Orangetheory Fitness — Local services in Birmingham

Recently something provoked me to speak up. I should have done it when it happened however I usually like to stay out of things. When it comes to bullying and harassment, it’s not right There was an incident that occurred in front of my eyes during my workout at otf bham location while coach Allie was in charge at the 5am class near treadmill 6,7,8. 2 girls were bullying a girl in between them. At first I thought it was just a misunderstanding. Although I may not know the entire story. I know enough that someone was bullied here because her phone went off. I have seen this person with her phone all the time. It’s harmless to me. Never bothered me. You see the coaches with their phones with them all the time as well. Most fitness centers allow clients to have their phones: emergency, photos (marketing, Advertising), etc. Unsure how the coaches (Allie and Jeri) handled this. Whatever happened my friend and I noticed the girl bullied is no longer here. That breaks my heart someone bullied is no longer at otf. This makes no sense to me. I saw 2 girls bullying this girl, laughed when the coach talked to her. It’s sickening to my stomach to see grown women laugh and find joy in bullying. On the 2nd day, apparently according to my friend she was trying to talk to coach Jeri. And that was the last day both of us have seen her. A total of 3 women laughed and bullied and harassed this innocent person. And she is no longer here. I have no connection with the girl. I know in my heart, no one should ever be bullied and harassed at a wellness social club. This was handled poorly. Using an alias for protection. I don't want to be...

The class is a mix of strength and cardio, using the treadmill, indoor rower, weights, and TRX. The routine changes in with each class, but is easy to follow with the instructor walking through each step and with the TV screens reminding you of the sets. The whole time, you are wearing a heart monitor and your performance (heart rate, caloric burn, and minutes in orange/red intensity which is 84%+ of max heart rate) is displayed on screen for you to monitor. The goal is to have at least 12 minutes in the orange/red zone to achieve the EPOC effect (after-burn).

I'm not super into working out and I lose interest easily, but I'm competitive. So for me, this is a fun class. The heart rate monitor lets me compete against myself and the rest of the class, and I like that each class is different. The instructors are attentive, the staff is friendly, and the facilities are clean. This location is in a strip mall so there's free parking which is great for Birmingham.

The only negatives are that bathrooms/showers are limited which in inconvenient since everyone needs it right before or after class. Also classes tend to get full unless you go in the middle of the day, so you need to book in advance. I signed up for a class package so it's not a big deal, but something to consider if you're getting one of the monthly...

It is well known that OTF offers a phenomenal HIIT workout, striking the perfect balance of strength training, endurance, and cardio.

That said, I want to share an experience that highlights the integrity and honesty of the OTF BHAM staff and members, that truly sets the Birmingham studio apart in my mind compared to other places you could choose to workout.

I recently left a watch (of tremendous sentimental value to me) in my locker by accident. To my surprise and relief, it was promptly reported to the studio staff, carefully placed in a labeled zip-lock bag, with the date and location it was found clearly noted. This is an item that could have easily been pocketed, but the fact that it was handled with such care speaks volumes about the character of everyone associated with this studio. It’s heartwarming to know you’re part of an exercise community where people go above and beyond to do the "right" thing. OTF Birmingham isn’t "just" a great place to work out — it’s a place...