Orangetheory FANATIC turned F45 member?! 🫣 (Brutally Honest Review)

[@maddiekalt8831]

As a former OTF employee, I can say that it is definitely great for beginners! But after a while it becomes a “maintenance” workout, don’t see a lot of growth after a while. You are showing HUGE strides by wanting to do something different Andrew! Proud of you and can’t wait to see the change throughout the new journey!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Love when I get a Maddie comment! ☺️ Thank you, friend!!

[@auntiez4917]

How does Orange Theory become maintenance when you can increase your intensity/speed on treadmill and increase your weight during strength training? If you feel like it’s just maintenance then you're probably staying at the same levels and not changing.

[@mrscourtjam]

This is such a great way to put it! Without OTF I would never be where I am now but it did become maintenance for me

[@seandeananderson5580]

What helped with my transition from OTF to F45 was that my OTF couches all left their OTF studio to couch at F45. So everything I loved about my couches didn’t change because I followed them and their energy still helped me reach my fitness goals!

[@philipkim580]

Yep, I know at least one who jumped from OTF to F45!

[@TuckerPearce]

We lost a lot of ours post 2020 but none to F45 here.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I think one of my coaches was a former OTF coach too, ha!

[@mikeyj1983]

Seems like you really like couches. Weird.

[@joshuaperry7735]

I love couch.

[@TeresaCaban-ps8hi]

Yes, same! I totally lost weight, too, but I also felt I was “skinny fat” because of how little lifting we did compared to the cardio portion. I balanced it out by getting a regular gym membership and adding lifting days 2-3 times a week in addition to the OTF days.

[@Nonyabusiness4]

I’m an on and off member with OTF. I was going to OTF consistently for 3 months but I wanted more out of my workouts. Which lead to try CrossFit. I eventually stopped going to OTF and focused on eating more food, and staying consistent with CrossFit… I am the strongest I have ever been in my life! There are members at my box who transitioned from F45 to CrossFit… I’ve never taken an F45 class but I have a feeling you’ll eventually end up trying CrossFit. 😊 I would encourage you to try it when you’re ready to cross that path. There are a lot of misconceptions about it, and you do not have to do all the movements they do in CrossFit. You can scale everything to fit what you are capable of doing… I’ve followed you for a few years now. I’m happy you’re still staying at it. Mixing things up when needed. We all do that, and it’s okay!

[@14BIDISHA]

Thanks for sharing. My Goal is also to end up in Crossfit. Right now it's too intense for me 😀 I am glad its working out for you.

[@TuckerPearce]

“I post on Tuesday’s” ❤️ No judgement here, getting a video out is not easy work. Taking it back to the pre pandemic days with Coach Vinnie, those were great days. He was an awesome coach and cared a lot about you and the OTF community. 🧡 Solid Coaches really are a huge part of what makes OTF SPECIAL. They lost some amazing coaches during the pandemic. Hard to get that back. We still have some rockstars at my studio but it’s why I left to try new things. Proud of you bro for trying new things. I think you should give a Lift45 (name is no coincidence) but yeah the timing of those classes can be bad. Nice hat by the way 💪🏽

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

It was so nostalgic looking back at that footage!!!!! Vinny is such a great guy and a genuine soul! Thanks for watching and for all of your support both on and offline! 🧡

[@jillybeann41]

It’s great to recognize when to shake things up! I think doing what you enjoy is crucial to staying motivated, and incorporating what’s best for reaching your goals shouldn’t get any side eyes!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I totally agree!! 👊🏼

[@andreagonzalez-ym4xt]

As a person who did OTF for over two years and now have been going to F45 for about a year and a half, I can say hands down F45 is better when trying tone. In my opinion if you want to lose weight fast go do OTF for a few months. Once you have built resistance and have lost your desired weight or you are close to it, move to F45. Your body will dramatically change.

[@rach2883]

Your remarks about F45’s cardio days is interesting because reflecting back, I think those classes are why I was scared off. I really enjoyed the strength training (even though it moved so fast it was hard to keep up), but the cardio workout made me want to throw up. It was so intense that I actually never went back, which is so silly. It just messed with my mojo. OTF always feels so welcoming, but this makes me want to throw in some f45 strength days again.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

DO IT! Yess! I think it's totally worth revisiting for the muscle gains! 💪🏼

[@ryand34561]

I find so many people just rip through the weight section with small weights instead of taking their time with bigger weight and focusing on form and not cheating ocking\etc. That being said, with the short times allowed to do a lot of the exercises, it's difficult to do much weight to gain muscle\strength because you aren't given any time to rest to regain your strength... the aim is more HIIT than strength gain. When at home, I can easily do 50lbs DB should press for 10 reps x 4-5 sets followed by a 60s rest, but at OTF, with a circuit to run, I usually only go for 25-35lbs for something shoulder related...and they usually only have you doing 6-8 reps. I also find that OTF tends to be more core and leg orientated instead of upper body for the guys... maybe it's because 80% of the clients are women it seems.

[@janaposypankova9762]

When I changed from OTF to F45 I could see changes on my body. Paradoxically I gained some weight but my body looks finally I am working out

[@FineNaturalHairROCKS]

Oh wow! I can't believe you made the switch! I tried F45 before I signed up with OrangeTheory and it was really awesome. For now, I'm really loving OrangeTheory but I may go back to F45 at some point down the line. Another great video btw!

[@JT-nf9tk]

Hi Andrew. It's good to see that you are expanding your fitness horizons. You are the master of your journey so I pray that you will continue to guide your course according to your needs. I am looking forward to your continued progress this year. Have an awesome week!

[@IanMcCausland]

I forgot how much I enjoy your videos, yer honesty is so great! Thanks for this!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Man, today hasn't been the greatest and this comment meant a lot to me, Ian for real. Thank you, friend!

[@HuntbloxYT]

I got in a good rhythm of adding a Lift45 at OTF once a week to my routine to avoid the muscle loss AND I’ve gained muscle with this strategy. I do the 3G three other days a week.

[@anthonysanmiguel]

This video was incredibly informative and helpful! thank you so much for that. side note, your video is so crisp my dude, what camera are you using? I wanna get me one too 😅

[@tc8404]

Love it Andrew, just keep digging deep and revolving and moving forward.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

❤️👊🏼🙏🏼

[@Christ-qk7or]

Oh nooo Andrew. Open relationship 😂 actually, i like the Lift45(its 45 min)

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Christ-qk7or]

I have an open relationship with Beachbody 😳

[@ChadHaertling]

Thanks for the video and perspective! I am a huge OTF fan and just hit my 150th class. I was just telling a friend earlier today that I think it's way too much cardio (for my goals) and wished there was more lifting. Thanks to your video I'll give F45 a shot!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Yes! Try it! I think you'll find it useful- especially in addition to your OTF base!

[@Gen-kx3ce]

I'm on the same boat as you. I've been a loyal OTF member since 2016 and while I love the coaches and the camaraderie, I haven't been seeing the results I wanted. I lost weight, but wasn't seeing any muscle even though I've gradually increased weight while on the floor. But i guess it wasn't enough. Last July, I started to focus more on weight lifting while taking OTF 2x/wk instead and have seen more of a noticeable difference with my body. I should probably quit OTF at this point, but it's so hard! I still love it!

[@LearningandTechnology]

Adding strength training makes a lot of sense. In the “before times” I used to go to a traditional gym 2-3 times a week for strength training in addition to OTF. That gym closed - and I’m still working to get into a full routine overall - but adding strength will be part of it. Not sure it will be F45 (probably not actually), but a traditional gym will be.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I need to get over my fear of traditional gyms, ha!

[@Melsie2023]

Yes! I love OTF. I don't go anymore because it wasn't matching my goals. I run already and OTF days, training for a marathon and trying to lift was becoming too much. Orange theory taught me not to be scared liffting. I will always talk about OTF in a positive way. Try it out for one year if your trying to learn to use weights and learn the cardio machine. Now i do my own lift workouts but I always gotta thank orange theory for teaching me. 😢❤

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

YES YES YES! All of this!

[@gobosMommy]

i made the mistake of taking a crossfit class once. i was crying within 5 minutes because they wanted us to RUN for warmup for 10 minutes. dude, i cant run for 30 seconds without dying and you are YELLING AT ME! i felt so shamed throughout the rest of the class i would never go back. sadly i had to stop going to OTF tho because i sprained my ankle twice within a few months (that 2nd time, the crunch sound was soooo bad) because of all the jumping/stepping on and off the benches. some of us arent built for that lol. i guess i have to stick to walking and yoga

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Oh no!! I'm so sorry, Michelle- about all of this! 😢

[@philipkim580]

Andrew, you are not an OTF fanatic: you are a FITNESS FANATIC, and that’s so awesome to see you develop into these past few years! It’s also great that you have more specific goals (wanting to build muscle, very YES) and that you’ve found F45 as that avenue! It is actually scientifically supported that excessive cardio/endurance CAN promote muscle loss and retention of body fat (because of chronically elevated cortisol levels, to adapt to that kind of exercise), so you are absolutely correct that that exercise regimen would promote a state of “skinny fat”. And again, building muscle will help get rid of that excess body fat! And what you said about OTF enabling you to make fitness a habit absolutely rang true for me as well! I definitely wouldn’t be where I am in my own health journey had it not been for OTF (in part), but like yourself, there comes a time when you “graduate”, as it were, because you and your needs develop as you yourself develop, and despite the great community you experience there (and community is ALWAYS important for fostering positive change), you have to make the changes that are right for you and your needs! Seriously one of the best vids you’ve put out! 💪🔥❤️

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Love this thoughtful comment, Philip!! I love your perspective on Fitness* fanatic- That's dope!

[@SimplifyFitness]

I enjoyed your comparison. You do you! Enjoy your open Fitness Relationship 😀

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Haaa! Thank you!! 👊🏻

[@drybackground]

I was OTF thanks to FTF before Covid, then post-vaccine an F45 opened in my neighborhood and I’m hooked. I go all 3 lifting days and sometimes 1-2 cardio/hybrids. After just 18 months of that I’ve gained 7 pounds of muscle! Oddly I’ve found my f45 to be a much more fun and friendly place, my OTF was very cliquey It’s all about whatever gym makes you excited about going and you feel good!!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

EXACTLY!!!! I'm so happy you found your happy place at F45! I can see how you did!

[@QueenKaleGardener]

I felt the same way at OTF. I changed gyms because I needed weights as a focus. Not sure we have F45 out this way. Looks wild!

[@mlinskey]

I left OTF in 2021 and haven’t looked back. F45 is the best all-around workout there is.

[@kpoggens]

I’ve been wanting to try F45! OTF lover here too but we all fitness 💪🏻

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

OTF totally makes ALL fitness possible IMO!

[@VanshayMurdock]

This is exactly why I left OTF. I enjoyed my time there, but it was time to move on. The running was over barring, I wasn’t building muscle quick enough, plus the workouts got to be too easy for me😬 OTF is great for beginners and people who enjoy cardio (not strength training). I did enjoy OTF’s lift 45 classes.. they just didn’t offer many💔

[@kali18]

Cool! I just joined f45 like 2 months ago and best thing ever. My body has seemed way better muscle gains and fat loss and lost another 10 pounds. Best decision ever😌. 🎉

[@jeffcaldwell30]

I've taken the Lift 45 class at Orange Theory and it's not what it sounds like.

[@wadduphotthing]

That’s how I feel about burn boot camp it’s brutal. Cardio is worse than power day Orangetheory!

[@smilelive1]

Whohoo!! I commented on one of your videos a long time ago to go try out f45.. I'm so glad you did! You'll gain muscle at f45! I too went from being an OTF addict to f45. F45 is the superior workout.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I feel like it's been on my "list" for forever- I'm glad I finally gave it a try! Also, I have NO DOUBTS AT ALL that muscle gains come from F45 🤣

[@leannross7255]

Lift 45 is the bomb! Try one!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I might really have to now.. 🤔

[@ebrad21]

Andrew! Would you be open to trying solidcore for a video? They have a few locations in LA and they said SD is in the plans.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I've never done anything like that I don't think! You know I'm game!!

[@michaellopour7409]

Calling the class Lift 45 is not suspicious haha, they definitely were responding to the market would be my guess! Lift 45 I think is more of what you want, see if any local branches have 1-2 classes a week that work with your schedule. Lots of the templates allow you to lift heavy at your own pace which IMO is best. There’s something to trying new things though!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I'm gonna give it a try soon, hopefully! I want to like it!!

[@anthonylopez6645]

Here’s my suggestion for you. You won’t tone and definition maybe even get stronger. Start on the floor. Slow down and push yourself with heavier weight or slow down your reps. You do not have to be on pace with the class. Those 60 minutes are yours. Don’t like the template? Then do your own thing as long as it’s not interfering with someone else’s workout. You don’t need cardio to cut fat you can easily stay in the green and orange during the floor block if you’re pushing your barriers. I went from thinking 30 lb dumbbells were the heaviest thing in the world to 70 lbs and growing. 150 watts on the rower and I was dying in the 200’s on my heart rate to needing to stay in the 300 watt range to inch into the red. OTF is what YOU make it. It’s easy to get complacent in there but you will get complacent wherever you go if you choose to do the minimum. Be honest with yourself. You know when you are plateauing, that’s the time to .1 bump. 1 extra rep, or slow down and feel the burn. Different strokes for different folks but F45 doesn’t even come close. Mostly everyone I know that left OTF wasn’t because they really wanted to, it was because they got salty for some reason or another.

[@BrieKrogman]

Another great video Andrew!! -Brie

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Ah thank you, Brie!!! 🙏🏼

[@karenganda09]

Actually tried Lift45 for the first and I’m kinda liking it..

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I need to find the next one and try it!

[@TinaMarie-r3k]

F45 has the TVs that literally show you how to do the workout for each station. The trainers demo all the workouts for each station and it's shown on the tv incase you need a reminder. The trainers at my F45 are great and will come and correct your form and help you modify the workout if needed. I've done OTF and it was too intense. F45 is the lighter version.

[@rchurch27]

Blah blah blah… “I’m in an open relationship with orange theory.”😂😂❤

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Bwahaha you got the main point!

[@turnerjames]

I started going to F45 cos it was closer to home. Was too far to OTF after I moved. When I first joined there were a bunch of coaches and they were amazing at fixing form and what not. Now there'e 2 sometimes 3. They never fix form. Ever. It's annoying but whatever I just intentionally go slower to avoid me mucking up.

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Dang I hate the correction stopped.. that’s super important for me because I know I can EASILY do these exercise wrong haha!

[@anallelytejeda6748]

You are awesome, I love your personality ❤❤ 🤗🤗God bless you

[@derekbowman7600]

If either one is too expensive then you might also investigate street parking. It’s an at home CrossFit programming for 20 a month. You obviously need some basic equipment but it’s really a bang for your buck program!

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

Ah thanks for the recommendation! Do you have to buy equipment?

[@derekbowman7600]

@@AndrewColemanSmith You can pretty much do the programming with dumbbells. Of course, you could purchase more but that would get you very far.

[@nickscope27]

if ur trying to gain muscle, literally ditch both fitness centers. join a gym gym, focus on the big 5 lifts: bench, shoulder press, rows, squat, deadlift. big 3 should be 5x5 with heavy weight, and press and rows should be 4x6-10. rlly only needing of 30 mins of cardio per day. easy beginner workouts PPL push day (chest, shoulders, triceps) bench (incline and flat) flys (decline and incline) shoulder press shoulder flys triceps pull (lats, middle back, biceps) deadlift row lat pulldowns seated cable rows facepulls biceps legs (hams, quads, glutes) squat hip thrusts another squat variation (hack, cannonball) leg press extensions, curls core ur gonna gain muscle and with a consistent diet, ur gonna get cut or gain hella size.

[@kerrymckay7885]

Cant workout in a dark place with wrird colored lights...weird club vibe

[@micmor517]

I go to f45 in oakland california our trainers crack collective jokes we get a live dj on saturday mornings to spice things up got voted top gym and trainer in bayarea. Depends on trainer if they correct you the ones i got they do. Went to orange theory loved the set up but the weights were too light. What i got out at orange was treadmill i was going fast than was necessary but thats not what they were looking for😂😂 i have lost 45lbs since going to f45 since 2021. Can do pulls and military style push up with ease. I also do pole dancing its helped with my upper body strenght! ❤❤

[@micmor517]

I use aaptiv app for cardio at my apartment gym and f45 the rest to save on cash.

[@GM-cd2dr]

You didn’t ask for my advice but here it is anyways as a sports nutritionist, with your goal of gaining muscle eat 1g of protein per lb of body weight per day while on this journey and don’t be afraid of carbs!! You’ll build muscle and lose body fat. Good luck to you!!

[@fayewolfie]

F45 is awesome, the variety and lifting. And you mail it, OTF has too many breaks and too slow pace

[@AndrewColemanSmith]

I wonder if that pace is better though for me- *quality reps, etc?

[@ShaShaShannon38]

Skinny fat. Thats where I am !

[@jarsofjoybyalicia]

I didn’t like orange theory. I am more Barry’s work out and pure barre

[@hideoussails1783]

What does F45 charge? 💵

[@middleearthtroll6183]

You don't look like you've been to either?

[@gaoyiengyouav3210]

Otf is so much money. I don't get the hype.