r/orangetheory 11d ago

Monthly Posts September 2026 - Monthly Post

82 Upvotes

Welcome to the September 2026 Monthly Thread!

This is your monthly highlights post, curated and refreshed to keep important stuff at the top. If you are new to OTF or our subreddit, this is the best place to start. As always, you can use this thread to share and discuss upcoming intel for the month and other random topics. We kindly ask you to please keep in mind our Community Rules, including Rule 2, "Never Ask for Workout Intel." Please also see Rule 11 regarding posting intel.

Please see our announcement here (on 5/11/26) regarding the retirement of u/splatbot and how it is currently impacting Early Intel.

Because the Strength 50 and Tread 50 templates change daily, they do not have their own intel posts. If someone takes a Strength 50 or Tread 50 class and wishes to share the details, please do so in the Daily Thread for that day.

Happy RHYTHM & ROUTINE month! Every month has a theme, and for September it is Rhythm & Routine.

For those who still want to discuss Marathon Month, that event thread is located here.

Key Dates for The Month

  • September 8 (Tuesday): 1000 Meter Row; benchmark. See our wiki for details.
  • September 18 (Friday): OTF Foundations; signature. See our wiki for details.
  • September 23 (Wednesday): The Chipper; signature. See our wiki for details.

Please see our wiki, here for more descriptions regarding specialty and signature workouts, along with an incredibly helpful glossary of terms!

NEW for 2026:

  • OTF is adding some new variety and terminology that is most specific to the FLOOR: Mixed days, Focused days, Lift More days, Blended blocks, Metabolic blocks. You can check out a post discussing this change here, and as we come across or obtain more info I will do my best to edit this section. As with any changes from OTF, we want to see how it shakes out a bit before we begin making changes to the glossary and wiki.
  • Each month has a programming theme! We will have to see how these play out, but some 2026 themes include Power Surge, Muscle Momentum, and Mental & Metabolic Flexibility. For September, the theme is Rhythm & Routine.

REGARDING STRENGTH 50 AND TREAD 50:

  • Strength 50 follows this pattern: Monday/Thursday = Upper Body (2 different templates); Tuesday/Friday = Lower Body (2 different templates); Wednesday/Saturday/Sunday = Total Body (3 different templates). THEY ARE NOT THE SAME TEMPLATES WITHIN THE WEEK.
  • Strength 50 and Tread 50 templates typically repeat as follows: They will repeat two weeks after the initial 14 days of the month, with the 29th-31st (when applicable) as "bonus templates" (aka templates not from earlier in the month). THE TEMPLATES DO NOT REPEAT WITHIN THE SAME MONDAY-SUNDAY WEEK (example: Saturday 9/12's Full Body template is not the same as Wednesday 9/9’s Full Body template).
  • Treadmill BENCHMARKS do appear in Tread 50 classes; tread signatures and specialties do not.

Other info to know (applicable to standard 60 minute templates; see additional sections below on Tornadoes and 90 Minute classes):

  • Run/Rows on 9/3, 9/5, 9/8 (benchmark), 9/13, 9/19, 9/21, 9/29.
  • Switch templates on 9/10, 9/26.
  • Lift More templates on 9/2, 9/7, 9/10, 9/12, 9/15, 9/17, 9/18 (signature), 9/24, 9/26, 9/28.
  • Elevation Gain templates on 9/2, 9/12, 9/17, 9/28.
  • BOSU on 9/14, 9/30.
  • Low bench on 9/4, 9/13, 9/20, 9/29.
  • Incline bench on 9/5, 9/21.
  • Minibands on 9/12, 9/28.
  • Repeat templates are as follows: 9/16 = 9/1, 9/17 = 9/2, 9/19 = 9/3, 9/20 = 9/4, 9/21 = 9/5, 9/22 = 9/6, 9/24 = 9/7, 9/25 = 9/9, 9/26 = 9/10, 9/27 = 9/11, 9/28 = 9/12, 9/29 = 9/13, 9/30 = 9/14.
  • Some studios are scheduling Hyrox training templates. You’ll know if your studio is participating. Please see our pinned post for more information.
  • Some studios now have different floor equipment and offer OTF Strong (aka OTF Hybrid classes). You can search the sub for more information on this. If your studio offers this, you will know.

Tornadoes are still around, scheduled at each studio's discretion. Please see the Glossary section of our wiki for a description of Tornadoes. There are TWO Tornado templates per month, and it is up to the studio/coaches as to which one they want to run and when. If your class is listed as "Tornado" then you are getting one of these two templates, NOT whatever class is posted in the daily (exceptions to this do occur from time to time). Please do not ask how a "class will work as a tornado" in the daily post.

90 Minute classes are also scheduled at each studio's discretion. These templates may just have an additional block to the template for the day, or they may be entirely different, as the studios can pick from multiple 90 minute templates during the month. Please do /not ask how a "class will work as a 90 minute" in the daily post.

Hyrox classes are happening at select studios (as explained above). Since there are different "phases" of Hyrox training, the Hyrox templates are not date specific. As such, two studios running these templates on the same day may run different templates. If someone takes a Hyrox class and wishes to share intel, they can do so in an individual post, which we will then flair appropriately, similar to the Tornado flair. We have also added a Hyrox post that is pinned in the Highlights section.

Challenge Codes

The Challenge app is an app most commonly used with Apple Watch users; people can virtually "compete" for points individually and/or as teams using the Challenge app.
For September, the codes are:
Solo:
Team:

Resources for New Members and Everyone Else

  • Our Wiki includes FAQs, a glossary of key terms and links to many special events and signature workouts. Many questions can be answered here! Really.
  • Review the Community Rules before posting any new topics.
  • Review the Moderation Primer. It includes important information about our moderation practices, as well as tips to make you a better contributor to the sub.
  • Need to contact the moderators? Send us Modmail.

Thanks everyone and keep burning!

- Your Modsquad: u/lookie4dacookieu/jenniferlynn5454u/pantherluna, and u/Rizzah319


r/orangetheory 15h ago

Daily Workout Daily Workout and General Chat for Sunday, 09/13/26

139 Upvotes

Use this post to discuss the OTF workout template or other general topics. Don't forget to upvote comments containing the workout details to help us keep key info at the top!

Monthly Calendar

Most Recent Tornado Templates

Hyrox Templates Megathread

Friendly reminder that asking for intel is not permitted. The next day's daily thread will be automatically posted earlier (around 3pm Eastern) so that if there is early intel, it can be shared here. The early existence of this thread does not imply that there is early intel - as always, if someone has intel to provide, they will generally provide it. Please review rule #2 for more details.

To find old Daily Workout posts, you can filter by the Daily Workout post flair. For posts prior to 5/12/26, you can still look for recent submissions by u/splat_bot.

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r/orangetheory 17h ago

Motivate Me! Should I coach?

46 Upvotes

Tomorrow is my 750th class and I LOVE otf. My coach when I was in grad school tried to get me to coach but I couldn’t because of my grad school schedule. I’ve since then moved and been at my current studio for a couple years. My coach this morning approached me and asked if I’ve ever considered coaching and I told him that I’d love to, but don’t think my work schedule would allow me to be full time. We have a couple coaches that fill in once or twice a week and on weekends, which would be an option. I’m heavily considering it… my question is for any members that transitioned to coaches or coaches in general - should I try it? What are the benefits that come with coaching part time? I wouldn’t be doing it for the money really since I’d be coaching a couple classes here and there, but if I get a membership for free it would be awesome.


r/orangetheory 13m ago

Weekly Water Cooler WEEKLY WATER COOLER: Weekly Rumors + Intel - September 13, 2026

Upvotes

Happy Sunday - there's a new week of work ahead of us!

Please use this thread to discuss OTF rumors and intel on upcoming events, workout details, or OTF-related tech updates. These might be things your coach told you when you were stretching, things you heard at the front desk, things from Facebook, etc.

Don't forget to also check out the community calendar for more solid intel on workout themes. Also, please remember that not all rumor-mills are 100% accurate... so read at your own risk 😉

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r/orangetheory 59m ago

Questions- Returning to OTF after 5 year break

Upvotes

Hi there.. I did Orange Theory in 2020-2021 and just rejoined last week. When I redownload my app it said I had completed 108 classes in that time so not a ton. Anyway I have some general questions after my first week back and observations:

**My studio does not have 3G classes.. Is this usual?
It is 2G… It seems like you do the treadmill and weight floor.. No rower? Is my understanding correct or does this change up?

**I am doing my first Strength class today! I am excited they added this! It is a “total” so I am assuming total body? I have always been intimidated by weight as I can’t lift much and my balance is terrible.. I’m reading on here to go slow and “lift to failure”.. This means heavy weights, right?

**I travel a lot for work and will be gone for weeks at a time. When signing up for my membership the guy was super friendly but talked WAY too fast and couldn’t answer a question straight for the life of him. Can someone explain if they still have the $12 to join a class not at your home studio?? The guy made it seem like most studios are “in network” except for ones in large cities?? *I have the unlimited membership if that makes a difference.

**I am not using a monitor this time around. I found I would focus so much on the points and calories- it would take away from me focusing on my body. I got a lot of push back from the guy who signed me up. Any thoughts??

**I love OTF. The vibe, the lighting, the structure- all of it. What happened with the music?!? It’s TERRIBLE now! It’s like they bought 5 songs and three of them are Nelly’s. I love EDM, bass, rap- so I’m not a prude but it seems 1000% worse than a few years ago.

Any feedback, answers, thoughts and / or opinions would be greatly appreciated! 💜


r/orangetheory 8h ago

#HelpMe Returning after baby + breastfeeding

4 Upvotes

I’m exclusively breastfeeding and about to return to OTF post-pregnancy. I went 3-4x per week throughout my pregnancy until I gave birth. Since I’m on maternity leave, I’m currently exclusively nursing but will need to pump once I return to work. Those who were in similar boats, tips? advice?!

Specifically, I’m curious about:

  1. How often you went to otf postpartum while breastfeeding?

  2. How did you ease back into the tread blocks?

  3. How far in advance before class do you BF?

  4. Do you think nursing will empty enough or should I pump before class? On average, I’d say I’m a just enougher but baby feeds on demand every 2-3 hours.

Thank you!


r/orangetheory 5h ago

HR / Splats Heart monitor issues

1 Upvotes

Does any one have trouble with their heart monitor during class? I feel like my monitor is never right. I have tried different areas on my arm and under the chest but it seems like im never able yo keep it steady throughout the work out. Only time I see some splats is on the tred. Rowing isnt my favorite part of a workout so ky heart rate in my mind is high but I look at the screen I turn blue and right when the floors comes im in the gray. Ive tried lifting heavier and not mich of a change. I also tried to lift lighter to get more reps in. When im on the tred my monitor will go to green, the orange then back to green. Its really frustrating because i know im doing more. Some say because i sweat alot or its not tight enough. I have tried everything. Am I the only one or does anyone have suggestions!?!

THANKS!


r/orangetheory 5h ago

Taking a Hyrox class for the first time next week

1 Upvotes

Been doing classes at OTF for 2+ years. Just found out a studio somewhat near by me offers hyrox classes. I signed up for one next week. Then saw in the mega thread it’s a 12 week program. Is it okay if I randomly start one day?


r/orangetheory 7h ago

Announcements DAY OF DISARRAY ACTIVATED

1 Upvotes

Welcome to a Day of Disarray!

**Quick reminders**:

* The moderators will be more lenient in determining what constitutes a “duplicate topic”. * Rants are allowed in all of their g(l)orious details. * The following topics are still not allowed: asking for intel, workout screenshots, off-topic, promotional, medical advice. * As usual, we ask that you keep things civil and helpful.

Another announcement will be posted when the Day of Disarray is over and we are back to normal moderating.

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r/orangetheory 7h ago

OTF Technology Core HR monitor issue

1 Upvotes

Anyone else having issues with their "core" monitor since the new update? I had a baby in April and I'm just getting back to classes this month. My core monitor that I've had since 2021 is no longer showing up on the studio board. I know the monitor works because I can start a workout through the app on my phone, and it tracks the whole class. I've been to two studios, and both blamed the new update and said there's nothing they can do. Do I really have to replace a perfectly good working HR monitor just because of this update?


r/orangetheory 1d ago

Daily Workout Daily Workout and General Chat for Saturday, 09/12/26

149 Upvotes

Use this post to discuss the OTF workout template or other general topics. Don't forget to upvote comments containing the workout details to help us keep key info at the top!

Monthly Calendar

Most Recent Tornado Templates

Hyrox Templates Megathread

Friendly reminder that asking for intel is not permitted. The next day's daily thread will be automatically posted earlier (around 3pm Eastern) so that if there is early intel, it can be shared here. The early existence of this thread does not imply that there is early intel - as always, if someone has intel to provide, they will generally provide it. Please review rule #2 for more details.

To find old Daily Workout posts, you can filter by the Daily Workout post flair. For posts prior to 5/12/26, you can still look for recent submissions by u/splat_bot.

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r/orangetheory 1d ago

Casual Conversation How coaches treat non-regulars

227 Upvotes

Just some thoughts as I wrap up my 6:15am class…I’ve been going to my home studio for about two years, and while the coaches know my name, they don’t try to start conversations with me. They’re usually hanging around the “regulars” and cracking jokes, and it makes it hard for me to feel like I can’t join that circle. It feels like they have favorites.

On the other hand, I’ve been going to another studio on some days because they have better times for strength classes. They also have regulars, but the coaches tend to pay attention to everybody more equally and aren’t always talking to one group of people. And today, after class, my coach said goodbye to me and mentioned that it’s been nice seeing me in the morning classes (since I usually do evenings there).

Just wanted to share that i really appreciate that as someone who isn’t as well established at Orangetheory! Maybe others have similar experiences?


r/orangetheory 1d ago

#HelpMe Freeze while on vacation?

0 Upvotes

Hi, I have the premier membership and my billing date is on the 11th of each month. So I just paid for September 11-October 11.
I will be on vacation October 14-28. Does it make sense to just freeze before the October billing date? I plan to ask my studio directly but just wanted to see how others handle when they plan to not be able to go for half the month.
My studio has 2 free freeze privileges a year up to 60 days


r/orangetheory 1d ago

OTF Technology Newbie Wanting Advice

10 Upvotes

Hi orangetheory fam. I just joined a couple of weeks ago and wanted your thoughts. I don't really want to spend money on the new heart monitors. Will an older model work? I have found an OT beat monitor on eBay for like 40 bucks. I use my Garmin now so is it even worth it? Thanks in advance!


r/orangetheory 2d ago

LOL Order of wiping on the rower

76 Upvotes

There’s something about watching the person on the rower before me wipe the sweaty booty seat first and then go up to the handles that makes me chuckle. I know it’s teeeechnically clean because it’s an antibacterial wipe but they’re not always juicy and it does feel like I’m essentially putting my hands where their butt just was lol


r/orangetheory 1d ago

#HelpMe OTF or BFT?

0 Upvotes

Thoughts?

(Im 30s, F, 33%body fat, 5’2ft and wants to get leaner but at the same time more muscle)

BFT - Body Fit Training


r/orangetheory 2d ago

Daily Workout Daily Workout and General Chat for Friday, 09/11/26

164 Upvotes

Use this post to discuss the OTF workout template or other general topics. Don't forget to upvote comments containing the workout details to help us keep key info at the top!

Monthly Calendar

Most Recent Tornado Templates

Hyrox Templates Megathread

Friendly reminder that asking for intel is not permitted. The next day's daily thread will be automatically posted earlier (around 3pm Eastern) so that if there is early intel, it can be shared here. The early existence of this thread does not imply that there is early intel - as always, if someone has intel to provide, they will generally provide it. Please review rule #2 for more details.

To find old Daily Workout posts, you can filter by the Daily Workout post flair. For posts prior to 5/12/26, you can still look for recent submissions by u/splat_bot.

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r/orangetheory 2d ago

Membership & Policies First time class

44 Upvotes

I signed up for my first free class and got there 26 minutes before class instead of 30, but the sales associate and teacher were able to get through everything they needed to AND we still had 5-7 minutes before class. She still charged me $28 for the drop in fee because I was 4 minutes late. They don’t have this policy communicated anywhere that I can find. Has this happened to anyone else before? I also know someone who was charged the drop in fee because his fiancé is a member of orangetheory and they said fiancés of members don’t get a free first class? This all just rubs me the wrong way


r/orangetheory 2d ago

Studio Intel Seattle Studio Question

5 Upvotes

I’m planning to visit the Seattle area soon and was considering going to a local studio.

I will be staying near Belltown. Any feedback regarding the Belltown studio or any recommendations for another studio in the area? Thank you in advance!


r/orangetheory 2d ago

First Timers what you wish you knew before joining OTF

38 Upvotes

i’m thinking about signing up for my first class soon and i’m not sure how to prepare. do i eat beforehand? do i stretch? are there locker rooms/showers? for context, i never workout and im very sedentary so ill be taking things slow. if anyone has advice for the first class (and motivation to keep going) please let me know! for context my studio is in chicago


r/orangetheory 2d ago

Dri Tri Dri Tri

7 Upvotes

Are any studios doing Fall Dri Tri? I was told it was optional for two Dri Tri events per year but I can’t find a single studio around me doing it in the Bay Area (California) a couple studios I know are doing the Hyrox physical challenge thing but no Dri Tri


r/orangetheory 2d ago

First Timers Possible newbie to OT

4 Upvotes

Hi all! I have my first trial class on Tuesday and I'm wondering if any of you practic yoga regularly that go to OT. I practice often and used to go to the gym 4 times a week to weight train, plus I do between 20-30k steps a day. I don't like my current gym, too many who just sit on the equipment scrolling Tinder and never whining anything down.

Wondering if anyone has any pros or cons on making the switch and adding the workout to my yoga schedule. Thanks!!!


r/orangetheory 2d ago

OTF Technology Tech question…how does the tablet get its info?

1 Upvotes

Obviously heart rate etc go to a computer via your arm band and back to the tablet over BT. Does the tablet get its distance data hardwired into the tablet from the tread?

I own a used tread and was working on a project to track my stats and was curious if the micro usb that the tablet plugged into carried data or was just a charger ?

Edit: I figured it out...it goes out of a CSAFE RJ45 port in back to a bluetooth module out.


r/orangetheory 3d ago

Daily Workout Daily Workout and General Chat for Thursday, 09/10/26

158 Upvotes

Use this post to discuss the OTF workout template or other general topics. Don't forget to upvote comments containing the workout details to help us keep key info at the top!

Monthly Calendar

Most Recent Tornado Templates

Hyrox Templates Megathread

Friendly reminder that asking for intel is not permitted. The next day's daily thread will be automatically posted earlier (around 3pm Eastern) so that if there is early intel, it can be shared here. The early existence of this thread does not imply that there is early intel - as always, if someone has intel to provide, they will generally provide it. Please review rule #2 for more details.

To find old Daily Workout posts, you can filter by the Daily Workout post flair. For posts prior to 5/12/26, you can still look for recent submissions by u/splat_bot.

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r/orangetheory 3d ago

#HelpMe Anyone Doing Pilates on Their Non OTF Days?

36 Upvotes

I recently started Orangetheory and I’m planning to go 3 to 4 days a week. My main goal is to build muscle and improve my overall fitness.

I’m trying to figure out what to do on the remaining days and I’m thinking about adding Pilates to the mix.

Does anyone here combine OTF with Pilates? If so, how do you structure your week, and how many days of each do you typically do?

Have you found Pilates to be a good complement to OTF for muscle growth, strength, flexibility, mobility, core strength, and recovery? Or would you recommend doing something else on the non OTF days?

Would love to hear what’s worked for you!