Orangetheory vs F45: Workout, Results, Costs & More Explained

If you love group fitness training, F45 and Orangetheory are some of the best studios around.
They’re both incredibly popular, and new locations are popping up at a rapid pace all over the country. Each class utilizes a completely different workout style, but both can give you an incredible workout and help you reach your fitness goals.
However, F45 and Orangetheory couldn’t be more different, from the cost, to the vibe inside the studio, to the classes themselves.
So what’s the difference between F45 and Orangetheory, and which one might be right for you?
**Cost**
At specialized gyms like Orangetheory or F45, you pay a lot more than your standard gym membership fee.
However, you get a ton of value for your money at studios like these.
You’ll never have a bad workout here - every class is well-designed and led by a world-class instructor.
Still, it comes at a cost.
A single drop in class at Orangetheory will cost around 28 dollars on average, depending on what part of the country you’re in.
You can also buy subscriptions of 4, 8, or unlimited classes each month, along with packages of classes you can use whenever you want.
The more you’re willing to pay up front, the better deal you can get on Orangetheory classes. If you pony up for 8 classes per month, or about 2 workouts per week, you’ll only pay around twelve dollars or so per class at many locations.
At F45, a drop in class will cost you about 27 dollars.
Again, you can get a much better per class rate by signing up for more workouts up front. For example, 8 workouts per month at F45 will run you about 18 dollars per session.
At either studio, beginners can try a free introductory class to get a feel for the workout.
Overall, though, Orangetheory is the more economical and budget-friendly choice versus F45.
**Facilities and Amenities**
When you step foot into both of these facilities, you’ll feel welcomed and inspired to workout.
At Orangetheory, the facilities are spotless, and the workout equipment - like treadmills and rowing machines - is state-of-the-art.
The studio itself is atmospheric, with dramatic lighting and a distinct orange glow while you workout. It’s a lot like being inside a darkened spin studio like SoulCycle or CycleBar.
Still, some members find the vibe inside Orangetheory a little corporate, and not everyone likes the moody lighting.
Plus, the Orangetheory sales staff can get a little pushy, so watch out.
The facilities at F45 are more geared toward functional training, with a stripped down atmosphere that matches.
Most F45 gyms have weighted sleds, sandbags, medicine balls, and stationary bikes. These are set up around the studio as needed, giving the facility a more casual, gritty, or even haphazard feel. F45 doesn’t do mood lighting, and the studios actually rely a lot on natural sunlight. Some even hold classes outside when the weather is good.
Neither Orangetheory nor F45 has a better atmosphere than the other, it just depends on your mood and what you hope to get out of your training.
**The Workouts**
Classes at Orangetheory and F45 couldn’t be more different, and both fitness studios have different goals for their members.
At Orangetheory, the goal is, primarily, to improve your cardiovascular endurance and burn as many calories as possible. You’ll also work on muscular endurance and strength.
At F45, the goal is to build a functional body with a huge emphasis on strength, calisthenics, and plyometrics. You’ll develop incredible overall conditioning and improve your athleticism.
Workouts at Orangetheory follow a basic template every time, and go through three phases. During the 60 minute class, you’ll rotate through weights or other strength equipment, treadmills, and rowing machines.
You’ll use a heart monitor throughout class to keep your body in its target zone. The harder you work relative to your own fitness level, the more points you’ll earn on the leaderboard.
At an F45 class, the workouts vary from day to day and week to week, with each session having a different emphasis, like core or lower body.
You’ll rotate through different exercise stations with other class members for a total of 45 minutes, a style of fitness called circuit training.
For example, one small group might do ab exercises while another does barbell curls. After a few minutes, everyone will switch.
These circuits keep things fresh, and you’re guaranteed to try new things each and every class.
Overall, F45 classes are incredible if you’re experienced and looking for a well-rounded and unique workout each time - but they might not be the best choice for a total beginner due to the fast-paced nature of the circuits, which doesn’t leave a ton of time for form instruction.
Orangetheory has a heavier emphasis on cardio and calorie burning and is a little simpler to master, making it a good choice for beginners.

[@QueenSonora]

OrangeTheory helped me get back into running, but I always felt it was lacking in lower body workouts. F45 kept me in great shape all around, but no running.....I will be going back to F45 and will run on the track outside with what I learned from Orange Theory :)

[@ed_10]

Looks like if OTF and CrossFit got busy one night and 9 months later F45 was born 😂

[@kali18]

I go to OTF and their prices are way higher than what the video is saying. OTF is very good for Weightloss and building some muscle ( f45 you will build alittle more). I have lost so much weight at OTF and I can eat more now. Next year I might try F45 for a change.

[@adamsutton4811]

Looking to get back at it and I found this video incredibly helpful and timely. Thank you!

[@missbrandylicious]

This is a great video, I just signed up for F45 and looking forward to it. I went to an OT a few years back and never went back, too snooty

[@heidirobinson3352]

Orange is my favorite shade.

[@pabloreis8289]

Very informative. Thanks a lot.

[@TREK1305]

I’m familiar w OT & familiar with it. In my opinion OT is perfect for someone not trying to bulk up, focused on heart health & ideal for all ages including older adults. It’s like a 5k… some gonna run, walk, jog, etc. whatever rate is best for ur heart. Susie May could burn 600 calories going her safe pace while Pat can burn 1300 calories cause he pushed the envelope.

[@heidirobinson3352]

F45 is geared towards the Military and various work outside that will be right for them.

[@bobbygiles7902]

As a 67yo, I’m curious how these are for an older person who needs exercise? Any thoughts?

[@felicciasc]

I recommend Orange theory in northern liberties Philadelphia