The months since my total thyroidectomy due to thyroid cancer have been an interesting journey of adjusting to my new scar, damaged voice and of course, the fact that my metabolism now relies on medication to regulate it and that medication has caused me to gain some of my lost weight back. I’ve felt the struggles of fatigue and insomnia as well as the frustration when I just don’t have the energy that I used to have. It’s tough to realize that the body that I finally felt comfortable in has now betrayed me…and I’m desperate to get it back.
About two months after my surgery, I started back to my regular weekly classes at Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) in Richmond Hill. I know I could have tried to gradually get back to exercise with a lighter yoga class or two, but I wanted to do what I had learned to love. What I had come to know really works to motivate me. What I soon realized was that the road back to the level of endurance and strength would not be as simple or easy as I had expected. I was really frustrated in those first few classes at how my “Base, Push and All-Outs” were not as they had been pre-surgery.
I’m a newbie when it comes to working out. I’ll never forget my 20s when I thought that going to the ‘muscle’ gym was what I needed to do to meet guys and get in shape! Fast forward to my 40s and I need to be bossed around! My time is precious and in one hour, I need to know what I need to do to stay healthy and get fit! So, what’s the difference at OTF? A few things really work for me:
1. Wearable heart monitor allows me to watch my progress on the screen. I never knew that this would motivate me until I worked out at OTF. Using bluetooth technology, I watch the screen to see when my heart is working at 84% or higher (where you earn “SPLATS” for being in the “ORANGE ZONE”) during the interval training. If I’m only in the “GREEN ZONE” then I know that I need to work harder to get my heart rate up! After your workout, you get an email with your results. I never realized I was so competitive…with myself!
2. Trainers who get to know you and what you need to be motivated! I have gone to other gyms (many moons ago) when I was just roaming around from section to section not having a clue what I was doing or even if I was doing the exercise correctly! Now I have a trainer guiding me for the full hour of my workout. The amazing trainers tell me when I need to adjust my position to really get the benefit of the weight-training exercise and also help to keep me going when I feel like I want to give up or slow down!
3. I love the science! Backed by science, Orangetheory Fitness is a 60-minute workout broken into intervals of cardiovascular and strength training. After a workout, there is always post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC. This EPOC is what burns more calories as if you were still working out (yippee!). With most workouts, there is a 200-400 calorie increase to metabolism for 24-36 hours after the Orangetheory Fitness workout.·My average workout calorie burn is between 500-600, which means I add this to my food diary app and earn more calories that day.
4. All bodies, abilities and ages accepted! One of my favourite things about OTF is that I’m surrounded by mostly women of all ages, abilities and weights. Some come to lose weight, others to maintain fitness and some to stay vital in retirement. There is no judgement or shame, only celebration and comradery…plus my bestie works out there too…so I send her these selfies after a class!
It’s not always easy, but I love my Friday ritual of going to an Orangetheory Fitness class in Richmond Hill. I know that I need and should go more and I do hope that I can bump this up to twice a week between hockey and work. I also have a goal to lose the weight that I gained on my new thyroid medication and to work towards my old stamina and energy level. It’s going to be a process and take time, but I know I’ve found a way to do it!
My view on Fridays…
Since OTF is expanding its GTA studios to ten in 2016 and adding another ten in 2017, you should try a free class!
Follow my journey over the next few months on Instagram or learn more about OTF on Twitter or their own Instagram account.
Disclaimer: I’ve been an OTF paying member since 2015 and I’m thrilled to now be part of the Orangetheory Fitness Ambassador Program with Yummy Mummy Club.
Lisa Thornbury
November 19, 2016 at 2:56 pm (8 years ago)Your facial expression says exactly what I was thinking after my first workout. I was red and winded by super happy and proud. A great feeling. 🙂
Davida
November 19, 2016 at 4:37 pm (8 years ago)Wow – hats off to you for returning to OTF workouts so soon after your surgery! I identify with so much of your story. When I first noticed my local OTF studio – it looked intimidating and I thought the heart rate monitor/screens were intimidating – but like you I found my self being motivated by the monitors. I have never really been competitive with myself until OTF – it just ignited it for me. And the studio has been anything but intimidating; once I started I realized all the positives you mentioned above and I really look forward to my workouts. The trainers are amazing – their impact is huge. I like all the trainers but some are extra motivating for me (I think each client develops favourites just based on what works for them as each trainer has their own style). I had never wanted to go the personal trainer route; I think I was embarrassed by how unfit I was. I’m glad I pushed my self beyond my comfort zone to join OTF because it’s been everything I needed to turn my health & fitness around. Thank you for sharing your story – sometimes I feel like an OTF nerd so it’s great to see others who love the experience as much as I do ;). Wishing you much strength & health as you recover from your surgery.
FitGAG
August 17, 2023 at 6:55 pm (1 year ago)Hey there,
I just had to drop you a note after reading your article about your journey with Orangetheory Fitness and getting into the “Orange Zone.” Your resilience and determination really shine through in your words. It’s incredibly inspiring to see how you’ve embraced the challenges that came with your thyroidectomy and turned to OTF to regain your strength and confidence.
I can totally relate to your experience of wanting to reclaim your body’s vitality and energy. Life has its curveballs, doesn’t it? Your dedication to getting back on track is truly commendable. I loved how you highlighted the unique aspects of OTF that have worked wonders for you.
The wearable heart monitor and the way it gamifies your workout by aiming for those “SPLATS” in the “ORANGE ZONE” is a genius motivator. It’s fascinating how technology can nudge us to push harder and compete with ourselves. And having dedicated trainers who guide you every step of the way is a game-changer. It’s like having a personal cheerleader and coach rolled into one!
The science behind OTF is equally intriguing. Knowing that you’re not only burning calories during the workout but also continuing to do so post-workout thanks to EPOC is a fantastic perk. Plus, those post-workout calorie burns add a little extra wiggle room in the food diary – that’s a win-win situation!
Your description of the inclusive and supportive environment at OTF warmed my heart. Celebrating each other’s successes and embracing different goals and abilities is what a fitness community should be all about. And the fact that you have your bestie by your side, sharing the journey, is the icing on the cake!
Thank you for sharing your personal story and insights. Your dedication to your Friday OTF ritual and your aspirations to increase your frequency are truly motivating. I’m sure your journey will resonate with many, just as it did with me. And your mention of OTF’s expansion in the GTA sounds like a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to try it out.
Keep rocking those workouts and embracing the orange glow of achievement! Looking forward to reading more about your progress and experiences.
Warmest wishes,
FitGAG