I Tried Orangetheory's New Technology With the Apple Watch, and It's a Game Changer

Updated on 12/13/2019 at 10:20 AM

Orangetheory Fitness

As one of the world's fastest-growing fitness studios — there are 1,300 locations in over 23 countries — Orangetheory Fitness has a loyal following of people who are dedicated to the hour-long HIIT cardio and strength-training workouts. And while OTF has its own proprietary technology with the use of heart rate monitors for you to track your heart rate throughout the workout and earn Splat points (the amount of time your spend with your heart rate in the orange and red zones, or approximately 84 to 100 percent of your max heart rate), the company said the number one request they got from customers was the ability to use their Apple Watches to sync up to the class. Now, Orangetheory has delivered.

Orangetheory Unveils New OTbeat Link With Apple Watch

On Dec. 12, Orangetheory revealed it is rolling out new technology to work with your Apple Watch called OTbeat Link. OTbeat Link is a separate device that's attached to the Apple Watch band. It allows members to sync their Apple Watch directly with the monitors in an Orangetheory class to track calories burned, heart rate, and Splat points. In addition to the data being available on the screens in the studio, it also displays directly on the watch. OTF also created a new version of its app for Apple Watch to coincide with the OTbeat Link.

The OTbeat Link, which costs $129, will be available starting on Dec. 23 in New York City and will roll out in other US studios in 2020.

What It's Like Working Out With OTbeat Link

While I enjoy working out at Orangetheory with my OTbeat Burn, I also wear my Apple Watch (because if you work out but don't track it on your Apple Watch, did it really happen?) and it feels like I'm wearing a lot of devices. Also, the results on each device vary a little because there's no ideal setting on your Apple Watch to track an Orangetheory workout; I typically track "indoor run" for the treadmill portion and then "cross-training" for the floor.

Having all the stats in one place was a game changer. Instead of trying to strain my neck to see my stats on the screen, they were right on my wrist. I could easily look down and track my heart rate, calories burned, and Splat points. I also like that the app isn't activated until the class starts, so you get your data in real-time along with the rest of the class. While the treadmill and rower screens at the NYC locations I go to show your data, the OTbeat Link is especially helpful on the floor where the stats aren't as readily available. It also displays a timer that shows how long you've been in class so you can track when the 60 minutes are up.

When you finish the workout, it displays the stats that you always get at the end of the class, including how much time you spent in the various heart rate zones (grey, blue, green, orange, and red). The best part? It also syncs up to your own activity rings, so the workout contributes to closing those ever-important move and exercise rings.

And while I just tested out the OTbeat Link with an Apple Watch on loan at NYC's SoHo studio, I am excited to get my own OTbeat Link to check out all the features on the revamped app for Apple Watch.

Other New Orangetheory Technology Rolling Out

The new innovations aren't just for the members; Orangetheory is streamlining things for its sales associates and trainers, too. OTF has developed two apps for iOS: OTassist and OTcoach. OTassist is designed for sales associates to more easily navigate class schedules and check members into classes without needing paper or even a desk.

OTcoach will make class run much more smoothly for the coaches (who are also certified personal trainers). Instead of having to run back and forth to the coach's station to see the upcoming treadmill queues, time the music, or choose which exercises to demo, it's all in one place on the iOS app. It will allow coaches to spend more time with members and stay on track.

There's a New Premier+ Membership

To coincide with the OTbeat Link, Orangetheory is rolling out a new membership called Premier+. Previously, Orangetheory only offered three memberships: Basic (four classes a month), Elite (eight classes a month), or Premier (unlimited classes every month). Now, Premier+, which includes a bundled offering with the OTbeat Link and will cost an additional $30 a month, is designed to motivate members outside of class and incentivize them with rewards.