OrangeTheory has taken the fitness world by storm. It’s even competing with established brands such as YMCA, F45, and even Planet Fitness. It’s simple, they managed to come up with a fun alternative to the typical training routine that many of us despise. Instead of going to the gym and coming up with your own set of exercises and workout routines, OrangeTheory does that for you by using unique daily classes, challenges, and events that all of its members seem to enjoy. And if you want to be part of their little cult and become a member, you have two choices: you either buy a membership that has a set amount of classes per month or get a class pack, but which one is better?
Overall, if you’re consistent with your attendance (you can attend 3 or more classes per month), then a monthly membership makes more sense. However, if your schedule is busy and don’t like commitment, then a class pack is your best option.
In this article, we’ll talk about OrangeTheory’s joining options, the pros and cons of each one, and the factors to consider when deciding which one to choose.
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OrangeTheory Joining Options
Before talking about which option (membership or class packs) is better, we first need to establish some general information about the two:
Monthly Membership:
A monthly membership is the most common way of joining OrangeTheory Fitness. It’s pretty straightforward, you pay a set amount of money per month that will allow you to join a limited number of classes during that same month.
And depending on your membership level, the number of classes that you’re allowed to attend may vary.
Price and levels: Although the price is studio-dependant (OrangeTheory premium locations are more expensive), on average:
- A Basic membership (4 classes/month) costs $59 per month
- An Elite membership (8 classes/month) costs $99 per month
- A Premier membership (unlimited classes/month) costs $159 per month
- An additional $28 dollar for every extra class (excluding the Premier membership)
Expiration: Since it’s a monthly membership, there is no expiration date.
Class Pack:
Unlike a monthly membership, a class pack allows you to avoid engaging in a monthly contract while giving you the flexibility to attend classes on your own time. You pay a set amount of money to get a predefined number of classes.
Price and levels: This is studio-dependent as well so make sure to check in with your local OrangeTheory for accurate information. On average:
- A 10-class pack costs $199
- A 20-class pack costs $349
- A 30-class pack costs $499
Expiration: This is also studio-dependant but it ranges between 3 months to 1 year (although certain studios don’t have an expiration date for thor class packs)
Monthly Membership & Class Packs: Pros & Cons
Let’s take a look at the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each joining option to better understand which one might suit you best.
Monthly Membership:
| Pros | Cons |
| A lot cheaper if you don’t add any extra classes (excluding the Premier membership which is unlimited) | A lot more expensive if you add extra classes to your monthly limit (excluding Premier membership) |
| Unlimited classes for the Premier Membership | If you have a busy schedule, there is a chance that you might miss some of your monthly classes which is a waste of money |
| No expiration date | Having a set amount of monthly classes might be an extra motivation factor for you to attend |
Class Packs:
| Pros | Cons |
| You have a lot more flexibility, meaning that you can go whenever you’re free without being limited by a monthly limit | As soon as you have used up all your available classes, you can’t join anymore unless you buy another class pack |
| Depending on your location’s membership prices, a class pack might be the cheapest option available | Going whenever you want using a class pack might not be the best way to motivate yourself to train |
| Class packs expire |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Membership and a Class Pack
There are several factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing between a membership and a class pack.
Budget:
How much you’re willing to pay plays a big role in determining which option might suit you the best. For example, if you’re not worried about money, then a monthly membership, specifically the Elite one is your best option since it gives you access to unlimited classes.
However, if you’re tight on money, then a class pack might make more sense. For example, a 10-class pack that costs $199 might last you 4 months (if you go 2 times per month) as opposed to a monthly membership that will cost a lot more for only 2 or more extra classes.
How Much You’re Willing to Attend:
Before considering what option might suit you the best, it’s better to have an idea in mind of how much you’re willing to attend per month.
To make things a lot easier to understand, we’ll talk about every possible option:
- If you can only attend 1 class per month: Your best option is to get a 10-class pack, a 20-class pack if you want to save $50, or a 30-class pack if you want to save $100 (but make sure to check the expiration dates).
- If you can only attend 2 classes per month: Your best option is to get a 10-class pack (or other class packs if you want to save money).
- If you can only attend 3 classes per month: Your best option is to get a class pack.
- If you can only attend 4 classes per month: Your best option is to get a basic monthly membership.
- If you can only attend 5 classes per month: If you have a Basic monthly membership, doing the 5th class will cost you an extra $28 (may vary from one studio to another) so the total cost will be $87 ($59+$28) for 5 classes. With a 10-class pack, 5 classes will cost $99.5 which is more expensive. So in this case, the best option is a basic monthly membership.
- If you can only attend 6 classes per month: A Basic membership will cost you $115 ($59+$28+$28). In this case, getting an Elite membership is the best and cheapest option since it will cost you $99 for 8 classes as long as you’re doing a minimum of 6 per month.
- If you can attend 7 to 11 classes per month: Your best option is to get an Elite monthly membership.
- If you can attend 12 classes or more per month: Your best option is to get a Premier monthly membership.
Overall, a class pack is the most convenient option if you can only attend 3 or fewer classes per month.
Conclusion:
Before making your decision, it’s best to take into consideration all the factors mentioned above (Budget, attendance rate, as well as commitment level). You should also verify thoroughly the pros and cons of each option and base your judgment on that.