In addition to Halloween, Wednesday, October 31st, marked the end of Orangetheory Fitness’ (OTF) annual Hell Week. This year, an 8-day gauntlet of challenging workouts.
From a fun-filled burpee fest on the first day, to grueling “recovery” periods consisting of active body-weight movements during other days, Hell Week contains stories of horrors, laughter and tears.
Perhaps it’s geared toward Halloween (and some of the workouts are indeed Halloween-themed in nature). Nonetheless, more people (if not the most) show up to Hell Week more than any other Orangetheory event. It’s very hard, but also a hell of a lot of fun.
Note: checkout this post from OTF on how to survive Hell Week, too!
Hell Week: A Hell of A Lot of Fun!
Heavily marketed, and perhaps actually OTF’s premier event of the year, Hell Week takes place towards the end of October and enables members to test their skills and abilities. This was my second year doing Hell Week, and I found it just as challenging (and fun!) as the prior year.
I don’t really remember every single day, but I did complete 6 of the 8 workouts. I wanted that damn t-shirt (this year, you needed to go to at least 5 of the 8 days at the same studio in order to get the “free” Hell Week t-shirt). The things people do to get a t-shirt…
The first day began on a Wednesday and consisted of a hell of a lot of burpees. At least there was a variety of different burpees; I didn’t know so many different types existed. I also went, actually now on reflection, the first four days in a row, which I hadn’t done in a long time.
After a 2-day recovery taking off Sunday and Monday, I was feeling refreshed going back into the week finishing on Tuesday and Wednesday. Although I still asked myself: why did I go through this challenge? I wanted that damn T-shirt.
Similar to a 5k or 10k run, any challenge that includes some type of free gear is very, very motivating for me. Who doesn’t like getting a t-shirt and/or other random stuff that you’d likely never else try or use?
Looking back now, I found myself very tired and sore most of the time. To get through it, here are five ways that I tried to recover during and after Hell Week. More importantly, these help me to stay focused.
1. Remember Your Purpose
Aside from rolling out a bed each morning and forcing yourself to go exercise (or work, walk the dog, whatever), it’s important to remember why you do it in the first place.
Yes, we want to get in good shape. I also want to take care of myself in the long-term. Ultimately, I want to feel better both personally and from a day-to-day perspective.
With purpose, you have some motivation, accountability, and a reason to go to each workout.
2. You Paid For It
Aside from wanting to get in better shape, I also felt obligated to go due to the cost of OTF. While certainly not cheap at $179 per month at my studio for an unlimited number of sessions as a founding member, I find it still worthwhile after almost 2 years of doing it.
Some days are easier than others; most days are very challenging. As the coaches say, it’s only an hour which equates to roughly 4% of your day.
3. Your Classmates Are Going
I’ve made many friends at OTF; a few are even among my closest friends now. Others may be just folks that I smile at or have a laugh with while waiting in between sets or blocks during a class. Whoever they are, I’ve found a lot of great people.
There’s a sense of community at OTF. It’s awesome.
4. Reflect on How You Feel Before, During, & After Class
Recently for me, it’s getting to the point where it’s a habit of wanting to go and not feeling that I have to go to workout. Whether it’s increasing self-motivation or some other type of accountability, it helps when you WANT to go to class. Admittedly, some days are harder than others.
I certainly don’t think this is the only thing I enjoy doing, but working out is something I do look forward to most of the time. Some of the coaches say walking through the door is the hardest part; I do tend to agree with that, but it doesn’t always feel that way – especially sprinting all-out at the end of a workout!
5. Foam Roll, Stretch, & Play Fetch with the Dog
This might seem like an odd combination of activities. Foam rolling and stretching seem to go together. Put the roller on the floor as you usually do, throw the ball for the dog and you’d be surprised how you also get a core workout in, too!
Embracing Change
Sadly, a number of stalwarts continue to leave our local studio. Whether elite & dedicated coaches or other members, I’m disappointed and sad to see these friends and mentors leaving. But I’m even happier for them. They’re following their passions, dreams, and other opportunities.
A lot of the coaches, staff, and other classmates have already come and gone in such a short time span. We stay in touch every once in a while and it really does mean a lot.
Change can be difficult. Change can be uncomfortable; it can also be nerve-wracking for some people. However, with change, new opportunities arise for those leaving as well as those staying. How you approach change can make all the difference.
Looking Back and – More Importantly – Ahead
Breaking large objectives into smaller pieces can make most things feel within reach. Some mornings though it does feel very distant. I don’t always know what I want; I don’t always know what I’m looking for, and I don’t always know how to describe it.
Once you find it, you know what it is like to feel part of something special.
I’ve also been away from Balanced Dividends for a while due to other changes occurring. It’s a transition. Life is always moving forward; it’s up to each of us to make the most of it. Let’s go get it.
Readers, what do you do to help keep yourself accountable? How do you maintain progress without feeling overwhelmed? Do you at times feel lost or wonder where everyone is around you, despite being in the middle of everyone?
Related:
Post-Fat Kid Circle of Self-Circumvention
Orangetheory Fitness: Why I Spend $2,148 A Year
Orangetheory Fitness: How to Win (Your Personal) Dri-Tri
Orangetheory Fitness: 25 Things You (Might) Learn or Do After 250 Workouts
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You pay that much a month for that much working out? Sounds like money well spent for the physical and mental health gained in return!
Hi – thanks for your comment. Yes, that much a month. It’s not cheap, but I do find it much more effective than working out on my own – and cheaper than a personal trainer. It works for me. – Mike