What’s up, fellow Obsessives?
Hell Week is finally here!
Well, at least it’ll be here on Friday, but this is the last OTF Obsessed issue before the start of everyone’s favorite week of the year at Orangetheory.
Make sure you join the OTF Obsessed group on Facebook and are following our Instagram page so we can talk about the workouts with other Obsessives throughout the eight days!
New here? Drop your email below or sign up for future newsletters now.
☠️ How To Survive Hell Week 2025 ☠️
Did you know they call it Hell Week because “How Far Will You Go For a T-shirt?” didn’t quite have the same ring to it?
OK, that might not be true, but what is true that Hell Week has undeniably been one of Orangetheory’s greatest hits. The energy in the studios is unmatched, the workouts are usually among the best of the best and — yes — getting that T-shirt or tank after four workouts hits so good.
You can’t just show up for Hell Week too and expect to crush it without a little preparation. With that in mind, I’ve put together a few tips for finding your way through OTF’s signature week, whether you’re an old soul or fresh meat.
Book Early, Book Often — And Have A Plan: Those treadmills and rowers fill up quickly. Take a minute today to figure out when and how you’re going to hit four workouts and beyond. You don’t want to be shut out the night before.
Forget the Tricks, Limit The Treats: If there ever was a week to make sure your diet is right, make it this one. Hydrate early and often and make sure your body has the right type of fuel for the best performance in the studios.
Get Your Sleep: Yes, you might have a nightmare or two where you fall off the tread or show up to class naked, but this is not the week to stay up binging Netflix or watching overtime of the Monday Night Football game. Your body is going to need the rest between workouts.
Bring a Friend: I can’t decide if I would’ve been instantly hooked or immediately scared off had my first workouts come during Hell Week. Either way, this year’s $39 promotion is a great excuse to connect with a friend and enjoy seeing their reaction after their first workout. (Those workouts will go much quicker with a friend as well.)
Celebrate The Wins! All of the workouts you’ve done this year have put you in a spot to crush the challenge of Hell Week! Be proud of the work you’re putting in and celebrate the hell out of that free T-shirt. Post that selfie. High five that neighbor. This is the OTF version of Christmas and it only comes but once a year.
Your Feedback: Hell Week Theme Ideas 💡
Melissa wrote in to take a stab 🔪 at guessing the madness behind some of the Hell Week class names … (I had a few in last week’s newsletter)
Havoc’s Hex - my guess for this one is that it’s like a tornado with a lot of movement around the room
Bewitched Balance -my guess for this one is that it’s all unilateral efforts on the Bosu while holding one leg up
Omen of the Hourglass - my guess for this one is that it’s time to efforts with distance or rep requirements in the timed efforts
Eternal Ritual - my guess for this one is that it’s a true endurance day around the room
Veil of the Unknown - my guess for this one is that either there’s a screen that pops up indicating something new to do or the coach gets to call random things.
I’m at a loss for draw of the deep …
Curious to see if any of these are right!
📕 The Ultimate OTF Tracker on Notion
📆 The Week Ahead
🚣 200-meter row benchmark (Monday): Just in case you decided to skip Capture The Flag last Friday.
☠️ Hell Week BEGINS! (Friday): As I may have mentioned earlier in this newsletter …
🥇 Milestones and PRs!
Nothing to report this week, let me know what’s new!
Tell me about your latest milestone or PR! Just hit reply on this email.
🤝 Support OTF Obsessed!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you use these links, a small portion goes toward covering the costs of running this newsletter
