When it comes to getting in shape as quickly and effectively as possible, one can hit a standard gym, push a little iron and stroll on the treadmill with varying degrees of results or they can go to Orangetheory Fitness—Syosset’s newest exercise sensation—and be put through the paces like never before until they’ve achieved their fitness goals in record time.
Orangetheory Fitness, located at 103 Jackson Ave., is part of a chain of progressive workout studios that was founded five years ago in Florida—hence the “Orange” of “Orangetheory”—and currently boasts locations in Massapequa, Rockville Centre and East Northport, with additional gyms currently slated to open in Melville and Carle Place as well.
Orangetheory Fitness of Syosset opened its doors on July 9. Kelly Kirsh, director of marketing and East Meadow resident, said that the chain has enjoyed success throughout Long Island and the franchise owners decided it was high time to tap into the local Syosset market and introduce to its residents what Orangetheory is all about.
“Syosset is a great area. Just the people here and the surrounding area is just perfect,” she said. “We have 500 members already and that was before we were even open a month and everyone’s energy is great. We love the community and we think this was a great choice.” Kirsh noted that Orangetheory is not your average gym where you come in and workout at your own pace with the same routine. Instead, variety and intensity is the name of the game when it comes to their training methods.
“It’s a one-hour group workout lead by a fitness instructor. It’s half cardio and the other half is lifting weights and other exercises. It’s always a full-body workout and each class is always different,” she said. “What makes us even more different is that everyone is connected to a heart rate monitor and your names are up on a screen, so it tracks your performance during the workout. This way you can tell if you’re under-working or over-working and your trainer can adjust your workout accordingly.”
Nick Locicero, operations coordinator for Orangetheory and a Huntington resident, is himself a perfect example of what a high-intensity exercise program can do for someone looking to get into better shape in a hurry. Previously, he had transformed himself with the grueling technique and is looking to extol its benefits to others now as well.
“I’ve been a trainer for a few years and I started with my own weight-loss journey,” he said. “I lost 85 pounds and that’s what got me into health and fitness. I did it through interval training and later discovered Orangetheory in East Northport, which adheres to the same training principles. So, I became a trainer there.”
“The high energy, the fast pace, it’s a one hour workout and in that one hour there’s not any downtime, you’re just consistently moving,” he said. “You’re getting a lot of results from it. I can burn up to 900 calories a class. It’s the one workout that you always come out of with a smile on your face.”
The workout at Orangetheory, while constantly varied, sticks to certain cornerstones: endurance, strength and power. With all three sometimes mixed in together in a single workout, Locicero said.
“One day we might work with cardio intervals on the treadmills and the rest of the workout will be resistance training; TRX bands, free weights,” he said. “It’s always a full-body workout and it’s always different.”
One unique piece of equipment Orangetheory possesses in its fight against fat is known as the water rower. It’s a one-of-a-kind, off-the-wall take on the traditional rowing machine that comes the closest to actually dipping our oars in the water, Locicero said, and it provides a great workout.
“It’s state of the art. One of the smoothest rowing machines in the world right now,” he said. “There’s a water tank and the paddles inside it actually catch the water like the oar of a boat. It’s a very low-impact machine, but it’s our pound-for-pound champion when it comes to burning calories. It burns twice as many calories as the treadmill, because it utilizes about 85 percent of your body.”
Everything at Orangetheory Fitness adds up to one goal: to get their customers into the best shape of their lives and to that goal, Locicero invites anyone who’s interested to come on down and try out a free lesson.
“We’re open and we’re ready to go,” he said. “Orange is a symbol of high energy and that’s what you’re going to encounter here.”
Visit Orangetheory Fitness of Syosset online at www.orangetheoryfitness.com/syosset.
