It's one of the hottest fitness trends sweeping the nation, and it's about to explode in San Antonio. KENS 5 took a look inside an Orangetheory Fitness club and saw how it's changing the lifestyle of some locals.
Stephanie Olmos, 25, said she hits the gym six times a week. She said she is pretty much a fitness junkie.
However, a year ago she was 50 pounds overweight and didn't exercise.
"I just never stuck with it. I never found something that was right for me, so I would always give up," Olmos said.
Stephanie said the weight crept up on her shortly after she got out of the Army.
"It got to the point that I was pretty unhappy. I didn't enjoy getting dressed in the morning," she said.
Stephanie tried different workouts, but failed until a friend mentioned Orangetheory.
She walked inside the gym not knowing what to expect and loved it.
"It was intense for me at first, but it was nothing that I couldn't handle. I couldn't wait to come back. I was ready to come back and do it again," said Olmos.
She said the guidance in the classes keeps her interested. Orangetheory owner Marc Knezevic said membership is for group personal training, something that usually costs extra at other gyms.
"We have certified personal trainers that are showing you what to do. They [cue you] with our cardio blocks because we are interval training. Then they're showing you what to do in the weight room."
Marc said a big draw for his members is that the gym does the thinking for you. Members wear a heart monitor and then they try and reach the 'orange zone.' That means they'll be burning calories for another 36 hours after their workout.
"It's for anyone looking for fat loss. If you're in shape, it's great for endurance, strength and power," said. Knezevic.
Nic Del Valle, 29, was already pretty athletic when he tried an Orangetheory class on a whim three months ago. He was also drawn in by the group personal training..
"I like to go with someone just to get that extra push and have that camaraderie. Here you have that with everybody," he said.
The avid runner and soccer player also found the exercises easier on his back after an injury.
"You come here for an hour, and right after the class you feel like you accomplished something," Del Valle.
Del Valle said he has lost nine pounds. As for Olmos, she's lost 35 pounds and said she gained 10 in muscle.
"I feel amazing. It's like the complete opposite. I love waking up in the morning. I love getting ready and getting dressed," Olmos said.
