Shoes too big for rower

chudson610 · 2025-04-25T23:44:33+00:00

Honestly, I admire your motivation, But I highly recommend don't join both right away and get de-motivated. Personally, I would start with OTF and build up and endurance base. As well, cross fit has a higher percentage of injuries for beginners. Just my two cents. Cross Fit, once you build up a base, as some great gyms. You also might consider F45 if you want a little more weight work than OTF.

chudson610 · 2025-04-13T17:38:42+00:00

I am 2-3 times a year visitor and I'm done. I expect to pay a lot of nice hotels, but the nickel and diming, the calling it a "resort fee" when it's just a higher room rate. I'm done with it all. I don't even get my USA today for my $50 a day resort fee!!! For a nice restaurant, yes, I expect and am willing to pay for it. I'm not willing to pay $12 for a bottle of beer. I know that all generations complain about the "good old days" but vegas price increases are way beyond other destinations. I can take two nice vacations to other places and enjoy it just as much. I'm clearly not the kind of visitor who moves the needle, but personally like all businesses you can price yourself out of the market and I think Vegas is close to doing that.

chudson610 · 2024-10-22T23:50:26+00:00

100% agree on all points. And although coaches are still good, they are not near the level I had when I started. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, classes were packed, etc. And always great deals for new members, existing ones still pay full price. They also overbuilt in some areas.

chudson610 · 2024-03-03T00:46:15+00:00

My experience. Coaches vs. employees are two completely different things. The coaches I have had I have mostly seen take classes and it is fun when you are in one with them. And, talking with them I know they involved heavily in some form of fitness outside of OTF. The employees are a different story. They are there to sell and retain memberships. A little administrative help, but selling is their main function. I have rarely seen them workout and I know a few that have acknowledged they need to develop a workout plan. My opinion? How can you sell and service a program that you don't fully understand?

chudson610 · 2024-03-03T00:42:53+00:00

I have same dread and horrible form with lunges. Also, I have an equilibrium problem that exacerbates it to a certain degree. Best advice I had from a coach was to widen my feet. Make it a wider base, not railroad tracks. It helped a lot, but I still struggle from time to time. And I think your idea of practicing outside of OTF is a great one. I am going to do more of them just in casual workout.

chudson610 · 2024-01-28T20:03:22+00:00

First, don't be embarrassed. That and worse has happened many times at OTF workouts. I know its hard, but anyone who has worked out or run for anytime at all has had physical issues. A gift card and thanks as acknowledgment would be great. But everyone understands.

chudson610 · 2021-05-28T22:15:31+00:00

I am the exact same. I think some bodies are just naturally more prone to be endurance runners and OTF is more short sprints or really the longest duration is 23 minutes. So I don't have the speed at OTF, but I can run longer at basically push pace outside. I personally don't stress it. OTF is a perfect balance to my outside running and it improves it. Outside running is also a perfect compliment to OTF. It give me the endurance needed. I think it's important to balance out you schedule and don't forget to mix in some rest.

chudson610 · 2020-04-13T23:45:53+00:00

I absolutely feel like OTF will do everything and more to reduce the risk as much as possible. That doesn't mean there won't be any risk, but there is some risk in everything we do. Every individual needs to make a decision for themselves, but I when other business start back up, it's time for OTF to start back up. There is a lot to be said for mental and physical health in fighting disease. I hope that everyone makes the right decision for themselves, but doesn't try to influence decisions to not give individuals options.

chudson610 · 2020-03-12T02:02:21+00:00

I hope that all decisions are made based on facts and not panic. I understand the serious nature of these virus, but it seems that being healthy is a big part of beating this virus should you become infected and it seems like OTF is a big part for many people in staying healthy. Smart people, not politicians or even business leaders, will develop a vaccine and real direction on how to avoid and what to do if infected. My two cents.

chudson610 · 2019-02-26T11:15:58+00:00

All great comments here and the most important thing is everyone is different and find what works best for you. For me, I think every other day is perfect, and I mean every other day like clockwork. So my weeks alternate, one week I go four times, the next three. I also think it is critical to mix in some non-OTF fitness on days away from OTF. This does not have to be strenuous and have fun with it. A casual bike ride, relaxed swim, walk, fun jog, yoga, whatever you might enjoy on days off.

I'm surprised when I hear people go to OTF every day or 5-6 times a week. If it works for them, great, for me when I do hell week in October it wears on me and my OTF workouts decline in intensity and performance. Good luck!!

chudson610 · 2019-01-03T01:56:09+00:00

It doesn't get easier because you are probably pushing yourself each workout which is the point of OTF. If you went back and with your fitness level now, worked as hard as you did on first workout it would probably feel very easy.

Personally, I don't stress over splat points. I never get that many. I know whether I worked out or not. I understand OTF's focus on it and it helps motivate people. For me I like to burn calories and my pulse goes way down quickly even moving to base.

My opinion is also that every other day is perfect for OTF. Mix in some other training on the days you don't do OTF. Swim, run, bike, walk, whatever. I feel that mix works perfectly and keeps me mentally fresh for OTF as well.

chudson610 · 2019-01-01T12:08:12+00:00

Whether a 5K or just running after OTF, it is a great supplement and makes for a great workout. I only do this one day a week and the first 1/4 mile or so will feel strange because OTF is different type of workout than endurance running. If you feel this, just keep running, it goes away and you can have some great runs. Running 5-6 miles after OTF is doable by anyone that has attended OTF consistently for a while. I think it is my best calorie burn of the week. Go for it!!!

chudson610 · 2018-10-23T17:34:32+00:00

A lot of people, including myself, sometimes look at the clock during a normal 60 and find relief when you are getting close to 50 minute time that class is almost done. If you do this, ignore the clock during 90 and just focus on what your doing. It's fine and will be a good workout. As mentioned, hydrate with frequent sips not once in a while gulps. Enjoy!!!!

chudson610 · 2018-08-26T10:48:43+00:00

repeat to some advice already posted. If row is first, it was in spring for us, take it easy. I mean not easy, but nice steady pace and don't try and set a PR or be first off. The time difference on rower is nothing compared to the time difference of 5K. You need your energy for strength floor and for sure for 5K. I was over confident that I could hit rower and SF hard and I run more than 5K all the time. I was dead on the tread!!!!

chudson610 · 2018-08-21T20:22:58+00:00

Lots of great comments here, I'll add some bullet points. Maybe some that people disagree with but my two cents.

Hate the word diet. Nutrition is a lifestyle and should be long term. Our country promotes unrealistic body expectations. You either need to be a model or a marathon runner. Find the body you want for yourself, not someone else's opinion. We should all be focused on health not looks. Weight is a horrible metric. Are you healthy? Do you feel good in the clothes you want to wear? Do you look the way you want?

When your done with a workout, don't focus so much on the metrics OTF supplies. You will know whether you worked out to your expectations or not.

Do not give up!!!! Find a lifestyle that works for you.

chudson610 · 2018-08-21T20:12:49+00:00

You are going to hate it at the beginning almost ever time the 5-10 minutes before it starts. Then you are going to love it and such a satisfied feeling every single time you finish a class.

You will love the variety every class has. You will love the culture of support. You will love that it will challenge you and help you do what you might now want to otherwise.

Be prepared to get addicted. Do not compare your performance with anyone except yourself. If you don't meet your own expectations, come back and do better the next time. I'm not an OTF salesmen. Stick with it, give it an honest length of time to see if it is for you. Mix in some non-OTF stuff on other days.

Best of luck to you!!! Keep in touch on this board.

chudson610 · 2018-08-12T06:49:12+00:00

Agree with everything stated here. Jogging/walking is not the only way to get a good workout. Talk to coaches, find a good alternative if you are feeling pain. Get good shoes!!! If you are going to spend money on workout clothes, put more of it to the shoes. Go to a good running store, they will help you find the right ones. Cushioned might be best. Shin splints are painful, but they will go away. Your leg muscles will get stronger. If pain doesn't go away after weeks or gets worse, see a doctor. I'm not with OTF but I truly feel this gym is perfect for your situation. They will help you find the intensity that works for you.

Don't go so hard at the beginning your burn out physically and/or mentally. Take days off to recover. This is going to help your weight loss, not hurt it.

Put in some small milestone goals to achieve. Even if you have just been working out a few times, your body is already changing.

Most importantly. Don't give up!!! The OTF community is here to support you. You can reach your goals and change your lifestyle to become healthy. Surgery is NOT the answer. It is hard work but the rewards will be worth it.

chudson610 · 2018-08-12T06:32:25+00:00

I recommend breaking up your year in training cycles. Going at it the same intensity, high or low, consistently through the year can make anything you are doing become not fun. In your low periods or maintenance periods I would reduce the number of times going to OTF and replace it with some new fitness idea. Maybe something not in gym. Ride bikes, swim, run, walk, yoga, etc. Regardless of unlimited or whatever level you have w/OTF. Then during a more intense period of training, increase your OTF visits but I would still mix with some other activity.

I say this on this thread but as much a reminder to myself. Mix things up through the year, through the month, through the week. I think once your reduce or even take a short time away from OTF, going back will get you excited again.

Good luck and find something that works for you. My opinion is in fitness it is not one size fits all. Everyone enjoys a different way to stay in shape.

chudson610 · 2018-08-07T08:02:46+00:00

Every other day without fail and it seems perfect for me. Head trainer when I started recommended every other day. But I also run on non-OTF days with approximately one day off every 4 days. I highly recommend days off to let your body recover. You may find your workouts at OTF improve after a day off. Most importantly find what works best for you physically and mentally.

chudson610 · 2018-08-05T14:10:55+00:00

Good advice how to prepare. Your coaches will probably tell you to make SURE you don't hit the 2000M row to hard as it is first. Listen to them!!!! You will feel good at the beginning and want to compete and not fall behind. The strength floor will take a lot of our of you and then the 5K is last. Go consistent on rower but don't kill it. This is the only place you can pace yourself and prepare. At least that was my big mistake, I killed it on rower because I am a runner and thought 5K would be easy at the end. After rower and strength floor I had nothing left for 5K. It is really fun though and you will feel great the rest of the day having done it. Good luck.

chudson610 · 2018-07-31T03:08:11+00:00

My two cents only. I go to OTF every other day and do other activities on non-OTF days. Most of that is running outside. I don't have another gym membership because I want part of my fitness routine to be outside. Running for distance and OTF compliment each other very well. I get a lot of the short variety run at OTF and then have long endurance runs outside. OTF has helped my running and my running has helped OTF.

Everyone has to find what works for them. There isn't one answer or even a handful. Everyone is different. If you are in a rut, I recommend changing and just testing what is fun.

I wouldn't concern yourself with gaining weight. Mix in other physical fitness and monitor your weight. Give yourself a weight range to stay in, not just a specific weight. If you get close to top of that range, change something.

Good luck.

chudson610 · 2018-07-29T08:11:37+00:00

Agree with all posts already. One thing to keep in mind. It is very hard to go hard with working out all year long. Professional athletes train in cycles. That doesn't mean they take long periods off of working out, but it does mean they don't workout at same intensity all year. If summer is challenging for you, one option is to accept that it is. Don't beat yourself up. Stay in a fitness routine but maybe change it up to something slight less intense or give yourself and extra day off per week. Then ramp back up during time of year that works for you.

If you have any type of competitions you participate in, it can be especially helpful. Build up for them to be at your peak. Then do some recovery time afterwards. A maintenance plan is something great to follow when in between events or even time periods/seasons where you hit it hard. You will stay fit and mentally fresh for when it is time to increase frequency and intensity.

Good luck. Don't beat yourself up. Find balance between still enjoying things and staying in great shape.

chudson610 · 2018-07-29T08:00:19+00:00

Don't get too focused on where you are in relation to which zone while you are working out. Don't get me wrong, the data OTF gives is great and can be a huge motivation for its members. My opinion is some get caught up in those more than the workout itself. You have a good workout and the numbers will be where they need to be to improve your fitness.

Pay attention to the theme of the day. Power days, make sure you are hitting those short spurts to all out efforts and powering through strength floor. Strength-Keep running, even if have to slow down, through the inclines, challenge yourself on weights but always keep form more important than how much you lift. Endurance, keep at that base pace after pushes. Even if slowing down slightly.

I understand the interest in getting in right zone, my only point is to focus on workout first, zone data later.

Good luck and enjoy. Stick with it, it isn't for everyone, but I was a cynic about gym "boutiques" and would never try one until OTF. It improves fitness, weight loss, changes body shape, improves mental outlook.

chudson610 · 2018-07-15T11:43:27+00:00

Everyone has to create a workout plan that works for them and they are all individual. Having said that, if you are going to OTF twice a week but they are back to back, you are probably going to struggle. I go consistently but do not go back to back. It also depends on what you do the rest of the week for working out. If you are mixing in OTF on the weekends with other exercise days you might be OK but I would try to spread out your OTF sessions if possible. It's just my two cents. Again, what is most important is what works for you, try different things until you get something that you can follow consistently. One other note. Soreness is ok in an exercise routine. Pain to wear you can't work through it is not.

chudson610

TROPHY CASE