What is the primary goal in Orangetheory Fitness regarding workout intensity?

The primary goal in Orangetheory Fitness is to spend 12 minutes or more in the orange and red zones combined. This goal is integral to the Orangetheory workout philosophy, which focuses on elevating heart rate into these target zones to maximize cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. When participants train within the orange and red zones, they activate the afterburn effect, also known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). This effect leads to increased calorie burn even after the workout has ended, contributing to overall fitness and weight loss goals.

The structure of the workout is designed to encourage pushing into these higher intensity zones, which is where participants can significantly enhance their endurance, strength, and overall performance. Thus, accumulating time in these zones is a key metric for measuring workout effectiveness in the Orangetheory system.