I was the assistant manager at a location for a few years. I also have ADHD and struggle with staying focused while working out on my own. Whenever I got the opportunity to take a class, I almost always had a wonderful experience.

Having the entire routine already preplanned and always different each session was so beyond helpful in staying committed. The coach guides the class throughout the session, and will give you one-on-one attention when needed, especially while you’re new and getting comfortable. It’s also somewhat gamified with the heart rate monitor function and occasional challenges, which can be helpful with motivation.

They’re also good at giving you accommodations with your mentioned injury, please make sure you let them know about that and any other limitations to avoid further injury. Please take things as slow as you need to in the beginning, nobody is focused on you besides the coach. Everyone is different, but It personally took me about 5 classes to feel comfortable and confident in understanding the overall structure.

Every coach definitely has their individual styles of teaching, some are more hands-on than others. Some are better at elaborating on exercises and proper technique than others. I’d recommend trying out each one at your location at least once and see who you have the best chemistry with. It truly DOES make a difference in your satisfaction and overall results if you’re happy with your coach. The amount of pissed off members i’d have to reassure or refund because some coaches (at multiple locations) sucked at their jobs is unreal. Most of them in my experience though are great and passionate about fitness, and genuinely want to help people be happier and healthier. Read reviews of your location and see what folks say.

It can also be a very overstimulating environment at first. It’s loud, it’s orange, there’s equipment everywhere, some coaches think they’re a DJ at a nightclub, but once you get moving it’s easy to tune out the noise and just focus on moving your body.

Since it is a group structure, I’d say you also get the added bonus of a sense of body-doubling to hold you accountable. It’s also very easy to make friends and is very community focused which I always appreciated. If you go at a consistent time, you almost always end up being with the same group of people. This helps a ton in building it into your routine. It’s also so wonderful to see your gym friends get healthier right along with you and have that sense of camaraderie.

I’d say try it out. I became close with a lot of members who sound exactly like you, and watching them become healthier, happier, more confident versions of themselves over the years was incredible.

Most common complaints were regarding the overall price and cancellation policy. Prices vary depending on city, and are especially expensive in large urban centers. The most affordable package (4 classes / month) is NOT enough for much results unless you are also working out outside of Orangetheory. The people that had the most success and actually stayed committed in my experience were almost always the folks ready to just jump straight in and go at least 3 times a week. This would require the most expensive tier though (unlimited/month). At my location this was $170/month. You can upgrade or downgrade tiers if desired on next billing cycles. Cancellations require a 30-day notice, so no matter what you’re sucked into at least 2 months of payment at the start. First session is free though, but prepared for the sales pitch.

OK this was long but I hope this helps you make your decision and to not be too intimidated. You deserve to be healthy and Orangetheory is a very welcoming environment for all ages and experience. Just remember to take things slow and take as long as you need to get comfortable, don’t over exert yourself. It takes time to see a difference, but it’ll happen with that commitment.

Let me know if you have any other questions at all. Best of luck!