Orangetheory Fitness — Local services in Los Angeles

Big fat scam.

I signed up for the Premiere plan thinking I'd be able to use it both here and in the Silicon Valley since I go back and forth, but that ended up not being the case because other gyms wouldn't accept a plan from the DTLA location. The Premiere plan is very expensive, but also the only plan that lets you use the gym regularly as the next one down only gives you 8 gym sessions per month. You also need to buy a $100+ workout band to take full advantage of OrangeTheory's system. This is in addition to the $89 initiation fee and the $189 initial membership payment, so be ready to shell out the cash right from the start.

You have to register/schedule your workouts and there is a cancellation fee within 8 hours of the workout, which gets very annoying (and expensive) if you've hard a longer than anticipated night here and there. The closer you get to the workout you want to schedule, the more likely you'll end up on a waiting list with an uncertainty of whether you'll actually be able to workout or not in the gym you're paying for right up to the last minute. The gym routines are random and decided by the instructor, so if you have a certain area of physical health you'd like to focus on, they don't care; you'll just be doing whatever they tell you to, even if you don't need it. This is not a mass or strength building gym, their workouts are mostly all based around cardio and endurance. Classes are 60 minutes long, so hopefully you don't need more or less than that. They blast whatever music they like (and I mean blast, they even have a bowl of earplugs at the front), so don't bring your headphones. Some instructors give clear direction, but many just mumble, so be prepared to be very confused about what it is you're supposed to be doing. There are two showers and two bathrooms which will be in use 24/7, so don't plan on this gym having facilities for you beside the gym itself.

The kicker that got me the most was that when you sign up for one month of membership, you automatically pay for the next month since they require a 30day minimum notice of membership cancellation. In other words, when you decide to cancel your membership at any given point in time, they force you to pay the next month of membership even if though they know you don't want or need it.

All in all, OrangeTheory was a $500+ mistake that I will never make again. Please just go to the YMCA or 24hr Fitness where you can go to the gym whenever you want without fees, choose your own workout routine, decide on a workout duration that works for you, take intimate free classes that are included in the membership, have access to more equipment and facilities, pay exponentially less, and not get royally screwed over if you...

Two main reasons why I am avoiding this OTF studio and decided to cancel my membership.

Honestly, for being a “premium” studio; it’s outdated, the owner refuses to make any upgrades. From the treadmills that only go up to a speed of 12 (when all premium OTF studios have newer treadmills with 15 speed and bigger screens for more insight on individual performance), outdated rowing machines (again, owner refuses to upgrade to newer rowers with individual monitors that track performance), to the floor with benches that aren’t the OTF standard, and floors that are nearly impossible to do exercise in because it’s pebbled and leaves residue (it’s so bad there are uneven areas throughout).

Secondly, I have been a member for some time now, but in the last few months a new head coach, name rhymes with Jamie… just has not been the best in my opinion. I was doing one of the tread-blocks and wasn’t feeling too comfortable so decided to take it easy - this coach then approaches me and makes an uncomfortable and unprofessional comment about how I should be working out. Truly in disbelieve because I’ve always been able to work at my pace and do alternatives on the treadmill - I understand being pushed and encouraged to be the best version of yourself but the comment just didn’t sit right with me. I’ve avoided taking “Jamie’s” class ever since. This wasn’t just my experience; I know a handful of members that have avoided taking her class. They either go to other studios or have cancelled their longtime memberships because of the hostile environment “Jamie” creates.

Lastly, I would encourage you take a class if you’ve never done so (there are several outstanding coaches: Suzy, Luciana, Jake, Joei, Joe, Josh, and Sara) and staff in this studio — except for “Jamie”) it’s just unfortunate that the head coach has failed to present a professional and welcoming environment. Do keep your options open to other newer studios (they’re all within walking distance - from F45, Equinox, Camp,...

I'm relatively new to OT, having signed up less than a month ago. While I'm familiar with what my Fort Lauderdale studio offers, my recent visit to the DTLA location on Sunday, April 14th, 2024 was a delightful surprise.

First impressions matter, and the studio's cleanliness and spaciousness immediately caught my attention. Compared to my home studio, it felt quite expansive, though perhaps that's just the effect of DTLA's towering architecture. Nevertheless, I found the ambiance quite appealing.

The staff, particularly Rafael and Jocelyn at the front desk, were exceptional. Their warm welcome made me feel right at home, despite being in unfamiliar surroundings. Navigating a new environment can be daunting, but their friendly demeanor eased any apprehensions. I appreciated their transparency regarding fees, especially since my home studio had forewarned me about potential differences. Rafael and Jocelyn's careful explanation ensured there were no surprises, a detail I found considerate.

Meeting Coach Joe was a highlight of the experience. Despite his initially intimidating appearance, he proved to be incredibly personable and attentive. His willingness to guide and demonstrate workouts alleviated any uncertainties I had. Though seeking assistance can sometimes feel embarrassing, Coach Joe's approachability made it a non-issue. His infectious energy elevated the class, motivating me to push through the workout. While the music selection didn't quite match my preferences, Coach Joe's encouragement kept me engaged and focused.

Overall, my experience at the DTLA studio was highly enjoyable. The exceptional OT team made me feel welcome, and I look forward to returning during future...