What’s up, fellow Obsessives?
We’re one week away from the start of the Transformation Challenge! If you’ve participated before, I’d love to share some of your tips with other readers who are taking the plunge for the first time. Hit me up at [email protected] with the game plan that worked well for you!
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Have you had trouble getting into any classes this month?
I’ve been proactive on pre-booking my usual times to beat the crowds in 2026.
However, I decided on Friday night to go to a 6 am Saturday class that’s never crowded.
Yet the waiting list was eight people and while I moved up, I still didn’t get in.
Ah well. Such is life at any gym in January and I’m happy there are new faces in my studio who might be on their way to joining us as full-fledged obsessives.
Here are five things I’d tell them that I wish I knew on Class No. 1:
You’ll Become Addicted Quickly: One minute you’re there because your partner or friend got you in for a sample workout and yeah, sure why not check it out? The next you’re rearranging your mornings, planning your days around class times and feeling a big hole on the days you’re not able to go.
You Will Be Hungry. (Oh, So Hungry): My wife reminded me this week that the first thing I said to her that morning was “So do you just eat like crazy whenever you’re done with a workout?” Those HIIT workouts turn your body into furnaces that can’t be satisfied and I still haven’t gotten used to it seven years later.
You Will See Results: Once you decide to stick with is and show up consistently, your body will change. You might not hit the number on the scale that you went into the studio looking for, but that quickly won’t matter once you see that your body is stronger, your clothes fit better and you start to achieve physical things you never thought possible.
You’ve Never Done A Workout Like This Before: It’s not a traditional workout class. It’s not an open gym session. It’s a one-hour challenge that you can topple every day if you want. Throw in the activity tracking and the benchmarks and the odds are that it will stick like no other routine before it.
You May Have Just Joined A Cult: But the best kind of cult.
What things do you wish you would’ve known on Workout #1?
📕 Conquer 2026 with
the Ultimate OTF Tracker on Notion!
🐹 I Got To Be A Template Tester Last Week
My class took part in a 3G “test template” for the 500 meter rowing benchmark on Monday morning.
We were given the choice to compete the 500 benchmark either at the beginning of the 14-minute block or near the end of it.
The rest of the block was 250-meter push rows with alt reverse lunges in between.
I chose to start off with the row, as did all but one person who was on the rowers with me. I don't know if it was just because that's what we're used to, but it'll be interesting to see if the template is rolled out to wider participation.
We given a QR code to submit our feedback to corporate and our coach said we'll likely be seeing the 500 row in February.
I really enjoyed the template overall. Good endurance block on the treads and a good mix of exercises on the floor. Some intel given to me on Facebook says we can expect the 500-meter benchmark on February 4.
📕 Transformation Challenge Advice Wanted
I’ve never participated in a Transformation Challenge before and that’s not going to change this year. But I’m sure a lot of you are taking the plunge for the first time and would like some tips on what to expect starting next week.
So I’m asking former participants: What should people know about the Transformation Challenge? What are the best ways to succeed? What do you wish you would’ve known before starting? Did you follow a good nutrition plan you’re willing to share?
Pass along your tips to [email protected] and I’ll share them with everyone next week.
📆 The Week Ahead
🚣 1,000 Meter Benchmark (Wednesday): I love the challenge of this one because I’ve yet to nail the strategy and feel great about the time I turned in. Maybe this time. Combined with next Monday’s one-mile to kick off the TC, that’ll two benchmarks in six days. (pumps fist)
Everyone have a great week!
Note: OTF Obsessed is an independent fan-created newsletter and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially associated with Orangetheory Fitness.
