Orangetheory Fitness Brings Scientifically Designed Workout to Westford

International exercise studio Orangetheory Fitness offers high-tech calisthenics within a boutique milieu. Westford franchisee Kal Gullapalli came to Orangetheory as a novice seeking an approachable—yet challenging—workout that was also fun. Today, Kal and his wife, Kris, uphold a singular aesthetic: at Orangetheory, the only competition is with oneself.

Patch: Tell us about the early beginnings of Orangetheory Fitness. What was or is the inspiration behind it?

Gullapalli: Ellen Latham founded Orangetheory Fitness in 2009. The concept first started out as a pilates studio, but Ellen didn’t feel it was enough. Focused on a full-body workout, she crafted an all-encompassing workout that catered to all fitness levels. Adding Orange language (Base Pace, Push Pace, All Out, Orange Zone) and technology to the workout also created a fun environment, where members are constantly engaged.

Patch: What is the Orangetheory Fitness definition of success?

Gullapalli: Success in Orangetheory can be measured in many ways. It can be losing weight, getting toned or gaining confidence. Every member has their personal experience, and members love the workout because it works for so many different fitness levels.

Patch: How does Orangetheory Fitness distinguish itself from other exercise regimes?

Gullapalli: In my opinion, Orangetheory is, hands down, the only workout regiment that is approachable, yet challenging. Members are pushed every time they enter the studio. And it’s not the type of workout where you wake up and dread going. We see many members start at the elite membership, but upgrade to the premier [membership] so that they can come four to five times a week! And even more telling is that the 5:15 a.m. class remains one of the most popular.

Patch: How does excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) come into play for Orangetheory Fitness?

Gullapalli: Excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) is what we strive to increase. Spending more time in the orange zone is what helps EPOC kick in. When you leave our studio, your body is still burning calories for up to 36 hours, which is key to improving fitness levels.

Patch: How does Orangetheory Fitness cater to clients’ individual needs or goals?

Gullapalli: Our coaches are constantly asking our members what their goals and needs are. Like me, some of our members have ailments stemming from the past. When I first started Orangetheory as a member, I told my coach about my lower back problems, and she was always mindful and would adjust exercises to cater my personal needs. Also, our coaches are constantly pushing members when they need to be pushed so that our members can reach their goals. The workout lends itself to continual improvement. If you are walking at 3.5 mph in March, coaches are pushing you to walk at 3.7 mph in April. The same idea gets applied to runners and joggers.

Patch: Experts say that true fitness results from a balance between diet and exercise. What are three tips you can offer to readers interested in improving their overall health?

Gullapalli: It is true that diet and exercise are important. If your goal is weight loss and you come to Orangetheory Fitness four times a week, but eat four slices of pizza before you go to bed, you will likely not lose weight. Balance is important, like with most things. We encourage readers to work out regularly, eat balanced meals and have fun.

Patch: How is Orangetheory Fitness involved in the community?

Gullapalli: Orangetheory remains a community-based company. We are focused on being active in our respective local communities. We sponsor many health and wellness events and work with other local businesses in the area that share our vision. We always have other small businesses come in to our studio to showcase their brands. Additionally, we also make donations to the community organizations when we feel they share our overall vision.

Patch: What is the future outlook for Orangetheory Fitness?

Gullapalli: The future is very bright. The concept has grown very quickly throughout the nation and world. We have nearly 600 locations and expect to have 900 by the end of the year.

Patch: Why did you get involved in the brand?

Gullapalli: After college, I gained weight every year for 12 years. In that time, I tried many different workouts, but ended up quitting because it wasn't a great fit. Either they were too extreme, too intimidating or too boring. On my birthday in 2016, I went to a restaurant with my wife, and our waiter took a picture of me with my dessert, and once I saw the picture the day after, I realized I had to make a change. Over the years, I started to realize that my energy levels started to decrease.

The next day, I searched the Internet for a new gym, something that would keep me motivated, provide an approachable, yet challenging workout and be fun. Enter Orangetheory. During the last year, I realized that, as an entrepreneur, I want to impart these same positive feelings on other people. What better way than to open our own Orangetheory studio? My wife, Kris, and I started as members. You don't end up competing with the person next to you, but you compete with yourself.

Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about Orangetheory Fitness?

Gullapalli: Patch readers can learn more by calling us or emailing us. We love talking to our customers and figuring out how we can help their health needs. [Contact] (978) 237-8936 or studio0888@orangetheoryfitness.com. We are located at 160 Littleton Rd. in the Whole Foods Shopping Center.

Photo credit: Orangetheory Fitness