Highway to the Orange Zone

Orange has many connotations including psychological responses. Most think of the fruit or flavor. Some associate it with sunshine, enthusiasm or stimulation. Others may say it is the main color for their favorite University (Go Gators!). The human eye considers it a hot color, a sensation of heat and energy.

For one fitness company, it is used to invoke the thought of burning calories. This is the concept behind Orangetheory Fitness as the color orange is said to increase oxygen supply to the brain, producing positive physical and mental effects. Located on Fleming Island off County Road 220, this fairly new national and international company, takes fitness training to a new level with a focus on heart-rate zones (www.orangetheoryfitness.com).

Matthew Yost, a fitness consultant, introduced me to Orangetheory from an email he sent to my work. Matt himself has a unique story and journey. Born with a hole in his heart as well as all his organs located on the other side, Matt’s fitness education and interest started early and has led him to a life and career of fitness. Along with the studio manager, Jenna Malone, I was thoroughly introduced and immersed – literally in sweat – in the Orangetheory concept.

“The Orange Zone” - Zone 4

Besides the visual effect, the physiological theory behind the Orangetheory workout is known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC. This is called oxygen debt – the amount of oxygen required to restore your body to its normal resting rates. Try to liken it to walking up a flight of stairs. When you reach the top, you feel more out of breath than you did going up.

By combining EPOC with the 5-heart rate zones in cardio workouts, you have something called an “afterburn” where, according to fitness theory, your body continues to burn an average of 500 to 1,000 additional calories over the next 24-36 hours. During your timed workout at Orangetheory, the ideal cardio zone for you is Zone 4, or about 84-89 percent of your maximum heart rate. It is in this zone that calories are scorched. Ironically, this is also the Orange Zone.

Heart-Rate Monitoring

During your 60-minute workout, you are provided a heart-rate monitor. Your zones are monitored real-time, displayed in the studio for all to see, and used by a highly motivated instructor to keep you pushing. The display tracks calories burned, heart rate beats per minute, percentage of heart rate maximum, and splat points earned, which is a combination of orange and red zone minutes. So at any time throughout your workout, you can check your own heart rate data and work toward that orange zone. If you’ve never trained with a heart rate monitor, you need to give it a try, as you can see an actual number associated with your fitness level.

Experience the “Orange 60” on Fleming Island

The Orangetheory Fitness is a national brand with a solid reputation. You can sign up for one session, or a block of sessions, as you aim for your own goals. Training sessions are comprised of three components or blocks: treadmill interval training, indoor rowing and weight room/resistance training. Each of these blocks are worked into a circuit that keeps your body moving at all times from base recovery to all-out training times.

These Orange 60 sessions are open to all adults and teens, ages 16 and older. All fitness levels are welcome as each program is specifically designed for everyone from power walkers to elite performance athletes. The studio has 12 treadmills, 12 rowing machines, 12 suspension unit systems with free weights and benches. Each session can accommodate up to 25 people. And a plus, the facility has separate men’s and women’s restrooms and showers and lockers for convenience.

What makes the Fleming Island location unique is its semi-dimly lit, but glowing orange lights and heart-thumping music studio, an enthusiastic coach, a staff that welcomes you by name and a group of focused participants.

The physical experience at the Fleming Island studio was exhilarating and rewarding. I loved the high-fives, shouts of victory (or agony), and our relentless instructor, Frank Dennison. Within one hour, I burned 935 calories, and maintained a solid portion of my time at 152 beats per minute, which is my orange zone.I was surprised to see a couple friends already members and hitting it hard. Each come for their own fitness and nutrition reasons, but this studio takes it to another level with group happy hours held off-site, and local charity fundraisers. Just last week, they raised close to $400 for a playground at Fleming Island Elementary.

A Worthwhile Complimentary Workout

Arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time for a brief intake and studio orientation. Bring a water bottle and a towel. Don’t forget showers and lockers are provided, if needed.

If weight loss is your goal, be patient, but coupled with a proper nutrition plan, expect to see an estimated loss of 3-5 pounds, with 3-5 workouts per week. Yet if performance or endurance is your goal, expect to see an increase in cardio performance, VO2 max, power, speed and strength.

To reach Matt or Jenna, you can call them (904) 238-5272, or just stop by and take a peak at 1615 County Road 220, next to Sushiya, behind Region’s Bank.

What are you waiting for? Have a personal fitness or nutrition success story that you would like to share? Ran or competed in your first race or exercise program? Lost or losing weight? Gained some muscle or mass? Email or contact me at bernie.rom828@gmail.com. Tag/follow me on Instagram @berni3trirun. Facebook Clay Today Newspaper. Instagram @claytodaynewspaper #claytoday #claytodayfitlife #fitlife