From Orangetheory to Rise4: My Journey to Better Strength and Stability

After years of enjoying the high-energy, competitive environment at Orangetheory Fitness, I decided it was time for a change. My journey from OTF to Rise4 has been transformative, focusing on what my body truly needed: strength, proper form, and stability.

Why I Left Orangetheory:

• Repetitive Workouts: Over time, the workouts at OTF started to feel repetitive. The treadmill sessions, while fun at first, became excessive for my fitness goals.

  
  

• Limited Muscle Building: My goal shifted towards building more muscle and strength, which was somewhat limited by OTF's equipment and workout style. Although I attended strength classes when possible, the variety was not enough.

  
  

• Grip Strength Plateau: With limited equipment, my grip strength improvements were stagnating. I could only increase dumbbell weights so much.

Discovering Rise4:

• A Sign of Change: One day, I saw a sign for Rise4 just minutes from my home during a drive. I remembered friends from another OTF location had switched to Rise4 and praised it for its focus on functional strength and mobility.

  
  

• Grand Opening: Coincidentally, Rise4 was about to have its grand opening nearby, sparing me the need for a downtown drive, which had been a deterrent before.

First Impressions of Rise4:

• Form Over Speed: The workout style at Rise4 struck me right away. It reminded me of F45 but with a crucial difference - emphasis on form rather than speed, a philosophy brought by the founder who previously worked at F45.

  
  

• Personal Attention: Coaches at Rise4 actively correct form, something I found lacking in my later experiences at OTF. Here, every squat and push-up was an opportunity to learn and improve.

  
  

• Functional Fitness: The workouts are designed around daily focuses, some even recommending going barefoot to enhance foot strength and stability. This was a game-changer for me, strengthening my feet and improving my overall balance and body connection.

The Impact on My Fitness:

• Strength Gains: The focus on isolating muscles and maintaining proper form has led to significant strength improvements, using muscles I didn't even know I could target.

  
  

• Injury Prevention: The attention to form and technique has not only made me stronger but also helped in preventing potential injuries.

  
  

• Community Challenges: While leaving a familiar community at OTF was hard, the transition has been worth it for my physical health. Making new connections at Rise4 is a work in progress, but the focus on my fitness journey has been remarkably rewarding.

Switching from Orangetheory to Rise4 wasn't just about changing a gym; it was about aligning my fitness routine with my evolving goals. Rise4 has not only met but exceeded my expectations in terms of personalized training, functional strength development, and overall well-being. If you're contemplating a similar shift, consider what your body and fitness aspirations are telling you. Sometimes, a change in pace is all you need to reach new heights.