What’s up, fellow Obsessives?
So the OTF Tracker I built in Notion tells me that I’ve gone over 500,000 lifetime calories burned in the 701 classes that I’ve completed.
As I asked our Facebook group yesterday … Should I go to Cheesecake Factory and give them all back in one meal?
I’m just joking of course, though it’s nice to be accumulating some built-in forgiveness for the Thanksgiving dinner and holiday parties that await …
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In last week’s newsletter, I addressed the speculation that OTF might be cutting back on the number of benchmark workouts each month. There’s only one scheduled for November and reportedly only in December, making 2026 seem like uncertain territory for those who love the one-mile tread, the 12-minute run and yes, even the 2,000 row.
I asked for some of your feedback on benchmarks — whether you love them, hate them, tolerate them or can’t live without them …
Here’s a sampling of what I received in my inbox:
While I live for benchmarks to measure my consistency, I don’t do them 4x a year, I aim for twice. But I would be disappointed if I missed one because of scheduling conflicts knowing I’d have to wait 6 more months for the next chance.
So I’m torn.
On a further note: I’d love to see some sort of floor strength benchmark. I know it’s not part of our ‘gym’ culture, but my progress from starting with 12lbs and now at 35lbs for upper body is something I’d love to document. Curious how it could be done if anyone has proposed anything.
I am kind of relieved to not be overloaded with benchmarks and signature workouts right now. I feel like we've been through a LOT!!!! I just want solid workouts to be honest.... It can be stressful trying to beat my previous PR time and time again when I've already PUSHED myself so HARD the past time...! It gets discouraging when I can't beat it, so I would rather just work hard and get a good workout without stressing about that nonsense for a while... When I don't "win" against myself, I get a little down.... That's not what I want out of my workout and it's certainly no way to begin my day at 6:05 am!!!
I live for the ROWING benchmarks, ESPECIALLY the 2000 meter!!!
I am happy with the reduced benchmarks. After you’ve done them a few times you start to notice that the rest of the class template feels like an afterthought and if you’re not trying for a PR it feels like a boring workout. I lived benchmarks when I was new. But over two years in, I wouldn’t mind if they only came around very sporadically. Specialty workouts though I do love! So let’s keep those coming. The 5x5 recently was amazing and I forgot how much I enjoy that one!
I have a love-hate relationship with benchmarks. Sometimes I want to zone out and just get the regular workout done. But most times - like in this newsletter, if I participate and push myself a little I find hidden energy and joy in my class.
I’m firmly in the camp that’s OK with this end of the year break, but I hope we’ll keep having 2-3 benchmarks a month. I don’t know if I would’ve taken to OTF the same way without their challenges and the opportunity to see how I improve (or don’t) from benchmark to benchmark.
I do understand the point that the rest of the workout often feels like a little bit of a letdown and there’s been a time or two where I’ve thought about just leaving. (I never do, though.)
My studio has taken to distributing little circles at every station the day of the benchmarks. One side is green to signify you’re all-in on the benchmark. The other is red to tell the coach that it’s just another workout for you.
To me, that seems like a great solution for a topic that has plenty on both sides.
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📆 The Week Ahead
🏠 OTF Foundations signature workout (Tuesday): From Reddit: “23 minute block of push paces interspersed with 13 AOs on the tread. Back to back supersets on the floor. No rowing”
🚣 500 Meter Row (Thursday)
🏅 Milestones and Achievements
• Nancy P. writes in to tell me she’s at 2,471 workouts (!!!) and hopes to get to 2,500 by the end of the year. A member since 2014, she’s 66 and works out 5-6 times a week. Way to go, Nancy!
Have a milestone to share? Hit reply on this email and let me know!
