What’s up, fellow Obsessives?
So I just hit my 666th class on Saturday. That would’ve been so metal if it were Hell Week, but it’s not and so I’m feeling a little superstitious until I get back tomorrow.
Anyone else think I should’ve just gone back to back for No. 667?
Also, I have some homework for you: I’d love to publish a list of your tips for the Dri-Tri in a few weeks. Hit me with those at [email protected] to help your fellow Obsessives later this month!
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🍊 Ellen Latham on Building OTF 🧱
Orangetheory founder Ellen Latham was on the Living Richly Podcast this week and I thought it was a really good episode.
I’ve listened to Ellen on a few podcasts before, but I’ll always check out any appearance in the same way I’ll always listen to a favorite musician talking about one of my favorite albums. She built something that I love and I always want to know more about it.
This one started with a fun tie-in: The podcast’s hosts met at OTF, fell in love and even had orange flowers at their wedding.
But most of the episode centered on Ellen’s story, particularly how:
She lost an amazing job at a Miami spa in her early 50s.
She took the hit and started teaching Pilates and spin.
Met her two business partners — the “perfect storm” she calls it — and rebounded with a global fitness brand that all of us are crazy about.
Some of you might be familiar with Ellen’s story, some of you may not.
But either way, it can still be really inspiring to those of us who fall into the “OTF Obsessive” mold and want to get better every day.
One point she made was really illuminating:
“I think I made $20,000 a year for like three decades … But I wasn’t gonna get out of fitness because this was my passion.”
Hearing that quote, it doesn’t surprise me why the Orangetheory brand is so strong.
Ellen put in so many years of work with only the betterment of her clients in her mind.
The fame and financial freedom she’s experienced in her 50s and 60s were never her North Star.
When it was finally time to take her teachings and system to the next level — many, many years after she started — the soul of Orangetheory was already firmly baked into its DNA.
Simply put, Ellen Latham’s long road to OTF success is why it succeeds.
🍊 Your responses: OTF Routines 🗓️
Last week I wrote about the importance of having a good pre-OTF routine and asked you for some of your tips in getting ready for a workout each day.
“I’m also a 5am OTFer during the week but my routine is a little different because I am not a morning person at all. I sleep fully clothed in my workout clothes for the next morning. I set my alarm for 4:25, as soon as I wake up I get up, use the bathroom and brush my teeth. Put on my socks/shoes, grab a protein bar and eat it on the way to the gym. It takes me 15min to get to my OTF so I leave by 4:40 to make it there 5min early & walk right in. I’m not a morning person but those 5am workouts really help me feel motivated & accomplished to take on the rest of the day!”
“Similar to you, I lay out my workout clothes the prior evening and my water bottle is refilled and in the refrigerator. My heart monitor is also recharged if needed the night before. I always have some fresh fruit in the refrigerator to jumpstart my body along with a small cup of coffee … I leave for class 30 minutes before start time and arrive about 20 minutes before class to catch up with other OTF-mates who have become friends over the past several years.”
“Going to OTF is part of my post-work routine and it’s a great way to de-stress after a long day of meetings. Getting there isn’t hard because it’s in a strip mall across the street from where I work, but I have to make sure it’s blocked out on my work calendar so no one drops a rogue meeting on me. I usually have a protein shake if I remember to grab one before I leave for work and I’m always hydrating throughout the day.”
📆 The Week Ahead
💪 Dri-Tri Strength Teaser Signature Workout on Wednesday
🔥 Inferno on Friday! Run-rows for life!
🥇 Milestones and PRs!
• Congrats to Lee for class No. 750!
• Shoutout to Nick for class No. 300!
Remember to share your boast-worthy accomplishments with me by replying to this email!
Final note: We’re up to 635 OTF Obsessives after just one month! Incredible! You can help this community grow by forwarding this newsletter to your favorite OTF friend!
Did you get this email forwarded to you? Join our list here!
Note: OTF Obsessed is an independent fan-created newsletter and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially associated with Orangetheory Fitness.
