Orangetheory Fitness — Local services in New York

This review reflects my disappointing and discouraging encounter with the front desk staff, Danielle, and the studio manager, Melissa, at Orange Theory Fitness Studio 0415 in Staten Island, Richmond.

I gained weight over the holiday and with the encouragement of my best friend finally gained the confidence to start my fitness journey. My best friend, who made the trek from midtown Manhattan to support me on my gym journey, was by my side as we eagerly awaited the 12pm class. To ensure a smooth experience, we even notified the studio of our expected arrival at 11:40am, considering rain-related traffic and an accident.

Upon reaching the studio, we were told to sit down and even placed our items in the lockers. I was in the process of settling in and going over paperwork as this was my first class when Danielle abruptly interrupted, rudely informing me that there wasn't enough time to participate in the class. Her actions made the situation unnecessarily confrontational, and the timing seemed deliberate, as if she wanted to make an example out of my situation by waiting for the previous class to form a crowd before intervening. The entire interaction was embarrassing and made me feel belittled. Not only did Danielle make me feel uncomfortable but I could see that her colleague assisting me also looked stunned and was left speechless.

To compound the frustration, another first-time member patiently waited to speak with the coach—a process I was told would take ten minutes. Had Danielle not disrupted my conversation, I could have reviewed the introduction paperwork and joined the new member for a discussion with the coach. The fact that the new member was still waiting to speak to the coach even after I left the studio at 11:55pm just shows the disregard for the schedule, especially considering Danielle being a stickler to the 12pm class start time. This inconsistency suggests that the studio may make clients wait but does not uphold the punctuality they advocate for.

The studio had several opportunities to inform me that I couldn't take the class—before my arrival, during the introduction, or even when I sent the initial text. Regrettably, the unprofessional and deflating conduct I experienced has influenced my decision not to return to Studio 041 and it has even discouraged me from continuing my fitness journey—a process that took a lot of effort to initiate in the first place.

My hope is that nobody else has to feel demotivated on their fitness journey, recognizing the significant effort it takes just to step into the gym. For a fitness studio that claims to value community and inclusivity, they really missed the mark.

*I do not have anything negative to say about the coaches or the condition of the facility, as my interactions have been limited to the front desk staff...

I did my very first class with Orangetheory fitness Richmond. My coach was Dylan and Jess checked me in! I am a bigger girl and places like this kind of intimidate me a little. I was greeted with a smile from Jessica. She asked me questions about my goals and when I can be available for class. She also asked me my why? Why orange theory? Well, since a personal trainer is about $100 an hour and I want to exercise at least 4 -6 times a months to start out, this was the cheaper of the 2 and Orangetheory is a group/ personal trainer setting so I am meeting people but also my coach is keeping me accountable and teaching me as I go. The class has hours ranging from 4:15AM to 8PM. I liked that because those are no well lit hours and being out when it’s dark outside is not my favorite so it’s nice to know I am not walking into a well lit (music and lights lol) gym with reception, a coach and other early workout people, Also they have a shower (super plus) with everything included (shampoo conditioner soap and even a toothbrush and deodorant. It’s nice to know there are not other stalls so it’s private and the reception is only a few feet away so I was not nervous taking a shower in a place I’ve never been to. So the workout is 1 hour split up in 3 major parts: rower, tread and weights/floor. The coach is calling out what color range to be in, it’s “The Orange Theory” and it’s scientifically proven to work (look it up it’s informing). So the coach watches your progress (previously mentioned) and you do also by an OT beat. It tracks your heart rate and your progress and this is how you stay accountable for your workout and the coach pushes you (GENIUS AND JUST WHAT I NEEDED) I didn’t realize how long I worked out for because the music is pumping and I’m so focused on the task at hand I didn’t have time to worry about (let me clear my throat) : laundry, bills, Susan at work, kids , dishes I can continue because I was so laser focused on what Dylan was calling out and making sure a I hit that mark. Fist time really working out and I crushed it I burned 600 calories and earned 27 splat points and since I was new, Dylan pulled me aside and explained everything my OTbeat recorded and he really made me feel like a rockstar! I left that gym feeling great about myself, accomplished because that workout was good, I talked to people and how I wanted to feel and they heated me. They like each other over there and the other clients have a good relationship with all of them even the coach. IF YOU HAVENT TRIED THEM OR EVEN LOOKED INTO THEM CHECK THEM OUT, the one on RICHMOND IS THE ONE I WENT TO. THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AND TELL THEM...

As a former martial arts and triathlon enthusiast with a demanding work schedule, it was important for me to have a gym membership with a lot of different offerings and flexibility. So when my wife asked me to accompany her to an Orangetheory class, I was certain it would be a one time experience. I wasn't interested in a structure that required me to reserve for classes in advance, and be charged a cancellation fee if I needed to work late.

To my surprise, my first class was amazing. The perfect combination of strength and aerobic training left me feeling energized for the rest of the day as it was both challenging and satisfying.

Still, I was apprehensive about signing up, so my wife bought me a one month pass to have more time to decide. Over the course of that month, I attended classes almost daily, and I was moved by the staff who made me feel welcome.

As for the coaches, I have never left a class disappointed. Each coach brings their own unique style into the room, and all are adept at keeping us engaged. I appreciate the constructive feedback during class, and I have developed better body awareness as a result.

Ultimately, it is the warmth and hospitality of the OTF staff, and the motivating coaching that led me to commit to a premier membership. Orangetheory has become a place where I can spend quality time with my wife, get a total body workout, and be a part of a vibrant community. Keep up...