The common thread that exists among us as sentient human beings exists in the living of our individual lives. Daily we all encounter multitudes of faces similarly existing within the common thread of living out their own lives. And, upon occasion, we come across someone whose existence has been wrought even though we personally do not see it. They cover the inside hurt with a facade of smiles and light conversations, but inside their brokenness remains in check, unknown to the world around them.
Yet as they hurt, happenstance brings outside contact with another person whose mere presence brings a dose of invigoration and hope to the one suffering silently. This contact cultivates a healing process by which health in many forms grows exponentially. Soon, another contact follows suite, adding strength and encouragement and before long, a collective gathering has unknowingly taken place around the one, forming a protective barrier that creates a safe and hospitable environment in which the one may return to stable health.
While reading this lengthy review, it is paramount to bear in mind component of immediate family cannot be overstated. Having them in my airspace breathed life back into me, but also did many others fill a much-needed gap in my existence. And so, this review is just that: the case of my Orange Theory Fitness- Centennial family. It may be lengthy, but I hope it proves worthy of your time, as my words come to me through much hidden pain and darkness.
On May 4th, 2018 my plane touched down in Las Vegas, returning me to the arms of my wife and my daughter after and incredulous 10-month deployment to Iraq. While I dare not speak on my family’s behalf, knowing full well my deployment caused their own grief, I do speak for the slow deterioration of my own existence to the experiences I encountered while deployed. In short, I came home wanting only to surround myself with those that loved me, in order to regain my own sense of value as a member of the human species. Until recently, I did not know how bad of a place my mind lived when I returned home. My wife, my daughter, my grandson, and I gathered together and started the reunification process. But it was my wife, Debbie, that introduced me to the group of people at OTF-C that would play a vital role in my recovery.
Deb signed me up for an unlimited plan, allowing me access to the studio anytime I could attend. We started a regular routine of 7 a.m. taking only a day off per week on average. My first encounter that I recall with detail came from the head of the physical fitness department (Lead Coach) came from Coach Keith as he initiated the torture (not really) with his normal “welcome, welcome, welcome!” quickly followed by his running up and down the aisle behind the treadmills motivated me to my first All Out.
When the pure exhaustion quickly turned into rewarding endorphins and as the internal chemical solution temporarily released me from the burden of the deployment, I was immediately hooked on OTF. That first routine from Keith set the bar high. The strength, knowledge, and wisdom Keith possesses ensures success for each and every class he leads, inspiring those in attendance to push harder, longer, and farther. His willingness to remain after each class and work with individuals increases the passing of knowledge, enhancing client capability and drive to succeed.
Of course, Keith must share the wealth of changing lives by adding coach Jus early on in the summer, Coach Eugene in the evenings, who not only demonstrated a keen eye for observation, but created an enthusiastic atmosphere by granting a reprieve from the run by calling out “BAAASE!” into the microphone! The newest addition, Brie, whose self-proclaimed short height is countered by her dynamic personality as she leaps on top the machines so we can all see her. Always pushing us to go harder, she encourages us brilliantly lighting up the board in red as we catch fire!
Then there’s coach Amanda. The always happy, joyful, positive, and simply delightful coach Amanda. With a smile she brings light into even the darkest of orange rooms, whose restorative energy reduces stress by simply talking with her. She can be read like a book. Her joy and happiness come from deep inside and no façade or false impression of joy exists. It comes from her love of coaching, but even more so her love for the people whose lives she impacts for the better. She loves the people she coaches, plain and simple. This amazing team of coaches, pushing all of us to be better than we were five minutes ago, revealed my own personal potential I thought I had lost overseas.
What can be said about the girls behind the front counter? Ever worked in retail? Or been on the receiving end of an upset patron whose heart rate monitor isn’t monitoring? Ever had to deal with a constant-flowing and open faucet of sweat and body fluids that can be potentially slewn from one end of the building to the other? How about conducting restroom and shower clean-up duties while still managing to maintain professionalism of wearing a smile, even at 4 a.m.? These examples serve as a sample of the daily lives of the front desk ladies of OTF-C.
The under-appreciated group consists of girls and ladies from all walks of life, all while possessing a like-minded mission of making the experience for each patron the best possible at that moment. Always quick with a smile and an encouraging anecdote, I encountered immediate warmth and compassion from Taylor and Daija, two young women that provide non-stop energy and support, always ready to a workout with any patron. Aeo, who saw fit to honor ME with a member of the month (seriously? I mean, really….) for August and the team is unmatched. These ladies will make a name for themselves. But for now, we the patrons of OTF-C, maintain our greedy possession of their willingness to go above and beyond.
I miss Dee, who disappeared from my radar, shame on me, shortly after joining. Dee and her husband, soon to be mentioned below were more family that I could count on when I didn’t know I needed them. And Sarah, former Air Force and was the one behind the counter that truly brought to light the extreme differences in my countenance since returning home. Her ability to identify with what I had been enduring proved her keen intuitiveness and open heart allowed me to see the changes personally.
But these ladies all look up to the strength of the one in shoes charge and care they reside. Dealing with what they do, their leader remains the bedrock of strength that sees them through some pretty sticky situations. (Yes…I said sticky.) This position of lead staff at the front desk cannot be filled by just anyone with the expectation of success. In order for true success to happen, this person must embody the values of strong and dynamic leadership with a servant’s heart.
I know I met Alyssa first day, but her presence became overshadowed, and rightly so, by the workout. I say rightly so as with any initial membership, the primary focus should be on the OTF concept, followed quickly by the people behind it. Alyssa quickly followed behind the concept, and her leadership skills daily on display showed her to be a natural-born leader. Remaining calm in all conditions, her heart of giving back to the community plays well right into her support for her staff. But here’s what sets her apart from most “front desk leads” that I’ve encountered: while she maintains the strength, knowledge, and wisdom to stand her ground or execute the enforcement of standards, she never sways from what drives her to do what she does: she loves people. Flat-out, un-abrasive, and unconditional love for people. And it has been an honor to be accepted by her during a low point in my life, receiving back a great deal of dignity.
I would be amiss if I failed to mention those that became my little “clique,” if you will. While the vast number of people I personally encountered during any given workout on any given day with any given hour proved to be invaluable to me, our daily ritual of the 7am class opened the door for several deeper bonds to form. Most of these ladies rallied around my wife prior to my return, and I love them for it. Deon. Jen. Janie. Carolyn. I cannot tell you the value you possess in my eyes, knowing the difference you made by simply being in the presence of my wife while SHE endured what I put her through. She doesn’t show it, but yes…she did endure a lot and you all gave her more than you may be aware. I’m going to need you again real soon.
As much as I appreciate these ladies, and I do, I found many others regularly simply breathing value back into my life. Tyler, Bill, Smiley, Eli, A.J., and more often than not, simply anyone stepping on the treadmill next to me whose presence and demand for more effort pushed me to strain maximum effort during each workout….all gave by simply being the human next to me and simply helped me want to be better than I was an hour ago. But….two people stand out loudly in my brain. For nearly three months I daily found myself bookended by these two, and with each passing fist-bump or high-five, a silent and unspoken rebuilding took place in my life. No words were really exchanged aside from the “good job” or “let’s go.” Little did either of them know that with each passing mile, each elevation or pace change on each run, we watched each other with encouraging eyes, building each other up, pushing each other to be better. I found myself being pushed to be better healed with each passing day. Just simply existing, lifting more weight, rowing faster, running farther, with hardly a word spoken. Karli and Nick, you may not know the depths of effect you had on me, but you did. I hardly know either of you, but that’s what makes the connection meaningful: none of us had anything personal to gain except for the savage improvements we wanted for ourselves and for each other. You two merely went about your daily lives, showed up for a workout, and changed a life.
So, yeah…this Orang Theory Fitness Centennial place you’ve been hearing about? It’s a building with black floors and orange lights, lough music and intense workouts. It has machines that want you to die. Showers to refresh you after you feel like you died. All manner of things that can be replaced or substituted. But what makes it priceless are the people inside. They are without a doubt…..irreplaceable.
Todd W. Hine
MAJ, U.S. Army
