Orangetheory Fitness East Memphis

I can't rate the gym itself as I did not get a chance to use the facility. Instead, what follows is my experience with the Orange Theory on Poplar in East Memphis. Orange Theory advertises a free first workout and I signed up for thurs morning to try them out. Online it says to arrive 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork. I arrived 25 minutes early. Paperwork was one sheet, front and back. I got done with the first page when the receptionist asked "almost done? xx here don't remember her name is your coach and wants to show you the equipment before class." I said 'just finished with the front.' Then looked at the back and it was a full page of disclaimer, in fine print. So it would take a while to read. 3 minutes later receptionist said that I really needed to meet with coach now and he complained that i was 15 minutes late this morning. He re-iterated their policy of new people arriving 30 minutes early. I showed him the paper and said "a few minutes more. a have a full page to read." he complained again. I said "maybe you want to me re-schedule?" I was being facetious. He said "yes, that's a good idea since you were so late" Honestly, I am used to gym people trying to GET business rather than DEFLECT it. Coach lady chimed in "since you are so worried about the disclaimer maybe this isn't the gym for you." I replied that I wasn't worried about it at all; I simply have a policy of reading things before I sign them. Receptionist guy was cheerfully looking at options for re-scheduling as I walked past him and left.

Avoid Mary Margaret - no motivation- speaks in monotone - if you need help it’s an inconvenience for her. She doesn’t coach she just points to a TV and says go for it. The culture and teaching at this location has fallen off a cliff over the last year. The only good teacher left is Morgan and if you are lucky another location will share a coach for a class.

Turn your body into a healthier Athlete and own it. Training on site and wiling to coach you through your shape you desire

The workouts are broken down into simple to follow instructions. The movements are not complicated and there is always someone there to assist you with modification and keep you in check if you start to do the movement incorrectly. With the runs, I love that I can just focus on the next 45-90 seconds because the coach is there to guide me through pushes and all outs. I LOVE the count downs to when I can start walking again. Knowing that I only have to sprint for 45 seconds really allows me to give it my all! There is a great support system in place. Something about being in a room filled with people who are trying to push themselves helps motivate me to push a bit harder. I am by no means "in good shape" so to speak, but I was able to complete the entire workout without stopping even on my first class!! The research behind this approach to fitness really motivates me to hit my splat points goal. I love to think about how I am still burning calories up to 36 hours later. Just go for it if you are interested! You can do it!!!

The studio manager was accomodating when I informed her that the watch orange theory lakeland gave me was not working, they would allow me to borrow their watch of no charge, until the lakeland studio "figured out" the issue. This studio is more popular, so more folks. I like their class offering times, more options than the Lakeland one. They also have a fat to muscle ratio machine. Docked off one star, because sometimes the equipment screen on the treadmill does not show your heart rate, etc. instead it populates into a blank screen. Hopefully all the equipment firmware is updated soon to reflect the accurate screens.

There were 3 major things that turned me off about my visit. 1. I’m an OTF member in Olive Branch which is close to home but decided to try the one here since it’s close to work. The front desk was a bit rude and was very disengaged. I’m used to OTF members greeting new members and visitors and making them feel welcomed. I didn’t feel that at all. Not from the members, the coach, or front desk. Every time I asked her a question it seemed like she was annoyed and she just kept right on doing what she was doing. 2. The coach wasn’t coaching. She provided the initial example and that was it. I had to rely on the TV screen to figure out the moves for the remaining time which is cool, but I’m used to OTF coaches walking around and correcting posture and motivating members. 3. I’m still new to the OTF life so after the workout I noticed my name wasn’t on the screen or populating my information and at that point it was too late. I should’ve went out front and spoke up once I saw it wasn’t there but I figured it at least would track in the app. This stems from point 1 where the staff was no help. She should’ve at least made sure that my band was syncing over. 4. The space is small and cramped! They even have a station in a random corner. Members have to stagger and wait until one person finishes an exercise for them to proceed. Even on the rower members have to bend their elbows and pause rowing for me to walk back to my rower. They’re wasn’t even enough storage lockers. I had to sit my stuff out front on a bench behind the receptionist desk. Pros: the music was awesome; I love hip hop so it got me through the workouts. And I love OTF!!!! I just will never attend this location again.

Really enjoy Orangetheory Fitness! Great community where people know your name and enjoy being there--even when they're working up a sweat at 5am. Recommended!

Love OTF. Been going for years off and on! Always worth the time and work out. This location is great. Welcoming and has everything you need! Has a smoothie bar next door and other food options. Close to work and other shopping options.

Great workout. Motivating instructor. I hit my highest speed ever and she congratulated me along with other regulars. She made me feel like part of the community, even though I was a visitor from out of state and only in town for a few days. As we were stretching at the end of the workout, she provided some helpful hints regarding classes in January and reminders to wash our hands after class with flu season. She was really helpful -- even gave me local food recommendations after class when I requested them. The only difference I noticed between her and instructors at other gyms is that she didn't correct form on the weight floor. Since I'm fairly new to weight training, I appreciate correction, but I didn't specifically ask for it either.

Absolutely love my morning workouts now. Morgan is fantastic and I’ve made so many friends, too! It’s really nice to have several times to choose from and each time you go, you’ll get a great workout in a friendly environment!