Orangetheory Fitness — Local services in Poway

OrangeTheory may not be for everyone, but it was great for me.

First and foremost I decided to write this review because of the phenomenal customer service that OrangeTheory Poway offered me (more detail below and a summary at the end).

OrangeTheory (OT) is a high intensity workout that lasts roughly an hour each class. A class has a coach and up to ~30 participants. Each day the class is comprised of a different set of exercises that can be done at the intensity level that fits you. During the session the couch explains the exercises and gives words of motivation. During the class your heart rate is tracked and displayed so you know how you're doing during the workout.

I love OT because it keeps me honest with my fitness goals. There are certain exercises (leg exercises) I would often skip when I worked out on my own. Getting coached through the workout helps me push myself farther than I would If I were left to my own devices.

As mentioned above I had a great customer service experience with OT. I had an issue with my account, but they were able to help me with it to my satisfaction. In all of my experiences with OT staff I have found them cordial and very helpful.

I do have a two issues with OrangeTheory.

The first issue is the price. The memberships are not cheap ($20 per class for the basic membership, $15 per class for the next level up). Although they are expensive I find that they are worth price.

The second issue I have is with their heart rate monitor system. I have had issues with their monitors not being able to read my pulse during the workout. I also wear an apple watch to verify my heart rate and if I notice the OT heart rate monitor drop out I will adjust it to try to get it reading again. Their heart rate monitor is not essential to my workout, but I find it to be part of the OT experience and I enjoy seeing it on the board. Also, the calories they say you burn at OT seem ~20% higher than other fitness trackers say. I do not know what accounts for this.

TL;DR: OrangeTheory is great for me. I find it to be a fantastic workout experience. I would highly recommend requesting a free class and see if it works for you.

Pros: -The workouts -The experience -The staff and customer service

Cons: -The price (but I believe its worth it) -The heart rate monitor system (I wish they had an app for the Apple Watch, or could improve their system...

Ive been athletic my whole life, but after high school I got more into the gym, weights, work out classes, running, biking, etc. Once I hit my mid 30's I was so burnt out with all of it. I dreaded going to the gym, I couldn't take another gym class, to scared to injure myself on a road bike and so board of running. My sister in law told me about OTF. My 1st class was in Encinitas with Allen and I was IN LOVE!!!! The energy, the lighting, the music, the work outs, EVERYTHING! Just show up. You don't even have to think. Just listen to your coach. I am so motivated by being able to see my heart rate, calories and what zone I am in at all times. I also really love working out as a group. It is so much more motivating, I push myself more and I love being able to sign up for classes. Not only bc I know I have a spot and can plan my week, but is also gives me accountability. Exactly what I was looking for!!! I also love that it is a full body work out and teaches me to work body parts that I normally wouldn't work if I was working out alone. My goal was to find a work out routine where I was working out SMARTER NOT HARDER. I go at my own pass, listen to my body and my body looks better then when I was in my 20's working out 5 days a week. I only do OTF 2-3 times a week and I feel great!! I went for my 1st time on my birthday and this past January was my 3 year anniversary. I was over the moon when they opened the Poway location so I could stop driving to Encinitas and now I have Del Sur too. Im pretty much right in the middle of the 2 locations so I get to choose from both. My heart is with Poway though :) Thank you so much OTF for changing my life and helping me find my dream work out!! I feel like my life is complete and in order now. I have recommended dozens of people to OTF. I plan my week. See when I can squeeze in my work outs for the week, book my classes and LIFe is GooD!...

Beware: Aggressive sales tactics and unauthorized charges

I attended a free introductory class at Orangetheory Poway on July 22, hoping to explore different studios before committing. Leading up to the class, I received constant calls and emails reminding me to arrive early for the required 30-minute pre-class “tour” and orientation. From the start I began to feel front desk’s heavy presence before, during, and after class check-ins as a means to sign up for a membership, without presenting any class package alternatives. It was clear they were focused on making a sale, not allowing me to decide if this studio is the right fit for me.

During the class, I was pulled aside 10 minutes before it ended to begin the hard sell on membership—despite communicating that I did not want to commit at this time.

After the class, I just wanted to go home — Instead, I ended up staying 20+ minutes past the class end time, feeling pressured and overwhelmed. I was charged without signing any terms agreement.

Workout: Circuit-style — solid enough. Business practice: Way too pushy. Left a bad taste. Doesn’t feel respectful of customer choice or transparency.

I called the studio the next morning to change my membership and dispute the charge, I was told my profile would be noted and to wait for a manager to respond in 1-2 days. I call again three days later and was told the issue was “being sent to management” with no resolution yet. They insisted on sticking to the first month charge and 30-day cancellation policy.

The circuit-style workout is effective, but the business practices are aggressive, misleading, and frustrating.

I’ve disputed the charge with my bank and shared my experience here so others...