If retirement is about revisiting possibilities for one’s body and mind, then let me tell you, EVERYTHING I just experienced fits into this category.
To alleviate some sadness with the new school year starting without me, I purposely planned a visit mid-September to see my daughter. Of course, it is always great to see her but I must say this trip did indeed fulfill the task of perfect distraction for me.
When I visit my daughter, I never know what I might be getting into. You see, she works hard thinking about her core values and belief system. This notion had its beginnings during the college years and seems to be continuing through these employment years. From teaching high school art, teaching yoga, working in art studios and for independent artists, working retail, and currently holding a managerial position at a fitness studio, she continues to seek what she believes in and what makes her happy. This creates surprises and unknowns when I visit.
Examples:
On one visit, as a high school art teacher, I was asked to teach a few students how to sew using the machines you see in the background.
Yet another occasion, I was scheduled to go sky-diving. I said NO.
On this latest visit, I was asked to participate in a class at Orangetheory Fitness. Upon doing so, I learned a bit about the theory behind this fitness studio.
In layman’s terms:
- success for all ~ The idea that no matter where you are in your fitness level, it is desired that participants work towards 12 – 20 minutes accelerated heart rate, the orange zone and red zones. (pushing for gain) You want 25 – 40 minutes in the green zone which is the main fat burning zone. (To me, it also allows getting through the hour.)
- taking ownership ~ Participants are able to take ownership of their effort by wearing a heart monitor (hidden under clothes) that gives data of heart rate output as well as the fact that the workout goes according to personal heart rate, which makes it possible for everyone to benefit from time and effort spent.
- having fun ~ Fun because the hour is organized by rotating through three main activities and is done in a class format with friends.
So, you ask… What are those three main activities?
Did you survive?
The studio was beautiful and very well organized however, that said, I was quite nervous for my class. I have NEVER been on a treadmill, NEVER a rowing machine, and have NEVER lifted weights. I am, however a runner and somehow, I do have a good attitude.
My daughter’s report was that she was impressed with my body form in the weight room and on the rowing machine but felt it was odd I was fumbling on the treadmill. I reminded her that sidewalks don’t move.
You wonder . . . Does anyone help?
I was a gamer, however what really made the entire session tolerable and yes, FUN was Coach Roberta. She was quite patient with me. Here she is teaching me better hand positioning for energy efficiency. And, yes I need to give credit to my daughter who was my supportive mentor.
So, with a mentor, a coach, and a bit of luck, I made it through the hour. Hopefully, I did not embarrass anyone in the process.
And, of course you want to know . . . Will I go back?
The coach suggested fitness goals for me after examining my data and I was reminded that it is about consistency of timely workouts that will make the difference.
So, with my daughter’s diligence of researching the just-right job for her, I benefit from a multitude of experiences. I can’t wait to tell her I’ve just purchased the basic package of OTF here at home. With this initial class behind me, I should be pretty confident for my next session!
*A special thanks to Rosanna for taking pictures as per my request.
*And, a great big shout out to OTF Fairfax for welcoming me so warmly.
Hollyknits 
6 responses to “Orangetheory Fitness”
Great inspirational post. I wish you much success as you embark on the fitness venture. Interesting that you are taking on a “job”. I look forward to reading about the details. Have you planned any knitting projects yet? I admire the sweater you made from the Rowan book and the colours you have chosen to use in this picture. Your blue shoes look very nice with the outfit. Are they Fluevogs? Living in the city – Vancouver BC- from which both Lululemon and John Fluevog were launched, I enjoy seeing them take on a world wide brand. I am entering the 10th year of retirement from the school systems which sustained me over 38 years. Since retiring. I have enjoyed working at two part time jobs within education and human resource work. They are both winding down and that is fine with me as I feel much more mentally prepared to slow down and change the pace than I did 9 years ago. The knitting/creative aspect of my life is beginning to dominate and I am branching out and considering projects which would previously have been out of the question. My challenge is to complete projects in a timely fashion so I can wear them or gift them as planned.
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Thank you, Barbara. Hubby and I bike or run each day but Orangetheory is a whole other venture. I’m starting mid-Oct. I understand that many people take on jobs of some nature at the point of retirement. Hubby called it his retirement job. You will be reading all about mine in the next post! Barbara… I did not need to plan any knitting projects because I have a whole queue of projects AND yarn for each that I could not get to during the employment years. I do finish my projects, my problem is I have too many! So, I’ll just forge onward with what I’ve got. I do love that Rowan project, as well. I call it “Fashionable Fishing Hole” and it is written about here. Shoes are from Dansko. You have an excellent goal of project completion. And, you sound like you have come to a happy place regarding all this transitioning.
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So amazing taking on this possibility! (Although I am with you about jumping out of planes.). Makes me want to join a similar place. I love your description of your daughters life portfolio that matches her core values. It is a similar goal for me – a portfolio of activities (some possibly with pay) that match my values leading to being happier everyday. So wonderful she has that at a young age, and wants to share some of it with you.
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It was actually a big step taking this class. Thank you for recognizing. What you don’t know is I have always run alone (by choice) and I also knit alone (by choice). I tend to be private and independent, also I felt it was a time saving measure to do these things alone. So, the fact that I am stepping out in this endeavors is challenging for me. You know, I am not sure my daughter’s understanding of finding that match, portfolio to core values was learned from me. But, she’s got it and that is great. In the meantime, stay tuned for a little post on “jobs” I’ve taken on. My life is definitely heading towards those goals I posted! Hope all is well with you!
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You are a better woman than I! Keep building that relationship! I’m sure she knits or at least wants to like you. Wish mine wanted to spend half as much time with me as she(yours) did with you. I still love her to the moon and back. She is a remarkable daughter and better mother, just wish she answered her voice/ e-mails.
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Nope, no knitting for her nor for my Mother. I’m a lone duck. If your daughter is a Mother, remember how busy you were as one. In the meantime, happy exercising?
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