"It's just an additional 30 minutes," said a very optimistic Laney to her very hesitant husband just before she punished both of them with a grueling workout. Ever since starting Orange Theory a few months ago, I have been dying to try my hand at the 90 minute class. In my crazy mind, I thought -- I've done long runs that last longer than that! There is a huge difference between straight endurance training for a certain amount of time and strength/endurance/high intensity.
First of all, we got cocky. Normally we get there with enough time to ensure we start on the treadmills. For busy days we try to get there 15-20 minutes early. I can't stress the importance of starting on the treadmill. There is something about starting in the weight room that just drains you so that by the time you get on the treadmill you just want to roll off. However, we were convinced that there would only be a handful of people as crazy as us. We were wrong.
Immediately, I freaked out. Then Greg told me it was a partner workout. SAVIOR! With partner workouts you are rotating the entire time so you don't really burn your legs out with squats and then have to get on the treadmill. Essentially, you are doing the cardio push until your partner finishes a circuit in the weight room. Then you switch and so forth.
The hubby and I paired up...and I love my husband...but I am going to be honest when I say that he doesn't get into the competitive spirit like I do. In fact, there was a time when Greg even called him out because he was leaving me on the treadmill.
The workout itself was incredibly challenging -- lots of legs & shoulders. My glutes were also crying for a break by the time we hit the 75 minute mark.
We made it through the entire workout. It was good, I felt really accomplished. We then crashed for the entire day. I am not joking...that couch was our friend.
We weren't the only ones though! On Monday at my regular class those who had also attended the 90 minute were still feeling sore. And we all agreed, doing 90 minutes twice a month was just crazy town....once a month is enough to push yourself out of your comfort zone.
