to be extra busy, but am planning to keep teaching Les Mills classes as well!
Congrats on the exciting new job!!
Thanks, Erin! Happy Monday! 🙂
Congrats! Now I am more curious to try an OT class. Will you still be teaching all your normal Les Milles classes too?
Hi Mo! Yes, you need to try an OTF class! Yes, I will still keep teaching Les Mills classes as well, but will be moving my schedule around a bit. Happy Monday, Mo!
Congrats! Very excited for you. They are opening one very soon in Lakeland very close to where I live. Can’t wait to check it out.
Hi Delia! Awesome! Yes, you’ll have to go try a class! Happy Monday, friend! 🙂
Congrats Ashley!! That’s super exciting, I’ve heard great things about O.T., especially from friends who aren’t super into working out – they say it’s one of the only things that motivates them. I love that!!
It’s so good, Jill! You’ll have to come try it out soon! Happy Monday!
I should!!! Have a great evening 🙂
I have never taken an OTF class but have heard great things about it! I was sick all weekend so didn’t eat anything to write home about. However, I am starting the Whole30 “challenge” today so spent much of yesterday planning and prepping for that! I’m excited to see how it changes my body both mentally and physically!
Hi Carrie! Best of luck with Whole30! I’ve always wanted to do it. And I hope you feel all better soon. Have a great Monday! 🙂
Congrats on becoming an Orangetheory fitness coach! That sounds like a great opportunity for you. I have never been to Orangetheory but it sounds like a nice change from the Les Mills workouts!
Hi Lisa! Yes, it’s always good to switch things up! Hope you get to try Orangetheory one day soon! You’d love it! All the good stuff in one class:)
Congrats at OTF gig! I took OTF for awhile when I lived in Florida(Tampa) after teaching some years at Lifestyle FamilyFitness(if you are a FL girl, you may remember them!).
Took it easy this week, pollen very high up in the north east and I am about a week out from a marathon so taking advantage of my week long post race celebration with some awesome fish and chips at an Irish Pub with cider!! Back to the regular workouts this week. Awesome that you are using an awesome background for OTF I am sure they will love you!! Good luck!!
Hi Cindy! I used to work at Lifestyle Family Fitness in Orlando before it was bought by LA Fitness, actually. That was my first teaching job heheheh! And glad you’re an OTF fan. Nice work on your marathon run! You definitely deserve fish, chips and cider. Yummy! Hope you have an awesome week. Thanks for saying hello! 🙂
congrats! that’s so exciting! I’ve always wanted to try OrangeTheory, but we don’t have it up here in Canada 🙁 Looks amazing though!
Hi Fiona! Hopefully soon! It’s growing like crazy!! Have a happy Monday:)
Very exciting!! Congrats on your new job! I bet you’ll do awesome at it. My brother is actually a manager of an OT here in Phoenix, and he was just trying to convince me last night to become a trainer at his studio. 😉 It’s 45 minutes away from me so that won’t be happening any time soon, but it sure does sound like something I would enjoy.
Yay for new bikes! My husband and I just bought new bikes about a month or so ago and have been going on bike rides regularly lately before the weather gets too hot. Hunter LOVES them, so it’s been a fun little family activity for us.
Bikes are the best, so I’m excited about many rides in my future. And have you at least gone to try an OTF class? You should!! How cool your brother is part of the Orangetheory family already!
Congratulations! I’ve wanted to try Orange Theory out for a while. My baby sister loves it!
You need to get into a class, because I know they have them in SD! 🙂 Hope you had a great weekend, Laura!
I went to The Progress this weekend so that definitely had to be the best thing I ate!! I want to venture out to Walnut Creek to take and Orangethoery class with you soon!!
Oh nice! You’re getting around to all the good spots, that’s for sure! And YES, we’ll need to get you into a class soon:)
Congrats on the new job! I stopped by an OT booth at a running race expo in Phoenix in Jan. It sounds like a interesting concept. I have been meaning to stop by and see if they are still offering the complementary first class trial. Definitely interested in hearing more about the classes and how they are structured.
Yes, Kate! I’ll talk more about it soon! Give it a go!! Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Congrats, Ashley!! That sounds like such a fun opportunity! We have an OrangeTheory opening up next month sometime and I’ve already joined. I’ve heard great things and can’t wait to give it a try!
Nice, Stacie! Good for you! Let me know how you like it! 🙂
Ahhh! So excited for you!! I love OTF!!
Yay, Sue! Me too! I’m really excited about this opportunity. Happy Monday to you!
Congrats Ashley! We just had one open up here and I’ve been meaning to check it out 🙂
You’ve got to go check it out Bri! You’ll love it! Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I’m a member at my local OTF in the Sacramento area. I LOVE it SO much, and it has served as a huge asset to my fitness goals. I’m excited to hear they are opening up in the Bay Area (I’m down there often).
Yes, there are a bunch popping up in the Bay Area now, Amber! Glad you’re a fan! And I look forward to seeing the results from all the new members at my studio too. Happy Monday!
You look gorgeous in orange! 😉
I can’t wait to come try a class with you! I’ve been patiently waiting for you to announce it on here and for the schedule to be posted. I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for your name!
Oh, and congrats on the bikes! I’m sure they’ll get plenty of good use on Iron Horse Trail. 🙂
For sure! Yes, can’t wait to see you AND Brandon in a class soon! Happy Monday, Sarah! 🙂
Congrats Ashley, that is so exciting!! An Orangetheory just popped up down the street from where I live
Thank you! You’ve got to go try it out, Sara! 🙂 Hope you had fun in NashVEGAS!
Eeeek huge congratulations to you on becoming a fitness coach at a new place! They are going to LOVE you! Good luck with your first classes there!
Thank you so much, Bethann! 🙂
Wow, congrats, Ashley!! That is amazing news and definitely motivates me to go and try out a class with you and check out Orangetheory (and drag an unsuspecting friend along of course haha).
Sounds like you had a fun weekend filled with delicious foods as well 🙂 Happy Monday!
Hi Alice! Thank you so much! And I’d love to see you and your friend in class soon. Have a great week! 🙂
I’ve been wanting to try the Orange Theory in Atlanta! I keep hearing how great of a workout it is!
Hi Ashley! It’s such an awesome workout! With tons of variety! My brother lives in Atlanta, by the way! Hope you get to an OTF soon. Have a wonderful night! 🙂
Yeahhhh!!! Congratulations Ashley! I’ve been hearing great things about this place. There isn’t one near me but a girl can dream can’t she? Congratulations, looks like a solid week of workouts!
Thanks, Renee! I hope an Orangetheory opens near you soon. It’s a great class! Happy Monday to you! 🙂
Congratulations! I’ve been wanting to do an OTF class for years. Injury has sort of sidelined my goals, but it seems things are getting on track so hopefully soon I can check it out. Will definitely swing by yours if I’m in the Bay area one of these days.
That would be awesome if you ever came to the Bay! Happy Monday, Megan! 🙂
Wow – congratulations!! How exciting 🙂 I wonder if OT will ever come to my neck of the woods?
Best thing I ate this weekend was a smoothie I made at home. I kept seeing people adding avocado to their smoothies so I finally decided to try it out. Yum!! Loved the creaminess of it and my only regret is not trying it sooner.
Catherine! You’ve beat me to it, because I’ve yet to put avocado in a smoothie and really want to! I hope you get and OTF soon too! The company is really growing, so there’s a good chance! 🙂
Congratulations!! I have heard great things about Orange Theory!!
Thank you, Rachel!
I LOVE Orange Theory! Congrats on the new gig! It’s one of my favorite workouts, and I imagine that it’s really fun to teach! I’ll have to try and make my way over to that side of the Bay one of these days to take one of your classes!
Hi Annie! That would be awesome!! Let’s stay in touch, and I’ll give you my class times soon. 🙂
Congrats, Ashley! That’s wonderful news. Orangtheory sounds like it would be such an awesome fit for you because I am sure it requires a lot of energy similar to the Les Mills classes you teach. Keep up the great work!
Hi Lauren! Yes it does, I’m pretty excited about trying something new. Hope all is well in your fitness role! Happy Tuesday! 🙂
That is super exciting news Ashley!! Congratulations! Xxx
Thanks, Krissy! 🙂
That’s exciting! Congrats! I will be taking an OTF class this weekend! I’ve tried it before but it was awhile ago when the one in my neighborhood first opened. I’m excited to head back.
THIS IS SO AWESOME. Congratulations! I’m terrified but I really want to support you and attend at least one class! Probably looking to hit up one of your sessions in the next week or two, will email when I know for sure! xx
Yes! Let’s make a plan and bring you in to try the studio!! 🙂 Have a fab day!
Congrats!! i know this post was a while ago, but what was the bootcamp like? I am auditioning this next week and would love to know what to expect if i get a spot at the bootcamp portion!
Hi Jordan, I made the bootcamp up on my own — so it’s up to you on what you want to teach. Ohhhh wait, are you asking what it was like to become an instructor? The trainer boot camp for Orangetheory is not too bad at all — they mostly teach you how to deliver the class and then you take turns practicing. Good luck! Let me know what else I can answer! 🙂