OrangeTheory
What? A fast-moving workout concept born right here in Fort Lauderdale.
From a single Fort Lauderdale studio, Orangetheory has now spread across the U.S. and the world. The group workouts are a brisk interval-training mix of cardio, strength and core – fast hopping between treadmills, rowing machines, wall straps, free weights and Bosu balls. The unique detail is that everybody’s wearing a heart rate monitor, and screens in the gym tell you how you’re doing. Rates are broken down into various zones; the goal is to stay in the orange zone – where they believe the desired effect of raised metabolism for 36 hours afterward – takes place.
Advantages: It’s fast-moving and the workouts change every day, so it’s tough to get bored.
Disadvantages: Classes only
Where: 1835 Cordova Rd., 2354 N. Federal Hwy., 1759 E. Commercial Blvd., orangetheoryfitness.com
Crossfit
What? One of the biggest workout concept out there right now, CrossFit isn’t easy to define. It’s interval training with some weighlifting, some gymnastics concepts – basically, a broad range of exercises packed into one intense workout. It’s also worth noting that a handful of CrossFit’s thousands of gyms are located in Fort Lauderdale, and no two CrossFit gyms are exactly the same. If you think CrossFit might be for you, it could be worth trying several places.
Advantages: A proven results-getter with a large community of believers.
Disadvantages: You commit to this. If you’re looking for something to do part-time, CrossFit might not be for you.
Where: CrossFit Empirical, 1445 SE 17th St., crossfitempirical.com; CrossFit Conquest East, 1322 SW 1st Ave, crossfitconquesteast.com; CrossFit Riptide, 15 SW 7th St., crossfitriptide.com; CrossFit Las Olas, 700 W. Las Olas Blvd, crossfitlasolas.com; CrossFit Fort Lauderdale Powered by Muscle Farm, 1255 N. Flagler Dr., m.mainstreethub.com/crossfitfortlauderdale; CrossFit Oakland Park, 2246 NW 29th St., Oakland Park., crossfitoaklandpark.com
Lagree Fitness
What? OK, you know Pilates? This is Pilates’ Type A older cousin. If Pilates is a Kenny G concert, this is a Metallica gig. This is Pilates, pumped. The Lagree Method began in Los Angeles when personal trainer Sebastian Lagree found that Pilates clients were doing cardio afterwards. Surely, he thought, there was a way to diversify this workout. The result was the Megaformer. The machine that forms the basis of the Lagree method looks like something a Medieval king would use on a heretic; its proponents swear by it. It offers opportunities to push, pull, squat, stretch and get a workout that’s a clever combination of strength training, cardio and Pilates.
Advantages: A remarkably diverse workout from one little machine.
Disadvantages: Done in classes only, so less time flexibility.
Where: Core Contour, 2358 N. Federal Hwy, corecontour.com; Core 954, 1227 S. Federal Hwy in Pompano Beach, core954.com
Cycle Fitness
What? Cycling’s a great way to get in shape, but it can be dangerous in Fort Lauderdale. (See story, page 69.) And of course, air conditioning is nice too. A number of gyms and classes offer stationary bike-based workouts. Spinning is a specific kind of cycle-based fitness regimen taught by qualified professionals – but the main thing to know is that there are great cycling options out there. It’s also worth noting that in addition to gyms that specialize in cycle-based workouts, many larger gyms also offer a cycling component.
Advantages: Lots of work and yet in many ways lower impact, this can be good if, for example, you have joint problems.
Disadvantages: Less variety.
Where: Cycleward Studio, 6161 N. Federal Hwy., cyclewardstudio.com A number of other gyms also offer some form of cycling or spinning.
The Gym
What? You know. Weights, treadmills, stationary bikes, maybe some televisions. No concept. There are, of course, still many places that operate as good old-fashioned straightforward gyms. Some hold classes and incorporate some of the concepts listed elsewhere here, others are bare-bones and have the low monthly fee to show for it. In every case, the trick is to show up, give it a try and see what works for you.
Advantages: With so many different concepts out there, you can find the one that works best for you.
Disadvantages: Go with a straightforward gym and you’re often left to your own devices more. If you’re the kind of person who swears you’ll do two hours of lifting but then does 30 minutes of cardio, maybe you need more structure.
