This picture was taken one year ago, on August 12th, 2015. It was the first time I had ever experienced the latest phenomenon known as Orangetheory Fitness.

I was invited by a colleague and friend to attend an event to promote the new business in the Richmond Hill area. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Little did I know my body would be put to the test for one hour, doing a cardio and core strength, high intensity exercise class. I didn’t know that I could do it. But when it was over, I felt amazing.

I have written about my fitness experiences before. I have never been a gym buff or obsessed about working out. I had been a member at different gyms and it was okay. I was liked the idea of exercise, but nothing was keeping me motivated to stay anywhere. Until that night.

It became an obsession. I loved everything about it. The studio, the owners, the people, the trainers (not to mention that clothes and swag). No one judged you. No one intimidated you. Everyone just let you be the best you could be. And that is what is the best part.

You don’t need to be a marathon runner to be a part of this OTF family. In fact, my first class I power walked the entire treadmill block. That was all I could do. I wasn’t a jogger or a runner. And that was okay. You are allowed to go at your own pace and do what you can. Granted there will be times that you will be pushed by the trainers to see just how far your body will allow you to go. In fact, I’ve been brought to the point of wanting to throw up! But its exhilarating! And it’s what makes going back that much better.

I have come a long way in the last year. I have become a jogger. Okay I still can’t run circles around my husband or anything, and fine I only jog a 10-12 minute mile, but I JOG! And enjoy it! (I know, who would think I would ever utter those words about running!). I sleep better. My heart rate is better. I am stronger. And, there is muscle people, MUSCLE!!!

Here is my first class performance summary and my most recent class summary:

Such a difference. Now I know you would have to experience it and learn more about what this actually means, but look at the heart rate average difference! Something I am very proud of.

This place truly has become like a second home to me. I get to workout with friends and I have met some amazing people. And while the group classes are trying and can be extremely hard, they are fun! And trust me when I say you will walk out of there feeling incredible.

I still can’t believe it has been a year. And I can’t wait for many many more years. I love this place. I will act as their unofficial brand ambassador any day of the week! And I want you to love it just as much as I do. Which is why Orangetheory Fitness Elgin Mills is offering one lucky reader a FREE MONTH membership!**

You don’t need to live in Richmond Hill to qualify but you do have to be willing to drive to this location.

If you want to try out the most amazing and highest trending workout, all you have to do is enter my giveaway on my Facebook page HERE.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of OTF!!

Giveaway will be live Friday August 12th – Friday August 26th, 2016 and winner will be chosen at random.

**Winner will receive one free month, valued up to $149.99 before taxes. Must purchase your own heart rate monitor for the classes**

Good luck!

xo

D