January 26, 2025
By Mikey Fuller

Want to kickstart the New Year with a workout that's as fun as it is challenging? Rachael Robideaux, academic advisor II in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, recommends Orangetheory Fitness for the ultimate blend of strength and cardio that pushes limits and inspires transformation.

After conquering over 400 classes, Robideaux makes it a point to attend Orangetheory two to three times a week and always leaves feeling stronger and more accomplished.

“It’s a great workout that is fun and enjoyable,” Robideaux says. "There is great music, awesome trainers, and it’s always motivating working out with other people.”

Orangetheory is a one-hour, full body workout focused on strength training, endurance, and power. All elements of the class work together to supercharge a participant's metabolism so the person is burning calories and body fat while also building lean muscle.

The fitness program is built around five heart rate training zones, designed to ensure participants train at the right intensity for their fitness level. During a workout, participants wear a heart rate monitor to measure real-time results that are displayed on screens throughout the studio. The goal is to spend 12 to 20 minutes in the "Orange Zone," where their heart rate is elevated to supercharge their metabolism, burn fat, and continue burning calories for up to 24 hours after class.

Orangetheory Fitness offers flexible membership options based on how often someone wants to take classes. One membership benefit, Robideaux says, is getting to work out at different Orangetheory studios around the country when she travels. Her first class was in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she lived before moving to Atlanta.

Orangetheory Fitness has more than 1,300 locations across the U.S. Use the location finder to find a nearby studio and book a free first class today.