Orangetheory's Hell Week is a period that challenges members with intense workouts that push physical limits and test mental toughness. Each day during this week presents a new theme and set of exercises designed to take participants out of their comfort zones. Let's break down each day of Hell Week 2023 for a closer look at what members endured:
Day 1: Enter at Your Own Switch
Initially, I was apprehensive about this workout. The thought of a tornado-style session, constantly switching between stations, didn't appeal to me. However, I braved the 3G class and was pleasantly surprised to find stability in the chaos, with 14-minute intervals at each station. The treadmill block featured alternating sprints and walks, then steady two-minute runs, which felt manageable. The rower mimicked this timing, which I personally found monotonous. The floor block, however, was the real beast. With a succession of exercises including cleans, neutral grip shoulder presses, and clean to presses with pulsing half squats, it was a race against time and endurance. The power-focused intermissions with jump squats and bear plank holds only intensified the burn.
Day 2: Back to Burning Hills
Opting for a 2G class this time, I found myself enjoying the run/row format. The run involved a progressive incline, maxing out the treadmill's capability, followed by short but intense rows. The floor workout was well-rounded with a mix of triceps extensions, chest presses, and an array of other strength exercises, culminating in a grueling core session featuring hollow hold chest presses and double crunches. Despite my aversion to frequent transitions, this workout's pacing and structure made it a standout.
Day 3: Breathless
The name was no exaggeration. With a treadmill block nearly spanning the entire class and minimal rest, I amassed a staggering 30 splat points. The floor and rower segment was a lower-body onslaught, with a punishing combination of squats, lunges, and rows. Completing the class left me completely drained, a testament to the intensity of Hell Week's mid-point.
Day 4: Caution: Burpees Inside
Missing the actual Hell Week class due to a schedule switch, I attended the strength-focused class. While it diverged from Hell Week's protocol, the weightlifting session with its 17-minute blocks and heavy lifting provided a formidable challenge. Despite my relief in avoiding an extended row block, I couldn't help but feel slightly disconnected from the Hell Week fervor.
Day 5: Are You Afraid of the Dumbbells?
This unique 3G workout omitted the rowers entirely, offering two floor blocks and a demanding treadmill sequence. The coach's mix-up during transitions added a touch of humor to the strenuous session. The floor exercises were a balanced mix of strength and endurance, and I was grateful for the absence of rowing, which is usually my nemesis.
Day 6: Nowhere To Go But Up
True to its name, this workout was an uphill battle—literally. The treadmill's incline challenges, paired with the option to increase rowing distances, made for a punishing session. As the floor exercises ramped up in difficulty with each block, it was evident that the peak of Hell Week was living up to its reputation.
Day 7: Escape the Row
The thought of another row-centric workout was daunting, but the partner-based structure made it more bearable. Although I wasn't with my usual crew, the collaborative spirit kept morale high. The floor exercises were relentless, but teamwork helped us conquer the class and even tackle an additional bonus rowing challenge.
Day 8: Wanna Play a Game?
The final day brought a playful twist with the coach engaging in rock, paper, scissors to determine the workout's fate. Alternating between 'trick' and 'treat' exercises, this workout balanced challenge with fun. The coach's energy was infectious, and the camaraderie during this last session made for an exhilarating conclusion to an exhausting but fulfilling Hell Week.
In retrospect, Hell Week 2023 at Orangetheory was a gauntlet of physical challenges, each day bringing its unique flavor of pain and progress. Despite my initial reservations and the missed rowing-heavy day, I emerged feeling accomplished, having conquered each daunting workout. Now, it's time to rest, recover, and await what next year's Hell Week might bring.
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